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  • Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements – The Good News For Depression Blues

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    A depressed person feels sad, helpless and hopeless. It is estimated that in the United States alone, there are 12 million adults suffering from this mental disorder. Depression can affect anyone regardless of their race, culture or social class.

    The basic symptoms of depression include irritation, loss of focus or concentration, sleep disturbance, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, headaches and body aches. People with severe cases of depression are known to have thoughts of suicide. It is important that when you have these symptoms that you immediately consult your authorized health provider.

    Antidepressants and other prescription drugs are known to cause severe side effects, which can usually discourage many patients from taking their medications. Recently, however, leading medical researchers have released journals that demonstrate that most people suffering from depression or similar symptoms are deficient in essential vitamins and minerals, particularly Omega-3 fatty acids.

    Based on the same white papers, nutritional supplement treatment may be appropriate for controlling major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), addiction, and autism. Researchers have also noted that the frequency of psychological health disorders have increased in industrial countries in tandem with a deterioration of essential Omega-3 fatty acids in modern diets.

    The good news is that fish oil that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids is now available as a dietary supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids are nutrients that our body needs but can not produce. A study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison noted that supplementing your diet with just 3 grams of fish oil per day can help to alleviate mild to moderate symptoms of depression.

    When selecting a fish oil capsule for your dietary supplement, you must ensure that it is pharmaceutical grade. Pharmaceutical grade Omega3 fish oil supplements are obtained through the process of molecular distillation. Only reputable manufacturers have adapted this process because it is more expensive to the produce fish oil capsules. But the difference in quality and the beneficial effects for your body and mind are beyond dispute.

    These specially manufactured capsules contain pure fish oils that are high in Omega-3. They are free from the harmful contaminants that most fish are exposed to in oceans around that world that are exposed to pollutants. One of the best sources of pure fish oil is obtained from the Hoki fish that thrives in the crystal-clear deep waters of southern New Zealand

    Hoki is a very good source of Omega-3 fatty acids because it naturally contains high levels of DHA and EPA fatty acids that our body requires in order to stay healthy. This is the same fish oil for depression that I take every day and give to my family to maintain a healthy body and mind.

    Omega-3 fatty acids also contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They are known to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Along with improving blood circulation and lower triglyceride and serum cholesterol levels. Fish oil also improves the condition of poor and dry skin by making it shinny and glowing. It is also very good for treating various skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, itching and redness of skin, skin lesions, and rashes.

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    Source by John L. Johnson

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  • How And When To Use Por, Para and Porque in Spanish

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    Some beginner students (and advanced) usually have some problems with when they should use POR, PARA or PORQUE and it can be one of the most frustrating topics to learn in all of Spanish. In this lesson we are going to review some rules to recognize when we should use one or another.

    We use POR when we want to speak about the reason behind something. In this case you have to use a noun after POR.

    POR + Noun: “Me gusta Buenos Aires por el clima.” (I like Buenos Aires because of the weather.)

    “Como pollo por las proteínas que tiene.” (I eat chicken because it has protein.)

    In Spanish you should use PARA when you are speaking about the objective of an action or the objective of an object. In this case you will use the verb in the infinitive form. PARA + Infinitive Verb: “Ahorro dinero para viajar a otro pais”. (I save money to travel to another country.)/ “El lapiz sirve para escribir.” (The pencil is used to write.).

    Finally, we use Porque when you are speaking about the reason of something, but instead of using just the infinitive of the verb, we use the conjugation of the verb.

    PORQUE + Conjugated Verb: “Voy a comprarme ropa nueva porque quiero estar elegante esta noche”.

    (I am going to buy new clothes because I want to be elegant tonight.)

    So, when someone asks you: “Por que estudias espanol?”

    (Why do you study Spanish?), you can answer in different ways:

    Por mi trabajo. (Because of my job.)

    Por el crecimiento del mercado latino. (Because of the growth of the Latin market.)

    Para poder comunicarme con personas que hablan espanol. (To be able to communicate with people who speak Spanish.)

    Para viajar por Sudamerica. (For travelling around South America.)

    Porque me gusta. (Because I like it.)

    Porque quiero conseguir un trabajo mejor. (Because I want to find a better job.)

    This little lesson doesn’t cover all aspects of when to use POR, PARA and PORQUE, but it should give you a good start at understanding some important differences of when they are used. Be on the lookout for more lessons about POR, PARA Y PORQUE in the future.

    I will end this lesson by mentioning a couple of learning Spanish tools that you can use to increase your knowledge about this topic. The Practice Makes Perfect books are among the best for learning Spanish. There are currently about a dozen books in the Practice Makes Perfect series, covering various topic from vocabulary to grammar. Another one that I have recommended to my students is the Learning Spanish Like Crazy audio course which teaches informal or familiar Spanish, but not slang.

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    Source by Anna Rivera

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  • Terrorism – A Threat to Global Peace

    Terrorism – A Threat to Global Peace

    ABSTRACT

    Nowadays, no one seems to be saved in the world. Terrorism, an ugly development which has compelled the world leaders as well as the public figures to spend millions of dollars beefing up their security, has become a global threat. Amidst this seemingly tight security and threat, thousands of innocent souls have lost their lives to the annihilation called terrorism.

    Statistically, it has been proved that no country of the world is exceptional to terrorist attacks. Pius Odiaka writes on the palpable fear pervading world following the series of bombings in some countries. He declares in the Guardian Newspaper, Friday, July 29th, 2005, (page 24) that “No part of the world has been left without terrorist bloodshed. From Kenya, Algeria, Egypt in Africa to many countries in the middle East and the Gulf; Indonesia, Philippine, Pakistan and India across Asia; Washington and New York in America; Spain and now London in Europe, many innocent souls have been sniffed out of existence.”

    The paper will present how terrorism is a threat to Global Peace. It will enumerate the category of acts of terrorism. It will also examine the causes and implications of terrorism in human advancement especially in the area of peace building and keeping. Above all, it will provide recommendations by referring to the United Nations recommendations for a global counter-terrorism strategy. It concludes by affirming that the global peace can only be achieved if the world- the leaders and the followers-condemn terrorism in all forms and ramifications, and act unconditionally and justly in their quest to providing everlasting solutions to peace, as it constitutes one of the most serious threats to global peace and security.

    Introduction

    In human history, terrorism is widely recognized as the world most famous enemy of mankind. As history itself will admit that terrorism is annihilation with far-reaching and destructive effects, it is the cruelest of crimes against humanity. Its remains have turned neighbours into enemies and have made our societies and the whole world unsafe for living. Its aims and applications are global and uncompromising. Neither terrorism nor is perpetrators are new. Even though it has been used since the beginning of recorded time, not history itself can keep, with precision, the number of lives and properties lost to terrorism.

    No doubt, terrorism with its destructive power has reshaped the world we live in. We now live in the world characterized by rising violence and conflicts. This, in turn, has led to the world of growing mistrust, fear, division and represents a significant new threat to international justice, peace and security. This ugly development thus made Amnesty International to observe in its 2004 Report the lasting effects of the crime on humanity.

    This report and others provide a valid point on how terrorism or terrorist acts have made the world unsafe and how it has threatened global peace.

    Historical Background of terrorism

    It is pertinent to recall that forms of society and governments in the past differ from what they are today, when describing the history of terrorism and the use of terror through time. Not until 1648 (Treaty of Westphalia), there was nothing like modern nation-states. More recent is the state’s monopoly on warfare or interstate-violence. The absence of central authority gave many more players opportunity to participate in the game of warfare. However, this did not make the use of terror a method of affecting a political change. In contrast to the modern era, where only nations go to war, the involvement of players such as religious leaders, mercenaries, mercantile companies, national armies and many more was considered to be lawful and normal.

    Terrorist acts or the threat of such action have been in existence for millennia. So, in narrating the history of terrorism, it is important to talk about the various types of terrorism and terrorist individuals and groups. Below is the summary of the history of terrorism.

    Ancient World:

    Sicarii Zealots

    Political scientists see the radical Sicarii offshoot of the Jewish Zealots as one of the earliest forerunners of modern terrorism. Like modern terrorists, they intended their actions to suggest a message to a wider target audience: in this instance, the roman imperial officials and all pro-Roman and collaborationists

    Al-Assassin

    The Hashshashin (also Hashishin, Hashsshiyyin or Assassins) were an offshoot of the Isma ili sect of the Shiite Muslims. After a quarrel about the succession of leadership in the ruling Fatimide dynasty in Cairo around the year 1090, the losing Nizariyya faction was driven from Egypt. They established a number of fortified settlements in present day Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon under the charismatic leader Hasan I Sabbah.Persecuted as infidel by the dominant Sunni sect in the Muslim world; they sent dedicated suicide murderers to eliminate prominent Sunni leaders whom they considered “impious usurpers.” The sect was decimated by the invading Mongols, their last stronghold being flattened by Hulegu Khan in the year 1272.Many scholars believe the term Hashshashin, a name given to them by their enemies was derived from the Arabic “hassasin(hashish user),which they are alleged to have ingested prior to their attacks, but this etymology is disputed. The sects referred to themselves as al-da-wa al-jadida, which means the new doctrine, and were known within the organization as Fedayeen.

    Seventeenth century

    Gunpowder Plot (1605)

    On November 5, 1605 a group of conspirators, led by Guy Fawkes, attempted to destroy the English Parliament on the State Opening, by detonating a large quantity of gunpowder secretly placed beneath the building. The design was to kill King James1 and the members of both houses of parliament. In the resulting anarchy, the conspirators planned to implement a coup and restore the Catholic faith to England. However the plan was betrayed and then thwarted.

    Eighteenth century

    1.Sons of Liberty

    The Sons of Liberty were an underground group opposed to British Rule in the colonies, who committed several attacks, most famous among these was the Boston Tea Party. No one was killed or seriously injured by any action that was taken.

    2.The Terror (1793-1794)

    The Reign of Terror ( September 5 1793- July 28 1794) or simply The Terror ( French: la Terreur) was a period of about eleven months during the French Revolution when struggles between rival factions led to mutual radicalization which took on a violent character with mass executions by guillotine.

    The victims of the Reign of Terror totaled approximately 40,000.Among people who are condemned by the revolutionary tribunals, about 8 percent were aristocrats, 6 percent clergy 14 percent middle class, and 70 percent were workers or peasants accused of hoarding, evading the draft, desertion, rebellion, and other purported crimes.

    Nineteenth century

    1.Anarchism

    Anarchists was the most prolific terrorists of the 19th century, with the terroristic tendencies of both nationalism and political movements of Communism or fascism still in there infancy. The disjointed attacks of various anarchists groups lead to the assassination of Russian Tsars and American Presidents but had little real political impact.

    2.Tsarist Russia

    In Russia, by the mid-19 th century, the intelligentsia grew impatient with the slow pace of Tsarist reforms, which had slowed considerably after the attempted assassination of Alexander II of Russia. Radicals then sought instead to transform peasant discontent into open revolution. Anarchists like Mikhail Bakunin maintained that progress was impossible without destruction. With the development of sufficiently powerful, stable, and affordable explosives, the gap closed between the firepower of the state and the means available to dissidents. The main group responsible for the resulting campaign of terror-‘Narodnaya Volya’ (people’s will) (1878-81) – used the word ‘terrorist’ proudly. They believed in the targeted killing of the ‘leaders of oppression’; they were convinced that the developing technologies of the age-symbolized by bombs and bullets- enabled them to strike directly and discriminately.” People’s Will”, possessing only 30 members, attempted several assassination attempts upon Tsa. Culminating in the assassination of Tsar Alexander II on 13 March 1881, killing the Tsar as he was traveling by train.

    3. Irish Republican Brotherhood

    In 1867, the Irish Republican Brotherhood, a revolutionary nationalist group with support from Irish-Americans, carried out attacks in England. These were the first acts of “republican terrorism”, which became a recurrent feature of British history, and these Fenians were the precursor of the Irish Republican Army. The ideology of the group was Irish nationalism.

    4. Nationalist terrorism

    The Fenians/IRA and the IMRO may be considered the prototype of all ‘nationalist terrorism’, and equally illustrate the (itself controversial) expression that “one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter’. At least one of these groups achieve its goal: an independent Ireland came into being. So did an independent Macedonia, but original IMRO probably contributed little to this outcome. Some groups resorted to the use of dynamite, as did Catalan nationalists such as La Reixa and Bandera Negra.

    5. John Brown

    John Brown was an abolitionist who advocated armed opposition to slavery. He committed several terrorist attacks and was also involved in an illegal smuggling of slaves. His most famous attack was upon the armory at Harpers Ferry, though the local forces would soon recapture the fort and Brown, trying and executing him for treason. His death would make him a martyr to the abolitionist cause, one of the origins of American Civil War, and a hero to the Union forces that fought in it.

    6. Ku Klux Klan (1865)

    The original Ku Klux Klan (KKK) was created after the end of the American Civil War on December 24, 1865, by six educated middle-class confederate veterans from Pulaski, Tennessee. It soon spread into nearly every southern state of the United States. The Klan has advocated for what is generally perceived as white supremacy, anti-Semitism, racism, anti-Catholicism, homophobia, and nativism. They have often used terrorism, violence and acts of intimidation such as cross burning to oppress African Americans and other groups. The name ‘Ku Klux Klan’ has been used by many different unrelated groups, but they all seem to center on the belief of white supremacy. From its creation to the present day, the number of members and influence has varied greatly. However, there is little doubt that, especially in the southern United States, it has at times wielded much political influence and generated great fear among African Americans and their supporters. At one time KKK controlled the governments of Tennessee, Indiana, Oklahoma and Oregon, in addition to some of the southern U.S legislatures.

    Twentieth century

    Suffragette, Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand (1914), KKK(1915),Irgun (1936-1948), World War II, Nationalism and the End of Empire,Cold War proxies,,IRA,,ETA, Aum Shinrikyo (1984-1995), Achille Lauro Hijacking (1985), Lockerbie bombing (1988), Umkhonto we Sizwe (South Africa 1961-1990), PLO (1964-c.1988), Columbian terrorist groups, Munich Massacre (1972),Matsumoto incident(1994), Sarin gas attack on Tokyo subway(1995),and Oklahoma City bombing (1995) are types of terrorism and individual terrorists and groups that operated in the twentieth century.

    Twenty-First Centuries

    The well-celebrated September 11 (2002) attack and the Beslan school siege are recent terrorist attacks of the twenty-first century.

    Terrorism: Definition of a Phenomenon

    As clearly stated above, terrorism has established itself as a world phenomenon before 1648. But then, it becomes imperative to look into the true meaning of the term.Although providing a definite definition for it has been accorded with series of controversies, etymologically, the term emanates from Latin, “terrere”, meaning “to frighten” via the French word terrorisme, which is often associated with the regime de la terreur, the Reign of Terror of the revolutionary government in France from 1793 to 1794.The Committee of Public Safety agents that enforced the policies of “The Terror” were referred to as ” Terrorists”.

    The English word “terrorism” was first recorded in English dictionaries in 1798 as meaning “systematic use of terror as a policy”. The Oxford English Dictionary still records a definition of terrorism as “Government by intimidation carried out by the party in power in France between 1789-1794.

    The controversial issue is that the vocabulary of terrorism has become the successor to that of anarchy and communism the catch-all label opprobrium, exploited accordingly by media and politicians.The difficulty in constructing a definition which eliminates any just cause for terrorism is that history provides too many precedents of organizations and their leaders branded as terrorist but who eventually evolved into respected government. This has applied particularly to national liberation movements fighting colonial or oppressive regimes, engaging in violence within their countries often as a last resort. Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya spent years of his life lobbying the British government before his involvement with the Mau Mau rebellion. Nelson Mandela, a hero in his continent and beyond, is another convicted “terrorist” belonging to this class.

    Before making a valid point, it is important to say that this piece would like to consider further statements and criticisms on the issue and recognized that there are other valid arguments on these controversial issues. However, they are not within premises of this paper.

    Arriving at a universally accepted definition of terrorism which narrows down to a specific method of conducting violence instead of “all its forms and manifestations” or which makes it possible to refer terrorist acts to an international court, as for genocide and other war crimes or which makes it impossible for individual countries to outlaw activities they choose to classify as terrorism perhaps for their own political interest is a great challenge in the study of terrorism.

    While the United Nations has not yet accepted a definition of terrorism, the UN’s “academic consensus definition,” has been put forth for consideration. And they are available for public evaluation.

    In final analysis, although, it is not clear the actual number of definitions of terrorism; but it is clear that terrorism does not have respect for human lives and values. It has claimed thousands of lives of innocent souls, rendered millions of people homeless and economically handicapped. Alas, it is clearer that terrorism has turned our world into a place conducive for its existence and spread.

    Effects of terrorism on global peace

    Indisputably, terrorism is a threat to global peace. As it thrives well in a world such as ours- where violation of human rights, rising violence and conflicts, ethnic, national and religious discrimination, socio-economic marginalization and extreme ideology, dehumanization of victims are prominently in practice, it has succeeded in disregarding human lives and values, launching war on freedom and peace, multiplying violence and conflicts, and posting challenges of solving the problem of injustice, insecurity and declining economy.

    Recommendations

    In accordance with the United Nations in a report titled: Uniting Against Terrorism-Recommendations for a global counter-terrorism strategy, this paper hereby presents the following recommendations;

    (1)All stakeholders-the leaders and the followers, individuals and institutions must dissuade people from resorting to terrorism or supporting it.

    (2) All stakeholders, in all ways and at all levels, must deny terrorists the means to carry out an attack by:

    – denying terrorists financial support.

    -denying terrorists access to deadly weapons, including weapons of mass destruction.

    – denying terrorists access to travel.

    -denying terrorists access to their targets and their desired impact.

    (3) All stakeholders, in all capacities, must deter States from supporting terrorists groups.

    (4) All stakeholders must develop State capacity to prevent terrorism by:

    – promoting the rule of law and effective criminal justice systems.

    – promoting quality education and religious and cultural tolerance.

    – countering the financing of terrorism.

    – ensuring transport security.

    – preventing terrorists from acquiring nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological

    materials, and ensuring better preparedness for an attack with such materials

    -improving the defense of soft targets and the response to their attack.

    – promoting United Nations system-wide coherence in countering terrorism.

    (5) All stakeholders, collectively, must defend human rights in the context of terrorism and counter- terrorism.

    Even though my recommendations are fashioned out of United Nations recommendation for a global strategy, they represent a holistic and realistic approach to fighting or countering terrorism. However, if these recommendations are given the opportunity to operate or if implemented and executed properly and continuously, they are effective strategies of countering terrorism and, at the same time, ensuring a world free of violence and conflict, violations of human rights, ethnic, national and religious discrimination, political exclusion, and socio-economic marginalization

    Conclusion

    As you will agree with me that terrorism affects all of us, our approach to fighting or countering terrorism and ensuring a safe and peaceful world must be collective. However, it is worth noting that the world leaders, followers and stakeholders have vital roles to play in the fight against terrorism and in achieving our goals of global peace and security.

    For the world leaders and stakeholders, these roles transcend attending or organizing world summit, conferences, seminars, e.t.c on the topic, and consenting to Global strategy to counter terrorism on papers. They need to commit more resources, at all levels, to the cause, be more sincere and objective in their judgments, more practical in their approach, and create enabling environments conducive for justice, conflict resolutions, human right protection, equality, stability, unity, prosperity, tolerance, peace and security.Above all, they need to promote and support ultimately because that have respect for human lives and values.

    For followers and individuals, we need to carry out the message beyond conferences that terrorism is inexcusable and unacceptable. We need to engage in one- to -one education or group discussions enlightening ourselves on the devastating and destructive effects of terrorism on our lives and values, and emphasizing that terrorism is not an effective way of championing a cause, whether political, religious or otherwise. We must recognize that peace is the most precious need of humanity.

    Source by Azeez Olawale-Arish Yusuff

    Views: 0

  • An Introduction to the Akkadian Civilization

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    The Akkadians were a group of Semitic people from the Arabian Peninsula at the time the great Sumerian city-states were flourishing. These people eventually migrated north, where they encountered the Sumerians. Around 2350 BC, an Akkadian military leader, Sargon (Sharukkin-“the rightful ruler”) conquered the Sumerian city-states and built an Akkadian Empire, creating the world’s first empire. It included most of Sumer and stretched as far as Lebanon, Syria, Anatolia, and western Iran. Akkad (from Agade) was the capital, which became the basis for the name of the people and of the language.

    The Akkadian Empire had a centralized government under the authority of the king, the royal court, and the high class of priests. Sargon was mostly responsible for this development. A strong economy was the empire’s foundation and Sargon and his court were in the middle of the economic activity, unlike in Sumer, where the priests had more say on matters economic. Their economy was heavily dependent on agriculture; their farmlands were very productive because of an efficient system of irrigation. The productivity of their farmlands enabled the empire’s population to increase. Their agricultural products were abundant, but the empire was short on everything else. Timber, metal ores, and building stones had to be imported. Sargon’s military conquests, however, expanded the boundaries of the empire, eventually including the regions that were sources of these precious commodities. The king brought great wealth to the empire, which spawned a large number of bureaucrats and administrators, in the process creating the first bureaucratic organization. This bureaucracy enabled him to rule the empire more efficiently.

    The Akkadian civilization was an extension of the Sumerian civilization; their society was similar to the Sumerians’. The status of women generally was similar to that of the women in Sumer, although the legend of the “sacred female” started during this period. Sargon even appointed his daughter Enheduanna as high priestess to the goddess Inanna. Incidentally, Enheduanna may have been the world’s first published poet. Her poems, extolling gods and goddess, are estimated to be around 4300 years old.

    Sumerian gods and goddesses were given Akkadian names. However, the role of temple priests and priestesses were diminished. Sargon became the mediator between the people and their gods and goddesses. These gods and goddesses had human form, and had human qualities; they could be foolish, intelligent, shy, humorous, jealous, or angry. These deities were derived from nature, which was understandable considering that life in Mesopotamia was controlled by nature. In trying to understand nature, they gave human shapes to the forces of nature. Thus, they had An, the god of sky, Enlil, the god of air, Nanna, the moon god, and Utu the sun god. The Mesopotamians believed that these gods created the universe and everything it contained, including, of course, humans. They also believed that men and women were created by gods to serve the gods-to make sacrifices to them, to clothe them, to honor and obey them. This religion, however, did not have any laws about ethics or morality. Good and evil were left for people to discover on their own. Humanity-according to early Mesopotamians-exists to serve the gods, who were responsible for the smooth running of the affairs of humanity and of the world in general. They ruled the world through their representative; in Akkadian civilization, this meant Sargon.

    Besides having a comparatively sophisticated agriculture that included irrigation and the use of plows, Akkadians had also discovered a method of casting bronze. They also use mud bricks in building houses and temples, and had an advanced pottery industry.

    Formal education during this era was practical and aimed primarily to train priests and scribes. Education started from basic reading, writing, and religion, then higher learning in law, medicine, and astrology. Upper class youths were usually prepared to become scribes, ranging from copyists to librarians to teachers. Excavations also revealed that schools for priests were as numerous as temples, indicating not only the importance of priests in Mesopotamian society, but also the thoroughness of priestly training.

    Art of the Mesopotamian people including Akkadians had during this period attained a high degree of refinement; a bronze head of a king, which scholars think may be of Sargon, was excavated in Nineveh (ancient capital of Assyrian empire). It is thought to be around 2300 to 2200 BC. This head is considered as one of the great masterpieces of ancient art. Another example is the two cylinder seals that date back to the time of Sargon, which are among the most beautiful examples of its kind. A relief sculpture of Naram-Sin (Sargon’s grandson) shows him in one of his military triumphs. Many clay tablets that were excavated in various places in Iraq contained the ancient Mesopotamians’ literature, mostly poems and hymns to their gods and goddesses.

    Sargon reigned for fifty-six years (from 2335 to 2279 BC) and his son Rimush, who was later killed in a palace revolt, succeeded him. Another son, Manishtushu was also killed in another palace revolt. The last king in the Akkadian Dynasty, which lasted about a century, was Naram-Sin, and was the first to claim kingship by divine right. His downfall, and that of the whole empire, was thought to be due to the invading armies from the east, called Gutians. Recent findings however found evidence that a drought that lasted for 300 years was the main cause of the empire’s demise.

    Scientists discovered evidence that the downfall of the Akkadian Empire started around 2200 BC. This civilization was heavily dependent on agriculture; a drought that occurred during this period severely weakened production, and subsequently caused the decline of the empire. People fled and moved south where agriculture was still sustainable. There was a revival of Sumerians’ former glory, but it did not last long. Eventually, new conquerors followed the footsteps of Sargon, and united the city-states of the Fertile Crescent (Mesopotamia).

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    Source by Gerry Sitjar

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  • The Adventure Of English by Melvyn Bragg

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    Melvyn Bragg subtitles The Adventure Of English with the intriguing phrase "The Biography of a Language". He thus imposes that the language, specifically English, has a life of its own, setting itself the task of creating both an adventure and a narrative that will convince the reader that the language has both an identity and, to some extent, a personality that identifies an individuality. He succeseds on all counts.

    The story starts of course with a birth and then unfolds chronologically through the first half of the book, before diverging to examine the different and often parallel geographical manifestations of English in the modern world. These have happened since the dawn of Empire and, as a consequence of their disparate elements and different paths of development, possibly suggest that English is more of a family than an individual. Amazingly, Melvyn Bragg goes through eleven chapters before considering Shakespeare. The book is thus quite careful in its examination of the origins of the language and its early development.

    Later on there are three chapters on the language in the United States, one each on Australia, India and the West Indies. We come across a little, although not enough, Singlish from Singapore, and Africa is seriously ignored, except for the influence of African languages ​​on English in the Americas.

    Melvyn Bragg also devotes considerable time to the discussion of accent, pronunciation, dialect and correctness. Obviously each of these areas could have been a lifetime's work, let alone a book in itself, but Melvyn Bragg succeseds at least in defining the territory and correctly identifying the parts played by snobbishness and social class in the application of labels such as coarse, standard Egypt even correct.

    A decade and a half ago, I myself managed to astound an American college who, having prejudged the length of my "a" asked me to pronounce the word bath. He was a New Yorker and was more than surprised when I intoned a sound that rhymed with American math. He had expected, of course, a sound like "barth". Melvyn Bragg identifies this short "a" with an older version of English, one that predated the strong French influence of the eighth century that produced the long "a", amongst other things, especially among the middle classes of southern England. The American settlers, of course, left Britain before this new-fangled foreign influence arrived, so they retained their short "a", which is of course the correct version. This serves to remind us that whatever we speak in our daily lives and wherever we live, we are perhaps born into a language and the one we adopt as infants becoming part of our very identity.

    This is just one example of many of interest that appear in The Adventure Of English. Once assembled, these quirks of history really do allow the language to create its own identity. It is thus described as a living, developing entity, constantly changing its appearance while many try to hold it fixed.

    The Adventure Of English by Melvyn Bragg is in no way a comprehensive look at the language, its development and its contemporary manifestations. But it does achieve admirably what it intends to do at the start, which is to create an adventure and present an as yet incomplete biography.

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    Source by Philip Spiers

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  • Naturist Holidays at Port Leucate, France

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    Have you ever had a slightly disturbing dream that you found yourself nude in a public place, such as in a street, on a bicycle, in a shop or on public transport? If so, what happened in your dream? Did you wonder how you got yourself in that situation, were you embarrassed or did you think that it's only a dream so it does not matter?

    If you have had such dreams, and you have not already practiced naturism, sometimes it would appeal to you.

    Every year, thousands of families spend their holidays between April and October in one of the naturist villages which lie between the ancient Mediterranean town of Leucate and the seaside resort and yacht harbor of Port Leucate.

    The villages are mostly traffic free, but you can walk around or cycle like everyone else completely naked. There is a small shopping center with a very good baker where you can buy fresh croissants, bread etc., you can shop in the supermarket, buy from the butcher, wine shop or newspaper shop and have a drink or a meal in one of the small restaurants, all while staying nude.

    These villas, which include Aphrodite and Oasis, were established following a tourist commission set up by President Charles de Gaulle in the 1960's. The government were looking for a way to entice thousands of holiday makers to stay in France rather than heading down into Spain looking for a beach holiday destination.

    The old town of Leucate lies between the Mediterranean Sea and a large saltwater lagoon. South of the town there is a narrow strip of land several kilometers long between the sea and the lagoon. Six kilometers to the south was an old settlement and it was here that the commission proposed establishing a new development called Port Leucate with a yacht harbor, shopping center and holiday accommodation. Work started in the mid 1960's and de Gaulle visited the work in progress in 1967. Following his visit, the commission was asked to address the future of the beautiful stretch of beach just to the north of the new resort of Port Leucate.

    At that time there was a growing practice and tolerance for naturism in France and there were already various naturist destinations including a large naturist holiday complex at Montalivet on the Atlantic coast north of Bordeaux.

    The strip of beach being studied has the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Leucate lagoon on the other and is essentially an island as there are two channels to the north and south linking the sea with the lagoon. It was there before decided that this would be an ideal location to develop a naturist beach resort with access restricted to the residents and holiday makers.

    Rather than create just a camp site with mobile homes and camping spots, it was determined to create a real village with homes, apartments, tennis courts, swimming pools and a shopping center. Plans were drawn up and work started in 1973. The years have passed and development has continued and today there are a total of 8 small villages, all next to each other, which border either the beach or the lagoon. Many properties have permanent residents but most are made available by the owners for naturist holiday lettings. Most areas are pedestrian only so children can play, run around or cycle without danger.

    At certain times of the year quite strong winds blow through the area and so the area has developed as one of the most popular areas for wind and kite surfing.

    One of the advantages of the area, which makes it perfect for family holidays, is the range of other activities within a short distance of the naturist villages. Less than 10 minutes away by car there is a large aquatic center with several swimming pools and giant slides. There is also an adventure center in a nearby pine forest where people of all ages can climb and slide through the trees. Also nearby is a casino and new cinema complex. The Pyrenees can be seen from the village and from the autumn to spring snow can be seen on the highest peaks. Being on the doorstep of the Pyrenees, there are course walks through magnificent countryside to undertake.

    About 35 minutes drive away there is the large Sigean African reserve, fascinating for both adults and children. One part can only be visited by car as there are many animals in their natural surroundings, including lions. Then there is another part which can be visited on foot which includes much bird life, monkeys, antelope, elephant and many other types of creatures.

    This area is one of the sunniest in France so of course one of the most popular activities is just relaxing on the beach right next to the holiday apartments and sometimes having a little siesta dreaming about being naked in public.

    If you want to know more about the naturist villages go to http://www.naturistholidays.fr

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    Source by Simon Ferrey

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  • 5 Cooking Methods Common To African Cuisine

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    Which methods of food preparation are commonly used in Africa? Here is an introduction to a few cooking methods common in African cuisine:

    1. Roasting

    Roasting refers to cooking food over an open fire, without water. The fire may be an open wood fireplace or a hearth, or a charcoal burner. Foods that are often roasted in Africa include meat, fish, tubers such as sweet potatoes, arrow roots, Irish potatoes and cassava, as well as some types of banana.

    2. Boiling

    Boiling refers to cooking food with water, without oil. Frequently, an earthen ware cooking pot may be used. Cooking utensils made of metal or other materials are also gaining in popularity.

    Foods that are boiled include vegetables, pulses such as peas and beans, tubers such as potatoes and cassava, and grains such as rice. In northern Uganda, odii – groundnut paste, is added to the boiled dish as a sauce.

    3. Steaming

    In southern Uganda, steaming is an important method of food preparation. Cooking bananas – matoke – are steamed inside banana leaves, over a pot full of boiling water. Fish, meat and vegetables are also wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

    Steaming is a recommended cooking method because it is said to better preserve the nutritive value of foods.

    4. Immigrant populations to Africa have brought with them their own ways of preparing food, such as frying food. Frying food was traditionally uncommon to African cuisine, but has now been adopted by almost everyone. Frying refers to cooking food with cooking oil, as well as the possible addition of onions and tomatoes.

    It is now common to fry all types of foodstuffs: meat, fish, pulses, vegetables and pastries.

    5. Baking

    While baking is slowly making inroads into African cuisine, it is still very much a new cooking method, not yet very widespread except in bakeries. Baking is certainly not yet as widespread as in western societies, where not just bread and cakes are baked, but also pies, pastries, melted cheese dishes and other foods.

    The food preparation methods in Africa demonstrate the changing face of African cuisine, with adopted cooking methods such as frying now playing a major role in African cooking.

    Traditional methods of food preparation such as boiling and steaming were fat-free, and therefore also a lot healthier.

    They will continue to play a vital role because many foodstuffs found on the continent are best prepared in this way. For example, dried foodstuffs almost always have to be boiled first.

    However, new cooking methods also open up a wider variety of taste and cooking experiences.

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    Source by Lamaro Schoenleber, Ph.d

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  • Weddings Under An African Sky

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    South Africa’s rich cultural heritage (where else do you find 11 official languages?) makes it the ideal destination for couples from all over the world to get married. From a typical Western wedding with the dress, the bridesmaids, the flowers, the formalities; to the paying of lobola (bride price), there is something to appeal to all tastes.

    South African Wedding Venues and Honeymoon Destinations

    Whether it’s a wine estate in Cape Town, the Knysna Heads, stark Karoo farmhouse, Drakensberg mountaintop or Big 5 game reserve, couples will find the South African wedding venue of their dreams; followed by an awesome honeymoon.

    Take, for example a traditional Shangaan wedding, which is celebrated with much ceremony and jubilation. Wives and husbands enjoy separate ceremonies leading up to the actual wedding, and the whole community is involved, thereby ensuring a blessed union.

    A Safari Styled Wedding

    At Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, a unique wedding ceremony has been create that combines elements of Shangaan culture (the local communities are all Shangaan) with English and Afrikaans traditions.

    One of the most beautiful areas on the Sabi Sabi property is called “Fig Tree Crossing” -a sandy river bank and a huge rock, behind which grows an enormous Sycamore Fig tree, which spreads its dappled shade across the top of the rock. In the shady riverbed, a simple wedding table is prepared, with a white linen cloth, champagne on ice, some driftwood, pods and wild flowers. Next to the table are safari chairs for the guests and priest and a zebra skin sprinkled with rose petals for the couple to stand on.

    Vows are exchanged against this magnificent setting, and rings are blessed on a porcupine quill. It is a Shangaan tradition for the couple to exchange gifts; in this case the groom gives his bride an Ndbele blanket, which signifies his willingness to protect and shelter her during their marriage. The bride then is handed a traditional beer pot filled with juice for her to offer to her husband, a symbol of her intention to care for him and provide for his needs during their marriage. Lastly, there is the exchange of bracelets: a beaded one for the bride and a metal one for the groom – gifts that have high value in the local community.

    After the ceremony, the couple has photos taken around the rock, the tree and on the sandy river bed before celebrating with champagne. They then travel back to the lodge for the wedding banquet.

    Exquisite Wedding Receptions

    Back at the safari lodge the wedding table is recreated and the festivities kick off with singing and dancing from the local community. It is customary to make a lot of noise – singing and beating drums – before starting the wedding feast. Singers will sing ancient songs as well as improvising with a new song made up with the wedding couple’s names. All guests are involved in the dancing and celebrating and then sit down around a fire to eat and drink in celebration. While local beer is an integral part of any wedding, fine local wines and champagne are included as well.

    When the evening winds down, the wedding couple will retire to a “honeymoon” suite prepared with rose petals, candles and champagne – the perfect ending to a perfect day.

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    Source by Sarah Manners

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  • Tribes in Africa ; South America Final Part ★Magia Nuda★ Documentary 1

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUfaddgqRvE

    Tribes in Africa & South America, Tribal peoples ☆Magia Nuda☆ Documentary 1 – Episode 9. ➨ 

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  • Popular tourist attraction in South Africa’s Johannesburg turns 114 th

    Popular tourist attraction in South Africa’s Johannesburg turns 114 this month

    In South Africa, the Johannesburg Zoo celebrates its 114th birthday this month. The zoo is home to several conservation and..

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