Zaman International School Newspaper Issue 18

Volume 2 Issue 18

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

“You’re going to reach the top with us.”

1 December 2004

NORODOM SIHANOUK OF CAMBODIA B

orn on 31 October 1922 in Phnom Penh Cambodia.

Years 1930 - 1940: Primary schooling at the François Baudoin Primary School [in Phnom Penh], the secondary schooling at the ChasseloupLaubat High School, in Saigon [South Vietnam].

April 1941: Elected King of Cambodia by the Council of the Crown, in Phnom Penh 1946 and 1948: Higher studies at the School of Application of the Cavalr y and Armoured Army in Saumur [France].

1952 - 1953: NORODOM SIHANOUK claims and obtains from France the complete independence of Cambodia.

April 1955: NORODOM SIHANOUK abdicates in favour of his father, His Majesty NORODOM SURAMARIT. King SURAMARIT grants to NORODOM SIHANOUK the rank of “Samdech” and the ZAMAN NEWSPAPER Zaman, Publisher Murat Tutumlu , Editor-in Chief Zulfi Erken, Editor at Large

Prepared by 11- A Zaman International School Newspaper dedicated to educating students and training journalists.

Published 2 times a month in Zaman International School.

Copyright 2003 by the Zaman International School.

All rights reserved.

No part of this periodical may be reproduced in print or electronically without the consent of The Zaman International School.

title of “Upayuvareach of Cambodia”.

N O R O D O M SIHANOUK founds the Sangkum Reastr Niyum [or in English the People's Socialist Community]. The Sangkum Reastr Niyum achieves a great victory at the legislative elections [82% of the people's suffrage] N O R O D O M S I H A N O U K b ecomes Prime Minister and, at the helm of the C a m b o d i a n people, works for the general development of Cambodia, in all the field of her national construction.

NORODOM SIHANOUK participates in the First Summit AfroAsian Conference of Bandung and proclaims the neutrality of Cambodia.

1956: In Brioni [F.S.R of Yugoslavia], NORODOM SIHANOUK signs with President JOSIP BROZ TITO, and immediately after President Gamal Abdel NASSER [United Arab Republic], President SOEKARNO [Indonesia] and Prime Minister Jawaharlal NEHRU [India], the Chart of the Movement of Non-aligned Countries.

Thus, he becomes the 5th CoFounder of this Movement.

1960: Upon the death of His M a j e s t y K i n g S U R A M A R I T, NORODOM SIHANOUK is elected unanimously by the members of the Khmer Parliament, Head of State of Cambodia. He continues, at the helm of the Cambodian people, his work of national construction.

1 December 2004

ZAMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

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GENERAL 1961: NORODOM SIHANOUK participates in the First Summit Conference of the Non-Aligned Countries, in Belgrade [Yugoslavia].

18 March 1970: NORODOM SIHANOUK, on an official visit to the Soviet Union, is the victim of a Coup d'Etat in Phnom Penh, a militar y putsch whose leaders are Lon Nol and Sirik Matak. The Khmer Republic of Lon Nol is declared in October 1970.

23 March 1970: N O R O D O M S I H A N O U K b ecomes President of the Cambodian Resistance [F.U.N.C. - National United Front of Cambodia]. In April 1970, in Canton [People's Republic of China], he initiates the S u m m i t C o n f e rence of the Indochinese peoples, in which take part the leaders of Cambodia [F.U.N.C.]; of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam [H.E. Prime Minister Pham Van Dong]; of the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam [H.E. President Nguyen Huu Tho] and of the Neo Lao Haksat [His Highness President Souphanouvong].

17 April 1975: The People's National Liberation Army of F.U.N.C. achieves, i n C a m b o d i a, a t o t a l v i c t o r y. T h e S t a t e o f “Democratic Kampuchea” is born. NORODOM SIHANOUK becomes the President. But, a year later [April 1976], he voluntarily resigns of his functions of Head of State of Democratic Kampuchea.

1982: NORODOM SIHANOUK becomes again President of Democratic Kampuchea.

1982 - 1990: NORODOM SIHANOUK is, at the same time,

Head of the Cambodian National Resistance [C.N.R.].

24 June 1991: NORODOM SIHANOUK obtains from the Leaders of the 4 Cambodian factions composing the SNC [Supreme National Council] of Cambodia a solemn declaration and acceptance of an

SIHANOUK quits the Presidency of Democratic Kampuchea and the C.N.R. to place himself above the Cambodian political f a c t i o n s a n d p a r t i e s. H e i s unanimously elected by the other 11 members of the Supreme National Council of Cambodia as the neutral

unlimited ceasefire in the whole of Cambodia and the cessation of acceptance of militar y assistance [arms, etc...] from foreign countries by the four Cambodian armies. Phnom Penh is chosen by the S.N.C. under the Presidency of NORODOM SIHANOUK as the official and permanent headquarters of the SNC and its Secretariat.

17 July 1991: NORODOM

President of this Council which is composed by the Party of H.E. Hun Sen [Government of the State of Cambodia, Phnom Pe n h ] ; a n d t h e Pa r t y N G C [National Government of Cambodia/Resistance], the NGC being a tripartite Coalition composed of the KPNLF of H.E. Son Sann, the PKD of H.E. Khieu Samphan and the FUNCINPEC of HRH Norodom Ranariddh.

14 November 1991: Triumphal

return of NORODOM SIHANOUK to Phnom Penh. After his return, the government of the State of Cambodia, whose Prime Minister is H.E. Hun Sen and the Pracheachon Party of Cambodia, whose President is H.E. Chea Sim; the KPNLF, whose President is H.E. Son Sann; FUNCINPEC, whose President is HRH Norodom Ranariddh and the Party of Democratic Kampuchea, whose President is H.E. Khieu Samphan, respectively declare officially and in writing that NORODOM SIHANOUK has never ceased to be the legal and legitimate Head of State of the whole of Cambod i a . C o n s e q u e n t l y, NORODOM SIHANOUK maintains and will maintain officially the title of Head of State of Cambodia until the Presidential elections of 1993, in Cambodia.

22 May 1993: NORODOM SIHANOUK, Head of State and President of the Supreme National Council of Cambodia, declares he completely support the General Elections organised and supervised by UNTAC and which should take place from 23 to 28 May 1993.

The new Constituent Assembly born of these elections adopts unanimously a resolution, dated 14 June 1993, fully rehabilitating NORODOM SIHANOUK, victim of the anti-Constitutional Putsch of 18 March 1970 and granting full powers to NORODOM SIHANOUK in his capacity of Head of State of Cambodia.

24 September 1993: NORODOM SIHANOUK solemnly promulgates the new Constitution of Cambodia, drafted by the Constitue n t A s s e m b l y. C a m b o d i a becomes an advanced Liberal Democracy and a Constitutional Monarchy whose King r e i g n s b u t d o e s n o t r u l e.

NORODOM SIHANOUK, with the support of the National Assembly and Government is elected, by t h e C o u n c i l o f t h e C r o w n, unanimously, King and Head of State for life of Cambodia.

Tola Monirith

1 December 2004

ZAMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

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CULTURE Cambodia's Water Festival

T

he Tonle Sap or "Great Lake" as it's called is more than just a body of water giving life to Cambodia and Southeast Asia.

The Tonle Sap represents a people's identity and way of life for the thousands of Cambodians who call the riverbanks home. These people float in boats that are both homes and businesses along the muddy waters day in and day out. And they give to the water as it gives to them.

The Tonle Sap is one of the most fish abundant lakes in the world and the silt deposits left behind by the annual floods have created fertile ground for agriculture. It's no surprise that one of Asia's greatest ancient civilizations developed near this lake and today much of Cambodia's livelihood still depends on its output. So dependent are Cambodians that the government vigorously enforces fishing bans from March to November. Many people depend on the Tonle Sap and its ebbs and flows to maintain life and everyone in Southeast Asia recognizes this fact of life.

Along the banks of the Tonle Sap, people have celebrated the river's gifts for centuries.

People celebrate its change of flow and welcome the swelling banks that bring in good fortune for families of fishermen. During the rainy season the Tonle Sap reverses direction, flooding the lake, increasing its size almost tenfold, making it the largest freshwater body in Southeast Asia. And the people along the banks of the Tonle Sap find good reason to celebrate their Great Lake and take joy in its natural changes. The Tonle Sap is the only waterway in the world that flows in opposite directions at different times of the year. Once an arm of the sea, the Tonle Sap is a true natural phenomenon.

One of the largest festivals of Cambodia revolves around the Tonle Sap. The three-day Water festival of the reversal of the waters of the Great Lake is celebrated in October or November depending on when the waters reverse and flow back into the Mekong River. Boat

races, the largest part of the festival, are held at the capital, Phnom Penh. Each village has the opportunity to join in the boat races and usually they do. The boats are usually dugout canoes with a prow and stern that curve upward. The boats are elaborately decorated and carved to represent the village.

including all the canoes takes place on the last day of the festival. The purpose of this race is to make the god of the river happy so that there will be many fish and the rice crop will be plentiful. The Water festival, while celebrating the reversal of the waters, also marks the beginning

of the year's fishing season.

Up to a million people from all walks of life and from all over the country flock to the banks of the Tonle Sap to watch the boat races and to celebrate the Tonle Sap. With the city filled to fullcapacity at this time, it's no surprise that it takes on a carnival

The prow is painted with a large air and feeling felt by everyone. eye like those that decorated Live concerts are held, food the war vessels of ancient times. stands are set up, and children and adults alike take rides on A boat can have as many as 40 ferris wheels to celebrate the joy; rowers. Pairs of boats race each at night, fireworks light up the sky other for the first two days. A race and people dance in the street.

People from the countr yside throughout Cambodia come to the festival, many traveling down the three rivers that run through the city. Some come to race their long, hand-carved boats.

Others come to see the three days of boat races and take part i n t h e f e s t i v i t i e s o r t o t a ke advantage of the many things for sale. This is Cambodia's version of Mardi Gras and many throughout the world look forward to attending just the same.

Just like at Mardi Gras, the crowds at the Water festival are huge. To contain thousands of festival-goers, police barricades stop motorized traffic, letting only bikes and people on foot through. Because it is a festival, school is canceled and many workers are off work. This large crowd of people fills the streets of the city within ten blocks of the Tonle Sap and the Royal Palace and the city explodes with excitement.

The Water festival also coincides with the full moon of the Buddhist calendar month of Kadeuk. The Cambodians believe that the full moon is a good omen which promises a bountiful harvest. On this night, people gather to give thanks to the moon and to pray f o r t h e u p c o m i n g s e a s o n.

Special food is prepared for this occasion that includes fruits, v e g e t a b l e s a n d A m b o k- a C a m b o d i a n s p e c i a l t y.

Worshippers light candles and burn incest while offerings are given. The chief priest lights the candles and as it drips on the banana leaves spread beneath the candles, predictions are made. Cambodians believe that the shape of the melted wax created on the leaves, predicts the har vest of the coming year. But whatever the prediction, it does not dampen the spirit of the Water festival and people excitedly look forward to the upcoming fishing season and giving thanks to the evernourishing waters of the Tonle Sap. Vaesna Lach

1 December 2004

ZAMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

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CULTURE

Brief History of Cambodia 1863: Cambodia comes under French Protectorate.

1941: 18-year-old Norodom Sihanouk crowned as king.

1946: French colonial administration abolishes absolute monarchy.

1953: Gained independence from France on 9 November.

1955: Abdication of Sihanouk in favor of his father Norodom S u r a m a r i t.

Sihanouk founds the Sangkum Reastr Niyum and wins all seats in the National Assembly.

1960: King Suramarit dies and Sihanouk declares himself Head of State.

1965: US d e p l o y s troops in Vietnam prompting Sihanouk to cut links with US. 1966: Right wing won election; Lon Nol elected Prime Minister.

1967: Left-wing demonstrations; Lon Nol toppled.

1969: Lon Nol becomes Prime Minister again.

1970: Lon Nol abolishes monarchy and overthrows Sihanouk in US-backed coup.

1972: Lon Nol becomes first President of the Khmer Republic.

1975: Khmer Rouge capture Phnom Penh on 17 April, begin to evacuate cities and towns.

Sihanouk made Head of State; border clashes with Vietnam in May. 1976: Cambodia renamed D e m o c r a t i c Ka m p u c h e a ; Sihanouk resigns; Khieu Samphan becomes Head of State, with Pol Pot as Prime Minister.

1977: Clashes with Vietnam escalate into a minor war in January.

1978: 120,000 Vietnamese troops invade on 25 December.

Khmer Rouge retreat westward to the jungles at the Thai border and maintain guerrilla warfare till the late 1990s.

1979: Vietnamese liberation of Phnom Penh on 7 January.

1981: Country renamed as the People's Republic of Kampuchea.

1982: Anti-Vietnamese coalition government-in-exile formed by

crowned King in September.

1996: Ieng Sary defects from the Khmer Rouge and is granted a royal pardon.

1997: Fighting breaks out between Hun Sen's and Ranariddh's troops in B a t t a m b a n g i n F e b r u a r y.

Demonstration led by Sam Rainsy attacked with grenade.

Hun Sen's motorcade is

Funcinpec (headed by Sihanouk), Khmer Rouge and K h m e r Pe o p l e ' s N a t i o n a l Liberation Front (headed by Son Sann). Sihanouk appointed President, Khieu Samphan as Vice-President and Son Sann, Prime Minister.

1984: Vietnam captures rebelheld territory along Thai border; Vietnamese settles in.

1989: Country renamed as the State of Cambodia. Last of Vietnamese troops leave in September. Escalation of civil war between troops of Hun Sen and the government-in-exile.

1 9 9 1 : Pa r i s Pe a c e A c c o r d signed on 23 October; Sihanouk returns to Phnom Penh on 14 November; deployment of UNTAC (United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia).

1993: Election held in May under the auspices of UNTAC; coalition government formed with two Prime Ministers (Hun Sen and Ranariddh). Sihanouk re-

attacked in May. Hun Sen ousts Ranariddh and Funcinpec from government in June.

1998: Pol Pot dies. Hun Sen becomes the sole Prime Minister in new election.

1999: Cambodia joins Asean.

2000: An US-based antiVietnamese group (Cambodian Freedom Fighters) attacks a television station, several military and government facilities in November but is easily crushed by government troops.

Ancient Beginnings Some archaeologists suggested that civilization started along the Mekong River and in the Mekong Delta around about 4000 BC, but there was not too much evidence to work on. In the third centur y AD, the kingdom of Funan ("Lunar Dynasty") was established. In the sixth century AD the Chenla ("Solar Dynasty") swallowed Funan but feuding within the royal family broke the

kingdom into two (the "Land Chenla" and the "Water Chenla") in the seventh century. Towards the end of the eighth century, the Water Chenla became a vassal of Java's Sailendra Dynasty. For the next hundred years the Javanese ruled the Khmers.

Famous Rulers In AD802, Jayavarman II, a Khmer prince born in Java, returned to Cambodia. He declared independence from the Javanese and founded the Angkor Kingdom. It was he who instituted the devaraja (godking) cult. Successive kings built bigger temples to perpetuate this myth. The greatest of these is t h e A n g k o r Wa t, b u i l t b y Sur yavarman II in the twelve century AD. It was also during the reign of Sur yavarman II that large parts of Thailand, South Vietnam, Laos and part of the Malay peninsula came under the influence and rule of the Khmer Kingdom. But the Angkorian Empire started to decline in the thirteenth century AD. In 1431, the Thai drove the Khmers out of Angkor and made Cambodia a vassal state.

Restless Centuries Over the next 500 years Cambodia endured many external invasions by the Thais and the Vietnamese, as well as internal conflicts. In 1863, King Norodom agreed to the e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f a Fr e n c h protectorate. He believed that France would provide military assistance against the Thais. He also hoped that they would help him to recover Battambang, Siem Reap and Sisophon, which the Thais had captured in the late 1600s. But the king was disappointed. However, in the early 1900s the French administration set about mapping the Cambodian borders for the first time in her history. In doing so, the French felt that the Thai should return the Northwestern provinces and put pressure on t h e T h a i s. F i n a l l y i n 1 9 0 7 , Battambang, Siem Reap and Sisophon were restored to the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Hoeu Chansathya

1 December 2004

ZAMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

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GENERAL

History of Hollywood

W

hen Spanish explorers first entered the area now known as Hollywood, Native Americans were living in the canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains. Before long, the Indians had been moved to missions and the land which Hollywood now occupies was divided in two by the Spanish Government. By the 1870s an agricultural community flourished in the area and crops ranging from hay and grain to subtropical bananas and pineapples were thriving. During the 1880s, the Ranchos were sub-divided. In 1886, H. H. Wilcox bought an area of Rancho La Brea that his wife then christened "Hollywood." Within a few years, Wilcox had devised a grid plan for his new community, paved Prospect Avenue (now

Hollywood Boulevard) for his main street and was selling large residential lots to wealthy Midwesterners looking to build homes so they could "winter in California. In 1911, the Nestor Company opened Hollywood's first film studio in an old tavern on the corner of Sunset and Gower.

Not long thereafter Cecil B. DeMille and D. W. Griffith began making movies in the areadrawn to the community for its open space and moderate climate.

Banks, restaurants, clubs and movie palaces sprang up, catering to the demands of the burgeoning film industry. Acres of agricultural land south of what-is-now Hollywood Boulevard were subdivided and developed as housing for the enormous numbers of workers that movie-making required.

High-rise commercial buildings began to spring up along

Hollywood Boulevardthree competing real-estate interests caused concentrations of d e v e l o p m e n t a t H i g h l a n d, Cahuenga, and at Vine. It wasn't long before nearly all the homes along the Boulevard were replaced by commercial buildings linking the three corners. Banks, restaurants, clubs and movie palaces sprang up, catering to the demands of the burgeoning film industry during t h e 1 9 2 0 s a n d 1 9 3 0 s. T h e architectural styles of the buildings were representative of those most popular between the World Wars. Banks were typically designed in the more formal Beaux Arts styles, The Hollywood Boulevard commercial and entertainment district is officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Hollywood has been anything but static, however, and after a few decades as the capital of film , the neighborhood changed again.

Although much of the studio work remained in Hollywood, many stars moved to Beverly Hills, and the elegant shops and restaurants left with them. In the 1960s, music recording studios and offices began moving to Hollywoodan offshoot of the nightclubs further west on Sunset Boulevard. Other businesses, however, continued to migrate to different parts of the city.

Hollywood today is a diverse, vital, and active community striving to preserve the elegant buildings from its past. Much of the movie industry remains in the area, although the neighborhood's outward appearance h a s c h a n g e d. I n 1 9 8 5 , t h e Hollywood Boulevard commercial and entertainment district was officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places protecting the neighborhood's important buildings and seeing to it that the significance of Hollywood's past would always be a part of its future.

The City of Hollywood The City of Hollywood is a mature and built-out community, where rapid population growth in the 1950s and 1960s has given way to a population that is stable in size but undergoing significant changes in its composition. The October 1997 issue of Money Magazine noted that Hollywood's demographics best represent what the United States will look like in the year 2022. Hollywood's racial diversity, cultural variety, and blend of the old and young are

where the country is headed.

Tw e n t y - s e v e n p e r c e n t o f Hollywood's residents are 55 or older; thirteen percent are 45 to 54; and thirty-one percent are 25 to 44. Hispanics make up seventeen percent; African Americans thirteen percent; Whites sixty-eight percent; and Asian Americans two percent of the population. Hollywood, the "City of the Future," is proud of its cultural and racial diversity.

A coastal city of over 130,000 residents located in Broward County, Hollywood is nestled between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. For t LauderdaleHollywood International Airport a b u t s t h e c i t y, w h i l e Po r t Everglades, the second busiest cruise por t in the world, is partially within its municipal boundaries. Interstate 95, the Florida Turnpike, Tri-County Commuter Rail, and two major railroads cut through the city in a north-south direction. Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami are less than t w e n t y - f i v e m i l e s a w a y, providing further opportunities for Hollywood residents and Hou sokhuch companies to have access to the global marketplace. The

region is served by a substantial post-secondary educational infrastructure, including Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, the University of Miami, a number of smaller private universities and colleges, and a community college system.

By the beginning of the 1960s, Hollywood had over 12,171 single family homes and 2,422 hotel units in addition to thousands of other housing structures. In 1964, the county's tallest cooperative officeapar tment building at the time, the eighteen-story Home Federal Tower, was constructed in downtown Hollywood. A spurt of growth during this decade resulted in an increase of the housing stock to 35,045 singlefamily residences with a similar increase in other accommodations. In the middle part of this decade, Hollywood's municipal boundaries continued to expand from its eastern border on the Atlantic Ocean to new areas of unincorporated Broward County to the west, north, and south. From a population of 22,978 in 1955, Hollywood grew to 35,237 in 1960, almost doubling to 67,500 in 1965, expanding to 106,873 by 1970, and finally reaching over 121,400 by 1975. During this period of explosive growth, Hollywood instituted a growth management program which revised land use controls in an effort to manage and improve the quality and quantity of development so that needed public improvements and services could be coordinated with the barely controllable population growth.

What is next for Hollywood?

While buildings and roads and infrastructure are important, the real future of Hollywood lies with its new generations that will mature to lead the City to even greater heights barely imaginable by Joseph Young in 1925. As impor tant as our history might be, the past is merely prologue to the future.

Hun Tola

1 December 2004

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ZAMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

EDUCATION

Festivals in Cambodia

T

here are many interesting c u l t u r a l c e r e m o n i e s a n d t r a d i t i o n a l r e l i g i o u s a n d festivals throughout the year.

They provide a great opportunity to participate in a centuries old tradition of Khmer society. Some of the major festivals and ceremonies are listed below including the dates for 2005.

Chinese New Year February 9, 2005 Although not an official p u b l i c h o l i d a y, t h e C h i n e s e N e w Ye a r i s widely celebrated, especially in Phnom Penh. Be prepared that almost all shops will be closed as the great majority of them are run by Chinese. No C h i n e s e festival would be complete w i t h o u t fireworks and this time of year is no

exception with many wealthy families organizing their own private displays whigh light up the skies for all to see.

Bonn Chaul Chhnam (Khmer New Year) April 14-15-16, 2005 Cambodian New Year goes on for three consecutive days. The date changes, ranging from the 12th to the 16th of April, according to the Lunar Calendar. The Cambodian people prepare new costumes, decorate their houses and put up the National flag for the festivities.

They offer food and desserts to their ancestral spirits through Buddhist prayers and play popular traditional games.

Generally the games are played in the grounds of a monastery; foreigners are also welcomed to join these fun games. join these fun games.

Bonn Chroat Preah Nongkoal May 26, 2005 The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is performed by King Meakh, who leads the yoke and plough, followed by a woman, Queen Me Hour, who sows seeds. After thrice circling the rice field, the procession stops at a chapel where Brahmins invoke the protection of the Gods.

The sacred cows are unharnessed and guided to seven silver trays c o n t a i n i n g r i c e, c o r n, bean, and other edibles.

Based on their choice, predictions are made for the coming year.

Bonn Pchum Ben October 2-34, 2005 S p i r i t s Commemora tion Festival is held for the spirits of the dead. Bonn Dak Ben is the offering of food to the monks at least for 15 days.On the 15th day

of the ceremony which is the full moon, called Bonn Phchum Ben, the collection of the bens (offerings) is taken, this year on October 3rd. During this celebration, if departed souls do not find their family making offerings at a wat, it is believed that the soul is cu rs e d an d wi l l bo th er t h e descendent throughout the year.

Independence Day 9 November 2005 The 9th of November 1953 is the date Cambodia achieved independence from France. The occasion is marked each year by a gala parade in front of the Royal Palace, which includes floats, marching bands and other spectacles highlighting the nation's achievements.

Water Festival November 15-16-17, 2005 Over this period a combination o f t h r e e c e r e m o n i e s t a ke s place: the Boat Race, the Moon Festival and Bonn Ork Om Bok (eat the flat rice). The biggest event is the boat race where thousands of people come from all over the country to participate and watch.

The event takes place on the Tonle Sap River when the current changes direction. The river begins to flow out of Tonle Sap Great Lake after the lake has assimilated a billion of cubic meters flood waters during the Rainy Season.

During this 3-days festival, there are impressive fireworks and Pratip (floating-light-art) displays at the end of each racing day.

Kress Sna Chan Nath

1 December 2004

ZAMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

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ENTERTAINMENT

Criss Cross Puzzle

Vann Chanmoly Min

1 December 2004

ZAMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

HEALTH

History and Ecology of Bacteria

B

acteria grow in a wide variety of habitats and conditions.

When most people think of bacteria, they think of diseasec a u s i n g o r g a n i s m s. W h i l e pathogenic bacteria are notorious for such diseases as c h o l e r a, t u b e r c u l o s i s, a n d gonorrhea, such diseasecausing species are a comparatively tiny fraction of the bacteria as a whole.

Bacteria are so widespread that it is possible only to make the most general statements about their life history and ecology.

They may be found on the tops of mountains, the bottom of the deepest oceans, in the guts of animals, and even in the frozen rocks and ice of Antarctica. One feature that has enabled them to spread so far, and last so long is their ability to go dormant for an extended period.

Bacteria have a wide range of envronmental and nutritive requirements.

Most bacteria may be placed into one of three groups based on their response to gaseous oxygen. Aerobic bacteria thrive in the presence of oxygen and require it for their continued growth and existence. Other bacteria are anaerobic, and cannot tolerate gaseous oxygen, such as those bacteria which live in deep underwater sediments, or those which cause bacterial food poisoning. The third group are the facultative a n a e r o b e s, w h i c h p r e f e r growing in the presence of oxygen, but can continue to grow without it.

Bacteria play important roles in the global ecosystem.

The ecosystem, both on land and in the water, depends heavily upon the activity of bacteria. The cycling of nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur is completed by their ceaseless labor.

Organic carbon, in the form of dead and rotting organisms, would quickly deplete the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere if not for the activity of decomposers. This may not sound too bad to you, but realize that without carbon dioxide, there would be no photosynthesis in plants, and no food. When organisms die, the carbon contained in their tissues becomes unavailable for most other living things.

Decomposition is the breakdown of these organisms, and the release of nutrients back into the environment, and is one of the most important roles of the bacteria.

The cycling of nitrogen is another important activity of bacteria. Plants rely on nitrogen from the soil for their health and growth, and cannot acquire it from the gaseous nitrogen in the atmosphere.

The primar y way in which nitrogen becomes available to them is through nitrogen fixation by bacteria. These bacteria convert gaseous nitrogen into nitrates or nitrites as part of their metabolism, and the resulting products are released into the environment.

Bacteria are often maligned as the causes of human and a n i m a l d i s e a s e. H o w e v e r, certain bacteria, the a c t i n o m y c e t e s, p r o d u c e antibiotics such as streptomycin and nocardicin; others live symbiotically in the guts of animals (including humans) or elsewhere in their bodies, or on the roots of certain plants, converting nitrogen into a usable form. Bacteria put the tang in yogurt and the sour in sourdough bread; bacteria help to break down dead organic matter; bacteria make up the base of the food web in many environments.

Murat Tutumlu

8

HIV / AIDS VIRUS

H

IV the most dangerous season as opposed to other virus of century. times of the year, and a higher risk of influenza-related death in HIV (human immunodeficiency HIV-infected people. Other virus) is the virus that causes AIDS studies have indicated that (Acquired Immune Deficiency influenza symptoms might be Syndrome). HIV kills or damages p r o l o n g e d a n d t h e r i s k o f influenzarelated complicat i o n s higher for certain HIVinfected people.

Vaccinatio n with a flu shot has b e e n shown to produce a n immune response against influenza vir uses in certain HIV Virus structure people infected

Influenza Virus cells in the body's immune system, gradually destroying the body's ability to fight infection and certain cancers. An estimated 850,000 to 950,000 people are infected with HIV in the United States.

Pe o p l e w i t h H I V / A I D S a r e considered at increased risk from serious influenza-related complications. Studies have shown an increased risk for heart- and lung-related hospitalizations in people infected with HIV during influenza

with HIV. Because influenza can result in serious illness, HIV-infected persons are recommended for vaccination. During the setting of the current vaccine shortage, people with HIV/AIDS are among the priority groups that should get flu shots this season. This fact sheet provides Questions & Answers to guide the administration of both flu shots and antiviral medications to people with HIV/AIDS.

Symo Tech