The Battle of the Seelow Heights in World War II

The Battle of the Seelow Heights was fought April 16-19, 1945, during World War II (1939-1945). Part of the larger Battle of the Oder-Neisse, the fighting saw Soviet forces attempting to capture Seelow Heights to the east of Berlin. Known as the Gates of Berlin, the heights were assaulted by Marshal Georgy Zhukovs 1st Belorussian Front. Lasting three days, the battle saw extremely bitter fighting as German troops sought to defend their capital. The German position was finally shattered on April 19, opening the road to Berlin. Background Since fighting began on the Eastern Front in June 1941, German and Soviet forces were engaged across the width of the Soviet Union. Having halted the enemy at Moscow, the Soviets were able to slowly push the Germans west aided by key victories at Stalingrad and Kursk. Driving across Poland, the Soviets entered into Germany and began planning for an offensive against Berlin in early 1945. In late March, Marshal Georgy Zhukov, commander of the 1st Belorussian Front, traveled to Moscow to discuss the operation with Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. Also present was Marshal Ivan Konev, commander of the 1st Ukrainian Front, whose men were positioned to Zhukovs south. Rivals, both men presented their prospective plans to Stalin for the capture of Berlin. Listening to both marshals, Stalin elected to back Zhukovs plan which called for an assault against the Seelow Heights from the Soviet bridgehead over the Oder River. Though he supported Zhukov, he informed Konev that 1st Ukrainian Front should be ready to strike against Berlin from the south should the 1st Belorussian Front become bogged down around the heights. With the fall of Kà ¶nigsberg on April 9, Zhukov was able to rapidly redeploy his command to a narrow front opposite the heights. This corresponded with Konev shifting the bulk of his men north to a position along the Neisse River. To support his build up in the bridgehead, Zhukov constructed 23 bridges over the Oder and operated 40 ferries. By mid-April, he had assembled 41 divisions, 2,655 tanks, 8,983 guns, and 1,401 rocket launchers in the bridgehead. German Preparations As Soviet forces massed, the defense of the Seelow Heights fell to Army Group Vistula. Led by Colonel-General Gotthard Heinrici, this formation consisted of Lieutenant General Hasso von Manteuffels 3rd Panzer Army to the north and Lieutenant General Theodor Busses 9th Army in the south. Though a sizable command, the bulk of Heinricis units were badly under strength or composed of large numbers of Volksturm militia. Colonel-General Gotthard Heinrici. Public Domain A brilliant defensive tactician, Heinrici immediately began fortifying the heights as well as constructed three defensive lines to defend the area. The second of these was located on the heights and featured a variety of heavy anti-tank weapons. To further impede a Soviet advance, he directed his engineers to open dams further up the Oder to turn the already soft floodplain between the heights and the river into a swamp. To the south, Heinricis right joined with Field Marshal Ferdinand Schà ¶rners Army Group Center. Schà ¶rners left was opposed by Konevs front. Battle of Seelow Heights Conflict: World War IIDates: April 16-19, 1945Armies Commanders:Soviet UnionMarshal Georgy Zhukovapproximately 1,000,000 menGermanyColonel-General  Gotthard Heinrici112,143 menCasualties:Soviets: approximately 30,000-33,000 killedGermans: approximately 12,000 killed The Soviets Attack At 3:00 AM on April 16, Zhukov commenced a massive bombardment of the German positions using artillery and Katyusha rockets. The bulk of this struck the first German defensive line in front of the heights. Unknown to Zhukov, Heinrici had anticipated the bombardment and had withdrawn the bulk of his men back to the second line on the heights. Surging forward a short time later, Soviet forces began moving across the inundated Oderbruch Valley. The swampy terrain, canals, and other obstructions in the valley badly impeded the advance and the Soviets soon began to take heavy losses from German anti-tank guns on the heights. With the attack bogging down, General Vasily Chuikov, commanding the 8th Guards Army, attempted to push his artillery forward to better support his men near the heights. Soviet artillery during the Battle of Seelow Heights, April 1945. Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-E0406-0022-012 / CC-BY-SA 3.0 With his plan unraveling, Zhukov learned that Konevs attack to the south was having success against Schà ¶rner. Concerned that Konev might reach Berlin first, Zhukov ordered his reserves to move forward and enter the battle in the hope that added numbers would bring a breakthrough. This order was issued without consulting Chuikov and soon the roads were jammed with 8th Guards artillery and the advancing reserves. The resulting confusion and intermixing of units led to a loss of command and control. As a result, Zhukovs men ended the first day of battle without achieving their goal of taking the heights. Reporting the failure to Stalin, Zhukov learned that the Soviet leader had directed Konev to turn north towards Berlin. Grinding Through the Defenses During the night, Soviet artillery successfully moved forward. Opening with a massive barrage on the morning of April 17, it signaled another Soviet advance against the heights. Pressing forward throughout the day, Zhukovs men began to make some headway against the German defenders. Clinging to their position, Heinrici and Busse were able to hold until nightfall but were aware that they could not maintain the heights without reinforcements. Though parts of two SS Panzer divisions were released, they would not reach Seelow in time. The German position at the Seelow Heights was further compromised by Konevs advance to the south. Attacking again on April 18, the Soviets began to push through the German lines, though at a heavy price. By nightfall, Zhukovs men had reached the final line of German defenses. Also, Soviet forces were beginning to bypass the heights to the north. Combined with Konevs advance, this action threatened to envelop the Heinricis position. Charging forward on April 19, the Soviets overwhelmed the last German defensive line. With their position shattered, German forces began retreating west towards Berlin. With the road open, Zhukov began a rapid advance on Berlin. Aftermath In the fighting at the Battle of the Seelow Heights, the Soviets sustained over 30,000 killed as well as lost 743 tanks and self-propelled guns. German losses numbered around 12,000 killed. Though a heroic stand, the defeat effectively eliminated the last organized German defenses between the Soviets and Berlin. Moving west, Zhukov and Konev encircled the German capital on April 23 and the former began the final battle for the city. Falling on May 2, World War II in Europe ended five days later.

Essay on Computer-Mediated Communication - 793 Words

Introduction Just imagine your day to day activities at work, home or school without the use of the internet and other Computer Mediated Devices? I am sure you will all be horrified if we were left without these necessities that have become an essential part of our every activity. Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) has resulted in the concept of the global village which augers well for businesses by providing larger markets for products and services, increased production and creating stronger bonds within organisations. With this in mind it seems quite possible that in the near future CMC will eventually surpass and replace face-to-face interactions as the chosen form of communication. We live in a technological age where constant†¦show more content†¦Some organisations that function with virtual teams include: banks, automobile manufactures, financial markets and a host of others. In addition, another great benefit of CMC to organisations would be that their products and services would be available to a wider market with the implementation of global trading. A wider market would result in higher sales and production levels within an organisation, which in turn will encourage greater profit margins. Organisations would become more established in the global village, hence, creating stronger bonds with international counterparts. After all our goal is to become a closer society facilitated by globalization. Additionally, another benefit of CMC to organisations is that decisions can be made faster and at a cost efficient rate, with the use of video conferencing and emails. Managers and employees no longer have to make the tiring journey to another country so that a product can be decided upon. They can now sit in the comfort of their own offices and chat with their associates from around the globe resulting in decision being made faster and in a cost effective way. Would any one of you here personally choose to leave you beloved family home for a week, when it’s your son’s birthday and travel to China so that the package of a new sun glasses could be decided upon? Why should we stressShow MoreRelatedFace to Face Communication Versus Computer Mediated Communication1754 Words   |  8 PagesFace to Face Communication versus Computer Mediated Communication In the 21st century we are now living in, the rapid advancement of technology has completely changed our lives, especially the tools we use to communicate. In the olden days where snail mail is one of the popular ways in communicating, people would rather choose interact face to face because it is the only way that could physically maintain their relationship as they can see the facial expressions and body gestures shown by the personRead MoreComputer Mediated Communication Paper784 Words   |  4 PagesComputer Mediated Communication Final Reflection Paper on Group Collaboration Project COMM.444 The online environment, and in particular, computer mediated communication is an effective medium to provide the social aspect of learning emphasized with collaborative learning. Collaborative and cooperative interactions can occur within virtual teams and groups based on how information is exchanged and requiring group members to formulate opinions and facilitate goals to accomplish. The utilizationRead MoreThe Importance of Computer-Mediated Communication757 Words   |  3 PagesThroughout this examination of computer-mediated communication, I have become more conscious and attentive while using social media. Specific aspects such as abbreviations, the collaborative self, and the real purpose of social media have been on my mind. Prior to this course, I never actually spent time thinking about how abbreviations changed conversations. I now realize how concise a message could truly be with the use of abbreviations, but at the same time, how they could be harming my spellingRead Mo reComputer Mediated Communication ( Cmc ) Essay1892 Words   |  8 PagesComputer Mediated Communication (CMC) is communication through technology such as email, text messaging, instant messaging, and social media. There are many aspects of communication that are limited in CMC, including but not limited to; tone, body language, facial expressions, mood, and personality. Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) is a hobbled form of interpersonal communication, therefore when using CMC, I should take into consideration the many restrictions and diminished aspects of CMC makingRead MoreComputer Mediated Communication in Organizations3297 Words   |  14 PagesCommunication Management Topic: Computer mediated communication in organizations Assignment : Research Paper emails would always stand second to personal interaction--- the â€Å"richest† communication medium Ralph Waldo Emerson (2003) once said â€Å"Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel. It is to bring another out of his bad sense into your good sense†. 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According to Griffin (2015), there are two other factors that contribute to creating intimacy in online interactions and these are anticipated future interaction and chronemics (p. 126). Since Emma and

Characteristics of Ancient Monumental Architecture

The term monumental architecture refers to large human-made structures of stone or earth which are used as public buildings or communal spaces, as opposed to everyday private residences. Examples include pyramids, large tombs, and burial mounds, plazas, platform mounds, temples and churches, palaces and elite residences, astronomical observatories, and erected groups of standing stones. The defining characteristics of monumental architecture are their relatively large size and their public nature—the fact that the structure or space was built by lots of people for lots of people to look at or share in the use of, whether the labor was coerced or consensual, and whether the interiors of the structures were open to the public or reserved for an elite few.   Who Built the First Monuments? Until the late 20th century, scholars believed that monumental architecture could only be constructed by complex societies with rulers who could conscript or otherwise convince the residents into working on large, non-functional structures. However, modern archaeological technology has given us access to the earliest levels of some of the most ancient tells in northern Mesopotamia and Anatolia, and there, scholars discovered something amazing: monumentally-sized cult buildings were constructed at least 12,000 years ago, by what started out as egalitarian hunters and gatherers. Before the discoveries in the northern Fertile Crescent, monumentality was considered costly signaling, a term that means something like elites using conspicuous consumption to demonstrate their power. Political or religious leaders had public buildings built to indicate that they had the power to do so: they certainly did that. But if hunter-gatherers, who ostensibly didnt have full-time leaders, built monumental structures, why did they that do that? Why Did They Do That? One possible driver for why people first started building special structures is climate change. Early Holocene hunter-gatherers living during the cool, arid period known as the Younger Dryas were susceptible to resource fluctuations. People rely on cooperative networks to get them through times of social or environmental stress. The most basic of these cooperative networks is food sharing. Early evidence for feasting—ritual food sharing—is at Hilazon Tachtit, about 12,000 years ago. As part of a highly organized food-sharing project, a large-scale feast can be a competitive event to advertise community power and prestige. That may have led to the construction of larger structures to accommodate larger numbers of people, and so forth. It is possible that the sharing simply stepped up when the climate deteriorated. Evidence for the use of monumental architecture as evidence for religion usually involves the presence of sacred objects or images on the wall. However, a  recent study by behavioral psychologistsYannick Joye and Siegfried Dewitte (listed in the sources below) has found that tall, large-scale buildings produce measurable feelings of awe in their viewers. When awe-struck, viewers typically experience momentary freezing or stillness. Freezing is one of the main stages of the defense cascade in humans and other animals, giving the awe-struck person a moment of hyper-vigilance toward the perceived threat. The Earliest Monumental Architecture The earliest known monumental architecture is dated to the periods in western Asia known as pre-pottery Neolithic A (abbreviated PPNA, dated between 10,000–8,500 calendar years BCE [cal BCE]) and PPNB ( 8,500–7,000 cal BCE). Hunter-gatherers living in communities such as Nevali Çori, Hallan Çemi, Jerf el-Ahmar, D’jade el-Mughara, Çayà ¶nà ¼ Tepesi, and Tel Abr all built communal structures (or public cult buildings) within their settlements. At Gà ¶bekli Tepe, in contrast, is the earliest monumental architecture located outside of a settlement—where it is hypothesized that several hunter-gatherer communities gathered regularly. Because of the pronounced ritual / symbolic elements at Gà ¶bekli Tepe, scholars such as Brian Hayden have suggested that the site contains evidence of emergent religious leadership. Tracing the Development of Monumental Architecture How cult structures might have evolved into monumental architecture has been documented at Hallan Çemi. Located in southeastern Turkey, Hallan Cemi is one of the oldest settlements in northern Mesopotamia. Cult structures significantly different from regular houses were constructed at Hallan Cemi about 12,000 years ago, and over time became larger and more elaborate in decoration and furniture. All of the cult buildings described below were located at the center of the settlement and arranged around a central open area about 15 m (50 ft) in diameter. That area contained dense animal bone and fire-cracked rock from hearths, plaster features (probably storage silos), and stone bowls and pestles. A row of three horned sheep skulls was also found, and this evidence together, say the excavators, indicates that the plaza itself was used for feasts, and perhaps rituals associated with them. Building Level 3 (the oldest): three C-shaped buildings made of river pebbles about 2 m (6.5 ft) in diameter and mortared with white plasterBuilding Level 2: three circular river-pebble buildings with paved floors, two 2 m in diameter and one 4 m (13 ft). The largest had a small plastered basin in the center.Building Level 1: four structures, all constructed of sandstone slabs rather than river pebbles. Two are relatively small (2.5 m, 8 ft in diameter), the other two are between 5-6 m (16-20 ft). Both of the larger structures are fully circular and semi-subterranean (excavated partly into the ground), each with a distinctive semicircular stone bench set against the wall. One had a complete auroch skull which apparently hung on the north wall facing the entrance. The floors had been resurfaced multiple times with a distinctive thin yellow sand and plaster mixture over a relatively sterile fine dirt fill. Few domestic materials were found inside the structures, but there were exotics, including copper ore and obsidian. Examples Not all monumental architecture was (or is for that matter) built for religious purposes. Some are gathering places: archaeologists consider plazas a form of monumental architecture since they are large open spaces built in the middle of town to be used by everyone. Some are purposeful—water control structures like dams, reservoirs, canal systems, and aqueducts. Sports arenas, government buildings, palaces, and churches: of course, many different large communal projects still exist in modern society, sometimes paid for by taxes. Some examples from across time and space include Stonehenge in the UK, the Egyptian Giza Pyramids, the Byzantine Hagia Sophia, the Qin Emperors Tomb, the American Archaic Poverty Point earthworks, Indias Taj Mahal, Maya water control systems, and the Chavin culture Chankillo observatory. Sources Atakuman, Çigdem. Architectural Discourse and Social Transformation During the Early Neolithic of Southeast Anatolia. Journal of World Prehistory 27.1 (2014): 1-42. Print. Bradley, Richard. Houses of Commons, Houses of Lords: Domestic Dwellings and Monumental Architecture in Prehistoric Europe. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 79 (2013): 1-17. Print. Finn, Jennifer. Gods, Kings, Men: Trilingual Inscriptions and Symbolic Visualizations in the Achaemenid Empire. Ars Orientalis 41 (2011): 219-75. Print. Freeland, Travis, et al. Automated Feature Extraction for Prospection and Analysis of Monumental Earthworks from Aerial Lidar in the Kingdom of Tonga. Journal of Archaeological Science 69 (2016): 64-74. Print. Joye, Yannick, and Siegfried Dewitte. Up Speeds You Down. Awe-Evoking Monumental Buildings Trigger Behavioral and Perceived Freezing. Journal of Environmental Psychology 47.Supplement C (2016): 112-25. Print. Joye, Yannick, and Jan Verpooten. An Exploration of the Functions of Religious Monumental Architecture from a Darwinian Perspective. Review of General Psychology 17.1 (2013): 53-68. Print. McMahon, Augusta. Space, Sound, and Light: Toward a Sensory Experience of Ancient Monumental Architecture. American Journal of Archaeology 117.2 (2013): 163-79. Print. Stek, Tesse D. Monumental Architecture of Non-Urban Cult Places in Roman Italy. A Companion to Roman Architecture. Eds. Ulrich, Roger B. and Caroline K. Quenemoen. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley, 2014. 228-47. Print. Swenson, Edward. Moche Ceremonial Architecture as Thirdspace: The Politics of Place-Making in the Ancient Andes. Journal of Social Archaeology 12.1 (2012): 3-28. Print. Watkins, Trevor. New Light on Neolithic Revolution in South-West Asia. Antiquity 84.325 (2010): 621–34. Print.

The Impact Of Ecological And Climate Change On Europe

What was the impact of ecological and climate change on Europe between c.1500 and c.1650? Early Modern Europe started at the beginning of the 15th century and is a period which characterized by prodigious discoveries and inventions. It was also a period of great changes, hardship and wars that paved the way towards the Modern World and the industrial revolution. If the end of this period is often seen as one of intense human advancement especially in term of the arts, humanities and social improvements, the beginning of it (1500-1650) was characterized by endless famines and cultural changes that influenced the centuries to come. No doubt the Little Ice Age played a significant part in this. This essay will cover the impact of climate change on Europe, starting with the agricultural troubles leading to famines and diseases, as well as the social, economic and ecological repercussions it had. The evolution that was mainly triggered by this climatic instability will be analysed to understand the changes that occurred at this time due to various factors, as well as the direct repercussions it had on the early modern societies. This essay will state facts and give a critical response to these factors in order, not only to evaluate the impact and consequences of ecological and climate transformations, but also acknowledge the reasons why those changes are important. As Early Modern Europe started, a cooling period began at the same time. The general temperature inShow MoreRelatedThe European Union Since 19811362 Words   |  6 Pages Located on the tip of the Balkan Peninsula in Southern Europe, Greece has been formally recognized as a member of the European Union since 1981 (1). Climactically Greece experiences mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers consistent with a Mediterranean climate (2). Between 1950 and 1980 Greece experienced a period of climactic cooling that reduced its average annual temperatures; however, by the late 90’s that cooling trend reversed and Greece began experiencing progressive temperature increasesRead MoreThe Phenomenon of Compelled Migration Essay examples1602 Words   |  7 PagesEnvironmental migrants. A way to recognition. At present the problems connected with ecological and natural disasters and accidents become more and more relevant and actual. A natural disaster can negatively influence all the spheres of human life. The phenomenon of compelled migration is one of the main effects of such a bad impact. The problems connected with deterioration of environment are complicated and differ greatly from the problems we used to solve. When we speak about the solution ofRead MoreThe Management Of Coarse Fisheries Of Lakes And Rivers Within The Uk1675 Words   |  7 Pageslakes and rivers within the UK, is the best way forward to achieve a good ecological status of surface water bodies in the UK. The following critical literature review will attempt to explain why achieving a good ecological status is necessary, what it is and why being applied to fisheries with UK is the most practical approach, the themes examined will be: 1. Fisheries within the UK and their significance 2. Good ecological status as per legislation requirements and for socio-economic and culturalRead MoreClimate Change Influences The Global Potential Distribution Of Bluetongue Virus1590 Words   |  7 PagesClimate change influences the global potential distribution of bluetongue virus: a disease of ruminants Abdallah M. Samy1,2, A. Townsend Peterson1, XXXX 1Biodiversity Institute and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America 2Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt â€Æ' Introduction: The global geographic distribution of arboviruses has received considerable attentions fromRead MoreThe Climate Of Rebellion During Modern Ottoman Empire1194 Words   |  5 PagesThe Climate of Rebellion in the Early Modern Ottoman Empire by Sam White is a study of the Ottoman environmental history during the early modern time. Even though environmental history field has been existed for a while, there is very little research on the Ottoman Empire’s environmental history. Despite the limited resources, White finds a different way to approach the issue and writes the first study about the environmental history of the early modern Ottoman Empire. 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On one hand, the view of an economic focus could make the market worse. On the other, the end of life as we know it. This is a comparison essay between Al Gore s documentary a vocal advocate for global warming reform and a film made by deniers. In the film Unstoppable Solar Cycles: Rethinking Global warming. The creators express

Women and Art Free Essays

All art is political. Every slap of paint on canvass, every sculpture, every graffiti, drawing, and so on is a product of another individual’s particular sentiment, ideology and persuasion. Every work serves as an arbitrary reflection or extension of the artist or individual who created it. We will write a custom essay sample on Women and Art or any similar topic only for you Order Now All art is able to evoke and communicate the aforementioned ideology and persuasion of its artist, whether or not the artist in question explicitly intended to do so. As far as the politics of art and conveying meanings and messages are concerned, however, women, it would appear, are often on the receiving end of conceptual constructions or deconstructions, and general influences necessarily afforded by society, culture, and art. And no art form is capable of eliciting the most influence and affecting generally accepted social constructs and norms, than that of advertising. Of course, while most hardly regard advertising as an art form, but instead a field or medium which peddles products and ideologies through art, which is one aspect of it; the manner by which advertising makes use of art is perhaps, to a certain convoluted degree, one of the most crude but simultaneously honest as well. Honest because its audience, or the general public on the receiving end of such art are aware of its intentions, aware of its function to peddle or sell whatever product, philosophy or worldview they are tasked to peddle at the moment. Unfortunately, this awareness doesn’t always translate to lack of vulnerability and unaffectedness on people’s part. As previously mentioned, women are often on the receiving end of influences and constructs, as far as characteristics, roles, and unavoidably, stereotypes of the supposed weaker sex are concerned. In recent years, the prescribed image of what a woman is: how she should look, should feel, should think, should necessarily conduct, behave, engage, and apply herself within the family, other social institutions, and society at large is greatly dictated and shaped by commercial advertisements present in television, the radio, magazines, the internet, newspapers, and virtually the whole of mass media. While the stereotypical view that women are generally emotional and fragile has ceased to become breaking news, similar concepts and standards of what a woman is persists through commercial advertisements. Advertisements which define women based on her physical parts, as opposed to her ideas, convictions, what she has the capacity for, and what she can actually do, how she works, and a myriad other things which comprise her as a human being. In commercial ads for clothes, perfumes, accessories, and so on, for instance, the aesthetic is given the highest regard, and women are reduced to the crudeness of waist lines, bust sizes, and weight, among other things. While one could argue that the opposite sex are also on the receiving end of such attacks on identity and gender, and that the same premise applies to men; the prescribed standards and social constructs on women are far more predominant and palpable as evident in every magazine cover, billboard, and television commercial which runs in public view on a daily basis. It also appears especially and particularly evident in the images which follow, images which appear in public view across the globe under the heading of advertising. It doesn’t take a radical feminist perspective to realize and be conscious of the reality that something is infinitely wrong and contrived with the way women are being defined and depicted in advertising. Advertising not only coaxes peple into buying prodcuts they supposedly need, it also influences and conditions views regarding normalcy and what should and should not be deemed acceptable, in terms of how people should look, think, and behave in society. Women in turn, are encouraged, if not obliged to be beautiful, to assume the â€Å"responsibility† of being aesthetically pleasing by losing weight, having smooth skin, full lips, big breasts, however fake or artificial, in order to fit into the mold of what advertising deems â€Å"beautiful,† which every â€Å"normal† woman is expected to assume and become. Both the stereotypical domestic housewife and working career woman are affected and subjected to society’s concept of the ideal woman. Despite the manner by which some form of art, mainly photography in advertising, affords a view of women which serves to demean and disparage them, there exists other art forms which depart, if not, largely contradict the contrived ideology and perspective that was previously discussed concerning women. Such opposite, and perhaps, positive constructs and view on women are evident in the philosophy and art of Barbara Kruger. The American artist famous for her conceptual art which weaves and incorporates words and images together in seeming subversive and opinionated collages affords individuals who view her art, a refreshing perspective on relevant social constructs which affect every individual. Kruger’s art interestingly comes across as the negation of commercial advertising. What she evokes and communicates through her art is the presence of social constructs which exists and abounds inescapably in the society we live in and belong to. Kruger presents these constructs and creates satirical or mock interpretations of the realities which every individual is immersed in. Kruger’s perspective on what constitutes a woman is made evident in her collages and illustrations which depict women, for instance, incapacitated by pins stuck across their body, concluded by an ironic message written in bold text in the middle of the illustration which pronounces, â€Å"We have received orders not to move† (Untitled 1982). And another of a woman’s face split vertically in two parts, one perfectly distinct and ideal, and the other muted in negative art, aptly entitled, â€Å"Your Body Is A Battleground. † Kruger’s photographs and illustrations present social constructs in a tone and platform which effectively conveys her aim to deconstruct them. The manner by which Barbara Kruger’s art differs from that which is presented in advertising exists in the reality that Kruger, as an artist, and as a woman is communicating and expressing an extension of herself, her ideals and perspective on women and how they are portrayed are translated into the aforementioned art forms, whereas commercial advertisements are products of a market which intends to peddle an â€Å"ideal† version of women, one which exists as a facade, and in less organic and realistic forms. Ultimately, as Barbara Kruger has already aptly put it, every woman’s body is a battleground, women should not only be aware of the roles, standards and definitions being set regarding who or what a woman should be, but also take necessary steps in challenging and breaking free from these constructs. If not for every woman’s sake, then for individuality, and the preservation of it. How to cite Women and Art, Papers

Circuit Training Essay Example For Students

Circuit Training Essay From reducing risk of heart attack to simplyproviding more energy, weight training plays animportant role in ones life. One very popular methodof weight training is to increase mobility and buildstrength and stamina. This method is known as circuittraining. Circuit training has been around for decades andoffers a wide variety of applications and benefits. This workout is performed both mentally andphysically. The weight training participant performsone set of an exercise then immediately performs aset of another exercise in succession without rest;one right after another. Exercise can be sequenced ina variety of combinations, which isolate singlemuscles, a group of muscles, or total body training. Since muscles can only contract for long periods oftime when sufficient amounts of oxygen are available,mental focus during circuit training is directedtowards the heart and lungs, as opposed just themuscles during conventional training. Thecardiovascular and respiratory systems feed ourworking muscles with oxygen filled blood that iseventually fueled by body fat. During conventional training the focus isnt on theheart and lungs because the cardio/respiratorysystem rests between exercises, allowing the ATP toLA cycle to be the energy supplier. (This cycle mustbe depleted in order for the body to burn fat). Byperforming circuit training, you dont give your heartor lungs a chance to relax, which keeps the ATP toLA cycle depleted. In addition to increasing heart andlung conditioning, enhancing your ability to useoxygen, ad burning fat, impressive muscular shapeand strength gains will result from doing anycircuit-training workout. Research studies consistently show that leans bodymass increases with a course of circuit training. A1-3.2 kg gain in lean body mass can be expected witha consequent decrease in relative fat mass of 1-3%,total weight remaining unchanged. This is a majorbenefit of circuit training, especially for those whowant to get in shape and tone up their muscles. Withtraditional aerobic training, a decrease in relative fatmass has led to a decrease in total weight with littlechange in lean body mass. The resistance workinvolved in the circuits encourages muscle-massdevelopment, and thus any fat loss is replaced equallyby muscle gain. This makes it easier to maintain thelower body fat or reduce body fat even furtherbecause the increase in lean body mass pushes upbasal metabolic rate and overall calorie expenditure. These body-composition changes would support theuse of circuit weight training in a health and fitnesssetting where toning up, but not losing weight, werethe major goals. Circuit training is a great form of exercise, will helpalmost anyone improve their health and offers lots ofbenefits.

Post Colonial Study of Heart of Darkness free essay sample

Not only is it thought provoking and exciting, but also considered to be one of the most highly stylistic in its class, blending its use of narrative, symbolism, deep and challenging characters, and of course a touch of psychological evaluation that Conrad is well known for. To get a full grasp of the novella, one must first understand the history behind the Congo and its colonization by the Belgians. As a result of ruthless colonial exploitation, involuntary servitude, and direct violence, the native people live in an impoverished state. As many as six million Africans died during the brutal rubber trade, overseen by the Belgians. Many are forced to be carriers, for people on jungle expeditions that need to move cargo from one place to another. These packages they carry on their backs, on rough footpaths through the jungle, weigh between 40 and 70 pounds. There are few, if any, breaks to stop and rest. It is a hard life, but this history sets up the action behind the drama in this book, as far as helping to smuggle ivory out, or carry supplies into the jungle nation. The recurring theme of darkness (a symbol for the reality of the society) and fear perpetuate the action, and utimatly envelops the characters that struggle with this dilema such as Kurtz. The message is the same however: colinization destoys at the native peoples expense, close-minded European views perpetuate racism in these nations, and evil is a driving and yet sometimes unnoticed force. Joseph Conrad was born in Berdichev, Poland in 1874. He first became familiarized with the English language at the age of eight, because his father translated works of Shakespeare and Conrad became interested in them. He was a very smart child, and did quite well in school. He further studied in Cracow and Switzerland, but his love for the sea beaconed him to explore, sail, and learn a new style of life. In 1874 he took a job on a ship, and thus begun his lifelong fascination for the sea and sea travel. After traveling around the world a bit, he got involved in gunrunning in the West Indies. He liked to gamble, and because of this addiction he racked up huge debts which led him to attempt suicide. His brush with death opened his eyes, and he then realized that changes needed to be made in his life. In 1878 he found himself in England, where he spent the next 16 years of his life in the British navy. This had a profound impact on his writing, and it really developed and deepened his passion for the sea. However, his sense of adventure had not yet faded away, and he found himslef in 1889 as a captain of a steamboat on the Congo River. He always wanted to go to Africa, and was drawn to her like his passion for the sea. His experiences there are what inspired Heart of Darkness (1902), and many people do not realize that he knew the Congo well, and actually spent some time of his life involved in the conflicts of the land. Conrad later returned to England in 1891 and worked as a sailor til 1894. He then retired from sailing and spent the rest of his life writing. He married, had two sons, but lived on a modest budget. He was a poor, and frequently got into trouble, but kept on writing. Finally he received some recognition for his work in 1910, and this is when his financial situation began to improve. However, his health was failing, but his pen grew stronger. He kept on writing and became quite popular in England. They even wanted to knight him in 1924 but he refused. He died that same year. Conrads contribution to the world of literature is profound and indifferent. Many people see him as just another writer, but to those who study post-colonial literature he can be seen as a beacon of hope and truth. He is telling the story so people can see what colonist do to the land in which they colonize: take it over, pillage, and destroy. Conrad was ther and witnesed the entire process, and it angered him to the point of no return. Top Dialogues Conrad can be linked to many authors that write about post-colonial literature. One author that finds truth in Conrads writing is Chinua Achebe and the novel Arrow of God. Not only is the setting similar, Africa, the similarities of how the natives are seen and persecuted by the colonist are unprescidented. Achebe and Conrad both use the word savage as a term to describe the native people, because this is how they were seen by their opressors. Granted, neither author believes these people to be savages, but throughout both pieces of literature the natives are degraded both verbally and phisicaly. The natives are seen as expendable and therefore the quality of life given them is not as important. Conrad uses the character of Marlow to utilize his own thoughts and perceptions of the people in the Congo. He continually ses them being beaten when they fall carrying packages, Europeans antagonizing them from boats as they travel past river villages, Kurtz commanding them around like a batallion of troups. He is angered by this and tries to change it, but by the time he gets to Kurtz it is too late because he has been pulled in by the darknes and is sick and pale. Marlow personifies a voice of reason, goodwill, and light. Kurtz personifies evil, darkness, and destruction. It even gets to the point where Kurtz is having the natives worshiping him as a God. Achebe similaly tries to utilize a character as a voice of reason, but it is too late. The natives trust the Europeans that come to the village, and they are basically destroyed. The goal is similar: to show how colinization perpetuates racism (see link below on the essay writen about racism by Achebe) and destroys traditional culture by use of assimilation. But in both cases, it is simply too late in the process for their characters to change things. Top Notes Conrad did navigate the waters of the Congo. He never wrote about it until he returned home to England where he wrote Heart of Darkness in 1902. He did keep a journal, and some of the excerpts from his journal can be found in the novella. The desolation of the land described in the book is an actual account of locations seen by Conrad. Over the years he spent there, he traveled the land and was shocked by the poverty of the Congo due to lack of funding. .Another important artcle of criticism is Ian Watts Conrad in the Nineteenth Century. It discusses several points and reinforces some of Achebes work. He did a whole series of essays on Conrad and they are highly revered. They would be great supplimental reading. Watt suggest that Heart of Darkness is Conrads first symbolic work, but also the only symbolic work done by him. Symbolism runs ramped throughout the piece, and it is suggested by Kimbrough that, Conrads earlier narritives are primarily objective, descriptive, and thematically clear; Heart of Darkness tends to be interior, suggestivly analytic, and highly psychological. In short, it introduces a new mode into Conrads ficton: the symbolic. Top Links *** www. Amazon. com Here is a link that will take you to, in my opinion, the best volume of Heart of Darkness: the Norton Critical Edition. It is the one listed at the top of the page, and it provides wonderful critical analysis in order to fully understand this novela and the thoughts about it from professionals in the field. *** www. acsu. buffalo. edu This site is awesome! It provides wonderful character analysis, the entire text online, and great links to other sites that discuss the novel. It also gives several links to criticism, so you might want to check this out! ***www. scholars. nus. edu. sg Here is a site that contains an essay on racism in the Heart of Darkness by another well known scholar in post-colonial literature: Chinua Achebe. **www. my. linkbaton. com This site provides an extensive bibliography of Conrads works, and takes you to sites where you can buy them if you are interested.