Communications and Media

Ari Folman happened to be one of the few people in the world who have been given the opportunity to see the war at its very core. In 1982, Folman fought with the rest of the Israeli army for a purpose they all thought they understood. Waltz with Bashir is a stirring depiction of how humans break down as they submerge themselves into the grueling and destructive face of the war. In this documentary film, Folman -- as director and main protagonist - takes the audience into a real, genuine and first-hand account of life at war. And apart from this, Folman also pulls the reader deep into his perceptions of how wars can actually destroy someones physical, mental, spiritual and emotional stability.

The Animated Genre
Documentary films are well-known for the actuality and the realism they present. However, the Israeli soldier-turned-author, Ari Folman gave a brand-new meaning to this kind of medium. Wars, since the First World War, have become usual subjects in films, in line with the common interest of war veterans to present the real horrors that the war brings. Folman however, went beyond depicting his life at war through conventional film making instead, he went for animated documentary. This film was actually from the original comic version which was published in 2009. From the original cartoons drawn for the comic version, Folman ventures into animation and puts his characters to a more realistic motion which did not fail to surprise the audience since the first time the film was shown to public.

In this film, Folman ventures into a world of moving comic strips that happen to be animated identities of real warriors at war. Basically, the film appeared to be a classic depiction of wartime gun fights, sniper attacks, and post war trauma and desperation. One of the most interesting features about this film is animation. It was able to animate the original comic version of the story, and put to motion the narration which gave the comic version its plot. One of the most captivating scenes in the story that made the animated feature of the film more interesting is the introductory part. In this part of the film, Folman presents a dim environment which seemed to convey something about the main protagonists disposition. As the hero walks into dark alley, a few seconds of deafening silence disturbs him, and then a group of wild dogs suddenly came attacking him. The hero fought with all his might however, the ambiguous look of emptiness and coldness on his face appears to convey a message that this kind of fight is not even a pinch as compared to that of the real war.

Animation has always captured the interest of the modern audience. Considering the fact that human beings are naturally visual creatures, it is not surprising that people always go for the more visually appealing media. The morbidity and violence in war films have been crucial issues for many traditionalists and conservatives. It is inevitable that war films would involve the harsh and often gruesome reality of pain and death since that is what wars are all about. This has also been one of the issues this kind of portrayal was able to address.
Folmans documentary presented the realities at war, but in a way which has been constrained by the possibilities of animation. The scenes were not that horrifying as compared to the stereotypical war film because of some limitations brought by animation. Aside from focusing on the brutality of combat, the author also preferred to focus on the emotions of the main protagonist instead, so as to take the audience into a deeper and a more complex reality, which soldiers like him goes through during revolutions. However, although this appeared to be the authors main emphasis, Folman did not fail in reminding the audience that war is all about pain and suffering. The first scene would already introduce this truth to the audience. Faced by a group of hungry and violent street dogs, Folman was forced to shoot and fight off such creatures since he knew he had to save his life for a more significant purpose which is to fight at war. In one scene, Folman was also forced to shoot mercilessly in one town since he had to fight off nearly invisible snipers. Elders, women and children were innocently killed during the event. Folman endured taking in such painful sights of the reality that more and more people are getting killed as the war goes on. However, although there were scenes like this, Folman was still able to bring back the audience to the main purpose of his depiction to understand the destruction the war causes to an individual, who is left with no choice but to succumb to what his duty calls for. As helpless as the people who were killed, Folman himself also appeared to be helpless as he could not do anything but to act on his obligation as a member of the military. Another thing which appeared remarkable in this depiction is how it brought the wonder of animation to a serious subject matter like war.

In the modern times of today, people are used to animation already however, this technique in film making is usually associated with stories having pleasant themes and messages. Thus, the association of this genre to a war story like this of Folman is somewhat surprising in a positive way. Folmans decision to associate his story to animation can probably be noted as his brightest decision in putting this documentary film publicly. It appears that together with Folmans objective of making people aware of the real depression and destruction that the war induces, he also wanted people to realize how significant and helpful animation can be in penetrating into peoples interests and personal view points. Having this story shown through a traditional film-making technique may not get much attention today, since a lot of people could have thought that it is just another war film. However, since it is animated, a lot of people, even those who are not really into war films, got easily interested on it. Hence, it could be said that the author also had a strong knowledge when it comes to what is timely in terms of film-making technology.

Obviously, animation is the newest and the freshest film-making technique today. Although it has already developed into lots of more advanced types over the years,  like cartoon, 3D animation, clay animation, etc.  this form of 2D comic animation, which was simply derived from an original comic strip, still showed an ability to get considerable attention since the graphics and illustrations were all realistic. There were several scenes which really caught audiences attention and interest. For example, there was this dramatic yet revealing scene where soldiers swam to the shore naked. They had to swim to the shore in the middle of the night without clothes on, so that the guards would not notice them that easily. Apart from being a dramatic representation of the disturbing tasks that soldiers are actually forced to do, this scene also presented the artistic and innovative quality of the author. Surely, this would be a lot disturbing if it was done with real actors. Hence, seeing it in an animated way proves to be much acceptable. Apart from this, Folman also did a great job in presenting a scene which reflected soldiers desires. In one scene, a gigantic naked woman was depicted to come out of the ocean in one of Folmans dreams. This scene explicitly depicted how soldiers long for companionship and intimacy  two things that are greatly deprived of them during war. In this scene, the woman embraces Folman, who was presented to enjoy such an intimate experience. Again, this would appear more awkward and disturbing for some if done in real life.

Indeed, the authors usage of such genre could be considered as a great judgment, as it did not just enhance the dramatic and stirring scenes, but it also strengthen peoples interest and curiosity about seeing this film. However, although it is apparent that Folman paid considerable emphasis on this genre, it is still undeniable that his most important focus is on the complexity and uniqueness of his main protagonist.

Actuality in Characterization
Ari Folman, who was part of the Israeli army during the dreadful war in 1982, was used to joining combats and attacking enemies as fierce as he could. He was able to picture every victory and every triumph his troupe had while fighting. However, there came this particular moment when everything, every picture, and every memory of the war seemed to be big blur for Folman. This has been the reason why he decided to go back several steps into his memory in order to collect and put the missing pieces of his remembrance back together. This was one of the most interesting adventures ever depicted as acclaimed by critics (Shulman). And quite interestingly, Folman chose to present this interesting adventure through an animated documentary.
Aside from the commendable illustrations and graphics, Folmans story was also regarded highly by documentary enthusiasts due to the sincerity of the message it speaks about the war. Everything can be observed to be written under the perspective of the main character himself. The story revolves around Folmans struggle to put the missing parts of his lost memory together by going back to the places he once have been and interviewing people he once had the chance to work with in the army. Through this, he regains some pieces of his memory back and somehow gets a glimpse of what his true past looked like. However in the story, Folmans character was also depicted to be puzzled about the things he remembers. Some appeared weird to him and some even appeared scary, like the fact that he actually committed massacres at the war. This began to stress him out psychologically and emotionally. To console him, his friend who has served as his adviser and confidante through the years explains to him that not anything he remembered was a true part of his past. Memory is dynamic. If details are missing and there are some black holes, memory fills in the empty spaces until it completely recalls something that never happened, his friend, Ori explains (Folman and Polonsky 17).

Having one part of his past is like having one huge part of his whole identity torn away. For Folman, this has been a difficult thing to overcome over the years. It can also be seen from the film that he would constantly have nightmares about the dogs that he once slaughtered and the people that once became victims of the war which inevitably brought him into the battlefield. The plot clearly captures how Folman struggled to connect the flashbacks he has been getting from nowhere and the information that his peers provided to him in a painful and agonizing attempt to uncover his past. Thus, this teaches the readers that more than the physical trauma that is commonly reflected in the scars and bruises that usually fade away through time, what wars really cause is that lasting and torturing emotional agony which will haunt them throughout their entire life. Considering this, it can be said that Folman did a great job in presenting the painful experience he once went through. It is not at all times easy for people to depict these difficult experiences however as it appears, for the sake of substantive message and effective portrayal, Folman dared to present such sensitive real life scenes to this animated documentary.

Although Folmans character appears to possess utmost courage and determination as he tries to conquer his fear by going back to his past. It can be inferred through his dialogues in the plot that he oftentimes fears knowing things he would not ever want to know about. Nonetheless, he still pursues his journey to the past to discover what he was like during the war in order to make himself whole again. However, as it appears, the process of going back is in itself a very painful process for Folman. Discovering that he once killed innocent lives and took precious things from others is something which he never thought he was capable of. Yet, these are things he can never escape, and these are the things that the war made him do. Just as how Folman was able to create a commendable plot and film technique in this documentary, he was also able create an implicative and captivating character in his own personage. Folmans ability to connect his own sentiments, feelings and emotions to those of the viewers strengthens the moving character of this documentary film. In almost all scenes, viewers can easily be swayed and stirred by the characters real-life appeal and their emotions and dialogues that seemed too real for an animated documentary.

If there was anything this film did not fall short of presenting, it is Folmans personal view points about how destructive the war can be of ones minds, emotions and spirituality aside from the obvious physical exhaustion it induces. One of the most remarkable features of this film is animation. However, although Folman succeeded well enough in utilizing such a film-making technique, it was also undeniable that he did not fall short of emphasizing the complexity of his characters. Each scene appeared like literally going into Folmans body and seeing the actual brutality of the war, hearing the deafening silence brought by death and feeling the actual pain brought by brutal combat. Folmans character can do well as a fictional character due to the very interesting experiences and insight it could share. However, knowing that Folmans character is a real-life personage, this film appears to be more interesting to see. Folmans experiences on its own already tell a lot of valuable insights and lessons in life and surviving life. But his innovative and creative way of depicting such experiences makes reflecting on such insights and lessons more catching.

Apart from these very captivating features of this documentary film by Ari Folman, it undeniably tells a lot about an important realization that all people have to have and that is the fact that war destroys more than building a nations principle. Folmans ability to send the real message of war to people through his own painful and bitter experiences can really be considered as captivating and at the same time noteworthy. Not all soldiers are willing and ready to displace their painful memories of the war. But Folman, who has been deeply traumatized by his experiences to the extent of forgetting everything, still had the courage and the selflessness to tell people what the real face of the war is.

Seldom do people witness innovation and reality nowadays. Thus, the industry of documentary film-making must indeed express some gratitude to individuals and authors like Ari Folman for making the initiative of merging these two features in one compelling and deeply moving film. People are now faced with the wonders of modern film-making technology thus, it is not difficult anymore for people to appreciate this kind of work, as it already presents a strong visual quality. Folmans creativity and innovation in film-making can be considered surprising and somewhat unanticipated considering his being a war veteran. He was brought up in a time of chaos and misery, and his calling to write and produce a film was born during the time of technological advancement. The merging of these two aspects of Folmans life has been very timely and logical which produced this masterpiece which is still bound to arrest and enthrall viewers interest in documentary films, specifically the animated ones.

John and Jett Travolta A Portrait of Paternal Love

Any man can be a father, but it takes a special kind of love to be a dad. The portrait of John Travolta and his son, Jett is one of the most touching pictures that capture the deep love and affection between a father and a son. The relationship between father and son is one that is quite distinct in most families because the son, especially the eldest is traditionally deemed to be the principal successor of the father.  The male children are deemed to be the extended progeny of the fathers especially because they carry the family name. In the culture where I grew up, fathers are figures of authority. As the head of the family, he sets the rules in the house and implements the necessary punishments to discipline his children. As the breadwinner of the family to whom all family members are dependent, he commands and directs what and how to do things and makes major decisions in family affairs apparently in consultation with my mother.  For taking care and sincerely protecting us, I loved my father very much.  However, I have had difficulty getting along with him especially during my teenage years. I see him like a stubborn mountain that never moves. In time however, I realized how much he loved me and that his seemingly harsh actions were meant to help me mature and grow to be a better person.  The portrait of John and Jett Travolta is especially significant as it shows a rather meek and mild father towards his son. While arguably, the depth of Johns love towards Jett and my father towards me are on par and comparable, John provided an extra caring and special love towards Jet because of his sons special conditions.  Such love relationship is beyond description which can only be reflected in the heartfelt portrait of father and son.

Lady Gaga A Corruption of Musical Artistry 

Music had been an essential part of our culture as a creative form of expression with an intimacy unique to written, verbal or visual language. (Frith, 2007) I have had utmost respect for musical artists for their contribution to arts, entertainment and society in general. Lately however, the commercialization of musical industry, music has terribly deteriorated. The focus on artistry was lost as music has become business. Lady Gaga is an epitome of this musical corruption.  In one of her pictures, she posts in her weird revealing clothes in a haphazard performance, which seem to have no direct relationship to the messages of her song.  While it is true that many musical artists display some sense of bizarre or revolutionary culture through their performances and clothes, Lady Gaga seemed to take that notion to an odder level.  That could have been acceptable if her clothing and performances are inherently associated to her musical messages but it would seem that she does this to create an impact to sell her albums. The songs of Lady Gaga like Poker Face and Bad Romance could have had very noteworthy messages but her performance and stunted clothes are intended to sell sexuality, which undermines her artistry and her songs messages. I think she would be better of if she refrain from engaging in sexually provocative clothes and acts and concentrate on her musical art instead. While it is true that art is boundless and can be relative, artists should also act or dress for that matter, responsibly. With the enormous appeal and fascination of Lady Gaga to young teens, she indubitably serves as a model to children.  Thus her visual representation and acts give subliminal messages that may be harmful to children, which could negatively affect the personality, values, thoughts and behavior of the next generation that completely annihilates the objective of music to entertain or improve humanity in general.

Communication is a very important process since it helps deliver the desired information. The process of communication enables a person to deliver message and receive a feedback about the effectiveness of the message. The process of communication is a series of events which take a step-to-step procedure. Communication within the organization as well as with the outside world takes different formats. When dealing with strangers, people communicate differently as compared to communication with other people.

Interpersonal Communication
Communication refers to the process of delivering information and receiving feedback about the impacts of the message delivered (Eayle, Preiss  Allen, 2002). It takes place at all levels of human living (Kalbfleisch, 1993). The process of communication takes a process whereby an idea is developed in the mind it is then encoded into a structure. The encoded information is sent to a receiver who decodes the information to know the message contained in it. The receiver gives a feedback about his reaction towards the message. The feedback indicates the effectiveness of the communication process. The sender receives the feedback and the entire process is completed (Spitzberg,  Cupach, 1994). Interpersonal communication may be defined as the communication between two or more people. It can take several forms such as oral, written or nonverbal communication. Interpersonal communication takes place at a personal or face-to-face level. Examples of interpersonal communication within the organizations are staff meeting, project discussion, employee performance review, informal chat among others (Kalbfleisch, 1993). Interpersonal communication can occur at all levels of the society, business or any activity where people are involved (Spitzberg,  Cupach, 1994). People communicate with strangers as well as other people whom they are familiar to. The form of communication with strangers is different from that of communicating with people who are familiar. Theorists have tried to explain the process of interpersonal communication between strangers and other familiar people. There are two theories that explain interpersonal communication between strangers social penetration theory and the uncertainty reduction theory (Eayle, Preiss  Allen, 2002).

Social Penetration Theory 
This theory was developed by Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor to explain how people develop relationships through communication (Misztal, 2000). The theorists suggested that relationships follow a gradual process where individuals disclose themselves and become close to each other as they continue to interact. People disclose about themselves consciously or unconsciously through a process of activities. Altman and Taylor identified three steps through which strangers follow to build relationships. The steps do not overlap each other and follow a procedure towards explaining the behavior of people (Culbertson, et al 1993).

The analogy of the onion is used to explain the process of relationship building as well as how people disclose to each other. It explains the many layers of self-disclosure process both in terms of breadth and depth. Removal of the outer skin of an onion leads to a second skin. The second skin is followed by a third skin, and so on. Self-disclosure follows the same trend whereby people disclose information about themselves in a series of activities similar to the peeling of the layers of the onion. The outer layer describes the public self and gives identities such as the height, weight, gender and any other physical aspect of an individual. This is what the public views the personality of an individual (Kreuz  Fussell, 1998). It is a small portion of the entire personal attributes of a person. The inner layers describe the inner self. The characteristics that are hidden with the inner person are the emotions, values, beliefs, self-concept and other personal attributes of a person. People reveal their inner self according to their culture. The inner layers are hard to access and represent an individuals deepest and personal information (Misztal, 2000).

Social penetration theory describes several stages that people take to disclose about themselves. The first stage involves orientation stage. People play safe and like to show perfect characters that are desirable to the other partner. They appear to be simple and harmless. They follow desirable social ethics and have the appropriate habits. The second phase is the exploratory affective stage. Individuals start revealing themselves and express their personal attitude. Moderate discussions start to take place such as government issues, politics, sports and other general topics (Misztal, 2000). At this stage, people are still not comfortable to reveal their entire self characteristics. Casual relationship exists in this stage and may not go past this stage. Affective stage is the third phase of relationship building. Private and personal matters are discussed. People may criticize and argue about each other. People become intimate about each other at this stage. The fourth phase is the stable stage where the relationship reaches a plateau. Personal ideas are shared. The individuals can predict the emotions of each other. The last stage involves depenetration when the relationship starts to break down. The costs exceed benefits at this stage (Kreuz  Fussell, 1998). The parties in the relationship start to withdraw their disclosure to each other (Rogers  Conville, 1998).

Uncertainty Reduction Theory
The uncertainty reduction theory was developed by Charles R. Berger and Richard J. Calabrese. It explains how strangers develop a relationship. Strangers follow certain steps upon meeting and aim at reducing the uncertainty between themselves. At last they form the idea whether they like or dislike each other. Berger and Calabrese identified three stages in relationship development the entry stage, the personal stage and the exit stage (Hewes, 1995).

During the entry stage, the strangers use behavioral norms to develop their relationship. Demographic and transactional exchange of behaviors happens during this stage. The individuals do not involve too much in knowing each other. As the individuals continue to interact, the level of involvement increases and they become more attracted to each other. The personal stage follows immediately after the entry stage. The individuals begin to explore the attitude and beliefs of each other. This stage follows immediately after the individuals have learned each other and have interacted adequately during the entry stage. They probe about the values, moral and personal issues about each other. As the individuals continue to disclose about each other, they become more emotionally involved in the relationship. The last stage is the exit phase where the individuals decide whether to continue with the relationship or to stop. They plan the future progress of the friendship during this stage. If the parties do not like each other they may choose not to continue with the relationship. These stages explain how strangers reduce uncertainty about each other and the process they take to develop a relationship with each other (Feldstein,  Siegman, 1979).

Similarities between Social Penetration Theory and Uncertainty Reduction Theory
The theories explain that the process of interpersonal communication takes procedures. The initial stage occurs when people meet for the first time. They are strangers to each other and are uncertain about the behavior of the other party. They interact with precaution and avoid revealing their inner self. General issues are discussed initially and the personal issues are neglected. As the individuals continue to interact, they discuss more personal ideas and become emotional towards each other. The process continues until the parties are free to expose their inner characteristics and become intimate to each other. After the end of the process, the parties decide whether to continue with the relationship or not (Manstead, Fisher  Parkinson, 2005).

The two theories were co-founded by two people. None of the theories was founded by an individual person. They explain the social behavior of people which takes place either consciously or unconsciously. People follow stages when interacting with others. Interaction is displayed as a series of activities where people follow a step-by-step process to communicate their personal issues (Hewes, 1995).

Differences between Social Penetration Theory and Uncertainty Reduction Theory
The uncertainty reduction theory explains that strangers react to reduce the uncertainty they have towards the other party. Strangers are not aware of the characteristics of the other party and tend to react in a peculiar way which is aimed at reducing the uncertainty they have towards the other people. This theory focuses on reducing the uncertainty that a person has towards the other people. Social penetration theory explains that people follow particular steps towards knowing each other. The theory uses the analogy of the onion to explain how people express their inner self. The outer cover of the onion represents the outward appearance of an individual which displays the physical attribute of a person. The inner layers of the onion represent the inner characteristics which are hidden from the outside world. As people continue to interact, they reveal their inner characteristics until they can no longer hide any attribute about themselves to the other party (Feldstein,  Siegman, 1979).

Social penetration theory is more detailed than the uncertainty theory. It is analogical and uses a more detailed explanation of how people behave in their social set up. Social penetration theory gives five steps that people follow when building new relationships. The steps are interlinked and each step follows the other in a progressive manner. The uncertainty theory explains three simple steps (Manstead, Fisher  Parkinson, 2005).

People should not disclose all their personal information to strangers. They ought to first learn about the strangers so as to express their inner feelings afterwards. The establishment of relationships should follow steps which ensure people have adequate confidence in expressing themselves. People allow others to know their personal information when they disclose personal information. It is only through communication that people can learn about the characteristics of others. Any communication breakdown hinders knowledge about other people. Interpersonal communication is important in knowing and learning the environment as well as the attitude of people within the environment. The culture of the people is displayed through
communication. Interpersonal communication is greatly affected by the culture of the people.

The initial stage of communicating with a stranger involves the physical communication where less information is expressed. As people continue to interact, they communicate more intimate information about themselves. At the climax of the process of communication, people can express themselves freely and give deeper details about their life. Interpersonal communication is important in both formal and informal settings. It helps people know how to live with others within the environment. Organizations should develop systems which allow people to interact properly with each other. The environment for interaction should also allow people communicate freely so that they can learn about each other faster. Informal relationships and friendships that last for a long period of time take time to build up. When relationships are made faster, people are not able to learn about each other and may end up breaking the relationship more easily. However, formal relationships need not take a step-to-step procedure. Formal relationships have legal support and breach of any contract may lead to legal sanctions. The law provides some remedies to people who suffer damages from bad communication and breach of contracts.

The universal has come to be experienced in the day to day live of media in India by audiences. This is happening in a manner assuming cultural imperialism whereby traditional cultures are kept aside by the western ones or resistance from the audience whereby the western cultures are incorporated to the traditional ones. The cost of the outcomes of Indian media globalization demands for more perception on the way media consumption takes place under traditional circumstances of unleveled privilege and power (Kim, 59).
 
The Vamsee of this article is trying to shift attention from studies of globalization to a closer look at the meaning of traditional religious and national aspects in media consumption. He looks at how traditions in India are re-imagined in global media consumption. Vamsee argues that, the paradigm of international communication and social science regarded tradition as an inherent barrier to the development of the third world. They also saw it as stagnant and passive though they may have good intentions. On the other hand, cultural aspects of the society tend to view media globalization as a victim of western media. Vamsee however states that it is of no need to approach traditional values as opposite of modernity but as a way of engaging with aspects that are not related to media as well as modern ideologies and practices that lie beneath their interpretation of media conversations (Kim, 61).

I think Vamsee is right when he argues strongly that, the emergence of global media in India has not completely replaced traditional values with global or western ones. Global media institutions in India have been localized instead of the transforming traditional values to global ideologies. The Indian population also interprets the meaning of global media texts and ideologies in regard to their family, nation and religion. I think Vamsee also has a point when he states that localization of media in India made sure that mass communication aspects veered strongly towards the traditional and the family direction (Kim, 65).

Localization of media allowed Indians to view modernization as the rebirth of the state in global field. The family was portrayed as being little affected by the globalization of the media. Vamsee argues that re-imaging the tradition will develop a false notion of cultural security inclined on tags and mottos of identity, though moral and social essence of that identity is lost. Vamsee questions that until when will the traditionalists behave in a conservative manner though the forces of media globalization are sweeping all over India (Kim, 67). Vamsee brings about a very strong issue when he states that what is being experienced is more than both traditions and modernity. Vamsee claims that it is a misunderstanding that revolves around any one media conversation. This misunderstanding is being experienced though the audience is interpreting well known notions of the nation, family as well as religion coming from possibilities that do not deserve sanctimonious disapproval. Vamsee indicates that the media in India is creating a community that has no interest in other human beings (Kim, 68).

Years ago, there are conflicting views on how higher education should function for the students. Higher education is an essential component in building a prosperous economy and nation in the future for academies develop and train future citizens of the society to make a productive and fruitful addition in the economy. In contrary, some people argue that long term vocational training and applied research should be the focus of the universities. Clearly, we have not met an agreement in the role of research in university teaching. Some people view that excellent teaching can take place even though lecturers are not engaged in research. However, most academicians view that teaching and research is indivisible and these are essential tools in inspiring students.

Vast amount of literature has been made to determine the real purpose of education although the answer seems elusive. Many argue that education is the key to a prosperous economy however, successful economies also need infrastructures, investment, jobs and so much more. Many students go to universities in order to be prepared to careers in their chosen field. However, disciplines advance rapidly and new ideas and principles emerge each day in addition to the existing knowledge. For example, medicine is a field that advances too quickly with new drugs, instruments, techniques and treatment being developed each day. Medical schools teach students skills and knowledge essential for practice however, years after, these may be obsolete in the medical field.

Students need to know how to learn on their own after they leave the university. Students should learn how to conduct research in order to expand their knowledge. Research entails identifying a problem, gather evidences, assessment of implications and draw conclusions. Through teaching research, doctors and other professionals will be able to acquire skills and knowledge essential in conducting the different steps of research. Furthermore, aside from job-related skills and knowledge, students should also have a wide-ranging knowledge on other fields, even just the basic. This will fulfill their personal desires outside their chosen field like reading literature and listening to their type of music.

A universitys job is not only to produce skillful professionals, it also aims to produce educated men and women who understand and relate in the society and knows their place in it. To produce professionals who do not only master their field, but also equipped with knowledge and skills in other fields. This may deemed difficult to academic institutions but it should be the aim of every university, which is not only to fill students with facts and employment skills but to make them wise.

The pursuit of fitness is perhaps one of the most primary goals of all humans.   Living a life when one is physically, emotionally and spiritually fit is an essential right everyone wants to achieve, regardless of sex, race, and religion.   After all, a fit and healthy body helps a happy state of mind, which in turn affects how an individual thinks, feels and acts. In short, fitness does not only bode well in physical health but also in productivity and attitude.

Think about it, after taking a brisk walk or breaking a sweat from engaging in a physical activity, yes even physical intimacy counts, the individual feels more invigorated rather than exhausted. And the idea that staying fit is only for the young is no longer valid since various researches indicate that everyone can reap the benefits of being fit.  A fit and healthy body is as good as preventive medicine.

More energy and lowered health risks top the list of why everyone should strive to be fit physically, mentally and spiritually.

Everyone knows that adopting a regular and sensible exercise program, in short, engaging in physical fitness, reduces risks of certain chronic diseases in middle age. The New York Times bestseller You on a Diet The Owners Manual for Waist Management pegged by   Dr. Michael Roizen and Dr. Mehmet Oz, otherwise known Oprahs personal doctor, explain the benefits of a fit body. Fitness increases ones longevity. Fitness, the doctors argue, can be attained through engaging in physical activity such as exercise. Exercises do not only help lose that extra weight but also helps the blood vessels open, decreasing the chances of serious diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, memory problems, diabetes, and heart attacks (Roizen and Oz 2006).   Being physically fit can also benefit the bones and prevent one major silent killer  osteoporosis (Hausman and  Hurleyb 1989). Being fit strengthens the body, gives one cardiovascular and muscular stamina and even flexibility. Being fit makes one feel and look better (Anderson and Deskins 1995).

A physically fit body may also provide respite from worries.  There have been studies demonstrating the effect of exercise and being physically fit to ones mental health. It seems that a physically fit individual is uplifted and energized (Diamond and Diamond 1987).  A physically fit individual lives in the moment, except of being trapped in a Past-Present-Future whirlwind.  Being fit and engaging in physical activity offers individuals the opportunity to take time out from daily worries. As aforementioned, being physically fit can lift ones mood, which can help in dealing with negative emotions. Physically fit people are less likely to experience stress.

Fitness is in itself is not some sort of panacea. It is not a remedy against diseases but it helps the body become more strong to avoid and deal with such diseases. It keeps the blood vessels open, improving the metabolic risk profiles in acquiring diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart attack.  It can help improve the strength of ones mental health- allowing the person to feel recharged, happy and content. Fitness enables the individual to become more adaptable and have a purpose, live in the moment and enjoy life.  It is the best preventive medicine everyone should avail of.

Douglas Keliners Reading the Gulf War has clearly demonstrated the influence that mass media holds within their power in influencing the given society on pertinent topics that have the capacity of steering a nations course.  The unfortunate reality wherein the facts presented to the public had already been pre-destined by the powers-that-be to serve a particular purpose makes for a truly-compelling argument, as this would benefit them with the socio-political power to instill within the nations mindset, a particular thinking and belief in accordance to their caprices.  Nonetheless, as what is discussed in Keliners reading, this craft can be likened to a two-edged sword, wherein the wielder of this power holds no assurances that its effects are not self-injuring and that the populace will not be aware of the realities behind the perceived truths.

Of all the topics discussed, it is in learning that the administration had been deliberately exercising manipulative techniques, perhaps in search of higher approval ratings or offshore economic ventures, just to bolster its internal and global superiority, is depressingly intriguing.  It is a reality that has changed my perception on my veneration to the nations leadership, as it has demonstrated that it is willing to sacrifice countless American lives just to achieve this aim.  Likewise, I have been astounded with how the American media conglomerates, who are supposed to be the bastions of truth, have played willing pieces for the administrations scheme, as can be evidenced in ABCs report which stated that more than 200,000 Iraqi troops were in Kuwait, preparing for an invasion of Saudi Arabia, when in fact satellite photos had revealed a much insignificant number (Keliner, 1995, p. 204).  While it is true that these media conglomerates are corporations that naturally had to make profitable endeavors, it is likewise worth noting that their professions should be exercising ethical practices in exchange for their viewers patronage.  It is truly confounding why two of the most esteemed institutions of our democracy, the administration and the media, seemed to have deliberately misled the American general public into believing a set principle of the war in Iraq that in reality were only self-serving interests.

Reading Keliners work has resulted in my formation of two themes one is President Bush administrations intentional presentation of false truths surrounding the situation in Iraq and Saddam Hussein, and secondly, mass medias opting to play possum on these misleading facts in order to gain majority viewership.  Both of these were later to be unmasked, as can be witnessed in the succeeding years, with President Bush loosing both his popularity as well as his 1992 reelection campaign (Keliner, 1995, p. 224) and the en masse proliferation of the true figures of the war, i.e. the satellite photos showing the insignificant numbers of Iraqi troops, the low success rate of hi-tech missiles, the absence of chemical warfare capabilities of Iraq, and others.  However, even if all of these suggest a covert aim, which is to have control of a nation that is a major source of oil, I am inclined to believe that these were all executed with the good of the American nation in mind, as successfully doing this would ensure the smooth operations of the major industries, both industrial and government-funded, for decades to come.

Keliners work has resulted in altering my views on my perception with the mass media corporations.  It served to constantly remind me that first and foremost, these are corporation that needed to have substantial profits in order to maintain a high-level of influence among the populace.  It further created a necessity on my part not to accept the presented realities as absolute truths, but learn to think outside of the box that they propose by making my own studies on the subject from other independent or foreign institutions, and by trying to gain an understanding from the other side of the spectrum.  Hence from hereon, I consider them not as the bastions of truth, but as an integral part in my own pursuit of truth.