Sea Ventures Knowledge Base
conspiracy part 2, the sea venture question.? I know exactly what happened to the sea venture and spent of 4 hours reading different site. so I know more of something i really dont care about lol but when ever i put anything in its says are you sure the ship sank, I know it never sank grrrr, has anyone been pass this part yet and if so please tell me what the answer is thanks. If you dont know the answer but the people i complain to, to tell them the games messed up. I only need this one answer and i think ive done the last part. I love the game but this question is messed up, please help thanks
Best dining options for foodies while at Sea World Orlando? My husband and I are going to Sea World Orlando soon, and I was wondering what the best dining options were there (that are perhaps aimed at adults, rather than kids)? Also, an approximately cost for said venture? We're considering Sharks Underwater Grill, is it worth it? Lunch or dinner?
Can somebody, preferably somebody who actually works/has worked at sea, explain what safety systems freighters have in place in the event of a sinking? For example, what systems are in place to prevent collisions, sinkings and so on. Also, what is in place should the boat actually sink? Lifeboats? What are these equipped with? I'm fascinated with sailing, the whole concept of travel, and the danger, or safety, of such ventures, and have a big thirst for knowledge on all matters. Thanks.
what is the moral values of "The Old man and the sea"? " nothing ventures, nothing gain": a moral lesson in " The old man and the sea".How does it implicate in the novel through the personality, the attitude and the action of the main character of this work - Santiago.Please share your ideas with me.And if you have time, please give me your thinking as specific as possible.thanx in a bunch. Wish everybody health and success!
I would like to send soccer balls to our soldiers over seas but do not have a clue where to start - can anyone I am part of a large soccer league in Missouri and was given several soccer balls that were used at our state cup games. We gave them out to different schools where kids signed them and wrote on them for our boys over seas in the military. I do not have a clue how to get them to them. I took over this venture half way through. Can anyone give me a place to start, someone to contact, a website to go to, on how to get these balls to our soldiers over sea? Thank you in advance.
What does this Julius Ceaser quotation mean? There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat, And we must take the current when it serves, Or lose our ventures. I was wondering if anyone could elaborate on what they think this quote means....please explain how you came to that and not just "this is what it means"...i'm looking for a somewhat personal answer
What does this quote by Julius Caesar mean? There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune but omitted, and the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and mesires. On such a full sea are we now afloat and we must take the current when it serves or lose the ventures before us. - Julius Caesar
Is the world ready for my world? The greatest fictional war story ever written fast approaches, are you all ready for it? Then you'll soon be invited to venture deep in a world govern by benevolent deities and a hidden force of terrible power. Here witness the tale of heroes and their quest for the utter salvation of their world. Enter a mystic world rich in history, wonders and magic. Where monsters thrive the lands, sea and sky. Mighty kingdoms stand and steel rules supreme. You will soon be invited to enter this land and stride towards adventure and exitement alongside perils and hardships. Will your courage brave the things to come? You will all know in due time.
msn conspiracy game part 2? ok going nuts the sea venture was seperated from fleet the wood hadn't set and so it leaked they then drove into reefs at bermuda where they all lived on the island for 9 months having kids and building patience and deliverence but no matter what part of this i put in she just tells me it didnt sink arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh
MSN Conspiracy - last gauge... help!!!!!? I have spent the whole night on this one, reading the tempest, searching the internet for the events of the sea venture, i know exactly what happened to the ship, I have read it so many times, but why when I type anything in does anna just say "are you sure it sank" ... i didnt even put in that it sank??? is there a particular word i am getting wrong or something, nothing i put in works, yet i know they are all right??? please help me someone so i can put this to bed... and myself thanks
the tempest? some one tell me about the the sea venture shipwreck and the bahaman islands in the tempest by shakespeare linkz r gewd 2
Why do most Americans living over seas never leave their immediate area? Often Americans live over seas but never venture out of the immediate area. They go to stores that cater to the Americans, restraunts, bars, etc. but never learn the culture, language, customs, etc. of the people where they are living. I saw this in the military in Germany,.......what a waste of time.
My dear Pagan folk!? Planting a garden. I've already got spearmint, which is getting it's own little sectioned off plot to go wild in. Sage is obvious. I'm allergic to lavender, so I try to steer clear of it. I already have roses (red, pink, and white). I'm intending for some daisies as well... But I want suggestions. I'll only be able to maintain it (at latest) through Samhain. Plants don't survive well in cross-seas ventures with military moving companies. =( What would you guys plant? The lay out is four full-sun fertilized plots (one is 15'x5', the others are 8'x8' squares), two 15 gallon pots, two 5 gallon pots, two 4 gallon pots, three 20 gallon pots, several small pint sized pots and a long 'window box' (3'x 6"). There's also one full shade pot that's about 5 gallons.
funny riddle!!? ok ill tell you a riddle if you help me with something. ive tried but it didn't work. i need to find info about the Sea Venture it was a boat that sailed in 1609 and was cuaght in a hurricane. when i look for info it tells me about resorts and what not!! heres a riddle how many pickle peppers did peter piper pick now think about it this may be a trick be smart be slick hurry answer quick quik quick your both wrong!!! and you didn't help with what i asked the correct ansswer to the riddle it 8 a peck is 8 peter piper picked a PECK of pickle pepperS
Correct wording for Capitalism, Where do you draw the line? In this ever changing United States of ours, really what does the term capitalist mean? I grew up thinking that Capitalism generally refers to an economic system in which the means of production, services and goods are mostly privately owned, those who ventured out with the brains and the hard work could start a successful business, BUT where does it end, we normally worked within the confines of our country, When we start to switch from the internal competitive market to moving our plants over seas in a world market, with our higher standards of living and cost of living , there is no way we can compete, where do you draw the line, when does it become, screw my fellow American workers, Or I can make more MUCH MORE money paying the Chinese or India’s a dollar a day. Instead of making 5 Million a year, I want 50 million a year and screw my neighbor. Is there a term for extreme capitalism, gimme gimme gimme, screw everybody else?
CHEAP DRINKING WATER ELECTRICITY from MID-SEA - tech - LTTD & OTEC by NIOT Chennai.-Comml viability? Will this be commercially viable? How many other Countries venture on these types of research? Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) innovative technologies developed by premier Indian Research Institution NIOT will answer to Global demand for in-expensive Electricity Power/energy and drinking water. With this technology Hydrocarbon consumption will come down drastically. NIOT successfully demonstrated OTEC project and generated electricity with the technology based on the difference between surface water and the water at a depth of 200 metres. Barge (100M x 20M) used for OTEC project will be used as platform erected 20-30 KM from seashore. This Platform (just like Bombay High Oil Platform will be costing about Rs.200 Crores (about 500 billion US dollars). Desalinated water will be filled into water bags (made of synthetic materials) with carrying capacity of 20 lakhs litres. Since density of pure water is less than that of sea water, the desalinated water will stay afloat and easy to tow the bags to the shore by boat and with 5 trips between sea shore and plant will ensure the daily supply of 10 million litres of drinking water cheap water from LTTD is better than desalination using the Reverse Osmosis technology because of project cost – land usages, etc., As of OTEC success story of cheap generation of electricity we can see LTTD delivering cheap drinking water and Tamil Nadu India need not look at neighboring states for water from Cauvery/Krishna Rivers any more. The mute question is really these projects are commercially viable. Barge or Mid-sea Platform will cost about 500 million dollars (Rs.200 Crores) what will be Return on Investment (ROI) with Maintenance, Overhead, Depreciation, etc., How much will be fuel, lubricants, consumable cost for running the Plant – Diesel/Petrol is required for operating sucking Pump, Boat, etc., Ammonia is required as medium as coolant, Operation cost of Heat Exchangers. Cost of Water Bags, and its cleaning cost. Labour requirement to handle about 10 million litres of water both at the Plant and at the Seashore. Transportation cost from Sea Shore to end-users (consumers). How many trips one boat can have voyage between Plant & Seashore (30 KM) – can the boat have a speed of 14 knot (kn), if so one boat service requires about 6 to 7 hours to cover 60 kms. (up and down). Whether the barge/plant measuring 100M x 20 m is good enough to accommodate so many workmen and to have a temporary storage and packing facility of about 100 million litters of water. What will be the operation cost? Coolant medium Ammonia is a toxic gas, occident prone – what are the accident records while operating similar OTEC Plant at Tuticorin. When electricity generation with the OTEC is a success story, why one should think of using the same plant for LTTD aborting OTEC project. Mind-boggling. As NIOT succeeded in OTEC Electricity generation, let us hope the same result with LTTD cheap drinking water project. thanks Mr. Sam Nuclear Desalination Demonstration Project (NDDP) at Kalpakkam aims for demonstrating the safe and economic production of good quality water by nuclear desalination of seawater comprising of 4500 m3/d Multistage Flash (MSF) and 1800 m3/d Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant (Fig.1). MSF plant uses low pressure steam from Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS), Kalpakkam for more details you can visit their web site they give you excellent information. as per LTTD project research by NIOT -- RO is exhorbitantly costly - there are number of reports in the press from NIOT. Since Chennai is experiencing acute water and power shortage I have a very special interest on this subject. If you have any details on LTTD economies and viabilities post it at Y/A for community's information. ONE CAN UNDERSTAND THAT DENSITY OF PURE WATER WILL BE LESS THAN THAT OF SEA WATER BUT I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WILL THIS PURE WATER BAGS (OF 20 LAKHS LITRES) CAN STAY AFLOAT AND CAN THEY BE EASILY TOWED TO THE SHORE BY BOAT. MIND BOGGLING. LOGICALLY IT IS NOT GOING INTO MY BRAIN – RESEARCHERS MAY BE CORRECT
Have you ever thought to give to "Tiktaalik" a big thanks? Some people only think about the alleged first man and woman ( Adam and Eve) But never give a thought for the precursor of us all. Mr Tiktaalik... what a guy he was the first to venture from the sea to land Without this guy we would not be here today. I wonder if the religious people have ever heard about Tiktaalik? Thanks science
Please explain the meaning of this quote in Julius Caesar by Shakespeare? please explain the meaning of this quote thanks ´There is a tide in the affairs of men,Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune:Omitted, all the voyage of their lifeIs bound in shallows and in miseries.On such a full sea are we now afloat,And we must take the current when it serves,Or lose our ventures.´Shakespeare: Julius Caesar
do you hate my song? I think I'll go for a swim in the sea I'm in the water and the moon surrounds me A fish on the bottom I can see The fish at the bottom is a starring at me Few words he whispers through the sea Bubble Bubble, He says to me It all makes sense I am starting to see No one but fish and me Sitting here, at the bottom of the sea Bubble Bubble as he whispers to me We are floatin and dancin for all to see No one but fish and me Just come to the bottom, underneath the sea Come take a venture with fish and me Bubble bubble, and you'll start to see No one but fish and me oh ohhh oh oh ohhhh Fish goin to float on the banks of the river eye bah eye eye eye Close your eyes and we will get there quicker oh ohhh oh ohhhhh Lets go for a dip we can swim in the river eye bah eye eye eye No one but fish and me can get there quicker oh ohhhh oh ohh ohhhh Just come to the bottom, underneath the sea Come take a venture with fish and me Bubble bubble, and you'll start to see
what does this quote mean? There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune but omitted, and the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat and we must take the current when it serves or lose the ventures before us. -Julius Caesar
how are any of these literary elements? Act I * Beware the ides of March. o Soothsayer, scene ii * And it is very much lamented, Brutus, That you have no such mirrors as will turn Your hidden worthiness into your eye. o Cassius, scene ii * Men at some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings. o Cassius, scene ii * Let me have men about me that are fat; Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep o' nights. Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; He thinks too much: such men are dangerous. o Caesar, scene ii * Cassius: Did Cicero say anything? Casca: Ay, he spoke Greek. Cassius: To what effect? Casca: Nay, an I tell you that I'll ne'er look you i' the face again: but those that understood him smiled at one another, and shook their heads; but, for mine own part, it was Greek to me. o Scene ii * Indeed, it is a strange disposed time: But men may construe things after their fashion, Clean from the purpose of the things themselves. o Cicero, scene iii [edit] Act II * Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear; Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come. o Caesar, scene ii [edit] Act III * Caesar: The ides of March are come. Soothsayer: Aye, Caesar, but not gone. o Scene i * Speak, hands, for me! o Casca, scene i * Et tu, Bruté? — Then fall, Caesar! o Caesar, scene i * How many ages hence Shall this our lofty scene be acted over, In states unborn and accents yet unknown! o Cassius, scene i * As fire drives out fire, so pity, pity. o Brutus, scene i * O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, That I am meek and gentle with these butchers! o Antony, scene i * Cry Havoc! and let slip the dogs of war. o Antony, scene i * Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones; So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus Hath told you Caesar was ambitious: If it were so, it was a grievous fault; And grievously hath Caesar answer'd it. Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest, — For Brutus is an honorable man; So are they all, all honorable men, — Come I to speak in Caesar's funeral. He was my friend, faithful and just to me: But Brutus says he was ambitious; And Brutus is an honorable man. o Antony, scene ii * O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts, And men have lost their reason. o Antony, scene ii * My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, And I must pause till it come back to me. o Antony, scene ii * If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. o Antony, scene ii * I am Cinna the poet, I am Cinna the poet. o Cinna the Poet, scene iii [edit] Act IV * There is a tide in the affairs of men Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat; And we must take the current when it serves, Or lose our ventures. o Brutus, scene iii [edit] Act V * But this same day Must end that work the ides of March begun; And whether we shall meet again I know not. Therefore our everlasting farewell take: For ever, and for ever, farewell, Cassius! If we do meet again, why, we shall smile; If not, why, then, this parting was well made. o Brutus, scene i * O, that a man might know The end of this day's business ere it come! But it sufficeth that the day will end, And then the end is known. o Brutus, scene i * Caesar, now be still: I kill'd not thee with half so good a will. o Brutus, scene v * This was the noblest Roman of them all: All the conspirators, save only he, Did that they did in envy of great Caesar; He only, in a general honest thought, And common good to all, made one of them. His life was gentle; and the elements So mix'd in him that Nature might stand up And say to all the world, This was a man! o Antony, scene v * So call the field to rest: and let's away, To part the glories of this happy day. o Octavius, scene v
can someone give me some ideas to make my poem better? the years gone by hold precious memories and now we must say goodbye we've had fun ourtime here is done the memories we made will never fade we now will accomplish more opening new doors through rough seas to new ports we go forth with exciting new thoughts we shed tears in this our last year and we leave in memories as we dare to venture towards our future I see my way now i will say i'll cherish these years till my dying day
Allergic to seawater? I think I'm allergic to seawater - I didn't like swimming in the sea as a kid & so avoided it, but when I started venturing in a few years ago I noticed that after awhile I'd get really itchy. This turns into a bumpy rash, which is really irritating & sore. I'm going travelling soon & would love to be able to go scuba diving, but I really don't want a rash to spoil it - anybody have any suggestions for prevention or treatment? Thanks in advance!
julius caesar quote? Can anyone tell me why this quote is significant? easy 10 points! There is a tide in the affairs of men Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea we now afloat, And we must take the current when it serves Or lose our ventures.
Shakespeare Quote Meaning? "There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. But omitted, and the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat, and we must take the current when it serves -- or lose the ventures before us." -- William Shakespeare, "Julius Ceaser" But mostly what does this part mean: "There is a tide in the affairs of men."
What are the chances of the following succeeding? January 18, 2008 8:31 AM PST Masdar City in Abu Dhabi to lay claim to greenest city Posted by Martin LaMonica The cleanest city in the entire world will take root next month in Abu Dhabi, a place best known for its oil. At the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, a model of Masdar City is scheduled to be unveiled on Monday. The three-day conference is hosted by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co.'s Masdar Initiative, which is investing in a range of ventures, including clean-tech start-ups. An artist's rendering of the overall plan of Masdar City. A model will be unveiled Monday. (Credit: Masdar) In February, Masdar (which means "the source" in Arabic) will break ground on the six-square-kilometer city that its backers say will be the first zero-pollution, zero-waste city. The city will be capable of housing 47,500 people, who are scheduled to start moving there in 2009. Construction is expected to take 10 years. The vision of the city, designed by Foster and Partners, is to be a model for sustainable architecture. A solar-photovoltaic power plant will deliver energy to buildings. Builders also envision using solar canopies that provide shade, as well as power. A vision of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology. (Credit: Foster and Partners) The city will be placed to take advantage of the cool sea breezes, while a perimeter wall around the entire city will protect buildings from the hot desert air and noise from the nearby Abu Dhabi airport. No cars will be allowed in the city. People will get around through an electric light-rail system that will be linked to the center of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. A desalination facility will be 80 percent more efficient than existing plants, and all wastewater will be purified and recycled to grow plants that could be used for biofuels. Masdar City will be the home of the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, which backers hope will attract some of the best academics from the around the world. Also envisioned are research and development facilities from multinational companies and start-ups in the clean technology area. Topics: Green buildings, Solar What chances does something like this have of succeeding?
Going on vacation , need advise for surfing.? My friend and I were thinking of going somewhere for a summer vacation and we wanted to do a lot of things, but one of the main is surfing. We're both Oklahoma boys and know absolutely nothing about it except that we'd like to try it. I want to get the most out of this vacation before i need to head over sea's to the sandbox so any info would help. i.e. best/closest beach to Oklahoma, should we do rentals?, what kind of board should we be looking for? i'm 5'10" and 158 lbs. my buddy is taller and about the same weight.and any other advise that might help us in our ventures. even a crash course would help. Again thanks for your input and God bless.
Dream about ugly fish? Last night I had a dream about fish in my garden pond. I built a new pond and put some small fish in it. When I came back later, the fish had multiplied many times over but instead of being attractive pond fish they were quite ugly and repulsive. Indeed some of them were not even fresh water but strange looking sea water flat fish. So IM wondering what does this dream mean. I guess its something about starting a new venture which goes horribly wrong or something like this? All info welcome.
did you know about the world largest ship to be build? Capital letters Nearly a mile long and 40,000 on board - the first floating city Duncan Campbell in Los Angeles Saturday May 6, 2000 It may sound like something from a science fiction story - a floating city of 40,000 people that will slowly circumnavigate the globe - but the building of what will be the world's largest ship is about to begin. The Freedom Ship's creators say the vessel, whose constuction is due to start in Honduras this summer, will be one of the wonders of the world. The company behind the scheme said reservations for the 20,000 homes on board had begun to accelerate, and there were already plans to build two other floating cities. Freedom Ship will be nearly a mile long (4,320ft), 725ft wide and 340ft tall and will have room for 40,000 people, including a staff of 10,000. There will be a school and university on board, not to mention a landing strip, a hospital, a casino, a shopping mall and 200 acres of open space. The idea is that it will slowly travel the world, pausing a few miles out from chosen destinations such as ports or exotic tropical islands that can only be reached by sea. It will be on the move for 25% of the time and otherwise anchored off different ports. People who want to live on board can purchase their homes for prices which range from $150,000 (£94,000) for a small unit to $40m for something rather larger. There will be 20,000 units in total and the whole venture will cost $9bn. Developers are being encouraged to pre-purchase space and sell it on in the same way as their real estate counterparts do on dry land. "Already we have reservations for 15% [of the units]," said Roger Gooch, the marketing vice-president for the venture from his Florida office yesterday. "Once we are under construction, people will come running. It's already being termed one of the wonders of the world." Construction would start in "60 to 90 days", and would take three years to complete, with the shipyard operating 24 hours a day, he said. The ship is the brainchild of the project director, Norman Nixon of Engineering Solutions, an engineer from Arkansas who has overseen the construction of chemical plants and office buildings from Saudi Arabia to Texas. Application forms for workers on either the construction or staff of the ship when it is finally launched have been placed on the internet and talks are under way with the Nova Southwestern University to ensure that an established academic institution will be responsible for running the degree courses on the ship. Mr Gooch said that the hope was that the vessel would have a "global environment", with a large mixture of different nationalities and ages. It was not meant to be seen as a retirement cruise ship but one where people could run their businesses and educate their children. As a sales incentive, the company's material points out that there will be no local taxes to pay. So far, the greatest interest had come from Europe, with Germans and Scandinavians already paying deposits to secure their units. "We're just a giant landlord," Mr Gooch said, adding that anyone who wanted to start and run a business on the ship was free to do so. "We're not in the business of owning a barber shop or a restaurant. We're shipbuilders." There had been scepticism, he accepted, about the safety of such a vessel, but the company's engineers were confident that a ship of such a size would be secure and viable. But was there not a concern that the ship's size seemed to make it the stuff of which Titanic-style disaster movies are made, the vessel taken hostage perhaps by international pirates or the like? Mr Gooch said that a former FBI man would head a 2,000-strong security force, and the ship would be equipped with "state-of-the-art defensive weapons". The laws on board will be those of the country under whose flag the ship eventually sails - that country is still to be decided, but will not be the US, he said. Serious offenders would be held until the ship reached its next port and then surrendered to the authorities, he added. And will the city have its own government? Different decks and floors would be able to elect their representatives, Mr Gooch said, but "the captain's word will be final". Bh I was asking everyone did they know about the world biggest ship to be build ?BH it's good to know what is going on around you in other parts of the world ,anyone one can comment on this question.people thinking titanic you think this might be a nother big disaster or you thing the bernuda triangle I think not because they have better thing to build this ship with what do you think?
Do you like Red Monkeys? You might be asking yourself what the heck is a Red Monkey? Well a red monkey is an idea, an innovative idea. And the monkey found its origin not in the center of the jungle, but at the edge. A daring brown monkey ventured to the edge of the jungle, to the sea, where he encountered an bold red fish. The two had an lengthy discussion, and out of their conversation a Red Monkey was born? You can watch the first episode of the Red Monkey Story on youtube at http://youtube.com/watch?v=s5eEH4O74eQ The question now is... Do YOU like Red Monkeys? Or do you shoot them on sight?
flcocajuncujo did you know? At its greatest extent in the Americas, Spanish territory stretched from Alaska through the western United States, Mexico, and Central America to southern Chile and Patagonia, and from the state of Georgia south to the Caribbean islands, Venezuela, Colombia, and Argentina. In Africa, at various times Spain occupied territories in the Western Sahara (present-day Morocco), and along the coast of what is now Equatorial Guinea, including the offshore island of Fernando Póo (now Bioko). In Asia, Spain ruled the Philippine Islands, which the Spanish named after King Philip II in 1542 . In Oceania, Spain held the Mariana Islands and later the Caroline Islands. Gibraltar, a rocky promontory connected to the Spanish mainland by a sandy isthmus, is a British dependency still claimed by Spain. Spain's overseas empire dates from the joint rule of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragón, whose marriage in 1469 began the process of uniting their separate Iberian kingdoms into one Spanish nation. It was during their reign as Isabella I and Ferdinand V that the newly united country began to build an empire. Spanish expansion overseas began for a number of reasons. The monarchs wanted to secure neighboring areas for defense against Muslim raids originating from North Africa, to protect Castile's shipping activities and trade in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and to use the neighboring areas as ports for export of gold and enslaved Africans. They also supported exploration of distant areas primarily to spread Christianity and to increase Spain’s potential for trade with the Far East, thereby gaining wealth and international prestige. The concern to increase Spanish trade centered on the desire to overcome the advantage Portuguese explorers and traders had gained by establishing similar bases on the African continent and islands off of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Earlier in the 15th century Portuguese explorers had discovered and settled two of the small island groups, the Madeiras and the Azores. Between 1456 and 1460 Portugal occupied the Cape Verde Islands and soon established fortified trading posts in the Gulf of Guinea. In 1488 Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias sailed around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa and opened a sea route to the Far East. Portugal’s growing international influence encouraged Spain to match its neighbor’s achievements. Although claimed by both Portugal and Spain, the Canary Islands came under Spanish control through a 1479 treaty. In the 1480s and 1490s, papal decrees assigned the Canaries to Spain. Despite fierce resistance from the indigenous Guanche people, by 1496 all seven islands had come under Castilian control. Like the Portuguese islands in the Atlantic, the Canaries under Spain were essentially military enclaves and trading centers where paid laborers or sharecroppers worked for a few merchant proprietors. The Spanish introduced cows, pigs, horses, sheep, and Mediterranean plants to the Canaries. The islands proved valuable for their supplies of sugar and fish, as well as their proximity to the West African coast. Columbus’s voyage occurred at an opportune time for Spain. In January 1492 Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand had conquered Granada, the last Muslim kingdom on the Iberian peninsula, completing what is called the Christian reconquest of Spain from Moorish control. Still, Islam was advancing elsewhere and posed a threat to Europe. Spain’s rulers planned to extend Spain’s Christian crusades overseas. They readied an armed expedition to North Africa, declaring Muslim-held Jerusalem as the ultimate goal, but that army was ultimately diverted to war in Italy. They also sponsored Columbus, who proposed to reach India or Asia by a westward route and so give Spain an alternate route to Jerusalem. They also hoped his voyage would bring Spain international prestige and fabled riches. Thus, Spain justified its imperial expansion on four grounds: to spread its religion; to reinforce national unity and identity by keeping alive a sense of national mission; to enhance Spain's international power; and to compete with Portugal for trade, territory, and glory. Columbus laid the foundation of the Spanish overseas empire by claiming for Spain the lands he explored in the Caribbean islands and establishing the first European colony there. At that time Europeans simply assumed that if representatives of Christian nations discovered previously unknown lands and peoples, they had the right and the responsibility to take charge of them. In 1493, to formalize their claims to the lands that Columbus discovered, Spain began diplomatic negotiations with Portugal and with the papacy, which served as a sort of international mediation agency. Because Spain and Portugal had similar desires to expand, the papacy helped reduce conflict between the two nations by establishing formal boundaries. A series of papal decrees confirmed Spain's claim to sovereignty in some of the lands that became known as America. The papacy based these decrees on what was considered to be the Spaniards’ responsibility to spread Christianity and Christian ways of life to the inhabitants of those newly discovered lands. In 1493 Pope Alexander VI formally approved the division of the unexplored world between the two countries. This was incorporated into the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) between Portugal and Spain. This treaty established the so-called Line of Demarcation, which set the boundaries between areas that would become Spanish territories and those that would be Portuguese. As it turned out, the treaty determined where Hispanic culture would gain a foothold and where Portuguese culture would take root. On his first voyage, Columbus sighted Cuba and landed on Española (now Hispaniola), the island now occupied by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. He returned to Spain with small quantities of gold, native plants and animals, and six men of the indigenous Taíno people. Columbus made three more voyages to the Americas between 1494 and 1502. At that time the area was called the Spanish Indies because Columbus continued to claim that he had reached India. For this reason, the inhabitants of the Caribbean area were all called Indians, despite their diverse cultures. Many of the people who accompanied Columbus on his four voyages were veterans of the Spanish wars to take Granada from Muslim control. Others included peasant farmers, royal officials, a few priests and friars, some women, as well as a few Africans, most of whom were enslaved. On Columbus’s second voyage, he took 17 ships carrying about 1500 colonists, to establish a permanent settlement on Española. Most of those people were peasant farmers, but some early immigrants to the Caribbean neither farmed nor settled. Instead, they relied on plentiful Indian labor and sought to find gold and return home rich. These immigrants were soon in conflict with both the native peoples and Columbus. By late 1494 many colonists opposed Columbus’s policies, such as his handling of the native people’s hostilities. They even filed grievances to the Spanish monarchy against Columbus in his role as administrator of the new lands. Spain’s royal government quickly imposed its own officials, first to collect taxes and then to administer the colony. Its goal was to assert royal control over both settlers and indigenous peoples. In Spain the government established a House of Trade to supervise colonial affairs and to oversee, license, and tax all trade and commerce. As the royal government asserted more authority over colonial activities, Columbus lost effective power, and was eventually replaced by other colonial governors. During the early 1500s, Spaniards used the major Caribbean islands as a base for expeditions to the mainland of Venezuela and Central America. Men called conquistadors recruited, equipped, and led these expeditions, often with the financial backing of merchants. Most hoped to find great riches or legendary places, such as the Seven Cities of Cíbola, which were supposed to have streets and houses adorned with gold and jewels, and the fountain of youth, a spring whose waters were said to have the power to restore youth. The conquistadors came from areas of Spain where fighting was a way of life. The wars against Muslims in Spain had lasted for centuries, and clashes between rival clans were common. These men were accustomed to achieving their goals of fame and fortune through military endeavor. By taking treasure, territory, and subjects for their country, they won recognition from the king. Many explorers also felt it was their moral responsibility to convert people to Christianity. With the blessing—but not the financial support—of the Spanish government, these conquistadors made their way through Central and South America claiming territory for Spain. The conquistadors’ expeditions increased Spain’s territory, wealth, and power. In 1513 Vasco Núñez de Balboa and his men crossed Central America and became the first Europeans to see the Pacific Ocean. Six years later Hernán Cortés led an expedition into Mexico and in 1521 captured Tenochtitlán, the capital of the Aztec Empire. In the early 1530s Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca Empire in Peru. Even so, native resistance to Spanish rule continued for years. From Peru, expeditions pushed north into Ecuador and Colombia and south into Chile. Conquistadors founded Buenos Aires, in what is now Argentina, in 1536 and Asunción, in what is now Paraguay, in 1537. Francisco de Orellana first explored the Amazon Basin in 1541 and 1542, searching for legendary chief El Dorado and his kingdom, which was rumored to abound in gold and precious stones. Other explorers ventured to the borderlands of northern Mexico and the Guiana Highlands, where they generally established only isolated and often temporary outposts. In the 16th century the major permanent settlements were in central Mexico and the Andes Mountains. By the 1550s Spain controlled the areas that are now Mexico, most of the South American continent, Central America, Florida, and Cuba. The European explorers of Central and South America encountered native civilizations far richer and more sophisticated than the Caribbean cultures—for example, the Maya and Aztec peoples in Mexico and the Incas in Peru. They came upon technology allowing relatively abundant crops and encountered forms of empire where city-states dominated smaller satellite communities. Their conquests brought dramatic changes to both the Americas and Spain. The conquistadors and colonizers introduced European culture and religion to the Americas, while Spain gained enormous wealth from the spoils of its conquests and from silver and gold mines in the newly conquered lands.
Christopher Colombus: North or South? When Christopher Colombus sailed out to sea on his quest to what he thought it would be India, little did he know that he was about to change the coming centuries for ever. He touched and changed the lives of millions around the world. Intellectuals, peasants, women, and minorities from afar, and last but not least, the indigenous people of the Americas. Geopolitics: Would it be any different today had Colombus not ventured toward the west, but instead gone north or south? What would the world be like today?
Help with editing again??? 10pts best answer..please help!!!!? I steadily climbed the stairs, gripping the arm rail as I made my way to the coffee house door. The smell of percolating coffee tickled my nose and dared me to venture further inside. For a second, just before I entered the small building, every single particle of my being screamed for me to turn around and go back home, but I was made for this moment ,finally I was in the company of other poets. With my poem in hand I made my way across the room and over to he large table that everyone seem to be gathering at. “1,2,,3" a man yelled as he pointed at the two people before me and myself. “ you three will be up first he said into what must have been our confused faces.. He walked us to the stage, handed the first girl the mic and murmured something that resembled good luck. My eyes danced around the compact room with anticipation as I watched the restless crowd expand with newcomers every minute. The crowd was like a garden seeded by a mad gardener with a profusion of different colors, textures and sizes. My heart beat out the final minutes to 7 o’clock when we were advised to start. The tension and excitement made me feel faint with a strong desire to flee to the cooler air of the night, but mastering my urges I remained. As the first girl’s poem began to come to a close and the next girl reached for the microphone my heart began to speed up. I could feel it in my ears and I was pretty sure that everyone within a few feet of me was aware of the loud thumping. "And our second reader of the night...bellowed the emcee “is Jackie”. Hearing these words caused overwhelming sensations inside of me. My heart began to flutter, my stomach began to churn and my mouth seemed to dry up. I was next. As quickly as Jackie started , within seconds she was finished. Seconds dragged by like hours as I made my way across the room. I thought that I would never make it up to that podium. As I waited for the host to instruct the lighting team, I looked out into the audience for what seemed to be the hundredth time. A sea of curious eyes all stared back at me. As the lights finally began to dim, I thought to myself, "This is it”.
a little trivia question :)? Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain on the planet (highest above sea level), and it is located in Asia. The next tallest mountain not in Asia, Aconcagua, is located in South America. How many mountains are taller than Aconcagua? Basically the tallest "X" number of mountains are located in Asia, how many is "X"? Before you look up the answer, venture a guess!
Is this the spirit of ubuntu? SA? Grandfather Gandhi: Peace Was His Way by Arun Gandhi Fifty years ago, as a ten-year-old, I was growing up on a hundred-acre farm amid a sea of sugar cane fields in South Africa. Apartheid, the government policy of racial discrimination, had already burned its ugly brand across this fertile land. We lived on Phoenix, established by my grandfather who his followers insisted on calling Mahatma (Great Soul) Gandhi. He set up Phoenix in 1903 as the first Institute for Nonviolence. Now he was locked up in an Indian palace, where my grandmother died while in prison. Phoenix was the only island of sanity in a color-crazed South Africa. All prejudices, hate, anger, and discrimination were left outside its borders. Fifteen miles away in Durban, all these feelings were unleashed in gale force. On this Saturday afternoon in Durban, while others enjoyed a siesta, I walked to a little Ma and Pa store to spend the sixpence Dad had given me for candy, I ventured around another block. Behind me someo omeone was whistling a lilting tune. It was a young Zulu, probably domestic help in a nearby home. Despite grinding prejudices and poverty, he was in a gay mood. Up ahead three white men, probably university students, loitered on the curbside. As I drew even with them, they decided to have some fun and excitement. They blocked my way and one garbed my collar. How dare you whistle in a white neighborhood, you m'kule," a derogatory corruption of coolie they called Indians, one shouted. Still whistling the Zulu passed us by. He seemed to derive some satisfaction out of my predicament. "I didn't whistle," I sputtered, "You lying m'kule," one spat out as he smashed his fist into my nose. All three pounced on me. Blows came from all sides. When I fell they kicked me in the ribs. Suddenly they stopped, looked around, and ran. I struggled up and ran in the opposite direction. Blood covered my face and shirt. I was bruised and my clothes were torn. http://www.israelnewsagency.com/gandhi.html
shakesspiece xx funny or not xxx not sure on this just rcieved it help? What Hamlet said he enjoyed the least Was funeral meats at the wedding feast. He had loved his father and adored his mother (But he couldn't care less for his father's brother). So his inky cloak became him most When he ran to chat with Denmark's ghost. Had a serpent struck the old king down? That serpent now wore Denmark's crown. Must more blood flow to punish guilt? Should Claudius' gore--or his own be spilt? A rat in the arras? A bride in the sea? Is our hero to be--or not to be? Should he venture to England, or peut-etre to France? Must the coin fall tails for poor Rosencrantz? The plot, as you see, is destined to end With the downfall of all, both foe and friend, While Fortinbras stands among the slain Singing "There's nothing like a Dane."
Question would you like to sing this this beautiful Irish song, and does it bring back memories? Oh, Mary, this London's a wonderful sight, With people all working by day and by night. Sure they don't sow potatoes, nor barley, nor wheat, But there's gangs of them digging for gold in the street. At least when I asked them that's what I was told, So I just took a hand at this digging for gold, But for all that I found there I might as well be Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. I believe that when writing a wish you expressed As to know how the fine ladies in London were dressed, Well if you'll believe me, when asked to a ball, They don't wear no top to their dresses at all, Oh I've seen them meself and you could not in truth, Say that if they were bound for a ball or a bath. Don't be starting such fashions, now, Mary McCree, Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. I've seen England's king from the top of a bus And I've never known him, but he means to know us. And tho' by the Saxon we once were oppressed, Still I cheered, God forgive me, I cheered with the rest. And now that he's visited Erin's green shore We'll be much better friends than we've been heretofore When we've got all we want, we're as quiet as can be Where the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. You remember young Peter O'Loughlin, of course, Well, now he is here at the head of the force. I met him today, I was crossing the Strand, And he stopped the whole street with a wave of his hand. And there we stood talkin' of days that are gone, While the whole population of London looked on. But for all these great powers he's wishful like me, To be back where the dark Mourne sweeps down to the sea. There's beautiful girls here, oh never you mind, With beautiful shapes nature never designed, And lovely complexions all roses and cream, But let me remark with regard to the same: That if of those roses you venture to sip, The colours might all come away on your lip, So I'll wait for the wild rose that's waiting for me In the place where the dark Mourne sweeps down to the sea.
what month are u born in? im born in august JANUARY-U R FUNNY, PRETTY/HANDSOME AND U LOVE TO HAVE FUN. U HAVE LOTS OF FRIENDS AND ARE REALLY POPULAR. U GET ALMOST EVERYTHING U WANT AND U SEEM TO ALWASY BE SOO HAPPY. U LOVE TO CHILL WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND MAKE THEM LAUGH. BE CAREFUL THOUGH NOT EVERYBODY LIKED U OUT THERE AND U HAVE DONE 1 OR 2 THINGS WRONG THAT MIGHT MAKE PEOPLE OUT TO GET U FOR IT! FEBRUARY- U R REALLY NICE AND U HAVE A GREAT LIFE. U R NOT ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO R ASSHOLES TO MOST OTHER PEOPLE. U R ATTRACTIVE AND WELL KNOWN. U GET ALL THE GUYS/GIRLS U WANT. U HAVE BEAUTIFUL EYES AND THAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT U. U HAVE A NICE PERSONALITY AND A STRONG SENSE OF HUMOR. BE CAREFUL THOUGH U ARENT A GOOD LISTENER AT TIMES AND U MIGHT NEED SOME MORE ADVICE BECAUSE THINGS MAKE COME ALONG IN YOUR LIFE THAT U REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT. MARCH- WOW U R PERFECT. U LOVE TO BE OUTDOORS AND WITH YOUR FRIENDS. U LIKE A GOOD MOVIE. U LOVE TO CUDDLE UP WITH YOUR BF/GF. NOBODY CAN BRING YOUR SPIRIT DOWN. U R DEFF. NOT UGLY AND HAVE PROBABLY NEVER BEEN MADE FUN OF IN YOUR LIFE. WHEN IT COMES TO FRIENDS U HAEV A LOT. U HAVE A GREAT PERSONALITY AND R EASY TO GET ALONG WITH. BECAREFUL WITH YOUR CHOICES THOUGH U MAY HAVE ALREADY MADE SOME BAD ONES AND IM SURE AS HELL U DONT WANT ANYMORE MISTAKES. APRIL- U R CHEERFUL AND EVERYODY WHO KNOWS U LOVES U. U CANT HELP BEING LOVED. U GET ALONG WITH PRACTICALLY EVERYBODY NOT SO MUCH WITH YOUR PARENTS THOUGH. NO MATTER WHERE U GO EVERYBODY STOPS TO LOOK AT YOUR AMAZING FACE. U LOVE TO DO ACTIVE THINGS AFTER A WHILE U GET BORED SITTING AROUND THE HOUSE EATING AND WATCHING TV ALL DAY. BUT LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING. U OFTEN FIND HIM/HER AND THEY MAY NOT BE YOUR TYPE. VENTURE OFF IN THE WORLD. THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER FISH IN THE SEA. FIND THE ONE U BELONG TOO. MAY- U HAVE A GREAT TAN AND A NICE SMILE. U R IN THE POPULAR CROWD AND LOVE TO BE AROUND PEOPLE. U HAVE A NICE PERSONALITY AND U GET ALONG WITH EVERYBODY BUT NOT ALL DA TIME WITH YOUR PARENTS. U HAVE BEAUTIFUL EYES AND A COMPLEXION THAT IS UNBEARABLE. EVERYTHING ABOUT U IS PERFECT. U GET EVERY GUY/GIRL U WANT. YOU'RE LOVEING EVERYTHING ABOUT YOUR LIFE AND PEOPLE ARE LOVEING EVERYTHING ABOUT U. BE CAREFUL THOUGH NOT EVERYBODY IS PERFECT LIKE U. DONT JUST GO OUT WITH SOMEBODY U THINK IS EXTREMELY HOTT. TAKE SOME TIME TO GET TO KNOW THEM AND SEE IF THEY ARE FIT FOR U. JUNE- WOW U R GORGEOUS. EVERYBODY SEEMS TO LIKE U BUT THE PEOPLE WHO DONT FEAR U. U R TOUGH AND HATE TO BE LOOKED AT THE WRONG WAY. U LOVEEEEEE YOUR FRIENDS BUT NOT SO MUCH YOUR PARENTS. U HAVE BEAUTIFUL UNIQUE COLORED EYES. U HAVE THE PERFECT BODY WHICH MAKES GUYS/ GIRLS FALL IN LOVE WITH U. U WERE BORN READY. U LOVE TO BE ACTIVE BUT SOMETIMES JUST LIKE TO RELAX AT HOME. U LOVE TO HANG OUT WITH YOUR FRIENDS AT THE MALL OR THE MOVIES. U GET EVERYBODY U WANT TO LIKE . BE CAREFUL THOUGH SOME DAY U MAY BE HEARTBROKEN. LOOK OUT FOR THE GUY/ GIRL WHO WANTS U BUT JUST FOR YOUR LOOKS OR CHARMS. JUST KEEP LOOKING AND U WILL FIND THE PERFECT MATE. JULY- AMAZING. U R EVERYTHING ANYBODY WANTS. THE PERFECT BODY, SMILE, EYES, AND HAIR. U LOVE TO HAVE FUN ESPECIALLY WITH YOUR FRIENDS. U HATE TO BE BORED AND W/E U GET THE CHANCE TO DO SOMRTHING U INSTANTLY TAKE IT. UR ALWAYS LAUGHING OR MAKING OTHER PEOPLE LAUGH. WHEN PEOPLE SEE U AT SCHOOL THEY ALWASY HAVE SOMETHING NICE TO SAY ABOUT THE WAY U LOOK. NOT EVERYBODY IS PERFECT THOUGH. ONE DAY U WILL FIND THAT ONE PERSON WHO THINKS U MEAN NOTHING SO DONT GET HEARTBROKEN WHEN THEY CALL U A NAME BECAUSE U ARENT USED TO IT. THEY ARE JUST A BUNCH OF LIES BECAUSE THEY'RE JEALOUS OF U. U WILL FIND THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE SOON. AUGUST- MY MY MY LOOK AT U. U R ATTRACTIVE AND HAVE A BEAUTIFUL SMILE. EVERYBODY KNOWS U AND ADORES U. NO MATTER WHERE U GO EVERYBODY WANTS TO TALK TO. U GIVE GOOD ADVICE AND PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS TALKING TO U ABOUT THERE PEOBLEMS. U R TRUSTWORTHY, LOYAL, AND A GOOD FRIEND, U HAVE GOOD RELATIONSHIPS AND ARE VERY ROMATIC. YOU HAVE LOOKS, A GREAT PERSONALITY, AND CHARM. SOME DAY U WILL BE AN IMPORTANT SUCCESFUL PERSON WITH A WONDERFUL FAMILY. BUT FOR A WHILE STICK TO THAT GUYS THATS SEES ALL THESE THINGS. DONT BE AFRAID TO TAKE YOUR OWN ADVICE. GO ON AND TAKE CHANCES, U WILL HE WANTS YOU AS BAD AS U WANT HIM. SEPTEMBER- LUCKYYYYYY! U GET EVERYTHING, AND ANYBODY U WANT. U HAVE A GREAT LIFE, GREAT FRIENDS, AND A GREAT PERSONALITY. NO WONDER WHY EVERYBODY LIKES U. U LOVE TO PARTY AND HAVE A GREAT TIME. U HATE BEING BORED AND ARE ALWAYS DOING SOMETHINGS FUN. U R DEFF. NOT FAT. U HAVE GREAT RELATIONSHIPS AND ALWAYS GET GREAT BF'S/GF'S. NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN THOUGH. THERE ARE ASSHOLES IN THE WORLD WHO ARE ALWASY TRYING TO BRING DOWN EVEN THE MOST GREATEST PERSON LIKE U. DONT LET LITTLE THINGS BRING U DOWN, STAND UP FOR YOURSELF. OCTOBER- EVERYBODY SEEMS TO LOVE U. U R FUNNY, GREAT LOOKING, WELL KNOWN, AND VERY NICE. U MAKE FRIENDS EASILY AND ARE NOT AN ASSHOLE. U HATE LAYING AROUND THE HOUSE ALL DAY ESPECIALLY ON THE WEEKENDS. U LOVE TO HAVE A GREAT TIME AND LOVE CHILLIN WITH YOUR FRIENDS. U GET PRACTICALLY EVERYBODY U WANT. U HAVE THE LOOKS AND THE CHARM. PEOPLE ARE OFTEN JEALOUS OF U BUT U CANT HELP IT. U WERE BORN WITH IT. BE CAREFUL THOUGH U DONT WANT YOUR GREAT LIFE TO END SO SOON. DONT LET A GUY/ GIRL BRING U DOWN. LIVE A LITTLE AND LOOK BEYOND THE LITTLE THINGS. NOVEMBER- WOW U R ONE HELL OF A THING. EVERYBODY CANT STOP THINKING ABOUT U. U HAVE THE PERSONALITY, LOOKS, AND THE CHARM TO BE EVERY GUYS/GIRLS DREAM WIFE/HUSBAND. EVERYBODY IS JEALOUS OF U THEY JUST DONT SHOW IT. U HAVE A BUNCH OF FRIENDS WHO LOVE U. U R THE LEADER OF YOUR GROUP AND EVERYBODY COMES TO U FOR ADVICE OR EVEN THE LITTLE THINGS. U GET EVERY GIRL/GUY U WANT. DONT BE SO EASY THOUGH. MAKE YOURSELF MORE OF A CHALLENGE. U WILL COME ACROSS THAT PERFECT PERSON U HAVE BEEN DREAMING FOR. LOOK HARDER AND U WILL FIND THEM. DECEMBER- WELL WELL U R DEFF. THE PERFECT PRESENT FOR ANY GUY/ GIRL. EVERYTHING ABOUT U IS TO DIE FOR. U R VERY NICE AND LOVE TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS. U R POPULAR AND NICE TO PRETTY MUCH EVERYBODY THAT IS Y EVERYBODY LIKES U. U GET THOUGHT OF A LOT BY GUYS/ GIRLS. THEY WANT U BUT BE CAREFUL SOME ARE JUST THERE TO BREAK YOUR HEART SOON U WILL FIND THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE. NEVER GIVE UP .
What is your favourite Irish song mine is the Mountains of Mourne? Oh Mary this London's a wonderful sight with the people here working by day and by night They don't sow potatoes nor barley nor wheat But there's gangs of them digging for gold in the street At least when I asked them that's what I was told So Ijust took a hand at this digging for gold But for aU that I found there I might as well be Where the mountains of mourne sweep down to the sea . I believe that when writing a wish you expressed As to how the fine ladies of London were dressed Well if you believe me, when asked to a ball They don't wear a top on their dresses at all Oh, I've seen them myself, and you couldn't in truth Say ifthey were bound for a ball or a bath. Don't be starting them fashions now Mary Macree Where the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea . I've seen England's king from the top of a bus I never knew him, though he means to know us; And though by the saxon we once were oppressed Still I cheered-God forgive me- I cheered with the rest And now that he's visited Erin's green shore We'll be much better friends than we've heretofore When we've got all we Want we're as quiet as can be Where the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea . You remember young Peter O'Loughlin of course Well now he is here at the head of the force I met him today, I was crossing the strand And he stopped the whole street with one wave of his hand And there we stood talking of days that are gone While the whole population of London looked on, But for all these great powers he's wishful like me To be back where dark Moume sweeps down to the sea. . There's beautiful girls here - Oh, never you mind With beautiful shapes Nature never designed And lovely complexions, all roses and cream But O'Loughlin remarked with regard to the same, That if at those roses you venture to sip The colours might all come away on your lip So I'll wait for the wild rose that's waiting for me Where the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea
Can someone interpret this tarot spread please? Queen of Swords Briefly: Her future lies in learning to trust others again. In Detail... Physically usually (though not always) tall and/or slender woman. Quite often has dark hair. Refined appearance and conservative in dress most of the time. Gracious manner. She prefers sophisticated clothing. Personality is cautious and clever. Can be cunning, destructive and manipulative. She is often aloof and distant. She keeps her distance and puts up barriers around herself. She displays an air of unemotional responses. She may appear hard, selfish and self-controlled. Beneath her facade she hides much previous emotional pain and/or hardship. She has learnt how to survive. She is a woman alone. She is either a widow, divorced, a spinster or without a loving partner. She may have spent a long time on her own and keeps up her defences and her sword drawn to protect her at all times. She has a fondness for red roses. She looks good in black clothing. She likes to wear expensive or perhaps antique and conservative jewellery most of the time, though sometimes she wears some bold jewels. She knows she would or could be seduced if she lets her guard down. She is not a social butterfly. She can seem to be unforgiving in some circumstances, but this is her self-defence mechanism being activated to avoid feeling pain and disturbing emotional reactions. She cries in her sleep, and little elsewhere. She feels more in control if she can avoid having too deep feelings for anyone, lest they puncture her heart and give her reason to despair. She can become big hearted if in the right company and circumstances and when she feels safe and secure. There is hope for her and she is wise enough to know it. She is symbolic of the rose, seductive and potentially dangerous, capable of cutting the skin and making it bleed, yet the soft velvety petals can blossom into the most beautiful arrangement and captivate your heart. She is wistful and reflective, serious yet sensuous, yet always alert. She is capable of being the Goddess or the crucifier. Occupations suited to her would be the head of a company or large organisation. Also she would make a great surgeon, doctor, police officer, dentist or anything that involves the use of sharp items or weapons. She would make a good soldier, warrior, fighter or leader of a revolution. She knows only one truth, her own. Her future lies in learning to trust others again. She has been severely betrayed in the past by women and men alike. She may need to take a leaf out of the book of the Queen of Cups, who is more giving, loving and affectionate. She could have a love relationship but only if total trust exists. There is no room for dishonesty or lies. If she is betrayed, she severs her relationships completely and irrevocably and never goes back. Friends are cast off and not seen again should they make the mistake to betray or abuse her. Her goodwill only stretches so far and behind that she may lose some of her sense of compassion, knowing that others should learn to be more self-reliant, like herself. She may go to the extreme of cutting off her husband's head, should he betray or deceive her. Querent's card. If this is you, then you may be being called to meet the challenge of your strengths and you will meet this head on regardless of whether this produces success or failure. Even in failure, you will learn where you went wrong and this is the ultimate lesson. If you are not the querent and this card appears, I suggest that you make an ally of this woman, because she can be a powerful opponent if you should cross her. She is loyal and steadfast to those she gets close to, just don't mess with her, because you will wish you hadn't. Your World - Your Focus What surrounds you currently, how others view you, where you are both mentally and spiritually. Queen of Pentacles Briefly: You are on your way to fame and fortune. In Detail... The picture on this card shows a beautiful woman wearing lovely clothes and a crown on her head, placed on top of lovely beaded headwear. She holds in front of her a large pentacle and her hands are slim and well manicured. She wears a special ring, which has a large oval stone set in it, which is possibly a ruby. There are mountains in the background, similar to those in Hawaii. There is foliage around her and nuts growing on these. Generally she has blue eyes, though could have any eye colour. If you are this person, you are on your way to fame and fortune. You may come into a windfall, marry well, or somehow stumble upon a unique way to increase your income. You will be well liked by your friends and loved by your family and husband. You are serious, yet vulnerable. You are calm, yet can be set back by those who stir conflict around you. The comforts of life are important, more so for your own peace within your own mind knowing that you have what you need. If you are not this woman, then you will meet someone like her who supports you in many and varied ways. If you are a female, this woman will become your most ardent fan and friend. If you are a male, this woman may become your lover or your wife. Cherish her, for she is loyal and affectionate and has your best interests at heart. Your Lovers World - Their Focus What surrounds your Lover currently, how others view them, where they are both mentally and spiritually. Eight of Wands Briefly: A new love is coming into your life and very swiftly at that. In Detail... This card has a picture of eight wands running right across it. For some this can mean that a new love is coming into your life and very swiftly at that. It brings things quickly into focus and gives you the opportunity to seize a brilliant opportunity or improve your life in some way. You could also be about to move to a more tranquil setting in either your home life or the location or your work. A river or other picturesque scene may be part of your new environment, or you may meet someone special in just such a location. If you are planning a pregnancy, now may be your most fertile time. The energy of the season of Spring may make you feel inspired to be especially creative. Nature of your Issues together Either past influences or current what surrounds you both. The Chariot Briefly: Travel awaits you. Should the other travel card, the six of swords also be in your card layout, then this is an indicator that you are to move across new ground, or maybe even purchase a mode of travel such as a car. In Detail... Generally speaking this card depicts some kind of travel. Should the other travel card, the six of swords also be in your card layout, then this is an indicator that you are to move across new ground. However, even by itself, as this is a major arcana card, travel is still a strong possibility. You may travel quite a distance and your goal is to get there, by whatever means you can find, even horseback if necessary. This can also mean that someone is coming from a long distance towards you. For some people this can represent getting a new mode of transport, such as buying your first car, or buying a new car or bike or whatever. The emphasis is on getting to your destination by the quickest route available. This card too is about choices. You may have to make a major decision around this time that will alter your circumstances quite dramatically. Do not resist change for that will disrupt the natural flow of events that are waiting to unfold for you. Also I have seen this card manifest in matters to do with re-decorating the home. Sometimes it is just new curtains or cushions, however the aim is to bring comfort into the home. Obstacles to overcome Areas that need to be illuminated, places that need to be worked through. Ace of Swords Briefly: Broaden your horizons and make sweeping changes. Your future is about to move ahead in many and varied ways. In Detail... When you draw this card, you are being given the urge to broaden your horizons and make sweeping changes. Your future is about to move ahead in many and varied ways. This card cuts aside those things and people that you no longer need or are relevant to your life. This can also too be a fertility card, so if you are seeking to bring a new baby into the world, this can help to manifest it. It is possible that you may feel like making a new beginning in your life and starting over. You could move house, change jobs, get married or have a new baby arrive. Whichever you choose, it will be a welcome change and one that will require additional energy on your part, however you will more than adequately meet the new challenge. Physically, it could mean that an operation is imminent, and that your health is undergoing some changes. It is possible that something has to be removed, whether that be a tooth or other body part, and it may be replaced with an artificial part. This gives the ability to recover quickly and to get on with the rest of your life. You may also be undergong major psychological changes where you are feeling more confident and outgoing. You may start becoming more ambitious or self-motivated and ready to take on new challenges and dare to do more than you have ever done before. Luck is on your side. Lessons & Signs to watch for The Divine Universal watch tower! Signs to signal their impending arrival, areas that need illuminating... only you will know that which needs to be seen. Three of Wands Briefly: The seeker of knowledge and truth. He searches until he finds what he is looking for. In Detail... This card depicts a man with his back to us though revealing part of his face as he looks out over the hillside. He holds a wand in his hand which has three leaves sprouting from it signifying growth and abundance. In front of him is another wand and behind him the third wand. He is contemplating his future and possibly the journey ahead of him. In the distance are mountains with high peaks. It appears to be an almost barren environment, warm and dry. However he has with him the symbols of growth and can plant wherever he sees fit. He wants to settle down, but must first wander and roam until he finds his true home. This card too is the seeker of knowledge and truth. He searches until he finds what he is looking for. Your Hopes, Fears, Desires What is it that your soul really wants and needs. The Sun Briefly: There is also the possibility, for those who desire a child, that a pregnancy is imminent. Any new business venture also has the signs of success written on it, so proceed with confidence that all will be well. In Detail... This card depicts the Sun and in the front of this are a male and a female looking deep into each others eyes. There are sunflowers on the card, some greenery and a wall in the background. Often this card symbolises Summer or is associated with the sing of Leo. Perhaps an important event will occur around your own Summer month or during the one month time span of Leo which is from July 23 up to August 22. For some this can mean a very special relationship on the horizon, and one that may very well lead to marriage, this will be a successful union and bring much happiness into both people's lives. There is also the possibility, for those who desire a child, that a pregnancy is imminent. Any new business venture also has the signs of success written on it, so proceed with confidence that all will be well. Also a distinct possibility is a trip to a warm location in the near future. Your Lovers Hopes, Fears, Desires What is it that your lovers soul really thirsts for? King of Swords Briefly: Now is the time to make a clean break with what you have been doing up until now. In Detail... Physically he is usually tall and relatively slim. Sometimes bearded and with piercing eyes, either blue or black. He sometimes gives an austere appearance. He may look like he doesn't smile too often. He may not age well and could tend to look rather weathered or older than he actually is, even at a young age. Mostly he would have dark hair. Conservative in attire most of the time. Serious manner in appearance and clothing. Personality: Can be abrasive, tactless and have a harsh attitude towards life and his efforts for survival. He may have fought various battles, personal or in times of war, that have left him feeling empty and scarred. He may even have a physical scar on his face or hands. He tends to treat people abrubtly, as if they annoy him just by their presence. He is serious and often secretive. Often, what he doesn't say, says it all. His look can condemn. He likes to be in charge and in control of his life and his environment. He is generally in business suits or a uniform of some type. He appreciates the discipline of keeping up appearances and likes his boots polished very well. He may actually collect old relics or swords as a hobby and enjoy cleaning and polishing them and putting them on display in his home. He is generally tidy by nature, methodical and despising clutter and useless items. He believes that life is meant to involve hard work and he would not like to be unemployed at any time, as he likes the structures of time and discipline in his well-ordered life. He would appreciate a good steak. He dislikes waste and frivolity. He has the gift of intelligence, commonsense and foresight. He likes to have well-defined plans and goals. He is a stickler for rules and doing his duty. He is a born leader. He appreciates time. He is capable of being the instructor. Occupations suited to him would be the head of a company or large organisation. Also he would make a great surgeon, doctor, police officer, dentist or anything that involves the use of sharp items or weapons. He would make a good soldier, warrior, fighter or leader of a revolution. His future lies in being more open to others if he is to feel fulfilled at the end of his life. He could fall in love again, or renew his vows with his wife if already married. He is faithful though observant of the beauty of women. He especially admires women of grace and good manners. He is as vulnerable as the next man, but rarely shows it. He will have a relationship if she shows enough direct interest in him. Querent's card. If this is you, now is the time to make a clean break with what you have been doing up until now. Sever the past and start anew. You can heed the challenge. You are brave and can face anything the future holds. Just say yes! If you are not the querent and this card appears, I suggest that you allow this person to be themselves. Do not stand in this man's way, he will rollercoaster over you without even noticing you were stood there in the first place. He can be the most sincerest friend, only after you have proven your friendship to him, never before. What Challenges your Relationship Areas that require awareness and attention. The Tower Briefly: For some people this can mean a radical change in their lives that was unexpected. It can be major house move, change of location to a totally different area or country, a divorce, or other sudden development which means you have to adapt to the ever changing forces around you. In Detail... This is an awesome card to look at. There is a picture of a tower and in the background is a storm and lightening. There are dark clouds and the sea leaps up around the building. There are people leaping from the windows to escape the blazing inferno. For some people this can mean a radical change in their lives that was unexpected. It can be major house move, change of location to a totally different area or country, a divorce, or other sudden development which means you have to adapt to the ever changing forces around you. Sometimes if means that a radical overhaul of your life is needed to put things into a different perspective for you. You may have been in a rut or felt unable to make new changes, and the energy of this card shows that somehow an event will occur that gives you the opportunity to do just that. If some disaster does strike that you have difficulty coping with, be aware that for some reason there is a lesson or a message in the experience for you to learn from. If a relationship ends around this time, take heed that this was meant to be, and that your resistance to move with the ever changing tide will be made more difficult if you do not adapt. It will be easier on yourself if you can remain flexible and ready to do whatever you have to do when the time comes. The Final Outcome The Final Card, the outcome of it all, the future of your relationship. Page of Cups Briefly: Time to discover some new career direction that will lead you towards prosperity. In Detail... The picture on this card is of a youngish person, who is often male, though this can indicate a female. He is colourfully dressed and wears a hat and some plumage in it. He carries some red flowers, and a cup with a fish jumping about in it. He looks content and yet very innocent. He could be about to embark on a new career or had just graduated from college, university or from law school. He is clean shaven, either blue or black eyes and has lovely sleek hair. He loves to wear bright coloured clothing which reflects his warmth and compassion for others. If you draw this card and the person is yourself, you may discover some new career direction that will lead you towards prosperity. If it is someone else, they could become very important to you, either by becoming your new best friend, or your lover or husband/wife. This person is also highly sensitive and should therefore only mix with people who are positive and enthusiastic. There may also be some special occasion coming up where you have to put on your best threads. Hi Pam, thank you, that was very accurate!! I had a tarot spread online and didn't know how to interpret it, but you did very accurately. My desire is love and sincerity, but he seems to want dominance. Can this be resolved? the 8 of wands describes his studies - he is busy in grad sch. and queen of swords (first card) describes me, yes. the chariot shows he is overseas! Amazing. And yes, I agree with the tower and the ace of swords. There' egos and power struggles here, but I don't know when I could talk to him - when I try he avoids it. he seems to want to be in control but i don't want to be controlled. I was thinking it's not what I want but I don't know how to resolve it..
Need a song identifying? I need to know a song/tune that was played quite a lot on UK TV documentaries and some other programmes. It sounds like a foreign language. I can't make out any words as such. It starts of quietly with a bit of a beat and gets louder. then some people start to sing what sounds like (bear with me on this) ooooaaaaooooh, aah aah eeh aahh oooh. I know it's really stupid but I don't know how else to put it. In the middle section it gets quite a dancey beat going before finishing off like the beginning. I'm sure I've left myself open for some major piss taking but as they say, "nothing ventured nothing gained" this song is from about 4 or 5 years ago or maybe more. It's not Adiemus or Hoppipola or Muse or Sigur Ros and It's not, Chicane "Salt Water" either. The tune is a lot slower and more laid back and sort of gives the feeling of the south sea's. Used a lot on documentaries with water and sea type stuff. Very sort of full sounding with several voices in harmony very relaxing and atmospheric. Very difficult to describe. Must have been a hit 4 or 5 years ago.
10pts best answer..help editing!!!!!!!!!!!!? I steadily climbed the stairs, gripping the arm rail as I made my way to the coffee house door. The smell of percolating coffee tickled my nose and dared me to venture further inside. For a second, just before I entered the small building, every single particle of my being screamed for me to turn around and go back home, but I was made for this moment ,finally I was in the company of other poets. With my poem in hand I made my way across the room and over to he large table that everyone seem to be gathering at. “1,2,,3" a man yelled as he pointed at the two people before me and myself. “ you three will be up first he said into what must have been our confused faces.. He walked us to the stage, handed the first girl the mic and murmured something that resembled good luck. My eyes danced around the compact room with anticipation as I watched the restless crowd expand with newcomers every minute. The crowd was like a garden seeded by a mad gardener with a profusion of different colors, textures and sizes. My heart beat out the final minutes to 7 o’clock when we were advised to start. The tension and excitement made me feel faint with a strong desire to flee to the cooler air of the night, but mastering my urges I remained. As the first girl’s poem began to come to a close and the next girl reached for the microphone my heart began to speed up. I could feel it in my ears and I was pretty sure that everyone within a few feet of me was aware of the loud thumping. "And our second reader of the night...bellowed the emcee “is Jackie”. Hearing these words caused overwhelming sensations inside of me. My heart began to flutter, my stomach began to churn and my mouth seemed to dry up. I was next. As quickly as Jackie started , within seconds she was finished. Seconds dragged by like hours as I made my way across the room. I thought that I would never make it up to that podium. As I waited for the host to instruct the lighting team, I looked out into the audience for what seemed to be the hundredth time. A sea of curious eyes all stared back at me. As the lights finally began to dim, I thought to myself, "This is it”.
yups another "would you rather" .... :)? sorry they're fun :) mk would you rather live 100 mediocre years, or 1 amazing one? be in a coma for 30 years or die? make it to the top of mount everest or venture the Ijuazu Waterfalls in Brazil and Argentina sit on a horses back for 2 days straight, no getting up, or sit in a desk (those really uncomfortable ones at school!!) for 2 days straight (assuming you had all your "nescessites" taken care of! be a city girl spending a week in the middle of the Canadian wilderness, or a country gal spending a week in the jungle of New York New York? travel by sea in a 17 century Spanish vessal, or travel by air in the 3rd (working) airplane ever made? think hard on these..... :)
The Beginning of the Call? Just save it ? read it ? The Beginning of the Call -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This chapter will present a brief account of the life of the Messenger of Allah (Allah's blessings and peace be upon him and the people of his household) from the time of his call until his migration to Medina. It will indicate the time when he was commanded to fight, and will present some of the signs and miracles which were wrought at his hands during that period. It consists of eight sections. The Beginning Of His Call 'Ali ibn Ibrahim [al-Qummi, who is one of our most respected traditionists, related that when the Prophet was thirty-seven years of age, a person used to come to him in his dreams, addressing him and saying: "O Apostle of Allah ! ", but he used to ignore this. After a long time had passed, and as he was among the hills grazing the sheep of his uncle Abu Talib, he saw and heard a person addressing him: "O Messenger of Allah ! " He asked: "Who are you?" "I am Gabriel", the person answered; "Allah has sent me to you so that He may take you for a messenger." The Messenger of Allah told Khadijah of what happened. Khadijah had already been informed of the accounts of the Jews and Bahira', and what Muhammad's mother Aminah had also recounted. Thus, she answered: "O Muhammad, I do hope that it is true!" The Prophet used to hide all this, until one day Gabriel came to him with heavenly water and said: "O Muhammad, rise and perform your ablutions for prayers! " Gabriel taught him the ablutions - washing the face and the two hands from the elbows down, rubbing the head and the two feet to the two heels. He also taught him prostration (sujud) and kneeling (ruku'). When the Prophet attained his fortieth year, Gabriel commanded him to perform the prayers and taught him their rites, except their prescribed times. The Messenger of Allah used to pray two rak`ahs every time he prayed. 'Ali ibn Abi Talib was very much attached to the Prophet, accompanying him wherever he went. One day he saw him praying. He asked: "O Abu 'l-Qasim, what is this that you are doing?" The Prophet answered: "It is the prayer which Allah commanded me to perform." He then called 'Ali to Islam; he accepted, and used to pray with him. Khadijah also entered into Islam. Thus at that time only the Messenger of Allah, 'Ali and Khadijah used to pray. After a few days, Abu Talib came in to see the Messenger of Allah, accompanied by Ja'far (the Prophet's cousin). He saw the Prophet and `Ali standing beside him in prayer. Abu Talib said to Ja'far, "Stand by the side of your cousin." As he stood at the other side of the Prophet, the Messenger of Allah stepped forward and stood in front of the two men (as prayer leader). Seeing them, Abu Talib recited the following verses: In truth, Ali and Ja`far are my trust, In times of hardship and sorrow. By Allah, I shall never abandon the Prophet, Nor would any of my sons of high birth abandon him - Do not abandon, but rather support your cousin, The son of my brother from my mother as well as my father. Al-Qummi related further that the Prophet used to trade for Khadijah before he married her. When he was working for her, she sent him with a caravan belonging to the people of Quraysh to Syria. He was accompanied by a servant of hers called Maysarah. They encamped one day beneath a hermitage belonging to one of the monks living in the area. The monk came down from his cell and looked intently at the Messenger of Allah. He then asked: "Who is this man?" The people answered: "He is the son of `Abdu'l-Muttalib." The monk retorted: "His father could not be alive." Then looking at his eyes and between his shoulders, he exclaimed: "This is the Prophet of the people! This is the Prophet sent with the sword!" When Maysarah returned, he told Khadijah what happened and what had convinced her to offer herself to the Prophet in marriage. Khadijah gained a thousand dinars from that caravan. One day the Prophet went into a market of the Arabs where he saw Zayd [ibn al-Harithah]. Zayd was a smart youth; the Prophet thus bought him for Khadijah. When, however, the Prophet married her, she gave him Zayd as a gift. When the Messenger of Allah received the call to Prophethood, and 'Ali accepted Islam, Zayd also became a Muslim after him. Thus `Ali, Ja'far, Zayd and Khadijah used to pray behind the Messenger of Allah. Ash-Shaykh Abu Bakr Ahmad ibn al-Hasan al-Bayhaqi reported in his book Dala'ilu'n-Nubuwwah on the authority of `Ali, who said: "We were with the Messenger of Allah in Mecca when he went out into its suburbs. He did not pass by a tree or mountain but that it met him with the greeting `Peace be upon you O Apostle of Allah.' " [31] It is reported that 'Ali said: "I remember when I used to go with the Prophet into the valley, how he did not pass by a stone or tree but that it exclaimed, `Peace be upon you O Apostle of Allah', while I stood and listened." A man called `Afif [al-Kindi] related that, "I was a merchant; I came to Mina one day during the hajj (pilgrimage) season. al-`Abbas ibn `Abdi'l-Muttalib was also a merchant. I therefore came to trade with him.. As we were thus occupied, a man came out of a tent to pray: He faced the Ka'bah, and soon a woman came out and likewise stood in prayer. A youth also came out to pray with them. I exclaimed, `O `Abbas, what is this religion? We do not know what this religion is.' He answered, `This is Muhammad ibn `Abdillah, who claims that Allah called him to be a messenger, and that the treasures of Kisra (Khusraw, the Sasanid Persian Emperor) and Qaysar (Caesar, the Byzantine Emperor) will be opened for him. This is his wife Khadijah, daughter of Khuwaylid, who has believed in him. The youth is his cousin 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, who also believed in him.' " `Afif then concluded: "Would that I had believed in him on that day so that I would have been the second man to follow him." Ibn Ishaq reported that when the Prophet came out of the tent he looked at the sky, and when he saw the sun had inclined, he rose up to pray. Ibn Ishaq also mentioned Khadijah's standing in prayer behind him. It is related on the authority of Mujahid ibn Jabr ( a well-known Qur'an interpreter and traditionist), who said: "Among the favors which Allah bestowed upon 'Ali ibn Abi Talib and the great good He willed for him, was this: The people of Quraysh suffered a great shortage of food. Abu Talib had many children. Thus the Messenger of Allah said one day to his uncle `Abbas, who was one of the wealthiest men among the sons of Hashim, `O `Abbas, your brother Abu Talib is a man with many children, and you can see for yourself how people are suffering as a result of this crisis. Come let us go and relieve him and his children.' They thus went to him and discussed the matter. He answered: `Leave `Aqil (a brother of 'Ali) .and take whomever you wish.' The Messenger of Allah took . 'Ali into his home, and `Ali remained with the Messenger of Allah until Allah called him to be a prophet. `Ali then followed him, believed in him and assented to him." 'Ali ibn Ibrahim [al-Qummi] related that three years after this, Allah revealed to the Apostle of Allah: Declare openly what you have been commanded and be not concerned with the Associators [Quran S : 94] . The Messenger of Allah therefore went out, stood up at al-Hijr [that space which encompasses the Ka'bah on the north] and proclaimed: "O people of Quraysh and you Arab people, I call you all to the worship of Allah alone, and call you to reject all partners with Him, and all idols. I call you all to bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that I am the Messenger of Allah. Heed my call that you may through it have dominion over all the Arabs. Through it also would non-Arabs submit to your authority. Through it you would be kings in Paradise." But they mocked and laughed at him, exclaiming: "Muhammad son of `Abdullah has gone mad!" They caused him much hurt with their tongues. Abu Talib asked: "O son of my brother, what is this?" He answered: "Uncle, this is Allah's religion which He chose for His angels and prophets. It is the religion of Abraham and the prophets after him. Allah has sent me also as a messenger to humankind." Abu Talib said: "O son of my brother, surely your people will not accept this from you! Desist, therefore, from proclaiming it to them." "I shall not do so", the Prophet answered, "because Allah has commanded me to call (people to Islam)." Thus, Abu Talib left him alone. The Messenger of Allah intensified his effort in calling the people and warning them at all times. Those among the People of the Book who heard the news accepted Islam. When, however, the people of Quraysh saw people entering Islam, they were alarmed. They thus went to Abu Talib and demanded: "Restrain your nephew from us, for he has declared our mind to be foolish, and has insulted our gods! He has corrupted our youths, and has dissolved our unity!" Abu Talib then called him and said: "O my brother's son, the people have come to me asking that you desist from insulting their gods." The Prophet answered: "O uncle, I cannot disobey the command of my Lord." Thus he used to call them and warn them of the impending divine punishment. The people of Quraysh gathered in assembly and enquired: "To what does Muhammad call us?" He answered: "I call you to bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and to reject all associates with Him." They protested: "Shall we then abandon three hundred and sixty gods and worship only one God?" Thus Allah mentions in the Qur'an their saying: They marvel that a warner from among them came to them, and the rejecters of faith said, "He is a magician, a liar. Does he wish to render all gods one? This, indeed is a strange thing". . ., and so on to His saying, No! But they have not yet tasted the torment [Qur'an 38: 4 - 8] . The people then came together to Abu Talib and said: "O Abu Talib, if poverty is the cause of your nephew's action, then we will gather so much wealth for him that he would be the wealthiest man of Quraysh." Abu Talib called him and informed him of their offer. The Messenger of Allah, however, said: "Uncle, I have no need of wealth! Heed my call, so that you may be kings in this world and in the world to come! Then will both Arabs and non-Arabs submit to your authority." They dispersed, but soon returned to Abu Talib and said: "O Abu Talib, you are one of our foremost notables! You see that your nephew has declared us to be of foolish mind. He has cursed our gods and dissolve our unity! Let us give you `Umarah ibn al-Walid, the most handsome and bright youth of Quraysh, the freshest youth and the noblest of lineage to be your son - on condition that you turn over Muhammad to us that we may kill him." He answered: "You have not dealt justly with me! Would you give me your son that I may bring him up, and yet take my son to kill him?" Finally, despairing of convincing him, they desisted. Al-Hafiz (al-Bayhaqi) related in his book Dala'ilu'n-Nubuwwah on the authority of Ibrahim ibn Muhammad ibn Talhah, that Talhah ibn `Ubaydillah said: "I was present one day at the market of Busra, where I heard a monk who lived in a cell say: `Enquire of the people of this fair if there is anyone among them of the people of the Sanctuary (that is, Mecca).' I replied: `Yes, I am.' He asked: `Has Ahmad come forth yet?' `Who is Ahmad?' I asked. He replied: `The son of `Abdullah ibn `Abdi 'l-Muttalib. This is the month in which he should come forth. He is the last of the prophets. The place of his appearance is the Sanctuary, and that of his migration is a place of date-palms and black stones (that is, Medina). Beware lest anyone accept him before you do.' " Talhah continued: "I kept what he said in my heart, and .hastened to Mecca. I enquired if anything unusual had happened, and was told that, 'Muhammad ibn `Abdillah al-Amin has declared himself a prophet. Ibn Abi Quhafah (that is, Abu Bakr) has followed him.' I thus went to Abu Bakr and said: `Have you really become a follower of this man?' `Yes', he answered. `You too go to him and follow him, for he invites men to the truth.' " Talhah then told Abu Bakr what the monk had said. Abu. Bakr took Talhah to the Apostle of Allah, whereupon Talhah became a Muslim. He told the Messenger of Allah what the monk had said, which gladdened the Apostle of Allah. [32] When both Abu Bakr and Talhah had accepted Islam, a man called Nawfal ibn Khuwaylid ibn al-`Adawiyyah took them and tied them together with one rope. The people of Taym (the tribe to which Abu Bakr belonged) did not protect them. Nawfal ibn Khuwaylid was known as the harshest man of the Quraysh. The Quraysh Admit The Miraculous Qualities Of The Qur'an The Messenger of Allah never ceased to insult the gods of the Associators, nor did he cease reciting the Qur'an to them. But they used to say: "This is only the poetry of Muhammad." Some of them also said: "It is rather oratory discourse." There was an old man called al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah who was a judge among the Arabs, whom they brought difficult cases. They likewise used to recite their poems to him in order that he might judge among them. Whatever he judged to be good, that was chosen by all. He had many sons, who never left Mecca. He also possessed ten slaves, every one of whom had one thousand dinars to use as capital in trade. At that time he alone owned a qintar, [the skin of a bull filled with gold]. al-Walid was one of those who mocked the Messenger of Allah and he was the uncle of Abu Jahl ibn Hisham. The people went to al-Walid and asked: "O Abu `Abd ash-Shams, what is this which Muhammad is uttering? Is it magic, soothsaying, or oratory?" He replied: "Let me hear his words." He thus came to the Messenger of Allah while he was sitting in the Ka'bah and said: "O Muhammad, recite for me some of your poetry! " He answered: "It is not poetry, but rather the word of Allah, with which He sent His prophets and apostles." al-Walid insisted: "Recite some of it to me." The Messenger of Allah then recited: "In the name of Allah, the All-merciful, the Compassionate. " When al-Walid heard the name ar-Rahman (the All-merciful), he mockingly said: "Do you call us to follow a man of Yamamah who is called ar-Rahman?" The Prophet answered: "No, rather I call men to Allah, Who is the All-merciful, the Compassionate." He then recited the beginning of "Ha mim: as-Sajdah ", (Surah 41) until he reached verse (13) But if they turn back, say: "I have warned you of a great catastrophe like the catastrophe of Ad and Thamud. " When al-Walid heard this, he trembled and every hair on his head and in his beard stood on end. He then rose and went to his home, and did not return to the people of Quraysh. The people said to Abu Jahl, "O Abu 'l-Hakam, (that is, al-Walid) has abandoned his religion for the religion of Muhammad! Do you not see that he has not returned to us? He must have, therefore, accepted his claim and gone to his home." The people of Quraysh became exceedingly saddened by this. Abu Jahl went to al-Walid the next day and said: "O uncle, you have brought low our heads and disgraced us!" He answered: "How have I done that, O son of my brother?" "Have you turned to the religion of Muhammad?" he asked. "No", answered al-Walid, "I did not do so. Rather, I stand by the religion of my people and my forefathers. I have, however, heard great words which cause skins to shudder." Abu Jahl asked: "Is it poetry?" "No, it is not poetry", answered his uncle. Abu Jahl asked further: "Is it oratory discourse?" al-Walid answered: "No, for oratory discourse is of connected rhymed prose; yet this is free prose whose different parts do not resemble one another. It is possessed of great beauty." Abu Jahl insisted: "So it is oratory." "No", answered his uncle. Abu Jahl asked: "What is it then?" al-Walid said: "Let me think about it for a while." The next day, the people asked al-Walid: "O Abu `Abd ash-Shams, what do you say?" He answered: "Say it is magic, for it has truly attracted the hearts of the people." Thus, Allah sent down concerning him in the Qur'an - Leave me to deal with him whom I have alone created, and whom I have granted great wealth and sons, constantly present with him . . . and so on to Allah's saying: Over it (that is, Hell) stand nineteen (angels) [Qur.74:11-30]. In a tradition related by Hammad ibn Zayd on the authority of `Ikrimah (a slave and pupil of Ibn `Abb5s and a well-known traditionist), he reported that al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah came to the Messenger of Allah and asked him to recite some verses of the Qur'an. He recited: "Allah surely commands justice and doing good, and giving (of one's wealth) to near relatives. He likewise forbids lewdness, indecency and insolence. He thus admonishes you, that perhaps you may remember" [Qur'an. 16:90] . al-Walid said: "Recite the verse once more!" He did, and al-Walid exclaimed: "By Allah, it indeed is possessed of great sweetness and adorned with great beauty. Its top is indeed fruitful, and its bottom is like a palm-tree laden with fruits! Nor can any mortal utter such speech." How Allah Protected Muhammad Against The Mockers It is related that those who mocked the Messenger of Allah were five: al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah, al-`As ibn Wail as-Sahmi, al-Aswad ibn al-Muttalib, who was also known as Abu Zama'ah, al-Aswad ibn `Abd Yaghuth of the tribe of Zuhrah and al-Harith ibn at-Tulatilah al-Khuza`i. It is said that al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah passed one day by the Messenger of Allah, while the angel Gabriel was with him. Gabriel addressed the Prophet, saying: "Here comes al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah, who is one of the mockers." "Yes", he answered. Then al-Walid passed by a man of the tribe of Khuza'ah, sharpening his arrows at the door of the mosque. He accidentally stepped on some of them, a silver went into the bottom of his foot, and blood gushed out. Gabriel pointed to that spot, and blood continued to flow until it stained the bed of his daughter. Frightened, the girl cried out: "O maid, the mouth of the water skin has come untied! " "This is not the water of the water skin", said al-Walid, "it is the blood of your father. Call together for me my sons and the sons of my brother, for I am about to die." When they all gathered, he made his will, and immediately breathed his last. Al-Aswad ibn al-Muttalib passed one day by the Messenger of Allah. Gabriel pointed to his eyes and he became blind, and soon after died. al-Aswad ibn `Abd Yaghuth also passed by the Prophet one day; Gabriel pointed to his stomach, and he drank so much water that his belly swelled until it burst. al-`As ibn Wail passed also by the Prophet, and Gabriel pointed to his foot. Soon a splinter went into the bottom of his foot and came out of the top. His foot swelled up, and soon he died. at-Tulatilah passed by the Prophet, and Gabriel spat in his face. The man then went out into the Tihamah mountains (in the vicinity of Mecca), where he was hit by a burning sand storm. He was burnt and turned black. When he returned home. his family would not let him in, saying, "You are not of this family." He went away and was afflicted with great thirst. He thus drank until his stomach burst, and he died. All this happened in fulfilment of Allah's saying: We have surely protected you against the mockers [Qur'an. 15:95]. The Migration To Abyssinia And An-Naiashi's Assent To Muhammad's Prophethood When the people of Quraysh intensified their harsh treatment of the Messenger of Allah and his Companions, he ordered some of his Companions to migrate to Abyssinia. He delegated Ja'far son of Abu Talib to take charge of them, and he set out with seventy men until they took to sea. When the people of Quraysh knew of their departure, they sent `Amr ibn al-`As as-Sahmi and `Umarah ibn al-Walid to an-Najashi (Negus) .of Abyssinia, requesting him to return the men to the people of Quraysh. They were also instructed to tell the King that these men had gone against the wishes and traditions of their people. `Umarah was a handsome and wealthy man. `Amr ibn al`As set out with his wife. When they boarded the ship, they became intoxicated with wine. `Umarah then said to `Amr ibn al-`As : "Tell your wife to kiss me!" The latter answered: "Glorified be Allah! Is this possible?" `Umarah waited until `Amr got drunk, then he pushed him overboard. `Amr was on the edge of the ship; thus he held on to the edge, and people rushed to his rescue. When `Amr saw what `Umarah had done to him, he said to his wife, "Kiss him! ", which she did. When they reached Abyssinia, they went straight to an-Najashi bearing presents for him. `Amr addressed him saying: "O King, these people have gone against our religion and sought refuge with you. Return them, therefore, to us! " The King sent for Ja'far and said to him: "These men are requesting that I return you all to them." He answered: "O King, ask them, are we their slaves?" "No", answered `Amr, "rather they are free and noble men." "Ask them," Ja'far continued, "do we then owe them debts which they have come to claim from us?" `Amr answered: "They owe us no debts which we have come to claim." Ja'far continued: "Have they come then to avenge any blood of theirs that we had wrongfully shed?" `Amr answered: "They have shed no blood for which we come to exact vengeance or blood money." Ja'far asked: "What then do you want from us?" `Amr said: "They have opposed us in our religion and the religion of our forefathers and insulted our gods. They have corrupted our youths and spread dissension among us. Return them to us, therefore, that our unity might be restored." Ja'far then addressed the King saying: "O King, we have opposed them in order to follow a prophet whom Allah has raised among us. He commands us to repudiate equals to Allah, and that we abandon chance games by means of arrows. He enjoins prayers and almsgiving upon us. He has prohibited wrongdoing, oppression and the unlawful shedding of blood. He has prohibited adultery, usury, and eating the flesh of dead animals which have not been properly slaughtered, as well as eating blood. He has enjoined decency and good works upon us, and that we show kindness to near relatives. He forbids grave immorality, indecency and insolence." The King said: "It is with such (teachings) that Allah also sent Jesus son of Mary! " Then addressing Ja`far, he continued: "Do you know by heart any of the revelations which Allah sent down to your prophet?" "Yes", he answered. "Recite then! " the King demanded. Ja'far recited the Surah of Maryam (Surah 19). When he reached the words - Shake down towards you the branch of the palm-tree, and it shall drop down before you ripened dates ready to be picked. Eat and drink, therefore, and be of good cheer [Qur'an. 19 : 25 - 26 ] - an-Najashi wept and exclaimed: "By Allah this is the truth!" `Amr protested: "O King, this man has abandoned our religion; give him to us that we may take him back to our country! " an-Najashi lifted his hand and slapped him saying: "If you utter any evil against him, I will kill you!" `Amr finally said: "O King, if this is what you say, then we shall not interfere with him." A young maid stood by an-Najashi keeping flies away from him. She kept her eyes on `Umarah ibn al-Walid, as he was a handsome young man. When they went to their lodgings, `Amr said to him: "Why do you not send a message to the King's maid?" `Umarah sent a message to her, and she answered him. `Amr said: "Tell her to bring you with her some of the King's perfumes. She did so, and `Amr ibn al`As took the perfume. He had kept in his heart what `Umarah had done to him when he attempted to throw him overboard. Thus, he took the perfume and went to an-Najashi, and said to him: "O King, it is fitting that we take cognition of the King's honour and magnanimity toward us, and that we do not betray him in his own realm. Yet, my companion who is with me has sent messages to your maid and tempted her. She even brought him some of your perfumes." He then showed the King the perfume. an-Najashi was exceedingly angry and was about to kill `Umarah. But he changed his mind and said: "It is not right that I kill him, for they entered our realm under a pledge of protection." He thus called his magicians and said to them: "Do something to him that would be worse than death! " They took him and injected mercury into his generative organ. He lost his mind, so that he lived with the wild beasts and shunned human company. [33] The people of Quraysh sent men to bring `Umarah back home. The men lay in wait for him until he came with wild beasts to drink at a spring. Thus they caught him, but he continued to struggle and scream in their hands until he expired. `Amr, however, returned to the people of Quraysh and recounted to them his story. As for Ja'far, he remained in Abyssinia enjoying the best of hospitality and honour. He remained there until he heard that the Messenger of Allah had established a truce with the people of Quraysh and that peace had prevailed between them and the Muslims. He then returned with a large company of people. He arrived to find that the Messenger of Allah had conquered Khaybar (a Jewish settlement near Medina). A son was born to Ja'far by Asma', daughter of `Umays. an-Najashi also had a son, whom he called Muhammad. Asma' gave an-Najashi's son of her own milk to drink (thus making him a nursing brother of her own son). Abu Talib recited these verses urging an-Najashi to support the Prophet and his followers: Know, O King of the Ethiopians, that Muhammad is a prophet like Moses and Jesus son of Mary. He came with guidance such as they brought, for each of them was by Allah's command well -protected. Concerning him, you recite verses in your own scriptures; a true account it is, not a fantastic tale. Do not, therefore, set up equals with Allah; rather become Muslims, for the way of truth is not obscured in darkness. The traditionist Abu `Abdillah (al-Bayhaqi) transmitted on the authority of Muhammad ibn Ishaq that the Messenger of Allah sent `Amr ibn Umayyah ad-Damri to an-Najashi regarding Ja'far ibn Abi Talib and his Companions. He sent a letter with him which read thus: "In the name of Allah, the All-merciful, the Compassionate - From Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah to the Negus, the King of Abyssinia - I convey to you the praises of Allah the King, the Holy, the Accepter of Faith, the Guardian [Qur.59:23]. I furthermore bear witness that Jesus son of Mary is the Spirit of Allah and His Word, which He sent down to Mary [Qur'an. 4 : 171) , the pure and chaste virgin who then conceived Jesus, whom Allah created of His Spirit which he breathed into him -just as he created Adam with His Hand and breathed of His Spirit into him. I thus call you to the worship of the One and only Allah alone Who has no associate, and that you obey Him, follow me and believe in me and the message which was vouchsafed me. For I indeed am the Messenger of Allah. I have, moreover, sent to you my cousin Ja'far with a company of the Muslims. When they come to you, show hospitality to them and do not be arrogant. I call you and your hosts to Allah! I have conveyed my message to you and given good counsel. Peace be with those who follow true guidance." An-Najashi wrote in answer to the Messenger of Allah: "In the name of Allah, the All-merciful, the Compassionate - to Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah - from the Negus al-Ashamah ibn Abhar: peace be upon you O Prophet of Allah and Allah's mercy and blessings - there is no god but He Who guided me to Islam. I have received your letter, O Messenger of Allah, concerning the importance you give in the case of Jesus. By the Lord of the heaven and earth, Jesus does not exceed what you have mentioned concerning him. We acknowledge what you have written to us, and have thus shown hospitality to your cousin and Companions. I bear witness that you are the Messenger of Allah truly and that you tell the truth. I have, therefore, given allegiance (bay `ah) to you and your cousin. I have accepted Islam to Allah, the Lord of all beings at his hands. I have sent to you, O Messenger of Allah, Arijan ibn Ashamah ibn Abhar, I have-indeed no authority except over myself alone. If, therefore, you wish that I come to you, I would come, O Messenger of Allah. For I bear witness that what you say is the truth." An-Najashi then sent presents to the Prophet. He sent him also Mariyah the Copt, the mother of the Prophet's son Ibrahim. He sent him much clothing and aromatics, and a mare. He also sent him thirty learned men to hear his words and observe his conduct. When they arrived in Medina, the Messenger of Allah called them to. Islam, and they accepted Islam and returned to the Negus. Jabir ibn `Abdillah al-Ansari reported that, "When an-Najashi died, the Messenger of Allah prayed over Ashamah, the Negus." The Prophet Is Persecuted By The Associators And Hamzah Accepts Islam The people of Quraysh redoubled their efforts in troubling the Messenger of Allah. The harshest of men toward him was his uncle Abu Lahab. One day the Prophet was sitting in the precincts of the Ka'bah, when the people sent for a birth sack of a sheep and threw it at him.[ According to al-Jazari, the well-known lexicographer and traditionist, this happened while the Prophet was praying. (ed. )] The Messenger of Allah was greatly saddened by this, and went to Abu Talib to complain, saying: "O uncle, how is my status among you?" Abu Talib asked: "What is the matter O son of my brother?" He replied: "The people of Quraysh threw a birth sack at me." Abu Talib then said to Hamzah: "Take up the sword!" The people of Quraysh were assembled in the Mosque. Both Hamzah and Abu Talib went in with their swords. Abu Talib ordered Hamzah, saying: "Rub the birth sack over their moustaches, and if anyone resists, cut off his head!" But no one moved while he rubbed the birth sack over their moustaches.. He then turned to the Messenger of Allah, and said: "O son of my brother, this is your status among us!" In the book Dala'ilu'n-Nubuwwah (of al-Bayhaqi) [34], it is reported on the authority of Abu Dawud who reported from Shu'bah who reported from Abu Ishaq (as-Sabi`i), who heard `Amr ibn Maymun relate on the authority of `Abdullah (ibn Mas'ud), who said: "While the Messenger of Allah was prostrating in prayer one day, with some men of Quraysh sitting all around him, and the birth sack of a she-camel lying around, some dared others men saying: `Who would take this birth sack and throw it at his back?' A man called `Uqbah ibn Abi Mu'ayt took up the birth sack and threw it at the Prophet's back. Fatimah (the Prophet's daughter) came and took the camel's birth sack off the Prophet's back, and cursed those who did that to him." `Abdullah continued: "I never saw the Messenger of Allah invoke Allah against them except on that day. He said: "O Allah, I leave to you the people of Quraysh! O Allah to you do I leave Abu Jahl ibn Hisham, `Utbah ibn Rabi `ah, Shaybah ibn Rabi `ah, `Uqbah ibn Abi Mu'ayt, Umayyah ibn Khalaf or Ubayy ibn Khalaf (Shu'bah was confused). The Prophet enumerated seven men in all." `Abdullah went on: "I saw them all slain in the Battle of Badr and thrown into a well. Umayyah ibn Khalaf, however, was a very fat man. His body disintegrated as it was dragged along before reaching the well.' " [35] It is related on the authority of Khabbab (a well-known Companion), who said: "I came one day to the Messenger of Allah, while he lay in the shade of the Ka` bah using his mantle as a pillow. We had endured much suffering at the hands of the people of Quraysh. Thus I asked: `O Messenger of Allah, would you not invoke Allah on our behalf?' He sat up, red in the safe, and said: `Those who were before you -often were their flesh and nerves scraped with sharp iron combs. Yet they did not turn away from their faith. A man would be sawed in half from his head down, yet he would not be turned away from his faith. But Allah shall indeed bring this affair to fruition, so that a horseman would travel all the way between San'a and Hadramawt fearing no one but Allah, or the wolf that may attack his sheep.' " [36] It is also related on the authority of Jabir (son of the famous Companion, `Abdullah al-Ansari) that the Messenger of Allah passed one day by `Ammar ibn Yasir and his family while they were being tortured for Allah's sake. He said: "Be of good cheer, O family of `Ammar, for you shall soon enter Paradise! " It is reported on the authority of Mujahid [ ibn Jabr] (a well-known traditionist of the second generation) that the first martyr in Islam was Sumayyah, the mother of `Ammar, whom Abu Jahl stabbed in the heart. 'Ali ibn Ibrahim al-Qummi reported that Abu Jahl met the Messenger of Allah one day and spoke harsh words to him. All the men of the Hashimite clan angrily assembled. Hamzah had just returned from hunting, when he saw the crowd and enquired about the commotion. A woman called down to him from one of the roof-tops saying: "O Abu Ya'la, `Amr ibn Hisham (i.e., Abu Jahl) confronted Muhammad and insulted him." Hamzah enraged, went to Abu Jahl hit him with his bow on the head and picked him up and beat him hard against the ground. People crowded around them, and it was feared that great conflict might ensue. People then asked Hamzah: "O Abu Ya'la, have you then turned to the religion of your nephew?" "Yes", he answered: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah." He said this only as a result of anger and feeling of support for his nephew. When, however, he returned to his home, he regretted his decision. Thus he went to the Messenger of Allah and asked: "O son of my brother, is what you say the truth?" The Messenger of Allah recited to him a Surah of the Qur'an, and Hamzah saw the truth and stood firm in the faith of Islam. The Messenger of Allah was exceedingly happy. Abu Talib also was glad to learn of Hamzah's Islam, and recited the following verses: Be steadfast, O Abu Ya`la in the faith of Ahmad; Show forth your faith; may you be strengthened in your resolve! Follow the footsteps of him who came with true' faith from his Lord; Do not, O Hamzah, be a rejecter of faith! It made me glad when you said that you are a man of faith; Be then a true supporter of the Messenger of Allah in Allah's cause. Call openly the people of Quraysh to that which you yourself have been given; Proclaim to them that Ahmad is indeed not a magician! The Prophet's Night Journey To Jerusalem And His Hiding In A Ravine Belonging To Abu Talib The Messenger of Allah was transported by Allah from Mecca to Jerusalem, (see Qur'an. 17 :1) . Gabriel carried him thither on al-Buraq (a celestial horse), and showed him the prayer chambers of the prophets before him. After the Prophet had led them all in prayer, Gabriel brought him back to Mecca. On his way back, the Prophet passed by a caravan belonging to the people of Quraysh. They had with them water in a vessel, from which he drank, and poured out the rest. They also lost one of their camels and went out in search of it. Next morning Muhammad recounted to the people of Quraysh: "Allah transported me by night to Jerusalem where He showed me the signs and stations of the prophets. I have also passed by a caravan in such and such a place, where they lost one of their camels. I drank from a vessel of water which they had, and poured out the rest of the water." Abu Jahl said: "You have now an opportune moment; ask him, therefore, how many columns and lamps are in Jerusalem! " They thus said to him: "O Muhammad, here is someone who has been to Jerusalem! " Describe for us its columns, lamps, and prayer chambers! " Gabriel came and suspended an image of Jerusalem before the Prophet's eyes, and he told them whatever they wished to know about the holy city. When he had informed them, they said: "Let us wait until the caravan returns and we question the people about what you have told us:" "The sign of the truth of what I have said is that the caravan will appear at sunrise led by a red camel carrying two white sacks", the Prophet said. Next morning, they went out looking towards the hill outside the city and saying: "The sun shall soon rise." As they were thus wondering, the caravan appeared, led by a red camel, just as the disk of the sun was becoming visible. They asked the