The Kamikazes Essays - Military History Of Japan During World War II

The Kamikazes Kamikaze was a type of Japanese pilot who flew suicide missions during the last months of World War II (1939-1945). The kamikazes were trained to dive airplanes loaded with the explosives into certain targets, usually American naval vessels. They were much like a human bullet. The suicide planes were also called kamikazes. Japan was desperate when it launched the kamikaze missions. Its military leaders viewed the kamikazes as the last hope of stopping the powerful Allied advance. But the plan didn't work. The first kamikaze attacks occurred in October 1944, when the Allies invaded the Japanese-held Philippines. More than a thousand kamikazes took part in the defense of Okinawa in 1945. Kamikaze pilots, sacrificing their lives in a last-ditch effort to stop the American advance, sank about 30-40 ships and damaged more than 350 others. They thought the Allied forces would have some trouble because they were losing so many warships. America would've been long time ago. In those days naval vessels were so abundant that the U.S. were having trouble finding enough sailors to man the ship. But the kamikazes failed to sink any large aircraft carriers-their main targets-and in time proved to be a costly failure. They became more important for the kind of resistance they symbolized than for the damage they caused. The word kamikaze means ?divine wind?. During the summer of 1281 the Emperor assigned an enormous army of 140,000 troops to the conquest of the Japanese islands. An armada of four thousands ships sailed, once again bound for Hakata Bay to fight the Mongols. Kublai Khan's forces landed. The battle was fought again, and once more the Mongols turned back to the beach. The Japanese fought valiantly, but with the enormous resources of the Mongols breached the defenses. Then, one night almost without warning, a powerful typhoon blew through most of their battle equipment and horses, and drowned thousands of the warriors. As the storm ended, the pitiful remnants of the great fighting force struggled back to Korea. Japan was saved. Once again, the people of Japan gave thanks to the Kami Kaze. The problem that this paper will analyze is what were the reasons of the Japanese that made them go on these suicide missions. In the Suicide Squads: W.W.II, Richard O'Neill says that the Japanese went on these suicide missions because they considered it a privilege to die for their emperor. The Japanese believed in the nationalistic State Shinto creed of the 20th century. It said that Japan was the first-born of all the nations of Earth, the offspring of divine copulation. Dominion was granted to the storm god Susanowo, ancestor of the Japanese people. But because of his misbehavior, Ninigi grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu replaced Susanowo. Amaterasu was the great-grandmother of Jimmu Tenno (Tenno, ?Emperor?) became the first mortal yet still divine ruler of Japan. Thus, while both Japanese people and Emperor are traditionally of divine descent, the Emperor's line is by far greater. The Japanese believed that the living god dwelled among the people, and no act in his name, or for the cause of patriotic duty, was too much to ask. All schools and universities displayed portraits of the Emperor to be pro tected with their lives. In The Kamikazes, Hoyt explains that in the Japanese society suicide was acceptable and even honorable, from the schoolboy atoning for the shame of flunking an examination to the defeated general writing his report with his life's blood. Every schoolboy in Japan had admiration for the samurai, the warrior class who for a time were also the educated class in Japan. Since the Meiji restoration, the mystique of the samurai and their code of honor bushido, had again seized the Japanese imagination. The warrior code, bushido, said that they must gladly sacrifice their lives for Emperor and country. Outwardly, at least, all the young men involved were eager to give their lives. From the beginning Admiral Onishi had the presence of mind to create decorative and symbolic trappings for the sacrificial fliers. They were said to be already gods and should have no further interest in human affairs. On completion of their missions, their spirits would fly to the Yasukuni shrine near the Imperial Palace

Gold Coast And the Slums essays

Gold Coast And the Slums essays Chicago is a city full of diversity. A place where one block is worth millions while the next one over would be considered a ghetto. This is a phenomenon that feels true in almost all parts of the city. I t could not have been any more evident in the part of the North side I explored. Beginning in the famous Gold Coast area of Chicago is always a sight. It is amazing to know how expensive these places all are and yet how cramped together it all seems. It is run of the mill to find housing in this area averaging in the millions, yet it makes one think. Why spend so much money on little space? Is it really comfortable to be right on top of each other like that? I reside in Rogers Park, a neighborhood with a reputation for being densely populated. Apartment and condominium buildings line most of the streets in my part of East Rogers Park. Oddly enough it still feels like I have more space in between buildings then people in the Gold Coast. Gold Coast buildings feel as if they were built incredibly close to one another. The buildings do look very nice, but very old. Many of them look like converted mansions and some even have plaques on them. These plaques show landmark status and other fun facts. The civilians walking the area were overwhelming Caucasian. I cannot recall seeing any minorities on the streets. Lots of white people jogging and/or walking their dogs. Families at the park playing was also very evident. The cars that lined the streets for the most part seemed expensive. There were many BMWs, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, Lincolns, and Cadillacs. I can only assume the domestic automobiles belonged to the older residents while the imports one would expect to be owned by baby boomers and younger. Overall it is a nice area that has many positives. It feels very safe and private. A good place for the wealthy to hide away. Not too far away from the Gold Coast in the Sandburg Village area. Th...

Swiss Army Knife for Writers

Swiss Army Knife for Writers Swiss Army Knife for Writers Swiss Army Knife for Writers By Maeve Maddox Until now, the only Thesaurus on my shelves was Rogets, and it was gathering dust because I quit using it years ago. I found it more useful to look up a word in a regular dictionary and see what synonyms were offered. Not ideal, but it gave me more options than Rogets. Now, however, Ive found a reference that is a thesaurus and then some: Oxford American Writers Thesaurus. 2nd edition. Compiled by Chrstine A. Lindberg. The title says it all. Its a writers tool that, for practical versatility, compares to a campers Swiss Army Knife. The main section contains about a thousand pages of entries. Unlike Roget, the OAWT gives the word in context before offering synonyms. Do you ever have a word on the tip of your tongue, but you cannot think of it? You cant even remember what letter it begins with, but youd know it if you saw it? Theres a section for that. In the Word Finder section words are arranged in categories: animals, architecture, food, music, etc. Then there are sections for Archaic Words and Literary Words. Maybe you want to remind yourself what a dangling modifier is, or review how to punctuate titles. Go no further than the Language Guide, nearly 50 pages of clearly presented rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, plus tips for avoiding common errors. And, wait, as they say on the infomercials, theres more! Scattered among the entries in the main section are boxes containing helpful and entertaining notes on usage and connotation. Theres so much good stuff in this reference book that Ill probably want to tell you more in a future post. For now, a comparison of one entry in the Oxford American Writers Thesaurus with the same word in Roget will explain some of my enthusiasm. Rogets II, The New Theaurus, 1980 (the one on my shelf) aback adverb without adequate preparation unawares Rogets 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright  © 2008 by the Philip Lief Group. (online) Main Entry: aback Part of Speech: adverb Definition: taken unawares Synonyms: confused, surprised, thrown off, thrown off guard Oxford American Writers Thesaurus, 2nd edition aback adverb -PHRASES take someone aback everyone in the church was taken aback when the grooms ex-wife stood up and objected to the marriage: surprise, shock, stun, stagger, astound, astonish, startle, take by surprise; dumbfound, stop someone in their tracks; shake (up), jolt, throw, unnerve, disconcert, unsettle, bewilder; informal flabbergast, floor, bowl over. Click here to check Oxford American Writers Thesaurus on Amazon. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Book Reviews category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:10 Rules for Writing Numbers and Numerals8 Types of Parenthetical PhrasesIs Your Novel "Mystery," "Thriller," or "Suspense"?

Explain Gandhi's contention that external independence (swaraj) Essay

Explain Gandhi's contention that external independence (swaraj) depends upon internal swaraj. Do you think his reasoning is correct why or why not - Essay Example All citizens should enjoy the fruits of their labor and enjoy their human rights and freedoms (Singh 14). Gandhi’s thinking contention that external independence will depend on internal swaraj is correct. First and foremost, self-government ability should depend on internal strengths and ability to resist all odds. Political self-government which is not sustainable is not worth its name and thus external swaraj will be attained by attaining internal swaraj. According to Gandhi, internal swaraj forms the basis of civilization and internal strengths can only be maintained when the masses remain patriotic in achieving the national goals and good which are above any personal considerations such as personal profit. Gandhi is correct to assert that swaraj is an inclusive government but the majority should refrain from selfish and immoral acts since this can only spell anarchy. Internal swaraj is not based on any race or religious affiliations, or controlled by the moneyed men thus all citizens are able to unity and resist external pressures of colonization and achieve external independ ence (Parel 77). Gandhi’s thinking is correct since he clearly asserts that Indian swaraj is not based on any major community such as Hindus but rule of all people thus ensuring justice to all the citizens. Gandhi is correct since civilization should ensure public resources are safeguarded by ensuring morality in all public affairs, private undertaking and public undertakings. Internal swaraj will eliminate all violent acts and unify all the citizens in resisting the heaviest external odds and external control of their nation’s affairs. According to Gandhi, all citizens are entitled to amenities that are enjoyed by moneyed men but they are not necessary for happiness thus self-government should guarantee this amenities to all citizens. Through internal swaraj, Gandhi demonstrates that Indians can attain a healthy and dignified independence and nationalism spirit

Conversion and Adaptation of Buildings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Conversion and Adaptation of Buildings - Essay Example After its construction, it existed under the Brentwood District Council (BDC). Major renovations and reconstructions had since taken place on the building including the construction of an additional single storey canted bay that was built to the left of the building’s front door. On its eastern side, there was a separate long six window bay unit that also had incorporated the timber-framing of the 16th century that it got enjoined with. The building, like the other Georgian buildings in the area, was formerly used as part of the Brentwood School. From 1973, it has been used as an Arts and Community Centre that is run by Brentwood Council, and as such has been very busy and well utilized (KITCHING, 2007, pg 104). The Old House has however undergone a number of degradation over the years; the flowerbed by the front door for instance looks like it needs better edging and particular attention from its owners. Other areas of concern include its rear elevation, the curtilage, and its general setting that has been severely derogated by legal changes and a supposed lack of appropriate landscaping. A careful analysis of the structure reveals that some of the signs that are attached to it and the presence of the free standing board in its front needs to be improved on to depict a building of the current century. The quality of the internal floors is also in a questionable state and in order to convert the building’s purpose, these have to be substantially worked on KITCHING 2007, pg 137). In the conversion of the Old House to multi use, for restaurant and residential purposes on its top floor, a lot of factors have to be taken into account. The restaurant and the residential purpose would help serve the commercial and the residential schemes of the public respectively. When doing any reconstruction or putting up new structures, particularly in such conservation areas, it is a

Communication Characteristics in a Team

Communication Characteristics in a Team 1: How teams differ from groups, how to develop groups into teams. Its important to remind team members that they share a common purpose and to direct their energy toward business-unit or corporate goals. The leader should periodically highlight how everyones work fits into the companys overall strategy and advances its position in the market (Neeley, 2015) 2: The characteristics of high-performing teams. Success in the workplace depends on your ability to build a team, as well as to interact with others on that team. Together, people are able to accomplish what one person alone cannot. This is known as synergy. Following are the characteristics of a Good/Effective team: A clear, elevating goal: This is a goal which has been communicated to all. A results-driven structure: The goal has been jointly decided by all the team members. They are fully committed towards achieving it. Competent members: Each team member has the required skill set in order to achieve the team objectives. Unified commitment: There is nothing happening in silos. With the total commitment from team members, achieving organizational goals becomes easier. A collaborative climate: Commitment from team members and a good leadership leads to a collaborative team with a productive work environment. Standards of excellence: Quality orientation is vital to the success of any organization. External support and recognition: Appreciation as well as appraisal is required to keep the morale of the team high. Principled leadership: Leadership defines a team. An able-bodied leadership can chart the teams path to success. Each team member participates actively and positively in meetings as well as projects. This shows a persons commitment as well as understanding towards a project. Team goals are clearly understood by all: Communication is vital for achieving successful completion of any project. Individual members have thought about creative solutions to the teams problem. Thinking out of the box is vital in todays economic scenario. Members are listened to carefully as well as given a thoughtful feedback. Listening is an important skill for any team. Each team member is important. The thoughts and ideas of each team member have to be listened to, with respect, no matter how silly they may sound at first. Everyone takes the initiative in order to get things done. There is no concept of passing the buck. This is an indication of clear communication leading to understanding of individual responsibilities. Each team member trusts the judgment of others: Mutual trust and respect is highly important for the team. This is the only way to achieve the organization goals. The team has to be willing to take risks: Risk taking is an attitude which comes with confidence. Confidence on yourself as well as on the team, besides the ability to face all consequences. Everyone has to be supportive of the project as well as of others. A team is one unit. Unless these cohesive forces are there, the team will never be able to work efficiently enough. There is ample communication between the team members. Team decisions are made by using organized as well as logical methods. Dissenting opinions are never ignored: In fact, they are always recorded in order to be revisited in case the future situations dictate so. Teams are given realistic deadlines: External support as well as aid is vital to the success of any team. An efficient team needs support from both inside and outside. It needs to meet the individual needs of its members in order to achieve the organizations goals. 3: Handling challenges within the team. 4: Team motivation for better performance. A team is formed when individuals with a similar interest come together to realize a common dream. The team members must think of their team first and all other personal interests should come later. Every individual must contribute equally as per his capability to achieve the predefined targets successfully within the desired time frame. Motivation and attitude go hand in hand in increasing the output of any team. You need a match stick for fire, you need ink for a pen to write, and similarly an individual needs motivation to perform. Every individual has some latent talent and needs a push for the talent to come out. Without motivation, the team members feel reluctant to work and also tend to spread negativity around. Human beings are hungry for praise and appreciation. It is the prime duty of the team leader to appreciate his team members whenever they have done something great. This way they feel happy and motivated to perform even better the next time. Set a deadline for the submission of work. All the employees submitting the work within the stipulated time frame must be appreciated in public. Circulate a mail among all the employees appreciating your team members efficiency. Any person coming out with a brilliant idea should be suitably rewarded. It is not always you give cash to motivate your employees, but even small tokens of appreciation can make a difference. Reward your team member with anything he likes. Appreciating one member does not mean you will neglect or criticize the other members of the team who could not perform up to the mark this time. It is the duty of the team leader to motivate them so that they perform well the next time. Ask them to BUCK UP. A single members performance can hardly make a difference to the teams performance; every member has to contribute equally for the maximum output. Celebrate your teams success inviting all your team members. Take them out for a lunch to a nearby restaurant. They will feel happy and also come closer to each other this way. Give a pat on their back to appreciate their hard work. Titles such as Best Employee of the month and Best Team Member also go a long way in motivating the team members. The names of the best performers must be displayed on the notice boards for everyone to see. Incentives and perks also motivate the employees to a large extent. If any team member does something outstanding do not forget to appreciate him on an open forum and also ask the other members to reach to his level as well. Avoid making fun of your colleagues. It is considered highly unprofessional. Dont spread negativity around. Dont depend on blame games or spread unnecessary rumours about your team members. Motivation alone cant create wonders; it needs to be coupled with positive attitude of the team members to ensure high performance of the team. Adopt a positive attitude at work. Do not always find faults in others. Listen to your team members as well. Dont assume things or draw conclusions on your own. Be a little more flexible and adjusting to avoid conflicts at work place. Sit and discuss issues with your team members to reach to an alternative. Results cant be achieved unless and until you believe in yourself. The will power to do something is important. One should have the urge to perform. Always try to look at life from a larger perspective. Things can not always be the way you like, its better to accept things as it is sometimes. Remember after heavy rains, there is always a clear sky. Problems might crop up anytime, but it is always better to grin and move on. Do not overreact on petty things. Dont be too adamant or rigid, instead be a little forgiving. It is absolutely okay if you take the initiative and say Sorry. This magical word goes a long way in reducing conflicts to a large extent. Dont unnecessary create tensions for others and yourself as well. Dont be disheartened if someone comes to you and corrects you for your mistakes; do take it in a positive and healthy way. Do not step in the office with a mind clouded with negative thoughts. Everything seems wrong to you and you unnecessarily fight with people around. Team members must adopt a positive attitude to avoid tensions and misunderstandings at work place. Positive attitude with a little motivation can actually create wonders for the team.

Personality Types of Graphic Designers

Just like all five fingers of the human hand are not the same, all graphic designers are unalike. The field of graphic design is blessed with immense designers, each endowed with a unique talent. All designers have their own style of working, thought processes, likes and dislikes and, above all, their own distinctive personality. Every graphic designer tackles clients in a different way. Personality is a set of characteristics, attributes or traits of the person distinguishing him from others. Nowadays, designers of various personalities are found. The following is meant to be a humorous, albeit insightful examination of the different types of graphic designers and how they are different from one another. Several years back actor Tony Shalhoub immortalized the character Adrian Monk from the television series â€Å"Monk. † The personality of Adrian Monk was that of a perfectionist on top of his obvious obsessive compulsions, of course. While most of it was hilarious, his attention to detail and perfection drove him to be the great detective that he was. Similarly, some graphic designers are analogous to Monk: they want every project to be completed with precision. Extreme obsession with their work makes them behave compulsively. Although being a perfectionist is a good thing, it can also add unnecessary stress for the designer to achieve absolutely flawless work. Sherlock Holmes, penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is regarded as the most astute detective the fictional world has read to date. The creative and ingenious ways in which he used to solve the toughest of mysteries still amazes readers. Some designers are akin to Sherlock and his personality; clever, resourceful and ingenious in their work. Designers who share this type of personality have unique problem solving skills. When faced with the toughest design projects, they execute it in a Holmes-like fashion with astuteness and inventiveness, reducing the design to its most elementary level. There are â€Å"nerds† in every working profession and graphic designing has its own share of â€Å"Dexters and Dorksters. † It should be easy to recall the famous cartoon character Dexter, the boy genius created by Genndy Tartakovsky. Graphic designers with this personality are usually an ace in the academia and, as a result, have a vast knowledge of the elements of design. They know concepts that even the most experienced designers might not be familiar with. The downside is that, due to their knowledge, they may be difficult to work with and closed to any form of suggestion. Keeping with the cartoon theme, ghosts are usually known to be frightful spirits. There is, of course, the exception of one who is popularly known as â€Å"the friendly ghost:† the one and only Casper. Casper loves to gather friends and be as sociable as possible. Similarly, designers of this personality type are gregarious and use social media excessively, not just for professional purposes. They love new friends and connections, and simply cannot live without a social circle. This can lead to a great many distractions while trying to work with a Casper. Papa Smurf was one of the oldest and most knowledgeable of the Smurfs. He serves as the Smurfs’ leader whom the Smurfs turn to when they require counsel and guidance. Designers of this type are experienced campaigners who are distinguished in their field as Veterans. Emerging graphic designers look at them as an icon of inspiration and motivation. Contrary to Papa Smurf, there exists Johnny Bravo: a handsome hunk who always goes out of his way to impress the girls only to end up beaten by them. The one quality that gets Johnny into trouble is his habit of showing off. Some designers, unfortunately, fall into this type. They love to brag about their work and skill, though usually have little to back their words. The fastest cartoon character is, without question, Flash. He is capable of running at a lightning place and can perform any task within the blink of an eye. Designers of this personality type are very fast and prompt. They meet their deadlines with ease, sometimes completing assignments with ample time to spare. Although speed is a great quality, haste can make waste, as is often the case with The Flash. Garfield, on the other hand, is as lazy as any cat can be and then some. Sure, all cats become lethargic as they grow older, though there is no match to the laziness he has perfected. Graphic designers of this type are gluttonous and ravenous. Moreover, they tend to get sluggish and this delays their projects. More often than not, deadlines are rarely met a bill for all those extra hours of â€Å"work† will surely be sent. Marvel Comics created a character worthy of envy: Iron Man and his exceptional ability for endurance. Yes, his suit was originally designed to act as armor and enhance his own natural abilities, but it is the underlying will of Tony Stark that keeps him going when all seems lost. Similar to the idea behind the Iron Man suit, graphic designers who fall under this category are extremely forbearing and tolerant. They can easily endure countless hours of design work and complete it without experiencing any fatigue. They can tolerate heaps of pressure and strain to finish off any design job within the deadline. Contrary to the Iron Man, Marvel also created the giant, raging humanoid monster known as The Hulk. He is an emotional and impulsive mirror image of the reserved physicist Dr. Bruce Banner. At the slightest provocation, The Hulk can — and will– tear off in a frenzy and wreak havoc. These types of designers are the exact opposite of the â€Å"enduring Iron Man. † Hyper, intolerant and easily provoked, they often create unnecessary stress in an already stressful workplace, though they do get their work done†¦ as they see fit. There are many types of designers out there beyond those covered here. To make things even more interesting, most designers will fall into multiple categories. While this was meant to be a humorous look at the different types of design personalities out there, the definitions behind them are solid and worth keeping in mind. Where The Flash may be needed for rapid delivery of a design, he may be less suited for working out the complexities of an international ad campaign. Choosing the right type of designer for the job at hand can make or break the project.