Black History Month Day 3 Quiz: 10 African-American Notables - Examiner

This is Day 3 of Black History Month.

If you're interested in how Black History Month came about, please read Why is Black History Month celebrated during the shortest month of the year?

This month my column will be full of quizzes, so you can test your African-American history knowledge.

Let's get into the third quiz.

10 African-American Notables

The answers to these clues will come from the following list of names:

Deval Patrick; James Beckwourth; Cicely Tyson; Mayme A. Clayton; Maggie Walker; Carl Stokes; Robert Moses; Maria M. Stewart; Alain Locke; Blanche K. Bruce

1. This individual was the first African-American Rhodes Scholar.

2. This individual started the first school in Kansas for African-Americans, and this person was also elected to the U.S. Senate in 1874.

3. This individual was the first female bank president in the United States.

4. This individual established the Algebra Project, a program for underprivileged young people which encouraged them to translate their life experiences into mathematical concepts.

5. This individual helped create the first African-American Studies library at the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA).

6. This individual co-founded the Dance Theater of Harlem, was a model and starred in "The Guiding Light" and the miniseries "Roots."

7. This individual was the first African-American elected to the Ohio Legislature in 1962 and was the first African-American to be elected mayor of a major city in 1967; Cleveland.

8. This individual was an expert fur trapper and scout. This person even lived among Native Americans for a time and became chief of the Crow Nation. There is an important pass through the Sierra Nevada Mountains that was discovered by and named for this person.

9. This individual became Governor of Massachusetts in 2007 and took the Oath of Office on the same Bible presented to John Quincy Adams received from the Africans from the "Amistad" ship that Adams helped to free in 1841.

10. This individual was the first African-American to lecture before an audience of men and women in 1832; the New England Anti-slavery Society.

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Trevor Bayne wins the 2011 Daytona 500 and the heart of a nation - Examiner

The record book will state that Trevor Bayne won the 2011 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, February 20th.

What it won't state is that he also won the heart of a nation.

NASCAR is the all-American sport, a fact not lost on anyone who saw the race today in person or on television. Starting with embracing that most American of musical forms, namely country, with a pre-race show with Brad Paisley to the national anthem sung by Martina McBride, there was no mistaking this was as much a celebration of the USA itself as the start of the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

The race itself was often a hot mess, the track's new surface dictating two-car tandems in lieu of the massive pack previously the norm at Daytona. Yet even with this, competitors were racing in close enough proximity to where the dreaded "Big One" struck, taking many pre-race favorites such as Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson out of contention.

Through it all, in his second-ever Sprint Cup race Bayne maintained control, alternating between pushing and being pushed as he stayed at or near the top throughout the day. Nevertheless, when it came time for the race to draw to a close no one genuinely expected him to finish first. Surely one of the veterans such as Tony Stewart or Mark Martin would reign supreme.

Nope.

Bayne held his line, planting himself directly in front of savvy veteran Bobby Labonte and refusing to let go, hugging the bottom of the track and making it well nigh impossible to pass him anywhere except on the outside. Labonte tried to make a move on the final turn, but Carl Edwards slid up to his left and tucked himself in behind Bayne. Bayne immediately managed to make his car twice as wide, holding off both Edwards and Labonte to the checkered flag. David Gilliand, who was immediately behind Edwards, came in third.

And what of Bayne himself?

You would have to turn the clock in Hollywood back eighty years to create Bayne. A day after his twentieth birthday, the fresh-faced kid blessed with looks that will make him an instant teen heartthrob and a heart after God -- during the warmup laps where drivers usually give their team a pep talk he led his in a prayer, and after the race named several Christian charities to which he plans on donating a large part of his winnings -- Bayne is the all-American boy from days thought long since past. He can also drive. Ofttimes winning at a restrictor plate track is assigned as much to luck as skill, but in Bayne's case more than a few insiders pegged him as the real deal well before his victory.

Presently, Bayne does not have a full-time ride for the year. The venerable Wood Brothers organization, which fielded today's winning car, is a low-key race team running a partial schedule. That said, one suspects that Bayne will swiftly find himself participating in every race, either through a sponsor or sponsors offering to fund the Wood Brothers team ramping up their efforts, or via a ride with a different team eager to employ that rarity in sports: an instant star genuinely worthy of the acclaim.

How fitting that the great American race was won by a great American kid.

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The World Travel Awards for 2010 – Part 4 Costa Rica’s Leading Spa Resorts - Examiner

The World Travel Awards have been compared to the Oscars of the Travel business.  The first awards were held in 1994.  Over 5,000 travel companies, destinations and organizations are nominated every year.

Judging takes into account every aspect of the business including overall performance, product development, innovation, creativity and customer satisfaction.  This year voting was open to the traveling public.  Votes from individual travelers count as 1 vote and votes from travel agents count as two votes.

This year there were four major categories of awards given for hotels in Costa Rica.
Part 1 - Costa Rica’s Golf Resorts
Part 2 - Costa Rica’s Leading Hotels
Part 3 - Costa Rica’s Leading Resorts

Here are the nominees and winners for Costa Rica’s Leading Spa Resorts

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa – winner

Located on the Nicoya Peninsula near Tamarindo, JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa offers  289 guest  rooms and  21 suites.  They boast three beaches, a world class spa, an Equestrian Center  and an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Mike Young.  JW Marriott features a large free form pool with an infinity edge as well as an outdoor children’s pool.  A fitness center with free fitness classes,  whirlpool and sauna is on site.  Other activities include kayaking, snorkeling,  table tennis and volleyball.  Family and children activities are available.  There are four restaurants each with a unique menu and two bars.  

This resort was also nominated in the Resort category.

Hilton Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica

Hilton Papagayo  is  located on the Pagagayo isthmus on the Northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.  This is an all-inclusive resort with 202 guest rooms, bungalows and junior suites.  They offer a Kid’s Club with children’s activities and a children’s menu.  Activities include biking, fishing, jet skiing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, tennis courts, a fitness room and walking track.  There are pools and a beautiful beach.  Business services are available.

This resort was also nominated in the Resort category.

Hotel Parador Boutique Resort & Spa

Located on the Central Pacific Coast near Manuel Antonio National Park, this hotel is dedicated to sustainable tourism.  They feature a comprehensive spa and three outdoor pools all overlooking the Pacific Ocean, one for adults only, one with a swim up bar and one with a waterfall. There are workout facilities and family fun areas.  Hike through the 12 acres and see monkeys, birds, sloths and other wildlife common to Costa Rica.  They also have business and meeting facilities.

This hotel was also a nominee in the Leading Hotel category and the Winner of the Resort category.

Hotel Punta Islita

Located on the Nicoya Pennisula, south of Samara, Hotel Punta Islita provides a premium beachfront getaway on the Pacific ocean.  Facilities include: a luxury spa, pools, beach club, fitness facilities, a 9 hole golf course, tennis and restaurants.  They can accommodate weddings and corporate events.  

This hotel was also nominated in the Leading Hotel category,

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, located in La Fortuna,  is a five star resort with 114 guest rooms.  Tabacón is famous for their natural hot thermal springs, pools and spa.  The main swimming area features five pools with temperatures ranging from 77 to 102 degrees Farenheit.  One offers a swim up bar, thermal water slide  and great views of the Arenal Volcano. There are many other pools and waterfalls in the rainforest and spectacular gardens that you will encounter as you walk through the grounds.  The Spa offers a smorgasbord of indigenous  treatments  A yoga studio and meditation trails are available as is a fitness center.   

This resort was also nominated in the Resort category.

Tango Mar Hotel Beach Spa & Golf Resort.

Located at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in a secluded area, Tango Mar boasts two private beaches with over a mile of sand for walking and sunbathing.  You can enjoy a game of tennis on the illuminated courts and swim in the spring fed swimming pool.  You can go sport or deep sea fishing.  Tango Mar also offers its own quality horses and stables.  You can ride into the jungle, on the beach or visit local communities.
One of the resorts main attractions is a 9 hole par 3 and 4 Executive Golf Course.  Due to the limited number of people with access to play, you can play as many holes as you like and practice to your heart’s content here.

This hotel was also nominated in the Golf Resort and Resort categories.

The Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa

The Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa, located in La Fortuna, boasts 54 rooms all with a view of the Arenal Volcano.  Visitors here can swim in the three thermal pools each with different temperatures.  There is also a river of hot springs with a warm waterfall.  Guests can also enjoy a a massage in the Loto Spa,

This hotel was also nominated in the Resort category.

Xandari Resort & Spa

The Xandari Resort and Spa offers 22 individually designed villas nestled on a 40 acre plantation overlooking the Central Valley of Costa Rica, and only 20 minutes from the San Jose International Airport.  It features an amazing Spa using all natural ingredients with a wide variety of treatments from raw sugar to coconut to chocolate.  This resort is known for its original art. Stroll through the botanical gardens, visit the greenhouse or the orchid house and play with the farm animals. 

There are nature trails where you can see a variety of birds and waterfalls.  Enjoy the swimming pools and Jacuzzis   

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The Bachelor 15: Week 6 - Examiner

This week, Brad and the ladies left Las Vegas and flew off to Costa Rica. Suddenly, each woman's age was revealed, along with her name and occupation. Maybe I'm crazy, but I'm pretty sure that hasn't been shown all season. I'm a pretty avid age watcher because I like to compare, and I noticed those were missing throughout this season.

After Brad showed them to the villa they would be staying in, Chantal learned she had received the one-on-one date. Michelle said, "All I can do is be patient and hope that Chantal gets attacked by monkeys. Or apes." Great.

Brad and Chantal went for a helicopter ride before going zip-lining in the pouring rain. This may be one of the best quotes I have ever heard on this show: "It's definitely a different position, having my legs wrapped tightly around Brad, but it's definitely something I could get used to." Well, Chantal. Thanks for spelling that out for us.

Back at the villa, the ladies received the group date card, which was for Jackie, Michelle, Emily, Ashley, Shawntel, and Britt. This left Alli for the second and final one-on-one date.

Meanwhile, Brad and Chantal sat down to dinner...and got immediately rained on. They grabbed the wine and the rose and ran for Brad's room. First, Chantal plopped down on the bed and bounced around a little, and then, she headed off to the bathroom to put on Brad's clean, white shirt. Someone could have told her she forgot to put on pants. They made out, Brad gave her the rose, and they went back to eating each others' faces off. Very attractive.

In case you missed the memo and weren't aware, Michelle once again reminded us all that she hates group dates. Brad told the ladies they were all going to rappel down a waterfall. Michelle was in another tizzy because she and Brad made a pact never to rappel down anything with anyone else besides each other, and this date was clearly breaking their pact. Jackie, who is incredibly afraid of heights, finally made her way down and left Brad and Michelle alone. As she rappelled down, Britt said, "I think Jackie might soil herself." Awesome. Michelle was still pouting at the top. "It's really annoying to see Brad being so nice to the other girls." Did she think he was going to be mean to everyone else and only nice to her? Did she ever watch this show before? Really. All her whining and attitude was for nothing, because Brad had saved her for last so they could go down together. Of course, this ended up making all the other girls on the date jealous.

Later, they all stripped down and hopped into a pool the "natural hot springs" had created. Brad had a Dad moment and pulled Jackie aside to tell her how proud he was of her. Gee Brad, is that all you could muster up? Emily had a crazy moment of her own and told Brad she finds herself starting to really like him, but that's scary. She then went on to tell him she sabotages relationships and runs away. Wow. Did she want another rose?

Chantal and Alli found a giant beetle on the table at their villa. Chantal picked it up with a book and waved it around in front of Alli to freak her out. It worked, considering Alli screamed and threw her glass full of soda right at Chantal and her beetle friend. Still think you're funny, Chantal?

Michelle wasted the alone time she had with Brad yelling at him, and then kissing him. From what we see at home, the woman looks absolutely psychotic - yet he keeps giving her roses week after week. She must be a good kisser. At the end of the date, Brad chose not to give anyone a rose. It was expected, after the awkward way the night went.

Brad and Alli went horseback riding and walking in a cave. There were bats and bugs in the cave, so Alli freaked out, and Brad comforted her. The "altar" that had been mentioned on Alli's date card was finally explained as steps that had formed out of natural stone. So many "natural" things in Costa Rica! Afterward, they had dinner on the water, but Brad noticed he was having a hard time carrying on conversation. In the meantime, Chantal took a poll of the girls to find out who thought Alli would come back home and who thought she wouldn't. The odds weren't looking too good for Alli.

Brad tried to break things off with her gently, but she just interrupted him and blabbered about how comfortable she is with him and how she could hang out with him everyday. He finally spit the words out and sent her home roseless. Serves her right for being a jerk about Emily last week.

After sending her home, Brad was emotionally exhausted and needed time to process everything. Then, he heard a knock on his door, and when he opened it, there was a creepy figure standing in the darkened hallway that said, "Hola." She came inside and cozied up to him and told him the order in which she wanted everyone to leave, kissed him for a while, and then turned and left. On a side note, her hair looked absolutely ridiculous. I understand she was trying to be trendy with the braid and all, but she looked...dumb. Her braid looked like it was done on the crazy train she's been riding this whole season.

At the Cocktail Party, Mr. Womack came in, clearly after he'd woken up on the wrong side of the bed, and was awfully cranky. Emily admitted to Brad she was an idiot for what she said to him the other night, which was a relief to Brad and just what he wanted to hear. The other girls discussed what Brad had mentioned about getting grief for not giving out a rose on the group date.

Michelle, who looked like a brown and lavender cow, had some more alone time with Brad. He told her she's scaring him, he felt like they took 10 steps back, and he was afraid of where they were going. Being quite the actress, Michelle started crying. "I want to be married. I want to have more children," she said. Now, that's a scary thought. Michelle should not be allowed to produce anymore offspring.

Shawntel asked Brad who was giving him grief, and he just said someone called him out on not giving the rose. They played the "silent game," and then she just started kissing him. She easily lost the game.

After this, Chantal figured out Michelle must have snuck off to see Brad. (Felt like she pieced that together a little too quickly, don't you say?) She asked Michelle, who fessed up to having snuck off to Brad's room to spend 20-30 minutes with him the night before. There was lots of tension among all the ladies after that.

Chantal pulled Brad aside and rambled on for a little while before telling him she loves him. Well, someone moves quickly. He said thank you. That has to suck.

At the Rose Ceremony, Ashley, Emily, Britt, Shawntel, and Michelle were given roses, which sent Jackie home. Apparently, she'd fallen in love already, too. What's with these ladies? Sheesh. Hold yourselves together, women!

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