Climate Change

According to, Stephen Leahy (2008) in his article “Climate Change”: What Chemical lobby weakening ozone treaty, the Antarctic ozone hole, observed and measured by U.S National and Space Administration (NASA), is about 27 million square kilometers. Up to one million people are affected by skin cancer every year and up to 10,000 people will die in the U.S.A. The agreement signed as the Montreal Protocol, by about 24 Countries, 20 years ago, lead by Argentina, U.S and Canada avoided damage of the ozone layer and kept away tens of billions of tons carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Nevertheless, they found that ozone-destroying chemicals were mainly greenhouse gases, so the global warming increased more than carbon dioxide in each molecule. “Without the protocol, the ozone layer would be 30 in Washington, instead of today’s of 10” “ A less than three-minute exposure to the sun in Hawaii would have resulted in sunburn. The skin cancers would be at least 650 percent higher” said Paul A. Newman, an atmospheric physicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre, and co-chair of the Montreal Protocol’s Scientific Assessment Panel. However, the ozone layer is thin, and the emissions of ozone-damaging chemicals have been decreasing since 11 years ago approximately due to substitution of HCFCs and HFCs refrigerants known as hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons. HCFC’s damage ozone is five percent of the rate of CFCs, and HFC doesn’t damage. Both HCFCs and HFC are strong greenhouse gases. Furthermore, there are other options for refrigerants that can protect the ozone layer for example, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons. The use of hydrocarbons such as iso-butane, propane in machinery such as refrigerantes (green freeze) are perfect refrigerants for ozone, but the U.S. has not used due to special interests of producers. On the contrary, during the economic crisis the governments will find it difficult to process activities in climate change them due to commercial interests. Finally, at the end of 2009 almost 200 countries will discuss solutions for air pollution, deforestation, biodiversity problems and other dangers to the environment, in order to provide health, social, and economic advantages.

The refrigerants HCFC’s damage ozone at five percent the rate of CFCs and HFCs don’t. Both HCFC’s and HFC’s are strong greenhouse gases because these chemicals act as a layer in the atmosphere that traps heat like a greenhouse. This causes warmer temperatures; plants and animals species migrate North and South towards poles, there are several storms and droughts, and sea level rise. Alternative refrigerants are carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons (iso-butane, propane), for refrigerants (greenfreeze) and air conditioners. I don’t agree with the author that refrigerants could be harmful enough for making a new ozone-damaging chemical. The governments should create policies for regulating commerce and manufacturing of refrigerators for producing green devices. New machines should require green combustibles and a maximum amount of pollutant elements.

I totally agree that humans have been contributing to degrading the environment and have caused damage to the ozone layer and changed on global temperature. The consequences of damages caused to the ozone layers has brought problems for human, animals and plants. Some people believe that the use of refrigerants can be another global pollution problem for ozone-damaging chemicals. However, the practical solution for making a safe environment is to create alternative sources of energies instead of a protocol agreement, application of refrigerants that are a no CFCs and reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases.

I totally agree with creation of a protocol agreement among countries as a preventive action for ozone-damaging, reductions in production and consumption of harmful elements. The ozone-destroying has not only been the cause of many human skin problems but also has been the cause of the problems for plants, animals and other species due to the UV radiation. All the countries should join their environmental problems with other countries because the environmental problem is global and they are interconnected worldwide.

The situation of economic crisis definitely makes difficulty progressing activities from the governments for changing the climate. The economic crisis is also a global problem, and all the Nations should work together in order to get a solution. The only way to solve the problem is that investors have to develop new technologies in cars, industries, devices and natural resources for making a friendly environment. Finally, the best solution for saving the environment is to create and develop alternative sources of energies such as biomass, natural gas, wind energy, hydroelectric power, solar energy, hydrogen and nuclear power.

Reference: Leahy, Stephen (2008, Sep.16). Inter Press Service News Agency (IPS). Climate change: chemical lobby weakening ozone treaty.. Retrieved May 18, 2009 from http://www.ipsnews.net/print.asp?idnews=43888

HARMFUL BASIC NEEDS

In reality humans need basics things to help them living comfortably, but not all these things are healthy for themselves or for the planet; for example, cars, air conditioner and freezer are known as basic utilities for human. Cars are the main source of causing carbon dioxide emission into the atmosphere. This gas emission is responsible for trapping heating on the planet, resulting in global warming. Furthermore, the effects of global warming bring to the earth many problems such as, increase in sea level rising, storms, acid rains,and drought. So in general, climate change alters and eliminates ecosystems and biodiversity. Air conditioners and refrigerators have the main source for release of chemical pollutants which have been destroyed the ozone layer. The damage of the ozone layer has caused illness such as skin cancer to the population. The skin cancer result from UV radiation comes from the light sun. Even though people know that all the devices are harmful, they still use them. Therefore, it is urgent and necessary to take action for saving people and plant. However, nowadays people are more worried about environmental problems, and they are struggle in order to make a green environment. I believe that people are very conscious of participating in making a clean and healthy environment, creating prevention methods such as renew, reuse and recycle. In conclusion, each one should feel like an environmentalist to protect plants and themselves; also, we should participate to create and develop new sources of energies.

STEP UP FOR A LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT

In Western Daily Press (2008, Jan 21) in the article, “ Step Up For a Lower Carbon Footprint” the author mentioned three ways everyone can calculate personal carbon footprint spend in a year through sites on the internet. The author considered that although climate has changed progressively, British people are more concerned about losing weight rather than saving the planet. Each person can calculate his carbon footprint through the internet and each site has different measures, questions and results. The author used 3 different sites: First, www.carbonfootprint.com , where asked for which aked for which country you lived in, how many flights I’d taken, car mileage, heating and light from home, train transport, how much gas, electricity, oil, coal or propane gas; it included products bought, whether I buy organic, recycle, go to restaurants, bars or films and use livestock farming by year. She spent 0.038 tons of CO2 or £332 on gas, £232.78 or 0.179 tons of CO2 from electricity, and she drove 10.499 miles, equivalent to 3.026 CO2, air travel 2, 1.9, rail transport 1,000 miles equal 0.097 tones of CO2. The total of the personal carbon footprint was 8.672 tones of CO2, lower compared to the UK average of 9.8 tons; and the worldwide average carbon footprint is 4 tons per person. In order to struggle with carbon we must decrease to two tons, says Western Daily. Second, they connected to http://actonco2.direct.gov.u.k. on this site it asked for more details about property and lifestyle, such as (how old one’s house is, how many bathrooms it has, how many energy-saving lightbulbs she uses, and how much water she needs to boil a cup of tea, how many times she uses a washing machine, how many times she uses tyre pressure. The total carbon footprint was 8.62 tones compared to the UK average, which was -4.47 tons approximately twice the carbon emission. Third, the author linked to http://footprint.wwf.org.uk, where the average is 12.23 tons of CO2 per year, and the goal for reducing carbon is 2.59 tones of CO2 per person. This site, known as WWF, is confined to more facts on lifestyle such as how many times a week she eats meat and commutes, and how much she spends on jewellery and bath products instead asking for how much gas she uses. Finally, the three methods used for providing personal footprint are different, but they have the purpose of reducing personal carbon footprint.

Many people think that environmental pollution is not their responsibility, and there are people who know that environment is a concern nowadays, but they simply ignore it. Did you think about this worry? Did you think how much have you contributed to damaging the environment? Did you decide to save the planet by yourself? This is what we need to think about. However, although the environment pollution is a global problem, not only does the governments have to take care of it, but each of us should be responsible for managing our carbon footprint because we are a part of society. Household calculation is the good method for people to controlling how much carbon footprint they produce to minimize environment pollution. I agree with author because we can manage our carbon emission through an internet site such as www.carbonfootprint.com and http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk.where where we became a household calculator, protector and conservator of nature, but the author was not precise in the third site, http://footprint.wwf.org.uk.

The author has a good point when he said that we can control the quantity of carbon emission produced by ourselves using the first internet site; for example, on this site, www.carbonfootprint.com , the carbon calculation requires questions like where you live, how much you spend or use gas, electricity, coal or propane, and flight, car, rail and bus miles, and it gives us the total of the carbon footprint that we contributed for damaging the environment. According to this site, the UK average carbon footprint is 9.8 tons per year. Moreover, this calculation involves all things you buy; for instance, if we buy products made in China, we have to include carbon emission of transportation from China to U.S. This is a good and efficient method of controlling pollution because the population is growing quickly and the government cannot control pollution adequately. It is necessary to increase human comprehension by explaining causes and effects of environmental destruction. Everyone has to feel like an environmental activist.

The second method to calculate individual carbon footprint is more concise due to the fact that if involves more detailed information about property, lifestyle, washing machine and more. Also, the UK average for carbon emission is 4.25 tons of CO2 per year. Here the average permitted per person each year is low, consequently fewer polluting emission. This site http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk helps people to compile, analyze and interpret the data in order to know whether their carbon emission has exceeded the limit. Furthermore, current pollution problems are addressed more and more, so the governments should legislate and maximize the total amount of the pollution that each person should spend during a year. The less the average carbon footprint per person, the better the health of the environment that is created.

On the contrary, the third method to calculate carbon footprint, http://footprint.wwarf.org.uk., is inappropriate and illogical, because the average of pollution permitted per person is 12.23 tons of CO2 per year. In addition, the questions used to calculate the quantity of pollutant elements are not precise; for example, the site doesn’t ask how much gas is used or spent. The high number 12.23 tons of CO2 permitted per person doesn’t make sense if we want to reduce or eliminate the environment problems. The reason for household calculation is to make the lower number possible of CO2 per person in order to preserve and protect the environment. Environmental problems depend on public education for understanding the issue. Environmental education is necessarily critical for appropriate conscious decision making and saving the universe. In conclusion, environmental problem is a global issue; therefore, everyone should consciously control their carbon footprint and make the environment sustainable for saving planet.

Reference:

Western Daily Press. (2008, Jan 21). “Step up for a lower Carbon Footprint.” Retrieved May 22, 2009, from Lexis Nexis database.

MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROBLEM

The major environmental problem is oil spilling in the ocean. The oil companies that are working in exploration and production are responsible for oil spilling. For example, the main causes come from the pipelines during production or distribution to storages. These have been the greatest pollutant for a large variety of ecosystems in marine environments. Furthermore, the effects resulting from this contamination have been reflected in reduction of marine biodiversity and people’s needs. The major problem for solving this situation are the Petroleum Companies who want to make business as quick as possible due to the oil demand and economic crisis. The investors are looking more and more for profits rather than ecology. The companies should conserve and protect the marine species. Although, there are some governmental policies about oil spills, but the companies don’t care too much. I think the rules should be very strong and severe, because it would permit the companies to develop the higher safety control technology. The Companies will get less profit if they have to pay high taxes for the environment. In conclusion, the environment problem is a global issue, and everybody has to take part in making a friendly and sustainable environment.

THE OZONE LAYER THREATENED

According to the Stephen Leahy (2008) in his article “CLIMATE CHANGE: What Chemical lobby weakening ozone treaty”, He mentioned how ozone layer has been affected by chemical pollutants and its effects to the planet earth. The Antarctic ozone hole, observed and measured by U.S National and Space Administration (NASA), is about 27 million square kilometers. Up to one million people are affected by skin cancer every year and up to 10,000 people will die in the U.S.A. The agreement signed as the Montreal Protocol, by about 24 Countries, 20 years ago, lead by Argentina, U.S and Canada, avoided damage of the ozone layer and kept away tens of billions of tons carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Nevertheless, they found that ozone-destroying chemicals were mainly greenhouse gases, so the global warming increased more than carbon dioxide in each molecule. “Without the protocol, the ozone layer would be 30 in Washington, instead of today’s of 10” “ A less than three-minute exposure to the sun in Hawaii would have resulted in sunburn. The skin cancers would be at least 650 percent higher” said Paul A. Newman, an atmospheric physicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre, and co-chair of the Montreal Protocol’s Scientific Assessment Panel. However, the ozone layer is thin, and the emissions of ozone-damaging chemicals have been decreasing since 11 years ago approximately due to substitution of HCFCs and HFCs refrigerants known as hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons. HCFC’s damage ozone is five percent of the rate of CFCs, and HFC doesn’t damage. Both HCFCs and HFC are strong greenhouse gases. Furthermore, there are other options for refrigerants that can protect the ozone layer, for example, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons. The use of hydrocarbons such as iso-butane, propane in machinery such as refrigerators (green freeze) are perfect refrigerants for ozone, but the U.S. has not used them due to special interests of producers. On the contrary, during the economic crisis the governments will find it difficult to process activities in climate change due to commercial interests. Finally, at the end of 2009 almost 200 countries will discuss solutions for air pollution, deforestation, biodiversity problems and other dangers to the environment, in order to provide health, social, and economic advantages.

I totally agree that humans have been contributing to degrading the environment and have caused damage to the ozone layer and changed global temperature. The consequences of damages caused to the ozone layers has brought problems for human, animals and plants. Some people believe that the use of refrigerants can be another global pollution problem for ozone-damaging chemicals. However, the practical solution for making a safe environment is to create alternative sources of energies instead of a protocol agreement, application of refrigerants that are a not CFCs and reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases.

I totally agree with creation of a protocol agreement among countries as a preventive action for ozone-damaging, reductions in production and consumption of harmful elements. The ozone-destroying has not only been the cause of many human skin problems but also has been the cause of the problems for plants, animals and other species due to the UV radiation. All the countries should join their environmental problems with other countries because the environmental problem is global and they are interconnected worldwide.

The governments should create policies for regulating commerce and manufacturing of refrigerators for producing green devices. New machines should require green combustibles. The refrigerants HCFC’s damage ozone at five percent the rate of CFC’s and HFC’s don’t. Both HCFC’s and HFC’s are strong greenhouse gases because these chemicals act as a layer in the atmosphere that traps heat like a greenhouse. This causes warmer temperatures; plants and animals species migrate North and South towards poles, there are several storms and droughts, and sea level rise. Alternative refrigerants are carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons (iso-butane, propane), for refrigerators (greenfreeze) and air conditioners. I don’t agree with the author that refrigerants could be harmful enough for making a new ozone-damaging chemical because this involves others sources threatened.

The situation of economic crisis definitely makes difficulty progressing activities from the governments for changing the climate. The economic crisis is also a global problem, and all the Nations should work together in order to get a solution. The only way to solve the problem is that investors have to develop new technologies in cars, industries, devices and natural resources for making a friendly environment. Finally, the best solution for saving the environment is to create and develop alternative sources of energies such as biomass, natural gas, wind energy, hydroelectric power, solar energy, hydrogen and nuclear power.
Reference: Leahy, Stephen (2008). Climate Change: Chemical lobby weakening ozone treaty. Retrieved May 19, 2009 from http://www.ipsnews.net/print.asp?idnews=43888

Journal Question #5 My major

I am a petroleum geologist. When I was child my dream was to be pilot, but my mother was afraid and worried with the job’s gravity. I remember the day that my mother asked me “what are you enjoying in?” and “what do you will be in future?” She already knew what my answer could be but it was just a question, she expected different answer. At that moment, I stared at her and to be honest I really had no idea about the kind of major I would want to pursue. She told me! Why not on land? Why have to be in air? Because of this I decided change my mind. Furthermore, by coincidence on television was passing the geology survey done by Bauma who is one of the most famous geoscientist in world. I was so fascinated with program that I could extrapolate my idea why not on land with geology program. Since that time I never change my mind, I did my undergraduate degree many years ago, so my interest keep growing more and more. However, I love it that is part of my life and I feel it in my blood. I pretend to take a master degree as soon as possible. I realized that this is appropriate for me and everything works by instinct specially when oil discover is made, It become one page written in my heart, one poem and one thought. It is my destiny.

Journal Question #4

I have eaten many things, in many different places, but I have tried to eat things that are similar to my daily diet. I don’t have strange eating practices. The strange thing that I had eaten was clay, red sandstone and drunk tea with some ants on it. In my country eating clay and red sandstone called (barro) is practiced by children and pregnant with lower socioeconomic status. Some experts have been criticizing these practices and others have been relating with nutritional deficient such as iron and calcium mineral. When I ate clay and red sandstone, they tasted and smelled earth (natural rock). My concerning was that they could be involved in contamination from bacteria and parasites. I couldn’t chew due to the texture, hardness, form and composition. Moreover, I drunk tea with some ants, and the tea taste and smell was the same. I really enjoyed drink tea with ants, but its appearance makes me feel bad. There is a bias that drinking tea’s ants make beautiful your eyes. Furthermore, I have seen people who eat monkey, and they really enjoy the flavor of the food. I’m not curious I just watch the dish with food. I haven’t tried to eat exotic foods, so I don’t know how it tastes. I suggest people who like unusual food make sure if they were in quality control. To sum up, it is important to know that some strange foods are made for medicinal reasons, and I don’t like to eat strange thing, so I tried just once.

Journal Question #3

This is hard and difficult topic to narrate because I never expected myself as a deceased. Moreover, it is difficult express our characteristic because it belongs in our qualities that it is a part of our personality. Our personality given by someone close to us reflect more coherence than given by ourselves. However, If one day I die, I will like that my inscription on tombstone to be taken from biblical scripture. For example, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” This can express one of my quality as a servant of God. I think this message as epitaph will be a good example because who read will be motivated and inspirited to the word of God. Nevertheless, I will be satisfied with legacy because it is a law of life and no one can deny. This is one constant because children will do the same following to a similar goal. Legacy for many cultures is a patrimony with moral obligation that you have to handle. I consider as best legacy a guarantee for children’s education not material things. I would be remembered as a loyal for God, family, friends and Country.

Journal Question #1

The Angola flag is considered as one of the important symbols of the Republic. First, Angola flag is made of two horizontals sections red and black which the upper part red color represents blood. This blood symbolizes death, oppression, pain, injustice and discrimination in which people fought against colonialism for liberation. Second, the lower part which is black represents Africa Continent. Next,in the middle of flag there are one gold (yellow) star, cog wheel and machete. The gold star symbolize international relationship, nationalism and progress, machete symbolize national wealthy, agricultural production and the segment of cog wheel symbolize workers and industrial production. Furthermore,the flag was lifted and declared on November 11, 1975 in Luanda (Capital). It is recognized worldwide and by United Nations as Angola’s flag. The proposition of Angola flag is 2:3 and is mentioned on the Constitutional law of Republic of Angola. However, a few years ago the assembly evaluated a new proposed flag which was totally different from the actual flag. This flag was different in colors and symbols, but the proportion was similar to the actual. Finally, People argued and discord the new flag because it did fix with Angolan meaning and history.To sum up, flags are very importants for the Nations, because they represent identity,symbols,values and meanings of the Countries.

Kuduro Movement

EAP1
Journal Questions 2

Currently, in Angola,we has been used a sterotype that is called the kuduro.Kuduro is a typical music and it was created by youngsters in suburbs of capital city of Angola (Luanda). The result of the arrangement of calypso and soca rhythms originated what we called as batida which was integrated with American and European electronic music thus generated kuduro. Similarly, others opinions about this musical genre has been argued that it was generated as mixture of Hip Pop, House and Ragga elements. Kudurism which is the action or process of kuduring has became popular because of its extraordinary dance that conveys meanings that came from both social and musical problems. It is also important to understand the social problems of communities. Kudurist , person who is a singer or dancer of kuduro, he is characterized by particular styles such as the way they dance and sing, and also girls and boys rise the bands. The principal objectives kuduro dance and music genre are enjoyment and consumption among youth of new generation. However, this music is sometimes rejected by adults who link it to imorality and other types of prejudices. Finally, kuduro has been changing and updating frequently duo to the multicultural barriers. It is clear that even though, Kuduro represents a genuine local type of music “new world creation”, but it is hardly criticized by elders.

antonio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Rn49TpiBI

Jornal Question #6

I have visited Florida specifically Miami and I considered a city very special for tourism because there are a lot of entertainment, good memorable places to visit and excellent weather. The most interesting places that I have visited are National parks in Orland, Everglades a swamp with a lot of variety of animals live, Miami and South beach’s. for swimming and relaxing. Moreover, there many and beautiful restaurants with different varieties of specialties of menus. We can find a range of type of museum also Bayside is a good place for getting your time enjoyable because people can shopping, can go a short tour with boat to see Millionaire’s properties ,can see scenic places, can see Miami historic places and can get involve in show with singers. There are many kind of cruiser for example, we can go around Caribbean countries or around the world. Miami is also a multicultural place because we can find people from all counties but one interesting factor is that the majority of foreigners come from Mexico, Caribbean and South America may be due to the proximity of USA. The weather is excellent for tourists enjoy environment through the beach and swimming, relax, or appreciate aquatic sports. Miami was a place that I always had expectation to be one of the best place in the world for tourism. Miami city is also known as citrus city because there are extensive plantation of orange fruit and production of orange juice. Finally, in Miami I learned a lot about city history, culture and tourism industry. If you don’t know Miami I recommend you to visit the beautiful and interesting place because I am sure will be memorable place for you too.
Artur Canumbila

RRJ#3

EPA 1 Core

Reference: Geology Articles (2008, April) “Assessment of Undiscovered Oil Resources in the Devonian-Mississippian Bakken Shale Formation, Williston Basin Province, Montana and North Dakota”, 2008. Retrieved on February 17, 2009, from http://geology.com/usgs/bakken-formation-oil.shtml

Name: Artur Canumbila

Summary:
Geology’s article, entitled “Assessment of Undiscovered Oil Resources in the Devonian-Mississippian Bakken Shale Formation, Williston Basin Province, Montana and North Dakota” processes the study made on the Bakken shale Formation in areas of the Montana, Canada and North Dakota about the possible prospectivity of hydrocarbon in this area. They evaluated the area through the many geology subjects,such as total petroleum systems that involved source rock distribution, thickness, organic richness, maturation, petroleum generation and migration, reservoir rock, distribution and quality, trap, timing also stratigraphic studies, structural geology, geochemistry associated in historical exploration and production results and interpretations. They found that the Bakken Shale Formation is composed of three layers where upper and lower layers is lithologically composed of shale rich in organic matter, moderately uniform, and the middle layer composed of sandstone with a very good petrophysical characteristic. The two layers of shale are source rock and sandstone is the reservoir. The two figures on the first page illustrate a limitation of the possible prospect or lead, and the figure below shows how the rate of productivity of the hydrocarbon was during 6 years, also, it illustrates the increment of productivity which demonstrates how good the reservoir behavior through the time is. On figure one of page 2 it shows the limitation of oil generation and main structures, and figure 2 below shows oil generation area, five blocks uniforms of appraisal, the area defined as not discovered yet in Bakken Formation, and limitation of oil generation in the upper part same the some Formation. Finally, the study shows the result of the reserve’s estimation of the Bekken Formation .

Reaction:
I agree with their study, in the way that they used the subjects and data mentioned in order to get valuable interpretation for prospect assessment; however, uncertainties always exist before drilling the hole. This study seems to be fascinating, but at same time has a lack of consistency and coherency in its interpretation.. First, Bakken formation is thin, but covers large area, and the two shale units are fairly consistent (2 paragraph).This tells me that even if the Bakken Formation generates hydrocarbon the could be uneconomic due to the volumetry and quantity. Second, on figure 2 it shows the limitation of the area of oil generation for the upper shale layer of the formation; therefore, oil generation is entirely related with depth, geothermal gradient, maturity and type of source rock, so there is a probability that the lower shale generates gas, water or nothing. Nevertheless, the study illustrate some advantages related to the reservoir sandstone which increases productivity through time without depletion, but it can not guarantee the presence of a good petrographic characteristic all over the area, because we have to take into account the drastic local litholigic change. The assessment project still is incognita but slightly promissory. We need more data, more work for making Bakken formation estimation prospective because this estimation still is unrealistic.

Journal Question #2

The most important things from my country that I want all American know are: the Angola’s civil war and democracy. Decades of war, first Angolans against Portuguese colonial and later against each other, but the civil war started since independence from Portugal in 1975.neutralized and traumatized a country. The country is rich in minerals resources such as: oil, diamonds, gold, iron ore, uranium, manganese, copper, zinc, wolfram, tin, granite, quartz, feldspar, kaolin, fertile soil and other. There are two main controversial political parts: one is Marxist supported by Soviet Union and Cuba while anti-Marxist supported by United States, South Africa and China. The Angolan’s victims of the war are citizens more than 600,000 dead, and 3 million refugees. Many attempts were made to find peace during the conflict In 992 election took place but one of them refused to accept the results and restarted to fighting until 2008. On September, 2008 the second election took place, and know the Country is democratic, however, it still weak. Angola economy are growing, is the fourth largest producer of diamonds in the world; nevertheless, the economy is highest dependent on oil producer. Angola is the first oil producer in Sub-Sahara Africa overtook Nigeria place on May 2008. Now, the country is in reconstruction, resettlement of displaced persons and agriculture are growing in high rate. Similarly to the industries, they are growing in bidding and investing processes. To sum up, It is very important, for people particularly American to know about Angola’s history, potentially because it could be good not only for economic relationship but also for friendly relationship between Angolan and American.

RRJ #2

Reference 

Chang Kenneth (2009, January). Diamonds Linked to Quick Cooling Eons Ago. New York Times. Retrieved January 21, 2009, from www.nytimes.com/2009/01/02/science02impact.html

 Summary

 This article is based on a hypothesis that the diamond layer found in rocks is extrapolated to the date of abrupt cooling weather about 12,900 years ago and it might be originated by one or more meteors that struck into North America. These diamonds are structured in a hexagonal crystal arrangement. The hexagonal diamond crystal model is formed in a extreme higher temperature condition and pressure; these  diamonds have been discovered only in depressions formed by effect of impact of the meteorites, and never are found in forests or volcanic eruptions. Then, for these reasons geoscientists have been proving that a meteor hit the ice bed or there were a objects that exploded in the air. Nevertheless, they have also related the time of these events with a period of time of mammoths and extinct Clovis people. However, there are many controversial hypotheses amongst scientists; consequently, they had not proved this theory, but they have demonstrated evidence that have been similar to that of other scientists in other areas.

 Reaction

 The article is very interesting and recent. It shows a lot of evidence that makes us believe that hexagonal diamonds were formed by impact of meteors in the earth at the time of a cooling environment 12,900 years ago. At same time this event can be responsible for the disappearance of the pleistocene's elephants and Clovis people in North of America. Moreover, the bones of ancient Clovis people have been found above the diamond strata. However, the opponents of this idea have questioned this; if it this theory is true, why are there no craters? Air explosions could create enough energy to make diamonds? Why didn't they find any traces of rocks destroyed or fragments of minerals due to the meteors’ impact?  Why the existence of chronological gap between the extinction of the Clovis and substitution of other people? All these considerations make  the theory argumentative and very difficult to make decisions on the veracity of the study. If the theory is true, a new method of diamond exploration will be installed and developed, also new  mineral's reserves will increase in the world. Really, it is important to continue studying this theory, because the study has been done, and the evidence allows us to be very close to the topic. I suggest more research for being consistent and concise. This event will be profitable for all the nations. 

RRJ #1

Reference 

Geology Articles. (2008, December 10). Blood diamonds-Conflict Diamonds. Geology.com. Retrieved on February 3, 2009, from http://geology.com/articles/blood-diamonds.shtml

Summary

Geology’s Articles, article entitled “Blood Diamond-Conflict Diamonds” discusses what blood diamonds are what conflict is and what the Kimberly process is . As all of us know, diamond is a mineral resource which has been causing thousands of deaths amongst people. Currently, this situation occurs mainly in Africa in some countries. First, diamonds are known as blood diamonds because they are found in fields dominated by the opposition of the government; they take without the permission of the government. Furthermore, these diamonds are obtained by rebels in various forms: by manpower through the prospecting, robbery from shipment, and military assaults. Second, rebels used to sell these diamonds for obtaining funds to buy arms and military subsistence. Third, African Countries which are involved in this struggle are Sierra Leone, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ivory Coast. Finally, The United Nations and other Institutions are making procedures and international rules against this practice in order to legalize and make free diamonds; it will provide benefits for the population such as jobs, safe business and well being.

 Reaction

I agree with comments made in the article about blood diamond. First, Blood diamonds is the cause of thousands of dead persons, and people have right to lives, and a stop killing to people due to mineral resources. Second, people have to be obedient to legislature, because nobody is above the law; all these practices of genocide, stealing and, destruction are not acceptable internationally for the nations. Moreover, these are considerable condemnable actions and punishable by international law. The intervention of the United Nations is welcome because their rules help for peace establishment and bring jobs, a free diamond market, well being for people and discouragement of rebels actions. However, blood diamond is a result of instability of the political and military situation. Angola had lived this situation for a long time, approximately 30 years. The result of a survey interview forces people into a difficult judgment, because is important to know what the purpose of the rebelliousness is. Even though, is that the blood diamond situation people died, will it be beneficial for a nation and people? Another observation, is that the United Nations is not able to control blood diamonds because there is an interesting background, probably countries who participate in the Kimberly agreement can support certification for the market of the blood diamonds to rebels, and some consumers can buy it at a lower price. In addition, they are looking for business instead of being honest and loyal. The action of United Nations and the Kimberly process are extremely important and necessary for the nations in the world, but still not yet the solution.

Journal #3 : Valentines’ day

In fact , I did not celebrated to much this day in my country because it was not common to celebrate, but was only part of religious Christian mainly catholic . Catholics express valentines’ day  a massacre day is  associated  specifically  a honor given to a priest valentine who was tortured  and buried a long time ago. Since twenty years ago approximately Angola started celebrated this day and it was recognized as a special day for lovers.  Normally, people celebrated in many different ways and the gifts are usually roses, chocolates, and jewelry. It is also day to make your love feel special we can take the time to walk around hold each other the hands or go to buy good think without mention exciting thing of daily life. There are some people prefer go taking a favorable candle dinner and make them memorable day taking some photos. Another option, people use to read and write poems for their love. In addition to, It has been time to play romantic music during  you are making chores at home or driving. Furthermore, valentines’ day is of the opportunity to rething our lives on the one we love and dedicate each other: for example, who are already married make a future plan together.  However, we can stay  at home watch a special movie or if you like stay with friends go to the night club.