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