Come Together

Come Together Part One: Getting people together. Abstract. In our investigation of the hypothesis wanting something doesnt make it real, we find one physically significant counter-example to this premise. Lets start from the beginning. There exists a popular webcomic called xkcd. Its creator: Randall Munroe. Generally the comic is true to its tagline. Its nerdy, its cute, itll make you cringe, itll break your heart. Sometimes its even entirely relatable. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the webcomic here at MIT, he was extended an invitation to speak on campus, which he accepted. The event filled up 10-250, our second (third?) largest lecture hall, and there was a line at the door. I hope you get the idea. Hes kind of a big deal around here. Then one day there was this: I had a dream that I met a girl in a dying world. In it was embedded a set of coordinates and a date. The coordinates, it turns out, pointed to a park here in Cambridge and the time was September 23rd, 2007 at 2:38pm. It became a phenomenon. Fans all around the world speculated about the time and place. People booked plane tickets. Can wanting something badly enough really make it real? This was two weeks ago. I went, along with a great many people I know. Media covering the event reported that there were nearly a thousand people who flocked to the park, who came from as far away as Russia. Though it was sufficiently clear that the event was about meeting like-minded people, Randall made a guest appearance, carrying whiteboards of the comic with the last frame missing. The instruction was to write a new ending. Overall, a pretty cool idea. Filling in the huge last frame Make sure you back up your assertions with reliable sources. Me on the jungle gym Randall amidst throngs of adoring fans Part Two: Taking a Stand. Burma (officially Myanmar) is a country of 50 million people. Crowning almost two decades of political dissatisfaction and unrest under the crippling rule of the military junta, the nation is yet again reeling from its newest wave of violence. This time, 20,000 monks marched in peaceful protest and once again, the government has launched a violent suppression. Read more about the story here. In light of the recent tragedies, Amnesty International (MIT Chapter) held a candlelight vigil to spread awareness and send prayers for peace in Burma. The event was held on October 3rd. I posted these two seemingly contrasting events together because theyre not all that different. There are a lot of people out there who believe in the same things you do and sometimes it takes a little push to find them. Theres power in numbers, and theres a lot of good left to be done in this world. The remainder of this entry will be pictures from the vigil. If this is the kind of thing that matters to you, you should consider attending some of these events. Thanks for reading -Lulu

Feminism in South Park - 3208 Words

1. Introduction South Park has been around for a while now. Since it was aired for the first time on 13th August 1997, the show has constantly pushed the boundaries taking on everything, leaving out nothing. The reception among the wider population and the media had a wide range from â€Å"shocking† to â€Å"excellent†. One of the aspects of this success story is that, because of its provocative tone the show has managed to stay in the limelight. Public debate was evolving around certain episodes, bringing more and more attention to the show. As it was constantly picking up contemporary themes, topics or events, expectations were growing and â€Å" How will South Park deal with x has become a common catch phrase† (Johnson-Woods 257). Another†¦show more content†¦Words like â€Å"bitch†, â€Å"whore† â€Å"chicks† or â€Å"cunt† are seen as generalizing terms for women, used to degrade their status within in the series and thereof for women i n real life. This assumption might be conceivable, as most women in the TV-show are far from using comparable phrases to describe men. There are simply less words which would have the same descriptive and generalizing effect as the above-mentioned terms used for women. However, women in South Park are not expelled from using derogatory and vulgar language. Robin Lakoff wrote in his book Language and Woman ´s Place that little girls should not use rough language like boys because this would not enhance their status and prestige among men within the patriarchal system. In fact it would expose females to ridicule and ostracising (5). Within this scope South Park makes a feminist stand in â€Å"Tom’s Rhinoplasty† (episode 11 of the first season). When Wendy Testaburger is, driven by jealousy to the new class teacher Ms Ellen approaching her after class to have a word with her, she just explodes with furious swearing and threatening. Wendy: Miss Ellen, can I talk to you Ms. Ellen: Of course Wendy. Wendy: I couldn’t help but notice that you taking a liking in my boyfriend Stan Ms. Ellen: Well I’ve taken a liking in all of you. You’re all so young and cute and full of life. Wendy: Can I tell you something Miss Ellen. Ms Ellen: Of course you can Wendy.Show MoreRelatedOil Crisis715 Words   |  3 PagesIt was devastating this past week to begin to understand the detrimental environmental and economic effects of oil companies focusing production in the Global South. The extent of pollution of natural resources essential to basic survival and livelihood is the result of large extranational companies being able to exercise corporation sovereignty in the context of nations and communities with little infrastructure and economic support in place. However, it was also inspiring to realize the effortsRead MoreFried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Cafe1638 Words   |  7 Pages Nothing Wrong With a Little Southern Hospitality â€Å"Now George, you know you can’t go in Avondale Park, they just had a big Klan meeting over there the other night. As soon as you set one foot in that gate, they’d shoot your head off in a minute† (Flagg 145). This is a prime example of one of many horrid quotes from the distinguished novel, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. This novel was written by Fannie Flagg during the 1980’s. It was a time that bigot minded voters sought forRead MoreDomestic Violence And Its Effects1454 Words   |  6 Pagesit also covers child abuse, elderly abuse, and the abuse of men. Sociologists have a hard time determining the exact cause of domestic violence but have many theories and perspectives for possible explanations, three of which are: Control Theory, Feminism, and Resource Mobilization Theory. Demographics: According to the World Health Organization in 2013 women are victimized by domestic violence significantly more often than men. Violence happens in all societies, races, ethnicities, and culturesRead More The Crusade for Equal Rights in the United States Essay1135 Words   |  5 PagesAfrican-Americans who gathered in protest after the arrest of Rosa Parks. She refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a city bus and was subsequently arrested. The African-American community decided to protest the decision and a mass rally ensued. According to Foner, â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr. invoked Christian and American ideals of justice and democracy in his speeches.† (901) King used these themes to address the protestors and spoke of Rosa Parks’ character, morals, and integrity. Martin LutherRead More A Role of the Women Essay1119 Words   |  5 PagesThe Role of a Woman In a Raisin in the Sun is a play about a family that lives on the South side of Chicago, a section of the city Hansberry once described as â€Å" a place apart†, where â€Å" each piece of our living is a protest â€Å". After the death of Walter Young (Big Walter), his wife, Lena (Mama), is the beneficiary of a $10,000 insurance policy. The money will be used to provide for the family’s future. Race, race relation and big Walter’s insurance money supply the thematic context for Hansberry’sRead MoreThe Fight For Equality Among Genders1687 Words   |  7 PagesThe equality among genders is a debate that has long been fought in the international realm. Although this is time where women and men are more close to being equal than they have ever been, there are still many areas in which equality falls short. Feminism is a theory based on the rising of women in order to be equal with men. It is a theory that best represents the need for equality among the sex es. Women are often seen in most societies as domestic maternal beings resigned to being home while menRead MoreAnalysis Of Patricia Hill Collinss Critical Race Theory726 Words   |  3 Pagestheir male counterparts. There are many women who have made a major contribution to the development of modern day sociology. Patricia Collins is a well-known sociology professor at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her work focuses on several issues concerning issues with feminism and gender in the African American community. She has discussed topics on socioeconomic status, which ties into â€Å"the new racism†. â€Å"The new racism† basically is disenfranchising voters and driving politics by economicRead MoreThe Medias Presentation of Common Stereotypes739 Words   |  3 Pagesand disempowering of the stereotyped social group. In the next few pages we will discuss how media, through news, sitcoms and movies reinforces stereotypes about people and how that affects soci ety as whole. To do is we will borrow some ideas from feminism and cultivation theory founder, George Gerbner. Stereotypes are constructed socially and culturally, but problems arise when societies as ours essentializes these ideas. When we talk about essentialism we are referring to â€Å"the belief that culturalRead More`` The Ecstasy Of Influence `` By Jonathan Allen Lethem996 Words   |  4 Pagescould come from something as simple as expanding another artists’ works. It is normal for an artist to be inspired by other artists, and then invents a work of art that is similar to his/her inspiration. For instance, Lethem gives an example of how South Park, the TV show, was inspired by Rankin/Bass and Charlie Brown Christmas specials. Most of the time, plagiarism could lead to a great work of creativity. Today, almost all work of art, whether they are movies, books, paintings or music are protectedRead MoreWicca a Religion Based on Earth and Gods Essay1482 Words   |  6 Pageshistorians believe that figure is low. There 75% to 80% of them were women and 20% to 25% of them were men who were accused and put to death during the 14th and the 17th centuries. There are still witch-hunts today in sub-Saharan Africa and above all in South Africa to where there are thousands of lives each year killed for superstitious beliefs. A lot of people believe it came from Gerald Gardner. But Dr. Margaret Alice Murrary published an article in 1917 of Organizations of Witches in Great Britain

Tobacco Smoking Is The Largest Single Preventable Cause Of...

Overview ‘’ Tobacco smoking is the largest single preventable cause of death and disease in Australia† (Cancer Council, 2006). The 2003 Australian Burden of disease study considers tobacco smoking as a leading cause of disease burden in Australia (Begg S, 2003). Anti-Cancer Council of Australia conducted its first national survey which shows that during the middle of last century, large numbers of males aged 16 and over were smokers and compared to females. However, in the following decades, the prevalence of smoking decreased among males due to publicity regarding health effects of smoking which first started in 1950s and early 1960s (Gray N and Hill D, 1975). According to the survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of statistics in†¦show more content†¦These campaigns include media- based and other strategies to raise awareness among public about risk associated with smoking. â€Å"Australia has been considered as a world’s leader in production and broa dcasting of mass media campaigns to reduce smoking and first employed tobacco control mass media campaign in 1970s†. During 1980s, mass- media led anti-smoking campaign was conducted in Sydney and Melbourne (Pierce JP, 1986) . During the first year of the campaign, Sydney showed a marked decrease of 2.5 % in prevalence of smoking rate (Dwyer T, 1986). A similar result was seen in Melbourne campaign in its first year of campaign. This decline continued over the next 4 years for men in both cities (Pierce JP M. P., 1990). In Australia, led mass media campaigns have resulted in reduction in prevalence of smoking both in terms of smokers to quit smoking and in reducing the uptake of smoking among children. National Tobacco Campaign: During 1980s and early 1990s a steady reduction in smoking prevalence was observed, therefore a National Tobacco campaign was developed (Hill DJ, 1998). This campaign targeted smokers aged 18- 40 years. The evaluation of National Tobacco campaign shows significant reduction in prevalence of smoking among Australian adults (AIHW, 2005) . A decline from 23.5 % in May 1997 to 20.4% in November 2000 was seen in campaign survey (Wakefield M, 2004). Overall the campaign survey shows

Literary Tools of a Writer Free Essays

The world is full of writers of all kinds: novelists, biographers, copy writers, and even floggers. Every so often, one of those writers will rise above the rest and become a great author?but what exactly does that take? Many qualities have to come together in one person to make his or her writing great, so having the idea for a story alone is not enough; great writers also have to possess talent and originality as well as the dedication required to see a story through to the end. Anyone can tell a story, but it takes special talent to tell a story beautifully and engagingly. We will write a custom essay sample on Literary Tools of a Writer or any similar topic only for you Order Now As a reader, my favorite stories are always the ones that draw me in with descriptive language, imagery, and metaphors used skillfully by the authors. One example is F. Scott Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby, which I loved reading because of Fitzgerald talent for using literary devices. In one chapter, he describes a valley full of ashes, but instead of simply calling it what it is, Fitzgerald creates a much more interesting and inspiring description: â€Å"This is a valley of ashes?a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where she take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally, with a transcendent effort, of ash-gray men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air† (23). Rather than Just telling you that the valley is full of ashes, Fitzgerald shows you with his words, creating images in your mind of a gray, ashy valley through his expert use of metaphors and similes. This mastery of figurative language is one of the most important parts of being a great writer, because it is what separates a simple story, like one that you would tell from day to day, from a literary masterpiece. How to cite Literary Tools of a Writer, Papers

Things Fall Paper Essay Example For Students

Things Fall Paper Essay In Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, women of the Ibotribe are terribly mistreated, and viewed as weak andreceive little or no respect outside of their role as a mother. Tradition dictates their role in life. These women arecourageous and obedient. These women are nurturers aboveall and they are anything but weak. In the novel Things FallApart, Okonkwo has several wives. He orders them aroundlike dogs. They are never to question what they areinstructed to do; they are expected to be obedient. Weclearly see this early in the story, when Okonkwo bringsIkemefuna into his home. Okonkwo tells his senior wife thatIkemefuna belongs to the tribe and that she is expected tolook after him. She in turn asks him if he will be staying withthem for a long period of time. This sends Okonkwo into afury. He snaps at her in a very degrading manner, Do whatyou are told woman. When did you become one of thendichie (meaning elders) of Umuofia?(pg.12) Clearly shereceives no respect. Later in the story we see this woman tryto comfort Ikemefuna. She mothers him as if he is one ofher own children. She tries to put him at ease and can almostinstinctively feel how much he miss es his own mother. In keeping with the Ibo view of female nature, the tribeallows wife beating. Okonkwo beats his youngest wifeone-day because she was visiting with a friend and did notget home in time to prepare a meal for him. Another one ofhis wives tries to cover for her when she is questioned as towhether or not the youngest wife has fed the children beforeshe left. Certainly she does this in effort to protect theyoungest wife, knowing full well what she faced. Okonkwodoes not let them down, he beats his youngest wife severelyuntil he is satisfied. Even in spite of pleas from his otherwives reminding him that it is forbidden to beat your wifeduring the Week of Peace. Okonkwo will faceconsequences, not for beating another human being, but onlybecause of his timing. He beats his second wife when sherefers to him as one of those guns that never shot. When asevere case of wife beating comes before the egwugwu, hefinds in favor of the wife, but at the end of the trial a manwonders w hy such a trifle should come before theegwugwu(pg.83). The husband considers his wife as aproperty. He either wants his wife back or his bride price. The omniscient narrator acknowledges a near-invisibility ofwomen in Things Fall Apart. Describing a communalceremony, he confesses, It was clear from the way thecrowd stood that the ceremony was for men. There weremany women, but they looked on from the fringe likeoutsiders(pg.77). They are not invited to stay when men areengaged in any discussion; they are not included in council ofwar; they do not form part of the masquerades representingthe judiciary and ancestral spirits. Okonkwo views women to be weak and foolish. He has adifferent expectation for men and women. This can be seenclearly by the way that he raises his children. He tries hisbest to train Nwoye to be strong and brave while he feelssorry that Ezinma is a girl. Okonkwo knows that Ezinmahas the right spirit, but he does not try to make her to bebrave or strong. He favors her the most out of all of hischildren, yet if Ezinma had been a boy he would havebeen happier(pg.69). This kind of contradiction comes upin the novel repeatedly. Those practical, daily life examplesof how Okonkwo views women play an important role inshowing Okonkwos real drive for his behaviors. Fromthose examples, we can see that Okonkwo hates anywomens characteristics because they remind him of hisfather. He is afraid of becoming like his father. He hates thefact that his father is so unsuccessful; therefore, he does notwant to be like his father. The underlying theme for thoseexamples is not to show that Okonkwo does not respectwomen at all. In fact they are used to show that Okonkwodoes respect women for their ability if he does not fear tobecome like his father. Unoka is considered agbala, an untitled man or a woman. .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6 , .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6 .postImageUrl , .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6 , .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6:hover , .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6:visited , .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6:active { border:0!important; } .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6:active , .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6 .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u0438f8779aa20ef49376a2870a10bba6:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Banking Industry Analysis Essay We will write a custom essay on Things Fall Paper specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Yam, of smaller size and lesser value than other yams, isregarded as female. Osugo has taken to title; and so, in agathering of his peers, Okonkwo unkindly tells him, Thismeeting is for men(pg.22). Guilt-ridden after murderingIkemefuna, his surrogate son, Okonkwo sternly reprimandshimself not to become like a shivering old woman(pg.56) this he considers the worst insult. Such extreme accent onmanliness, sex-role stereotyping, gender discriminations, andviolence create an imbalance, resulting in denigration of thefemale principle. Achebe shows that the Ibo nonetheless assigns importantroles to women. For instance, Chielo, the priestess of theOracle of the Hills and Caves, who in the ordinary life is awidow with two kids and Ekwefis friend. Clothed in themystic mantle of the divinity she serves, Chielo transformsfrom the ordinary; she can reprimand Okonkwo and evenscream curses at him: Beware of exchanging words withAgbala. Does a man speak when a God speaks?Beware!(pg.89) Yet if Okonk wo is powerless before agoddesss priestess, he can, at least, control his ownwomen. Women, also, painted the houses of the egwugwu. Furthermore, the first wife of a man in the Ibo society is paidsome respect. This deference is illustrated by the palm wineceremony at Nwakibies obi. Anasi, Nwakibies first wife,had not yet arrived and the others (other wives) could notdrink before her(pg.16). The importance of womans roleappears when Okonkwo is exiled to his motherland. Hisuncle, Uchendu, noticing Okonkwos distress, eloquentlyexplains how Okonkwo should view his exile: A manbelongs to his fatherland when things are good and life issweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he findsrefuge in his motherland. Your mother is there to protectyou. And that is why we say that Mother isSupreme(pg.116). The only glory and satisfaction thesewomen enjoyed was being a mother. They receive respectand love from their children. They are strong for theirchildren. Women are viewed to be very gentle and caring. They are expected to take care of their children with thebest of their ability. Women are trusted totally by theirchildren. This honorable presentation of women is used byAchebe to identify womens role in the Ibo society. Thispresentation is necessary to show that women indeed playan important role in society.

Elmer Gantry essays

Elmer Gantry essays The majority of all books are trash. Sinclair Lewis Elmer Gantry is a great book because it has credibility, a timeless theme, and it has the necessary action. Any book that can do that is a great book. The credibility of Elmer Gantry is something that will keep this book eternally great. Although the actual time period is dated, the plot is not dated. Most people can relate to the different characters in the book. Elmer is a pompous football player who thinks that he is higher than any religion. However, people try, and successfully convert him. He attempts to please two masters at first: his vices and God. He eventually makes the decision to live by God, but of course he will occasionally fool around with his old vices, especially adultery. Most people know someone who is like this and still somehow succeeds although he shouldnt have. Although Elmer is more extreme than the people the reader is likely to know, he is still a very credible characters. Another thing that makes this a timeless novel is that it has the needed action to attract the reader who only wants entertainment. Elmer often gets into fights that will keep the reader in the edge of their seat. He will face odds that most would run away from, but also has times when he backs down from a fight, such as when Brother Naylor and Brother Bains confront him about fooling around with Lulu. It also has enough opportunities for the modern person to think about sex although it doesnt graphically say what happens. This makes all the sex scenes up to the reader which may dismiss them or relish on them. A book with this combination of sex and violence makes it a book that it is even suitable for easy reading for the person who does not want to learn anything. Finally, Elmer Gantry is a timeless book because it has a universal theme: humans will always sin. It is most obviously seen through Elmer, although it is seen in other...

USS California (BB-44) during World War II

USS California (BB-44) during World War II Entering service in 1921, USS California (BB-44) served the US Navy for over a quarter century and saw combat operations during World War II (1939-1945). Dubbed The Prune Barge due to the large volume of the fruit exported by California in the early part of the 20th century, the battleship was the second vessel of the Tennessee-class and was severely damaged during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Raised from the harbors mud, it was repaired and heavily modernized. Rejoining the fleet in 1944, California took part in the Allies island-hopping campaign across the Pacific and played a central role in the Battle of the Surigao Strait. Though hit by a kamikaze in early 1945, the battleship was quickly repaired and returned to action that summer. Remaining in the Pacific through the end of the war, California later helped transport occupation troops to Japan. Design USS California  (BB-44) was the second ship of the  Tennessee-class of battleship.  The ninth  type of dreadnought battleship  (South Carolina, Delaware, Florida,  Wyoming,  New York,  Nevada,  Pennsylvania,  and  New Mexico) built for the US Navy, the  Tennessee-class was intended to be an enhanced variant  of the preceding  New Mexico-class.  The fourth class  to follow the Standard-type approach, which required ships to possess  similar operational and tactical attributes,  the  Tennessee-class was propelled  by  oil-fired boilers rather than  coal and employed an  Ã¢â‚¬Å"all or nothing† armor arrangement.   This armor scheme  called for critical  areas of the ship, such as magazines and engineering, to be heavily protected while less important spaces were left unarmored.  Also, Standard-type battleships were required to have  a  minimum top speed of 21 knots and a tactical turn radius of 700 yards or less. Designed after the  Battle of Jutland, the  Tennessee-class class was the first to utilize the  lessons learned in the engagement.  These included enhanced armor below the waterline as well as fire control systems for both the main and secondary batteries which were placed on top of two large cage masts.   As with the  New Mexico-class, the new ships carried twelve 14 guns in four triple turrets and fourteen 5 guns.  In an improvement over  its predecessors, the main battery on the  Tennessee-class could elevate its guns to 30 degrees which increased the weapons range by 10,000 yards.  Ordered on December 28, 1915, the new class comprised two ships: USS  Tennessee  (BB-43) and USS  California  (BB-44). Construction Laid down at the Mare Island  Naval Shipyard on October 25, 1916, construction of California advanced through the winter and following spring when the  US entered  World War I.  The last battleship built on the West Coast, it slid down the ways on  November 20,  1919, with Barbara Zane,  daughter of California  Governor William D. Stephens, serving as sponsor.  Completing construction,  California  entered commission on August 10, 1921,  with Captain Henry J.  Ziegemeier in command.  Ordered to join the Pacific Fleet, it immediately became this forces flagship. USS California (BB-44) shortly after completion in 1921. US Naval History and Heritage Command USS California (BB-44) - Overview Nation:  United StatesType:  BattleshipShipyard:  Mare Island Naval ShipyardLaid Down:  October 25, 1917Launched:  November 20, 1919Commissioned:  August 10, 1921Fate:  Sold for scrap Specifications (as built) Displacement:  32,300  tonsLength:  624.5 ft.Beam:  97.3  ft.Draft:  30.3  ft.Propulsion:  Turbo-electric transmission  turning 4 propellersSpeed:  21  knotsComplement:  1,083  men Armament (as built) 12  Ãƒâ€" 14 in. gun (4  Ãƒâ€" 3)14 Ãâ€" 5 in. guns2 Ãâ€" 21 in. torpedo tubes Interwar Years Over the next several years,  California  participated in a routine cycle of peacetime training, fleet maneuvers, and war games.  A high-performing ship, it won the Battle Efficiency Pennant in 1921 and 1922 as well as Gunnery E awards for 1925 and 1926.  In the former year,  California  led elements of the fleet on a goodwill cruise to Australia and New Zealand.  Returning to its usual operations in 1926, it underwent a brief modernization program in the winter of 1929/30 which saw enhancements to it anti-aircraft defenses and additional elevation added to its main battery.   Though largely operating out of San Pedro, CA during the 1930s,  California  transited the Panama Canal in 1939 to visit the  Worlds Fair in New York City.  Returning to the Pacific, the battleship took part in Fleet Problem XXI in April 1940 which simulated a defense of the Hawaiian Islands.  Due to increasing tensions with Japan, the fleet remained in Hawaiian waters after the exercise and shifted its base to Pearl Harbor.  That year also saw  California  selected as one of the first six ships to receive the new RCA CXAM radar system.  Ã‚  Ã‚   World War II Begins On December 7, 1941,  California  was moored at the southernmost berth on Pearl Harbors Battleship Row.  When the Japanese attacked that morning, the ship quickly sustained two torpedo hits which caused extensive flooding.  This was worsened by the fact that many watertight doors had been left open in preparation for an impending inspection.  The torpedoes were followed by a bomb hit which detonated an  anti-aircraft ammunition magazine.   A second bomb, which just missed, exploded and ruptured several hull plates near the bow.  With the flooding out of control,  California  slowly sunk over the next three days before settling upright in the mud with just its superstructure above the waves.  In the attack, 100 of the crew were killed and 62 wounded.  Two of Californias crew, Robert R. Scott and Thomas Reeves,  posthumously received the Medal of Honor for the actions during the attack. USS California (BB-44) after sinking on December 7, 1941. Naval History and Heritage Command Salvage work commenced a short time later and on March 25, 1942,  California  was re-floated and moved to dry dock for temporary repairs.  On June 7, it departed under its own power for Puget Sound Navy Yard where it would begin a major modernization program.  Entering the yard, this plan saw significant alterations to the ships superstructure, the trunking of the two funnels into one, improved watertight compartmentalization, expansion of the anti-aircraft defenses, alterations to the secondary armament, and a widening of the hull to increase stability and torpedo protection.  This last change pushed  California  past the beam limitations for the Panama Canal essentially limiting it to wartime service in the Pacific. Rejoining the Fight Departing Puget Sound on January 31, 1944,  California  conducted shakedown cruises  off San Pedro before steaming west to aid in the invasion of the Marianas.  That June, the battleship joined combat operations when it provided fire support during the Battle of Saipan.  On June 14, California sustained a hit from a shore battery which inflicted  minor damage and caused 10 casualties (1 killed, 9 wounded).  In July and August, the battleship aided in the landings on Guam and Tinian.  On August 24, California  arrived at Espiritu Santo for repairs after a minor collision with  Tennessee.  Completed, it then departed for Manus on September 17 to join forces massing for the invasion of the Philippines. USS California (BB-44), 1944. Naval History and Heritage Command Covering  the landings on Leyte between October 17 and 20,  California, part of Rear Admiral Jesse Oldendorfs 7th Fleet Support Force, then shifted south to the Surigao Strait.  On the night of October 25, Oldendorf inflicted a decisive defeat on Japanese forces at the Battle of Surigao Strait.  Part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf, the engagement saw several Pearl Harbor veterans exact revenge on the enemy.  Returning to action in early January 1945,  California  provided fire support for the Lingayen Gulf landings on Luzon.  Remaining offshore, it was struck by a kamikaze on January 6 which killed 44 and wounded 155.  Completing operations in the Philippines, the battleship then departed for repairs at Puget Sound. Final Actions In the yard from February through late spring,  California  rejoined the fleet on June 15 when it arrived off Okinawa.  Aiding troops ashore during the final days of the Battle of Okinawa, it then covered minesweeping operations in the East China Sea.  With the end of the war in August,  California  escorted occupation troops to Wakayama, Japan and remained in Japanese waters until mid-October.   Receiving orders to return to the United States, the battleship shaped a course through the Indian Ocean and around the Cape of Good Hope as it was too wide for the Panama Canal.  Touching at Singapore, Colombo, and Cape Town, it arrived at Philadelphia on December 7.  Moved into reserve on August 7, 1946,  California was decommissioned on February 14, 1947.  Retained for twelve years, it was then sold for scrap on March 1, 1959.