Mary I, who was known in France as Marie Stuart and in Scotland and England as Mary Queen of Scots, was born on December 8, 1542 at Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow, which is about 20 miles from Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. Her father was King James V of Scotland and her mother was the French born Mary of Guise. Mary was the couple's only surviving child.

The House of Stewart which was originally from Brittany in France had come to take the throne of Scotland through the marriage of King Robert the Bruce's daughter Marjorie to Walter Stewart who was the 6th High Steward of Scotland. James V died only six days after Mary was born thus the throne was now her responsibility. There were no males who could rightfully claim to be heir and at this period in time it would have been the rule that any males regardless of being younger than their sister, would be the rightful ruler.

Due to Mary being a very young child when she came to be Queen, Scotland was ruled over by the regentry until Mary came of age. From the regentry came two claims to power – one from James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Arran and the other from Cardinal Beaton, the Archbishop of St Andrews. Arran was successful and ruled until Mary's mother succeeded him in 1554.

Henry VIII proposed upon the birth of Mary that England and Scotland be united through the marriage of Mary to his son Prince Edward. Henry also wished that Mary move from Scotland to England where he could ensure her education. However, Cardinal Beaton rose to power once again and preferred a much more pro- French alliance as France was Catholic. Henry was angered as he wished to break any alliance with France and with the Vatican in Rome.

With the turmoil against the King in England, the Scottish people sought the aid of the French through King Henry II, who was proposing to marry the 5 year old Mary to his own very young son – the Dauphin Francois, who was only 3 years old . Mary's mother agreed to this and on the 7th of July 1548 the French Marriage Treaty was signed. Once the marriage had taken place, Mary was moved to the safety of the French courts where she remained for the next 13 years.

The Queen Sikirit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand is a refreshing blend of modern architecture and functionality together with traditional Thai style. Named after the present queen of Thailand the venue boasts of being the premier exhibition and convention location in the country. The centre was built in 1991 with the view of hosting major international, regional and national conventions in Thailand.

Originally constructed to host the 46th International Monetary Fund annual meeting in 1991 the Thai Government began construction in 1989 and took two years to complete. It is a spacious location with the main hall and the compound area being 35,000 square meters while the plenary hall can hold up to 5,000 people. The Bangkok Metro- subway public transportation system has a stop at the convention centre which would provide ease of access to those who visit the centre. It is located in Khlong Toei, on Ratchadapisek Road between Sukhumvit Road and Rama IV Road.

Within the Plenary Hall, a fully-computerized lighting system assures shadow less illumination. It can be programmed to provide any other lighting effect as required, from pinpoint spotlighting to simulated broad daylight. The plenary Hall also has a simultaneous interpretation system that can handle up to six languages catering to 4,000 delegates. The convention centre also offers the latest cutting edge communication facilities with voice and data lines, telex, teleconferencing facilities and Wi-Fi.

The convention centre also has a large car park that is capable of handling up to 700 vehicles plus an additional 30 buses, alternative parking arrangement can be made for 1,500 vehicles in the adjoining compound. A currency exchange, ATM, post office, a business centre and a convenience store are also located in side the compound and provide the necessary facilities for business travelers.

Hotel accommodation can be found quite easily in the area as it adjoins Bangkok’s main hub-Sukhumvit where a number of major hotels are located. A service apartment in Bangkok is a viable option for those that seek accommodation. Pantip Court Serviced Residence is an ideal spot ideal for those who seek long stay accommodation in Bangkok

When you are given an honour by the British government it can come in several forms. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry which was established on 4 June 1917 by, the then King, George V. There are five classes of the order in civil and military divisions; in increasing order of seniority, these are: Member (MBE), Officer (OBE), Commander (CBE), Knight Commander or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE) and Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross (GBE).

Joseph Corre, a leading lingerie entrepreneur in the guise of Agent Provocateur, refused to accept an MBE (Member of the British Empire) last week to the surprise of many.

He objects to what he calls Tony Blair’s “dishonest wars”, but makes clear: “My decision in no way reflects on my opinion of the Queen whom I respect and would be honoured to have as a customer.”

“I believe that the way and the methods with which Tony Blair took Britain to war in Iraq and Afghanistan alongside George Bush were dishonest. They were based on a lie,” says Corre.

However, his wife and business partner, Serena Rees was reportedly delighted to accept the MBE she was awarded. Let’s hope that this did not create friction between them.

Corre’s mother, grande dame of fashion Vivienne Westwood, was given an honour in 2006 by the Queen.

Read Corre’s article in the Independent explaining why he doesn’t want the MBE. The honour is one of many different types of honour that the Queen awards each year to those she feels are deserving of recognition.

One of the most important decisions a newlywed couple can make outside of the wedding is based in the bedroom. Surprisingly, it isn't the honeymoon activities or anything similar. It is selecting the perfect mattress to compliment the needs of both individuals. From firm to soft, therapeutic or regular style, the type of mattress that is selected must be something that caters to each individual and their need for comfort. Outside of the decision of what type of mattress a couple will use comes the choices of size. It is a given that a couple could not possibly sleep comfortably on a twin-size bed, so that only leaves three options: full size mattress, queen size and king.

The first thing that should be considered is the size of each individual. A married couple who are both on the slim side would be able to sleep comfortably on a full mattress. However, if one of the individuals is overweight, a full size mattress would not provide enough room for the couple. In that case, a queen or king size mattress should be purchased.

The next item to consider is any physical issues or limitations present. For example, if an individual is handicapped, they may require more room in order to accommodate any special equipment. In that case, a full mattress size would not be the best option as this size of mattress would limit the individual.

One of the main benefits – and also concerns – of a full mattress is that it is not very wide nor long. This forces the couple to lay closer together, which is great if they like to snuggle or sleep within each other's arms. However, for someone that likes to roll and stretch out during sleep, being on a full size bed is only asking for trouble. No one wants to get slapped in the middle of the night by their spouse while he is turning over.

After the decision has been made on the perfect full mattress size, the couple should try out the mattress by laying down together on it before buying. They should ask themselves if the mattress is soft or firm enough, do they have enough room to move around, and if the mattress is long enough to accommodate their height. If the couple is comfortable with the decision, then there is no reason why they should not make the purchase. However, if there is even a small amount of doubt, the couple should discuss the options available with each other before making the investment.

No matter the size or type of mattress, the trick to selecting the perfect one is compromising with each other. There is no mattress that will be perfect for each individual. It is the job of the couple to meet in the middle and select a mattress that both individuals will be happy with and that can easily obtain a restful sleep. After all, a peaceful sleep equals a peaceful marriage … which can make everyone happy.

Ankhesenamun was the third of Nefertiti’s daughters but she is best known as the wife of the famous pharaoh King Tutankhamun who was the king of Egypt 3,500 years ago.

There is no doubt that the royal couple were in love. Several objects found in Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter depict the couple. The most famous is the golden throne which has a panel on the back showing the royal couple, but the panel on an ivory coffer is also very nice.

Although Queen Ankhesenamun obviously loved Tutankhamun, he was actually not her first husband: he may have been her third. According to the tradition of the times, it is widely believed that Ankhesenamun was first married to her father, the Pharaoh Akhenaten. She may then have been married to a little known Pharaoh by name of Smenkhkare. After Tutankhamun’s death, she was also married to his successor the Pharaoh Ay. In short, she may have been married to four different kings which for a lady who died at about age 30 is quite an achievement!

It is also perhaps an indication that she was unlucky: she buried three husbands. The latest DNA study of Tutankhamun’s family published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that a mummy found in the Valley of the Kings may belong to Ankhesenamun. The mummy, known as KV21A, was found without inscriptions or grave goods and has been identified as the probably mother of two of Tutankhamun’s children which, by deduction, suggests it is Ankhesenamun. Her misfortune has continued in death. Ankhesenamun was probably quite an attractive woman. When the KV21A mummy was found it had a head with long, lustrous black hair. Her had has tragically now vanished. A century ago, macabre mummy parties were all the rage and she probably and a unwanted starring part in one during which her head was unwrapped and then burned or thrown away.

The latest DNA study also shows that she had a severe club foot and would have struggled to walk far, and was probably in pain when she did walk.

Maybe her final misfortune was her fourth husband, the Pharaoh Ay. He was a very old man – old enough to have been her grandfather. Indeed, he probably was her grandfather. For many years Ay was suspected as having murdered Tutankhamun. Nowadays, it is not thought that Tutankhamun was murdered, although a letter from a Queen of the time to the King of the Hittites says quite plainly that her husband was murdered and that they were trying to force her to marry her husband’s murdered. Ankhesenamun does fit the profile. Whatever, after her marriage to Ay to secure his dynastic succession, Ankhesenamun quickly fades from sight and is not heard from again. It is thought she was dead within months of this marriage. Was she murdered? Sadly, if the KV21A mummy really is Ankhesenamun we shall probably never know as it is in very poor condition.

We have a life filled with misfortune but Ankhesenamun for a time had a happy marriage to Tutankhamun. We can only hope that some new discovery in the Valley of the Kings will one day teach us more about her life.

How could the character of “Bidam” in the drama series “Queen Seon Duk” be forgotten? You Tube followers admire Kim Nang Gil in his commendable acting.

I saw this character last year in a role that I will cherish. I fell in love with Bidam. Maybe, because the actor who portrays the role is handsome and with awesome acting talent.

When his eyes moved they show what he’s in for: what he wants without talking. His eyes express the story he is acting upon. The role suits him so the viewers want to connect.

“Bidam” breathes like us. He becomes one of us.

And though the show is fiction (almost based in Korean legends), it brings Korea to where the viewers are.

In this regard, a short fiction story must put emphasis on character, remember “Frankenstein?” Different fictional worlds make different demands to the reader and get various responses creating real characters with flesh and blood.

Movies with movie characters alive and never forgotten are the following, among others:

Batman ( portrayed by Val Kilmer)

The Gladiator (Russel Crowe)

The Last Samurai (Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe)

Dog Day Afternoon and Devil’s Advocate ( Al Pacino)

James Bond (Sean Connery)

The X- Men (all characters)

Pirates of the Caribbean (Johnny Depp)

Dead Poet’s Society (Robin Williams)

Eclipse (Robert Pattinson)

Titanic (Leonardo de Caprio)

Usually they’re the superheroes that are remembered. Perhaps it is about love, loyalty, and good works to people.

“Bidam” falls in love with the Queen Seon Duk in the drama. He is the man who will not fear anyone, and will give up his mother because of his loyalty to a friend. He understands what his love asks of him. In the end, all of him as a sacrifice for a beloved. “Bidam” stands as a man till death, only devoted to love. He fights because of love. He will see the Queen fighting for love. Nothing stops him, unto the valley of death, if for love.

Here, I can remember the poem “Charge of the Light Brigade” with cannons left and right. With “Bidam” they are arrows and swords. Emotional intensities brought to the audience succeed in this characterization.

Truly, it is fiction, far unto real life, but like life. There is not a man to do that, if only for love, but Jesus Christ when He saved mankind.

Congratulations to the cast!

Rose Flores – Martinez

ishallwrite

EzineArticles.com

The two latest behemoths of the seas; the elegant and classically inspired Queen Mary 2 and the floating fantasy Freedom of the Seas both cater to two different cruise markets. While both ships are the current sensations in the ever changing cruise World (QM2 was the toast of 2004, while Freedom of the Seas is the current debutante), they are actually quite different. Apart from similar displacements (150,000 tonnes for QM2 and 160,000 tonnes for Freedom) and similar lengths (both over 1,100 feet long), these super ships are laid out very differently.

Queen Mary 2 was constructed for Transatlantic Passages during the summer months and Worldwide cruising during the winter months. She accommodates up to 2,600 guests in large comfortable staterooms and sumptuously appointed suites. Her lounges and public spaces hark back to the glory days of the Transatlantic liners such as her illustrious forbears the Queen Elizabeth 2, the original Queen Mary and Elizabeth and even the sensational Normandie. Because of the requirement to weather rough seas constantly pounding her hull when she is travelling at 28 knots, she is extremely well constructed by modern standards of passenger shipbuilding. Her hull is constructed of extra thick steel and her engines are extremely powerful to propel her up to 40 per cent faster than the average ship built for cruising today.

Freedom of the Seas is more of a luxury resort at sea, a fantastic Las Vegas style hotel accommodating up to 4,600 guests sailing the usually placid and sunny waters of the Caribbean. Her 7 day itineraries rarely vary and she caters to people looking for a week of sun, fun and dining. While still extremely well constructed, she does not require the ultra high strength built into the hull of QM2, nor does she need the extra powerful engines as her normal cruising speed is well under 20 knots. With such a large hull primarily designed for smooth seas, she offers mind boggling amenities such as the Flowrider, essentially a surfing device that allows the brave hearted to “surf” in one spot while powerful jets of water course under the surfer’s board! She also features hundreds of glass balconied cabins, extra large windows and huge open spaces due to the tropical climes she is designed to sail in. Other notable features are a 3 level tiered dining room, a show lounge that would do justice on Broadway, a full ice skating rink with professional shows performed every day, an 4 deck high “mall” over 600 feet long featuring cafes, boutiques, pizzerias, barber shop and an incredible “Mardi Gras” Parade with clowns on 10 foot high stilts, acrobatic performances and colourfully decorated floats. This Mall called the Royal Promenade also features three decks of cabins with large windows looking into the promenade, lighting that constantly changes the Mall’s ambience and is anchored by two 8 deck atriums. You can actually look down from deck 11 to deck 4 and catch all the never ending activities going on in the Royal Promenade! Glass enclosed elevators with full atrium views whisk you up and down these decks quickly and silently.

The picture that I am painting is that the Freedom of the Seas is designed as a one week escape pod from your land side worries. Be “wowed” by the ship’s incredible architecture, savour the fact that you are in some unreal fantasyland sailing towards the sun away from your worries.

Queen Mary 2, on the other hand, is a more serious vacation endeavour. You are paying to relive the glory of the transatlantic liners. You will enjoy lavishly decorated public rooms to while away the days while sailing to your destination. You feel proud to be part of the famous Cunard tradition. Politicians, movie stars and other glitterati from the twenties and thirties danced their way across the Atlantic enroute to Europe. When onboard Queen Mary 2, you are reliving this rich image!

Either way, you cannot go wrong. Both ships will be written about in the history books. They are the largest of their kind ever constructed and you will be part of passenger ship history by sailing on either one. The question is: Do you prefer to vacation in Las Vegas in one of the most extravagant hotels or do you prefer to vacation in London at Claridge’s? If you are like me, then you will want to experience both!

Fellatio is the most important thing a woman can learn, quite a bold statement I know but here are just two of the reasons it is so vital.

1. Fellatio is the thing men want above anything else and if they receive it from their partner they are not going to risk losing her by cheating.

2. Fellatio can get you anything you want, if you want any new clothing then giving him good oral will make him agree to buy you anything you want.

So if you are a woman that has never given oral sex or are nervous of it then here are 3 tips to get him eating out of your hand.

1. Tease him by kissing his body and skipping past his penis, this will have him begging you to suck his penis. Then kiss the tip of it and lick and kiss his shaft, when you finally take him in your mouth the pleasure he gets will be amazing.

2. Kneel before him, when you get on your knees to suck him it makes him feel like he is a king with his servant kneeling before him to give him what he desires. The truth is that you are the one with the power, you can make him agree to almost anything while you give fellatio this way.

3. Take his load in your mouth, now before you say "that's disgusting" just look at the plus points, he will never ever cheat on a woman who does this and he will treat you like a queen.

As you can see a man who receives fellatio will be your dream man as he will be faithful, buy anything you want for you, do anything you want and treat you like a princess. I think giving him fellatio is a small price to pay for what you will get in return.

One of the most tedious, time consuming things to do on FFVIII is to complete the queen of cards side quest. It can take many hours of moving between towns and losing rare cards. However it is well worth doing if your a game perfectionist as it gives you access to 5 new rare cards: Chubby Chocobo, Phoenix, Doomtrain, Kiros and Irvine.

Fortunately once you have made it to disk 4 you can simply challenge the queen of cards and she will play each of the rare cards. The only catch is that she is (in my opinion) the hardest card player to beat due to the fact that she combines plus, random and other rules with boss, player, and GF cards. However it is still much quicker to acquire the Chubby Chocobo, Phoenix, Doomtrain, Kiros and Irvine cards this way.

To find the queen of cards on disk 4 go to the bottom of the Esthar continent and look for an area called the “Abadan Plains”. You cannot see it from the world map but there is actually the crashed lunar escape pod from disk 3 on the tip of the Eastern Peninsular. Run around near the tip and eventually you will bump into it. Here you will find the queen of cards standing next to the crashed lunar escape pod.

As previously mentioned she can be tough to beat, to stand a chance of winning you are going to have to have a basic understanding of how the “plus” rule works. If your not sure how it works not to worry, it’s pretty simple. Basically if a card is placed next to 2 other cards and both sides that are touching add up to the same number plus will occur. For example if you had a card that had the number 6 that was touching another card that had the number 4 and another side of your card had the number 7 that was touching a card with a 3 both sides add up to 10 and hence plus would occur. The game has a pretty decent card tutorial with pictures so make sure you check that out if you don’t understand. Elemental does not effect plus by the way.

I highly recommend you save before each card battle as the plus and random rules may cause you to lose your rare cards to her which you definitely do not want. Also make sure you save after you win a rare card from her.

History of Art at University Did It for Them

 

With the news that Prince William and Kate Middleton are getting married circulating the globe, a minimal amount of digging into their history together you will find the common love which has brought them together. They met at St Andrew University where they both studied and graduated with a degree in History of Art. This shows that they both have creative and curious minds which should stand them in good stead for their future roles and as King and Queen.

Having a love and appreciation of art is an excellent way to build a rounded individual. Here’s how:

Thinking Outside The Box

With a good grounding in art it teaches individuals how to think about things from a number of different angles. A good thing for a King and Queen I suspect. For the rest of the paupers in the world, art provides a medium through which to explore things beyond those which are in front of your eyes. Studying art teaches you to use your intuition and your imagination to explore the story behind things and how the way things appear doesn’t give you their full story. A rounded individual has the capacity to look outside their own situation and explore all possibilities making them more empathetic and decisive.

Creativity

Of course studying art makes you more creative. Not just in a sense of coming up with original ideas, it also teaches you about the history of where ideas have come from in the past and how they have shaped many things in our world today. For the new King and Queen, the idea that they might be forced to continue in all the same stuffy old traditions that have been in existence for 100s of years, will hopefully cause them to make a few changes for the better. Indeed creative ideas which make the monarchy feel more like an asset to the nation and not just a tourist attraction or a secretive family living in a big house. For normal people an artistic education is not just about learning how to be creative and expressing yourself with acrylic paint and other art supplies, it is about understanding others and advancing our society.

Historical Understanding

Having a valuable understanding of history will again be helpful when taking on the role of King and Queen. The history of art is almost as chequered history in general. With an understanding of history, they will have an advantage over their military centric peers. A rounded individual needs to understand what has come before in order to fully understand what’s going on now and in the future.