The Lives and Works of Raymond Carver - 1692 Words

With a unique and brilliant style of writing, Raymond Carver has left a lasting and outstanding impact on the history of short stories. Even though Raymond Carver left a long impact, his life was of the opposite. Like Raymond Carver’s famous award winning stories, his life was short. Raymond Carver was born on May 25th, 1938 in Clatskanie, Oregon, a mill town on the Columbia River. Carver grew up in Yakima, Washington. Carver had three members to his small family, his mother, his father, and brother. Carver’s only had one sibling, his younger brother, James Franklin Carver. Carver’s mother worked as a waitress and a retail clerk while Carver’s father worked as a fisherman and a saw mill worker. Many say that a skilled sawmill worker and†¦show more content†¦I really wanted to hang in there for the long haul. I thought I could outlast the drinking. Id do anything it took. I loved Ray, first, last and always. Even though she loved him, Maryann cou ld not take it anymore, and eventually ended her marriage with Carver. This time period was known as the time of Carver’s â€Å"first life.† Carver found himself in a very dark place. Carver now suffered from alcoholism, many different drug addictions, and even depression as a result of his divorce. Although Carver’s life was looking down, he did not give up. Three years later, Carver decided to pull his life together. He attended many Alcoholics Anonymous meetings a decided to take up writing. Carver even got re-married. After finally getting his life back together, Carver decided to start writing again. This time in his life is the time that he created some of his most famous short-stories. The following are some of those stories: â€Å"What We Talk about When We Talk about Love†, â€Å"The Cathedral†, and â€Å"Elephant.† Carver’s second marriage, turn around with his alcoholism and drug addictions, and new writings are all included in what is known as Raymond Carver’s â€Å"second life.†(King) During Carver’s â€Å"second life.† Carver wrote many different types of short stories. The style and themes of the stories vary greatly. Many of Carver’s first short stories were influenced by his early life when he grew up with an alcoholic as a father. HisShow MoreRelatedMy Fathers Life By Raymond Carver858 Words   |  4 Pages† by Raymond Carver illustrates the difficult task of a son trying to find his own sense of identity and individualism while watching his father’s life unravel. Carver explores the relationships of his parents and his own struggle with sharing the same name with his father and the similarities and differences between them. THE GREAT DEPRESSION AND WESTWARD MIGRATION Clevie Raymond Carver Senior moved to Washington state at the height of the depression in 1934. The author Raymond Carver Jr. speculatesRead MoreThe Most Important American Fiction Writer1661 Words   |  7 PagesRaymond Carver has been called â€Å"the most important American fiction writer in the second half of the twentieth century† and â€Å"the most influential American short story writer since Ernest Hemingway† (Kleepe vii). He was very successful despite his many difficult life experiences. Carver grew up during a very difficult time in America. However, early on, Carver and his wife believed their hard work would eventually pay off despite the challenges in the world around them. They thought it would fix almostRead MoreRaymond Carver1583 Words   |  7 PagesRaymond Carver (1938-1988) was a poet and a simple realist writer of short stories. His prose addresses the average working-class citizen. Bill Mullen describes the book that contains the short story â €Å"What We Talk About We Talk About Love† to the â€Å"distinctly post-modern fate of contemporary working-class Americans† (Bloom). The writings are depressing and riddled with failures in life. The textbook calls his school of writing â€Å"Alcoholic Blue-Collar Minimalist Hyperrealism† (Bayam). This is evidentRead More Carvers Realism From Fires Essay1174 Words   |  5 Pages How does Carver create precision of reality with his characters, focusing on Fires? When looking at the works of Raymond Carver, one can feel a sense of autobiography, that the characters in his stories are struggling against the same circumstances that Carver himself once struggled through. How true this is, is marginal to say the least, for Carver tells us in Fires that anything from a phone call to living in a seedy apartment in Jerusalem for four months is cause to influence his writing. Read More`` Cathedral `` By Raymond Carver992 Words   |  4 Pageswritten by Raymond Carver in 1981. Raymond Carver is most well known for his short stories and is even an writer credited with reviving the then dying form of literature. A part of a collection of short stories, â€Å"Cathedral† was the last to be published and was included in 1982’s Best American Short Stories. â€Å"Cathedral is different from the other works of Carver due to the humanistic realism that is given to his characters, which had not been seen before in his works. This shift earned Ca rver the criticalRead MoreCathedral (by Raymond Carver)1131 Words   |  5 PagesCathedral: A Lesson for the Ages Raymond Carver s short story, Cathedral, portrays a story in which many in today s society can relate. We are introduced from the first sentence of the story to a man that seems to be perturbed and agitated. As readers, we are initially unsure to the reasoning s behind the man s discomfort. The man, who seems to be a direct portrayal of Raymond Carver himself, shows his ignorance by stereotyping a blind man by the name of Robert, who has come to stay withRead More The Power of Carvers Little Things Essay808 Words   |  4 PagesCarvers Little Things      Ã‚   To a reader unfamiliar with his work, Raymond Carvers short story, Little Things may seem devoid of all literary devices owning to good writing. Fortunately, these people are mistaken. With his minimalistic style, it is what Carver doesnt write that makes his work so effective. Most of Carvers short stories describe situations that many people could find themselves in and that is why his work is so appealing to readers. They are not restricted to harsh explicativeRead MoreAn Analysis Of Cathedral By Raymond Carver1441 Words   |  6 Pages Cathedral Research Paper The short story â€Å"Cathedral†, by Raymond Carver, is a thought provoking piece that focuses on the transition a man goes through to see the world with his soul. The story gives hope that people can change if given the chance to be better people. Over the course of the story, Carver uses both diction and description to explore themes in religion and morality. â€Å"Cathedral† depicts a husband and a wife as they prepare and entertain a friend of the wife. The husband, the narratorRead MoreRaymond Carver and his Works1402 Words   |  6 Pages No matter what we do in life we all as human beings find a way to show what we have been through in our lives. Raymond Carver was no different just he had a really tough road that he traveled and it showed in his stories. According to an interview with William, Stull in â€Å"Matters of Life Death: An Interview with Raymond Carver† Carver also understood that his life showed through in his work, â€Å"Wolff said in a review of my first book of stories that he felt he could pick out a story of mine withoutRead MoreMy Fathers Life1094 Words   |  5 Pagesedge of destruction. This is exactly what Raymond Carver describes in his novel â€Å"My Father’s Life† from 1984. In his novel, Raymond Carver describes his father’s life, starting with his death and continuing with how he met his wife. The story goes on, telling about their poor life, his alcoholism, gambling and his unfaithfulness. The father is named Clevie Raymond Carver and he is roughly described as a drunkard, who has a hard time finding work and staying faithful to his wife. He has had

One Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey - 1705 Words

The book I chose is entitled â€Å"One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest† written by Ken Kesey. It is important to start off by providing some of Ken Kesey’s background. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Kesey ended up at Stanford in a creative writing program. He ended up volunteering in an experimental drug program where he was used to test the different effects of the drugs at the Local Veterans Administration hospital. This was where he began to experiment with LCD. During his experimental time, He ended up taking a job as an orderly in the mental institution where he got to witness how the mentally ill were treated by the staff and how the facility was run. He could not have written a better work of fiction to illustrate his experiences.†¦show more content†¦By standing up for themselves and leaving, Nurse Ratched’s authoritarianism has been overthrown and she is left with a limited amount of power. The narrating character is Chief Bro mden. He is a tall Native American who is known as â€Å"Chief Broom†(page 3) to the orderlies who make him sweep the floors. He has been in the Institution for ten years. Both the patients and staff call him â€Å"deaf and dumb†(Page 3) because he hasn’t spoken so therefore, they assume he is deaf. Kesey describes how Chief is treated by the orderlies by saying, â€Å"The least black boy and one of the bigger ones catch me before I get ten steps out of the mop closet, and drag me back to the shaving room. I don’t fight or make any noise† (p. 6). However, unbeknownst to anyone, the Chief can hear and speak, but between being heavily medicated as well as bullied, he is left feeling fearful as well as frail. He thinks that if he remains quiet, then no one will bother him and he can just hide in the shadows remaining out of the spotlight. Right in the beginning of the book as Nurse Ratched enters the ward, Kesey describes Chief Bromden’s reacti on by writing, â€Å"She slides through the door with a gust of cold and locks the door behind her and I see her fingers trail across the polished steel - tip of each finger the same color as her lips. Funny orange. Like the tip of a soldering iron. Color so hot or so cold if she touches you with it you can’t tell which†. This is the first description KeseyShow MoreRelatedOne Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1534 Words   |  7 PagesThe portrayal of women and minorities in the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey, shows readers the opinions of a majority of the population during the 1960s in which women in power were ridiculed. The book’s antagonist Nurse Ratched is presented as machine-like, and robotic. This shows how author Ken Kesey dehumanizes women who are in power, and decides to take away all their feminine qualities when they are in power because to Kesey it simply doesn t make sense that a female can beRead MoreOne Flew Ov er The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1925 Words   |  8 PagesPatient: Bromden, Chief For many years in modern history, what occurred in mental institutions were not well known and discussed about widely. One book that actually brought the reality of what happens inside mental institutions to public attention was the book entitled â€Å"One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest† written by Ken Kesey. The book shows the lives of the people residing in an Oregon mental asylum through the perspective of the patient named Chief Bromden. In the book, it isn’t stated exactly whatRead MoreOne Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1860 Words   |  8 PagesThe book titled, â€Å"One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest† written by Ken Kesey is what I chose to read and evaluate. Before I go any further, it is important to share some of Kesey’s background in order to better understand why he wrote this book. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Kesey ended up at Stanford University in a creative writing program. During his time at Stanford, he volunteered himself to be in an experimental drug program where he was used to test the different effects of the drugs atRead MoreOne Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1332 Words   |  6 Pagesboth a bully or that one individual that we simply didn t need to be around or even anybody they knew. Additionally, every person has had that one character they favored, for sticking up for themselves and declaring what they wanted, even though it intended sure punishment. In One Flew Over the Cuckoo s Nest by author Ken Kesey, these attributes stick out in the story. A dialogue of the setting, theme, and character situations into the story will help one capture how ones’ feelings fall into lineRead MoreKen Kesey s One Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest1629 Words   |  7 Pages1962, Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is a timeless classic. This novel has been subject to analysis through many different literary lenses: feminist, Marxist, and of course, psychoa nalytic. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest provides a plethora of evidence when it comes to using the psychoanalytic lens. The lens in question deals with the teaching of Sigmund Freud. When reading this novel, the audience sees quite clearly that the world of psychology plays an impactful role in One Flew OverRead MoreOne Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1579 Words   |  7 PagesIn the book One Flew Over the Cuckoo s Nest by Ken Kesey we are taken into the mind of a mental hospital patient who does not seem to cope well with reality. The whole book itself, revolves around the issue of either being sane or not. We are met with the thought of whether the narrator themselves are sane. But when it comes to our world today, we must ask ourselves how can we define someone as insane or sane? If if we can, who should be in charge of saying that they are? The first character thatRead MoreOne Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1873 Words   |  8 PagesThe novel I chose to read was entitled â€Å"One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest† written by Ken Kesey. First off, It is important to provide some of Ken Kesey’s background in order to better understand why he wrote it. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Kesey ended up at Stanford in a creative writing program. He ended up volunteering in an experimental drug program where he was used to test the different effects of the drugs at the Local Veterans Administration hospital. This was where he began toRead MoreKen Kesey s One Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest1716 Words   |  7 PagesThe Geese in the Wolf’s Nest â€Å"The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.† (Orwell). Although animals might only look like animals, they are symbols of deeper meanings. Throughout the fiction novel One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey, many symbols/motifs are presented in the form of animals that represent characters. These animals give meaning to the story and illuminate the plot by givingRead MoreAnalysis Of One Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1622 Words   |  7 Pagesor someone. Leadership on the other hand, may be a tool used to overcome authority which is depicted when McMurphy is admitted into the ward and effectively changes the patient’s lives for the better. Throughout the novel, One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, written by Ken Kesey, McMurphy’s leadership dominates Nurse Ratched’s authority due to his success in transforming the patie nts into better people from the second of his arrival and giving them the option to live a better life. McMurphy, a gamblerRead MoreOne Flew Over The Cuckoo s Nest By Ken Kesey1625 Words   |  7 PagesWorks of literature innately embody the author’s ideology and the historical context of the given time period. Within the novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey, the author furthers his ideals against the issue of oppression as he attempts to take stabs against its deteriorating effects and support those who rebel. Set in the microcosm of a small mental hospital, he establishes man’s external struggle to overcome tyranny. At the head of the head of the ward is the corrupted character

The Reality of Married Life Free Essays

John J. Robinson in his book â€Å"Of Suchness† gives the following advice on love, sex and married life. â€Å"Be careful and discreet; it is much easier to get married than unmarried. We will write a custom essay sample on The Reality of Married Life or any similar topic only for you Order Now If you have the right mate, it’s heavenly; but if not, you live in a twenty-four-hour daily hell that clings constantly to you, it can be one of the bitterest things in life. Life is indeed strange. Somehow, when you find the right one, you know it in your heart. It is not just an infatuation of the moment. But the powerful urges of sex drive a young person headlong into blind acts and one cannot trust his feelings too much. This is especially true if one drinks and get befuddled; the lousiest slut in a dark bar can look like a Venus then, and her charms become irresistible. Love is much more than sex though; it is the biological foundation between a man and a woman; love and sex get all inter-twined and mixed up†. Problems Almost everyday, we hear people complaining about their marriages. Very seldom do we hear stories about a happy marriage. Young people reading romantic novels and seeing romantic films often conclude that marriage is a bed of roses. Unfortunately, marriage is not as sweet as one thinks. Marriage and problems are interrelated and’ people must remember that when they are getting married, they will have to face problems and responsibilities that they had never expected or experienced hitherto. People often think that it is a duty to get married and that marriage is a very important event in their lives. However, in order to ensure a successful marriage, a couple has to harmonize their lives by minimizing whatever differences they may have between them. Marital problems prompted a cynic to say that there can only be a peaceful married life if the marriage is between a blind wife and a deaf husband, for the blind wife cannot see the faults of the husband and a deaf husband cannot hear the nagging of his wife. Sharing and Trust One of the major causes of marital problems is suspicion and mistrust. Marriage is a blessing but many people make it a curse due to lack of understanding. Both husband and wife should show implicit trust for one another and try not to have secrets between them. Secrets create suspicion, suspicion leads to jealously, jealousy generates anger, anger causes enmity and enmity may result in separation, suicide or even murder. If a couple can share pain and pleasure in their day-to-day life, they can console each other and minimize their grievances. Thus, the wife or husband should not expect to experience only pleasure. There will be a lot of painful, miserable experiences that they will have to face. They must have the strong willpower to reduce their burdens and misunderstandings. Discussing mutual problems will give them confidence to live together with better understanding. Man and woman need the comfort of each other when facing problems and difficulties. The feelings of insecurity and unrest will disappear and life will be more meaningful, happy and interesting if there is someone who is willing to share another’s burden. Blinded by Emotions When two people are in love, they tend to show only the best aspects of their nature and character to each other in order to project a good impression of themselves. Love is said to be blind and hence people in love tend to become completely oblivious of the darker side of each other’s natures. In practice, each will try to highlight his or her sterling qualities to the other; and being so engrossed in love, they tend to accept each other at â€Å"face value† only. Each lover will not disclose the darker side of his or her nature for fear of losing the other. Any personal shortcomings are discreetly swept under the carpet, so to speak, so as not to jeopardize their chances of winning each other. People in love also tend to ignore their partner’s faults thinking that they will be able to correct them after marriage, or that they can live with these faults, that â€Å"love will conquer all†. However, after marriage, as the initial romantic mood wears off, the true nature of each other’s character will be revealed. Then, much to the disappointment of both parties, the proverbial veil that had so far been concealing the innermost feelings of each partner is removed to expose the true nature of both partners. It is then that disillusion sets in. Material Needs Love by itself does not subsist on fresh air and sunshine alone. The present world is a materialistic world and in order to meet your material needs, proper financing and budgeting is essential. Without it, no family can live comfortably. Such a situation aptly bears out the saying that â€Å"when poverty knocks at the door, love flies through the window†. This does not mean that one must be rich to make a marriage work. However, if one has the bare necessities of life provided through a secure job and careful planning, many unnecessary anxieties can be removed from a marriage. The discomfort of poverty can be averted if there is complete understanding between the couple. Both partners must understand the value of contentment. Both must treat all problems as â€Å"our problems† and share all the â€Å"ups† and â€Å"downs† in the true spirit of a long-standing life partnership. How to cite The Reality of Married Life, Essay examples

A Raisin In The Sun Essay Racism Example For Students

A Raisin In The Sun Essay Racism In A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry portrays obstacles that the Younger family and other African Americans had to face and over come during the post World War 2 era. Obstacles that had to be over come by the Youngers were economical, moral, social, and racist obstacles. Lorraine Hansberry, the author of the play had to face one of these as well growing up. Born in Chicago on the south side in an all black neighborhood, Lorraine Hansberry and her family had to deal with segregation. Moving to a white neighborhood in Chicago, her family had to deal with threats of violence and legal action. Her father defended the case successfully all the way to the Supreme Court.(sparknotes1) Her parents were well known in national black culture and political circles, which probably sparked her to latter become a reporter and editor for the Freedom, a black newspaper in Hansberry relates her life situations through her play by having the Younger family deal with a similar circumstance. In the play Lena Younger or better known as mama, receives a 10,000-dollar check because her husband had past away. She decides to buy a house in Clybourne Park, which is an all white neighborhood. After finding out a black family is moving to Clybourne the so-called Organization Committee sends out a Mr. Lindner to welcome the Youngers. He doesnt do much welcoming but rather trys to discourage them and make them back out of their plans on The four main characters in the play all deal with other obstacles as well. The other main obstacles are economical, social, and moral. Lena Younger or mama, is the head of the household. She works in other peoples kitchens as a cook. She probably works for very little but she puts her daughter through college. Im sure she would rather not be working for someone basically as a slave or for very little money but she accepts her job because of the time period that she was raised in. In my time we was worried about not being lynched and getting to the north if we could and how to stay alive and still have a pinch of Walter Younger is the son of Lena. He is a chauffeur for a rich white guy. He dislikes his job, and wants to buy a liquor store, with the 10,000 dollars his mother is collecting. He thinks if all black people tried there own thing like opening a liquor store then they Ruth Younger is Walters wife; t hey have 1 child named Travis. Ruth does the same work as Lena does. I think Ruth probably dislikes it more then Lena because of the ages, but Ruth accepts it because she knows their poor and Beneatha Younger is the daughter of Lena. She is a straight edge type. Shes the only one in the Younger family to go to college, and she shows it to with her educated speech. She talks a lot about her heritage and how every one should know about where they came from. Economically in the play Beneatha has to deal with the lose of her school money that her brother loses. He puts it in the trust of one of his friends hoping to start the liquor store, but his friend runs and her medical school money is Loraine Hansberrys A Raisin in the Sun dealt with real life conflicts that were truly happening at the time she lived in. She didnt write the play to grab any one, especially white peoples attention, but to educate everyone on what was happening in the segregated areas. Bibliography:

Catholic - I Believe In God Essays - , Term Papers

Catholic - I Believe In God Christy Sanchez STILL CATHOLIC AFTER ALL THESE YEARS I believe in God, Father Almighty, and in Jesus Christ, His only begotten son, Our Lord, who was born of the Holy Ghost and of Mary, the Virgin, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate and buried; on the third day He rose from the dead ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, from whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead; and in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Church; the remission of sins; and the resurrection of the dead. (Apostles Creed) I am Catholic, and this prayer that is said at church every Sunday encompasses my beliefs as a Catholic. Before I get into what I believe in as a Catholic, I would like to give some background on the religion itself, because this has also shaped my beliefs. Catholicism comes from Christianity. Of all the religions, Christianity is the most widespread and has the largest number of members. (Smith, p.317) Christianity is based on actual history, and they have historical facts to back up a lot of the ideas. The word Catholic is generally taken to mean universal, although the Greek roots of the word mean according to (kata) the whole (holos). In the ancient Church, it was used to refer to a single, visible communion, separate from others, bonded together through faith in Jesus Christ (web). As far back as the ninth century, St. Cyril of Jerusalem stated: The Church is called Catholic, because it teaches universally and infallibly each and every doctrined which must come to the knowledge of men, concerning things visible and invisible, heavenly and earthly, ?because it brings every race of men into subjection to holiness, ?because it universally treats and heals every class of sins, and because it possesses within itself every conceivable form of virtue, in deeds and in words and in the spiritual gifts of every description. Catholics are followers of Jesus. Our journey begins at baptism, and we continue on that journey towards eternal happiness. There are two main ideas that separate Catholicism from Christianity. The first is that Catholics believe in the Church as its teacher. This means that just as you might need a math teacher to explain your textbook in a way that you understand, we need the leaders of the Church (Pope, bishops, and priests) to interpret the Bible. We shouldn't take everything the Bible says literally, and these leaders help us to apply its teachings to our lives. The second main idea is that there are seven Sacraments (baptism, confession, communion, confirmation, marriage, annointing of the sick, Holy Orders) that we need to incorporate into our lives so that we may live the teachings of the Church. It is one thing to hear how we should live our lives, but it is another to do. That is where the Sacraments help. The Church has laws governing the reception of all the sacraments. Members are expected to try and understand the meaning of the Church's rituals and to develop a full sacramental lifestyle. ( web) Catholicism has other teachings that are integral to the religion. Followers are expected to live according to the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament, the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, and the laws and moral teachings of the Church. The Church is officially against any racial or national criteria for membership. It is a universal church, and everyone is welcome. (web) There is also no age requirement to become Catholic, although there are age restrictions on some of the Sacraments. Members of the Catholic Church are expected to offer Christian services within the Church and the community, and to be especially generous with both time and money to the poor. Church members are expected to support their church. However, no one is excluded based on his or her lack of financial contributions. Baptism is required for membership. The Catholic Church requires its members to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, and to participate in prayer services and celebration of the sacraments . Those are the core beliefs that date back to it's earliest teachings. Some of the beliefs that are heard about in more recent times, are

Impact of Emirates Airlines Operations on the Environment

Impact of Emirates Airlines Operations on the Environment Abstract Emirates Airlines is a major global air transport company that is based in Dubai, UAE. The company’s operations cause significant impacts in terms of environmental degradation.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Impact of Emirates Airlines’ Operations on the Environment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The company has established an environmental policy that seeks to highlight its commitment in addressing its associated carbon footprint. These policies and statements, however, have no impact in assisting the company to curb environmental degradation that is caused by its operations. Instead, Emirates continues to cause grave environmental effects each year. The engine combustion of aircrafts emits carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as other gases like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and water vapour. CO2 and water vapour are greenhouse gases that are responsible for the increasing global warming phenome non. This causes a rise in earth temperatures beyond the average. The greenhouse gases remain trapped in the atmosphere for long durations, thus allowing the ultraviolet rays from the sun to reach the earth surface. Emirates operations also cause noise pollution that affects residents living near Dubai Airport and those living near all the other airports that are served by the airlines. The environmental policy by the company falls short of addressing the actual problem because Emirates has no direct say in the technology applied by aircrafts manufacturers.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus, the company is only a consumer of readymade technology and cannot purport to alter the technology through its internal policies to achieve zero impact on environmental footprint. Introduction Literature review The growth and emergence of the United Arab Emiratesâ₠¬â„¢ aviation industry dates back to about four decades ago when the Dubai Airport was opened for the first time. A series of initiations and developments have continuously been witnessed within the industry, further propelling it to the greater international heights that are evident today. In 1968, another of the Emirates’ airports opened its doors in Abu Dhabi. The airport was referred to as â€Å"Al Bateen Airport† (Jain para. 10). The Ras Al Khaimah airport became operational eight years after the inauguration of the Abu Dhabi Airport in 1976, adding to the limited number of airport facilities that existed in the country back then (Jain para 64). However, 1985 witnessed a landmark development in the country’s aviation industry when the Emirates airline was born. The great journey to global stardom of the Emirates Airlines had begun with a paltry capital of $10 million and two aircrafts. The company was started in Dubai, which remains to be its headquarters t o date (O’Connell 339). The Etihad Airways, which is UAE’s national flag carrier, entered the country’s aviation industry in 2003. Unlike Emirates Airlines, Etihad has its home in Abu Dhabi, which is also considered to be the capital of the UAE. According to expert estimates, it is anticipated that the Emirates Airlines could emerge as the largest wide-body carrier in the world by the year 2015 (Grimme 333).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Impact of Emirates Airlines’ Operations on the Environment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Today, the Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways have not only become household brands in the United Arab Emirates, but their fame and popularity spreads across the globe (Melly 18). Both companies fly to numerous destinations worldwide and have steady revenue that also translates to high profits each year (â€Å"UAE Aviation Industry-Review 2012† 64). Emirates Airlines is among the world’s ten leading carriers as per scheduled international passenger-kilometres covered annually, as well as the scheduled freight tonne-kilometres. Despite the tremendous growth and expansion of the global aviation industry, there have been numerous repercussions that mainly have far-reaching consequences on the environment. Noise pollution is one aspect of environmental pollution that is closely tied to the aviation industry (Whitelegg 5). Populations living around airports are the most affected by the continuous noise that is made by airplanes landing and those leaving the airports. Noise pollution has the potential of damaging health, as well as distracting people from their anticipated quality of life. It hinders the affected people from enjoying peace within their neighbourhoods. Apart from noise pollution affecting human beings, wildlife is also disturbed by noise emitted from airplanes.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As Whitelegg (5) points out, there are numerous effects that noise pollution from the aviation industry cause. These include hearing impairment, pain, sleep disturbance, stress, cardiovascular effects, as well as interfered communication and speech awareness or perception. Additionally, noise pollution has the effect of mental disorders in humans, interrupted task performance and level of productivity, deficits in reading capabilities, especially among children, and psychoendoctrine effects. The other aspect of environmental pollution that is associated with the aviation industry is the ground level air emissions. Aircrafts continue to emit additional ground level ozone antecedents, also known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) every passing year. The air around airports and fields is also heavy with nitrogen oxides that are poisonous if inhaled for long periods (Whitelegg 8). Apart from the direct contribution of gaseous emissions from airplanes, the aviation industry at large al so contributes indirectly to environmental degradation. Airports generate significant traffic as they are busy freight centres. Airports around the world have numerous bus stations and taxis that bring in passengers and freight or offer logistical links to arrivals at the termini. The combined carbon footprint from this industry is large and causes serious environmental degradation. People continue to be concerned about the climate change that has for long continued to be an issue around the world. Aircrafts have their fair share of contribution to this alarming phenomenon that threatens to affect life with adverse consequences. Aircrafts depend on aviation gasoline and jet fuel to be able to be powered. The aftermath of the combined combustion emits carbon dioxide, water vapour, and a mixture of other emissions. These gases are emitted in ratios of 70% to 30% to 1% respectively (ICAO 31). As the ICAO report (31) further concludes, both the CO2 and water vapour that form the bulk of the emissions comprise the greenhouse gases. The resultant effect of the emissions last for varied periods. In particular, CO2 lasts for very long periods in the atmosphere, although water vapour comparatively lasts for a shorter duration. Although the aviation industry is only responsible for 2% of the global CO2 that is emitted into the atmosphere, international flights are responsible for 62% of the emissions. Experts’ projections by environmentalists point at the growth of CO2 emissions resulting from the aviation industry growing by between 3% and 4% every year (ICAO 31). Although there is a likelihood of CO2 emissions from the aviation industry being mitigated in the short term using improved fuel efficiency, the improvements are only partial in as far as their impacts in the long term are concerned (ICAO 31). Forecasts tell of a sharp rise in NOx coming from the aviation sector. For instance, it is anticipated that by 2015 the earth will experience increase in nitroge n oxide emissions to the tune of 210% (Whitelegg, Williams, and Evans 20). By 2050, the same emissions could increase by up to 600% (Whitelegg, Williams, and Evans 20). As the emissions into the atmosphere increase over the years, more aircraft contrails will become commonplace across the global sky. The result of these aviation effects is increased global warming and erratic environmental phenomena that could have far-reaching consequences to all inhabitants on earth (Whitelegg, Williams, and Evans 20). Proposed Hypothesis The environmental policy adopted by Emirates Airlines is only a public statement that seeks to give the company better image rather than address the environmental issues associated with its operations. The annual environmental reports and findings that are periodically released by Emirates Airlines lack any facts that prove their positivity in reducing the environmental impact of the company. Methodology Different organisations in society, such as governments, environmental agencies, and individual companies actively provide details about their sustainability plans. However, such information is many times discursive because it only provides part of the relevant aspects towards an equally balanced understanding of the relevant issue at hand. This report focuses on interpreting the environmental performance of the aviation industry. The study is particularly limited to the Emirates Airlines, which is a leading company in the UAE and the Gulf region at large. This research has mainly relied on secondary sources of information to draw out its analysis and conclusions about the environmental impact caused by the aviation industry and in particular the Emirates Airline. Various in-flight magazines, brochures, journals, as well as magazines and reports about Emirates Airlines were analysed with focus on the environmental issues and effects that are associated with the performance of the company. In total, Emirates’ environmental policy st atements were identified and used as the basis of analysing the environmental performance, as well as sustainability of the airline (â€Å"Emirates Airlines Is Increasing† 68). The following four statements used as part of Emirates’ environmental policy are the basis for the argument in this research: ‘Acquiring the latest technology in terms of aircrafts, engines, as well as ground equipment that are eco-efficient.’ ‘Educating members of staff on environmental-related issues by use of ‘Environment Champions’ programme in order to welcome their contributions and initiatives on the environment.’ ‘Operating the company’s assets in a way that takes into consideration environmental responsibility. This will enhance compliance with environmental regulations as well as applicable standards.’ ‘Initiating and using particular environmental policies that are relevant to sustainable practices in procurement, waste minimisation and management, efficient use of water and energy, together with sustainable ground transport.’ These environmental policy statements of the Emirates are, thereafter, evaluated using the materials and data available from independent scientific publications. The main reason is to determine whether there is any relation between the scientific insights given and the policy statements of the organisation. Findings First Statement: ‘Investment in modern technology that is eco-efficient in engines, aircraft, and ground equipment’ This statement is meant to show that acquisition of the latest technology has negligible environmental footprint. It gives the erroneous picture that portrays technology in engine manufacturing and other equipment as having the ability to render environmental implications as invalid. However, this statement represents a discourse because Emirates is recognised for wide-bodied fleet of aircrafts that comprise of the Airbus 380 (à ¢â‚¬Å"Emirates Airlines, Airbus† 7). The wingspan of these aircrafts has been limited by the ability of airports to accommodate them. As Dalhuijsen and Slingerland (4) point out, it results in loss in fuel efficiency by up to 11% compared to optimising the wingspan to the requisite size of 90.2 m. Second statement: ‘Training staff on environmental issues, using ‘Environment Champions’ programme, in order to involve them in initiatives related to the environment’ This statement appears to suggest that staff awareness of environmental issues can potentially eliminate the environmental impact of Emirates Airlines. A critical examination of the organisation’s operations, however, indicates that workers have a limited role in influencing environmental footprint of the company. Emirates acquires all its aircrafts from foreign firms in Europe and the USA, which arrive when they are fully built. The combustion of these aircrafts is set right at the man ufacturer’s location and employees have a limited role in reducing the environmental impact. Third statement: ‘Operating our assets in a manner that highlights environmental responsibility in order to comply with environmental regulations as well as standards that are applicable’ While Emirates seeks to operate within the acceptable environmental standards and regulations, it is important to note that these regulations do not mean zero environmental impacts. The regulations only mean to reduce the amount of environmental footprints that are attributable to the organisation. Given that the gaseous emissions from aircrafts remain in the atmosphere for prolonged periods, it is noteworthy that the standards and regulations do not offer any lasting solution to the problem. The accumulated emissions occurring over the years because of Emirates’ operations still has a major impact on the global environment. Fourth statement: ‘Development and application of particular environmental policies that relate to sustainable procurement, minimisation and management of waste, water and energy efficiency, as well as sustainable ground transport’ This statement appears to proclaim the fact that Emirates Airlines has total control over its environmental impact and can potentially manage the resultant consequences. However, this statement fails to recognise that the company is only a consumer of a technology piece whose total control lies with the manufacturer. Unless the aircraft manufacturers take the initiative to invent new technologies that are environmentally friendly, there is little that Emirates can do in terms of their choices. The main determinant is with the manufacturers of the technology, no matter how efficient the environmental policies by the company may turn out to be. Limitation of the Research This research has heavily relied on secondary sources of data to base its argument. Secondary data has its own limitations and it is difficult to verify some details that are contained in it. The data may also be biased depending on the motive of the person carrying out the research. Future research on this topical area should entail carrying out primary research to obtain first hand data. Conclusion A critical analysis of the environmental policy and statements adopted by Emirates Airlines highlight the fact that it is only a move aimed at achieving a positive image for the company. The statements borrow scientific terms and often use facts that may appear to be undisputed in the first instance. However, a critical analysis of these facts and statements against independent scientific research reveals the fact that Emirates Airlines is not capable of managing its environmental footprint as the company would appear to suggest. As an airliner, Emirates is causing too much degradation of the environment, which affects the residents of Dubai, as well as all other residents across the globe whose local airports are served by the airliner. The company is only a consumer of technology that is manufactured by a third party. This makes it difficult for Emirates to develop policies that can have a direct influence on the environmental performance of the aircrafts. The environmental impacts caused by Emirates’ operations include noise pollution that causes disturbance and annoyance to the people living around Dubai Airport, as well as other airports in UAE and across the globe where the company serves. Emirates equally contributes to the global warming problem that is experienced every year through emitting CO2 and water vapour that result from the engine combustion of the aircrafts. These are also referred to as the greenhouse gases that take a considerable period within the atmosphere. Recommendations Emirates should consider a more forceful position in seeking to address the environmental footprint that results from its operations. The company should compel aircraft manufacturers to manuf acturer aircrafts that are 100% environmental friendly. Such technology would involve the use of natural energy only to power the aircrafts, such as use of solar power. Emissions resulting from this kind of technology will not have far-reaching consequences to the environment as is the case with the current aircraft models. Emirates should also consider acquiring its ground equipment that uses natural energy sources in their operations. Buses, taxis, and other freight carriers operating at the Dubai Airport should strictly be powered by natural energies, such as solar energy, to curb the overall carbon footprint that is associated with Emirates’ operations. Emirates Airlines Is Increasing. Aviation Week Space Technology 166.1 (2007): 68. Print. Emirates Airlines, Airbus. Airguide Business (2010): 7-7. Print. UAE Aviation Industry-Review 2012. Pakistan Gulf Economist 32.1 (2013): 64-65. Print. Dalhuijsen, Jansma, and Slingerland, Rudy. â€Å"Preliminary Wing Optimization f or Very Large Transport Aircraft with Wingspan Constraints.† 42nd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibition. Reno: AIAA, 2004. Print. Grimme, Wolfgang. The Growth of Arabian Airlines From a German Perspective – a Study of the Impacts of New Air Services to Asia. Journal of Air Transport Management 17.6 (2011): 333-338. Print. ICAO. â€Å"Environmental Report 2010: Aviation and Climate Change.† Montreal: ICAO, 2010. Web. Jain, Shweta. UAE Aviation: A Story of Takeoffs and Landings. Gulf News. 2011. Web. Melly, Paul. Emirates. MEED: Middle East Economic Digest (2013): 18-18. Print. O’Connell, John F. The Rise of the Arabian Gulf Carriers: An Insight into the Business Model of Emirates Airline. Journal of Air Transport Management 17.6 (2011): 339-346. Print. Whitelegg, John, Nick Williams, and Chris Evans, eds. The Plane Truth: Aviation and the Environment. Aero habitat. The Ashden Trust. Web. Whitelegg, John. â€Å"Aviation: The Social, Economic and En vironmental Impact of Flying. Ashden Trust, n.d. Web.

Intimate Relationship in between Media Art and Emerging Market Dissertation

Intimate Relationship in between Media Art and Emerging Market - Dissertation Example Art is considered as a profession for a number of reasons as it involves long period of training, more concept of creatively stimulant learning and a lot of self discipline and dedication. Artists are at freedom to finish their part of work and thereby they are energetic to produce more. According to Salmon, â€Å"Creating art does require long hours and hard work, including sustained concentration and a fully conscious involvement in the activity† (Salmon, 2008, p.16). Introduction of virtual reality in emerging markets like China, Singapore and Korea in East Asia and Brazil in South America paved the way for substantiating the entry of multinational companies in the form of concept trade. The element of intellectual property was put for sale for the first time in those countries only with the aid of promotional techniques of media art. Now virtual reality is an integral part of every enterprise that produces monetarily transactions with commercial exchange of ideas between p arties involved in the trade. A larger share of equity is derived from the development of software for office operation of hospitality and service sectors and the widespread use of some of them for gaming and other entertainment such as art training and commercial designing of artistic goods. The introduction of a new idea by computer experts came in the form of social networking groups which facilitates easier mode of socializing. Now the promoters of mostly all service and hospitality business take them as their advertisement tool and reach out the people without interim promotional investments. Most of the companies are willing to invest in these countries owing to the marketing liberty and availability of intellectual resources. Critical Analysis of Media art in Emerging Markets China after realizing the possibility of intellectual property business emerged as a market for concept business at a wider range. With the abundance of Chinese notions in art, culture, architecture, med icine and sculptor, china evolved strategic reformation of traditional ideas to commercial inputs for trade. The establishment and functioning of China Millennium Museum in Beijing is the finest spot in the country to organize media art demonstrations. The objective of such enterprises is to find young talents to match the country’s requirements to set up a global platform for creative abilities. The continuous efforts of the country in promotional endeavors in computer aided artifacts and intellectual transformation helped China reach the identifiable position of an emerging market. Presently China is the largest user of computerized platforms for medicine and engineering in the world. Electronics and Telecommunication devising has been world class here and hence the country catches attention of global investors in every field of commercial value. Transformation of Chinese art of embossing scriptures on porcelain wares during the pre-republican era takes a greater edge in th e present day market. There are wide ranges of displays and sales-stalls established across different cities of the country to promote the rich culture of the ancient times with a modern outlook. Antique value

Arkansas History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Arkansas History - Essay Example Perhaps all forms of cruelty upon slavery were being done by the white Arkansans towards the slaves of the land back then. Lynching, whipping, burning to death were just some of the major acts to punish the accused slaves with insurrection. Discernibly one motivation that provoked the white Arkansans to do such further cruelty with the black ones was the fear of the notion that blacks someday will take revenge or rebel against them. This was due to the previous account of the African-American's movement in Arkansas to emigrate in Africa during the 1890's, and the notion that such force able to do by the African-American Arkansans that may lead to revolution. Jim Crow law was then issued around 1890's as a solution for this threat through unifying racism (Dillard 2008). Critical period of the African-Americans is at peak between the times of the state's civil war during the 1890's and the crisis of Little Rock Central High School. The crisis in Little Rock somehow resolved some of the issues, as the 9 black students involved in the crisis made a breakthrough by fighting and winning for their civil rights. These diplomatic act from the 9 black students paved way the promotion of segregation that was an ideal resolution of the crisis that period (Dillard 2008). White County in Ar Arkansas History: Great Depression Great depression was the period that Arkansas is known to have its greatest drought throughout the land. The 1929 crash of stock market started the phase of the great depression in the country. White County in Arkansas was the particular place that greatly affected during the depression. Before the depression, the state was doing so well with their businesses especially White County, specifically farm productions (Johnson 2000). Many factors were considered that contributed to the hardship of the state, but one of the main reasons was the drought that happened in 1930. This apparently withered the livelihood of those in farm productions. Naturally, farmers cannot produce any crop as well as merchants were hindered to proceed on their trade due to the lack of capital and development. Data stated that there were about 4,600 unemployed male citizens of county in 1933. Many of the promising states or county were expanding and advancing before the depression, however, when the period hit, it affected many people's lives due to the economic and social suffering. Believing Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal will resolve the economic and social problem, they saw hope from his election as they were longing for the direction and assistance towards recovery (Johnson 2000). Arkansan then were forced to be more self-sufficient especially the women in order to survive the devastating period. They learned sewing, food canning and preservation, home management provided by the home demonstration program under the New Deal. Arkansas: Reconstruction of Education Isaac Murphy (October 16, 1802 - September 8, 1882) was the first Reconstruction Governor of Arkansas, whose administration was intriguingly known for its fiscal constriction. His tenure was the start of the healing of the "war wounds" even the southern part was still dealing with it. When all fled away from the confederacy, Murphy remained alone and continued with his reconstruction philosophy. His reconstruction approach through low key governance

Use SOSTAC to prepare a strategy document on how Gold Reef City Assignment - 1

Use SOSTAC to prepare a strategy document on how Gold Reef City (casino) could take the Rewards Programme from a functional experience to an emotional experience - Assignment Example A lot of time and resources go into running a business. Casinos, in particular, are a very tricky business to venture into because they require constant scrutiny, and if the owners are not cautious enough, the business may go bankrupt. Individuals frequent casinos to enjoy themselves while at the same time trying to make some money. Gambling is the primary activity that occurs within casinos and has brought both good and bad fortunes to the people who frequent casinos. Numerous numbers of people have lost billions of dollars in these casinos while quite a number of people have gained wealth from casinos. Some unscrupulous dealers operate some casinos and fleece their customers of their hard-earned money. It is, therefore, important that the authorities investigate these casinos for malpractice and fraud. The Gold Reef City Casino has to conduct a situation analysis before it can commence its operations. A situation analysis is a collection of methods that the organizations management uses to analyze its influences to better understand the organization`s capabilities, business environment and customers. A situation analysis consists of two areas namely micro and macroeconomics. Microeconomics refers to the study of business and individual decisions while macroeconomics refers to the study of higher decision makers, for example, the government. Macroeconomics looks at the external forces and factors that affect the business. The Gold Reef City casino has also conducted a situation analysis, and the recommendations were divided into two categories Micro and macroeconomics. The microeconomics include the new developments and upgrades that are well underway and the soon to be completed. The casino has invested in a new gaming area that is expected to bring in more customers and consequently more revenue. The incorporation of a new gaming system, which has

Save the Animals Animal Testing Paper

Save the Animals Animal Testing Paper Melanie Sellner A poor animal shivers in a cage waiting for the researchers to return and continue testing. Dogs, cats, hamsters, mice, and primates are only a few of the many animals that are tested on daily. Even though some animal testing has been successful most are flawed because animals are too different from humans; therefore it should be stopped. Libby was a dog rescued from a lab, along with 250 other cats and dogs, that was shut down because of a PETA investigation. She crawled up to people, too scared to stand, the only thing separating her from the others was the number on her ear. She had hookworm, tapeworm, a vaginal infection and her teeth were rotten. The lab where she was rescued from was paid to infest dogs or cats with worms ticks and fleas. Then the animals were force-fed or smeared with chemicals to test products for companions.The PETA investigation showed they kicked, threw and dragged dogs. They lifted puppies by their throats and screamed at the animals. This investigation prompted the lab to fire four people; one was a supervisor, on felony cruelty charges. After her rescue, Libby is happy with her new family, playing tug-o-war and wrestling with the two other dogs the family owns(@peta). Of the millions of animals that are used in research facilities, the Animal Welfare Act or AWA does not cover rats, mice, fish and birds, which comprise around 95% of the animals used in research(Animal). The AWA-covered 1,134,693 animals used for testing in the fiscal year 2010, which leaves around 25 million other animals that are not covered(Animal). These animals are especially vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse without the protection of the AWA. The bodily structure, the chemical reactions used to keep cells alive, and cellular differences between animals and people make animals poor models for human beings. Paul Furlong, Professor of Clinical Neuroimaging at Aston University (UK), states that its very hard to create an animal model that even equates closely to what were trying to achieve in the human(Animal).   Thomas Hartung, Professor of Evidence-Based Toxicology at John Hopkins University, argues for alternatives to animal testing because we are not 70 kg rats(Animal). Animal testing . Many animals used in experiments are force fed, forced to inhale, food and water deprivation, prolonged physical restraint, burned or are inflicted with other types wounds to study how they heal. The causing of pain to study its effects and remedies is cruel and inhumane. Killing by carbon dioxide asphyxiation, neck-breaking, decapitation, or other means are some of the ways these poor animals die. One example of cruel testing is the Draize eye test which involves rabbits being forced to keep their eyes open, with clips, for prolonged periods of time and is used by cosmetic companies to test produces. Another commonly used test is the   LD50 (lethal dose 50) test which involves finding out how much of a chemical will kill 50% of the animals being used in the experiment. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported in 2010 that 97,123 animals suffered pain during experiments and were given no anesthesia for relief(Animal). Jane Goodall is a chimpanzee specialist who has studied them for 50 years; she received a video of an animal testing lab and was horrified by what she saw. Chimps in the wild are close, supportive and have affectionate bonds between family members that last throughout their lives. They have nonverbal communication patterns of posture and touch that are similar to ours, like   kissing, embracing, patting one another, swaggering, wave their fists, tickling and laughing. They even have a sense of humor and a sense of self that sets them apart. On the other hand chimp in cages, like the young, who lose their mothers may show signs of depression comparable to those of a socially deprived human child. Chimps show a variety of stereotypic stress behaviors, such as rocking, swaying, moving from side to side, and repetitiously banging on the mesh of their cages, the walls or the ceiling. And when researchers come to retrieve a patient the procedure causes extreme panic. Most researchers couldnt care less about the animals in many cases. Animals stay in metal cages with no bedding or enrichment activities. Baby chimpanzees wearing diapers, clinging to each other, in their sterile cages. The cages of the adults were small and absolutely bare. There might be one shelf on which a chimpanzee could sit. When the staff, with gloves and masks, showed adult chimpanzees syringes the chimps would shy away and wouldnt come, when this happened a capture gun was used. The sight of the gun caused panic with all the chimps. When the gun was used, the researchers did nothing to calm the panicked chimps. The chimps in the video were gradually confined to a smaller and smaller space. When researchers would sedate chimpanzees they didnt care if the chimp was on a perch and would fall. Jane Goodall didnt see any chimpanzee being given a reward-not even a kind or encouraging word when they did something correct. One researcher put an orange outside the cage where it coul d not be reached by the chimpanzee who rocked from side to side in depression. Most researchers have a lack of concern for the psychological welfare of the chimpanzees and that needs to change.(Goodall). Animal research has few successful results, is cruel and should be stopped. Hundreds of millions of animals lives can be saved if animal research is stopped. You can help by buying cruelty-free products or donate to foundations like PETAs Rescue and Investigations fund to help them continue to investigate cruelty and seek justice for the animal victims. Works Cited @peta. Life After the Laboratory: Libbys Story. PETA Life After the Laboratory Libbys Story  Comments. PETA People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 14 Oct. 2013. Web. 18 Oct. 2016. Animal Testing ProCon.org. ProConorg Headlines. ProCon.org, 25 May 2016. Web. 18 Oct.  2016. Goodall, Jane. Jane Goodall Responds to Undercover Chimpanzee Investigation. : The  Humane Society of the United States. The Humane Society of the United States, 4 Mar. 2009. Web. 19 Oct. 2016.

The Vietnam War - The 1968 Tet Offensive :: Vietnam War Essays

The Vietnam War - The 1968 Tet Offensive For several thousand years, Vietnamese Lunar New Year has been a traditional celebration that brings the Vietnamese a sense of happiness, hope and peace. However, in recent years, It also bring back a bitter memory full of tears. It reminds them the 1968 bloodshed, a bloodiest military campaign of the Vietnam War the North Communists launched against the South. The "general offensive and general uprising" of the north marked the sharp turn of the Vietnam War. Today there have been a great number of writings about this event. However, it seems that many key facts in the Communist campaign are still misinterpreted or neglected. In the mid-80, living in Saigon after being released from the Communist "re-education camp," I read a book published in the early 1980's in America about the story of the 1968 Tet Offensive. It said that the North Vietnamese Army supreme command had imitated one of the greatest heroes of Vietnam, King Quang Trung, who won the most spectacular victory over the Chinese aggressors in the 1789 counter-attack - in planning the 1968 operations. The book quoted King Quang Trung's tactic of surprise. He let the troops celebrate the 1789 Tet Festival one day ahead so that he could launch the attacks on the first three days of the lunar new year while the Chinese troops were still feasting and not ready to organize their defense. Those who claimed the similarity between the two campaigns certainly did not know the whole truth, but jumped into conclusion with wild imagination after learning that the North Vietnamese attacking units also celebrated Tet "one day ahead" before the attacks. In fact, the Tet Offensive broke out on the Tet's Eve - in the early morning of January 30, 1968 at many cities of Central Vietnam, such as Da Nang and Qui Nhon, as well as cities in the central coastal and highland areas, that lied within the Communist 5th Military Region.. The other cities to the south that included Saigon, were attacked 24 hours later at the small hours of January 31. Thus the offensive lost its element of total surprise that every tactician has to respect. But It surprised me that some in the American media were still unaware of such tragic story. The story started some 5 months previously. On August 8, 1967, the North Vietnam government approved a lunar calendar specifically compiled for the 7th time zone that covers all Vietnam, replacing the traditional lunar calendar that had been in use in Asia for hundreds of years. That old calendar was calculated for the 8th time zone that Beijing falls