World War 2 Battles That Shaped Our History?

Although there is discrepancy regarding which World War 2 battles are the most popular. There is no discrepancy as to the battles considered major. I guess the most obvious factor used in determining the scale would be "casualties" and then "monetary value".

Take for instance, the Battle of the Atlantic which began in 1939 with merchant ships traveling primarily to the United Kingdom and Russia. The merchant vessels delivering war materials and equipment were shelled and sunk by German U-Boats and continued throughout the war until 1945. Eventually Allied Forces were able to get the upper-hand but at a huge cost with more than 3,500 merchant ships and 175 war ships lost at sea. Germany also suffered severely with more than 783 U-boats lost. The Battle of the Atlantic lasted until the end of the war making it the longest running campaign in World War 2 and definitely considered a major battle.

On the other end of the spectrum would be the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944, a naval battle between the United States and Japan. One of the most one-side battles in world war 2 history. This naval battle took place in the Philippine Sea, near the Mariana Islands. This battle lasted 2 days, and was labeled "The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot". The Imperial Navy of Japan lost three aircraft carriers and more than 600 planes. The U.S. Navy in contrast lost 123 planes and most of those were a result of pilots trying to land at night.

The primary reason behind the Japanese loss was due to inexperienced pilots. Most of the experienced Japanese pilots were shot down during previous World War 2 battles at Guadalcanal and Midway, thereby pitting experienced American pilots against the inexperienced Japanese pilots proving to be disastrous. The U.S. Navy in contrast lost 123 planes and most of those were a result of pilots trying to land at night.

The losses at Midway, Guadalcanal and the Philippines, certainly helped Allied Forces when it came to the battle at Leyte Gulf. The previous losses weakened the Japanese naval forces resulting in fewer ships, planes, weapons and experienced personnel such as pilots. The Japanese continued to be at a disadvantage for the remainder of the war.

These World War 2 battles show that the length of a conflict does not necessarily determine the significance of the battle. Both of these battles, Philippine Sea and Battle of the Atlantic, although differing significantly in length, they were both important and considered major battles. They both had large numbers of casualties, and they both made an impact on other battles throughout the World War 2.

I bet if you ask any one of the men or women who participated in any of the World War 2 battles, they will tell you, all of the battles were "Major" to them!

How about you? Which world war 2 battles do you think played a bigger role than others in winning the war? Visit us at http://www.worldwar2movies.com and check out the selection of world war movies and short stories available.

Fashion Design History Comes to Life at the Museo Della Moda in Milan

Fashion design history is brought to life by Palazzo Morando, on Via Sant'Andrea 6, Milan, Italy. This lovely Renaissance building was restored a few years ago, and this work uncovered an interesting frieze at the top of the façade. The municipal authorities intelligently decided to use this space for a Fashion Museum, something that is absolutely necessary in one of the world's fashion capitals. Palazzo Morando is right at the heart of Milan's top fashion district, close to Via Montenapoleone. The municipal advisor for Culture, Massimiliano Finazzer Flory, said that rather than being just a museum, the space is "a venue involved in research into visual design and the promotion of a young and fresh image of Fashion" (Municipality of Milan press release).

From 2 March 2010, four interesting shows on fashion design history ranging from 1800s fashion history right through to the latest urban fashions can be seen at Palazzo Morando (admission is free). On the ground floor is "The Thread of Dreams, Frette 2010-1860," which presents an interesting portrait of the linen and textiles created by this maison. The Frette Historic Archive is the most important in the world for jacquard textiles, and the show is particularly interesting for its demonstration of how a fashion textile is created, from concept to industrial implementation. There are many examples of personalization, with emblems, crests and logos for various institutional clients.

On the first floor, there is an exhibition of paintings from the Luigi Beretta collection, purchased by the Municipality of Milan in 1934, along with actual garments dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The 22 halls of this section include an installation of garments within the setting of an 18th century aristocratic residence - exactly what Palazzo Morando once was.

The show titled "Fashion details. The 1920s and 1930s in the Mangiameli collection" presents a historic collection donated to the Municipality of Milan by the Mangiameli sisters Anna, Lucia and Ninni. It comprises accessories, mainly bags, buckles and brooches, accumulated during the family's work in the leatherware company founded by their father in 1928.

Lastly, "The Tirelli Collection, atelier costumes for cinema and theatre" presents the Tirelli dressmaking business and its work on cosumes. This show was curated by Oscar prize-winner Gabriella Pescucci. The Tirelli maison has won eight Oscars for its costumes, and has received another four nominations. These garments are absolutely spectacular to behold, and they are remarkable for their historical and philological accuracy.

This is a great start for the Museo della Moda, and there is more to come. On 8 April 2010 at 11.30 a.m., there will be a press conference for the launch of "A Shaded View on Fashion Film," the first fashion film festival, created by Diane Pernet. The festival will run in Milan, from 25 to 30 May 2010. Michael Nyman will be present at the press conference, with the world premier screening of his only video with links to the world of fashion. It is ironically titled "The Cleaners wear Prada."

"A Shaded View on Fashion" is a touring event, and it will reach Milan after having run in Paris, Mexico City and Amsterdam. It will feature video and short films by photographers and visionary directors, including Nick Knight, Erwin Olaf, Chris Cunningham and Steven Klein, avant-garde fashion designers such as Undercover, Hussein Chalayan, Rick Owens, Mr. Pearl, Rodarte, Coming Soon/ Yohji Yamamoto, Gareth Pugh, Thom Browne, and many others. In addition, during the Milan stage of the festival, designs by young talents will be on show at the Museo della Moda from 25 to 30 May. A new series of short films dedicated to the theme of light will also be screened, along with a special video produced by Lancia Trend Visions (a new website involved in scouting for new forms of creativity, developed by Lancia) highlighting the creative duo Leitmotiv, one of the most experimental and art-oriented signatures on the fashion scene.

Michael Nyman's work will also be shown at 6.30 p.m. on 8 April 2010 at Galleria Carla Sozzani, Corso Como 10, Milan. It will feature a series of videos and photographs by Nyman, dedicated to everyday life all over the world in all its beauty and brutality. Nyman defines this work as "Cine Opera," and it is accompanied by music and sound encouraging reflection on man's condition in modern society.

Henry Neuteboom, web editor
http://www.luxos.com

History of Latex Masks - Why They Became So Popular As Halloween Masks

Masks made of latex are very popular around Halloween, they can be a fantastic finishing touch to a costume. They are usually made from synthetic latex rubber, though some of the masks can be made from other materials such as silicone rubber or vinyl. Nowadays they are used widely as special effects in movies to make a certain idea or look seem completely realistic. Eerily so sometimes!

Latex material offers the mask creator a wonderful medium to express a vast array of different worlds such as beauty, fantasy, ugliness, evil, alien beings and horror. This horror aspect is what makes latex masks so popular at Halloween. The grotesque aspect can be so well represented by using Latex. The medium of latex allows the wearer of the mask to be encased in the whole experience. The outward appearance can also be so incredibly convincing, and in some cases terrifying.

Masks have been used throughout history for just about everything from celebrations to funerals, one of the most famous being the Egyptian funeral mask of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

Another example of masks in history are the ones used for protection as the Roman gladiator mask was used. These were worn during bloody sporting events put together for the entertainment of the Roman emperor and nobles.

Masks have also been used for entertainment and can be traced back to the days of Greek theater. Theater masks were often elaborately decorated so as to hold the audiences attention.

As far as modern day is concerned, we still use masks a lot in our society, especially in the entertainment field. Movie special effects professionals rely on them heavily to attain the visual effect they are looking for. Latex masks are capable of portraying various guises, really it all comes down to how imaginative you can be.

Masks have the ability to free people. Whether it's with theater masks, masquerade ball masks, or Halloween masks, the anonymity and mysterious effects that they portray are difficult to duplicate with simple make up and most times they leave people wondering as to who you are.

Before latex was discovered, the masks people wore were made of wood, clay, then plastic. But now we are fortunate to have the choice of a better more life-like and much more comfortable material. Wearing a latex mask for Halloween, for example, is a great way to create a dramatic effect and offers you the chance to enter into a different world of disguise and keep people guessing as to who's hiding behind the mask.

A Brief History of Theatre Masks

Theatre masks are an important part of our dramatic history. Nearly every ancient culture used some form of theatrical mask in rituals. Rituals, it has been determined, were the thing which allowed theatre to develop. Rituals were, in other words, primitive theatre.

Because this theatre was 'primitive', acting, as a skill and an art, had not yet been developed. Therefore, the person on stage did not know how to not be himself and the audience was not yet trained to imagine that he were the character he was playing. They used theatre masks as a way to let the audience know what character it was that they were watching.

Masks have generally been used as a significance of character. They let the audience know who the actor is portraying. Though this is not always true. They sometimes have additional uses. For example, the ancient Greek theatre masks had a unique oval shaped mouth which functioned as a megaphone, allowing all of the hundreds of thousands of spectators to hear what was going on.

Theatre masks did not stop being used once the art of acting was developed, nor once microphones became standard on stages. They are still in use today and are used by many theater companies. One of the best known uses of masks in today's theatre is in 'The Lion King' on Broadway.

The use of masks in theatre has a rich background and an even richer future. This article only touches on the fascinating history which these masks hold.

Learn more about the history of theatre masks and more at http://theatremasks.org

Luau History and Culture

A luau is a Hawaiian feast. You may have been to a luau party here on the mainland, or visited a luau on your recent vacation to Hawaii. This meal and party often features traditional Hawaiian food, including poi and salmon, and is often known for the kalua pig, which has been roasted in earth for at least a day prior to the festivities. Luaus are also known for the entertainment, including Hawaiian music and hula dancing.

Today, luaus are often synonymous with parties for those from Hawaii, so you may see graduation luaus, birthday luaus, or even wedding luaus. However, the concept of a luau is actually quite old, and originally it meant a very specific type of celebration.

The name 'Luau' dates back to the mid-nineteenth century. Before that, this type of party was called a paina or ahaaina. The name 'luau' originated from a type of food traditionally served at a luau celebration: young taro (a type of tuber plant) tops, baked with coconut milk and served with octopus or chicken.

Luau parties originated because in centuries ago, men and women ate separately, and commoners and women were forbidden by ancient Hawaiian customs from eating certain foods, considered delicacies. In 1819, however, King Kamehameha II abolished this practice. In a symbolic feast, the King ate with women. The luau was born out of this feast. These original luaus were quite large affairs, often with hundreds of guests. In fact, some luaus thrown by the King had visitors eating in shifts because there were hundreds invited to these gatherings.

Traditional luau feasts are eaten on the floor, while sitting on special mats. Foods included sweet potatoes, dried fish, and other dried foods laid directly on leaves. Another traditional luau food in these early decades was poi. Poi is a staple of the Hawaiian diet to this day, and it is made from taro root that has been pounded into a thick paste. All of these items were eaten with the fingers; no utensils were used.

Today, 'luau' parties are often simply Hawaiian themed. They may lack the traditional taro tops or kalua pig, and range drastically in their adherence to luau traditions. In fact, most are not considered luaus by purists or many who were raised on the islands, although they can be a fun way to bring a little island spirit to your summer parties.

Today, there are many commercial luaus put on just for tourists. In Hawaii, these are held weekly at the most popular hotels. Often they are held outdoors on the hotel grounds. These outdoor parties often sell crafts, souvenirs, and photos to tourists. Like luau parties you may stage in your backyard, these vary greatly in their style and adherence to the luau tradition, because they are geared towards the tourist market. They often include Hawaiian or Polynesian dancing; during many luaus, hula dancers may teach visitors how to dance a simple hula dance. Such luaus can be found all over the islands, and are often seen in brochures or other tourist-aimed publications.

Royal Tiki specializes in genuine Hawaiian-made Tiki masks, Statues and Signs. Our Tiki Statues will add great atmosphere to your party!

History of the Parthenon

As we gaze upon the ruins of the Parthenon let us try to visualize it as it was in the time of Pericles, when it stood supreme, surrounded by other buildings, each an architectural masterpiece, for what we see today is but the empty shell of Athena's temple. It is more than a miracle that in a changing world it has withstood the ravages of time, fire, earthquakes, war, and religious fanaticism, and that its honey-colored marble, mellowed by almost two thousand five hundred years of Attic sun, still forms a tangible link with the past, bearing witness to the immortality of man's spirit.

While the Parthenon was scrupulously respected by the Romans the intolerance of the Early Christians completely blinded them to the superlative beauty of Greek Art, in which they saw only the evidence of paganism. During the first centuries of our era it was a common occurrence for Christians to mutilate or completely destroy priceless works of art.

After serving as the sanctuary of Athena for a thousand years, the Parthenon was essentially intact apart from some repairs to the roof after a fire in the second century AD, when, in accordance with the edict of the Emperor Theodosius concerning pagan temples, it was converted to Christian worship in the fifth century. The drastic structural alterations involved in transforming it into the ornate Byzantine church of Divine Wisdom (Aghia Sophia), later dedicated to the Virgin Mother of God (Theotokos) violated its beauty. At the east the pronaos was largely destroyed to make way for an apse, the opisthodomos at the west end became the entrance and the Parthenon proper the narthex. The blank partition wall between the cella and the Parthenon proper was pierced by three doorways, the inner columns were removed and replaced by a Byzantine colonnade, a vaulted roof substituted for the coffered ceiling and the walls covered with paintings. During the alterations considerable damage was done to the sculptures; the Birth of Athena represented in the east pediment was all but totally destroyed when the pronaos was pulled down.

In 1209 the first French ruler of Athens, Otto de la Roche, adapted the Parthenon to Catholic worship and consecrated as the church of Sainte Marie of Athens. Later, in 1456 Athens fell to the Turks and the Parthenon was converted into use as a mosque, though fortunately without any further structural changes.

In 1674 the Marquis de Nointel, French Ambassador to the Sublime Porte, obtained permission to visit the Acropolis. Among the members of his suite was the draughtsman Jacques Carrey, who made a series of drawings of the sculptures of the Parthenon. These drawings, four hundred in number, are now in the National Library in Paris and constitute an invaluable record of the state of the sculpture at that time.

In 1676 the Acropolis was visited by two friends, the French Physician Jacques Spon and Sir George Wheler, who were the last two travelers to see the Parthenon before it was severely damaged by gunfire in 1687. The book describing their voyage to Italy, Dalmatia, Greece and Asia Minor appeared in 1678 and contained the first scientific description of the ruins of Athens.

On 26th September 1687 a shell from a Venetian mortar crashed through the roof of the Parthenon, which the Ottomans were using as a powder magazine. In the tremendous explosion that followed, the naos, pronaos and fourteen columns of the peristyle were shattered. Further violence was done to the sculpture by Morosini's clumsy and unsuccessful attempt to lower Athena's chariot from the west pediment, and the Parthenon suffered still more damage when the Turks regained Athens in the following year.

In 1787 Count Choiseul-Gouffier, French Ambassador to the Sublime Porte, transported to Paris a portion of the frieze from the outer wall of the naos and two metopes, which he had retrieved from the mass of fallen masonry. Fourteen years later his example was followed, though on an infinitely larger scale, by Lord Elgin, British Ambassador to Constantinople. Eighteen figures from the pediments, almost half the frieze and fifteen metopes from the Parthenon, one of the Caryatids and a column from the Erechtheion, some small pieces of sculpture from the Temple of Athena Nike, as well as a statue of Dionysus from the choregic monument of Thrasyllus that stood above the Theatre of Dionysus, were among the two hundred and fifty priceless Greek marbles which Elgin ravished from the Acropolis and other places in Greece and shipped to London between 1803 and 1812.