Jesus Castro Essays - Rhetorical Techniques, Style, Fiction

Jesus Castro Eng 1102J Dr. Prinsky 5 May 2000 "Day-Long Day" Title: "Day-Long Day" Abstract: This paper is a critical analysis of Tino Villanueva's poem, "Day-Long Day". It examines the work with regard to its diction, syntax, denotation and connotation, imagery, metaphor and simile, tone, rhyme and meter, allusion, and theme. (8.5 pages; 5 May 2000). Day-Long Day" I Introduction Tino Villanueva's "Day-Long Day" is a remarkable work, for it captures in 34 short lines the anger, frustration, and cruelty of the life of Mexican migrant workers in Texas. The searing heat, the backbreaking and painful work of picking cotton?all of it is here in vivid detail. II Diction "Diction" refers to the choice of words an author uses that distinguishes his "voice" from everyone else's. That is, if you pick up a book by Charles Dickens, you don't have to read very far before you know without looking who the author is?he has a unique style. Much of that style depends on diction, which are the words a writer chooses to use and the way he constructs sentences. In Villanueva's case, he uses many Spanish phrases, so that we know he is a Spanish-speaker. He also uses sophisticated language and striking constructions, so that we know he is educated, even though he is a field hand: "Daydreams border on sun-fed hallucinations, eyes and hands automatically discriminate Whiteness of cotton from field of vision." His choice of the word "discriminate" rather than "choose", as well as the phrase "field of vision", indicate a high degree of intelligence. Whether this is the intelligence of the poet or the field hand is immaterial at this point, for Villanueva has described the scene so vividly that we believe he is one with the other workers. The impact of the poem is not lessened if we find that he is not. III Syntax "Syntax" is the way in which words are arranged to form sentences. Construction is another good indication of intelligence, for it can be used to enhance the meaning of words. In the lines above, Villanueva might have said "...hands and eyes automatically find the cotton in the glare of the sun." Instead, he says "...hand and eyes automatically discriminate whiteness of cotton from field of vision." The words "discriminate" and "field of vision" are very sophisticated and again, indicate a high degree of intelligence at work here. But they are also loaded with other meanings: "discriminate" not only means to choose, it also carries an ugly meaning, as in "discriminate against". Likewise "field of vision" reinforces the image of the workers in the field under the blazing sun. III Denotation and Connotation "Denotation" means the direct and explicit meaning of a word; "connotation" is an indirect reference, additional qualities suggested by a term in addition to the primary meaning (i.e., "politician" has different connotations from "statesman".) In "Day-Long Day", Villanueva uses very little denotation, nor do his words carry different connotations. He works mainly in metaphors, simile, imagery and symbols. IV Imagery Imagery is present when a poet appeals to our five senses. Imagery also includes such things as the sensations of heat and pressure. In this work, the most powerful image, the dominant one, is the heat. It is mentioned over and over again, either directly or indirectly, as: "sun-fed hallucinations", "Un Hijo del Sol," "sweat day-long dripping", "sun blocks out the sky, suffocates the only breeze", "summer-long rows of cotton", "sweat-patched jeans", "the blast of degrees", "sweltering toward Saturday", "the day-long day is sunstruck." The entire poem is both a hymn to the sun and a curse at it. V Metaphor and Simile More definitions: a metaphor is a figure of speech which compares two incompatible things without the use of a connective term; a simile compares things of different classes through the use of a connector such as "as", "like" "seems" or others. "My love is like the red, red rose" is a simile; "the curtain of night" is a metaphor. I will admit that similes and metaphors are tricky little devils to catch. In this work, the one that stands out most clearly for me is "third-generation timetable." This is a linking of two entirely incompatible terms. "Third-generation" refers to a family, while a "timetable" is a schedule, most often used in connection with finding out the times of trains. Here, I believe he is saying that the

Learn to Tell Time in German

Learn to Tell Time in German Telling time in German requires knowing three basic ingredients: the numbers from 1 to 59, the German words for to and after, and the fractions quarter and half (past). Heres How: Learn or review the German numbers from 1-59.An hour is divided up like a pie into quarters (viertel) and halves (halb).For half past, you say halb and the next hour. Halb acht 7:30, i.e., half (way to) eight.After is nach. Es ist zehn nach zwei 2:10 (Its ten after two).For quarter past, you say Viertel nach: Viertel nach neun 9:15.To or before is vor (FOR). Viertel vor zwei 1:45. Zehn vor elf 10:50.English oclock is Uhr in German. Es ist fà ¼nf Uhr 5:00 (five oclock).For precise times, you say Uhr between the hour and the minutes: zehn Uhr zwà ¶lf 10:12.For many common situations (timetables, TV guides), Germans use 24-hour (military) time.Add 12 to a pm time to get the 24-hour form: 2 pm 12 14.00 (vierzehn Uhr).To express 24-hour time, be precise: zwanzig Uhr neun 20.09 8:09 pm.Practice your German time-telling skills with every clock or schedule you see. Tips: Make sure you know your German numbers well. Watch out for eins. With time its ein Uhr (1:00).Accept the fact that there are different ways of telling time in different cultures, none of which is better or worse than the others.Remember that understanding the time is usually more important than being able to say it.

Biological criminal behavior

Andrea Yates had battled with postpartum depression for years and on June 20, 2001, she drowned all five children in the bathtub of her home. Ultimately the underlining cause of her actions was caused by postpartum psychosis that was triggered by Andrea’s improper use of her medication, failure to adhere to her doctor’s advice after treatment, and her lack of knowledge of coping techniques commonly used by women who suffer from postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can take up to a year after the birth of a child before the mother would even notice the signs of depression and in Yates’s case if left untreated can have a tragic affect on the person and everyone around him or her. A psychopath is someone is has a mental disorder or display violent behaviors. A psychopath also has a personality order and loves to manipulate others, lacks empathy of others, emotionless, and fearless. There is nothing that scares them, there are four subtypes of psychopaths. The first one is a Primary Psychopath, this type of psychopath does not care about punishment or disapproval, and they inhibit their antisocial impulses. A word that means the same to the normal person does not mean the same to him or her, they think very different from the way that normal people do, which is referred to as â€Å"semantic aphasia.† The Secondary Psychopaths, these types of psychopaths are not afraid to take risks of any kind, stress reactive, worry a lot, guilt-prone. These types of psychopaths worry more than the average person. A Secondary Psychopaths, are adventurous, and play by their own rules, they try to avoid pain and cannot resist temptation. Distempered Psychopaths are those that go into a rage very quickly. This type does not usually happen with women, it is more of the men who it mainly happens to. The men who are distempered psychopaths have a high sex drive and get a high off excitement. Charismatic Psychopaths are very charming and gifted this is how they become very good manipulators, fast talkers can persuade others out of anything. A psychopath has always existed, for many, many years. They have existed in many forms and fashion so most people would never know who is a psychopath, until he or she has  encountered one. Although there are four different types of psychopaths, they lack empathy for others and are incapable of feeling remorse for anything or anyone. Psychopaths view the world by, being selfish and not showing any concerns for the safety or welfare of others, they do not care about anyone even friends are family. This type of behavior describes Andrea Yates mental instability at the time she murdered her children. Andrea Yates experienced some postpartum depression after the birth of her fifth child, after the murder of her five kids the prison professionals diagnosed her with insanity and postpartum depression. A genetically induced psychotic behavior is another cause for Yates murdering her children, without any type of remorse. Genetics also played a part in her psychotic behaviors, there was a history of mental illnesses that ran in her family. Yates’s brother suffered from a bipolar disorder and two other siblings suffered depression. When Andrea father passed away, she became even more depressed, she stopped doing the things that should would do normally to take care of herself as well as her kids. Andrea developed postpartum, she began to hallucinate about stabbings (Mclellan, December 2, 2006), and started pulling out her hair. The things that she thought that she was seeing and hearing was not true it was just in her head. Genetic Evidence In the case of Andrea Yates, the question of whether she had a genetic mental illness or defect or was it simply caused by postpartum depression the answer is both. Andrea Yates has a family history of mental illness that played a part in what ultimately contributed to her postpartum psychosis. â€Å"She didn’t realize how much mental illness there was in her own family, from depression to bipolar disorder, which can contribute to postpartum psychosis. In her initial stages, she remained undiagnosed and untreated.† (Ramsland, 2012, para. 4) Yates had a genetic history of mental illnesses that ran in her family, but it did not present itself until after the birth of the couple’s first child. After the birth of her first child, Yates began to have hallucinations about committing violent acts, by the birth of her fourth child Yates mental condition had gotten worse that her doctor was against the idea of Yates conceiving another child with the severity of her mental condition, and that yates was at high risk for developing postpartum psychosis. â€Å"After the birth of her fifth child and the death of her father,  she went into a severe depression and was forcefully admitted to Devereux-Texas Treatment Network.† (Andrea Yates Biography, 2012, para. 3) Although Yates was seen by a psychiatrist diagnosed and treated for her depression because of the limitations health care places on the amount of days a person could stay in the hospital and remain covered Yates was often released before she could learn how to cope with her postpartum depression. Yates attending psychiatrist would prescribe her antidepressants and antipsychotic medication but Yates would often not take her medication, as her taking the medication would make it difficult for Yates to conceive or nurse her child. After Yates condition worsens, her doctor suggests supervision of Yates around the children and without proper treatment for her mental illness and depression. Yates’s doctor advised against the ideal of Yates left unsupervised with her five children and even though Yates was left alone for one hour, and as a result she took that hour and drowned all five children in the bath tub in her home. Biological Criminal Behavior Andrea Yates started developing psychopathic behaviors after the birth of her fourth child. She was admitted to a psychiatric hospital on five separate occasions. The first time she was hospitalized was June 18, 1999 through June 24, 1999, and then again in July 21, 1999 through August 10, 1999 after the birth of her fourth child. After her fifth child was born she was hospitalized again from March 31, 2001 through April 10, 2001, and from May 4, 2001 through May 14, 2001 (Resnick, 2012). The last time she was admitted to the psychiatric hospital was on June 20, 2001, just three weeks before she drowned her five children. Andrea Yates told her husband and her doctors that she was hearing voices and that certain programs on television were telling her that she was a bad mother and was raising her children in a sinful way. Doctors diagnosed Andrea Yates with Postpartum psychosis and depression. Andrea tried on two separate occasions to commit suicide; once trying to overdose on pills and by putting a knife to her throat (McLellan, 2006). Although she was being evaluated by her psychiatrist she was prescribed medication called Haldol, which helped her bounce back from her delusional thoughts and depression. Psychopaths can develop different behavioral traits depending on certain events in their lives. Some of the  most common traits are post-partum psychosis, delusions, schizophrenia, depression, and a belief that they are possessed. These traits can develop from the loss of a loved one, childbirth, stress, and low self-esteem to name a few. Most of the time medication is provided to help with those behavioral traits, while other times hospitalization is required. Most psychopaths experience some sort of violent behavior whether it is inflicted on a loved one, a stranger, or even themselves. Many times psychopaths do not voice their problems with others and symptoms can go undetected if someone is not aware of what to look out for. Conclusion Andrea Yates was an individual who was unaware of her genetic history that even when warned about of the effects of Yates if she were to continue having children with her mental condition. Despite the warning signs of Yates attempted suicide, delusions, and catatonic states was a clear sign that Yates was in desperate need of help. This tragedy occurred because many people do not want to admit that he or she have a problem or even admit the he or she needs help until it is too late. Postpartum depression is a serious condition and if left untreated and without proper support from family heinous crimes like this one will continue to occur.

Creon and Antigone Being Stubborn In Antigone Essay

Creon and Antigone Being Stubborn In Antigone - Essay Example The play also shows how the gods mediate. Creon is punished for passing unreasonable rules. Key conflicts are also illustrated in the play. There is a conflict between the society and individuals. Antigone struggles against the authorities so as to reveal an unjust rule. This exposes a conflict between Antigone, Creon, and the communal customs that perceived that women are weaker than men and cannot participate in political decision-making. There is a conflict between two persons. There is a battle between Antigone and Creon, a representative of the state. Antigone also battles Ismene, who tries to convince her not to perform a burial ceremony for her brother. In addition, Creon quarrels with his son. Moreover, there is a conflict between the supernatural and the person, as Antigone’s household is cursed by the gods. The Antigone’s household fate causes their destruction. Finally, there is a conflict inside a person. For instance, in scene five Creon must relent even if he does not want. Both Creon and Antigone are tremendously stubborn. Their stubbornness causes their demise. Both of them are extremely independent individuals. Creon declines to accept anyone’s views except his own.

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 98

Assignment Example This scenario may, however, fail to materialize. One of the factors that may lead to the failure of this mechanism is loss of fluorescence. The exact origin of signal loss has not been established, but tentative explanations have been given. A mechanism that could explain this is the slow degradation of surface ligands and coatings, when they are in body fluids (Gao, Cui and Levenson). This issue may be resolved by continuous laser excitation which corrects the surface defects. The process of imaging using CdSe quantum dots capped with ZnS may also fail due to the light type used during imaging. The orange/red emitting QDs used are not optimized for tissue penetration. The QDs are also not optimized for imaging sensitivity. The mechanism associated with failure in this manner is the lack of capability of deep tissue imaging by this kind of light. To prevent failure in this manner, it is advisable to use far-red and near-infrared light. This light should be in the spectral range of 650-900 nm. This wavelength is separated from the absorbing peaks of water and blood. For this reason, the tumor imaging sensitivity will be improved y at least tenfold (Gao, Cui and Levenson). Another factor that may cause the failure of this process is the toxic nature of CdSe QDs under extended periods of illumination by UV radiation. Radiation by UV dissolves the semiconductor particles causing the release of cadmium ions into the medium. Cadmium ions are toxic in nature. This may be avoided by the use of QDs with a stable polymer protection layer (Gao, Cui and Levenson). The stably protected QDs are non-toxic to cells; they affect neither cell division, nor ATP production. Certain issues have to be addressed for the CdSe quantum dot-based cancer imaging to be successful. The researcher has to ask questions that include: Is the mode of imaging economically viable basing on the

Moliere’s Portrayal of Religion and Religiosity Essay Example for Free

Moliere’s Portrayal of Religion and Religiosity Essay Moliere’s Tartuffe is about a man named Tartuffe who is a beggar and holy man that was recently taken in by a Christian man named, Orgon. Tartuffe has Orgon fooled, but the entire rest of Orgon’s family sees Tartuffe as a hypocritical, self-righteous con artist. Orgon becomes obsessed with Tartuffe and would rather talk and hear about him than his own sick wife. Even though Moliere rewrote this play twice, there are many reasons that the church might still be concerned about the hypocrisy that he used toward Christianity in this play. In 1666 Tartuffe was banned, a play many found offensive because of its assault on church hypocrisy. Many people of the church could still be concerned, due to Moliere’s portrayal of Christianity and how it is almost mocked in this play. Allot of the comedy Moliere portrays is intense focus on Orgon as example of a certain kind of traditional Christian. He isn’t the ‘only’ type of Christian in this play, but the way he is portrayed is almost in a hypocritical manner. Orgon is so eager to believe Tartuffe, mainly due to the fact that Tartuffe is professing to be another type of Christian. Moliere regards the type of Christian that Tartuffe is as insane. The way mankind is portrayed on behalf of Orgon is almost as depraved as a result of Original Sin, so therefore Orgon has to be subjected, for his own good, to somewhat of a dictatorial control by divinely appointed authorities, or the King. Moliere portrays Orgon as a good Christian man, who is taken advantage of and ultimately almost loses everything because he is willing to take Tartuffe in and treat him as if he were family. The reason the church should be concerned here is the fact that Moliere portrays the way Tartuffe is insane and manipulates the good Christian man. He shows Orgon, the good Christian man as blind to all the wrong, and coming out as essentially the â€Å"loser† and the insane Christian and manipulator, Tartuffe, comes out with all of Orgon’s belongings. After reading Moliere’s Tartuffe I now can see how the church would be heavily concerned with how Moliere portrays Christianity as ‘the nice guy finishes last’ with relation to Orgon and Christianity. The church could also see the hypocrisy by the portrayal of Tartuffe as a â€Å"religious con man† or â€Å"religious fraud. †

Experiment is to investigate the rate of reaction between hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate :: GCSE Chemistry Coursework Investigation

Experiment is to investigate the rate of reaction between hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate Hydrochloric acid + Calcium Carbonate Þ Calcium Chloride + Water + Carbon Dioxide 2HCl (aq) CaCo3 (s) CaCl2(s) H2O (aq) CO2 (g) There are a number of variables in this experiment and these are listed below as input variables and outcome variables. The input variables are the ones that I can change in order to affect the experiment and the outcome variables are the ones I will measure to see how the input variable has affected it. Input Variables --------------- Amount of calcium carbonate Amount of hydrochloric acid Surface area of calcium carbonate Concentration of hydrochloric acid Temperature of hydrochloric acid Introduction of a catalyst Outcome variables ----------------- Amount of calcium chloride released Amount of water released Amount of carbon dioxide released Change in weight Out of these variables I will use concentration as my input variable and amount of carbon dioxide released as my outcome variable. You can see how I will use and measure these variables in the method section of this investigation. My preliminary results can be found in appendix 1. These show what measurements of the input variables I decided to use and why I decided this. Prediction ========== I predict that as the concentration of the hydrochloric acid decreases the rate of reaction will decrease and therefore the time taken for 75ml of gas to be released will increase. The reason I believe this is that chemical reactions occur when particles of the reacting substances collide. Increasing the number of the particles increases the number of collisions per second and this increases the reaction rate. In the reaction between hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate you can increase the number of particles in two ways. The first of these is to increase the surface area of the calcium carbonate. Although this does not directly increase the number of particles, it does increase the number of particles that are available for the H+ ions to react with. This is shown in diagram 1 of appendix 2. The second way to increase the concentration in my experiment is to increase the concentration of the hydrochloric acid. By doing this you increase the number of H+ ions available to react with the calcium carbonate and therefore the number of collisions per second between the two increase. If the number of collisions per second increases then the reaction rate will increase. This is demonstrated in diagram 2 of appendix 2. In order to gain perfect results I would have to use the following weights of each component of the formula and introduce nothing else into the equation. All of the weights are in grams CaCO3 + 2HCl Þ CaCl2 + H2O + CO2

Growing Up on Fast Food Essay

Most Americans have eaten at a drive-in restaurant, diner and/or fast-food restaurant in their lives. Customers frequent these establishments for its convenience and affordability. Part of the fast-food lure is to satisfy the body; another part is a family sitting down and enjoying a meal together. Many people back in the 1950s and 1960s did not understand food safety and its dangers. Food was cooked in butter or lard instead of Trans oils, vegetable oil or margarine that are used today. Foods in the past were loaded with fat and cholesterol, which made consumers early candidates for cardiovascular diseases, stroke and other health issues. Food may have tasted delicious, but that came with a heavy price. Consumers of today are more educated concerning the risks and rewards of eating out and how food is prepared. They still face similar obstacles as their parents and grandparents did generations ago. How is the food made? What ingredients are used in making the selected dish? Is the place where the food is grown/processed/made reputable? Any of the aforementioned questions that are answered in the negative should be cause for concern.   Recent examples in the U.S. include the peanut recall. In that case, the product was tainted at the manufacturing plant. The items were put out for mass consumption, and that decision lead to many people getting sick and others dying. The Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) voluntarily recalled peanuts that were manufactured in either Georgia or Texas for fear that consumers would be exposed to Salmonella poisoning. (FDA, p.1) Although the outbreak did not affect jars or peanut butter commonly found in supermarkets, the tainted supply went to institutions and other establishments. (MSNBC, Fast Food 2 p.1) This meant restaurants could have received the contaminated peanut butter. Where hundred of people were injured and a half-dozen people died from Salmonella poisoning, this could have been even more tragic if not for the recall. (1) The news becomes important since many restaurants offer peanut and jelly sandwiches on their kids menu. It is a comfort food for many people—for the young and young-at-heart. (Phantom Gourmet, 2009) Having that option taken away would have been tough for restaurant owners who would have removed that item off its menu and the patrons who would have ordered the sandwich. (Phantom Gourmet, 2009) This is where the fast food industry can either be a friend or foe. They offer many choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Items range from bacon and eggs in the morning to prime rib in the evening. Many places like diners are open 24 hours, so people can get what they are craving any time. Being able to order what customers want when they want entices people to eat out. Another reason people go out to eat is the restaurant’s atmosphere. Certainly a fast-food facility such as McDonald’s will have a different motif than a diner, which will have a more distinctive ambiance than a mom-and-pop restaurant. The â€Å"Golden Arches† typically serves hamburgers, fast sandwiches with French fries and soft drinks. Kids are usually seen playing in a designated area. Not a place for people without kids who want to sit down to a quiet meal. The problem comes as much of the food is either fatty to begin with or comes with condiments that are also high in fat, calories and other things that can expand a waistline or harden an artery. Fast food companies are adapting to the way Americans eat by offering salads, parfaits and other healthier choices. McDonald’s has spent billions of dollars in advertising these menu changes (McDonald’s Corporate, p.1) Fast Food 3 Diners have been around this country for decades. Most people have one either in or near their town. These establishments offer good food and reasonable prices. That is often not the primary reason patrons flock to the diner, however. The restaurant set up is the main attraction. Some places have rally nights featuring vintage cars and motorcycles from the 1950s and 1960s. Other places house 50s-era memorabilia with photos of Singer/Actor Elvis Presley, Actress Marilyn Monroe, Actor James Dean and advertisements for Coke products that were very inexpensive in those days. Try getting a bottle of coke for a nickel today—it will not happen because of the cost of making the item and most companies use plastic instead of glass. There is less of a safety risk involved with plastic and it is cheaper to produce. Then there is the modern convenience of take-out or drive through. Being able to take home a bag from a fast-food place is certainly convenient and one does not mean unloading the family of the car. A menu is set up outside where people can give their orders, drive up to the window, pay the server, get their food and drive off to their next destination. Sounds easy in that the food still comes out fast (and correctly, one hopes), but what the experience lacks is people enjoying the food. Sure, the family sits in the car eating their hamburgers and French fries, but at the cost of getting the car dirty, having to throw out the garbage later and being cramped in a car seat without the benefits of stretching or using the restroom if needed. That type of convenience may be too much for some people. There is no wrong answer to how people dine. Time, the order itself, and other circumstances dictate if and when a person of family sits inside the restaurant, takes it out, or drives through. The bottom line for the restaurants is making sure the food is properly served to its customers so they return. Fast Food 4 This paper also hopes to debunk the myths surrounding fast food, how people who grew up eating at such places have adapted with the times, and how the restaurant industry has attempted to enlighten its customers about the choices they have. Iconic restaurants such as McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken (A.K.A. KFC) had a formula for encouraging return visitors. Offer customers good food at reasonable prices and they may come back again and bring friends. Both franchises have been going strong for more than five decades because their philosophy has not changed much during that time. Healthy Does Not Bad Tasting One problem fast food companies had to address is the quality of the ingredients used to make their trademark dishes.   Is the meat for the burgers made at McDonald’s or Burger King the best quality they can find? Are the chickens raised for use at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) fed a solid diet of nutrients? Those questions and answers matter to a point. Everyone will demonstrate the excellence of their products to show they care about their customers. If they fail, then actions such as recalls (for peanuts as previously mentioned) happen. This puts the industry under negative light and those working within the industry must work harder to regain the customer’s trust. Restaurants that did not have any trouble with the recalled product will be challenged to make their products better or fall behind in the marketplace. McDonald’s has been proactive over the past three decades in educating consumers about their foods and service (McDonald’s, p.1). They began printing up nutrition information for their customers to read if they wish. They might not like the fact a â€Å"Big Mac† sandwich has 50 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of saturated fat. (1) Fast Food 5 Or, a â€Å"McRib† sandwich has 48 percent of the RDA of saturated fat. (1) Clearly, these are not choices for people looking to either lose weight or remain physically fit. Their nutritional information may be found either by accessing the company website at www.mcdonalds.com or stopping in any one of their restaurants and picking up a brochure. Eating at McDonald’s—or any fast food place—for a prolonged period of time can have detrimental consequences. Morgan Spurlock wrote and directed a 2004 film about the fast-food industry, â€Å"Supersize Me!† The plot was simple: Spurlock would eat nothing but the contents of the McDonald’s menu for 30 consecutive days. He had to order everything off the menu at least once and had to supersize his order if asked. He would also refrain from exercising during the one-month period. (Spurlock, p.1) His point was to demonstrate the hazardous effects of eating out at fast food restaurants. Watching the film makes people cringe as he begins to gain too much weight, lose energy in wanting to do any real activities. Because of his McDonald’s diet and his lack of exercise, Spurlock not only gained a whopping 24 ½ pounds in 30 days, consumed a pound of sugar a day on average and his cholesterol rose an unbelievable 65 points from when this experiment started. (Spurlock Quotes, p.1) Besides the obvious physical ailments that befell Spurlock during his thirty days, there were also the psychological aspects. He said during the movie: â€Å"I nearly doubled my risk of coronary heart disease, making myself twice as likely to have heart failure. I felt depressed and exhausted most of the time, my mood swung on a dime and my sex life was non existent. I craved this food more and more when I ate it, and got massive headaches when I didn’t. In my final The movie was nominated for an Academy Award had had quite the reaction from moviegoers. Although McDonald’s officials denied the moved at the time, they scrapped the supersize option several weeks after the movie was released. (Wikipedia, p.1) They also offered its customers healthier alternatives such as salads. Spurlock said those choices contained more sugar than a bag of cookies. (1) Spurlock accomplished what he set out to do: find the causes of overweight people in the US and the bigger problem of obesity in this country. McDonald’s and the rest of the fast-food industry had to take note that their foods, if taken as much as Spurlock had, would have devastating effects on people’s health and well being. Nobody suggested that families eat every meal at restaurants. That logic would be expensive as well and unhealthy and would not make much sense. His body changed for the worse after his 30-day McDonald’s binge. It took five months for Spurlock to lose the weight he gained during that period (Spurlock Quotes, p.1). He suffered from liver damage, high blood pressure and other damaging ailments while performing this experiment. Moderation for anything is the best course of action when attempting to so something. That McDonald’s food was not healthy struck a chord, that Spurlock damaged his body making a point struck an even louder chord.

European advancements in warfare Essay

The Inter-war period between World War I and World War II was a time that governments relied on treaties and pacts to maintain peace rather than wage war. Some of these treaties and pacts did more to instigate war than to help deter it. Some examples of these are the Versailles Treaty, which basically all but dismantled the German military structure, another example is that of the Paris Peace Act of 1928, which was † a voluntary renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy†. Because treaties such as these, the reciprocal effect of any deviation caused tensions which eventually resulted in global conflict. What we will discuss in the following essay will cover weapon and doctrinal advancements, which were intended to return decisiveness, back to the business of waging war, with minimal losses of equipment and human life. During the inter-war period, militaries were primarily led by officers who were conservative in their approach to military structure and combat. One notable and very important aspect that became a topic of much debate during the period between WWI and WWII was that of armored and motorized warfare. Not only armored vehicles such as tanks but also motorized vehicles for logistical purposes as well. The conservative stance regarding these new weapons systems, which were introduced during WWI, was that they were to be utilized in a support role for the infantry and cavalry. This came at a time when most of the armies of the world were transitioning away from horse-drawn supply trains and tactical cavalry, due to the modernization of motorized military vehicles. Several leaders who opposed the conservatives on the role of armor and motorized warfare went on to become some of the most well known military writers ever. Two of these men were British General J.F.C. Fuller and British Captain B.H. Liddell Hart. Both of these British officers wrote and created doctrine that would be instrumental in the waging of armored warfare for not only WWII but also well into the twenty-first century. Instead of using tanks and tracked artillery for nothing more than infantry support they believed in, and created doctrine that placed an emphasis on fast moving offensive operations that would strike deep into the enemy’s territory, so fast as to render the enemies attempt to regain a structured  defense or counter attack futile. This ironically would be the template for the German blitzkrieg, which was implemented by Heinz Guderian after extensive research of Fuller and Liddell Hart’s doctrinal advancements. Although the British had well made tanks which could carry out this type of warfare, Guderian took this to another level with improvements to tank engines and armament and also the structuring of motorized divisions to carry out this new brand of warfare. It was believed by these men, that one tank could do what it would take a company of infantryman to do, and more! Advancements in the inter-war period were not only on ground fighting doctrine and weaponry, but also in the naval aspects as well. During the 1920’s, the Washington Naval Treaty imposed strict guidelines upon the navies of the U.S., Japan, France and Italy. These guidelines kept ships to certain regulations that limited the size of guns and of the countries entire navy itself. What this did basically caused atrophy in naval progression. In the 1930’s when Hitler’s Germany openly disavowed compliance with the Versailles Treaty and began the re-galvanizing of it’s army and navy, it caused the nations which would become Germany’s enemies to begin changing doctrine and methods in the conduct of naval operations. Also, the arrival of the aircraft carrier in almost every advanced navy created new threats with aircraft. The Japanese utilized aircraft carriers heavily in the war in the Pacific, as well did the United States. No two countries during WWII put so much emphasis on the carrier. What the carrier did was to allow aircraft to be launched from a ship far away into either enemy territory or enemy seas to attack either ships or targets on land without risking the loss of a naval ship. This was a naval doctrine created during the inter-war period. Air forces also went through extensive change during the inter-war period. First, the advancements of aircraft themselves in this period were perhaps the largest and most significant technological advancement of all. Airplanes had developed into short-range fighters, which could attack with speeds that were un-thought of in the era of bi-planes. Also, there was the advent of long range fighters to escort long-range bombers, which could hold large amounts of ordinance to drop on the enemy’s cities. Because of these  advancements, countries began racing to create the best aircraft that they could make. Each country would create superior aircraft in an effort to control the sky. The two countries that set the pace in this regard were Germany and Japan. Both enemies to Britain and the US, these two countries pushed the Allies to make formidable opposition and air defense systems. The period between WWI and WWII was a period of radical change to doctrine and weaponry. The creation of treaties and the League of Nations served as nothing more than a hopeful buffer to deter the waging of war. By creating these strict guidelines, the world did nothing more than antagonize one another to the point of global conflict. Advancements made during this period were a direct result of men who knew that peace could never truly be attained with peace.

Private Lives by Noel Coward Act One

Private Lives by Noel Coward Act One Private Lives is a play written by Noel Coward, first performed in 1930 on the London stage, starring Adrianne Allen and Laurence Olivier as the supporting characters, Gertrude Lawrence as the female lead (Amanda) and Coward (yes, the playwright himself) in the lead male role (Elyot). This witty comedy explores what happens when ex-spouses encounter one another while on their second honeymoon. During Act One, as the synopsis of the script will indicate, we learn that Amanda and Elyot are not suitably matched with their fellow newlyweds. Instead, despite their natural inclination to be petty and argue with each other, they fall suddenly and madly back in love. But will it last? The Setting of Private Lives Act One of Noel Cowards play takes place in a French hotel overlooking a harbor (with an expensive yacht within view of the characters). The two hotel rooms are side-by-side, each with their own balcony. Elyot and Sybil British couple celebrating their honeymoon. It is Elyots second marriage. She wonders how she compares to Amanda, Elyots first wife. (From five years ago.) He explains that doesnt hate his ex-wife, but he does feel sorry for her. Sybil asks if he could ever love Amanda again. He explains that love should be cozy and not filled with drama and jealousy and rage. She also states that she looks for masculinity within her husband: I like a man to be a man. He speculates that his new, feminine wife has designs to shape his character into some masculine ideal. She objects, but he comments that her plans might be subconscious. After ending the conversation about his ex-wife, he suggests that they go down to the casino. Amanda and Victor After Sybil and Elyot exit, another honeymooning couple appears in the next room. The newlyweds are Victor and Amanda (Thats right Elyots ex-wife.) Victor strikes up a conversation similar to he previous couple. He is curious about Amandas ex-husband. She reveals that she and Elyot physically fought each other on many occasions: VICTOR: He struck you once, didnt he? AMANDA: Oh more than once. VICTOR: Where? AMANDA: Several places. VICTOR: What a cad! AMANDA: I struck him too. Once I broke four gramophone records over his head. It was very satisfying. As they discuss her first marriage and their honeymoon plans, we learn a few contrasts about each character. For example, Sybil hates sunburned women because it seems unladylike. On the other hand, Amanda is anxious to get a sunburn, despite her husbands distaste. We also learn that both Amanda and Elyot are found of gambling, not just at the casino, but taking risks in life. In the middle of their conversation, Victor realizes that he does not really know his new bride very well. He is shocked when she says that she is not a normal person. AMANDA: I think very few people are completely normal really deep down in their private lives it all depends on a combination of circumstances. After a romantic kiss, Victor and Amanda exit to prepare for their evening together. Elyot sits alone on his balcony. Amanda does the same. They do not notice each other until begins singing along to music. Amanda notices him first, and although they are surprised to see each other, they attempt to remain calm. Amanda excuses herself and goes inside. Elyot tries to explain to Sybil that they must leave at once, but he does not reveal the reason. When she refuses to allow them to leave, Sybil bursts into tears as Elyot rages about her stubbornness. In the next room, Amanda is in a similar argument with her husband. However, when Victor remains obstinate she reverts to the truth. But Victor believes that she has only imagined her ex-husband. Victor storms off, headed for the bar. Sybil leaves in hysterics, headed for the downstairs dining room. Elyot and Amanda recall their early days together, reminiscing over the pleasant times and walking through the character flaws that led to their downfall. ELYOT: Were not in love all over again and you know it. She asks about Elyots travels throughout the world. In the middle of that conversation, Elyot confesses that he loves her. He wants her back again. They kiss. He proposes that they escape immediately, but she thinks that they should be honest with their new spouses. He convinces her otherwise and together they leave the hotel room. Victor Meets Sybil Sybil and Victor both enter their respective balconies looking for their missing spouses. Victor chats with her, inviting her for a drink. They look off into a distance, noticing the yacht down in the harbor. Act One ends wondering if Elyot and Amandas whirlwind reconciliation will last, and whether or not the jilted spouses Victor and Sybil will find comfort in one anothers company.

Middle Eastern Female Contemporary Artists Essay

Middle Eastern Female Contemporary Artists - Essay Example The essay "Middle Eastern Female Contemporary Artists" explores the Female Contemporary Artists of Middle East. Elements of the theater arts are evident in marriage ceremonials, funeral practices and performances of traditional music. Arab artists draw inspiration from the vestiges of the region's ancient cultures, combining older iconography with new insights to create fresh artistic expressions. This fusion of elements is evident in the works of several artists who have been influenced by the ancient symbols of Mesopotamia and the rich imagery of Coptic art. Sawsan Amer's works on glass, for instance, combine traditional iconography with personal imagery, mixing the direct frontality of Coptic icons with representations of birds, both real and imagined. Another artist who joins ancient and contemporary references is Liliane Karnouk from Egypt. "My paintings are in search of a definite cultural union," says the artists. "I belong to a generation trapped between Western and Oriental values." She expresses her search for union by combining tree bark from Canada and the papyrus paper from Egypt in installations such as Black and Green, 1992. This work expresses her helpless outrage at the senseless violence of the Gulf War. The black paperworks represent an initial outlet for her mourning for the human and environmental victims of the conflict. The large spatial canvases were conceived as a visual requiem. The tree bark and green seedlings emerge as a source of renewal. The art of Effat Nagui, a 92-year.... The black paperworks represent an initial outlet for her mourning for the human and environmental victims of the conflict. The large spatial canvases were conceived as a visual requiem. The tree bark and green seedlings emerge as a source of renewal. The art of Effat Nagui, a 92-year-old Egyptian artist "who lives in history," draws upon the ancient cultures of northern Africa. One of the pioneers of modern art in Egypt, Nagui was the first woman artist to have a work acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in Cairo, in 1928. Her mixed media works like Icon of the Nile. 1991 (Amirsadeghi, Mikdadi & Shabout, 2009, 167-185) unite concentric circles and the venerable outline of the mummy with remnants of Coptic parchment and crocodile skins to create contemporary images that utilize the magic of antiquity. As Nagui says: "Sometimes the artist needs to use materials and forms from ancient folk art so that he may touch the invisible bases which erected original art. Art is the result of assimilated and inherited culture." (Madkour, 2006, 19-21) Nagui's wooden sculptured surfaces, influenced by Nubian architecture, testify to the dynamic and symbolic roles of art forms. These and other contemporary Arab artists draw inspiration from the past. The Arab East has seen a succession of major civilizations, each creating its own art forms. This is precisely what civilizations are about--creative, centripetal power which fuses old elements with new ideas, giving birth to original and specific new expression. (McEvilley, 2007, 19-21) The Art of Politics The Arab East has been a battleground in the 19th and 20th centuries. War has been a critical feature of recent history in the region, and wars, per se, create turmoil in a society, accelerating the normal

Public Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Public Relations - Essay Example Framed by experts as an election of a lifetime, the high stakes enmeshed in the waning economic prospects up for challenge by a more aggressive China combined to smash the historical barriers of racism, religion, class and gender to the very most coveted seat in the land of opportunities. An underdog brand with tags considered negative in the history American politics—a junior Democratic senator of African roots— Obama ignited the country with a well-organized campaign that has gone into history books as a standard benchmark in marketing excellence. Although the 2008 presidential race attracted an impressive array of individuals with known credentials in foreign policy and/or national political experience, Obama’s candidature carried a special burden over and above the nation’s leadership qualities; proving that he had what it takes to break through the virulent barricades of American racism (Balz and Johnson 13). From the very beginning, Obama fashioned h is candidature with a brand of change; a position emphasized at every turn with lucid communication tactics. A candidate with flawless oratory skills, Obama knew that the success of a â€Å"product† begins with nature given attributes. Obama inaugurated his candidature for the top seat with a democratic bent that had marks of inclusivity; the fact that American people were stakeholders in his lifelong career was never hidden from his very first limelight speech. As such, any further breakthrough endeavors had to incorporate them [the American people]. His able approach on the doubts surrounding his religious affiliations, his unique biracial background and the attacks questioning his allegiance to the United States more than gave Americans the feelings of knowledge of a next-door neighbor. With a baggage of confidence crisis that swept through the financial system; a stark reminder of the darkest days of the Great Depression, plus failures of the Bush’s presidency to c ontrol a national debt hovering at its highest, framing Obama as a candidate of change was inevitably a killer jibe to McCain’s prospects of rallying the public behind his bid (Balz and Johnson 11-12). Consistent with change-wrapped messages that were eloquently delivered to the very comfort zones of the American population, Obama’s brand offered voters something different. Change being the centerpiece of the Obama’s campaign strategy, McCain, though experienced enough to lead Americans in a new direction, caught himself in a cage of the status quo, a tag framed by the opponents-the Obama camp (p. 291). By integrating change as the dominant theme to America’s future, Obama’s disadvantages defined by history became no more. At a time in history when the public literally demanded to know more about the government’s handling of a crisis, the Bush’s administration had few answers to offer with little leadership. With the media largely rel iant on the government for public policy information that were plainly scanty, the presidential candidates were worthy sources for an explanation to the state of the economy. For the first time, a rare opportunity to showcase presidential decision-making abilities presented itself at an opportune time; and a vulnerable media was