At present Terrorism is considered to be one of the major threats a country faces. Countries have established different laws to possible prevent terrorist attacks. International Forums are held yearly to pass laws against terrorism. But what is terrorism? Terrorism is simply defined as a systematic mean of causing violence to attain the goals of the organization. (“Terrorism” 2009)

“Terrorism; Terror from the Latin word “Terrorem” meaning “great fear; dread” It was first used by Jacobins during the French revolution of 1795.” (Douglas Harper 2001) Since then it has been used as a term for the actions of groups which disrupts the peace in a country.

“Terrorism intends to gain national or local recognition for the group’s cause.” (“Terrorism” 2009) For example the terrorist group named Al-Qaeda whose main goal is a fundamentalist sunni movement calling for a global jihad. (“Al-Qaeda” Nd) The Al-Qaeda was believed to be behind the September 11 bombings on New York and Washington D.C. The Al-Qaeda wants a complete break from the foreign influences in Muslim countries and the creation of a new Islamic caliphate. Their modes of attack include multiple simultaneous bombings of different targets, suicide attacks and assassinations of High Ranking government officials. (“Al-Qaeda” Nd) Another local group which has gained a reputation for bombings in the Philippines is the “New people’s army” or NPA whose mode of attack is similar to that of the Al-Qaeda.

“Terrorism intends to steal or extort money and equipment vital to the operation of the group.” (“Terrorism” 2009) Usually terrorist groups would kidnap relatives of high profile characters and would ask for a ransom in exchange for the safety of the captive. Most terrorist groups attack weapons facilities or military research labs to obtain new weapons which they can use to gain the advantage in a war. The most feared technology stolen by terrorist is the ability to launch chemicals to disperse in largely populated areas which can lead to mass deaths. Effects can be felt shortly after the attack or months in some cases it takes years.

Truly terrorism is to be feared. It can come from any form any given time and with more and more terrorist groups wanting changes violence is surely inevitable. Government officials should continue to improve on their national security and always be ready for an attack. Terrorist groups will not stop until their voices are heard and see the goals of their organization to come to a reality.

Swimming and Basketball (comparison and contrast)

Sports activities are something everyone will take part in. Different people prefer different types of sports. Taking part in competitive training for a sport requires both physical and mental toughness; each sport requires different types of training. Swimming and basketball, for example are two different sports played on different venues. Swimming and basketball are two different sports which use different methods and equipment to maximize the performance of the players.

Swimming requires a lot of time during training, because one would be repeating sets on a target time. Basketball on the other hand requires one to do strengthening drills to improve one’s game. Though both would require one to be able to withstand a lot of stress on your muscles, swimming focuses on improving stroke techniques, because good stroke technique helps you one move forward without using too much energy while basketball focuses on building up strength because when one is on the court and you are physically stronger than the others one can score a lot easier and can defend opponents better. Swimming and basketball have another difference in terms of training programs. Swimming needs one to build up a lot speed, while applying the proper technique. The one who can explode and go all out from the start is usually the winner of the race; basketball requires the athlete to be more skilful than others especially when handling the ball, when the team has fewer turnovers than their opponent it gives them a higher chance of winning the game.

The ways of playing each sport is also different. Swimming is more on the individual performance of each man on the team, because points are awarded to the team if one of its athletes is able to make it to the top 8. Which means one really needs to work hard on improving yourself for that spot. While in basketball the team needs to play as one and execute plays to perfection. Constant communication with one’s teammates is very important; teams who show that they can work as one are the ones who win championships.

To maximize the performance of the athletes different sets of equipment are used in each sport. In swimming goggles swimming caps and trunks are made to become more hydrodynamic to decrease the water resistance and help one move faster and increase the chances of winning. On the other hand basketball shoes and jerseys are made lighter to help the player to be more aerodynamic and durable to withstand the physicality of the game. Millions of dollars are spent every year to research and improve sports equipment to enhance the performance of athletes in both training and competition.

Swimming and basketball may have similarities but they would always be two different sports that compete in different venues and require not only different equipment but also different methods of training which help maximize the performance of its athletes during a completion.

Engaging in Sports (cause and effect)

Sports have both positive and negative effects on the psychological and emotional growth of a person. Engaging in sports can greatly affect the psychological and emotional growth that causes different effects on people.

On a psychological aspect people who win and lose in sports have different reaction to it. Some would take winning humbly while some would walk around and boast about it. The same goes when they lose, some would feel bad and end up being sore losers and others would take it as a challenge to practice and further improve on their skills. On the emotional part sports would usually cause you to become more competitive it gives you the will to do your best every time you play, sometimes you become so engaged into the game that you tend to heart others without noticing it. Even the cheering of your comrades gives you a boost, you feel as if your body is re energized and that you can do a lot more than what you’ve already done. Same goes when you hear people “booing” you, you feel like the whole world is upon your shoulders.

People who engage in sports are usually healthy both physically and mentally. They develop a sense of responsibility and learn the value of teamwork. All in all sports helps us grow in many ways than one, plus it’s a good fun way to meet new friends.

What to do when an earthquake occurs. (descriptive process)

Earthquakes have always been one of the threats in our country. Aside from typhoons earthquakes are the second most dangerous natural disaster if not dealt with properly. These are safety procedures we can follow before, during and after an earthquake occurs.

Earthquakes can occur anytime so be sure to always try to find out if there is an incoming earthquake through the news or internet. If there is an incoming earthquake be sure to stack up on canned goods which can last you and your family for 2-3 days. Keep candles and matches at ready, electricity is sure to be cut off.

During an earthquake duck and take cover under a table or any sturdy surface make sure that it is strong enough to protect you from any falling object. Or stay under a doorway and hold on so that you wouldn’t lose your balance and end up hitting your head on something. After making sure your safe stay in your position for at least a minute, earthquake usually last for only a few seconds but just to be safe stay where you are for a full minute.

After the initial shock don’t get comfortable just yet after shocks always follow the initial shocks. Watch out for ceilings weakened by the earthquake and for power lines. If in any case you get trapped, stay where you are and use the supplies you stored, wait for rescue and you should be just fine.

Overall earthquakes are easy to counter act, but you need to keep your guard up and always remember never panic, stay calm and keep a clear head and you should be just fine. Inform the proper authorities and try to help out others however you can.

My Prom Experience (Descriptive Essay)

The Junior Promenade is an event celebrated by most schools to give students a chance to enjoy an evening full of surprises with their special someone or just with their friends.

My Junior Prom was an event I would never forget. I started preparing around 5pm since the event would start at 7:30pm that would give me enough time to get flowers and the corsage, go to my date’s house and then head to prom. When I got to my date’s house her mother answered the door and welcomed me in. She asked if I could just wait for a few more minutes because Cheska was still putting on make up. After 5 minutes Cheska descended from the stairs wearing a sparkling yellow gown which made her look gorgeous, the dress accentuated her body perfectly. After bidding her mother farewell, we went straight to LSGH which was 30 minutes away from her house. During the trip we exchanged stories and had a lot of moments where we would just laugh.

When we arrived at LSGH we were both stunned by how different the place looked. It felt like we really were in a Hollywood scene. Everyone looked amazing in their suits and gowns. Some even tried to imitate famous celebrity icons. The gym was decorated with lights and drapes, spotlights lighted up the place. There were even people hired to act like paparazzi to take pictures of you when you got down from the car. So we got off the car and made our way to the registration booth with a “bouncer” to fight off the paparazzi. The registration booth was like a reception area of a five star hotel with people lining up to get their programs and souvenirs. When we finished signing up we proceeded to the ramp which was line up with lights and a red carpet leading the all the way to the gym. On our way up we stopped by the photo booth to get our picture taken by the photographer. When we entered the gym it was a whole new scene. Tables were decorated with flowers and candles, their was a stage with two big statues imitating the Oscar award trophy. And behind the stage the word Hollywood was spelled out in big letters.

When it was time to eat, we all lined up to get our food. The food was terrific, it was like eating in a fine dining restaurant. It was prepared with so much care, that the mere presentation was enough to satisfy your hunger. While we were eating, a video presentation was played and it highlighted the different experiences we have had in our stay in LSGH. After that 3 of our batch mates presented a dance, it was hilarious! They were dancing while wearing a tight golden vest and short shorts. The crowd just loved them, then the award for Prom King and Queen was given out. Then they led the start for the slow dance and soon everyone else followed. Cheska and I made our way to the dance floor and joined the dancing as well. While dancing Cheska thanked me for the wonderful evening and gave me a kiss to show her gratitude, which made my night even more magical than what it already was.

The night ended and I took Cheska home, on my way back to our house I looked back on what happened the entire evening and thought to myself how great everything went. Truly my Prom was a magical experience that fulfilled my wildest fantasies and it exceeded all my expectations.