Archive for February 26th, 2010

The Chinese Lunar Calendar

Posted on February 26th, 2010 in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Previous to their implementation of the Western solar calendar scheme, the Chinese almost exclusively followed their own lunar calendar for determining the times of planting and harvesting and festival days. Although people in China today use the Western calendar for almost all business, governmental and practical matters of daily life, the old system still serves as the basis for working out numerous recurring holidays. This coexistence of two calendar schemes has long been acknowledged by the people of China.

However, this does not only apply to China, it also occurs in most other Eastern countries, like Thailand, and most Arabic countries.

A lunar month is determined by measuring the period of time required for the moon to complete its full cycle of 29 and a half days, a standard that makes the lunar year a whole 11 days shorter than its solar counterpart. This disparity is corrected every 19 years by the addition of seven lunar months.

The 12 lunar months are further divided into 24 solar divisions characterized by the four seasons and times of heat and cold, all of which bear a close relationship to the yearly cycle of agricultural work.

The Chinese calendar - very much like the Hebrew calendar- is a combination of the solar and lunar calendars in that it strives to have its years coincide with the tropical year and its months coincide with the synodic months. It is not surprising that a few similarities exist between the Chinese and the Hebrew calendar.

For example, an average year has 12 months, a leap year has 13 months. An ordinary year has 353, 354, or 355 days, a leap year has 383, 384, or 385 days. When determining what a Chinese year will be like, one needs to make a number of astronomical calculations.

First of all, you have to work out the dates of the new moons. In these cases, a new Moon is the completely black Moon (that is to say, when the Moon is in conjunction with the Sun), not the first visible crescent, as is used by the Islamic and Hebrew calendars. The date of a new moon is then the first day of a new month.

The reason why the majority of countries which had their own calendars had to dump them in favour of the Western, Julian calendar that we use today, is business. First the British and then the Americans ran international business and they used the Julian calendar.Anyone who wanted to work with them had to follow suit. This is why national policy often varies from local custom in Third World countries.

The government desires to deal on the International markets, but the ordinary family in the country can not. So, the government adopted the Julian calendar but the people only pay lip service to it. I live in Thailand and people here do not even use the 24 hour day divided into two halves. Their day has four sections of six hours each and the first part starts at 6AM, not midnight. Therefore, they have four 4 o’clocks a day, for example but no 7 o’clocks. They are also 543 years ahead of us, although this is more common, for example in Muslim countries.

Fascinated by astronomy? Then why not visit our website at: Astronomy Today

Classic Autos Offer A Whole Lot To Humanity

Posted on February 26th, 2010 in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Classic automobiles are usually those that are from the very first half of the twentieth century and also usually those that are also hugely valuable within the muscle car era as well as a few of the far more unconventional late model cars and trucks. Classic cars are often regarded as pieces of art instead of a costly hobby. This is the reason why you’ll need to keep in mind that they’re not necessarily low-cost to restore and care for. A classic car can often cost a lot more to restore that the car ends up being worth.

Collector classic vehicles are desirable for a considerable number of reasons. Classic cars and trucks capture people with their scarcity, splendor, and intelligent styles. Taking into consideration the memories that certain classic automobiles stir up, individuals really like them. It usually takes them to a happier moment in their lifetime. Consequently they are essential to our society for both historical as well as investing objectives.

Car dealers or even consumers often focus on exclusive models and makes of old fashioned cars which attract them. Classic automobiles can even be contemporary favorites as well. Sometimes they’re altered automobiles or pickup trucks that are famous for their particular quirky personality. A collector car is clear to all whenever individuals see it, nevertheless it really is tough for enthusiasts to explain what the actual expression really indicates. It could indicate various things to various individuals.

Classic automobiles certainly are a favorite thing to buy and sell out in the marketplace. Particularly on the internet. Automobile lovers all around the planet now find that the world wide web is probably the greatest resources for discovering classic cars these days. During the last few years, it is less complicated to check on the actual valuations of vehicles on the net.

If you’re interested in purchasing a classic vehicle, you need to keep in mind that it calls for quite a bit more homework than purchasing a new or used car. Classic automobile enthusiasts generally must have deep purses to purchase cars that they will hardly ever utilize, nevertheless, you will still find the average person that has scraped together money to purchase that unique automobile they always wanted or used to have.

Although the classic car era was short-lived, it nonetheless defined a era in American history, and has provided us possibly some of the most collectible vehicles in all of auto history today. I will say it almost all over again… Classic cars captivate us all with their splendor, scarcity as well as design, as well as while using the memories they stimulate, the history they record. If you can’t purchase a classic automobile, at least go to classic car show or museum and enjoy. You will be glad you did!

You’ll find a wide variety of classic, collector and custom Old Cars For Sale online. Read more on Old Classic Cars for Sale

Virginia Innkeepers Offer a Montpelier Getaway

Posted on February 26th, 2010 in Politics | No Comments »

If you are a history buff in search of a vacation packed with exciting adventures, look no further than the village of Orange, Virginia. This historic hamlet is just minutes from the homes of three U.S. presidents as well as a myriad of other historic sites. The staff at Montpelier, the home of President James Madison, has even teamed up with several local innkeepers to create all-inclusive tour and lodging packages.

The Holladay House Bed & Breakfast, a charming inn located in the downtown historic district of Orange, is one these participating inns. Built in 1830, this Virginia bed & breakfast is filled with antiques and plenty of historic charm.

There are several romantic guest rooms and suites, many with amenities such as a fireplace, double whirlpool tub or a private patio. Luxurious linens, fluffy towels and soft robes are among the other amenities that will leave you feeling pampered and content. The innkeepers prepare a delectable full breakfast each morning, a perfect start to a day exploring Montpelier, which is just five minutes away.

After choosing your inn, choose a schedule of events at Montpelier. There are several different packages for you to enjoy. The Montpelier Wine Weekend includes three days of fun and two nights at the inn. You’ll enjoy wine tastings at six local wineries, as well as a full tour of Montpelier. This package also includes dinners at fine, local restaurants.

The History Weekend and History Weekday packages are another option. These are also three-day, two-night packages that include lodging, dinners and tours of Montpelier. Your days at Montpelier include tours of the mansion, as well as the grounds, Civil War trails and the historic Gilmore Cabin. If you have even more time and enjoy uncovering history’s treasures, Montpelier also offers a seven-day archaeology package, where you get to spend your time taking part in an on-site archaeological dig.

If you would like even more romance or relaxation, the innkeepers at The Holladay House offer several special packages and add-on surprises. You can book a massage, have fresh Orchids placed in your room, have a picnic basket prepared or enjoy a freshly baked chocolate lava cake delivered to your room. These are just a few of the special items the innkeepers offer to make your stay at The Holladay House perfect.

Jane Leisteiner loves to write about travel and history. For more info about Montpelier Orange VA inn packages or additional details about bed and breakfast inns, visit the Holladay House or iLoveInns sites today.