Wednesday, October 30, 2019

The reader Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The reader - Essay Example This is true with respect to The Reader as well. While the movie certainly deserves its acclaim, especially on its technical aspects, there are crucial differences between the two versions. This essay will argue that the movie The Reader fails to capture the central thrust and focus of the novel in terms of capturing the personalities and thoughts of Hanna and Michael in their entirety. As a result of this deviation, it would stand second to the novel in terms of its aesthetic and moral significance to the audience. When evaluating the novel, one has to see it in the context of the burgeoning body of holocaust literature that has been published in the last sixty years. Rather than dealing in dichotomies of good and evil in the characters of Hanna and Michael, Bernhard Schlink does present a nuanced view of the questions confronting an entire generation of Germans post holocaust. While the work of art provides an entry point for further exploration of the moral aspects of the holocaust, it is simultaneously a statement on the limitations of the written word to convey and elicit comprehensive responses. To the extent that this is an accepted fact, not just applicable to the lead characters of The Reader, but for the Novel in general, the author does a satisfactory job of perceiving and probing answers to these tough questions. In other words, the Bernhard Schlink novel succeeds in meeting its set objectives. This is further borne by the fact that the book was translated into 37 languages and incl uded in the curricula of several graduate courses. To take the above mentioned assessment a little deeper, let us take a specific example. Early in the narrative of the novel we come across this memorable piece of writing (the narrator is the young Michael Berg): â€Å"As she was reaching for the other stocking, she paused, turning towards the door, and

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Homeostatic Maintenance in the Human Body

Homeostatic Maintenance in the Human Body The structure and function of different systems Constancy of the internal environment and the relative stability of physico-chemical parameters in children are provided with the expressed prevalence of anabolic over catabolic processes of exchange. This is a prerequisite for growth and sets the childs body from the body of adults who intensity of metabolic processes in a state of dynamic equilibrium. In connection with this neuroendocrine regulation of homeostasis childs body is more intense than in adults. Each age period is characterized by specific features of homeostasis mechanisms and their regulation. (Marieb et al. 2007) Therefore, in children more often than adults, there are severe disturbances of homeostasis, often life-threatening. These disorders are often associated with immaturity of homeostatic functions of the kidneys, with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract or respiratory function of the lungs. (Bhagavan, 2002) The absolute increase in extracellular fluid volume lags behind the rise of the total weight, so the relative amount of the internal environment, expressed as a percentage of body weight, decreases with age. This dependence is particularly pronounced in the first year after birth. In older children, the relative rate of change of extracellular fluid volume decrease. The regulation system constant volume of fluid provides compensation for variations in the water balance in a fairly narrow range. The high degree of hydration of tissue in infants and young children determines significantly higher than in adults, the childs need water (per unit of body weight). Water loss or limit quickly leads to the development of dehydration due to the extracellular sector, i.e. internal environment. With kidneys the main executive body in the system volyumoregulyatsii do not provide water savings. (Marder and Bucher, 2001) Negative and positive feedback mechanisms in homeostasis The limiting factor is the regulation of renal tubular immaturity. The most important feature of the neuroendocrine control of homeostasis in infants and young children is relatively high secretion and renal excretion of aldosterone, which has a direct effect on the hydration of tissues and function of the renal tubules. Regulation of the osmotic pressure of blood plasma and extracellular fluid in children is limited. The osmolarity of the internal medium varies over a wide range ( ± 50 mOsm / l) than in adults ( ± 6 mOsm / l). This is due to the larger quantity of body surface per 1 kg of weight and, therefore, with more significant losses of water during respiration, as well as the immaturity of the renal mechanisms of urine concentration in children. Impaired homeostasis manifested giperosmosom especially common in neonates and children first months life in older age begins to dominate gipoosmos associated mainly with gastrointestinal disease or kidney disease. Less studied ion regulation of homeostasis, which is closely connected with the activity of the kidneys and the nature of power. Previously it was thought that the main factor determining the magnitude of the osmotic pressure of the extracellular fluid sodium concentration is, however, more recent studies have shown that a strong correlation between the content of sodium in the blood plasma and the magnitude total osmotic pressure in the pathology exists. (Leon and Russell, 2004) An exception is plasma hypertension. Consequently, holding homeostatic therapy by introducing glucose level solutions requires not only control over the content of sodium in serum or plasma, but also changes the total osmolarity of the extracellular fluid. Of great importance in the maintenance of the total osmotic pressure in the internal environment is the concentration of sugar and urea. (Bucher et al. 2003) Exchange of gases The contents of these osmotically active substances and their effect on the water-salt metabolism in many pathological conditions may rise sharply. Therefore, for any violations of homeostasis is necessary to determine the concentration of sugar and urea. By virtue of the foregoing, in young children in violation of water-salt and protein modes can develop latent state of hyper or gipoosmosa, hyperasotemia. (Postolache, 2005) Important indicator of homeostasis in children is the concentration of hydrogen ions in the blood and extracellular fluid. In the antenatal and early postnatal periods, regulation of acid-base balance is closely related to the degree of blood oxygen saturation, which is explained by the relative predominance of anaerobic glycolysis in bioenergetic processes. However, even moderate hypoxia in the fetus is accompanied by accumulation in its tissues of lactic acid. Furthermore, immaturity atsidogeneticheskoy renal function creates the preconditions for the development of physiological acidosis (shift of acid-base balance in the body in the direction of the relative increase in the amount of acid anions. (McEwen, 2003) Due to the nature of homeostasis in newborn disorders often arise, standing on the brink between physiological and pathological. Restructuring of the neuroendocrine system during adolescence (puberty) is also associated with changes in homeostasis. However, the functions of the executive organs (kidneys, lungs) reach in this age of maximum ripeness so severe disease syndromes or homeostasis are rare, but more often it is a compensated shifts in metabolism that can be found only with the biochemical study of blood. (Moal, 2007) The clinic for homeostasis parameters in children is necessary to investigate the following parameters: hematocrit, total osmotic pressure, the content of sodium, potassium, glucose, bicarbonate, and urea in the blood, and blood pH, p02 and pCO2. (Bucher et al. 2003) Oxygen transportation in the human body One and the same level of homeostatic variables at different ages is supported by various shifts in their regulatory systems. For example, the persistence of blood pressure at a young age is supported by a higher cardiac output and low total peripheral vascular resistance, and in elderly and senile due to higher total peripheral resistance and reduce the amount of cardiac output. Constancy during aging the most important physiological functions is supported in terms of reliability and reduces the reduction of the possible range of physiological changes homeostasis. (Goldstein, 2007) Retention of homeostasis in essential structural, functional and metabolic changes achieved by the fact that at the same time is not only fading, disturbance and degradation, but also the development of specific adaptive mechanisms. Essential in maintaining homeostasis in the process of aging are changing mechanisms of neurohumoral regulation, increasing tissue sensitivity to the action of hormones and neurotransmitters on the background weakening of nervous influence. (Bà ¼schges et al. 2004) During aging varies considerably heart function, pulmonary ventilation, gas exchange, renal function, secretion of digestive glands, the function of the endocrine glands, metabolism, etc. These changes can be characterized as gomeorezis regular trajectory (dynamic) changes in the metabolic rate and physiological functions of age in time. Progress value age-related changes are very important to characterize the process of human aging, to determine its biological age. (Goldstein, 2007) In elderly and senile age reduces overall potential adaptive mechanisms. Such a decrease in reliability mechanisms of homeostasis is one of the most important prerequisites for the development of pathological disorders in old age. Thus, homeostasis is an integral concept of functionally and morphologically combines cardiovascular system, respiratory system, renal system, water and electrolyte metabolism, acid-base balance. The amount of blood ejected by the heart in 1 min., Is the minute volume. However, the function of the cardiovascular system is not simply to maintain a given cardiac output and its distribution in the basin and changes in cardiac output in accordance with the dynamic needs of tissues in different situations. (Wyatt et al. 1999) Nutrient transportation in the human body Many surgical patients experience a sharp fall in cardiac output, which disrupts the delivery of oxygen to the tissues and can cause cell death, the body and even the whole body. Therefore, the assessment of the cardiovascular system should be taken into account only to the minute volume, but also the oxygen supply and the need for it. The normal function of the respiratory system is to maintain a constant level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in arterial blood in normal vascular resistance in the pulmonary circulation and normal energy expenditure on work of breathing. (Prinz et al. 2004) This system is closely linked with other systems, and especially cardiovascular. Function of the respiratory system includes ventilation, pulmonary circulation, and diffusion of gases through the alveolar-capillary membrane, transport of gases in blood and tissue respiration. Functions of the renal system: kidneys are the main organ, designed to preserve the constancy of physico-chemical conditions in the body. It includes: the regulation of water and electrolyte balance, maintain acid-base balance and removal from the body of metabolic products of protein and fat. (Parris, 2006) In the literature, it was noted that the development of ideas about the physiological mechanisms of regulation of movements over a long period of time determined by the reflex theory reigned supreme organization of the control functions of the brain. In the framework of these concepts were viewed as chain reflexes in which one end of the motor act (or part thereof) serves as a signal to start the next act (part). Anatomical structure of the body systems By analogy with the laws identified in experiments with conditional reflex conditioned behavior, it is believed that repeated re-execution of certain movements of the structure leads to the development of the stereotype a steady sequence of activation of the nerve centers that control muscle contractions, and to run the entire chain of sufficient initial start signal. (Bucher et al. 2005) The term motor stereotype explains well learned solidly conservative movements, their stability over time, but it is quite unsuitable to adequately reflect the variability of their characteristics, plasticity and adaptability to the changing conditions of execution. This led to the appearance in the domestic literature inherently contradictory term motor dynamic stereotype in which the definition of dynamic used as a synonym for changeable. (Pulver et al. 2005) In general, the above shall not affect the presentation of specific physiological mechanisms of regulation and the introduction of motion parameters proposed in this paper the concept of homeostasis motor functions can fill a number of gaps in the theory of conditioned reflex control motility. (Parris, 2006) Task 2 It is generally accepted that a significant contribution to the presentation of the principles and mechanisms of control of movements made à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹works NA Bernstein (1935, 1947, 1961, 1966). It is no exaggeration to say that it is ideas NA Bernstein last thirty years, determined the development of the theory of kinesiology. Considering the regulation of voluntary movements of man as the task of managing a complex kinematic system first opened N.A. Bernshteyn being coordinated activity as a process of overcoming the excessive number of degrees of freedom in the joints, musculoskeletal system conversion to a managed system. (Marder and Bucher, 2005) Based on the properties of a multilink system control object for the nervous system, NA Bernstein formulated the requirements for it as a system of control movements. Here it is appropriate to allocate only made à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹it into the physiology of movements crucial concepts and ideas, such as the purpose, activity, search, hierarchical, closed loop control and sensory feedback. Wide popularity of these concepts makes unnecessary disclosure of their contents. We note only that the greatest attention by students and followers NA Bernstein paid to the development of his ideas correctional governance at the expense of equally important concepts of programming movements. From our point of view, the concept of homeostasis motor functions not only contradicts the notion NA Bernstein, but significantly develops the least known part of his theory, as it is a programming activity of the brain is the basis of homeostasis of voluntary movements. (Parris, 2006) Based on the concepts of circular regulating movements in individual parameters (power, spatial, temporal) Gelfand and Tsetlin (1966) hypothesis was formulated neindividua-lysed control in complex systems, according to which the system of coordination of movements seen as having a set of relatively independent subsystems. The activities of each subsystem is constructed so that a minimum number of information coming from the external environment and from other subsystems (implement the principle of least interaction on which are the relations between the different levels of government). This hypothesis provided the impetus for the emergence of ideas about synergies maintain upright posture, breathing and other synergies. (Marder et al. 2005) In the study of the control functions of the brain NP Behterevoj (1966, 1967, 1971, 1974, 1980) formulated the concept of rigid and flexible links provide brain activity and minimize brain systems software. Hard links are characterized by stable and consistent reproduction. (Moal, 2007) Apparently, the idea of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹synergies, minimize the interaction between the levels of control of movements, rigid and flexible links functioning of brain structures are quite compatible with the concept of homeostasis of motor functions. Moreover, from our point of view, this is precisely the concept of getting a consistent explanation of many difficult questions for these theories. For example, from the concept of synergy can not deduce explanations organization control actions on motor neurons of the spinal cord segments that innervate the muscles together in synergy, and draw conclusions about the role of proprioceptive afferent in this process. (Parris, 2006) Studied model organized behavior of basic elements involved in the implementation of the motor act at the spinal level, allowed to come to the conclusion that in the process of change in muscle length and it stresses arising in numerous structures proprioceptive ties ring mechanism of homeostatic regulation are management activity of motoneurons that distributes action afferent signals so that changes in the activity of motoneurons pool contributed to the reduction of increased under the influence of external disturbances of the afferent input to the central unchanging background influences. (Bucher et al. 2006) Multiparametric autogenous regulation activity of motoneurons further enhances gomeostatiruyuschy effect because the individual ring structures take on other functions if you disable one of them, and under the joint action contribute to early achievement of motoneurons device pool to the external load in accordance with the chosen target regulation. (Moal, 2007) Maintain homeostasis of motor function at the spinal level serves more bright manifestation, if we consider the influence of muscle afferents in the group II spindle broad convergence of different muscles which one motoneuron and divergence on different muscles of one limb shown recently (Schomburg, Steffens, 1985). Consequently, the system static and dynamic y-motoneurons should be considered in terms of the organization of a coordinated contraction of various muscle groups during the execution of the movement. We believe that both motor neurons and interneurons segmental level are included as elements in the regulation of other rings like lockable on the spin-regional level and formed with the participation of suprasegmental structures. Each of these rings in the stationary state stabilizes the circulating flow in which the pulse modulation and the activity level of circulating streams in the associated rings of regulation. (Bucher et al. 2007) As shown, the actual regulatory ring at the segmental level does not provide for external perturbations on locomotion maintain the desired length and muscle tension. Adhering to the principle of hierarchical organization of the brain, the authors of numerous works in the center of consideration put notions of local neural circuits (but not rings) modules in which groups of nerve cells combined vertical links in a separate mini-speakers representing certain prize-Naki external signals (or images), the totality of which is incorporated in the tangential connections macro-column. (Moal, 2007) Some of the properties presented in the column of the macro signal are analyzed in parallel, and the same modules may be included in different brain distributed system. In different model representations of numerous connections between brain structural formations are not considered as rings regulation, the more capable homeostated circulating pulse flows in them. Communication process is still limited to considering only the direct connections from one block to another descending or ascending, afferent or efferent pathway. In a tough (if not to affect the development processes of the body and learning) neural structure interacting rings are continuous processes of self-education and functional decay under coming to elements of the structure of signals (pulse flows), which provides the necessary structure search traffic, leading to the implementation of a specific motor act , to achieve the objective reality. (McEwen, 2003) Multiple (leading to the formation of programs) to perform movements to perpetuate relations of interacting homeostatic regulation of the rings and their possible reuse as develop skills through the implementation of this movement long periods of time to solve the same problem. (Marder, 2007) Despite our attempts to identify the hard muscle synergy relations at runtime programmatically implemented driven to automatism movements, what is considered locomotion , we came to the conclusion that the individualized management of each of the muscle contraction, the relationship between the anatomical agonist activity vary from synergistic to antagonistic over the implementation of elementary driving cycles. (Postolache, 2005) We can assume that in the process of becoming the first sensorimotor skills are formed fairly stable ring structures that combine elements of sensory and motor distributed networks. Such association operating in the regulatory elements of the ring can make the structural basis of the program regulation of movements, providing homeostasis of them, keeping for each individual its characteristic handwriting. The interaction between the control circuits of the ring very rapidly and covers a range of transitions from completely blocking circulation pulsed flux in the ring to ignore modulating influences on impulses in the ring, if it is stabilized at large intensities. (Leon and Russell, 2004) References

Friday, October 25, 2019

If Time Could Be Saved In A [in a] Bottle :: Essays Papers

If Time Could Be Saved In A [in a] Bottle [Nice title -- I wish more students put more thought into their titles.] 1 Anyone who has much exposure to the geriatric population knows that some elderly people are very content with their lives. Even though their bodies may not possess the same physical capabilities that they did in youth, they are surrounded by an aura of contentment that almost make one envious of the inner peace reaped as compensation for a life lived to its fullest capacity. [SV Agr - 1] Given another chance at youth, they would not change the path their lives have taken. [The first two paragraphs could have been combined into one.] 2 There arc others who are bitter with the game that mother nature has played with them. They feel they have not been dealt a fair hand by fate and this is reflected in their manner both physically and spiritually. This is an accurate portrayal of the four friends in the short story written by Nathaniel Hawthorne entitled "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment." [Titles] As the theme of this story reveals, given a second chance at life, is it possible for a person to change their behavior. [The theme of a work should probably not be stated as a question, i.e., either the work suggests that people can change their behavior, or that they cannot. This essay, for example, goes on to suggest that they cannot (or at least that they do not).] 3 Each of the four friends had chosen a lifestyle in which they had temporarily basked in the glow of prosperity, only to lose everything that represents success and respect as a result of their behavior. The description of Dr Heidegger's study -- dim, old fashioned, covered with cobwebs and dust -- parallels the physical description provided by the narrator of the four friends that have gathered for the experiment. The strength of their bodies has faded and left them withered and wrinkled shells of their former selves. The dark, dank atmosphere of the study reflects their melancholy personalities. They are characterized as gray, decrepit, sapless, miserable creatures. Although the the four friends had the opportunity in life to create their own pleasant memories to recall, each of them chose a path in life that left them with no fond recollections.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Effective Teaching and Learning Environments Essay

This assignment will discuss effective teaching and learning environments. According to Brophy (2004) there are twelve principles contributing to effective teaching; a supportive classroom environment, the opportunity to learn, curricular alignment, establishing learning orientations, coherent content, thoughtful discourse, practice and application activities, scaffolding students, strategy teaching, co-operative learning, goal orientated assessment and achievement expectations. All these principles contribute to the active involvement of the student and attaining effective learning environments. For this assignment we will focus on three of the main principles and discuss its effectiveness in my own learning and influences it will have on my own teaching. Supportive learning environment Teachers modelling personal attributes such as approachability, friendliness, emotional maturity and sincerity towards individuals as well as learners create an environment of cohesiveness and support. Educational content can be developed to connect and build on students’ prior knowledge and experiences whilst also encouraging understanding of learning outcomes in a positive collaborative environment. As a tertiary student I find these qualities very encouraging in allowing me to pursue my education without fearing to contribute and asking questions without being chastised or frown upon. An example of a non-supportive environment was observed at a high school where a teacher humiliated a student for failing a math test. The teacher made the student stand in front of the class and then called him ‘stupid’ leaving the student distraught and traumatised. Needless to say this was an extremely negative experience and could have detrimental effects on the student or all the students’ motivation for learning. A supportive environment is one where the students can be interactive with the teacher, other peers and lesson content. A recent excursion to the Attadale foreshore with the aides of workbooks and precise teacher instructions allowed the students to engage and explore the lesson by utilising their senses and the natural environment. This effective teaching method succeeded in building and supporting group collaboration and expanding their knowledge. Opportunity to learn The opportunity to learn greatly depends on the how much time is spent on participating in lessons and learning activities. Being an effective teacher is to be prepared and organised, using allocated class time efficiently for accomplishing activities and achieving instructional goals. Teachers need to articulate clear expectations and a sense of purpose that can be processed easily by the students in regards to general behaviour and engagement especially during lessons. Teachers can give clear and consistent expectations through modelling or direct instructions. Effective teachers instruct strategies and procedures for students to manage their own learning, elaborating content allowing students to respond and form their own interpretations. An example observed in a classroom setting lead to unenthusiastic results. A student needed clarification of an assessment, the teacher had instructed the whole class although as an observer I noticed that not many students understood what was required. The teacher approached the one student and admonishes him with a â€Å"why don’t you know anything!† statement. The students in the class have since stopped asking clarifying questions and continue to struggle in their lessons. The learning opportunities for students in this setting were limited. A more positive approach to teaching is to allow all students at different abilities a chance e.g. a grade 5 class spelling test had the teacher separating students into small literacy groups according to their abilities. Attention was focused on the struggling students whilst the more capable students had clear instructional goals to work towards. Curricular alignment The curriculum components are used as assistance in creating constant instructions and learner outcomes from K-12. The curriculum has been designed to assist students in their attainment of knowledge, understanding, appreciation and life applications in preparation for students to participate in adult roles within society. Teachers need to instil appreciation for learning into students, the why and because of learning and knowing that there are good reasons for learning that leads to life applications where what they have learned can be used when needed in other contexts. When I was in high school (Brunei Darussalam) I was taught using textbooks and to memorize random information available in the texts. Assessments were based on the amount of information memorized. This type of learning was not productive to me or the local society as it did not allow for the development for curiosity beyond textbooks. Students were passive and were not permitted to query anything other than content of lesson. Information was not related to daily matters in life. The difference in the education system here is that teachers motivate and encourage analytical thinking with questions and guidance. I was found lacking in understanding curricular concepts involving thinking ‘beyond’ the textbook although the push to ‘think outside the box’ was something that I relearned and appreciated over time. Finally, although these three main ideas; a supportive classroom climate, opportunity to learn and circular alignment have been highlighted individually, each idea should be applied in conjunction with the other nine principles mentioned by Brophy for attaining effective teaching and learning environments. All twelve principles are meant to be aligned as a measure of assisting students in accomplishing intended curricular outcomes. These main ideas influence my teaching by motivating the creation of an understanding and cohesive classroom by modelling and being supportive to the personal, social and academic well being of all students; by being prepared and ensure that lesson plans are stimulating, challenging and that the diverse learning abilities of the students have been taken into account to further maximise their opportunities to learn; and with curriculum guidance be able to achieve specific outcomes geared towards students being able to function socially and adapt to the adult world.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Surviving the Spanish Conquest

Life before the arrival of the Spanish was very pleasant. My husband Maita and I, plus our two children, Tupac (our six year old son) and Urpi (our four year old daughter) all lived happily together in the city of Nazca. Maita was a high priest and I was an Acllyacona otherwise called a chosen woman. Together this made us very high in society. Being an acllyancona I served as a weaver. I prepared textiles of llama and alpaca cloth. This was an essential part of Inca life. As Incas, we used these textiles as payment for the warfare or as gifts to high classed people. Also I made the clothes/garments for the Sapa Inca and for ritual use. As an acllyancona, I had many advantages to society. I didn’t have to perform hard labour in the fields, which most Incas did and I always had enough food and clothing. But my pleasant life all changed when the Spanish arrived, it became very unpleasant. The Sapa Inca called Maita and many other high priests and priestesses to travel with him to Cuzco, to visit the Spanish intruders. Majority of Incas such as Maita and I, had not even seen the Spanish yet and did not know who they were. When Maita left to go to Cuzco that was the last time I ever saw him. The chasqui (messengers) told us that the Spanish killed nearly everyone there in the city of Cuzco and took Sapa Inca as hostage. I was so upset that Maita was dead. As the Sapa Inca was hostage, he offered a room full of gold for his release freely. He kept his word however the Spanish did not. They killed him, took the gold and fled. A little more then a year had passed and the Spanish apparently had not come back to our Incan Empire, until they appeared in my city. They appeared as strangers, protected by wearing full metal amour. They charged at us on huge animals, (which none of us had ever seen before) called horses. There was so many of them and each one of them was armed with gunpowder, guns and steel weapons. It was all very terrifying and I was so scared. The Spanish had absolutely no respect at all for our religion of worshiping the Sun. So they tried to change our religion to there religion of Christianity. Plus they let fire and destroyed buildings. Large numbers of people died, as 9 out of 10 Incas did. This was huge, because our Incan population suffered a dramatic and quick decline following contact. People died of different causes but all linked to the Spanish. Such as†¦ -The Spanish went on rampages through the city murdering chiefs, plus anyone they did not like. -Several people had no resistance to keep on living as we were treated very unfairly and died. -And the main cause of death was from disease, which the Spanish brought. I’m really angry at all these causes of deaths from the Spanish especially because unfortunately Urpi died from disease. I was petrified, of the Spanish but was not going to let Tupac and myself die because of them. I had a strong will to survive and to keep on living. Life after the conquest was very cruel and barbaric. The Spanish literally worked us to death. We were like slaves for them. All aspects of our culture were destroyed and the building materials were used to construct churches and cathedrals. There was destruction of everything which had given our life meaning and purpose. Now we were at the bottom of the Spanish empire, with a new language, religion, laws and way of life.