Featured User: Spellbound
“I first got into Yahoo Answers by accident. A friend used it & she said it was really good – one day curiosity got the better of me, and I’m still here.”
- Spellbound: 30,127 points, Level 7, 65% Best Answer
Every so often we like to profile some of the amazing answerers we see on the site like Tunisian Belle and Calimecita. Today we are happy to put the spotlight on Spellbound: our resident history expert. Russia is his real passion but he is able to answer questions on many subjects. But don’t just take our word for it–here are some of his Best Answers:
- Did Joseph Stalin command the army during the Second World War?
- Why did the Art capitol move from Paris post-War?
- What was the significance of the Soviet satellite nations?
Spellbound in his own words…
“I’ve always enjoyed history, probably that comes from being taken round castles in North Wales as a child, but I also think that the past is alive, because the consequences of actions taken hundreds of years ago can have a direct impact on our lives – Magna Carta being an obvious example.
I am, by education, a Russologist, specialising in the late Soviet period. I find the USSR fascinating. It was such a mysterious place, as Churchill said of it “Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma”.
Other than the Soviet period, I love the medieval English period. It was such a theatrical period, with larger than life characters, such as Simon De Montefort and Owen Glydwr.
The most misunderstood period of history is probably the Roman period. In school Roman history is taught as though it were a homogenous, unchanging entity, whereas it was a fluid, dynamic ever changing creation, so much so, that the late Roman period bears little relation to the Rome of Julius Caeser and Augustus.
My favourite question is probably “Why did Germany surrender in 1918?”
The reason I like this question is that it is a clear question, the questioner sounds as though they are interested in the topic – it’s not just for homework help, and although the question may be a simple one, to answer the question well requires a detailed, well thought out answer.
Favorite answer? I have so many, but I think Brother Ranulf always provides food for thought, I thought the questions were really interesting and his answers are really well researched and thought out.”
Some Best Answers by Brother Ranulf, chosen by Spellbound:
- What happened to unchivalrous knights?
- How were monk’s animals and possessions protected in a Viking raid?
- After the Norman Conquest in 1066, what buildings were destroyed and what was built?
Know someone who’s “wowed” you on Answers? Think somebody deserves to be celebrated as next Featured User on the Answers Blog? We want to hear from you!
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will yamster celebrate darwin day?
Congratulations Spellbound. Keep up the great work. I am happy to see the Featured User is back and Spellbound is a good choice.
Congratulations
Congratulations, Spellbound!
History is not precisely my forte, so I guess I can learn a lot by reading your Answers and those you recommended.
This is awesome! Props to knowledgeable people!
luv luv luv
123/9/2
Well deserved – congratulations!!
Sharing your knowledge is commendable however I wish applaud more your thoughtful insights and ponderings
Very good. History is hard for me. Sometimes people only give opinions of history and so history is still hard for me. I’d have to look up the answer to see what the encyclopedia has to say. I like the encyclopedia. However I don’t usually take the time and so history is still hard for me. Your answers seem hard. I start not liking old governments because they seem like hateful worms but history was hard to live thru without the modern tools. You still do very good. Have a good day.
“Spellbound” appears to enjoy answering Qs on YA for the fun of it as well as to help interested askers. I, too get a kick out of helping young artists and drivers who have a genuine curiosity, as well as a willingness to try, at least, until they get stuck and seek help.
Kudos to “Spellbound” for his efforts.
Vince M.
They must really be good since I know that Tunisabelle has had the honor more than once.
First of all,congratulations to Spellbound.It is a true honor to be recognize for our work here on Yahoo Answers.
Next,I would like to nominate Dragon(RAW) for your next “Featured User”.He is a Top Contributer in the Wrestling Section and one of the Top Ten.His knowledge of wrestling is unparalleled.I’m sure the ENTIRE Wrestling Section would agree with this statement. Thank You.
Here is his link:http://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=Aqm4G5DgxIi9iXP_gvz8DJH.0KIX;_ylv=3?show=1ced09090a18210ce355123ea9003d99aa
WOW
Hi
Not sure if this question has been posted, if so, I apologise.
What and where is the statue featured at the top of this page? It looks magnificent and I’ve never seen it before.
Wow! congratulations Spellbound! you deserve it!
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~_~.
CONGRATULATIONS !!! Spellbound !!!
To study & share your knowledge of history, strictly because you enjoy it, is quite admirable!
While in school, I hated History. ( Heck, I hated school in general) Only later did I realize the impact it has on the who’s, what’s, where’s & whys, that we all have become today.
I got my 2nd chance to educate myself when my children began studying history in school. Due to an injury, I have trouble retaining it, However, if I can remember it, even for a moment or for a day or a month, I am fascinated! NOW I thirst for it. NOW, If I’m curious, I’m lucky enough to have the Internet, and people like yourself, to refer, to satisfy my curiosity, my thirst. Not to mention, explain it in such a way that one can understand.
So on behave of myself, & others like me, THANK YOU, for being so generous with your wealth of knowledge in history. It is after all, people like you that help mold it.
Once again, congrats, and best of health to you!
Sincerely, JMB*
________ ~_~.
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hi im iman from iran
tanks a lot
heart felt congratulations
Congratulations, keep up the good work.
Spellbound
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!
congrats!!!!!!!! u did a good job..
Thanks to everyone for your kind words.
Mike, the statue is The Motherland Calls. It stands on top of the Mamaev Kurgan in Volgograd – formerly Stalingrad.
Vince, keep up the good work.
Spellbound