Easter Islands End

The writer discloses the actions taken by the Easter Island people a couple of centuries ago. The details indicate destruction of forests, vegetation and animals through the chaotic and cannibalism behaviours. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Easter Island’s End specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Diamond (1995), the end of Easter Island is visible from the abandoned buildings and the mystery of isolation evident from the lack of vegetation and the gigantic stone statues and skyscrapers that seems to outgrow everything else such as the temples at Angkor. The writer indicates the story of Easter Island is not only a historical tale but also an imperative warning to current civilization. As indicated in the writing by Diamond (1995), the view of the Island is a land without habitual vegetation such as trees lacks animal life and particularly comprises of a low populace of approximately 2000 people. The stone structures that appears gigantic on stone platforms shows devastation from which the writer proposes an inhibition by Polynesians. On the analysis of the natural resources, the writer shows the richness that existed before the reforestation stopped. Deforestation is the cause of death of animal life and the devastating effects eventually destroys the crops. The deforestation was as a result for the need to erect strong stone statues in competition over power among the local clans. The fight for power was probably one of the causes of the land’s demise. The writer indicates and emphasizes on the aspect of brutal misuse/abuse of nature as the root cause of the destruction. The leaders or those who were in authority never had the will and ability to prevent the destruction. The final indication of the writer is that, the historical destruction of the Island is a prospect for the future of the whole world. From a personal point of view, the author’s initial ar gument regarding destruction of nature that causes devastation is very logical and authentic. From the beginning, the writer tries to raise the subject relating to the importance of civilization. However, from a defensive point of view, some indications of the theory such as the approximation of the population and the prediction over probability to have enough basis resources seem hypothetical. It is not easy to judge the economical life of Easter Island population as well as the effects on the natural resources by considering a single aspect. The evidence may lack sufficient basis over the economical life. Economic status is the main influence over other human activities such as political eminences, people’s attitudes and social existence.Advertising Looking for essay on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The damages on Easter Island were catastrophic but the writer only focuses on the human negative activities. Various factors would have catalyzed people to obliterate the forests or other ecologically related aspects to cause the destruction. Natural catastrophes can equally damage a country’s civilization. Even if people destroyed the Island as the writer claims, there is a high probability that they never realized the consequences because their low level of development, considering the time possibly influenced the activities as opposed to their conscious mind. The social-political or economical system in existence then is not accurate or definite; therefore, they might have reacted as part of nature. Does it mean that implications over existence of dry land or desert where it used to be a sea or a tropical forest always befall the people who live nearby? It is not possible to predict the future or analyze the past base on one important economical factor. There is a wide difference in the level of development; therefore, the prediction of a similar future regarding the fall of civilization is not eminent or logical. There is a close connection of countries today and thus the characteristic or growth of civilization. Advancement in technology can allow destruction of the world in a couple of days but civilization does not permit. People need to learn from the history of such civilization as the writer specifies but the probability of the fall is almost zero. References Diamond, J. (1995) Easter Island’s End. Discover Magazine. Retrieved from Http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/24/042.html This essay on Easter Island’s End was written and submitted by user Urijah Huber 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.

Catalina de Erauso essays

Catalina de Erauso essays Lieutenant Nun is a novel based in 1585. Catalina de Erauso is the main character of the memoir, and she faces a world where there were certain expectations for women, and at the time. Women did not play mens roles like they do today. For example, Catalina enlists to be a soldier shortly after life in a convent. Today, that might be a little out of the ordinary, but not unheard of. Whats interesting about Catalina is that she not only participates in masculine activities, but after the convent, she even dresses like a man and takes on the characteristics of a man, including playing with women, dressing like a man, and fighting and killing enemies. She is arguably a transvestite. Of course the question arises about Catalina de Erausos role, regarding the fact that she could possible be a soldier in the body of a woman, or a woman playing the role of a soldier. Because Catalina takes on masculine characteristics so well, fights, dresses like a man, and is even perceived by others as a man, its easy to say that shes a soldier in the body of a woman, but I believe that Catalina is a woman playing the role of a soldier. Catalina is a virgin, and of course, has the orient of a woman. She enters the convent when she is four and stays until she is about fifteen when she decides to escape. Catalina was rebellious natured, and I believe that Catalina, as a woman, had the desire to experience what a man in the world would experience, and that is why she chose to escape. For example, the only ecstasy for Catalina in the convent is praying. So why not escape and experience the ecstasies of a man? For example being involved with women, killing, fighting, escaping, and succeeding at ripping people off. Even the thrill of having responsibilities is what Catalina, perhaps wishes to experience. When Catalina starts on her journey, often times, she finds herself in thrilling scenarios where she is forced...

Management Skills and Organisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Management Skills and Organisation - Essay Example But not all persons learn well nor do they learn in the same way. In many cases there are barriers to learning that prevents effective transfer of knowledge, which can be social, economic, technical, or cognitive. This paper is a personal reflection on social barriers to learning. The importance of learning: In the context of this paper, learning is related to management and employment and not to university or school education. Hence education can be of a personal nature or a part of the organization (referred to as organizational learning). Learning on an individual level can be defined as â€Å"an exercise of constructing personal knowledge that requires the learner to be mentally active rather than passive; interpreting rather than recording information† (Maine Higher Education—Glossary 2007). Personally, I have another perception with regard to this topic. For me, learning is a lifelong process which can include both formal and informal approaches. As mentioned earlier, it is not always easy to keep updated because of certain socially constructed barriers. Another factor that signifies the need to learn is the concept of credential inflation which simply means the need for additional credentials in instances of equal qualification (Bills, p. 35). So, when I apply for a job, my architectural qualification alone may not be sufficient. I have to be proficient in communication skills, working in teams, cultural diversity, and any other skills that may be required by an employer. Apart from individual learning, an employee is required to be a part of the organizational learning as well. Argyris and Schon provide a simple concept of organizational learning which they define as â€Å"detection and correction of errors† (Dodgson, 1993, p. 52). Learning, according to them, can be single-looped or double-looped. The mere detection and correction of errors

Cyberbullying Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cyberbullying - Essay Example The website stopcyberbullying.org defines cyberbullying or online bullying as â€Å"when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones.†The site further states cyberbullying involves minors; otherwise, if adults are involved it is labeled as cyber-harassment or cyberstalking. There are several ways how a minor is cyberbullied. These include pretending to be someone else to trick the other person, spreading lies and rumors about the victim, deceiving people to provide personal information, sending cruel or malicious messages and posting pictures of the victims without their knowledge.2 There are a number of measures which can be done to prevent cyberbullying. â€Å"Education and awareness is the key. Parents and teachers need to understand the problem, and understand the technology.† Since it is next to i mpossible to limit the access of kids to electronic technologies, parents can purchase software programs which can monitor their children’s communications and the websites they visit. On the other hand, schools should educate their students regarding cyber ethics, discuss cyberbullying, advice students how to stay away from it and talk about its negative effects. Among the other institutions, it is the schools that play an important role in stopping and remedying cyberbullying. They should promulgate policies that will discipline students who engage in such acts, whether inside or outside the campus, especially if it adversely affects other kids in school. Schools, however, should be careful not to exceed their authority, lest they be sued. They should encourage their students to report to their teachers or other school authorities if they are victims or are aware of cyberbullying incidents. Schools can also provide pamphlets which could give advice on how to be â€Å"cyber- safe†, such as not sharing or posting personal information online; not divulging internet passwords with anyone except their parents; not personally meeting anyone whom they just know through the net and to always remember to talk to their parents on what activities they do online.4 As of February 2011, there are already 44 states that have cyberbullying laws according to the Cyberbullying Research Center.The Center goes on to specify that of these 44 states, six states specifically mention â€Å"cyberbullying† while 31 states specifically mention â€Å"electronic harassment†. These legislations are indeed a welcome improvement in the status of prevention of cyberbullying. In an article written by O’Neil, he suggested that it is difficult to pursue a civil or criminal case on cyberbullying because of the high standards that the Supreme Court has established for incitement.6 He pointed out further that although the Tort and Libel Laws are in place, they are inadequate to protect an individual from cyberbullying. I believe that legislation against cyberbullying have a long way to go. The state should not be reactive in introducing new laws against cyberbullying; rather it should be proactive and not wait for more tragedies to happen before it begins to act. Aside from government policies, the business sector also has a responsibility in barring cyberbullying.  

International Terrorism Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

International Terrorism - Coursework Example Iran, Syria and Libya are together considered to be the main backbone of Middle East terror (Charles, 1986a). And the Islamic fundamentalists, pro-Syrian nationalists and Palestinian extremists carry out the lead roles (Charles, 1986a). The objective of these groups is not peace with Israel but peace with no Israel (Charles, 1986a). Terrorism would outlive peace not only due to the Arab-Israeli dispute but for two other reasons of instability, war and murder (Charles, 1986b). The idea of anti-Western, anti-modern and anti-secularist movement in the Islamic world, specially Iran exhibits a serious threat (Charles, 1986b). The only way left for achieving some lasting peace in the Middle East is a steady, unwavering application of all forms of pressure against terrorists and their more easily found sponsors (Charles, 1986c). It calls for the use of every available means to hunt down today’s machine gunners and deter tomorrow’s (Charles, 1986c). Hezbollah, also known as Hizbullah or Hizballah is a religious organization whose only mission is to terrorize and assassinate non-Muslims, chiefly Americans and Jews (Hizballah, 2007). OPEC provides the financial backing to this millions of militants association founded and supervised by Shiite Islamic clerics in Iran (Hizballah, 2007). Islamic Jihad is a Hizballah alias whereas Hamas is a Hizballah ally (Hizballah, 2007). While Hezbollah’s objective like the Palestinian Islamic Jihad is the complete liberation of Mandate Palestine while Hamas are ready to accept a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza with Jerusalem as its capital (Hizballah, 2007). From a theological aspect, the literature and the statements of Hamas and Islamic Jihad do not talk about jihad as a religious concept to the same extent as that created by Hezbollah (Hizballah, 2007). While the marjiiyya (frame of reference) of Hamas follows the global Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamic Jihad is deeply influ enced by the marjiiyya of Iran, the

Analysis of Water Quality | Experiment

Analysis of Water Quality | Experiment Teri Reed Water in Crisis Abstract Water filtration methods were examined by using vinegar, oil and laundry detergent. These products were used to determine how well the purification process of water works. The color, smell and consistency changed during testing which allowed the transformation to be visual. Different types of water was tested using chemical strips that evaluated the contamination between them. The data suggested that bottled water was none the less better for drinking than tap water. Fresh water is essential for all living things and contaminated water must be treated before released into the water supply (Bottcher Rex, 2012). Introduction In this lab, the study of water quality was performed which is imperative to our environment as it safeguards and protects all living things. Certain criteria can support and identify problems that may cause incorrect treatment of wastewater from agricultural areas contaminated with sediment, fertilizers, and chemicals. Principles and standards are put into action to attain and protect water quality (EPA, 2012). Poor water quality can negatively affect ecological developments such as healthy rivers, plant life, wetlands, and animals. If the quality of our water systems is not maintained it will negatively impact the environment and influence commercial and recreational values (NSW, 2012). The main objective of these labs was to determine the effects of contaminated water and the impact it has on the quality of living things. By examining the effectiveness of the filtration process, it signified the importance of the quality of drinking water. In these experiments there were different types of water used, tap water and two different brands of bottled water. These lab also required the use of test strips that measured the variety of levels of chemical components within our drinking water (Bottcher Rex, 2012). In the first experiment, there were three hypotheses on how vinegar, oil and laundry detergent contaminated groundwater. The hypotheses for vinegar was if it was mixed with soil it would contaminate the ground water with the acidity, which can lead to dissolving lead or copper in plumbing. The hypotheses for oil was that it would contaminate the ground water and kill plants and wildlife. It is also flammable which would lead to fires. The hypotheses for laundry detergent was it would contaminate the ground water with perfume and dyes, which can get into the drinking water, and this would cause people to get very sick. In the second experiment, the hypothesis of filtration techniques would get rid of all contaminants from the water supply. In the third experiment, the hypotheses was that tap water would have the most contaminants, while both bottled water(s) would have the least amount of contaminants. Materials and Methods This first experiment was conducted to test the effects of groundwater contamination. This test was conducted with eight beakers filled with tap water. In beaker one it had10 ml of tap water, in beaker two 10ml of oil was added to tap water, in beaker three 10ml of vinegar was added to tap water, in beaker four 10ml of laundry detergent was added to tap water and then the smell, color and contents of the water was observed. Next a piece of cheesecloth was used to line the funnel and 60ml of soil was poured into the flue. The first beaker with tap water was poured into the soil allowing it to drain for one minute. Then beaker two vinegar water was poured over new soil, allowing it to drain for one minute. The next step was to pour the oil water from beaker three over new soil with a cheesecloth filter, allowing it to drain for one minute. Beaker four with laundry detergent was then drained in the same manner. Once all the contents were drained into the beakers, the results were examin ed. The next study was the water treatment experiment, and a 250 ml beaker was filled with 100 ml of soil and 200 ml of tap water. Then the mixture was poured back and forth between the two beakers allowing the contaminated water to mix thoroughly. To determine the difference in the water contents from the beginning of the process to the end, 10 ml of the mixture was separated into 100 ml beaker and set aside. In the next step 10 grams of alum was added to the mixture in the original beaker, and then stirred for 2 minutes. Then the contents settled for 15 minutes. In order to create the filtration system a cheesecloth lining sat in the base of the funnel, and then 40ml of sand, 20ml of activated charcoal and 60ml of gravel filled the flue to the top. Next the filtration process began by running clean tap water through the content four times and allowing it to drain. Next the contaminated mixture was poured into the filter, allowing it to drain into the clean beaker. After the water made its way through the filtration process, it was ready to be treated with a few drops of bleach. When the lab was complete, the two beakers were compared to see how much the filtration process cleaned the water free from particles and smells. In the final study drinking water quality, tap water, Dasani bottled water, and Fiji bottled water were all tested with chemical strips for contaminants. The test strips were used to check for Ammonia, Chloride, pH balance, total Alkalinity, total Chlorine, total hardness, Phosphate, and Iron. Three beakers were used and each filled with the water contents and then tested with the chemical strips. After all the strips were used and the results were recorded, the lab was complete. Results Experiment 1: Effects of Groundwater Contamination Figure 1. Experiment 2: Water Treatment Figure 2. Experiment 3: Drinking Water Quality Figure 3. Figure 4. Figure 5. Figure 6. Figure 7. Overall experiment 1 (Fig. 1) shows the results of vinegar, oil and laundry detergent with odors, dirty water, soil particles, and green / yellow water from the contaminants. When looking at Figure 1 the results of 1-8 are listed and it shows a significant difference between each observation. The results from experiment 2 (Fig.2) shows the filtration process is almost free of particles and odors. In experiment 3, (Fig. 3-7) the Ammonia and Chloride test results were 0 mg/L for all three water types. The 4 in 1 test strips showed a wide range of numbers, this may be caused by outside contamination. Phosphate test results shows a range of 0ppm, 10ppm, and 50ppm in table 5, and in table 6 the results from the tap water and Fiji ® Bottled Water was .15ppm and Dasani water was 0ppm. Discussion Based on the test results on the effects of contaminated ground water, the hypothesis was rejected because the oil stayed in the soil. The oil water was filtered through the soil using the funnel and cheesecloth. Once the water was filtered there was no visible oil particles. The hypothesis for vinegar was accepted based on the results from Table 1 where the vinegar seeped through the soil into the water. This test result showed that after the vinegar water was filtered through the soil using a cheesecloth, there was a certain smell of vinegar in the water. Finally, the hypothesis was accepted in experiment three, the laundry detergent seeped through the soil into the water and there was definitely a perfume odor with a soapy appearance. After the water was filtered through the soil using the funnel and cheesecloth, the water was soapy and had a noticeable smell of perfume. In the next experiment water treatment, the hypothesis was rejected because the water appeared to be less polluted with a lesser amount of odor. The water was filtered using a five step filtration process. The filter system was made with sand charcoal, and rocks. Tap water was filtered through the filtration system to clean the charcoal. The contaminated water was filtered. Lastly, there was a comparison of the contaminated water and treated water. The filtration method trapped soil and contaminated particles which allowed the odor to significantly decrease. When the bleach was added to the filtered water, the color of the contaminated water was darker than the filtered water and the odor in the soil was more robust than the contaminated water. In the final experiment drinking water quality, the hypothesis for tap water, Dasani water, and Fiji water was rejected. Based on the results from Tables 2-6, the three water samples were tested using chemical strips to determine if there was any Ammonia, Chloride, pH balance, total Alkalinity, total Chlorine, total hardness, Phosphate, and Iron present in the water examples. Tap water showed the least amounts of contaminates, Dasani water was mid range, and Fiji water had the highest number of existing contaminants. During the water quality experiment, it was important to study how the distribution of tap water traveled through the pipes. Although the tap water was run through a filtration system, it could become contaminated during the traveling process. Oxidization of pipes can cause pathogens to be present in water. Using high speed jets for cleaning can remove these types of contaminants from passing through the filtered water (Doelman, 2014). There are many other questions that can be asked about filters or a water filtration systems. There is Reverse Osmosis which seems like a multifaceted system when really it is a simple water filtration process. Reverse Osmosis is when water density forces molecules through a membrane which leaves contaminates behind and purified water is collected from a clean membrane. Any contaminated water is then flushed into a drain. Reverse Osmosis will remove salts and most inanimate materials. Reverse Osmosis will typically remove microscopic parasites, with th e exception of viruses. Although, reverse osmosis can be slower than a water filtration system, Reverse Osmosis will typically purify more water per day than most distillers (Kent Farahbakhsh, 2011). Conclusions In summary of water quality and contamination, it is critical to make consumers aware of the quality of tap water and bottled water and its contaminants. Three experiments were performed in this lab report, and although many of the hypotheses were accepted, it does show the amount of rejected claims. Doing these experiments allows the consumer to visualize how the filtration process works, and the effects of contamination on soil and groundwater. Further research should be done to prove accuracy and theories. References Bottcher, A., Rex, A. (2012). Environmental science student manual. Sheridan: eScience Labs. Doelman, J. D. (2014). Reducing fouling corrosion in pipelines. Pollution Engineering, 33-35. EPA. (2012, March 6). Why are water quality standards important. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from  http://water.epa.gov/scetech/swguidance/standards/imp.cfm Kent, F. C., Farahbakhsh, K. (2011). Addressing reverse osmosis fouling within water  reclamation-A side-by-side comparison of low-pressure membrane pretreatments.   Water Environment Research, 515-526. NSW. (2012, September 11). Water Quality. Retrieved from NSW Government:  Retrieved from  http:// www.environment.nsw.gov.au/water/waterqual.htm David Hume: Philosophy Analysis David Hume: Philosophy Analysis David Home was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in spring 1711. Hume originally studied law but then changed his mind and decided to focus only on philosophy and learning. He also had no interest in professors, saying there is nothing to be learnt from a Professor, which is not to be met with in Books. He traveled to France at age 23, and it was there that he wrote A Treatise of Human Nature, which is considered to be one of the most important books in Western philosophy. At the time of its publishing, though, it came under criticism for being unintelligible. It was then that he started writing The History of Great Britain. Shortly after, he wrote An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, which was more successful than the Treatise. He was convicted of heresy but because he was thought to be an atheist, he was considered to be outside the Churchs jurisdiction, so he got acquitted. Arguably, this is better than being hung. When Hume was a young boy attending the University of Edinburgh he devoured books written by Voet, Vinnius, Cicero and Virgil. David Hume was heavily influenced by both John Locke and George Berkeley. He was also influenced by French-speaking Pierre Bayle and many prominent figures on the English intellectual landscape such as Issac Newton, Samuel Clark, Francis Hutcheson, who served as his teacher, and Joseph Butler who provided him feedback on his first work. Hume belongs to the philosophical school of British Empiricism. Hume writes his Empiricism with a combination of both positive and negative aims. These aims are strongly cornered on the belief that simple ideas are combined to form complex ideas. The counter philosophical school during this time period were the Continental Rationalists. The British Empiricists put great value in experience whereas the Continental Rationalists worked to break down the views held during the Medieval Ages. Hume spent much of his time writing about religion, but it is difficult to discern his own religious views from the ones he writes about. He was living in a time where being an atheist could bring about harsh consequences in society. Hume never came out and declared himself an atheist and his writings showed nothing but ambiguity on the subject. In many of his writings he attacks many of the basic assumptions of religion and Christian beliefs, yet in other works he claims that, [t]he whole frame of nature bespeaks an intelligent author. It has been said by scholars that perhaps Hume was irreligious as opposed to atheist. Hume did not believe in the God of standard theismà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ but he did not rule out all concepts of deity. The first half of the eighteenth century in Scotland was fraught with civil discontent, which was expressed in the form of the 1715 and 1745 Jacobite uprisings. When Charles Stuart, the Young Pretender, was chased out of Scotland after trying to conquer Britain, the Scottish were placed under an even tighter British rein and denied by proscription their traditional garb in 1747. In regards to John Locke, Humes philosophy does not explicitly have God as its foundation. This is evident in the chapter Of Refinement in the Arts, in which Hume argues for the value, both to society and the individual, of proper pursuit of luxury and refinement. His theory is not clearly tied to any belief in a deity, but neither does it reject deity. He instead argues from the perspective of whether or not innocent luxury is beneficial, not taking God into account. This difference between Locke and Hume relates to their views on reason and empirical observation. Both philosophers were empiricists, arguing that we arrive at knowledge through sensation. Yet Locke also believes in a law of reason and that certain things can be understood through the exercise of reason. Hume, however, is generally considered anti-rational. He argues that reason consists simply in the prescription of actions based on our passions which are in turn derived from our morals. Thus, reason can prescribe how we should act, what means we should employ, but it cannot prescribe the ends we pursue through those actions. This is fundamentally different from Locke, whose theory of society and government is grounded in the objective laws of nature and God. Again, this fundamental difference is reflected in Of Refinement in the Arts. Whereas Locke argues for a law of reason that prescribes the correct actions of a society and government, Hume argues that the best laws cannot be arrived at except through reason that has been refined by exercise. In other words, knowledge of the art of government does not come from an objective, external law of nature or reason, or from God, but from subjective human experience. Thus, for Locke, the best government is derived from the law of reason and has as its purpose the protection of everyones natural right to life, liberty, and property. Liberty, to Locke, is a natural right that government exists to protect. For Hume, a government that protects liberty is established from a society that is properly cultivated and refined, so that the people have acquired wealth and therefore has the power and the incentive to protect themselves from tyranny through good laws. Liberty and laws that protect it, to Hu me, are secured by motivated people, not established by God or by the law of reason. Another difference can be perceived in their views of education. Locke argues that the point of education is to allow one to understand the laws of nature or of society, and therefore to exercise liberty under those laws; Hume sees education as a major influence in allowing one to pursue those things that bring pleasure and enjoyment. Humes philosophy of the pursuit of pleasure and enjoyment, as the major theme in Of Refinement in the Arts, bears some similarities to Lockes philosophy, but also some important differences. Both philosophies are individualistic but are derived from fundamentally different bases. Locke argues that individuals, by nature, have a right to life, liberty, and property, the protection of which is the purpose of government. Hume argues that individuals should pursue innocent luxury, not as a God-given right, but as something that is beneficial both to individuals and to society.

My Hobby of Fishing Essay examples -- Papers Personal Narrative Hobbie

My Hobby of Fishing One of my favorite hobbies is fishing. Some people regard this as a boring or an old man's sport, but I value it much more than that. If you have never experienced it, I think you are really missing something, and so you can't truly give your honest opinion on the sport. Humans have been captivated with the sea, and catching fish since the beginning of their existence, and the sport has, in many ways evolved hugely, and yet in many aspects has stayed exactly the same. The sport is unique compared to others, and I find it can be anything from a relaxing, to a very intense experience, and every time is different. I was introduced to fishing by my father when I was only 4 years old, and I have been hooked on it ever since. It is one of the few sports that's great for just socializing and friendships, as it breaks down the barriers we might have with one another. There are three main types of fishing; fly fishing, coarse fishing and sea fishing. I started with sea fishing off my uncle's speedboat in The Solent around places like the Needles, but none of us really had any idea what we were doing, and to catch even one fish seemed like a huge success. The first fish I ever caught was, quite surprisingly, a small bass when I was fishing with some bait on a hook just floating off the boat. There is something about catching fish which just gives you such an adrenalin burst and it becomes an addictive experience which you just want to try again and again. The good thing about sea fishing, though, is that most of what you catch you can eat and I find it a lot more enjoyable compared to say coarse fishing where you are... ...snapped free causing the boat to capsize suddenly and all three of us to go overboard. Another great thing about the sport, is that it is so easy to get into, with books, the Internet, tutors and lessons all available, and the gear is easy to get hold of as well, so if you have some spare time, I can seriously recommend taking up the hobby. You won't be disappointed. Text Box: On this occasion coming into the harbour, the seagulls surrounded the boat because of the fish we had onboard. It was just our luck that we caught a fish which came to the surface of the water at that time, and so a seagull dived for it, and we then had a seagull which woulnt let go of the fish so we had to reel them both in, and sea gulls can give quite a nasty nip. My uncle was also quite unnerved at being at the back of the boat with all of these birds flying over.