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The game of volleyball, originally called “mintonette,” was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan after the invention of basketball only four years before. Morgan, a graduate of the Springfield College of the YMCA, designed the game to be a combination of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball.
The first volleyball net, borrowed from tennis, was only 6’6″ high (though you need to remember that the average American was shorter in the nineteenth century).

The offensive style of setting and spiking was first demonstrated in the Philippines in 1916. Over the years that followed, it became clear that standard rules were needed for tournament play, and thus the USVBA (United States Volleyball Association) was formed in 1928.

Latest Volleyball News from the NCAA and NAIA.

Two years later, the first two-man beach volleyball game was played, though the professional side of the sport did not emerge until much later. Not surprisingly, the first beach volleyball association appeared in California (1965), and the professional players united under the auspices of the AVP (American Volleyball Professionals) in 1983.

During the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, American men and women took gold and silver medals in indoor volleyball competitions. Four years later at the Olympics in Korea, the men once again scored gold. Starting in 1996, two-man beach volleyball was officially introduced to the Olympics. Today, there are more than 800 million volleyball players worldwide, 46 million of them in the U.S.

Timeline of Significant Volleyball Events

In 1900, a special ball was designed for the sport.

In 1916, in the Philippines, an offensive style of passing the ball in a high trajectory to be struck by another player (the set and spike) were introduced.

In 1917, the game was changed from 21 to 15 points.

In 1920, three hits per side and back row attack rules were instituted.

In 1922, the first YMCA national championships were held in Brooklyn, NY. Twenty-seven teams from 11 states were represented.

In 1928, it became clear that tournaments and rules were needed, so the United States Volleyball Association (USVBA, now USA Volleyball) was formed. The first U.S. Open was staged, as the field was open to non-YMCA squads.

In 1930, the first two-man beach game was played.

In 1934, national volleyball referees were approved and recognized.

In 1937, at the AAU convention in Boston, action was taken to recognize the U.S. Volleyball Association as the official national governing body in the U.S.

In 1947, the Federation Internationale De Volley-Ball (FIVB) was founded.

In 1948, the first two-man beach tournament was held.

In 1949, the initial World Championships were held in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

In 1964, volleyball was introduced to the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

In 1965, the California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) was formed.

In 1974, the World Championships in Mexico were telecast in Japan.

In 1975, the U.S. National Women’s team began a year-round training regime in Pasadena, Texas (moved to Colorado Springs in 1979, Coto de Caza and Fountain Valley, CA, in 1980, and San Diego, CA, in 1985).

In 1977, the U.S. National Men’s Team began a year-round training regime in Dayton, Ohio (moved to San Diego, CA, in 1981).

In 1983, the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) was formed.

In 1984, the U.S. won their first medals at the Olympics in Los Angeles. The men won the gold, and the women the silver.

In 1986, the Women’s Professional Volleyball Association (WPVA) was formed.

In 1988, the U.S. men repeated the gold in the Olympics in Korea.

In 1990, the World League was created.

In 1995, the sport of volleyball was 100 years old!

In 1996, two-person beach volleyball became an Olympic sport.

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In the late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century Germany, two pioneer physical educators – Johann Friedrich GutsMuths (1759–1839) and Friedrich Ludwig Jahn (1778–1852) – created exercises for boys and young men on apparatus they had designed that ultimately led to what is considered modern gymnastics.
The sport of gymnastics, which derives its name from the ancient Greek word for disciplinary exercises, combines physical skills such as body control, coordination, dexterity, gracefulness, and strength with tumbling and acrobatic skills, all performed in an artistic manner. Gymnastics is performed by both men and women at many levels, from local clubs and schools to colleges and universities, and in elite national and international competitions.

History

Gymnastics was introduced in early Greek civilization to facilitate bodily development through a series of exercises that included running, jumping, swimming, throwing, wrestling, and weight lifting. Many basic gymnastic events were practiced in some form before the introduction by the Greeks ofgymnazein, literally, "to exercise naked." Physical fitness was a highly valued attribute in ancient Greece, and both men and women participated in vigorous gymnastic exercises. The Romans, after conquering Greece, developed the activities into a more formal sport, and they used the gymnasiums to physically prepare their legions for warfare. With the decline of Rome, however, interest in gymnastics dwindled, with tumbling remaining as a form of entertainment.

Modern Gymnastics

In 1774, a Prussian, Johann Bernhard Basedow, included physical exercises with other forms of instruction at his school in Dessau, Saxony. With this action began the modernization of gymnastics, and also thrust the Germanic countries into the forefront in the sport. In the late 1700s, Friedrich Ludwig Jahn of Germany developed the side bar, the horizontal bar, the parallel bars, the balance beam, and jumping events. He, more than anyone else, is considered the "father of modern gymnastics." Gymnastics flourished in Germany in the 1800s, while in Sweden a more graceful form of the sport, stressing rhythmic movement, was developed by Guts Muth. The opening (1811) of Jahn's school in Berlin, to promote his version of the sport, was followed by the formation of many clubs in Europe and later in England. The sport was introduced to the United States by Dr. Dudley Allen Sargent, who taught gymnastics in several U.S. universities about the time of the Civil War, and who is credited with inventing more than 30 pieces of apparatus. Most of the growth of gymnastics in the United States centered on the activities of European immigrants, who introduced the sport in their new cities in the 1880s. Clubs were formed as Turnverein and Sokol groups, and gymnasts were often referred to as "turners." Modern gymnastics excluded some traditional events, such as weight lifting and wrestling, and emphasized form rather than personal rivalry.

Modern Competition

Men's gymnastics was on the schedule of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and it has been on the Olympic agenda continually since 1924. Olympic gymnastic competition for women began in 1936 with an all-around competition, and in 1952 competition for the separate events was added. In the early Olympic competitions the dominant male gymnasts were from Germany, Sweden, Italy, and Switzerland, the countries where the sport first developed. But by the 1950s, Japan, the Soviet Union, and the Eastern European countries began to produce the leading male and female gymnasts.

Modern gymnastics gained considerable popularity because of the performances of Olga Korbut of the Soviet Union in the 1972 Olympics, and Nadia Comaneci of Romania in the 1976 Olympics. The widespread television coverage of these dramatic performances gave the sport the publicity that it lacked in the past. Many countries other than the traditional mainstays at the time — the USSR, Japan, East and West Germany, and other Eastern European nations — began to promote gymnastics, particularly for women; among these countries were China and the United States.

Modern international competition has six events for men and four events for women. The men's events are the rings, parallel bars, horizontal bar, side or pommel-horse, long or vaulting horse, and floor (or free) exercise. These events emphasize upper body strength and flexibility along with acrobatics. The women's events are the vaulting horse, balance beam, uneven bars, and floor exercise, which is performed with musical accompaniment. These events combine graceful, dancelike movements with strength and acrobatic skills. In the United States, tumbling and trampoline exercises are also included in many competitions.

Teams for international competitions are made up of six gymnasts. In the team competition each gymnast performs on every piece of equipment, and the team with the highest number of points wins. There is also a separate competition for the all-around title, which goes to the gymnast with the highest point total after performing on each piece of equipment, and a competition to determine the highest score for each individual apparatus.

Another type of competitive gymnastics for women is called rhythmic gymnastics, an Olympic sport since 1984. Acrobatic skills are not used. The rhythmic gymnast performs graceful, dancelike movements while holding and moving items such as a ball, hoop, rope, ribbon, or Indian clubs, with musical accompaniment. Routines are performed individually or in group performances for six gymnasts.

Scoring

Gymnastic competitions are judged and scored on both an individual and a team basis. Each competitor must accomplish a required number of specific types of moves on each piece of equipment. Judges award points to each participant in each event on a 0-to-10 scale, 10 being perfect. Judging is strictly subjective; however, guidelines are provided for judges so that they can arrive at relatively unbiased scores.

Usually there are four judges, and the highest and lowest scores are dropped to provide a more objective evaluation. Gymnasts try to perform the most difficult routines in the most graceful way, thus impressing the judges with their mastery of the sport.

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Busch Gardens: Sea worlds Early Roots

Our roots can be traced to 1959 when what would become Busch Gardens. Tampa opened as a small bird sanctuary and garden, both adjacent to the new Anheuser-Busch brewery.  The park soon expanded with the country’s first free-range habitat for herds of animals, more extraordinary zoological attractions and an array of roller coasters and shows. Today, there are two Busch Gardens parks: the original Tampa, Fla. location and Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Va. which opened in 1975. Both parks are family-oriented theme park destinations designed to immerse guests in foreign geographic settings.

Each of the Busch Gardens has a companion water park. Located adjacent to Busch Gardens Tampa, Adventure Island is a 56 acre water park that is filled with water rides, dining and other attractions that incorporate a Key West theme. The theme park is the seventh most-attended water park in North America. Water Country USA is located near Busch Gardens Williamsburg and is Virginia's largest family water play park. It has state-of-the-art water rides and attractions all set to a 1950s and 1960s surf theme.

SeaWorld: Waves of Growth

SeaWorld opened its gates for the first time in 1964, founded by George Millay, Milt Shedd, Ken Norris and David DeMott. Originally planned as an underwater restaurant, the concept grew into a marine zoological park on 21 acres along the shore of Mission Bay in San Diego. With an initial investment of $1.5 million, 45 employees, several dolphins, sea lions, and two saltwater aquariums, SeaWorld drew more than 400,000 visitors its first year.

Today, there are three SeaWorld parks in the U.S., including the original San Diego, Calif. location, and parks in Orlando, Fla. and San Antonio, Texas. We also created more parks that connect guests with marine life in new ways. The exclusive Discovery Cove in Orlando is a tropical oasis where guests can swim with dolphins and other sea life. Aquatica SeaWorld’s Waterpark, with locations in Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego, combines water park thrills, nature and animals for a unique family experience. The parks' up-close animal encounters, educational attractions and innovative entertainment are designed to inspire guests of all ages to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world around them.

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Term "Chrysanthemum" is coined from Greek words "chrysos" which means gold, and "anthos" which means flower. This plant is mostly used in ornamental purposes, but it also has numerous medical properties. Interesting Chrysanthemum Facts: Size of chrysanthemum depends on the species and variety. Chrysanthemum Facts
Chrysanthemum is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteracea. There are 40 wild species of chrysanthemum and thousands of varieties created via selective breeding. Chrysanthemum, also known as "mum", originates from China. It was brought to Europe in 18th century and to the United States one century later. At that time, people started to cultivate chrysanthemums massively. Term "Chrysanthemum" is coined from Greek words "chrysos" which means gold, and "anthos" which means flower. This plant is mostly used in ornamental purposes, but it also has numerous medical properties.Interesting Chrysanthemum Facts:
Size of chrysanthemum depends on the species and variety. Stem can reach 2 to 6 inches in height. Flower can have 0.4 to 10 inches in diameter.
Traditional colors of chrysanthemum are red, yellow, white and purple. Other than that, chrysanthemum can be pink, lavender or multicolored.
Chrysanthemum can have one flower or 3-7 flowers per stem. Varieties with more than one flower are called spray chrysanthemums.
Flower of chrysanthemum is a compound inflorescence. It consists of many individual flowers called florets. Florets in the center of the flower are called disk florets. Those that surround center are known as ray florets.
Disk florets are called perfect flowers because they posses stamens and pistil (male and female reproductive organs). Ray florets are called imperfect flowers because they posses only female reproductive organs (pistil).
Chrysanthemums can be divided in 13 separate categories based on the type of flower. Each form has specific arrangement of rays and disk florets. Some of the best known are daisy, spider, cushion and button.
Leaves of chrysanthemum are divided in leaflets. They can be smooth or serrated on the edges. Leaves are arranged alternately on the stem.
Fruit of chrysanthemum is called ribbed achene.
Chrysanthemum symbolizes happiness, joy, love or grief, depending on the color and the human culture. In certain European countries, chrysanthemum is a symbol of death and it is inevitable part of funeral bouquets.
Flower of chrysanthemum is used in the preparation of tea which has beautiful aroma and several health benefits. It is used to relieve sore throat, fever, headache, dry and itchy eyes and to facilitate digestion of greasy meals.
Boiled leaves and stem of chrysanthemum are used in Chinese cuisine.
According to the study conducted by NASA, chrysanthemum helps reduce pollution of the air.
Substances called pyrethrins, isolated from Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, act as natural insecticides. They affect nervous system of insects and even prevent female mosquito from biting.
Most species of chrysanthemum blossom from August to November.
Flower can survive 2 weeks in the vase, but leaves die much sooner. Because of that, leaves are often removed from the stem (after cutting of the plant) to ensure longer lifespan. Chrysanthemums, sometimes called mums or chrysanths, are flowering plants of the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae. They are native to Asia and northeastern Europe. Scientific name: Chrysanthemum

Rank: Genus

Higher classification: Anthemideae

Did you know: There are 40 wild species of chrysanthemum and thousands of varieties created via selective breeding. Of all the fresh flowers in the world, chrysanthemums are easily one of the favourites and florists try to keep as many in stock throughout the year as they can.  Regardless of the occasion, chrysanthemums are ideal when you want to send flowers.  Whether your fresh flower delivery is for somebody special or yourself, it’s always interesting to learn more about the flowers you buy and what makes them so special. There are several types of chrysanthemums available today and, depending on the variety, they flower during different times of the year.  The more hardy varieties are known for blooming during the colder months.  This is why you will find different types of chrysanthemums at your florist depending on what season it is.  Chrysanthemums are associated with optimism, wealth, friendship and peace.  Like most other flowers, the red ones symbolize love.  Most white flowers are symbolic of some kind of purity and chrysanthemums are no exception.  White chrysanthemums symbolize truth.

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Facts About Gypsophilia

Gypsophilia is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Most commonly known as "Baby's breath", the tiny gypsophilia flower is produced on numerous, fragile stems and is most commonly used a filler, but is widely enjoyed as a dried flower, especially as an accent at Christmas.

Gypsophilia (Baby's Breath)

Gypsophilia, popularly known as

Baby's Breath, is a bushy plant with branching habit bearing dainty small flowers on long slender stems. It is native to Central and Eastern Europe. Baby's Breath is a tender and delicate annual. Gypsophilia is a popular flower to accent bouquets, corsages and flower vases, especially as dried flower., besides being a popular flower in the home garden as well.

Kingdom

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class

Magnoliopsida

Order

Caryophyllales

Family

Caryophyllaceae

Genus

Gypsophila

Species

paniculata

Gypsophilia plants grow 1 to 2 feet, bearing a profusion of white or pink flowers. The stems separate into many branches, giving it a light appearance, perfect for accenting bouquets. Gypsophila lasts long up to a week and dries well. Baby's Breath is very much suitable for borders combined with other perennials.

Facts About Gypsophilia

Gypsophilia is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Most commonly known as "Baby's breath", the tiny gypsophilia flower is produced on numerous, fragile stems and is most commonly used a filler, but is widely enjoyed as a dried flower, especially as an accent at Christmas.

Gypsophilia is available year round.

"Baby's Breath" is available in either pink or white varieties. Perhaps the most popular variety is called Million Star. Two other varieties commonly found areNew Love and Party Time.

Gypsophila is primarily used as a fill er flower to accent greens and fill voids between flowers.

Baby's Breath makes a very nice dried flower that can be used to decorate any thing from wreaths to craft projects.

.The dainty flowered Gypsophila is commonly used in floral arrangements and gypsophilia plants bring beauty to the garden when grown in clumps.

Gypsophilia (Baby's Breath)

Gypsophilia, popularly known as

Baby's Breath, is a bushy plant with branching habit bearing dainty small flowers on long slender stems. It is native to Central and Eastern Europe. Baby's Breath is a tender and delicate annual. Gypsophilia is a popular flower to accent bouquets, corsages and flower vases, especially as dried flower., besides being a popular flower in the home garden as well.
Kingdom
Plantae
Division
Magnoliophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Caryophyllales
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Genus
Gypsophila
Species
paniculata

Gypsophilia plants grow 1 to 2 feet, bearing a profusion of white or pink flowers. The stems separate into many branches, giving it a light appearance, perfect for accenting bouquets. Gypsophila lasts long up to a week and dries well. Baby's Breath is very much suitable for borders combined with other perennials.

Facts About Gypsophilia

Gypsophilia is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Most commonly known as "Baby's breath", the tiny gypsophilia flower is produced on numerous, fragile stems and is most commonly used a filler, but is widely enjoyed as a dried flower, especially as an accent at Christmas.

Gypsophilia is available year round.

"Baby's Breath" is available in either pink or white varieties. Perhaps the most popular variety is called Million Star. Two other varieties commonly found areNew Love and Party Time.

Gypsophila is primarily used as a fill er flower to accent greens and fill voids between flowers.

Baby's Breath makes a very nice dried flower that can be used to decorate any thing from wreaths to craft projects.

.The dainty flowered Gypsophila is commonly used in floral arrangements and gypsophilia plants bring beauty to the garden when grown in clumps.

Varieties of Gypsophilia

Gypsophilia elegans- Tall annual summer flower with clouds of tiny blooms.

Gypsophilia muralis - Annual plant types for borders and bedding.

Gypsophilia paniculata (Baby's Breath) - Perennial variety with tall, multi-branched stems and clusters of tiny, delicate flowers, which can be good filler in bouquets.

Gypsophilia repens - Low-growing perennial trailing plants for borders and rock gardens.

Propagation of Gypsophilia

Seeds are the main means of propagation for Baby's Breath. You can directly sow the seeds of Gypsophilia into your flower garden or start indoors for a jump start on the year. Sow them after the soil has begun to warm in the spring. Baby's Breath do not like frost, so if started indoors, transplant them outdoors after the last frost date. Space plants eight inches apart.

How to Grow Gypsophilia

Baby's Breath like full to partial sun.

They prefer rich, light soils, and are not fond of clay.

They also do not like dry conditions. Their rapid growth demands that they are watered during dry periods.

Add a general purpose fertilizer before planting if the soil is poor.

Once your Baby's Breath germinates in 10 to 15 days, they will grow rapidly. For a continuous bloom, plant them in succession every two to three weeks.

Insect and disease problems are not too common. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

Gypsophilia Plant Care

Place 4-8 inches of cool water in a clean bucket and add preservative according to the manufacture's instructions on the package. (Use warm water -at most 100 F -if the buds are tight , in order to promote more rapid opening.)

Remove the gypsophilia from its sleeve and fluff the bunches for better air circulation.Cut the stems 2 inches and place in the solution.

Avoid overcrowding the bucket, placing approximately 4-6 bunches per bucket after fluffing.

Keep the flowers away from sources of ethylene gas such as ripe fruits and decaying plant material. Sources of carbon monoxide must also be avoided.

Sensitive to heat, drafts and other drying environments.

After two days in the solution, place the flowers in clean water. This water should be changed every day and the stems should be trimmed approximately 0.5 inch every two or three days to promote longevity.

Baby's -Breath is ethylene- and water-stress sensitive. Water stress can rapidly induce ethylene production and thereby reduce flower life. In short, do not allow flowers to dry (inside or outside coolers), as shorter life will surely result.

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On December 7, 1941, a Japanese naval taskforce, which approached within range of the islands unobserved, attacked Pearl Harbor, headquarters of the US Pacific fleet. The Japanese assault killed c.2400 people and destroyed or damaged c.300 aircraft and 18 ships. The attack provoked US entry into World War II. The Japanese surprise attack on the U.S. Navy's base at Pearl Harbor and on Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday morning, 7 December 1941, destroyed much of the American Pacific Fleet and brought the United States into World War II. What President Franklin D. Roosevelt called a “day which will live in infamy” led Congress to declare war on Japan on 8 December.

The attack followed the decision of the government of Premier Hideki Tojo that the Roosevelt administration would not abandon China and Southeast Asia to the Japanese military nor continue to supply Tokyo with oil and other vital supplies. Thus, while negotiating with Washington, Tokyo also planned a major Japanese offensive into British Malaya, the Dutch East Indies, and the American Philippines. The major opposing naval force in the Pacific would be the U.S. Navy, which had moved to its forward base at Pearl Harbor in May 1940. As part of the Japanese of fensive, Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto, commander in chief of the Combined Japanese Fleet, devised a secret plan for a preemptive air strike against the American fleet in order to give Japan time to fortify its newly conquered territories.

It was an extremely risky gamble—projecting a naval task force composed of six of Japan's nineaircraft carriers 3,400 miles across the northern Pacific without discovery or major loss. The strike force, commanded by Vice Adm. Chuichi Nagumo, was composed of two fleet carriers, two converted carriers, and two light carriers, along with two battleships, and a number ofcruisers, destroyers, and support ships.

Between 10 and 18 November, Nagumo's ships left separately from Kure Naval Base, assembling 22 November by the Kurile Islands. The force departed on 26 November. To avoid detection, it followed a storm front and maintained strict radio silence, while Tokyo used signals deception from other sites to disguise the true location of the carriers. Consequently, although the U.S. Navy was monitoring Japanese naval radio traffic (they did not break the naval code until 1942), naval intelligence did not know where Japanese carriers were but knew that they had gone on radio silence on earlier deployments. The United States had secretly broken the Japanese diplomatic codes in a system called MAGIC, and the few authorities in Washington who were informed of them understood that relations between the two countries had reached a final crisis as the Japanese envoys received Tokyo's last negotiation offer and were told to destroy their code machines and deliver the proposal to the secretary of state on Sunday morning, 7 December. Americans saw Japanese naval vessels and troops ships headed south in the China Sea. But while recognizing that war might be imminent, Washington and Pacific commanders did not know whether this would include an attack on American territories; if it did, they assumed it would be on the Philippines. So did the two American commanders on Oahu, Rear Adm. Husband E. Kimmel, commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Lt. Gen. Walter Short, U.S. Army commander in Hawaii. Both considered sabotage from among the sizable Japanese population to be the main threat in Hawaii.

On 7 December, Nagumo's force arrived 275 miles northwest of Oahu, and at 6:00 A.M. it launched the first attack wave, consisting of 49 bombers, 40 torpedo planes, 51 dive‐bombers, and 43 fighter aircraft; this was followed by a second wave of 54 bombers, 78 dive‐bombers, and 36 fighters. The first wave arrived over Pearl Harbor at 7:55 A.M. (1:20 P.M. in Washington, D.C.), and the attack continued until 9:45 A.M.

While Japanese fighters strafed the Army Air Corps' planes at Hickman Field, the torpedo planes and dive‐bombers attacked the navy ships. Along Battleship Row, the Arizona, theCalifornia, and the West Virginia were sunk; the Oklahoma capsized; the Nevada was grounded; and the three others were damaged. (The Japanese had secretly developed aerial torpedoes that could operate in such shallow water and bombs that could penetrate deck armor.) In all, the Japanese attack sank or disabled nineteen ships, including all eight battleships, three light cruisers, three destroyers, and several support vessels. At the airfields, 164 planes were destroyed and 128 damaged. Among American sailors, Marines, and soldiers, casualties were 2,335 killed, along with 68 civilians, and 1,178 persons wounded. Yamamoto's plan called for a third wave to destroy the repair facilities as well as the storage tanks containing 4.5 million gallons of fuel oil. But despite losing only twenty‐nine planes, Nagumo feared a counterattack and turned for home.

News of the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor shocked Americans, ended the prewar isolationist‐interventionist debate, and unified the country. Yamamoto had misjudged the effect on a previously divided public. His attack, which was an extraordinary tactical success, failed in its larger military goal of destroying the U.S. Navy in the Pacific. Although the battleships were damaged, Nagumo's failure to destroy the repair yards enabled the Americans eventually to return six of the eight battleships and all but one of the other vessels to active duty (the wreckage of the Arizona remains there today as a monument). The fuel reserves enabled the remainder of the fleet to continue to operate, and failure to destroy the submarine base allowedsubmarines to play a major role in the Pacific War.

Equally important, the two aircraft carriers normally based at Pearl Harbor—the Lexington and the Enterprise—were undamaged. Escorted by heavy cruisers and destroyers, they were out delivering planes to Midway and Wake Islands.

Later on 7 December (8 December, Far Eastern Time), the Japanese launched assaults on British forces in Hong Kong and in the Malay peninsula, and U.S. forces on Midway Island, Guam, and the Philippines, where the Japanese also caught American planes on the ground.

The Pearl Harbor attack led to eight investigations between 22 December 1941 and 15 July 1946, to establish responsibility for the disaster. On 24 January 1942, a presidential commission headed by Supreme Court Justice Owen J. Roberts attributed the effectiveness of the Japanese attack to the failure of the military commanders in Hawaii, Admiral Kimmel and General Short, to institute adequate defense measures; it found them guilty of “dereliction of duty.”

The Roberts Commission concluded that there had been enough advance warnings for the local commanders to have been on the alert instead of maintaining Sunday routine. Among these were reports to Kimmel in March and August 1941 from the Army Air Corps' commanders and the naval aviation commander in Hawaii indicating the possibility of a Japanese naval air attack from that direction and on a Sunday morning (reports that Kimmel filed away). In addition, as the crisis with Japan had mounted, Washington, on 27 November, notified Kimmel and Short, and all other Pacific commanders, that the Japanese ships and troops were moving south and that war was imminent (although the Hawaii commanders assumed on their own that this meant they should be alert to sabotage). More directly, about 4:00 A.M. on 7 December, the American destroyer Ward spotted a Japanese midget submarine trying to enter Pearl Harbor, although it did not report the sighting until it sank the submarine at 6:40 A.M., and even then the army was not informed. Finally, at 7:10 A.M., the new Opana radar station on Oahu picked up a large blip approaching from the northwest, but the control center concluded erroneously that it was a flight of B‐17 bomber aircraft due in that morning from the mainland, even though those American planes would be arriving from the northeast.

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All living things are made up of cells.

Cells are made up of proteins and organelles.

Groups of cells form tissues and systems.

The main purpose of a cell is to organize.

Cells are the fundamental units of life. Whether they be unicellular or multicellular life forms, all living organisms are composed of and depend on cells to function normally. Scientists estimate that our bodies contain anywhere from 75 to 100 trillion cells. In addition, there are hundreds of different types of cells in the body. Cells do everything from providing structure and stability to providing energy and a means of reproduction for an organism. The following 10 facts about cells will provide you with well known and perhaps little known tidbits of information about cells.

1. Cells are too small to be seen without magnification.
Cells range in size from 1 to 100 micrometers. The study of cells, also called cell biology, would not have been possible without the invention of the microscope. With the advance microscopes of today, such as the Scanning Electron Microscope and Transmission Electron Microscope, cell biologists are able to obtain detailed images of the smallest of cell structures. 2. There are two primary types of cells.
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are the two main types of cells. Eukaryotic cells are called so because they have a true nucleus that is enclosed within a membrane. Animals, plants, fungi, and protists are examples of organisms that contain eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic organisms include bacteria and archaeans. The prokaryotic cell nucleus is not enclosed within a membrane.

3. Prokaryotic single-celled organisms were the earliest and most primitive forms of life on earth.
Prokaryotes can live in environments that would be deadly to most other organisms. These extremophiles are able to live and thrive in various extreme habitats. Archaeans for example, live in areas such as hydrothermal vents, hot springs, swamps, wetlands, and even animal intestines.

4. There are more bacterial cells in the body than human cells.
Scientists have estimated that about 95% of all the cells in the body are bacteria. The vast majority of these microbes can be found within the digetive tract. Billions of bacteria also live on the skin.

5. Cells contain genetic material.
Cells contain DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid), the genetic information necessary for directing cellular activities. DNA and RNA are molecules known as  nucleic acids. In prokaryotic cells, the single bacterial DNA molecule is not separated from the rest of the cell but coiled up in a region of the cytoplasm called the nucleoid region. In eukaryotic cells, DNA molecules are located within the cell's nucleus. DNA and proteins are the major components of chromosomes. Human cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes (for a total of 46). There are 22 pairs of autosomes (non-sex chromosomes) and one pair of sex chromosomes. The X and Y sex chromosomes determine sex.

6. Cells contain structures called organelles which carry out specific functions.
Organelles have a wide range of responsibilities within a cell that include everything from providing energy to producing hormones and enzymes. Eukaryotic cells contain several types of organelles, while prokaryotic cells contain a few organelles (ribosomes) and none that are bound by a membrane. There are also differences between the kinds of organelles found within different eukaryotic cell types. Plant cells for example, contain structures such as a cell wall and chloroplasts that are not found in animal cells. Other examples of organelles include:

Nucleus - controls cell growth and reproduction. Mitochondria - provide energy for the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum - synthesizes carbohydrates and lipids.

Golgi Complex - manufactures, stores, and ships certain cellular products.

Ribosomes - involved in protein synthesis.

Lysosomes - digest cellular macromolecules.

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Taraxacum is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae which consists of species commonly known as dandelion. The health benefits of dandelion include relief from liver disorders, diabetes, urinary disorders, acne, jaundice, cancer and anemia. It also helps in maintaining bone health, skin care and is a benefit to weight loss programs. These and other health benefits are currently being studied for complete validation by a number of international institutions.

Despite the health benefits of dandelions, they are traditionally more popular as ornamental flowering plants than as medicine, because the flowers of dandelions look brilliant and are frequently seen in gardens and parks. There are many varieties of dandelion, but the common dandelion is scientifically known as Taraxacum Officinale. In terms of history, the plant is believed to have evolved about 30 million years ago in Eurasia.

Dandelion, which literally translates into “lion’s tooth” in French, is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and calcium and detoxifiers which explains its common inclusion in medicines. Below, we will discuss the different things that benefit can do for us, besides decorating our gardens.

Health Benefits Of Dandelion

The health benefits of dandelions include the following:

Bone Health: Dandelions are rich in calcium, which is essential for the growth and strength of bones, and they are rich in antioxidants like vitamin-C and Luteolin, which protect bones from age-related damage. This inevitable damage is often due to free radicals, and is frequently seen as bone frailty, weakness, and decreased density.

Liver Disorders: Dandelions can help the liver in many ways. While the antioxidants like vitamin-C and Luteolin keep the liver functioning in optimal gear and protect it from aging, other compounds in dandelions help treat hemorrhaging in the liver. Furthermore, dandelions aid in maintaining the proper flow of bile, while also stimulating the liver and promoting digestion. Proper digestion can reduce the chances of constipation, which in turn reduces the risk of more serious gastrointestinal issues.

Diabetes: Dandelion juice can help diabetic patients by stimulating the production of insulin from the pancreas, thereby keeping the blood sugar level low. Since dandelions are diuretic in nature, they increase urination in diabetic patients, which helps remove the excess sugar from the body. Diabetics are also prone to renal problems, so the diuretic properties of dandelion can help removing the sugar deposition in the kidneys through increased urination. Furthermore, dandelion juice is slightly bitter to taste, which effectively lowers the sugar level in the blood, as all bitter substances do. Consistently lower blood sugar and a more regulated system of insulin release prevents dangerous spikes and plunges for diabetic patients, so dandelion extracts can be a perfect solution! Skin Care: Dandelion sap, also known as dandelion milk, is useful in treating skin diseases which are caused by microbial and fungal infections. This treatment stems from the fact that the sap is highly alkaline and has germicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties. You should be careful while using this sap, and avoid any contact with the eyes. This sap can be used on itches, ringworm, eczema, and other skin conditions without the risk of side effects or hormonal disturbances commonly caused by pharmaceutical skin treatments. Acne: Dandelion juice is a good detoxifier, diuretic, stimulant and antioxidant. These four properties make it a great treatment for acne. Before we know how it treats acne, we must know what causes it. Acne typically arises during the teenage years, when the body undergoes many physiological and hormonal changes. The flood of new hormones that bring about the changes in the body must be regulated, but if they don’t remain at a healthy ratio, they tend to deposit somewhat toxic substances into the body. These toxins tend to come out along with sweat through the sweat glands or sebaceous glands on the skin. During these hormonal changes, these glands secrete more oils which, when mixed with dead skin, block the pores and the secretion of toxins is obstructed. Therefore, the toxic substances cannot escape and eventually result in acne. This situation is exacerbated by the microbial infections on the effected places. Dandelion juice, being a stimulant, diuretic and detoxifier in nature, can help regulate proper secretion of hormones, increase sweating and widen the pores. All of these factors help to facilitate the removal of toxins through sweat and urine. Furthermore, dandelion sap, if externally applied to areas with acne, can inhibit microbial infection and reduce the frustrating signs of acne. Also, it can speed up healing due to its vitamin-C content, so the scars and ugly red inflammation that traditionally follows acne treatment will be less noticeable.

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Why is the hibiscus known as shoe flower in Asia? How many varieties of hibiscus are there? Does hibiscus have medicinal properties? Is Hibiscus tea good for blood pressure patients? Are there any side effects? Facts and information relating to the hibiscus plant are detailed below. Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.), in all its varieties and forms, grows in full sun and produces large, funnel-shaped flowers with soft petals and attractive large stamens. The flowers come in a range of colors, some with veins of different colors toward the center. If your climate doesn't allow you to grow hibiscus outdoors, you can still enjoy them in large containers that spend summers outdoors and winters indoors.

Interesting Hibiscus Facts:
Depending on the species, hibiscus can grow in a form of evergreen bush or small tree (that can reach up to 15 feet in height).
Hibiscus has green, lanceolate leaves with toothed edges. Leaves are alternately arranged on the branches.
Hibiscus develops large, trumpet-shaped flower without scent. Flower consists of five or more petals that can be white, yellow, orange, purple, pink, red or blue in color. It contains both male (stamen) and female (pistil) reproductive organs.
Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are main pollinators of hibiscus flowers.
Hibiscus is known as "shoe flower" in China because people use hibiscus to polish their shoes.
People in Polynesia use fibers from the bark of hibiscus tree to produce grass skirts.
Women in Tahiti and Hawaii wear hibiscus flower behind the right ear when they want to announce that they are single and ready for marriage. Married women wear hibiscus behind the left ear.
Brightly colored flowers of hibiscus are rich source of natural dyes that are used in the food industry. Women in China use dyes extracted from hibiscus flowers to dye their eyebrows and hair.
Hibiscus flowers have citrus-like taste. They can be used for the preparation of soups, chutneys, salads, curries, jellies and jams. Hibiscus leaves can be boiled and used for dishes that are normally prepared with spinach.
The most popular beverage made of hibiscus is tea (made of dry flowers). Besides pleasant taste, tea made of hibiscus represents rich source of vitamin C.
According to some medical studies, tea made of hibiscus lowers blood pressure and decreases cholesterol level.
A paste made of crushed hibiscus leaves and flowers can be used as home-made shampoo.
Hibiscus cannabinus is a species of hibiscus that is used in the paper industry.
China and Thailand are the greatest producers of hibiscus in the world.
Depending on the specie, hibiscus grows as annual (plant that finishes its life cycle in one year) or perennial (plant that lives more than two years) plant. Hibiscus, also known as rose mallow, is a plant that belongs to the mallow family. There are over 200 species of hibiscus that can be found in the warm and tropical regions all over the world. Hibiscus grows on well-drained soils in the sunny areas. This plant is best known by its beautiful flowers. Hibiscus is usually cultivated for ornamental purposes, but it can be also used in human diet, as a cure for various disorders and as a source of natural dyes. Wild types of hibiscus are important source of food for larvae of certain insects. Several species of Hawaiian hibiscus are endangered and extremely rare in the wild due to habitat loss and diseases.

The hibiscus is commonly known in Asia as the shoe flower because it is used to polish shoes. The other names are sorrel, rosemallow and China rose. The plant belongs to Hibiscus Genus and Malvaceae family. The hibiscus is an evergreen bush that is found commonly in warm and tropical regions.  There are over two hundred species in this family.

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The rose garden is the traditional way to grow roses, but this versatile plant can be used in other areas of the garden too. Roses can be grown as a specimen plant or in a mixed perennial border. Climbing and trailing roses will enhance a trellis or fence. Pots of miniature roses can be placed on porches and patios.

Roses have been used for centuries as ornamental plants. Rose petals and hips (berries) are used as ingredients in perfumes and health tonics. The rose emblem has been used as decoration, and even as a symbol of religion and war.
Aromatherapy

Some roses have the typical rose scent, while others have hints of vanilla, citrus or berries. The scent of roses in potpourri or rose oil can calm and soothe people who are nervous or stressed. Rose oil is used in perfumes and ointments.
Therapeutic Uses

Rose petals and hips (berries) are used to make rose tea, which is high in vitamin C. Rose tea contains other vitamins and compounds that may help stomach problems, such as bladder infections and diarrhea. Rose petals contain an astringent, tannin, and can be used to control bleeding. Check with a licensed medical practitioner before using any herbal remedy, including rose tea. Without seeing the foliage or the plant's growth pattern, you can often identify the type of a rose (Rosa spp.) type, if not its cultivar, by examining and smelling the cut flower. Beginning with about 150 species of the genus, their descendants now number more than 14,000 varieties. Crossbreeding has produced almost infinite combinations of flower characteristics. Therefore, any gardener should be able to select a rose to grow, regardless of his climate or favorite rose attributes. Uses in the Landscape

The rose garden is the traditional way to grow roses, but this versatile plant can be used in other areas of the garden too. Roses can be grown as a specimen plant or in a mixed perennial border. Climbing and trailing roses will enhance a trellis or fence. Pots of miniature roses can be placed on porches and patios.

Rose Motifs

Rose motifs are common design elements on decorative items, household wares, clothing and jewelry. Stained glass windows and carved moldings often feature rose motifs, as do china and other tableware. Fabric for clothing, window treatments, bedding and other household items are printed or embroidered with roses. Rings, charms and bracelets may have carved or beaded roses

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When did Austin become the state capital of Texas?

In 1837 settlers founded the village of Waterloo on the banks of the Colorado River, the first permanent settlement in the area. By 1839, Waterloo would adopt the name Austin and become the capital of the Republic of Texas. How did the city of Austin Texas get its name?

Austin was founded as the village of Waterloo in 1837. Waterloo was chosen to become the capital of the Republic of Texas in 1839. At that time, its name was changed to Austin to honor Stephen F. Austin, the "father of Texas". What region is Austin Texas in?

The most southerly of the capitals of the contiguous forty-eight states, Austin is located in Central Texas, along the Balcones Escarpment and Interstate 35, 150 miles northwest of Houston. It is also 160 miles south of Dallas and 75 miles north of San Antonio.Is the Texas Capital bigger than the US?

Surveyors using high-tech equipment measured Austin's domed pink-granite building in December and found that at 302.64 feet, it is almost 15 feet taller than the 288-foot-high U.S. Capitol, the Austin American-Statesman reported. But Texans cannot claim the tallest capitol building in the country.

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San Antonio was permanently settled on May 1, 1718, when the Spanish governor of Coahuila and Texas, Martin de Alarcón, founded the presidio (a fort) of San Antonio de Bejar (Bexar) and the mission of San Antonio de Valero (later called the Alamo) on the site of a Coahuiltecan Indian village. SAN ANTONIO DE VALERO MISSION. San Antonio de Valero, one of five Spanish missions established by Franciscans in what is now San Antonio, is most commonly known as the site of the battle of the Alamo (1836). ... After considerable delay, Olivares and Alarcón traveled separately to San Antonio in the spring of 1718. San Antonio is known for, among other things, the San Antonio Spurs, the Alamo, great Tex-Mex food, the River Walk, a notable heavy metal and hardcore music scene (Butthole Surfers), SeaWorld, its sizable military presence, and Cornerstone Church (John Hagee).  Where is San Antonio Texas located on a map?

The city is located in the American Southwest, the south–central part of Texas, and the southwestern corner of an urban region known as the Texas Triangle. San Antonio serves as the seat of Bexar County.Where is San Antonio Texas located on a map?

The city is located in the American Southwest, the south–central part of Texas, and the southwestern corner of an urban region known as the Texas Triangle. San Antonio serves as the seat of Bexar County.Where is San Antonio Texas located on a map?

The city is located in the American Southwest, the south–central part of Texas, and the southwestern corner of an urban region known as the Texas Triangle. San Antonio serves as the seat of Bexar County.Where is San Antonio Texas located on a map?

The city is located in the American Southwest, the south–central part of Texas, and the southwestern corner of an urban region known as the Texas Triangle. San Antonio serves as the seat of Bexar County. The city straddles South Texas and Central Texas and is on the southwestern corner of an urban megaregion known as the Texas Triangle. San Antonio serves as the seat of Bexar County. Is the Alamo a national park?

The Alamo staff offer history talks and tours for the public. Other nearby San Antonio historic attractions include San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and the Spanish Governor's Palace. The Alamo, a National Historic Landmark, is located at 300 Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, TX.

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Horses are very social animals. They live in groups called herds. In the wild, horses will live in herds that consist of three to 20 animals and are lead by a mature male, which is called a stallion, according to National Geographic. The rest of the herd is made up of females and their young. Horses are equids a family of zebras and donkeys. The average horse weighs 450 kilograms half a ton thats pretty impresive. The earliest  horses apeared in north america about 50 million years ago. What makes them so useful to humans is their strength, speed, and versatility. Horses are powerful creatures making them ideal for heavy duty work.

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Spotting these pretty pink flowers signals the start of spring, but have you ever wondered about their history? Cherry blossoms, which aren't native to the U.S., have quite the surprising backstory. Cherry blossoms are Japan's national flower.Known as "sakura" in Japanese, these pale blooms are a symbol of more than just spring—they stand for renewal and hope.The century-old custom is known as "hanami," which means flower viewing. Early scripture hints that the tradition began with emperors and members of the Imperial Palace.Hanami" picnics are arguably more spectacular at nigh. "Hanami" picnics are arguably more spectacular at night. Cherry blossom festivals celebrate more than just spring.It's likely that you've been to a cherry blossom festival before. According to the National Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C., the flower is celebrated as a symbol for the friendship between Japan and the U.S.In 1910, U.S. inspectors from the Department of Agriculture recommended burning this gift from the Japanese after finding insects and diseases in the trees. According toWashingtonian, this nearly caused a diplomatic crisis.Want to catch cherry blossoms in all their glory? You'll want to wait until March, when bloom predictions are made, to plan your trip.

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To: Mrs.Saenz,and anyone you want to share it with.

The Shanghi bund sightseeing tunnel is a 646.7-meter-long pedestrian sightseeing tunnel linking the bund and pudong area
of shanghi across the huangpu river. Inside the tunnel light effects are projected onto the walls of the tunnel to create colorful and dreamlike visual effects.Its passenger system uses driverless SK carriage imported from Germany. Passengers board on this slow-moving vehicle to travel along the tunnel to enjoy the fancy visual effects produced by lights. Shanghai Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is a symbolic sightseeing project combining transportation with tourism. It uses modern technology to make crossing the river an exciting and interesting experience, with changing visual effects and background music. It takes about 5 minutes to cross the river.Shanghai Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is at one of the best locations of Shanghai City. The entrance at Puxi (west of Huangpu River) is located at the north side of Chenyi Square of the Bund, and the entrance at Pudong (east of Huangpu River) is located at the south side of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, facing Shanghai International Convention Center. It is the first cross-river pedestrian tunnel in China, linking the Bund sightseeing area in Puxi with Lujiazui new tourist area in Pudong.
Ticket Price:
30 Yuan per person for single ride ticket
50 Yuan per person for roundtrip ride ticket
Opening Hours:
9：00-21：30