Effectiveness of Cloud Seeding Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Effectiveness of Cloud Seeding - Research Paper Example Despite the increasing application, there are questions that have been raised relating to the technology and its practical uses, especially in regard to its effectiveness. The aim of this paper is to address such questions by analyzing the effectiveness of cloud seeding. Application of Cloud Seeding In China, during the period preceding the Olympics festivals, cloud seeding was used to cause rain and snow. This technology was specifically applied in Northern China and was successful to the extent that in snowed for the first time in Hebei, around Beijing (Moseman, 2009). The Chinese capital had not witnessed any precipitation before this from the previous October. The precipitation formed as a result of cloud seeding was significant and caused at least the closure of 12 area highways in or near Beijing. Cloud seeding in this case saved China from the pangs of the worst drought in the country’s history in the last few decades. The seeding of clouds by the Chinese government to cause the snowstorm involved the use of over 40 sticks of silver iodide, each the size of a cigarette stick Beijing (Moseman, 2009). ... In this way, they will no longer be distributed all over the atmosphere as tiny droplets but regroup into few big droplets. Fog removal is important especially where high visibility is paramount such as in airports. Studies have indicated the high level of effectiveness of cloud seeding in removing fog and clouds from affected areas (Ryan & King, 1997). The technology is effective in a few square miles and often in a matter of hours. Lightning suppression has a high economic value to both humans and the environment. Lightening can cause death and sometimes leads to the ignition of forest fires. When thunderheads are seeded with tiny aluminium fibers, they tend to dissipate some of their electrical charges in the cloud. Very little study has been conducted on the effectiveness of this method in respect of lightning suppression. However, the little research conducted so far have given promising results (Ryan & King, 1997). Cloud seeding and rain production Rain is an important factor i n the production of plant crops and during the rearing of animals. This is because rain is, in most cases, the main source of water in many areas. Even without considering agricultural productivity, rain is useful in that it helps in the regulation of temperatures and in containing dust and improving humidity. In fact, in desert areas such as the California's Mojave Desert, it is a rare resource, its preciousness far beyond measure. Essentially, cloud seeding has been applied in many jurisdictions as a water management strategy, in many cases the technology being applied with an aim of causing rain. This is done by distributing chemical substances in the clouds, one common substance used in this respect being dry ice. The effectiveness of cloud

Critique paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Critique paper - Essay Example honestly and courageously presents her views about the so-called positive approach to cancer as opposed to what would generally be expected from her and other patients. Ehrenreich narrates how she discovered the exaltation of cancer as something that is rather a blessing than a curse to which she strongly disagrees. Her stand about the issue is clearly reflected in the article and she cites examples from the two perspectives to drive her point and show how America has been fooled in the â€Å"positive thinking† approach. The article was written with the author appealing to readers through logical reasoning. She uses pertinent examples to give her arguments some strong backbones, making her a reliable writer. Her balanced consideration of her thoughts and other people’s claims gives an interesting quality to her work that simply grabs the reader’s attention. What makes the essay more interesting perhaps is the fact that her argument is not in unison with the more acceptable norm in the cancer community. Rather, she tries to encourage her readers to face their trials head-on, whether it is physical, financial, emotional or otherwise; through an honest emotional approach, saying that such manner is more beneficial to the person involved rather than sugar-coating and hiding the bitter realities of life. Such approaches make Ehrenreich’s argument quite strong and efficient. In the aforementioned essay, Ehrenreich states that when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she has been reading various materials from different authors about the disease and how to cure or even cope with the struggles, especially with anger. However, she soon found out that no one seemed to share her feelings toward her sickness. Instead, she discovered that most patients and survivors offered positive attitudes toward their fate. She even observes that â€Å"The cheerfulness of breast cancer culture goes beyond mere absence of anger to what looks, all too often, like a positive embrace of

The Problems Of The Red Tide Environmental Sciences Essay

The Problems Of The Red Tide Environmental Sciences Essay The term red tide is a misnomer as it does not associated with tides. It is used to described as a phenomenon microalgal species growing very fast or bloom and is caused by the growth and accumulation of microscopic algae (single-celled marine plants) called phytoplankton (Anton, A. et al, 1998). These algal blooms become so numerous that they can discolour coastal waters.To the scientists they prefer to call them as algal blooms or HABs These algal bloom may cause oxygen depletion in the waters and/or release toxins that may cause illness in humans and other animals. Red tide is a global phenomenon. Since 1980s harmful red tide events have become more frequent and widespread. The major factors influencing red tide events include warm ocean surface temperatures, low salinity, high nutrient content, calm seas, and rain followed by sunny days during the summer months. In addition, algaerelated to red tide can spread or be carried long distances by winds, currents, storms, or ships. Red tide has affected my countries all over the world including South East Asia and Sabah in Malaysia. The first report of HABs and shellfish toxicity in Malaysia was in 1976 when the marine dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense var. Compressum bloomed in Brunei Bay on the west coast of Sabah (Roy 1977). The study by Anton, A. et al (2000) found 11 species in both the West and East Coast of Sabah and all the species densities were below 100 cells/L which is far below the densities to consider to be a bloom, which values are more than 103 cells/L. This is because too many blooms are unhealthy for coastlines because an over abundance of blooms can lead to suffocating low-oxygen conditions for fish, and increased diseases in seafood. Below shows the distribution of PSP toxin in the world between 1970 and 2006. Figure 1: Comparison of PSP Toxin distribution in the world between 1970 and 2006 2.0 The problem of red tide Since there are many factors influencing the events of red tide, it has caused a lot of concern and problems to sicientists especially the marine biologists. A lot of research has been carried out such as Harmful Algal Blooms in Malaysia: Revisiting Kimanis Bay by Anton A.et al (2000); Lipid and DNA features of Gonyaulax fragilis (Dinophyceae) as potential biomarkers in mucilage genesis by M. Riccardi et al. available online on 25 January 2010; Effects of temperature, salinity and irradiance on growth of the novel red tide glagellate Chattonella 1 ovata (Raphidophyceae) by a group of scientics lead by Haruo Yamaguchi et.al. Available online on 13 February 2010 and many others has being carried out. The presence of red tide impose a severe burden on the affected country (Gires U. et al, 2002). The problem is compounded by wide adoption of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) protocols which require that seafood is certified as safe and wholesome for consumption by monitoring the natural toxins. Red tide has also caused mass mortalities of wild and farm fish and shellfish, human illness and death from contaminated shellfish or fish, death of marine mammals, seabirds, and other animals, and alterring the marine habitats or trophic structure. In 1972, Massachusetts has declared a state of emergency because of red tide bloom. (Esterbrook, J. 2005). It has caused the shellfish industry about $3 million per week. Although until today there are nothing much marine biologist can do to eliminate red tide problems, however, with the technological advancement such as satellite imagery have enable the scientist to better track and monitor the harmful algal booms. By tracking and monitoring these blooms has helps to reduce harmful effects of the algae by providing early warnings against eating infected shellfish and against swimming in infected water. Sophitiscated instruments to test for the presence of red tide algae in coastal waters have been developd by the Sarasota Operations Coastal Oceans Observation Laboratory. NASA Earth Observatory has develop programmes such as SeaWiFS (Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor) and MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instruments to detect harmful algal bloom from space. Autonomus underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with temperature and salinity meters as well as a Breve-Buster, which is an instrument that collects water samples and determines the levels of red-tide causing algae by shining a light through the sample and noting the light absorbing characteristics within the sample (indicative of these algae) is also used in the research of red tide. Although red tide events can be avoided, reseachers are attempting to develop an antidote to the red tide toxins. Interestingly, while developing such anti-toxins, researchers have found a possible treatment for cystic fibrosis. 3 Methods used to collect samples Traditionally, light microscope is used to estimate the population of zooplankton in the water. An example of the equipment used is as shown in Fig.2 below. Figure 2. A representation of the volume of water being sampled by a plankton net from a depth of 3 meters. The amount of water sampled and how to properly enumerate the organisms in the sample is important. This is because the amount of water sampled can be considered equalto the amount of water that passes through the plankton net. Since the opening of the plankton net is circular, the amount of water that passes through the net from a specific depth to the surface would be similar in shape to the cylinder. Therefore, the formula for the volume of a cylinder is, V= Ã‚ °R2 x H. By applying this formula the amount of water sampled through the plankton net can be calculated. Once the plankton has been captured in the filter canister at the bottom of the plankton net, small volume (1ml) sub-samples can be placed under the microscope so that each plankton organism can be counted. Finally, the total number of plankton within the sampled water can be calculated by extrapolation. This number can then be extrapolated so that the total number of plankton in the seawater can be estimated. Figure 3. Custom-fabricated pucks for the 2G ESP shown L to R as sample collection and filtration, array processing, and FISH archival. Quarter shown for size. However, recently there is a shift from using traditional ligh microscopy to molecular approaches for identifying and quantifying marine harmful algal bloom (HAB) species has been driven by the need to expedite sample processing for both research and monitoring purposes (Anderson 1995; Scholin et al. 1996). In addition, light microscopy has limitation to sufficient resolution to discern species when compared to electron microscopy. Some methods used to accurately identify HABs in a fast manner are fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) (Lim et al. 1993), fluorescently labeled antibodies and lectins (Sako et al. 1996), sandwich hybridization (Scholin et al. 1996), probe arrays (Loy et al. 2002), environmental sample processor (ESP) (Scholin et al. 2001) and a variety of nucleic acid amplification methods that target specific signature sequences. However, most of these techniques require ccess to shore-based laboratories for sample processing and analysis, which can be both time and labour intensive. Most of the methods mentioned above are very technical and require researchers who are well verse in handling the equipment and also thoroughly understand the methods used. It takes time to prepare, process and image analysing of the samples collected, and interpreting the results. An example of the equipment used in ESP is the puck as shown below. 4. Application and implications of biology Implications of red tide Environmental implication There are many species of red tide that release harmful toxins. Among the harmful species found in the United States are: Alexandrium fundyense found along the Atlantic coast from the Canadian maritimes to southern New England Alexandrium catenella found along the Pacific coast from California to Alaska Karenia brevis found in the Gulf of Mexico along the west coast of Florida Alexandrium species Dinophysis species Macroalgal Blooms Figure 4: Different species of red tide Although red tide algae make potent natural toxins but it is unknown why these toxin are created, but some can be hazadous to larger organisms through the processess of biomagnification and bioaccumulation. Grazers such as fish and krill are unaffected by the toxins, so when they eat the algae to toxins are concentrated and accumulated to a level that is poisonous to other aquatic lives such as bigger fish that feed on them. Then when mammals such as birds, man, etc. consume these fish they will either contracted diseases or they can cause death. Diseases that may affect humans include: 1. Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) This disease is caused by the production of saxitoxin by the Alexandrium species and they are common along the Atlantic and Pacific Coast in the US and Canada (Monica Bruckner, Montana State University). Poisoning occurs when on ingests shellfish contaminated with PSP toxins causing disruption of nerve function and paralysis. In extreme cases it may result in death due to asphyxiation. 2. Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) This disease is caused by the Dinophysis species. It generally occurs in Japan and Europe, but it has been found in other countries such as Canada, the US, Chile, New Zealand, and Thailand. Symptoms of DSP include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and cramps. However, DSP is generally not fatal. 3. Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) Amnesic shellfish poisoning has been found along the eastern Canadian coast. It is caused by domoic acid producing planktonic and benthic algae, including Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries and Amphora coffaeformis. It can also found in soft shell clams and blue mussels infected by Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima. It causes gastricand neurological symptoms including dizziness, disorientation and memory loss. ASP Domoic Acid and Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning DSP Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning PSP Saxitoxin and Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Figure 5: Different types of poisoning caused by red tide Red tide has also caused substantial impact to the ecosystem that include a reduction in light penetration, a reduction in the extent of seagrass beds and a reduction in the growth rates of hard clams. Further, red tide caused mass mortalities of mussel populations in Rhode Island and in Long Island waters, Recurrent blooms have had severe impact on bay scallops, affecting more than 80% of New Yorks commercially valuable harvest. Acute or chronic exposure to red tide and their toxins either directly or through the food web, puts the affected population at increased risk (Anderson, D. 2007). Economic implication In 2005, the massive red tide outbreak in New England has caused the shellfish industry to lose $3 million per week and forcing the Massachusetts to declare a state of emergency. This has lead to the shellfisherman to raise their prices especially for the shellfish industry. The 2009 paralytic shellfish poisoning (red tide) occuring in Maine, Portsmouth, New England has caused devastating economic impact where Maine authority estimates that there were 89,000 acres of productive shellfish in the state waters and at that time more than 97% of these resources were closed due to red tide (Anderson, D. (2007). Further, there had been unusual reports of mortality events of both short-nose sturgeon and eider ducks which were suspected to be caused by the transfer of red tide toxicity through the food web to these larger animals. The first paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) case recorded in Sabah in 1976 where 202 victims were reported to be suffering from PSP and 7 deaths. (Roy 1977). This event has caused significant economic losses to fishermen because the public are afraid to consume all types of seafood during the bloom event which lasted two to three weeks. Then in 1991, three people were taken ill after consuming green mussel (Perna viridis) cultured at a newly established mussel form in Sebatu Malacca (Gires, U. et al 2002). Symptoms suggested that of intoxication due to algal toxins were confirmed by testing the extracts from mussles collected during the event confirmed the presence of toxins caused by dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamiyavanichi. Further, in September 2001, six people were taken ill after consuming lokan (Polymesoda sp.) collected from a coastal lagoon (Sungai Ubi) in Tumpat Kelantan and one of the victim died with symptom suggested intoxication due to algal toxins (Usup et al. 2000). Picture 4: A spectacular red tide bloom (non-toxic) of Noctiluca scintillans in New Zealand NSP Brevetoxins and Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning PSP Saxitoxin and Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Figure 6: The economic loss due to the effect of red tide Societal Implication Although the impact of red tide (algal blooms) events are more associated to the environmental impact as well as economic impact, however, the presence to these events have also affected the recreation, tourism and local aesthetics by diminishing the qualities of the environment (Anderson, A. 2007). This can manifest in a variety of ways in different regions of the country. Some examples are: Massive fish mortalities that result in fish accumulating on beaches Clossure of receational fisheries Respiratory ailments experienced by beachgoers from aerosolized toxins Unsightly and noxious piles of macroalgae that accumulate and decompose on beaches Discolouration of water Mortalities of protected species and modification of their habitats Working patterns can also be disrupted when fisherman seek alternative occupations or sources of income and restaurants seek alternate suppliers for their seafood. Boat charter reservations and pier attendance for recreational activities will be disrupted, vacations ruined and some may never visit an impacted region again. In addition to that, people who have retired to coastal or lake shore homes may find their property values adversely affected when red tide or harmful algal blooms (HABs) frequently occur. Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects from the National Centre for Environmental Health, Communicable Disease Control (CDC), Atlanta is also very concern with the frequent occurrence of red tide (HABs) events all over the world. This has lead them to work with investigators from local, state, and federal health agencies of the country concerned to assess the respiratory effects of: Recreational exposure to red tide toxins dispersed in the air. For example, in 2003, CDC completed and reported a pilot study oftwo separate red tide events in Florida. Occupational exposure to red tide toxins dispersed in the air. For example, CDC has collected respiratory-function data from Flrida lifeguards who worked during a red tide event. Red algae bloom at Leigh, near Cape Rodney. This massive red tide of the dinoflagellate Noctiluca stretched for more than 20 miles along the southern California coast. Non-toxic blooms such as these can cause extensive mortalities of plants and animals in shallow waters when the bloom biomass decays, stripping oxygen from the water. Figure 7: Red Tide occurrence 5.0 Benefits and risk to humans, other organisms and environment The site of seeing red tide at the beach indicate that there is something unusual has occurred in the sea especially at the site of the event. As discussed in details above, red tide occurrence has been widespread all over the world. They have caused many implications to the environment, ecosystem and the living organisms that depended on the equatic lives to live. Among the risk to humans are not only man are not able swim in the beaches, lost in tourism but by the exposure to these events can cause harmful effect to the health of the population living nearby. Besides, the toxins produced by the harmful algal blooms have caused extensive mortalities to plants and animals when the bloom biomass decays, stripping oxygen from the water. It has also cause shellfish fisherman to loose million of dollars in income because of the fear to consume shellfish during red tide seasons. However, with many research being carried out from time to time on red tides or harmful algal blooms (HABs), man has learn a lot about the causes to the occurrence of these events. Sophisticated instruments have been designed and built such as SeaWiFS (Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor) and MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instruments to detect harmful algal bloom from space. Autonomus underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with temperature and salinity meters as well as a Breve-Buster, which is an instrument that collects water samples and determines the levels of red-tide causing algae by shining a light through the sample and noting the light absorbing characteristics within the sample (indicative of these algae) is also used in the research of red tide. All these instruments are used to track and monitor these blooms and have help to reduce harmful effects of the algae by providing early warnings against eating infected shellfish and against swimming in infe cted water. Research carried out by Peterson, J. 2004 with red tide toxin yields potential therapies for cystic firbosis. In the research, experiments conducted with both the compounds; ÃŽÂ ²-Naphthoyl-bevetoxin and brevenal (a natural compound produced by red tide) in sheep revealed that both the compounds were able to block the effects of the red tide toxin on the respiratory system. While conducting the experiments an even more important discovery prevailed the anti-toxins behaved much like drugs used to treat cystic fibrosis because these compounds helps to speed up the clearance of mucus from the lungs. According to Danial Baden, Ph.D., director of University of North Carolina in Wilmingtons Centre of Marine Science and director of the project, mucociliary clearance is one of the most important defense systems in the lungs, protecting the airways from bacteria and pollutants. Tests conducted in sheeps also showed that these compounds to be effective at doses 1 million times lower than t he current medications used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis and they have no side effects. 6.0 Alternatives views or solutions for implications of biology encountered One of the ways to control red tide or harmful algal blooms (HABs) is to reduce excess pollutants and key nutrients from being released into coastal ocean areas. From the environmental perspective, taking steps to reduce pollution would also reduce HAB occurrences. For HABs, reducing nitrogen release is especially important; however, this is also one of the most difficult pollutants to control as it comes from a wide range of widely used agriculture chemicals such as fertilizers and fossil fuels. Therefore, efficient and effective dissemination of useful information about HABs to the populations that live in the coastal areas is important. Subsequently, controlling harmful algal blooms (HABs) using chemicals, fine clay particles or biological agents should be studied further. Although the potential dangers of chemical or biological agents should be known, they also hold great promise in controlling unwanted toxic phytoplankton populations. Under some circumstances, dispersal of fine clay particles over a bloom has seen some sucess, as the clay aggregates with itself and with other particles in the water (including HAB cells) and pulls the harmful algae to bottom sediments. Control techniques in the context of risk assessments, similar to those applied in evaluating land-based agriculture, should be purseued with HABs. Better monitoring systems and detection methods on HABs need to be further developed. Government and multinational companies and philantrophies such be encouraged to fund monitoring programs and research. In addition, the medical community should be better informed and prepared to treat individuals suffering from HAB toxicity. Individuals visiting or living on the shore or consume seafood also need to be better informed about the risks. Overall, scientiests need to be encourage to investigate HAB controland mitigation strategies. This is because it is easier to pursue basic or fundamental science, rather than taking on the challenging and highly visible practical research that tries to control blooms. There are surely technologies that we have not even considered or explore yet that will be effective if scientists and engineers are given the resources and encouragement to pursue control and mitigation research. 7.0 Conclusion Red tides and harmful algal blooms is one of the important areas where the biologist can seriously undertake in their research. This is because there are many factors that can cause HABs or red tides. Once it occur, it will cause much harm to the environment, aquatic ecosystem, lost of income to the shellfish and fishery industries and the health of the populations exposed and staying in the coastal areas will be affected. Therefore, it needs a concerted multi-prong effort from not only the biologists but also the agencies involved; be it governmental or public, and last but not the least the affected populations and individuals at large to help find effective mitigation solutions to the problems at stake.

Challenges to Male Authority in Sophocles’ play, Antigone :: Antigone Essays

Challenges to Male Authority in Sophocles’ play, Antigone In the play Antigone by Sophocles, Creon and Antigone have distinct conflicting values. Antigone first demonstrates feminist logic when she chooses to challenge a powerful male establishment. This establishment is personified by her uncle Creon, who is newly crowned as the King of Thebes. Creon poses to be a major authority figure in a patriarchal society. Creon's regard for the laws of the city causes him to abandon all other beliefs. He feels that all should obey the laws set forth by him, even if other beliefs, moral or religious, state otherwise. Antigone, on the other hand, holds the beliefs of the gods in high reverence. She feels that the laws of the gods should be obeyed above all others, especially when in respect to family. The bold, tradition-braking character of Antigone clearly clashed with the overpowering patriarchal dominance of Creon. This collision between characters gives rise to the conflict between the sexes in Sophocles' Antigone. The denial of burial to Polynices strikes directly at her family loyalty. This enormous sense of loyalty leads to her simultaneous violation and observance to the duty of women of the time. It is precisely this loyalty that makes her an active rather than a static figure. Antigone herself represents the highest ideals of human life -- courage and respect for the gods. She believed that the law of the gods, which dictates that a body be given proper burial rights, was more important than the law of the King. Throughout the play, Antigone amazingly retains the traditional role of women, while at the same time boldly challenges this depiction. The challenge occurs as both a defiance of Creon's laws in Antigone's burying Polynices and as a direct verbal assault on Creon himself. Creon becomes angry that a woman questions his sovereignty and condemns her to death even though she was the daughter of his sister, Jocasta. Creon believes that if he does not follow through on his word the people of Thebes will not respect his authority as king. Thus Creon's patriotic values clash with Antigone's ethical values to make conflicting roles. Creon, being a new king, wants to prove his abilities as a firm and strong administrator. Creon wants to be respected and feared as a king because this will prove him to be the ultimate authorative figure in Thebes. He stands for obedience to the State. Surely it is his voice the townspeople should obey. Creon abuses his power to force others to accept his point of view.

Meaning of Life and Fast Lane Essay

Good coop, bad coop situation. leave well enough alone | let well enough alone Meaning: If you leave well enough alone, or let well enough alone, you don’t try to improve or change something that’s already good enough. For example: The kids seem happy enough now so let’s just leave well enough alone and forget about finding a new school for them.? skate on thin ice- Meaning: If you’re skating on thin ice, you’re doing something risky, or you’re in a situation that could quickly become dangerous. Jockey for position- Meaning: If you jockey for position, you try to get yourself in a good position in relation to others who’re competing for the same opportunity or the same goal. let the cat out of the bag – Meaning: If you let the cat out of the bag, you let someone know a secret. You could have knocked me over with a feather. – Meaning: You can say â€Å"you could have knocked me over with a feather† to show how surprised you were when something happened, or when you heard about something. add fuel to the fire If you add fuel to the fire, you do something to make a bad situation even worse. ahead of the game You are ahead of the game if you have an advantage over your competitors in any activity in which you try to do better than others, such as in business, academia, sports, etc. all the rage Informal If something is all the rage, it’s very popular or it’s in fashion at the moment. asking for trouble If someone is asking for trouble, they’re doing something risky that could lead to a problem. itchy feet Informal If you have itchy feet, you feel the need to go somewhere different or do something different. in the long run If you talk about something â€Å"in the long run†, you mean over a long period of time. At cross-purposes If you’re at cross-purposes with someone, you think you’re both talking about the same thing but you’re actually talking about different things. at loose ends If you’re at loose ends, you feel restless and unsettled because you don’t have anything to do. a blessing in disguise You can say something is a blessing in disguise if it appears to be bad at first, but it results in something very good in the end. back to square one If you have to go back to square one, you have to stop and start again, usually because something isn’t working as well as expected. bite your tongue | hold your tongue If you bite your tongue, or hold your tongue, you force yourself not to say something you really want to to say. the icing on the cake | the frosting on the cake If something is the icing on the cake, or the frosting on the cake, it makes a good situation or a good result even better. joie de vivre If you have joie de vivre, you feel the joy of living. make hay while the sun shines If you make hay while the sun shines, you make good use of the chance to do something while it lasts. Fast friends good, loyal friends. The two of them had been fast friends since college. See also: friend fast one a clever and devious trick. (Compare this with pull a fast one. ) That was a fast one. I didn’t know you were so devious. This was the last fast one like that you’ll ever catch me with. life in the fast lane a very active or possible risky way to live. (See also in the fast lane. ) Life in the fast lane is too much for me. See also: lane, life make short work of something to deal with or finish something quickly We made short work of the food that was put in front of us. fast and furious if an activity is fast and furious, it is done quickly and with a lot of energy The first half of the game was fast and furious with both teams scoring three goals each. Ngn av dessa till din story a queer fish Meaning: If someone’s a queer fish, they are a bit strange and can sometimes behave in an unusual way. For example:Your great grandfather was a queer fish, Johnny. He used to write funny poems and then he’d read them aloud to everyone on the train on his way to work let the cat out of the bag Meaning: If you let the cat out of the bag, you let someone know a secret. For example: We’d planned a surprise party for Donna, but some guy she works with let the cat out of the bag, so now she knows.? Don’t forget that this is a secret, so whatever you do, don’t let the cat out of the bag.? †There? s an elephant in the room† – Meaning: If you make a killing, you make a lot of money from a sale or a deal of some sort. For example: My aunt made a killing when she bought some shares in a company as soon as they were issued, and sold them a few weeks later for three times what she paid.? Lots of people made a killing when property values went so high back in the nineties. †Bark is worse than his bite†, †put your money where your mouth is† – prove it.. alot of not air? all hell broke loose Meaning: You can say â€Å"all hell broke loose† if a situation suddenly became violent or chaotic. Bad news travels fast ’ â€Å"Bad news† means news about â€Å"bad† things like accidents, death, illness etc. People tend to tell this type of news quickly. But â€Å"good news† (passing an exam, winning some money, getting a job etc) travels more slowly. Least said soonest mended Possible interpretation: When we do or say something bad to someone, a long apology and discussion does not help. In such a case, the less we say the better. It’s written all over your face. If you say â€Å"it’s written all over your face†, you’re saying that the expression on someone’s face is showing their true feelings or thoughts. Group 20 ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Words Relating to More Than Enough (did you get it? ) ample copious lavish myriad plethora profuse prolific superfluous surfeit Memory tips: use these mnemonics (memory devices) to boost your vocabulary. Make up your own memory clues for words in this lesson that are personally challenging. Add these tips-and your own-to your Vocabulary Notebook. Copious let yourself see the word copies within copious, and think â€Å"lots of copies. † Certainly â€Å"lots of copies† leads to the defining ideas of abundant and plentiful. Plethora Let the ple lead you to plenty. When you write plethora in your Vocabulary Notebook, underscore the ple with a colored pen or marker. Superfluous The prefix super means over and above. This knowledge is helpful because superfluous means â€Å"above what is needed; extra. â€Å" Surfeit Like super-, sur- is also a prefix meaning over and above. So a surfeit is an amount over and above what is needed. Using apperception, (http://www. merriam-webster. com/dictionary/apperception) link a word you most likely already know, surplus, to the new word, surfeit. These two-syllable synonyms even have the same number of letters! Solidify the meaning of surfeit in your memory. Ample think of the word sample but get rid of the S. and since Ample means more than enough you can think of many samples! Lavish think of marangsvisch with lakris sas! And put the letters LA from the word Lakris instead of S. Profuse(overflodande) think about refuse and proactive, because proactive is â€Å"overflowing† with vitamins. Change the re to pro Prolific, the word productive has the same meaning, so take the PRO from productive and add it with lyric which at least makes me think of lific. So think productive lyric. Myraid (skiftande mangd) think My ride†¦ Group 19 (2nd cluster for Fall Term) Wonderful You Are! Words Relating to Praise and Respect (did you get it? ) Acclaim accolade adulate esteem eulogize exalt extol laud panegyrize revere venerate Laud If you know applaud, then simply connect the new word laud to the word you already know, applaud. The meanings of these two verbs are closely connected. Plaudits means praise. Revere You remember Paul Revere from American History, right? Now, I am sure you’ll agree that it’s only right to respect, or revere one of our nation’s Founding Fathers! Another tip: you can repeat this chant to yourself over and over â€Å"Revere the Reverend. Revere the Reverend. Revere the Reverend† Acclaim think of ass, but with cc, and slajm (slaim)! Accolade think of assa, but with cc and chocolade Adulate ad-ul-ate Esteem think of S team, but with double e Eulogize think ekoloogisk / EU logisk Exalt think Exaltera, without era, since exalterad means vara upprymd like exalt. Extol, ex stol Panegyrize think, pannkakor & risgrynsgrot Venerate Think â€Å"ata vanner†, but switch place, let vanner lead you 2 Vener, and ata-ate.

M.U.N. Position Paper: Algeria’s Stance on ISIS Essay

Algeria is home to millions of people, including those of all faiths. As one of North Africa’s leading military powers, our government swore to protect the people of Algeria. However, the recent encroachment of the ISIL group throughout much of Syria and Iraq has caused major concerns throughout the international community. ISIL is growing stronger everyday, and they have been encouraging jihad towards western countries. It is the duty of Algeria to ensure the safety of our citizens, and action must be taken to destroy this cancer. Recently, the self-proclaimed Jund Al-Khilafah in Syria group has executed a French citizen. Algeria feels strongly against jihad. It is a shame that Algerian men who have been blinded by ISIL were involved in such an incident. Algeria takes a firm stance against the actions undertaken by ISIL. Algeria has been building strong relationships with many of its European neighbors to the north. The implementation of the European Neighborhood Policy has r esulted in us developing closer ties to many European powers. We stand by our European allies in these dangerous times. However, Algeria is not yet ready to commit military resources towards directly fighting ISIS. Algeria must deal with domestic terrorism issues first before going through with any plan to fight ISIS. Even though these domestic terrorist groups have pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, Algeria has built up a military capable of defending its people. We have the second strongest military in North Africa, and we maintain arms deals with European powers. We have a standing army of about 150,000 soldiers, with another 150,000 in reserve. Algeria also has multiple paramilitary wings, including approximately 200,000 additional personnel. We are capable of joining the international coalition in airstrikes against Syria due to our deals with Russia. Russia, throughout the years, has sold us multiple bombers and fighter jets, allowing us to hit ground targets from above. There is no question that Algeria would be capable of defending us from the clutches of ISIL. While Algeria is capable to launching airstrikes on ISIS targets along with the international community, to join the coalition in airstrikes against the ISIL threat is still a premature move. Our primary concern is the safety of our citizens, and we do not wish to aggravate a hornet nest. Note: I apologize for it being less than two pages.