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Friday, May 11. 2007
 When I was a volunteer teacher for young kids in our community, I taught my students the famous sites of France. As I asked them to give examples, they all said in unison, "Eiffel Tower." When I asked them if they know who designed the Eiffel tower, none of them could answer me. I am not surprised when they couldn't answer my question because only a few people know who designed it. I know that the answer is Eiffel since usually towers are named after its creators but I have no background as to who designed it. When I did my research, I found out that Gustave Eiffel is the man behind the famous Eiffel Tower and The Statue of Liberty.
Thursday, May 10. 2007
Gustave Eiffel, the man who created The Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty was a famous architect for metallic buildings. His name Eiffel is taken from the place where his German ancestors lived. He was born in Dijon, Côte-d'Or, France on December 15, 1832. He studied Chemistry at the famous Ecole Centrale des Arts et Manufactures in Paris. Aside from the two famous structures he built, he was also known for building state of the art bridges all over the world. Truly, Gustave Eiffel is one of the greatest architects and engineers of all time. People like me won't remember him but his works will never fade in the hearts of the people.
Wednesday, May 9. 2007
Before I didn't know the reason why the French built the Eiffel Tower. But through the article I've read and printed from my new hp printer, I discovered that it was for the International Inquisition in 1889. A lot of people especially French artists were against Eiffel's design. They all said that the Eiffel Tower will destroy the beauty and grace of Paris. They all requested Gustave to change the design but Gustave Eiffel didn't listen to them. After the Eiffel Tower was finished, a lot of people admired Gustave's creation. In fact, after the Inquisition they planned to dismantle the tower but they decided to retain it. Today, Eiffel Tower is the symbol of French culture and pride.
Sunday, April 15. 2007
 Wimbledon is considered as the oldest and most prestigious event in tennis. It usually takes place every June and July in London, United Kingdom as the third Grandslam tournament after Australian Open and French Open and before the US Open. This is the only tournament being played on grass, except for the Halle and Queens. It was first played under the control of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in 1877 at a ground near Worple Road, Wimbledon. The only event held was the Gentlemen's Singles. The club then added the Ladies' Singles and Gentlemen's Doubles in 1913. The tournament moved to its present home ground near Church Road in 1922.
Britons are very proud of this event. However, it is unusual that no British man has won the singles event at Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936, and no British woman since Virginia Wade in 1977. William Renshaw and Pete Sampras both have the most number of men's singles championships which is 7. Martina Navratilova has 9 championships for women. Dark green and purple are the traditional Wimbledon colors. However, the tournament requires the players to wear “almost entirely white.” During games, female players are always called as Ms or Mrs; men are never called Mr.
Sunday, April 1. 2007
Last week, my friend called me over the phone crying her heart out because her two-year-old son tinkered with her Swiss watch and broke it in the process. The watch was a gift from her first and late boyfriend who happened to be a true-blue Swiss. How he died has yet to be told by my friend, but that's not what this is all about. Rather, this short piece will attempt to unravel the mystique that surrounds the Swiss brand of watches. Wow, are we going to be like Sherlock Holmes? Ummm... probably not, because I'm a writer, not a detective, and I don't have a friend named....never mind.
Ok, so, let's start by declaring that Swiss watches are made in Switzerland. Not interesting? Yeah, you're right. How about Swiss watches known to be accurate, reliable, durable, shock and water-resistant? Ah, ok, go on. How about elegance and originality of design? Hmmm.. lead on. How about the Swiss watch industry dating back to the 16th century in Geneva where the watch's reputation for high quality started to grow, leading to the establishment in 1601 of the Watchmakers' Guild of Geneva, the first recognized organization of watchmakers in the world? Ah, I'm speechless.
Ooopps, that's enough. More Swiss watch trivia will be unearthed some other time. For now, let's just say that there may be other watch brands that manufacture high-quality timepieces, but Swiss watches have made their mark in the industry and will be forever referred to as the watch to wear.
Saturday, March 31. 2007
The term "waterloo" has come to mean so many things in the present world. Originally referring to a great defeat or loss, waterloo's definition now has involved several cities as well as places in the United States and in Europe. Other waterloo references include a railway station, a record store and a university.
Historically, however, waterloo is a town in modern-day Belgium where the last battle of Napoleon Bonaparte took place. In Waterloo, Napoleon met a crushing defeat. Wanting to stay in power despite his waning popularity and being declared an outlaw by the Congress of Vienna, Napoleon decided to attack the Allied forced situated in Belgium, with the notion that if he could force the British troops to withdraw to the sea and knock Prussia out of the war, he could still get to rule France indefinitely.
Initially, Napoleon's plan proved successful. His victories in the early stage of the battle exposed his brilliance in military strategy. Later, however, Allied reinforcements were simply too much for Napoleon and his French troops. In the end, he had no recourse but to surrender, both to his enemies and to his consuming lust for power.
Today, the town of Waterloo is very much different from what it was in 1815. Moreover, the term waterloo has been entered in the English language as a word denoting a test with a final and decisive result, often negative, in reference to Napoleon's final defeat in the fields of Waterloo.
Sunday, March 25. 2007
 When you think of France, what comes first to your mind? Aside from French bread and the Louvre Museum, this city of romance is most famous for its grandiose tourist attraction: Eiffel Tower. This renowned landmark was not constructed merely to put France in the world map, but to celebrate an important event in the French history--- French Revolution.
This monumental structure is built beside the River Seine on Champ de Mars. Standing at 300 meters or 986 feet high, Eiffel Tower used to be the tallest structure in the world. But the title was immediately handed to the Chrysler Building in New York which towers over Eiffel Tower for 19 meters. The iron tower weighs about 10,100 tons and is also considered by architects to be one of a few perfectly vertical structures made.
Eiffel Tower is named after Gustave Eiffel who won the design competition out of 700 who submitted. This iron tower is made to serve as an archway for Exposition Universelle, a celebration marking the centennial turning of the historical French Revolution. It was built between the years 1887 and 1889 and was originally made only to last for 20 years for which after, it would be torn down. That just got me to thinking: what would Paris be without Eiffel Tower? Hmm...
Sunday, February 11. 2007
 I suppose that it is high time that we go back to the libraries and read some books. Really, it is the thing I missed so much. Ever since wireless networks conquered the globe, I began to be tardy in going to the school library. I was fond of doing researches through the Internet. But, now that I am here just sitting in my room, I suddenly felt like going back to the Russian Library.
Mind you, it is the biggest in Europe. It is located in Moscow. Having been there is among the most memorable experiences of my life. I stayed in Moscow for a year to study arts, and it was the State Library that provided me all the references I need. The library is probably the second largest next to the Congress in US. Indeed, its structure is magnificent. Once inside, I felt like I was back in 1860s. The books kept there were the rarest and most precious writings of the ancient and medieval literary writers of Russia. I just regret that I have not read them because I focused on contemporary arts. Anyhow, maybe I will go back there when I find time to escape from the hustles of my work. I will once again ride the Trans Siberia Express. By the way, the library is already connected online. But, I am sure, readers will miss half of their lives if they do not get hold of the books. It is much different reading in the computer.
Thursday, January 18. 2007
The Ile de la Cite is a very important site in Paris, France. Of course, the splendid cathedral of Notre Dame is the thing that pops out immediately out of your mind. Another is the " heart of Paris" located on the grounds right before the Gothic church. (If you go to Paris and drop by Notre Dame, remember to look for the "star." If you step on it, you can finally say that you have been at the center or zero point of the French capital). Yet, a third and very significant attraction at the heart of Paris is the ancient settlement of the earliest people of France.
Paris, formerly called as "Lutetia," is a city of more than 2,000 years of age. The earliest people of Paris were called Gauls, who settled between 250-200BC at an island of the Seine River that is now called Ile de la Cite. The Gauls were eventually driven away and buildings were constructed one after the other over their original village. The latest and current structure to stand over the ancient settlement is the Notre Dame Cathedral.
The early village of the Gauls is perhaps unknown to many visitors of the island. In fact, I only discovered the archeological attraction out of curiosity when I noticed a stairway at the corner of the square in front of the cathedral. The stairway did not belong to a metro, so I decided to check it out only to find Paris' earliest historic site. Of course, anyone who is interested to see the archeological attraction must pay a few Euros. Yet, a few coins are also worth seeing the earliest village of the city. Believe me, you're going to be surprised at how the ancient houses and streets of the Gauls look like.
Saturday, January 13. 2007
 London is among the cities in Europe that is very popular all over the world because of its natural and man-made beauty. A travel to Europe would not be complete if you forget to go to London. This wonderful popular city has many tourist attractions that are attracting many people from different countries.
One of the pride of the city is the Tower of London which was built by a conqueror named William Wallace as a fortress. This building is known to the people of London and the world as a prison which is highly secured. According to history, many prisoners suffered great torture in the building. It was secured by a stone wall, large ditch, and river to make sure that the prisoners could not escape from the building.
It was year 1240 when the purpose of the building was changed. King Henry III claimed this Tower as his home, which was followed by the next kings and queens of England. This building was also the venue of the wedding of King Henry VIII, whose wife was executed because of giving birth to a girl instead of a boy who could be the England's future king. The famous historical tower turned into a museum in 1603 by King James I. The various jewels of the royalties were displayed for visitors.
Friday, January 12. 2007
Chinese New Year is the topmost yearly festival celebrated by the Chinese. This festival is celebrated in almost all countries in the world specifically in the communities of Chinese. The celebration usually starts either last week of January or first week of February.
In Europe, London has the biggest population of Chinese. Every year the community celebrates the festival around Chinatown and Leicester and Trafalgar Squares. Thousands of European people and travelers go to the festival to share the joyous moment with the people of China. During the celebration there are different parades, display of fireworks, martial arts exhibition by the Monks of Shaolin and various dances that reflect their rich cultural heritage. An example of their famous dances is the lion and dragon dances. The dancers usually perform these dances in front of the different business establishments to wish them good luck for the incoming year. The fireworks display on the one hand, is done in Leicester Square. The Chinese believe that firecrackers drive evil spirits away.
Like in other countries, London also has a Chinatown where the Chinese business establishments are located. This whole area is decorated with numerous red lanterns. According to their belief, the color red is the representation of fire that keeps bad luck away and brings prosperity.
Thursday, January 11. 2007
Rome is among the most beautiful and interesting European cities for its many historical monuments. Particularly, the place is famous for having preserved structures that date back to the ancient Roman civilization. Yet, not all the wonders of Rome are found within its walls. For, there are several significant sites, too, outside the city that merit the attention of the people.
The ancient Christian catacombs are among the famous attractions you shouldn't miss to explore when you go to Rome. For, these underground sites far exceed their purpose of being a burial site. The Roman catacombs have always been significant to the Catholic religion during their time until the present.
Contrary to the belief that these burial sites where once used by the early Christians as a hideout in order to escape the severe persecutions of the Roman emperors, these places were primarily used as a place of worship. Indeed, amidst the political unrest taking place above the grounds, the walls of these vaults once resounded with the songs and praises of the Christians who stood courageously for their faith. More than anything else, these sacred sites guard the bodies of the earliest martyrs who are among the greatest and most pious treasures of the Catholic Church.
Thursday, December 28. 2006
 Despite its name, the Hundred Years’ War wasn’t exactly fought for a hundred years. If you want to get technical, it should be called the One Hundred Sixteen Years’ war because it started in 1337 and lasted until 1453. However, that is a trivial matter. This long fought war is not just a single battle but a series of conflicts between France and Britain. Historians just grouped the sporadic skirmishes between the two nations under one label. The seeds of chaos were planted long before the war erupted, it can be traced as far back as 911 when Charles the Simple allowed the Vikings of Rollo to settle in his kingdom.
The official beginning of the Hundred Years’ War came about when King Philip VI of France decided to take back the French territories that England previously conquered. One of the main causes of the war is traced on the relationship between the rulers of the two nations regarding the Treaty of Paris. This war resulted in the innovation of tactics used by England. One of the tactics the English used to score numerous victories was to combine ranged attackers with foot soldiers. The war ended when a relief force headed by Joan of Arc led a successful campaign in the siege of Orleans.
Friday, December 15. 2006
 The Prado Museum is one of Madrid's main attractions and it is considered as one of the best art museums in the world. As you start to walk from room to room, you would immediately notice the strong religious atmosphere that dominates the whole museum. The fact is that Prado houses one of the best and most extensive religious paintings in the world.
The prevalence of religious paintings not only in Prado but all throughout Spain finds its explanation in the era in which those works were made. It was during those times that the Catholic church suffered from rifts and from attacks of other religions. As a counter propaganda then, the monarchs of Spain had tasked the Spanish painters to create religious masterpieces. More than a decorative element in churches and palaces, these works served a form of catechesis for the people during that time in order to fortify their faith and their knowledge of the Catholic religion. As such, these masterpieces are not simply works of art, but also a symbol of the Catholic Church's greatest teachings.
Thursday, December 14. 2006
 Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the most known French in the history of France. Although he is not born in France, he is recognized as French because he was raised in this country and ultimately brought recognition to his adopted country. He is known as Napoleon I, Emperor of the French and King of Italy. He has created a niche in world history as a legend in France.
He is acknowledged for his military feats and merciless efficiency. These qualities propelled him to acquire vast power and led him to a quest of conquering the world. His conquests have stunned by his European counterparts, and it eventually endangered world stability in his time. He was headed the French Revolution and became the head of France. He was recognized as one of the best commanders in world history. His defeat only came during the Battle of Waterloo.
Children of the present and future generations will still get to know the man who once conquered the world. Many people of today still acknowledge his genius and his achievements. He is appreciated by the French and he is being studied and recognized by millions of people around the world.
Monday, December 11. 2006
 During the early times lands and countries were not yet discovered, there was one explorer who was able to achieve the almost impossible task. He was known to be the first person to cross the big world and the ocean called Pacific. In doing this, he was able to discover new countries and trade with the locals there. This person is none other than Ferdinand Magellan.
Historians said that Ferdinand was born at around 1480. Coming from a noble blood, he started out as a page that ran errands for his master. However, he knew that he was mean for more and dreamed big. When he became older, he joined the military and got shipped to the place called East Indies. While there, he requested the Portugal king to increase his allowance. He asked for this so that he would be able to fund his dream of finding a westward way that went to Moluccas. His majesty, however, rejected his requested. As such, he approached the Spanish king.
King Charles I gave him his request, so he was able to start his journey with five companion ships. While on his trip, he stayed at the country called Philippines. He also planned to invade the Mactan province there, but he got killed by a local by the name of Lapu-Lapu. Even though he was not able to return to the Spanish country alive, he became known as a great explorer who circumnavigated the big world.
Sunday, December 10. 2006
 Adolf Hitler from Germany was considered as among the most influential leaders during the chaotic time of World War II. He was held responsible because he ordered the life taking of millions of Jews all over the globe. One given reason for this was that he rejected the belief or thought of equality among people of different races, religions, and countries. He really believed that equality should only be for those people with German blood. Those without it should be killed, and that was what happened during the time of this war.
Many people are wondering how Hitler got the influence and power to lead millions of people. One reason for this is that he could be one very persuasive orator. Even the time when he was still a grade school student, his school masters and classmates already saw his good qualities in leadership. He really excelled in school because of the fact that Hitler was a smart boy.
Before he became a big leader of Germany, and even the rest of the globe, he initially wanted to be an artist. But, the schools he wanted to go to in the city of Vienna in Austria did not accept his application. This was because he was not able to finish his secondary school. While he was there, he got the chance to impress his superiors with his skills in combat. This paved the way for Hitler to be one of Germany's most destructive leaders.
Saturday, December 9. 2006
 I was never really familiar with the city of Bratislava until I watched the movie, EuroTrip. After seeing the movie, I got interested in learning more about this fairly unknown place in Europe. I found out that Bratislava has one of the riches and most colorful histories in Europe.
Bratislava is one of the youngest cities in the European continent. However, its history can be traced back several thousand years ago. This small and thriving city used to be the place where a lot of diverse cultures where found. The reason for this was that the city was strategically located in near the Danube River. This was also the reason why it was used as a crossroad for merchants trading in various countries all over Europe.
During the second century BC, Bratislava was invaded by the Boyd Tribes of the Celtics. They used this city to establish power and even come up with a defensive territory. While under their rule, the locals learned how to mint coins. Their most popular work was marking the Blatec symbol to the staters. Due to the fact that Bratislava was under the rule of the Celtic for years, their teachings became the foundation of their new culture.
Friday, December 8. 2006
 Norway is a country situated on the northwest part of Europe, surrounded by Scandinavian nations. A country more popularly known as the land of the Vikings, Norway has undergone several unions with countries such as Denmark and Sweden. One of the most remarkable things about Norway is its efficient handling of the state when it adopted "neutrality" during the many wars that occurred during the past world wars.
Norway during World War II veered away from taking sides between the Allies and the Axis forces. But the Germans invaded some parts of Norway. This loss of trust on neutrality has prompted Norway to become one of the founders of the United Nations, as well as a NATO signatory in 1949.
Monday, December 4. 2006
 He was nicknamed the Little Corporal but his greatness was not determined by his height but by his military and administrative genius. Napoleon Bonaparte was not really very short as most of us are led to believe. He was average in height for a Frenchman of his time his height measurement was actually 5 feet and six inches (168 cm) in British standard measurement.
The purported 5 feet and 2 inches height of Napoleon was based on French standard of measurement. Napoleon dominated the whole European continent for more than a decade. He was the general who became the ruler of kings. Napoleon spread the ideals of the French Revolution of equality, fraternity and liberty.
Saturday, December 2. 2006
 There was once a significant point in time in world history when Britain almost ruled a quarter of the surface of the Earth. This was the time of the mighty British Empire, an empire so vast that it stretched from the North to the South Pole, from the western to the eastern hemisphere.
At the height of its power, the empire covered North America (although failing to hold what is now the United States), to the islands of the Caribbean, to almost half of the African continent, to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and ending in the Asia Pacific rim. The last cornerstone of what was the British Empire fell when Hong Kong was ceded back to China in 1997.
Thursday, November 30. 2006
 Most of you may have seen the film "The Man in the Iron Mask" based on the famous novel by Alexandre Dumas. Well, it's a very nice movie release. Yet I liked the film not only for its story, but also for its historical background. For, the tale of the man behind the mask is after all cloaked in deep mystery.
For centuries, the identity of the masked man has remained a popular subject of history and literature. Some say that he was the twin brother of King Louis XIV. Others claim that he was just another important political figure imprisoned in the Bastille.
Although most documents hint that the man was the identical twin of the Sun King, no one knows who the man really was. Until now, the identity of the man behind the mask still remains a mystery.
Friday, November 24. 2006
 The coronation of a king or an emperor creates the impression of a regal and sumptuous ceremony. Things took a different turn though for Charlemagne.
The king was crowned emperor at St. Peter's Basilica on the day of Christmas in 800. Yet there was no celebration nor rite prepared prior to the occasion. In fact, Charlemagne only visited the basilica to offer thanksgiving.
But as he was fervently kneeling, Pope Leo III suddenly grabbed a golden crown out of nowhere and rested it on the head of the King. Charlemagne was bewildered as the crowd rejoiced and shouted in celebration.
Some historians doubt about the truth of this story. Yet whether it happened or not, the coronation of Charlemagne as the first Holy Roman Emperor surely changed the history of the Church and of entire Europe.
Monday, November 20. 2006
 After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 A.D. political chaos followed. Cultural advancements achieved under Rome deteriorated and economic life was reduced to subsistence level. Barbaric tribes were largely disunited and there was no central government. It was only in the year 800 A.D. that the hope for a more united Europe seemed to beacon.
Charles the Great or Charle magne was crowned the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Charlemagne was crowned by the pope on Christmas day in the year 800 A.D. His reign encouraged intellectual and cultural growth. He protected and defended the rights of peasants from serfdom and he instituted laws.
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World History Comments
Wed, 25.10.2006 17:11
I don't like his non-voilence principle. For me, it's only through violence we can achieve our ends.
Wed, 25.10.2006 17:11
I am amazed by the beliefs and achievements of Gandhi.
Sat, 21.10.2006 12:33
I don't know anything about African History.
Sat, 21.10.2006 12:33
Nelson Mandela has contributed a lot to South Africa.
Sat, 21.10.2006 12:05
I watched the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany with my Korean friend. I'm not really a football fan but I decided to go [...]
Fri, 20.10.2006 13:38
When my cousin narrated his plans to travel in Qatar, I thought that he was insane and hopeless. Why Qatar? I told him [...]
Thu, 19.10.2006 17:42
Whoever says single parents are not allowed to find another mate is dead wrong. Single parents still have the right to [...]
Thu, 19.10.2006 15:34
Put some art on your photography. Shoot live blood splatters to make it more artistic at the same time realistic. Or, [...]
Wed, 18.10.2006 14:54
I want to be like Gustave Eiffel. He's a genius.
Wed, 18.10.2006 14:54
Last summer, my family went to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Sun, 15.10.2006 18:09
Part of the posted question I have read is whether the US acts fair on the part of Israel, as well as to other regions [...]
Sun, 15.10.2006 16:51
It's not practical to buy a new model of cars since they're very expensive. That's the line my parents used to tell when [...]
Sun, 15.10.2006 12:04
Jacob came from Isaac, son of Abraham. This holy family reigned in Israel for many years. Aside from that, there are [...]
Sun, 15.10.2006 11:42
Alice Walker, a renowned novelist and poet, is famous for her works that depict the struggles and trials of [...]
Sun, 15.10.2006 11:31
Steven Spielberg is one of the most admired directors of all time. I idolized him as a director because I like the [...]