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London

The oldest part of London is "the City". Only 5,000 people live there, but about 300,000 work there. Greater London has got more than 12 million people. Lots of people live in suburbs, so they have to go to work to London every day. That's why there are many cars in the morning and in the evening (rush hour). The people use the Underground (Tube), the bus and the train to come to work. London has two main airports, Heathrow and Gatwick where many tourists arrive. The people visit London's many famous sights. The Tower of London was first a castle, later a prison and is now a museum where you can see the Crown Jewels. Tower Bridge is the most famous bridge across the River Thames. It can also open when big ship has to go up- or downstream. The Queen (Elisabeth II) lives in Buckingham Palace. St. Paul's Cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Westminster Abbey is the place where the kings and queens are crowned. The first was William the Conqueror. Lots of people like to go shopping in Harrods (rather expensive) or in the department stores in Oxford Street. The best is to visit the street markets in Petticoat Lane, Portobello Road or in Camden. There you can get cheap and curious things as well. London Dungeon, an old underground station shows London's violent history. Street artists can be watched in Covent Garden. The Houses of Parliament are on the River Thames next to the Clock Tower with Big Ben. The Prime Minister (Gordon Brown) lives in 10 Downing Street. Hyde Park is a marvellous place for relaxing. The West End is an excellent place for going to cinemas, theatres or discos.

California

California is a land of contrasts. You can find the highest mountain (Mount Whitney 4,418 metres) only some miles away from the lowest point on the western hemisphere in Death Valley (86 metres below sea level). There the hottest temperature in the USA (56,7°C) was recorder. But it's only hot in the South of California. The North of this state is cool, the middle has got a mild climate (San Francisco). There are lots of National Parks in this state like Yosemite or Redwood Forest. The largest living tree you can find in Sequoia National Park (General Sherman 86 m tall). The oldest living thing, a pine in Inyo National Forest, is over 4,600 years old.

In California you can find the world's most fertile valley (cotton, sugar beets, barley, wheat, rice, fruit, grapes, vegetables). The biggest problems of California are water and the air pollution in the big cities. In 1906 there was a big earthquake in San Francisco. Most of the city was destroyed. The last big eathquake was in 1989. Lots of people are afraid of another big one today. It is only a question of time.

Why do people spell Xmas instead of Christmas

There are more reasons why people write "Xmas" instead of "Christmas". One reason is to be found in history.

In the Greek alphabet the letter c (Chi) is the first letter in the Greek word for "Christ". During the persecution of Christians the X was used a secret signs among the Christians.

In old publications "Xmas" is written instead of "Christmas".

"Christmas" means "the Mass of Christ". This is "Cristes maesse" in Old English.

The following words are used as well: (cnity=Christianity; cn=Christian)

Another reason is a practical one. "Xmas" is written faster than "Christmas". One can think that it is an invention of the advertising industry. "Xmas" is very common today.

America has traditionally been referred to as a "melting pot," welcoming people from many different countries, races, and religions, all hoping to find freedom, new opportunities, and a better way of life.

E Pluribus Unum - From Many to One

American history began with waves of immigrants, bringing their own cultures and traditions to a vast new country. No other place in the world has such a diverse population. It is this diversity that makes America what it is and, at the same time, creates the challenges it faces.

Yalda, a Syric word imported into the Persian language by the Syric Christians means birth (tavalud and melaad are from the same origin). It is a relatively recent arrival and it is refereed to the "Shab e Cheleh Festival" a celebration of Winter Solstice on December 21st. Forty days before the next major Persian festival "Jashn e Sadeh" this night has been celebrated in countless cultures for thousands of years. The ancient Roman festivals of Saturnalia (God of Agriculture, Saturn) and Sol Invicta (Sun God) are amongst the best known in the Western world.

What does the word 'Christmas' mean?

The word Christmas is taken from 'Christ's Mass' or, in the original Latin, Cristes maesse. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on this day.

Is Christmas only a religious holiday?

Certainly, for practicing Christians around the world, Christmas is one the most important holiday of the year. However, in modern times traditional Christmas festivities have become much less related to the Christ story. Examples of these other traditions include: Santa Claus, Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer and others.