Isaac Robert Toussie: Pardon Me But Did Somebody Mention The Reichstag?

The Reichstag, with its dedication of “dem Deutschen Volke” (meaning “to the German People” or “for the German People”), was the original home of German democracy, submits Isaac Robert Toussie. Fittingly, it was seriously damaged by World War II and left in a dilapidated state until the 1960s when the structure was used as a run-of-the-mill conference center, with its dome demolished and its historic interiors simply plastered over with asbestos paneling.

Triumphantly reverting to its role as the center of German parliamentary procedure with Reunification in 1990, plans were set in motion to restore its former architectural glory. An international design competition was held two years later, and it was during the second phase of selection that the internationally well regarded firm of Norman Foster was chosen in 1993 to work on the famous landmark. No mere rehabilitation, the winning concept called for a rethinking of what it means to concentrate power when democracy has been about the diffusion of power. Interestingly in this respect, the avant-garde artists Christo and Jean-Claude literally wrapped up the entire building in white cloth as so-called environmental art in 1995, which piece was titled Wrapped Reichstag.

During this time, work began that soon revealed traces of the past, somewhat in the manner of tree-rings that tell of famine, flood, or fire, such as nineteenth-century molding, imprints of the war, and graffiti by Soviet soldiers, in addition to what was left by builders from work done in the Sixties. It was then decided that such traces of the past should be left in place but somehow incorporated into the redesign to reflect the tumultuous career of German democracy, preserving them and making them distinguishable from one another to illustrate German history for visitors and legislators alike. The building was to be, in effect, a living museum of Germany itself, submits Isaac Toussie.

Four guiding principles informed the design from the very beginning, however: the importance of the Bundestag as a parliamentary forum (the building itself is known as the Reichstag but the institution debating within became the more democratic-sounding “Bundestag”); maximum transparency and public accessibility to the workings of government; extreme regard for the importance of history; rigorous environmental friendliness and sustainability. Thus, for example, all new construction has been made of glass so that the internal activities of government should be visible, and the building supplies much of its own heat and electricity through the use of solar panels and other such renewable forms of energy. It is without doubt a very significant piece of German Architecture says Isaac Toussie.

This writing has been posted merely for human interest-informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any way by the reader.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 21st, 2009 and is filed under Travels. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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Importance Of Creating And Updating First Aid Kit

Every Athletic Trainer carries a bag with him or her in the event that an athlete is in need of some medical treatment. Each and every certified Athletic Trainer is familiar withcardiac science and consequently the kit must contain the necessaryCPR supplies . Their bag will also contain everything which may be needed to treat an on the field injury, such as a broken bone or a concussion. Splints, bandages, and ice packs are sure to be in every bag. While you might not have the skills or certifications that an Athletic Trainer has, and would never attempt complex life saving procedures, administering basic first aid, whether at home, your neighborhood football game, the playground, or around the office is something you can do. Assisting with the most basic first aid treatments is something every mom, dad, co-worker, or spectator can do. It is no more complicated than having the right tools available. Every office, car, home, and school sporting event should have first aid kits available in case they are needed. First aid kits vary in materials, depending on who the kit is primarily going to be used by. Professionals often have kits with extensive materials covering a variety of emergencies. For example, a first respondents kit may contain materials that a home first aid kit may not. There are a few items, however, which are generally accepted for all first aid kits. The following is a list of common first aid items which you may consider including in your assembled first aid kits.

• A well stocked kit should contain band aids of all sizes and shapes

• A well planned bag should contain bandages and bandage pins or tape

• A well stocked kit should contain antiseptic ointment or hand wipes

• A well stocked kit should contain a pair of tweezers

• A well stocked kit should contain an instant ice pack

• A well stocked kit should contain a clean cloth

• A well stocked kit should contain burn ointment

• A well stocked kit should contain smelling salts

• A well stocked kit should provide latex gloves

Anyone choosing to keep a first aid kit should remember to check it periodically, even if it has not been put to use. In particular, if you carry any pain reliever or analgesic, checking expiration dates may be a good idea. It is so imperative that first aid kits are updated periodically to make sure they are well stocked with the essentials. How awful it would be to be looking at a situation; where someone was in need of help and the kit was lacking helpful first aid supplies. Whether you are preparing a kit to keep in your kitchen at home, or for the glove compartment of your car, or for the break room at the office, make sure to include these useful and necessary materials. Accidents are often unavoidable. Typically, most injuries around the home or office are small and can be readily attended to with a simple antiseptic application and a band aid. Make sure that in addition to a well stocked kit, you have all emergency numbers at the ready, just in case there are calls to be made.