Friday, March 6, 2009

Chasing Twisters



Twister was made in 1996, written by Michael Critchton and Ann-Marie Martin. Directed by Jan De Bont. A well known meteorologist, Bill Harding turns up at a weather base in search of his wife in the attempt of trying to get her to sign the divorce. However fierce tornadoes change their plans drastically, bringing the couple back together again. Bill's new girlfriend , Melissa dumps him after she realises he is getting closer and closer to Jo, and leaves for home. Jo's greatest fear are F5 tornadoes, as her dad died in one when she was younger. Towards the end of the film, one strikes, it is named Dorothy I as it's the first tornado they tried their machine on, what will she do? Watch the movie and find out!
I really enjoyed the drama and the adrenaline of this film, if you didn't pay attention for just one minute you'd be lost, which can be interpreted both ways. It was a very hands on film, you had to concentrate. I thought that it was very true to real life, as there are many places in the US that have horrendous tornado seasons, and it can be very dangerous if people like us don't start helping to warn people. Twister proved to me that things can be done to help the community, and even save lives. Also, it was a great development in technology with all that new information and those little balls being sent back to the computers. Now a days we have such advanced systems that we should be able to predict the weather so much better than we do. It's real disappointment to our reputation. I really likes the scene where, Jo and Bill were trapped between two tornadoes and didn't get hurt as they were in between the two, not in the thick of it. Which can happen, but is a rare sight for weather men and women. However one factor that I found rather irritating was that every time a tornado struck, they always got out without too many problems, that was very unreal, it would never happen in real life. You'd be lucky to escape one let alone five or six. This was tad too far fetched!!
My name is Dr. Charlie Kazinskyle, I am a training meteorologist, but have a great love for tornadoes. I have just finished university and am looking for some coaching so that I can set up my own company one day. I went to Oxford University and got various diplomas in meteorology!! It wasn't easy, but my passion for it really pushed me to do my best, and it payed off. I have been working at BBC Weather Station for a few months now and it is amazing, they are so professional and precise!! I am currently writing a book, called "The Weather's Mood Swings", which is all about changes in weather, tornadoes, storms and a short autobiography. A few close friends have proof read it ad have found it very informative and interesting, I hope the rest of the country does too.
One of the many things that I learnt from this film was that teamwork is essential if you are going to be successful. Which I will bear in mind throughout the rest of my career. Bill and Jo could never have managed to release Dorothy's balls without the rest of the team and their knowledge. Meteorologists are very intelligent and highly skilled people, I don't think people give them half as much credit that they deserve for all their hard work. The job isn't easy, trust me!!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Asian Religions


Asian Religions


In Srinagar there is a famous mosque called Jama Masjid, it is located in Nowhatta. A man called Sultan Sikandar constructed the Jama Masjid Mosque in 1400 AD. Some years down the line, his son called Zainul-Abidin made the mosque quite a bit larger. The mosque is most famous for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, a spectacular garden area and around 370 wooden pillars. The mosque is also known for its peace and quiet, although its surrounded by chaos and noise outside. Every Friday many Muslims come to prayer in the mosque. The mosque has suffered much destruction over the years. Apparently it was burned three times in a fire and was built back up again time after time. Maharaja Pratap Singh was the last ruler to have to reconstruct the mosque.
I think in my picture Muslims have gathered for their weekly prayers on Fridays. They are praying to Allah. Muslims always face east towards Mecca, as it’s their holy centre, if you will. There are pilgrims to Mecca each year, and each person must try to g to one at least once in their life. Muslims rest on their knees and lean forward until their heads touch the floor; they do this each time they pray. The people in my picture are praying, silent and deep in thought. They are calm and relaxed. The Muslims in my picture are praying and on their knees doing so. They seem very committed to their religion, in the sense that they are very religious and pray every Friday. The Mosque is very beautiful; it has a sense of peace about it. The sun is shining though the small windows of the mosque and it adds warmth to the photo. It makes me feel relaxed an tranquil as the people are praying. It's a very nice feeling from a photo!

My impressions are that it is a huge tourist attraction and is very famous. It is a wonderful sight, of what I have seen!! The mosque looks very pretty and is a place of peace. I think that Muslims enjoy visiting it too. The sun is shining brightly through the window, lighting up the room. The carpet of the mosque is sage with red patterns covering it. There are a few Muslims praying, looking very quiet and concentrated. They are all facing East towards Mecca. There are three pillars in the room, spread out evenly. It is a very beautiful picture!! I feel happy that people are taking the time to be religious and enjoy doing their duties. They look happy about being in the mosque and praying to Allah. This is rather removed from what I know, I do not do this! I do not go to mosques or churches. There are no real traditions in my house, however Muslims are showing respect by praying, and there is a mutual respect in my house. I think that by taking part in these activities people hope to be taken care of for the rest of their human lives and have a good after life. I think that by fulfilling their religious duties they assume that they will be safe and have a great life and enjoy it!!