Improving life in the U.S Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Improving life in the U.S - Essay Example Americans are predominantly non-vegetarians. Since most of the non-vegetarian foods have too much fatty content, Americans are becoming obese as time goes on. It should be noted that obesity is becoming a huge health problem not only among adults, but also among children in America. Obesity or overweight has the potential to cause damage to physical as well as mental health. Avoidance of non-vegetarian food and practicing vegetarian foods are important things in preventing obesity related problems in America. ‘A study conducted by Arizona State University psychology professors Richard Stein and Carol Nemeroff reported that, sight unseen, salad eaters were rated more moral, virtuous and considerate than steak eaters " (Corliss). School shooting like violent incidents are increasing day by day in America. Plenty of studies have shown that non-vegetarianism has the potential to increase violence compared to vegetarianism. It should be noted that Indians are predominantly vegetaria ns and hence school shooting like violent incidents are less in India. India is adopting peaceful means of conflict resolution even though Pakistan like countries is continuously causing problems in India. It should be noted that Mahatma Gandhi opted for nonviolent means for his fight against British colonialism. On the other hand, non-vegetarianism is prevalent in Pakistan like countries. They are currently struggling to fight against terrorism and violent activities. All these factors clearly suggest that vegetarianism has the potential to improve peace and harmony and reduce violent activities. Therefore America should give more emphasize to vegetarian foods. â€Å"Today, we dumped another 70 million tons of global-warming pollution into the thin shell of atmosphere surrounding our planet, as if it were an open sewer. And tomorrow, we will dump a slightly larger amount, with the cumulative concentrations now trapping more and more heat from the sun†(Gore). Global warming i s going to be a big problem in future. Many studies have proved beyond doubt that atmospheric temperature is increasing continuously. The survival of living things on earth would become difficult in near future itself. Being the most heavily industrialized nation in the world, America cannot stay away from the responsibilities of causing global warming like environmental problems in this world. it should be noted that automobile use in America is extremely high compared to that in other parts of the world. The greenhouse gases coming out from the automobiles are causing big problems to the environment. Last September 21, as the Northern Hemisphere tilted away from the sun, scientists reported with unprecedented distress that the North Polar ice cap is "falling off a cliff." One study estimated that it could be completely gone during summer in less than 22 years. Another new study, to be presented by U.S. Navy researchers later this week, warns it could happen in as little as 7 years (Gore). The huge ice blocs in Polar Regions are getting melted as time goes on because of the atmospheric temperature rise. The water coming out from the melted ice goes to sea and increases the sea level. It is believed that some of the major cities located near to the coastal areas will be sunk in near

Training Corps Essay Example for Free

Training Corps Essay My plan is to create a recruitment leaflet for my local squadron of the Air Training Corps (ATC), 578 Langley Park Sqn. I will include a list of activities, a map of the local area, for easy finding, as well as any extra information, such as website, contact numbers, email addresses etc. I will choose to use a word processor over a desktop publisher as I find them easier to use and I do not need to add backgrounds and borders to it. Also I can make it form the layout of a leaflet better in a word processor. The word processor I shall use will be Microsoft Word as I have access to it at home and school. The most important thing is that I make it attractive to the target audience (13-14 year olds). To do this I will have to find out what sort of things, that link to the ATC, do the target audience like to see. The hardware used will include an inkjet colour printer, to print in colour, scanner, to scan pictures in, and a digital camera, to take pictures to place in Analyse I have spoken to the Commanding officer and he wishes to have a leaflet made so that extra cadets could be recruited. The leaflet should be easy to understand and be found attractive to the target audience of 13-14 year olds of either sex. The information I require will be a map of the local area for the audience to locate the squadron, as well as contact telephone numbers, email addresses, and also the squadron website. To work out the most attractive type of leaflet I shall create short questionnaires for people of the target age group to answer in order to help me decide on the layout. When the leaflet is then completed it must be decided how they may be distributed among the general public. System Flowchart Design To produce my leaflet I first needed to decide the word processor that I would use. I decided to use Microsoft Word 2000 as I have access to it at home as well as at school. I decided not to use a DTP wizard such as Microsoft Publisher as I do not have easy access to them. I designed my leaflet so that it could be folded up into six sections. To do this I used the columns button at the top of the page to separate each side into three columns (Image1). Then I began gathering pictures off the internet to use in my project. The pictures I consider to be most important too the target audience are the maps (Images 2,3), which were downloaded from www. multimap. com. (Images 2,3) The front cover (Image 4) was made by layering different images from the air cadet website and adding the letters for 578sqn to be placed on the front cover over the rest of the pictures. I was able to do this by using Paint Shop Pro. (Image 4) (Image 5) For the activities section I used Word Art to create the title (Image 5) and used pictures downloaded from the squadron website to show the activities (Images 6,7,and 8). (Image 6) (Image 7) (Image 8) For the Duke of Edinborough Award section I took pictures from the official website. These included the title, different awards, and an image of an expedition (Images 9,10,and 11). (Image 9) (Image 10) (Image 11) Using Word Art, I created the title for the sport section (Image 12), which contains a list of sports in which the Air Training Corps take part. (Image 12) The final section on the Air Training Corps gives a brief summary of what the ATC is all about and gives information such as age limitations. Other information given in the leaflet include the time and days that the squadron parades and its address. Front Back Implement I had to change several things on my leaflet before I came to my final design. For instance the leaflet did contain information on Royal Air Force Stations, and aircraft. However I decided against this as it breaks the Official Secret Acts of 1911 and 1989. Other changes were more basic such as changes in fonts, pictures, etc. The leaflet will be folded in the following way: Testing I showed the leaflet to the Commanding Officer of the squadron the leaflet was for and he liked the idea and thought it was well designed, however to use the leaflet it would have to be cleared with Kent Wing HQ which would have been a lengthy and ultimately pointless process. Conclusion I conclude that the leaflet would have been successful in bringing in new recruits from the local area if it had been allowed to be given out.

Finding Morality and Unity with God in Dantes Inferno Essay -- Alighi

Finding Morality and Unity with God in Dante's Inferno Throughout the fast-paced lives of people, we are constantly making choices that shape who we are, as well as the world around us; however, one often debates the manner in which one should come to correct moral decisions, and achieve a virtuous existence. Dante has an uncanny ability to represent with such precision, the trials of the everyman’s soul to achieve morality and find unity with God, while setting forth the beauty, humor, and horror of human life. Dante immediately links his own personal experience to that of all of humanity, as he proclaims, â€Å"Midway along the journey of our life / I woke to find myself in a dark wood, / for I had wandered off from the straight path† (I.1-3). The dark wood is the sinful life on earth, and the straight path is that of the virtuous life that leads to God. Dante’s everyman, pilgrim character represents all of humanity, and endures much adversity and temptation through squalid conditions in a nightmarish vision of hel l, in his search to find the soul’s true path in life. While he stands in peril, Dante wishes that each individual would put themselves in the same position as the aforementioned, as all of mankind knows some form of sin, and also wanders lost in a dark wood. Before achieving moral redemption, an individual must take a hard look at evil both in the world and in himself. Only by confronting inner evil can people achieve self-knowledge, which is the first step toward redemption. Dante feels hell is a necessary, painful first step in any man’s spiritual journey, and the path to the blessed after-life awaits anyone who seeks to find it, and through a screen of perseverance, one will find the face of God. Nonetheless, Dante aspires to heaven in an optimistic process, to find salvation in God, despite the merciless torture chamber he has to travel through. As Dante attempts to find God in his life, those sentenced to punishment in hell hinder him from the true path, as the city of hell in Inferno represents the negative consequences of sinful actions and desires. Though the punishments invariably fit the crimes of the sinners and retributive justice reigns, the palpable emphasis of fear and pity that Dante imbues on the transgressors illustrates his human tendency to feel sympathy towards one who is suffering. For example, when Dante approaches the gat... ...a vice. The virtue of courage, then, lies at the mean between the excessive extreme of rashness, and the deficient extreme of cowardice. Reason often calls for us to take sides on moral issues, however, Dante illustrates the extremity of moral demands that Christianity makes on human beings, who are perpetually fallible. He reflects that the world beyond the present one, is, like reality, rational and orderly, and the poem allows us to view this certain, orderly world. Dante makes himself everyman, and the journey that God decreed through hell is one man’s personal transcendent journey from deep intellectual moral confusion to a sound and steadfast faith and hope, in which Dante renews his faith. Dante awakens our hope, and warns against moral complacency by peeling away the dangerous illusions of adequacy, leading one upward, toward the eternal heart of reality. Dante compels the reader to share his growing abhorrence of sin and his obligation to uphold God’s will. The poem’s purpose is to re-awaken Dante, and, by extension, the reader, to the reality of sin and the accompanying need for confession and repentance, to return to the straight path that leads to eternal salvation.

The Properties of Chemical Reactions

Properties of Chemical Reactions Ms. Whitty, Science 10 Fiona Adams, November 1st, 2012 Introduction Chemical reactions are a part of our daily lives, from rusting metal to making bread to leaves changing colour in the fall. A  chemical reaction  is the process that occurs when two or more substances combine to produce a chemical change. When a chemical reaction takes place, the change is indicated by one or more qualitative properties. The colour or odor could change, gas could be produced, a precipitate – a solid substance in a solution – could be formed, or energy could be absorbed or released.The substances initially involved in a chemical reaction are called reactants. When chemical reactions occur, the end result is called a product. Products usually have different properties than reactants; bonds between atoms will be changed during the reaction, switch the atoms’ arrangement in different compounds. A compound is a chemical substance that consists of t wo or more different chemically bonded elements. In this experiment, several different compounds are being worked with – potassium iodide, lead (II) nitrate, acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate.The purpose of this experiment is to determine whether or not a reaction has taken place using qualitative and quantitative analysis. Procedure Part 1 – Qualitative observations of both potassium iodide and lead (II) nitrate were recorded in a table. Then, the equipment and chemicals needed were gathered – potassium iodide and lead (II) nitrate, a graduated cylinder, Erlenmeyer flask, small test tube, rubber stopper, and small scale. Using the graduated cylinder, 10 mL of potassium iodide solution was measured and poured into the Erlenmeyer flask.Next, the lead (II) nitrate solution was poured into the small test tube until it was approximately half full. The test tube was placed inside the Erlenmeyer flask, and sealed with a rubber stopper – the solutions were not mixed. The mass of flask, stopper and contents were determined by being placed and weighed on a small scale. The mass determined was then recorded in another table. The Erlenmeyer flask was tipped so the previously separate solutions were allowed to mix, and the new mixture was again weighed and recorded in the second table.Changes in appearance from the original solutions were recorded in the first table. Lastly, leftover materials were disposed of. Part 2 – Qualitative observations of both acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate were recorded in a third table. Equipment and chemicals were gathered – acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate, a small scale, two plastic â€Å"weigh boats†, scoopula, and graduated cylinder. The first weigh boat was placed on the scale and the scale was â€Å"zeroed†. One scoop of sodium bicarbonate was poured into the weigh boat with the scoopula, and the results were recorded in a fourth table.Next, the second weigh boat was placed o n the scale and zeroed. Using the graduated cylinder, 15 mL of acetic acid was measured and poured into the weigh boat on the scale. The mass of the acetic acid was recorded in the fourth table. The sodium bicarbonate, measured previously, was poured into the weigh boat of acetic acid, and qualitative observations of that were recorded in the third table. When the reaction was complete, the mass of the products shown on the scale was recorded in the fourth table. Lastly, leftover materials were disposed of. ResultsQualitative Observations Part 1 – Before the reaction took place, both the potassium iodide and lead (II) nitrate had similar characteristics – they were both in a liquid state, as well as being clear and colorless. After the reaction, the qualitative observations of the new substance showed several differences. It was yellow in color, and a grainy precipitate had formed. The substance remained in a liquid state. (Table 2) Quantitative Observations from Part 1 – Mass of Reactants and Apparatus (g)| 140. 26| Mass of Products and Apparatus (g)| 140. 26| Qualitative Observations Part 2 –Before the reaction took place, the acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate each had different qualitative characteristics. The acetic acid was clear, colorless and in a liquid state. The sodium bicarbonate, however, was a white powder, in a solid state. The reaction caused the new substance to bubble and foam, producing a gas. (Table 4) Quantitative Observations from Part 2 – Mass of Sodium Bicarbonate (g)| 1. 01| Mass of Acetic Acid (g)| 14. 29| Mass of Products (g)| 14. 88| Analysis Part 1: The chemical reaction that took place was evidenced by several qualitative observations.The colour of the two original substances was clear, and when combined the colour changed to yellow – a change of colour is clear evidence of a chemical reaction. The word equation for this reaction would be – potassium iodide + lead (II) nitrate Potas sium nitrate and lead (II) iodide. In the form of a balanced equation, this reaction would be – 2KI + Pb(NO3)2 2KNO3 + PbI2. Weighing both the reactants and the product showed that the mass of the reactants, with the apparatus, was 140. 26 grams. The mass of the product, with the apparatus, was also 140. 6 grams – the product of this reaction had the same mass as the reactants. These results were expected, based on the Law of Conservation of Mass. The Law of Conservation of Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. The application of the Law of Conservation of Mass means that the mass of products in a chemical reaction will equal the mass of the reactants, and this is consistent with the results of the first experiment. Part 2 Several qualitative observations determined that a chemical reaction took place – the product bubbled, and a gas was produced.The chemical equation for this reaction is CH3COOH + NaHCO3 NaCH3COO + H2O + CO2. Put into a word equation, the equation would be acetic acid + sodium bicarbonate Sodium acetate + water + carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide being a gas. Because a gas is present on the product side of the equation but not on the reactant side, the gas has been produced, which is evidence of a chemical reaction. Weighing the reactants and products showed that the combined mass of the reactants was 15. 30 grams. The combined mass of the products was 14. 8 grams, weighing slightly less than the reactants. This result was expected, because it is consistent with the Law of Conservation of Mass. Although the product weighed on the scale showed a slightly lower mass, this was because the carbon dioxide was a gas, and was not accounted for on the scale. To achieve better results and gain an accurate measurement of the products’ combined mass, it would be necessary to capture the gas and weigh it as well. Part 3: Extension For the chemical reaction AgNO3 + NaCl NaNO3 + AgCl, the total molecular mas s of the reactants would be 228. grams – silver nitrate (AgNO3) would have a mass of 169. 9 grams, and sodium chloride (NaCl) would have a mass of 58. 5 grams. Based on the experiments performed in the lab, and the Law of Conservation of Mass, it is expected that the mass of the products would be 228. 4 grams as well. This prediction can be proved by finding the molecular mass of the reactions products – multiply the mass number of each atom by the number of said atom, and add the amounts to determine the total mass of sodium nitrate and silver chloride, the products. ConclusionUsing qualitative and quantitative analysis, it was determined that reactions took place in each portion of the lab – the first between potassium iodide and lead (II) nitrate; the second between sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid. In each section, the reactions were evidenced by several qualitative observations. When potassium iodide and lead (II) nitrate were combined, a change of colour occurred in the reactant and a precipitate was formed. This is evidence of a chemical change. When acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate were combined, a gas was produced; also evidence of a chemical reaction.In the experiments, the Law of Conservation of Mass was discovered. The quantitative evidence in each section proved this law. In the first experiment, the mass of the products was equal to the mass of the reaction, indicating that matter was not created or destroyed in the reaction. The results of the second reaction showed a decrease in the mass of the product – however, this was only because the gas formed in the reaction could not be weighed. Application Much of the ease of our current lifestyle is due to the availability of fresh air, pure water and access to resources – all of which are almost entirely taken from the environment.When fossil fuels like coal and oil are mined and utilize, the result is a huge negative impact on the many aspects of the environmen t, and as a direct consequence, our lifestyles. Coal and oil have to be extracted from deep under the earth, transported, and burned. At each stage of this process, greenhouse gases – i. e. , carbon dioxide – are produced. Burning is especially bad for the environment; when burned, fossil fuels like coal and oil release mass amounts of carbon, which then combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. References University of Washington.Chemical Reactions – an Introduction. http://depts. washington. edu/chemcrs/bulkdisk/chem110A_aut01/notes_Week_5. pdf (accessed Oct. 30, 2012). Science Daily. Science Reference – Chemical Compound. http://www. sciencedaily. com/articles/c/chemical_compound. htm (accessed Oct. 30, 2012). American University. Oil Production and Environmental Damage. http://www1. american. edu/ted/projects/tedcross/xoilpr15. htm (accessed Oct. 30, 2012). Chem Professor. Reactants and Products. http://www. chemprofessor. com/outline7b. htm (acces sed Oct. 30, 2012).

How Men Are Portrayed in Music Essay

The art of music is one of mankind’s greatest contributions to society. With the start of the twenty-first century music has become a very controversial subject. With swear words and harsh portrayals being the fad for many hipsters and rap artists human dignity has become a low priority. Both men and women are made out to be objects, trash, and indecent. With girl bands and female pop musicians on the raise stereotypes come into play. The main way that men are perceived is as ‘Boy Toys,’ ‘Cheaters,’ and ‘Fairytales‘. All of these portrayals will be discussed and analyzed to learn why men are made out to be the way they are, what makes these songs so catchy, and how men feel being portrayed the way they are. â€Å"Let’s have some fun, this beat is sick, I wanna take a ride on your disco stick, don’t think to much just thrust that stick I wanna take a ride on you disco stick,† (Love Game, Lady Gaga.) Is the lyric coming from the back of a young girls convertible, driving down Hollywood Boulevard. Does she stop and question if this song is appropriate or sanitary for her little sister? The answer is no because everywhere the fresh beat from the controversial Lady Gaga is playing. The cult favorite quickly lit up airways all over the globe and why? Because of the strong beat and catchy chorus, no one has stopped to analyze the effect it could have on the male population. This particular song depicts an image of a women being very forward and promiscuous towards an unsuspecting male. This is the first of many examples of songs viewing men as nothing more then a one night stand. Society does not want to look at gentlemen in this light because it’s uncomfortable and embarrassing for men to be sought out to be damsels in distress. Like women, there are also men that sell their bodies for money. Unlike women, they are less up front about in. In Las Vegas there are no little business cards handed out with scantily clad male pictures on them with a pimps phone number, on the other hand if someone wanted that kind of service, in todays times they wouldn’t have to look far to get it. Another example of a singer using the abuse of men to sell out is none other than intense success story, Ke$ha. â€Å"I don’t care where you live at just turn around let me hit that, don’t be a little b**ch with your chit chat, just show me where your d*cks at,† is the memorable lyric to Blah Blah Blah, which shares the same reasons for success that Love Game does. A result of such songs is boys feeling the need to be a tall, dark, and handsome guy with an eight-pack which for most twelve year olds, is an unreasonable goal. Boys deal with the same pressures as girls; they got to keep up their grades, play sports, do chores, and other responsibilities and to top it all off hormones are recking havoc. If they happen to be different in any way shape or form they are made fun of and ridiculed. Without good friends, life feels like prison. This problem is caused by artists that feel the need to compare themselves to everyone else. This problem not only affects big cities like Vancouver, but small towns like Fort Nelson. Last year, a class of grade seven boys were flat out refusing to eat lunch, as a result a self esteem building program was put in place to convince the kids that eating was not wrong at that developmental age eating large portions is okay. Other rude and nasty songs telling the world men are nothing but sex toys and accessories is wrong. Part of the problem lies within ourselves. What do songs like Peacock by Katy Perry make them so addicting? For instance the repeat chorus applies to us as well as the beat, â€Å"I wanna see your peacock, cock, cock, Your peacock, cock, Your peacock, cock, cock, Your peacock I wanna see it.† Another valid reason is this music is so inappropriate that we rebel a little when we hear it, â€Å"Come on baby let me see whatchu hidin‘ underneath.† In conclusion, my question to songwriters that support people selling themselves, being taken advantage of, as well as making it all appear glamourous; how do you think these lyrics are perceived? How does a father feel when he hears his daughter singing â€Å"I am a boy hunter, I need a boy tonight,† (Boyhunter , Skye Sweetam.) Or an elder minding his own business when a gas guzzling Hummer drives by with Dinasoar by Ke$ha comes blaring out? The answer is sad and awkward and a sense of longing for the days when belts were worn and hats were taken off we they entered buildings. People talk and discuss about things that apply to them. Most writers write about personal experiences, the same goes for singers. As humans, we dwell on bad experiences rather then good ones. Making songs about your ex more popular than ones about your true love. The song Before he Cheats by Carrie Underwood comes to mind as a great example of cheating and revenge, â€Å"I dug my key into the side of pretty little souped up four wheel drive, carved my name into his leather seats†¦ I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights, slashed a hole in all four tires†¦ Maybe next time he’ll think before he cheats†. Cheating occurs in a relationship when one party is upset or unsatisfied with the other and finds someone else to fill those needs. This act is looked down upon and hurts everyone involved. In music, cheaters are mostly viewed as men and when the girl does the deed, the so called ‘other man’ is the one to blame, â€Å"What’s her name, whats she like, does she know that you’ll never treat her right,† (Ghosts, Phoebe Dobson.) These players get cocky and in the end, like a serial killer, mess up, â€Å"You should of known that word, of what you did would hurt and get back to me,† (Should’ve Said No, Taylor Swift.) Men who are faithful probably perceive these songs as disrespectful and hurtful, but with legends like Tiger Woods and A-list celebs like Jessie James, songs of this theme are becoming more and more common. We relate to these songs because everyones been through a bad break up and when you’re feeling like no body understands you, the right playlist is the right cure for a broken heart. With all the hate and injustice in the world, there has to be some happiness too, or life not worth it. Finding you’re true love makes every other relationship irrelevant. The lock around your heart has found it’s key. Finding your soul mate is and discovering your truly not alone is the greatest feeling in the world. So why not describe it in song format? A good example of a singer who does this on a regular basis is country superstar, Taylor Swift. With the numerous awards and best selling singles, sharing her experiences was a very good idea, â€Å"Today was a fairytale, you were the prince, I was the damsel in distress, you took me by the hand and you picked me up at six today was a fairytale,† (Fairytale, Taylor Swift.) Some men don’t think these songs have merit and are too girly for them, but then why do they listen to them over and over? I think that being viewed as someone’s one and only is what make life worth all the struggles. Finding ‘the one’ makes you stop questioning â€Å"that theres’ gotta be somebody for me like that,† (Gotta be Somebody, Nickelback.) What makes this portrayal so popular is that society has taught us that finding your one and only is the ultimate goal. On the other hand, from a scientists point of view, not finding your soul mate and not having children is the worst thing imaginable because that implies that you’ll be erased from the gene pool making you existent come to a completely end. All men need someone to guide them, and give themselves over to without feeling worried or lost. When someone gives their mind, body, and soul over to you, the sun is brighter, the sky is bluer, and the birds sing louder, â€Å"let’s go all the way tonight, no regrets, just love, we can dance until we die, you and I will be young forever!† (Teenage Dream, Katy Perry.) Chivalry may be dead, but happily ever afters are still possible, â€Å"the planets all alined, when you looked into my eyes, and just like that, watch the chemicals react,† (Chemicals React, Aly & A.J.) Music gives us life, makes us feel surrounded and alive. Portraying every emotion, every event in our shared history. Giving men scoldings when they are weak and praise when they truly accomplish something. Without these songs, how could we express ourselves and convince the inner soul that falling head over heals for someone you just met is not crazy, but part of life. As with any literacy work there is truth to all the views; some men are used, some are scum, but once in you find Mr. Right and the world keeps on spinning. â€Å"So maybe it true, I can’t live without you, and maybe two is better then one, but theres so much time, to figure out the rest of my life, and you’ve already got me comin’ undone, and thinkin’, two is better than one,† (Two is Better than One, Boys Like Girls Feat. Taylor Swift.)

Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan

Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov rules the Central Asian Republic of Uzbekistan with an iron fist. He has ordered soldiers to fire into unarmed crowds of protestors, routinely uses torture on political prisoners, and fixes elections to remain in power. Who is the man behind the atrocities? Early Life Islam Abduganievich Karimov was born on January 30, 1938 in Samarkand. His mother may have been an ethnic Tajik, while his father was Uzbek. Its not known what happened to Karimovs parents, but the boy was raised in a Soviet orphanage. Almost no details of Karimovs childhood have been revealed to the public. Education Islam Karimov went to public schools, then attended the Central Asian Polytechnic College, where he received an engineering degree. He also graduated from the Tashkent Institute of National Economy with an economics degree. He may have met his wife, economist Tatyana Akbarova Karimova, at the Tashkent Institute. They now have two daughters and three grandchildren. Work Following his university graduation in 1960, Karimov went to work at Tashselmash, an agricultural machinery manufacturer. The following year, he moved to the Chkalov Tashkent aviation production complex, where he worked for five years as a lead engineer. Entry into National Politics In 1966, Karimov moved into the government, starting as a chief specialist at the Uzbek SSR State Planning Office. Soon he was promoted to First Deputy Chairman of the planning office. Karimov was appointed Minister of Finance for the Uzbek SSR in 1983Â  and added the titles of Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Chairman of the State Planning Office three years later. From this position, he was able to move into the Uzbek Communist Partys upper echelon. Rise to Power Islam Karimov became the First Secretary of the Kashkadarya Province Communist Party Committee in 1986Â  and served for three years at that post. He was then promoted to First Secretary of the Central Committee for all of Uzbekistan. On March 24, 1990, Karimov became President of the Uzbek SSR. Fall of the Soviet Union The Soviet Union crumbled the following year, and Karimov reluctantly declared Uzbekistans independence on August 31, 1991. Four months later, on December 29, 1991, he was elected President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Karimov received 86% of the vote in what outside observers called an unfair election. This would be his only campaign against real opponents; those who ran against him soon fled into exile or disappeared without a trace. Karimovs Control of Independent Uzbekistan In 1995, Karimov held a referendum which approved extending his presidential term through the year 2000. Surprising nobody, he received 91.9% of the vote in the January 9, 2000 presidential race. His opponent, Abdulhasiz Jalalov, openly admitted that he was a sham candidate, only running to provide a facade of fairness. Jalalov also stated that he himself had voted for Karimov. Despite the two-term limit in Uzbekistans Constitution, Karimov won a third presidential term in 2007 with 88.1% of the vote. All three of his opponents began each campaign speech by heaping praise on Karimov. Human Rights Violations Despite huge deposits of natural gas, gold, and uranium, Uzbekistans economy is lagging. A quarter of the citizens live in poverty, and the per capita income is about $1950 per year. Even worse than the economic stress, though, is the governments repression of citizens. Free speech and religious practice are non-existent in Uzbekistan, and torture is systematic and rampant. Political prisoners bodies are returned to their families in sealed coffins; some are said to have been boiled to death in prison. The Andijan Massacre On May 12, 2005, thousands of people gathered for a peaceful and orderly protest in the city of Andijan. They were supporting 23 local businessmen, who were on trial for trumped-up charges of Islamic extremism. Many also had taken to the streets to express their frustration over social and economic conditions in the country. Dozens were rounded up, and taken to the same jail that housed the accused businessmen. Early the next morning, gunmen stormed the jail and released the 23 accused extremists and their supporters. Government troops and tanks secured the airport as the crowd swelled to some 10,000 people. At 6 pm on the 13th, troops in armored vehicles opened fire on the unarmed crowd, which included women and children. Late into the night, the soldiers moved through the city, shooting the injured who lay on the sidewalks. Karimovs government stated that 187 people were killed in the massacre. However, a doctor in the town said that she had seen at least 500 bodies in the morgue, and they were all adult men. The bodies of women and children simply disappeared, dumped into unmarked graves by the troops to cover up their crimes. Opposition members say that about 745 people were either confirmed killed or were missing after the massacre. Protest leaders also were arrested during the weeks following the incident, and many have not been seen again. In reaction to a 1999 bus hijacking, Islam Karimov had stated: Im prepared to rip off the heads of 200 people, to sacrifice their lives, in order to save peace and calm in the republic... If my child chose such a path, I myself would rip off his head. Six years later, in Andijan, Karimov made good his threat, and more.

Battle of Tarawa in World War II

Battle of Tarawa in World War II The Battle of Tarawa was fought November 20-23, 1943, during World War II (1939-1945) and saw American forces launch their first offensive into the central Pacific. Despite massing the largest invasion fleet to date, the Americans suffered heavy casualties during and after landing on November 20. Fighting with fanatic resistance, nearly the entire Japanese garrison was killed in the battle. Though Tarawa fell, the losses incurred led the Allied high command to reassess how it planned and conducted amphibious invasions. This led to significant changes that would be employed for the remainder of the conflict. Background Following the victory at Guadalcanal in early 1943, Allied forces in the Pacific began planning for new offensives. While General Douglas MacArthurs troops advanced across northern New Guinea, plans for an island hopping campaign across the central Pacific were developed by Admiral Chester Nimitz. This campaign intended to advance towards Japan by moving from island to island, using each as a base for capturing the next. Beginning in the Gilbert Islands, Nimitz sought to next move through the Marshalls to the Marianas. Once these were secure, the bombing of Japan could commence prior to a full-scale invasion (Map). Preparations for the Campaign The starting point for the campaign was the small island of Betio on the west side of Tarawa Atoll with a supporting operation against Makin Atoll. Located in the Gilbert Islands, Tarawa blocked the Allied approach to the Marshalls and would impede communications and supply with Hawaii if left to the Japanese. Aware of the islands importance, the Japanese garrison, commanded by Rear Admiral Keiji Shibasaki, went to great lengths to turn it into the fortress. Leading around 3,000 soldiers, his force included Commander Takeo Sugais elite 7th Sasebo Special Naval Landing Force. Working diligently, the Japanese built an extensive network of trenches and bunkers. When complete, their works included over 500 pillboxes and strong points. In addition, fourteen coastal defense guns, four of which had been purchased from the British during the Russo-Japanese War, were mounted around the island along with forty artillery pieces. Supporting the fixed defenses were 14 Type 95 light tanks. The American Plan To crack these defenses, Nimitz dispatched Admiral Raymond Spruance with the largest American fleet yet assembled. Consisting of 17 carriers of various types, 12 battleships, 8 heavy cruisers, 4 light cruisers, and 66 destroyers, Spruances force also carried the 2nd Marine Division and part of the US Armys 27th Infantry Division. Totaling around 35,000 men, the ground forces were led by Marine Major General Julian C. Smith. Shaped like a flattened triangle, Betio possessed an airfield running east to west and bordered Tarawa lagoon to the north. Though the lagoon water was shallower, it was felt the beaches on the north shore offered a better landing location than those on the south where the water was deeper. On the north shore, the island was bordered by a reef that extended around 1,200 yard offshore. Though there were some initial concerns as to whether landing craft could clear the reef, they were dismissed as planners believed the tide would be high enough to allow them to cross. Forces Commanders Allies Major General Julian C. SmithVice Admiral Raymond Spruanceapprox. 35,000 men Japanese Rear Admiral Keiji Shibasakiapprox. 3,000 soldiers, 1,000 Japanese laborers, 1,200 Korean laborers Going Ashore By dawn on November 20, Spruances force was in place off Tarawa. Opening fire, the Allied warships began pounding the islands defenses. This was followed at 6:00 AM by strikes from carrier aircraft. Due to delays with the landing craft, the Marines did not move forward until 9:00 AM. With the end of the bombardments, the Japanese emerged from their deep shelters and manned the defenses. Approaching the landing beaches, designated Red 1, 2, and 3, the first three waves crossed the reef in Amtrac amphibious tractors. These were followed by additional Marines in Higgins boats (LCVPs). As the landing craft approached, many grounded on the reef as the tide was not high enough to allow passage. Quickly coming under attack from Japanese artillery and mortars, the Marines aboard the landing craft were forced to enter the water and work their way towards shore while enduring heavy machine gun fire. As a result, only a small number from the first assault made it ashore where they were pinned down behind a log wall. Reinforced through the morning and aided by the arrival of a few tanks, the Marines were able to push forward and take the first line of Japanese defenses around noon. A Bloody Fight Through the afternoon little ground was gained despite heavy fighting all along the line. The arrival of additional tanks bolstered the Marine cause and by nightfall the line was approximately half-way across the island and nearing the airfield (Map). The next day, the Marines on Red 1 (the westernmost beach) were ordered to swing west to capture Green Beach on Betios west coast. This was accomplished with the aid of naval gunfire support. The Marines on Red 2 and 3 were tasked with pushing across the airfield. After heavy fighting, this was accomplished shortly after noon. About this time, sightings reported that Japanese troops were moving east across a sandbar to the islet of Bairiki. To block their escape, elements of the 6th Marine Regiment were landed in the area around 5:00 PM. By the end of the day, American forces had advanced and consolidated their positions. In the course of the fighting, Shibasaki was killed causing issues among the Japanese command. On the morning of November 22, reinforcements were landed and that afternoon the 1st Battalion/6th Marines began an offensive across the southern shore of the island. Final Resistance Driving the enemy before them, they succeeded in linking up with the forces from Red 3 and forming a continuous line along the eastern part of the airfield. Pinned into the eastern end of the island, the remaining Japanese forces attempted a counterattack around 7:30 PM but were turned back. At 4:00 AM on November 23, a force of 300 Japanese mounted a banzai charge against the Marine lines. This was defeated with the aid of artillery and naval gunfire. Three hours later, artillery and air strikes commenced against the remaining Japanese positions. Driving forward, the Marines succeeded in overrunning the Japanese and reached the eastern tip of the island by 1:00 PM. While isolated pockets of resistance remained, they were dealt with by American armor, engineers, and air strikes. Over the next five days, the Marines moved up the islets of Tarawa Atoll clearing the last bits of Japanese resistance. Aftermath In the fighting on Tarawa, only one Japanese officer, 16 enlisted men, and 129 Korean laborers survived out of the original force of 4,690. American losses were a costly 978 killed and 2,188 wounded. The high casualty count quickly caused outrage among Americans and the operation was extensively reviewed by Nimitz and his staff. As a result of these inquiries, efforts were made to improve communications systems, pre-invasion bombardments, and coordination with air support. Also, as a significant number of the casualties had been sustained due to the landing craft beaching, future assaults in the Pacific were made almost exclusively using Amtracs. Many of these lessons were quickly employed in the Battle of Kwajalein two months later.