Nonviolence for Social Change

Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr. advocated peaceful nonviolence to change ailing social systems. They and their followers were able to successfully change the social conditions of their times. Recently, a lawyer in China named Gao Shizheng has called for symbolic ongoing hunger strikes across China to support people who have encountered violence and ongoing Persecution perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Party which currently rules China.

For over six years now, since July of 1999, the peaceful Falun Gong practitioners have used nonviolent actions to draw world attention to the ongoing Persecution of Falun G ong practitioners by the Chinese Communist Party. If past history is any indication, the Falun Gong practitioners and human rights advocates such as Gao Shizheng will be successful in the long run.

The Chinese Communist Party is a large stumbling block to overcome. They are unwilling to admit that human rights violations are occurring in China. Fortunately, the world knows better thanks to groups like the Falun Gong practitioners, Amnesty International, Freedom House and even the United Nations Special Rappateur on Human Rights.

One can find all kinds of evidence including testimonials, video footage, and other documentation to prove the gross human rights violations perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Party. In addition, the very existence of a labor camp system in China demonstrates the systematic nature of the human rights violations.

Virtually everyone in the world knows what is going on, yet China continues to deny the facts. One is reminded of the many murderers throughout history that have committed terrible crimes and yet proclaimed their innocence. They are met with justice. But these are individuals in society and here we are talking about a large group of people, the Chinese Communist Party, acting in unison to perpetrate, hide and then deny their abuses. It is harder to bring an entire group to justice or convince them to change their behavior.

The CCP (Chinese Communist Party) numbers around 60 million people. That is sixty million individuals that are willing to deny in tandem any wrongdoing. It is similar to sixty million criminals all proclaiming their innocence together at the same time.

In Nazi Germany you had a smaller group of people who were able to plunge the entire world into war and commit horrible human rights violations. It could be said that they were an organized group of thugs similar but perhaps not as vicious as the Chinese Communist Party operating in China today. In fact the Chinese Communist Party is responsible for far more deaths over the decades than the Nazis were in their day.

The Nazis are gone but the Chinese Communist Party is still operating, still grossly violating human rights and still denying their own bad deeds at every turn. How long can something like this go on? It could go on for a much longer period of time, if people don't stand up and speak out against the atrocities.

Staying in tune with the nonviolent means of achieving social change in history, it becomes the duty of every individual in the world to speak about the atrocities. As much and as often as the CCP denies human rights violations every person should speak out about them. With many more voices ringing with truth to counter the lies of the CCP, ending the human rights violations is an inevitable conclusion. However, it is a conclusion that must come sooner rather than later because people are suffering.

To learn more about the Persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China visit the FalunInfo or the Clearwisdom websites for additional information. A simple action that you can take today to help in the spirit of nonviolence is to call the nearest Chinese Embassy and say, Stop persecuting Falun Gong practitioners. Stop the human rights violations.

Change is inevitable. As an individual you have the ability to help bring an end to the atrocities sooner rather than later.

David Snape writes for All Things Pondered: http://allthingspondered.com - where you can have your say and (almost) anything is pondered. He also writes for To Be Informed: http://tobeinformed.com - a site supportive of health, fitness and wellness.

Author:: David Snape
Keywords:: falun gong, Falun Dafa, Chinese Communist Party, Torture, < a href='http://www.amazon.com/rss/tag/Persecution/new?tag=day2soft-20'title= 'Persecution: Newly tagged products at Amazon.com' target='_blank' style='font-size: large'>Persecution
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Bad Mouthing Fellow Authors

The creative mind is a gift to humanity; but unfortunately it comes with some baggage. We often find people who are creative also have negative and self-defeating personal character flaws. I recently had the pleasure of someone proving this to me. The name of the individual was Ed. You see Mr. Ed condemnEd my Expert status in some articles I wrote and put online. I recently wrote an article callEd 1000 Ways to Improve Your Business. http://ezinearticles.com/?id=37886

Ed was quick to make critique when he statEd:

Now, I assume the term Expert Author refers to someone being an Expert in their field. If Lance is indeEd an Expert in all the subjects he writes about - more power to him. If not, he should not misrepresent himself.

In the article of 1000 Ways, I statEd that I recommend Authors write articles that they are an Expert or borderline Expert in. I did not say; I am an Expert or borderline Expert in all the industries of all the articles I have writte n, although now challengEd I will admit that in fact I am. I do not misrepresent myself, yet I challenge Ed to identify himself.

Now that I have been challengEd by Ed; I hereby wish him to reveal his true identity to all of us and not remain a faceless Critic. I wish to read all these articles written by Ed and challenge his Expert status and he may challenge me on any topic he wishes in any articles I have written or have yet to write; who said I was stopping at 1000. He may debate points of contention or offer critique of such points with REAL observational experience or actual knowlEdge. I hereby challenge Ed.

Not because I want to prove something, as I have nothing to prove and I am not selling anything in my articles. My goal is to make people think. We must shut down the Critics of those who push the limits to press on. We cannot allow people to spit in the face of winners like Lance Armstrong in the Tour de France. Bill Gates was attackEd verbally on Bulletin Boards regarding open source software as he got going, today he is the largest philanthropist in the history of human civilization; what if he just got tirEd of being callEd the anti-Christ and never gave back anything?

We must turn off the sound of those who condemn those who persevere and dEdicate themselves to maintain the forward progression of mankind. We should applaud the shear will and human intent that drives those who are willing to take some hits along the way but are so full commitment and dEdication. I am not necessarily speaking of me; I can handle such critique thru many years of defense of the peanut galleries of this life experience. My comments and statement is about what is wrong with society in general and the Eds of the world. Why cant we as a society learn to cheer more than tear down. Why must we turn the sound and fury against ourselves in some sort of negative attack in the Trump board room?

There is a lesson here for those critique that which they do not understand in PC sewage world of mEdiocrity. Where are your 1000 articles? Before you condemn any one Author on EzineArticles.com you neEd to move out of your Glass House Ed. Mine is made of steel, would you like to discuss that industry with me? How about other heavy industry, mining or raw materials? Or perhaps Glass? www.WindowWashGuys.com.

How about Agriculture? www.tractorwashguys.com

Aviation: www.aircraftwashguys.com

Trucking; www.truckwashguys.com

Oil? www.OilChangeGuys.com

As a matter of fact pick any topic on this site: www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs. Internet marketing? We cou ld discuss politics, ever been in public office. Want to discuss religion, paranormal, brainwaves, artificial intelligence, robotics, water, BioTech, real estate? Pick a subject Ed, you challenge my Expert status after 27 years working 17 hour days with less then 10 days off? What about your score card Ed are you a non-linear thinker? Or better yet, write some articles and then we can debate those and condemn you on your abilities, strength of character, and make innuendos about your ethics and cast doubts of misrepresentation on your name. Should we do that Ed? Of course not, why would we do that; you are a sincere person correct? So why are you doing it to others of your lesser writing abilities in this shallow game of degradation? I believe an apology is owEd. Shouldnt we as a society stop attacking each other and work together for the common good? What is with the generation of today?

I take absolutely no personal offense to Eds comments as they are merely not so. I admit, my writing skills neEd work and I am learning and growing and working on it. Anyone reading this article can see that? However I completely disagree with your condemnation of anyone who has the work ethic to put up even 50 articles, that in itself is a feat. Those who can write 100, 200, or 1000 plus, let us give them all applause, wow. Lets live in reality Ed, we can start by knowing your real name, business, and profession. I hereby challenge you to reveal the truth so we can be sure you are not misrepresenting it. Lot different when the question of motivation is rEdirectEd isnt it; Call me a mirror if you want, nothing sticks to my refrigerator. Your call, stand tall and do tell all. The Whole Truth Ed, come on, come on.

Einstein said to challenge the Experts not condemn them. He meant lets challenge their beliefs and debate their theories and ideas. He did not say; Let us cut down the Experts so we can feel better about ourselves. I am like most thinkers willing to debate concepts, however personal insults, well they come generally from those of the lower IQ range and I cannot accept such mismanagement of individual human brain capacity. Think about it, next time you wish to degrade someones character thru anonymous Internet critique. And that goes for Ed too, if in fact Ed is this persons real name. Silly humans.

Lance Winslow

Author:: Lance Winslow
Keywords:: Ed, Expert, Author, bad mouthing, Weakness, Critic
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The National Museum Bangkok a Millennium of Thai History

A tour of the National Museum in Bangkok, which traces the early Thai civilizations in the region and the history of subsequent kingdoms, is like taking a stroll through the corridors of time. The short tour gives the visitor an overview of more than a millennium of history of the kingdom.

Our tour starts with the origin of early Thai civilizations in the first section in the National Museum. There's evidence of civilizations dating back to the early Stone Age from relics discovered in Lampang and Mae Hong Son in northern Thailand and Krabi to the south.

Civilizations existing around 3,600 BC were discovered in Ban Chiang, Udorn Thani in northeast Thailand as well as Kanchanaburi and Chonburi. There are conflicting theories as to where the early immigrants came from. However, there's sufficient evidence to show that there were civilizations in the area for more than 1,000 years.

The next section in the National Museum covers the 7th 13th ce nturies when the Khmer empire, based in what is now Cambodia, was at the height of its power. The influence of Khmer culture covered the northeastern region of Thailand and extended all the way to Lopburi in central Thailand.

Historical sites like Phanom Rung in Buriram and Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima are testimony to this influence.

The 13th century saw the rise of the Sukhothai kingdom. The kingdom reached its pinnacle under the reign of King Ram Khamhaeng from 1279 1298 AD. Sukhothai not only grew in political and military stature, it was renowned for its art, architecture and culture. It was King Ram Khamhaeng who started the Thai alphabet.

The Ayutthaya section in the National Museum is the most substantial. Founded by King U-Thong in 1351, Ayutthaya was a city bounded by three rivers, the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pasak. It grew rapidly and soon eclipsed Sukhothai and the other kingdoms.

At the height of its influence, Ayutthaya was a major commercial center with three main palaces within a walled city with its network of roads and canals and protected by 16 forts. Trade with China, Portugal, the Netherlands and Japan flourished.

Ayutthaya was captured and sacked by Burma in 1569. The city was rev ived in 1584 by King Naresuan. Unfortunately it was overrun again and completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Built up over four centuries, Ayutthaya with its 34 kings from five dynasties crashed to an abrupt and tragic end.

It was left to Phraya Taksin, son of a Chinese immigrant, who escaped the destruction of Ayutthaya to reestablish a new capital in Thonburi. In a series of campaigns he drove the Burmese out of Thailand and reunited the various kingdoms.

The grand finale in the tour of the National Museum covers the Chakri dynasty started by King Rama I in 1782 when he established Bangkok as the ne w capital to restore the former glory of Ayutthaya.

It was the dawn of a new era, Rattanakosin. After a massive Burmese onslaught was repelled, they were never a serious threat again. The prospect of a united Thailand with secure borders became a reality. Under the reign of the Chakri Kings, the next 200 years, saw the gradual emergence of a modern Thailand.

The National Museum in Bangkok captures more than a millennium of history of the early Thai civilizations, the rise and fall of the various kingdoms and dynasties to the present. It encapsulates the cultural ballast and very soul of the Thai nation.

For more on King Taksin of Thonburi visit the National Museum when you Tour Bangkok Legacies and stroll through the corridors of history. The author Eric Lim, a free-lanc e writer, lives in Bangkok Thailand.

Author:: Eric Lim
Keywords:: National Museum, Bangkok Museum, Rattanakosin, Sukthothai, Ayutthaya, Thai civilization
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English Literature: Charles Dickens's Narrative Technique

A critic wrote: 'Every writer of fiction, although he may not adopt the dramatic form, writes in effect for the stage.' When considering the statement in relation to Dickens we cannot take the word 'stage' too literally. Much of Dickens's writing involves the evocation of landscapes, such as the marshes in 'Great Expectations' or Yarmouth beach in 'David Copperfield' which could not be accommodated on the stage. Nor could the stage accommodate the numerous changes of scene which occur in Dickens's novels. The 'stage' Dickens refers to is the stage of the reader's imagination, and his Narrative technique plays upon that 'stage' to grip and hold our imaginations.

Dickens's dramatic technique has more in common with the cinema than with theatre; but the cinema is essentially a dramatic medium in that it functions through Character, action, dialogue, and setting, and only minimally through literary techniques. In this essay I will look at some of the dramatic, and literary, techniques found in Dickens's writing, and consider their effectiveness and their limitations.

When we think of a Dickens novel it is pictures and dramatic events which spring first to mind. In pictures we see, for example, Peggoty's boathouse at Yarmouth in 'David Copperfield', the interior of Fagin's den in 'Oliver Twist', and the frozen wedding feast in Miss Havisham's room in 'Great Expectations'. Among the dramatic events we might recall Magwitch threatening Pip in the churchyard, Oliver asking for more, and Uriah Heep being unmasked by Micawber.

Dickens's 'pictures' are an integral part of the fabric of the Narrative, conveying meanings in themselves, and unlike, for example James Joyce's descriptions, we are not required to interpret the images looking for symbolism, but to see them vividly. It is through conjuring images on the stage of our imagination that he draws us into the story. For example:

'She was dressed in rich materials - satins, and lace, and silks - all of white. Her shoes were white. And she had a long white veil dependent from her hair, and she had bridal flowers in her hair, but her hair was white. Some bright jewels sparkled on her neck and on her hands, and some other jewels lay sparkling on the table.' (Great Expectations. Ch.8.)

The words of this passage serve only one purpose, that we should see the scene in our imagination. The writer's stance is that of an objective reporter, and the short factual sentences, packed with detailed observation, do not in themselves convey any response or judgement. The reader responds not to the words, but to the picture. In fact the passage is notable for the total absence of emotive words. Nowhere do we see words such as 'decay', 'horror', 'stagnation' or 'death', and ye t we can feel, or at least understand, Pip's horror at finding himself in this room where the only sign of life is the movement of the dark eyes looking at him.

As an example of a dramatic event, using action and dialogue we can take this passage from 'Oliver Twist'.

'Before Oliver had time to look round, Sikes had caught him under the arms; and in three or four seconds he and Toby lay on the grass on the other side. Sikes followed directly. And they stole cautiously towards the house.

. . . He clasped his hands together, and involuntarily uttered a subdued exclamation of horror. A mist came before his eyes; the cold sweat stood upon his ashy face; on his limbs failed him; and he sank upon his knees.

'Get up!' murmured Sikes, trembling with rage, and drawing the pistol from his pocket; 'Get up or I'll strew your brains upon the grass.'

Here the movement of the dramatic action is so powerful that we do not really need the dialogue; we would un derstand perfectly what was going on if the scene were presented as a silent film. Oliver is being forced, against his will, in a certain direction, and he is resisting with all his might, both physically and morally. The dramatic scene reflects the way Oliver has been forced into roles against his will ever since he was born in the workhouse. This is Dickens at his most dramatic, placing Characters and actions vividly on the stage of our imaginations.

Much of Dickens's writing functions in this way, but there is also much which is non-dramatic which functions on a verbal, literary level.

'She was most noticeable, I thought, in respect of her extremities; for her hair always wanted brushing, her hands always wanted washing, and her shoes always wanted mending and pulling up at heel. This descri ption must be received with a weekday limitation. On Sundays she went to church elaborated.' ('Great Expectations' Ch.7.)

The reader might create a visual picture of Biddy from these fragments, but the passage really conveys ideas rather than images, and makes its impact through the use of language, achieving an effect which has no direct parallel in film or drama.

A more subtle literary technique, which also goes beyond the limitations of drama, is illustrated near the opening of 'Great Expectations':

As I never saw my father or my mother, and never saw any likeness of either of them (for their days were long before the days of photographs), my first fancies regarding what they were like were unreasonably derived from their tombstones. The shape of the letters on my father's gave me an odd idea that he was a square, stout, dark man, with curly black hair. ('Great Expectations' Ch.1.)

This passage conveys an intimate and complex process in which an individual's thoughts mingle with his perception of the outside world. The activity here is purely conceptual, illustrating the strength of literature over theatre or film - its ability to communicate concepts and intangible thought processes.

'David Copperfield' is perhaps the least dramatic of these three novels. Like 'Great Expectations' it is a fictional autobiography in the first person, but unlike Pip, David has become a writer and is consciously interested in his craft. Thus in reading 'David Copperfield' we are far more aware of the fact that we are being told a story that we are in 'Great Expectations'.

My school days! The silent gliding on of my existence - the unseen, unfelt progress of my life - from childhood up to youth! Let me think, as I look back upon that flowing water, now a dry channel overgrown with leaves, whether there are any marks along its course by which I can remember how it ran. ('David Copperfield' Ch.18.)

This is the wor k of a self-conscious artist primarily interested in his own imagination, and again there is an intimacy between author and reader which cannot be achieved in a dramatic medium.

One could not talk about Dickens's drama without mentioning his Characters. The variety and memorability of Dickens's Characters is perhaps his greatest achievement as a writer. Often they are caricatures, but caricatures which capture something which is present in life. Every public school must have its Steerforth, criminal circle its Bill and Nancy, fishing community it Peggoty. These are the Characters Dickens puts upon his 'stage'.

I should like to conclude with a passage whose relevance to the theme of this essay is self-evident. Perhaps it is reasonable to suppose that it gives us an insight into Dickens's creative mind as well as Pip's.

'what he did say presented pictures to me, and not mere words. In the excited and exalted state of my brain, I could not think of a place without seeing it, or persons without seeing them. It is impossible to overstate the vividness of these images' ('Great Expectations' Ch. 53.)

Copyright Ian Mackean. Read the full version of this essay at:
http://www.literature-study-online.com/essays/dickens.html

Ian Mackean runs the sites http://www.literature-study-online.com, which features a substantial collection of Resources and Essays, (and where his site on Short Story Writing can also be found,) an d http://www.Booksmadeintomovies.com. He is the editor of The Essentials of Literature in English post-1914, ISBN 0340882689, which was published by Hodder Arnold in 2005. When not writing about literature or short story writing he is a keen amateur photographer, and has made a site of his photography at http://www.photo-zen.com

Author:: Ian Mackean
Keywords:: English literature,Charles Dickens,Great Expectations,Oliver Twist,David Copperfield,Narrative,Chara
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People Who Make a Difference Get Smart "Missed It... by that Much!"

There would hardly be a single person on the entire planet who has not seen at least one episode of the 1960's TV comedy Get Smart. Yes I am talking about that bumbling Agent 86 - Maxwell Smart.

I know that as a young boy growing up I used to love the crazy antics of this show - KAOS, Control, Agent 99 (Barbara Feldon), bad guy Siegfried, the Chief (Edward Platt), Himey the humanoid, Larabie who always hid in the strangest places, the useless cone of silence, the shoe phone and much more.

So, it was with great sadness that we all heard of the recent passing of its wonderful prime Actor, Don Adams. Some people leave an indelible mark on the world and Don was indeed one of them.

Born Donald James Yarmy in New York in April 1923 of Hungarian-Jewish descent, Adams was raised in his mother's Catholic faith. His career took off in 1954 when he won a TV talent quest. That, in turn, led to appearances on a host of notable shows including Steve Allen's Tonight Sho w, the Ed Sullivan Show and Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall.

By far his greatest role was Maxwell Smart where he played a secret agent in the spy-spoof series Get Smart. It ran for only a relatively short time (1965 to 1970) but has been re-running ever since, such is its cult following. It would come as no surprise to learn that Mike Myers used Get Smart as a basis for his own spy-sleuth character Austin Powers some three decades later.

As Successful as the Get Smart series was it had the usual detrimental effect on Adams. Like so many others he was forever typecast. Bob Denver suffered the same fate as Gilligan on Gilligan's Island, as did most of the other cast members on that particular series.

Adams had numerous other small casting roles but never escaped being Maxwell Smart. He also provided the voice-over for Inspector Gadget. Over the years, owing to Get Smart's enormous popularity, there were a number of sequels. The first of these was The Nude Bomb in 1980, followed by Get Smart Again! in 1989. Finally, in 1994, at 71 years of age, Adams was elevated to the casting role of the Chief of Control in the last offering of Get Smart. Barbara Feldon, former Agent 99, played a Congresswoman.

Of the character he played, who could forget the classic lines such as would you believe? and sorry about that Chief and the inimitable missed it... by that much. These lines rivaled those of Sergeant Schultz in Hogan's Heroes where Actor John Banner was apt to say very frequently I know nothing! They were indeed marvelously funny years of television.

In a recent television interview, just before his death, Don Adams described how total strangers would recognize him in public, quickly take off a shoe and offer it to him saying things like it's for you Max, referring, of course, to his shoe phone antics. The shoe phone always had a habit of ringing at the most inopportune time. Such was the lasting and endearing effect he had on fans all over the world.

Married and divorced three times, Adams had seven children, five grand-children and three great-grand-children.

Don Adams has left a wonderful Legacy to the world. It is so much richer for him having lived. He brought so much laughter and joy to millions of people. He still does.

I hope you have enjoyed this short romp down memory lane. Vale Don Adams.

About the author: Gary Simpson is the author of eight books covering a diverse range of subjects such as self esteem, affirmations, self defense, finance and much more. His articles appear all over the web. Gary's email address is budo@iinet.net.au. Click here to go to his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website where you can receive his Zenspirational Thoughts plus an immediate FREE copy of his highly acclaimed, life-changing e-book The Power of Choice.

Author:: Gary Simpson
Keywords:: Don Adams,Get Smart,Maxwell Smart,Agent 86,Acting,Actor,Achievement,Succes s,Legacy,Control,KAOS
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Gone But the Legacy Continues

I knew Major General Kenneth Houghton, USMC, for about six months in late 1955 and into the spring of 1956. I never forgot him or what he taught me and a couple of hundred other, very young, earnest and eager second lieutenants attending Marine Corps officer training at Quantico, Virginia. We were 22 and 23 years old.

Last month the Times printed a few paragraphs about him in the Obituary section. Thats when I picked up the final report on Kenny Houghton. The short article said he died in late March of natural causes at the age of 85. The Kenny Houghton that I knew had nothing about him that was naturalhe was larger than life.

When I met him in the fall of 1955 he was about 35 years old with a chest full of medals earned in World War II and later in Korea. He was the real deal. He had an open face and a reasonably open mind. He w as in charge of the Tactics Department in our training. He was everywherealways teaching, coaching, challenging us, correcting us and boosting our confidence.

He was relentless in making sure we understood what our jobs were. He was hard nosed, but patient. He wanted to know what our thinking was during our practice missions. He dissected each move and asked about a million questions. Sometimes, after we received our assignment objectives, he would ask us what our plans were. He seldom commented in advance of the maneuvers but it wasnt difficult to read his body language. We had to learn the school book techniques and then the Kenny Houghton way of doing things. Believe me, he was something else.

He learned our first names as best he could. He called me Geno as did most of my friends. After one practice mission in which I was the company commander, we had a critique of the exercise, which was our usual routine. He began by asking me questions about the mission a nd if I understood the objectives. He carried on for about 10 minutes and finally said, Geno, I shouldnt be speaking to you because youve been dead since the first 30 seconds into the missionnot to mention the rest of your company who you managed to lead into an obvious trap! I got the message.

He made sure that all of us understood that our jobs werent just to lead enlisted men. We were charged with training them so that their chances of survival were high. He told us that everyone facing battle is scared. So be sure your troops are prepared to instinctively move when you, the lieutenant, give the order to get up and charge. There is no time to think and there is no place for hesitancy.

I dont know what Kenny would think of the generals who have recently been critical of the war effort in Iraq. I didnt know his politics. I never saw him again after we left Quantico in the spring of 1956. My guess is that he would have preferred that the generals kept quiet and not be outspoken. He knew it was the enlisted men that waged the wars along with the junior officers. In the Marines, the officers lines up for chow after all the enlisted men have been fed. I think this recognition of who is really important on the battlefield would have prompted Kenny Houghton to tell his general pals to keep quiet and not to undermine the spirit of the fighters facing a ruthless enemy.

My favorite Kenny Houghton story was about a company commander he had in Korea. Kenny told us that this commander insisted that his officers never use the word problem. Rather he ordered that the word opportunity be substituted in place of problem.

One day when Kenny was scouting the enemy, way in fr ont of his front line, he radioed to his CO as follow hello six, this is scout three. Do you copy? Yes, three, we copy. Whats your report? Six, we have spotted about 15,000 North Korean opportunities advancing toward our lines! Standing by for your orders, sir, as to how take advantage of these opportunities. Three out.

I have many more Kenny Houghton stories but space doesnt permit me to list them. I know that every person who served in the Military has insightful and meaningful experiences they could share. Im sure that my memories could be matched by many other former servicemen and women. But, I had to write these words about a genuine American hero. Our country owes these kinds of men and women great thanks.

I owe the Marine Corps more than I can ever repay. I became accountable and responsible. I got much more than I gave. E sprit de Corps, hard to describe in just a few words, was driven into us each hour of every day. We took care of each other. Long before the expression, Ive got your back became street popular we all had each others backand front as well.

Kenny drilled into me and my classmates, and no doubt thousands of other Marines, what our real jobs were once we were assigned commands: accomplish your assigned mission by killing the enemy, train and protect your enlisted people, always bring back your wounded and dead from the battlefield and never forget who has gone before you in our beloved Corps.

Thank you Major General Kenny Houghton. You taught us well. I will never forget you.

Semper Fi.

Gene Pepper Consulting Your Common-Sense Consultant http://www.genepepperconsulting.com

Gene has extensive experience in strategic busi ness planning, business coaching, turnarounds, and exit strategies. His common-sense approach leads to highly successful business transactions.

If you have a company that has one to one hundred customer service people in itI can help you convert what is now probably a big drain on your check bookto a profit making centerand I can help you achieve this seemingly impossible goal in 90 days or less. And while were at it we will get more business from your existing customers than you ever dreamed possibleand also while were at it we will help you attract and convert more new customers than you dreamed possible.

Author:: Gene Pepper
Keywords:: Military, Quantico, USMC, war memories, Inspiration, Marines, our troops,
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What Sets Chinese Painting Apart From Western Painting

Because of different instruments, materials and cultural background, Chinese Paintings have their own image and content in comparison to other types of Paintings. Unique appearance of Chinese Painting owes much to the use of the Chinese writing brush and the Chinese paper (rice and silk). There are four essential elements used in the creation of Chinese Painting, the brush, ink, paper, and the ink stone. Lacking any of them the job cannot be done.

The most important factors for Chinese Painting are the special pedagogy, the close relationship with the painters personality and the unique Chinese philosophy. They are trained not only to convey the objects but also express the mood and the spirit of the subject. The Chinese also believe that the painting is the expression of the painters knowledge and temperament. In this way, Chinese Painting becomes something much more than Art.

The most essential philosophy of China is the unity of Heaven, EArth and Human Beings. What the Chinese Painters are trying to express is not what meets the eye, but their attitude to the Great Nature. The Chinese painter has a profound love and admiration for nature. It is pArt of their culture, religious practices and their need to depend on nature to survive.

In relationship to human and animal figures, the Chine se painter utilizes the forms he finds in nature, such as ovals, circles, and geometric lines which are found also found in Chinese calligraphy. Thus, all Chinese Paintings whether they are landscapes or the human figure are painted with the same movement, rhythm, and harmony that is used when drawing the forms of calligraphy. Calligraphy is a form of Art, even more revered and honored than all other painting.

In the same theme they may spend hours contemplating and drawing inspiration from the figures of nature such as humming birds with their fragile wings, the robust legs of the cricket, and the fascinating form of the praying mantis. From the minor or simple creatures that are chosen as subjects of Art work, we can see how they enjoy the nature and the love they devote to the most humble things.

The Chinese painter finds it offensive to contemplate and draw the human figure by itself. Human beings are pArt of the surrounding heavens and eArth. They are all together. That is why Chinese Paintings are simple in composition and full of harmony, overall balance and peace with all of creation. They are interested in the mood and spirit.

Copyright 2004 Ernesto Apomayta

Publishing guidelines: You may publish my Article in your newsletter, on your website, or in your print publication provided you include the resource box at the end. Notification would be appreciated but is not required.

About The Author

Ernesto Apomayta

Born and raised in Puno, Peru, Ernesto Apomayta was identified as an Artistic prodigy at the tender age of five. As a boy, Apomayta was first influenced and inspired by the natural marvels surrounding the humble home he shared with his family. In close proximity to shimmering Lake Titicaca, the striking beauty of the Andes and the awe-inspiring Incan ruins of his ancestors, Apomayta was spiritually compelled to express his wonder visually through his paintbru sh. A direct ancestor of the legendary photographer, MArtin Chambi, Apomayta derived inspiration from the same native influences and his legacy that encouraged Apomayta to fulfill his own Artistic destiny.

To view many of Ernesto Apomaytas pieces of Artwork please visit www.apomaytaArt.com for full information on Mr. Apomayta.

apomayta@hotmail.com

Author:: Ernesto Apomayta
Keywords:: Paintings,Art,chinese Art,chinese painting
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