http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment
http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture
miércoles, 29 de abril de 2009
Environmentalism
Environmentalism is a broad philosophy and social movement centered on a concern for the conservation and improvement of the environment. Environmentalism is associated with the color green.
Environmentalism can also be defined as a social movement which seeks to influence the political process by lobbying, activism, and education in order to protect natural resources and ecosystems. In recognition of humanity as a participant in ecosystems, the environmental movement is centered on ecology, health, and human rights.
Dark Greens, Light Greens and Bright Greens
Contemporary environmentalists are often described as being split into three groups: Dark, Light, and Bright Greens.[7][8]
Light Greens see protecting the environment first and foremost as a personal responsibility. They fall in on the reformist end of the spectrum introduced above, but light Greens do not emphasize environmentalism as a distinct political ideology, or even seek fundamental political reform. Instead they often focus on environmentalism as a lifestyle choice.[9] The motto "Green is the new black." sums up this way of thinking, for many.[10]
In contrast, Dark Greens believe that environmental problems are an inherent part of industrialized civilization evident in both state socialist and capitalist societies, and seek radical political change. As discussed earlier, 'dark greens' tend to believe that dominant political ideologies (sometimes referred to as industrialism) are corrupt and inevitably lead to consumerism, alienation from nature and resource depletion. Dark Greens claim that this is caused by the emphasis on growth that exists within all existing ideologies, a tendency referred to as ‘growth mania’. The dark green brand of environmentalism is associated with ideas of Deep Ecology, Post-materialism, Holism, the Gaia Theory of James Lovelock and the work of Fritjof Capra. The division between light and dark greens was visible in the fighting between Fundi and Realo factions of the German Green Party.
More recently, a third group may be said to have emerged in the form of Bright Greens. This group believes that radical changes are needed in the economic and political operation of society in order to make it sustainable, but that better designs, new technologies and more widely distributed social innovations are the means to make those changes-- and that we can neither shop nor protest our way to sustainability.[11] As Ross Robertson writes, "[B]right green environmentalism is less about the problems and limitations we need to overcome than the “tools, models, and ideas” that already exist for overcoming them. It forgoes the bleakness of protest and dissent for the energizing confidence of constructive solutions."
Environmentalism can also be defined as a social movement which seeks to influence the political process by lobbying, activism, and education in order to protect natural resources and ecosystems. In recognition of humanity as a participant in ecosystems, the environmental movement is centered on ecology, health, and human rights.
Dark Greens, Light Greens and Bright Greens
Contemporary environmentalists are often described as being split into three groups: Dark, Light, and Bright Greens.[7][8]
Light Greens see protecting the environment first and foremost as a personal responsibility. They fall in on the reformist end of the spectrum introduced above, but light Greens do not emphasize environmentalism as a distinct political ideology, or even seek fundamental political reform. Instead they often focus on environmentalism as a lifestyle choice.[9] The motto "Green is the new black." sums up this way of thinking, for many.[10]
In contrast, Dark Greens believe that environmental problems are an inherent part of industrialized civilization evident in both state socialist and capitalist societies, and seek radical political change. As discussed earlier, 'dark greens' tend to believe that dominant political ideologies (sometimes referred to as industrialism) are corrupt and inevitably lead to consumerism, alienation from nature and resource depletion. Dark Greens claim that this is caused by the emphasis on growth that exists within all existing ideologies, a tendency referred to as ‘growth mania’. The dark green brand of environmentalism is associated with ideas of Deep Ecology, Post-materialism, Holism, the Gaia Theory of James Lovelock and the work of Fritjof Capra. The division between light and dark greens was visible in the fighting between Fundi and Realo factions of the German Green Party.
More recently, a third group may be said to have emerged in the form of Bright Greens. This group believes that radical changes are needed in the economic and political operation of society in order to make it sustainable, but that better designs, new technologies and more widely distributed social innovations are the means to make those changes-- and that we can neither shop nor protest our way to sustainability.[11] As Ross Robertson writes, "[B]right green environmentalism is less about the problems and limitations we need to overcome than the “tools, models, and ideas” that already exist for overcoming them. It forgoes the bleakness of protest and dissent for the energizing confidence of constructive solutions."
lunes, 20 de abril de 2009
Gucci
The House of Gucci, better known simply as Gucci, is an iconic Italian fashion and leather goods label. It was founded by Guccio Gucci (1881 – 1953) in Florence in 1921.[1] Gucci is considered one of the most famous, prestigious, and easily recognizable fashion brands in the world.[2] The House of Gucci is part of the Gucci Group which belongs to the French conglomerate company Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR).
Gucci generated circa US$8.2 billion worldwide of revenue in 2008 according to BusinessWeek magazine and climbed to 45th position in the magazine's annual "Top 100 Brands" chart created by Interbrand.[3] Gucci is also the biggest-selling Italian brand in the world.[4] Gucci operates about 425 stores worldwide and it wholesales its products through franchisees and upscale department stores.[5]
Gucci generated circa US$8.2 billion worldwide of revenue in 2008 according to BusinessWeek magazine and climbed to 45th position in the magazine's annual "Top 100 Brands" chart created by Interbrand.[3] Gucci is also the biggest-selling Italian brand in the world.[4] Gucci operates about 425 stores worldwide and it wholesales its products through franchisees and upscale department stores.[5]
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War occurred in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia from January, 1959[1] to April 30, 1975. The war was fought between the communist North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other member nations of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization .
The Vietcong, the lightly armed South Vietnamese communist insurgency, largely fought a guerrilla war against anti-communist forces in the region. The North Vietnamese Army engaged in a more conventional war, at times committing large-sized units into battle. U.S. and South Vietnamese forces relied on air superiority and overwhelming firepower to conduct search-and-destroy operations, involving ground forces, artillery and air strikes.
The United States entered the war to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam as part of their wider strategy of containment. Military advisors arrived beginning in 1950. U.S. involvement escalated in the early 1960s and combat units were deployed beginning in 1965. Involvement peaked in 1968 at the time of the Tet Offensive. Despite a peace treaty signed by all parties in January 1973, fighting continued. In April 1975, North Vietnam captured Saigon. North and South Vietnam were reunified the following year.
The war exacted a huge human cost in terms of fatalities, including 3 to 4 million Vietnamese from both sides, 1.5 to 2 million Laotians and Cambodians, and 58,159 U.S. soldiers.[12]
The Vietcong, the lightly armed South Vietnamese communist insurgency, largely fought a guerrilla war against anti-communist forces in the region. The North Vietnamese Army engaged in a more conventional war, at times committing large-sized units into battle. U.S. and South Vietnamese forces relied on air superiority and overwhelming firepower to conduct search-and-destroy operations, involving ground forces, artillery and air strikes.
The United States entered the war to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam as part of their wider strategy of containment. Military advisors arrived beginning in 1950. U.S. involvement escalated in the early 1960s and combat units were deployed beginning in 1965. Involvement peaked in 1968 at the time of the Tet Offensive. Despite a peace treaty signed by all parties in January 1973, fighting continued. In April 1975, North Vietnam captured Saigon. North and South Vietnam were reunified the following year.
The war exacted a huge human cost in terms of fatalities, including 3 to 4 million Vietnamese from both sides, 1.5 to 2 million Laotians and Cambodians, and 58,159 U.S. soldiers.[12]
Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler 20 April 1889 – 30 April 1945) was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party (German: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, abbreviated NSDAP), popularly known as the Nazi Party. He was the ruler of Germany from 1933 to 1945, serving as chancellor from 1933 to 1945 and as head of state from 1934 to 1945. He was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.[2]On 30 April 1945, after intense street-to-street combat, when Soviet troops were within a block or two of the Reich Chancellery, Hitler committed suicide, shooting himself in the mouth while simultaneously biting into a cyanide capsule.[270][271] Hitler's body and that of Eva Braun (his mistress whom he had married the day before) were put in a bomb crater,[272][273] doused in gasoline by Otto Günsche and other Führerbunker aides, and set alight as the Red Army advanced and shelling continued.[270]
martes, 14 de abril de 2009
Cleopatra VII
Cleopatra VII Philopator (in Greek, Κλεοπάτρα Φιλοπάτωρ; January 69 BC – 30 BC) was a Hellenistic ruler of Egypt, originally sharing power with her father Ptolemy XII and later with her brothers/husbands Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV; eventually gaining sole rule of Egypt. As Pharaoh, she consummated a liaison with Gaius Julius Caesar that solidified her grip on the throne. After Caesar's assassination, she aligned with Mark Antony, with whom she produced a set of twins and a son. Cleopatra had four children in all, firstly, a born son by Caesar (Ptolemy Caesar nicknamed Caesarion), and three by Mark Antony (the twins, Cleopatra Selene II and Alexander Helios, and a son Ptolemy Philadelphus). Her successive unions with her brothers produced no children. Her reign marks the end of the Hellenistic Era and the beginning of the Roman Era in the eastern Mediterranean. She was the last Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Her son by Julius Caesar, Caesarion, co-ruled in name with his mother only a very few years before Octavian, later on renamed Caesar Augustus, had him executed, most probably by strangulation, which in Antiquity was the execution method reserved for infants and pre-pubescents, thus adding humiliation to his execution.
Though she bore the ancient Egyptian title Pharaoh, her main language was Greek; for several centuries preceding her rule, Egyptian kings had been of Macedonian (i.e. Hellenistic) origin rather than Egyptian origin. The establishment of a Greek-speaking aristocracy in Egypt had come with Alexander the Great nearly 300 years before. Cleopatra is reputed to have been the first member of her family in their 300-year reign in Egypt to have learned the Egyptian language. Cleopatra adopted common Egyptian beliefs and deities. Her patron goddess was Isis, and thus during her reign it was believed that she was the re-incarnation and embodiment of the goddess of wisdom.
After Antony and Cleopatra were defeated at Actium by their rival and Caesar's legal heir, Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian (who later became the first Roman Emperor, Augustus), Cleopatra committed suicide, the traditional date being 12 August 30 BC,[1] allegedly by means of an asp bite. To this day she remains popular in Western culture. Her legacy survives in numerous works of art and the many dramatizations of her story in literature (e.g. Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra and George Bernard Shaw's Caesar and Cleopatra), film, and television (e.g. Elizabeth Taylor's depiction in Cleopatra, and the BBC–HBO co-production Rome).
In most depictions, Cleopatra is put forward as a great beauty and her successive conquests of the world's most powerful men is taken to be proof of her aesthetic and sexual appeal. In his Pensées, philosopher Blaise Pascal contends that Cleopatra's classically beautiful profile changed world history: "Cleopatra's nose, had it been shorter, the whole face of the world would have been changed." [2]
Though she bore the ancient Egyptian title Pharaoh, her main language was Greek; for several centuries preceding her rule, Egyptian kings had been of Macedonian (i.e. Hellenistic) origin rather than Egyptian origin. The establishment of a Greek-speaking aristocracy in Egypt had come with Alexander the Great nearly 300 years before. Cleopatra is reputed to have been the first member of her family in their 300-year reign in Egypt to have learned the Egyptian language. Cleopatra adopted common Egyptian beliefs and deities. Her patron goddess was Isis, and thus during her reign it was believed that she was the re-incarnation and embodiment of the goddess of wisdom.
After Antony and Cleopatra were defeated at Actium by their rival and Caesar's legal heir, Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian (who later became the first Roman Emperor, Augustus), Cleopatra committed suicide, the traditional date being 12 August 30 BC,[1] allegedly by means of an asp bite. To this day she remains popular in Western culture. Her legacy survives in numerous works of art and the many dramatizations of her story in literature (e.g. Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra and George Bernard Shaw's Caesar and Cleopatra), film, and television (e.g. Elizabeth Taylor's depiction in Cleopatra, and the BBC–HBO co-production Rome).
In most depictions, Cleopatra is put forward as a great beauty and her successive conquests of the world's most powerful men is taken to be proof of her aesthetic and sexual appeal. In his Pensées, philosopher Blaise Pascal contends that Cleopatra's classically beautiful profile changed world history: "Cleopatra's nose, had it been shorter, the whole face of the world would have been changed." [2]
tamara rojo
Tamara Rojo (born in 1974) is a Spanish prima ballerina, and is currently a Principal Dancer with the Royal Ballet in London.
Tamara was born in Montreal, Canada to Spanish parents who moved back to Spain when she was four months old. She started dancing at the age of 10 in Víctor Ullate Dance Centre in Madrid (1983-1991), and completed her training under David Howard and Renatto Paroni. Tamara continued to work with the Ullate Company from 1991 to 1996. At the age of 20 she was offered a contract with the Scottish Ballet, by Galina Samsova. On her arrival at Scottish Ballet Tamara has jokingly said "I spoke no English at this time but it did not matter; neither did they." She would dance with them until her move to the English National Ballet in June 1997. There she was promoted to Principal Dancer in January 1998. She officially joined Royal Ballet as a Principal Dancer at the start of the 2000/2001 season, although she danced Giselle with the Royal Ballet at the end of the previous season in July 2000, at short notice and as a replacement for Darcey Bussell, who was injured[1].
Tamara was born in Montreal, Canada to Spanish parents who moved back to Spain when she was four months old. She started dancing at the age of 10 in Víctor Ullate Dance Centre in Madrid (1983-1991), and completed her training under David Howard and Renatto Paroni. Tamara continued to work with the Ullate Company from 1991 to 1996. At the age of 20 she was offered a contract with the Scottish Ballet, by Galina Samsova. On her arrival at Scottish Ballet Tamara has jokingly said "I spoke no English at this time but it did not matter; neither did they." She would dance with them until her move to the English National Ballet in June 1997. There she was promoted to Principal Dancer in January 1998. She officially joined Royal Ballet as a Principal Dancer at the start of the 2000/2001 season, although she danced Giselle with the Royal Ballet at the end of the previous season in July 2000, at short notice and as a replacement for Darcey Bussell, who was injured[1].
Jorge Luis Borges
Jorge Francisco Isidoro Luis Borges (24 August 1899 – 14 June 1986) was an Argentine writer born in Buenos Aires. He was brought up bilingual in Spanish and English. In 1914, his family moved to Switzerland where he attended school, then traveled around Spain. On return to Argentina in 1921, Borges began his career as a writer with the publication of poems and essays in Surrealist literary journals. He worked as a librarian, suffering political persecution at the hands of the Peron administration. He then became a public lecturer.
Due to a hereditary condition, Borges became blind in his late fifties.[1] In 1955, he was appointed director of the National Public Library (Biblioteca Nacional) and professor of Literature at the University of Buenos Aires. In 1961, he came to international attention when he received the first International Publishers' Prize Prix Formentor. His work was translated and published widely in the United States and in Europe. He died in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1986.
J. M. Coetzee said of Borges: "He, more than anyone, renovated the language of fiction and thus opened the way to a remarkable generation of Spanish American novelists."[2]
Short stories
El jardín de senderos que se bifurcan (The Garden of Forking Paths) (1941; published in Ficciones, 1944)
Historia universal de la infamia (1935, short stories)
Seis problemas para don Isidro Parodi (1942)
Ficciones (1944)
Dos fantasías memorables (1946, as H. Bustos Domecq)
Un modelo para la muerte (1946)
El Aleph (1949)
La muerte y la brújula (1951)
Crónicas de Bustos Domecq (1967, as H. Bustos Domecq)
El informe de Brodie (1970)
El libro de arena (1975)
Nuevos cuentos de Bustos Domecq (1977), con Bioy Casares
La memoria de Shakespeare (1983)
El Encuentro(1997)
Due to a hereditary condition, Borges became blind in his late fifties.[1] In 1955, he was appointed director of the National Public Library (Biblioteca Nacional) and professor of Literature at the University of Buenos Aires. In 1961, he came to international attention when he received the first International Publishers' Prize Prix Formentor. His work was translated and published widely in the United States and in Europe. He died in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1986.
J. M. Coetzee said of Borges: "He, more than anyone, renovated the language of fiction and thus opened the way to a remarkable generation of Spanish American novelists."[2]
Short stories
El jardín de senderos que se bifurcan (The Garden of Forking Paths) (1941; published in Ficciones, 1944)
Historia universal de la infamia (1935, short stories)
Seis problemas para don Isidro Parodi (1942)
Ficciones (1944)
Dos fantasías memorables (1946, as H. Bustos Domecq)
Un modelo para la muerte (1946)
El Aleph (1949)
La muerte y la brújula (1951)
Crónicas de Bustos Domecq (1967, as H. Bustos Domecq)
El informe de Brodie (1970)
El libro de arena (1975)
Nuevos cuentos de Bustos Domecq (1977), con Bioy Casares
La memoria de Shakespeare (1983)
El Encuentro(1997)
THe Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the most prominent symbols of the American Revolutionary War. It is a familiar symbol of independence within the United States and has been described as an icon of liberty and justice.[1]
According to tradition, its most famous ringing occurred on July 7, 1776, to summon citizens of Philadelphia for the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Historians today consider this highly doubtful, as the steeple in which the bell was hung had deteriorated significantly by that timeThe Liberty Bell was known as the "Independence Bell" or the "Old Yankee's Bell" until 1837, when it was adopted by the American Anti-Slavery Society as a symbol of the abolitionist movement.[3]
The Liberty Bell Center is open daily with the exception of Christmas Day from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with extended hours of operation during the summer months. No tickets are required; however, visitors must submit to a security screening. Over two million tourists visit the bell per year.
According to tradition, its most famous ringing occurred on July 7, 1776, to summon citizens of Philadelphia for the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Historians today consider this highly doubtful, as the steeple in which the bell was hung had deteriorated significantly by that timeThe Liberty Bell was known as the "Independence Bell" or the "Old Yankee's Bell" until 1837, when it was adopted by the American Anti-Slavery Society as a symbol of the abolitionist movement.[3]
The Liberty Bell Center is open daily with the exception of Christmas Day from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with extended hours of operation during the summer months. No tickets are required; however, visitors must submit to a security screening. Over two million tourists visit the bell per year.
Los Roques Archipelago
The Los Roques islands are a federal dependency of Venezuela, consisting of about 350 islands, cays or islets. The archipelago is an atoll located 80 miles (128 km) directly north of the port of La Guaira, and is a 40-minute flight. Being almost an untouched coral reef, it attracts many visitors, especially from Europe, some of which come in their own yachts and anchor in the inner, protected shallow waters. However, development and tourism are controlled.
Because of the wide variety of seabirds and rich aquatic life, the Venezuelan government declared Los Roques a National Park in 1972.
It is scarcely populated, having about 1,500 permanent inhabitants; however it receives approximately 70,000 visitors a year, many of them day-visitors who come from Caracas and the mainland. The most important island is El Gran Roque ("the big rock"). It is the only populated island in the group and has an airport suitable for small or STOL aircraft, Los Roques Airport.The airport is controlled from the Maiquetía airport on the mainland. Activities include fishing (bonefish, barracuda, tarpon, jack (Carangidae) and Spanish mackerel), birding, snorkling, diving, kite-surfing and there is a sea turtle research center located on El Gran Roque. Accommodations include Pez Raton Lodge, a property primarily used to host fishing guests, and Posada Mediterraneo, a 5-room inn which accommodates non-fishing guests.
Because of the wide variety of seabirds and rich aquatic life, the Venezuelan government declared Los Roques a National Park in 1972.
It is scarcely populated, having about 1,500 permanent inhabitants; however it receives approximately 70,000 visitors a year, many of them day-visitors who come from Caracas and the mainland. The most important island is El Gran Roque ("the big rock"). It is the only populated island in the group and has an airport suitable for small or STOL aircraft, Los Roques Airport.The airport is controlled from the Maiquetía airport on the mainland. Activities include fishing (bonefish, barracuda, tarpon, jack (Carangidae) and Spanish mackerel), birding, snorkling, diving, kite-surfing and there is a sea turtle research center located on El Gran Roque. Accommodations include Pez Raton Lodge, a property primarily used to host fishing guests, and Posada Mediterraneo, a 5-room inn which accommodates non-fishing guests.
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