How was Constantinople in 1453 a factor in the age of exploration?

To actually answer your question the fall of Constantinople was a major factor as it allowed the Ottoman Empire to strengthened its control over trade with the East as at the time only over land trade routes with China and India (the two richest countries at the time) existed. Western European States were faced with higher tariffs and disruptions when war broke out between the Ottomans and their neighbours. Portugal was the first to make a breakthrough when they successfully chartered a trade route to what is now Goa in India by sailing around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa. This trade route was kept secret and so other countries were still faced with the difficulties of the over land trade routes. It is for this reason that Isabella of Spain agreed to patronise Columbus' attempt to find an alternative.

Why are the stimulus jobs meant for Americans going to illegal aliens?

This is why I am fighting with our commissioners to make it mandatory for e-verify for all contract workers. No illegal should be given any job. Them and their families should be given deportation and heavy punishments. Americans see any illegals working, we need to report more to ICE and start with your county commissioners on this subject and then work your way up. Only way to rid us of these lawbreakers.

What are your favorite rock bands??

I like Flyleaf, Fall Out Boy, Avenged Sevenfold, and Bon Jovi. I just found a new love for Korn too! Any Korn fans out there?? My favorite oldies pop/rock bands are KC And The Sunhine Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Beach Boys. Haha! Any Led Zeppelin fans out there?? I love them!

Why are Obama's books being totally ignored by the media?

not to those of us who actually care about this country what is stands for and all the freedoms that come with it.

Funny Halloween Costume ideas?

I have a halloween party tomorrow night, and I wanted to be something cheap and silly. Just for context I am a college aged female, and ideas I have so far are Janet Reno from the SNL skit Janet Reno's Dance Party, Ron Burgundy, a Chef( as i have a full outfit, not really funny but..), or 80's girl( last resort, not funny again) Anywho, if you have any good ideas they would be much appreciated or if you like one of my ideas better than the other it would be good to hear that too. Thanks!

Moral Quandary: How does the golden rule apply here?

Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. If you would want to be told then tell him. If you wouldn't care don't tell him. Seems pretty simple. It makes no sense to say if I murdered someone I wouldn't want anyone to turn me in so i won't turn anyone in. The Golden Rule does not work for harm. It umes that you would want people to do right by you so that you will do right by them. You cannot use it to countenance evil or wrong doing.

For those who believe the system worked for Casey Anthony, did you believe it worked for OJ as well when...?

I believe both those outcomes were failures of the justice system. I'm still more inclined to believe OJ than I am to believe Casey Anthony. At least OJ had the decency to pretend to care. But I digress. The justice system is far from perfect,but what are the alternatives? Anarchy sounds pretty good to me right now.