- published: 05 Mar 2010
- views: 496
China (i/ˈtʃaɪnə/; Chinese: 中国; pinyin: Zhōngguó; see also Names of China), officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is the world's most-populous country, with a population of over 1.3 billion. Covering approximately 9.6 million square kilometres, the East Asian state is the world's second-largest country by land area, and the third- or fourth-largest in total area, depending on the definition of total area.
The People's Republic of China is a single-party state governed by the Communist Party of China. It exercises jurisdiction over 22 provinces, five autonomous regions, four directly controlled municipalities (Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Chongqing), and two mostly self-governing special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau). Its capital city is Beijing. The PRC also claims Taiwan—which is controlled by the Republic of China (ROC), a separate political entity—as its 23rd province, a claim controversial due to the complex political status of Taiwan and the unresolved Chinese Civil War. The PRC government denies the legitimacy of the ROC.
Marco Polo (i/ˈmɑrkoʊ ˈpoʊloʊ/; Italian pronunciation: [ˈmarko ˈpɔːlo]; c. 1254 – January 9, 1324) was a Venetian merchant traveler from the Venetian Republic whose travels are recorded in Il Milione, a book which did much to introduce Europeans to Central Asia and China. He learned about trading whilst his father and uncle, Niccolò and Maffeo, travelled through Asia and apparently met Kublai Khan. In 1269, they returned to Venice to meet Marco for the first time. The three of them embarked on an epic journey to Asia, returning after 24 years to find Venice at war with Genoa; Marco was imprisoned, and dictated his stories to a cellmate. He was released in 1299, became a wealthy merchant, married and had three children. He died in 1324, and was buried in San Lorenzo.
Their pioneering journey inspired Christopher Columbus and others. Marco Polo's other legacies include Venice Marco Polo Airport, the Marco Polo sheep, and several books and films. He also had an influence on European cartography, leading to the introduction of the Fra Mauro map.
Looks like i'm loosin friends
There's a lot of hostility in my endz
We used 2 argue, always make other new friends
Now we settle disagreements with the skenz
Looks like i'm loosin mates
There's a lot of hostility near my gates
We used 2 fight wid kids 4rm other estates
Now 8 millimetres settle debates
Looks like i'm loosin sight
Coz i'm lookin at the future, it ain't right
So i look out my window, pray every night
I thank God 4 my friends but they ain't tight
Looks like i'm loosin hope
Coz i climbed dis mountain widout rope
But i know i'm the captain of my boat
So i steadily sail and hope not 2 float
But its a Brand New Day
New opportunities, wot can i say
I plan 2 make my pay
But put sum away 4 an offkey day -
Demand, collect, cash upfront and direct
Pay money, pay respect, don't insult my intellect
When we ain't kids no more
Will it still be about wot it is rite now
Like fightin 4 anything, anytime
And actin widout a care anywhere
When we ain't kids no more
Will it still be about wot is rite now
Like backscams, street robbery
Shottas, plottas or HMP
When we ain't kids no more
Will it still be about wot it is rite now
Pregnant girls who think they luv
Useless mans wid no plans
When we ain't kids no more
Will it still be about wot it is rite now
Coz negative signs jus keep showin up
Sum of us betta jus start growin up
But its a Brand New Day
New opportunities, wot can i say
I plan 2 make my pay
But put sum away 4 an offkey day -
Demand, collect, cash upfront and direct
Pay money, pay respect, don't insult my intellect -
When i look at my life i can't help but think
Coz i could hav resorted 2 drugs and drink
Everyday was the same as the day b4
We were neva quite sure of wots in store
Everyday i wke up i can't help but feel
I'm certain of life, i mean dis is real
Mouthfuls skippin round my head like dancers
I know its wrong 2 question but i need answers
Da whos, da wots, da hows, da whens, da whys
U can look in my face, u c da pain in my eyes
Tears ready 2 fall like the rain in the skies
But i hope dat i put my feet down and rise
Coz guys wanna test my words
So i can't jus cater 4 2nd and 3rd
Plus i know predators only go 4 the weak
And dats long so i gotta stay strong