Religion and Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Religion and Science - Essay Example There are have arisen conflicts between the two with one looking at the other to be in the wrong side of belief. To this extent, science identifies itself as the fundamental principle of life while religion also considers the fact of being the fundamental principle of life, which follows by the criticisms of each other that have seen a brewing conflict ensue. In his principles, he also sees science and religion as two worlds that run apart. It is evident by the dominant spheres, which each aims at dominating. Science aims for the physical world while religion aims at the spiritual life. There are issues believed in that science, religion can dialogue and reach a consensus, and discuss at their general points the boundaries established in each. These are all due to their independence and unending conflicts. Explaining the debate on the origin of the earth where science believes to some extent that it might originate as God’s creation while religion supports the origin of it from God. The creations in the world are what create the difference and lead to conflicting. The integration aspect expects that science and religion can reach a general point since they depend on each other. The two aspects of dialogue and integration reflect more on the relationship that science shares with religion. That science provides data and other aspects of helping religion enrich its target population and religion too helps science control conditions and creates a basis for reference. Religion and science are dominantly different and though there are conditions that are putting them together; they have not yet succeeded in exploring the differences between the two. In the past, natural sciences vastly invested into religious meanings that led to many antireligious results that held no religious significance. A difference has existed that has held over time. This difference has seen a shift in boundaries with time. A nineteenth century

Medicine Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Medicine - Lab Report Example FEV1 or FEV 1 / EVC % ration between males and females. Heart Rate is defined as the number of heart contractions in 1minute and Stroke Volume is the amount of blood ejected by heart in each beat. Cardiac output in a resting individual of average size is about 5 liters/minute. In an untrained individual heart rate is about 72 beats per minute so stroke volume is about 70 milliliters. 2. OXYGEN CARRYING CAPACITY OF BLOOD: Hemoglobin present in our Red Blood Cells binds the Oxygen present in the blood and forms Oxyhemoglobin during pulmonary circulation. The blood is circulated to different parts of the body including skeletal muscles. 3. SKELETAL MUSCLE MASS: Of the three factors determining maximum oxygen consumption, the most important is the role of skeletal muscle. The larger the mass of exercising skeletal muscle , greater the potential for increasing whole body oxygen consumption. Example: A runner running on a treadmill at a given speed requires certain amount of oxygen. If he increases the speed, the amount of oxygen required would also increase. The runner keeps increasing the speed and hence the corresponding oxygen requirement also increases until a point is reached where he can't increase the speed. The volume of Oxygen used by muscles at that point is optimum which is defined as VO2 Max. GREIWE, J. S., L. A. KAMINSKY, M. H. WHALEY, and G. B. DWYER. ... The volume of Oxygen used by muscles at that point is optimum which is defined as VO2 Max. EXPLAINING VO2 MAX TO A LAYMAN VO2 Max: - V= Volume, O2 =Oxygen & Max= Maximum VO2 Max is calculated in "ml/Kg/min" Example: If my client is 24Year old and his VO2 Max is 24 ml/Kg/m, As for a layman I will explain him that in 1 minute, 1 Kg of his body weight consume a maximum of 24 ml of oxygen to provide energy. COMPARING VO2 MAX RESULTS WITH ASTRAND AND YMCA TESTS GREIWE, J. S., L. A. KAMINSKY, M. H. WHALEY, and G. B. DWYER. Evaluation of the ACSM sub maximal ergo meter test for estimating VO2max. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. Vol. 27, No. 9, pp. 1315-1320, 1995. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the reliability and validity of maximal oxygen uptake estimates (ESTmax) from the ACSM sub maximal cycle ergo meter test. Subjects included 15 men and 15 women aged 21-54 yr who performed two sub maximal tests and one maximal cycle ergo meter test to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). During the sub maximal tests, heart rates (HR) were recorded from a radio telemetry monitor. ESTmax was predicted for both sub maximal trials by extrapolating HR to an age-predicted maximal HR. Correlation coefficient and standard error of measure (SEmeas) for ESTmax between submaximal trials were r = 0.863 and SEmeas = 0.40 l. min-1, while a t-test revealed no significant difference between trials. Although trial means were not significantly different, la rge variation in individual cases was evident by the high SEmeas (0.40 l.min-1) and by a large SEmeas expressed as a percentage of the mean (13%). The mean of the two ESTmax significantly overestimated measured VO2max with percent error, total error,

Theory of the Prism Spectrometer Experiment

Theory of the Prism Spectrometer Experiment Introduction When a beam of light is transmitted from air to glass, the ray is bent according to Snells law sin0air= nsin0glass Where the angles are measured from the surface normal (the line perpendicular to the surface) and n is the index of refraction of the glass. The index of refraction is a dimension-less number and is a measure of how strongly the medium bends light. The greater n is, the more the light is bent. The index of refraction of air is 1. For glass, n varies from 1.3 to 1.8, depending on the type of glass and on the wavelength of the light. White light is made up of all the colors of the rainbow red, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Different colors correspond to different wavelengths. Human eyes are sensitive to light with wavelengths in the range 390 nm (violet) to 750 nm (red) (1 nm = nanometer = 10-9 m). Range of human vision Glass has a greater index of refraction at shorter wavelengths, that is, it bends blue light more than red light. So a prism can be used to disperse white light into its component colors. Blue red wavelength In this experiment, we will use a prism spectrometer to measure the dispersion angle of various wavelengths. From the measurements, we will make a graph of the index of refraction vs. wavelength. The form of the curve of index of refraction as a function of wavelength, known as the Cauchy formula, is n = A + B/l2 Or n = A + (b/l)2 As a light source, we will use a mercury lamp, which emits light at several discrete wavelengths. The device we are using is called a prism spectrometer because, once the prism is calibrated, it can be used to measure the wavelengths of the lines in the spectra produced by various atoms. The spectra contain bright lines at particular wavelengths, which correspond to light emitted during the transition between different energy states of the atoms. You see distinct lines because the atoms exist only in distinct, quantized energy states. Trying to explain the data from such experiments— the existence and pattern of sharp spectral lines—led to the development of quantum mechanics. When a ray of light is refracted by a prism, the angle between the incoming and outgoing rays is called the angle of deviation (b). For a given prism and a given wavelength, the value of b depends on the angle between the incoming ray and the surface of the prism. b is minimum when the angles of the incoming and outgoing rays make equal angles with the prism surfaces. In this special symmetric case, the prisms index of refraction (n) is related to b and the apex angle of the prism N= The prisms that we will use all have a = 60 ° (exactly, we assume).There exist extensive tables of the line spectra of many elements. In the first part of the experiment, you will be using the known spectrum of mercury to calibrate your prism spectrometer. As a result, you have measured the curve of index of refraction as a function of wavelength. So if you measure a new line of a spectrum, you can calculate the index of refraction and use your curve to look up the wavelength for the new line. This process is used in identifying the elements present in unknown samples, such as the atmospheres of distant stars. The element helium, now used to inflate birthday balloons, was first discovered by observing the atmosphere of a nearby the star, the sun (helios is Greek for sun). In the last part of the experiment you will have the opportunity to measure the spectrum of a gas in this fashion. The fine prism spectrometers used in this lab were purchased in 1970 for $700 each. Today inferior models are available for $1700. Handle them with respect! Never force any parts!à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã†â€™ OBJECTIVES: Learn the theory of the prism spectrometer, and be able to explain the functions of its various components. Observe the spectrum of a mercury discharge lamp and record the angle of deviation for the spectral lines. Determine the index of refraction of a glass prism for various wavelengths. Use the calibrated prism to measure unknown wavelengths. Observe color sensation caused by light of particular wavelengths. Methodology 1. Become familiar with the spectrometer a) Identify each component: the black table, the prism table, the collimator, and the telescope b) Note the clamping screws and the fine adjustment screws for the telescope and the black table. Note the clamping screw for the prism table. c) Note how to adjust the telescope focus and the eyepiece. d) Note how to adjust the slit focusing in the collimator tube. Note how the slit width can be adjusted and how the slit orientation can be rotated. 2. Practice reading the angle from a precise protractor scale on the rim of the black table. Use the Vernier scale with the little magnifying glass to read the angle to the nearest arc minute. 3. Align the spectrometer In order to correctly measure angles with the spectrometer, we must first align it. To do so, use the following steps: a) Telescope focus: Do not put the prism onto the silver table yet. That will come later. Notice that there are two knobs associated with the telescope. They are located directly under the telescope barrel. One points along the barrel and one is perpendicular to it. The knob that is along the barrel will lock the telescope’s position and will prevent it from rotating. When it is locked down in this way, you can use the other knob for a fine adjustment, to rotate it by very small amounts. If the telescope is not unlocked, turn the knob that is parallel to the barrel counterclockwise until you can freely rotate the telescope. Turn the telescope so that it is not pointing at the collimator but is instead aimed at something as far away from you in the room as possible. Now rotate the focus adjustment (See diagram on page 5) until you can see through the telescope clearly. You may notice that the image is upside down. This is normal. Just ensure that it is as clear and in focus as you can. After this adjustment, you should not adjust the focus of the telescope again. b) Telescope alignment: Now place a white light (desk lamp) in front of the slit on the end of the collimator (in the diagram on page 5, the desk lamp goes where the â€Å"HG lamp† is pictured). Now rotate the telescope until it is pointed at the collimator. You should imagine a straight line going from the lamp through the collimator, and through the telescope. By looking through the telescope, you should be able to line up the crosshair with the slit in the far end of the collimator. By locking down the telescope and using the fine adjustment (the knob perpendicular to the one that you used to lock down the telescope) you should be able to do this very accurately. If you are unable to see the slit, it may be closed too tightly. You can widen and narrow the slit by rotating the adjuster on the collimator (it is located on the far end of the collimator, much like the focus for the telescope). This will adjust the slit width, but will not focus the slit. If the slit does not have very crisp edges when you look through the telescope, move the end of the collimator near the lamp in and out to focus it. If your slit is not vertical in the telescope, you can also rotate it so that it is. Once you have a nice thin, well-focused slit, with your crosshairs centered on it and your telescope locked down, you are now ready to align the scales to read the angle. c) Angle adjustment: If you look below the set of knobs that control the telescope, you will see another pair of knobs that look identical to the ones for the telescope. These knobs perform the same functions (locking down and fine adjustment) for the black table itself. If you unlock the black table, you can rotate it. Notice that there are two windows in which you can read an angle. We want to rotate the table until one of the windows has 0 (zero) lined up with 0 (zero) or 360 (since a circle is 360 degrees, 360 is the same as 180. If at all possible, we should try to use set it so that this window is to the left of the telescope (as we are looking over the barrel toward the lamp) because this will make reading our angle easiest. (Please have a look at the diagram on page 5) On some scopes there is a small magnifier attached to the black table over one window, and this would also be advantageous to use. Once you have aligned them, you will lock down the black table and will not rot ate it again. From now on, we will only rotate the telescope. d) Prism placement: Now you should place the prism in the center of the silver table. Recall that light is bent toward the base of the prism, so it should be placed on the silver table so that the gray plastic part makes a â€Å"C† shape if you were to look at it from the telescope side of the apparatus. Now, without moving the telescope, move your head to the left (about to where the telescope is rotated to in the diagram on page 5) and look into the prism. You will have to put your head down at the height of the telescope/collimator. Now rotate the silver table clockwise until you can see a nice rainbow like spectrum â€Å"inside† the prism. (You should notice that the rainbow is inside of a black circle. You are seeing the light coming out of the collimator and bent through the prism.) If it does not look like a very nice, bright, well-formed rainbow, you probably do not have your head in the right place; move further left and try to rotate the silver table back and forth. Once you have found it, unlock the telescope (not the black table) and rotate it to the left where you were looking. Now look through the telescope, and you should be able to find the rainbow. We are now in about the right place to find our spectrum with the mercury vapor lamp and to adjust for the minimum angle of deviation. e) Minimum angle of deviation: Now, remove the white light and replace it with the mercury vapor lamp. You will want to move the lamp until it is aligned with the slit. To do this, look through the telescope and move the lamp back and forth until it is nice and bright in the telescope. Instead of a complete rainbow, you should now see only certain bands of color. If your bands do not look nice and sharp, you may have to adjust your slit focus or width. Some lines are better seen if you tighten the slit. (The lamp should be very close to the slit.) Move the telescope back and forth until you get the crosshair lined up on the green band. Now look back to the diagram on page 5. We want to make the angle b as small as possible. To do this, rotate the silver table back and forth just a little bit. You should be able to get the green line to move to the right. Now realign the crosshair on the green line and rotate the silver table a little bit again. Then realign the crosshair on the green line. You should repeat this process until no matter which way you rotate the silver table, the green line goes to the left, not the right. When this occurs, and the green line is as far as you can get it to go to the right, you are at the minimum angle of deviation. This angle should be around 51 or 52 degrees for the green line. If it is not, you may not have aligned the scales correctly, please repeat steps c, d, and e from above. (Record it below). Every time that you do a different color, you will have to repeat this process. f) Record the prism number and read the deviation angle on the protractor. Prism # _______ b = _______  ° _______ ’ = ___________ ° 4. Measure the angle of deviation for each of the spectral lines of the Mercury lamp. The wavelengths and colors of the spectral lines are given in the table below. While making measurements, unclamp and rotate the prism table to check that the prism is oriented for minimum angle of deviation for the red, green, and blue lines. When measuring very closely spaced lines, like the double yellow lines, make the slit very narrow and check the focus. When measuring dim lines, make the slit wider.

Mary Renaults The Last of the Wine Essay -- Mary Renault Last Wine Gr

Mary Renault's The Last of the Wine The Last of the Wine, written by Mary Renault and published by Pantheon Books in 1956, is a classical novel that is both historically informative and entertaining. It is a recreation of classical Greece during the Peloponnesian War, when Pericles was the leader of the city of Athens. The story is being told in the first person narrative by Alexas, an Athenian soldier who survives the war. He reflects on his childhood, his experiences as a soldier, and his society's reaction to the ravages of the Peloponnesian war. This was a time when the Spartans had the city of Athens under siege. They burned the surrounding farms, cutting off the food supply of the Athenians who sought refuge inside the city. Alexas recalls the hardships the Athenians faced and their gallant efforts to protect their city from Spartan invasion. The main themes in this book are war, power, heroism, love, loyalty and growth. We are given further insight into the classical Greek society as Alexas reminisces about his family life, his training as an athlete, the Olympic Games, his homosexual relationship with his mentor Lysis, and his encounters with Socrates the Philosopher. The main characters seem dogged by guilt, loneliness or failure, often the failure to love. The book ends on a triumphant note, with the Athenians defeating the Spartans, and liberating their city from the corrupt politicians. Mary Renault is an award-winning novelist who writes imaginative historical fiction. Her literary works center on the social, cultural and political ambiance of pre-classical, classical, and Hellenistic Greece. Renault "is mainly concerned with deepening and reconstructing myths for the purpose of describing contemporary prob... ...leader to create a vision for our youths and our society at large. We are to examine our political institutions to see if they serve the interest of the people. I can vouch for the authenticity of the information in this book. It is historically correct and can be corroborated by the textbook currently being used in my history class. The Last of the Wine makes delightful reading and will appeal to readers of all interests. Written in a style and language that is easily understood and appreciated, it bristles with excitement, adventure and heroic exploits. With all the foregoing in mind, I strongly recommend this book as a literary masterpiece. Works Cited ILandon, C. Burns Jr., "Mary Renault" in Gunton, Sharon R, ed., Contemporanry Literature Criticism. Twaynes Publishers Inc, 1969, 394-397. 2 Renault, Mary. The Last of the Wine Pantheon Rooks, 1956.

Story for English Exam

Young killer The gunshot was still ringing in my ears as I ran to my bedroom. I shut the door and locked myself in; I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing, hitting the polished wooden floor like rain in a storm, more and more I howled. He didn’t deserve it even after everything he did. Darren was dead. Everyone thought Darren was great, he always was a charmer. Every morning he would wake up and bring me breakfast. â€Å"Alright love? † he would say with a wink. I just loved him, he had a great smile with perfect white teeth, and his caramel skin was to die for. Rich, handsome and smart, Darren was my rock my leaning post when times were hard. Everything was perfect, we were perfect, the perfect family, Darren me and the two kids- Danielle and Joshua. All seemed well to everyone, but Darren started to change, he had a problem, a drinking problem. Darren would come home drunk each night looking for a fight, glaring about, he was a lion about to devour his prey. â€Å"Where the hell is that Danielle? † he screamed one day. Danielle walked down the stairs in a timid way, she knew what was coming. Darren was mad because Danielle didn’t finish the washing up. He grabbed her hair and dragged her to the sink screaming the house down with abuse. He kicked her and hit her until he grew tired, I couldn’t bare to watch. Darren was a monster. He repeated his â€Å"game† day after day. I wanted to say something I wanted it all to stop, but I couldn’t I loved Darren far too much, I was scared he would leave me, but enough was enough especially for Danielle. I had only one option I had to run, with the kids. I packed our bags, hastily throwing clothes into suitcases, blue, red, yellow, t-shirts, jumpers flying across the room as I tried to pack as much as possible in that short space of time. I got to Danielle’s t-shirt drawer and started to clear it when†¦ Clunk! A black shiny hand gun, rattled as it hit the floor. I stared at it traumatised, the death tool staring back. Questions were whizzing through my mind, why did Danielle have this? What was it for? Where did she get it from? Danielle was a good girl who wouldn’t even hurt a fly I just couldn’t understand why something so sinister was in her possession. After at least an hour of thinking in shock I decided to stop packing this issue was far more important than running away. I took a pair of Danielle’s green skinny jeans and placed the gun inside I wrapped the rest of the jeans around the gun and popped it back in the corner of Danielle’s drawer, couldn’t take the gun because Darren would find it so I left it there for a couple of days hoping and wishing that I could forget what I saw. Months had passed and Darren was back to his lovely self, he was buying treats for the kids and he hadn’t touched a single alcoholic beverage for at least three months, I was so proud of him. Everything was back to normal and even Danielle seemed back to the happy girl we all knew and loved, she even shared the occasional smile with her dad. All of that was to good to be true, as soon as I started to believe that Darren was a changed man he disappeared for three days, I would go to my bed and shed some tears praying to God that he would return, I would lay there night after night staring into the empty space beside me I knew what I was feeling it had to be loneliness and it was turning my heart cold. I cried myself to sleep a picture of the family tucked under my pillow being my only source of happiness. The next day came in a flash and Darren stormed through the door his eyes red with rage, he pushed passed me before I could say a word and he ran for the kitchen. Nobody knew what was on his mind. Ten minutes later he returned, but with a kitchen knife in his hand me and Danielle trembled in fear. He looked at me with no love in his eyes and grabbed for Danielle I screamed â€Å"NO! † and blood was trickling down fingers as I made feeble attempts to grab the knife. He had Danielle in his grip the knife coming closer and closer to her chest, my best efforts weren’t enough, I jumped up once more and nearly had the knife when. BANG! A metal bullet flew through the air and Darren fell to the ground the bullet sticking deep in his heart.. Me and Danielle turned to see a small sized silhouette holding a gun. The person turned around it was Joshua with a pair of green skinny jeans hanging round his neck. The gunshot was still ringing in my ears as I ran to my bedroom. A fact filling my head, that my son had murdered his father but saved his sister at the same time.

Global Warming: Causes, Consequences, Solutions Essay

Since the early days of the greenhouse debate, scientists have been interested in the impacts of global warming. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency has initiated a comprehensive on the impacts of climate change for the country. The public’s increased attention to such problem is not anymore surprising as it threatens every creature with potentially devastating consequences, which has put global warming in the lime light (Silverstein et. al. , 2003p. 5; Fankhauser, 1995 p. 16). Nevertheless, attempts at a monetary quantification of these impacts – despite being classic application of environmental economics – have started to emerge just recently (Fankhauser, 1995 p. 16). Many scientists believe that our planet has been experiencing a warming trend over the last 200 years- and that our activities are responsible for this global warming. It started with the industrial revolution, around 1750 (Silverstein et. al. , 2003p. 5; Kursunoglu et. al. , 2001 p. 151). People began to use machines in more and more areas of life and daily functioning, from heating, to building, and manufacturing, to transportation. The machines were powered by burning fuels, such as wood, coal, oil, and natural gas (Fankhauser, 1995 p. 16; Silverstein et. al. , 2003p. 5). If these fuels burn, they emit carbon dioxide and other waste products into the atmosphere, which is the layer of air that covers our planet (Silverstein et. al. , 2003p. 5). Fossil fuels provide about 85% of the world’s energy, sustaining the world’s standard-of-living and providing the power for transportation. These fuels are inexpensive, transportable, safe, and relatively abundant. At the same time, their use contributes to problems such as air quality and acid rain that are being addressed through various control efforts and to the problem of global warming, which is now being considered by governments of the world (Kursunoglu et. al. , 2001 p. 151). Scope and Limitation The study involves mainly the issues of global warming in terms of its cause, consequences and solutions implicated. The study shall incorporate various theoretical explanations in order to address the subject criteria of the problem imposed. The scope of the study shall coincide mainly on the environmental issue of global warming. Mainly, the study shall scrutinize the details of the review of related literature patterned to the primary components imposed in the latter of the studies. Analysis and interpretation of data present shall involve clear and accurate depiction of the study utilizing the present and gathered data of the review of literatures. The following shall be the objectives of the study in this research paper: a. To be able to critically analyze the primary components imposed in the study, particularly the presenting phenomenon and the cause-effect relationships of global warming b. To be able to provide necessary data analysis and implication utilizing mainly the references, data gathered in review of literature and the analysis of latter studies proposed in order to provide primary depiction of the actual status of the environment in terms of global warming. Review of Related Literature Global Warming: Overview The basic principle of global warming can be understood by considering the radiation energy from the Sun that warms the Earth’s surface and the thermal radiation from the Earth and the atmosphere that is radiated out to space. On average, these two radiation streams must be balance. If the balance is disturbed, it can be restored by an increase in the Earth’s surface temperature (Houghton, 2004 p. 14). The gases nitrogen and oxygen that make up0 the bulk of the atmosphere neither absorb nor emit thermal radiation. It is the water vapor, carbon dioxide, and some other minor gases present in the atmosphere in much smaller quantities that absorb some of the thermal radiation and causing the difference of 21 degrees Celsius or so between the actual average surface temperatures on the Earth of about 15 degrees Celsius. Such blanketing condition is known as the natural greenhouse effects and the gases are known as greenhouse gases (Houghton, 2004 p. 16). The greenhouse gases are those gases in the atmosphere which, by absorbing thermal radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface, have blanketing effect upon it. The most important of the greenhouse gases is water vapor, but its amount in the atmosphere is not changing directly because of human activities. The important greenhouse gases that are directly influenced by human activities are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and ozone (Houghton, 2004 p. 28). Normally, carbon dioxide is present in the atmosphere in small amounts-just enough to keep temperatures on Earth at a comfortable range for our planet’s living things. The burning fuels, however, has been increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (Houghton, 2004 p. 28; Silverstein et. al. , 2003p. 5). So far, global warming has not been substantial, increasing the average temperature of Earth by only about 0. 6 degrees Celsius in the last century. This change is so small that some scientists argue that it is just a natural fluctuation and not a trend. Other scientists state that there is a great deal of evidence to support global warming: Summers are getting hotter and winters are getting milder, glaciers are melting, and sea levels are rising, but these signs are only the initial phase of global warming phenomena. The warming trend is expected to speed up and produce even greater effects (Silverstein et. al. , 2003 p. 6). Warming did not occur evenly around the world, and some scientists wondered whether the changes in observed temperature might simply be a result of the growth of cities near weather stations. Urban areas form heat islands; pavement and rooftops absorb more heat than soils and plant leaves, so cities have warmer climates than rural areas. Climatologists admit they do not fully understand Earth’s climate system. For decades, however, they have agreed that signs of global warming would be most noticeable in cold regions (Pringle, 2001 p. 17; Silverstein et. al. , 2003 p. 6) – particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, because it holds less heat-absorbing ocean water than the Southern Hemisphere. Scientists have predicted that areas such as Alaska, Canada, and Northern Russia would harm more than Earth as a whole (Pringle, 2001 p. 17). Historical Overview: Development of Agencies and Organizations It has been known for about 175 years that the presence in the atmosphere of â€Å"greenhouse gases† such as carbon dioxide that absorb in the infrared part of the spectrum leads to a warming of the Earth’s surface through the greenhouse effects. The first quantitative calculations were made by the Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius in 1896. In the 1960s, Charles Keeling and his colleagues began a regular series of accurate observations of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration from the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. Such studies showed increasing values as a result of human activities, mainly the burning of fossil fuels (Hester and Harrison, 2002 p. 1; (Fankhauser, 1995 p. 16). By the 1980s, as the rate of increase of carbon dioxide concentration became larger, the possible impact on the global climate became a matter of concern to politicians as well as scientists. The report of a scientific meeting held at Villach, Austria in 1985 under the auspices of the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) of the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) began to alert governments and the public at large to the potential seriousness of the issue. Estimates were made that the carbon dioxide concentration could double before the end of the 21st century. In 1896, three multinational agencies, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the ICSU, who had co-sponsored the Villach conference, formed the Advisory Group of Greenhouse Gases (AGGG), a small international committee with responsibility for asserting the available scientific information about the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the likely impact (Hester and Harrison, 2002 p. 1). After the assembly of these well-known organizations, and formations of small groups, such as the AGGG, discoveries and widely assessments have been made regarding the issues of global warming. Private and public sectors in the United States and Europe have gathered (Fankhauser, 1995 p. 27), including those from other nations such as Japan, South Korea, etc. , in order assess possible etiologies, evaluate impending causes and provide critical support-based solutions (Hester and Harrison, 2002 p. 1). Measurements of Global Warming Even a few years ago, the acceptance of global warming was not as widespread as it is today. Global warming is difficult to prove as temperature records do no go back very far. Furthermore, the old records are primarily land based, are not representative of large areas of the world, are mostly from urban areas, and are not always collected with precision. Existing records, however, were collated, processed and standardized by P. D Jones and T. M. L Wrigley (1990), and their formulation of standardized data indicates a slow warming trend since the last century with occasional periods of cooling (Hester and Harrison, 2002 p. 1; Gupta, 1998 p. 86). The deviations from the general trend may occur due to three reasons: sunspot cycles; volcanic eruptions producing large quantities of fine ash in the air; the occurrence of El Nino Southern Oscillation. Correcting for all such factors, Jones and Wrigley estimated that the earth has become 0. 5 degrees Kelvin warmer since the 1880s (Gupta, 1998 p. 86). Evidence of global warming also come from other sources. In recent years, glaciers on mountains, particularly tropical mountains, have melted faster than before. The temperature of the top hundred metres of sea water off the coast of California shows an increase of 0. 8 degrees Kelvin over the last forty years. The data from the ice cores of Antarctica also indicate a warming trend (Fankhauser, 1995 p. 16; Gupta, 1998 p. 86). These cores through the ice indicate snowfalls of number of years in sequence, which later has turned into ice. As this happens, tiny air bubbles trapped in the ice, and these bubbles can be investigated to determine the composition of the air at the time of the snowfall and also the temperature. The latter is determined by examining the ration of the two oxygen isotopes, 16O and 18O 9 (Fankhauser, 1995 p. 16; Gupta, 1998 p. 86; Houghton, 2004 p. 28). The ratios reflect the ambient global temperature. A number of very hot years, in fact eight of the hottest on record, happened between 1980 and 1992. Apart from indicating the trend, this put global warming in public’s attention. Etiologies of Global Warming Currently, there are three theories about the cause of global warming; however, most of the scientists believe that the cause is an increase of greenhouse gases. Svante Arrhenius of Sweden in 1895 demonstrated the linkage between carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and temperature (Gupta,1998 p. 86). Carbon dioxide is the prime etiology involved in global warming causation. In fact, without any carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the earth would be much colder place to live. The global mean temperature would be below 0 degrees Celsius instead of being close to a comfortable 14 degrees Celsius. Most carbon dioxide comes from the decomposition of dead plants and animals, and the respiration of living animals, including humans, and plants. For thousands of years, there has been no problem with this because the oceans absorbed much of this carbon dioxide; hence, taking it out of the atmosphere. In addition, plants carrying on photosynthesis also absorbed a great deal of the atmospheric carbon dioxide (Tomera, 2001 p. 113; Gupta,1998 p. 86). However, with the advent of modernization, auto engines, power plants, industrial mills, and home and business heating systems burn coal, oil, or natural gas (Gupta, 1998 p. 86; Houghton, 2004 p. 28; Tomera, 2001 p. 113). Such accounts for 98% of the carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere, while the other 2% id due to the increased deforestation and mining (Tomera, 2001 p. 113). Another theoretical issue imposed is in the use of fossil fuels and burning materials that release CFCs. The first relatively successful calculation of how much the human use of fossil fuel could warm the planet published in a paper 1896 by Arrhenius. With the conceptual framework of carbon dioxide as the primary source of global warming, various theoretical concepts have formed. In the late 1930s, G. S. Callendar, an English chemist, argued that human activities were causing an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide and that this might have already started global warming. Despite Callendar’s concern, and although the scientific community has known about the pot4ential of human-induced warming to raise the earth’s temperature since the early 19th century (Tomera, 2001 p. 113; Brown, 2002 p. 14), global warming received little attention from the scientific community during the first half of the twentieth century, which centered mainly on human causations of carbon dioxide increase (Brown, 2002 p. 14). In 1957, two scientists with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Roger Revelle and Hans Suess, found that much of the carbon dioxide emitted to the earth’s atmosphere is not absorbed by the oceans, as some had assumed, leaving significant amounts in the atmosphere that could eventually warm the earth (Brown, 2002 p. 14). With the current advent of environmental discovery and climatic technological advancements, there are now environmental impacts of the chemical substitutes that are now being developed by industry. These factors all into two main groups: hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which have limited ozone depleting potential, and HCFCs, which have no ozone depleting potential. Unfortunately, both groups of chemicals are greenhouse gases, both groups of chemicals are greenhouse gases, not as powerful as the fully halogenated CFCs but nonetheless significant (Marks and Plewig, p. 13). Such causation has been linked to the issue of ozone depletion wherein HCFCs are the prime depletors, and the end outcome contributes to the global warming. Since the stratospheric ozone or ozone layer is almost depleted by stratospheric chlorine, which depends on, for example, CFC emissions. CFCs are greenhouse gases, which account for approximately 25% of the global warming effect. Freon 11 is given a global warming potential of 1, which indicates the characteristics of a major contributor. Because of the dangers proposed by CFC use, there is great commercial interest in replacing such materials with substances, which have less ozone depletion potential (Whelan, 1994p. 73).

The Effects of TiVo On Advertising †Marketing Essay

The Effects of TiVo On Advertising – Marketing Essay Free Online Research Papers The Effects of TiVo On Advertising Marketing Essay Putting â€Å"TiVo† and â€Å"commercial† next to each other may seem paradoxical. TiVo is initially selling its feature of skipping commercials. However, with the launch of TiVo, many advertisers feel threatened for their commercials not being broadcasted to what they had paid for. In order not anger major supporters of TV programs, TiVo has been trying to be commercial-friendly and has eliminated the feature of skipping commercials. In the August issue of Television Week, TiVo recently signs contract with five brands to advertise. The proposed advertising method is a branded tag on TiVo consumers’ screens, and they can find out more information by pressing a button on their remote. This â€Å"branded tag† operates similar to Internet advertising. Consumers are exposed to promotional messages but not forced to watch them. Given its similarity to Internet advertising, advertisers can offer incentives for people to click the branded tags. For example, TiVo could count the number of clicks in a certain designated period. For each click of the tag, advertisers would offer certain amounts of monetary reimbursement to the consumer. Or the reimbursement could be used as credit in paying the monthly TiVo subscription fee. Advertisers could also give exclusive offers to only those who clicked the tag. Money is usually the best incentive to get people to do an act. TiVo now has 3.3 million users. Assume they all clicked the tag for Tylenol once in a month, and each click is worth $0.45. Each month Tylenol would have to send out $1,685,000 of reimbursement, and $20,220,000 for a year. That is only about 2.6% of its total sale of $786.5 million sales in 2004. Assume all TiVo viewers on average $6 on Tylenol products in the month within clicking the tag, Tylenol makes a profit of $5.55 per viewer after issuing the reimbursement. Therefore, Tylenol still makes $18,315,000 for the month. Even though it has to pay consumers to watch its commercial, Tylenol is not losing money. Consumers would be happy to watch commercials knowing that they are being paid to watch. Although consumers are willing to spend over $100 to avoid commercials, they are also willing to spend several seconds to make some money. Offering reimbursement should compensates consumers’ frustration for unable to avoid ads, yet advertisers still get their messages across. After all, Tom Rogers the CEO of TiVo sees TiVo â€Å"as a platform for dealing with, and allowing for the growth of, the advertising business.† Research Papers on The Effects of TiVo On Advertising - Marketing EssayMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaDefinition of Export QuotasThe Project Managment Office SystemTwilight of the UAWAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalPETSTEL analysis of IndiaGenetic Engineering

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Alex Bell Essays - C. S. Lewis, British Films, Knights Bachelor

Alex Bell Huma 3303 November 21 , 2015 History of shadowlands William Nicholson was born in 1948 and is the original master mind behind the story of shadow lands. The film that we have today actually started off out as a play for television and a live stage show. It would be called the best play in 1990 and also won him a Tony Award. In 1994 Nicholson worked with Richard Attenborough in order to turn his stage play into a full film. The film itself was shot mostly in England in places such as Christ Church Meadow, Oxford, and Oxford shire. The real life story is supposed to show the coming together of Joy Gresham and C.S Lewis but like many retold stories some of the actual facts were skewed a bit for example in real life Joy Gresham had two sons but in the film she is only shown to have one. Personal Critique Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Debra Winger, Julian Fellowes , Joseph Mazzello Director: Richard Attenborough Synopsis: Poet Joy Gresham travels to England with her son, who is a big C.S Lewis fan, in order to meet C.S Lewis himself. When they meet they realize that they are polar opposites but manage to start a glowing friendship. She divorces her husband that is in America and ask C.S Lewis, also known as Jack if he would agree to marry her in order for her to stay in England. After agreeing to marry her strictly so she may remain in the country, she becomes very ill and he discover that despite them not knowing each other very well he really loves her and wants to be with her. Unfortunately their love will be short lived. Lord Richard Attenborough's film brings together a great cast of actors that all are able to show off their acting abilities in this journey of love that brings together two unlikely people together. Sir Anthony Hopkins is a generational actor that adds on to his impressive acting resume with the portrayal of C.S Lewis. He has a natural and smooth voice that seems to help draw in the audience into wanting to listen to every word that he says. With this particular character he was able to combine both the intellectual brilliance and emotion that was required to really bring the story together. Debra Winger is the second star that the story circles around and her character in the Shadowlands appears to be tailor made for her. The Cleveland, Ohio native portrays the fiery Joy Gresham who refuses to take any lip from anyone regarding her life. Much like Hopkins her ability to be able to be both emotional and hardnosed added to the ch aracters appeal to the viewers. Shadow Lands which is based on the play by William Nicholso n is a great story that puts the brilliant acting styles together in a film to show that true love does not have to come from the typical channel that relationships are formed. Professional Critiques 1. Shadowlands' (PG) By Desson Howe Washington Post Staff Writer January 07, 1994 "Shadowlands" isn't just a three-hankie tearjerker. You'll need bulk linen to stay dry through this romance between Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. Yet this dramatized account of the C. S. Lewis-Joy Gresham af fair is more than manipulative. An engaging encounter between adults, it's also about lost childhoods, questions of God, intellect versus emotion, pain versus pleasure and other far-reaching themes. Perhaps most significantly, "Shadowlands" is illuminated from beginning to end by Hopkins. This may be the best thing he's ever done. The basic biographical details are true. Lewis, author of "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe," among many books, indeed met and fell in love with Gresham. But as screenwriter William Nicholson (who wrote the original BBC teleplay and Broadway stage play before this) emphasizes in press notes for the movie: "I have used parts of their story, not used othe r parts and imagined the rest." If those imaginings are all-too-neatly contrived, they're at least arranged along the classier lines of "84 Charing Cross Road" (another Brit-Yank encounter starring Hopkins), David Lean's "Brief Encounter" and "Turtle Diary," to name a few. On

Construction Broker Inc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Construction Broker Inc - Essay Example The tax rate is 25.42 percent for the first and third year and 25.00 percent for the second year. In the initial year the company is going to project conservatively in order to have enough cash in hand. Advertising costs will be reduced in the initial years because the company had already launched a manual or book and decided to distribute them through the agents to various construction companies. Now, let us come to the projected cash flow statement and the balance sheet. If we look at the projected cash flow, we come to know that the cash can be received by the company from various sources such as by borrowing money, sales of the current assets or new investment opportunities received. The expenditures may include the payment of tax, purchase of assets, payment of shareholders dividends if any or repaying loans to creditors. If we look at the balance sheet, we come to know that there will be a sufficient growth of net worth in consecutive years, which is a healthy sign for the company. Now, let us come to the conclusion. Construction Broker Inc. would be a consulting firm which will act as a bridge between the construction company and the customers, looking for repair or maintenance services. The company would receive commission from the Construction Company and service charges from the customers. A proper financial plan for the company has been developed in which the steps such as order procurement, forecasting the budget plan, receiving the order from the client and delivering the project is included. I believe that if the management of the company plans its actions properly, the company is going to reach the heights of success within a very short span of

Make Good CV Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Make Good CV - Essay Example To work in an organization where I will be more of an asset, while developing my career in management, and utilizing my experience in organizing people and coordinating organizational processes to completion The main activity included coordinating various departments in order to ensure that all worked in line with the strategic plan. It also included scheduling of hot tapping/ cold tapping activities between Aramco and contractor as well as management of all piping related activities from piping fabrication, installation and pipe stringing and hydro testing. Planning and coordinating the installation and erection of pipe racks, scraper launchers and receiver including all, associated piping works. It also involved coordinating the Installation of the scrapers for both launcher and receiver including its accessories and appurtenances Overseeing the installation of the flow lines coming from well head to headers lines (drain line header, test line header and production line headers for both Arab C oil and Arab D oil) including MOV’S

Controversy Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Controversy Analysis - Essay Example Notably, Zhang (2011) identifies that china sits on the world’s most underdeveloped resource of shale gas. Significantly, China has adopted the above drilling technology in order to replicate US’s victory in utilizing unconventional energy. Considerably, the debate rests on safety and the suitability of the technology in china. That is, whether china has conducted an efficient situational analysis before embarking on fracking process (Zhang 3). It is worthwhile noting that, China hopes that shale gas can change her the same way it has transformed the US boom. However, currently there is little production commercially; hence, the 6 billion in cubic meters of shale gas target by 2015 seems impossible according to experts. The insufficient experience among some firms in exploiting shale will create a significant challenge to mine the gas. Additionally, if the firms cannot deliver the country has to struggle to diminish its reliance on expensive oil and gas imports. Moreove r, the action winner must buy in the proficiency they require; hence, offering the scene of worthwhile contracts for specialist firms for the fracking technology to mine the gas. Notably, Zhang (2011) identifies that the initial shale auction in the past two years was under the dominance of key state energy firms in china (Zhang 5). The second action witnessed the entrance of myriad firms, a, electric group that entailed a developer of real estate, a trader of grain, and a dealer of tobacco, enticed by subsidies of gas and assisted by funds access. The bidder’s profile reflected the fever pitch out off shale, as well as its potential along with the government’s efforts to imitate the circumstances that underpinned the US revolution of shale; competition among a number of autonomous drillers. Significantly, they will have acquired insignificant data regarding the blocks, the costs of the well’s exploration and the costs of the development process. Mainly the firm s are merely driven by the forces of entering early in somewhat a huge market. It is significant emphasizing that, the potential in china is clear. Significantly the government has put technically remunerable shale gas reserves at about 25 tcm. In comparison, the US Agency on energy information puts it at about 36.1 tcm, both of which are langer compared to US reserves which are estimated at around 24.4 tcm. However, the shale deposits in china are significantly found deeper underground compared to the ones in the US and there are more scattered reserves; hence, making it complex to acclimatize the technology that has delivered in the US to the geology of china. Notably, the key oil firms like PetroChina, as well as Sinopec working on what are regarded among the excellent prospects have made slow progress. Considerably, Zhang (2011) identifies that by the year 2012 they had drilled over 60 wells of shale especially around the Sichuan basin, although PetroChina had produced merely ov er 11 mcm in its key area by the month of November same year. Notably, the work for the winning companies in the second auctions is made significantly difficult by the problem of insufficient potential in the offered acreage (Zhang 4). Background Companies such as RSDSA and Petroleum corp. of china have started drilling shale gas in Sicuan. Notably, the above- mentioned province is seismically active, a process which increases the risk of causing quakes.

Why change is needed in software Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Why change is needed in software - Essay Example There are several reasons for software change. New advances in innovation may render an existing piece of system obsolete thus change is inevitable. For instance, software needs to be capable to adapt to fresh hardware or peripherals (Schlesinger 2010). In case there is no communication between software and hardware change is always the advisable solution. It is no good purchasing a new scanner or printer if existing software cannot interface with it. Technology advancement makes each and every day novel systems come to pass (Reifer 2011). They are a lot of other software, which are not in the system currently and individuals would ask why such software is no longer applicable. This is due to inability to tally with the new situation and hence necessitates to be wiped away. It should always change, with illustration it will render non-functional and cannot serve any better reasons rather than the system (Neufelder 1992). Software maintenance is also another reason that is associated with system change. Changes to the software are executed in reaction to changed necessities but the basic structure of the software remains constant. This is the most general strategy applied in system change. System change is essential in maintenance of its function and reliability (Naveda and Seidman 2006). Architectural transformation is associated with technological advancements that drive change initiatives to ensure the functionality of software is adjusted to meet real-time changes. This is a more radical strategy to system change then sustenance as it involves making important changes to the structural plan of the software system (Burge 2008). Most frequently, systems transform from a centralized, data-centric structural design to client-server design. In such scenario, change is necessary to meet the architectural transformations (Hallsteinsen and Paci 1997). Software change is also associated with software re-engineering. Software

Forces in the Context of KFC Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Forces in the Context of KFC - Research Paper Example There are various economic forces that have a significant impact on the business operations of KFC. This organization is greatly affected by global and national economic factors such as inflation and interest rates, cost of labor, stages of business cycle, unemployment rates and growth rates of economy. The recession factor has affected the overall income of KFC and this has resulted into making employees jobless, and some employees were hired for few hours (Ohme, Birinyi and Gupta, 2010). This was majorly due to cutting down of budget by the company. Economic forces restrict customers to spend lavishly in such fast food outlets. Government procedures and policies to certain extent provide the required guidelines for smooth functioning of business operations of an organization. There are certain political forces that affect operations of KFC and these forces encompass some legal factors (KFC, 2014). The stability of political environment, position of government in relation to market ethics, government view on religion and culture, policies of government with respect to economy, and taxation policy on incentives and tax rates are the major forces that outlines the political environment (Ohme, Birinyi and Gupta, 2010). It can be stated that these forces can have an adverse affect or prove to be beneficial for the company. There are some regulatory and legal forces which need to be taken into consideration by the organization in order to achieve their desired goals and objectives. KFC need to maintain the regulations and rules in relation to hygiene factors such as proper training of employees regarding personal hygiene, safety and food, proper usage of utensils and hygienic work environment (Ohme, Birinyi and Gupta, 2010). It even comprise of the legal environment within which a firm operates such as in United States, there has been a legislation passed related to minimum wages and more recycle requirement. Technological forces can be considered as the major drivers in context of globalization. These forces help to increase efficiency levels of production and even some of these forces can be treated as technological developments. In KFC, technology is the most vital component as this facilitates customer satisfaction at its food outlets (Ohme, Birinyi and Gupta, 2010). The organization has been able to incorporate the latest technology into the system.  

Article review about the core proffesssional values of nursing Research Paper

Article review about the core proffesssional values of nursing - Research Paper Example In addition, in order to increase the output of new nurses into healthcare, many universities have been creating streamlined accelerated programs with greater emphasis being placed on technical skills and nursing sciences. This is creating a difficult time for new nursing students to have cultural integration into the workforce. In order to make this transition more effective, the Hunter- Bellevue School of Nursing, Hunter College of City University of New York explored and provided additional integration of CPNVs, Core Professional Nursing Values, in order to help integrate social attitudes and cultural values into the workforce. Altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity and social justice were focused on. Main Concepts In many regards, altruism is required to be the key motivational source not only for just nurses, but for anyone pursing a career in the healthcare market. It is the care for others without regard for themselves which makes a great healthcare practitioner; however , with greater economic instability, greed and financial security have replaced this respect to altruism in nursing. In the program, instructors focused on introspection and reflection with students in order for students to understand what was the essence of their driving force. It was also noted that students that received additional academic help and counseling were more eager to help others.

Forces in the Context of KFC Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Forces in the Context of KFC - Research Paper Example There are various economic forces that have a significant impact on the business operations of KFC. This organization is greatly affected by global and national economic factors such as inflation and interest rates, cost of labor, stages of business cycle, unemployment rates and growth rates of economy. The recession factor has affected the overall income of KFC and this has resulted into making employees jobless, and some employees were hired for few hours (Ohme, Birinyi and Gupta, 2010). This was majorly due to cutting down of budget by the company. Economic forces restrict customers to spend lavishly in such fast food outlets. Government procedures and policies to certain extent provide the required guidelines for smooth functioning of business operations of an organization. There are certain political forces that affect operations of KFC and these forces encompass some legal factors (KFC, 2014). The stability of political environment, position of government in relation to market ethics, government view on religion and culture, policies of government with respect to economy, and taxation policy on incentives and tax rates are the major forces that outlines the political environment (Ohme, Birinyi and Gupta, 2010). It can be stated that these forces can have an adverse affect or prove to be beneficial for the company. There are some regulatory and legal forces which need to be taken into consideration by the organization in order to achieve their desired goals and objectives. KFC need to maintain the regulations and rules in relation to hygiene factors such as proper training of employees regarding personal hygiene, safety and food, proper usage of utensils and hygienic work environment (Ohme, Birinyi and Gupta, 2010). It even comprise of the legal environment within which a firm operates such as in United States, there has been a legislation passed related to minimum wages and more recycle requirement. Technological forces can be considered as the major drivers in context of globalization. These forces help to increase efficiency levels of production and even some of these forces can be treated as technological developments. In KFC, technology is the most vital component as this facilitates customer satisfaction at its food outlets (Ohme, Birinyi and Gupta, 2010). The organization has been able to incorporate the latest technology into the system.  

Rocky Gognon General Contarctor Essay Example for Free

Rocky Gognon General Contarctor Essay Rocky Gagnon is 50 years old carpenter who wants to make some changes for the way he earns his money. Due to his health condition especially his back, instead of working hard physically, he wants to work with his mind by creating an effective house-building team which includes various type of construction workers. Gagnon wants to continue his life as a general contractor, but as a general contractor he encounters some problems of building a team; therefore he has hired a well-known and respected business professor from the local community to serve as an adviser and mediator. Most of the problems he faces are due to a lack of cohesiveness and cooperation between the contractors which create big problems to form an effective work team. Rocky Gagnon must know the stages of developing a group such as forming, storming, norming and performing. All contractors should work together for one common goal and they should respect to work of each other. It is very important to know that level of respect should come from one individual with the organization. The best solution is Rocky Gagnon as a leader should inform the team of what it takes to establish effective work team. The team must educate on understanding of roles and group norms, common goals, a positive team identity, good working relationship, shared responsibility, respect, positive energy, trust, willingness to cooperate, unity, good communication, pride in membership, and synergy. An effective team and leadership will reduce the problems of the work team. Rocky Gagnon should also know how to build a team. A team has a small number of people with good skills who are committed to a same purpose, set of performance goals, and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable. Work teams, project and development teams, parallel teams, management teams, transnational teams and virtual teams are the example of team types.

Complex Narrative Structure Of Memento

Complex Narrative Structure Of Memento Due to the nature and complex narrative structure of Memento (Nolan 2000), one has to closely evaluate the succession of events before one could make the assumption that this film is a typical Hollywood mainstream motion picture. It is easy to assume that this film would in fact fit the criteria of the Hollywood mainstream motion picture, only upon looking at the cast and A-List director- Christopher Nolan- who one could assume would use his usual cinematic style to ensure the success of this film. The complex introduction to the film already creates the anxiety-driven need to finish watching the film, due to the unusualness of the opening scene that distinguishes Memento (Nolan 2000) from other classical Hollywood films. Jean Baudrillard: brief biography Jean Baudrillard, the French sociologist, cultural critic, and theorist of post modernity were born in Reims on the 27th of July, 1929. Even though his parents were civil servants and his grandparents were peasant farmers, Jean Baudrillard was the first University graduate from his family. He later went on to teach sociology at University and was named one of the most intellectual figures of his time. Throughout his childhood, he was exposed to the Algerian war of the 1950s and 60s, which had a significant influence on the way he thinks and perceives society (Jean Baudrillard-Biography [sa]). After becoming an assistant at Nanterre University of Paris in 1966, he was quickly connected with Roland Barthes and used Bartheses analysis of culture in his first book, namely The Object System (1968). When the students of Nanterre University revolted in 1968, Baudrillard joined in the action, and through inspiration, assisted with a distinctive journal of the time, Utopie. This journal was clearly influenced by situationism, structural Marxism and various media theories wherein he issued numerous theoretical articles about/on the environment of capitalist prosperity (affluence) and the evaluation of technology. Baudrillard then went on to teach at the European Graduate School (EGS) from the day that the school opened to the day of his death on the 6th of March, 2007 (Jean Baudrillard-Biography [sa]). Marxism and (post-) Marxism: Marxist film theory The Marxist approach to the study of films centres (focuses) on the continuous ways that cinema ideologically allow and even betrays the devises that diminishes the middle-class (bourgeois) view of society and the world. These devises (mechanisms) of ideology comprise both the social organisations (institutions), as well as the industrial knowledge that vigorously function to create (produce) the middle-class culture which society consume daily. Several precise illustrations of such social and industrial organisations are: (1) the way labour is divided to ensure revenue (capital); (2) hierarchy (social order and class-structure); (3) industrial transformation of revenue of production; and (4) replacing services (commodities). Each (and all) of the mentioned devices (mechanisms) have been incorporated into (and informed) the film trade since it originated. In the sphere of cinema and film, these mechanisms shape the influential culture-producing section of societal apparatuses that Ma rxist film theorists calls the cinematic apparatus (Netto 2000:[sp]). Jean Baudrillards opinion of Marxism In his book, The consumer society (Baudrillard 1998:183), Baudrillard makes the conclusion and commends multiple forms of refusal of common ruling (convention), obvious notable and eye-catching utilisation (consumption), and conventional thinking and behaving, which can ultimately be merged (combined) into a practice of radical change (Baudrillard 1998:183). Baudrillard then goes on to describe a state (situation) where isolation (alienation) in its entirety cannot be improved on since it is the very structure of market society (Baudrillard 1998:190). Baudrillard argues that in a social order (culture), in which everything is seen as a product or service that can be purchased and put up for sale, that isolation (alienation) is total. Thus, isolation (alienation) is ever present in the social order where everything (from products to services) can be bought (Kellner 2007:[sp]). In the early 1970s, Baudrillard had an unsure (ambivalent) relationship with the theory of conventional Marxism in the since that he agreed with the Marxian analysis of the production of social commodities, which ultimately defined and critiqued the various notions of estrangement (alienation), dominant power, and exploitation that was shaped by capitalism. One could say that Baudrillards evaluation of these notions corresponds with the traditional (standard) neo- Marxian viewpoint which puts emphasis on the culpability of Capitalism and makes the assumption that Capitalism is homogenizing, domineering and ruled social class systems whilst depriving individuals of their liberty, originality and imagination, time, and potential (Kellner 2007:[sp]). In contradiction, Baudrillard could never emphasise any revolutionary forces and above all, didnt argue the circumstances and prospectives of the working class as a driving force for an altered (changed) social order of consumption. Thus, with no suggestion of the subject as a participating driving force of societal modification, Baudrillard pursued the structuralist and poststructuralist assessment of the truth-seeking (philosophical) and practical subject matter which was extensively governed in French deliberation. Practitioners of structuralism and post structuralism argued that bias (subjectivity) was shaped by verbal communication (language), societal establishments, and cultural appearances and wasnt sovereign of its creation in these establishments and preparations (Kellner 2007:[sp]). Classical film noir: Definition, Primary characteristics, conventions and historical surroundings The role of the male protagonist In (post-) Marxist noir films, the protagonist is frequently depicted as a single white male, who is usually psychologically troubled due to disloyalty or some form of loss of something in particular. The male protagonist is also usually emotionally crippled or psychologically injured. This summary of the post Marxist noir leading male is applicable to the post Marxist neo-noir picture Memento (Nolan 2000) (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). In Memento (Nolan 2000), Nolan presents the character of Leonard Shelby (Guy Pierce) who could be seen as a combination of the typical private investigator that thrives in noir and neo-noir films and the defective (flawed) insurance salesman of the noir crime picture. The result is a brain damaged insurance investigator. This character in itself is already a complex and interesting one, but Nolen makes Leonard even more complex by turning Leonard into a serial killer who is unaware of the driving forces that influences him to commit these crimes (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Further characteristics of classical film noir: mood, tone, visual and cinematic elements According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), that did a study on films dealing with memory, and made the conclusion that in Memento (Nolan 2000)- different from other films dealing with the memory genre- Leonards character (with some form of amnesia) maintains/retains his identity and puts emphasis on a number of strenuous daily problems regarding recollection related to mental disorders (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). After watching this film one could argue that the disjointed, mosaic-like quality of the succession of edited scenes in Memento (Nolan 2000) ingeniously simulates the perpetual present characteristics of memory loss related conditions. The film does not however merely represent mental/neurological illness, but furthermore supports the (post-) Marxian notion of the leading white male point of view. This notion is supported by purposely bringing in a cruel femme fatale character named Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss). Natalie makes use of Leonard by lying to him, whilst telling him that she is using him, since she is fully aware of Leonards condition and knows that his memory will fade. Yet again, Nolan does so to make a victim of the protagonist in order to distract the viewers from the plot by making use of empathetic relation to the character (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Neo noir films In the 1990s, spectators all through the world were presented with a newer and darker adaptation of noir, which was concealed within old methods, yet they were presented as fresh and sleek narratives in magnificent colour. One of the things that make 90s neo-noir different from previous recreations of film noir is the reoccurring focal point on mental illness and the dilemmas caused by psychological struggles. Within this new neo-noir, a white male middle-class outlook was reflected, articulating the fear of becoming the solitary objective in an innovative bold politically correct society. neo-noir also emphasised the increasing statistics of mental illness of the 90s in America (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Neo-noir films were made to retaliate against a variety of minorities occupied with complicated interior clashes that inhabits not only the minds of the characters, but also the mind of the filmmakers. Whereas this is a presumption as to why noir returned (resurfaced), it is evidently apparent that noir- exclusively composed of method (style) over matter (substance) was a new way of thinking in (post-) Marxist filmmaking. By entering the unknown territory of the inner workings of the mind (psyche), as supposed to the usual physical plane of existence that regularly surfaces in the narrative cinema, the matter (substance) was produced (formed) (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). In these types of films, making use of the psychological (mental) state whilst attacking unfit elements disrupting the social order, a new innovative way of filmmaking ensured an interesting and attention-grabbing combination (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). In 90s American cinema, audiences were extremely wrapped-up in paranoia. It was a time of confusion and society was faced with a civic (public) crisis when the need for truth, the status of information, and the determination of truth surfaced (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). It is ordinarily noticeable that postmodern, post-industrial, post- Marxist, and post- cold war social orders (society) shaped and produced an ongoing concern to what is real and how reality could be established and the authorization thereof. The continuing psychological (mental) focal point in/of 90s contemporary American cinema- mainly of neo-noir- revolves around the postmodern panic (fear) and uncertainty over truth and reality. The internet (made available to the public in the 1990s) not only brought an increasing stream of information, but made it more difficult for society to know what to trust and what not to trust. The 90s is known as the era where it was the fastest and easiest way of distribution of propaganda and misinformation, which added a spiralling effect of cynicism and disillusionment of a nation (Szyszka 2007:[sp] ). Strategy of the real The way in which text positions and/or fixes the viewer (consumer) is revealed first and foremost through a significant assessment surrounding the dominant (governing) structures of cinema, demonstrated by the Hollywood system (structure), and its utilization of narrative and realist forms (BaraÅ„ski and Short 1985:276). One could argue that the dominating shape of narrative used in mainstream cinema and Television creates a meticulous mode (way) of interpreting the world (dominant society): rather than focussing on the subject matter of the motion picture it is concerned with mysteries and anxiety that focuses on the attention of the audience to the method of narrative resolution, it demands and supplies endings which appear to present straightforward resolutions and conclusions to the struggles it has symbolized (represented), so that it gives a closed view of the world (modern society); attention (interest) is frequently concerned on a single protagonist rather than grou ps, and driving forces is understood in the psychosomatic rather than societal conditions (BaraÅ„ski and Short 1985:276). In the same way that it is impossible to rediscover a total (absolute) level of reality it is also impossible to stage a false impression (illusion) of what is real. The possibility of illusion is not possible anymore because the possibility of the real does no longer exist. for instance, should one fabricate (simulate) a break in at a local department store, it would be an interesting observation as to how one would be treated by the repressive state apparatus, as sopposed to what would happen to a person who organised a real brake in. A real brake in would ultimately disturb the natural order of things- individual property rights- whereas the simulation of a robbery ultimately obstructs the code of reality. Misbehaviour and aggression (committing a crime) are not as serious, because it simply challenges the natural (real) order and will be delt with. Simulation of the real is considerably more hazardous given that it constantly implies (suggests), in addition to its object, that re gulation (law) and instruct (order) in itself are merely simulations (Simulacra and Simulations 1988:[sp]). Nevertheless, after simulating a fake robbery, how would one convince the repressive state apparatus that it was merely a simulation of theft? One couldnt, for the reason that there is no objective distinction. Identical motions (gestures) and identical signs are apparent in a simulated robbery as it would in a real theft. As far as the dominant power (Ideological state apparatus and repressive state apparatus) is concerned, they (the gestures and signs) resemble those of a real robbery. After the fake robbery, one would- without knowing- find oneself instantly in the real (one of whose purpose is specifically and ideologically produced to consume all efforts of simulation) reducing everything to reality (Simulacra and Simulations 1988:[sp]). Socialist and radical practitioner have been using realism as a narrative structure, and although they have been criticised since they are significant to the realities they depict, have been presenting information of reality as trouble-free and doesnt properly give possible methods of altering (changing) the world. in addition, they present an uncomplicated truth regarding society. This is the innermost predicament of realism: that it presumes a representation which it considers as the truth, neither inquiring the course of representation nor inserting audiences into position from which they have to work to create an understanding of the text. The significance to the workings of Marxism and (post-) Marxism is that dominant cinema and TV are viewed as two of the positions through which dominant ideology is symbolized (represented) and accomplishes its effects. Narrative forms and realist forms are ideological, and their naturalness and obvious impartialities are conducts of disguising the fact that they create a meticulous vision of the world (BaraÅ„ski, Z.G Short, J.R 1985: 277). The revenge film By convincing the viewer that Leonards murderous ways are driven by vengeance (Leonard wants to avenge the rape and murder of his wife by hunting down the alleged murderer, John G) one could say that Nolan relies on the aspect of sympathy .i.e. to sympathise with a character to justify his/her actions (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Common characteristics Although the film humorously simulates the authorative power of the case-hardened private detective (private- eye) by giving Leonard a voice-over narration, his weakening state-of-mind (short-term memory loss) undermines/and challenges any assertion that Leonard is creating a continuous, consistent narrative- either about himself or about other characters. One could say that one of the main purposes of the confusing voice-over narrative is to include comical relief throughout the picture. This is applicable in the scene where Leonard is apparently chasing a man: Okay, what am I doing? Im chasing this guy. Nope. Hes chasing me. (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Memento (Nolan 2000), in addition to coming across as a series of fragmented scenes, is also edited so that the narrative plays out backwards. This becomes evidently clear as the protagonist (Leonard Shelby) vigorously lies to himself. One could make the assumption that Leonards condition not only makes the creation of self- trickery (dece ption) achievable but also possibly fatal (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Analysis of the narrative structure of Christopher Nolans Memento Memento (2000)is a film written and directed by Christopher Nolan (and adapted from the short story of his brother, Jonathan Nolan), revolves around memory. In the film, Leonard Shelby (Guy Pierce), is the protagonist who has lost the ability to/of forming new memories when he was violently assaulted during the rape and murder of his wife in their own home. Now suffering from short-term-memory-loss, Leonard is not able to remember, nor recognise people even after just having interaction with them (people such as the clerk of the hotel where Leonard is staying). Leonard does, however, recall everything that happened in the past preceding his accident. The plot revolves around Leonards condition (as he calls it) and the determination of avenging his wifes death(He has a clear recollection of the actual murder of his wife) (Clarke 2002:167). The combination of his condition and the yearning to avenge the death of his wife requires him to constantly refresh his memory, which he does by making and keeping loads of mysterious/ puzzling (cryptic) notes, by taking Polaroid pictures of everyone he meets (to remember them) and even going so far as to tattoo the facts that leads his investigative search, on his body. Even though Leonard has all these clues, his memory is constantly fading and he has to function in perpetual confusion when he meets people for the first time or when he finds himself at a different location. Thus, one could say that Leonard is constantly exposed to submission (he is easily persuaded or convinced). Leonards condition is so severe that he can instantly forget what he was doing or talking/thinking about. One could argue the hilarity (comical aspect) of this situation of memory loss throughout the film (Clarke 2002:167-168). One such an example is when Leonard is running but doesnt recall why he is running. As he looks around, he quickly becomes aware that someone is running parallel/next to him, when suddenly, one can hear Leonards thoughts. He is thinking: Okay, now, what am I doing? Oh, I must be chasing that guy (Clarke 2002:168). The comical aspect arises when Leonard changes his course and starts to run after the unknown male, when suddenly, the unknown male points his gun at Leonard and starts chasing him (forcing Leonard to change his direction again when the gun is fired) after almost shooting Leonard (Clarke 2002:168). Leonard is also constantly manipulated throughout the film, not only by his own mind, but also by the characters. Various characters (will be made clear later on) misleads Leonard due to his condition and manipulates him into doing their dirty work (Clarke 2002:168). Spectacle has always been the major field of entertainment, but in todays society that is mainly concerned with infotainment, spectacle and entertainment have come into the area of society, economy, politics, and existence in significant original customs. Building on the convention of manifestation, modern figures of entertainment stretching from Television to stage include spectacle society into their schemes, changing film, television, music, Drama and other areas of society, as well as creating original structures of society, such as cyberspace, multimedia, virtual reality and psycho-crime Drama (Kelner, D 2003:4). A plot summery Leonard Shelby had been struck in the back of the head by the rapist/murderer when trying to save his wife, which resulted Leonard to sustain severe mental and physical trauma and nearly destroyed the function of memory making entirely. After recovery, Leonard is now faced with the difficult role of functioning in society without any short-term memory reconciliation. Leonard is, however, able to function in society after learning to retain information through impulse (instinct) and repetition (replication) .i.e. conditioning. He does so by taking Polaroid pictures and writing short notes (information) on them, thus, using the pictures to simulate short-term memory. This simulation evolves further, one could say, due to the fact that Leonard tattoos the fact of his investigation onto his person (like a bodily map of facts and clues). In a classical (post-)Marxist noir-ish style of filmmaking, Leonard is surrounded by characters who exploit his misfortune by helping (assisting) him, mi sleading him, and/or achieving a little of both (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). The narrative structure In the film Memento (Nolan 2000) which could be perceived as a (post-) Marxist film- it is evidently clear that the film relies on gimmick ( a devise used to grab attention). The fact that one has been hailed (interpolated) into a chain of lies can be terrifying upon watching this film, however, what is more terrifying is that the lies were created by ones own need to fabricate a real narrative (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Just before the ending of Memento (Nolan 2000), Nolan actively places the viewer into Leonard shoes in the scene where Teddy tells Leonard the truth about the death of his wife, creating final confusion to ensure that the viewer partakes in the movie. Nolan does so by actively ensuring that the viewer takes on the role of detective (just like the role of Leonard Shelby) by trying to make sense of (decipher) the narrative truth. This however posts the question: Does one believe the character of Leonard Shelby who constantly confesses to his unreliability? Or does one believe the character of Teddy who discloses that he had been lying to Leonard and that he, himself, is also named John G Gammell? (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). In order to answer this question one has to closely evaluate various scenes from the film. One of the scenes that stands out meticulously (by using flashbacks) is the scene just before the climax of the movie where Teddy informs Leonard that Sammy Jenkins (a man described by Leonard when he talks about his job where he had to investigate an insurance claim made by the wife of Sammy Jenkins) did in actuality, not exist. The viewer is presented with a sequence of flashbacks that changes momentarily which furthermore contributes to the constant confusion of who and what to believe. One thing is certain though, given that the viewer is restricted to Leonards point of view (perspective), that when Leonard makes the subtle realisation (the flashback where he injects his wife with insulin) and squats down to the floor while convincing himself that his wife didnt have diabetes that Sammy Jenkins is in fact just a fabrication in Leonards mind, thus, showing that Teddy tells a version of the t ruth (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). Another scene that convinces one that Leonard is the one lying to himself, is the scene where Leonard tells the story of Sammys wife not believing that Sammys condition is real. She then goes on testing Sammy- according to Leonard- by telling him (Sammy) that it was time for her to be injected with insulin. After Sammy had injected his wife with the medicine she is still convinced that her husband is lying, so she turn back her wristwatch by 15 minutes and tells him that it was time for her to be injected with insulin (she was diabetic and relied on him to inject her even though he suffered from short-term memory loss). After repeating this process yet again Sammys wife overdoses on insulin and dies. Sammy was then placed into a mental asylum and in the final seconds of the black-and-white scene, just before it ends as the camera is closing up on Sammy a nurse walks past the camera-obstructing the view of Sammy- and for a brief second the shot is edited so that one sees Leonard sitti ng in the same chair as where Sammy sat, thus, emphasising that Leonard was in fact the one who was lying to himself through conditioning his mind and ultimately fabricated the story of Sammy Jenkins (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). One could say that in this particular scene, that Leonards memory of Sammy Jenkins is a simulation of himself in order to detach from the traumatic loss of his wife whom was raped and murdered before his very eyes. Here, the (post-) Marxist notion of neo-realism hits the most confusing plane of paranoia by making use of a protagonist who will never be able to believe himself and must constantly remind himself of where he is by leaving himself a postmodern network of clues to function in society (Szyszka 2007:[sp]). unified social reality In cinema, spectacle is presented as all of society, forming a part of the social order and as an instrument of unifying the general public, all at the same time (simultaneously). The spectacle is not a compilation of imagery, but rather a way for people to relate to one another socially, by mediation of imagery. An immense variety of obvious phenomena is explained and unified by the notion of spectacle. Measured in its own conditions, the spectacle confirms how everything should look (appearance) and confirms the nature of humanity (how humans should live), i.e. social life, as mere appearance. However, further analysis of the truth of the spectacle depicts it as noticeable contradictions of life, since spectacle is no longer about visual aesthetic and enriched text, but rather about mainstream cinematic ideology and revenue (Debord 1967:[sp]). Conclusion The master/slave dialectic is the story of the actualisation of a unified social reality. It is also an extension of the story of how the identity of the self is constituted in and through another. It is the story of desire (Diprose 1994:46). Even though the above mentioned excerpt speaks of the female form in modern day society, one could argue that just like the master/slave dialectic, that Leonard represents the slave and everyone else that is using and deceiving him- even his mental condition- are the masters. One could make this conclusion since Leonard is the one being used and mislead (just like the typical female character is usually exploited) without his knowledge. He thus creates, within himself, the longing (desire) to avenge his wifes death. One could thus conclude, that due to the fact that one is presented with a male protagonist, driven by loss and vengeance, in order to find closure and move on with his life, that Memento (Nolan 2000) does represent some form of unified social reality .i.e. the need to move forward. The fact that he never does move on with his life, almost contradicts the previous statement, except, the fact that Leonard is unable to realise this tragedy due to his mental trauma-paired wi th the fact that he is in actuality a serial killer- ensures the unified social reality (in accordance to the dominant power) that he gets what he deserves, an ongoing struggle of redemption. Sources consulted BaraÅ„ski, Z.G Short, J.R. 1985. Developing Contemporary Marxism. London: The Macmillan Press LTD. Baudrillard, J. 1998. The Consumer Society: Myths and Structures. Gateshead: Athenà ¦um Press Limited. Clarke, M. 2002. The Space-Time Image: the Case of Bergson, Deleuze, and Memento. The Journal of Speculative Philosophy 16(3): 167-168. Debord, G. 1967. Society of the Spectacle. [O]. Available: http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/debord/society.htm Accessed 5 October 2010 Diprose, R. 1994. The bodies of woman: ethics, embodiment, and sexual difference. London: Routledge. Hurd, R. 2003. Christopher Nolans Memento Analysis of the narrative structure of a noirish revenge film. Paper presented at the Seminar: Decadence and Modernism in Late 20th Century American Cinema, 23 February 2003, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Jean Baudrillard-Biography. [Sa]. [O]. Available: http://www.egs.edu/faculty/jean-baudrillard/biography/ Accessed 2 October 2010 Kelner, D. 2003. Media Spectacle. New York: Routledge Kellner, D. 2007. Jean Baudrillard. [O]. Available: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/baudrillard/ Accessed 1 October 2010 Netto, J.A. 2000. Marxist film theory. [O]. Available: http://www.nettonet.org/Nettonet/Film%20Program/theory/marx-theory.htm Accesed 2 October 2010 Simulacra and Simulations. 1988. [O]. Available: http://www.stanford.edu/dept/HPS/Baudrillard/Baudrillard_Simulacra.html Accessed 30 September 2010 Szyszka, E. 2007. Brain Damage: Neo Noir in the Nineties. [O]. Available: http://thecinephilenewyork.blogspot.com/2007/08/brain-damage-neo-noir-in nineties.html Accessed 3 October 2010

Repression and Fear of Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and Transgender America

Repression and Fear of Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and Transgender Americans Every June thousands of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender people gather in different locations around the world to celebrate Gay Pride Month with dances, festivals, and marches. The categories of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender are fairly recent; the term "homosexual" used to refer to all individuals of a sexual orientation other than heterosexual. The tradition reached its thirty-fifth anniversary this year, and while the number of participants has skyrocketed since the first march, the rights for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender people have not altered significantly since 1970. For example, not only are same sex marriages not legally recognized or granted the same privileges as opposite sex marriages, the current administration proposed to ban the possibility of same sex marriages ever being recognized by the government through a constitutional amendment. This amendment is one in a series of attempts by the American legislature to restrict and confine the homosexual lifestyle, therefore an entire month seems extraneous to celebrate their identity given their lack of legal rights. But the more the government threatens to interfere with the choices of homosexuals, the louder PRIDE becomes: cities such as New York and San Francisco boast attendance in the hundreds of thousands. The legislative act of prohibition has provided strength to the prohibited acts in the case of sexual behavior and identity. Michel Foucault best explains how homosexuality became an identity and a category. In The History of Sexuality, Foucault explores the validity of the "repressive hypothesis" which claims that sex has been repressed in Europe s... ...story of sexuality has resulted in individuals being defined by their sexuality, thus laws against homosexual acts prohibit homosexuals from claiming who they are. Social and legal attempts to restrain the homosexual identity have been met with increasing support and power. Works Cited: 1. Foucault, Michel. The History of Sexuality Volume I: An Introduction. Trans. Robert Hurley. (New York: Vintage Books, 1980) 2. Rubin, Gayle. American Feminist Thought at Century's End: A Reader. Ed. Linda S. Kauffman. (Cambridge, Ma: Blackwell, 1993) 3. Paris is Burning. Dir. Jennie Livingston. Videocassette. Miramax, 1992. Internet Sources: 1)Sodomy Laws, A reference site for the history and current status of sodomy laws in the US and around the world. 2)American Civil Liberties Union ,Website for the organization working to defend the bill of rights.

Three Cheers for Madness :: Nabokov Heller Montaigne Essays

Three Cheers for Madness Three of Psychology’s Least Wanted sit next to my desk and beckon me closer: A graying Humbert licks the corner of my eye and throws me a pitifully seductive glance; an anxiety-ridden Yossarian repeats over and over that the whole world is trying to kill him, and an almost robotic Montaigne sits as a kind of mediating force between the others, his head snapping back and forth from Humbert to Yossarian while his hands open and close books so quickly one might imagine his purpose is only to get a whiff of each cover’s staling odor. I need no special degree to deem them all nutcases. What I know of Humbert and Yossarian comes by way of Vladimir Nabokov and Joseph Heller, respectively, as they are the creators, surveyors, and closest contacts of the deceivingly fictional characters. Brilliant in their ability to characterize—to sculpt flat words into the kind of real live, dynamic human beings one might well share a cab with—Nabokov and Heller steal a rousing glimpse into the minds of two intensely confusing personalities and succeed in making us forget that the characters are only the brainchildren of the writers, and not the writers themselves. Oddball Michel de Montaigne seems to look on from afar, speculating in an essay entitled â€Å"On Books† about his impatience for a number of acclaimed writers and their works, while confessing his â€Å"particular curiosity to know the mind and natural opinions of [writers].† Knowing well that Nabokov is not the sex offender he appears to have studied so intimately, and that Heller is not the soldier living amidst the confusion he so thoroughly seems to understand, Montaigne would understand that â€Å"from the display of their writings that they make on the world-stage, we may indeed judge their talents, but not their character or themselves† (167). But this is more than I can handle, as my conceptions of these characters as well as the writers who shaped them seem altogether disturbing. While writing out their prescriptions for shock therapy (the paranoid soldier’s frustratingly ambiguous remarks have earned him a bit more of it than the others), Humbert nudges forward his notebook of scattered words and doodles—a notebook containing his deepest thoughts about Dolores Haze (or ‘Lolita’), the twelve-year old girl with whom he has been completely infatuated his entire middle-aged life. I expect to run my eyes over vile passages—perverse diagrams, even—reflecting his disconcertingly base attraction to the pre-teen.

In View of Traditional and Modern Ethics Essay

Introduction The study of philosophy has long been a part of our society. The field of ethics is one of the important branches of philosophy. Ethics deals about moral values our understanding of what is right or wrong, about life, about one’s rights and regarding the Divine being. What we are now is the product of the past. Ethics mold our personality. It is how we live our lives. Ethics guides us in seeking the answers to the many different queries we have in mind like why we exist, why we long for true happiness, and why can’t we avoid immoral acts. Traditional vs. Modern Ethics The focus of traditional ethics differs from the modern ethics in many ways. Traditional ethics goes back during the times of Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates in the ancient times. These ideas of traditional ethics have become the basis of succeeding ethics foundations. The ethics being promoted today has already existed before. The world has changed. People have also changed. Thus, ethics change to adapt to the changes in the world and the people’s perspective. Ethical and political philosophy awakening started as early as 5th century B.C. in Greece by the Sophist. They desired to discover the essence of moral virtues, the â€Å"form of good† which is the ultimate source of reality and value. There are a number of themes or doctrines that emerged. These are skepticism, relativism, subjectivism, egoism, and hedonism. Some ethical egoists suggested that one’s highest objective is to lead a pleasant life focusing on his or her pleasures. It gave birth to Epicureanism and Stoicism. During the medieval times the Christianization of ethics took place with the coming of St. Augustine, St. Hildegard, and St. Thomas Aquinas. Later on utilitarianism emerged and also philosophers like Thomas Hobbes, Immanuel Kant, and John Stuart Mill. Around 18th and 19th centuries moral philosophy focused on politics. People were also exposed to Liberalism, Marxism, Communism, and Anarchism. Recent moral and political philosophers introduce the concept of normative ethics, emotivist, invisible hand mechanism, conservatism, socialism, and democratic socialism to name a few. Philosophers include G.E. Moore, W.D. Ross, John Rowls and other important names. Conclusion Moral issues are important concern for all people not just for the philosophers. All the philosophers from the ancient to the modern times have contributed to our own system of beliefs regarding life and the many issues of human existence. Indeed traditional and modern ethics are related and supportive of each other. Ideas of the traditional ethics are the foundation of the modern ethics. Advocates of modern ethics customized or revised the concepts of the traditional ethics to fit today’s society. Both traditional and modern ethics have influenced the way people think and analyze life and their society. Reference Moore-Bruder, (2005). â€Å"Moral and Political Philosophy.† Philosophy: The Power of Ideas, Sixth Edition. The McGraw-Hill Companies