Mother Nature is facing serious threats. For this list a look at those all-too-real threats that are plaguing the Earth right now. And if left unchecked, could spell catastrophe for the world as we know it.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Dangers of Our Planet (part I)
Mother Nature is facing serious threats. For this list a look at those all-too-real threats that are plaguing the Earth right now. And if left unchecked, could spell catastrophe for the world as we know it.
Dangers of Our Planet (part II)
Poverty/Hunger
Despite organizations that wish to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, these remain persistent problems facing humanity – especially in developing countries. Impeding access to healthy food, education, medicine, and more, poverty affects children most – and extreme hunger only perpetuates the cycle of poverty. With food costs increasing thanks to weather changes that make certain regions unfavorable for agriculture, malnutrition is another effect of these difficulties.Energy Crisis
Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have consumed fossil fuel rapidly, and some experts suggest “peak oil” is right around the corner. The world has already lived through several energy crises, but what’s coming could be worse – the social and economic implications are far-reaching, and worldwide blackouts are not implausible. Renewable energy is a viable solution; but it must be clean to stem emissions that cause pollution and weather changes.Water Degradation/Scarcity
Due to overpopulation, pollution, climate change and other obstacles, many people live in areas plagued with water scarcity, with droughts gradually becoming a common problem around the world. Potable water is vital to the survival of life on Earth, because without it we must consume unsafe sources, which spreads diseases like cholera and dysentery. Conservation of fresh water is just one step to solving this issue, though that’s easier said than done.Extreme Weather
Whether or not you believe it’s a man-made problem caused by excessive emissions and greenhouse gasses; whether you call it global warming or climate change; it’s hard to deny the existence of the extreme and unpredictable weather patterns plaguing our planet. The repercussions of these changes are more far-reaching than a simple polar vortex: rising temperatures, droughts, diminishing air quality, human displacement and dwindling natural resources are just the tip of the melting iceberg.Overpopulation
Many of the devastating dangers our planet faces can be traced to this one problem. In 1950, the world’s population was approximately 2.5-billion; today it’s over 7-billion. With the number of births and our lifespans increasing, some doubt the Earth can sustain as many people as we’re producing – and issues like pollution, diminishing resources, species extinction and climate change might be the result, not to mention homelessness, pandemics and deforestation.Was He Killed?
Cut Short (part I)
These voices were silenced before their time. For this list, we’re taking a look at political and social leaders who had their lives cut short. These are the unexpected deaths that shocked the world, impacted lives, and changed the course of history.
Philip II of Macedon (382 - 336 BC)
The man credited with inventing the political ideology of “divide and conquer,” Philip II was a successful ruler of Macedon. In the autumn of 336BC, Philip was left unprotected while attending his daughter’s wedding, and was killed by one of his bodyguards, Pausanias of Orestis. Though the assassin’s motives are unclear – some historians believe his wife and son Alexander III were involved, while others theorize Pausanias was a wronged lover of Philip’s – the murder allowed for Philip’s son Alexander the Great to ascend to the throne and create one of the largest empires in history.Malcolm X (1925 - 1965)
As a militant voice of the Civil Rights Movement, Malcolm X had long been a target of violence and death threats. After Malcolm X’s very public break from the Nation of Islam religious movement, animosity between him and the organization grew. Tensions boiled over during an address in Manhattan on February 21st, 1965, when three men shot and killed the civil rights leader. The Nation took responsibility, and Talmadge Hayer admitted his guilt, but the other two maintained their innocence. And the Civil Rights Movement lost one of its most active leaders.Benazir Bhutto (1953 - 2007)
Though no longer Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto was still a prominent political figure in 2007 as the first female leader of a Muslim country. On December 27 that year, she was on the campaign trail for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Though she was equipped with a bulletproof vehicle, Bhutto was killed while standing through the sunroof to greet fans when shots rang out and explosives were detonated near the car. Al-Qaeda commander Mustafa Abu al-Yazid took responsibility for Bhutto’s death, which sparked riots and quashed any chance of stability in the region.Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria (1863 - 1914)
If not for the events that followed the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, his name might’ve been just a blip in history. The murder of Ferdinand and his wife on June 28th, 1914 set in motion a chain of events that resulted in the beginning of WWI just one month later. The motive of assassin Gavrilo Princip and his fellow Bosnian-Serb revolutionaries was to break away from Austria-Hungary and form their own republic. The result was a conflict involving all the world’s great economic powers, and one of the deadliest conflicts in history.John Lennon (1940 - 1980)
The cultural impact of the Beatles is difficult to overstate. The group inspired obsessed fans, including the dangerously infatuated Mark David Chapman. Chapman, once a diehard Beatles fan, had become a born-again Christian and considered Lennon’s comment that the Beatles were “more popular than Jesus” blasphemous. Inspired by the anti-phony sentiment in J.D. Salinger’s novel “The Catcher in the Rye” and his perception that Lennon was the ultimate hypocrite, Chapman visited The Dakota apartment building where Lennon and Yoko Ono lived on December 8th, 1980 and – after getting his autograph earlier in the day – shot and killed him.Cut Short (part II)
Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 - 1968)
Martin Luther King served as a star spokesman for the Civil Rights Movement in America, pushing for the equality of African Americans through nonviolent means, but he was silenced before he had the opportunity to see his efforts succeed. On April 4th, 1968, the civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner was shot and killed by James Earl Ray as he stood on the balcony of his hotel room. King’s death widened the gap between whites and blacks, caused riots and spurred the expansion of radical African American movements like the Black Panthers.John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963)
Tragedy has befallen many members of the Kennedy family; for example, JFK’s brother Bobby was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan in 1968 while he campaigned for President. But, perhaps most famous was the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22nd, 1963. Shot by a sniper’s bullet while riding through Dealey Plaza in Texas, JFK’s death is shrouded in conspiracy, with the official story placing the gun in the hands of former Marine Lee Harvey Oswald. But, since Oswald was shot just days later by Jack Ruby while in police custody, we may never know the truth for certain.Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)
After guiding America through the most tumultuous time in its young history, Lincoln had locked in his legacy by 1865. But any other accomplishments he might’ve achieved were thwarted during a play at the Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. on April 14th, 1865. With the Civil War drawing to a close, actor and Confederate John Wilkes Booth snuck into the President’s box and shot him in the head. Booth then jumped to the stage with a knife and apparently uttered in Latin “thus always to tyrants,” a phrase attributed to Brutus during Caesar’s assassination. Lincoln died the next day.Julius Caesar (100 - 44 BC)
Perhaps history’s most famous assassination thanks to its retelling by Shakespeare, the death of Julius Caesar is memorable as both drama and historical fact. After Caesar was named “Dictator for life” by the Senate, a plan to remove him was almost immediately devised by Senate members calling themselves Liberators, who feared Caesar threatened their power. Together, this group of roughly 60 of some of Caesar’s closest allies violently beat and stabbed him to death. Their later attempts to install a tyrannical government were met with protests from the lower-class Romans, and ultimately Caesar’s heir Octavian gained power.Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948)
He spent his life as a symbol of peace, but died a victim of violence. In life, Mahatma Gandhi led India to independence from Great Britain using nonviolent tactics rather than revolution. Despite his success, some objected to his peaceful approach, including Nathuram Godse. The Hindu nationalist disagreed with Gandhi’s support of Pakistan and perceived preference toward Pakistani Muslims over Indian Hindus. This caused Godse to fire three fatal shots at Gandhi while he was in New Delhi on January 30th, 1948. Millions subsequently honored the fallen leader, and his policies of compassion are still praised today.Funny 1st World Dilemmas (part I)
You haven’t experienced true pain until you’ve lived in a First World country. Welcome to Johnny's blog, today I am counting down the 10 First World problems that can be related to any one.
For this list, I would not be taking a look at real issues like disease, poverty, or genocide, but the little things privileged people in the First World tend to blow out of proportion.
#10: Cleaning Lady Didn’t Show Up
If you’re tired of rolling around in your own filth and are too lazy to sanitize the house yourself, hire a maid to do your dirty work. Since you’re unlikely to pay her above minimum wage, though, there’s a good chance your cleaning lady will occasionally be tardy or absent. Then who’s going to Windex the counter tops, scrub the toilets, and get the hair out of the shower drain? Ah well, maybe it’s for the best. Consuela always starts cleaning the bathroom just when you need to take a dump.#9: Choosing Where to Eat Lunch
You’d think with so many restaurants to choose from, it wouldn’t be so hard for two people to come to a mutual agreement on where to eat. Alas, every time one person makes a recommendation, the other person immediately shoots it down. Either the suggested eatery is too fattening, too greasy, too expensive, too low-class, or they’re just sick of it. Then by the time you guys finally decide where to do lunch, break time’s over. Just go to a food court next time. There’s something there for everyone.#8: Fridge Full of Food, But Not Hungry
There’s no shortage of First World problems pertaining to food, such as your dinner going cold, consuming too much sushi at that business brunch, or being totally out of sustenance. The most tragic food-relation crisis imaginable, however, is having no appetite to feast upon the wonderful treats in your fully stocked fridge. Although that leftover pizza, Mom’s homemade egg salad, and chocolate cake are calling out to your gut, you’re simply not hungry enough to take even one bite. At least all those starving children will never know this burden.#7: Bed’s Too Comfortable to Get Up
After a long day at the office, there’s no better place to unwind than in a luxurious bed. The only dilemma is sometimes the bed will be so comfy that you’ll be reluctant to get up the next morning. It’s so tempting to hit the snooze button, call in sick to school or work, and spend all eternity wrapped up in your covers. Sadly, stupid life inevitably requires you to arise and contribute something to stupid society. Oh well, chances are you’d need to go to the bathroom eventually anyway.#6: Updating Software
Although the digital age has given us countless innovative conveniences, there have also been some unforgivable drawbacks. For example, how many times are we expected to update the software on our laptops, tablets, and phones? There’s a new version of iTunes available?! We already downloaded the last version a month ago! The Xbox needs to undergo another system update?! You seriously expect us to wait five minutes to play “Dragon Age: Inquisition!” Ain’t nobody got time for that! You call this the digital age? More like the Stone Age!Funny 1st World Dilemmas (part II)
Continuing with this hilarious but embarrassing situations that stress most of us these days, we continue our list of annoying things of these technology driven world.
#5: Too Hot Outside, But Freezing Inside
This is a common problem people face on a scorching summer day. It’s so hot outside that you feel like the sun may literally set your body on fire. It’s so cold inside, though, that you feel like bundling up in a winter jacket. The world around you is like a hot pocket. It’s either burning or freezing, but never just right. No matter how articulately you adjust the thermostat you can’t seem to achieve a balanced temperature. So you just have to pick your poison: Hot or cold.#4: Nothing to Watch on TV
Sitting around on the couch in the middle of the day isn’t complete without the television playing. But what if there’s nothing good currently on, the DVR is empty, and you’ve already streamed everything on Netflix? You could go outside…no, no that’s crazy talk. It’s best to just remain situated and keep channel surfing until something sparks your fancy. Staring at the screen and pressing the remote button sure is exhausting, though. Maybe there’ll be something worth watching after a quick catnap. If not, then may god help us all.#3: Starbucks Problems
As much as we love to start off the day with a caffeinated beverage from Starbucks, this establishment serves up many of the same problems as other coffeehouses. To begin, will they ever perfect the ratio of ice to coffee in their ice coffees? At least a cup full of ice is better than waiting for scolding hot coffee to cool down to room temperature. Oh, and you wouldn’t believe the chaos that ensues when they get a customer’s name wrong. We don’t pay a premium price for such substandard service!#2: Forgetting Phone Charger
Misplacing your phone is one thing, but forgetting your phone charger can make one feel like an even bigger bonehead. Now you’re going to have to ration the battery all day long. As hard as you try to conserve power, however, the phone will go from 100% charged to 10% in the blink of an eye. You can also count on the phone giving out at the worst possible time, be it before responding to a crucial text message or in the middle of a game of “Candy Crush.”#1: Internet Is Out
While humankind might have survived without the Internet for almost two millennia, these days we refuse to live another day without tweeting, selling possessions on eBay, and bingeing on WatchMojo Top 10s. If your Internet goes out, you’ll be lucky if all you have to do is reboot the router. Worst-case scenario: You’ll spend several hours on the phone with customer service and several more hours waiting for a technician to come to the house. And you want to know what the most frustrating part is? You can’t pass the time by checking Facebook!Dangerous Jobs (part I)
If you work in any of these professions, you may want to double-check your health care has got you covered. Welcome to my blog, today I am counting down my picks for the top ten most dangerous jobs. For this list, we're counting down those jobs that are known for their danger level, specifically in regards to dying on the job and injuries you may receive while working
10) Construction Worker
When you're literally creating a building from the ground up, there's bound to be some accidents along the way. Similar to a steel worker, and only slightly more dangerous, there are many things that can go wrong when you work in construction, from small injuries like splinters, trips, and cuts, to more serious things like falling from great heights or injuring yourself with one of the many dangerous tools used on the job. In the U.S., there were 215 reported deaths from construction accidents in 2013 alone, making this both a laborious and very dangerous occupation.
9) Farmer
While farming is definitely a noble and hard working profession, it is also far more dangerous than you would likely believe. Many farmers have to deal with extremely heavy and dangerous equipment, like cotton pickers and cane harvesters, on a daily basis, which can lead to injury or death. Another surprising factor that farmers need to contend with is animal attacks, which are included in the 220 fatalities that occurred in farming and agriculture-related occupations in 2013 in U.S. – and that’s even more deaths than construction workers that year! While farmers, ranchers and so on, do get to work in the beautiful outdoors, no one can say these are easy jobs.
8) Police Officer
We think it goes without saying that if you dedicate your life's work to apprehending criminals, there's going to be some dangerous repercussions that go with it. Police officers deal with a large and varied assortment of deadly situations, such as shootouts, car chases, mentally unstable individuals, and even routine traffic stops that can always turn violent on a dime. According to NPR, 126 officers were killed in the line of duty in the U.S. in 2014, and the constant risk and unknown nature of the job make this a very dangerous one to have.
7) Truck Driver
Not only is it a lonely and dirty job, but truck drivers face an unusually large mortality rate. Drivers are forced to travel extremely large distances in a short amount of time, which is a prime instigator for fatigue - and a major cause of death in the field. Exhausted truck drivers make for sick truck drivers, but they can also lead to avoidable but deadly collisions and accidents on the road. In the States, an unbelievable 748 of them lost their lives in 2013 alone, meaning that there are roughly two deaths per day in the profession.
#6: Waster Collector
Before making jokes and disrespecting this profession, just remember that it is very necessary and extremely dangerous work. There are a surprising number of ways to get your name on the casualty list for this job, including having to deal with hazardous or sharp materials that can easily puncture both the bag or containers and your skin. A garbage truck itself is also very dangerous, with accidents occurring in the crusher or through careless road collisions. Many things could go wrong, and unfortunately, many do.
Dangerous Jobs (part II)
5) Roofer
Putting shingles on a house is far more dangerous than it may sound, and roofing is statistically one of the most dangerous jobs on the market. Roofers, or roof mechanics as they are also called, are susceptible to critically damaging or even fatal falls if not properly secured to their work areas. They are also prone to exhaustion, dehydration, and even heatstroke in the summer months when the sun is beating down on the tar of the roof. Such conditions can lead to serious health effects, and even death, if not immediately and properly treated.4) Military
It's quite obvious that a military position, especially if one is on active duty infantry, comes with a large degree of danger and a constant exposure to violence. Infantrymen have to constantly fight the wars – ON FOOT, meaning dodging incoming explosives and shooting back and forth with the enemy, among a host of other deadly situations. The fact that roughly 25 million soldiers died in World War II and that Americans have suffered some 2300 fatalities and over 20, 000 injured in the War in Afghanistan can attest to the fact that this is not a safe job.3) Pilot
Those of you who are afraid of flying, just imagine how the pilot must feel, as their chances of death increase dramatically with each passing flight. There are a number of ways for a flight to go wrong, including engine failure, severe turbulence, and most dangerously, improper takeoffs and landings. As crashing into the ground at fast speeds from a high altitude is pretty much not survivable, many pilots die each year. When it comes to pilots of smaller aircrafts, their chances of injury and death increase due to a lack of safety precautions and other circumstances.2) Fisherman
While the idea of sitting in a boat all day on the calm seas while catching fish may sound like a great time, the reality is far more scary. Fishermen are in a constant state of danger, having to deal with long, freezing nights affecting their well-being, the use of dangerous equipment, and violent storms that could hit at any time. Any or all of these can cause drowning and loss of employees in the sea. In the U.S., fishermen faced a fatality rate of 75 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2013, a scary statistic and also one of the highest rates for a profession.1) Lumberjack / Logger
Probably not quite what you were expecting at number one, but loggers have, by far, the most dangerous job. Logging is actually filled with potential accidents just waiting to happen. Though the profession has evolved over the years, the dangerous equipment used to cut trees today can still bring serious injury or death to the careless, and the constant falling trees have taken numerous lives in the industry. Modern loggers also face the highest fatality rate for a profession at 91.3 deaths per 100,000 workers, a statistic that helps puts them on our list as the most dangerous job you could have.Why They Left Us Too Early? (part I)
Harvey Milk (1930 – 1978)
One of the first openly gay people to win political office in America, it was Milk’s spirit of inclusion that won him the allegiance of not only the LBGT community but also the world. Living his life in the closet until he was approaching middle age, his position in politics may have been relatively minor in comparison to others on this list, but his life galvanized a movement that’s still strong today. Gunned down by political enemy Dan White, Milk was Introduced to a new generation by the Sean Penn biopic, and remains a beloved figure.Evita Perón (1919 - 1952)
An aspiring actress, Eva Duarte met Colonel Juan Perón and the trajectory of her life was forever changed. A year after the two were married, her new husband was elected President of Argentina. As the new first lady, she fought for the women of Argentina to gain the vote. She went so far as to found the country’s first female political party that was taken seriously. Although she ran for the Vice Presidency, her unsuccessful fight against cancer forced her to withdraw. Though her untimely death ended her political aspirations, Eva Perón’s posthumous fame grew when she became the subject of a smash musical, “Evita.”Ernesto Che Guevara (1928 - 1967)
Many people today may recognize him from those Rage Against the Machine t-shirts or that movie they didn’t see, but Che’s impact on Cuba can’t be measured. Disgusted by the hunger and disease he saw in South America, he came to see the United States as the enemy. Alongside Raúl and Fidel Castro, he led a movement to overthrow Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista through guerilla tactics. Once their bid for power succeeded, he held many positions in the new government. Leaving Cuba in 1965 to aid other guerrilla movements out to quash imperialism, Che was captured and executed by CIA-backed Bolivian forces in 1967.Ahmad Shah Massoud (1953 - 2001)
Assassinated two days before the September 11th attacks, this fierce opponent of the Taliban and all enemies of Afghanistan’s freedom fell victim to a targeted suicide bombing. Massoud first came to world prominence as a leader in the fight against the Soviet occupation of his land. His legacy is one of unflinching loyalty to his country and its people. The leader of the Northern Alliance, he has been declared a National Hero and September 9 is celebrated as Massoud Day.Robert Kennedy (1925 - 1968)
Though he died before attaining the Presidency he sought, Robert Kennedy’s life should not be underestimated. As a Senator and the U.S. Attorney General under his brother, RFK earned the respect and love of America. Kennedy was a strong proponent of the civil rights movement and a strong opponent of organized crime. He was poised to take a run at the presidency when he was gunned down at a campaign stop by Sirhan Sirhan. Kennedy had played a crucial role as an adviser in brother JFK’s presidency, and it’s likely his time in the White House could have been every bit as revered.Why They Left Us Too Early? (part II)
This a continuation of the sadden too early death of important political figures.
Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929 - 1968)
Arguably one of the most charismatic figures in the history of America, King’s ability to lead people of all ages, creeds and colors in the fight against bigotry changed the complexion of the world today. The nonviolent stance he championed held him apart from peers like Malcolm X and lent him the moral high ground. Murdered before his work was complete by James Earl Ray, his fight was picked up by the millions of people he inspired. His words live in the hearts and minds of open-minded people who hear them to this day.Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)
Arguably one of the most important Presidents in United States history, Lincoln’s leadership during a time of great turmoil in the country’s history helped mold the nation. He took office the year the U.S. Civil War began and was assassinated in the year it ended. It seems as if he was predestined to shepherd America through a bloody war, his own death a cruel reminder of the price of such a conflict. But even though his life was cut short, abolishing slavery and maintaining the union are amazing accomplishments. The country never learned what he could do as a president in peacetime, but if it compared to his achievements in war, the world truly lost out.Benazir Bhutto (1953 - 2007)
The 11th Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto was a woman who held no illusions. She knew the politically active life she led could very well lead to her demise, but she eagerly embraced her choice. Though her legacy may not be as pristine as some would like it to be, there is no question that she holds the respect of a multitude of people, including many of her rivals. A key figure in the history of Pakistan and a symbol of female empowerment the world over, Bhutto was assassinated in 2007. The “Iron Lady,” as she was known, will not soon be forgotten.Alexander the Great (356 - 323 BC)
This was a man of such gravity and charisma that he was able to unite forces behind him to accrue a vast territory, one which could not be retained for long after his death at a young age. Alexander’s impact on the world was absolutely immense. Amassing an empire that stretched from Greece to Egypt, he is considered by many to be the greatest military commander in history. It has become difficult to differentiate the myths of his life from the facts and to know whether he was a simply warmonger or a brilliant leader. But what we know for sure is he was beloved by many and his actions and vision defined his world.John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963)
President for less than three years, JFK held the reins of power in America during some of the most important years in its history. His expert handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis staved off all-out nuclear war. He championed and promoted the space race, which has given humanity a far greater understanding of the universe. An extraordinary speaker, his address in Berlin and his inaugural speech inspired audiences across the country and around the globe. The world was shocked when he was taken far too young by an assassin’s bullet, and the controversy over his assassination continues to this day.Effect of Good Propaganda (part I)
These are the pictures that slipped into our stream of subconsciousness, and stayed there! These are examples of good propaganda strategies that made an effect on society. We looked at propaganda posters from any country, group, historical event or political persuasion and have selected posters based on their impact and historical context.
10) “Liberators” (1944)
It’s fair to say the Nazi Party had a penchant for propaganda, and this particular piece has to be one of the heaviest images of anti-American-ness ever known. Drawn by Norwegian cartoonist Harald Damsleth, “Liberators” shows the United States as a mechanical, morally-flawed monster carving a trail of destruction through Europe. The U.S. is shown as a gun-toting, bomb-dropping, money-grabbing, sex-obsessed race, set out to fulfill the exact opposite of this poster’s title pledge... this is the American Dream given a nightmarish makeover!9) “Open Trap…” (1940s)
If there’s one thing that propaganda posters do well, it’s racism. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor and America’s entry into the already raging Second World War, caricatured Oriental figures could be found all over advertising and everyday life. This poster and ones like it were done to dehumanize the Japanese as much as possible and lessen negative feelings at home as conflict between the two nations increased. With its buck teeth, big ears, exaggerated eyes, and poor grammar “Open Trap make Happy Jap” is a notorious example of racial dehumanization.8) “To Defend USSR” (1930)
There are two distinct strategies when it comes to conveying subliminal messages in a time of conflict – paint the enemy as evil, or make yourself look righteous. The makers of “To Defend USSR” chose the latter. Here, the might of the USSR is presented beyond any doubt. Adopting a cubist, machine-like look, the Red Army is presented as seemingly impenetrable. Projecting strength and nationalism, the image suggests that the defenders of Mother Russia can only be marching towards victory and there is no one who can stand in their way.7) “Beat Back the Hun with Liberty Bonds” (1918)
The message is clear: if you don’t buy liberty bonds, you are aiding a monstrous enemy to invade from across the Atlantic. Created at the height of World War One, “Beat Back the Hun” is a brutalizing look at the German Army seen through the eyes of the United States of America. The poster’s striking contrast between dark, dirty skin and red, gleaming blood is enough to give anyone bad dreams at night... and it was enough to have many Americans reaching for their purse-strings.6) “They Shall Not Pass” (1918)
Sometimes the best way to drum up camaraderie during times of war is to present that war as realistically as possible. Designed in 1917 by Maurice Neumont but not released until 1918 as German armies were advancing in France, this stirring image depicts defiance in the face of very real fears in Allied Europe that opposition forces might be too strong. However, Allied forces did not give up and – like the poster’s soldier – held their ground. More than a motivational picture, this French poster helped popularize a mantra used for the remainder of the First World War.Effect of Good Propaganda (part II)
Continuing with the list of incredible mind controlling propaganda's list, these are some of the other posters that made a huge impact.
Keep Calm and Carry On (1939)
Keep calm and milk a meme. It’s not often that a propaganda slogan translates particularly effectively into pop-culture, but in the case of this poster the switch has been made seamlessly. Designed as a morale boost for the British public in 1939 as the Second World War loomed ahead, “Keep Calm” wasn’t actually displayed during the conflict itself. In fact, most of the 2.5 million copies of the poster were pulped by 1940. When uncovered in the year 2000, however, the motto was still perfectly reflective of the UK’s stereotypical ‘stiff upper lip’.Xu Ling: China (1950)
Anything the West can do, the East can do just as well. As caricatured and exaggerated as anything seen Stateside, this bloody massacre of a message sees the Chinese public warned against the Western “Imperialist” way. A less than friendly U.S. General Douglas MacArthur has U.S. war crimes placed literally into his hands, while the bombs that had become synonymous with America post-WWII destroy a Chinese factory. Released at the beginning of the Korean Conflict, there’s nothing ‘cold’ about this hellish cold war scene.Daddy, What did YOU do in the Great War? (1915)
An atypically complex example of British First World War propaganda, this poster delivered a powder keg of emotional blackmail and guilt. Prior to the introduction of conscription in 1916, the British war effort relied upon volunteers, supplies of which had peaked in 1914. Devised by Arthur Gunn and artist Savile Lumley, the poster was aimed at recruiting otherwise uninvolved but able men into the war. The “Daddy” poster was so effective, in fact, that Gunn himself volunteered soon after; however, Lumley would apparently disown the work following the end of the war.We Can Do It! (1943)
Although only produced for the workforce of one single company, ‘Rosie the Riveter’ has had us rolling up our sleeves for years! J. Howard Miller created the now iconic image, thought to be based on factory worker Geraldine Hoff, to inspire the employees at Westinghouse Electric to keep churning out plastic helmet liners for the U.S. war effort. Since its resurfacing in the 1980s, the image has come to stand for all manner of motivational purposes, especially and most obviously among feminist and women’s groups.I Want You (1917)
We end our list with some full-on, unapologetic tugging at one nation’s patriotic heartstrings! Although Uncle Sam imagery had been in use since at least 1812, it was this 1917 poster, used for the recruitment drive in both the First and Second World Wars, that made him an icon. Effectively a remake of an equally iconic British recruitment poster – which featured Lord Kitchener – the James Montgomery Flagg-designed poster is proof to the power of eye contact. No self-respecting man would take a stare down from Uncle Sam and turn away from their duties! For good or bad, he wants YOU.Where were you when this happened? (part I)
We’ll never forget when these events happened. Today we’re counting down the top 10 moments that made the world stand still. For this list, I chosed global moments or events that are permanently burned into our minds and that have stood the test of time due to their impact on world history.
10) Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster - 1986
With teacher Christa McAuliffe on board and hundreds of schoolchildren watching in real-time, the Challenger launch was to be the first of its kind. Though CNN transmitted the sole live broadcast, news of the disaster spread like wildfire through other networks. Because the media focused on the story’s ‘human element’ and tragic moments for dramatic effect, it became a hot topic for several weeks and it changed future news reporting.9) Munich Massacre - 1972
Since the initial attack on the Israeli athletes at the 1972 Summer Olympics by Black September took place in the wee hours of the morning, the cameras weren’t yet rolling. But once morning came along, the media covered the response so well that the Palestinian terrorists already knew when and how the German-border police were preparing to attack them! Unfortunately, the Munich Massacre resulted in the deaths of the hostages and several others.8) Tiananmen Square Protests - 1989
As the Beijing student protests turned into the Tiananmen Square Massacre, the western world witnessed social unrest in a foreign and unreachable location for the first time via their TVs. Though most networks were barred from broadcasting the violent military crackdown, their real-time reporting went on to boost live television coverage of international events. It also influenced Western policymakers to implement economic sanctions and arms restrictions on China.7) Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami - 2011
After the most powerful earthquake the country had ever seen struck an area near Tohoku, a potent tsunami washed over Japan and killed thousands. Japanese TV networks and CNN were there to capture this horrifying act of nature. Though the continuous footage of the destruction caused by the deadly waters shocked the world, the coverage also encouraged a massive worldwide relief response.6) The Assassination/Funeral of John F. Kennedy - 1963
The assassination of the 35th President of the United States ushered in the age of TV news by giving people instant access to unfolding developments through moving pictures. Two days after JFK’s death, NBC aired continuous footage of the overnight public viewing. His funeral was then watched by approximately 180 million on television the next day. Millions later witnessed the shooting of sniper Lee Harvey Oswald in a real-time broadcast, as well.Where were you when this happened? (part II)
5) The Fall of the Berlin Wall - 1989
It took almost 30 years for the barrier dividing West Berlin from East Berlin to finally be torn down: following protests and growing crowds of East German refugees making their way to the west, the authorities were forced to open the gates. For the next few weeks, TV audiences worldwide watched as the Germans came together to demolish the wall, and Communism in Germany as well.4) Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami - 2004
Resulting in over 230,000 casualties, the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake is one of history’s most fatal natural disasters. The megathrust tremor generated multiple tsunamis off Indonesia’s western coast and affected 14 countries with the ensuing floods. While widespread media coverage of these images shocked the world, it also triggered a massive global response in terms of donations and relief efforts.3) September 11 Attacks - 2001
Everyone remembers where they were, what they were doing and what they felt when they heard news of the shocking al-Qaeda terrorist attacks. Moments after the World Trade Center was hit, media outlets quickly picked up live feeds that glued worldwide audiences to their TV sets. So when another plane crashed into the South Tower less than twenty minutes later, it was truly a moment no one will ever forget. Coverage of the tragedy and its aftermath changed the way western news was reported globally and became the lengthiest continuous news event to be covered in American television.2) Apollo 11 Moon Landing - 1969
This “giant leap for mankind” was also a giant leap for the United States: the live television broadcast of astronaut Neil Armstrong’s “small step for man” placed America at the head of the space race. Though he set foot at 10:56pm Eastern Daylight Time, over 500 million people around the world experienced history-in-the-making. Thanks to the magic of television, the recorded footage took less than 1.5 seconds to reach Earth.1) Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki - 1945
The atomic bombings of these two Japanese cities during World War II remains the only time nuclear weapons were dropped during a global war. Thanks to footage captured by the U.S. War Department, few will ever forget the mushroom clouds that developed after the Little Boy and Fat Man bombs exploded over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The result was over 240, 000 deaths, with newsreels capturing the aftermath. Things would never be the same.Tesla Greatest Inventions (part II)
Here the rest of the greatest creations of Nikola Tesla
5) Radio
With all due respect to the Italian often credited with inventing radio - Guglielmo Marconi - it was Nikola Tesla who first innovated the concept. Unfortunately, when he was preparing to transmit a signal in 1895, his entire lab went up in flames, and all was lost. But not the idea, of course. Even so, Marconi was soon all the rage for his “invention” that Nikola claimed was done with numerous Tesla patents, but in 1943, Tesla was redeemed when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld his original patent. However, this came shortly after his death. Oh well.4) Wireless Communications
Ok, maybe Tesla didn’t invent the idea of “free energy,” but he did manage to start building a wireless communication tower known as Wardenclyffe tower thanks to the financial support of J.P. Morgan. By displaying the relationship between a transmitter and receiver station, Tesla paved the way for our world of today, where we browse the World Wide Web and send text messages. In 1893, however, it was just another crazy Tesla idea, but you better believe it was an important one.
3) X-Rays
If you’ve ever broken a bone, you’ve hopefully visited a doctor for a complete exam. This kind of experience can be traced back all the way to 1894 when Tesla began studying radiant energy, but the aforementioned 1895 lab fire destroyed all of his experiments. Months later, the German Wilhelm Rontgen “discovered” X-Rays, which led Tesla to build on his theories by incorporating his Tesla coils. And so, radiography was born thanks to the innovations of one Nikola Tesla.
2) Fluorescent Bulbs
The original fluorescent lamp went on the market in the 1930s, but it came after decades of work from a variety of inventors. One of them was Tesla, who introduced his “electrodeless lamp” or induction light at the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. This occasion marked a split between Tesla and his former mentor Thomas Edison, who would become known for developing a long-lasting electric light bulb.
1) Alternating Current
It was known as the “War of Currents.” On one side, you have Thomas Edison and General Electric promoting DC (meaning: direct current) electricity, and on the other you have Tesla’s AC (meaning: alternating current) theory backed by Westinghouse. Edison created a culture of fear by showing just how dangerous electricity could be, while Tesla shot it through his entire body. How about that? And it was Tesla's AC motor design that was ultimately adopted in modern times. Tesla invented and innovated many designs over the course of his 86 years, but none more essential than alternating current.
Tesla Greatest Creations (part I)
I want to give a top 10 Nikola Tesla Inventions and Innovations that revolutionized our world. I did a little research on google and many articles in the internet, so if some errors are present please be kind to write your observation on the comments section.
10) Directed-Energy Weapon
We’ll never know the EXACT details of this Tesla innovation, because he took the specifics to his grave. What we do know is this: the Serbian-American began working on a laser-like or “teleforce” beam projector in the early 1900s with a stream of energy so potent that he expected it to end all wars - hence it being dubbed a ‘death ray’ by the media. Tesla shopped around the idea and actually wrote an essay entitled “The Art of Projecting Concentrated Non-dispersive Energy through the Natural Media” in 1937. In the 1980s, the US tested a particle beam weapon as part of a proposed anti-ballistic missile defense system, so it’s clear that Tesla’s idea was not dismissed.
9) Remote Control via Radio Control
Back in 1898, New Yorkers roamed the streets of Broadway while a strange man played around with some type of apparatus. That apparatus was a teleautomaton, which was a boat that was remotely controlled through radio signals, and Tesla introduced his invention at none other than Madison Square Garden. It would be another 50+ years until the television remote control was developed, however by that time Tesla was long gone and most people didn’t care who came up with the concept - they just wanted life to be easier.
8) Electric Motor via Induction Motor
Well, here’s an idea that caught on! At this very moment, you may be fanning yourself off, but not with your own hands, because it’s not the olden days. What I am saying is this: Tesla is part of your everyday life unless you’re living under a rock in the mountains. Not everybody is lucky enough to enjoy Tesla’s innovation today, so remember this man when you open up the refrigerator for another snack. Because if it wasn’t for the induction motor that ran on an alternating current that he developed in 1887, we wouldn’t have many household appliances, tools, and so on and so forth that we probably take for granted now.
7)Tesla Coil
Perhaps you’re familiar with the movies. And perhaps you’re familiar with crazy movie scientists? Well, then you’re familiar with the Tesla coil, because any legit crazy scientist has MANY. Today, it’s mainly used to entertain kids and moviegoers, and you might have even been lucky enough to personally witness the monster Tesla coil that’s on display every year at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. However, when Tesla first invented this electrical resonant transformer, its production of high-voltage, low-current, high frequency alternating current electricity was incorporated into wireless telegraphy and in medical equipment.
6) Robotics
When Tesla introduced his aforementioned boat to a New York City crowd in 1898, you could say that people were a tiny bit agitated as the concept itself was frightening. But what transpired was the dawn of a new era; a world in which Tesla hoped that actual robots could assist human beings in positive ways. Tesla saw the world through a unique lens, but most of his contemporaries saw something else. That’s why Tesla was Tesla, and that’s why we now have robots. And as such, he’s also been called the Father of Robotics.
The Apocalypse... Soon?
Top 5 Facts: Is the End of Days as We Know It happening any soon?
Welcome in this blog we're counting five fascinating things that you probably didn't know about the probably-maybe-could-be-someday upcoming apocalypse, and how close it really could be!
We're Already Leaving Messages for a Post-Apocalypse World
Built anonymously and often labelled as 'the American Stonehenge', the Georgia Guidestones consist of six granite slabs, onto which ten commandment-like rules are etched in eight different languages. According to the Stones, a future post-apocalyptic civilisation should (amongst other things) cap the global population at five-hundred million (one fourteenth of what it is now!), invent a universal language, and ' leave room for nature' - that last bit is repeated twice! The hope is that the stones will steer us into an 'Age of Reason'... It's a lesson in how to live your life without causing the end of the world, taught by those who learned that lesson the hard way!There's a 10% Probability of a Twenty-First Century Nuclear War
The Cold War, in its traditional sense, might have passed… But the modern-day geopolitical landscape is hardly at peace! The 10% figure was reached by Stanford professor, Martin Hellman, making statistical sense of the 25,000 nuclear weapons in existence, in 2015. The US, the UK, Russia, France, China, India, Pakistan and North Korea could all start a Nuclear War... Given all this, Hellman says that we are each thousands of times more likely to die from a nuclear war than we are a nuclear power mishap– and that’s if you lived next door to the power plant.The Real Apocalypse Won't Be like the Movies
Of course, if the end really was coming, then no one would really be expecting Bruce Willis to actually save our skins! But, and as the apocalyptically clued-in Cracked.com points out, there are plenty of other reasons why cinematic Armageddons get it all wrong! For instance, staying fed and physically healthy will be pretty tough. Even if you can hunt forest animals, you’d still be prone to malnutrition. Where’s your vitamin C going to come from, and then how’re you gonna stave off scurvy? Or any other disease, for that matter– you’re more likely to die from a relatively simple but untreated disease than the actual zombies or what have you. Also, regular gasoline is unusable after a few months. So, by the third or fourth season, all those folks in The Walking Dead should really be… walking. And dead.Apocalyptic Predictions Have a 0% Success Rate
With around thirty forecast since the year 2000, we've really been spoiled when it comes to end days predictions this century. However, none are yet to come true... so far, false predictions have ranged from American evangelist Harold Camping's claim that 3% of the world's population would ascend to heaven in 2011, to the much-publicised Mayan prophecy that the world would end on December 21st, 2012. Not to mention the many Armageddons that should've occurred in the year 2000 itself! So far the prediction success rate is 0%, but that score can only go up! Or remain constant.If All Else Fails, the Sun Will Kill Us All
It's the single-most important entity in our entire solar system in terms of achieving and maintaining life, but science says that the Sun will one day bring about the Earth's demise! On the one hand, humanity may speed the process along a little by, say, blasting holes in the Ozone layer and generally causing climate change beyond that which is humanly manageable... But, environmental snowball effect or not, the truth is that the Sun will end us! It's estimated that in 500 million years (at most) it'll be too hot to sustain life in its current state, and that in around 5 billion years the sun will evolve into a red giant star, which will engulf, consume and generally kill our planet entirely! Basically, even if the apocalypse isn't near, it is unavoidable! Take that, 0%!So, are you heading to the store to stock up on canned food? How do you think you’d fare in the After-Time?
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