Mitosis is simply defined as eukaryotic cell division. This definition can be split into two separate but equally important portions. Cell division is the method by which cells, the simplest unit life, proliferate. Eukaryotic, in the definition of mitosis, refers to a type of cell that is manifested in living organisms in the Domain Eukarya. The adjective, eukaryotic, is essential in defining mitosis, as without it, this would be binary fission, the prokaryotic cell division undertaken by those in the Domains Prokarya and Archaeobacter. The main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells would be the existence of a true nucleus in the Eukarya, as well as inner cellular membranes, while Prokarya have closed, circular, and covalently-bonded DNA, resulting in a much simpler version of cell division.
Mitosis is actually the shortest portion in the cell cycle, the rest of which is spent in Interphase: the portion of the cell cycle performs its functions, gains volume and mass, creates new proteins and materials for DNA synthesis and duplicates its DNA. While mitosis is continuous, scientists have managed to identify four main phases in this process: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase and Telophase.
In prophase, the chromatin fibers in the nucleus condense and become readily visible as individual chromosomes. These chromosomes were already duplicated in Interphase, now the twin chromosomes, known now as chromatids, pair up around a centromere. Microtubules, the mechanism by which the twin chromosomes will later be pulled apart into the resulting daughter cells, are formed from the centrosomes, both of which begin to drift to opposite poles of the cell. These attach to the centromeres of the joined twin chromosomes, forming a mitotic spindle. The nuclear lamina are also broken down and separated, causing the dissolution of the nuclear membrane.
At metaphase, the mitotic spindle is fully formed and the chromosomes’ centromeres are aligned along the center of what is known along an imaginary line between both centrosome poles. This line is also known as the metaphase plate. Because of the way the chromosomes are oriented, when the kinetochores are pulled on by the microtubules, each of the daughter cells will have an exact replica and equal number of each chromosome. Anaphase occurs when the twin chromatids’ centromeres detach and begin being pulled towards their respective, opposite poles. It is at this point that the chromatids are known as ‘daughter chromosomes’ and the microtubules attached to their individual kinetochores begin to shorten to aid their delivery to their respective cells.
The last stage of the mitosis involves telophase and cytokinesis. In telophase, the chromatin fibers begin to relax uncoil back into their forms at the start of prophase. Daughter nuclei and nucleoli begin to form; the nuclear laminae begin to take shape around the chromosomes. This results in the accomplishment of the purpose of mitosis: two identical daughter nuclei are divided from one, original and genetically identical nucleus. It is only when the mitotic spindle dissociates completely that telophase is considered over. Cytokinesis is the process by which the cellular membrane and the cytoplasm begin to divide in half. This usually occurs simultaneously with telophase, and results not only with two identical daughter nuclei, but also with two identical daughter cells with roughly the same volume, and the exact same genetic structure.
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Friday, February 26, 2010
The Sandman
The Sandman is a comic book series written by the multi-awarded writer Neil Gaiman. It is comprised of seventy-five issues published over seven years, from 1989 to 1996, Vertigo Comics, an imprint of DC Comics. These issues have been collected into ten graphic novels, three of which are made up of independent short stories, and the rest part of the over-arcing storyline involving Dream of the Endless and his existence and eventual extinction. The series is a portmanteau of most mythologies, history and literature, as almost every character is either a rewritten famous personage or an archetype, and the themes visited in each issue are purposeful homage to older stories.
Dream, the main protagonist, is drawn to be tall and gaunt, with disheveled hair, and skin and clothing that tend towards the monochromatic. He is one of the seven siblings that make up the Endless, each of which is the anthropomorphic representation of a concept. He is the third eldest, following both Destiny and Death, and older than Destruction, the twins Desire and Despair, and the youngest of the Endless, Delirium. Each of their names equals their function, but only the elder three take their roles very seriously. His responsibilities involve ruling over the demesne of sleep, a position that involves a whole host of duties such as sculpting nightmares to being the Prince of all Stories. According to the series, he exists for thousands of millennia just fulfilling the duties of office, until people seeking to capture his elder sister, Death, accidentally capture him. As a result of his decades-long imprisonment, Dream begins, unwillingly to change. For a creature such as Dream, who lived unchanged for uncountable years, this transition is unwelcome and contributes to the cessation of existence at the end of the series.
When read in graphic novel format, one can divide the series into identifiable story arcs. The first two novels: Preludes and Nocturnes and The Doll’s House involve Dream’s escape from his imprisonment, as well as his successful attempts to regain the regalia of his office, as well as to re-establish himself in the world. The first short story collection, Dream Country, serves as a method of establishing back-story for Dream, as well as the universe that The Sandman exists in, and to show the reader exactly how much Dream has changed since his capture.
Seasons of Mists and A Game of You introduces a host of new characters, including the rest of the Endless, as well as the introduction of a plot by Desire to bring about Dream’s destruction by making him spill family blood. Fables and Reflections, the next short story compilation, is focused on the theme of different rulers and the difficulty each of them faces in trying to fulfill their responsibilities by their dominions; a method through which Gaiman is able to highlight Dream’s own exhaustion with his existence. Brief Lives is a standalone novel that serves as a quiet tipping point towards the end of both the series and Dream’s life; Dream and his youngest sister Delirium go on a quest to find their missing brother, and Dream knowingly brings about his own destruction by fulfilling his son’s wish for death.
The eighth book, At Worlds’ End is the last short story compilation involving a Chaucerian tale where travelers trying to avoid a reality storm, meet at an inn at the end of the world and tell stories to pass the time. It also foreshadows the death and funeral of Dream, which occurs in the last two novels: The Kindly Ones and The Wake. The Kindly Ones is fast paced in comparison with the rest of the series, as things come to a head and Dream deals with the inevitability of his death. The Wake is exactly what it says on the title, an entire novel about the characters of The Sandman coming together to commemorate Dream’s life and works, as well as the reader’s ‘waking’ from the story of The Sandman, and coming to the realization that dreams do not necessarily end when one wakes up.
Dream, the main protagonist, is drawn to be tall and gaunt, with disheveled hair, and skin and clothing that tend towards the monochromatic. He is one of the seven siblings that make up the Endless, each of which is the anthropomorphic representation of a concept. He is the third eldest, following both Destiny and Death, and older than Destruction, the twins Desire and Despair, and the youngest of the Endless, Delirium. Each of their names equals their function, but only the elder three take their roles very seriously. His responsibilities involve ruling over the demesne of sleep, a position that involves a whole host of duties such as sculpting nightmares to being the Prince of all Stories. According to the series, he exists for thousands of millennia just fulfilling the duties of office, until people seeking to capture his elder sister, Death, accidentally capture him. As a result of his decades-long imprisonment, Dream begins, unwillingly to change. For a creature such as Dream, who lived unchanged for uncountable years, this transition is unwelcome and contributes to the cessation of existence at the end of the series.
When read in graphic novel format, one can divide the series into identifiable story arcs. The first two novels: Preludes and Nocturnes and The Doll’s House involve Dream’s escape from his imprisonment, as well as his successful attempts to regain the regalia of his office, as well as to re-establish himself in the world. The first short story collection, Dream Country, serves as a method of establishing back-story for Dream, as well as the universe that The Sandman exists in, and to show the reader exactly how much Dream has changed since his capture.
Seasons of Mists and A Game of You introduces a host of new characters, including the rest of the Endless, as well as the introduction of a plot by Desire to bring about Dream’s destruction by making him spill family blood. Fables and Reflections, the next short story compilation, is focused on the theme of different rulers and the difficulty each of them faces in trying to fulfill their responsibilities by their dominions; a method through which Gaiman is able to highlight Dream’s own exhaustion with his existence. Brief Lives is a standalone novel that serves as a quiet tipping point towards the end of both the series and Dream’s life; Dream and his youngest sister Delirium go on a quest to find their missing brother, and Dream knowingly brings about his own destruction by fulfilling his son’s wish for death.
The eighth book, At Worlds’ End is the last short story compilation involving a Chaucerian tale where travelers trying to avoid a reality storm, meet at an inn at the end of the world and tell stories to pass the time. It also foreshadows the death and funeral of Dream, which occurs in the last two novels: The Kindly Ones and The Wake. The Kindly Ones is fast paced in comparison with the rest of the series, as things come to a head and Dream deals with the inevitability of his death. The Wake is exactly what it says on the title, an entire novel about the characters of The Sandman coming together to commemorate Dream’s life and works, as well as the reader’s ‘waking’ from the story of The Sandman, and coming to the realization that dreams do not necessarily end when one wakes up.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Social Network Benefits
The earliest theories about the relatedness of one's social integration and one's health came from sociologists such as Emile Durkheim, as well as from psychoanalysts such as John Bowlby, a British psychoanalyst, who first formulated attachment theory, stating that it is in the very nature of humans even as early as infancy to seek companionship from another human being in order to feel secure. Durkheim (1897), in his book Suicide, argued that suicide primarily results from a lack of integration of the individual into society. Robert E. L. Faris’s work on cultural isolation and the development of mental illness also emphasized the importance of social contacts.
Much has already been said about the topic, from anthropologists to epidemiologists, all have had their say about the benefits and detriments of a social network to the individual's well-being. In the article “From Social Integration To Health: Durkheim In The New Millennium” by Lisa F. Berkman, Thomas Glass, Ian Brissette, and Teresa E. Seeman, the authors boil down the myriad ways of how social networks affect health into three points: First, social networks via social influence or supportive functions influence health-promoting or health-damaging behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, physical activity, dietary patterns, sexual practices, illicit drug use. Second, social networks via any number of pathways influence cognitive and emotional states such a self-esteem, social competence, self-efficacy, depression and etc. Third, networks may have direct effects on health outcomes by influencing a series of physiologic pathways largely related to stress responses.
In the article “Why Would Social Networks Be Linked to Affect and Health Practices?”
by Sheldon Cohen and Edward P. Lemay, the authors propose that one's degree of social integration, (that is, the frequency of one's interaction with members of one’s social network) might influence how people react to their social environment. They later found out that primarily the people with low social integration smoked and drank a lot more when they number of people they interacted with increased. The people with a high degree of social integration were relatively independent, that is, they did not smoke or drink more even if they interacted with more people. They explained this by hypothesizing that this result was consistent with the argument that people with a high degree of social integration “are responsive to the ongoing normative constraints to live a healthy lifestyle that belonging to an integrated social network places on them. In contrast, the less integrated may be more susceptible to moment-by-moment social pressures that influence their smoking and drinking behaviors.”
Sheldon Cohen, Ian Brissette, David P. Skoner, and William J. Doyle, in their article “Social Integration and Health: The Case of the Common Cold” cite Peggy A. Thoits as having proposed a more explicit theory of how social integration benefits health and well being. Thoits argued that people’s identities are tied to their social roles. Social roles are viewed as the expectations on how to act, dress, speak, etc. that one's social environments puts upon the individual. These behavioral expectations impose a sense of predictability in people’s lives by providing information about how one ought to act. Also, by meeting role expectations individuals are given the opportunity to enhance self-esteem. Social roles provide a purpose to life. Thus, as people accumulate roles that their social network expects of them, the sense that they possess a meaningful, guided existence strengthens. It is implied that a sense of meaning in life is an integral component of psychological well-being and that failing to have a sense of meaning often leads to improper conduct and deviant self-destructive behavior. This position is called the "identity accumulation" hypothesis (Thoits, 1983). For example, being in a dance group, you have to play a role in that group, hence, your feeling of self-worth is improved because you know that other people are relying on you to perform your role. By accomplishing and meeting the expectations of a social network, i.e. your social role, one is given a sense of accomplishment.
Of course, as with most things, social networking is a double-edged sword. Negative effects are as pervasive as the positive ones. Obviously, being a member of a social network does not in itself guarantee well-being.
Much has already been said about the topic, from anthropologists to epidemiologists, all have had their say about the benefits and detriments of a social network to the individual's well-being. In the article “From Social Integration To Health: Durkheim In The New Millennium” by Lisa F. Berkman, Thomas Glass, Ian Brissette, and Teresa E. Seeman, the authors boil down the myriad ways of how social networks affect health into three points: First, social networks via social influence or supportive functions influence health-promoting or health-damaging behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, physical activity, dietary patterns, sexual practices, illicit drug use. Second, social networks via any number of pathways influence cognitive and emotional states such a self-esteem, social competence, self-efficacy, depression and etc. Third, networks may have direct effects on health outcomes by influencing a series of physiologic pathways largely related to stress responses.
In the article “Why Would Social Networks Be Linked to Affect and Health Practices?”
by Sheldon Cohen and Edward P. Lemay, the authors propose that one's degree of social integration, (that is, the frequency of one's interaction with members of one’s social network) might influence how people react to their social environment. They later found out that primarily the people with low social integration smoked and drank a lot more when they number of people they interacted with increased. The people with a high degree of social integration were relatively independent, that is, they did not smoke or drink more even if they interacted with more people. They explained this by hypothesizing that this result was consistent with the argument that people with a high degree of social integration “are responsive to the ongoing normative constraints to live a healthy lifestyle that belonging to an integrated social network places on them. In contrast, the less integrated may be more susceptible to moment-by-moment social pressures that influence their smoking and drinking behaviors.”
Sheldon Cohen, Ian Brissette, David P. Skoner, and William J. Doyle, in their article “Social Integration and Health: The Case of the Common Cold” cite Peggy A. Thoits as having proposed a more explicit theory of how social integration benefits health and well being. Thoits argued that people’s identities are tied to their social roles. Social roles are viewed as the expectations on how to act, dress, speak, etc. that one's social environments puts upon the individual. These behavioral expectations impose a sense of predictability in people’s lives by providing information about how one ought to act. Also, by meeting role expectations individuals are given the opportunity to enhance self-esteem. Social roles provide a purpose to life. Thus, as people accumulate roles that their social network expects of them, the sense that they possess a meaningful, guided existence strengthens. It is implied that a sense of meaning in life is an integral component of psychological well-being and that failing to have a sense of meaning often leads to improper conduct and deviant self-destructive behavior. This position is called the "identity accumulation" hypothesis (Thoits, 1983). For example, being in a dance group, you have to play a role in that group, hence, your feeling of self-worth is improved because you know that other people are relying on you to perform your role. By accomplishing and meeting the expectations of a social network, i.e. your social role, one is given a sense of accomplishment.
Of course, as with most things, social networking is a double-edged sword. Negative effects are as pervasive as the positive ones. Obviously, being a member of a social network does not in itself guarantee well-being.
Internet Addiction
As a matter of course, our societies will continue to evolve an increasingly technology-centric lifestyle, as we find ways to be more productive, connected, faster, better, and stronger. And yes there will always be those who admonish about the dangers of technology. This is but a necessary safeguard to prevent us from being blinded by innovation straight into oblivion, or at the very least into harm.
There have been numerous studies on the ill effects of the things technology has brought us. How cellular phones might cause tumors, for example, how television has lowered our IQs collectively, to name but a few. Recently, with the advent of the internet, our online lifestyles inevitably have come under scrutiny. There is now a new condition aptly called “internet addic-tion”.
In the article “Exploring Internet addiction: Demographic Characteristics and Stereotypes of Heavy Internet Users” (Shell, 2003), the type of addiction was narrowed down to five sub-types:
• Cybersexual addiction
• Cyberrelationship addiction
• Net compulsion
• Information overload
• Interactive gaming compulsion
Cybersexual addiction is the compulsion to go online and seek interaction with another person of a sexual nature, in the form of an exchange of suggestive messages, pictures, or videos. Cyberrelationship addiction is much like cybersexual addiction, but in this case the “addict” is looking for interaction of a much more romantic tone, as opposed to “just sex”. Net compulsion covers online activities such as online gambling, and excessive shopping. Information overload pertains to the general compulsion to be online and surfing, with no particular activity other than to be “surfing”. Interactive gaming compulsion is the desire to be playing games. The study shows that males are more prone to cybersexual addiction, net compulsion and interactive gaming compulsion, while females are more subject to cyberrelationship addiction.
One purported problem in particular, that of interactive gaming compulsion, has sparked the most interest, understandably so in light of numerous news stories about video game violence translating to real-world violence, and the alarming trend of it affecting such low age brackets. In an interview featured on Gamecyte (http://www.gamecyte.com/exclusive-dr-david-walsh-on-video-game-addiction), Dr. David Walsh, founder of the National Institute on Media and Family in the United States, stated that:
“I think what's happening, not just here in the United States but in other coun-tries as well, is that there's some percentage of gamers—and no one quite knows what the percentage is, different surveys have put it at different percentages—but for some percentage of gamers, it seems to become an obsession. Other things in their life get neglected, sometimes even their health gets neglected, their grades start to suffer, rela-tionships start to suffer, and so it starts to bear all the behavioral hallmarks of an addic-tion. And so I think that's why the term has emerged. Of course, the term itself is contro-versial, because there are some, particularly in academia, who say that addiction signifies something that has to do with a chemical change. A dependency to a chemical. But we do have other behaviors that are recognized as addictions, the most common example to bear would be gambling addiction.”
He also goes on to say that games can be more addictive than other media in that they are inter-active. Contrast this to comic books or television, where one would just be a passive participant.
In 2007, the American Medical Association published a report recommending that Inter-net and Video Game Addiction be added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders but a little over a week after the report was published, the committee that authored the report changed their stance, admitting that the issue needed more study. Dr. Stuart Gitlow, of the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine said in article on www.Reuters.com titled “Addiction Experts Say Vidoe Games Not Addictive” (Steenhuysen, 2007) that it is premature to add video game addiction as a diagnostic category. He stated "There is nothing here to suggest that this is a complex physiological disease state akin to alcoholism or other substance abuse disorders, and it doesn't get to have the word addiction attached to it."
If you are curious whether you yourself might be showing signs indicative of internet ad-diction, there is now a test found on http://www.netaddiction.com/resources/internet_addic-tion_test.htm which comes from the Center for Online and Internet Addiction that rates your current online behavior.
Still, there is no clear cut professional stance of any addiction of the electronic kind. So, as always, we for now and the foreseeable future will have to stick to the old adage: Anything taken excess is bad for you.
There have been numerous studies on the ill effects of the things technology has brought us. How cellular phones might cause tumors, for example, how television has lowered our IQs collectively, to name but a few. Recently, with the advent of the internet, our online lifestyles inevitably have come under scrutiny. There is now a new condition aptly called “internet addic-tion”.
In the article “Exploring Internet addiction: Demographic Characteristics and Stereotypes of Heavy Internet Users” (Shell, 2003), the type of addiction was narrowed down to five sub-types:
• Cybersexual addiction
• Cyberrelationship addiction
• Net compulsion
• Information overload
• Interactive gaming compulsion
Cybersexual addiction is the compulsion to go online and seek interaction with another person of a sexual nature, in the form of an exchange of suggestive messages, pictures, or videos. Cyberrelationship addiction is much like cybersexual addiction, but in this case the “addict” is looking for interaction of a much more romantic tone, as opposed to “just sex”. Net compulsion covers online activities such as online gambling, and excessive shopping. Information overload pertains to the general compulsion to be online and surfing, with no particular activity other than to be “surfing”. Interactive gaming compulsion is the desire to be playing games. The study shows that males are more prone to cybersexual addiction, net compulsion and interactive gaming compulsion, while females are more subject to cyberrelationship addiction.
One purported problem in particular, that of interactive gaming compulsion, has sparked the most interest, understandably so in light of numerous news stories about video game violence translating to real-world violence, and the alarming trend of it affecting such low age brackets. In an interview featured on Gamecyte (http://www.gamecyte.com/exclusive-dr-david-walsh-on-video-game-addiction), Dr. David Walsh, founder of the National Institute on Media and Family in the United States, stated that:
“I think what's happening, not just here in the United States but in other coun-tries as well, is that there's some percentage of gamers—and no one quite knows what the percentage is, different surveys have put it at different percentages—but for some percentage of gamers, it seems to become an obsession. Other things in their life get neglected, sometimes even their health gets neglected, their grades start to suffer, rela-tionships start to suffer, and so it starts to bear all the behavioral hallmarks of an addic-tion. And so I think that's why the term has emerged. Of course, the term itself is contro-versial, because there are some, particularly in academia, who say that addiction signifies something that has to do with a chemical change. A dependency to a chemical. But we do have other behaviors that are recognized as addictions, the most common example to bear would be gambling addiction.”
He also goes on to say that games can be more addictive than other media in that they are inter-active. Contrast this to comic books or television, where one would just be a passive participant.
In 2007, the American Medical Association published a report recommending that Inter-net and Video Game Addiction be added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders but a little over a week after the report was published, the committee that authored the report changed their stance, admitting that the issue needed more study. Dr. Stuart Gitlow, of the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine said in article on www.Reuters.com titled “Addiction Experts Say Vidoe Games Not Addictive” (Steenhuysen, 2007) that it is premature to add video game addiction as a diagnostic category. He stated "There is nothing here to suggest that this is a complex physiological disease state akin to alcoholism or other substance abuse disorders, and it doesn't get to have the word addiction attached to it."
If you are curious whether you yourself might be showing signs indicative of internet ad-diction, there is now a test found on http://www.netaddiction.com/resources/internet_addic-tion_test.htm which comes from the Center for Online and Internet Addiction that rates your current online behavior.
Still, there is no clear cut professional stance of any addiction of the electronic kind. So, as always, we for now and the foreseeable future will have to stick to the old adage: Anything taken excess is bad for you.
Monday, February 22, 2010
OF BOOKS AND DRAGONS
Born George Raymond Richard Martin, the epic fantasy and science fiction writer was born on September 20, 1948 in Bayonne, New Jersey. His writing prowess revealed itself at an early age with him concocting fiction stories for the entertainment of the neighborhood children. Desiring to develop his skill to its full potential, Martin attended Northwestern University in Illinois, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Journalism. He has dabbled in writing for television productions, and on occasion, has produced several. He has also worked part time as a chess tournament director, Journalism instructor, and has even volunteered at VISTA, an American organization designed to fight poverty. All the while, Martin continued writing. He is a member of the Writers’ Guild of America as well as the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
Having written a diverse collection of short stories, novels, novelettes, and screenplays, Martin has had plenty of opportunity to hone his skill, thus being able to conceive complex twists and fascinating plots. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that he has had his fair share of awards and honors. Among them are several Hugo Awards and Nebula Awards, both highly coveted by writers inclined towards the fields of fantasy and science fiction.
George R. R. Martin has received a myriad of praises regarding his writing style and unbounded creativity. Lev Grossman of Time Magazine (2005) has even labeled the author as “the American Tolkien” which can be attributed to Martin’s success with his epic saga entitled A Song of Ice and Fire, a dark and exciting tale of a kingdom torn asunder by unending wars and fragile alliances, yet dotted by an interesting mélange of colorful and spirited characters. Grossman’s article compares the two great authors in his article stating that although Tolkien can be credited greatly for his vast imagination in creating Middle Earth and its inhabitants, Martin can be awarded the same praise for creating a world of realism filled with characters with rich histories and intricacies which can move any reader. His multifaceted characters have depths that cannot be understood at first glance, the main reason readers are held fast to his stories in hopes of discovering what happens next. After reading the first few chapters, readers can often find themselves riveted to their seats, wide-eyed, and frantically scanning pages to know the fates to befall the beloved characters. Furthermore, Martin’s stories are no strangers to death and deception. New readers of his books are often disconcerted to discover that Martin has, yet again, killed off one of the main characters who, up until the death of the said character, was a major force in shaping the story’s plot. More experienced fans have already learned to steel themselves against this painful manipulation masterfully executed by Martin. Knowing that the heroes and heroines of Martin’s stories will have fates as unpredictable as any real individual, fans do not expect any of these characters to fall into the stereotype of happily-ever-after personalities.
Conversely, many critics of the author find his works too dark and cynical but many of his fans come to his defense knowing all too well that this is simply, and uniquely, his style. So far, the only complaint that Martin has been receiving in his blog is the never-ending delay of the fifth installment in the Ice and Fire series entitled Dance With Dragons, which according to the author himself, was to be released in 2008. When the book is finished at last, many will be thrilled, some merely entertained, while others will have their fingers itching to finish their copy so they can remark on the merits and faults of DWD, as many fans opt to call it. For now, fans and critics alike await in repressed excitement for the fifth book.
Having written a diverse collection of short stories, novels, novelettes, and screenplays, Martin has had plenty of opportunity to hone his skill, thus being able to conceive complex twists and fascinating plots. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that he has had his fair share of awards and honors. Among them are several Hugo Awards and Nebula Awards, both highly coveted by writers inclined towards the fields of fantasy and science fiction.
George R. R. Martin has received a myriad of praises regarding his writing style and unbounded creativity. Lev Grossman of Time Magazine (2005) has even labeled the author as “the American Tolkien” which can be attributed to Martin’s success with his epic saga entitled A Song of Ice and Fire, a dark and exciting tale of a kingdom torn asunder by unending wars and fragile alliances, yet dotted by an interesting mélange of colorful and spirited characters. Grossman’s article compares the two great authors in his article stating that although Tolkien can be credited greatly for his vast imagination in creating Middle Earth and its inhabitants, Martin can be awarded the same praise for creating a world of realism filled with characters with rich histories and intricacies which can move any reader. His multifaceted characters have depths that cannot be understood at first glance, the main reason readers are held fast to his stories in hopes of discovering what happens next. After reading the first few chapters, readers can often find themselves riveted to their seats, wide-eyed, and frantically scanning pages to know the fates to befall the beloved characters. Furthermore, Martin’s stories are no strangers to death and deception. New readers of his books are often disconcerted to discover that Martin has, yet again, killed off one of the main characters who, up until the death of the said character, was a major force in shaping the story’s plot. More experienced fans have already learned to steel themselves against this painful manipulation masterfully executed by Martin. Knowing that the heroes and heroines of Martin’s stories will have fates as unpredictable as any real individual, fans do not expect any of these characters to fall into the stereotype of happily-ever-after personalities.
Conversely, many critics of the author find his works too dark and cynical but many of his fans come to his defense knowing all too well that this is simply, and uniquely, his style. So far, the only complaint that Martin has been receiving in his blog is the never-ending delay of the fifth installment in the Ice and Fire series entitled Dance With Dragons, which according to the author himself, was to be released in 2008. When the book is finished at last, many will be thrilled, some merely entertained, while others will have their fingers itching to finish their copy so they can remark on the merits and faults of DWD, as many fans opt to call it. For now, fans and critics alike await in repressed excitement for the fifth book.
HERSHEY: THE SWEETEST MAN ON EARTH
At this very moment, countless consumers are savoring a delectable Hershey chocolate bar, or even better, some Kisses. Unaware of the rich history of either product, these consumers indulge in the heavenly sensation of rich chocolate melting in their mouths. Having been around for more than a century, the success of the Hershey Chocolate Company is astounding. With its staggering net worth of more than $600 million, it comes as a shock that the company had such humble beginnings.
Milton Hershey, a charismatic and industrious businessman from Pennsylvania, created the Hershey Company in 1894. After a string of failed business ventures as a young man, he finally struck gold in caramels. Slowly, he expanded his business and acquired more properties. After a time, he decided to create the perfect chocolate, initially to coat his caramels with, but would later become the enduring product of his company. Hershey’s milk chocolate became the first chocolate product to be marketed nationally. From a series dismal failures to exponential profits, Milton Hershey was finally triumphant in his endeavor to earn from his own business.
In 1907, the first Hershey Kisses were produced. The most widely known legend for the origin of the chocolate’s name is that the machine that yields the world-famous chocolate creates a kissing sound during production. The Kisses were an immense success, as with Hershey’s earlier ventures. Until 1921 all Kisses were wrapped by hand until an automated wrapping machine, which could also apply the plume along with the wrapper, was brought in. Hershey trademarked the plume at the tip of the wrapper in 1924. At first, the foil used to cover the chocolate was only silver. It was only after 1962 that the wrappers began to come in a variety of colors, beginning with the red and green foil for the Christmas season. Since 1907, the Hershey Company has been producing Kisses and only stopped for several years during World War II in order to save foil. Presently, the chocolate factories produce more than 80 million Kisses everyday. Since the founding of the Hershey Company, many other chocolate products have been introduced into the international community and the chocolate frenzy continues to hold consumers in thrall.
The Hershey Company has expanded its ventures beyond chocolates to other food products as well as hotels, parks, and resorts. Surprisingly, it has also assisted the US Army in the advent of World War II and again in 1990 in Operation Desert Shield, by creating high-calorie chocolate bars that could remain intact and unspoiled despite tremendous conditions such as exposure to poison gas, high temperatures, and immersion in water.
Having an inclination to philanthropy, Milton Hershey also created the Milton Hershey School, an educational institution for boys who had lost one or both parents, in 1909 with the intention of imbibing in young students the values of proper work ethic and the Golden Rule, both of which were the keys to Hershey’s immense success. Along with this, Hershey also founded the Hershey Trust Company so that the school and its students could be supported even after his death. Eventually, the school began to accept girls as well. Many of its graduates are still supported until they are stable enough financially and some have even become employees of the Hershey Company and its numerous businesses. It is pleasing to note that despite Milton Hershey’s legendary feats of business, he never neglected his origins. Instead, he made sure to leave a legacy of generosity and kindness towards his community, fittingly named the town of Hershey, which in turn made sure that he would always be remembered.
Milton Hershey, a charismatic and industrious businessman from Pennsylvania, created the Hershey Company in 1894. After a string of failed business ventures as a young man, he finally struck gold in caramels. Slowly, he expanded his business and acquired more properties. After a time, he decided to create the perfect chocolate, initially to coat his caramels with, but would later become the enduring product of his company. Hershey’s milk chocolate became the first chocolate product to be marketed nationally. From a series dismal failures to exponential profits, Milton Hershey was finally triumphant in his endeavor to earn from his own business.
In 1907, the first Hershey Kisses were produced. The most widely known legend for the origin of the chocolate’s name is that the machine that yields the world-famous chocolate creates a kissing sound during production. The Kisses were an immense success, as with Hershey’s earlier ventures. Until 1921 all Kisses were wrapped by hand until an automated wrapping machine, which could also apply the plume along with the wrapper, was brought in. Hershey trademarked the plume at the tip of the wrapper in 1924. At first, the foil used to cover the chocolate was only silver. It was only after 1962 that the wrappers began to come in a variety of colors, beginning with the red and green foil for the Christmas season. Since 1907, the Hershey Company has been producing Kisses and only stopped for several years during World War II in order to save foil. Presently, the chocolate factories produce more than 80 million Kisses everyday. Since the founding of the Hershey Company, many other chocolate products have been introduced into the international community and the chocolate frenzy continues to hold consumers in thrall.
The Hershey Company has expanded its ventures beyond chocolates to other food products as well as hotels, parks, and resorts. Surprisingly, it has also assisted the US Army in the advent of World War II and again in 1990 in Operation Desert Shield, by creating high-calorie chocolate bars that could remain intact and unspoiled despite tremendous conditions such as exposure to poison gas, high temperatures, and immersion in water.
Having an inclination to philanthropy, Milton Hershey also created the Milton Hershey School, an educational institution for boys who had lost one or both parents, in 1909 with the intention of imbibing in young students the values of proper work ethic and the Golden Rule, both of which were the keys to Hershey’s immense success. Along with this, Hershey also founded the Hershey Trust Company so that the school and its students could be supported even after his death. Eventually, the school began to accept girls as well. Many of its graduates are still supported until they are stable enough financially and some have even become employees of the Hershey Company and its numerous businesses. It is pleasing to note that despite Milton Hershey’s legendary feats of business, he never neglected his origins. Instead, he made sure to leave a legacy of generosity and kindness towards his community, fittingly named the town of Hershey, which in turn made sure that he would always be remembered.
James Cameron
With the immense success of his latest masterpiece, Avatar, James Cameron more than pegs his legendary reputation of being the “Billion Dollar Director” to the long and vibrant history of filmmaking. For starters, Cameron also spearheaded the creation of the most successful films to date, including the highly acclaimed, True Lies, which sported the Austrian muscleman, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and of course, the heart wrenching tale of Jack and Rose from the supposedly unsinkable Titanic- both films broke box office records by a skyrocketing margin!
After everything that he has accomplished, it’s beyond anyone’s musing how the living legend pulls off his prevalent silver screen skirmishes. It could be sheer skill honed through years and years of experience, the kind that hyper-flexes over even to the fringes of early childhood. Then again it could be the unyielding will to give nothing but the highest caliber of entertainment, or, for the radically coherent, it could simply be that he was born to do it (Yes, that which is written on one’s destiny slate).
With all these it has been inexorable for someone so accomplished to be pummeled with queries comparing his works. With Avatar scaling the tapering heights, a comparison with his grandest creation, Titanic, becomes almost the humdrum soup served. The latter has been crowned as the highest grossing film ever, sacking over 1.8 billion dollars, the first surges with much promise, breathing at its predecessor’s neck with a whopping 1.3 billion and rising.
While the two part ways early with their genres, the meager yet striking link between the two more than kindles the clash of two of the most unforgettable big screen tales- enter the romantic team-ups. Titanic has been endowed with the Jack Dawson and Rose Dewitt Bukater, two souls from different worlds, entwined by an ephemeral romance aboard the tragic vessel. Avatar on the other hand has been garnered with its Jake Sully, a retired Marine and the Alien love interest, Neytiri. The similarity being that both couple is wedged by caste and stature- and as usual- fate.
When inquired about the two films, Mr. Cameron pinpoints with much efficiency the traits akin to the other, of the star-crossed lovers that has been seeded into the screenplay to add the spark of magic that would literally propel; revolve the engrossing storyline with. He also noted that despite the likeness, the pairs are uniquely created to fit the genre’s hinge, with Avatar’s pair granted with much allowance for their romance to bloom and Titanic’s own forced into a hastened connection by the early demise of their love-boat (Discounting of course fact that Rose swore that her heart will go on).
With Cameron’s magical touch even a rough trinket shines with superseding glamour, and if there was ever a god of filmmaking, he would surely claim a seat as rightful bearer of such prestige- or battle it out with the other most brilliant, if not genius visionaries of the cinematic realm. Whatever the case, or variations inflicted by the ever conflicting interests and perception of an individual, it is incontrovertible that the 55 year-old director from Ontario, Canada has already established himself a most adamant footing on probably the most solid turf in all the career chart.
With such deftness and transitioned charisma, it is understandable how the world all over is already anxious to see the realization of his next creation, entitled Sanctum, the film is due for release sometime within this year. Other films that have gained more than its fervor share of audience include the first and second tier of the famed Terminator franchise: Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, as well as the 1986 sci-fi flick of otherworldly extent, Aliens.
After everything that he has accomplished, it’s beyond anyone’s musing how the living legend pulls off his prevalent silver screen skirmishes. It could be sheer skill honed through years and years of experience, the kind that hyper-flexes over even to the fringes of early childhood. Then again it could be the unyielding will to give nothing but the highest caliber of entertainment, or, for the radically coherent, it could simply be that he was born to do it (Yes, that which is written on one’s destiny slate).
With all these it has been inexorable for someone so accomplished to be pummeled with queries comparing his works. With Avatar scaling the tapering heights, a comparison with his grandest creation, Titanic, becomes almost the humdrum soup served. The latter has been crowned as the highest grossing film ever, sacking over 1.8 billion dollars, the first surges with much promise, breathing at its predecessor’s neck with a whopping 1.3 billion and rising.
While the two part ways early with their genres, the meager yet striking link between the two more than kindles the clash of two of the most unforgettable big screen tales- enter the romantic team-ups. Titanic has been endowed with the Jack Dawson and Rose Dewitt Bukater, two souls from different worlds, entwined by an ephemeral romance aboard the tragic vessel. Avatar on the other hand has been garnered with its Jake Sully, a retired Marine and the Alien love interest, Neytiri. The similarity being that both couple is wedged by caste and stature- and as usual- fate.
When inquired about the two films, Mr. Cameron pinpoints with much efficiency the traits akin to the other, of the star-crossed lovers that has been seeded into the screenplay to add the spark of magic that would literally propel; revolve the engrossing storyline with. He also noted that despite the likeness, the pairs are uniquely created to fit the genre’s hinge, with Avatar’s pair granted with much allowance for their romance to bloom and Titanic’s own forced into a hastened connection by the early demise of their love-boat (Discounting of course fact that Rose swore that her heart will go on).
With Cameron’s magical touch even a rough trinket shines with superseding glamour, and if there was ever a god of filmmaking, he would surely claim a seat as rightful bearer of such prestige- or battle it out with the other most brilliant, if not genius visionaries of the cinematic realm. Whatever the case, or variations inflicted by the ever conflicting interests and perception of an individual, it is incontrovertible that the 55 year-old director from Ontario, Canada has already established himself a most adamant footing on probably the most solid turf in all the career chart.
With such deftness and transitioned charisma, it is understandable how the world all over is already anxious to see the realization of his next creation, entitled Sanctum, the film is due for release sometime within this year. Other films that have gained more than its fervor share of audience include the first and second tier of the famed Terminator franchise: Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, as well as the 1986 sci-fi flick of otherworldly extent, Aliens.
Diet Food
Ideally, there should only be three sizes in women’s clothing: small, medium and large; however, since models and famous personalities started sporting the skin-and-bones look as the latest fashion trend and fashion designers designed clothes that would look best on women of size zero, a new generation of women’s sizes in retail were born; thus, XS became the new small, small became the new medium and medium, large and extra-large sizes became synonymous to mortal sin for women. And since then, women have declared war with their bodies and sadly, food has been mortal enemy number one. Food manufacturers and businessmen were quick to notice and ride this new wave and soon the quest for the ultimate diet food---theoretically, something that is as tasty as a Double Quarter Pounder without all the calories---began.
Diet foods are the food items that usually have the terms: free, less, light, low and reduced attached to their labels. Are these foods the much awaited messiah for all women out there fighting the bulge? Well, think again! As much as we would like to believe the manufacturer’s promise of their product becoming our new best friend, studies have shown that most diet foods instead of helping you lose weight may make you gain unwanted pounds and lead to certain health risks. Take the case of your ever friendly and reliable, diet soda. Aspartame, the sugar substitute used as the main ingredient for sugar free drinks, actually induce weight gain as well as lead to certain health complications. According to Dr. Whitaker in his March 2000 article, statistics during the mid 1980s reflected that the number of obese Americans has risen to 54% which coincides with the massive infusion of non-caloric chemical sweeteners and sugar-free “diet” foods that are eaten by close to three-quarters of the adult population. Since aspartame, the main sugar substitute in diet sodas, entered the market in l981, it has accounted for more than 75 percent of the complaints reported in the FDA’s Adverse Reaction Monitoring system. The most common adverse reactions attributed to aspartame are headaches, dizziness, attention difficulties, memory loss, slurred speech and vision problems. This cluster of symptoms has become so common that it is actually referred to as “aspartame disease”. In Dr. John W. Olney’s (Washington University Medical School in St. Louis) article published in The Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology, it can be found that Dr. Olney had findings which showed that aspartame has cancer-causing potential that is related to the rise of malignant brain tumors.
Also, the terms free, less, light, low and reduced attached to food labels may deceive you into thinking that these foods are good for your body. In truth, these ‘add-ons’ to the labels may trick you into over indulging in a food item, which also leads to weight gain. Also, since diet foods normally lack the flavor that ‘real’ food has, our bodies tend to want more in order for it to be satisfied. This tendency, leads you to eat more that you should so you pile on in calories.
In reality, nutritionists have advised that in order to become fit and fabulous, nothing beats a good old fashioned workout at the gym and a proper diet. It is best to avoid these diet foods and patronize the ‘real’ food like --- whole grains, oats, cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables, because your body will be able to get the proper nutrients that it needs in less amounts. Eating whole meals when you’re hungry and cutting on snack time, is a less insane alternative to starvation diets and misleading diet foods. It may sound cliché and overused but, it is always better to eat a little of everything, as long as it is done in moderation. I have personally tested that one teaspoon of real peanut butter is enough to satisfy my sweet tooth compared to two to three teaspoons of the fat free version.
So for those still addicted to diet foods out there, here’s a tip: go a head and have that barbeque with rice that you’ve been craving for! Your body just might thank you for it. ♦
Diet foods are the food items that usually have the terms: free, less, light, low and reduced attached to their labels. Are these foods the much awaited messiah for all women out there fighting the bulge? Well, think again! As much as we would like to believe the manufacturer’s promise of their product becoming our new best friend, studies have shown that most diet foods instead of helping you lose weight may make you gain unwanted pounds and lead to certain health risks. Take the case of your ever friendly and reliable, diet soda. Aspartame, the sugar substitute used as the main ingredient for sugar free drinks, actually induce weight gain as well as lead to certain health complications. According to Dr. Whitaker in his March 2000 article, statistics during the mid 1980s reflected that the number of obese Americans has risen to 54% which coincides with the massive infusion of non-caloric chemical sweeteners and sugar-free “diet” foods that are eaten by close to three-quarters of the adult population. Since aspartame, the main sugar substitute in diet sodas, entered the market in l981, it has accounted for more than 75 percent of the complaints reported in the FDA’s Adverse Reaction Monitoring system. The most common adverse reactions attributed to aspartame are headaches, dizziness, attention difficulties, memory loss, slurred speech and vision problems. This cluster of symptoms has become so common that it is actually referred to as “aspartame disease”. In Dr. John W. Olney’s (Washington University Medical School in St. Louis) article published in The Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology, it can be found that Dr. Olney had findings which showed that aspartame has cancer-causing potential that is related to the rise of malignant brain tumors.
Also, the terms free, less, light, low and reduced attached to food labels may deceive you into thinking that these foods are good for your body. In truth, these ‘add-ons’ to the labels may trick you into over indulging in a food item, which also leads to weight gain. Also, since diet foods normally lack the flavor that ‘real’ food has, our bodies tend to want more in order for it to be satisfied. This tendency, leads you to eat more that you should so you pile on in calories.
In reality, nutritionists have advised that in order to become fit and fabulous, nothing beats a good old fashioned workout at the gym and a proper diet. It is best to avoid these diet foods and patronize the ‘real’ food like --- whole grains, oats, cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables, because your body will be able to get the proper nutrients that it needs in less amounts. Eating whole meals when you’re hungry and cutting on snack time, is a less insane alternative to starvation diets and misleading diet foods. It may sound cliché and overused but, it is always better to eat a little of everything, as long as it is done in moderation. I have personally tested that one teaspoon of real peanut butter is enough to satisfy my sweet tooth compared to two to three teaspoons of the fat free version.
So for those still addicted to diet foods out there, here’s a tip: go a head and have that barbeque with rice that you’ve been craving for! Your body just might thank you for it. ♦
Comfort Food
Have you ever had one of those days when Murphy’s Law decides to reinforce itself into your life? When everything that can go wrong goes wrong, what do you do? A typical reaction would be to look up to the heavens, scream in agony and crawl back to bed tuck yourself under the covers and wish for a better day tomorrow. But personally, when I am having one of those days, and I don’t exactly have the liberty to crawl back into bed, all I can think of is to eat my favorite comfort food and then everything magically seems to get better. Ah, yes. Never under estimate the power of a deliciously baked chocolate cookie or a perfectly cooked sinigang. According to a scientific study, one of the first places that a human will look for comfort is in food.
Comfort food has become so universal, that in the year 1972, the term ‘comfort food’ was added to the Webster’s Dictionary. As its name suggests, it can be derived that comfort foods are exactly that; foods that provide comfort. It is defined to be food that is simply prepared and associated with a sense of home and contentment. This is usually home-cooked and eaten at informal restaurants. They are foods that are often emotionally significant to a person or group of people and are sometimes related to pleasant memories of childhood. Comfort foods soothe the psyche by reminding us of comforting childhood memories. For most of us, these foods are far from gourmet and generally epitomize home cooking. They invoke feelings of nostalgia, safety, and security.
Biologically each has varying sensitivity to crunch, fats, sugars, fluid, color, presentation, pre & post rituals - of the eating experience.Taste is subjective to a person which is why there are various foods and snacks that could fill the urge for a comfort food. It has been observed that culture and cuisine influence the acceptance of a certain individual to food. Their preference or partiality to comfort food is also influenced by their upbringing, memories & traumas, situations. There have been studies that gender also influences food preferences of individuals.
Comfort food has always been the staple of diners and other informal restaurants, as well as home cooking. Traditionally, there has been an emphasis on authenticity and low cost. One recent development, however, as chefs have explored the roots of American cuisine and tried to define it as a unique style, is the advent of fine dining comfort food restaurants that feature more careful cooking and presentation, higher quality and fresh organic ingredients, and consequently, higher prices. Filipino comfort food is synonymous with home-cooked meals. It is also associated with street food such as balut, isaw, mani, mais, chocolate, and the ubiquitous ice cream. Filipino comfort food could be sinangag, sinigang or nilaga.
Comfort food is magical because it gives you the instant feeling of relief. They make you happy and provide you with a sense of comfort and stability. They are always reliable because no matter how old you are or how young you are once you decide that chocolate is one of your favorite foods; chocolate will always have calming properties once presented to you. Comfort food also gives us a means of reliving the past. It acts as a time machine. Like for example, in the Disney movie Ratatouille, when upon tasting the delicious dish concocted by the rat in the movie, the terrifying food critic was reminded of his own childhood and his spirits were immediately lifted.
At the end of a long day, I believe that there is no one in this world who would trade a night in front of the couch with a bowl of your favorite comfort food to remind you of how wonderful life could be. ♦
Comfort food has become so universal, that in the year 1972, the term ‘comfort food’ was added to the Webster’s Dictionary. As its name suggests, it can be derived that comfort foods are exactly that; foods that provide comfort. It is defined to be food that is simply prepared and associated with a sense of home and contentment. This is usually home-cooked and eaten at informal restaurants. They are foods that are often emotionally significant to a person or group of people and are sometimes related to pleasant memories of childhood. Comfort foods soothe the psyche by reminding us of comforting childhood memories. For most of us, these foods are far from gourmet and generally epitomize home cooking. They invoke feelings of nostalgia, safety, and security.
Biologically each has varying sensitivity to crunch, fats, sugars, fluid, color, presentation, pre & post rituals - of the eating experience.Taste is subjective to a person which is why there are various foods and snacks that could fill the urge for a comfort food. It has been observed that culture and cuisine influence the acceptance of a certain individual to food. Their preference or partiality to comfort food is also influenced by their upbringing, memories & traumas, situations. There have been studies that gender also influences food preferences of individuals.
Comfort food has always been the staple of diners and other informal restaurants, as well as home cooking. Traditionally, there has been an emphasis on authenticity and low cost. One recent development, however, as chefs have explored the roots of American cuisine and tried to define it as a unique style, is the advent of fine dining comfort food restaurants that feature more careful cooking and presentation, higher quality and fresh organic ingredients, and consequently, higher prices. Filipino comfort food is synonymous with home-cooked meals. It is also associated with street food such as balut, isaw, mani, mais, chocolate, and the ubiquitous ice cream. Filipino comfort food could be sinangag, sinigang or nilaga.
Comfort food is magical because it gives you the instant feeling of relief. They make you happy and provide you with a sense of comfort and stability. They are always reliable because no matter how old you are or how young you are once you decide that chocolate is one of your favorite foods; chocolate will always have calming properties once presented to you. Comfort food also gives us a means of reliving the past. It acts as a time machine. Like for example, in the Disney movie Ratatouille, when upon tasting the delicious dish concocted by the rat in the movie, the terrifying food critic was reminded of his own childhood and his spirits were immediately lifted.
At the end of a long day, I believe that there is no one in this world who would trade a night in front of the couch with a bowl of your favorite comfort food to remind you of how wonderful life could be. ♦
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Red Cross
The existence of the Red Cross was motivated by the publishing of Un Souvenir de Solférino (1862), an account by Jean Henri Dunant of the suffering suffered by the wounded at the combat of Solferino in 1859. Dunant, a Swiss citizen, urged the formation of self-imposed aid guilds for moderation of such war victims. He also asked that service to military sick and wounded be neutral. Iran used the Red Lion and Sun, formally established in 1949, until 1980. The Red Crescent, the first employed by the Ottoman Empire in 1876, was officially accredited by the League of Red Cross Societies in 1929. The adoption of the Red Crystal symbolic representation in 2005 (effective in 2007), although occurring primarily as a means to offer an emblem under which Israel's Magen David Adom could turn as a full member (2006) of the worldwide movement, also established a neutral emblem that could be used by any national society that desired to avoid using the Islamic crescent or Christian cross.
The origin of red cross started in February of 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland, the Geneva Public Welfare Society [Société genevoise d'utilité publique] set up a commission of five Swiss citizens to look into the ideas provided by Henri Dunant in the book Un Souvenir de Solferino he wrote - ideas dealing with security of the sick and wounded in combat. The commission had as its primary members: Guillaume Henri Dufour (1787-1875), Swiss army general and a writer of military parcels who became to the committee's president for its primal year and its honorary president thereafter; Gustave Moynier (1826-1910), a young lawyer and president of the sponsoring Public Welfare Society, who from this occasion on devoted his life to Red Cross work; Louis Appia (1818-1898), Theodore Maunoir (1806-1869), both medical surgeons and Henri Dunant himself.
Guided by Moynier's talent for organization, the committee called an global conference for October of 1863 which, with sixteen nations represented, adopted various applicable resolutions and principles, along with an emblem, and appealed to all nations to form willful units to help wartime wounded and sick. These units finally became the National Red Cross Societies, the Committee of Five itself eventually became the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Gustave ldoynier as its president (1864-1910) both after and before it took this name.
As a result of the 1863 Conference that desired to see its Red Cross principles become a part of international law, an global diplomatic meeting was made at Geneva the next year at the invitation of the Swiss government. The forum formulated the Geneva Convention of 1864. The international Convention for the Amelioration of the "Condition of the Sick and Wounded in Armed Forces in the Field", included provisions guaranteeing neutrality for medical personnel and equipment and adopting the red cross on a portion of white as the distinguishing emblem. It was ratified on August 22, 1864, twelve states signed and was later accepted by virtually everyone.
The work of the Red Cross had been inaugurated. Three other forums were later contributed to the first, extending protection to prisoners of war, to victims of naval warfare, and to civilians. Revisions of these formulas have been produced from time to time, the largest being that of 1949.
Though the Red Cross has constantly given major service and often accomplished herculean jobs during time of warfare, it has achieved even better service in its gradual operation and development of humanitarian programs that serve continuously in both war and peace.
The origin of red cross started in February of 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland, the Geneva Public Welfare Society [Société genevoise d'utilité publique] set up a commission of five Swiss citizens to look into the ideas provided by Henri Dunant in the book Un Souvenir de Solferino he wrote - ideas dealing with security of the sick and wounded in combat. The commission had as its primary members: Guillaume Henri Dufour (1787-1875), Swiss army general and a writer of military parcels who became to the committee's president for its primal year and its honorary president thereafter; Gustave Moynier (1826-1910), a young lawyer and president of the sponsoring Public Welfare Society, who from this occasion on devoted his life to Red Cross work; Louis Appia (1818-1898), Theodore Maunoir (1806-1869), both medical surgeons and Henri Dunant himself.
Guided by Moynier's talent for organization, the committee called an global conference for October of 1863 which, with sixteen nations represented, adopted various applicable resolutions and principles, along with an emblem, and appealed to all nations to form willful units to help wartime wounded and sick. These units finally became the National Red Cross Societies, the Committee of Five itself eventually became the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Gustave ldoynier as its president (1864-1910) both after and before it took this name.
As a result of the 1863 Conference that desired to see its Red Cross principles become a part of international law, an global diplomatic meeting was made at Geneva the next year at the invitation of the Swiss government. The forum formulated the Geneva Convention of 1864. The international Convention for the Amelioration of the "Condition of the Sick and Wounded in Armed Forces in the Field", included provisions guaranteeing neutrality for medical personnel and equipment and adopting the red cross on a portion of white as the distinguishing emblem. It was ratified on August 22, 1864, twelve states signed and was later accepted by virtually everyone.
The work of the Red Cross had been inaugurated. Three other forums were later contributed to the first, extending protection to prisoners of war, to victims of naval warfare, and to civilians. Revisions of these formulas have been produced from time to time, the largest being that of 1949.
Though the Red Cross has constantly given major service and often accomplished herculean jobs during time of warfare, it has achieved even better service in its gradual operation and development of humanitarian programs that serve continuously in both war and peace.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Philippine Election
Philippine presidents were still a lot conditional on the support of the provincial elites and Manila oligarchies after the world war. The executive division was always presented with a dilemma.
In the pre-Marcos era (the 1950s and 1960s), the Philippine republic played a key role in economic development following the dictates of import substitution and economic patriotism. The government's occasional efforts to encourage democracy and development in the countryside, promoted by donor authorities and the American government, were sabotaged by conflict with the selected classes. Efforts at land reform, for instance, never had much chance of success given the established power of the landowning divisions.
Marcos himself emerged from this corrupt environment. He learned the political trade from his father's prewar movements for the National Assembly. His principal political bearing was as a defendant altered with killing his father's rival, and the wartime experience included substantial black marketing and fraud. It's not startling that he took the violence-oriented doctrine of the provincial politician to the national level. Marcos, naturally, took depravation to new heights through taxonomical plundering of the Philippine economy.
As of the first things President Cory Aquino did afterwhich was to produce the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to distinguish and retrieve money stolen by the Marcoses and their cronies. Still, Aquino's early reputation as a house cleaner did not endure allegations that two of her Cabinet members and certain relatives were themselves crooked. The PCGG was charged of favoritism, corruption, and incompetence.
President Ramos also took on the anti-corruption mantle and made some provable progress. The accomplishments of his administration, chronicled in some other Pearls and in the Philippines Economic Capsule, were substantial, especially in such reforms as liberalizing the telecommunications industry and hospitable foreign investment.
Through the Aquino and Ramos times (1986-1998), the compounding of limited government money, economic and political uncertainty, and the freshly restored constitutional democracy weakened the Federal government. The elite groups whose power had been preempted by Marcos swept back in to assume the void. By the 1998 elections, the system of rules had in many ways reverted to the corruption of the Marcos years (although slightly softened and not as extreme).
In placing Estrada's election into context, it should be marked that Philippine political parties are not very distinct from one another. Estrada won by a huge margin (over 6 million votes) over his closest rival, Jose de Venecia. He gathered about 40% of the vote in an field of ten presidential bets, compared to only about 24% for Ramos in 1992. Estrada, of course, was swept into office on the strength of the support of the mass, the lower Class voters.
The Chief of Staff of the Philippines as of today, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, holds many records. She was elected as Senator during her first try in politics in 1992, was re-elected Senator in 1995 with nearly 16 million votes, the most eminent number of votes in Philippine history at the time. She was then elected Vice President of the Philippines in 1998 with about 13 million votes, the biggest mandate in the history of the presidential or vice presidential elections. She was bound in as the 14th President of the Philippines on 20 January 2001 by then Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. after the Supreme Court declared the seat of President vacant, as the second woman to be crossed into the Presidency by a People Power revolution (EDSA II). She won the Presidential elections for a fresh mandate in 2004, taking one million votes from her closest opponent.
In the pre-Marcos era (the 1950s and 1960s), the Philippine republic played a key role in economic development following the dictates of import substitution and economic patriotism. The government's occasional efforts to encourage democracy and development in the countryside, promoted by donor authorities and the American government, were sabotaged by conflict with the selected classes. Efforts at land reform, for instance, never had much chance of success given the established power of the landowning divisions.
Marcos himself emerged from this corrupt environment. He learned the political trade from his father's prewar movements for the National Assembly. His principal political bearing was as a defendant altered with killing his father's rival, and the wartime experience included substantial black marketing and fraud. It's not startling that he took the violence-oriented doctrine of the provincial politician to the national level. Marcos, naturally, took depravation to new heights through taxonomical plundering of the Philippine economy.
As of the first things President Cory Aquino did afterwhich was to produce the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to distinguish and retrieve money stolen by the Marcoses and their cronies. Still, Aquino's early reputation as a house cleaner did not endure allegations that two of her Cabinet members and certain relatives were themselves crooked. The PCGG was charged of favoritism, corruption, and incompetence.
President Ramos also took on the anti-corruption mantle and made some provable progress. The accomplishments of his administration, chronicled in some other Pearls and in the Philippines Economic Capsule, were substantial, especially in such reforms as liberalizing the telecommunications industry and hospitable foreign investment.
Through the Aquino and Ramos times (1986-1998), the compounding of limited government money, economic and political uncertainty, and the freshly restored constitutional democracy weakened the Federal government. The elite groups whose power had been preempted by Marcos swept back in to assume the void. By the 1998 elections, the system of rules had in many ways reverted to the corruption of the Marcos years (although slightly softened and not as extreme).
In placing Estrada's election into context, it should be marked that Philippine political parties are not very distinct from one another. Estrada won by a huge margin (over 6 million votes) over his closest rival, Jose de Venecia. He gathered about 40% of the vote in an field of ten presidential bets, compared to only about 24% for Ramos in 1992. Estrada, of course, was swept into office on the strength of the support of the mass, the lower Class voters.
The Chief of Staff of the Philippines as of today, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, holds many records. She was elected as Senator during her first try in politics in 1992, was re-elected Senator in 1995 with nearly 16 million votes, the most eminent number of votes in Philippine history at the time. She was then elected Vice President of the Philippines in 1998 with about 13 million votes, the biggest mandate in the history of the presidential or vice presidential elections. She was bound in as the 14th President of the Philippines on 20 January 2001 by then Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. after the Supreme Court declared the seat of President vacant, as the second woman to be crossed into the Presidency by a People Power revolution (EDSA II). She won the Presidential elections for a fresh mandate in 2004, taking one million votes from her closest opponent.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Going Green
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently reported that the years 2001 thru 2009 are among the ten warmest years in a 130-year record. Furthermore, the report reveals that in the past century, global temperatures have increased by 0.06C per decade. Seemingly minute, this change in temperature triggers drastic and undesirable effects in the world’s ecosystem. In addition, world population continues to grow steadily every year. In the past fifty years, the population has increased by 3.7 billion. In 2009, the world population was estimated by the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) to be 6.8 billion and by 2025 is projected to increase to at least 8 billion. The top three most populous countries are China, India, and the United States. Two of these countries also belong to the top three in PRB’s list of countries with the highest carbon dioxide emissions. The continuous increase in human population has a direct effect on the biodiversity of the planet. As the World Wildlife Fund reported, many species are continually being added to their list of endangered species, with tigers, rhinos, and even the monarch butterfly among them. Because of poaching, disregard for the fragile ecosystem, and, basically, mistreating the natural habitats of these animals, we have managed to paint a pretty bleak picture of what’s in store for us.
Fortunately, many governments have heard the pleas and warnings that scientists have been sounding out for decades. New policies to conserve the environment are being developed by governments all over the world. The Australian government has released their plan for 2010 under the Caring for our Country program which is designed to protect and restore their valuable and unique environment. In the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference, delegates used CamelBak reusable water bottles instead of disposable cups, with the CEO of CamelBak, Sally McCoy, stating that "each year, Americans alone dispose of more than 50 billion plastic water bottles, and only a fraction of those are recycled.” Theil (2010) discloses plans made by several rich states to assist developing countries in halting deforestation, one of the main causes of greenhouse gas emissions. His article further reveals that protecting and restoring rainforests is a much cheaper way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In November 2008, the UK government passed the Climate Change Act which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2050. Watson and El-Ashry (2009) proposed to create a Global Methane Fund in order to reduce the amount of this particular greenhouse gas.
Meanwhile, at home, there are a vast number of ways to cooperate in this global effort to restore and heal our planet. For instance, the simple act of conserving water can help in restoring environment by lessening the burden that we place on it. Considering that there are billions of people on Earth who all use water, this burden can prove to be too much for our planet. Also, the cost of water treatment and the carbon emissions from these processes can also worsen the global condition. Following the example of the UN delegates who used reusable bottles during their convention, the use of reusable items such as shopping bags, utensils, and the like can be practiced. The well-known concepts of reusing, reducing, and recycling are still effective. When choosing appliances and household items, one should also consider if the item is energy-efficient. Another method to majorly reduce greenhouse gas emissions is by choosing to walk instead of driving to a nearby destination. If it cannot be helped, cycling or hopping on the next bus would be preferable to driving private vehicles. Although many would consider these methods a nuisance, it is merely because most people are not used to this way of life. However, once these methods have become as natural as breathing, we could soon realize that things have, slowly but surely, taken a turn for the better.
Fortunately, many governments have heard the pleas and warnings that scientists have been sounding out for decades. New policies to conserve the environment are being developed by governments all over the world. The Australian government has released their plan for 2010 under the Caring for our Country program which is designed to protect and restore their valuable and unique environment. In the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference, delegates used CamelBak reusable water bottles instead of disposable cups, with the CEO of CamelBak, Sally McCoy, stating that "each year, Americans alone dispose of more than 50 billion plastic water bottles, and only a fraction of those are recycled.” Theil (2010) discloses plans made by several rich states to assist developing countries in halting deforestation, one of the main causes of greenhouse gas emissions. His article further reveals that protecting and restoring rainforests is a much cheaper way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In November 2008, the UK government passed the Climate Change Act which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2050. Watson and El-Ashry (2009) proposed to create a Global Methane Fund in order to reduce the amount of this particular greenhouse gas.
Meanwhile, at home, there are a vast number of ways to cooperate in this global effort to restore and heal our planet. For instance, the simple act of conserving water can help in restoring environment by lessening the burden that we place on it. Considering that there are billions of people on Earth who all use water, this burden can prove to be too much for our planet. Also, the cost of water treatment and the carbon emissions from these processes can also worsen the global condition. Following the example of the UN delegates who used reusable bottles during their convention, the use of reusable items such as shopping bags, utensils, and the like can be practiced. The well-known concepts of reusing, reducing, and recycling are still effective. When choosing appliances and household items, one should also consider if the item is energy-efficient. Another method to majorly reduce greenhouse gas emissions is by choosing to walk instead of driving to a nearby destination. If it cannot be helped, cycling or hopping on the next bus would be preferable to driving private vehicles. Although many would consider these methods a nuisance, it is merely because most people are not used to this way of life. However, once these methods have become as natural as breathing, we could soon realize that things have, slowly but surely, taken a turn for the better.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Autism
During my days in college, I was assigned to spend my clinical hours at the Paaralan ng Pag-ibig at Pag-asa, a recognized center for special education situated in San Pablo City, Laguna. Taking full advantage of this opportunity, I immersed myself in the students’ classes. At first I was very objective, approaching the subject with a cold, scientific attitude. However, as the days rolled into each other, I found my reserve melting away. I felt accepted by the children who didn’t even understand me most of the time because I wasn’t at all adept with the variety of gestures used to represent persons, objects, emotions, and even something so complex as time. Nevertheless, the children treated me with respect, showered me with innocent kisses, and sought my warm embrace. I had only known them for a few days, and yet here they were, clinging to me as if we had been bosom buddies for years. I was touched.
On a darker note, I also found out that some relatives had a tendency to leave their kin at the school once they discovered that coping with the disorder is no easy matter. Yes, there were only a few students who remained at the school beyond class hours, but it was still distressing to see the students with their faces downcast as they waved goodbye while everybody else left.
Since then I have wanted to be an advocate of this great cause: to help people understand that autism, although undesirable for most, is not a disease. Therefore, individuals diagnosed with such a disorder should not be shunned nor ridiculed. Instead, people within their environment should learn to demonstrate their love in ways that go beyond the conventional methods of communication.
Recently, I came upon the website of the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), a national, nonprofit organization aimed at providing much-needed help to people with the disorder, as well as assisting their families in coping with this situation. Their methods range from facilitating support groups, educating the public regarding the disorder, and conducting seminars and conferences to ensure that the community remains updated with the latest medical trends and the most accurate information. In October 2009, ASP held the 11th National Conference and 1st Southeast Asian Conference on Autism, entitled Autism Beyond Borders, in Manila. The subjects of the lectures ranged from new methods of therapy for autistic children to autism-associated seizures, each given by a notable and highly respected speaker.
As an afterthought, I can only wish I could have attended the conference. I believe that holding these conferences greatly contributes to the community’s growing awareness. Autism as a disorder is difficult to understand. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder which affects an individual’s socialization, communication, and biological processes. The disorder can be found in any country in the world and affects individuals from all socioeconomic classes. Children with autism can be identified by certain facial features and unusual behaviors, which are usually repetitive. The specific cause of the disorder is still unknown to researchers and under the circumstances, there is no cure for it, although it can be treated. There are many institutions which offer special education tailored for children with autism disorder. With the cooperation of these children’s parents, this disorder’s negative effect can be lessened considerably. David Lopez, diagnosed with autism at age 3, is a testament to the change that proper education, love, and patience can bring. In 2007, he graduated from the Lyceum Institute of Technology in Calamba City with a degree in AB Communications and is hopeful that others will be inspired to accomplish what he did. Hopefully, many others will have experiences like David’s and that they, in turn, can increase other people’s awareness regarding autism.
On a darker note, I also found out that some relatives had a tendency to leave their kin at the school once they discovered that coping with the disorder is no easy matter. Yes, there were only a few students who remained at the school beyond class hours, but it was still distressing to see the students with their faces downcast as they waved goodbye while everybody else left.
Since then I have wanted to be an advocate of this great cause: to help people understand that autism, although undesirable for most, is not a disease. Therefore, individuals diagnosed with such a disorder should not be shunned nor ridiculed. Instead, people within their environment should learn to demonstrate their love in ways that go beyond the conventional methods of communication.
Recently, I came upon the website of the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), a national, nonprofit organization aimed at providing much-needed help to people with the disorder, as well as assisting their families in coping with this situation. Their methods range from facilitating support groups, educating the public regarding the disorder, and conducting seminars and conferences to ensure that the community remains updated with the latest medical trends and the most accurate information. In October 2009, ASP held the 11th National Conference and 1st Southeast Asian Conference on Autism, entitled Autism Beyond Borders, in Manila. The subjects of the lectures ranged from new methods of therapy for autistic children to autism-associated seizures, each given by a notable and highly respected speaker.
As an afterthought, I can only wish I could have attended the conference. I believe that holding these conferences greatly contributes to the community’s growing awareness. Autism as a disorder is difficult to understand. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder which affects an individual’s socialization, communication, and biological processes. The disorder can be found in any country in the world and affects individuals from all socioeconomic classes. Children with autism can be identified by certain facial features and unusual behaviors, which are usually repetitive. The specific cause of the disorder is still unknown to researchers and under the circumstances, there is no cure for it, although it can be treated. There are many institutions which offer special education tailored for children with autism disorder. With the cooperation of these children’s parents, this disorder’s negative effect can be lessened considerably. David Lopez, diagnosed with autism at age 3, is a testament to the change that proper education, love, and patience can bring. In 2007, he graduated from the Lyceum Institute of Technology in Calamba City with a degree in AB Communications and is hopeful that others will be inspired to accomplish what he did. Hopefully, many others will have experiences like David’s and that they, in turn, can increase other people’s awareness regarding autism.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer in adult females and the second most frequent cause of cancer death in women in the world while almost all of new breast cancers are resulted as a result of an irregularity seen on a mammogram, a change or lump in body of the breast tissue is also a warning signal of the cancer. Enhanced knowingness of breast cancer risk in the early decades has led to an gain in the total of women taking mammography for screening, going to detection of cancers in premature stages and a result improvement in the survival rates. Nevertheless, breast cancer is the most general cause of death in women in ages of 45 and 55. Though breast cancer in women is a usual variety of cancer, male breast cancer occurs and accounts for nearly 1% of all cancer deaths in men.
Research has gave much selective information about the causes of breast cancers, and it is at present conceived that genetic and/or hormonal factors are the basic risk components for breast cancer. Representing systems have been produced to allow doctors to familiarize the degree to which a specific cancer has extended and to make decisions concerning treatment choices. Breast cancer treatment depends upon many elements, including the case of cancer and the point to which it has spread. Treatment alternatives for breast cancer may need surgery (elimination of the cancer alone or, in several cases, mastectomy), hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
With advances in diagnosis, screening, and handling, the death range for breast cancer has gone down by about 20% over the past decade, and research is ongoing to develop even more efficient testing and treatment programs.
The breasts sit around on the chest muscular tissues that cover the ribs. Each breast is made of 15 to 20 lobes. These lobes bear many small-scale lobules. The lobules carry groups of small glands that can produce milk. Milk runs from the lobules all over fine tubes called ducts to the nipple. The nipple is in the centric of a dark area of skin, the areola. Fat fills the spaces between the ducts and lobules.
The breasts also hold lymph vessels. The vessels lead to small, circular organs called the lymph nodes. Groups of the lymph nodes are close to the breast in the underarm (axilla), preceding the collarbone, in the chest right behind the breastbone, and in some other components of the body. The lymph nodes trap bacteria, cancer cells, or other harmful substances.
Surgical Procedure is the most usual treatment for breast cancer. Although there are several types of operation in some cases, the doctor can explain every type, discuss and compare the gains and hazards, and describe how each will change the way patients look:
• Breast-sparing operation: A surgical operation to take out the cancer but not the breast is called breast-sparing surgical operation. Also called partial mastectomy, lumpectomy, breast-conserving surgery, and segmental mastectomy. At times an excisional biopsy helps as a lumpectomy because the surgeon removes the entire lump.
The surgeon often takes out the underarm lymph nodes too. A separate incision is prepared. This procedure is called the axillary lymph node dissection. This shows whether the cancer cells have went into the lymphatic system.
After breast-sparing surgery, almost all women patients acquire radiation therapy to the breast. The treatment puts down cancer cells that may remain in the breast.
• Mastectomy: This is a surgical procedure to remove the breast. In most cases, the operating surgeon also removes lymph nodes under the arm. Several women have radiotherapy after surgical operation.
Research has gave much selective information about the causes of breast cancers, and it is at present conceived that genetic and/or hormonal factors are the basic risk components for breast cancer. Representing systems have been produced to allow doctors to familiarize the degree to which a specific cancer has extended and to make decisions concerning treatment choices. Breast cancer treatment depends upon many elements, including the case of cancer and the point to which it has spread. Treatment alternatives for breast cancer may need surgery (elimination of the cancer alone or, in several cases, mastectomy), hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
With advances in diagnosis, screening, and handling, the death range for breast cancer has gone down by about 20% over the past decade, and research is ongoing to develop even more efficient testing and treatment programs.
The breasts sit around on the chest muscular tissues that cover the ribs. Each breast is made of 15 to 20 lobes. These lobes bear many small-scale lobules. The lobules carry groups of small glands that can produce milk. Milk runs from the lobules all over fine tubes called ducts to the nipple. The nipple is in the centric of a dark area of skin, the areola. Fat fills the spaces between the ducts and lobules.
The breasts also hold lymph vessels. The vessels lead to small, circular organs called the lymph nodes. Groups of the lymph nodes are close to the breast in the underarm (axilla), preceding the collarbone, in the chest right behind the breastbone, and in some other components of the body. The lymph nodes trap bacteria, cancer cells, or other harmful substances.
Surgical Procedure is the most usual treatment for breast cancer. Although there are several types of operation in some cases, the doctor can explain every type, discuss and compare the gains and hazards, and describe how each will change the way patients look:
• Breast-sparing operation: A surgical operation to take out the cancer but not the breast is called breast-sparing surgical operation. Also called partial mastectomy, lumpectomy, breast-conserving surgery, and segmental mastectomy. At times an excisional biopsy helps as a lumpectomy because the surgeon removes the entire lump.
The surgeon often takes out the underarm lymph nodes too. A separate incision is prepared. This procedure is called the axillary lymph node dissection. This shows whether the cancer cells have went into the lymphatic system.
After breast-sparing surgery, almost all women patients acquire radiation therapy to the breast. The treatment puts down cancer cells that may remain in the breast.
• Mastectomy: This is a surgical procedure to remove the breast. In most cases, the operating surgeon also removes lymph nodes under the arm. Several women have radiotherapy after surgical operation.
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