A. Planetary Perspectives

1. Earth was fifth in size when it came to being several billion years ago.
2. 500 years ago Europeans stumbled upon the Americas & this was branded as the most dramatic feat in mankind, & opened stunning new vistas & altered the future of the New & Old World.
3. The United States left a mighty imprint w/ its liberal ideas, revolutionary democratic experiment & its boundless opportunities for the exploited & underprivileged of foreign lands. The US is also believed to reach its peak one day, like Greece & Rome.

1. Scandinavian Norsemen came upon the northeastern border of North America, which was abounding in wild grapes, & they ironically named it Vinland.
2. Christian Crusaders are high in rank among the indirect discoverers of America b/c these European warriors invaded Palestine from the 11th to the 14th Century. These `barbaric' soldiers learned more of...