Thursday, October 31, 2019

War Strategists Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

War Strategists - Essay Example Consequently, Jomini’s theory of strategy entirely relied on geometric considerations. He advocated concentrating alongside fractions of the enemy’s force before striking the critical objective. Significantly, Clausewitz and Jomini theories have immensely contributed to understanding today’s military profession1. Accordingly, the FM 3.0 represents a revolutionary departure from past theories. It has engaged in an operational of employing such principles as offensive, stability or civil support operations concurrently as part of an inter-reliant joint force to grab, retain and exploit the initiative, accepting practical risk thus generating opportunities for achieving decisive results. The FM 3.0 operations significantly initiated a comprehensive change in the army by capturing the solder’s experience over t numerous years of extensive combat. It therefore changed the army’s conceptualization of operations hence it adopted FSO as a central tenet of h ow it applies its capabilities. Consequently, the concept of FSO plays critical roles in the army. FM 3.0 reflects an inclusive understanding of the numerous impacts of myriad years of persistent conflict in army operations. It puts emphasizes on people over technology, hence focus on an initiative and responsibility at lower levels of command2. It is worth noting that, understanding the operational environment and the intriguing problems, requires a precise methodology that expands beyond the military decision making process. Currently, the operational environment has experienced an enormous emergency of hybrid threats hence profoundly increasing uncertainty in the operational environment. In response, it has called for the need of creating teams to work closely with joint interagency and multinational assets among modular forces. Additionally, working with host-nation partners, teamwork requires extensive personal cooperation instead of military command. Finally, the capability to transmit clear and concise messages to target audiences plays a critical role in delivering lethal combat work. Consequently, it calls for an appropriate strategy in order to ensure victorious success in FSO. In response, current research has revealed that, the FM 3.0 has adopted a peculiar strategy referred to as blitzkrieg war strategy. Additionally, the strategy has based its foundation on nine compressive principles for success in FSO3. The blitzkrieg strategy entails employment of lightning attacks, overwhelming the enemy with speed ad concentrated fire-force. Typically, blitzkrieg strategy largely relies on tanks, which combine with speed. Its basic principle entails bombardment of a weak point in the enemy defense followed by feints and thorough probes to find a breakthrough point, plus a follow-up encirclement to prevent flanking and capturing remaining forces. Accordingly, at the defeat of the enemy, a follow up force may hold the position, while the main force moves on qu ickly to the next target. Blitzkrieg strategy works entirely by shock and depends entirely the maneuver and surprise principles rather than wearing down the enemy by long bombardment or pitched battles. Consequently, it represents a typical cross-country technique for conquering large tracts of relatively defended land. In addition, it implies distracting a dispatched the enemy from dealing with your attacks4. Similarly, the FM 3.0 provides

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Earth is my mother Essay Example for Free

Earth is my mother Essay The author’s purpose in writing was to understand for herself and to be able to present Navajo sandpaintings as â€Å"dynamically sacred living entities whose meanings lie in the process of their creation and use† (page xix). Sandpaintings, created from different colored sands and sacred objects, are not art. They are representations of mythical beings and legends created for the purpose of reestablishing someone’s health and harmony. The study of sandpaintings and their various meanings permits the reader considerable insight into Navajo land-tied religious beliefs, world view, creation myths, society, history, and even concepts of time. The author, Trudy Griffin-Pierce, provides little autobiographical information in the book. She mentions her rootless Air Force upbringing and how her early readings were devoted to books about Native American culture, especially the Navajo. Although she is distantly related to the Catawba Indians of South Carolina, she always felt a kinship with the Navajo and lived for a time with a Navajo family, learning their traditions, history, and language. This bond drew her to Arizona after she completed her undergraduate degree in art at Florida State University. N. Scott Momaday, in his â€Å"Forward†, adds that Ms. Griffin-Pierce is a very creative artist, capable of understanding and discussing the artistic dimension of the Navajo world. She makes the inventive and imaginative Navajo system of belief without our understanding. Ms. Griffin-Pierce received her doctorate in anthropology from the University of Arizona in 1987, where she is currently Assistant Professor in the Anthropology Department and teaches three courses. The information on her website at the University of Arizona reveals that this was her first published book. She has written four newer books, The Encyclopedia of Native America (1995), Native Americans: Enduring Cultures and Traditions (1996), Native Peoples of the Southwest (2000), and Paridigms of Power: The Chiricahua Apache Prisoners of War and Naiche’s Hide Paintings (in press); and two articles, â€Å"When I am Lonely the Mountains Call Me: The Impact of Sacred Geography on Navajo Psychological Well Being†, and â€Å"Navajo Religion†. All of her writings center on the history of Indians in the United States’ Southwest. She is currently studying aging and dementia among Arizona’s Native Americans. In Earth is my Mother; Sky is my Father, Ms. Griffin-Pierce details Navajo religious beliefs, world views, historical myths, societal structure, and astronomical concepts before she discusses the use and structure of Navajo sandpaintings. Basic Navajo religious beliefs are still followed by many Navajos who chose not to assimilate the tenets of Christianity presented to them in the 1800’s. There is no word for â€Å"religion† in the Navajo language. Spirituality, health, harmony, and beauty are inseparable. The universe is an all-inclusive whole where everything has a unique place and beneficial relationship to all other living things. God is the â€Å"Unknown Power† worshipped through His Creation. The Navajo also have a close relationship with the Holy People, with whom they interact daily. (page 34) Navajo religious beliefs are closely tied to their intense longing for and their love of their homeland, which they consider the â€Å"point in space from which all conceptions of the cosmos proceed†. (page xv) The land and the earth is their foundation of all belief, wonder, and meaning in human existence, and the four sacred mountains are the center. There are no permanent religious centers. The Native American Church is a local peyote visionary religion.    The Navajo have a circular concept of time that permits their mythic, spiritual world to coexist with their physical world. The author suggests that the Navajo sacred sandpaintings cannot be understood unless we accept the Navajo’s â€Å"mythopoetic context of layered time, space, and meaning†. (page 7) Navajo spirituality affirms humanity’s place in nature as a whole. Their ceremonies restore the interconnectedness of all life. They believe sickness results from failure to maintain reciprocal responsibilities with the environment, infringement of ceremonial rules, and transgressions against one’s own mind and bodies. Her purpose in writing this book is to share a more humane, more connected view of the world and its contributions in reestablishing humanity’s alignment with the universe. (page 9) Navajos still worship gods and goddesses of specific purposes. Their deities include the Sun; Changing Woman, who brings the earthly seasons; and their children, Hero Twins, Monster Slayer, Born-for Water, First Man and First Woman, First Boy and First Girl, the trickster Coyote, and the Speechless Ones, who cannot utter words. (page 34) These are often depicted in the sandpaintings. Navajos have a concept of the â€Å"Holy Wind†, reminiscent of the Christian Holy Spirit, as a being that exists everywhere and is in all living beings. For them this means that all living beings are related and that humanity has a responsibility to care for other living beings. Curiously, in Navajo Creation stories, the Holy People spoke, sang, and prayed the world into existence with their sacred words. Since everyone has an inner form and is part of the Holy Wind, each has a Holy Person located within. Oneness with the universe creates a responsibility to treat one’s fellow creatures with the same respect one has towards oneself. (page 73). The Navajos were among the last American Indians to migrate from Asia to North America and were late in arriving in the Southwest. They settled in the geographical area bounded by the four Sacred Mountains in the Four Corners area of the Southwest. Their geographical isolation protected them from diseases brought by the Spaniards and provided them with access to stealing their horses, sheep, and goats. They learned weaving from the Pueblos. The Navajo societal structure was and is matriarchal, clan, and family based, and they dwell in isolated family groups structured by the nuclear family, the matrilocal extended family, close relatives, and other relatives. Many Navajo live in frame houses today, but some still choose well-constructed hogans. (page 21) Navajo ceremonial healings involving sandpaintings are conducted by highly trained practitioners called â€Å"chanters† who have learned to sing the elaborate Navajo rituals. The Navajo chanter can cure witchcraft, exorcise ghosts, and establish immunity to illness.   A chanter is a priest, not a shaman, and never enters the shaman’s characteristic trance state. Most chanters are men. Women become diagnosticians, or shamans who acquire knowledge in a trance state. (page 39) Navajo ceremonials are rites (rattle is not used) or chants (rattle accompanies singing. The major rites (Blessingway and Enemyway) use drypaintings with pigments made from plants, including corn, pollens, cornmeal, flower petals, and charcoal. The author explains that Enemyway is a form of exorcism against the ghosts of aliens, violence, and ugliness. The chanting ceremonies (Holyway, Evilway, or Lifeway) use sandpaintings of different colors of sand, ocher and charcoal. Other sacred objects, vegetation, and bowls of water are incorporated into both types of ceremonies. (pages 40-41) There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different sandpainting designs. A sandpainting is a place of entry where supernaturals enter and leave, attracted by their likenesses in the painting. The establishment of this pathway lets the evil or illness in the patient be replaced by the good, or healing power of the supernatural being. (page 43) The healing ceremonies last for several days. It takes four to six people three to five hours to complete a sandpainting six feed in diameter. The workers begin in the center and work outwards. (page 45. The Navajos’ basic concept is that the powers of the heavens and earth are drawn into the sandpainting for the purpose of healing. Time is compressed so that powerful mythic events of the past coexist with the present and restore harmony and well being to the person being healed. (page 58) The sandpainted image is intended to let the sick person project his or her mind through time and space, rising above present earthly limitations.   The Navajo layered worldview becomes meaningless during a ceremony as all layers of heavens and underground become one. The Navajos study the constellations and star arrangements primarily for determination of seasons, and they are not part of the ceremonial core of sandpaintings, even though depictions of mythical gods of creation in the form of constellations may be used. (page 103) One of the more interesting myths is how Younger Brother went to the sky country and met an inner circle of hostile beings whom he left to stay with the friendly Star People in the outer dwellings. These friendly Star People, whom the Navajo call â€Å"The People†, and the hostile beings are still incorporated into sandpaintings. The author concentrated on the â€Å"Mother Earth, Father Sky† sandpainting because it is the most familiar to outsiders and presents the most detailed depiction of the Navajo heavens of sandpaintings in use today. (page 175) She describes the intricate, careful, detailed process involved in making a sandpainting. Mother Earth and Father Sky must be identical in shape and size. The act of creating a sandpainting is healing because it focuses everyone’s thoughts on the principles of balance and order. (page 177) The painting becomes â€Å"alive† to serve its transcendent purpose when the chanter strews sacred pollen on it and blesses those attending. (page 183). The sacred and blessed sandpainting forces the patient to reconnect in time and space to past and present sacred forces and reminds the patient of her connectedness to humans present physically or spiritually. (page 194) This book accomplishes the author’s stated purposes and does discuss the themes in detail. However, the information is disorganized and scattered, making the book itself hard to read. The author’s purpose was to teach the reader how to understand and appreciate the making, content, and purpose of Navajo sandpainting, which she accomplishes. Some of the information presented about Navajo religious beliefs is curiously similar to Christianity, and the author does not sufficiently discuss whether or not these were original to the Navajo who migrated to the Americas or picked up and changed a bit from what Christian missionaries tried to teach them. The Navajo ties to the religious symbolism of their land is remarkably similar to early Hebrew thought, but no mention is made of that. The textual sources used by the author are all documented research papers or books that are fairly recent in date. One would wish earlier sources had been consulted on some issues, but their availability is not known. The author combines quite boring detailed information with her myths and more lively text, making the book itself a challenge to complete. BIBLIOGRAPHY Southwest Studies Program. Biography of Trudy Griffin-Pierce. University of Arizona. http://web. arizona. edu/~swst/faculty/tgpierce. htm. Griffin-Pierce, Trudy. Earth is my Mother; Sky is my Father. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1992.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Iconic Images of the 1980s

Iconic Images of the 1980s Images of 1980s Speaking of 1980s often people think about Reagan, â€Å"Greed is good†, and funny hair styles. Of course the 80s were more than that, but if you asked me what I am thinking about the 1980s it would be a longest â€Å"Mhm† followed by â€Å"I was not even born yet.† However, images can be a tool for us to study the detail of history. The greatest thing about learning history for a visual person is to look into photos. Each and every photograph has a story to tell. Ever since the technology of modern camera was introduce in the 18 century, people have been using this technique to capture memorable moments.   Ã‚   Photography in the 1980s was personal and political, or a mixture of both. Nevertheless, thanks to the photographers who are there to capture events, the future generation can study them. What happened at the scene of Reagan’s attempted Assassination? How big was the crowed when the Berlin wall fell down at 1989? What did Chernobyl look like after the explosion? I believe those events had already been symbolized. Some say â€Å"history always repeats itself.† That is somehow true if we look deeper into every decades. The world still has the same problems that happened before. What is so special about the 1980s is that is a historical turning point. Through several iconic photos of the 1980s the decade can be seen as one plagued with wars, tragic events and political unrest, but it was also a decade where freedom and human rights were advanced. Afghan Girl, 1985 (See Figure 1) The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan during 1977-1980 might been seen as a milestone of U.S. history due to the help we have been giving, but due to poor Sharbat Gula and her family it is not an event to be celebrated. In 1985, National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry shot a portrait of a 12 year-old Afghan girl named Sharbat Gula made it to the cover of National Geographic Magazine. However, what people could not see in the photo â€Å"Afghan Girl† was the reason that caused Sharbat Gula’s sorrow eyes. From 1979 to 1989, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan armed with Arab resistance launched a war of aggression and counter-aggression. The evening of December 27, the Soviet Union deployed eight divisions, Special Forces, and airborne troops in a brutal military invasion of Afghanistan. In only three and a half hours, they gained â€Å"complete military and political control of Kabul and large portions of the country† (Office of Historian) Until early 1980, 8.5 million troops invaded which gradually increased to 10 million people. There were almost 10 years long of ongoing civil wars, invasions and conflicts in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, little Sharbat Gula was born into this event. After the Soviet invasion of blatant military, the Afghan people in the nation in danger of life and death, the original anti-government revolutionary activity soon developed into a larger anti-Soviet war against the Soviet Union. According to the article â€Å"A Life Revealed: Along Afghanistans War-torn Frontier† by Debra Denker, Sharbat Gula’s village was bombed and invaded by Soviet Union around the early 80s. Unfortunately, Sharbat Gula’s parents were killed by bombing, about 100 people died from war, 600 million people were forced to flee their homes and become refugees. Later, photographer Steve McCurry visited Afghanistan, and was given a â€Å"war-torn frontier.† tour. In one of the refugee camps, he ca ptured the hunting face of Sharbat Gula among other similar age girls. Sharbat Gula’s portrait became the symbol of post war fear of the Muslim world (Denker). In 1988, under the auspices of the UN Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar, the Soviet Union, the United States, Afghanistan and Pakistan met in in Kabul and their four foreign ministers signed in Geneva a political settlement for Afghanistan. The Soviet troops had to withdraw from Afghanistan within nine months, putting an end of a nine-year occupation (Dibb). Wars and conflicts are a never ending nightmare which is still haunting us today. The look on Sharbat Gula’s face fully expressed that. The Reagan Assassination Attempt, 1981 (See figure 2) Same time at the early 80s, the most serious incident which happened to President Ronald Wilson Reagan was when he got shot just outside the Washington Hilton Hotel by a young man named John Hinckley Jr. In the photo of the scene right after the shooting, reporters were making roars within the crowed, few officers holding a gun down on the sidewalk, and the president was thrown into the limo car. It was chaotic. The gunman was held immediately after the shooting. This event shocked the entire society for Reagan had only been elected to be a president for ten weeks. President Reagan was heading to the white house unaware that he had been shot. Shortly after he left the scene, he did not realize one of the ricochets punctured his lung until he started coughing up blood. He then was rushed to George Washington University Hospital. The New York Times reported President Reagan remained in good humor even he was fainted due to the blood loss. He told his doctors, â€Å"Please tell me youà ¢â‚¬â„¢re Republicans† (Raines). Fortunately, President Reagan survived after the operation, and recovered after weeks. The motive to assassinate the President surprisingly had nothing to do with political reasons, but with John Hinckley’s obsession with actress Jodie Foster. This obsession was based on the movie Taxi Driver.† He firmly believed that if he became famous by mimicking the plot from Taxi Driver, would be able to get Jodie Foster’s attention. What happened to gunman John Hinckley afterward was 13 charged against him. However, due to his mental problem, the court sent him to St. Elizabeths Hospital for life instead of prison. The unsuccessful attempted assassination brought dramatic changes to Reagans presidency. His survival boosted a wave of public sympathy and he gained popularity. He was also the first president who survived the assassination (Brands). Although politics was not the reason why John Hinckley opened fire, it is still one of the many major political events in the 1980s. Chernobyl Accident 1986 (See Figure 3) Besides wars and political unrest, there was a major unclear accident happened at Chernobyl, Ukraine. The photo that taken by authorities right after the accident shows the explosion had destroyed the entire building to a hollow hole on the ground. What happened was that event management and technical staff decided to test the turbine in case of a sudden loss of power, the strain of the reactor. This overnight test was neither carefully planned nor authorized by superiors. On the afternoon of April 25, 1986, the unit fourth in accordance with the plan was shut down, when the operation began an experiment related to the security system. The case of this experiment is to understand the plant loses all power, but the rotating turbine has enough energy capable of supplying electric power for 45 seconds, which is the time required to start the emergency diesel generator supply. The reactor power is reduced to half of the rated output, and the emergency reactor core cooling system is turne d off. After 11:10, the staffs did not re-open the emergency cooling system, which was the first major mistake, according to a series of serious negligence operations are: the output power was reduced to one percent of rated output, much lower than the power required for the experiment; the majority of the control rods withdrawn; and the other important safety system was turned off. These operational mistakes made the unit fourth become unstable. Output had been rising rapidly, technical workers lost control of the reactor, output power rose to up to 100 times the rated output, and thus part of the fuel rods ruptures, and the heat burst a lot of things to make the cooling water evaporation, resulting in a steam explosion destroying a weight of about 1,000 tonnes of reactor cover. From May 1 to 6, due to the reactor explosion, more than 26 percent of the radiation dose was released into the outside world, 31 firefighters and two people from the plant lost their lives, most of them have been severely burned from radiation, while 209 suffered severe radiation injuries (U.S.NRC). Strictly speaking, the Chernobyl accident cannot be called a human error. It was more like a willful violation. It seemed following the scheduled timetable was seen as more important than safety. Staff were prohibited from running the operation under low power, and stopped safety device testing. It was like in travel a little faster by car, removing the brakes in the car regardless of rules or safety, and just desperately rushing forward to the destination, leading to a monstrous disaster. 25 years later today, the area outside of Chernobyl nuclear plant still reminds uninhabitable. People’s belongings still stay in the same spots, but not a trace of life in sight. The fall of the Berlin Wall, 1989 (See figure 4) Finally, the voice of freedom is rising at the end of 1980s. After nearly three decades of separation, the Berlin Wall finally fell down on the evening of November 9, 1989. A photo taken by Associated Press captured the moment when demonstrators tore down a piece of the Berlin wall. Berlin Wall and the wall that speared North and South Korea right now is the same product after World War II. After World War II, Germany and Berlin by the Soviet Union, the United States, Britain and France divided Germany into four zones. In 1949, the Soviet Union occupied East Germany, the capital set in East Berlin. West Germany and the US and British law were established in the occupied territories. Initially people in Berlin were able to move around freely between the districts, but with the Cold War, tensions started building up. In order to prevent East Germans from fleeing to West Germany. The border began to close up. From 1949 to 1961, about 2.5 million East Germans who risked being shot by Eas t Germany fled to West Berlin. Berlin Wall started just barbed wires in August 13, 1961. It was later replaced by a large number of real fences more than 155 kilometers long, about 3 to 4 meters high (Behind The Wall). After the construction was completed, a total of more than 5000 people successfully fled to West Berlin, 3000 people were arrested, and over 400 people were killed and injured (Leslie). 25 years ago, the new East German government began to plan to relax travel restrictions for East German people, but due to a misunderstanding of the then East German Politburo on superior orders, mistakenly announced Berlin Wall is about to open, resulting in tens of thousands of people took to the streets, the demolition of the wall, the whole of Germany into a state of extreme excitement. One of the Time reporter Ken Olsen recalled the day when he was in Germany says â€Å"They were screaming, Tor auf! Tor auf! Open the gate!† (Rothman) Although it was not the structure of walls collapsed, it had been removed by people. People climbed the Berlin Wall, removed graffiti, and took pieces of building materials as souvenirs. 11 months later, the two Germanies finally reunited. Tank Man, 1989 (See figure 5) Just several months before the Fall of Berlin Wall, in Tiananmen Square Beijing, China, a Tank man stood in front of type 59 tanks and attempted to block their way. He was pulled away by another man lright after. This thrilling scene happened to be caught by Jeff Widener (The Associated Press) in June 5, 1989 who was inside the Plaza Hotel next to the Tiananmen Square. He hid the negatives in the toilet water tank to avoid police forces’ search or the truth will not have spread around the world (Iyer). What triggered this event can be traced back to the Deng Xiaoping era. He was in power after 1979 and the implement reform and opened up policy on topic such as to industrialized, agriculture, national defense, science and technology, four modernizations. After a decade of reform, social and economic problems, such as a widening wealth gap and serious inflation; workers were dissatisfied because their salaries did not keep up with the pace of inflation, causing large flow of the rural population to the cities to make a living, leading to more homeless beggars and other social issues; official corruption, and other deep complaints. By the end of 1986, students at the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei held anti-corruption protests. Then, Shanghai, Beijing and other cities have also lead to student protests, they asked the government to carry out democratic reforms. CPC (Communist Party of China) General Secretary Hu Yaobang was tough because of the absence of clearance, and he had been criticized and resigned from office in the following year the General Secretary (Lui). The spring of 1989, the international communist forces collapsed. Democratic movements began in Eastern Europe. Inspired by the movement, in late April 1989, students and Beijing residents’ protests gathered in Tiananmen Square. Since then, the whole country has undergone a similar student protest movement. On June 3 in the evening, the CPC decided to send troops to suppress, to disperse the crowd in and around Tiananmen Square, the army opened fire to the masses, and even tanks shot protesters. By 4 in the morning, the army controlled Square, people were forced to evacuate. The next day, after the first night of the crackdown, Tiananmen Square was cleared. All of the students who were in the movement for several months disappeared without a trace. Everything had been wiped out. The tanks in Tiananmen traveled quickly around, declaring military force. The photo of the â€Å"Tank Man† became a symbol of Tiananmen. It showed the courage of ordinary people fighting on beha lf of freedom. Unsung heroes raised up public concern of their human rights. Before then, people constantly live under fear of the iron fist. To summarize, thanks to the efforts of photographers, the future generation can see the 1980s was not only overwhelmed by national conflicts, politics, and unfortunate accidents, but was also a decade of new beginning. See how photos show the stories of the time. It is not about the photo itself such as how it was constructed, or what kind of the camera photographers used, but it is about the messages that those photos are trying to deliver. Sharbat Gula the Afghan girl’s frightened eyes revealed how it was when international communism was still powerful. Beloved President Reagan survived an attempted assassination, and became a god like figure in the 80s. Later, the Chernobyl Accident happened, and if there were not any photos documented, we would never know how intense it was when an unclear powerful plant melted function. At the end of the 80s, Berlin Wall fell down, and people in China stood up for freedom and human rights. Those two photos quickly became a symbol of free spirits. Visual images are so powerful that they could not only grab people’s attention, but also shout out message that words failed to present. I appreciate those brave photographers who were there at the first scene so we can look into what was going on in the past. Are we learn our lessons from history. 1980s might seem like a problematic period, but people survived to make it a better tomorrow.       Figure 1. McCurry, Steve. Afghan Girl. Digital image. Wikipedia. Wikipedia.com,  Dec. 1984. Web. 28 Nov. 2014. Figure 2. Reagan Assassination Attempt. Digital image. Wikipedia.  Wikipedia.com, 30 Mar. 1981. Web. 28 Nov. 2014. Figure 3. Soviet Authorities. Taken by  the Authorities in the immediate aftermath  of Chernobyl Disaster. Digital image. Wikipedia.  Wikipedia.com, Apr. 1986. Web. 28 Nov. 2014. Figure 4. AP. Fall of the Berlin Wall. Digital image.  The Telegraph. The Telegraph, Nov. 1989. Web. 28 Nov. 2014. Figure 5. Widener, Jeff. The Tank Man was trying to block the way of tanks  with his own body alone during the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Digital image. Wikipedia. Wikipedia.com, June 1989. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. Work Cited Behind The Wall. New Yorker 90.34 (2014): 31-1. Academic Search Complete. Web. 30 Nov.  2014. Braun, David. How They Found National Geographic’s â€Å"Afghan Girl. National Geographic.  07 Mar 2003. Web. 28 Oct. 2014. Brands, H. W. Reagan Reborn.American History48.3 (2013): 46-51.Academic Search  Complete. Web. 2 Dec. 2014. Chernobyl Accident 1986. Chernobyl. World Nuclear Association, 24 Nov. 2014. Web. 28  Nov. 2014. Denker, Debra. A Life Revealed: Along Afghanistans War-torn Frontier. National  Geographic. 167 (Jun 1985). 2002. Web. 30 Oct. 2014. Dibb, Paul. The Soviet Experience In Afghanistan: Lessons To Be Learned?. Australian  Journal Of International Affairs 64.5 (2010): 495-509. Academic Search Complete. Web. 1 Dec. 2014. Iyer, Pico. The Unknown Rebel. (Cover Story). Time 151.14 (1998): 192. Academic Search  Complete. Web. 4 Dec. 2014. Leslie, John. The Fall Of The Berlin Wall Twenty Years Later. New Zealand International  Review 34.5 (2009): 21-24. Academic Search Complete. Web. 4 Dec. 2014. Lui, Andrew. Looking Back At Tiananmen Square. Peace Review 12.1 (2000): 139-145.  Academic Search Complete. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. Raines, Howell. Reagan Wounded In Chest By Gunman; Outlook Good After 2-Hour Surgery;  Aide And 2 Guards Shot; Suspect Held. The New York Time Mar. 1981, Late City ed.: 1. Print. Rothman, Lily. Witness To History: Reporters Recall The Berlin Wall’S Fall. Time.Com  (2014): N.PAG. Academic Search Complete. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. United States. Office of the Historian. The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan and the U.S.Response, 1978–1980. The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan and the U.S. Response, 1978–1980. Office of the Historian, 31 Oct. 2013. Web. 28 Nov. 2014. United States. U.S.NRC. Backgrounder on Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Accident.  U.S.NRC. United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 25 Apr. 2014. Web. 28 Nov. 2014.

Friday, October 25, 2019

The History of Computers :: Computers Technology Technological Essays

The History of Computers From primitive abaci to lab tops and calculators, the computer has evolved through time to become the essential part of our technocratic society. The development of the computer has shaped the way technology and science is viewed in different cultures around the world. The connotation of what a computer is nowadays brings to mind a monitor, keyboard, processor and its other electronic components; however, that is not how things have always been. From the Chinese using abaci to count, to the Druids' usage of stones to follow the seasonal changes, to the Europeans using Pascalines and calculators to work out mathematical problems the concept of the computer has been around for hundreds of years (Hoyle). Therefore, the history of computers is important to observe not only for the influence it brought to our culture, but the progress it has made through time. The history of modern computers has been influenced by the earlier advancement of primordial technology. The abacus developed in circa 500 B.C for example, used pebbles, rocks, beads, or shells to keep track of the counters numbers. Furthermore, "the abacus was man's first attempt at automating the counting process" (Hoyle). In addition, the Pascaline, invented and built by a French philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal, was the first mathematical adding machine (Long 54). The Pascaline was a gear-driven machine that allowed the user to calculate answers without doing arithmetic (Hoyle). In addition to the abacus and the Pascaline, Babbage's Folly, also known as the difference machine, "hastened the development of computers. [and] advanced the state of computational hardware" (Long 55). This engine, designed by the Cambridge professor Charles Babbage, could do any of the basic functions of mathematics: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and division in series at a "rate of 60 additions per minute" (55) could all be accomplished with minimal effort. All of these ideas and concepts helped pave the way for innovators to design what we now view as the modern-day computer. It took certain people to utilize these primitive forms of computing data to create real technologically advanced machines. Such a person, for example, was the professor Dr.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Battle of the Marne

ww2 The Battle of the Marne By Owen Fish In September 1914, the First Battle of the Marne took place. It is called the Battle of the Marne because it took place at the River Marne outside of Paris France. The German forces were attacking the French capital after invading places like Belgium and North Eastern France. The Germans were expected to win this battle and because of that, the French government fled Paris to Bordeaux.The Weapons used during this battle and many battles of this time was bolt action rifles, with the Germans using the Mauser Gewehr 98. When the Battle began the French Commander in Chief, Joseph Joffre, launched a counter attack by attacking one side of the German line. When he attacked the one side, part of the line helped out the people on the side, creating a gap between the two German armies. When this gap formed, the French troops forced it wider and wider by attacking the other side of the gap.On September 8 1914, French troops launched a surprise attack on the second German army, further widening the gap between the two armies. On September the 9th, the German chief of staff, Helmuth Von Moltke, ordered a retreat by the two German armies because of poor communication between them. When they retreated the Allied forces followed them, but not too quickly. After approximately 40 miles of retreating from the Marne river, the Germans camped out and dug trenches, that eventually led to trench warfare.The French armies lost about 250,000 soldiers at the Battle of the Marne and the German armies are believed to have lost about the same numbers, but no official numbers are available. The British BEF, which helped the French armies throughout the battle lost about 12,733 men. The Allied Victory at the Battle of the Marne not only was an Allied Victory, but it ended any German hopes of ending the First World War quickly. French Soldiers at the Battle

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Centripetal Force

A the centripetal force which is equal to the Tension on the Holon string, which is pulling against the spring force which is our centripetal force when our radius is constant. The normal force is always pulling up, and the force of gravity always pulling down, they are cancel each other out in this situation.So even though we are adding more mass it does not have any effect on the centripetal force. Equation relating the net force (FCC) to the speed (v) of an object moving in uniform circular motion. F c = This equation shows that the net force required for an object to move in a circle is directly proportional to the square of the speed of the object. For a constant mass ND radius, the FCC is proportional to the speeds. VA 2 The factor by which the net force is altered is the square of the factor by which the speed is altered.Subsequently, if the speed of the object is doubled, the net force required for that object's circular motion is quadrupled. And if the speed of the object is halved (decreased by a factor of 2), the net force required is decreased by a factor of 4. We find the result of our experiment dose agrees with above. In our experiment we keep radius constant so our force stays the same, and as we increased mass on each trail we see our velocity keeps decreasing gradually. Centripetal Force A the centripetal force which is equal to the Tension on the Holon string, which is pulling against the spring force which is our centripetal force when our radius is constant. The normal force is always pulling up, and the force of gravity always pulling down, they are cancel each other out in this situation.So even though we are adding more mass it does not have any effect on the centripetal force. Equation relating the net force (FCC) to the speed (v) of an object moving in uniform circular motion. F c = This equation shows that the net force required for an object to move in a circle is directly proportional to the square of the speed of the object. For a constant mass ND radius, the FCC is proportional to the speeds. VA 2 The factor by which the net force is altered is the square of the factor by which the speed is altered.Subsequently, if the speed of the object is doubled, the net force required for that object's circular motion is quadrupled. And if the speed of the object is halved (decreased by a factor of 2), the net force required is decreased by a factor of 4. We find the result of our experiment dose agrees with above. In our experiment we keep radius constant so our force stays the same, and as we increased mass on each trail we see our velocity keeps decreasing gradually.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

How to Grow Epsom Salt Crystals

How to Grow Epsom Salt Crystals You can find Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) in the laundry and pharmacy sections of most stores. Epsom salt crystals are safe to handle, easy to grow and form quickly. You can grow clear crystals or add food coloring if you prefer. Heres what you need to know to make your own crystals. Difficulty: Easy Epsom Salt Crystal Materials 1/4 cup Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate)1/2 cup watershallow bowl or dishsponge (optional)food coloring (optional) Heres How Boil the water in a microwave or on the stove.Remove the water from heat and add the Epsom salts. Stir the mixture until the salt is fully dissolved. If desired, add food coloring.If you have floating sediment (common if using impure Epsom salt), you can pour the liquid through a coffee filter to remove it. Use the liquid to grow the crystals and discard the coffee filter.Pour the mixture over a piece of sponge (optional) or into a shallow container. You need just enough liquid to cover the bottom of the container.For larger crystals, place the container in a warm or sunny location. Crystals will form as the water evaporates. For fast crystals (which will be smaller and delicate-looking), cool the liquid quickly by placing the container in the refrigerator. Cooling the crystals produces thin needles within half an hour. Tips The sponge provides an extra surface area to allow the crystals to form more quickly and helps make them a bit easier to view and handle.Compare the appearance of the Epsom salts before stirring them into the water with the appearance of the crystals that are produced.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Medical and Dental Dialogue for ESL Learners

Medical and Dental Dialogue for ESL Learners English learners can practice medical vocabulary and reading comprehension with this dialogue between a patient and a dental hygienist.   Dental Hygiene Dialogue Sam: Hello.Gina the Dental Hygienist: Hello Mr. Waters. Im Gina. Ill be cleaning your teeth today. Sam: Dr. Peterson has just filled two cavities. Why do I need a cleaning?Gina the Dental Hygienist: Well, we have to make get your teeth and gums clean and disease free. Sam: I guess that makes sense.​Gina the Dental Hygienist: Oral health leads to trouble-free teeth. Ill start off by removing plaque. Please lean back and open wide. Sam: OK, I hope its not too bad.Gina the Dental Hygienist: Everybody gets plaque, even if they floss regularly. Thats why its important to come in twice a year for check-ups. Sam: (getting his teeth cleaned, cant say much...)Gina the Dental Hygienist: OK, please take a drink and rinse. Sam: Ah, thats better.Gina the Dental Hygienist: OK, now Ill apply some fluoride. Which flavor would you like? Sam: I have a choice?Gina the Dental Hygienist: Sure, we have mint, spearmint, orange or bubble-gum - thats for the kids. Sam: Id like to have the bubble-gum!Gina the Dental Hygienist: OK. (applies fluoride) Now, let me give your teeth a final flossing. Sam: What type of floss tape do you recommend?Gina the Dental Hygienist: Personally, I like the flat tape. Its easier to get between the teeth. Sam: OK, Ill remember that the next time I buy floss. How often should I floss?Gina the Dental Hygienist: Everyday! Twice a day if possible! Some people like to floss after every meal, but thats not absolutely necessary. Sam: (after finishing the cleaning) I feel much better. Thank you.Gina the Dental Hygienist: My pleasure. Have a pleasant day, and remember to floss every day - at least once a day! Key Vocabulary to clean someones teethdental hygienistto fill cavitiesgumsdisease freeoral healthto lead toplaqueto remove plaqueto flosscheck-upto rinsefluorideto apply fluorideflavorflossingfloss tapefloss after meals

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Burial at Thebes

This play stands out as episodic because of its early point of attack. For example, at the start of the opening scene Antigone approaches her sister Ismene with news that King Creon has issued a proclamation that their brothers body should not receive a proper burial, and that anyone trying to bury him will be stoned to death. She intends to resist the law and bury Polynecies but, Ismene refuses to assist Antigone. Therefore, Antigone disowns Ismene and pledges never to accept her aid. Another example of episodic play structure in The Burial at Thebes when Eurydice hears from the messengers the death of her son she leaves in silence and King Creon returns with his dead son Haemon in his arms. The messengers approach King Creon with grievous news that his wife Eurydice has taken her life. These examples prove that Seamus Heaney’s work is episodic because after one incident another incident approaches. The protagonist can be defined as the central character in a play or the person who the story is about and experiences the most changes. In Seamus Heaney’s play there are two possible protagonists Antigone and Ismene. Antigone can be considered a protagonist because the play revolves around her rebelling against the King and his resolution to not bury her brother’s body. Another protagonist is Ismene because during the opening scene she tells Antigone that she will not assist her in burying her brother. As the course of the play continues Ismene realizes what is right and defends her sister against King Creon by saying that she will die along with her sister. Ismene also tries to convince King Creon to not take her sisters life by asking him whether he would kill the bride of his son since Haemon is meant to marry Antigone. Ismene’s attitude changes from a noble citizen to that of a martyr. An antagonist can be defined as a person who is opposed to the protagonist or the goal of the protagonist. In Burial at Thebes King Creon appears to be the antagonist because he is against burying or awarding any ceremonial rights to Antigone and Ismenes brother. As the play begins King Creon tells the elders of Thebes that anyone who awards a proper burial for Polyneices would be put to death. When King Creon finds about Antigone’s actions he declares that both sisters will be put to death. Antigone explains that she knew of his decree and she only answers to Zeus, the gods didn’t lay down these laws for manipulation, and that she will endure the god’s judgment for the burial. King Creon decides that he doesn’t want the blood of Antigone on his hand so he believes the best way to take her life is by burying her under rocks with food. These acts made by King Creon are evidence that he is the antagonist in the play Burial at Thebes. The play Burial at Thebes was intended to teach and educate its audience on societies and politics. Seamus Heaney displays a powerful King that doesn’t take advice from anyone. A few examples of King Creon not heeding to advice is first seen when his son Haemon tries to urge him to be open to both opinions. He dismisses his son calling him a woman slave. Even the elders’ question King Creon’s by stating that he should listen to his son’s request. Creon becomes irritated and questions the elders whether they should be taught by a young boy. King Creon was also approached by Teirasis and says, â€Å"The gods do not take the prayers or sacrifices of the Thebans, and the birds’ cries are muffled because the birds’ throats are glutted with the blood of Polyneices†. Teiresias explains the significance of taking counsel, and says that a man who makes a mistake and then corrects it brings no shame on himself. King Creon once again does not heed to wise counsel and believes that just because he has authoritative power that he doesn’t require counsel. Seamus Heaney also exhibits bravery in his characters in which his audience members can learn from. For example, not only did Antigone represent bravery, but Haemon exemplified Bravery by standing up to his father. These acts of bravery appeared small at the beginning, but towards the end of the play they actually made a difference. All in all, these examples proved that Seamus Heaney’s work is educational and displayed politics. Burial at Thebes This play stands out as episodic because of its early point of attack. For example, at the start of the opening scene Antigone approaches her sister Ismene with news that King Creon has issued a proclamation that their brothers body should not receive a proper burial, and that anyone trying to bury him will be stoned to death. She intends to resist the law and bury Polynecies but, Ismene refuses to assist Antigone. Therefore, Antigone disowns Ismene and pledges never to accept her aid. Another example of episodic play structure in The Burial at Thebes when Eurydice hears from the messengers the death of her son she leaves in silence and King Creon returns with his dead son Haemon in his arms. The messengers approach King Creon with grievous news that his wife Eurydice has taken her life. These examples prove that Seamus Heaney’s work is episodic because after one incident another incident approaches. The protagonist can be defined as the central character in a play or the person who the story is about and experiences the most changes. In Seamus Heaney’s play there are two possible protagonists Antigone and Ismene. Antigone can be considered a protagonist because the play revolves around her rebelling against the King and his resolution to not bury her brother’s body. Another protagonist is Ismene because during the opening scene she tells Antigone that she will not assist her in burying her brother. As the course of the play continues Ismene realizes what is right and defends her sister against King Creon by saying that she will die along with her sister. Ismene also tries to convince King Creon to not take her sisters life by asking him whether he would kill the bride of his son since Haemon is meant to marry Antigone. Ismene’s attitude changes from a noble citizen to that of a martyr. An antagonist can be defined as a person who is opposed to the protagonist or the goal of the protagonist. In Burial at Thebes King Creon appears to be the antagonist because he is against burying or awarding any ceremonial rights to Antigone and Ismenes brother. As the play begins King Creon tells the elders of Thebes that anyone who awards a proper burial for Polyneices would be put to death. When King Creon finds about Antigone’s actions he declares that both sisters will be put to death. Antigone explains that she knew of his decree and she only answers to Zeus, the gods didn’t lay down these laws for manipulation, and that she will endure the god’s judgment for the burial. King Creon decides that he doesn’t want the blood of Antigone on his hand so he believes the best way to take her life is by burying her under rocks with food. These acts made by King Creon are evidence that he is the antagonist in the play Burial at Thebes. The play Burial at Thebes was intended to teach and educate its audience on societies and politics. Seamus Heaney displays a powerful King that doesn’t take advice from anyone. A few examples of King Creon not heeding to advice is first seen when his son Haemon tries to urge him to be open to both opinions. He dismisses his son calling him a woman slave. Even the elders’ question King Creon’s by stating that he should listen to his son’s request. Creon becomes irritated and questions the elders whether they should be taught by a young boy. King Creon was also approached by Teirasis and says, â€Å"The gods do not take the prayers or sacrifices of the Thebans, and the birds’ cries are muffled because the birds’ throats are glutted with the blood of Polyneices†. Teiresias explains the significance of taking counsel, and says that a man who makes a mistake and then corrects it brings no shame on himself. King Creon once again does not heed to wise counsel and believes that just because he has authoritative power that he doesn’t require counsel. Seamus Heaney also exhibits bravery in his characters in which his audience members can learn from. For example, not only did Antigone represent bravery, but Haemon exemplified Bravery by standing up to his father. These acts of bravery appeared small at the beginning, but towards the end of the play they actually made a difference. All in all, these examples proved that Seamus Heaney’s work is educational and displayed politics.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Should women be allowed to be drafted in the military Research Proposal

Should women be allowed to be drafted in the military - Research Proposal Example By means of banning women from warfare also damages their military professions. Even if women merely accounts for a small fraction of the military, they still perform a most important role. Their functioning has generated assistance from the public for boosting the responsibility of females inside the military. America is not the sole country that has concerns with women inside the military. Army examiners have come up with an innovative study which concludes that, as soon as a woman is appropriately trained she happens to be as tough as a man (Women in Combat). Several explorers after examining how women functions in these standings came to the similar conclusion. Their presentation has led the world to apprehend that women are exceptionally useful in warfare. Even if many females are not enthusiastic to go into combat, still there are women who is capable and desire to go accomplish the job. Nowadays, the modern civilization has begun to obtain cognizance of the budding function of women inside a more multifaceted world of male adjusted professions. Modifications in viewpoints have turned out to be more perceptible although some still anticipates a few of them to formulate it. On the other hand, those who are unconditionally fated to be successful have mounted similarly with their male equivalents. Women are at present are being observed to propagate even inside the planet of men in uniform. Be enough to declare that they have plagued almost every space inside this society.   They appear to eat very similar food. They make use of the same sink. They sleep together inside one barracks, though in detached cubicles, also they even utilize the similar screeching steel bunks. They jog within the same speed; they sweat at any time where everybody sweats. They go anywhere everybody goes. They satisfy themselves towards an atmosphere where a life of soothe and freedom is all too far away from reality. In brief, they too, may

External Resource Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

External Resource Management - Case Study Example No doubt, Ron has done the work delegated to him by the section head in the proper working order. But we are not informed that Simon is aware of Fred Gibson's requisition. Hence, a conflict can arise here, as Simon would think that Ron has taken the initiative to hire the vending machine, because he saw only the usual contract letter, sent to him by Ron for authorising the hire. Purchasing department has its own rules and regulations of weighing the commodity and grouping the supplies. "To bring the user and supplier in direct contact, purchasing must establish the business framework. The buyer researches each commodity and groups the items by family or by possible sources of supply," Harding 1990, p.119). Ron's mistake, although could be unknown to him, is that he did not inform Simon that the vending machine was according to instructions of Fred Gibson, who found the deal cheap and reasonable at only 32 per week as hiring charges. Fred has recommended that Snackshop Vending Machine should be hired from one of the known suppliers, A B Drinks System. Fred, in his requisition slip has also mentioned that he has already spoken to the said suppliers and Mr. Pearce, the Sales Executive of the potential suppliers has agreed to pay 625 for the old snacks vending machine that is being currently used on site and Fred has clearly recommended that the weekly rent and purchase of old machine, both are on the side of their company, and should be attended to immediately. To Simon, this has come in the most unconventional way and not as the usual purchasing function as part of supply chain. "The purchasing function should ensure an optimal supply system, which must be geared towards the needs of production and materials planning. In other words, the purchasing function is a very important link in the production and supply chain of organisation," Weele (2002, p.25). In many traditional organisations, managers do not realise that Procurement management need not be always 'by the book'. It can change in many ways and the main logic behind its constant change is the ultimate service and ethical profit for the company and within this framework, there could be many different approaches. "The overall conclusion must be, however, that there is no simple blueprint which can be applied to successful procurement management. One cannot argue that collaboration is superior to competition, or that partnership sourcing and just-in-time offer a simple route to success," Lamming and Cox (1995, p.20). But many managers like Simon do not look at it from that angle. In the capacity of General Manager, Fred Gibson is within his rights while handling the issue. Perhaps he went slightly wrong in not going through proper channel. Usually people like Simon are conventional while dealing with other people at work place. They usually feel threatened to go out of the written rules. They do not like to create precedents, as they are unsure of workers' temperament. They will be apprehensive about further demands of workers, if more liberty is granted to them. They are usually insecure in their places and guard the connected prestige and hierarchy with great zeal and changing these attitudes is not always easy. "The real problem is to get people to fundamentally change their behaviour so that they become the actors who will operate in such a way that 'best practice'

Biomolecular techniques (bitter taste perception of Research Paper

Biomolecular techniques (bitter taste perception of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) - Research Paper Example al, sensitivity to PTC seems to be inherited via Mendelian traits constituting two alleles: T for the taster and the nontaster- t; however in reality it is a complicated inheritance aspect. Today it is known that the sensitivity to PTC is mediated by a gene identified the TAS2R38 or PTC gene that encodes a receptor for bitter taste ( coupled receptor heteromeric G-protein) that is located on the tongue’s surface cells. The analysis focused on determining the presence or absence of the PTC gene amongst a group of 108 students. The results were compared to European and Sub-Saharan cohorts. It was found that he resulted closely matched to those of the European results (ABRF 96: Biomolecular Techniques. An International Symposium Sponsored by The Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities, 1996). There have been additional PTC gene studies in humans around the world which have shown that exist two main alleles, the taster and nontaster. However, five other uncommon alleles that have an effect on the taster phenotype have been revealed. These varying gene code forms for proteins differ in their being able to bind to PTC and other bitter compounds. The two main PTC gene alleles differ from each other by three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as shown in the figure 1. SNPs are representative of the simplest genetic variation type found in individuals. SNP in a genome refers to an exact location where diverse groups of people have differing nucleotides. If more than 1% percent of any given population possess different base thin a specific location, then that location is termed as an SNP. If a population has less than 1% possessing a different base, then it is termed as a mutation (Arimoto, 2005). The common allele for nontaster (also referred to as haplotype) has a position 145 G nucleotide (G145), position 785 T nucleotide (T785) and position 886 A nucleotide (A886). The nontaster allele generates polypeptides with isoleucine, valine and alanine at these

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Philosophical view about notions about humans and the vast universe Essay

Philosophical view about notions about humans and the vast universe that we live in - Essay Example Conceding to the fact that religion is only created by a human being, say Paul the Apostle for Roman Catholicism, I joined with Sigmund Freud in believing that yes, religion drives people into wishful thinking. Freud, as a staunch critic of religion and in fact an atheist himself, had somehow influenced the way I view the world and religion. I believed in self-determination that our selves are only to be blamed for our fate, and our success is credited for our wholehearted efforts. However, Freud is situated on the radical side while I start to realize that Blaise Pascal must be right. His point made sense in my own discernment when he said that there is truth in believing that something or someone exists without actually proving scientifically that it or he exists.   Pascal’s Pensees is one of the readings that challenged, changed, and expanded my worldview. My previous worldview and religious philosophy are characterized by selfish reasons and responsibility on my part alo ne that myself is the only one I can turn to and rely on whatever pursuits. Pascal has quite disproved my beliefs. â€Å"The things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal,† the apostle Paul was quoted uttering these words (Dawson 10). Pensees reminds me of an example about numbers like how can anyone postulate that 1 plus 1 is really equal to two while other great thinkers have already disproved the end. We believe because there is an unexplainable faith beyond seen objects.... Pensees reminds me of an example about numbers like how can anyone postulate that 1 plus 1 is really equal to two while other great thinkers have already disproved the end. We believe because there is an unexplainable faith beyond seen objects. As Beck calls it, we have this so-called â€Å"worldview defense† when questions from an existential point of view threat us (143). Beck characterized this kind of defense as destructive, such as when we are confronted with death and end up becoming selfish in order to escape from it (143). I believe that my worldview centers on the fact that our spirituality is able to discern right and wrong things from each other. Our religious beliefs fuel goodness, selflessness, and other altruistic acts. In fact, our spiritual being is the one responsible for seeking morally upright actions and work to do. Furthermore, Clive Staples Lewis’ transition from being an atheist to a Christian has also influenced my worldview. Nicholi narrates Lew is’ thoughts regarding the Christian faith, which state that â€Å"There is one God... Jesus Christ is His only Son† (39). Lewis is a contemporary philosopher in the truest sense, but relied on Immanuel Kant’s idea that we can view the world in â€Å"the starry heavens above and the moral law within† (Nicholi 37). This, too, has expanded my view regarding religion, life, and intelligence. There is a supreme force that governs the world and everything in it, and that the existence of God is not a mere figment of imagination as what Freud believes. Metaphysics The field of metaphysics, pioneered by Aristotle, serves as a guide in developing my worldview. Basically, it

Lupus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Lupus - Essay Example Although a great deal of research has been dedicated to understanding this disease, there is no cure, but there are a number of treatments, particularly, in the area of physical therapy that has shown to have beneficial results. In a normal functioning immune system the body produces proteins called antibodies that will fight against antigens like, viruses and bacteria. Again, Lupus is an autoimmune disease, the disease confuses the immune system and it becomes incapable of differentiating between invading antigens and healthy tissue and internal structures, which can lead to, dependent of the type of Lupus, a number of symptoms including inflammation in joints, swelling of the skin, and damage to organs, including kidneys, heart, and lungs (Crosta , 2013). There are a number of types of Lupus. Neonatal Lupus s a rare type of Lupus that specifically affects newborns. Drug-Induced Lupus is, also, relatively rare. Unlike other forms of Lupus, whose origins and causes cannot be easily determined, is directly caused due to a side-effect of certain medications. Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus results specifically in skin sores in areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Discoid lupus erythematosus presents as a perpetual skin rash, however, it is systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE that is the most common and the most systemically damaging in that it affects multiple systems including joints, skin and internal organs. When people refer to Lupus it is this type that they are most often referring to (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2009). There is no singular cause or cure for this form of Lupus. Researchers do believe that because it appears often in families there is likelihood of a genetic component, otherwise they believe the condition can be triggered by environmental factors, sunlight, stress response, and, again, some medications (Eustice,

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Biomolecular techniques (bitter taste perception of Research Paper

Biomolecular techniques (bitter taste perception of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) - Research Paper Example al, sensitivity to PTC seems to be inherited via Mendelian traits constituting two alleles: T for the taster and the nontaster- t; however in reality it is a complicated inheritance aspect. Today it is known that the sensitivity to PTC is mediated by a gene identified the TAS2R38 or PTC gene that encodes a receptor for bitter taste ( coupled receptor heteromeric G-protein) that is located on the tongue’s surface cells. The analysis focused on determining the presence or absence of the PTC gene amongst a group of 108 students. The results were compared to European and Sub-Saharan cohorts. It was found that he resulted closely matched to those of the European results (ABRF 96: Biomolecular Techniques. An International Symposium Sponsored by The Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities, 1996). There have been additional PTC gene studies in humans around the world which have shown that exist two main alleles, the taster and nontaster. However, five other uncommon alleles that have an effect on the taster phenotype have been revealed. These varying gene code forms for proteins differ in their being able to bind to PTC and other bitter compounds. The two main PTC gene alleles differ from each other by three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as shown in the figure 1. SNPs are representative of the simplest genetic variation type found in individuals. SNP in a genome refers to an exact location where diverse groups of people have differing nucleotides. If more than 1% percent of any given population possess different base thin a specific location, then that location is termed as an SNP. If a population has less than 1% possessing a different base, then it is termed as a mutation (Arimoto, 2005). The common allele for nontaster (also referred to as haplotype) has a position 145 G nucleotide (G145), position 785 T nucleotide (T785) and position 886 A nucleotide (A886). The nontaster allele generates polypeptides with isoleucine, valine and alanine at these

Lupus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Lupus - Essay Example Although a great deal of research has been dedicated to understanding this disease, there is no cure, but there are a number of treatments, particularly, in the area of physical therapy that has shown to have beneficial results. In a normal functioning immune system the body produces proteins called antibodies that will fight against antigens like, viruses and bacteria. Again, Lupus is an autoimmune disease, the disease confuses the immune system and it becomes incapable of differentiating between invading antigens and healthy tissue and internal structures, which can lead to, dependent of the type of Lupus, a number of symptoms including inflammation in joints, swelling of the skin, and damage to organs, including kidneys, heart, and lungs (Crosta , 2013). There are a number of types of Lupus. Neonatal Lupus s a rare type of Lupus that specifically affects newborns. Drug-Induced Lupus is, also, relatively rare. Unlike other forms of Lupus, whose origins and causes cannot be easily determined, is directly caused due to a side-effect of certain medications. Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus results specifically in skin sores in areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Discoid lupus erythematosus presents as a perpetual skin rash, however, it is systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE that is the most common and the most systemically damaging in that it affects multiple systems including joints, skin and internal organs. When people refer to Lupus it is this type that they are most often referring to (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2009). There is no singular cause or cure for this form of Lupus. Researchers do believe that because it appears often in families there is likelihood of a genetic component, otherwise they believe the condition can be triggered by environmental factors, sunlight, stress response, and, again, some medications (Eustice,

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Alcoholic Beverage and Personal Communication Essay Example for Free

Alcoholic Beverage and Personal Communication Essay Introduction The use of a range of drug types, including alcohol, are part of the traditions of many, if not all, communities in Fiji. The Fijian and Indo-Fijian communities have long traditions of psycho-active drug use in the context of ritual and ceremony. 1,2 It has been noted that seafarers, together with indentured labourers, brought cannabis or Indian hemp traditions to Fiji, with the sugar cane plantations providing fertile ground for cultivation. 2,3 Meanwhile, kava was widely cultivated and consumed by ethnic Fijians. The Indo-Fijian community slowly adopted kava drinking rituals and gradually others began to increase their consumption. In addition, marijuana use emerged and spread with increasing popularity amongst youth, especially males. 2-5 This literature review explores the current licit and illicit drug situation in Fiji. It considers peer-reviewed articles identi? ed using Pub Med, Health Internet Work Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) searches and ‘grey’ literature, including published and unpublished reports, and web based resources (e.g. UNDOC, WHO). The review found that there is limited data available to assist in understanding the current situation and associated harms in Fiji, but notes more studies and reports have examined alcohol consumption patterns and associated social problems when compared with studies on illicit drug use. 1, 5-15 Alcohol use in Fiji According to the WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol, data from the 1993 National Nutrition Survey indicate that consumption of alcoholic home brew use is widespread in Fiji, as in other Paci? c nations. These beverages usually contain up to three times the alcohol content of commercially produced beer and are mostly drunk by younger men. 16 After 1995, unrecorded alcohol consumption in Fiji was estimated to be 1. 0 litre of pure alcohol per capita for the population older than 15 years (estimated by a group of key alcohol experts). 17 Although there are no recently published statistics on the number of drinkers and abstainers, the same survey found daily drinkers to be 1. 4% among males and 0. 8% among females aged 12 years and over. 18 Estimates from alcohol experts show that the proportion of adult males and females who had been abstaining (in the year prior to the survey) was 74% (males) and 98% (females). 17 Research shows that single drinking sessions with a high rate of alcohol intake (common practice among Fijian youth) can cause abrupt mood swings resulting in violence, accidents and ? ghts, exaggerated emotions, uncharacteristic behaviour, memory loss, impaired judgement, communication problems, sleepiness, coma, stupor and death (at very high intake) and suicide attempts. Binge drinking has also been implicated in schizophrenic and other psychiatric episodes. 19 165 REVIEW PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 While there is limited current information on the rate and consumption patterns of alcohol, cannabis and kava among young people,1,6,9 several studies2,3,8,11 were conducted to analyse the extent of tobacco and alcohol use among young people in Fiji in the 1990s and early 2000s. One of the studies4 found that alcohol is widely consumed in one form or another among young people, with about 2 in 5 of the young people surveyed having tasted it. The percentage of young people classi? ed as current drinkers ranged from a high of 26% among males to 9% among females. 4 Of concern was the high proportion of binge drinkers: about 3 in 5 young people reported having had 5 or more alcoholic drinks in one session. The study4 indicated that the high prevalence among 13-15 year olds poses a serious concern, and highlights the need for law enforcement and intervention programs to create an environment that promotes responsible drinking. Interestingly, the study found that when compared to smoking, alcohol and kava use, the proportion of young people using cannabis was relatively low. 4 A follow up survey of 2147 students in 2004 by the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council (NSAAC) found a general increase in substance use among secondary students (see table 1). Table 1: Youth Substance Use in Fiji (Comparison of the results for Fiji in the 1999 Global Youth Tobacco Survey by UNICEF and WHO and 2004 follow up survey by NSAAC). Substance Tobacco Alcohol Kava Marijuana GYT Survey (1999) 32. 3 40. 3 51. 9 12. 8 NSAAC (2004) 43 51 61 13 Signi? cant variations exist in the drinking habits of males and females in Fiji; there are many more male drinkers than there are female drinkers. 11 Ordinarily males consume the bulk of the alcohol in the company of other males, usually during drinking sessions with no special occasion, while most women drink alcohol during social functions or in night club settings in the company of men and other women. While women occasionally participate in drinking sessions, typically it is an exclusively male activity. 11,13 It is at these drinking parties where the most copious amounts of alcohol are reportedly consumed. Thus, when males drink, they tend to drink larger amounts of alcohol in one sitting than women do. Illicit drug use in Fiji Border Security and Drug Control Limited data exist to aid in understanding illicit drug use and the associated harms across the Paci? c. In addition, there are no surveillance systems. 20 However, Fiji by virtue of its geographical position is faced with the twin problems of illicit drug traf? cking and increasing use. 21,22 These are further aggravated by the rapid transitional and social changes arising from urbanization. These developments create an atmosphere which exposes entire communities to greater risk associated with drug use (Personal communication – Fiji Police Department, 2008). Minimal use of drugs such as heroin, morphine, cocaine and hallucinogens occur, but this review found that Fiji is considered a transit area for smuggling. [20-23]. Drugs such as heroin, methamphetamines and 166 PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 REVIEW cocaine are not commonly used due to their high cost when compared to the average income. Raw cocaine has reportedly been found in Fiji and three Chinese men and a Fijian security guard were murdered in what was thought to be an organized crime execution linked to drugs. 22 National enforcement agencies have responded to curb traf? cking as is re? ected by the large seizures of illicit drugs. 24,25 In spite of this response, a drug laboratory found in Fiji in 200625 supports the view that organized crime groups could escalate their activities in the Paci? c islands. 21,25 A raid at an industrial estate in Suva, involving police from Australia and New Zealand and Fijian Customs Of? cer followed a major heroin seizure in 2000. 21,25] The lab identi? cation also suggests a transition of Fiji (and possibly other Paci? c Nations) from a transhipment point to a production base. According to the New Zealand Police, to succeed in future operations similar to the Suva bust, interested agencies need to work towards having â€Å"robust communication systems† across organisations to keep them connected and informed on crime in the region. 21 It is reported that there are about 5000 vessels transiting in the Paci? c on any given day. 21,24 Large shipments may be unloaded from a mother ship to smaller vessels, and can subsequently go in hiding at the many small, uninhibited islets and atolls, waiting for the next step. 21 Fiji has recently established a Transnational Crime Unit (TCU) with the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority (FIRCA) as one of the key law enforcement agencies involved. This unit has been vigilant in promoting the cooperation between border organizations in order to assist the TCU in controlling the borders. 24 The Unit also compiles data for intelligence risk assessments throughout the year. It supports a Case Management Intelligence System (CMIS), whereby relevant information from the Police Department, Immigration Department, Local Government Authorities, Financial Intelligence Unit, and other Law Enforcement Agencies24 are automatically linked in the system. A number of cases which the TCU have been investigating include a Tongan syndicate smuggling drugs from Fiji to Tonga. In a recent example of program cooperation a number of TCU surveillance targets were arrested during a Police roadblock in Sigatoka (personal communication, FIRCA, 2008). Domestic Issues Cannabis is by far the most common and widespread illicit drug used in Fiji. 11 Like many other countries in the region, anecdotal evidence suggests there has been a considerable increase in drug use among young people4 despite the relatively small increase suggested by the 2004 NSAAC study (see table 1). However, it is not clear if the two studies they reported were directly comparable. Data collected by the St Giles Hospital and the Fijian Police Department support the view there has been an increase in use. Admissions data for St Giles Hospital reports on cannabis induced psychosis and other disorders. In 1987, ? ve young men were admitted to St Giles Hospital with cannabis related mental disorders. In 1988, the number rose to ? fteen with many more unreported cases. 26 The 2005 hospital data revealed that a total of 612 patients were seen at outpatients department diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder. These included 386 (63%) patients for marijuana, 59 (10%) alcohol, 99 (16%) kava and 99 (16%) tobacco use issues. In 2006, 272 admissions to St Giles Hospital were reported as drug related, consisting of 66% Fijians, 20% Indo-Fijian and 14% belong to other ethnic groups. It is probable that the political troubles in 2006 impacted on the number of admissions, but no data were available to con? rm or reject this view. Police arrest data report possession (see Table 2). 8,13,26 Statistics provided by Fiji Police showed 259 drugrelated crimes were committed in 2008. There was a 21 per cent drop from 2007 which had 329 drug-related 167 REVIEW PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 crimes. 27 There are also reports of increasing cannabis cultivation as a form of inter-seasonal cash crop substitution among farmers. It is estimated that Fiji has between 500 to 1000 cannabis producers, some of them citing the country’s worsening economy as the motivator for production (personal communication, Police Drug Unit, November 2008). For generations, the villagers of Navosa have travelled for hours across rugged terrain to reach a road to the market to sell their produce with no guarantee their produce will be sold. Facing the same hardships as their ancestors, many of these villagers report having no choice but to resort to marijuana growing because â€Å"The product is lighter, it has a steady market and is economically viable† (Personal communication with growers, December, 2008). Production is predominantly for local consumption. Table 2: Recent Crime Data ( Drug offences recorded by the Fiji Police Forces from 2000 to 2006). Year Drug offences 2001 433 2002 417 2003 417 2004 312 2005 312 2006 333 The Save the Children Fund in Fiji reports that the continuing political and economic instability in the country has also led to a lot more children working as drug traf? ckers or prostitutes. [28] Concern over the increasing number of children involved in drug traf? cking was sparked by the recent arrest of three school children caught selling drugs in an amusement centre in Labasa. The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre reported an increase in young Indo-Fijian girls working as prostitutes in urban centres. Furthermore, the National Manager for Save the Children Fund in Fiji, says there is a growing trend among poor families to send their children out onto the streets. 28 Drug and alcohol legislation and policy According to the literature, there is no regional-based illicit drug policy for the Paci? c and few treatment programs. 20,29 Information from the Paci? c Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS) indicates that Fiji’s Illicit Drugs Control Act is an adaptation of the Regional Model Law on the Control of Illicit Drugs which was developed by the Secretariat. There was no formal committee, but it was endorsed by a Cabinet sub-Committee on legislation which was chaired by the then Attorney-General. Both the Fijian Government and PIFS are advocating for a regional legislative framework to respond to the increase in illicit drugs in the region (personal communication, PIFS, 2008). Amphetamines are a key drug of concern with the region’s geographical vulnerability highlighted as a key factor in the rationale for this approach. At the time of writing, Kiribati and Fiji are the only two PIFS member countries to have adapted and enacted the model law. Furthermore, a Code of Practice has been developed by PIFS to assist stakeholders such as law enforcement agencies and pharmacies to classify, register and dispose of illicit drugs (personal communication, PIFS, 2008). It may be adapted by Forum member countries with modi? cations to suit national legal and administrative arrangements. Legislative control on the consumption and sale of alcohol to minors has not been widely and effectively implemented. While minors are legally barred from consuming alcohol, the sale of alcohol beverages to under-age drinkers is common throughout the country. 11 For the minor who is unable to gain access to commercial alcohol beverages, homebrew is an easily obtained alternative. Anecdotal evidence suggests that minors make up a large and undetected percentage of consumers of alcohol beverages. 168 PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 REVIEW Sexually Transmitted Infections Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV, are emerging public health problems in Fiji. 13 A recent WHO report indicated that the rise in the number of HIV cases, in addition to increasing number of patients accessing STI clinics, in an ongoing concern. In 2006, MOH statistics indicated30 that Fijians comprised 83% of con? rmed HIV diagnoses, Indo-Fijian 13% and ‘others’ 4%. Since 2004, Fijian males had replaced females as having the highest number of cases. Overall, males comprised 59% and heterosexual transmission accounted for 85% of all cases. By the end of 2004 a total of 182 HIV infections had been reported in Fiji13 and the number of new cases reported each year has increased for the last ? ve years. In Fiji, reported cases of syphilis and gonorrhea have ? uctuated between 1998 and 2004. In 2004 there were 852 reports of syphilis and 1182 gonorrhea. The number of cases reported for 2008 were 1004 for syphilis, 1064 gonorrhea and 283 HIV cases. 27 Recent statistics from Fiji’s Health Ministry on Sexually Transmitted Infections are a cause for concern with the high rate of STIs among people aged 20 to 29 increasing the risk for HIV infection. 31,32 Fiji’s Director of Public Health notes that statistics gathered over the past eight years by the Ministry show that gonorrhoea and syphilis are the most frequently reported STIs in the country, which â€Å"highlights the underlying concern of unsafe sexual behaviour among young people† and the â€Å"same high-risk behaviour for the transmission of HIV. † He also said that â€Å"sex is serious business† and that â€Å"anyone, especially young people, who participates does so at their risk, in view of the sad consequences of infection from so many STIs including HIV, pelvic in? ammatory disease and infertility. †32 Risk/Protective Factors Some religious groups in Fiji, such as Islam, strictly forbid the use of alcohol. Christian denominations such as the Assemblies of God, Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Seventh Day Adventist Mission also prohibit the consumption of alcohol. Individual members of these religious groups vary in the degree to which they adhere to these principles. Any negative effects of combining tobacco or alcohol with kava use are currently conjecture, with relatively little work done to explore the nature of the relationship between these substances in the Paci? c. 1,6,9,26,33 However, anecdotal evidence suggests an inter-relationship exists with social and health consequences. 1, 4-6, 9, 13, 26, 33, 34 Reports of kava drinking followed by a beer chaser, known as ‘washdown’, are not uncommon and suggests the need for further exploration of potentially harmful consumption patterns. Excessive drinking, drinking too frequently and too much, often re? ects the drinking pro? le of the majority of young people in countries like Fiji. 5, 11, 14 Excessive drinking is reported as a signi? cant contributor to motor vehicle accidents, violence and aggressive behaviour, unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and criminal activities. 3, 14, 15, 18, 26 It has been suggested that the alcohol consumption pattern of young Indigenous Fijian males follows the traditional kava ritual of drinking until there is nothing left in the kava bowl. In many instances, young people often end their kava drinking session by consuming alcohol (‘wash down’). [3, 5] It is reported that most youths drink excessively to manage their problems, but it may result in new problems like unsafe sex, crime and violence and even suicide. 5, 14, 15, 34, 35 A study in Fiji10, 11 revealed that alcohol was a factor in 58% of all homicide between 1982 and 1992 and approximately 80% of the crime in the country is alcohol-related. 10, 18 169 REVIEW PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 Furthermore, the effects of alcohol on the physical, mental and social health of Fiji’s citizens have in recent years been the subject of considerable concern amongst health-care professionals and social scientists, as well as the ordinary citizens. 2, 3, 8, 10, 11, 23, 26, 33 At present there is suf? cient evidence from a variety of research ? ndings1, 6, 10, 11, 34 to suggest that the heavy consumption of alcohol contributes other health problems in Fiji, such as diabetes, heart problems, obesity and hypertension. Among the social consequences of excessive alcohol consumption in the country,10, 11 violent crime, domestic violence, and road fatalities have been identi? ed as the most serious. 8, 23, 34 While alcohol and home brew drinking are more common, marijuana cultivation, sales and distribution has become pervasive in some Paci? c Island countries. It has been seen as a good source of income. A further emerging substance abuse issue is glue snif? ng among school age children, mostly in their early teens. In addition, unemployment in youths is a major problem in the Paci? c. In Fiji it has been estimated that out of nearly 10,000 youths seeking employment, only 1500 can be employed. 2, 3, 13 Studies and observations in some urban areas of Paci? c countries point to an increasing numbers of people between the ages of 15-19 engaging in commercial sex worker with some aged even younger. 2, 3, 11, 15, 35, 36 Conclusions There is a range of evidence and data suggesting the potential for increased risk of HIV infection associated with substance use in Fiji, but there is a need to explore this issue further with social behavioural and qualitative research. While harmful substance use patterns and sexual health risk factors are increasingly reported, there is little current analysis regarding the interaction of the two. Of particular concern is the current environment of rapidly changing substance use patterns with little in the way of structural responses to protect the people of Fiji from the range of social and health-related harms. In addition, dif? cult economic conditions and the tangible bene? ts of cannabis growing and distribution (and potential for amphetamine production) lend urgency to the need to investigate these issues further and to develop viable interventions that are informed by robust data and research information. References 1. Goundar R, Kava consumption and its health effects. Journal of Community Health and Clinical Medicine for the Paci? c 2006. 13(3): p. 131-5. 2. Plange, N. K. , Social Aspects of Drug and Alcohol Abuse: An overview of the situation in Fiji. Fiji Medical Journal, 1991. 17(3): p. 5-12. 3. Plange, N. K. , Alcoholism and Crime among Urban Youth in Fiji. 1991, University of the South Paci? c. 4. UNICEF. , Substance use among adolescents in Fiji: A surveillance Report from the Fiji Global Tobacco Survey. 1999. 5. Rokosawa, M. Alcohol problems in Fiji. 1986 [cited. 6. Moulds RFW, M. J. , Kava: herbal panacea or liver poison? [For Debate]. Medical Journal of Australia, 2003(178): p. 451-3. 7. Morrison F, H. F. , Gaylord J, Leigh B, Rainey D. , Adolescent drinking and sex: ? ndings from a daily diary study. Perspective on Sexual Reproductive Health, 2003. 35(4): p. 162-8. 8. Adinkrah, M. , Homicide-Suicides in Fiji: Offence patterns, situational factors socio-cultural contexts. Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior, 2003. 33: p. 65-73. 170 PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 REVIEW 9. Kava, R. , The adverse effects of Kava. Paci? c Health Dialog, 2001. 8: p. 115-18. 10. Adinkrah, M., Violent encounters: A study of homicide patterns in Fiji society. 1996, Fiji Council of Social Services. : Suva, Fiji. 11. Adinkrah, M. , Crime, deviance delinquency in Fiji. 1995, Suva, Fiji: Fiji Council of Social Services. 12. Plange, N. K. , Social aspects of drug and alcohol abuse: An overview of the situation in Fiji. Fiji Medical Journal, 1991. 17(3): p. 4-12. 13. WHO, National Workshop on Alcohol Related Problems in Fiji. 1986. 14. Naiveli, B. , Alcohol and Crime. 1986, Royal Fiji Police. p. 34,35 15. Kippax, D. D. , The Genesis of Alcohol -Related Problems. 1986, Fiji School of Medicine. p. 24-28. 16. Na tabili kavoro: The place of alcohol in the lives of Fijian people living in Aotearoa New Zealand. ALAC Research Monograph series: No. 4. Wellington, Sector Analysis, Ministry of Health for the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand, 1997. 17. Alcohol per capita consumption, patterns of drinking and abstention worldwide after 1995. Appendix 2. European Addiction Research, 2001. 7(3): p. 155-157. 18. http://www. who. int/substance_abuse/publications/en/? ji. pdf, WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol 2004: Geneva. 19. Recommendations for policy to support health promotion. A report to the Minister of Health., N. C. f. H. Promotion, Editor. March 1998. 20. Devanney M, R. G. , Baldwin S, Crofts N, Power, R, Illicit drug use and responses in six Paci? c Island countries. Drug and Alcohol Review, 2006. 25: p. 387-900. 21. Drug Enforcement Administration Intelligence Division, Drugs Intelligence Brief: the paci? c islands region, v. Alexandra, Editor. 2004, Drug Enforcement Administration. 22. United States Of? ce on Drugs Crime, Paci? c Islands: UNODC Regional Centre for East Asia and the Paci? c. 2003. 23. Ratinisiva M, Drug Traf? cking, Prevention and Control in Fiji. Fiji Medical Journal, 1991. 17(3): p. 5-12. 24. Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority, Annual Report. 2006. p. 17. 25. Louisa, C. , Paci? c ripe for drug ring boom, in NZ Herald. 2004: Auckland. 26. Abusah, P. Y. , The Drug Scene in Fiji. Fiji Medical Journal, 1991. 17(3): p. 21-25. 27. http://www. stats? ji. gov. fj/Key%20Stats/Miscellaneous/15. 7%20crime%20cases%20recorded. pdf. 2008. 28. http://tvnz. co. nz/view/page/425822/37544, More Fijian youth in drugs, prostitution 2001. 29. Illicit Drugs Control Bill Draft. Fiji: Paci? c Islands Forum Secretariat. 2002. 30. Ministry of Health, Annual Report Shaping Fiji’s Health.2007. 31. http://www. health. gov. fj/index. html. 2008. 32. http://www. stats? ji. gov. fj/Social/health_cdeath. htm. 2008 [cited. 33. Council out to Fight Drug Abuse, in The Fiji Times. 34. Caswell, S. , Alcohol in Oceania. 1986, Alcohol Research Unit, Dept of Community Health and General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, New Zealand. p. 25. 35. Kippax D, O. M. J. , Alcohol-Related Problems in Fiji. 1986, Suva: Suva. 36. Ali, S. , Family Life Education. 1986, Ministry of Education. p. 36-39. 171 REVIEW PACIFIC HEALTH DIALOG MARCH 201 1, VOL. 17, NO. 1 172.

Monday, October 14, 2019

The Choreography Of Pina Bausch Film Studies Essay

The Choreography Of Pina Bausch Film Studies Essay With a German origin, Pina Bausch, a breath taking contemporary dancer and choreographer! Her best performances choreographed include Cafà © Muller, Le Sacre Du Printemps, Nelken, Danzon, and Barbe Bleue. Most importantly, this paper is an outlook of Bauschs work, especially in these extraordinary performances, and indicating what makes such unique performances a masterpiece of our time. At the outset, Cafà © Muller is a piece where Pina Bausch participated in herself. While on the other hand, such choreography is truly puzzling as I was not able to grasp the message, or the story of the performance. At the beginning of the piece, I questioned that maybe Bausch was remembering a certain incident in her life and that the dancers were depicting Bauschs sub-conscious images. Nevertheless, as I watched more of the piece, to me it depicted elements of madness, bewilder, and passion. The setting of the stage seemed like that of a neglected psychiatric hospitals cafà © where the male leading dancer was trying to bring back his lover from a world where she had tangled herself in. And here another question came to my mind? Could Bausch be remembering such an incident that took place with her in the past? Could it be her; the lover who got tangled in a world where she could not get out of? However, the movements of the female dancer were of a woman trying to avoid a man, not of a woman in love; also, the movements were simple, yet very powerful with fervor. Moreover, I was very fond of the part where the leading male dancer pushed away the chairs and the tables thoroughly; it felt that he wanted to protect his lover from getting hurt as she danced aimlessly. However, as I continued to watch, two other male dancers appeared, including Dominique Mercy. The part where Mercy and the female dancer had an affectionate moment and have repetitively done the same movement 13 times, but at faster pace every time really caught my attention as it left me wondering regarding its relation to Bausch. Also, it left me with an impression that Mercy and the female dancer could actually be Bausch remembering her past with her lover. Furthermore, Le Sacre Du Printemps, or The Rite of Spring is undeniably an intense piece. This is not the first time for me to watch it; however, every time I do, my full attention is diverted towards Stravinskys music, and Bauschs excellently choreographed performance. Although I have watched this performance several times, I have never understood the story of such a piece. To me it seemed that the leading dancer in red was trying to escape the people around her; also, I believe that she has been betrayed by her lover as he was the one who had lead her to such people and left her as she tries to run away, or express her way out. As a spectator, I was fully engaged with the movements of the dancer in red as they were extremely powerful, highlighting her muscular physique. Also, I sensed that she was about to bawl with anger expressing her feelings, yet she was suppressed by more than 15 female and male dancers impeding her from doing so. The strong music beats signaled danger, and th e movement of the dancers seemed like what would take place during a ritual, or sacrifice, which made me question could the dancer in red be a sacrifice whom they intend to offer in a ritual of theirs? However, the red dress was extremely provocative which made me question whether they intended to sacrifice her, or punish her for a certain deed she had committed. Also, regarding the costumes and the stage setting, the costumes were of either pale colors such as cream, or of dominating colors such as red and black; also, I think that this was intended in order to shift your attention towards the main dancer in red with accordance to the music. Moreover, the stage was filled with dirt, and this implied that the setting intended to appear outdoors giving more power to the performance making it more realistic. The Rite of Spring is an exhilarating piece that would definitely grasp anyones attention immediately. Additionally, The Man I Love is a song written by George Gershwin, and I believe that this is an expert of a choreography by Bausch entitled Nelken. The Man I Love is a solo performed in two different settings by a male performer as he mumbles the song and uses sign language. The title and the lyrics of the song The Man I Love imply a message of love and affection. I consider this performance full of emotions as the performer was successful at articulating his feelings through sign language. Moreover, Bauschs works include pieces that depict violence, love, humor, as well as, the relationship between individuals, so could this performance be a well-conducted scene influencing the relationship between two males, but in a discrete manner? The performance conducted in the first setting gave me the impression that the performer was rehearsing as he seemed to be more relaxed and self-confident. While on the other hand, the second performance was conducted on stage and was a real performan ce as the performer was formally dressed and you could hear the audience applaud. However, during his performance on stage, I felt that the performer was uncomfortable expressing such an idea due to the fact that it is not normal for such views to be expressed publicly. I consider this performance to be unusual indeed as it could be implying to such an issue; but I also could be mistaken as this is an excerpt of a whole performance. Also, what made me re-consider my opinion is that the audience was laughing during his performance which assured to me that it was a humorous excerpt from one of Bauschs choreographies. Moreover, another excerpt from Bauschs choreographies entitled Danzon is performed by her long-time colleague; Dominique Mercy. While watching Mercy perform I imagined a man, lonely, walking in the streets, drunk, and sad. Although I could sense a lot of sadness and remorse; however, Mercy had performed with great vigor. The vigor produced was somehow surprising to me as the opera music which Mercy had performed on gave me the impression that such performance could have been flat as the music was not supportive to his movements. Also, I have realized that in certain parts during his performance he was not dancing with accordance to the music which indicated that the music could be hindering him from performing with greater energy. Nevertheless, as a spectator, I admired the setting of the stage, especially the spotlight directed towards Mercy which made me focus on his performance entirely; also, leaving space for the audience to create a story of their own. Last, but not least, Barbe Bleue is another puzzling, or in other words, peculiar performance choreographed by Bausch. Bausch was successful at including several human states in such a piece where I have observed sadness, humor, and madness. Also, I believe that the aim of such a performance is to present a relationship between a man and a woman. The relationship between the leading lady in red, and the leading man was not as intimate as the relationship between the rest of the female and male dancers. At certain parts, I sensed sadness in the performance of the lady in red as her movements towards the male dancer at times indicated passion and at times indicated resent. Moreover, what I found humorous was when the male dancers showed their muscular physique in a comic manner wearing nothing but underpants and had their partners admire their muscularity. However, during a particular scene where the dancers wore white sheets, the leading man after coming in contact with a dancer, clap ped his hands in a certain manner which gave me the impression that he was mad; also, his facial expressions at certain scenes were those of a mad man, which made me realize that for such a reason the lady in red might have wanted to avoid contact with him, or even feared him. Also, the setting of the stage was like of a deserted house, and the combination of the opera music with such a setting certainly created an ominous mood. To conclude, the performances choreographed by Pina Bausch are very interesting because they persuade their spectators to create their own view/story regarding each piece. Moreover, the dancing steps in all pieces were avid in terms of sending clear messages to their viewers on the relationship between men and women, resentment, and passion. The ultimate use of settings; stage direction, costumes, and facial expressions, all resulted in masterpiece performances of all time, and the credits to such compelling and flawless pieces go to the choreographer whose mind working for such performances is beyond the imagination of common populace.