The History, Construction and Design of Queen Mary 2
On January 8, 2004, Queen Elizabeth II christened in Southampton the Queen Mary 2, the new transatlantic liner operated by the old British company Cunard. The ceremony was the culmination of the presentation of the ship, in which Cunard showed the QM2 to more than 15,000 people. In a year which will see fifteen new cruise ships, six of them of post-panamax size, the delivery of the QM2 has received unprecedented media coverage, recreating in the 21st Century the media attention which existed with her "old mates" of the thirties: the first Queen Mary, the Normandie, the Rex, etc.
The QM2 has justifiably become a star. In May 1969, two months after the Concorde's first flight, Cunard showed off the new Queen Elizabeth 2 as she gracefully made her way into New York harbor for the first time. Everyone assumed that this sleek new flagship of the Cunard Line would be the last great ocean liner ever built. But she wasn't. Three decades later, and when the age of supersonic commercial flights has ended, the ocean liners live on. The new $800 million Queen Mary 2 has taken over transatlantic duties from the Queen Elizabeth 2.
The most important reason for the QM2's fame is that she is the only ship that can be properly named an ocean liner. She is not a conventional cruise ship, because she is able to sail in North Atlantic waters, facing the bad weather and gales found in those latitudes, while delivering a fast and pleasant voyage to the passengers. Built for this route, QM2 has cost Cunard a budget increase of almost a 40% over a conventional cruise ship.
The delivery also marks the cruise ship resurrection after September 11, 2001. The Queen Mary 2 was ordered before that tragic date, and some analysts put in doubt her viability during the months after the attacks. But thanks to the vision and ambition of Carnival Corporation, we can look ahead to arguably the most significant debut year since the original Queen Mary herself in 1934. Back then, in an era characterized by the Depression, her launch marked a period of re-birth and national pride. Today, the Queen Mary 2, with her huge size and many novelties, has become the cruise industry's bold new frontier, the new model pattern in an age otherwise exemplified by anonymous newbuilds.
Genesis of A GiantThe delivery of the QM2 was the last milestone for the revival of Cunard. In the nineties, Cunard had had a succession of owners, Trafalgar House, Kvaerner, etc. whose core business was not the operation of cruise ships, or even owning ships. The consequences were an erratic management, which offered a diffuse product of a mix of ultra deluxe yacht-like Sea Goddess twins, the tradition of the Queen Elizabeth 2, and, at times, mass market-style cruise ships like the Cunard Countess.
In April 1998 Carnival Corp, together with a group of Norwegian investors, bought Cunard from the Anglo-Norwegian industrial group Kvaerner for $496 million. Without this money, it is doubtful that Cunard would have survived. A month later, Cunard Line become Cunard Ltd. and merged within that company the fleets of Seabourn and Cunard itself, creating a big worldwide operator of deluxe cruises. In that time, the Carnival Corp. share in Cunard Line was 68%. On June 8, 1998 the Project Queen Mary was announced, a two-year study about the construction of the next generation of passenger ships for Cunard. The British naval architect Stephen Payne headed this project. But behind this project was Micky Arison, the owner of Carnival Corp. His dream was to build the biggest ocean liner ever built, and Cunard was the instrument of his ambition.
Carnival quickly reorganized her luxury branch. Her yacht-like ships -- the three original Seabourn ships, the two Sea Goddesses and the Royal Viking Sun were integrated under the Seabourn branch umbrella, while the Cunard branch was configured around the transatlantic tradition, with a two-ship fleet: the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Vistafjord, which was christened Caronia and registered under the British flag. The first consequence was that, for the first time in many years, Cunard was offering a homogeneous product, based in the solid maritime tradition of English refinement, and in the romanticism of the transatlantic crossing. A year later, October 20 1999, Carnival bought 100% of Cunard Line and began to rebuild it as the cruise line of distinction.
At that time, Cunard lived in a contradictory way: it held a valuable commercial resource, her own name, but owned two ships that were more than 25 years old, each with a prestigious name and history, but with some outdated installations and cabins. It was necessary to re-associate the Cunard name with the opulence of the ocean liners of the first half of the 20th century. It was at that time that the decision to build the Queen Mary 2 was made.
But the renovation of the Cunard fleet was not to end with the Queen Mary 2. Cunard was the first operator that signed a construction contract for a cruise ship after the September 11, 2001 events. On the 14th of December that year, Carnival Corp. signed an agreement with Fincantieri to transform a Holland America Line hull to a Cunard cruise ship, with delivery scheduled for January, 2005. On March 31, 2003, Cunard announced that the new ship would be christened Queen Victoria. The keel laying of this ship, which will replace Caronia when delivered, was made July 12, 2003 the same day that the Oosterdam was delivered to HAL. But in late April, Cunard ordered a bigger and more luxurious Queen Victoria from Fincantieri. The original hull will be completed and delivered to P&O as Arcadia.
Construction of the Queen Mary 2
The first job of building the QM2 was to award the job to a shipyard. This operation began in June 1999. Cunard knew that the ship would be the most expensive ever built. The European shipyards, specialist in this type of ships, had then an extensive order book; this was the reason for the rumor that the QM2 would be build in a Far East yard. Eventually the order came down to a duel between Harland & Wolf, the company that built the Titanic in the Belfast yards, (now closed), and the French shipyard Alstom Chantiers de l'Atlantique.
She was built in France because the British yard couldn't handle such a huge order. Alstom's experience in building similar types of ships, and its financial solvency convinced Cunard to sign a letter of intent to build the Queen Mary 2 on March 10, 2000 with the French shipyard. However, difficulties in the project definition meant that the signing of the definitive contract in Paris had to be delayed until November 6 of that year. The price of the ship was $780 millions, the biggest ever paid for a commercial ship. But if this figure is divided by the number of lower berths, 2600, the resulting figure is almost $300,000 (per berth). This figure, which serves to compare the construction prices between cruise ships, is just double that found on Voyager of the Seas, Grand Princess or Carnival Conquest, all prototypes of post-panamax size vessels built in the last years. Furthermore, those ships have been series-built, which has permitted the owner to split the project cost between several vessels. Only some ultra-deluxe ships, as the Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow twins, that cost $150 million each and contain only 388 berths, have been more expensive to build per lower berth (around $380,000).
The Queen Mary 2 construction began on January 16, 2002, when Pam Conover, the Cunard president, started the steel cutting. On June 11th, 2002, the maiden voyage date (January 12, 2004) was announced. On July 4, the first block was lowered to the building dock, and only one month later, on August 8, 2002, the first block of QM2 was floated out and moved to the second position in the building dock. On December 1, 2002, the hull was floated out to the deeper end of the building dock; on March 12, 2003, the funnel was set in place, finalizing the steel work on the building dock. On March 16, the Queen Mary 2 left the building dock for the fitting out basin. The first sea trials took place in the last days of September, and were repeated in November. Then in December, during workers' family visitation, a gangway in the yard collapsed, and 16 people died in the accident.
At last, only 38 months after the signing of the firm contract and after less than two years of construction and fitting out, an extraordinary feat for the shipyard, the QM2 was delivered on the December 22, 2003 in St. Nazaire. (The France, by contrast, was built in five years and six months.) QM2 sailed to Vigo the next day to make dock trials on Christmas day. And, at last, on December 26 she arrived at her home port of Southampton, England. From there she made three skeleton cruises with Cunard employees in the new year. On the January 8, 2004 Queen Elizabeth II christened QM2. Her first cruise, a 14-day transatlantic trip, began on January 12 in Southampton, with calls in Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and finally in Fort Lauderdale on January 26.
The Largest Ship in the World
The QM2's size is truly colossal: she is 150,000 gross tons, double the size of the Queen Elizabeth 2, and more than all four ships combined of the fleet of the Spanish operator Pullmantur. The exterior is outstanding because of her 62 meters "air draft" (height). Perhaps the size of the QM2 tunes best with her base port on the other side of the Atlantic, New York City. In fact, her air draft is limited because she must pass under the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge, in the entrance channel of the skyscraper city -- she has only three meters (9¾ feet) of clearance. The Queen Elizabeth 2 has 15 meters (48¾ feet) clearance.QM2's size was due to three motives: technical, commercial and marketing. Technically speaking, Cunard decided that the Queen Mary 2 should be constructed completely of steel (the Queen Elizabeth 2, has her five upper decks built of aluminum) and the best way to counteract the great weight of the steel is to increase the breadth. To reduce the ship's water resistance as much as practical called for lengthening the hull, giving her a narrower aspect.
From the commercial point of view, Cunard needed a ship with a capacity of over 2,500 passengers, and also a relatively high gross tonnage-to-guest ratio was required for a luxurious experience. So, the economics of the project demanded that QM2 could not be smaller than QE2. Both facts meant a big ship was needed. The QM2 gross tonnage/passenger ratio is 57.25, 50% more than in the post-panamax type Carnival Destiny cruise vessels, and 30% more than in the megaships of the Voyager of the Seas class.
Finally, the media impact of owning the largest ship of the world (not to mention a certain drive to be the biggest of them all, topping rival Royal Caribbean's) was a very important factor.
The hull is perhaps the most immediately impressive part of the Queen Mary 2. In contrast to the typical white hulls of the Caribbean cruise ships, the immense black hull of the new Cunarder will be, without doubt, one of her identity signs. This hull, designed and built for the North Atlantic run, is different from various points of view. It is higher than the conventional cruise ships, better suited for Mediterranean and Caribbean sailings. Thus, the height from the keel to the freeboard deck forward is over 22 meters (71½ feet). The steel work, which is composed of 300,000 metallic pieces and weighs 50,000 tons, was grouped in 94 blocks, some of them of 600 tons weight. This required 15,000 kilometers of welding, completed in less than a year, to build the ship. Furthermore, the hull has strength far exceeding the norm, which means than in some areas steel of 10 millimetres of thickness was used and is designed with a fatigue life of 40 years, 10 more than a normal cruise ship.
The paint used on the hull is ecological, TBT-free. The fine bow section of the Queen Mary 2 derives from that designed thirty years earlier for her predecessor, QE2. It's designed for operation of the ship at a speed of 26 knots, while keeping adequate stability at the waterline. Aft, the hull has a Constanzi form, a combined transom and cruiser stern, utilized for the first time in the Oceanic and Eugenio C, in the middle sixties. This choice produces an additional buoyancy.
Another interesting detail is the position of the lifeboats. The rules state that they be located 15 meters maximum from the waterline. In the QM2, however, they are situated at 27 meters, thanks to an exemption due to weather conditions in the North Atlantic. In the forecastle, the Queen Mary 2 is fitted with a whaleback breakwater identical to the Normandie's. Also the promenade deck forward is sheltered, as on the Rotterdam V. The cabins, as a white block of apartments, are all located in the superstructure, on top of the hull. This choice has permitted the change of the traditional "cow eyes" of the old Queen Elizabeth 2 to balconies. And of course, there is the great red funnel, with the unmistakable traditional color of Cunard, which crowns the center of the ship.
Not A 'Theme' Ship
Inside, there are places to see the magnitude of the QM2, such as the theater and the main restaurant. I had only a day to visit the QM2, but the first impression is that Cunard has not been stingy. Her size is double that of ships that transport the same number of passengers. As a consequence, it is possible to feel solitude on deck, while her ample salons absorb the passenger load, and the circulation is always fluid in the wide passageways. The roof is high in the public room decks (3.5 meters), well ahead of the 2.5 meter standard: this also promotes the roomy feeling.
Another QM2 novelty is that the interior decoration doesn't have any theme. Today it is a novelty that something related with the tourism or vocational industry is not "thematic." Cruise ships have not avoided this trend, and almost every newbuild has part (or all) of the decoration inspired in a "theme." The Egyptian sphinxes, Burmese temples, golden elephants, etc., are common on today's cruise ships. And, of course, there are some cruise ships with heavy "Las Vegas" influences.
But the Queen Mary 2's inside decoration is different. Cunard split the commission between two design teams: the British DesignTeam, which had 20% of the work, and the Swedish Tillberg Design, which had 80%. Both have given this ship their own personality that displays in almost all the areas an atmosphere always elegant and discreet, very British, without any detail or color combination which could be called extravagant. Don't forget that there is little that is British in Queen Mary 2; her owners are US-based, she was built in France, and she has an international crew. But the English flavor which one waits to find in a Cunard ship is found in her British complement of officers that serves a mainly American clientele (50% of passenger load), combined with 40% British passengers, and the balance of other nationalities. The Cunard maritime tradition, and the British Royal family portraits are other constants on board, as well as a huge collection of art works selected by Art&Enterprise, with a value of €5 million and composed of over 300 pieces.
The layout of the decks show a genuine appreciation of the true liner style, with less intentional display of the ship's size (for example, with multi-deck atriums), and more accent on a series of well-balanced public rooms, which provide a relaxed choice for the six consecutive days at sea on the transatlantic run. Particularly interesting is the decoration of the hallways between the Britannia Dining Room and the atrium, with large metallic murals of diverse themes. Curiously, the mural dedicated to the United States has a lot of typical North American icons (Native Americans, baseball, etc.), but also a discreet reference to the Simpson family. But the ship is so big that, in some forward corridors, the decorators used (I think the true word is "abused"), old photos of Cunarders, or other old ocean liners, to decorate the ship. The use of laminated surfaces in certain zones also should have been limited, particularly when in other spaces the designers had made splendid use of wooden veneers (the library is a fine example).
The QM2 Layout
In the modern cruise ships, the salons and public rooms generally are located on two or three inside decks -- the lower ones for passenger use, where the passenger finds almost all of the amenities used mainly in the afternoon and night time, and the upper ones feature outdoor activities, such as pools, the buffet, etc. The layout of the Queen Mary 2 is different. It is very similar to the old Canberra, of P&O, though also has influences of her predecessor, the Queen Elizabeth 2. The designers have kept on the two lower decks a lot of public spaces (theater, cinema, main dining room,), which exploit here all of the hull's breadth, and also have introduced an intermediate deck for public use, Number 7, placed between cabin decks.
This Deck 7, the first of the superstructure, is also the boat deck, and houses the buffet and the spa, two places that in conventional cruise ships are located in a higher position. It also serves as a promenade deck, as in the old ocean liners, though it will surely be used also as a jogging track. A complete circuit of this deck is supposedly a walk of 620 meters [3/5 of a kilometre; 2/5 of a statute mile; 1/3 of a nautical mile -- Ed.], all teak decked, with plenty of the traditional wooden lounge chairs of ocean liners. The forward part of this deck is sheltered, as in the old Rotterdam of Holland America Line. In this zone, two doors permit access, in good weather, to the forecastle. This deck also forms a definite horizontal border between the standard cabins (Decks 4, 5 and 6), and the most expensive suite cabins (Decks 8 to 12).
On the outside decks (12 and 13), the only activities are sunbathing and watching the sea from enormous surfaces decked in traditional teak -- there are not the profusion of bar and activities that are found in a conventional cruise ship. The Queen Elizabeth 2, the former liner on the North Atlantic run, has a different layout.
The QM2 has four outdoor pools, one of them exclusively for children. Located on Deck 12, forward of the funnel, there is a pool fitted with a glass roof, which can therefore be utilized in inclement weather. The other pools, as in the Queen Elizabeth 2, are situated aft, in the terraced superstructure, all surrounded with a teak sun deck. The available space is enormous, but is fragmented and, as a consequence, the outdoor decks of the QM2 do not impress in equal degree to the inside ones. It seems that the Queen Mary 2 is designed more for walks under the sun in the middle of the Atlantic, or for enjoying reading a book in the lounge chairs, than it is for sunbathing after a swim in the pool.
In addition to the immense public rooms located on Decks 2, 3 and 7, there are other spaces situated in the extreme fore and aft on Decks 8 to 11, most intimate and reserved, such as the alternative restaurant Todd English, Commodore Club, etc. prepared to offer relaxation and intimacy, while enjoying ocean views. Of these small spaces, maybe the most notable is the Library, with 8,000 books, located forward on Deck 8, starboard. It has a classic green decoration, with veneered furniture, and is the second largest library afloat in the world, second only to the Universe Explorer's library. It also houses personal computers with Internet connection, and a seating section forward for reading. The book shop is located nearby, with lots of ocean liner memorabilia and books. Spread along the length of the vessel are four stair towers with lifts. The two central towers, located fore and aft in the atrium and near hallways, are fitted with six elevators each, and work well.
Important Public Rooms
An important part of a modern cruise ship is the atrium. The Queen Mary 2 is not singular in this aspect, and also has a space of this type, located amidships. But it is "only" five decks high. In contrast to the enormous atriums found in other cruise ships designed to generate a towering feeling, the QM2 designers opted for a more discreet space, perhaps on a more human scale. The decoration of the atrium is classic, with two splendid curved stairs forward, and two touches of modernity: two steel and crystal panoramic elevators aft, and cabins with windows facing this space. In the highest section of the forward part of the atrium there is an enormous metallic mural of the old Queen Mary.
The atrium's two lower decks form the Grand Lobby. The passengers embark through a gate on the atrium's lower deck, and the first impression on board is unforgettable. Here also is situated the Pursers Desk and the shore excursion desk, and the casino, on the port side, which is pitifully small compared with today's standards, with maybe fifty slot machines. On the second atrium deck (Number 3) is a shopping center of over 500 square metres (about 5300 square feet) called Mayfair Shop, where are represented deluxe shops such as Hermes and Chopard, as well as other boutiques offering everything from jewelry to logo souvenirs.
But the most impressive part of the atrium are the vast hallways in between the Grand Lobby and the other public rooms on Decks 2 and 3. They are huge, with giant bronze and glass murals. For me, they are one of the most successful spaces on the ship, particularly the hallway on Deck 2, due to the higher headroom. They are so wide that they absorb well the passenger circulation after dinner to the evening entertainment spaces forward. This hallway works the same as the street on the Voyager of the Seas class cruise ships, and also contains an assortment of bars, cafés, etc. In order to achieve these hallways, the uptakes from the engine room to the funnel, in the same manner of Normandie or Vaterland, have been divided, and so avoid disrupting the central thoroughfare, which is free to connect public rooms.
On both sides of this passageway the passengers from the Britannia restaurant on Decks 2 and 3 find the bar "territory," which invites attendance before and after dinner. On Deck 2 is the Golden Lion pub (that can be found also on the QE2). The Golden Lion is a great space which was more popular every night than any other space on board; his could be one of her best features. The floor has a red carpet, and both walls and ceiling are beige with a lot of wood. The furniture is red, green and black, with classic details such as the lighting of the tables, and the portraits of old houses.
The Chart Room, with plenty of nautical charts and a green decoration with lots of wood veneer, is another favorite place. Forward is located the Champagne Bar and opposite is found Sir Samuel's, the wine bar on board, with an Art Deco atmosphere, fitted with dark wood furniture and violet tones.
Aft of the Britannia Restaurant, on Deck 3, are concentrated the two most important places for evening leisure of the QM2. It isn't easy to find these places. Primarily, there are two lateral passageways located under the Britannia Restaurant balcony level's terraces. The starboard side corridor houses the Art Gallery, and on the port side is found the photo gallery. The Queen's Room, located atop the galley, is a proper full breadth ballroom, two decks high. This traditional facility is bigger than the same space found in the Queen Elizabeth 2. It is capable of housing 1,100 people, and has an enormous wooden dance floor, the largest afloat, located below two great crystal chandeliers. It is classically decorated in blue and yellow, with a beautiful carpet. The sides, which are higher than the central section, features large windows, and has a splendid natural light, very useful when the classical Cunard tea is served at four o'clock every afternoon. The furniture features wooden tables and large brown chairs. For me, one of the most elegant venues in the QM2 -- I enjoyed mainly the recessed ceiling, and the half round Art Deco proscenium, located aft.
The discotheque, G32, a completely inside space with plenty of TV monitors, stainless steel, and neon lighting, is located on the poop of the ship. The two-level G32 is an imaginative nightclub/disco, decorated mainly in grey (walls) and red (carpet), located far from cabins, and caters to the younger QM2 passengers. It has a large wooden dance floor, a bandstand, a huge video wall and torch-like lighting, as on the CostaMediterranea, but only in this space.
On Deck 7, as on Deck 2, the ceiling is higher, and so the public spaces feel roomier. Aft of the spa is found the Winter Garden, another heritage of Cunard's earlier Queens. All ocean liners that sailed in the twentieth century had a space with a conservatory motif so evocatively achieved on the Titanic as long ago as 1912. Aboard QM2, classical English tea is served at five o'clock in the afternoon, amongst a tropical decoration that includes wicker furniture, fountains, a foliated skylight, country paintings and natural plants. The fountain, located on the aft wall, emits a pleasant trickling that combines well with the classical concerts played there. The asymmetrical layout, with port fore-to-aft circulation, works well, as does the marble floor corridor within this venue. This is a big place, with more than 270 seats which are used intensively, and is one of the few spaces on board that can feel a little cramped.
The Queen Mary 2 has eight galleys, all located on a vertical path rising from the store room on Deck 1, fourteen buffet lines, forty-three pantries and fourteen bars. Also, the QM2 has ten restaurants.
The largest one is the Britannia Restaurant, located in the center of the ship on two lower decks (2 and 3), as in the traditional ocean liners, with wide hull dimensions. In modern cruise ships, this room is located in the higher position, and in the aft part of the vessel. This huge and impressive dining venue seats 1,347 passengers at a time in two seatings. Two levels, the lower one on Deck 2, and a balcony level on Deck 3 around a central well, compose the Britannia Restaurant. The upper level is terraced upwards, with three levels, and this design permits good views of the whole room of diners. Aft of the well there is an enormous picture of the old Queen Mary in Manhattan, just behind the Captain's Table, while the roof up from the well imitates a traditional recessed skylight (here, in fact, it is three decks high). This dome imitates the skylight of the old ocean liners.
Forward of the mural are located two-curved staircases, connecting upper and lower levels, with glass railings. I think the best option is to enter on Deck 3 to descend through the stairs to the lower level -- an unforgettable experience. The carpet here is newly blue, with shell details. The white classic columns, which look independent, also emphasize the towering effect. I think the high ceiling of this place, of unprecedented height, is the true example on board that represents the vertical height of yesterday's ocean liners. The galley is located aft of the restaurant on Deck 2, and four escalators take stewards to the upper balcony deck. The food quality was very high, I thought, from soups to food to drinks, and I particularly enjoyed the dessert.
Another QM2 characteristic is that the passengers of the most expensive cabins (suites, apartments, and junior suites) use the 200-seat Queen's Grill, decorated in cream, red and gold, and the very elegant indeed 178-seat Princess Grill, decorated in cream and silver, with green and red upholstery on the splendid Art Deco chairs. These restaurants are located aft on Deck 7. The lighting here is very intimate, with artwork in cases with halogen light. There are floor to ceiling windows aft, and blinds to protect from the sun. So the Queen Mary 2 is, in this aspect, a two-class ship, as were her illustrative predecessors, including the Queen Elizabeth 2. There is also a Queen's Grill Lounge and Terrace, the latter an outside deck complete with exclusive Jacuzzi and bar service. However, other passengers will not feel "second class," as the main dining room, the Britannia Restaurant, is certainly one of the most glamorous locations aboard the whole vessel.
King's Court, an immense venue that occupies the central part of Deck 7, overlooking the teak promenade deck, works in the daytime as a buffet for breakfasts and informal meals, without a direct access to the pools, but with some splendid seating areas in the large bay windows overlooking Promenade Deck. Thank to an ingenious use of illumination and to the employment of mobile partitions, this space transforms at night into four restaurants of national flavor. Reservation is required, but there is no surcharge: one Asian, Lotus; one Italian, La Piazza; Carvery, of British ambience, and the so-called Chef's Galley, with capacity for only 36 passengers who can watch the chefs prepare the dinner, thanks to four screens.
The QM2 also boasts the largest wine cellar afloat, with more than 350 labels and, on average, 45,000 bottles.
There are two great entertainment facilities, one sited directly behind the other, forward of the atrium on Deck 3. Firstly, the Queen Mary 2 Royal Court theatre, which is located on Decks 2 and 3, is decorated completely in red, both carpeting and upholstery, and has 1,094 seats on lower level and balcony. The lateral grey walls and the black ceiling are much too anonymous for this ship, and the blue neon doesn't help one to forget this feeling. Sight lines are quite good here, with only three pillars on each side, and the balcony has a notable slope. There are two different ambiances in this venue: down, on the lower level, there are sofas, big chairs and circular tables; in the upper level there are no tables, only continuous sofas. As a consequence, a lot of people prefer the lower level. It has a big semicircular stage, and a proscenium of iron works backlit by a shifting rainbow of lights.
One of the ship's great novelties is located just forward, in the form of the first and only planetarium at sea; it is named Illuminations. The location of this space, forward of the theater, is a risky decision, because it could provoke orientation problems. However, it works well, thanks mainly to two lateral passageways located on both sides under the Royal Court balcony level. The entrance halls are decorated with big mythology sculptures; it is capable of housing 493 passengers, with splendid sight lines, because there are no pillars. The seats are steeply raked, and wrapped around a small stage which has some video screens. Here, the passengers can enjoy the so called "planetarium show," about the firmament, the creation of the universe, etc. When working in this role, capacity is reduced to 150 seats, which can recline at the touch of a lever to allow a fine look upward into the aluminum sky dome, which descends from the ceiling. Illuminations doubles as a theatre for 3-D and conventional movies, and as an auditorium for lectures. The decoration here (a DesignTeam work) is richer than in the main theatre, mainly in garnet tones, with wood and carpet walls, and Etchell glass railings.
The Champagne Bar is the first Veuve Cliquot on a cruise ship. The French company assigned its name to this venue located on Deck 3, close to the atrium, as well as the bottle that christened the vessel. I think the beige decoration and the green leather and dark wood counter, are one of the better on board. Also, the high head room on this deck helps this feeling.
The QM2 also is the only ship with a spa managed by Canyon Ranch. It's really immense: almost 2,000 square metres (more than 20,000 square feet) over two decks, with 24 massage rooms, an inside pool and a team of 51 people. The gymnasium, aerobic and weight rooms are located forward, with views over the bow, and aft are found the treatment rooms, the central indoor pool, the thermal suite and the steam room. The layout is worse than found on conventional cruise ships, where it is usually located on a higher deck, surrounded by floor to ceiling windows, and fitted with an outdoor section. But Canyon Ranch Health Spa offers the very latest and most progressive health and beauty treatments anywhere in the world, and the health people give more importance to this fact than the spa views.
The Queen Mary 2 has 17 decks, 13 of them dedicated to passengers. She can transport 2620 passengers in 1318 cabins, 955 (almost 75%) of them fitted with balcony, attended by a crew of 1300 captained by Commodore Warwick. The cabins offered on this ship are very extensive -- up to 25 different types, for all budgets. The most luxurious are five duplex apartments of over 150 square metres (1584 square feet), situated aft on Decks 8 and 9, gifted with a curved stairway and a great bay window aft to see the ship's wake. Every apartment has a gymnasium, walk-in closet, a fully-equipped galley, two marble bathrooms, an enormous balcony, and butler service. If it is necessary, every apartment can be connected to a neighboring suite, thus offering the privilege of a 200 square-metre (2100 square feet) area to enjoy the cruise.
Four suites are located forward; these measure between 80 and 100 square metres (845-1056 square feet), and offer magnificent sea views. They have two baths with Jacuzzi, a private elevator, and a balcony.
The 944 balcony cabins are located on four full decks, and are accessible by two murderously long passageways, one on each side of the ship. These cabin corridors haven't any artwork. They run the length of the ship and can be hypnotizing, but again aren't cheap . . . just too plain. The standard cabins have 18 square metres, 23 if we are counting the balcony (190 or 243 square feet), and the disposition is that of a standard ship of this category. The cabins are lovely, in soft gold and burgundy, with some touch of black wood. It feels big and roomy. The compact bath is well designed and has shower and toilet. The balconies have a closed steel lower half, a precautionary measure to North Atlantic gales. On the upper suite decks, the railing is glass and you can see for a distance. The deluxe cabins (27 square metres, or 285 square feet) and 78 suites (36 square metres, or 380 square feet) are bigger, roomier and better decorated than the standard balcony cabins. All are value for money!
There are also twelve cabins with windows facing the atrium. Furthermore, there are 293 inside cabins, some prepared for families with two upper beds. All cabins have interactive television (with a lot of utilities), comfortable beds with duvets, mini refrigerator, a table and a desk, etc. There are 30 cabins equipped for the physically challenged.
The vacuum sanitary system on board comprises over 2,200 toilets. The sanitary water is collected and handled in a membrane bioreactor, of 700 square metres filtration area, that converts it into clean water that can be released into the sea. The residuals of this plant are sent to the organic residuals treatment plant, and the resulting water is used as ballast, or used to clean open decks and windows, or in the laundry. The bilge water is handled in an installation that reduces the oil content to less than 5 ppm. Lastly, the incinerators on board eliminate the residuals that are impossible to recycle or to recuperate. The paper, plastics, glass and packed residuals are compacted to be recycled on shore.
ActivitiesA transatlantic run presented Cunard and its designers a challenge: how to keep passengers active and happy on a six-day voyage without a port of call? The response was a diverse group of options: health and beauty treatments, gastronomy, and also teaching. The Cunard enrichment program called ConneXionsSM on the QM2 is developed in seven classrooms, fitted with mobile partitions to be able to get classes of 230 students, including computer learning courses, that fill over 2,000 square metres, all located behind Illuminations, on the lower deck forward. The planetarium will be used for lectures, also. The classes offered are of a varied list of topics: contemporary architecture, learning languages, painting, movies, etc. A part of this program is called Oxford Discovery and is teamed with the University of Oxford, which selects the lecturers. The course program will be announced 90 days before departure, and this is one of the principal attractions of the Queen Mary 2.
The Most Powerful Passenger Ship
The power plant of the QM2 is of the type CODEG (Combined Diesel Electric and Gas turbine electric plant). This type of plant is the latest, most sophisticated power concept, so popular in modern cruise ships, and guarantees that she can cross the North Atlantic in six days. In spite of her size, the Queen Mary 2 has a service speed of 26.5 knots, with a sea margin of 25%, while the maximum speed is 30 knots, with all the generator equipment on duty. This achievement was partly obtained from the narrow beam and the lengthening of the hull, and partly from the powerful propulsion plant. The electric energy is generated at high voltage by four Wartsila 16V46C diesel engines, located in the double bottom, which develop 67,200 kW (57% of the total) and by two General Electric LM 2500 turbines, which develop 50,000 kW (43% of the total), located on the highest deck of the ship, just under the funnel, thanks to their lower weight.
Due to this layout, it is possible to supply the large air volume that these gas turbines require, without the need of big uptakes to carry this air to the engine room. With all these engines working, the Queen Mary 2 generates 117,000 kW, sufficient to supply Southampton, England. The four diesel engines are of the green type which use common rail technology injection to ensure lower emission rate. Propulsion is carried out by four 20 MW Mermaid podded propulsion units, two fixed (the forward outside ones) and two steerable through 360°, all with highly skewed blades for low noise and vibration.
The first QM2 cruise was a transatlantic positioning trip which begun January 12, 2004, from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale; later, she sailed in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, and also, like the old Normandie, sailed to Rio de Janeiro. On March 26, she left Fort Lauderdale on her first true eastbound North Atlantic cruise to Southampton; and on April 16 she made the first westbound transatlantic trip from Southampton to New York. In April and June, she was engaged in transatlantic, Caribbean (from New York), and Western Europe (from Southampton) cruises. On July 5th, she began her first Northern Europe cruise from Southampton; and later more transatlantic crossings. From the 12th to the 30th of August, she will be in Piraeus, Greece, chartered for the Olympic Games as a floating hotel. After that event, she will offer transatlantic and New England cruises. And, finally, on October 17, she will offer her last Mediterranean cruise of the season from Southampton, before crossing the Atlantic to begin her second Caribbean season from New York and Fort Lauderdale.
As president Pam Conover said, "Cunard has fantastic brand equity." I believe the Queen Mary 2 is not built like a cruise ship, but rather as the guardian of the Cunard heritage. In fact, I think there are steps backward in some of the ship's layout. But, in other ways, she is trail-blazing. She is conservative in the restaurant layout, in her full promenade deck, in pool location, in her particularly ceremonial use of the public rooms (mainly the magnificent Queen's Room), and in her own route, the nostalgic transatlantic crossing. But also she is evolutionary in her multi-role venues, such as the King Court, in the balcony cabins, etc. and is a complete revolution in her propulsion technology.
She is elegant, but reserved, and she will be enormously successful in her crossing and cruising trips. She has a superb mix of modern, contemporary design and thinking, but retains a sense of the true liner heritage. And because she looks different from everything else currently in the cruise world, I must conclude that she should, indeed, live up to all the expectations of "grandeur renewed."
In the end, a Queen without size, elegance and tradition is unthinkable. And the QM2 is now reality, with plenty of power and tradition. Long live the Queen!
Arturo Paniagua Mazorra is a true ship history afficionado and resides in Madrid, Spain. He has written several other articles for The SeaLetter and can be reached for questions or comment at: email@example.com.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please


History of witches. Homework help with witch trials, witch hunters and famous witches.
Links for Learning
Websites Videos Games Quizzes
Witchcraft in a Nutshell
Witchcraft in 16th & 17th Century England.
The 10 Most Famous Witches in History.
History of Witches
A brief history of witches by Suzannah Lipscomb.
Witches in Britain
Witchcraft was not made a capital offence in Britain until 1563.
5 real witches in history.
10 Weird Facts About Witches
The practice of witchcraft is deeply rooted in history, and has—excuse the joke—conjured up some very interesting myths. Here are a few facts.
Quiz Witchcraft and Superstition
How much do you know about the superstitions surrounding witchcraft in the 16th and 17th centuries?
During the sixteenth century whole districts in some parts of Lancashire seemed contaminated with the presence of witches.
A Witch Trial
The witch trial that made legal history.
The truth about witches and witch-hunters
Witch-hunters didn't target women as such, they targeted witches – and about 25% of witches were men.
Who was Matthew Hopkins?
Matthew Hopkins was a failed lawyer who claimed that he had been given the job of 'witchfinder' by the government.
Hopkins used devious methods to extract confessions.


Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the world today. In March 2015, a United Nations report found that global warming was happening faster than expected and that it would be difficult to reverse its effects. This report highlighted how urgent the situation was and underscored the need for effective solutions to mitigate climate change. Since then, there have been many new findings about climate change and potential solutions to address it.
A major issue with climate change is rising temperatures across the globe. One way to combat this is through geoengineering techniques such as increasing cloud reflectivity or injecting particles into the upper atmosphere to reduce incoming sunlight. These techniques could help reduce global temperature increases by several degrees Celsius, but they are controversial due to uncertainties around their long-term impacts on ecosystems and human health.
In addition, carbon dioxide emissions must be reduced in order to limit global warming caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere. To do this, countries must shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar power. Not only do these methods produce fewer pollutants than traditional energy sources, but recent studies have also shown that they can provide reliable electricity at lower costs than previously thought possible (Energy Innovation 2020). Additionally, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular owing mainly to advances in battery technology which has made them more affordable and efficient (Los Angeles Times 2020).
Discuss some environmental problem, solution, or new findings from March 2015 to current.
Another important factor in mitigating climate change is reducing deforestation rates worldwide due to its role in both releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere while also destroying vast amounts of natural habitats for animals species which are essential for maintaining biodiversity levels (Environmental Protection Agency 2015). Solutions include planting trees on degraded land; restoring areas damaged by logging or fires; protecting existing forests through better regulation; engaging local communities in conservation efforts; or using “carbon capture” technology which removes carbon dioxide directly from industrial smokestacks before it enters the atmosphere (National Geographic 2019).
Finally, individuals can take action by making informed decisions about their lifestyles such as eating plant-based diets instead of relying heavily on animal products as well as choosing green transportation options over gasoline cars when possible (USFWS 2018 ). Although individual actions may seem small compared with what governments or corporations can do collectively make an impact when taken together with others who are committed to making a difference for our planet’s future .


Great Danes are a breed of dog that are known for their impressive size and gentle nature. However, many people wonder if these dogs are protective of their owners. While Great Danes are not typically bred to be guard dogs, they do have many protective qualities that make them great family pets.
One of the most notable protective qualities of Great Danes is their appearance. Their sheer size can be intimidating to strangers, and their deep bark can also act as a deterrent. Additionally, Great Danes have a patient and calm demeanor that can make them excellent watchdogs. They are not typically aggressive, but they will alert their owners to any potential threats.
Despite their protective qualities, Great Danes are not necessarily the best choice for a guard dog. While they may be able to intimidate strangers with their size and bark, they are not typically aggressive enough to take on a true intruder. However, with proper training and socialization, Great Danes can be trained to be protective of their owners and their home.
Great Dane: An Overview
Great Danes are known for their imposing size and regal appearance. They are one of the largest dog breeds in the world, standing at an impressive 28 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 140 to 175 pounds. Their heavy, muscular build and deep chest give them a powerful and imposing presence.
Great Danes come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, fawn, and harlequin. Their coat is short and sleek, requiring minimal grooming. Despite their intimidating size, Great Danes are gentle giants with a kind nature and loyalty.
While Great Danes are not typically aggressive, they do have strong protective instincts. They are known to be excellent watchdogs, and their size alone can be a deterrent to potential intruders. Great Danes are also fiercely loyal to their families and will do whatever it takes to protect them.
Overall, Great Danes make excellent pets for those who are willing to commit to their unique needs. They require plenty of exercise and socialization to keep them healthy and happy. With proper training and care, Great Danes can be loving and loyal companions for years to come.
Personality and Temperament
Great Danes are often referred to as "gentle giants" due to their massive size and affectionate nature. They are known for their calm demeanor and natural temperament, making them great family pets. Despite their size, they are generally very gentle and playful dogs who love to interact with their owners.
Great Danes are also known for their protective instincts. While not all Great Danes are naturally protective, some may exhibit protective behavior towards their owners. This protective behavior can be influenced by genetics, socialization, and training.
In terms of personality, Great Danes are typically friendly and outgoing with people they know. They are known for their affectionate nature and love to be around their owners. They are also generally very patient and tolerant with children, making them great family pets.
However, it is important to note that Great Danes require proper socialization and training to ensure they exhibit appropriate behavior. Without proper socialization, they may become timid or aggressive towards strangers or other dogs.
Overall, Great Danes have a confident and calm temperament, making them great companions for families who are willing to provide them with the proper care and training they require.
Training and Socialization
Great Danes can be protective of their owners, but proper training and socialization are essential to ensure that their protective behavior is appropriate and not aggressive. As with any dog, early socialization is crucial to ensure that the Great Dane is comfortable around people and other animals.
Obedience training is also important for Great Danes. Positive reinforcement is the most effective training method for this breed. Using treats and praise to reward good behavior can be very effective. Consistency in training is also key, as Great Danes respond well to a routine.
Boundary training can also be helpful for Great Danes. Establishing boundaries for where the dog is allowed and not allowed to go can help prevent destructive behavior and keep the dog safe. Discipline should be used sparingly and should never involve physical punishment.
It is important to note that Great Danes are generally easy to train and are highly trainable. However, they can be stubborn at times, so patience and persistence are necessary.
Overall, proper training and socialization can greatly influence a Great Dane's behavior and can help shape their protective behavior towards their owners in a positive way.
Protective Instincts and Behavior
Great Danes are known for their protective instincts and behavior. While genetics play a role in a dog's behavior, it's important to remember that individual temperament and training also have a significant impact.
Great Danes have a strong sense of loyalty and love for their families, which can translate into protective behavior. They are often described as alert and watchful, making them good watchdogs. However, being a good watchdog does not necessarily mean they will be good guard dogs.
Guard dogs are trained to protect property or people, while watchdogs are trained to alert their owners of potential danger. Great Danes can function as both watchdogs and guard dogs, but it's important to note that not all Great Danes have the temperament or training to be effective guard dogs.
Territorial instincts also play a role in a Great Dane's protective behavior. They may see their home and family as their territory and will defend it if they perceive a threat. However, it's important to socialize Great Danes from a young age to prevent them from becoming overly territorial and aggressive towards strangers.
Great Danes can also be trained as personal protection dogs. These dogs are trained to protect their owners from physical harm and can be used for personal security. However, not all Great Danes are suitable for this type of training, and it's important to work with a professional trainer to ensure the dog's safety and effectiveness.
In summary, Great Danes have protective instincts and behavior, but individual temperament and training play a significant role in their effectiveness as guard dogs or personal protection dogs. Socialization is important to prevent aggression towards strangers, and professional training is necessary for dogs trained for personal protection.
Physical Activity and Exercise
Great Danes are a large and energetic breed that require regular physical activity to maintain their health and well-being. They have a moderate activity level and require daily exercise to prevent boredom, obesity, and destructive behavior.
A Great Dane needs at least 30-60 minutes of exercise every day, which can include walks, jogs, playtime in a fenced yard, or other activities that get them moving. They also thrive on mental stimulation, so incorporating training and interactive games into their exercise routine can be beneficial.
It's important to note that Great Danes should not be over-exercised, especially when they are young and their bones are still developing. Jumping, running on hard surfaces, and strenuous exercise should be avoided to prevent joint problems and other health issues.
Due to their size, Great Danes need plenty of space to move around and play. They may not be suitable for apartment living, but they can adapt to smaller living spaces as long as they get enough exercise and attention. A fenced yard is ideal for Great Danes to run and play safely, but it's important to ensure that the fence is secure and tall enough to prevent them from escaping.
Overall, regular physical activity and exercise are essential for keeping Great Danes healthy, happy, and well-behaved. Owners should provide them with enough space and opportunities to move around, while also being mindful of their limitations and avoiding excessive exercise.
Health Concerns and Lifespan
Great Danes are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they are prone to certain health problems. One of the most common health issues that Great Danes face is bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). This is a life-threatening condition that can occur when the stomach fills with gas and twists on its axis. Great Danes are also prone to heart disease, including cardiomyopathy, which can also be life-threatening.
In addition to bloat and heart disease, Great Danes are also at an increased risk for cancer. Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, is particularly common in this breed. Other health problems that Great Danes may face include hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other joint and bone diseases.
Despite their large size, Great Danes have a relatively short lifespan compared to smaller breeds. On average, they live between 8 and 10 years, with some living only 6 or 7 years, and a lucky few reaching the ripe old age of 12. It is important to be aware of the potential health problems that Great Danes may face and to take steps to help them live as long and healthy a life as possible. This may include regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and plenty of exercise.
Overall, while Great Danes can make excellent protective dogs, it is important to be aware of their potential health concerns and to take steps to ensure their well-being. By providing proper care and attention, Great Danes can live long, happy lives as loyal and protective companions.
Living with a Great Dane
Living with a Great Dane can be an enjoyable experience for those who appreciate the breed's imposing presence, loyalty, and love. However, there are certain things to consider when bringing a Great Dane into the home.
Firstly, Great Danes are known to be excellent family pets and are gentle with children. However, their large size means that they can accidentally knock over small children, so it is important to supervise interactions between them.
Secondly, Great Danes require a lot of space and exercise due to their size and energy levels. They are not suitable for small apartments or homes without a yard. A daily walk and playtime in a secure area is essential for their physical and mental well-being.
Thirdly, Great Danes can get along well with other pets if they are socialized from a young age. However, their prey drive can be strong, so it is important to supervise interactions with smaller animals such as cats and rabbits.
Fourthly, Great Danes are loyal and affectionate companions who thrive on human companionship. They do not do well when left alone for long periods of time and may become destructive or anxious.
Lastly, Great Danes have an imposing presence and can be intimidating to strangers. While they are not typically aggressive, their size alone can be a deterrent to potential intruders, making them a good choice for those looking for a dog to provide a sense of safety and security.
Overall, living with a Great Dane requires careful consideration of their needs and temperament. With proper care and attention, they can make excellent companions and protectors for those who appreciate their unique qualities.
Choosing the Right Breeder
When it comes to choosing a breeder for a Great Dane, it is important to do your research and find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. A good breeder should be able to provide you with information about the puppy's parents, including their health history and any genetic testing that has been done.
One way to find a reputable breeder is to look for breeders who are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC is a trusted organization that sets standards for breeding practices and requires breeders to adhere to certain guidelines.
It is also important to visit the breeder in person and see the conditions in which the puppies are being raised. A good breeder will have clean and spacious facilities and will allow you to interact with the puppies and their parents.
Once you have found a reputable breeder, it is important to work with them to ensure that your puppy receives proper training. This may include working with a professional dog trainer to teach your puppy basic obedience commands and socialization skills.
Overall, choosing the right breeder is crucial to ensuring that your Great Dane is healthy, well-behaved, and a loyal companion for years to come.


A project within the framework of the Adaptation to the Impacts of Rapid Glacier Retreat in the Tropical Andes Project
Adaptation to the Impacts of Rapid Glacier Retreat in the Tropical Andes
AndesPlus is a project within the framework of the Adaptation to the Impacts of Rapid Glacier Retreat in the Tropical Andes Project (PRAA) of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) and the World Bank. The PRAA project seeks to reinforce resilience of local ecosystems and economies vis-à-vis the impacts caused by glacier retreat in the Tropical Andes through the implementation of pilot activities evidencing costs and benefits of adaptation to climate change in the basins selected in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Like the PRAA project many other climate adaptation projects are in need of basic scientific information on which to base adaptation strategies and eventually adaptation measures. Climate adaptation projects therefore call for such information but there is a large variety, and limited consensus, how such information should be produced by the scientific community.
AndesPlus steps into this gap, with the objective to develop a methodology for the development of a scientific basis, targeted to the context of high mountain ecosystems, considering existing approaches and tools. The project is of strong interdisciplinary nature and includes a scope from physical climate, glaciers, water resources, agriculture, ecosystems, natural hazards and risks and social, cultural and political aspects.
Through a number of workshops of international scientists and experts a report and guideline document was produced and at several steps revised. The document offers methodological and conceptual guidance in each of the above fields, and in the scoping and framing process of climate adaptation projects with a scientific approach (see the link below to download the document).
AndesPlus was executed by an international team of scientists, with several research institutions and universities from Switzerland. The counterparts were experts from government institutions from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
AndesPlus also included capacity building activities with the technical and scientific entities of the member countries to the Andean Community participating in the PRAA.
- World Bank
- Andean Community of Nations
- Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN/BAFU)
- Meteodat Zurich
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research
- Swiss Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology


When people mention the conversational clichés where the atmosphere can be cut with a knife, there is an uncomfortable silence or looks could kill, nonverbal communication is to blame. A comforting lull in conversation, excitement in the air or love at first sight prove nonverbal cues are both negative and positive. Situations like these are exceptional, but nonverbal communication as a whole makes up the majority of the message conveyed between two people.
To better understand nonverbal interpersonal communication, one must first understand the defining factors of relationships. Three aspects characterize relationships: attraction, arousal and power. Each aspect contributes to the intensity of the relationship in a particular way. For instance, attraction is defined by the distance individuals put in between one another. Arousal is the enthusiasm, or lack thereof, shown in facial expressions and tone of voice when communicating. Finally, power can be shown through body posture. The more dominant conversationalist will be relaxed in comparison to the subordinate or two equals will be equally relaxed or tense depending on the situation.
When it comes to nonverbal communication, several elements contribute to the decoding of the message. These elements are normally physical in nature and can be both purposeful and subconscious. Gestures, facial expressions, eye behavior, appearance, use of space, touch, voice and smell are all factors that provide nonverbal communication between two people.
Physical gestures can be common hand cues to signify everything is A-okay, a shrug of the shoulders to show one isn’t sure, or crossed arms indicating irritation. Some gestures are part of a person’s personality trait. Some people chew their fingernails and others have nervous twitches. Though the latter gestures are normally unconscious, the motions can contribute to the way a person’s mood is interpreted. For instance, a conversation with someone nervously chewing their fingernails will be more awkward than a conversation with someone with their hands relaxed at their sides.
One of the most distinct indications of emotion in interpersonal conversation is facial expression. Anger, boredom, happiness and ecstasy are apparent in the movement of the mouth, eyebrows and forehead. As a child, I was always reprimanded for glaring at my parents when they were lecturing me. I never understood what they meant and often got in trouble for the way my face looked. Unknowingly, I had practiced masking my emotions in conversation and the expression I was left with was mistaken as an angry or dissatisfied glower. To this day, my expressions are often interpreted incorrectly as I have never mastered the art of having a relaxed facial expression while being lectured.
I was called on this look as an adult while learning sign language. My instructor was deaf and she told me that I needed to show my emotions in my face and through my body language for my hand gestures to be interpreted correctly. Apparently, my practiced nonchalant attitude in conversation was distracting and didn’t come off as well as I had intended. With practice, I learned to communicate through sign and body language and my instructor and I became good friends.
Eye behavior is in part related to facial expression, but can include the dilation and contraction of the pupil. Excitement and fear can physically alter the state of the pupil. Another sometimes unconscious element of eye behavior is the movement of the eye and eye contact. When someone wants to avoid conversation, they avert their eyes. When being spoken to, people should keep eye contact for over half the conversation, but when speaking, intense eye contact can be intimidating.
Appearance is an important element in nonverbal communication, as well. Someone who cares little about their appearance will not be taken as seriously as someone who is meticulous in grooming. Though appearance is in part a personality trait, posture combined with appearance can contribute greatly to the interpretation of someone’s appearance. Space, in relation to appearance can be interpreted differently, too. Some people try to purposefully intimidate others by stepping into their personal space; others need more personal space than others.
Touch, voice and smell contribute to nonverbal communication in a similar manner. Some people touch to clarify a point. Contact is considered an intimate form of communication and is interpreted differently by the duration, pressure or position of the touch. Another signal of meaning is in a person’s voice. The voice will rise or fall with emotions. Volume is a good indication of emotion or urgency. Finally, smell is an animalistic instinct ingrained in everyone. As with animals, people, too can smell fear, attraction and body odor.
Nonverbal communication is a significant part of communication. To completely understand meaning and intention, one must consider the combined elements of the nonverbal message. Similarly, one must be conscious of the cues they are sending to the other party when conversing.
© 2008 oneZtwoLLs
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Educating us dozen that need a taste of reality. Like holding a seminar for self-esteem, identity crisis'. A very well written piece. Thanks for sharing. Cheers
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If you live in a big city in a developed country, then you are more or less involved in different kinds of communication. Communication nowadays has become a sort of cult; daily, people maintain dozens of personal contacts—at work, in the street, public transport, and so on. Because of this, it is not only important what and how you say something to other people, but also how your body behaves in the process of communication, as body language is as informative as the spoken one, sometimes conveying information more personal and important than the one said aloud. This is called nonverbal communication.
Nonverbal communication includes facial expressions, gestures, the distance between speakers, eye contact, voice intonations, touch, and many other minor details which—if decrypted properly—can provide speakers with valuable details about each other. For example, space between people can say a lot about the level of intimacy between them: usually, the shorter the distance between speakers, the more friendly or intimate they are, and vice versa. Or if a person avoids eye contact, it might mean that he or she is hiding something, feels uncomfortable around you, and so on (IFR).
Body language has several important functions. For instance, a person’s gestures can repeat the message he or she is making orally; a little child explaining how birds fly and waving his or her arms like wings is a decent example of this function. Another function—the opposite—is the opposite: when the way a conversationalist acts does not match with the orally-transmitted message. An example is when a person sitting with a dull face and twirling a pen in their fingers says they are interested in what you say. Substitution occurs when verbal messages can be expressed by nonverbal means (like shrugging). The function of complementing can be explained by a situation when a parent pats their child on the head for behaving well, while speaking it out loud. In addition, gestures can be used for accenting, like when raising one’s index finger when speaking about something important (HelpGuide.org).
At the same time, it is important to remember that in different cultures, norms of communication may vary; for example, in some eastern countries, looking straight in the eyes of a conversationalist is considered rude. In Caucasus, men usually communicate when gathering in large groups where everyone stands very close to each other. Men in some Arabic countries may walk around the street holding hands, or may kiss each other in cheek when greeting, but this is the indication of friendship between straight men, not romance or intimacy. Therefore, sometimes body language may also differ depending on culture (IRF).
Gestures are a rich layer of everyday communication, and being able to decrypt them may disclose new meanings of what people say to each other. Nonverbal communication usually includes posture, voice intonations, touch, eye contact, distance between speakers, and facial expressions. Body language messages may accent, compliment, repeat, substitute, or contradict orally spoken messages. However, depending on the culture, these messages may differ, so it is important to remember about it when communicating with people from different countries.
“Nonverbal Communication.” : Improving Your Nonverbal Skills and Reading Body Language. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2015.
“What is Nonverbal Communication?” FRIHealth. N.p., 13 July 2013. Web. 07 Apr. 2015.
“Why Communicating with Foreigners Might Be Tricky?” IFRTravel. N.p., 15 Aug. 2014. Web. 07 Apr. 2015.
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John Brown (1800-1859), American abolitionist, leader of the famous attack upon Harper's Ferry, in 1859, was born on the 9th of May 1800, at Torrington, Connecticut. He is said to have been descended from Peter Brown, who went to America in the Mayflower, and he was the grandson of Captain John Brown, who served in the War of Independence. He was taken by his father, Owen Brown, to Hudson, Ohio, in 1805. At the age of eighteen he began to prepare himself for the Congregational ministry, but soon changed his mind and turned his attention to land surveying. He engaged successively in the tanning business, in sheep-raising, and in the wool trade, but met with little success and in 1842, at Akron, Ohio, became bankrupt. In 1849, after having lived in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, he removed to North Elba, N.Y., where he engaged in farming on part of the land which was being given in small tracts, by its owner Gerrit Smith, to negro settlers. Long before this he had conceived a strong hatred for the institution of slavery, and had determined to do what he could to bring about its destruction.
In 1854 five of his sons removed to Kansas, where the violent conflict was beginning between the "free-state" and the pro-slavery settlers, and in the following year Brown, leaving the rest of his family at North Elba, joined them, settling near Osawatomie and immediately becoming a conspicuous figure in the border warfare. His name became particularly well known in connexion with the so-called "Pottawatomie massacre," the killing in cold blood, on the 25th of May 1856, by men under his orders, of five pro-slavery settlers in retaliation for the murder a short time previously of five "free-state" settlers. He also on the 2nd of June, at the head of about thirty men, captured Captain H. C. Pate and twenty-two pro-slavery men at Black Jack, and on the 30th of August 1856, with a small body of supporters, vigorously resisted an attack of a superior pro-slavery force upon Osawatomie. Brown then visited the Eastern states for the purpose of raising money to be used in the Kansas struggle and of arousing the people against slavery.
After spending a short time in Kansas, in 1858-1859 he proceeded to carry out a long-cherished scheme for facilitating the escape of fugitive slaves by establishing in the mountains of Virginia a stronghold in which such fugitives could take refuge and defend themselves against their pursuers. At Chatham, Canada, with eleven white and thirty-five negro associates, he adopted a "Provisional Constitution and Ordinance for the People of the United States." Brown was elected commander-in-chief, and from among this group a secretary of state, a secretary of war, a secretary of the treasury, and members of Congress were chosen. Later, with only twenty-two men supplied with arms furnished by the Massachusetts-Kansas committee, and with funds contributed (in ignorance of Brown's plans) by his intimate associates, Theodore Parker, George L. Stearns, T. W. Higginson, and F. B. Sanborn, all of Boston, and Gerrit Smith, of Peterboro, New York, he removed to a farm near Harper's Ferry, the site of a Federal arsenal, which he intended to capture as a preliminary to the carrying out of the main part of his plan.
On the night of the 16th of October 1859, with only eighteen men, five of whom were negroes, he made the attack, easily capturing the arsenal and taking about sixty of the leading citizens prisoners to be used as hostages. On the following morning Brown and his followers were vigorously attacked, and on the 18th - a small force of United States marines under Colonel Robert E. Lee having arrived - were overpowered, Brown being seriously wounded after he had surrendered. Of the twenty-two men who had participated in the raid, ten were killed, seven were taken prisoners, and five escaped. On the other side five were killed and nine wounded. Brown was committed to the Charlestown, Virginia (now West Virginia), gaol on the 19th of October; on the 27th his trial began; on the 31st he was convicted of "treason, and conspiring and advising with slaves and other rebels, and murder in the first degree"; and on the 2nd of December he was hanged at Charlestown. His fellow-prisoners were likewise hanged soon afterwards. Brown was buried at North Elba, New York. The attack upon Harper's Ferry created widespread excitement, particularly in the Southern states; and among the abolitionists in the North Brown was looked upon as a martyr to their cause.
Shortly after his death a famous popular song became widely current in the North, beginning: -
John Brown's body lies a-mouldering in the grave,
But his soul goes marching on.
Intensely religious in his nature, Brown possessed something of the gloomy fanaticism of his Puritan ancestors. The secret of his whole career lies in his emphatic conviction, to use the words of Wendell Phillips, that he had "letters of marque from God"; that he had a divine commission to destroy slavery by violent means. He scouted the "milk and water principles" of the milder abolitionists, advocated vigorous resistance to the slave power, and expressed his ideas by actions rather than by words. It now seems that this policy aided very little in making Kansas a free state, and that the attack on Harper's Ferry, while creating much feeling at the moment, had very little effect on the subsequent course of events. It is safe to assume that secession and civil war would have followed the election of Lincoln if there had been no such raid into Virginia.
Brown was twice married and was the father of twenty children, eight of whom died in early childhood. His sons aided him in all his undertakings, two of them being killed at Harper's Ferry; and Owen Brown, who died in 1889, was long the only survivor of the attack.
See the life (1910) by O. G. Villard, and F. B. Sanborn's Life and Letters of John Brown (Boston, 1885); R. J. Hinton's John Brown and His Men (New York, 1894); James Redpath's Public Life of Captain John Brown (Boston, 1860); Von Hoist's essay, John Brown (Boston, 1889); and J. F. Rhodes, History of the United States from the Compromise of 1850 (New York, 1890-1906).


by Leo Tolstoy
Anna Karenina Life, Creation, and Existence Quotes
How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph). We used Constance Garnett's translation in the "Quotes" section, but referred to Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky's translation in other parts of the guide.
There was no solution, but that universal solution which life gives to all questions, even the most complex and insoluble. That answer is: one must live in the needs of the day – that is, forget oneself. To forget himself in sleep was impossible now, at least till nighttime; he could not go back now to the music sung by the decanter-women; so he must forget himself in the dream of daily life. (1.2.3)
Tolstoy returns to this idea of "living the needs of the day" with Levin in Part 8. Here, however, Oblonsky seeks an escape from thinking about the seeming impossibility of remedying his shameful actions.
He could not be mistaken. There were no other eyes like those in the world. There was only one creature in the world that could concentrate for him all the brightness and meaning of life. It was she. It was Kitty. He understood that she was driving to Ergushovo from the railway station. And everything that had been stirring Levin during that sleepless night, all the resolutions he had made, all vanished at once. He recalled with horror his dreams of marrying a peasant girl. There only, in the carriage that had crossed over to the other side of the road, and was rapidly disappearing, there only could he find the solution of the riddle of his life, which had weighed so agonizingly upon him of late. (3.12.14)
Levin believes that marriage to Kitty will reveal the answers to life that he so desperately seeks. However, when he finally gets married and has a son, he realizes that simply starting a family isn't the answer. His final epiphany will include Kitty, but it is not limited to her.
"Don't you know that you're all my life to me? But I know no peace, and I can't give it to you; all myself – and love...yes. I can't think of you and myself apart. You and I are one to me. And I see no chance before us of peace for me or for you. I see a chance of despair, of wretchedness...or I see a chance of bliss, what bliss!... Can it be there's no chance of it?" he murmured with his lips; but she heard. (2.7.52)
Vronsky argues that his entire life has become bound to Anna and attempting to win her love.


Sojourner truth (/ s oʊ ˈ dʒ ɜːr n ər ˈ t r uː θ / born isabella (belle) baumfree c 1797 – november 26, 1883) was an african-american abolitionist and women's rights activist truth was born into slavery in swartekill, ulster county, new york, but escaped with her infant daughter to freedom in 1826after going to court to recover her son, in 1828 she became the first black woman. Sojourner truth biography sojourner truth (1797–1897) was born into slavery but escaped to freedom and became one of the most noted african-american women speakers on issues of civil rights and abolition. Abolition was the thing that got sojourner truth started in her reform career, and it was the only cause she saw realized in her lifetime she was born a slave, so this cause was personal she joined abolitionist organizations and spoke about slavery to crowds throughout the country. Sojourner truth timeline timeline description: sojourner truth was born a slave but she escaped slavery in 1826 she became a supporter of both women's rights and abolition, or the fight to end slavery. After escaping slavery, she turned religious and became involved in the abolition of slavery, freedmen, and women’s rights work during the 1840’s she had her own autobiography called narrative of sojourner truth published by olive gilbert.
Sojourner truth = conveyed black vernacular through these methods, these individuals were able to connect to their audience and advance the abolition movement for anti-slavery the end full transcript more presentations by razan el-zesty. Sojourner truth was born into slavery about 1797 in ulster county, new york known as isabella, her parents were james and betsey, the property of colonel johannes hardenbergh as a child she spoke only low dutch and, like most slaves, never learned to read or write. Abolition of slavery in the americas 'ps banshee' by samuel walters, accession number 196852 built in 1863 by jones, quiggin and co of liverpool, the banshee was the first of the so-called 'blockade runners' ordered by the confederate states to beat the blockade imposed by the federal navy during the american civil war. Sojourner truth has come over many challenges throughout her life, and even with all of the challenges she still strove to fight for abolition and women’s rights in 1797 sojourner truth was born into slavery to james and elizabeth baumfree, in the town of swartekill, new york.
Confessions of nat turner narrative of sojourner truth incidents in the life of a slave girl, by harriet jacobs harriet: the moses of her people history of mary prince running a thousand miles for freedom, by william and ellen craft thirty years a slave: from bondage to freedom, by louis hughes narrative of the life of j d green, a runaway. Sojourner truth was one of the most well-known abolitionists, preachers, and feminist public speakers of the 19th centuryshe first shared her remarkable life experiences with slavery and freedom. Sojourner truth bibliography students a chance to analyze the context surrounding sojourner truth's life the section entitled “abolition” provides digital pictures of a variety of materials relating to the fight to sojourner truth: slave, prophet, legend mabee, carleton new york: new york university.
Sojourner truth (1797-1883) spent two years with the northampton association of education and industry in northampton, ma this portrait of her stands as the frontispiece in olive gilbert's 1850 narrative of sojourner truth (e18597 t87 special collections. Sojourner truth, as she is known in history, was given the name isabella baumfree at birth she was born into slavery in the late 1790s in new york, where she remained until escaping at almost age 30. Sojourner truth dedicated her entire life to the overall betterment of society through the abolition of slavery, and to women's rights issues though she was already free, she was a tireless volunteer who used the resources of her mind and spirit, as well as her immense rhetorical abilities, to further these causes.
Sojourner turth was one of the few african american women to participate in both the abolition of slavery and women's rights movements sojourner truth, born a slave and thus unschooled, was an impressive speaker, preacher, activist and abolitionist. In narrative of sojourner truth, one of the most important documents on slavery ever written, a passionate african american abolitionist and champion of women's rights tells of her life as a slave, her self-liberation, and her tireless campaign for racial and sexual equality. In the 1850s, a runaway slave who called herself sojourner truth electrified american audiences with her accounts of life in bondage but her fame depended on more than her speaking skills: she. By owning control of her image, the “shadow” that she refers to in the caption, truth could “sold” herself for the important cause of ending slavery in so doing she became one of the era’s most progressive advocates for slaves and freedmen after emancipation, for women’s suffrage, and for the medium of photography. Sojourner truth was one of the most famous black abolitionists emancipated from slavery by new york state law in 1827, she was an itinerant preacher who became involved in the abolitionist movement, and later in the women's rights movement.
Sojourner truth born: 1797 ulster county, new york died: november 26, 1883 battle creek, michigan african american abolitionist one of the most famous nineteenth-century black american women, sojourner truth was an uneducated former slave who actively opposed slavery though she never learned to read or write, she became a moving speaker for black freedom and women's rights. On june 1, 1843, isabella baumfree changed her name to sojourner truth, devoting her life to methodism and the abolition of slavery in 1844, truth joined the northampton association of education. Sojourner truth was an african american abolitionist who became the first black woman to successfully sue and win the case against a white man to recover her son who had been illegally sold into slavery. Sojourner truth, an abolitionist, women’s rights activist, emancipated slave and itinerant evangelist, became arguably the most well-known 19th century african american woman born around 1791, isabella (her birth name) was the daughter of james and betsey, slaves of colonel ardinburgh hurley.
Friday, october 7, 7 pm sojourner truth reading group: regina mason regina mason discusses the life of william grimes, the runaway slave, the first american fugitive slave memoir, written by her third great-grandfather. Sojourner truth was an african american abolitionist and women’s rights activist who escaped from slavery in new york in 1826 she began as an itinerant preacher and became a nationally known advocate for equality and justice, sponsoring a variety of social reforms, including women’s property rights, universal suffrage and prison reform. On june 1, 1843 isabella baunfree changed her name to sojourner truth, devoting her life to methodism and the abolition of slavery she joined the northampton association of education and industry in northampton, massachusetts. The sections “slavery” and “free blacks in the antebellum period,” can give students a chance to analyze the context surrounding sojourner truth’s life the section entitled “abolition” provides digital pictures of a variety of materials relating to the fight to end slavery in america.
Slavery was practiced throughout the american colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries, and african slaves helped build the new nation into an economic powerhouse through the production of. Sojourner truth was born in 1797 as isabella, a dutch-speaking slave in rural new york separated from her family at age nine, she was sold several times before ending up on the farm of john and.


A mother possum is only pregnant for 16-18 days before her tiny baby is born.
The baby climbs through her fur and into her pouch where it sucks on to her teat. It stays in the pouch drinking the mother’s milk for 4-5 months. When it is too big for her pouch it rides on its mother’s back until it is 7-9 months old.
A newborn brushtail possum is only 1.5cm long and it weighs about 2 grams. That’s the size of a jellybean!
How did possums get to New Zealand?
Possums have thick, soft fur. In 1837 some of New Zealand’s early settlers decided it would be good to start a fur industry, so they brought Australian possums to New Zealand. These first possums did not survive, but people kept trying. Twenty years later they succeeded. The first possum population to survive was in Southland in 1858.
In 1921 the Government made it illegal to bring any more possums to New Zealand. But by then, possums were already living in 450 different parts of New Zealand. In 1946, possums were officially declared a pest in the New Zealand environment.
By 1950 possums were found in over half of New Zealand, and they kept spreading.
In NZ possums are either black or grey. That’s because most of the possums brought to NZ in the 1800s and 1900s came from Tasmania where they are mostly black. The copper coloured possums that live in Queensland weren’t introduced to NZ because their colour wasn’t as popular in the fur trade.
Fiordland and Northland were the last areas of New Zealand to be free of possums. In the 1960s there were hardly any possums in Northland but in the 1990s – only 30 years later – there were 10-15 million possums living in Northland.
Possums numbers reached their highest point in the 1980s when there were 50-70 million possums in New Zealand. Once possum populations got very high, trappers began to make a good living from hunting them. Throughout the 1970s prices for possum skins were good. In 1981, the best year for trappers, 3.2 million skins were exported.
Trapping, poisoning and shooting has now reduced the possum population. But there are still about 30 million possums in New Zealand today.
What’s wrong with possums?
Possums are a serious pest animal in New Zealand and a threat to our forests and native wildlife. They eat leaves, flowers, leaf buds, fruit, eggs, birds, insects and snails.
People used to think that possums only ate plants. But in 1993 possums were filmed eating the eggs and chicks of endangered kōkako. They have since been filmed eating the eggs, chicks and even adults of many other native birds including kererū, kiwi, harrier hawk, fantail, muttonbird, and tūī. They also eat the nectar and berries that native birds like to eat so that there is less food for the birds.
Possums eat about 21,000 tonnes of leaves and flowers in just one night. That’s a lot of forest disappearing while you sleep.
Possums also eat native weta and giant land snails. One possum can eat 60 giant Powelliphanta snails in a single night.
Possums carry a disease called bovine Tb (tuberculosis) which they spread to cattle. They also eat pasture so there is less food for farm animals. The damage done by possums costs NZ farmers about $35 million every year. The New Zealand Government spends over $110 million per year on possum control.
What’s useful about possums?
Possum fur is soft and warm. Possum skins can be used to make clothing and possum wool is mixed with merino sheep wool to make knitting yarn. Possum meat has been found to have a high quality protein which is rich in healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Some New Zealand companies use possum meat to make healthy pet food for cats and dogs. In the 1980s, possum meat was also exported to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia for people to eat. In these countries it was considered a special food delicacy and was called ‘kiwi bear’.