Haka
The Haka, the Silver Fern, and Rugby The first haka in an overseas representative rugby match was performed by the New Zealand Native Team to tour Britain in 1888-89. The drawing shown below originally came from Illustrated London News, and depicts the very first haka performed in Britain by a New Zealand rugby team. It is entitled, rather endearingly, "Their war cry before starting play". It isn't clear whether or not it was Ka mate which they performed, but it is probable. At some venues they went to some considerable trouble to impress, bringing out mats and other items onto the field to complement the performance. The team was not entirely composed of Maori, as many assume. No discussion on the haka and New Zealand rugby is complete without mentioning that most powerful of kiwi icons, the Silver Fern. The Native Team was the first to wear a black uniform with the Silver Fern on the left breast. The haka became a permanent fixture for the All Blacks from then on.
FC81: Early voyages of Exploration (c.1400-1550)
Introduction In 1400 A.D. Europeans probably knew less of the globe than they had during the Pax Romana. Outside of Europe and Mediterranean, little was known, with rumor and imagination filling the gaps. Pictures of bizarre looking people with umbrella feet, faces in their stomachs, and dogs' heads illustrated books about lands to the East. Europeans also had many misconceptions about the planet outside their home waters. Factors favoring Europe However, about this time, European explorers started to lead the way in global exploration, timidly hugging the coasts at first, but gradually getting bolder and striking out across the open seas. The rise of towns and trade along with the Crusades in the centuries preceding the age of exploration caused important changes in Europeans' mental outlook that would give them the incentive and confidence to launch voyages of exploration in three ways. Medieval religious fervor also played its part. Maps also left a lot to be desired.
Pageant Protest Sparked Bra-Burning Myth
Time Line 2: The Transatlantic through 1621
The Transatlantic through 1621 Foregrounds: Circumpolar Contacts, Controversies, Mysteries How and where does the human story begin in the Americas after the last Ice Age? Meanwhile, new generations and methods in the Western sciences (based in physical remains, high tech and DNA) have proven most fruitful where Native Americans are respected partners---from finding the important places to understanding the many dimensions of what they teach. This Time Line marks frontiers of the “Historic” period. Which side of the Atlantic built boats first, and skirted the edges of the Arctic to reach the far continent? There are claims of Minoan Linear A writing on a stone found in Massachusetts’ Assawompset Pond. In Weymouth (MA) there are Viking-style runes cut into stones at known Native sites. Not every artifact has stood unexplained in plain sight for hundreds of years. Did the ancestors of Metacomet, the New World’s King Philip, share their knowledge with astronomers from across the Ocean?
sans titre
Christmas carols At Christmas time, in the streets of Britain, some members of the « Salvation Army » (=Armée du Salut) traditionally sing Christmas carols. a carol = un chant, un cantique Christmas is coming ! Here are two Christmas desserts, traditionally eaten in Great-Britain The Christmas pudding The Christmas cake…Yummy ! The Royal Family The Queen and her husband with their children and grand-children. The British Isles The British Isles is a geographical word. An isle = an island Great Britain Great Britain/ Britain = England + Wales + Scotland The United Kingdom United Kingdom = UK = England (green) + Wales (orange) + Scotland (yellow) + Northern Ireland (blue) School uniforms in the UK School uniforms are compulsory (=obligatoire) in most British schools. British national anthem
Quick links to the history of English-speaking countries
The History of English-Speaking Countries History is a fascinating subject - it really is! And reading about it is a great way of improving your English. On this page you'll find a few interesting links to some of the better history related sites. The links are divided into three sections: Great Britain and Ireland, the USA, and Australia. You can also do your own research through this rather nice search engine for English and history related things: Ancient British History - Suite101 The Celts Nice site about the Celts in Europe. Celtic Connections Directory of resources for history and cultures of the main Celtic groups in the British Isles. The Vikings in Britain The World of the Vikings. Blood of the Vikings British Library - Magna Carta Norman Conquest of England The Domesday Book A short account of the Domesday Book. Feudalism A brief introduction to the feudal system. The Crusades Extensive information and links to the history of the holy crusades. Scottish History Homepage - William Wallace .
15 photos of Duke Kahanamoku that are too handsome for the Internet | Hawaii Magazine
Today, August 24, marks the 126th birthday of Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku, a legend who goes by many names—The Big Kahuna, The Godfather of Surfing, Ambassador of Aloha, and simply, The Duke. Kahanamoku's legacy and milestone achivements are well-known and documented: He's credited for gifting the world the art and sport of surfing. He revolutionized competitive swimming by introducing the flutter kick. He then subsequently won five Olympic medals for swimming. He was also a seriously handsome dude. Like many icons, even if you weren't aware of his achievements, the Native Hawaiian had an innate quality you couldn't put your finger on: He had presence. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
