Fossil Fuels and Climate Change Essay - 1208 Words

In this paper, we focus on using fossil fuels causing climate change. Fossil fuels are fuels formed natural resources such as coal, petroleum and natural gas, which are the most widely used fuel and industrial chemicals in the world. Since industrial revolution, fossil fuels bring a very great quantity convenience and technological products. So we can use cars, planes and all modern products. But fossil fuels cause climate change at the same time. Greenhouse gas, nitrous oxides and a great deal of harmful gas which are from fossil fuels are causing serious environmental problems. Therefore we need to be concerned about the problems caused by fossil fuels and the solutions. From human entered industrial civilization era. Our human beings†¦show more content†¦Some nitrous oxides sulfur oxides lead to acid rain. It can have harmful effects on plants, animals and buildings. Oil spill in Gulf of Mexico this year caused ecological disaster. â€Å"An explosion occurred on the semi -submersible offshore drilling rig Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 rig workers and injuring 17 others. On April 24, it was found that the wellhead was damaged and was leaking oil into the Gulf. This significant spill poses a serious threat to wildlife, affecting as many as 400 species along the coastal areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.† (Curry L. Hagerty, 2010) The number of fossil fuels is limited. Even they are enough now. Are they still enough in 50 years? So it is a time for our human beings to decide how to deal with the relationship with fossil fuels. When I am writing this essay, Jiangsu province is suffering from the most serious drought from last 50 years. Suzhou, a city should have been rainy. But I almost have not seen rain since I come to Suzhou. â€Å"Climate changes caused by human activities, most importantly the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) and deforestation, are superimposed on, and to some exte nt masked by, natural fluctuations.†(Hamburg, S. et al, 1997) Due to these violent human activities, those kinds of extreme phenomena are becoming much more popular than before. Human burning countless fossil fuels recklessly lead to tooShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Climate Change On Fossil Fuels1431 Words   |  6 PagesThe definition of climate change is â€Å"a change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.† (Google Dictionary). Due to our dependence on fossil fuels as our main source for energy and our carbon dioxide emissions over decades, climate change has rapidly emerged on Earth. Yet, we still have those who deny any scientificRead MoreAnthropogenic Climate Change Through Technology, Fossil Fuels, And Emissions1728 Words   |  7 PagesAnthropogenic Climate Change Anthropogenic climate change alludes to the generation of greenhouse gasses radiated by human activities. By analyzing the polar ice centers, researchers are persuaded that human activity has expanded the extent of greenhouse gasses in the environment, which has soared in the course of the last few centuries. Thesis Statement To study how anthropogenic climate change through technology, fossil fuels, and emissions. Introduction Human beings have always been a highlyRead MoreIs Fossil Fuel Based Energy The Threat From Climate Change?1950 Words   |  8 PagesAs our society continues to use primarily fossil fuel based energy the threat from climate change is ever-growing. Never the less, denial of human influences of climate change is slowing efforts to stop it. As a result, we currently face a crisis where far from enough is being done to improve our energy system and mitigate the damage caused by a warming global climate. The development of the climate change issue to where it is today has been made up of two parts: greenhouse gas outputs and the politicalRead MoreClimate Change Is A Change Of Weather Patterns That Lasts For A Long Duration Essay1372 Words   |  6 PagesClimate Change is a change of weather patterns that lasts for a long duration. Climate change can be caused by the ‘greenhouse effect’. Humans create greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, electricity production and more. These gases trap the sun’s heat in the atmosphere and increase the earth’s overall temperature. This process is also called Global Warming which can cause more natural disasters like floods and droughts. Climate change is an existent global issue that started since 1880 whenRead MoreHuman Activity And Climate Change1141 Words   |  5 PagesAND CLIMATE CHANGE WILLIAM WRIGHT GRANTHAM UNIVERSITY In this paper I will discuss Human Activity and Climate Change. I will discuss different human activities that might affect climate change, things such as the burning of fossil fuels and how they might contribute to climate change. To begin I will discuss what the definition of climate change. Climate change is the change in the atmosphere by the amounts of carbon dioxide levels that come from using fossil fuels. ClimateRead MoreBiomass Essay1094 Words   |  5 Pagesconventional energy fossil fuels. The objectives of this review report is to evaluate the processes how briquettes are produced from agricultural wastes/residues and To compare the intensity of greenhouse gas emission using briquettes of agricultural wastes/residues with other forms of energy sources especially fossil fuels. Thus agricultural residue biomass energy available for climate change mitigation by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emission from using fossil fuels and the pollutionsRead MoreThe Miscon ceptions Of Renewable Energy Vehicles1694 Words   |  7 Pagesthe next large advancement for society. The main reasoning for this, as a use for vehicles’ energy, is because many people believe that renewable energy is necessary to stop climate change. And these people believe this misconception because of green house gases, which are released from the use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels create most of the world’s power, which leads to the creation of green house gas emissions, which is why they are usually considered to be â€Å"bad†. Emissions from vehicles are responsibleRead MoreThe Effects Of Climate Change On The Environment1215 Words   |  5 Pagesburning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, increased the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Therefore, the clearing of land for agriculture, industry, and other human activities have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, causing human induced climate change. Climate cha nge is an issue that has kit a peak on our planet and needs to be stopped. It is defined as a change in global or regional climate patterns, or a long term climate change in Earth’s climate. I proposeRead MoreHuman Activity Is Responsible For Our Current Warming Trend1598 Words   |  7 PagesThe biggest problem with climate change today is the debate on whether or not human activity is responsible for our current warming trend. According to Jonathon Schuldt (2014:219), around 99.7% of climatologists agree that man-made climate change is a reality, while only 40% of Americans believe that humans are the main driver. This is because we live in societies in which, thanks largely to the internet, everyone is free to express an opinion. On the issue of climate change, we have tons of sitesRead MoreFossil Fuels : An Essential Foundation1416 Words   |  6 Pagesthe dawn of the Industrial Revolution, fossil fuels have become an essential foundation in the innovative endeavors of mankind. Not only has it supported human advancement, but it is virtually ubiquitous in its use and its versatility provides for a strong mechanical prospect. Yet, these prehistoric sources of energy have lately been identified to be a major source of an onset against the well-being of the Earth. Because of the adverse effects of fossil fuels, the effort placed into the solutions

Key For Key, Pound For Pound, I m The Biggest Dope Dealer

â€Å"Key for key, pound for pound, I’m the biggest dope dealer, I serve all over town.† Imagine being on a jury of a drug related case and hearing these rap lyrics played as evidence. Would you immediately charge the defendant of drug distribution or would you consider his lyrics as a form of artistic expression? In the court system the disclosure of rap lyrics written by a defendant as evidence is an ongoing controversy that is becoming increasingly popular and accepted. Jurors face a difficult decision on the credibility of the lyrics and how to properly interpret them when used as criminal evidence. Is this really a confession from the defendant? Do the lyrics describe the defendant’s motivations, intentions, or conduct? The debate continues to distinguish the defendant’s words as artistic context or criminal intentions. There are many rap artists who create and use their true life experiences into lyrical form. There are also rap artists who express w hat they experience through the eyes of real criminals, but have never actually lived the life. When the court allows the admission of rap lyrics as evidence, this allows the prosecutor to use them in two ways. One way is as substantial evidence where they treat it as an admission of guilt or a confession. This will show the defendant’s knowledge of or intention to commit the crime. Another way is by the prosecutor wanting to portray an image of the defendant and connect them to the existing evidence basedShow MoreRelatedProject Managment Case Studies214937 Words   |  860 Pagesabout Wiley products, visit our Web site at www.wiley.com. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data: Kerzner, Harold. Project management : case studies I Harold Kerzner. -- 2nd ed. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978-0-471-75167-0 (pbk.) ISBN-10: 0-471-75167-7 (pbk.) 1. Project management-Case studies. I. Title. Printed in the United States of America Contents Preface xi 1 PROJECT MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGIES 1 Lakes Automotive 3 Fems HealthcareRead MoreFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 Pagesbetter study smarter save money From multiple study paths, to self-assessment, to a wealth of interactive visual and audio resources, WileyPLUS gives you everything you need to personalize the teaching and learning experience.  » F i n d o u t h ow t o M A K E I T YO U R S  » www.wileyplus.com ALL THE HELP, RESOURCES, AND PERSONAL SUPPORT YOU AND YOUR STUDENTS NEED! 2-Minute Tutorials and all of the resources you your students need to get started www.wileyplus.com/firstday Student

Heavy Metal Music - 7270 Words

HEAVY METAL MUSIC WHAT IS HEAVY METAL MUSIC? Heavy metal (often referred to simply as metal) is a genre of rock music that developed in between 1968 and 1974 , largely in the United Kingdom and the United States.With roots inblues-rock and psychedelic rock, the bands that created heavy metal developed a thick, massive sound, characterized by highly amplified distortion, extended guitar solos, emphatic beats, and overall loudness. Heavy metal lyrics and performance styles are generally associated with masculinity and machismo. The first heavy metal bands such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple attracted large audiences, though they were often critically reviled, a status common throughout the history of the genre. In the†¦show more content†¦These rhythmic figures are usually performed with a staccato attack created by using a palm-muted technique on the rhythm guitar. Brief, abrupt, and detached rhythmic cells are joined into rhythmic phrases with a distinctive, often jerky texture. These phrases are used to create rhythmic accompaniment and melodic figures called riffs, which help to establish thematic hooks. Heavy metal songs also use longer rhythmic figures such as whole note- or dotted quarter note-length chords in slow-tempopower ballads. The tempos in early heavy metal music tended to be slow, even ponderous. By the late 1970s, however, metal bands were employing a wide variety of tempos. In the 2000s, metal tempos range from slow ballad tempos (quarter note = 60 beats per minute) to extremely fast blast beat tempos (quarter note= 350 beats per minute). An example of a rhythmic pattern used in heavy metal * Harmony One of the signatures of the genre is the guitar power chord. In technical terms, the power chord is relatively simple: it involves just one main interval, generally the perfect fifth, though an octave may be added as a doubling of the root. Although the perfect fifth interval is the most common basis for the power chord, power chords are also based on different intervals such as the minor third, major third, perfect fourth,Show MoreRelatedThe Psychology of Heavy Metal Music Essay1680 Words   |  7 PagesDoes heavy metal music have effects on society? Many people love listening to this kind of music and they love going to concerts where these bands are playing. Going to concerts and listening to music is the whole part of the music industry. If fans did not go to concerts, then musicians would not be able to make money and be successful. Many people love listening to heavy metal music; however, some people think that it could lead to violence, depression, and self- loathing. There have beenRead MoreHeavy Metal Music: History and Misconceptions Essay1149 Words   |  5 PagesHeavy Metal Music: History and Misconceptions Heavy metal music has been a source of social controversy since its early beginnings. It started out as a new age form of rock. Heavy metal brought a new look and sound to rock. The early heavy metal musicians decided to tune their guitars down, increase the tempo, play guitars and drums faster, and get a more grungy sound. The musicians also decided to wear tight, ripped, black clothing, chains, spikes, and combat boots. Most people did as anyone wouldRead MoreThe Strong Themes And Views Of Heavy Metal Music2475 Words   |  10 Pagesviews in heavy metal music, including but not limited to environmental, religious and political views have over decades, created a community and culture among listeners and musicians alike. Because of common ideas among artists, some of which could be seen as transgressive, all creativity within the culture is respected and praised no matter what sort of background it has come from. Visual art is a huge part of heavy metal as there are so many different subgenres of the music that a uniqueRead MoreEssay on The Culture of Heavy Metal Music Listeners Around the World:1870 Words   |  8 PagesPeople who listen to heavy metal music are often seen as a minority group in most cultures and countries, but is it possible that heavy metal music listeners have a distinct culture of their own that transcends the dividing lines of nations? This paper is intended to research and report the similarities between heavy metal listeners across the world. In order to do that I will be splitting the world up into four major categories for observation and research: 1. The United States 2. English speakingRead MoreThe Effects of Heavy Metal Music on Aggression2495 Words   |  10 PagesTHE EFFECTS OF HEAVY METAL MUSIC ON AGGRESSION IN COLLEGE STUDENTS Author: SHALEEN L. COSS Date: not stated Participants: The participants were collected by means of convenience sampling. The participants in the study were 40 undergraduate psychology students, all involved in Psychology Learning Communities at Loyola University New Orleans. The participants were mostly Caucasian with some African Americans, Hispanics and Asians. There were 3 male and 29 female participants, with a greater proportionRead MoreThe Music Of Guns N Roses 1218 Words   |  5 PagesGuns N’ Roses is a heavy metal band that helped the rise of heavy metal as the mainstream genre in the 1980’s. Their music has a unique sound with influences from heavy metal and hair metal/glam metal periods. One song that illustrates both of these musical influences is the song â€Å"Welcome to the Jungle† on the album â€Å"Appetite for Destruction†. The members of Guns N’ Roses got their start as a band in Los Angeles, California. At the time of their band rising to fame, America was still in the transitionRead MoreThe History Of Rock And Roll1028 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Heavy Metal† music Term paper 10/15/2015 Student: Robert Thoroughman MU1133 The History of Rock and Roll Instructor: Dr. Barry E. Kopetz Heavy Metal is a genre of music that is defined by Dictonary.com as an â€Å"aggressive and heavily amplified rock music, commonly performed by groups that wear spectacular or bizarre costumes†. Another definition listed is; â€Å"a type of rock music characterized by a strong beat and amplified instrumental effects, sometimes with violent, or nihilistic lyrics†Read MoreAnalysis Of Metallic Decades Of Metal Dominance1660 Words   |  7 PagesMetallica: Decades of Metal Dominance Thrash metal band Metallica has an expansive history of over thirty years. Trials and tribulations continuously impact the band however, they are always able to unify after tragedy. With each set back Metallica encounters; whether it is the loss of a band member or low album sales, a reinvention occurs within their music. Despite performing music for the masses, Metallica retains mysterious qualities. Band members have effectively kept their private lives outRead MoreA Headbanger s Roots1580 Words   |  7 Pagesmainstream music, I am hoping to give you some insight on a headbanger’s roots. With new metal bands popping up in local cities, it’s important to understand the history behind the genre. Like every other genre, heavy metal can be traced back to it’s roots, to the moment where everything changed and turned into something that will continue to affect people for years to come. It caused an uproar first in England, and then spread like wildfire to all four corners of the world. Heavy metal was a musicalRead MoreReview Of David M. Greenberg Et Al Divided People And Their Musical Choices814 Words   |  4 PagesYour Choice of Music Can Reveal Your Personality One’s taste in music is at the top of the list when it comes to topics that can cause a heater argument. Musical preferences are sacred to most people and we tend to divide into small tribes over music, considering the other tribes as less sophisticated. Interestingly, your music choices are not a random grouping – your tribe isn’t determined by where your friends go. Instead, your personality and the music you like are interlinked, both influencing

The Dod Developed The Cyber Strategy - 1072 Words

Case Study Description The DoD developed the cyber strategy with three primary missions in mind. The first mission is to defend DoD networks, systems, and information. Next is to defend the U.S. homeland and U.S. national interests against cyberattacks of significant consequence and finally to provide cyber support to military operational and contingency plans. To accomplish this mission, the Secretary of Defense and the current USCYBERCOM Commander acknowledges that the â€Å"DoD must develop its cyber forces and strengthen its cyber defense and cyber deterrence posture† (Special Report: Cyber Strategy, n.d.). With this in mind the DoD set the requirement to have all 133 of USCYBERCOM’s cyber teams achieve initial operating capability by the†¦show more content†¦In regards to policy and doctrine, the assessment would need to utilize three main documents, namely the Cyber Force Concept of Operations and Employment (CFCOE), the Joint Cyberspace Training and Cert ification Standards (JCTCS), and the Cyber Mission Force Joint Training and Readiness Manual (TR Manual). The CFCOE is a comprehensive, evolving, document defining CMF teams’ roles, functions, and operational processes. Next, the JCTCS defines the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for each cyber mission force work role (i.e., position). Lastly, the TR Manual stipulates the requirements to assess individual and team readiness using a common set of joint tasks, conditions, and standards for all cyber mission team positions (Department of Defense, 2014). Key stakeholders included Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Armed Services, the Joint Staff, the National Guard Bureau, USCYBERCOM. By developing a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the cyber team’s ability to meet full operational capacity, this project outcome would nest in the overall USCYBERCOM cyber strategy of developing cyber forces and strengthening the United States cyber defense and cyber deterrence posture while building cyber capabilities and organizations. Describes the project outcome The project was successful in the deliverance of the objectives outlined by the key stakeholders in accordance with theShow MoreRelatedCase Study : Quantum Dynamics Inc.841 Words   |  4 PagesQuantum Dynamics Inc. is a SBA Certified Woman-Owned Small Disadvantaged Business headquartered in Macon, GA with regional offices in McLean, VA, Fort Gordon, GA, Huntsville, AL, and Fayetteville, NC. Our core competencies are Cyber Security, Training, Information Technology, and Logistics. We have 15 years in business, are a successful graduate of the 8a program, and provide solutions that are innovative, efficient and resourceful. We find ways to achieve more with less; to consolidate while modernizing;Read MorePresident Reagan Signed Into Law A National Security Decision Directive1344 Words   |  6 PagesCongress to pass a bill, assigning the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST), under the Department of Commerce, responsibility for developing standards a nd guidelines for the security of Federal computer systems, drawing upon technical guidelines developed by the NSA when such guidelines are consistent with the requirements for protecting sensitive information. NSA took control of security of military classified networks and computers. According to Fred Kaplan, in his book, Dark Territory, Fred explainsRead MoreCreating A New Cyber Force1182 Words   |  5 Pagesbattlefield domain where a keyboard and mouse are the new weapons of conflict. With land, sea, air and space in the background, warfare has entered a fifth domain: cyber. In this position paper, using a pro and con format, the debate on whether or not the Department of Defense (DoD) should create a new, independent branch for cyber will be discussed. To do this, the following will examine both sides of debate by highlighting two main points: the elimination of duplication of effort and the intensiveRead MoreHomeland Security And Homeland Defense1390 Words   |  6 PagesCentury defines homeland security as, â€Å"the protection of the territory, critical infrastructures, and citizens of the United States by Federal, State, and local government entities from the threat or use of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, cyber, or conventional weapon s by military or other means.† (2006, pg. 24). The five current primary missions of the DHS are preventing terrorism, securing borders, enforcing and administering immigration laws, securing cyberspace, and preparing and respondingRead MoreMilitary Cyber Systems Can Be Attacked From External And Internal Threats1768 Words   |  8 Pages an author who investigates and writes on the topic of cyberwar stated, â€Å"the absence of historical data makes it nearly impossible to analytically calculate the probability of a genuine cyber Armageddon (2014).† Past exploitations of military cyber systems and their consequences History shows that military cyber systems can be attacked from external and internal threats. In 2008 a flash drive infected with malicious code spread throughout the system once an internal user connected it to a militaryRead MoreA New Cyber Security Initiative For The Army Materiel Command1678 Words   |  7 Pagesrecruited to set up and lead a new cyber security initiative for the Army Materiel Command (AMC), a 53 Billion dollar year logistics command that serves as the army version of amazon for the army’s current inventory of weapons, supplies and vehicles. AMC, at this time, had over a 100k workforce spread across 140 locations worldwide. During this timeframe, the Department of Defense was still trying to define Cyber Security and mature the process they had in place. DOD was a large target and AMC rankedRead MoreIdentifying And Prosecuting Computer Crime2560 Words   |  11 Pagesdevelopment of any society is accompanied by a unique pattern of crime. The innovation of digital technology came to us as a blessing but not without its’ dark side. This innovation brought about novel challenges popularly referred to as cyber-crime. Policing the prevalence of cyber-crime and its threat to electronic commerce has been of great concern to all government. Twenty-first century, the criminals increasingly rely on advanced technologies and Internet to promote their illegal operations. AccordingRead MoreStrategic Direction On The United States1647 Words   |  7 PagesThe United States will not be able to effectively rebalance the Joint Force in 2025 unless sequestration is reversed. The current U.S. strategic direction has prompted a shift of military resources to the Asia-Pacific. Globalization, cyber-attacks and advances in technology will further challenge the Joint Forces in the next ten years. It is imperative that the U.S. Joint Forces be adequately funded in order to identify and develop critical technology, establish policies and maintain adequate forceRead MoreThe Department Of Defense s Operational Risk Management Essay1590 Words   |  7 Pagesoperations; mission essential functions; planning development; and preparedness. Furthermore, it will look what types a factors should be looked at when making an organizations plans . In addition, this paper will look at mitigating risks, specifically cyber and physical risk mitigation and some of the different approaches risks can be mitigated. Finally, this paper will briefly look at the Department of Defense’s Operational Risk Management process and how it ties planning and mitigation together. Read MoreWhen Cybersecurity Policy Is Discussed The Topics Often1145 Words   |  5 Pagesoften focus on technology, corporate culture, and security awareness. The success of an organization in defending its most valuable asset, data, depends on the proper implementation of several security practices. Ensuring that the â€Å"human aspect† of cyber security is addressed is vital, for the culture of an organization can greatly impact both the security posture and defense of information networks. This paper addresses the human aspects responsible for SCADA System vulnerabilities and provides a

Dissent from Puritanism free essay sample

During the early part of English colonization of the Americas the main group of people that were sent to the Americas was religious and political outcasts. This included Puritans, Quakers many other religions, debtors and political dissidents. The Puritans and Quakers came to the Americas in search of political freedom. The Puritans settled in the northeast region of the United States mainly in modern day Massachusetts. During their long nearly 4 month Journey across the Atlantic Ocean the boat goers grew close to each other because of the treacherous voyage. This caused theses people to group together and form towns with government based on their religion, Puritanism. Puritanism was one of the driving forces behind the formation of early successful northeastern towns and colonies in America. Many people who immigrated to the northeastern English colonies of the Americas had a strong dislike for Puritanism. Many believed the religion was too archaic in its beliefs and ways of life. We will write a custom essay sample on Dissent from Puritanism or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Because of the animosity of non-puritans towards puritans and vice versa this caused the two peoples to form separate ettlements and very distinct cultures. Due to the differences in the cultures and the increase of immigration to New England the new settlers had to find new geographically suitable locations to start new settlements, therefore fully populating the entire New England colony. This gave New England a wide variety of culture, goods, natural resources and the capability to export large amounts of goods to the mother country for a profit. The non-puritans had settlements more based on economic ethics and systems that would financially help the settlement. Puritans had ettlements with more theocratic governments and more devotion to their religion. Although the governments of the two cultures were somewhat different they were also similar in many ways as well. Both governments were democratic. The puritans had a direct form of democracy where only white male land owners could vote. The problem with this is that once the colony started to fill it became harder and harder for young white men to find a piece of land suitable to settle on and start their families. With no land they had no say in their government as well. This drove many young Puritan Men to leave their theocratic settlements to seek other settlements where land owning was not necessary to have a say in government. This allowed puritans and non-puritans to culturally diffuse and further enrich the culture of New England. The non-puritan settlements had a representative or indirect form of democracy. These settlements followed a more English form of government. They also were mostly follows of the Anglican Church (the most common religion in England at the time). Because of the religious diversity in early New England and the abundance of natural resources (mostly large amounts of lumber) the colony was able to thrive. The religious acrimony between the puritans and non-puritans actually helped the English colony of New England reach its full economic potential by spreading out the population of the settlers. Many factors contributed to the formation of New England, but The objection of Puritanism and Puritanism itself was the paramount reason that New England did as well as it did and as early as it did. Dissent from Puritanism By halpin19

AIDS (880 words) Essay Example For Students

AIDS (880 words) Essay AIDSIn some parts of the world there are still wars being fought and dictators inpower. There are societies which consider themselves at the peak of evolutionand progress. They are able to create state of the art automobiles, luxurioushomes, efficient and organized industries, complex computerized machinery andatomic weapons. Many societies are governed by a democratic system which heralda belief in freedom. All societies, regardless of their political and economicmakeup, are also ruled by a special class of dictators; these dictators areunseen to the naked eye, and are invincible. These invisible tyrants aremicroorganisms. Underdeveloped countries, technologically advanced countries,and those in between are at the mercy of these microorganisms, which come inmany forms viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. The most dangerous of theseforms is the virus. Some viruses, such as the common flu, are considered to havea fairly detrimental capacity. The flu can incapacitate a human for se veralweeks with various symptoms such as bodily soreness, fever, bronchialcomplications, and even pneumonia. But while these conditions can be painful andfrightening, we are usually confident that proper medication and rest will takecare of the matter. However there is a much more severe and indiscriminatetyrant, with enormous corrupting influence, capable of infiltrating all ofcivilization. Scientifically, it is a submicroscopic pathogen consisting of aparticle of nucleic acid, enclosed in proteins, and able to replicate onlywithin a living cell. Socially, it is responsible for an enormous amount ofchaos and fear in the world today, and pronounces the human fault of ignorance. Can it be considered to be a modern plague? This complex and confusing king ofall tyrants is called Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV. HIV is a retrovirus. Retroviruses are commonly identified in many animal species, but HIV and itsvariants, such as HTLV I, HTLV II, HTLV III are among the rare retrovirusesfound in humans. It is transmitted through blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. HIV is a retrovirus of the Lentivirus group and is the etiologic agent ofAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS was first recognized as adisease syndrome in 1981; HIV was identified as its cause in 1984. AIDS is alife and death issue. To have the AIDS disease is at present a sentence of slowbut inevitable death. There currently is neither a cure, nor an effectivetreatment, and no vaccine either. But there are things that have been provenimmensely effective in slowing the spread of this hideously lethal disease. Scientist believe that the disease originated somewhere in Africa about 20 yearsago. HIV antibodies were found in serum drawn in parts of Africa in the early1970, leading many investigators to believe that the disease originated inAfrica, spreading to the Caribbean, and then to the United States. In Africa itfirst appeared as a mysterious ailment afflicting primarily heterosexuals ofboth sexes. It probably was spread especially fast by female prostitutes livingthere. AIDS has already become a crisis of staggering proportions in parts ofAfrica. In Zaire, it is estimated that over twenty percent of the adultscurrently carry the virus. That figure is increasing. On a global scale, theAIDS epidemic is rapidly expanding. Africa, which represents about 10 percent ofthe global population, now accounts for more than 60 percent of the total HIVinfections among adults worldwide. In comparison, North America and SouthAmerica combined account for less than 20 percent of the adult HIV infections. More than 90 percent of HIV infections in Africa are due to heterosexualtransmission. An AIDS epidemic is also emerging in Asia, where new HIVinfections increased by 80 percent in the last three years, and estimates fromthe World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that AIDS in Asia will causeunprecedented rates of infection and death. The major strain of HIV in the NorthAmerica, Europe, and central Africa is known as HIV-1. In western Africa, AIDSis also caused by HIV-2, a strain of HIV closely related to HIV-1. Otherdistantly related strains of HIV-1 have been identified in various areas of theworld. Although some of these strains cannot be detected using the currentblood-screening methods, there is little risk of spread to North America becauseof the geographic isolation of these viruses. Even in the case of HIV-2, spreadoutside Africa is rare. Only 18 cases of HIV-2 have been documented in theUnited States, and transmission in these cases was linked directly to westernAfrica. Curr ently, this invisible tyrant is so dominant that our basic values ofMake Love not War have been twisted into an anxious cry ofMake Love and Die. This disease is causing a great deal of pain andsorrow. We need to reason and evaluate the truth of the matter and to adapt to away of life in order to minimize further casualties. If we declare war on HIV,educate in preventing the spread of this disease, and avoid stigmatizing anddiscriminating based on misinformation, we are well on our way to at leastneutralizing HIV. Moral awareness should also be increased in an effort to havebetter use of the education we possess. This includes those in the medicalprofession. At this juncture, the chance to find a cure for retroviruses,especially the HIV virus, are less likely than it is for the virus to evolveinto a non-deadly form. Perhaps then it will come to be considered one of thelesser, invisible tyrants. Once again I ask Is AIDS a modern plague?I guess it remains to be seen.