“Bialowieza Primeval Forest is the last lowland forest in Europe. The diversity of species and old trees characterize this region. The abundance of flora and fauna allows the accumulation of genetic information that can help in the future to restore balance in the damaged environment. The most precious section of the Polish forest is separated as a Bialowieza National Park and is under strict protection. There is over one thousand species of vascular plants in the primeval forest of Bialowieza. A total number of animal species inhabiting the primeval forest of Bialowieza amounts to 12000. The greatest influence on the composition and number of plant species is exerted by fertility and humidity of the soil. European Bison Breeding Centre has been also established inside the park.” Link@nature.poland.pl

“From early morning the smart clean troops were on the move, forming upon the field before the fortress. Now thousands of feet and bayonets moved and halted at the officers’ command, turned with banners flying, formed up at intervals, and wheeled round other similar masses of infantry in different uniforms; now was heard the rhythmic beat of hoofs and the jingling of showy cavalry in blue, red, and green braided uniforms, with smartly dressed bandsmen in front mounted on black, roan, or gray horses; then again, spreading out with the brazen clatter of the polished shining cannon that quivered on the gun carriages and with the smell of linstocks, came the artillery which crawled between the infantry and cavalry and took up its appointed position.” etext@projectgutenberg.org

“Cricket is a team sport played with bat and ball, in an open ground, between two teams of 11 players. The game, sometimes referred to as the “gentleman’s game”, is popular mainly in the countries of the Commonwealth. Cricket originated in England in the 1300s and became a mainstream sport some four hundred years later. Today, cricket is governed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) headquartered in Dubai. There are three main types of cricket played at the international level: Test cricket, One-day international (ODI) and Twenty20 cricket. The Twenty20 format is a new version, introduced in 2004. International cricket matches are the most widely watched matches in the world after football (soccer) commanding a viewership of over a billion.” basics@learnckricket.com

“It is sometimes said that in times of war, niches are found for every kind of character, however eccentric. If only that were true. Montgomery was repeatedly passed over for promotion due to his insolence and arrogance. He did not drink or smoke, was in no way “clubbable” and had little time for polo or hunting. In endearing himself to his fellow officers, his obsessive professionalism was no substitute for these missing “qualities”. The result was that a series of bumbling aristocrats were permitted to again bring disaster to British arms for the first three years of the Second World War (and sometimes after then too). The priorities of the high command were illustrated by the infamous “VD” incident that almost led to Montgomery’s removal as a divisional commander before the Battle of France. When he issued an order that his men were only to use approved brothels in order to avoid venereal disease, the implication that an officer of the King condoned vice caused a scandal. Montgomery survived, though he was nicknamed the ‘General of Love’.” Link@astsetc:books