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Gold vs. Bitcoin from a historical perspective

3D graphics image by Quince Creative (https://quincemedia.com/)

Bitcoin is doing well. There has been a surge in the market and many predict a Bull market in the near future. As bitcoin successfully continues to argue for its value a question has risen among its many believers. Can bitcoin really challenge the king of currency i.e. gold as the number one store of value? This discussion has been on-going for quite some time and voices on opposite sides of the fence, i.e. sceptics and believers have both been presenting compelling cases. The sceptics on one hand argues that gold still holds prominence due to its physical nature while the believers favours the online characteristics of cryptocurrency. Still, the battle rages on and several sources on the internet tries to provide traders with information that will allow for further discussion to continue. On this website for instance, it is possible to get a crash-course in cryptocurrency to learn how to be successful in the trading game. It is absolutely worth having a look as information is key when it comes to trading bitcoin as well as comparing it to gold, all in order to determine which of the two holds more value. Why is then bitcoin being put forward as a serious contender to gold? It’s time to take a look. 

A new student in the asset class?

Gold has been the number one store of value since first discovered and has had little rivalry since. Until now. A new asset class has risen and it is challenging not only gold but also other derivatives that are being traded, namely bitcoin. In order to understand the rivalry, it is important to look at certain key aspects. From a historical point of view, people have been unable to devaluate gold as it has always been vertically impossible to recreate. Bitcoin then has already had its absolute quantity established, i.e. 21 million original coins. Hypothetically there could be a crash of the market if there suddenly became an increase of gold flooding it, but this is to date highly unlikely. Bitcoin on the other hand is part of an almost fool-proof system due to the decentralization and use of Blockchain methodology. When it comes to the transportation of the commodities, bitcoin moves with ease due to its nature as a cryptocurrency while gold is still a physical entity that requires being forcibly moved from one owner to another. At its very nature then, it is thought that gold can be stolen while bitcoin cannot.

And the winner is…

Will bitcoin then ever replace gold as the number one store of value? Well the believers certainly think so, placing emphasis on the fact that in contrast to gold, it can never be stolen. The sceptics on the other hand argues that gold, being the precious metal that it is, will always hold its prominent place as the number one relevant monetary asset. Based on characteristics such as durability, intrinsic value and means of transportation, sceptics say that bitcoin will never compete with gold. However, and perhaps for the first time, bitcoin is starting to sway more sceptics than ever based on the current surge in market value, asserting itself as a stable new asset class and being a serious competitor to gold. 

By | 2021-07-20T15:50:55+00:00 May 28th, 2019|History|1 Comment

Edinburgh’s history and Castles

As many of you might imagine, Edinburgh was a fort in the middle ages. The name of the city dates back to the 7th century when the English captured this part of Scotland and called it Eiden’s burgh (this last word is an old word for fort). The Scots were able to recapture this part of land on the 10th century and King Malcom III built a castle on Castle Rock, thus enabling the creation of a small town nearby. By the 12th century, Edinburg had become a considerable community.

Medieval Edinburgh made wool cloth, animal hides, cattle, sheep and grain. But the newly born city was in constant fight against the English, but by resisting and keep on growing it became Scotland’s capital in the 15th century. By 1550, Edinburgh had a population of 15,000, which meant a large town in those times. A bit earlier, in 1513, the Scots built a southern wall to defend from the English but they didn’t finish it until 1560. Since the 12th century, Scotland started building many castles for protection, some of them are ruins nowadays, but many others still offer a living to some lucky ones. Let’s take a look at some of them.

BEST CASTLES IN EDINBURGH

  • The first castle in Edinburgh was built in the 12th century, we are talking about the Edinburgh Castle, but it still is under construction, it has multiple buildings of different periods including 19th century barracks.
  • The Craigmillar Castle began its building in the 14th century, granted to Sir Simon Preston in 1374. Burnt by the English in 1543. The castle is in state care since 1946.
  • Cramond Tower was built in the 15th century and still remains a private residence after a 19th century restoration.
  • Dundas Castle, built in the 15th century, was used as a barrage balloon base during the Second World War.
  • Lauriston Castle was built in the 16th century and is owned by the City of Edinburgh’s Council, it is still in use and perfect shape.

A PALACE-CASTLE IN EDINBURGH THAT DESERVES A VISIT

  • The Palace of Holyroodhouse or Holyrood Palace is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, Queen Elizabeth II. It is on the opposite side to Edinburgh’s Castle and is a currently a setting for official entertaining. You must go and visit it.

Edinburgh is a beatiful city. It really deserves a visit of at least three complete days. In The Nomadvisor you have plenty of information about the city and many other parts of Scotland if you like. There is even a complete post on Where to stay in Edinburgh: Best areas and neighbourhoods. Take a look at it and plan your trip to Scotland now !

By | 2021-07-20T15:51:02+00:00 May 14th, 2019|History|0 Comments

Writing an Excellent Essay for History Homework

Title: Writing an Excellent Essay for History Homework

Ever wanted to know how to write a good essay for your history homework? A lot of students do not realise there is a structure. We are going to tell you all about it.

History Homework Help for Students

Are you a history student? Then you will already know how much homework you get every semester. Of course, as a social subject, there are always essays and papers to write for history. But sometimes you could do with a little help when it comes to making it good and ensuring you get a fantastic grade.

So, how do you write an essay for history home? Well, let’s find out.

Think About the Question

First of all, you need to spend some time thinking about the history question and what it is asking you to do. Pick out the keywords from the question. This is going to be your starting point. For example, there should be a clear topic and an instruction, such as ‘argue’ or ‘explain’. It is often the case that you have to pick a side or agree or disagree with the question. Think about what side you want to be on and stick to it when you do your research. It can also be beneficial to create a thesis statement. This is going to announce to your readers what you plan to do during the essay.

Focus on Quality Research

A history essay requires quality sources in order to back up your arguments. In particular, you will have the choice of using primary or secondary sources for your research. Most of the time, this will revolve around secondary materials, such as informational from historians commenting on the topic. But there will be some occasions when primary sources are beneficial. This is information that was created at the time of the events, such as a photograph or film. Always stay away from unreliable sources when you are writing your history homework, especially from the internet.

Take Notes and Make an Outline

Before starting your homework assignment, write down notes from your research. This is going to help you formulate an essay outline. This is going to be what you follow when you are writing your final essay. A lot of students rush into writing their paper without thinking about the sections they want to have. This is often how to get an essay that is mixed up and all over the place. So, take your time and create notes for your introduction, main body, and conclusion. If you do struggle to write your homework, you can always buy an essay online in Canada.

Construct Your Argument

The point of history homework is not only to answer the question but to also demonstrate your knowledge and research on the subject. This can be shown by constructing a good argument, using your facts to back up the points you want to make. You should make sure to split your arguments into different paragraphs so that they are easy to read, having a concluding sentence at the end of each. Be sure not to stray away from your thesis statement.

Do Not Forget the Conclusion

A lot of students are so glad to finish the history homework that they forget to write the conclusion. But this is one of the most important parts. This should summarise your main points and repeat your thesis statement. Always make sure you answer the question and state your opinion.

By | 2021-07-20T15:51:09+00:00 March 11th, 2019|History|0 Comments

The History of Business Cards

When Johannes Gutenberg introduced printing to Europe thanks to the invention of the printing press (15th century), nobody could imagine that this new machine would bring so many useful supplies and equipment, such as what we now call business cards. These presentation cards had even more meaning on the 17th century when they were created and so widely used. I bet not even Johannes Gutenberg, a German blacksmith, goldsmith and inventor could imagine that nowadays we could all buy thousands or millions of business cards from home thanks to a new service we now call: Online Printing.

As we said, on the 17th century business cards were widely used, of course not as much as today, but the vast majority of aristocrats in Europe had their own. They were more or less the size of a poker card of the 21st century, and sometimes the cards were engraved with gold and typefaces.

The 17th century visiting cards would be presented by aristocrat footmen to the servants at the home of a host to announce the arrival of a distinguished guest. And as we said, there were decorated with ornaments and sometimes elegant coat of arms.

By the 19th century, many more people started using them and in some houses it was a ‘must have’ thing, as a part of the century´s protocol. Many high class houses had silver card trays on the hall table along with a pencil and a piece of paper. Whenever somebody came they had to leave their cards there and therefore, in the future, it served as a catalog of those who had visited the house before.

According to Convey, during the Industrial era … ” with the rise of the middle class, a decrease in social formality, and more efficient modern printing techniques, visiting cards and trade cards eventually merged into the precursor to our modern business card. The “business card” became a must have item across both Europe and the United States. This shift, however, was not always smooth. Many in the upper class resisted this merger, creating awkward cultural and social divides. “

But what happened next, in the 20th century? Well as you might imagine, business cards became absolutely essential both for important people and all kind of companies. Every customer would ask for your business card and it would be very weird if your company or brand wouldn’t have one by the 1950’s. It became the established norm even for small businesses and corporate executives.

By the 1980’s a whole culture arose around business cards, nobody could leave home without carrying their own personal or brand business cards, there is even a scene in the American Psycho movie that represents the contagious lunacy that every business man suffered towards business cards.

But the point here is that it is now easier than ever to create the most trendy, fashionable and amazing business cards without having to resort to expensive printing professionals. You just have to make your own design with programs like Photoshop or look for an online printing company like HelloPrint to get the most amazing designs ever, and receive as many copies as you want directly at your home or office.

By | 2019-01-20T13:26:46+00:00 January 20th, 2019|History|3 Comments

Racism in History

According to Oxford Dictionaries Online, Racism is:  “Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior.” And then there is another meaning: “The belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races.”

Unfortunately, there has been racism since the beginning of history. And if you really get into it you will find facts that you did not want to know, for example, when you realize that even one of your favourite philosophers like the Greek Aristotle said that Greeks are free by nature while Barbarians (non-Greeks) are slaves because they are more willing to submit to a despotic government! This statement is published in a book by Kevin Reilly called ‘Racism: A Globar Reader’.

Just imagine how popular Aristotle would be if he had said that in 2019, he would probably lose all his credibility or would only be supported by the few racists that mingle with us in the 21st century. Or ar they not so few? Many people think that the United States of America, Spain or even Great Britain are still racist countries…

Racism in the United States has been there since the very beginning, we are talking about the Colonial Era. Only white Americans had privileges and rights while all other races had no rights at all. Education, voting rights, citizenship, land acquisition, etc, were exclusive privileges for white Americans. These kind of things remind us that we are true animals indeed, and that we don’t know anything about humans and how we really are. Racism in history still makes black people want revenge in America, let alone native Indians.

But black people and Indians weren’t the only ones who’ve suffered from racism throughout history, what about Jews after World War I ? Anti-semitism “was successfully exploited by the Nazi Party, which seized power in 1933 and implemented policies of systematic discrimination, persecution, and eventual mass murder of Jews in Germany and in the territories occupied by the country during World War II (see Holocaust)”, according to britannica.com.

Did you know that even National Geographic had a Racist Coverage for decades? And how do we know it? Because they have acknowledged it in an article by Susan Goldberg (Editor in Chief). This is what she wrote: “It is November 2, 1930, and National Geographic has sent a reporter and a photographer to cover a magnificent occasion: the crowning of Haile Selassie, King of Kings of Ethiopia, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah. There are trumpets, incense, priests, spear-wielding warriors. The story runs 14,000 words, with 83 images. If a ceremony in 1930 honoring a black man had taken place in America, instead of Ethiopia, you can pretty much guarantee there wouldn’t have been a story at all. Even worse, if Haile Selassie had lived in the United States, he would almost certainly have been denied entry to our lectures in segregated Washington, D.C., and he might not have been allowed to be a National Geographic member.”

The architecture throughout history

Architecture exists since the first time someone had the idea of planning, designing and constructing a building of any type anywhere. Just think about it, when was the first time someone decided to change his own environment for good and with what knowledge? Who was the first architect on Earth? These are questions that might not have an answer but we are lucky we can enjoy buildings and constructions that can easily have more than 8,000 years of age…

When was Architecture created? It must have been during the Neolitic (more than 10,000 years BC), and thanks to this new type of men we now call architects, people could now become sedentary, as now they had new shelters, walls, houses and organized crops to be able to stay in a recently built town instead of having to move elsewhere from time to time. The era of moving from one place to another was a thing of the past.

These new constructions and buildings were created by men who could transform their environment into anything that was needed: a defensive castle, an independent or self-sufficient place, etc. People who had the ability of seeing these images on their head and making them real weren’t called architects yet, but now it is one of the most important professions in the world.

Then of course came the unbelievable constructions of the Ancient Mesopotamia with the Ziggurat of Ur, the Assyrian palace of Ashurnasrirpal II or the Ishtar Gate, which are buildings that can impress you even now, 5,000 years later.

Architecture was booming at that time, people with money wanted to become eternal and leave their footprint forever. This is how the pyramids of Giza were created or the Temple of Horus at Edfu, a typical example of Egyptian architecture.

But the trend wasn’t over yet, now it was time for the Greeks and their Agoras, surrounded by their buildings and temples. The Partenon in the Acropolis still rises as one of the most beautiful buildings of all time.

But what about the Colosseum or Coliseum? Romans took advantage of the architectural knowledge of the Greeks and even perfected it. The Roman’s aqueduct of Segovia is a good example of how important architecture can be to save or improve the lives of many people in towns and cities. The interior of the Pantheon in Rome, is also something that can amaze you now in 2018.

By then everybody knew that ‘something as external as a building could really have an impact on our daily mood’. Architecture was absolutely necessary by then and it’s still the same way today. Society needs good architects and especially the ones that go into things that aren’t mainstream like the professionals who choose to study a Master of architecture in Collective Housing.

There is such a competition nowadays that if you want to be the best you need to offer something different. This is why many students are now specialising themselves. A good example of this is what we said before: An architect that needs to specialize in Collective Housing or an Asian Historian who wants to specialize in Spanish History, for example. The fact remains, architecs are one of the most important professions today, at the same level as doctors. And from General-History we’d like to thank you all for your passion, time and effort.

By | 2018-12-21T16:57:27+00:00 December 21st, 2018|History|0 Comments

Spine problems?

Human beings have suffered spine problems throughout the ages. Fossilized evidence of bone straightening exists and the ancient Greeks perfected this art. Therefore, spine surgery is not new, whether used to correct back deformities in children or because some kind of surgical procedure was necessary. This was a far cry from the spine surgery we use today but it shows that we have always understood that bones can be straightened and corrected. (more…)

By | 2018-11-08T12:08:20+00:00 November 8th, 2018|History|0 Comments

Cosmetic Surgery and its Place in Modern Society

People have been concerned about their appearance from the beginning of recorded history. It might sound surprising, but cosmetic surgery has been around for centuries. The tools and methods may differ, but physicians have always searched for ways to make changes to the body of individuals who want a different look. Most of the procedures we see today have been in existence for many years. Their purpose is the same as it used to be, what has changed throughout the years are the tools and the methods used. For example, tattoos and piercings have been popular for centuries; injections and stitching were used to give the body a beautiful and smoother look, and were the beginning of cosmetic surgery. On the other hand, non-invasive surgery came into existence as a medical treatment which made it unnecessary to cut open the body during surgery, for example, non-invasive back surgery is a surgical procedure recommended for patients who suffer chronic neck or back pain. A degenerated painful disc is replaced with a new artificial one. The aim of this procedure is for the patient to regain a normal lifestyle.  In Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR), no bones are cut.

Different types of cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery, are different, however, they are closely related. They both deal with improving a patient’s appearance but their underlying principles are different.

Cosmetic surgery is focused solely on enhancing a person’s physical appearance. This can be performed on all areas of the body including the neck and head. Within the scope of cosmetic surgery are body contouring: liposuction, tummy tuck; facial rejuvenation: brow, neck, eyelids, and facelifts; breast enhancement: lifting, reduction; facial contouring: cheek, or chin enhancement, rhinoplasty; skin rejuvenation: Botox, filler treatments, and laser resurfacing.

Plastic surgery deals with repairing birth defects, reconstruction of normal functions and appearance. Some of these defects are caused by disease, trauma, burns, and birth abnormalities. Basically, the aim of plastic surgery is to correct dysfunctional areas of the human body; therefore, it is reconstructive. Plastic surgeons can perform cosmetic surgery, but they tend to specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery. In 1999, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons adopted the name American Society of Plastic Surgeons to emphasize the fact that plastic and reconstructive surgery is the same. Some examples of the procedures these surgeons perform are: hand surgery, burn repair surgery, breast reconstruction, lower limb reconstruction, breast reconstruction, congenital defect repair: limb defect repair and cleft palate.

The first cosmetic surgery

As time passed, doctors incorporated cosmetic surgery as a part of plastic surgery. Therefore, cosmetic surgery was born out of reconstructive surgery. This all began in central Asia. Asian physicians used most of the methods used in rhinoplasty today to beautify the shape of the noses of royal family members. Sushruta, an ancient Indian healer, was supposedly one of the first cosmetic surgeons in the world. He was the first person to perform skin grafting around the 6th century BC. He used a piece of skin from another body part to graft on the face to enhance and correct a person’s appearance.

By | 2018-06-26T16:21:11+00:00 June 12th, 2018|History|0 Comments

William Turner (Painter)

 

William Turner VeniceJoseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) was an English painter who stood out thanks to his extraordinary watercolour landscapes and oil paintings.

The particular confusion between brilliance and madness was very obvious in the biography of William Turner. An academic painter during his origins, Turner developed his art until reaching a free, atmospheric and in occasions, abstract style that made critics reject his creations until they finally understood he was just a genious. (more…)

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