Antarctica and Tourism

Antarctica and Tourism Antarctica and Tourism. On a holiday, people expect to see beaches, enjoy the sun, searching for challenge, education and excitement, including relaxation. Antarctica being exactly the opposite of a fantasy holiday destination, has still managed to capture the attention of tourist. The world’s extreme conditions aren’t usually spots for tourist attraction. Antarctica, with extreme physical conditions is incredibly amazing tourist destination. The polar region being covered with snow, unique wildlife, huge mountains, valleys, ice bergs etc are the factors for the increase in the number of people visiting the Antarctica. The number of tourists to Antarctica has increased quite considerably, during the past decade, according to International Association of Antarctica tour operators (IAATO) in 2002/2003, 13571 tourists visited Antarctica compared to 6000, a decade ago. Antarctica is completely different to any other holiday destination in the world. With no malls, no shopping complexes, no restaur ants, no bar’s. All it has to offer is its amazing scenic beauty and its unique wildlife. The only activity that uses Antarctica commercially is Tourism, mainly concentrated to Antarctic Peninsula and to a lesser extent the Ross Sea. During the year 1950 tourists began entering Antarctica via means of air and ship; and helicopter trips, commercial flights started flying to Antarctica only in the year 1960. Between1977 to around about 1980, there were regular flights that flew to Antarctica, which carried about 11,000 tourists (Bauer, 2001). Flying over Antarctica atmosphere was a major concern, due to lack of radio signals, meteorological services and emergency services. On November 28th, 1979, 257 people were killed, when an Air Zealand flight struck Mt Erebus, due to poor visibility (Bauer, 2001). Which restricted flights to Antarctica for a few years, were people were skeptical of flying over to Antarctica, but in the year 1994 overflights were resumed, by an Australian airline company. The first expedition to Antarctica was an Argentinean vessel, the Les Ecaireurs that carried 100 passengers to the peninsula. In the year 1968, 24 people visited the Ross dependency. Since then on ships have become regular, originating mainly from Chile and Argentina, operating mainly around the Ross sea area, landings for these ships are made in small inflatable rubber boat known as zodiacs at several locations, for example Cape Adare, Scott Base, McMurdo Terra Nova Bay Stations and Possession Island, etc(Bauer, 2001). Helicopters are used to make trips to the Taylor valley in the McMurdo Dry Valleys. Due to no land-based services for tourism, Most of tourism in and around Antarctica, takes place through ships. In 1993/94 the ship Marco Polo carrying four hundred tourists circumnavigated the continent in a record time of twenty-two days. the tour visited places like Cape Adare, Cape Evans and McMurdo Station, huts were spotted which showed evidence of huts left by the early explorer s. These tours offered instructive knowledge about the environment. As Hart states, this area is more for those who seek an informative vacation rather than relaxation and constant comfort Tourism has far less benefits compared to the risks it can cause the Antarctic environment. Tourist’s visiting Antarctica have some guidelines that need to be followed in order to preserve the environment and its fragility. The carbon released from the flights and wastes from the ship could, give rise to the green house effect, causing global impacts, for example due to the rise of carbon dioxide in the air lakes on the Signy island, in maritime Antarctica have increased their temperature by 0.9 degrees Celsius, which could contribute to the loss of ice on the continent, bringing about its decline, global impacts can also have direct impacts on the flora and fauna of Antarctica. But much more than the damage caused by these gases, is the damage caused by men on the land. Most of Antarctica’s terrestrial life is composed of low lying mosses, lichen etc. Mass tourists can exploit the region, the damage of a single footprint can destroy these species, which probably will n ever recover again (Hart, 1988). Until late 1960’s sealing and whaling had become a problem, where penguins, seals and whales, were killed for their oil, skin and blubber, this is now not much of a problem, since their has been a treaty of agreement against these actions. Most of the damage caused, is due to waste disposal caused mainly by the smaller tour ships, accidents have occurred where these small ships have been grounded on uncharted rocks, causing oil spills. Therefore increasing the number of tourists will increase the number of ships, thereby increasing oil spillage, oil doesn’t mix with water, causing a rise of two different fluids, this fluid mechanics is much more complex than just oil and water, causing great danger to the animal life of the continent. Disposal of organic matter by visiting tourists is another threat, for example a plastic bag, disposed, can take years to decay, and could entangle animals, resulting in their death. Tourism in Antarctica is guided and regulated by the International Association of Antarctic tour Operators (IAATO). They set strict guidelines to its members, for example limiting the size of ships that can actually sail Antarctica. Unlike other tourist attractions, Antarctica lacks local inhabitants, mainly people at the science stations that take the advantage and the benefits of tourism. Tourists are considered environmental hazards Antarctica is one of the world’s greatest natural assets, which has been a growing location for tourists. But some set guidelines need to be followed to preserve this continent from declining. Studies indicate that, tourists touring the continent could cause detrimental and physical damage to the continent. Research and studies have shown that Airborne and Seaborne tourists might have low levels of disturbance compared to those on the land. To save Antarctica from these tourism effects, an international convention relating only to tourism and its harmful effects, must be conducted. References: Hart P. D., 1988, The Growth of Antarctic Tourism, Oceanus, summer edition. Bauer, T.G. 2001. Tourism in the Antarctic: Opportunities, constraints and future prospects. The Haworth Press, New York, USA. Hall, C.M and Johnston, M.E. (eds). 1995. Polar Tourism: Tourism in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions.John Wiley Sons Ltd. West Sussex, England. International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators website, www.iaato.org Parker, B. C. (ed.), 1972, Conservation Problems in Antarctica. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia. Campbell, I. B. and Claridge, G. G. C., 1989, Antarctica: soils, weathering processes and environment. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 368 p

Kingdom of matthias Essay

The Kingdom of Matthias tells the story of Robert Matthews, who later took on the name Matthias the Prophet. A religious charlatan in 1830s New York, Matthews established a â€Å"Kingdom† of fanatical followers, causing a nationwide scandal. Matthews’ most fervent follower was Elijah Pierson, who was born into a strict Calvinist church upbringing but who quickly got swept up in the evangelical, â€Å"perfectionist† movement upon his move to New York as a merchant. Elijah married a missionary woman named Sarah, and together they established a â€Å"Retrenchment Society† and other organizations designed to spread the word of God. In her fervor, Sarah literally worked herself to death, and died in 1830. The event spurred Elijah toward madness as he attempted to raise Sarah from the dead during funeral. Elijah started to hear God speak and he adopted the title Prophet Elijah of Tishbe. Simultaneous to these events, Robert Matthews was born and raised in a Scottish community called Coila. His parents died when he was young, and after several of his sons tragically died, Matthews began to hear God and see prophetic visions. He adopted the name Matthias. In May 1832, Matthews visited Pierson, and Pierson became convinced that Matthews was God’s Prophet. Matthews used Pierson’s merchant wealth to establish â€Å"The Kingdom.† Matthews preached regularly to a small band of followers. Eventually, he came to regard Christianity as the Devil’s work, and his philosophy was full of anti-woman hatred. Matthews convinced a wealthy couple, Benjamin and Ann Folger, of his prophethood, and soon he established a community at the Folger home in Sing Sing, which he called â€Å"Mount Zion.† Matthews ruled his community with an iron fist, dressing extravagantly, bearing an unkempt beard, punishing severely, and lecturing frequently. Not content with the Christian conception of marriage, several of Matthews’ followers forsake marriage to be united in the â€Å"Spirit of Truth.† This caused a good deal of scandalous â€Å"wife-swapping†, as it might be called today. Matthews and Ann fell for each other, and Matthews proclaimed Ann as the â€Å"Mother† of the kingdom. Benjamin strayed to Matthews’ twenty-year-old daughter Isabella, as well as to a widow named Catherine Galloway. The sexual intrigue proved too much for the community, and Benjamin and then Ann revolt. Additionally, an increasing public outcry against the Kingdom and its scandals assisted in its dissolution. One day, Elijah Pierson, suffering from seizures, ate blackberries and soon after died. The public rumor was that Matthews, along with his servant Isabella Van Wagenen, had poisoned the man. Matthews was arrested and tried with murder after two doctors conducted an autopsy and claimed there was poison in Pierson’s stomach. However, the prosecution had only a flimsy case, and the jury found Matthews not guilty of murder, but guilty of assault (for beating his daughter), and so Matthews served four months in prison. The Kingdom of Matthias scandal is noteworthy for sparking the â€Å"penny press† newspapers, with their obsession with crime and scandal, a tradition that continues to this day with such periodicals as National Enquirer.

Beauty Contest: Do they serve any purpose in society? Essay

A. Beauty contest almost xxxx refers to contest for women xxxx is usually for both genders; however for men are are mainly body building contest. Most contest are designed for women. Beauty contest compels especially women to conform to certain type of fantasy or unrealistic form of beauty. B. This topic is important because beauty contest affect women of all ages around the world on so many levels. It affects how women perceive themselves against other women. Most of all it affects women self confident and self-esteem and how beauty is defined in general. C. Beauty contest or pageants have been in existence since 1857 but became popular in 1920’s. The first beauty pageant was in 1854 but was protested against so much that the contest had to be put on hold for a while. In 1888 , the first ever beauty queen was crowned in Spa-Belgium in 192. The 16 year old Margaret Gorman was crowned as the first Miss America. Since then many countries have followed; especially Germany and USA. D. Beauty contest is a competition which mainly focuses on physical beauty the participants usually women are judged on their attractiveness with a prize and often a title awarded to the winner. E. There has always been divided opinions when it comes to the topic of beauty contest and how important it is. There have been argument for and against the purposes of beauty contest in society especially today. In my opinion beauty contest does not serve any purpose in our society today. Beauty content were first introduced in the USA in 1854 and was put on hold due to the intense criticizes made by the general public. The very first beauty queen crowned ever was crowned in Spa in Belgium in 1888 followed by many countries especially Germany and USA. 16 years old Margaret Gorman was the first Miss America crowned in 1921. In 1922 and 1923 one person xxx after which the rules changed so no one person can win the title more than ones. Originally Miss America was called the National Beauty Tournament and  then the organizers decided to call it Miss America as presently known. When the Miss America pageant started as a way to improve tourism on the New Jersey coast in Atlanta City. At the first beauty pageant contestants were asked to send pictures from which 21 were selected to appear before a panel of judges. Currently there are four main big international pageants; Miss World founded in 1951, Miss Universe founded in 1952, Miss International in 1960 and Miss Earth in 2001. In 2004 Brazil won all four beauty pageants. The purpose of beauty pageant in society has always been a controversial topic because women from all over the world are judged by the same standard of beauty present by these pageants. There is the argument that beauty pageants promotes women empowerment because part of the goal of the organizers of Miss America was to empower young women to achieve their personal goals while providing a forum in which to express their opinion, talent and intelligence. This may be true to some extend ; afterall there is xxxx. Where contestants are required to enter with a platform a course to advocate during their one yearlong reign. Time to persue her own cause is limited at best-per Amanda Angelotti in confessions of a â€Å"beauty pageant drop out† published in campus progress. Secondly, how it’s looking good and attractive for men whether through beauty pageant or cosmetic surgery real empowerment. Moreover as observed by Prof. Stoeltyle â€Å"that is to say that women should continue to be seductive and to be governed by the powers. In view of all the above reasons, beauty pageants obviously does more harm than good to the women and the society as a whole. Women need to learn the true meaning of beauty that their unique personality and inner beauty is what makes a phenomenal woman. Women need to be educated and to understand that it is not acceptable to be judged by other people’s perspective; being beauty or otherwise. Courtney E. Martine author of â€Å"Perfect Girls† starring daughters describe how the quest of perfection is having young women. â€Å"Beauty pageants must die..!. I would rather live in a world where those same girls don’t have to learn hours to walk in high heels to afford college. Lately there has been a tremendous increase in child beauty pageant and the age keep dropping. Putting the same kind of pressure on being evaluated solely on the looks on children who don’t even understand the make of their bodies yet. If the harmful results of beauty pageants are not highlited enough and women are educated to accept themselves just as they are more and more women both young and old will continue to search for this unatainable ideal beauty which is only a fantasy resulting in more young women suffering from various dietry disorders and more. The buttom line is that, â€Å"beauty is an organic process not a contest. Women deserves better says Courtney E. Martin; in her article to New York Times â€Å"Beauty Pageant Should Die†.

Obesity Is A Global Problem - 2335 Words

Over the past decade, increasing numbers of Americans, as well as people worldwide, have jumped on the low-carb bandwagon. With thirty one (31) percent of its people being obese, the United States has become the country with the highest rate of obesity in the world. Obesity is a global problem and has become a crucial epidemic, affecting an estimated ten percent children across the world with a significant likelihood of having multiple risk factors and a variety of other co-morbidities before or during early adulthood (Lobstein, 2004). The world especially America is clearly in crisis due to the continuously rise of obesity in an alarming rate. Obesity is a global prevalence, there are physical, psychological, social, economic, environmental, and biological influences on obesity, with prevention the only possible solution. Childhood obesity is on the rise, and it is important to educate and inform parents about the causes and how can prevention be possible. The imbalance of calories consumed and calories used can result from the influences of a number of factors including genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. Unless there is a broad cultural, behavioral, physical, and environmental change among people regarding diet and exercise in America, obesity rates will most likely continue to rise. Now a day, we do not even wonder that why children are not spending time running and playing outside anymore, the reason is that because they are inside in front of the TV,Show MoreRelatedObesity Is A Global Problem1150 Words   |  5 PagesObesity is a global problem. The results from population-based studies pooled across countries show an increase in the mean Body Mass Index (BMI) and prevalence of obesity between 1975 and 2014, with a higher increase in women (21.7kg/m2 to 24.2kg/m2 for men and 22.1kg/m2 to 24.4kg/m2 for women). Within the same period, there was also a corresponding increase in life expectancy (59 to 71 years). 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