How might an anthropologist analyse a mainstream film Essay

How might an anthropologist analyse a mainstream film - Essay Example The depiction of the characters in the movie is not only racist in more ways than one, it is also extremely sexist. It takes historically inaccurate facts and places the burden of a sexist society upon the tribes of America. The vision that the director and the makers of the movie endorse is extremely problematic and make for disturbing viewing when looked through with a postcolonial and feminist approach. The dissection of the movie in this paper shall then proceed with the gaze of an anthropologist. Another factor that shall be looked into is the fact that Gibson’s movie was a mainstream one and hence factors in popular notions regarding other cultures. This then brings in the elements of reception and the cultural attitudes that are prevalent in the American and also global population. What sections of the population are targeted is also something that needs to be discussed here. This paper shall seek to look at these elements of the debate and also a psychoanalytic approac h into the understanding of why certain races are depicted as they are in popular culture. However, there is another side to this debate. The changes that are introduced into the idea of the Mayans represent the idea of difference between the city and the forest within Mayan culture. The movie is then an indictment of Mayan elite culture that according to Gibson had degenerated into a set of mindless rituals. The city becomes the center of all forms of evil that Gibson associates with Mayan culture. This is then contrasted with the culture that is prevalent within the geographical confines of the village. This village is then the site of family and bonding between different members of the same society. It is a self-sufficient unit that is understood to be a space where traditional aspects of Mayan life are followed without there being a corruption of these ways. There is however, also the presence of technology in the form of traps and other devices that smoothen the life of the peo ple in the villages. There is thus, an endorsement of the idea of the â€Å"noble savage† as Jean Jacques Rousseau thought of it. It discussed the idea of man in a pure state which made him not merely a savage but also a noble one that was purer than the man who had been corrupted by civilization (Basic Concept: Primitivism and the Noble Savage). Throughout the movie, aspects of Mayan culture are denigrated and the only character whose perspective is taken for a large part of the movie is that of the protagonist, Jaguar Paw. The movie traces the life that this character leads where a process of colonization takes place between different tribes within America. The fickleness of power is made clear in this kind of transfer of power takes place very frequently. One of the people who were met by Jaguar Paw is later seen as a captive within a matter of a few days. All of this leads to the series of human sacrifices that take place at the Mayan temple in an effort to appease the Ma yan god Kukulkan. The degeneration of the culture of the elite and those that live in the city are talked of in this movie. The connection between Jaguar Paw and the nature of his homeland is repeatedly stressed. This can also be seen in the way in which the forest decimates the people of the city who seek to kill Jaguar Paw. The connection between Jaguar Paw and his homeland’

Naked Eye Single Tube Osmotic Fragility Test

Naked Eye Single Tube Osmotic Fragility Test The effectiveness of one tube osmotic fragility screening in detecting BTT was first introduced by Kattamis C. in 1981.(56) NESTROFT is the rapid simple and cost effective screening test. 2.15.1 Principle The principle of NESTROFT is based on the limit of hypotonicity that the red cell can withstand. There is a pronounced decrease in osmotic fragility of red cells in ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia(57) Cells with a decreased surface/volume ratio, have a limited capacity to expand in low osmolarity solutions and lyse (rupture) at a higher concentration of sodium chloride than do normal biconcave red cells. Therefore, thalassaemic cells that are hypochromic and fLatter have a greater capacity to expand and thus have decreased osmotic fragility. (58) 2.15.2 Clinical Implications The different saline concentration is used in NESTROFT test to detect spherocytosis and BTT. Positive test is due to reduced osmotic fragility of red cells at 0.36% buffered saline. Manglani M et al in 1997 studied 165 cases (with MCV Recent published data has shown that the NSTROFT can be a very useful screening tool for ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia Trait. (5, 63-66) Different studies show that NESTROFT with 0.36% saline could detect 96-100% of heterozygotes with ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia. Study published in Indian J Pathol Microbiol, 2002 concludes NSTROFT to be 92.5% sensitive and 95.2% specific for screening of red cell microcytosis.(67) The test proves to be simple, cheap, easy to perform and adaptable for mass screening coming close to an ideal screening test. According to a recent study conducted at PNS Shifa Hospital Karachi, NESTROFT has a Positive Predictive Value of 85.38% and Negative Predictive Value of 97.66%, this correlates to international published data. The diagnostic accuracy was 94.6 % (63) NESTROFT done with 0.36 % buffered saline solution provides more accurate results compared to the other concentrations tested.(5) Routine use of haematological data from automated cell counters may complement the result s of the NSTROFT.(64) 2.16 Supravital Stains Supravital stains are a group of special stains for demonstration of intracellular inclusions in the living tissues. Common supravital stains used are methylene blue, new methylene blue, brilliant cresyl blue (BCB), methyl violet, crystal violet and azure B. Supravital stains in thalassemia are done for the demonstration of reticulocytes and Hb H inclusions as and when indicated. In thalassaemia carrier screening reticulocyte count does not have a diagnostic value. However in the detection of ÃŽÂ ±-thalassaemia, especially Hb H disease, the brilliant cresyl blue stain will detect the characteristic Hb H inclusion bodies. Supravital stains (brilliant cresyl blue or new-methylene blue) are able to stain residual mRNA in immature red blood cells. There are now several automated electronic cell counters able to perform a reticulocyte count using specific RNA staining.(68) Reticulocyte numbers and maturation levels have been studied in different haemoglobinopathies and the results have been correlated with the degree of ineffective erythropoiesis. Laura C. et al in 2003 studied 219 samples from patients with Sickle Beta-thalassemia (n=7), HbSC disease (n=11), BTT (n=33) and IDA (n=47) and non-anaemic individuals(n=60). They found patients with HbS trait (0.83%), IDA (1.18%) and BTT (1.53%) showed Reticulocyte parameters similar to non-anaemic group (1.18%). A non-responsive bone marrow does not release reticulocytes in sufficient numbers to compensate for the degree anaemia. The authors concluded that the absolute number and immaturity fraction were higher in BTT than normal individuals, but without statistical significance.(69) 2.17 Haemoglobin Electrophoresis Hemoglobin electrophoresis (also called Hgb electrophoresis), is a test that measures the different types of hemoglobin in the blood. The method used is called electrophoresis, a process that causes movement of particles in an electric field, resulting in formation of bands that separate toward one end or the other in the field. 2.17.1 Types of Electrophoresis 2.17.1.1 SDS-PAGE SDS-PAGE (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis) is a common type of electrophoresis used for analyzing proteins, which separates proteins according to their size. The SDS is a protein denaturing detergent that causes unfolding of protein molecule. The detergent binds to the polypeptide in a 1:1 ratio with each segment of the protein to give it a charge. The movement of protein polypeptides through the gel occurs at different rates depending on size. 2.17.1.2 Agarose Gels Agarose gels electrophoresis is used for separation of RNA and DNA molecules. Like SDS-PAGE, this separates the molecules based on charge and size. DNA molecules are negatively charged, so they move through the gel quickly depending on size. Smaller DNA fragments move more quickly than larger ones due to friction resistance. 2.17.1.3 Electrofocusing Electrofocusing analyze the charge and pH values of proteins. A container is filled with a gel solution that has an increasing pH gradient. The amino acids that form polypeptides have different acidic or basic charges. The protein travels through the gel, obtaining or losing protons depending on its charge. As the protein particle moves through the gel, it eventually becomes neutral and gets stuck in an isoelectric position. 2.17.1.4 Capillary Capillary electrophoresis is a method similar to SDS-PAGE. It separates molecules based on their charge and mass. Molecules are placed in rows called capillaries filled with conductive, electrolyte fLuid. The analytes move in a speed relative to their charge and mass. This method is an older technique introduced in the 1960s. SDS-PAGE is usually preferred in labs. 2.17.1.5 Native Gels Native gels are similar to SDS-PAGE, except the detergent (SDS) is not used to denature proteins. Native gels are only able to separate proteins up to 2,000 kDa in size. Because the proteins are left folded, the dyes used are also different than SDS-PAGE. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is the method for identification and quantification of variant Hbs. Electrophoretic methods have been developed that allow for separation at alkaline pH 8.4 on cellulose acetate and at acidic pH 6.2 on agarose gels. These provide a clear background, allowing for quantification of the Hb present by densitometric scanning.(47) Cellulose acetate electrophoresis may be used for qualitative identification of variants, but also with elution for quantitation of the haemoglobins, A2, A, S, D, Lepore, ÃŽÂ ±-chain variants, Hb H and Hb Barts. Agarose gel electrophoresis is not a satisfactory screening technique because it cannot distinguish many abnormal haemoglobins from Hb A. However it can separate the C group into three fractions: HbC, O-Arab, and Hb E plus HbA2. The method can also distinguish Hb S from Hb D, Hb F from Hb A, Hbs Little Rock, Rainier and Bethesda from Hb A, and Hb H from Hb I. (68) The diagnosis of BTT relies on an accurate estimation of HbA2 levels.(69) Raised HbA2 level (>3.5%) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of BTT. Subjects found to be positive in preliminary screening tests by Red cell indices, DFs and NESTROFT are confirmed for thalassemic carrier status by various methods such as cellulose acetate electrophoresis, microcolumn chromatography, capillary isoelectrofocussing and HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography). Subjects with HbA2 levels of 3.5% and above are considered to have BTT. However precautions have to be taken when HbA2 levels fall between 3.3 and 3.7%. In such cases it is recommended to repeat the assay to rule out technical error or treat the patient for IDA before the analysis is repeated.(60) According to the Thalassemia working party of BCSH General haematology Task force both electrophoresis and elution from cellulose acetate or microcolumn chromatography are recommended. They suggested that precision and accuracy of automated scanning densitometry was inadequate for HbA2 estimation. (70) 2.18 Isoelectric focusing (IEF) IEF is another popular method used by laboratories that have a large number of specimens or very small sample volumes that perform newborn screening. This electrophoretic method utilizes carrier ampholytes, small proteins that are able to carry both current and pH (Zwitterions). When the current is applied to the support medium, the ampholytes will gradually establish a pH gradient throughout the gel (for example, a pH range of 6 to 8 for Hb analysis). IEF gives better separation of Hb variants that show similar mobilities on alkaline electrophoresis, which are much sharper. Hb variants such as Hb-Malmo, show separation from HbA which is not seen on alkaline electrophoresis. Minor bands such as HbH, Hb-Barts and Delta chain variants are easily seen.(71) Figure 2.6 Examples of many hemoglobin variants and their migration patterns on Isoelectric focusing. 2.19 Capillary isoelectric focusing (CIF) CIF is a useful analytical technique for characterization of protein mixtures and determination of protein isoelectric points. It is particularly useful in separation of protein glycoforms, characterizing protein microheterogeneity, and resolution of charge variants. The capillary focusing process is analogous to conventional isoelectric focusing in gels, while the requirement for zone mobilization is unique to the capillary format with on-tube detection. A variety of mobilization methods have been described, and the selection of the mobilization method for a particular application depends on the capillary type, the instrument configuration, and the type of proteins to be analyzed. Capillary IEF is generally successful for proteins with a molecular weight up to about 150,000 that exhibit good solubility in aqueous buffers, but may be unsatisfactory for large or hydrophobic proteins.(72) 2.20 Globin chain electrophoresis It is an ancillary procedure in which haemoglobin lysate with mercaptoethanol and 8mol/L Urea to dissociate the globin chain is used. It is run both at alkaline and acid pH. It gives additional information on haemoglobin variants that have similar mobilities by other methods.(71) Globin chain electrophoresis is run at both alkaline and acid pH because some hemoglobin variants show slight differences in mobility at the two pHs. This method often gives additional information on hemoglobin variants that have similar mobilities by other methods. In confusing cases, this method may be useful to document the presence of both an ÃŽÂ ± and a ÃŽÂ ² chain variant Examples of different hemoglobin variants on globin chain electrophoresis are shown in Figure 2.6. (www.cap.org/apps/docs/cap_press/hemoglobinatlas_intro.pdf) Figure 2.7.Examples of hemoglobin variants on both acid (pH 6.2) and alkaline (pH 8.9) globin chain electrophoresis. Source: Adopted from hemoglobin atlas. (www.cap.org/apps/docs/cap_press/hemoglobinatlas_intro.pdf) 2.21 High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) HPLC is a method that has been available for many years. Cation-exchange HPLC is emerging as the method of choice for the initial screening of Hb variants.(56) Run lengths have been shortened from more than 20mins to 6 to 7mins. These instruments are approved by U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the measurements of HbS, A2 and F. These instruments generally utilize a weak cation exchange column. Gradually increasing the ionic strength of the eluting solution causes the Hb protein to come off the column at a particular retention time. This method has a advantage that HbC does not coelute with HbA2, however HbE and HbO-Arab still coelute with HbA2 with this method.(71) 2.22 DNA Analysis The DNA analysis is gold standard for detection of carrier state of ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia. The prenatal diagnosis of affected couple should be carried out to prevent the birth of thalassemic child by selective abortion of affected foetuses. It is essential to characterize the DNA mutations of the parents for prenatal diagnosis of affected couple. The methods available to study DNA mutations are allele specific oligonucleotide (ASO) screening, (73) reverse dot blot, and restriction endonuclease allele recognition.(74) The ASO method is for detection point mutations, nucleotide insertion or deletion in genomic DNA. In this method ASO probes of 18-20 per sequence are used. DNA is denatured and dot blotted on to a nylon membrane and then hybridized to different probes. In reverse dot blot probes are attached to the membrane and DNA hybridizes with dot corresponding to the mutation. A recent method is amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) technique in which specific primers against normal and mutant sequences are used.(60) More than 150 mutations causing beta-thalassemia have been reported from different parts of the world.(74) Studies conducted in Pakistan show the five most common mutations are IVS1-5 (G-C), IVS1-1 (G-T), Fr 41-42 (-TTCT) Fr 8-9 (+G) and deletion 619 bp.(75) Ahmed et al found that there are important ethnic and regional differences in the prevalence of mutations. The five most common mutations, IVSI-5 (G-C) (37.3%), Fr 8-9 (+G) (25.9%), del 619 (7.0%), Fr 41-42 (-TTCT) (6.7%) and IVSI-1 (G-T) (5.4%), constitute 82.3% of the total. Fr 8-9 (+G) is the most common mutation in Northern Pakistan (41.3%), whereas IVSI-5 (G-C) is the most frequent mutation in Southern Pakistan (52.2%). (76) 2.23 Prenatal Diagnosis The availability of prenatal diagnosis added a new option to couples at risk for major haemoglobinopathy, leading to a significant change in the effectiveness of screening and counseling in hemoglobinopathy prevention. Prenatal diagnosis of both ÃŽÂ ±- and ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia was carried out for the first time in the 1970s using globin chains synthesis analysis in fetal blood, obtained by fetoscopy or placental aspiration around the nineteenth week of gestation. The advent of DNA analysis and the introduction of chorionic villi sampling resulted in a notable improvement in prenatal diagnosis because it could be performed generally at 10 to 12 weeks of gestation. Fetal DNA can be obtained also from aminocytes at 15 to 17 weeks of pregnancy. The reported risk of fetal loss with this procedure ranges from 0.5 to 4.5%. After sampling, fetal DNA analysis is performed by the PCR-based methods mentioned for carrier detection procedures. In general, the mutation to be detected in the fet us is first identified in the parents. The results of DNA analysis are very accurate, but misdiagnosis may occur for several reasons (failure to amplify the target DNA fragment, mispaternity, maternal contamination, and sample exchange). However, the risk of misdiagnosis can be significantly reduced using a number of precautionary measures, such as fetal DNA analysis for selected polymorphic markers.(35) Fetal cells, known to be present in the maternal circulation, represent an attractive, noninvasive approach to prenatal diagnosis. Fetal cells, immunological isolated for their low purity, can only be used for prenatal diagnosis of ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia in women whose partners carry a different mutation. Recently, this problem has been overcome by development of a technique able to isolate single fetal erythroblasts from maternal blood by microscopic micromanipulation, making possible the analysis of both fetal genes in a single cell. However, this procedure is associated with several technical and biological problems and it is not widely applicable.(35) The discovery of free fetal DNA in maternal plasma provided the basis for developing another method for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis. However, because free maternal DNA is also present, the application to prenatal diagnosis of thalassemias would be possible only to exclude paternally derived pathologic alleles different from the mot hers mutation.(35) The advent of DNA amplification has made it possible to define the geneotype of a single cell biopsied from cleaving embryos (preimplantation diagnosis) and to analyze the polar body obtained during the maturation of the oocyte (preconceptional diagnosis). These procedures avoid the need to terminate affected pregnancies and permit the transfer of only healthy embryos established from in vitro fertilization. Successful experiences in many couples with this approach have been reported in hemoglobinopathies. However, preimplantation genetic diagnosis is a technically challenging, intensive procedure, which requires the close collaboration of a team of specialists. (35) To date, programmes for ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia prevention based on carrier screening, genetic counseling, and prenatal diagnosis are on-going in several areas at risk in Mediterranean countries, with a marked decline in the incidence of thalassemia major. Effective preventive programs have also been established in countries such as United Kingdom, where thalassemia is a rare disorder that affects diverse minority ethnic groups. Special attention should be given in these programmes to the different religious and social issues and to the different attitude towards prenatal diagnosis of the various ethnic minorities. In case the mutations are not identified linkage studies using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) or globin chain synthesis by cord blood sampling are the other options used for prenatal diagnosis. (60) In 1999, Maheshwari M and colleagues suggested fLow chart for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis of thalassemia. (Figure 2.7) In 1994 the thalassemia working party of British Society of Hematology suggested guidelines for investigation of the ÃŽÂ ± and /ÃŽÂ ² thalassaemia traits. (Figure 2.8) Figure 2.8. FLow chart for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis of thalassemia. Source: Adopted from Maheshwari M, Arora S, Kabra M, Menon PSN. Carrier screening and prenatal Diagnosis of Beta-thalassemia. Indian Pediatr 1999; 36: 1119-1125. Figure 2.9. FLow chart for thalassemia carrier detection suspected on red cell indices Source: adopted from Guidelines for investigation of the ÃŽÂ ± and /ÃŽÂ ² thalassaemia traits, The Thalassaemia Working Party of the BCSH General Haematology Task Force J Clin Pathol 1994;47:289-295 Prevention is better than cure. It is important to develop prevention programmes for thalassemia prevention where there is high frequency, to avoid fatalities from untreated thalassaemia cases, the expense and difficulty of providing optimum treatment for patients which creates a burden on patients, families and national health services. Thalassaemia patients may be left untreated (indeed, they often die without a diagnosis) or grossly under-treated. At the same time, quality of treatment is firmly linked to both survival rates and quality of life. (Thalassemia International Federation, 2003). The countries where prevention programmes are effective resulting in increased survival of thalassemia major patients in comparison to countries where preventive strategies do not exist. (Figure 2.6) Graph A Graph B Figure 2.10. Graph A: Age distribution of thalassemics in a country without prevention Patients are mostly infants (non-prevention) and children (early deaths) Graph B: Age distribution of thalassemics in a country with full prevention treatment. There is gap in early years with patients mostly in their mid-twenties. Source: Adopted from Prevention of thalassemia other hemoglobinopathies, Thalassaemia International Federation, 2003.

How Should We Respond to Global Warming? Essay -- Climate Change, Gree

How Should We Respond to Global Warming? Â   A few days ago, while basking in the warmth of winter, a friend asked me about Global Warming and what exactly the problems were with a rise in temperature. He seemed to have no problem with a 75 degree day in the middle of March and wanted to know what all the fuss is about. I tried to answer his question by concisely summing up the evidence for global warming and the potential hazards of an increase in global temperature–surprisingly, I could not think of a decent response. You see, I didn’t quite know how to respond to my friend’s forthright inquiry about the state of the Earth’s weather systems, because I really don’t have a clue what is happening or is going to happen. By studying the concepts of global climate, I have been introduced to a conundrum of interacting variables that appear impossible to decipher. So, after stammering out a few potential threats: sea-level change, drought, floods, loss of biomass, and heatstroke, I plunged back into science books and journals vowing to prepare myself for the next time someone posed a similar question (I am still looking for Klutz’s The Idiots Guide to: Global Warming--let me know if you have a copy). Unfortunately, further research revealed more questions and variables to puzzle over and a much more confounding dilemma than I had anticipated. Initially, I hoped to find specific information which answered the questions of global climate variations and mankind’s influence upon climate systems. Yet, in digesting several different views, variables, data, satellite data, and proxy data, I only found that my discombobulation had lots of company. It seems nobody definitively knows, or can agree on, where long-run climate change is head... ...tm 9. IPCC, Summary. 10. Bluemle, John P. "Global Warming: A Geological Perspective." The Professional Geologist 37 (2000): 3-6. 11. American Petroleum Institute, Global Climate The Big Picture, Online. API. 11 Nov. 1999. Available: www.api.org/globalclimate/thescience.htm. 12. Vogel, "Warming Begun?" 33. 13. Vogel, "Warming Begun?" 34. 14. Bluemle, "Geological Perspective" 4. 15. Houghton, John. Global Warming The Complete Briefing. (London: Cambridge UP, 1997) 56. 16. Bluemle, "Geological Perspective" 5. 17. Mann, Michael E.,Raymond S. Bradley & Malcolm K. Hughes. "Northern Hemisphere Temperatures of the Last Six Centuries." Nature. 392. NOAA Online. Available: www.ngdc.noaa.gov/paleo/globalwarming/references.html. 18. Mann, Bradley & Malcolm, "Northern Temperatures." 19. Vogel, "Warming Begun?" 34. 20. American Petroleum Institute, The Big Picture.

Externalities of Smoking

In the paper I’m going to discuss the externalities of second-hand smoke. Externalities refer to all costs or benefits of a market activity borne by a third party. It’s also the difference between the social and private costs (benefits) of a market activity. When economic agents are not directly involved, negative externalities can exist, such as pollution. Second-hand smoke is a health hazard at any level (Essentials Of economics, Bradley R. Schiller). It’s to be said that smoking bans are the only way to protect nonsmokers.Although many states and hundreds of cities have passed smoke-free laws, more than 126 million Americans ages 3 and older continue to be exposed to secondhand smoke. Nearly 50,000 nonsmokers die from the secondhand smoke each year. Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk of heart disease and cancer. Brief exposure to smoke, damages cells, beginning a process that can lead to cancer, and increase the risk of blood clots (USA today: June 28, 2006).Secondhand smoke kills 46,000 adult nonsmokers from heart disease, 3,000 nonsmokers from lung cancer, and 430 newborns from sudden infant death syndrome. In children it causes 790,000 ear infections, 200,000 episodes of asthma, at least 24,000 low birth weight or preterm deliveries. When non-smokers are exposed to secondhand smoke it’s called involuntary smoking or passive smoking. Regardless if you’re smoking or not, if you’re around someone who is smoking you’re taking in nicotine and other toxic chemicals just like smokers do.The workplace is a major source of secondhand smoke exposure for adults (USA today: June 28, 2006). Secondhand smoke meets the standard to be classified as a potential cancer-causing agent by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cancer. org). Separating smokers from non-smokers, cleaning the air, and ventilating the building cannot prevent exposure if people still smoke inside t he building. Most people can be exposed in public places such as restaurants, shopping centers, public transportation, schools, and daycare centers.Some businesses seem to be afraid to ban smoking, but there is no proof that going smoke-free is bad for business. Public places where children go are a special area of concern (cancer. org). Making your home smoke free is healthier for your family. Secondhand smoke imposes significant costs on nonsmokers and society, according to a recent society of Actuaries study that concluded the annual cost of excess medical care, mortality and morbidity from secondhand smoke exposure in the U. S is approximately $ 10 billion(18 Aug 2005).The study also found that medicals costs for caring for people exposed to secondhand smoke have reached more than $2. 5 billion (medicalnewstoday. com). All the money you spend on cigarettes is just going to the company that makes them. So you’re giving this company all this money to just smoke a cigarette. On average most people pay about close to seven dollars for a box of cigarettes. Not only is this harmful to you, but its as harmful to the people around you. When you smoke in front of someone their inhaling all the chemicals that are carried In that one cigarette.So in conclusion this affects the economy so much, because people who don’t even smoke have to pay for all types of medicals bills. Just from getting secondhand smoke from others. I myself don’t think they should banned smoking. But there should be sections in public places which are meant for smokers. Some people can’t just stop smoking no matter what they do. So at the same time we have to respect their needs. And their needs are nicotine. Sources ?Cancer. org ?Medicalnewstoday. com ?USA today: June 28, 2006 ?Essentials of economics (Bradley R. Schiller)

My Ideal Partner Life

An ideal husband would be a person who is an ideal companion. Does it appear that I am running around in circles? I hope it does not. Through the traditional role of a husband is different from that of a wife,the qualities of a person are not sex-oriented,they are person-oriented. What do I want in the person I marry? My list may be a long one but it is sound in its priorities. I want the man I choose as a husband to be generous,to have a sense of humor and to be trusting and trustworthly. I would like to build our relationship on affection and respect and on complete frankness. A tall order? Let me explain myself. Affection and respect put together are the essence of love. They are more durable than the euphoria of romantic love linked to physical attraction. It is true that beauty contributes a great deal towards life’s pleasantness,but unreflecting,unthinking beauty has nothing to recommend itself. Respect in relationship is very importand,and note I mean respect ,note awe or fear or any other feeling but respect which includes self-respect and can be stretched a long way to cover the crevices or feelings. I would like my future husband to be frank with me and to discuss financial,emotional and other problems with me. for if there is any ground on which I cannot thread, or any occasion when I find the door closed against me,or any time when whispered conversation take place,or papers and letters are kept away,or I look askance and don’t get a reply, then there a lies the beginning distrust and rift. A marriage is a companionship,it extends into old age and can mature into a relationship where words need not be exchanged and still complete understanding my exist. It is a relationship which cannot be built on lies or half-truths. When I use the word ‘frank’ I do not only mean emotional friendship through they too are included. Is it not more grateful that my friends of the days when I was not yet married be known to my husband than that I spring a surprise on him or leave him to work his imagination in different directions? Similarly I would like to know about my husband’s friends-men and women. Frankness should extend to all money matters. I should know (and so should be) what our economics position is. A marriage is the basic of family,it grows and matures and strengthens over the years. It cannot do so when the partner concerned pull in different directions. A home is aplace where on feels there should be uneasiness,no appearances to maintain, where one should feel free to express onself and one’s own true self. This is possible if there is some basic enerosity in the members of the family for generosity backs up the desire to understand,to be less critical and more forgiving in one’s approach. Don’t you know that a grim man is stern and unforgiving? There are numerous little problems which can be laughed away. At times this capacity to take things lightly,to see the funny side of an otherwise grim situation may cement a relationship much more than anything else. Laughter keeps one young. It is the best medicine. So let’s live and laugh togethe r.

Personality And The Nature Vs Nurture Debate. essays

Personality And The Nature Vs Nurture Debate. essays Psychology is a scientific analysis of state of mind and behaviour. These studies have been taking place for over the last hundred years, the nature versus nurture debate is something that many psychologists have been unable to agree on for quite some time. A person in favour of the nature theory would believe that the genetic build up of someone is what determines his or her personality. A person in favour of the nurture theory would believe that the environment is what determines his or her personality. Skinner was a behaviourist and is probably best known for his writing on operant conditioning. He believed that most behaviour was a product of what he named ABC. This stands for Antecedents, behaviour, and Consequences. Antecedents are thought of as stimuli e.g. if someone is working in a factory and hears the sound of a bell they may leave their work area for their lunch, the bell is the stimuli (antecedents) to go for lunch. Behaviour is our actions, what we are doing. Working on the factory line or taking notes from the supervisor are both parts of behaviour linked to a day at work. Consequences are the outcome of the behaviour. Getting promoted at work, a pay rise, a good reference or even just a pat on the back from the boss are all consequences of good behaviour in the place of work. According to Skinner, we learn consequences of good behaviour by reinforcement. There are two kinds of reinforcement, positive and negative, e.g. if a child was at school and the teacher was to ask a question (stimuli) and the child was to answer (behaviour) the question correctly, then hopefully the teacher would praise (consequence) the child for doing so, this would be positive reinforcement and the child is likely to repeat this behaviour. However, if the child did not answer the question correctly and the teacher criticised the child for it, then this would be considered negative reinforcement and it would be un...

A Quest of Realization essays

A Quest of Realization essays In the movie The Seventh Seal, Bergman portrays his main character, Antonius Block as a wanderer. Antonius journeys his way thorough the movie in search for an answer. He goes on a quest to find if God really does exist and if He does, why hasnt He shown himself and make some clear evidence of it. Antonius soon realizes that the answer he was looking for is a big disappointment in the end. It is not until Death is literally knocking at his front door does Antonius come to the conclusion that God will not help him conquer death, and man dies when he does because he does with no questions asked. Throughout the course of the movie, new experiences and knowledge cause Antonius to come to his ultimate conclusion that there is no God or hope; only pain and heartbreak. As Antonius and his squire Jon journey the land, they come across a girl named Tyan who helps the knight fins some truth to his quest to believe that there is no God. While Antonius, Jon and the others travel the land, they find a girl who has been accused for started the plague and befriending the devil himself. The consequence for this action; death by being burned at the stake. Thinking that perhaps this girl could help him out, Antonius takes the advantage of asking her some questions so perhaps she could help him find the knowledge which he is in search for. When he asks her if the accusations are true, she replies that yes, she truly has seen the devil and she has also slept with the devil and has the devil within her. Tyan then tells Antonius that he too is capable of seeing the devil. All he has to do is look deep into her eyes. When Antonius looks into her eyes, he does not see the devil. The only thing that he saw inside her was terror and fear. As Tyan is at the stake, she, along with Antonius himself, realize that after life, there is nothing. The emptiness in Tyans eyes said it all. Antonius realized this and felt more lost than he di...

The History of Samurai in Japan

The History of Samurai in Japan Samurai were a class of highly skilled warriors that arose in Japan after the Taika reforms of A.D. 646, which included land redistribution and heavy new taxes meant to support an elaborate Chinese-style empire. The reforms forced many small farmers to sell their land and work as tenant farmers. Over time, a few large landholders amassed power and wealth, creating a feudal system similar to that of  medieval Europe. To defend their riches, Japanese feudal lords hired the first samurai warriors, or bushi. Early Feudal Era Some samurai were relatives of the landowners they protected, while others were simply hired swords. The samurai code emphasized loyalty to ones master- even over family loyalty. History shows that the most loyal samurai were usually family members or financial dependents of their lords. During the 900s, the weak emperors of the Heian Era lost control of rural Japan and the country was torn apart by revolt. The emperors power was soon restricted to the capital, and across the country, the warrior class moved in to fill the power vacuum. After years of fighting, the samurai established a military government known as the shogunate. By the early 1100s, the warriors had both military and political power over much of Japan. The weak imperial line received a fatal blow to its power in 1156 when Emperor Toba died without a clear successor. His sons, Sutoku and Go-Shirakawa, fought for control in a civil war known as the Hogen Rebellion of 1156. In the end, both would-be emperors lost and the imperial office lost all its remaining power. During the civil war, the Minamoto and Taira samurai clans rose to prominence. They fought one another during the Heiji Rebellion of 1160. After their victory, the Taira established the first samurai-led government and the defeated Minamoto were banished from the capital of Kyoto. Kamakura and Early Muromachi (Ashikaga) Periods The two clans fought once more in the Genpei War of 1180 to 1185, which ended in victory for the Minamoto. Following their victory, Minamoto no Yoritomo established the Kamakura Shogunate, retaining the emperor as a figurehead. The Minamoto clan ruled much of Japan until 1333. In 1268, an external threat appeared. Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler of Yuan China, demanded tribute from Japan, and when Kyoto refused to comply the Mongols invaded. Fortunately for Japan, a typhoon destroyed the Mongols 600 ships, and a second invasion fleet in 1281 met the same fate. Despite such incredible help from nature, the Mongol attacks cost the Kamakura dearly. Unable to offer land or riches to the samurai leaders who rallied to Japans defense, the weakened shogun faced a challenge from Emperor Go-Daigo in 1318. After being exiled in 1331, the emperor returned and overthrew the shogunate in 1333. The Kemmu Restoration of imperial power lasted only three years. In 1336, the Ashikaga shogunate under Ashikaga Takauji reasserted samurai rule, though this new shogunate was weaker than that of the Kamakura. Regional constables called daimyo developed considerable power and meddled with the shogunates line of succession. Later Muromachi Period and Restoration of Order By 1460, the daimyos  were ignoring orders from the shogun and backing different successors to the imperial throne. When the shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, resigned in 1464, a dispute between backers of his younger brother and his son ignited even more intense fighting among the daimyo. In 1467, this squabbling erupted into the decade-long Onin War, in which thousands died and Kyoto was burned to the ground. The war led directly to Japans Warring States Period, or  Sengoku. Between 1467 and 1573, various daimyos led their clans in a fight for national dominance, and nearly all of the provinces were engulfed in the fighting. The Warring States Period drew to a close in 1568 when the warlord Oda Nobunaga defeated three powerful daimyos, marched into Kyoto, and had his preferred leader, Yoshiaki, installed as shogun. Nobunaga spent the next 14 years subduing other rival daimyos and quelling rebellions by fractious Buddhist monks. His grand Azuchi Castle, constructed between 1576 and 1579, became of symbol of Japanese reunification. In 1582, Nobunaga was assassinated by one of his generals, Akechi Mitsuhide. Hideyoshi, another general, finished the unification and ruled as kampaku,  or regent, invading  Korea in 1592 and 1597. The Tokugawa Shogunate of the Edo Period Hideyoshi exiled the large Tokugawa clan from the area around Kyoto to the Kanto region in eastern Japan. By 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu had conquered the neighboring daimyo from his castle stronghold at Edo, which would one day become Tokyo. Ieyasus son, Hidetada, became shogun of the unified country in 1605, ushering in about 250 years of relative peace and stability for Japan. The strong Tokugawa shoguns domesticated the samurai, forcing them to either serve their lords in the cities or give up their swords and farm. This transformed the warriors into a class of cultured bureaucrats. The Meiji Restoration and the End of the Samurai In 1868, the Meiji Restoration signaled the beginning of the end for the samurai. The Meiji system of constitutional monarchy included such democratic reforms as term limits for public officials and popular balloting. With public support, the Meiji Emperor did away with the samurai, reduced the power of the daimyo, and changed the capitals name from Edo to Tokyo. The new government created a conscripted army in 1873. Some of the officers were drawn from the ranks of former samurai, but more of the warriors found work as police officers. In 1877, angry ex-samurai revolted against the Meiji in the Satsuma Rebellion, but they later lost the Battle of Shiroyama, bringing the era of the samurai to an end. Culture and Weapons of the Samurai The culture of the samurai was grounded in the concept of bushido, or the way of the warrior, whose central tenets are honor and freedom from fear of death. A samurai was legally entitled to cut down any commoner who failed to honor him- or her- properly. The warrior was believed to be imbued with bushido spirit. He or she was expected to fight fearlessly and die honorably rather than surrender in defeat. Out of this disregard for death came the Japanese tradition of seppuku, in which defeated warriors- and disgraced government officials- would commit suicide with honor by disemboweling themselves with a short sword. Early samurai were archers, fighting on foot or horseback with extremely long bows (yumi), and used swords mainly for finishing off wounded enemies. After the Mongol invasions of 1272 and 1281, the samurai began to make greater use of swords, poles topped by curved blades called naginata, and spears. Samurai warriors wore two swords, the katana, and the wakizashi, which were banned from use by non-samurai in the late 16th century.

Assessment of the child with complex needs Essay

Assessment of the child with complex needs - Essay Example Overall I feel that despite the set of abilities which the pupil demonstrates, she needs a holistic communication system that aims at making use of all the senses to support her communication, understanding and education. In addition to the diagnoses, reports dated 11.11.2010, 9.9.12.2010, 10.3.2011 by a multi-agency team based at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children indicate that Pupil Z’s abnormalities in development impact on her motor development, and her visual and cognitive processing that support communication and learning. For example, the cerebral palsy affects her ability to control her body, head and eye movement, and this further impacts her learning and cognitive development. Due to the complexity of her needs she now attends a special school which caters for children with sensory impairments and learning difficulties. Aiming to determine the Pupil Z’s functional vision available for communication and education, led me to a review of literature and con cepts relating to assessment of learners who present significant difficulties for researchers. Addressing the issue of the heterogeneity of deaf-blind / multi-sensory impaired population was essential in selecting an assessment approach to assess functional vision for my pupil (Robson 1993 & 2002). ... There is literature relating directly to assessing vision for learners with multiply disabilities based on systematic investigation. However, I have chosen ‘Vision for Doing’ model designed by Stuart Aitken and Marianna Buultjens (1992) as this approach allows me to assess Pupil Z’s functional vision in the context of multiple disabilities. The strengths and limitations of this particular assessment model have been evaluated below. I observed Pupil Z over three weeks participating in group and one-to-one activities with different people. I noted time of the day; places (classroom, sensory room) and positioning (wheelchair, standing frame) to learn about how she uses her vision for learning. I felt that observations of Pupil Z during routine activities / tasks would be the most effective method of collecting data as it would give me first hand evidence of Pupil Z’s visual abilities. I also felt that well established routine activities will motivate her to us e her vision and try to communicate her responses more. SECTION 3 OBSERVING THE PUPIL Z Pupil Z likes / dislikes Activities: Likes / dislikes Number of observers: 1 Positioning: Pupil Z was observed in a quiet, distraction-free area as well as the busy classroom at a time of the day when she was alert and displaying neutral and communicative behaviors. She was positioned in her wheelchair / stander, 19.7 inch from the screen. Listening / watching to a story / song on the plasma screen: â€Å"We are going on a bear hunt† â€Å"Incy Wincy spider† Observations: During three weeks of observation of Pupil Z despite showing pockets of abilities, she was not consistent in her responses to these activates. We have observed mixed responses to both activities,

Inhalation injuries Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Inhalation injuries - Research Paper Example Observed increase of cases had been observed in incidents related to fire such as the attack in the World Trade Center wherein 49% of the victims suffered inhalation injury. Based on the WHO data, more than 1 billion people suffer airway and pulmonary inflammation due to different forms of fires (Rehberg et al. 284). The process of heat generation in combustion that produces smoke can cause thermal injury in the upper airway. The soot referred to as particulate matters during combustion can clog and irritate the airways resulting to reflex bronchoconstriction. Other compounds in the form of gas can lead to different types of injury and asphyxiation such as carbon monoxide; hydrogen cyanide; aldehydes (from furniture and cotton); chlorine gas, ammonia, hydrocarbons acids and ketones (from rubber and plastics); and the most common component of smoke phosgene gas (Serebrisky, Nazarian and Connolly 1). The mechanism of the injury can be attributed to the component of the smoke. The effects of smoke inhalation are divided into the effects of the gas phase and the particle phase. Thus, different parts of the respiratory system can be affected by the different components of the smoke namely the upper airway, the tracheobronchial system or lower airway, lung parenchyma, and systemic toxicity. The three types of smoke inhalation injury are thermal injury due to cell injury and pulmonary parenchymal which commonly affects the upper airway, chemical irritation and hypoxemia of the respiratory tract and the systemic toxicity leading to organ damage due to the action of toxic gases (Rehberg et al. 284; Serebrisky, Nazarian and Connolly 1). There are different indications of inhalation injuries such as facial and neck burns, burned lips and vibrissae, soot-containing airway secretions, pathological respiration patterns such as coughing, stridor and hoarseness, dyspnea, cyanosis and neurological symptoms such as unconsciousness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

Employment Law for Animal Care & Service Workers Essay

Employment Law for Animal Care & Service Workers - Essay Example Better employment laws shall serve to provide legitimate guidelines for the allowance of a healthy working atmosphere for both employer and worker. Other major economic competitors have incorporated these inclusions into their prevailing national laws to adapt with the current flexible trends in the employment system. Legislators and capitalists are enjoined to work hand in hand to promote a better future for its workforce thereby allowing a broader expansion of Australia's economic goals. In 2005, the Howard Government and the Australian Parliament launched the Workplace Relations Amendment Bill 2005 "Workchoices" guide that announced series of amendments to the Australian Labor Law. Effective last March 2006, the Workplace Relations Act 1996 took effect despite heavy protests from the labor sector and equally heavy expenditures. The Australian Labor Party and the Australian Council of Trade unions had originally described the amendment as "sugar-coating a poison pill" and a "representation of the old package". The Howard Government countered that reforms were necessary as step in the deregulation of the Australian economy. Andrews reasoned that the 1.7 million extra jobs created in Australia and the 14% increases in real wages were part of the reason "part of the reason for that is because of the reforms that we made in 1996".1 Accountably, the government claims that such reforms made a substantial impact on the present economic status and that 'Workchoices' "will h ave more choice and flexibility and this in turn will lead to a higher productivity".2 Laws and Provisions under Workchoices The creation of several minimum workplace system conditions in Australia has been equated by the government and the business sector in the effort to maintain the economic stability. Under the new unfair dismissal practices, companies with fewer than 100 employees are exempted from unfair dismissal. At the same time employees of larger corporations will not be protected if they are dismissed for 'operational reasons' that previously allowed them to claim compensation or reinstatement. This was done to alleviate the stifling penalties imposed by the Labor government of 1993 that according to the Howard government has slowed business growth and lesser jobs. If however the reasons do not fall under 'operational requirements'; claims under unfair dismissal practices will have some solid ground and as an alternative, the government "has offered pay $4000 to employees who were unlawfully dismissed to aid in the legal costs".3 For areas where unfair contract legislation allows dismissed emp loyees to seek compensation upon contract termination, 'Workchoices' has specifically excluded them from such legislation. This further explains that an employee under this area will no longer be allowed to seek remedy under this act. The grounds cited where an employee may claim for unlawful dismissal would include racial discrimination, family commitments and retaliations. The sovereign right to work in a job of choice that an employee has been trained and academically prepared will always remain under equal opportunity. Equal rights for

Field Interview Paper about Correctional Institution Guard Essay

Field Interview Paper about Correctional Institution Guard - Essay Example I would put together group activities like partnering teams up to create, design, implement, and display their project after observing it for a week in nature so the detainees can get fresh air and spend some one on one time with each other. They would be paired in groups that I felt would benefit one another from previous observation, and then I would have them display and explain the project. Softball would be good for their souls that shows real fun within a simple game where they can show gratitude, work as a team, cut up, be loud, where I could watch and the youngsters get exercise frequently. Since I would want to work with 13 to 17 year old juveniles would take the juvenile approach because it consists of talking openly about the crimes they have committed and taking blame because a lot of people who commit crimes are ate up with guilt. When that guilt builds up and is not let out in the open, and then it can drive someone insane, cause them to inflict pain on themselves, hurt or kill others or themselves. In this process I would keep a Your last name ii journal of notes on each day with each detainee and their actions, participations, and outcomes or improvements were there problems. This attempt would be to discuss the facilities statistics and their age and crime rates, the life of inmates who are in for good or on death row. This can bring reality in the discussion, like an eye opener and time for these individuals to think back to their own crime(s) because that is an attempt for them to talk. I would have an open discussion about the guidelines of healing and integrity including the group’s opinions and comments and talk about how crime does not affect just the victim but both sides’ families, their reputation, and where they stand or feel and are they ashamed. Taking responsibility for actions, how to fix anything, acceptance, apologies, a written apology to the other family, whether sent or not but to get their feelings out, but ask them to do this later to discuss at the next meeting. I would also leave on a positive note with maybe everyone going around the room stating their favorite music and why. There is a sport that I can see myself doing up in middle aged and elderly years, and that would definitely have to get in to bowling, even order personalized balls and shoes, because I have never had either the money, sitter, or time and that would be a good time in life to take part in it especially with my husband who enjoys the sport, too. I know if my husband and I walk every other day, and are still able to get up and use a 8 to 12 pound ball like we always have because it is a safe, fun, and happy interactive sport that is fun to play with all members of the family, groups of friends, as a caregiver who is overseeing different age levels of people regardless of whether they are handicapped, afterschool, summer camp, or just a day camp. In bowling, just like for any other people who have hobbies and things people enjoy, it is easy to get in to and find out through others and sponsors who may help pay for you to create your own Your last name iii or even become a member of a group, association, or team member, and have certain nights of the week where you go and have some time to yourself because everyone

Salinity groundwater in eastern province saudi arabia Term Paper

Salinity groundwater in eastern province saudi arabia - Term Paper Example As such, the country suffers from the consequent desert effects, which include lack of enough clean water since there are no perennial rivers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia depends on surface water resources which include the annual rainfall of about 300mm that occurs between October and March in southeast Saudi Arabia (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2009). Moreover, other parts in Saudi Arabia depend on groundwater especially in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Just like in any other part of the world, water quality is very fundamental for the development of civilization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Indeed water quality helps in establishing a database for planning future water resources development strategies in the country. Notably, the central and eastern region in Saudi Arabia depends on groundwater for domestic and industrial purposes. Geologists and other environmental experts confirmed that six major consolidated sedimentary old-age aquifers called the Arabian Shelf are the main sources of groundwater in Saudi Arabia (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2009). Depending on the geochemistry of the underlying aquifer, the groundwater from the Arabian Shelf contains dissolved salts and other components that contaminate the available water in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Various factors define the quality and contamination levels of groundwater. Such factors include the irregular recharge in arid regions (Sharaf, 2012). Such variations occur in different times and in different places including the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Most assuredly, the chemical and physical components in the groundwater may be in significant levels that lead to adverse health and environmental effects. In the Arabian Shelf, such constituents are in excess of their permissible limits that promotes health hazards and environmental problems (Al-Zarah, 2007). This

Movie review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Movie Review Example It was considered to be the biggest spill in the history of the United States. Despite of its devastating effects, the media had paid little attention to it and many do not know about the tragedy. The movie caught the attention of the reviewer because of its disturbing content. It was really dangerous to have millions of gallons of water to contain uranium which is an active element. Once exposed to it, mutations and illnesses come upon the organisms and some even die quickly. If it would happen again in other parts of the world, the people in that locality may not be prepared so it is very important to actually have the movie to be disseminated to inform people about the dangers of nuclear energy and its possible leakage. Having documentary films like The River that Harms is necessary to increase the awareness of the public about the importance of safety and environment. After all, once such kind of danger occurs, many will be

Salinity groundwater in eastern province saudi arabia Term Paper

Salinity groundwater in eastern province saudi arabia - Term Paper Example As such, the country suffers from the consequent desert effects, which include lack of enough clean water since there are no perennial rivers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia depends on surface water resources which include the annual rainfall of about 300mm that occurs between October and March in southeast Saudi Arabia (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2009). Moreover, other parts in Saudi Arabia depend on groundwater especially in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Just like in any other part of the world, water quality is very fundamental for the development of civilization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Indeed water quality helps in establishing a database for planning future water resources development strategies in the country. Notably, the central and eastern region in Saudi Arabia depends on groundwater for domestic and industrial purposes. Geologists and other environmental experts confirmed that six major consolidated sedimentary old-age aquifers called the Arabian Shelf are the main sources of groundwater in Saudi Arabia (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2009). Depending on the geochemistry of the underlying aquifer, the groundwater from the Arabian Shelf contains dissolved salts and other components that contaminate the available water in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Various factors define the quality and contamination levels of groundwater. Such factors include the irregular recharge in arid regions (Sharaf, 2012). Such variations occur in different times and in different places including the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Most assuredly, the chemical and physical components in the groundwater may be in significant levels that lead to adverse health and environmental effects. In the Arabian Shelf, such constituents are in excess of their permissible limits that promotes health hazards and environmental problems (Al-Zarah, 2007). This

'The Iceman Cometh' by Eugene O'Neill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

'The Iceman Cometh' by Eugene O'Neill - Essay Example That which separates them paradoxically joins them, suggesting the principle of complementary opposition uniting yin and yang. The relationship of Harry Hope and Jimmy Tomorrow is more complex; for the focus on past and future they respectively symbolize takes us closer both to the pipe dreaming that is the thematic core of Iceman and to the Taoist manner in which ONeill structures the plays thematic oppositions. In a sentimental monologue halfway through act one, Harry Hope remembers the time he almost ran for alderman, and vows to renew his political involvement; moments later Jimmy Tomorrow, in counterpoint, dreams about regaining his former position in public relations. For both, however, pipe dreams for the future rest on self-deceit about the past. With no chance of winning twenty years ago, Harry used his wifes death as an excuse to withdraw from the race and the world; Jimmy conveniently forgets being fired for drunkenness. The close proximity of their speeches, however, allows Larry Slade to articulate their symbolic connection. Harrys maudlin reminiscences about Bessie prompts Larrys remark, "Isnt a pipe dream of yesterday a touching thing?" And when Jimmy vows to spruce up his appearance for a future interview, Larry sardonically comments, "The tomorrow movement is a sad and beautiful thing, too." While Hope focuses on illusions about the past and Jimmy leads the "tomorrow movemen t," they actually form another complementary couple who represent the interdependence of false memories and empty ambitions--the neurotic state of mind that afflicts virtually all the barroom derelicts. As Larry laughingly crows to Jimmy, "Worst is best here, and East is West, and tomorrow is yesterday. What more do you want?" The identity of "yesterday" and "tomorrow," apparent opposites, again resembles that of yin and yang: past and future interpenetrate at Harry Hopes saloon. Iceman also mingles another pair of

Services for Community Healthcare

Services for Community Healthcare Introduction (2000-3000) Essential services Community pharmacies provide various services to their customers every day. These services include essential services such as dispensing medicines, dispensing appliances, repeat dispensing, clinical governance, signposting, promotion of healthy lifestyle, disposal of unwanted medicines and support for self-care. These services are delivered by all pharmacies as part of the NHS pharmacy contract.[1] Advanced services There are four advanced services that can be delivered by the community pharmacies if they meet the criteria set up in the contract. These services include Medicines Use Reviews (MUR), New Medicines Service (NMS), Appliance Use Reviews (AUR) and Stoma Appliance Customisation (SAC).[2] Most customers visit pharmacies in order to receive essential services. Customer’s perspectives on community pharmacies can be based around other factors as well as the quality of service they received from their pharmacist. Therefore customer’s perception of community pharmacies is of extreme importance as they deliver various services to patients on daily basis. Each pharmacist has a duty of care to their patients. Pharmacists are easily accessible and highly trusted in the communities. Their responsibilities include dispensing medicines as well as providing pharmaceutical care. They can increase patient’s participation in their own care by educating them about their disease, explaining the importance of adherence and increasing awareness of the most common side effects.[3] They can counsel patients about drugs such as appropriate drug usage, administration, dosage, side effects, storage and drug–drug and drug–food interactions.[4] Pharmaceutical Care Pharmaceutical care is described as the responsible provision of drug therapy for the purpose of achieving definitive outcomes that improve a patient’s quality of life.[5] Later a new definition emerged in which pharmaceutical care was described as â€Å"A practice in which the practitioner takes responsibility for the patients’ drug related needs and is held accountable for this commitment†[6] Many people are prescribed multiple and long term medication. Pharmaceutical care includes collecting information, assessing information, setting appropriate objectives, selecting appropriate therapy and monitoring the effectiveness of therapy and educating patients on medicine use. All steps need the involvement of patient from collecting information to the selection of therapy and implementing that therapy for the benefit of the patient. Today’s pharmacist needs to make patients the centre of their attention. Pharmacists can maximise the therapeutic benefit to the patient by using a multidisciplinary approach such as consultation with other healthcare professionals and the patients themselves. Pharmacists can play a fundamental role in the overall patient experience as they are a critical source of drug knowledge in community, hospitals and industry. Different roles are played by the pharmacists throughout the world such as some prepare and supply medicines whilst others share their expertise and knowledge with healthcare professionals and patients and work in medicines information teams.[7] Social change through health promotion campaigns, media and internet has led to increased risk awareness amongst the public and therefore there is an increase in demand for their questions to be answered and their issues to be taken up by healthcare professionals. Pharmacists are at the forefront of this interaction and they must lead as a model to others and develop confidence amongst their patients by appropriately dealing with their concerns. They can do this by keeping themselves up to date with the latest developments in the pharmaceutical industry. The media plays a key role in influencing public opinion regarding the quality of treatment and the variety of different drugs used to treat disease. Pharmacists should ensure that they are fully aware of such topics and can thoroughly answer any issues raised in their pharmacy. A good example of this is the advice that the pharmacists can offer to their patients in regards to their smoking habits. They can play a proactive role in identifying the fact that they smoke and then tailoring them to the appropriate smoking cessation schemes. This will improve the quality of pharmaceutical services, instilling confidence in the patient with the fact that pharmacist is an effective point of call. In recent years, provision of pharmacy services has shifted more towards pharmaceutical care along with medicine supply.[8] Although some personal and social barriers exist in pharmacist-patient communication[9] but the involvement of patients in their own care is helping to eliminate these barriers.[10] The quality of pharmaceutical care depends on the ability of the pharmacist. An outcome of the therapy can be improved if regular interactions are maintained between the pharmacist and the patient.[11] Many studies have shown that patients feel they benefit more if they maintain a regular contact with the pharmacist and they consider pharmacist to be an important source of information for medicines and minor ailments.[12][13][14] The World Health Organisation (WHO) has made a valuable contribution to the recognition of the importance of a pharmacist’s role worldwide, especially in quality assurance and the safe and effective administration of drugs.[15] WHO along with International Pharmaceutical Federation proposed a seven star pharmacist concept, which requires future pharmacists to possess specific knowledge, attitude, skills and behaviour.[16] In addition WHO recommends 1 pharmacist per 2000 population to ensure optimum benefit to the society from efficient provision of pharmaceutical services. Each pharmacist should be held accountable for the cost, quality and results of pharmaceutical care provided to the patients. Also they should be involved in decisions about health policies.[17] Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) Pharmacists can play a vital role in healthcare by preventing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) caused by overdosing, medication errors and non-adherence. ADRs include any undesirable outcome that can be attributed to the action of a drug. ADRs can cause various problems such as: the driving of further complications in existing disease, delaying the cure of a disease, mimicking other disease states. As a consequence this result in ineffective treatment as the drug induced problem goes unrecognised. Thus, causing patients to lose confidence in their pharmacist and the overall quality of their treatment. This demonstrates that ADRs are a driving force behind additional problems e.g 6.5% of hospital admissions are due to drug therapy problems.[18] 10% of patients admitted to acute hospitals experienced an adverse drug reaction. Half of these were considered preventable.[19] 14.7% of hospital in-patients are as a consequence of ADRs. ADRs are also a significant cause of morbidity thus increasing the length of stay of patients by an average of 0.25 days/patient per admission episode. The drugs most frequently associated with ADRs are diuretics, opioid analgesics, anticoagulants and NSAID’s.[20] These four drug groups account for 50% of all drug related admissions. As an example ADRs caused by NSAID’s account for 12,000 bleeding ulcers/year leading to 2,000 deaths/year.[21] Pharmacist’s Significance One of the very important aspects of this profession involves every professional working to their full potential to provide the best possible care and service to their customers. However, if a pharmacist does not provide the optimum attention and care to their patients then it can bring down the reputation and the effectiveness of the profession. Pharmacists are of utmost importance in ensuring that their attitude towards this side of the practice is as critical as ensuring the clinical and legal correctness of a prescription. This can not only correct the mistakes made while dispensing but ensure a significant benefit to the patient’s health from the therapy utilised to benefit the patient. A lack of consideration towards this aspect of the practice is harmful to the patient and the NHS as it will prolong the time required to manage and cure the conditions under treatment. Quality of services delivered by community pharmacies is mostly assessed by patient’s opinion and customer satisfaction surveys which are carried out as an integral component of the essential services through clinical governance.[22] The responsibility of ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines lies with the pharmacists whether it is community or hospital pharmacy. Pharmacists can fulfil this responsibility by counselling patients about their conditions and medications.[23] Precise role of the community pharmacist is defined by General Pharmaceutical Counsel (GPHC) and other professional pharmaceutical associations.[24] Public Perception of Community Pharmacist Public view of pharmacists is not that of healthcare advisors thus limiting pharmacist’s role and restricting them in providing beneficial services to the public. There is a need to educate public about the role a pharmacist could play in providing advice and guidance in minor ailments and pharmacists being the first line of approach when faced with a health related issue. Consumers who approach pharmacists are those who have previous experience of receiving help from pharmacists to treat minor ailments. Even then they don’t use pharmacists as first point of contact they normally tend to research and self-diagnose before seeking help from a healthcare professional such as a pharmacist. Thus this limits the role a pharmacist could play in giving advice and helping customers.[25] Patient-pharmacist interaction is an essential tool to discovering better strategies and methods that could be employed in everyday practice to make the service better and more useful. This can be done by asking for opinions from the patients about the services that they have received while attending a pharmacy. These can be used to evaluate the need for a new intervention and improve the quality of current services.[26] Also these observations can form a guideline when implementing improved strategies and referred to when measuring an improvement in the quality of service.[27] Customer Satisfaction Satisfaction has been defined as â€Å"the health care recipient’s reaction to salient aspects of his or her service experience† by Cleary and McNeil.[28] A study has defined customer satisfaction as an emotional response which relates to expectations and develops after consumption experience.[29] Throughout the world many studies have been conducted in to the role of the pharmacist and patient satisfaction from the community pharmacies. [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] A study in Qatar reported that public does not understand the role of community pharmacists as healthcare provider. [41] However, people in Maltese and Portuguese understand community pharmacist’s roles as a healthcare provider. [42] Public in Saudi Arabia appreciated pharmacists role and did approach them for advice. [43] Most Australians feel that pharmacist do not explain medication use properly. [44] Japanese customers would like direct communication with pharmacist and convenient opening hours. [45] A study in Canada reported high levels of customer satisfaction from the services provided by community pharmacies.[46] Hargie et al conducted a study in UK in 1992 to measure consumer perceptions and attitudes to community pharmacy services. They found that 32% of people considered pharmacists as business orientated, 26% considered pharmacists as health orientated and 42% considered them as both health and business. [47] Community pharmacies were highly rated in US by the pub lic in a survey in 1997. [48] A study by Larson et al. (2002) into patient satisfaction found that customers were more satisfied with the friendly approach by the staff than the pharmaceutical care by the pharmacists. [49] Another study by Cerulli (2002) reported that customers had a positive impression of community pharmacists and a foundation of customer-pharmacist relationship had been established. [50] The US national pharmacy consumer survey in 2002 reported high satisfaction with pharmacy services. [51] Most reports suggest that customers are satisfied with the pharmacist as drug experts and the services provided by community pharmacies. However some aspects can be improved such as the privacy, confidentiality and unequal treatment of customers.[52] This study can provide important information about patient’s perception of community pharmacies and the changes required to improve quality of performance. [1] http://psnc.org.uk/services-commissioning/essential-services/ [2] http://psnc.org.uk/services-commissioning/essential-services/ [3] Bluml BM. Definition of medication therapy management: development of professionwide consensus. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2005;45:566–572 [4] Hà ¤mmerlein A., Griese N., Schulz M. Survey of drug-related problems identified by community pharmacies. Ann Pharmacother. 2007;41(11):1825–1832. [PubMed] [5] Hepler C.D., Strand L.M.: Am. J. Hosp. Pharm. 47, 533 (1990). [6] Strand L.M.: J. Am. Pharm. Assoc. 37, 474, (1997) [7]Gilbert L.: Curr. Sociol.49, 97 (2001). [8]. Kotecki J.E.: J. Commun. Health, 27, 291 (2002). Worley M.M. Schommer J.C., Brown L.M., Hadsall R.S., Ranelli P.L., Stratton T.P., Uden D.L.: Res. Social Adm. Pharm. 3, 47 (2007). [9]Paluck E.C., Green LW, Frankish CJ, Fielding DW, Haverkamp B: Eval. Health Prof. 26, 380 (2003). [10]Tio J., LaCaze A., Cottrell N.: Pharm. World Sci. 29, 73 (2007) [11]Nau D.P., Ried L.D., Lipowski E.E., Kimberlin C., Pendergast J., Spivey-Miller S.: J. Am. Pharm. Assoc. 40, 36 (2000). [12]Tio J., LaCaze A., Cottrell N.: Pharm. World Sci. 29, 73 (2007). [13] [14]. Nau D.P., Ried L.D., Lipowski E.E., Kimberlin C., Pendergast J., Spivey-Miller S.: J. Am. Pharm. Assoc. 40, 36 (2000). [15] Dunlop J.A., Shaw J.P.: Pharm. World Sci. 24, 224 (2002). [16]Zammit D.: Pharm. J. 271, 468 (2003). [17]Khan, R.A., Pharmacy education and healthcare.Dawn, Pakistan, June 29 (2007). [18]Pirmohamed et al, British Medical Journal2004; 329: 15-19 [19]Vincent C et al, British Medical Journal2001; 322: 517-519 (http://bmj.bmjjournals.com) [20](Davies EC et al PLoS ONE 2009; 4(2): e4439) [21](Davies EC et al PLoS ONE 2009; 4(2): e4439) [22] Ried LD, Wang F, Young H, Awiphan R. Patients’ satisfaction and their perception of the pharmacist. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash) 1999;39(6):835–842. [PubMed] [23] Hepler CD, Strand LM. Opportunities and responsibilities in pharmaceutical care. Am J Hosp Pharm. 1990;47:533–543. [PubMed] [24] FIP International Pharmaceutical Federation. URL: http://www.fip.org/community_pharmacy . [15 April 2014]. [25] Advice provided in British community pharmacies: what people want and what they get. Hassell K1, Noyce P, Rogers A, Harris J, Wilkinson J. [26] Kucukarslan S.N., Nadkarni A. Evaluating medication-related services in a hospital setting using the disconfirmation of expectations model of satisfaction. Res Social Dam Pharm. 2008;4(1):12–22. [PubMed] [27] Iqbal Z, Jalees AF, Khar Roop Krishen KR, Sushama T. Pharmacist as an Indispensable Part of Health Care System: A Survey, Outcome and Reflections. Indian J. Pharm. Educ. Res. 42(1), Jan- Mar, 2008:78–83. [28] Cleary PD, McNeil BJ. Patient satisfaction as an indicator of quality care. Inquiry. 1988;25(1):25-36. [PubMed] [29] Oparah A.C., Kikanme L.C. Consumer satisfaction with community pharmacies in Warri. Nigeria. Res Social Adm Pharm. 2006;2(4):499–511. [PubMed] [30] Wirth F., Tabone F., Azzopardi L.M., Gauci M., Zarb-Adami M., Serracino-Inglott A. Consumer perception of the community pharmacist and community pharmacy services in Malta. Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research. 2010;1:189–194. [31] Cavaco A.M., Dias J.P., Bates I.P. Consumers’ perceptions of community pharmacy in Portugal: a qualitative exploratory study. Pharm World Sci. 2005;27(1):54–60. [PubMed] [32] Bawazir S.A. Consumer attitudes towards community pharmacy services in Saudi Arabia. Int J Pharm Pract. 2004;12:83–89. [33] Oritz M, Liden D, Thomas R, Morgan G, Morland R. The impact of professional services on pharmacy patronage: findings of a pharmacy practice foundation survey (Part 6) Aust J Pharm 1987; 68: 207–14. [34] Farris K.B., Stenton S.B., Samnani M., Samycia D. How satisfied are your patients? Can Pharm J. 2000;10:32–36. [35] Kamei M., Teshima K., Fukushima N., Nakamura T. Investigation of patients’ demand for community pharmacies: Relationship between pharmacy services and patient satisfaction. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2001;121(3):215–220. [PubMed] [36] Hargie O., Morrow N., Woodman C. Consumer perceptions of and attitudes to community pharmacy services. Pharm J. 1992;249:988–991. [37] Briesacher B., Corey R. Patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical services at independent and chain pharmacies. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 1997;54:531–536. [PubMed] [38] Larson L.N., Rovers J.P., MacKeigan L.D. Patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical care: Update of a validated instrument. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2002;42:44–50. [PubMed] [39] Cerulli J. Patients’ perceptions of independent community pharmacists. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2002;42:279–282. [PubMed] [40] Stergachis A., Maine L.L., Brown L. The 2001 national pharmacy consumer survey. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2002;42:568–576. [PubMed] [41] El Hajj M.S., Salem S., Mansoor H. Public’s attitudes towards community pharmacy in Qatar: a pilot study. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2011;5:405–422. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [42] Wirth F., Tabone F., Azzopardi L.M., Gauci M., Zarb-Adami M., Serracino-Inglott A. Consumer perception of the community pharmacist and community pharmacy services in Malta. Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research. 2010;1:189–194. [43] Bawazir S.A. Consumer attitudes towards community pharmacy services in Saudi Arabia. Int J Pharm Pract. 2004;12:83–89. [44] Oritz M, Liden D, Thomas R, Morgan G, Morland R. The impact of professional services on pharmacy patronage: findings of a pharmacy practice foundation survey (Part 6) Aust J Pharm 1987; 68: 207–14. [45] Farris K.B., Stenton S.B., Samnani M., Samycia D. How satisfied are your patients? Can Pharm J. 2000;10:32–36. [46] Kamei M., Teshima K., Fukushima N., Nakamura T. Investigation of patients’ demand for community pharmacies: Relationship between pharmacy services and patient satisfaction. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2001;121(3):215–220. [PubMed] [47] Hargie O., Morrow N., Woodman C. Consumer perceptions of and attitudes to community pharmacy services. Pharm J. 1992;249:988–991. [48] Briesacher B., Corey R. Patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical services at independent and chain pharmacies. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 1997;54:531–536. [PubMed] [49] Larson L.N., Rovers J.P., MacKeigan L.D. Patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical care: Update of a validated instrument. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2002;42:44–50. [PubMed] [50] Cerulli J. Patients’ perceptions of independent community pharmacists. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2002;42:279–282. [PubMed] [51] Stergachis A., Maine L.L., Brown L. The 2001 national pharmacy consumer survey. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2002;42:568–576. [PubMed] [52] The Contribution of Community Pharmacy to Improving the Public’s Health (Anderson, Blenkinsopp Armstrong, Pharmacy Health Link, 2009) http://www.pharmacyhealthlink.org.uk/?q=evidence_base_reports>; [accessed 18.04.14].

Zora Neale Hurston and Their Eyes Were Watching God :: Their Eyes Were Watching God Essays

Zora Neale Hurston and Their Eyes Were Watching God   Ã‚  Ã‚   Zora Neale Hurston an early twentieth century Afro-American feminist author, was raised in a predominately black community which gave her an unique perspective on race relations, evident in her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God.   Hurston drew on her on experiences as a feminist Afro-American female to create a story about the magical transformation of Janie, from a young unconfident girl to a thriving woman.   Janie experiences many things that make her a compelling character who takes readers along as her companion, on her voyage to discover the mysteries and rewards life has to offer.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Zora Neale Hurston was, the daughter of a Baptist minister and an educated scholar who still believed in the genius contained within the common southern black vernacular(Hook http://splavc.spjc.cc.fl.us/hooks/Zora.html).   She was a woman who found her place, though unstable, in a typical male profession. Hurston was born on January 7, 1891  Ã‚   in Eatonville, Florida,   the first all-incorporated black town in America.   She found a special thing in this town, where she said, "... [I] grew like a like a gourd and yelled bass like a gator," (Gale, 1).   When Hurston was thirteen she was removed from school and sent to care for her brother's children.   She became a member of a traveling theater at the age of sixteen, and then found herself working as a maid for a white woman. This woman saw a spark that was waiting for fuel, so she arranged for Hurston to attend high school in Baltimore. She also attended Morgan Academy, now c alled Morgan State University, from which she graduated in June of 1918.   She then enrolled in the Howard Prep School followed by later enrollment in Howard University.   In 1928 Hurston attended Barnard College where she studied anthropology under Franz Boas. After she graduated, Zora returned to Eatonville to begin work on anthropology.   Four years after Hurston received her B.A. from Barnard she enrolled in Columbia University   to begin graduate work (Discovering Authors, 2-4).   Hurston's life seemed to be going well but she was soon to see the other side of reality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hurston never stayed at a job for too long,   constantly refusing the advances of male employers, which showed part of her strong feminist disposition.   But Hurston was still seeking true love throughout her travels and education.   At Howard University, Hurston met Herburt Sheen whom she married on May 19, 1927 in St. Zora Neale Hurston and Their Eyes Were Watching God :: Their Eyes Were Watching God Essays Zora Neale Hurston and Their Eyes Were Watching God   Ã‚  Ã‚   Zora Neale Hurston an early twentieth century Afro-American feminist author, was raised in a predominately black community which gave her an unique perspective on race relations, evident in her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God.   Hurston drew on her on experiences as a feminist Afro-American female to create a story about the magical transformation of Janie, from a young unconfident girl to a thriving woman.   Janie experiences many things that make her a compelling character who takes readers along as her companion, on her voyage to discover the mysteries and rewards life has to offer.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Zora Neale Hurston was, the daughter of a Baptist minister and an educated scholar who still believed in the genius contained within the common southern black vernacular(Hook http://splavc.spjc.cc.fl.us/hooks/Zora.html).   She was a woman who found her place, though unstable, in a typical male profession. Hurston was born on January 7, 1891  Ã‚   in Eatonville, Florida,   the first all-incorporated black town in America.   She found a special thing in this town, where she said, "... [I] grew like a like a gourd and yelled bass like a gator," (Gale, 1).   When Hurston was thirteen she was removed from school and sent to care for her brother's children.   She became a member of a traveling theater at the age of sixteen, and then found herself working as a maid for a white woman. This woman saw a spark that was waiting for fuel, so she arranged for Hurston to attend high school in Baltimore. She also attended Morgan Academy, now c alled Morgan State University, from which she graduated in June of 1918.   She then enrolled in the Howard Prep School followed by later enrollment in Howard University.   In 1928 Hurston attended Barnard College where she studied anthropology under Franz Boas. After she graduated, Zora returned to Eatonville to begin work on anthropology.   Four years after Hurston received her B.A. from Barnard she enrolled in Columbia University   to begin graduate work (Discovering Authors, 2-4).   Hurston's life seemed to be going well but she was soon to see the other side of reality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hurston never stayed at a job for too long,   constantly refusing the advances of male employers, which showed part of her strong feminist disposition.   But Hurston was still seeking true love throughout her travels and education.   At Howard University, Hurston met Herburt Sheen whom she married on May 19, 1927 in St.

The Efforts to Regulate the Internet Essay -- Computers Web Technology

The Efforts to Regulate the Internet Abstract â€Å"Cyberspace is both the popular media's new darling and new demon, revealing a new, expansive intellectual horizon but simultaneously providing easy access to an infinite, virtual Pandora's box† [1]. This paper shall discuss the situations that have raised the need for the Internet regulations, and in particular, Internet content censorship. Then, it shall review the regulatory efforts worldwide, with respect to the local cultures and governmental systems. Also, technological tools for regulating the Internet contents shall be presented. The ethical discussion shall focus on the right to regulate the Internet content, in light of the implications this restriction may have on the individual and common good of the cyber community. Introduction The popularity of cyberspace is growing. As more people gain access to cyberspace, unpleasant elements are getting more media attention, and there is a growing population of supporters for regulation. Some of the concerns of regulation supporters are pornography, pedophilia, vulgar language, and cyber scams. Pro-regulationers hope that a structured form of monitoring and policing will prevent such occurrences online. The idea that policing is imminent in cyberspace is quickly becoming a part of the cyber culture. Though currently self regulation is the main mode of practice, counties are beginning to take steps, which will define what is and is not acceptable online content. [2] The following headlines related to a child pornography case in Britain is an example that can serve as a good argument for those who are pro-regulations [3]: - Launched after FBI passed credit card details of 7300 alleged British subscribers ... ...] North Park University, â€Å"Adam Smith writes The Wealth of Nations: 1776† http://campus.northpark.edu/history/WebChron/WestEurope/AdamSmith.CP.html [14] Pontifical Council for Social Communications: Ethic in Internet, John P. Foley. http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/pccs/documents/rc_pc_pccs_doc_20020228_ethics-internet_en.html [15] â€Å"Case studies in Information and Computer Ethics†, Richard Spinello, Chapter 2 [16] Privacy Initiatives, Federal Trade Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/privacy/index.html [17] Positions Based on Ethical Principals and Values, Chris S. Show. http://www.students.stedwards.edu/~cshaw/Position%20Based%20on%20Ethical%20Principles%20and%20Values.htm [18] Pornography and Ethics, Free speech or Civil rights, Muhammad Hozien. http://www.muslimphilosophy.com/mih/ethics/e5.htm

My Last Duchess Analysis Essay

The speaker can be seen as both a villain and lover of great art, but which is his true identity? In â€Å"My Last Duchess†, the duke’s deplorable wickedness makes the split between moral judgment and our actual feeling for him especially apparent. The effect created by the tension between sympathy and judgment is a striking characteristic of dramatic monologues. Throughout the poem, the Duke’s poise and wonderful taste for art makes the reader take on a sympathetic attitude toward the Duke. When the Duke shows his power and desire to control, however, we begin to question the Duke’s character and judge his motives. The way the reader perceives the Duke changes the reader’s perspective on the poem and situation of the Duke, yet Browning’s reasoning for doing this is inconclusive. Upon first reading, the poem struck us as if we should have some sort of sympathy for the Duke due to his truly genuine admiration towards his pieces of art, â€Å"I call/That piece a wonder, now: Fr Pandolf’s hands/Worked busily a day, and there she stands† (lines 2-4). We see how insanely egotistical the Duke is in lines 32-35, â€Å"as if she ranked/My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name/With anybody’s gift. Who’d stoop to blame/This sort of trifling? †, yet we cannot help but admire him. His flawless manner, impeccable taste, and admiration for the arts come together to astound both the envoy and us. The Duke describes the portrait in great detail and emphasizes the ease and intensity in which it was painted, â€Å"depth and passion of its earnest glance† (line 8). Only someone who sincerely admires such great work would be able to tell the nuances in stroke of the painting itself. As the poem progresses, we increasingly learn more about the Duke. We begin to understand the thoughts, feelings, and potential motives of the Duke which give the reader a sense of sympathy for him, â€Å"Oh sir, she smiled, no doubt/,Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without/Much the same smile? † (lines 43-45). The more one gets to know a person, the more one relates to him or her; this is exactly what happens in the poem. The Duke increasingly tells the reader about his life and situation, and the reader feels as if he or she understands him more and more. The Duke explains how he felt as if he was not special to the Duchess. He felt as if she saw him as any other man, â€Å"She thanked men,—good! but thanked/Somehow—I know not how† (line 31-32). As we come to the ending of the poem for the first time, the reader feels nothing but sympathy and understanding for the Duke, but in the very last line, â€Å"Which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me! † we are struck by the spite hidden in his last statement. While on his way back to the party with the envoy, the Duke points out the statue of Neptune. This is just one of the many references the Duke makes that portrays his love for always being in control. After reminding the envoy of how his new bride shall be his own, â€Å"Though his fair daughter’s self, as I avowed/At starting, is my object. † (line 52-53), the envoy tries to get away from the situation in which the Duke has put him. But, rather than letting the envoy leave, for this would disrupt the Duke’s power of control, the Duke insists that they return to the party together, â€Å"Will’t please you rise? We’ll meet/The company below, then. † (Lines 47-48). While on the way back to the party, the Duke points out the bronze statue of Neptune as his leaving remark. It is no coincidence that the last piece of art the Duke refers to is that of Neptune, God of the Seas, controlling a seahorse. As if the Duke had not already pushed his need to control onto the envoy, the Duke completes the poem by leaving the envoy with a last â€Å"hint† of what control the Duke thrives off of. The overwhelming sense of control that the Duke presents especially when he states, â€Å"I gave commands; Then all smiles stopped together† (lines 45-46), causes the reader to suspend moral judgment upon the Duke. Having the Duchess as a painting instead of a person, appeases the Duke’s desire to control. The Duke explains how he felt as if he did not have proper control over her when she was alive, but now that he has her in a painting, controlling her is easily done, â€Å"This grew; I gave commands;/Then all smiles stopped together. There she stands/As if alive. † (lines 45-47). She is trapped in the frame of the painting, underneath the curtain that only he can draw. When the Duke begins to describe how unpleased he was that the Duchess was, â€Å"too soon made glad† (line 22), we begin to question what really happened to the Duchess. The Duke even indicates the relative subordination of the Duchess to himself throughout the poem, confirming his need to control, â€Å"and if she let/Herself be lessoned so, nor plainly set/Her wits to yours, forsooth, and made excuse,/—E’en then would be some stooping; and I choose/Never to stoop. † (lines 39-43). We judge the Duke because we prefer to participate in his power-ridden manifestation that he exhibits to the envoy. The Duke even allows himself to assure that the new bride herself, not the dowry, is of course his object, â€Å"Though his fair daughter’s self, as I avowed/At starting, is my object. (line 52-53). Here, one side of the Duke’s nature is taken to its furthest limit. The need to judge the Duke is taken into full consideration when we see how controlling yet put together the Duke seems to be. The reader is constantly torn between feeling sympathy for a true lover of the arts or judging a villain who killed his own wife. One can see how Browning leaves the poem with many ambiguous points, causing the reader to interpret the meaning of a situation. Browning writes the poem in this way in order to make us relate to the Duke. Throughout the poem, the reader can see how the Duke values aspects of his life that he can control. The Duke continuously wants control over his women, art, and nearly everything else in his life. By leaving uncertainty in the poem, Browning leaves us wanting to fill in the blanks, essentially controlling parts of the poem and even the outcome. The major scene in which Browning does this in the very beginning of the poem, â€Å"That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall,/Looking as if she were alive. † (lines 1-2). By simply including the word â€Å"looking†, Browning leaves the reader in question. Is she â€Å"looking† as if she were alive because she is no longer alive? And if so, what happened to her? Did someone kill her? Who killed her? Did the Duke kill her? Did he kill her because she never saw him as anything better than they men she met every day? Or, is she â€Å"looking† as if she were alive because the painting is so amazing? Is he just admiring the realism that Fr Pandolf portrayed in the portrait of the Duchess? These are just some questions that reader may imagine with the vagueness that Browning implements throughout the poem, leaving the reader to interpret the Duke’s situation however they like. Browning’s monologues plunge the reader into a world where every statement must be taken with a grain of salt. None of the Duke’s statements are considered trustworthy; therefore, we are continuously on guard, ready to protect ourselves and more importantly our moral sense. The Duke could even be considered somewhat of a liar. However, we do realize that the Duke often attempts to stretch the truth and use his words to alter his listeners’ perception of and attitude towards certain things, most notably the speaker himself. This style of writing allows for the speaker to have a certain amount of control over the language of the story as well as the world that the speaker presents in the story. Although this is true, there is always some disruptive force that can potentially torment the speaker’s purposes, ultimately transforming the life of the story.

Free Will and Divine Foreknowledge Essay

Free will is the ability to make our own choices in issues regarding all aspects of life. It is a power that enables us to make our own choices that are not affected by external factors such as divine will. Therefore, each one sins by his/her own will. While, divine foreknowledge is the fact that God has complete knowledge of what will happen in the future. In â€Å"On Free Choice of the Will†, St. Augustine discusses a critical issue which is the incompatibility of man’s free will and God’s foreknowledge. So the question is, do we really have free will in spite of the fact that God foreknows everything? If God knows what must necessarily happen next, then how do have the free will to make our own choices? Augustine comes up with a series of arguments to prove that we sin by our own will with no intervention of the divine foreknowledge. Augustine first argued a characteristic of God that He has free will, and that He has foreknowledge of his own actions. Therefore, both God’s will and foreknowledge go along with each other. From this point he then assumes that man’s will and God’s foreknowledge are both compatible. But can we compare God with man? And is this argument convincing enough? More elaboration has to be given in order to make it more convincing. Augustine then proceeds to do so. He states that people who do not believe in the compatibility of free will and divine foreknowledge are those who â€Å"are more eager to excuse than confess their sins† (p. 73). That means that people who always blame others for their own wrong doings rather than admitting it are those who claim that we have no free will and that everything is already known by God, and that nothing can be changed, which they also use as a justification for their wrong actions. These people live their life by chance, leaving everything according to the circumstances rather than trying to take good actions. An example for that is the beggars, who always try to take money from people without giving anything in return or even having a job, although they have the ability to do so. But because of their laziness and their belief that this is what they were created to be, they leave everything to happen by luck and according to God’s foreknowledge that couldn’t be changed (p. 73). Augustine then moves to another point which is the relation between the will and the power to achieve that will. He states that the will itself is within our power. Therefore, our desire to commit certain acts is a power that we own. But if we will something that is not within our power then it is not considered as a will because we can only will what is within our power. Augustine then discusses that if something good happens to us then it is accordance to our will, not against it. So for example, being happy, although God foreknows that you will be so, doesn’t mean that we are happy against our will. Thus, God’s foreknowledge of our happiness doesn’t take away our will to be happy (p. 76). And so, he concludes that if God foreknows our will, then definitely this will is going to occur, and so it will be a will in the future. Consequently, his foreknowledge doesn’t take away our will. And since that what we will is in our power, God foreknows our power and He will not take it away. Hence, we will have that power because God foreknows it (p. 77). So Augustine made it clear â€Å"that it is necessary that whatever God has foreknown will happen, and that he foreknows our sins in such a way that our wills remain free and are with in our power† (p.77). However, the fact that God’s foreknowledge of our sins is consistent with our free will in sinning still stays questionable. Taking into consideration the fact that God is just, so how does He punish our sins that happen by necessity? Or is God’s foreknowledge not an obligation? The topic is still confusing so Augustine then proceeds to make it clearer. He explains that if we are certain that someone is going to sin, then we have foreknowledge with the wrongdoing that he/she is going to commit. This foreknowledge didn’t force them to do so, but it was done by their own free will. Accordingly, their will to sin is consistent with our foreknowledge of that sin. Therefore, â€Å"God forces no one to sin, even though he foresees those who are going to sin by their own will† (p. 78). Augustine then compares foreknowledge with memory. He states that our â€Å"memory does not force the past to have happened†, and similarly God’s foreknowledge of the future doesn’t force it to occur (p. 78). And we remember things in the past that we have done but didn’t do everything that we remember, likewise God foreknows everything that He will cause in the future, but doesn’t cause everything that is within His foreknowledge (p. 78). As a result, God punishes our sins that we do by our own will and which He did not cause, as God is known by his justice. Augustine then comes up with a good argument for all those who are still slightly confused, that if God should not punish us for our sins that He foresees then He also shouldn’t reward us for our good work that He also foresees (p. 78). To conclude, Augustine succeeded in coming up with a good argument showing that man’s free will and God’s foreknowledge are both compatible. The sequence of his ideas made his argument understandable and convincing for any reader. As a reader, I’ve always thought about that subject but didn’t receive any answers. However, reading â€Å"On Free Choice of the Will† made everything clear for me and made me well convinced that God’s foreknowledge doesn’t intervene with our own choices that we make. Works Cited Williams, Thomas. On Free Choice of the Will. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc. , 1993. 129. Print.