Cocaine May Play Role in Users Depression

Cocaine May Play Role in Users Depression Addiction Drug Use Cocaine Print Cocaine May Play Role in Users Depression Chronic Cocaine Use May Cause Changes in the Brain By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on January 10, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on July 02, 2019 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids Fausto Serafini / EyeEm/Getty Images Many long-time cocaine users suffer from depression. The rates of depression reported in chronic cocaine abusers are significantly higher than in the general population. Trying to determine why cocaine users experience depression and other disorders, scientists  believe it is linked to the damage that the drug does to the very brain cells that make users feel high when they do cocaine. Dopamine Neurons Disturbed When cocaine is used it increases the level of dopamine in the brain, creating the high that users feel, but prolonged use of the drug reduces the dopamine levels, making it harder for the user to experience positive feelings. Damaging or actually killing off the brain cells that help the user feel pleasure could account for the high rates of depression among chronic cocaine abusers. This is the clearest evidence to date that the specific neurons cocaine interacts with dont like it and are disturbed by the drugs effects, says Karley Little, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan Medical School and chief of the Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Medical Center Affective Neuropharmacology Laboratory. The questions we now face are: Are the cells dormant or damaged, is the effect reversible or permanent, and is it preventable? How Using Cocaine Affects Your Body Long-Term Cocaine Users Studied Little and colleagues studied samples of brain tissue obtained during autopsies of 35 long-term cocaine users and 35 non-users. They analyzed the tissue for dopamine and the protein VMAT2, which is found in dopamine transporters. Urine or serum samples were also analyzed for the presence of cocaine, opioids, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications. A person close to each individual was interviewed about the individuals substance abuse, alcoholism, and symptoms of personality and mood disorders. Explains Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms Researchers found that cocaine users had lower concentrations of dopamine and VMAT2 in their brains than did non-users. Additionally, cocaine users suffering from depression had lower levels of VMAT2 than those who were not depressed. Depressed Cocaine Users: Have greater difficulty maintaining work and family Have a more difficult time quitting drug useAre at a greater risk of dropping out of treatmentAre more likely to commit suicide Cocaine Changes the Brain Little and colleagues were uncertain whether dopamine cells had been destroyed or just dysregulated by cocaine use, and if such changes could be reversed. We could be seeing the result of the brains attempt to regulate the dopamine system in response to cocaine use, to try to reduce the amount of dopamine thats released by reducing the ability to collect it in vesicles, Little said. But we could also be seeing real damage or death to dopamine neurons. Either way, this highlights the fragility of these neurons and shows the vicious cycle that cocaine use can create. Further efforts at clarifying the detrimental effects of cocaine on brain cells may help in the development of effective treatment interventions and pharmacotherapies, the researchers suggested. The study was funded in part by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Cocaine Affects Womens Brains Differently

African People s Fight For Independence And Racial...

Racism The definition of racism is the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races. Nelson Mandela an iconic figure for the black movement once said â€Å"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.† Nelson Mandela, was at the forefront of the South African people s fight for independence and racial equality and was the first South African president to be elected democratically. To begin with Racism has always been around since the beginning of time, it’s a very human natured flaw to judge on whether you are a different color or even in the way you act or present yourself in society. Far back dated racism first began when the mo dern slave trade was brought around the world. In Greece and in Rome, they believed that slavery was very natural because of â€Å"race†. So, forth Africans were, not human beings, therefore they were born to be slaves. If slavery existed before the slave trade, then it would have rooted around the Native American’s. Colonists exploring and discovering the United States tried to force these Native American’s to become salves once they settled into these new colonies in the United States. Hundreds of nativeShow MoreRelatedThe Impact Of Developmental Changes On Africa From The Close Of Wwi Through The 1990s1326 Words   |  6 Pagesthe accomplishments includes decolonization and gaining independence from previous colonial masters and subsequently moving away from authoritarian regimes to embrace democracy. They have also been faced with some challenges of poverty, and weak state. The main obstacle to the economic advancement of Africans is the social cum racial inequality between Africans and their colonizers in addition to the lack of human dignity experienced by Africans as the direct result of the policy of white supremacyRead MoreCivil Rights/Secret Life of Bees986 Words   |  4 PagesPeriod 2 4/10/12 Racial Discrimination and Segregation In 1619 the very first African Americans arrived in America, coming over for the purpose of forced slavery. It’s been nearly four hundred years since then and African Americans are still not treated completely equal. But throughout the years major steps towards equality have been made and as a whole the United States is close to reaching this goal. The first key action taken was abolishing slavery in 1865, but African Americans didn’t startRead MoreRacial Differences Of The African American Race1233 Words   |  5 PagesRacial differences is one of the most common reasons why most disturbances and conflicts happens in our world. The African-American race seems to be dealing with this issue for a very long period of time. Between the early 1900’s and the 1960’s three very influential   individuals looked to change the mindset of the African-Americans in their time and establish their way of equality and equity. Where three different mindsets and ideas a ll with the common goal of raising the average African-AmericansRead MoreMartin Malcolm : A Dream Or A Nightmare951 Words   |  4 Pagesare still often two of the first names even someone of today’s society may think of. They were, and still are, some of the most influential men to ever live. As young African-American men living during a time of harsh global, but most importantly, national racism and prejudice; teaching effective techniques to achieve peace and equality to others was extremely difficult for Dr. King and Malcolm X. James H. Cone elaborates on his beliefs and understanding of what makes these two men different and whyRead MoreI Have A Dream Rhetorical Devices Essay1248 Words   |  5 Pageshis famous â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech in the front of the Lincoln memorial in Washington, D. C. Dr. King’s â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech uses many rhetorical devices to enhance the effectiveness of his message which states his want for freedom and racial equality for African Americans. Three rhetorical devices stand out prominently: imagery, allusion, and anaphora. Dr. King uses the rhetorical device imagery in his â€Å"I have a dream† speech. Imagery is the use of figurative language to evoke a feeling, callRead MoreFreedom And African American History Essay1680 Words   |  7 PagesFreedom And African American History 1 XIN LI The United States is a immigrant country, which faces varieties of problems. The African American problem is one of the most serious one. Racial segregation is a deep-rooted social problem, which reflects in every field in the United States. For example, education, labor market and criminal justice system. In the aspect of educationRead MoreAnalysis Of I Have A Dream Speech1152 Words   |  5 PagesThe major argument that is being portrayed in Martin Luther King Jr.’s â€Å"I Have A Dream† speech is all men and women should be treated equally, regardless of their skin color. Dr. King states, â€Å"When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienableRead MoreThe Fundamental Diffferences Between the Black Abolitionis ts and the White Abolitionists Movements1592 Words   |  7 PagesTermpaper Class: African American Study IV Subject: Analyzing the Fundamental Differences Between the Black Abolitionists and the White Abolitionists Movements Black and white abolitionists shared common assumptions about the evil of slavery, the virtue of moral reform, and the certainty of human progress(1). Schor, Garnet,1877, Lanngston, 1989). This shared understanding provided the basic for the interracial solidarity and cooperation so vital in the crusade against slavery(2)Read MoreAnalysis Of The Poem Still I Rise 893 Words   |  4 Pagesday society. African Americans have suffered racial prejudice and injustice in this nation for many decades. The quest for equality and civil rights has been a never ending struggle even before the famous 1960’s civil rights movement that was spear headed by Martin Luther King Jr. and many others. Even though Thomas Jefferson wrote the famous words in the Declaration of Independence â€Å"all men are created equal† ( ), we are consistently observing that the fight for human rights and equality still existRead MoreThe Fundamental Diffferences Between The Black Abolitionists And The Wh ite Abolitionists Movements1547 Words   |  7 PagesTermpaper Class: African American Study IV Subject: Analyzing the Fundamental Differences Between the Black Abolitionists and the White Abolitionists Movements Black and white abolitionists shared common assumptions about the evil of slavery, the virtue of moral reform, and the certainty of human progress(1). Schor, Garnet,1877, Lanngston, 1989). This shared understanding provided the basic for the interracial solidarity and cooperation so vital in the crusade against

How Drugs Destroy Athletic Ability - 1181 Words

The human body can do a magnitude of activities, from running to climbing to lifting extremely heavy objects that can all go away in the blink of an eye by using drugs. One of the key things to a healthy and athletic human is cardiovascular ability, or the strength of the heart and how efficient it is pumping blood throughout the body. Just by preforming around thirty minutes of exercise a day, can improve the body’s cardiovascular health drastically. Just by preforming that little bit of exercise a day the body can reduce in fatty weight. The cholesterol levels drastically change too by increasing in HDL (good cholesterol) and decreasing in LDL (bad and total cholesterol) . The body’s blood pressure also changes for the better because†¦show more content†¦After a couple of weeks or so of drinking alcohol it begins to put strain on the heart mostly because of weight gain. While drinking alcohol it blunts the nervous system down and the body loses most or almost all of muscle control. Alcohol does not exactly destroy muscle but weight gain makes it harder to exercise, so lack of exercise could be a reason for muscles to whiter away. A lot of athletes use meth to decrease body fat. This can be done because of the drastic changes in the body’s metabolism. The drug is used because of the effects on the human brain. It releases stimulants in the brain to make it seem like the body is having an adrenaline rush. The only plus side to meth is that it helps ADHD by giving the opposite affect to people that have that condition. A normal person who does not have ADHD makes them almost go insane. Meth is super addictive and a lot of times the person doing the drug will commit extremely violent acts to acquire money to buy more of the mid-priced drug. The person can have extreme mood swings and become depressed or even suicidal. Panic attacks can acre because the person doing the drug is expecting something and it doesn’t happen. The b ody starts to lose control of the muscles and the body. The person can start to have ticks close to Parkinson’s or turrets. Also permanent brain damage and nervous system damage can occur just by doing the drugShow MoreRelatedEssay Cheating in Sports1397 Words   |  6 Pagesgender. However, today the game that is supposed to teach character, discipline and team work is teaching cheating. And in today’s world, with fame, endorsement, drugs and so much to gain, it is not surprising that athletes are cheating in sports. Cheating in sports is not new thing; it started the day when humans first discovered athletic competitions. According to the Los Angeles Times (August 20, 2006) â€Å"More than 2,000 years before Mike Tyson bit off a piece of Evander Holyfields ear and was disqualifiedRead MoreBlood Doping, Human Growth Hormones, Steroid, Beta 2 Agonists1526 Words   |  7 Pagesfew substances that come into mind when discussing the topic performance enhancing drug a lso known as doping. Doping is defined as the use of drugs to enhance performance and gain advantage over the other competitors, and it has been an ongoing problem in the sport community since the early centuries, with an increasing trend showing today. Envision yourself competing against an opponent who has been doping! How would you feel about that? Would you feel cheated? I know I would. As all the hardRead MorePerformance Enhancing Drugs Should Be Banned1645 Words   |  7 Pagesusing performance enhancing drugs each year. Performance enhancing drugs help athletes to becomes bigger, faster, and overall better at their individual sport. This process is called doping. Doping can be defined as using drugs and various substances to better perform at a particular task. Furthermore, these athletes act in the moment and fail to see all aspects of these performance enhancing drugs. Contradictorily, some individuals argue that performance enhancing drugs should in fact be allowed inRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Cancer1175 Words   |  5 Pageschoosing to receive or not to receive chemotherapy every cancer patient should keep an open mind about the side effects it can have on the body, the quality of life and how your life will change, and the wide range of other healing possibilities available. The goal of chemotherapy is to destroy cancer cells, but it can also destroy fast growing healthy cells and create many side effects. Some of these side effects include nausea and vomiting, fatigue, mouth sores and hair loss. Pain, which includesRead MoreThe Effects Of Alcoholism On Collegiate Athletic Performance1595 Words   |  7 PagesThe Negative Effects of Alcoholism on Collegiate Athletic Performance According to research and statistics, alcohol is the number one drug used by college students. Most individuals do not label alcohol as a drug due to the way it is consumed, but when considering the negative side effects that accompany alcohol, the comparison of alcohol to drugs may not be that far of a stretch. Alcohol can not only be harmful to an individual’s external health but also their internal health as well. ConsumptionRead MoreRacism, Racism And White Supremacy1178 Words   |  5 Pagesadvantages and/or immunities that white people benefit from on a daily basis beyond those common to all others† (Avakian). Now how does that affect the black condition? These antiblack frat horror stories and police shootings are not isolated incidents anymore. I myself have been subject to different behavior than my other racially diverse counterparts and do not understand how it is still a problem. Through this research process, I will explore the effect that inequality and ra cism has on the blackRead MoreThe Effect of Steriods in Major League Baseball Essay1343 Words   |  6 Pagesrecord breaking. The past two decades of Major League Baseball have been tainted because of the use of performance enhancing drugs, also known as steroids, causing the loss of many fans and the true meaning of America’s favorite sport. In the early 80’s many professional players began to discover steroids, but Major League Baseball had not. As more and more cases of these drugs came about the most serious was that of Mark McGwire who was racing Sammy Sosa to try and break Roger Maris’s single seasonRead MoreMarijuana Addiction1162 Words   |  5 Pagesmost commonly used drug illegal drug in the world.† (â€Å"What is Marijuana†, 2013). It has recently become legal in a couple states, and more states are sure to follow their lead in the upcoming months. 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Explain the Life and Death of the Iceman Free Essays

There are many different theories and conclusions about the death of the Iceman. Konrad Spindler, who led the team studying the body, concluded that Iceman was a shepherd living in a farming community close to the Val Venosta. Iceman was well equipped for long absences and his general health was good although he did have some health problems. We will write a custom essay sample on Explain the Life and Death of the Iceman or any similar topic only for you Order Now Most scholars’ opinions however, are conflicted about how and why he died. According to Spindler, Iceman was a shepherd and may have lived in a farming village near the Val Venosta. Most historians agree that Iceman came from the Val Venosta are because of the similarity in flint found on Iceman and at the Val Venosta site. Perhaps the most convincing reason that Iceman came from the Val Venosta was that it was only 20km, a few hours walk, away. Konrad Spindler’s research in 1993 revealed harvested grains in his clothing and the threshing remains in his ember carrier. These, coupled with evidence that the Iceman did not make his own clothes (due to clumsy attempts at repair), suggest contact with a farming community. This tells us that the Iceman could have lived in a village or town close to the Val Venosta, and, that he died soon after the harvest. Judging by the equipment he was carrying, the Iceman had probably had experience travelling away from his village as his tools and weapons enabled him to hunt and defend himself. The Iceman carried with him a yew bow, a quiver made from a fur bag with a hazel wood rod tied to the side for support. 4 arrows (12 of which were incomplete), a flint knife with an ash handle and scabbard, an axe with a copper blade attached with leather thronging. Two mushrooms on leather strips for â€Å"medicinal† purposes. A retoucher for Iceman’s dagger, arrowheads axe, a net of grass strings, a backpack with hazel wood frame. Two cylindrical birch-bark containers, and, a belt pouch contents such a flint scraper, a possible drilling tool, a blade for carving, an awl for punching holes in leather and tree fungi, possibly for tinder. All these weapons and pieces of equipment would have helped the Iceman to defend himself from other humans or wild animals. He would have also been able to hunt for sufficient food to sustain himself. Based in the evidence, historians have assumed that Iceman may have been a shepherd and the weapons used to defend his flock. Based on his equipment, an equally valid theory is that the Iceman was a nomadic hunter. We can never be sure of his exact occupation. Iceman’s general health was relatively good, however, he did have some health problems. His health problems included; a low level of lead pollution, a high cholesterol reading (with some blood clotting on the heart), degeneration of bone joints, and, worn teeth. Despite these health issues, Iceman died between the ages of 35-40, quite old for that period of time. The Iceman’s body also bore several injuries because, on his left, were fractured ribs that had healed over time and, on the right, he had four broken ribs. The ribs are estimated to have broken 2-3 weeks before his death because his right arm showed signs of not having been used to lessen the pain. The tattoos on Iceman’s body were once thought to have had some ritualistic meaning, but, after bone scans were done the degeneration of his bone joints became known, the historians concluded that the tattoos were a treatment for the pain he was feeling. Many scholars have different opinions over how and why the Iceman died. Konrad Spindler’s theory is that, returning to his village after the summer grazing in the Alps, he was then involved in some violent incident and was forced to flee. The evidence Spindler presented to back his theory was the quality of Iceman’s equipment. Some of it was damaged or lost, indicating prolonged use with no chance to repair or replace items. Spindler’s other evidence was the broken ribs which supported his idea of a violent incident. In 2001 a CAT-scan revealed an arrowhead embedded in the Iceman’s shoulder. This told historians that Iceman had definitely been involved in a violent incident and, in 2002, the arrowhead was examined and it was discovered that the arrow had come from the Southern Alpine region. Professor A. Pedrotti concluded that the arrow had probably been fired by Iceman’s own people. In 2003, DNA analysis of Iceman’s clothes and weapons indicated blood from several people. The blood of two people was found on one arrowhead alone. Dr. T. Loy argued that Iceman had fired his arrow into two enemies, retrieving the precious weapon each time. However, he too had been wounded in the back, and had bled to death in the place he was found 5000 years later. There have been many different theories regarding the life and death of Iceman. If any new evidence comes to light the doubtless there will be many more theories surrounding him. But, possibly the most agreed on theory is that of Konrad Spindler who claims that Iceman was a shepherd ;living in a farming community close to the Val Venosta. He was well equipped for long absences and his general health was good but he did have some health problems. The Iceman then died after a violent dispute with some of his own people. And, while that seem very likely, there will still be many conflicted opinions about how and why the Iceman died. How to cite Explain the Life and Death of the Iceman, Essays

Property rights and housing policy in the United Arab Emirates

Dubai The growth of the real estate sector in the United Arab Emirates requires the development of property laws because these legislative acts are important for attracting investors from foreign countries. These people and organizations attach much importance to the guarantees that the state offers. First of all, one should mention that foreign investors can own housing in the UAE; however, they can do it only in the so-called freehold or investment areas (Ibpus.com 2013, p. 20).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Property rights and housing policy in the United Arab Emirates specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In turn, UAE nationals can own land in any part of the country. The foreign organizations can lease land for 99 years; yet, they cannot become full-time owners of the land (Ibpus.com 2013, p. 20). In Dubai, foreigners can buy lands only with the help of intermediaries such as Emaar Real Estate Company or Jumeira Projects. Moreover, non-UAE nationals can acquire housing only in investment areas such as Al Raha Beach (Oxford Business Group 2007, p. 237). These are the main aspects that can be identified. It is possible to say that property laws have to serve two functions. They have to attract investors and protect the interests of the UAE citizens. One can argue that property laws contributed to the growth of Dubai since many investors are willing to purchase property in the UAE. Additionally, the housing policies of Dubai are supposed to meet the needs of employees working there. Even though the culture, traditions and people’s beliefs are somewhat different, Dubai’s business world has made cultural borders almost non-existent. As it is always important to know the ethics and details of the nation where business is being carried out, Dubai has made the conduct very easy and laid back. Abu Dhabi If one speaks about Abu Dhabi, one should also mention that there are le gal distinctions between the nationals of the UAE or Gulf Cooperation Council (Oxford Business Group, 2007, p. 237). There are several components of the housing policy that are implemented in these cities. It is primarily aimed at increasing the attractiveness of Abu Dhabi to tourism and foreign investors. This is why governmental organizations carry out such projects as the construction of artificial islands that can be visited by tourists (Roza 2009, p. 54). They are supposed to meet the needs of businesses that can be based in the UAE and abroad. The current policies are supposed to improve the environmental sustainability of urban areas in the UAE. This is why the government carries out such construction projects as Masdar City that should become environmentally sustainable. The housing policies in Abu Dahdi have to meet the needs of people who face economic difficulties (Emirati Housing Programs 2013). This argument is particularly relevant if one speaks about Abu Dhabi where g overnmental officials pay close attention to the problems faced by people who are in the urgent need of housing (Emirati Housing Programs 2013).Advertising Looking for research paper on administrative law? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Overall, current policies contribute to the improvement of living conditions, but the environmental sustainability of these cities should be improved. On the whole, the property laws and housing policy are supposed to improve the living conditions of people and increase the economic viability of these urban areas. In particular, the government attempts to diversify the economic activities of people living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. These are the main goals that should be attained. References Emirati Housing Programs 2013. Web. Ibpus.com 2013, United Arab Emirates Land Ownership and Agriculture Laws Handbook, Int’l Business Publications, New York. Oxford Business Group 2007, The Report: Abu Dhabi 2007, Oxford: Oxford Business Group. Roza, G 2009, The Creation of Islands, The Rosen Publishing Group, New York. This research paper on Property rights and housing policy in the United Arab Emirates was written and submitted by user Bria Warner to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Shelf Lives of Expressions and Slang

The Shelf Lives of Expressions and Slang The Shelf Lives of Expressions and Slang The Shelf Lives of Expressions and Slang By Mark Nichol Several weeks ago, President Obama, in announcing during a television interview that he didn’t want to inflame Islamic extremists by releasing photos taken of Osama bin Laden’s body following the al-Qaeda leader’s assassination by a U.S. military unit, said, â€Å"There’s no need to spike the football.† Huh? In American football, players have been known to triumphantly punctuate a touchdown by spiking the ball, or throwing it point first against the surface of the playing field so that it emphatically bounces away. By summoning that imagery, Obama expressed his reluctance to have the United States be perceived as gloating about bin Laden’s death. So, do you think that analogy has legs? (The stem of that expression, in turn, is from theatrical slang for a stage production with the potential for long-running success.) The truth is, the entertainment industry, whether in the form of a professional sports or any one of various theatrical endeavors, has enriched our language with a wealth of idiomatic expressions: The sports world has given us â€Å"A-game† (an excellent effort), â€Å"Hail Mary pass† (a desperate gambit), and â€Å"slam-dunk† (a definitive accomplishment), among a stadium full of other vivid phrases. Meanwhile, the performing arts have contributed â€Å"It ain’t over till the fat lady sings† (meaning â€Å"Don’t give up† interestingly, often voiced late in seemingly one-sided athletic contests), â€Å"Break a leg† (meaning â€Å"Good luck†), and â€Å"It’s a wrap† (meaning â€Å"We’re done†). Other expressions derive from a wide variety of other fields and pursuits, and though some of these figures of speech may induce groans because of the excess of their success through viral propagation, many are quite effective in conveying a message at least for now. Any such phrasing, however, is subject to the cultural forces at play at any time. Ronald Reagan would not have said, â€Å"There’s no need to spike the football† in response to the fall of the Berlin Wall more than twenty years ago, because the gridiron tradition in question postdates that event. Two decades from now, it may die out, and the expression may fade into obsolescent oblivion. And that’s the moral of this story: If you’re writing for an ephemeral medium like newspapers, magazines, or the Internet, you need not concern yourself with the staying power of current slang or expressions derived from pop culture. But if you’re writing a book, or are otherwise more concerned about the legacy of your efforts, take care in the use of idiom so that your prose does not come under fire (as the military-based expression goes) for being tired or passe. You are allowed a pass (but not a Hail Mary pass) if, say, you’re writing a coming-of-age story in which you want to re-create the zeitgeist by resurrecting the lingo of the time, but be careful not to have your characters indulge in incessant ’70s-speak, for example. Ask any survivor of that era, and they’ll tell you that â€Å"Far out,† â€Å"Right on,† and â€Å"Keep on truckin’† were far from ubiquitous. Admittedly, some idiom has survived years, decades, centuries, and even millennia: The entrance to a house in Pompeii, inundated by volcanic ash in 79 AD, has an inscription on the floor that reads â€Å"Cave canem† â€Å"Beware of the dog.† But cave this: Whoever coins or borrows an expression isn’t entitled to determine its staying power or whether it survives only in ironic or derisive usage. Bummer, huh? Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Rhetorical Devices for Rational Writing16 Misquoted QuotationsWhat Is the Meaning of "Hack?"

Biography of Ninoy Aquino, Filipino Opposition Leader

Biography of Ninoy Aquino, Filipino Opposition Leader Benigno Simeon  Ninoy  Aquino Jr. (November 27, 1932–August 21, 1983) was a Filipino political leader who led the opposition against Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator of the Philippines. For his activities, Aquino was imprisoned for seven years. He was assassinated in 1983 after returning from a period of exile in the United States. Fast Facts: Ninoy Aquino Known For: Aquino led the Filipino opposition party during the reign of Ferdinand Marcos.Also Known As: Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr.Born: November 27, 1932 in Concepcion, Tarlac,  Philippine IslandsParents: Benigno Aquino Sr.  and Aurora Lampa AquinoDied: August 21, 1983 in Manila, PhilippinesSpouse: Corazon Cojuangco (m. 1954–1983)Children: 5 Early Life Benigno Simeon Aquino, Jr., nicknamed Ninoy, was born into a wealthy landowning family in Conception, Tarlac, Philippines, on November 27, 1932. His grandfather Servillano Aquino y Aguilar had been a general in the anti-colonial Philippine Revolution. Ninoys father Benigno Aquino Sr. was a longtime Filipino politician. Ninoy attended several excellent private schools in the Philippines as he was growing up. However, his teen years were full of turmoil. Ninoys father was jailed as a collaborator when the boy was only 12  and died three years later, just after Ninoys 15th birthday. A somewhat indifferent student, Ninoy decided to go to Korea to report on the Korean War at the age of 17 rather than going to university. He reported on the war for the Manila Times, earning the Philippine Legion of Honor for his work. In 1954 when he was 21, Ninoy Aquino began studying law at the University of the Philippines. There, he belonged to the same branch of the Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity as his future political opponent Ferdinand Marcos. Political Career The same year he started law school, Aquino married Corazon Sumulong Cojuangco, a fellow law student from a major Chinese/Filipino banking family. The couple first met at a birthday party when they were both 9 years old  and became reacquainted after Corazon returned to the Philippines following her university studies in the United States. A year after they married, in 1955, Aquino was elected mayor of his hometown of Concepcion, Tarlac. He was only 22 years old. Aquino went on to rack up a string of records for being elected at a young age: he was elected vice-governor of the province at 27, governor at 29, and secretary-general of the Philippines Liberal Party at 33. Finally, at 34, he became the nations youngest senator. From his place in the Senate, Aquino blasted his former fraternity brother, President Ferdinand Marcos, for setting up a militarized government and for corruption and extravagance. Aquino also took on First Lady Imelda Marcos, dubbing her the Philippines Eva Peron, although as students the two had briefly dated. Opposition Leader Charming and always ready with a good soundbite, Senator Aquino settled into his role as the primary gadfly of the Marcos regime. He consistently blasted Marcos  financial policies and his spending on personal projects and enormous military outlays. On August 21, 1971, Aquinos Liberal Party staged its political campaign kickoff rally. Aquino himself was not in attendance. Shortly after the candidates took the stage, two huge explosions rocked the rally- the work of fragmentation grenades hurled into the crowd by unknown assailants. The grenades killed eight people and injured about 120 more. Aquino accused Marcoss Nacionalista Party of being behind the attack. Marcos countered by blaming communists and arresting a number of known Maoists. Martial Law and Imprisonment On September 21, 1972, Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in the Philippines. Among the people swept up and jailed on fabricated charges was Ninoy Aquino. He faced charges of murder, subversion, and weapons possession, and was tried in a military kangaroo court. On April 4, 1975, Aquino went on a hunger strike to protest the military tribunal system. Even as his physical condition deteriorated, his trial continued. The slight Aquino refused all nourishment but salt tablets and water for 40 days  and dropped from 120 to 80 pounds. Aquinos friends and family convinced him to begin eating again after 40 days. His trial dragged on, however, and did not conclude until November 25, 1977. On that day, the military commission found him guilty on all counts. Aquino was to be executed by firing squad. Peoples Power From prison, Aquino played a major organizational role in the 1978 parliamentary elections. He founded a new political party, known as the Peoples Power or Lakas ng Bayan party (LABAN for short). Although the LABAN party enjoyed huge public support, every one of its candidates lost in the thoroughly rigged election. Nonetheless, the election proved that Aquino could act as a powerful political catalyst even from a cell in solitary confinement. Feisty and unbowed, despite the death sentence hanging over his head, he was a serious threat to the Marcos regime. Heart Problems and Exile Sometime in March 1980, in an echo of his own fathers experience, Aquino suffered a heart attack in his prison cell. A second heart attack at the Philippine Heart Center showed that he had a blocked artery, but Aquino refused to allow surgeons in the Philippines to operate on him for fear of foul play by Marcos. Imelda Marcos made a surprise visit to Aquinos hospital room on May 8, 1980, offering him a medical furlough to the United States for surgery. She had two stipulations, however: Aquino had to promise to return to the Philippines and he had to swear not to denounce the Marcos regime while he was in the United States. That same night, Aquino and his family got on a plane bound for Dallas, Texas. The Aquino family decided not to return to the Philippines right after Aquinos recovery from surgery. They moved instead to Newton, Massachusetts, not far from Boston. There, Aquino accepted fellowships from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which allowed him the opportunity to give a series of lectures and write two books. Despite his earlier pledge to Imelda, Aquino was highly critical of the Marcos regime during his stay in America. Death In 1983, Ferdinand Marcoss health began to deteriorate, and with it his iron grip on the Philippines. Aquino worried that if he died, the country would descend into chaos and an even more extreme government might emerge. Aquino decided to take the risk of returning to the Philippines, fully aware that he might well be reimprisoned or even killed. The Marcos regime tried to prevent his return by revoking his passport, denying him a visa, and warning international airlines that they would not be allowed landing clearance if they tried to bring Aquino into the country. On August 13, 1983, Aquino began a meandering, week-long flight that took him from Boston to Los Angeles and through Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Because Marcos had cut off diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the government there was under no obligation to cooperate with his regimes goal of keeping Aquino away from Manila. As China Airlines Flight 811 descended into Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983, Aquino warned the foreign journalists traveling with him to have their cameras ready. In a matter of three or four minutes it could all be over, he noted with chilling prescience. Minutes after the plane touched down, he was dead- killed by an assassins bullet. Legacy After a 12-hour funeral procession, in which an estimated two million people took part, Aquino was buried in the Manila Memorial Park. The leader of the Liberal Party famously eulogized Aquino as the greatest president we never had. Many commentators compared him to the executed anti-Spanish revolutionary leader Jose Rizal. Inspired by the outpouring of support she received after Aquinos death, the formerly shy Corazon Aquino became a leader of the anti-Marcos movement. In 1985, Ferdinand Marcos called for a snap presidential election in a ploy to reinforce his power. Aquino ran against him, and Marcos was proclaimed the winner in a clearly falsified result. Mrs. Aquino called for massive demonstrations, and millions of Filipinos rallied to her side. In what became known as the People Power Revolution, Ferdinand Marcos was forced into exile. On February 25, 1986, Corazon Aquino became the 11th President of the Philippine Republic and its first female president. Ninoy Aquinos legacy did not end with his wifes six-year presidency, which saw democratic principles reintroduced into the nation. In June 2010, his son Benigno Simeon Aquino III, known as Noy-noy, became president of the Philippines. Sources MacLean, John. â€Å"Philippines Recalls Aquino Killing.† BBC News, BBC, 20 Aug. 2003.Nelson, Anne. In the Grotto of the Pink Sisters: Cory Aquinos Test of Faith, Mother Jones Magazine, Jan. 1988.Reid, Robert H., and Eileen Guerrero. Corazon Aquino and the Brushfire Revolution. Louisiana State University Press, 1995.