History of Womens Basketball in America (1891-Present)

History of Womens Basketball in America (1891-Present) Womens basketball began the year after the game was invented. The history of womens basketball success is a long one: collegiate and professional teams, intercollegiate competitions (and their critics) as well as the sad history of many failed attempts at professional leagues; womens basketball at the Olympics. Its all here in this timeline. 1891 James Naismith invented basket ball [sic] at a Massachusetts YMCA school 1892 first womens basketball team organized by Senda Berenson at Smith College, adapting Naismiths rules to emphasize cooperation, with three zones and six players on each team 1893 first womens college basketball game played at Smith College; no men were admitted to the game (March 21)womens basketball began at Iowa State College, Carleton College, Mount Holyoke College, and Sophie Newcomb College (Tulane) in New Orleans; each year more schools added womens basketball to their sports offerings for girls 1894 Senda Berenson published an article on womens basketball and its benefits in the Physical Education journal 1895 Basketball was being played at many womens colleges, including Vassar College, Bryn Mawr College, and Wellesley College Baer published rules for womens Basquette 1896 Bloomers introduced as a playing costume at Sophie Newbomb College, New OrleansStanford and the University of California at Berkeley played the first womens intercollegiate game; Stanford won, 2-1, and men were excluded, with women guarding the windows and doors to exclude menfirst known womens basketball game between two high schools was played in the Chicago area, with Chicago Austin High School against Oak Park High School 1899 Conference of Physical Training established a committee to form uniform rules for womens basket ball [sic]Stanford banned womens basketball from intercollegiate competition, as did the University of California 1901 University of California at Berkeley was given an outdoor basketball court for women by philanthropist Phoebe HearstSpalding issued womens basketball rules, edited by Senda Berenson, establishing 3 zones with 5-10 players per team; some teams used mens rules, some used Baers rules, and some used Spaldings/Berensons rules 1904 A Native American team played womens basketball at the St. Louis Worlds Fair, as an exhibition 1908 AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) took the position that women or girls should not play basketball in public 1914 The American Olympic Committee declared its opposition to the participation of women in the Olympics competition 1920s industrial leagues teams sponsored by companies for their workers were established in many parts of the country 1921 Jeux Olympiques Fà ©minines held in Monaco, an all-womens sports competition for sports excluded from the Olympics; sports included basketball, track and field; Britains team won the basketball event 1922 Jeux Olympiques Fà ©minines held, an all-womens sports competition for sports excluded from the Olympics; sports included basketball, track and field 1923 Jeux Olympiques Fà ©minines held, an all-womens sports competition for sports excluded from the Olympics; sports included basketball, track and fieldWomens Division of the National Amateur Athletic Federation (WDNAAF) held its first conference; over the next few years, it will take on womens extramural basketball and other sports as too competitive, working to get high schools, industrial leagues, and even churches to ban tournaments 1924 Olympics included womens basketball as an exhibition eventInternational Womens Sports Federation founded, hosted a womens event paralleling the Olympics, including basketball 1926 AAU held the first national tournament for womens basketball, with six teams participating 1927 AAU National Womens Basketball Tournament canceled under pressure from the WDNAAF; Sunoco Oilers (Dallas) declared AAU national champions 1928 Olympics included womens basketball as an exhibition eventAAU National Womens Basketball Tournament canceled for the second year under pressure from the WDNAAF; Sunoco Oilers (Dallas) declared AAU national champions (again) 1929 AAU selected the first AAU All-America teamAAU re-started national championship tournament; Sunoco Oilers won, defeating the Golden Cyclones; a beauty contest was part of the event 1930 AAU national championship included 28 teams; Sunoco Oilers won, defeating the Golden Cyclones 1930s Isadore Channels (of the Chicago Romas team) and Ora Mae Washington (of the Philadelphia Tribunes) starred in two rival black womens basketball barnstorming teams; both women were also American Tennis Association title winnersWDNAAF continued to pressure states to ban womens basketball tournaments, with success in many states 1931 Golden Cyclones won AAU Championship, led by Babe Didrikson 1938 three zones reduced to two in womens competition 1940s during World War II, competition and recreation basketball was common; relocation centers for Japanese Americans, for instance, included regularly scheduled womens basketball games 1953 international competition in womens basketball was reorganized 1955 first Pan-American Games included womens basketball; USA won the gold medal 1969 Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (ICAW) held an invitational basketball tournament, the first national tournament not including AAU teams; West Chester State won the championshipwomens basketball was included in the Paralympics 1970 five player full court game adopted for womens basketball 1972 Title IX enacted, requiring federally-funded schools to fund womens sports equitably, including teams, scholarships, recruitment, and media coverageAssociation for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) held the first national intercollegiate championship in basketball; Immaculata defeated West ChesterAAU established national basketball tournaments for girls younger than college age 1973 college scholarships offered to female athletes for the first timeAmateur Basketball Association of the United States (ABAUSA) established, replacing AAU 1974 US Olympic Committee recognized the ABAUSABillie Jean King founded the Womens Sports Foundation, to promote sports and physical activity among girls 1976 womens basketball became an Olympic sport; the Soviet team won the gold, USA won the silver 1978 Wade Trophy established to honor a top collegiate player; first awarded to Carol BlazejowskiBill Byrne founded the 8-team Womens Basketball League (WBL) 1979 WBL expanded to 14 teams 1980 Ladies Professional Basketball Association founded with six teams; played for less than a month before failingfirst USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year Award went to Carol BlazejowskiOlympics held but many nations boycotted, led by the USA 1981 WBL played its last seasonWomens Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) beginsNCAA announced womens basketball tournaments; AIAW filed an antitrust suit in oppositionfinal AIAW tournament held; AIAW dropped the lawsuit against the NCAA and disbandedfirst NCAA womens basketball Final Four championship held 1984 Olympics womens basketball event won by USA team, with the USSR and some other nations boycottingWomens American Basketball Association (WABA) formed, with six teams; it was, like most of the womens professional basketball leagues, short-lived Lynette Woodard  began playing with the Harlem Globetrotters, the first woman to play with that team 1985 Senda Berenson Abbott, L. Margaret Wade, and Bertha F. Teague were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the first women to be so honored 1986 National Womens Basketball Association (NWBA) founded; folded the same season 1987 Naismith Hall of Fame initiated Female High School Player of the Year award 1988 Olympics womens basketball event won by USA team 1990 Pat Summit was the first woman to be awarded the John Bunn Award by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 1991 WBL disbandedLiberty Basketball Association (LBA) founded, and lasted one game, broadcast on ESPN 1992 Howard University womens basketball coach became the first woman to win monetary damages under Title IX, for discriminationNera White, who played with the Nashville Business College team, and Lusia (Lucy) Harris (Harris-Stewart) were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 1993 Womens Basketball Association (WBA) foundedAnn Meyers and Ulyana Semjonova inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 1994 Carol Blazejowski inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 1995 Womens Basketball Association (WBA) failedAmerican Basketball League (ABL) founded with ten teamsplayers Anne Donovan and Cheryl Miller inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 1996 NBA established the WNBA with eight teams; Sheryl Swoopes was the first player signed by the WNBANancy Lieberman inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 1997 first WNBA game playedWNBA added two more teamsplayers Joan Crawford and Denise Curry inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 1998 ABL failedWNBA expanded by two teams 1999 Womens Basketball Hall of Fame opened with 25 inducteesWNBA expanded by four teams for the 2000 season 2000 Olympics held in Sydney, Australia; USA team won gold medal; Teresa Edwards became the first basketball player to play on five consecutive Olympic teams and win five Olympic medalsNational Womens Basketball Professional League (NWBL) foundedPat Head Summitt (coach) inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 2002 Sandra Kay Yow (coach) inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of FameAshley McElhiney became the first woman head coach for a mens professional basketball team (ABA, Nashville Rhythm); she resigned in 2005 with a 21-10 record 2004 Lynette Woodard  inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 2005 Hortencia Marcari and Sue Gunter (LSU coach) inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 2006 WNBA celebrated its 10th year by announcing an All-Decade Team, selected by fans, media, and current players and coaches. 2008 Cathy Rush inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of FameSigning a 7-day WNBA contract, Nancy Lieberman returned to play in a single game

Free Essays on Watson Vs Freud

Psychology is a huge science area with many variations on approach. Over many years Psychologists such as Freud, Skinner, Rogers and Watson, just to name a few, have contributed, providing us with invaluable tools to evaluate and treat mental illness, understand and treat phobias and indeed provide us with a window into the unconscious mind. In particular, two areas of study have intrigued me, so I believe it would be useful to compare and contrast these two very different approaches. Not only will I compare the methods of research used but also will note any similarities or differences they may have and indeed the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. My chosen approaches to evaluate are Behaviourist V Psychoanalytic. In 1913 John Watson published ‘ Psychology as the behaviourist view it’, in it he outlined his new ideas. These ideas were considered ‘new’ because Watson disagreed with Freud’s view of human behaviour; he dismissed it as ‘ philosophical to the point of mysticism’ (Watson 1913, citied by Christopher D. Green, York University). Watson also dismissed heredity as an important factor in human behaviour shaping. Watson stated that ‘The traditional methods of animal psychology are indeed the true method of scientific psychology’. (Watson 1913, citied by Christopher D. Green, York University). In this article Watson said ‘ The time seems to have come when psychology must discard all reference to consciousness; when it need no longer delude itself into thinking that it is making mental states the object of observation ’ (‘Psychology as the behaviourist views it’ John Watson, Psychological review, 1913}. By saying this Watson meant that Freud and other Psychoanalysts could not prove their theories and therefore were not scientific. Also they studied abnormal patients (mental patients) so therefore they could not have a true picture. This publication did in fact establish ‘a new school of... Free Essays on Watson Vs Freud Free Essays on Watson Vs Freud Psychology is a huge science area with many variations on approach. Over many years Psychologists such as Freud, Skinner, Rogers and Watson, just to name a few, have contributed, providing us with invaluable tools to evaluate and treat mental illness, understand and treat phobias and indeed provide us with a window into the unconscious mind. In particular, two areas of study have intrigued me, so I believe it would be useful to compare and contrast these two very different approaches. Not only will I compare the methods of research used but also will note any similarities or differences they may have and indeed the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. My chosen approaches to evaluate are Behaviourist V Psychoanalytic. In 1913 John Watson published ‘ Psychology as the behaviourist view it’, in it he outlined his new ideas. These ideas were considered ‘new’ because Watson disagreed with Freud’s view of human behaviour; he dismissed it as ‘ philosophical to the point of mysticism’ (Watson 1913, citied by Christopher D. Green, York University). Watson also dismissed heredity as an important factor in human behaviour shaping. Watson stated that ‘The traditional methods of animal psychology are indeed the true method of scientific psychology’. (Watson 1913, citied by Christopher D. Green, York University). In this article Watson said ‘ The time seems to have come when psychology must discard all reference to consciousness; when it need no longer delude itself into thinking that it is making mental states the object of observation ’ (‘Psychology as the behaviourist views it’ John Watson, Psychological review, 1913}. By saying this Watson meant that Freud and other Psychoanalysts could not prove their theories and therefore were not scientific. Also they studied abnormal patients (mental patients) so therefore they could not have a true picture. This publication did in fact establish ‘a new school of...

Restaurants should have to display their nutritional content on their Essay

Restaurants should have to display their nutritional content on their menus - Essay Example Government assistance is called upon to ensure all the stakeholders in this sector have compliant in totality as this will help the population which is time caught up to have an easy time by having to take balanced diets just at a look of the menus. We believe that this report offers the best recommendations which will see a positive overhaul in the fast food sector of these chain restaurants. This will go along way into leaving with the mission and vision of a healthy society under the basis of preventive and not curative measures. On any queries where you need clarification you can always contact our office which is open for you. We believe together we can achieve incredibly. This report is mainly a consumer initiated to determine whether the value of the money they use in buying foods from the chain restaurant is worth what they finally get. The report aims mainly at giving some justifications which goes a long way in ensuring that all the leading chain restaurants do give the nutritional value of the food they are selling on the menus. This is a direct implication the client will have a sole decision as to which kind of food he should eat. The justification once ready they are submitted to the Food and Drug association for implementation. The report involves a scrutiny on all the chain restaurants businesses which have over 20 branches nationwide. This is with a firm believe that these restaurants have the greatest share of the food market in the united states of America and taking control of the food industry at their level is managing what the Americans eat. This has been propelled by the fact that modern people want easy readymade food for take away. Small restaurants have not been left out but they were also checked to find out the efforts they were inputting in seeing the dream of safe food for all come true. Several methods where put in place to see that the whole

Addiction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Addiction - Essay Example Supporters of this model feel that drug abuse is a crime which should be heavily punishable as the individual who chooses to do drugs, does so by his own free will (Rose, 2010). According to the disease model of addiction, drug addiction can be seen as a progressive disease which is irreversible and unique in nature. The supporters of this model can be seem to be of the view that addiction and alcoholism is some thing that cannot be cured. However, they do argue that a limit can be placed onto such activities by making the addict stay away from the drug or substance that he is addicted to. The psychological model of addiction on the other hand argues that being dependent on drugs and other substances comes from having abnormalities or certain negative characteristics in the nature of the addict himself. Supporters of this view argue that such druggies are owners of what is referred to as an â€Å"addictive personality†, having no control over their own wishes and their personality, having extremely low self esteem and being unable to cope up with tension and stress (Society for the Study of Addiction to Alcohol and Other Drugs,

McDonalds Essay Example for Free

McDonalds Essay McDonalds is the world’s largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants. McDonalds and its franchises operated more than 33,000 McDonald’s restaurants in 118 countries and serve 64 million customers each day. The company also operates other restaurant brands, such as Piles Cafe. McDonalds is the largest food service company in the world. In 2010, the annual total revenues are 24,075 millions. It is also one of biggest employers in the United States, with over 1. 7 million workers (our company). Only fifteen to twenty per cent of the restaurants are actually company-owned. The rest are franchises, run by 2,659 independent owners who pay a fee of between $400,000 and $700,000 for a franchise. McDonalds licensing department handles the fee structure on a case by case basis, and there are a wide variety of license fees determined by property and equipment costs. A skilled franchisee can earn a sex-figure income from a single restaurant; most own two or more restaurants (report). The following part will focus on the international factors affect on the McDonald’s company. International factor is an external environment. It refers to the characteristics of the environment that are particular to cross-border operations which included economic cycles, competitive and entrepreneurial cultures (book). McDonald’s is a large international company. It’s restaurant distributed around the world. Thus, there are many factors that McDonald’s need to consider. Such as how to meet different countries’ customers’ need. Because of different country’s customers have different culture, habit and different taste of food. The other one is how to gain competitive advantage form local restaurant. There are many fast food service companies in the world for example Burger King and KFC, especially Burger King. Burger King is also a big international company with lots of stores around the world. It’s a great competitor for the McDonald’s (Product positioning). One thing that McDonald’s do to meet customers’ need and gain competitive advantage is customization. Even though McDonald’s is centred on a core formula for its restaurants and food products, it has to have some customization to meet different country’s customers’ need. For instance, alcohol is only available in McDonald’s restaurants in some countries but not in others. Basic on different country’s culture and eating habits, McDonald’s also developed different types of burger to serves different country’s customers. Such as The Teriyaki McBurger, a sausage patty on a bun with teriyaki sauce, sold in Japan (Global and transnational business: strategy and management. George Stonehouse, David Campbell). McDonald’s also uses high quality of food and service to catch customers and gain competitive advantage. As Jim Skinner, Vice Chairman and CEO of McDonald’s, said, â€Å"running better restaurants is McDonald’s number one priority. We will improve operation excellence around the world through new technology, better training, and service enhancements† (report). Training is an important tool for companies to achieve satisfaction and sustaining competitive advantage. Employee training at McDonalds is highly structured. New workers are first taken through the basic Crew Training System. Which is an on-the job- training and is largely vocational. After this process, workers will enter into a new training program, with the skills becoming more complex and generalized. The second level of training begins with a one-hour orientation on the company. Workers will watch a video and read step by step manuals at training room. The video and manuals included every detail of the operation such as how to make burgers, shake. Each restaurant has its own training room. Trainers use a series of checklists, Station Observation Checklist to evaluate new crew members’ performance. For a crew member, the training is over. But once a crew has been promoted to swing manager, he or she will continue to receive training which called management development program. It included teaching technical and functional management skill for employees at the swing manager level. There are four steps in this program. First one is Basic operations Course which covers fundamental restaurant openings. The next is Basic Management Curse which teaches leaderships, time planning, and crew recognition. Then is operations Course, students are trained on crew recruitment and retention, store leadership and decision-making. The last part in this process is Regional Equipment Course. Once employees finished this training and become assistant managed, he or she is eligible to get into Hamburger University, the company’s world wide training center for management personnel. About 2,500 managers and potential franchisees studied here. The course included enhancing communication, interpersonal and human relations skills. All McDonald’s managers are required to receive training from Hamburger University at least once every 5 years to enhance their skills. Training is seen as a core aspect in McDonald’s daily operations. Because of training is one of the important means to achieve standardization. By training employees, company can gain lots of advantages. It can increase company’s productivity, reduce staff turnover and improve service quality (). Each and every one of these customers deserved great services from the moment they approach the counter or drive-thru window until they leave the restaurants. We depend on the employees in the restaurant, whether employed by independent franchises or by McDonalds Corporation, to provide a fast friendly and courteous experience to all guests so they will visit us again and again. Thats why McDonalds Independent Franchisees and McDonalds Corporation look for individuals who like to have fun while delivering fast accurate and friendly service. If you are interested in becoming a part of a McDonalds Team, here are some of the duties that could be required of you: 1. On Time, Neat and Clean: Our crewmembers are expected to report work on time, neat and clean. 2. Wash Your Hands: the most important thing crewmembers so to help make sure our customers receive safe food is to wash their hands often.  3.  Skills and Training: Training will provide you with the skills you will need to perform your job. 4. Standards: Crewmembers follow standard operational procedures so customers always receive exceptional quality service. 5. Teamwork: Our crewmembers rely on teamwork and high energy to get the job done. 6. Clean Spotless Tidy sparking. Our customers expect every McDonalds will be clean. 7. Welcomed Guest: Our crewmembers make each customer feel like a welcomed guest. 8. Service: We depend on our crewmembers to deliver fast, accurate and friendly service with a smile.

How Capital Punishment Works In The United States :: essays research papers fc

One would define capital punishment as the penalty of death for violating a law. Roughly half the nations of the world utilize the death penalty, while the rest eliminated its use. The United States, an industrialized nation, breaks the pattern that only developing countries retain capital punishment ("Capital" Encarta 1). The United States uses five techniques for execution: hanging, firing squad, lethal gas, electrocution, and lethal injection (Snell 16). Of these methods, each result in death for the prisoner in distinct ways. Before hanging, application of a measuring process, based on weight, yields 1260 foot- pounds of force to the condemned person's neck (Bobit 5). Blindfolded (McCuen 19), the convict stands with a noosed rope or cord ("Hanging" Encarta 1) around their neck, behind the left ear (Bobit 5). Positioned upon a trap door (McCuen 19) of a gallows, a frame with a crosspiece, the criminal anticipates the sudden drop. Death can result from compression of the windpipe, obstruction of blood flow, rupture of nerve structures in the neck ("Hanging" Encarta 1), severing of the spinal cord from the brain by dislocating the third and fourth cervical vertebrae, or by asphyxiation. But if not properly performed, strangulation, obstructed blood flow, or even beheading could occur (Bobit 5). In the United States, only three executions by this manner took place, as of 1996, since 1977 (Snell 16). From 1977 to 1996, the firing squad killed two prisoners (Snell 16). If shot at the head from close range, death occurs almost immediately, for "the bullet penetrates the medulla, which contains the vital respirator and cardiac centers, among others" (McCuen 20). Generally, a team of five executioners take aim at the captive's chest. Some rifles contain a blank so they don't know who really killed the convict (Bobit 4). With the several shots fired at once, death comes abruptly. Known as cavitation, the heat released from the bullets evaporate tissues and water in the body, leaving a large empty space. "When the bullet has passed through, the cavity collapses, and sucks in dead tissue and contaminated air" (McCuen 21). Since 1924, when first used in Nevada, execution of thirty one convicts by the means of lethal gas occurred (Bobit 3). Strapping the prisoner into a chair inside an airtight chamber takes place first. Then, by pressing a lever outside, either sulfuric (McCuen 24) or hydrochloric acid flows into a pan. Upon pressing another lever, either potassium cyanide or sodium cyanide crystals fall into the acid. This mixture creates poisonous fumes, which end life within six to eighteen minutes (Bobit 3). If the prisoner takes deep breaths, death advances briskly and with little suffering ("Gas" Britannica 1). But if the captive resists

Analyzing Carson’s Work

Literary works document history. Each piece of literature can tell the readers something about the past – it may be events, ideologies, or stories of people. As a reflection of thoughts however, these literary pieces often do not relay accurate events. Rather, such works only provide vague interpretations of the authors. In this paper, the researcher will try to analyze the poem â€Å"Belfast Confetti† of Ciaran Carson of Northern Ireland.By analyzing the events which probably inspired the creation of the poem, this paper will serve as a historical criticism of the award-winning piece.The title, â€Å"Belfast Confetti† is not one which Carson creates imaginatively. Rather, it is a common slang term used to refer to the easy-grip collection of debris often used by rioters during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The Troubles was the period of conflict that roughly began during the 1960s and seemingly ended in 1998 through the Belfast Agreement. It was considered a s a period of conflict that resulted from the political conflict between the catholic/nationalist minority and the protestant/unionist majority. The worse of these years were from 1970 to 1972, when almost five hundred people died.Most of these killings took place in Belfast, the city where Carson was born, and lived his whole life. (English) Other the common slang term, the word â€Å"Confetti† in the title can be interpreted in a number of ways. It can be regarded as the collection of screws, nails, bolts, and other sharp objects used as shrapnel for IRA bombs. (English) If coupled with imagination, the term â€Å"confetti† can bring the reader right into bombing scene, where one can witness the â€Å"confetti† of various fatal elements dropping from midair.Also, â€Å"confetti† can suggest a feeling of confusion and disorder embracing the mind of the author as he took himself right into the hostile hotspots of Belfast. As noted by Mahony, â€Å"Belfas t confetti uses three quite different image patterns, all conveyed as being disrupted, to try to recreate for the reader in a linear fashion, the very non-linear experience of living through a bombing. † (Mahony) â€Å"Suddenly as the riot squad moved in, it was raining exclamation marks† (Belfast Confetti, copied from BBC)The situation depicts a usual day during the period of the Troubles when riots were common day-to-day events. According to Carson, each time the riot squad moves in, that meant that it was time for a â€Å"raining† of â€Å"exclamation marks†. Raining is often used to imply â€Å"a multitude of† or â€Å"plenty of†. As for the â€Å"exclamation marks†, such can be interpreted following the actual purpose of using the said punctuation mark – signifying strong emotions during the onset of violence. Thus, Carson notes that when riot squads come, then a variety of strong emotions set in the people of Belfast.This variety may refer to mixture of revolutionizing and insistent emotions of the squads, distrustful and aggressive reactions of the military, and apprehensive and distraught feelings of the civilians. â€Å"Nuts, bolts, nails, car-keys. A fount of broken type. And the explosion. Itself – an askerisk on the map. This hyphenated line, a burst of rapid fire†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Belfast Confetti, copied from BBC) The description of diverse emotions is then followed by a seeming narrative of what actual takes place during Belfast’s destructive era.Through these lines, Carson takes the readers again in a picturesque gallery of memories where the rioters throw in the cocktail of â€Å"nuts, bolts, nails, car-keys† and the air fills up with fountain-like debris (â€Å"a fount of broken type†) much like what happens when an active volcano spews dust, smoke, and stones up in the sky. In response to the noted revolutionary action is an explosion – which then leaves awkward marks on the city’s map as it inevitably eradicates social structures. In writing, asterisks are often used to indicate anonymity – to conceal, taking the place of letters within a word.Carson then uses the word â€Å"asterisk† to describe what explosions often did to Belfast before – destroying its structures and people into obscurity. As noted by Mahony, â€Å"Carson tries to project a debris-strewn labyrinth where once there was order. † (Mahony) Carson also uses the phrase â€Å"hyphenated line† to describe the â€Å"burst of rapid fire†. Hyphens are used to join words. By â€Å"hyphenated†, Carson reflects on continuous nonstop gun fires. â€Å"I was trying to complete a sentence in my head but it kept stuttering† (Belfast Confetti, copied from BBC)In the next line, Carson then describes what he felt when he was in the city at the time of the Troubles. He explains that at times when the guns were firing, civ ilians would try to create a sentence (which is defined as ‘a set of words with a complete thought’). Sentence here should not be taken as a mere line in a poem. Instead, it can be noted that Carson relays that in the midst of the gun fires and explosions, people would try to devise a â€Å"sentence† or a â€Å"complete† explanation of the devastating event which is happening around them.Unfortunately, they would just â€Å"stutter†, or fail at devising an adequate rationalization. â€Å"All the alleyways and side streets blocked with stops and colons. † (Belfast Confetti, copied from BBC) Following Carson’s fondness of punctuation metaphors, the â€Å"stops† would refer to â€Å"periods†. Periods are use to end a sentence and colons indicate discontinuities within sentences. Both suggest that people caught in the midst of violent Belfast bouts would try to find a way to escape through alleys and side lanes but neverthele ss only to find dead ends.â€Å"I know this labyrinth so well – Balaclava, Raglan, Inkerman, Odessa Street – Why can’t I escape? Every move is punctuated. † (Belfast Confetti, copied from BBC) In this line, Carson injects his own history in his literary piece. As one who grew up in Belfast, he knew the place quite well. Implying that he is very familiar of the place also tells the readers something about Belfast’s geography. The city is small with lots of intertwining streets, which just like Carson suggests – looks like a maze. The question of escape however, supports the overall theme of the poem.Carson suggests that people who were caught in the Troubles could not find a way out of the conflict. Apart from the civilians, those who were directly involved within the problem could not find a way to effectively resolve the persisting crisis. The politicians, activists, republicans, loyalists, and paramilitary forces were unable to find an eff icient solution even through a series of ceasefires and agreements. The people of Belfast and that of the whole Northern Ireland couldn’t find a way out even up to now as sporadic killings still happen. (English)As noted by Carson, every move is â€Å"punctuated† or as what its literal meaning suggests, â€Å"interrupted at frequent intervals†. (Collins Dictionary) It should be noted that despite attempts to end the Troubles through the Sunningdale Agreement, the establishment of the group ‘Peace People’, open talks, and paramilitary ceasefires. However, all of these struggles towards peace are often interrupted by bombings, armed campaigns, and killings. (English) The same also happens at the individual level as attempts to escape are also interrupted by indecisions.â€Å"Crimea Street. Dead end again. A Saracen, Kremlin-2 mesh. Makrolon face-shields. Walkietalkies. † (Belfast Confetti, copied from BBC) Carson also further addresses the exis tence of military forces through an enumeration of what they often use at war. For people who live in Belfast, the enumerated warfare gears are considered as typical daily paraphernalia. However, the familiarity of such things disrupts the commonality of normality as suggested by the next line: â€Å"What is my name? Where am I coming from?Where am I going? A fusillade of question- marks. † (Belfast Confetti, copied from BBC) The series of questions may be equated to the disgruntled thinking which the people of Belfast experienced during the Troubles period. These can also be interpreted as the common questions based upon what the authorities often ask to the city constituents as part of standard security interrogations. In an interview in The Guardian, Carson relays his own experience as he was interrogated by the authorities:When somebody comes to you and says ‘OK, mate, over here, against the wall',† he says in exaggerated Cockney, â€Å"and you're asked who y ou are, where you're from, and you say: ‘I'm from here. ‘ (Quoted from The Guardian) Another interpretation is that it is a question of identity that troubles civilians who do not belong to either of the conflicting parties. As a result of the confusion that surrounds them, civilians felt that there was a need to participate to the war. As noted by Carson, he himself felt that taking a side was necessary.In the same interview with the Guardian, when asked whether he felt like joining one of the conflicting political parties, Carson responses: Kind of close at times, but †¦ you know – no. And why not? I don't know. One could easily have done so. I was scared maybe. (Quoted from The Guardian) The â€Å"fusillade† meaning ‘simultaneous and incessant firing’ of questions emphasizes the uncertainty of the civilians. In conclusion, the poem ultimately tells Carson’s story of living through the Troubles and facing daily bombings, riots, an d violence.As noted by Wheatley, â€Å"The chaos of violence (which, once again is creative to the same extent to which it can be destructive) â€Å"is made scriptable in metaphors drawn from writing and printing in ways that emphasize the explosive effects on any pretence of realist representation. † (Wheatley). Carson injects metaphors in his interpretation of the events so as to dramatize and emphasize the frustration posed by the bombings, and seemingly take the reader to the actual events. Works Cited: BBC. â€Å"Poetry: Belfast Confetti†. BBC Northern Ireland Learning. 2 May 2009 â€Å"Collins Essential English Dictionary†. HarperCollins Publishers, 2004, 2006 English, Richard. â€Å"Armed Struggle: The History of the IRA†. Oxford University Press, 2003 Mahony, Christina Hunt. â€Å"Contemporary Irish Literature†. Palgrave Macmillan, pp 79-84 The Guardian Staff. â€Å"A life in poetry: Ciaran Carson† Guardian. co. uk. 17 Jan 2009. 2 May 2009 Wheatley, David. â€Å"That Blank Mouth: Secrecy, Shibboleths, and Silence in Northern Irish Poetry†. Journal of Modern Literature. 25 (2001): 1-16