yang 2008-4-13 16:58
古代奥运会的起源
古希腊是一个神话王国,优美动人的神话故事和曲折离奇的民间传说,为古奥运会的起源蒙上一层神秘的色彩。有关古代奥运会的起源的传说有很多,最主要的有以下两种:一是古代奥林匹克运动会是为祭祀宙斯而定期举行的体育竞技活动。另一种传说与宙斯的儿子赫拉克勒斯有关。赫拉克勒斯因力大无比获“大力神”的美称。他在伊利斯城邦完成了常人无法完成的任务,不到半天功夫便扫干净了国王堆满牛粪的牛棚,但国王不想履行赠送300头牛的许诺,赫拉克勒一气之下赶走了国王。为了庆祝胜利,他在奥林匹亚举行了运动会。-FZ3A
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关于古奥运会起源流传最广的故事则是佩洛普斯娶亲的故事。古希腊伊利斯国王为了给自己的女儿挑选一个文武双全的驸马,提出应选者必须和自己比赛战车。比赛中,先后有13个青年丧生于国王的长矛之下,而第14个青年正是宙斯的孙子和公主的心上人佩洛普斯。在爱情的鼓舞下,他勇敢地接受了国王的挑战,终于以智取胜。为了庆贺这一胜利,佩洛普斯与公主在奥林匹亚的宙斯庙前举行盛大的婚礼,会上安排了战车、角斗等项比赛,这就是最初的古奥运会,佩洛普斯成了古奥运会传说中的创始人。
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实际上,奥运会的起源与古希腊的社会情况有着密切的关系。公元前9-8世纪,希腊氏族社会逐步瓦解,城邦制的奴隶社会逐渐形成,建立了200多个城邦。城邦各自为政,无统一君主,城邦之间战争不断。为了应付战争,各城邦都积极训练士兵。斯巴达城邦儿童从7岁起就由国家抚养,并从事体育、军事训练,过着军事生活。战争需要士兵,士兵需要强壮身体,而体育是培养能征善战士兵的有力手段。战争促进了希腊体育运动的开展,古奥运会的比赛项目也带有明显的军事烙印。连续不断的战事使人民感到厌恶,普遍渴望能有一个赖以休养生息的和平环境。后来斯巴达王和伊利斯王签订了“神圣休战月”条约。于是,为准备兵源的军事训练和体育竞技,逐渐变为和平与友谊的运动会。
rstu036 2008-4-14 06:49
Farm shows equipped to showcase change
"Wow, farm equipment is sure getting big and expensive these days," the old farmer said.
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"Oh, c'mon," one of his equally elderly farmer buddies responded with a big laugh. "Your dad said the same thing 50 years ago."
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"I guess you're right,'' the first farmer said. "And the new equipment does make farming a lot easier."
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The farmers were talking while attending the 47th edition of the Wisconsin Public Service Farm Show at the EAA grounds in Oshkosh. Chances are farmers had the same conversation about bigger and more expensive equipment at each and every one of those previous shows.f:s\YSx)vn
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Of course, that's the idea behind the Oshkosh farm show -- showing the newest equipment and ideas for producing food to those who produce the food.:v6siS)mO@
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As usual, the weather on the first day of the event this week was raw, windy and cold. It's great weather for such a gathering since farmers can take a day off without guilt. A balmy breeze and 70 degrees is a killer for farm shows.$^)`}
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Four huge airplane hangers were full of equipment, some cutting edge new, some old, reliable and still good. A sales rep was at each exhibit to field and answer questions from potential buyers.3V2f g6Ht(D |#j
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Despite the popularity of online shopping, farmers still like to actually look at, feel, kick and inspect close-up equipment that interests them. Why not? Even the simplest of cattle feeders, wagons, tillage equipment and buildings are expensive and ultimately will need service and parts replacement. Farmers look for dependable dealers."E0|@Y0t
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The Mandako Land Roller was a popular attraction. In principal, it's like those little rollers you rent to flatten your lawn. The kind you hitch to your lawn mower and drive merrily across the yard leveling out the worm hole and grass clumps.
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