Laos was part of French-controlled Indochina for decades. The United States entered Vietnam War in 1961. Soon thereafter, secret warfare in Laos began. The CIA led a covert operation against the communist Pathet Lao.
The mission of the CIA in Laos was to defeat the communist threat, but it also recruited tens or thousands of Hmong fighters for the operation. The war was a guerrilla one, but it had a humanitarian component. The Special Guerrilla Unit, a special force that was trained in southern Laos, was also named. These units were used to fight the North Vietnamese soldiers. In the end, these units were defeated, and the United States withdrew from Laos after the Vietnam War ended.
This secret war in Laos was the first in the history of the CIA. Its budget was equivalent to $3 billion today, and the number of CIA contractors in the country increased by 2000% over the decade.
Thousands of pro American Laos were executed or forced to go to prison camps. Others were escorted to the jungle with their guards. Some families were completely destroyed. Those who survived were allowed to continue their lives in caves or fields at night.
Sometimes the CIA managed the battle strategy. Most of the time however, it was left to locals. Many villages were devastated and thousands of civilians were murdered by the CIA's bombing raids.
Throughout the "Secret War", tens of thousands of Lao patriots were killed. The United States pulled out from South Vietnam and Laos lost financial support. The CIA couldn't continue to function as before.
Therefore, the CIA decided it was necessary to establish a clandestine Hmong military. This was to circumvent the Geneva Accords ban on direct military support. Many Laos believed that the Communists were trying to overtake the nation, and they resisted.
During World War II, the CIA established "Lima Sites" (or ports of entry) throughout the country to transport supplies and Hmong troops. LS-36 was one of the most significant Lima Sites. Another important site is LS-20A.
The CIA ultimately decided to evacuate Laos from the conflict. But after the Paris Peace Treaty, which ended the Vietnam War, the United States ceased its financial and military support to Laos. In the end, however, the CIA operation in Laos proved to be a success. And the CIA had stopped the spread of communism Laos.
The Secret War in Laos turned out to be complicated and messy. The CIA's efforts against the communist threat were successful. However, it was a catastrophe for America's relations to the Lao government.
Although the US-led Secret War in Laos is over, its legacy still causes havoc. Hundreds of UXOs still litter the country's countryside. Khamvongsa lobbied the US to resolve this problem. He is now working on a new book about the war, which focuses on the key characters in the Laos conflict.
FAQ
How does your brain control your body's functions?
The brain sends messages to other organs and muscles to ensure they work together. Your body's functions are controlled by your brain. It tells both your stomach and lungs what to do; it also controls your legs and arms.
Your brain is made up of billions upon billions of nerve cells that are connected together in groups called neuronal groups. Action potentials are electrical signals that neurons send to one another. Every neuron has an outer cell membrane that surrounds its nucleus. The cell membrane houses channels that allow ions, such as potassium and sodium, to enter and exit the cells. Ion movement creates the electric charge that causes the neuron to fire.
Neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that release neurotransmitters when a neuron fires up, can be found in the space between the neurons and the next one. Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the second neuron, opening ion channels so ions can pass in and out of the channel. As a result, the second neuron fires too.
When another neuron sends an impulse to the presynaptic neural cell, neurotransmitter is released. An impulse travels along a synaptic link between the two neuron. The transmitter binds to the receptors on the postsynaptic neural cell, which triggers the firing of that neuron.
Communication within the nervous system is possible thanks to neurotransmitters. They also help coordinate activity between different parts of the brain.
What is the most secretive town in the world?
You might be surprised at the answer. It may even make it uncomfortable, as it challenges our perceptions of reality and our lives. But there is an explanation for why this place exists, and it's not what you would expect.
It was known as the City of God to the ancient Greeks. It was called the City of Destruction by the Bible.
It is also called Kashi in India (Kashmir). It's also known as Novgorod in Russia.
However, in America it is called The Town that Disappeared.
A small community of 1200 people in western New York State vanished. No bodies, cars, houses, nothing was left behind except a road sign pointing to its former location.
This little town disappeared, leaving no clues about where it went or when. Some believe the earth swallowed them up. Others claim a meteorite strike destroyed it. Others claim it was taken away by aliens.
Whatever happened, the residents of this once-thriving community are convinced that their town isn't gone forever. They had just moved to another town.
Even a website exists to help track down the disappearances of the lost city Zugspitz.
Then, where is it? It's in Switzerland.
Zugspitze is situated on the border between Germany und Austria. A huge lake, Lake Zugspitze, is located just beyond the summit.
It has always fascinated me that so many towns have disappeared, yet some still remain. Is it possible that some towns disappear and others are preserved? I set out to find out.
I wanted more information about the mysterious disappearing of towns. What causes a town to disappear? How does one place go extinct?
There are many theories regarding the phenomenon of towns disappearing. One theory suggests that a community disappears when all of its buildings are removed. Another theory holds that the town simply relocates to another location. A third theory holds that the town did not exist.
Theories aside, the fact remains that dozens of towns around the globe have been swallowed up by the ground. This video looks into the history of those places and investigates their current status.
What is the most mysterious location on Earth?
Antarctica is the world's most mysterious place on Earth.
What is it that makes this place so interesting? It is unlike any other place on Earth.
It is very remote and isolated. There is much more to this place than meets the eyes.
You will also find some of the oddest wildlife species in this natural wonder.
Let's now see how this amazing destination came to be so well-known for its mystery.
Antarctica: The South Pole
Antarctica is named for no one. Some believe it is "land of the ice". Others believe it comes out of Greek mythology.
Antarktis in ancient Greece was the name given the island where Zeus' twin brother brothers were born. One of the twins was said to have been born in winter. This is why the word "antarctic" was chosen.
Others believe that it is the Greek word anti, which means against, and tropos, which refers to turning. This would be land turned away form the sun.
Whatever the reason Antarctica holds a special fascination, people have always loved it.
It is also the lowest, windiest continent, driest, and highest. Because it is too frigid, there are no trees, animals, or plants.
And yet, this frozen wasteland is teeming with life.
It houses approximately 90% of all Earth's living organisms. Here are approximately 50% of all the animal and plant species in the world.
What makes Antarctica so special? Here, water freezes and becomes ice instead of evaporated into the air.
This causes large masses to form of ice which float high above the ground.
These glaciers are responsible for covering 80% of the continent. And they're growing larger every year.
The Antarctic ice has grown 60 feet so far since 1960.
If the melting goes on, the sea level may rise by as much as 200 feet. This could lead worldwide flooding.
This is not necessarily bad news. Some scientists suggest that global warming could actually be good for us. They believe that global warming will lead to melting ice sheets faster and floods that can flush toxic chemicals out of our soils and bodies.
Others warn that this theory sounds like something out of a science-fiction movie.
What is the reason actors are blacklisted?
Actors are more likely to be rejected than writers. As an actor, it's likely that you will be rejected a lot. But it doesn't matter because eventually, you'll find someone who loves you.
Actors can often make a living from acting because they are very talented. Most actors don't care about making money. Actors love to act and tell stories. If you are an actor, you will most likely put yourself out there.
You might even go to auditions where you're told that you're too old, too young, or not right for the role. Or, you could lose out on a role in a movie. It happens all the time.
However, once you have been cast, it is possible to face criticism. People will tell you that you look terrible or shouldn't be wearing makeup. If you're lucky, you won't even hear negative comments.
Sometimes it's because you play a character that's not realistic or authentic. You might play a gay man and everyone assumes that you are straight. Or maybe you play a woman who is supposed to be tough, but she cries a lot.
Or maybe you're asked to change your voice. Sometimes they ask you to sound like a guy or a girl. They want you to sound better most of the time.
To ignore criticisms is the best way to respond. Actors often feel like they've failed if they're told they did something wrong. However, they aren't doing anything wrong.
They weren't born with the talents that made them famous. They don't always fit the bill, no matter how hard they try.
Blacklisting an actor could be for many reasons. Some people don't like actors. Others think actors can be lazy. Some actors may be cheaters.
No matter the reason, it is important to remember that you will not be blacklisted if there are other jobs available. There are plenty of jobs available and you'll find them.
As long as you keep trying, you'll eventually succeed.
Statistics
- A 2012 paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reported that people blink about 15 to 20 times each minute, meaning, if you do the math, you spend about 10% of the time that you're awake blinking. (romper.com)
- It might not sound like something that's truly plausible — and it is quite rare — but according to a 2015 study published in the Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals, it's possible to hurt yourself and even break a rib just by sneezing. (romper.com)
- You spend about 10% of your time awake blinking (romper.com)
- In fact, nearly 24% of U.S. women are affected with one or more pelvic floor disorders, according to research funded by the National Institutes of Health. (romper.com)
- In fact, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you make 15 to 30 gallons of tears each year, which is insane when you think about it. (romper.com)
External Links
How To
Hollywood Actors with PhDs: Actresses and Actors with PhDs
Many well-known people have PhDs. These include Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan, Bill Gates, Albert Einstein and Bill Gates. Nikola Tesla, Charles Darwin. Isaac Newton. Linus Pauling. Richard Feynman. Albert Einstein. Robert Goddard. John Bardeen. James Watson. Francis Crick. Erwin Schrodinger.
Some stars have Ph.D. degrees including actor Tom Hanks and singer Barbra Streisand.
All of these celebrities received their doctorates from universities around the globe. Many of these celebrities were successful business leaders or entrepreneurs after receiving their PhDs.
Other well-known actors/actresses with PhDs include:
-
Actor David Schwimmer graduated from Columbia University Business School with a MBA. He attended NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.
-
Jennifer Aniston, an actress, graduated Dartmouth College in Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science degree. Harvard University later awarded her her Master's in Organizational Behavior & Human Resources Management.
-
Julia Roberts, actress, studied Biology and Public Administration at Yale University. She then earned her Masters of Public Administration from Georgetown University.
-
Actor Edward Norton graduated Brown University in Brown with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. From Stanford University, he received his Doctorate of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry.
-
Maggie Gyllenhaal was an actress who graduated from Barnard College with a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. Columbia University awarded her her Master of Social Work.
-
Sarah Jessica Parker, actress, received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from Wellesley College. Columbia University gave her her master's in clinical psychological research.
-
Sandra Bullock is an actor. She earned her Bachelor of Arts at the University of California Berkeley. After graduating from Cal Berkeley, she went on to earn her Masters of Education at UCLA.
-
Reese Witherspoon, an actress, earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science at Tulane University. Her Master of International Affairs was then obtained from Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
-
Actress Michelle Williams graduated from Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She then received her Master of Arts degree as a Psychology Specialist from Boston University.
-
Actress Shailene Whiteley graduated from Brigham Young University in Hawaii with a Bachelor's degree in Arts. She then went to graduate school for her Master's in Environmental Studies from San Francisco State University.
-
Will Smith, an actor, graduated from Howard University in Communication with a bachelor's. He went on to earn his Master of Business Administration at Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
-
Queen Latifah, the actress, graduated with a Bachelors in Nursing from Michigan State University. After graduating from Michigan State University, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She went on to earn her Master of Public health at the University of North Carolina.
-
Actress Amy Adams graduated from the Juilliard School with her Bachelor of Music degree. She received her Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music.
-
Halle Berry, Actress, graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts from American Conservatory Theater. Carnegie Mellon University awarded her a Master of Fine Arts in Acting.
-
Brittany Murphy was an actress. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Theatre Arts) from Santa Monica High School. She went on to earn her Masters of Fine Arts Acting from the New York Film Academy.