Friday, December 27, 2019

Ban On Weapons And War Machinery That Were Controlled By...

In July 28, 2015, a letter was addressed at the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence at Argentina that petitioned for a ban on weapons and war machinery that were controlled by artificial intelligence. Its rapidly increasing research and growth posed a threat to the safety of humanity and its beneficial value. The letter openly stated that technology had reached a point where the creation of autonomous machines would be reachable in a matter of years. Letting the development continue could possibly result in the mass production of these weapons and accessible to all kinds of civilians and malicious forces such as terrorists and dictators. Thus, the 2500+ researchers who agreed with the letter said that they find â€Å"no†¦show more content†¦However, these machines have been given an increasing amount of freedom such as a 24/7 watch for intruders, unlike humans, and the ability to shoot at their own will. The topic of giving these machines a certain degree of freedom and moral value has been a subject of controversy. Should machines be given free will beyond human control? Many researches and philosophers like Patrick Lin spoke against the issue of the letter, saying that it is â€Å"a useful letter of awareness, but nobody can predict whether robots will gain full autonomy in the future.† (Lin qtd. in Knight Par.8) While the idea of preserving human lives, the danger of robots given their free will could result in more than the deaths of the adversary, but also innocent civilians. The liberty of the robots will make them persons and not necessarily comply with our demands, since their freedom is superior to our control. In what follows, I will argue that war robots are not persons and should not be given a higher level of autonomy and moral value and that humans should keep them under control. â€Å"Robots reduce the need for humans in combat and therefore save the lives of soldiers, sailors and pilots. What parent would send their child into a war zone if a robot could do the job instead?† (Parkin Par. 8) Certainly, human lives are fragile and are not finite, but one must not forget to consider

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Social crimes and their solutions - 1437 Words

Crime is one social issue that has caught everyones eye. Crime has various branches; there are lots of different types of crime. Major crimes that are the main cause of concern include Kidnapping, Theft/Robbery, Murder, Rape, ChildAbuse (Verbal and physical), Terrorism (Bombings etc), and identity fraud so on and so forth. One of the main social agendas of our age is to find a way to prevent these crimes. There are different ways, theories and ideas as how to stop all of these crimes. Murder and its prevention:When a person is killed by another against his or her will, it is labeled murder. Firstly people need to be aware of its consequences, in terms of religion and law. Once people are more aware of its consequences, there is†¦show more content†¦Rape and its prevention:Some teens dont believe they can actually be a victim of a rape. Anyone can be a victim, so people need to be aware of what is going on around them. One of the risk factors for rape is not communicating views on sex. Since most rapes are committed by an acquaintance or boyfriend, it is in everyones best interest for those they know to understand their views on premarital sex. Then they need to set clear boundaries about what they will and will not do and where they will and will not go. There is also a lowered risk of rape when people follow the advice of dating or hanging out n groups. Also one should avoid being led into places where they are alone or isolated. Staying with the group means staying safe. Date rape drugs are becoming more rampant. While one can control if they drink alcohol or use drugs, one cannot always control what others put in their drink. To prevent so meone from slipping a date rape drug in a drink one should not accept drinks that are brought by others. Women who are in particular major targets, should learn self defense as it can help them escape attempted rape. Child Abuse (Verbal and physical) and its prevention:Verbal and physical abuse are very common crimes. Unfortunately victims to this crime can be as young as four. Especially in terms of physical abuse. This crime can be prevented. Parents need to understand how important it isShow MoreRelatedEssay about Reccomendations for Preventing Crime in Queensland932 Words   |  4 PagesFelton (1997) argues Future crime policies are likely to turn away from incarceration and towards prevention. Using your understanding of criminology and the reasons why people commit crime; provide a recommendation on what action you think the government should take to prevent crime in Queensland. Speculation has been raised about whether incarceration is effective for criminal offenders. When an offender goes against the law, it has been argued that they must take a social debt. Therefore, theyRead MoreThe Relationship between Poverty and Crime879 Words   |  3 PagesPoverty and the relationship it has to crime is a long standing sociological, humanists and historical phenomenon. From the plight of the third world to the violence soaked inner city streets of the 1980’s, the relationship of crime and poverty has been the source of a great deal of social commentary. In societies throughout the world and throughout history there has always been a traditional measure of deviance through relative income gaps. Both poverty and crime as well as their connections are heavilyRead MoreAnomie Theory1630 Words   |  7 PagesAnomie theory is important for explaining whether crime is a normal or abnormal (pathological) social phenomenon (Cartwright, 2011). It describes a lack of social norms, lawlessness and normlessness (Cartwright, 2013). In detail, it is a breakdown of social bonds between an individual and the community. This theory was first coined by Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist in his book Suicide published in 1897 (Cartwright, 2013). Later on, Robert Merton, the President of American Sociological AssociationRead MoreCriminal Crime Theory Essay853 Words   |  4 Pagesunknown. When it comes to crime, we develop theories to explain why criminals do what they do. Theories like Social Structure theories, Social process theories, and social conflict theories. Each theory has its own developed ideas on what makes people tick, what causes bad thoughts, bad actions and bad people. This paper will discuss the theories listed above and the logic behind them that explain criminal behavior. The first theory to argue is social structure. The social structure theories emphasizeRead MoreThe Reasons Why People Commit Crime1659 Words   |  7 PagesSocial Environment Theory There are many reason why people commit crime. Many people have created theories on why people commit crime and how to reduce the crime rates. People commit crime due to constant strain. They, also, commit crime because they are constantly exposed to definitions that favor crime. For example, some people have parents that are criminal due to their parents being criminals and still around them the child would not view crime as bad or harmful. People, also, may commit crimeRead MoreThe Challenges of Creating and Implementing Crime Policy in Canada996 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction Social policies are constructed to guide society. These policies are influenced by the collective morals and values of the people living in a society. Social policies in Canada are founded on the best interest of Canadians. Most importantly, social policies address issues by creating and implementing the appropriate solutions. Politicians have the prime role in creating policies and ensuring that these policies provide an answer to key issues in society. However, along the way theseRead MoreSocial Media Creates Crime And How It Catches Criminals1142 Words   |  5 Pages I will discuss the history of social media. I will include various types of crimes involving social media. I will discuss how social media creates crime and how it catches criminals. I will discuss cases involving social media. Lastly, I will list possible solutions to prevent crimes through social media. Even though social media is almost two decades old, there is a lot of history with it. So much has changed with the internet; who would have thought that social media would become so popular byRead MoreIn Steve Chapman’S Article â€Å"Are Blacks To Blame For Cops1515 Words   |  7 Pagescommitting so much crime, they wouldn t get so much attention from police(502). The author points out that blaming the black community for violent crime by blacks we fail to notice the truth of today’s real crime. I strongly believe with the author, we fail to notice the real crimes that are society has. Are we so distracted by what the media tells us on black crime communities and we fail to see the real issue, this is not just an issue of blaming blacks, but in the real crimes our society has. Read MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized? Essay1011 Words   |  5 Pagesfundamental changes that will improve the social quality of America. In Gore Vidal essay, the author argued that there is a way to stop most drug addition and in a very short time. However, before we talk about Gore Vidal solution, we must talk about the main concern with drugs, addiction. Once a user has developed an addiction, it makes it increasingly difficult for that person to stop. Their addiction may affect aspects such as money, health, and their personal social life. Some may say by legalizingRead MoreSocial Bond Theory And Its Impact On The Juvenile Justice System1118 Words   |  5 Pages1. Discuss Hirschi’s social bond theory and its impact on the juvenile justice system. In 1969, Travis Hirschi developed the Social Bond Theory. Like other social control theorists, Hirschi was interested in why the majority of society does not demonstrate delinquent behavior, as he believed most people had the natural capacity for such behavior. The social bond theory states that delinquent behavior in juveniles is not learned behavior, it is in fact a natural urge. However, the theory also states

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Attendance Monitoring System Using Biometrics free essay sample

When the first employee time clock was invented in 1888, it had but one purpose: to record the time an employee entered the factory and the time an employee left the factory.This mechanical employee time clock would stamp day and time information on a heavy paper card, hence the name time card. This gave the factory owner an official record of the hours each employee worked. But as the years passed by, the way of thinking of man improved until it reached the age of technology which is our present time. Security is the degree of protection against danger, damage, loss and criminal activity. To promote this, security personnel must be hired and trained properly. Observing our environment in Taguig City University, we can see security personnel all over the campus.As we do our research, we were informed that the monitoring of Security Staff of the school is still in manual process and they are only using an attendance sheet. We will write a custom essay sample on Attendance Monitoring System Using Biometrics or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page One of their problems is that some staff cheats on their time records. They are using a form for everyday’s monitoring and each staff must sign and indicate the time of arrival to time-in/ time-out. Because of this problem, we propose the Attendance Monitoring System using biometrics to make it easier not just for staffs but also for the secretary.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Relationship with His Father free essay sample

My Father Thought It: Armitages Childhood and Relationship with His Father BY nour300 The poet narrates a true experience with his own father from when he was a teenager. In the final stanza the poet looks back, aged twenty nine. The poet marks the time shift by shifting from past into present tense. This poem is a nostalgic look back at a defining moment from Armitages childhood, his relationship with his father and how he feels about it now. From the first words of the title, My father shows that Armitages memory of his childhood, like the poem is dominated, looked over, by his father. The effect is intensified by the fact that the words my father are repeated in the first line. As a teenager, the poets father is an authority figure. Armitage calls him father which is formal and seems distant, commanding respect. However, his father uses colloquial language lost your head easily led. We will write a custom essay sample on Relationship with His Father or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page These proverbial phrases are judgemental and dont show real communication, which adds to the sense of distance. However, his son can almost read his fathers thoughts, which suggests a kind of closeness: my father thought it bloody queer. loody queer cant be the way the poet would describe himself, as it seems too harsh and violent. It seems to fit with the colloquial, Judgemental phrases that his father uses. The poet is close enough to his father to be able to become him for these lines in the poem. queer is used to condemn something that doesnt conform. The whole poem is about rebellion. The first stanza has a regular rhyme scheme with aabbb; however in the second stanza, the rhyme scheme starts to break down and seems irregular. This echoes the breakdown in authority or control as the poet rebels. In the final stanza, a kind of balance or compromise is reached, the first and last lines rhyme together (1 2, 15), but the middle two are free, or unrhymed (13,14). The words slept and Wept are rhymed, with Wept in a prominent position at the end of the stanza, which is also emphasised by the alliteration with wounds. Normally women weep, which contrasts with the manly rite of passage involving pain and a wound. I ts as it the body is weeping tor the tact hes injured it, the loss ot childhood and is a strange contrast to the violent, distant relationship.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Attacks On The Insanity Defence Essays - Criminal Defenses

Attacks on the Insanity Defence The insanity defense refers to that branch of the concept of insanity which defines the extent to which men accused of crimes may be relieved of criminal responsibility by virtue of mental disease. The terms of such a defense are to be found in the instructions presented by the trial judge to the jury at the close of a case. These instructions can be drawn from any of several rules used in the determination of mental illness. The final determination of mental illness rests solely on the jury who uses information drawn from the testimony of "expert" witnesses, usually professionals in the field of psychology. The net result of such a determination places an individual accordingly, be it placement in a mental facility, incarceration, or outright release. Due to these aforementioned factors, there are several problems raised by the existence of the insanity defense. Problems such as the actual possibility of determining mental illness, justifiable placement of judged "mentally ill" offe nders, and the overall usefulness of such a defense. In all, I believe that these problems, as well as others which will be mentioned later, lead us to the conclusion that the insanity defense is useless and should be abolished entirely. Insanity is a legal, not a medical definition. Therefore, mental illness and insanity are not synonymous: only some mental illness constitutes insanity. Insanity, however, includes not only mental illness but also mental deficiencies. Due to this, there are problems in exactly how to apply a medical theory to a legal matter (Herman, 1983;128). The legal concepts of mental illness and insanity raise questions in a conflict between what are termed legalistic criminology and scientific criminology: mens rea, punishment v. treatment, responsibility, and prisons v. hospitals. This debate seesaws to and fro amidst a grey area between law and science. The major difficulty with a theory such as mental illness is that it is just that, a theory. To scientists theories are a way of life, but applied to the concept of law theories become somewhat dangerous. By applying a loose theory such as mental illness to law we are in essence throwing the proverbial "monkey wrench" into the wheels of justic e. TESTING FOR INSANITY At the center of the legal use of insanity lies the mens rea. Every crime involves a physical act, or actus reus, and a mental act, or mens rea, the non-physical cause of behavior. The mens rea is the mental element required for a crime, and if absent excuses the defendant from criminal responsibility and punishment (Jeffery, 1985;49). The difficulty here lies in analyzing the mens rea. In order to do this lawyers apply one of several rules used by psychologists. These rules range from the Irresistible Impulse Test to the M'Naghten Rule. Each of these rules approach mental illness/capacity in a different way and in my opinion each falls short of actual proof. I will discuss each in detail. The M'Naghten Rule The M'Naghten Rule, also known as the right-wrong test, arose in 1843 during the trial of Daniel M'Naghten who argued that he was not criminally responsible for his actions because he suffered from delusions at the time of the killing. The M'Naghten Rule reads: A defendant may be excused from criminal responsibility if at the time of the commission of the act the party accused was laboring under such a defect of reason, from a disease of the mind, as not to know the nature and the quality of the act he was doing, or if he did know it, that he did not know that he was doing what was wrong. Thus, according to the rule, a person is basically insane if he or she is unable to distinguish between right and wrong as a result of some mental disability. Criticism of the M'Naghten Rule has come from both legal and medical professions. Many criticize that the test is unsound in its view of human psychology. Psychiatry, it is argued, views the human personality as an integrated entity, not divisible into separate compartments of reason, emotion, or volition (Herman, 1983;138). Additionally, the test is criticized for defining responsibility solely in terms of cognition. While cognitive symptoms may reveal disorder, they

Sunday, November 24, 2019

The Great Chicago Fire essays

The Great Chicago Fire essays At 9:45 p.m. on a Sunday, it was bedtime for most people in the booming city of Chicago, Illinois. But it was around this time on October 9, 1871 when the fire alarm rang in box 342. This was the first of three alarms that were set off, the third and final being a general alarm that summoned every available engine in the area to the scene. Flames were seen rising from a small stable behind a house near the corner of De Koven and Jefferson streets. Just as quickly as the fire could be put out, it had spread to another building. Little did they know at the time, but this was the start of one of the most destructive fires in history; a catastrophe was underway. This extremely devastating disaster was not a complete loss, however. On the contrary, many people believe there were good things that came out of it. In fact, many of the benefits seem to outweigh the downsides of the fire. The tragedy paved the way for whole new city layout, improved building quality, as well as pro viding jobs for thousands of people. A cow, a simple little cow, was believed to be the one who started it all. The cow belonged to the now famous OLeary family. The story has it that one small kerosene lantern left in the barn near some dry piles of hay had started the extremely disastrous and widespread Great Chicago Fire. Recently, a historian by the name of Robert Cromie has uncovered facts to disprove the tale of the OLeary cow. Taking a look at the city of Chicago before the fire, the city was overcrowded and was very poorly designed in many ways. There was an unprecedented number of homeless, and overall filth in some parts of the city had hit an unthinkable high. In many ways the Chicago fire gave the city another chance to be designed better to improve things like transportation. The rebuilding process also gave the city chance to better organize the districts (i.e., industrial, financial, and residential). Improvements i...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

DIGITAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND EDUCATION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

DIGITAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND EDUCATION - Essay Example However, it is factual that this mode of education is bringing in a lot of transformation to the student life, like coming up with ‘on-demand’ rather than sequential modes of learning (Power, 2010). At the same time, most institutions are still insisting and using the old systems of personal delivery, timetables, and printed books. The mode of transmission from an educator to a student and examinations as a mode of assessment is still in use (Power, 2010). This research aims at uncovering the impact that the digital media revolution has had on education standards and the effects it is having on the old traditional system. The main aim of choosing this topic is due to the viral nature at which digital media is infiltrating the current generation. This is an aspect that is bound to have effects on various realms, with education as a vital factor in the day to day livelihoods. Findings from the research can be used by education stakeholders on a variety of decision making

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Marketing in Travel and tourism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Marketing in Travel and tourism - Essay Example This would require that the travel and the tourism organizations understand the demands of their customers meaning anticipation and identification of their wants and needs. Anticipating and identifying when used in travel and tourism marketing depends on effective market research that would involve researching on both the existing and potential markets. In marketing research, it is important that the customers be classified according to their socio-economic status, lifestyles, and family circumstances, gender among other factors. This may involve primary research such as surveys, observations or questionnaires and secondary research such as statistics and records, which may be qualitative or quantitative in nature. While classifying customers it is important to note that the target market consists of a whole group of potential customers from the entire population. It is therefore better for those involved in marketing of travel and tourism to define the target market as a collection of segments, what is normally referred to as market segmentation. When the market is segmented, each segment has distinct characteristics and its needs and wants must be satisfied in order to have the best results shown through profits earned. Various studies have dealt with tourist motivations and market segmentation showing that the factors that motivate tourists for leisure travel and tourism can be classified into two types that is the â€Å"push† and â€Å"pull† factors (Mehmet 2011, p.153). It is therefore imperative that stakeholders in the travel and tourism sectors must have a proper analysis on tourist motivation and related activities in order to understand leisure tourist destination choices. These factors also enhance the image of destinations and the interplay with satisfaction and loyalty of tourists that procure these services of tour and travel. Each destination

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Quiz 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Quiz 2 - Essay Example Within the White House workforce, there are numerous persons assuming distinct job titles. One of such job titles is that of the Press Secretary. A press secretary is among the most senior officials in the White House staff. Literally, a press secretary talks to the press (Shelley 52). Anyone assuming this title plays the role of a spokesperson. This means a press secretary tells the world of the president’s thoughts and reactions to domestic and international opinions. In addition, a press secretary delivers information about White House proceedings to the public. Permanent campaign is a term first coined by Patrick Caddell in 1976. In a letter written to President Carter, Caddell proposed a concept of continuing campaign as opposed to short term campaigns in politics. Consequently, the last three American presidents, including Obama, have stressed the concept of permanent campaign in their terms. Technically, permanent campaign refers to a situation where politicians initiate campaign projects as soon as an election is completed (Shelley 48). Instead of halting the campaign mood after an election, democrats and republicans engage in extended battle for democratic thinking. Consequently, permanent campaigns have caused a situation where political goals held by individuals and parties become active throughout the periods between election exercises. Admittedly, a president’s background is influential in shaping his executive tenure. Essentially, presidency is a public office with defined tasks. In order to display enhanced performance, office holders should possess the requisite experience in handling social, political and economic matters of the general public. In this context, an office holder’s background determines the level of expertise observed throughout a president’s

Friday, November 15, 2019

Interpretation of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri

Interpretation of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri The process of analysis for this English Extended Essay on Interpretation of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri was definitely a journey where in I discovered and learnt a lot. When I was assigned this project, initially I was a little apprehensive about how to execute this extended essay. My teacher gave me a good briefing about the entire process which I had to follow for the execution of this analysis. I began by reading the novel in its entirety several times. Every time I read the different stories in this novel, it was like going on a new literary journey altogether. The realistic presentation of the characters by the author brought in life to them and at a point I no longer felt that I was a mere reader but transcended into the stories with the characters and played a mute spectator. Post having sufficient understanding of each story, I made note of the thematic aspects of each story, the stage setting and how this helped in portrayal of the mindset of each characters. I employed literary analytical aspects of thematic analysis, language analysis, stage setting analysis to give an in-depth analysis of the novel Interpretation of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri. In the concluding part of this extended essay, I wound up by indicating the effect of the stories on the readers and why the readers could relate to each character as this is an important aspect of story narration and effective engagement of the reader. Introduction: The Interpreter of Maladies reflects the trauma of self-transformation through immigration which ends up being an attempt in futility as resultantly there is a series of broken identities that form multiple anchorages. Lahiris stories present the futile diasporic struggle to keep hold of culture as primary characters that of her stories create new lives in foreign cultures. Relationships, language, rituals, and religion all help these characters maintain their culture in new surroundings even as they build a hybrid realization as Asian Americans. But the lack of harmony and happiness ultimately makes the attempt a futile experience. Interpretation of Maladies brings to the forefront many complex issues with identity confronted by the Diaspora community. The book has the tales and experiences of first and second generation immigrants who are Indians, as well as a few tales comprising involving ideas of otherness among Indian communities. The stories focus around the complexities of several relationships, communication and a feeling of a loss of identity for individuals in diaspora. Despite where the tale takes place, the major players struggle with the similar feelings of exile and the struggle between the dual worlds by which they feel torn apart. The stories essentially deal with the always shifting lines between gender, sexuality, and social status within a diaspora. Whether the player in the tale is a homeless woman belonging to India or an Indian male pupil in the United States, all the characters show the effects of displacement in a diaspora. The characters in her stories dwell with a sense of dissatisfaction on account of their personal lives and experiences. The settings, narration, the mindsets of the characters and the interaction characters have with each other assist the readers in comprehending their plight and the futility of the situation. Findings and Analysis: Interpreter of Maladies: Jhumpas thematic presentation of futility in the Interpreter of Maladies is somewhat subtle yet effective. The setting is just about perfect with the character placement effectively facilitating the futility in their relationships and aspirations. The Central characters in this tale are Mr. and Mrs. Das and the tour guide Mr. Kapasi. The writer through the interactions of the Das couple with their children Tina, Bobby and Ronny present to us the fact that their relationship with their children lack perfection and to a great extent seems futile as the children do not seem to obey their parents and Mr. and Mrs. Das seem more of sibling to their children than their parents as they are constantly squabbling among themselves. Mrs. Das is evidently not interested in the relationship which seems futile to her and the very fact that she describes Mr. Kapasis job as an interpreter of maladies as a romantic one leads Mr. Kapasi to fantasize about her which eventually turns out to be a futile e xercise. An aspect which does not fail to draw attention of the reader is the instance when the Das couple are engaged in an argument as to who would take Tina to the bathroom is indicative of each one desire to shun responsibility. Here, a sense of futility is existent in the parental relationship the couple share towards their children. Jhumpa has utilized the lack of communication as an aspect to present the futility of the relationship all the characters are dwelling in. Mr. Das is presented as a character always buried in his guide book while Mrs. Das hides her inner self behind her sunglasses. Mr. Kapasi is trapped in a loveless futile marriage spending lonely nights drinking tea by himself. The futility of the relationship the Das family is in is very evident in the action of Mrs Das especially when she fails to offer puffed rice which she was gorging on by herself. The element of family sharing a meal fails to be present. This action of Mrs. Das indicates indifference and an underlying sense of hostility towards her spouse and children. The relationships they share is thus understood as being a futile relationship. Mr Kapasi reveals the futility of his existence as he is working as an interpreter feels that his job is a failure as he is a scholar of many languages. The dissatisfaction he experiences in the job of an interpreter leads to a sense of futility within him. Futility is further expressed by the character when he states that the job of an interpreter was taken to pay of medical bills of his son who had contracted thyroid. His sons death made his sacrifice of sorts a futile effort. Mr. Kapasis fantasy ride commences with Mrs. Das. It becomes very evident to Mr. Kapasi that the Das Couples relationship lacks charm and harmony and is futile. He begins to fantasize about Mrs. Das when she admires his job as that of an interpreter. His fantasy leads to a peak when he and Mrs. Das are conversing while staring at the nudity depicted in the form of temple carvings. The sensuality of the situation is well created by the writer by placing her characters in a setting which is erotic leading to temptation but futile desires. He decided to begin with the most obvious question, to get to the heart of the matter, and so he asked, Is it really pain you feel, Mrs. Das, or is it guilt? This quote appears towards the end of the story where Mrs. Das reveals the fact that Bobby is the son of a friend of Mr. Das whom she was intimate with while her husband was away. Mr. Kapasi questions her about her feeling and Mr. Kapasi makes one final interpretation. Mr. Kapasi feels that Mrs. Das desires absolution and not questioning, relief and not reflection. She and Mr. Kapasi are both lonely but the fact that they have differences keeps them apart thus making the possibility of a relationship futile. Revelation leads to futility. The revelation made by Mrs Das about the legitimacy of her child to Mr. Kapasi was the blow which tarnishes the fantasy of Mr. Kapasi. For a short spell of time, Mr. Kapasi was on an imaginative trip which proved baseless and futile as he failed to accept the person who he was daydreaming about to have a scandalous past as such. The revelation of Mrs. Das proves her infidelity further shattering the image of the Das family proving the fact that the relationship is more of an arrangement than a bonding of love. The writer has aptly used setting to bring all her vital characters in the scene and weaving a storyline in a natural way facilitating the flow of human emotions at their various moment of interaction. The writer crafts every character in a natural and believable manner leading us to realize the fact that there are several relationships where people are bound together for the sake of fulfilling an arrangement commenced to fulfill a certain purpose but the lack of depth and gravity of the relationship proves the relationship to be a futile on as in the case of Mr. and Mrs. Das and their relationship, Mr. Kapasi and his profession as an interpreter and a tour guide and his fascination for Mrs. Das which later on sours as he learns about her real self. With regards to being in India, Mr. and Mrs. Das fail to connect with the country India as their home but have a tourists perspective which is very evident when Mr. Das snaps away a picture of the starving peasant instead of helping him. When Bobby is need of help when surrounded by monkeys, Mr. Das is excited about the picture he clicks instead of immediately helping the boy. This indicates a lack of understanding and connection with each other and the country they are in which they understand as being home. Thus the trip too can be safely understood as being an exercise in futility. The camera of Mr. Das is symbolically employed by the writer to present the fact that Mr. Das view the world through his camera and in not in direct touch with reality. The camera proves to be an obstruction and proves to be a futile aspect blocking Mr. Dass chance to view the real world devoid his camera. Interpreter of Maladies is a story with a setting and dialogues which may not be larger than life but is as close and real as life could be though the writer presents her work as a fictionalized account of her imagination and creativity. A Temporary Matter: In this tale, the writer in all clarity wishes to point out that lack of trust and deceit in a relationship makes the existence of that relationship futile. The futility of the relationship of Shukumar and Shoba is visible to the reader as the play the game wherein they reveal to each other their secrets. We the readers learn that the element of deception is predominant and this causes the relationship to be extremely strained and leads to a point of deterioration and a point of no return. The couple indulges in lying to each other and the lies have been with selfish motives in mind. They avoid bring in discomfort to each other and their selves by indulging in not speaking the truth. They have lied to each other, and the lies have been selfish ones-told not to spare the others feelings but to allow the person telling the lie to escape some discomfort or sacrifice. The sanctity of their marriage to a good extent is at stake and to a large extent they do not seem to care about this fac t. The sweater incident reveals to the reader that they lie about petty issues. Shukumar had returned the sweater to get some money which he could use in order to get drunk to the core. The couple drifting apart commenced after the loss of their baby and the began to care less for each other and this is revealed by the fact that they have been lying unceremoniously. They no longer connect with each other emotionally and this indicates the fading of their relationship. When Shoba displays the fact that their sorrow was on account of a deceptive game, she is following a pattern which is established. All through the week of electricity cuts, Shoba can be seen attempting to reach out Shukumar. But in truth, she is working out her final separation from Shukumar. During the same time frame, the game that seems to be putting them together also displays a past filled with lies. Matters have hardly been as they seemed between these two individuals. To add to this, readers understand early in the tale that Shoba has always been the person to plan way ahead and that she maintains a separate bank account. Readers are left to think as to whether the pattern of deception will end or increase beyond repair. The story indicates a shift decisively towards a happy finale when, on the fifth evening, the writer declares, They had survived a difficult time. Shobas silent behavior that particular evening has been disrupted as the calm after a storm. But that understanding is as misleading as Shobas pattern of conduct has been. We, the readers, like the character of Shukumar, have been given complex signals and only understand at the end which set of aspects was reliable. The stage setting adds to the realm of this tale. To depict futility of the relationship of the protagonists, the writer places the Bradford couple as neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Bradford are neighbors of Shoba and Shukumar. Shoba and Shukumar often witness them strolling by, holding arm in arm, on their path to the bookshop on the second night of the power cut or failure. The Bradfords appear to be a happily married pair and as such make provision of a contrast to the main lead pair i.e. Shoba and Shukumar. The writer specifically mentions that the Bradfords kept a card of sympathy as a goodwill gesture in Shoba and Shukumars mailbox when their baby was lost. The light and dark stage setting present a realistic scenario where the reader can identify with the inner feeling of the characters. As the primary characters have their conflicts within their selves and with each other, the lightning assists in quick identification of their inert feeling. Here the writer, I opine has very meticulously employed the element of light and darkness to reveal the thought, apprehensions and turmoil of the characters making the presentation of the entire story line noteworthy. You went to answer the telephone in the other room. It was your mother, and I figured it would be a long call. I wanted to know if youd promoted me from the margins of your newspaper. Instead of looking for clues about her future husband or finding something of earth-shattering importance, she looks to see if she is making up the little details of Shukumars life. Again, it is clear that the little things mask the greater realities. Alienation further triggers of futility of the relationship. Shoba and Shukumars grief has led them to withdraw from each other. Until the nightly power outages began, they avoided each other. Shoba leaves for work early each morning, returns late, and often brings home extra work to occupy her evenings and weekends. When Shoba is home, Shukumar retreats to his computer and pretends to work on his dissertation. He has put the computer in the room that was to be the nursery because he knows that Shoba avoids that room. She comes in briefly each evening to tell him goodnight. He resents even this brief interaction, which Shoba initiates only out of a sense of obligation. Shoba and Shukumar do not attempt to comfort or support each other. Each withdraws from the relationship, and they endure their grief as if they were two strangers living in a boardinghouse. An important aspect to be noted about this story is the fact that the writers tone in presentation of this tale of grief, tragedy and deception is in totality neutral. This neutral tone is essentially employed to by the writer as the writer, I believe desires the readers form their own individual perspectives of each character and decide who and why they wish to empathize with. This style of presentation makes provision for an unbiased formation of a point of view on the part of the reader facilitated primarily by the writer. Many a times, writer tend to shadow their narrative with their personal and judgmental opinion which I believe that the writer here has refrained from doing so making this an exemplary work of art. Mrs. Sen: Mrs. Sen, the titular character of Lahiris story demonstrates the power that physical objects have over the human experience. This aspect is employed by the writer to display a sense of futility in the thoughts and existence of the titular character. During the entire story, Mrs. Sen is preoccupied with the presence or lack of material objects that she once had. Physically though Mrs. Sen is there where she is but mentally or rather emotionally she seems to be dwelling in another world, a world of the past. Whether it is fish from her native Calcutta or her special vegetable cutting blade, she has the tendency to cling to the material possessions that she is accustomed to, while firmly rejecting new experiences such as canned fish or even something as mundane as driving a car. At home that is all you have to do. Not everybody has a telephone. But just raise your voice a bit, or express grief or joy of any kind, and one whole neighborhood and half of another has come to share the news, to help with arrangements This moment illustrates that Mrs. Sen is referring to her neighborhood at home as a much more closely-knit community than that of the area where Eliot lives. Here she uses a slightly superior attitude when referring to her culture as opposed to Eliots, which helps her remain confident about staying true to her Indian roots while she physically lives in a different place. Lack of the ability of the central character of Mrs. Sen to transcend successfully and accept her new world presents the futility of the situation. Mrs. Sen being homesick is certainly understandable given her meaningless social life, her reflective nostalgic feeling deepens the situation to such an extent that she fails to relate to the individuals she meets in America and the eventually end up as no barrier to her acclimation. The person selling fish at the market fails to immediately address her as Mrs. Sen but he surely reserves special fish for her. The man of the law does not book her but just asks her questions after her car accident does not indict her. The writer presents all characters in the story as people who make life easy for her and facilitate the process of her settling down comfortable in America. But Inspite of all this, Mrs. Sen fails to settle in to any degree, drapes herself always in saris, serving to the mother of Eliot, Indian canapà ©s and putting aside com pletely the prospect of learning to drive. By conducting her life differently through recollected tales imprinted on her her saris, and her aerograms which are grainy, Mrs. Sen deliberately stays away from any kind of assimilation through the empowerment of material objects and what they mean to her. In this tale, 11-year old Eliot commences living with Mrs. Sen a professors wife after school. Mrs. Sen who is the caretaker cuts and makes meals as she tells Elliot tales of her past life in Calcutta, thereby assisting in crafting of her identity. Like A Temporary Matter, this stale is full of lists of produce, catalogs and recipes with descriptions. Stress is placed on ingredients and the mode of preparation. Other aspects are definitely emphasized as well, such as Mrs. Sens collection of saris which are multicolored brought in by her from India. The The entire storyline rotates around Mrs. Sens customary practice of purchasing fish from a seafood market locally. This fish helps in reminding Mrs. Sen of her house back and holds great importance to her. But reaching the seafood market needs driving, a skill that Mrs. Sen has failed to learn and is not interested in learning either. Towards the finale of the story, Mrs. Sen tries to learn to drive to the market without her better h alf but this attempt leads to a car accident. Eliot soon stops living with Mrs. Sen after this. Conclusion: To conclude with, I am of the conviction that Jhumpa Lahiri, the Pulitzer prize winner for this literary work of art The Interpretation of Maladies has undoubtedly excelled in creating a work of literary expression which presents human emotion and interaction in its rawest form. This makes each story believable and close to the readers heart. She has very well employed the human emotion of sorrow in most of the stories as this I believe is one emotion which every individual can deeply identify with and relate to. Her characters such as that of Mrs. Sen, Shoba, Sukumar, Mrs Das and the others are very realistic as they are presented as ordinary humans with issues which every other individual deals with. The added aspect to this realistic presentation is the fact that her characters are primarily migrants finding it hard to get acquainted to a European culture and are being confronted with culture issues and discrimination. She has woven a beautiful story line in each story and the rea ders are drawn enigmatically into her world and her style of storytelling which is essentially different in a unique way than their contemporaries. The stage setting employed in each story differs and is highly apt to the story complementing the story and presenting the characters in a comprehensive way. The Temporary Matter, Mrs. Sen, Interpretation of Maladies etc. has stage setting which make the story realistic and not deviate the attention of the writer. This is an important aspect which can be understood in her works. The language employed by the writer to present her characters is another vital aspect. The language is simple and precise without being dramatic. More importantly the body language of the character plays vital part in communicating the essence and the feeling within the characters. Each story of hers has message or a theme which is learnt by the reader in the process of acquainting himself in her stories. Her bring out themes of deception, love, tragedy, discrimination in a manner most beautiful and subtle.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Mankind As A Problem :: essays research papers

The biggest blight on the face of the planet is mankind. The major problems facing the world today can all be traced in one way or another back to the interference of man. The human race has yielded too much power for the past several thousands of years and it is time for a stern, quick change in the world. Mankind has walked with impunity from place to place upon the face of this planet and only in a few instances has it rendered anything other than death or chaos. My purpose with this essay is to illustrate that the human race is almost not worth running. Creatures endowed with such inborn capabilities have sunken to a level below any seen before. While capable of such acts of beauty and wonder, they instead choose to act selfishly and without reason.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The human race is, like every living thing, an animal. However, the human race is unlike any other animal on the face of this planet. The human race is more brutal then other animals. The human race is the only animal that will set out to commit genocide or slaughter its own kind by amounts I can not begin to fathom. The human race has done this many times through it’s past and shows no signs of altering. Nazi Germany almost eliminated the entire Jewish population from Europe, and killed millions before they could be stopped. Communist Russia, under the leadership of Stalin, conducted many tests and experiments on humans that lead to the deaths of millions more for no purpose other than to satisfy one man’s curious side. The human race for centuries, and in some parts of the world still does committed slavery. Brutality of human against human has been a common theme through the years, but if you go club one baby seal you would get the chair. Humans h ave come to accept brutality upon themselves as a fact of life but sit in disgust when it is committed against something else. Part of what makes man so dangerous and problematic is his intelligence level. The human race is the smartest thing on the planet Earth. This has put him on top of the food chain where he can do the most damage to the world as a whole. His intelligence has allowed him to advance technologically throughout history. His advances in technology have come with problems to not only him, but also the world.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Accused: Eye Color and Man

The small figure bent over a table place intentionally sideways in the center of a small, dirt-floored room. The only light source that allowed him to see was the little light that trickled In through the filth stained window. As his hands worked, sewing the soft, bristled fur, a chorus of childish voices found Its way Into the house from outside. â€Å"Ring around the rosy,† they sang. The figure couldn't help but to cringe at the intricate lyrics, knowing their horrible meaning. â€Å"Pocket full of posies. † The man stood up to straighten his back, plucking his new work up as he did so.Pinched gently between his thumb and forefinger was the inert body of a rat, its fur hardened with dirt. The rat, though no longer alive, was positioned with its back arched up into the air and its paws held up as if ready to leap, whether to strike or flee. â€Å"Ashes, ashes. † A small drizzle started to fall from the gray clouds outside. Fat rain drops thumped gently against the wooden door. The man placed the rat on the window sill, the heavy stains of dirt working as a sufficient background of his new masterpiece. The rain started to fall harder from the miserable sky, and then even harder still.The fat drops pounded harshly now against the door and with a distinct flash of lightning that illuminated the rat's eyes, lighting up its dead gaze, followed by the crack of raging thunder, it was almost as if death itself rapped upon his door. And as the small children fled back to their homes, their last chorus echoed through the wind, raising the hair on the man's neck and sending a cold shiver down his spine. â€Å"We all fall down. † Jonathan Merger, a tall, thin man with dark hair and hazel eyes, stood behind a small woman and her three children as he waited to meet the sorceress.It had started to rain an hour ago, and if he hadn't of had to come outside, he wouldn't have. HIS clothes were already soaked with rain water. The offer of protection I s what drove him to come. Protection Is what drove everything now, standing alone against misery and fear. Jonathan watched as two of the children played around their mother, splashing in the muddy puddles that now line the cobblestone streets, still bustling with activity despite the weather. A third child, the smaller one of the three, grasped the dress his mother wore with small hands and buried his face into its cough fabric.As if sensing someone watching him, the small boy looked up from his mother's dress. Jonathan felt a pang in his heart. The boy, who couldn't be older than five, had a small blister just visible on the side of his cheek. His face was flushed with fever and he looked out of breath, as if he had been running for quite a long while. The boy put his face back into his mother's dress. The woman looked down and gently ran her fingers through his hair with motherly affection. As she left the small vendor, her children followed. Jonathan walked up to the small, simp le stand.Various stones and bracelets were laid out before him In small wooden boxes. Small woven designs and triangular cards tied to simple string hung from a wooden stick down past her shoulders and shockingly green eyes set into a wrinkled face splashed with freckles. Jonathan exchanged a few words with the older woman, and then placed a few silver pennies into her palm. She smiled, revealing chipped and missing teeth, then turned and reached up for one of the small triangular cards. She plucked it down from off the small stick and stretched out her arm towards him, her hand hiking with old age.Jonathan took the intricate charm with a kind nod of his head, then turned away from the woman and walked down the flooded streets seeking shelter. A small figure caught his eye as he approached the local pub. He was cloaked in a black robe that hung heavily around his body from the rain. A hood was drawn up over his face, but it didn't do well to hide him from the crowd. People began to whisper in the ancient language of gossip to one another, telling rumors and profound stories that they had heard about the man.They told each other about owe he hardly ever left his home to appear out in public, much rather sticking to the loneliest parts of town. They murmured of his shady figure, how he never really talked of his past or personal life, or they whispered about the way he presented himself in the strangest of ways, nothing like a normal man would. The strangest part about this man, however, was the fact that he never seemed to approach any of the vendors that sold magical charms and trinkets of protection, seeming to ignore them all together.Everyone tried to get protection from this horrible plague, but the an seemed to Just carry on as if it were none of his concern. Still, Jonathan couldn't help but notice that today he had seemed even odder than usually. His fingers danced and interlocked in a nervous habit, and his feet seemed to shuffle around underneath him with small, almost unnoticeable movements. Usually Jonathan preferred to stay clear of the man, but his curiosity was taking over. Without actually realizing, he had begun to follow the man as he walked back to his home.Carl Oakley walked into his small home and eased the door shut behind him. He drew his hood back from his face, now heavy and drenched with water. He sighed quietly and looked around at all the small projects he had recently completed. Black rats stood in various positions all around the room. His most recent one was placed on his window sill. He thought it would have been a good idea to put it there as a way for him to distinguish it from the rest, but now he felt as if he had made a very unfortunate mistake.One of the people in town had stopped him as he was passing through, which was unusual due to the fact that many people preferred to avoid him, and asked him about the black rats in his house. He had been so shocked that he ad nearly remained speechless, but aft er a few moments found his courage to answer. To his relief, she had thought that it had simply been a normal rat that had found its way into his humble abode. Carl quickly moved over to the window and removed the rat, wondering how the child had been able to see it through the thick layer of filth covering the lower half of his window.When he looked closer, he could see tiny streaks where the rain had run down the window, looking as if a toddler had taken its finger and swiped the dirt away. It wasn't completely clean, but it was clean enough to where the small shape of the rat could be visible from up close. He gave At that moment, Oakley heard his door open, allowing the cold outside air to flood into the dark room. A man hurried inside, looking completely unabashed at the fact that he had Just entered another man's home without any permission. Oakley threw him a confused look, but the man wasn't focused on him. He was focused on the rats.His face had gone a pale color and his ey es were wide in horror as he looked around at all of them, all in different poses, as if their death had been frozen and prolonged o that they may suffer the pain of living. His mouth moved as he tried to form words. Finally he managed, â€Å"What†¦ What is this†¦ This†¦ † â€Å"What is your reason of entering? I do not remember allowing you in,† Oakley said, his own face going pale. â€Å"Sorcerer,† the other man said, barely above a whisper, and then he spoke louder. â€Å"Sorcerer! What black magic is this? † â€Å"l am not a sorcerer neither do I practice in the skill of Black Magic.There is no such thing,† Oakley said, trying to keep his voice level at the situation. The man looked around, his eyes showing a mixture of fear and anger, and rasped a knife that had been lain down on the center table. It was the knife that Oakley had used to remove the skin from the rats. Dried blood now covered its metallic surface. Muff†¦ L s hould have known†¦ It's you isn't it? † Oakley was taken off guard by the question. â€Å"It's me what? † â€Å"The reason this plague has fallen upon our heads, shadowing the entire continent in fear and death. I knew it†¦ Ever since you arrived on that ship.You were hiding something, I knew it, I knew it†¦. But no, I won't let this go on any longer,† he said, raising the knife so that the tip faced Oakley. Have you succumbed to the rancid plague as well, or are you Just as mad as you sound! † Carl said, his anger rising up. â€Å"My son was taken by this plague,† the man continued, as if Carl had said nothing. â€Å"But no more, no more death, no more fear. † â€Å"Stop making foolish accusations against me! † Oakley shouted at realizing the reason for the accusation. The man was seeking revenge for his son, and he wanted it any way he could. Carl spoke again, this time his voice was softer. Do you not see what I have d one? Look around you. † The man glanced warily around him. L can see very well what you have done. † â€Å"l have preserved these small creatures,† Oakley said, with a sense of excitement and awe in his own voice. â€Å"Don't you see? I have made them everlasting. Now they shall be preserved for all future generations. Everyone may know of this plague, but not in the way we must suffer it. What I have done is great. † Oakley spoke like an artist would speak of one of his new masterpieces. â€Å"What you have done is evil and unholy! And I will send you back to the deepest parts of†¦ Jonathan had begun, his eyes gleaming bright with fear. Off still don't see! I have done nothing to cause this plague! † Oakley replied in anger. â€Å"l have done something marvelous that will help us too†¦ † â€Å"No more! † the man cried in a shaky voice. Muff think you're innocent, let God decide. Let us abide to the laws of the church! † Oakley froze, his hands up in gestures that he had made while he had been Jonathan had heard enough. The insanity of anger had overcome him, and now he only wanted one thing. â€Å"God will let the guilty fall against the good, and now let us judge,† the man said, raising the knife over his head.Oakley looked at the gleaming metal, feeling fear wash over him like waves of the ocean. His hands fell to his side. In a soft voice, â€Å"Please, you don't†¦ ,† he began to say, but then looked at Jonathan. His Jaw was set in determination, and his eyes shone with something so pronounced, it scared Oakley. As soon as the fear came, though, it vanished. He raised his arms out, leaving a clear strike for the man. â€Å"It doesn't matter. I have already left my mark upon this world. My work will be remembered, and later on copied. I will not be forgotten. † There was a flash of metal, and then blood sprayed the walls.

Friday, November 8, 2019

How to Calculate Volume Percent Concentration

How to Calculate Volume Percent Concentration Volume percent or volume/volume percent (v/v%)  is used when preparing solutions of liquids. It is very easy to prepare a chemical solution using volume percent, but if you misunderstand the definition of this unit of concentration, youll experience problems. Percent Volume Definition Volume percent is defined as: v/v % [(volume of solute)/(volume of solution)] x 100% Note that volume percent is relative to volume of solution, not volume of solvent. For example, wine is about 12% v/v ethanol. This means there are 12 ml ethanol for every 100 ml of wine. It is important to realize liquid and gas volumes are not necessarily additive. If you mix 12 ml of ethanol and 100 ml of wine, you will get less than 112 ml of solution. As another example, 70% v/v rubbing alcohol may be prepared by taking 700 ml of isopropyl alcohol and adding sufficient water to obtain 1000 ml of solution (which will not be 300 ml). Solutions made to a specific volume percent concentration typically are prepared using a volumetric flask. When Is Volume Percent Used? Volume percent (vol/vol% or v/v%) should be used whenever a solution is prepared by mixing pure liquid solutions. In particular, its useful where miscibility comes into play, as with volume and alcohol. Acid and base aqueous reagents are usually described using weight percent (w/w%). An example is  concentrated hydrochloric acid, which is 37% HCl w/w. Dilute solutions are often described using weight/volume % (w/v%). An example is 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate.  Although its a good idea to always cite the units used in percentages, it seems common for people to omit them for w/v%. Also, note weight is really mass.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

DVDs vs VHS essays

DVDs vs VHS essays For years people have watched videos of their favorite movies and felt disappointed because the movie seemed better in the theater. Now, this is no longer a problem. DVDs have changed the way people feel about watching movies at home. The DVD has only been around for about five years. Last year was the biggest year in the five-year history of DVDs, with some364 million movies, rock concerts, television shows and other entertainment-related products shipped on DVD, up from 182 million the previous year. DVDs have made it possible for people to enjoy home movies like never before. Although it was a very good source of entertainment, VHS is beginning to die out. DVDs far surpass the soon to be obsolete VHS videotapes. The VHS (Video Home System) has been around for roughly 30 years. With the advent of DVD, the bulkier video is rapidly growing obsolete. The Japanese company, Victor, created the VHS videocassette in 1976, about a year after the Sony Betamax video recorder. Miraculously, Victor beat Sony in the long run. However, in the recent past, DVDs have been dominating the movie market. A few features that are becoming common-place on DVD that were a special edition rarity on VHS. Some of these features include: story boards, deleted scenes, bloopers, behind the scenes footage, you will not have to search forever for a certain scene, and interviews, as well as wide screen options. Also, the compact sizes of the discs are essential for great storage. Some computers can play DVDs as well as burn them. People could make their own movies on the computer and then burn it onto DVD. Furthermore, VHS tapes fade over time and then eventually cease to work. True, VHS costs less and is more available to views because not everyone has a DVD player. True, many older movies and classics are not yet on DVD. True, VHS runs a lower risk of being damaged; whereas a DVD can be scrat...

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Religion And Morality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Religion And Morality - Essay Example (Koterski, 2002) Thus ethics also speaks of the virtues that people carry out. Morals and values mean that a person should be at his best when he is dealing with people and in that perspective he must be ready to forgive others for their mistakes, instances of faults and errors since he himself can be on the receiving end of someone’s forgiveness at some point in his life. (George, 2006) He must expect virtuosity from others if he has been kind to the whole humanity that has been around him. It is a classic case of empathy where a person puts his feet in someone else’s shoes. He must understand that forgiving can prove into a long term relationship and bond with the offending individual since this person will learn the positives from the mistakes that he has done and would also agree on being kind and caring with the one who has pardoned him for his slip-up. Morality is documented in a number of different ways. The first and foremost manner is within the performance of one’s duties towards own self. Then he has to be responsible for his actions and thoughts towards people he owes something of value. These could include his immediate family members, his wife and kids and so on. Morality is also held accountable in terms of performance of duties. This means that the individuals who work in offices have to remain in charge of the activities that they carry out and hence make their own standing within the office place. When they are responsible and carry out duties in accordance with their respective job focus, then they are hailed by all and sundry. Otherwise they are looked down upon as people hailing from a very irresponsible lot – a fact that is manifested in the modern day office place nearly all over the globe. Morality has to come from within. (Peach, 2002) People can be motivated to be morally responsible but then agai n it is one’s own task to act in a responsive manner and make

Friday, November 1, 2019

DEcsribe your current clinical experience at West Chester General Research Paper

DEcsribe your current clinical experience at West Chester General Hospital - Research Paper Example My colleagues at the hospital have been very supportive, given that the hospital ER is ever busy, my colleagues and I ensure that time is well managed and all emergency cases are handled with utmost professionals. The staff and faculty interactions are well managed ensuring that there team work is attained and tensions and burnouts due to the high level of work are prevented and incase they occur, they get controlled and solved on time. I am confident my clinical goals will be achieved after the completion of my rotation ,I aspire to be a qualified LPN with specialization in the ER department .More over, I would like to fully incorporate my knowledge and skills in helping millions of sick people in the US and world over ( O’shea, 2008). Since I started my rotation and during my academic years, I have realized that I am very skilled when it comes to clinical matters. This is due to the great passion I posses in regard to this field. More over, after receiving my knowledge in cl ass I am usually eager to put it in practice in the best ways. However, I have also noticed that my greatest weakness is documentation; I tend to concentrate so much on the practical side that I sometimes forget to note down whatever I have been working on. I have a plan in place to assist me improve in this area of professionalism, one of the plans is ensure that I constantly use my diary when going around my duties. After my rotation, at West Chester General Hospital, I expect to gain more and sufficient experience as an LPN with special skills at an ER post. I look forward to be a great team player, with excellent organizational and communication .I believe that my faculty and staff interaction during my time at the institution will enable me achieve this (Weishapple, 2001). My clinical area of interest is becoming an emergency trauma and a legal nursing, so far my experience as an LPN in the ER, has motivated me to further my studies in the same area. I noticed that most patient s were devastated after being admitted at the hospital ER and working in the same room and offering psychological assistance will give me great satisfaction. Providing care to patients with severe injuries and having to act fast and think quickly on my feet will set the right ground in terms of experience to practice as a legal nurse in future. Besides that ,I plan to become a legal nurse to assist patients ,attorneys, insurance companies and other healthcare professional to deal with medical legal cases .Before becoming a legal nurse consultant, I know that I ought to have gained adequate experience in nursing ,probably I will pursue this field after practicing for some time as an emergency and trauma nurse. I would like to face new challenges where I will have to extensively understand medical terminologies and set aside enough time away form hospital procedures to concentrate in this field. I understand what it takes to be an emergency trauma nurse and legal consultant and I am r eady to for it. In 5-10 years, I can foresee myself as a successful nurse practitioner in the United States of America. During the first five years, I will be concentrating

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Learning experience of international students Essay - 3

Learning experience of international students - Essay Example The course helps the international students to improve their English. Understanding English, as a language will aid future success and understanding of other courses taught and examined in English as the authenticated language. Learning of English helps the international students in socialization and interaction with the native students and other professions within the new environment. The socialization will positively contribute towards and team pulling towards completing and conducting a group research. The foundation course offers the international students an ample time and space to familiarize with the new environment. Familiarization with the new locality in terms of weather conditions, social relations and the surrounding eliminates the associated frustrations that may arise (Quan, Smailes & Fraser 2013, p. 416). The frustrations may shift and deviate the international students’ concentrations thereby compromising quality of academic performance during the course work. The adverse, unfamiliar weather conditions may interfere with an international students’ successful pursuit of a degree program in UK. During the pursuit of the foundation courses, international students get the opportunity to adjust to the new environment. Structures and the human traffic in UK may compromise an international students’ academic performance in his or her degree program. Limited mastery of UK streets may failure and slower capabilities in tracing directions that will lead to lateness and an eventual drop in academic performance because of the missed lectures and tutorials. The foundation courses help international students to familiarize with UK lifestyle and culture as they prepare to pursue the primary or core degree courses. Understanding the new culture and lifestyle will be beneficial in terms of interactions with the natives to offer a conducive and friendly study environment. UK lifestyle and meals are significant aspects that relate directly to an

Monday, October 28, 2019

Personal & Professional Healthcare Communication Paper Essay Example for Free

Personal Professional Healthcare Communication Paper Essay Communication, according to the Free Dictionary, is â€Å"the exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing or behaviors†. It is vital in the development and maintenance of personal and professional relationships. It is important to understand communication also includes non-verbal as well as verbal acts. According to Rane (2010), 93% of communication is nonverbal and body language is an effective nonverbal communication tool. There are two essential components in communication, which are a sender and receiver of a message. In the personal and professional health care communication paper, I will discuss the definition of healthcare communication, the relevancy of effective personal healthcare communication to health outcomes, how the lack of effective personal and professional healthcare communications contributes to poor health outcomes, and the theories and principles of therapeutic communication in health care settings for the healthcare pro fessional (UOP, 2012). Healthcare communication definition In the healthcare field communication is vital to provide optimal care for the patient and enhancing the ability to make informed decisions. Healthcare communication relates to communication between people in health care organization, according to Northouse, 1998. This communication allows for questions and answers to who, what, where, how and when about health-related information in the patient-healthcare professional relationship. When used correctly communication enhances patient outcomes and results from patient surveys. Relevancy of effective personal healthcare communication with other healthcare professionals, clients, and patients (UOP,2012) Communication with the healthcare team including the patient, their family, medical professionals such as the doctor, nurse, and ancillary services such as X-ray department, pharmacy is vital in achieving the best outcomes as a result of evaluation, intervention, and the overall status of the patient. In order to give high-quality health care, it requires effective communication between the team and the patient. In cases of Non-English speaking patients or individuals with hearing impairments, they require other resources for effective communication such as interpreters, picture board or other devices. The healthcare professional must explain procedures or management of care to the patient or family to ensure optimal goals. It is through effective communication that the healthcare professional empowers the consumer with knowledge related to their illness, its ’ schedule of care by increasing patient compliance. It is when the patient does not understand what is happening in the health care system they need the professional to be understanding and sensitive by taking time to explain. This aids the patient by meeting their need to understand according to Northouse, 1998. Relevancy of effective professional healthcare communication to health outcomes (UOP, 2012) Effective professional healthcare communication is relevant to desired health outcomes. Successful communication is essential between team members because it allows for the development of specific objectives to accomplish. The health care team strives as one but individually they ensure the patient reaches the desired outcomes. If all team members are not â€Å"on board† to assure the patient reaches the goals set forth causes an uphill battle which produces conflict. This conflict could be productive by encouraging the team to review a difference in opinion that can be beneficial for the patient. How the lack of effective personal and professional healthcare communications contributes to poor health outcomes (UOP, 2012)   The lack of effective personal and professional healthcare communication affects teamwork, patient satisfaction, patient safety, patient management, compliance with treatment, level of anxiety, job satisfaction efficiency, which potentially leads to poor patient health outcomes (www.health.vic.gov.au/qualitycouncil/safetymodul/page22.htm). The purpose of effective communication in healthcare is to provide first-class medical care, minimal to no medical errors and have precision; and without it there is room for medical errors, poor patient care and an ineffective team that produces undesired outcome. In the professional and patient relationship, the lack of good communication causes the patient to be apprehensive in asking questions, to worry about being bothersome because they feel other patients are sicker, and there is an assumption that the patient doe s not have any concerns. There are barriers to communication that include only one between the sender and receiver of the message understands the message, cultural differences, and lack of education. In sending the message it is essential that the message is received with clarity, it is concise and complete. If the patient has a language barrier, it can be masked by the patient not responding to information and it is detected as a result of poor or no compliance. In literacy concerns, all information should be presented on a 5th grade level to aid in the comprehension of the information. The care of the patient should be patient/family centered which helps in detecting any language, cultural or literacy barriers (Schyve, 2007). For example, a 46 year old single male patient that is functionally literate is admitted with a diagnosis of acute angina. During the admission process it is disclosed he completed the 7th grade which renders him functionally literate and there is no language barrier. The cardiologist (heart doctor) comes in and discusses his plan of care that includes a stress test. The nurse asks the patient if he has any questions and he reports he cannot do any exercise. The nurse provides information related to the procedure that includes using medications to mimic the manual exercise. The theories and principles of therapeutic communication in health care settings for the healthcare professional (UOP, 2012) Therapeutic communication is a process in which the nurse consciously influences or helps the client to better understanding through verbal or nonverbal communication (The Free Dictionary). There are detailed approaches that promote the expression of feelings and ideas that convey approval and respect in a non judgmental manner. Therapeutic communication encourages the patient to participate in the plan of care. The patient would not be receptive to engaging in communication if the nurse runs in and out of the room hurriedly or promises to perform a task and not complete it. It is important that the patient views the care professional as one that is cari ng and willing to go the extra mile for the patient. The patient can be appreciative of any act of kindness displayed by the professional in as they promote Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. Most nurses chose this career because of a genuine caring attitude toward all mankind therefore using the Watson’s caring theory will enhance the caring system. The information found in Watson’s caring theory helps the nurse revisit the place of traditional values, which is the foundation of becoming a nurse The following are Watson’s clinical caritas process (es): †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Practice of loving-kindness and equanimity with context of caring-consciousness† (Alligood Tomey, 2006 p.116); †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Being authentically present and enabling and sustaining the deep belief system and subjective life world of self and the on-being-cared-for† (Alligood Tomey, 2006 p.116); †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Cultivation of one’s own spiritual practices and transpersonal self, going beyond ego self. Being sensitive to self and other† (Alligood Tomey, 2006 p.116); †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Developing and sustaining a helping-trusting, authentic caring relationship† (Alligood Tomey, 2006 p.116); †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Being present to and supportive of the expression of positive and negative feelings as a connection with deeper spirit of self and the on-being-cared-for† (Alligood Tomey, 2006 p. 116); †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Creative use of self and all ways of knowing as part of the caring process and engagement in artistry of caring-healing practices† (Alligood Tomey, 2006 p. 117); †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Engaging in genuine teaching-learning experience that attends to unity of being and meaning and attempts to stay within other’s frame of reference† (Alligood Tomey, 2006 p. 117); †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Creating healing environment at all levels (physical as well as nonphysical) whereby wholeness, beauty, comfort, dignity, and peace are potentiated† (Alligood Tomey, 2006 p. 117); †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Assisting with basic needs, with an intentional caring consciousness; administering human care essentials, which potentiate alignment of mind-body-spirit, wholeness, and unity of being in all aspects of care; attending to both embodied spirit and evolving emergence†, (Alligood Tomey, 2006 p. 118) and †¢Ã¢â‚¬ËœOpening and attending to spiritual-mysterious and existential dimensio ns of one’s own life-death; soul care for self and the one-being-cared-for† (Alligood Tomey, 2006 p. 118). The Caring Theory facilitates therapeutic communication because it addresses all aspects of the patient’s being which encourages the patient to be more open and receptive to the treatment and procedures needed to promote desired outcomes. â€Å"Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you† (King James Bible, Luke 6:30-31). In conclusion, effective communication is understood by the patient and healthcare team and if there is a misunderstanding the communication is nonexistent, the terms of health care cease or continues with poor quality and high risks to patient safety (Schyve, 2007). Effective communication enhances the potential to provide error-free care of the patient. When there is an error it is viewed as the inability to provide optimal patient care (O’Daniel Rosenstein, date unknown). In order to provide premium quality patient care effective communication is a requirement; therefore it is an important role of communication and teamwork to reduce errors in the medical field thus increasing patient safety and promoting desired outcomes (Grover, 2005). I believe in providing therapeutic effective communication the health care professional should utilize professional skills learned especially those the endorse a caring and nurturing nurse-client/patient or professional-professional relationship. References Alligood, M. R. Tomey, A. M. (2006). Nursing theory: Utilization application (3rd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier Grover, S. M. (2005). Shaping Effective Communication Skills and Therapeutic Relationships at Work. AAOHN Journal, 53(4), 177. King James Version. (1976). The Holy Bible. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc Northouse, L. Northouse, P. (1998) Health communication: Strategies for health professionals (3rd ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall O’Daniel, M. Rosenstein, A. ( ). Chapter 33. Profession Communication and Team Collaboration www.ahrq.gov/qual/nurseshdbk/docs/O’DanielM_TWC.pdf Rane, D. B. (2010). Effective Body Language for Organizational Success. IUP Journal Of Soft Skills, 4(4), 17-26. Schyve, P. (2007). Language Differences as a Barrier to Quality and Safety in Health Care: The Joint Commission Perspective. Society of General Internal Medicine The free dictionary. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/therapeutic+communicationcommunication The free dictionary. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/therapeutic+communicationtherapeutic communication University of Phoenix, 2012. HCS/350-Health Care Communication www.uop.edu Why is communication important in health care? http://www.health.vic.gov.au/qualitycouncil/safety_module/page22.htm

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Arrogance of Greek Heroes Essay -- Epic Conceit Aeneid Odysseus Essays

Arrogance of Greek Heroes Often readers will criticize the champions of classical and medieval epics for egotism. Critics cite examples from the Odyssey, the Aeneid, and Beowulf of conceit and egocentric behavior. Odysseus, Aeneas, and Beowulf display a well-known arrogance befitting their accomplishments. The motivation for this arrogance, to complete these tasks, to perform these feats, is often over-generalized to the point of inaccuracy and confusion. One must not let such misinterpretations interrupt the humanization of these characters. Through the examination of the desires and behavior of these epic heroes, we can discover an underlying need for recognition or honor. In classical and medieval western epics, the hero’s desire to complete a given quest is fueled by their desire to gain or maintain honor or fame. The first hero to be considered is one of the original Greek champions. Odysseus, often characterized as a braggart and self-centered, displays all the traits of a man doing his best to leave his mark. He will never take the simplest of routes to solve a problem; he would much rather use his cunning and inventiveness to contrive a plan that exploits the weaknesses of his foe and uses all the resources at his disposal: â€Å"‘God help me!’ the man of intrigue broke out†¦ ‘Come weave us a scheme so I can pay them back! Stand beside me, Athena, fire me with daring, fierce as the day we ripped Troy’s glittering crown of towers down. Stand by me—furious now as then, my bright-eyed one— and I would fight three hundred men, great goddess, with you to brace me, comrade-in-arms in battle!’†(l.437-47, VIII) Odysseus would rather orchestrate a plan that ensures a total elimination of the suit... ... wife and home as well as his place in Carthage in the name of the gods, in the name of a quest that does not directly benefit him. From this pursuit, he does not stand to gain spoils, and the most that could be said of his fame would be drawn from his descendents. It is this moral stance, this understanding of universal placement, of purpose, that sets Aeneas apart from other heroes. Not every hero is a perfect model of character, but these well-known heroes of epic poetry do have powerful senses of honor and endeavor. Perhaps the authors meant these characters to exhibit flaws, or to relate to an idealized hero image that modern readers cannot understand. Regardless, it cannot be assumed that these characters are driven by a simple egotism, but rather by the same desire of many other men to be remembered, especially to be remembered for great things.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Personal Selling Essay

Step 1: Prospecting Prospecting, involves the Money, Authority, Desire (M.A.D) approach. Firstly I analysed my prospective clients to ensure that they had the money, authority and desire to purchase the products I was selling. Upon analysis I realised that since my target customers were friends and colleagues who themselves had authority on their purchases I decided to focus on Money and Desire. The prospecting methods I used were direct mail, networking and telephone. I sorted through my contacts on social networking sites such as Facebook, Friendster and MSN and also a list of past and present colleagues to sift for viable prospects. Step 2: Pre-approach At this stage, I did a few things to make my personal selling successful. Firstly I drafted email messages and messages to be sent on social networking sites to my viable contacts to inform them about the promotions and items I was selling. I also ensured to highlight the discounts that they would be receiving by purchasing the items from me. I believed that this would create an image of professionalism as it would portray that as a salesperson, I am well informed about my products. Step 3: Approach I moved on to approach, sending out emails and messages through the social networking sites informing them about my products. I also made use of the Chinese New Year season to target those celebrating to purchase the New Year goodies that I was selling. I also promoted the many vouchers, as thoughtful gifts for Valentines’ day for their loved ones, placing emphasis on the Swensen’s Valentines’ day cake voucher as it was one of the few items on sale that was Halal certified allowing me to widen my target consumers to include my Muslim friends, in the process using the customer benefit approach highlighting the discounts they would be receiving if they purchased the items from me. For potential prospects for products from MSC Studio and Mini Challenger outlets, I provided them with the product information and on-going promotional information which I obtained from posters and Colleagues working in MSC Studio as well as from my personal experience working in Challeng er Mini. Which in this case is the product approach. Step 4: Presentation At the presentation stage, I use 2 methods of presentation, AIDA approach and Need Satisfactory Method. AIDA approach includes, getting Attention, making prospect Interested, convert his Desire to conviction, as well as to take purchase Action. Which in this case, I have done it through sending out PowerPoint slide attachment and also created an album on facebook containing the products I’m selling. I also included the pricing and the discounts that they would be receiving. This grabs the prospects Attention, Interest and Desire to take Action. The need-satisfaction method would be to confirm clients’ needs and to show the product that can offer solution. In this case, I would approach potential prospects and ask them questions on what they are looking for maybe in-terms of Chinese New Year goodies or Valentines’ day gifts and be sure not to make them feel uneasy while doing so. After confirming their needs, recommendations would be made to them based on individu al customer needs. Step 5: Trial close After the presentation stage, I would ask if there are any discomforts in my recommendations. Example, â€Å"Are these what you’re looking for?† and â€Å"how does this sound to u?† For prospects who seemed interested but needed time to think about it, I made follow up calls about a couple of days later to ensure that it would not become a dead sales lead. This eventually made way for a few successful sales. Step 6: Objections There is definitely bound to be objections in the course of personal selling. Some of the objections that I faced from my prospects were: 1. Not interested in the item 2. Not Halal. 3. Too expensive. 4. Already bought. 5. Uncertainty in purchasing Step 7: Meeting Objections When I face objections, I would try to come up with solutions. These are some solutions for the above objections: 1. Try to offer another product that suits their need or interest 2. Offer to hold the sales period open for them till the very last day. 3. Offer cheaper range products which meets their budget. 4. Introduce them to other products which they may not have bought. 5. Persuade them by highlighting the benefits of buying the product. Step 8: The close For products from the Cupid ‘N’ You pre-order, during the closing I would have to take down their order, reconfirm it, and collect the money as well as to inform them about the collection date (27 January 2011). I would also thank them for buying from me. As for personal selling done at MSC Studio, I would just thank my customers for buying as the collecting of money and taking of order are suppose to be done by the MSC staff. Step 9: Follow up and Service I intend to contact my customers a few days in advance before the 27th of January, to remind them that the items will be ready for delivery on the 27th of January. I will also be personally delivering the items to my customers. I intend to attach a personalised thank you note with each of my customers to show my appreciation for their support. I would also be offering free gift wrapping for items which have been intended as Valentines’ day gift, upon request from my customer. A satisfied customer is a loyal customer and satisfied customers are known to spread positive word-of-mouth and this would defiantly prove to be essential should I need their continued support in future sales tasks. Question 2 Personal Selling Event For this round of Personal selling project, we were given Cupid ‘N’ You, a Chinese New Year and Valentines’ Day pre-order event to work with by the EMRS, TEP– MSC festive team. The items on sale for this event were from various companies that included Mrs Fields, Awfully Chocolate, Astons, Ritz Apple Strudel and Swensen’s, Fragrance, Horse Brand Bird’s Nest, Taiwan snacks, CNY Pastries Season and Cornery Popcorn. Mrs Fields and Astons offered discounted cash vouchers while Awfully Chocolate Ritz Apple Strudel and Swensen’s were offering discounted product vouchers. Fragrance offered three different varieties of ‘Bak Kwa’ in either 500g or 1kg packages at a discounted price. Horse Brand Bird’s Nest offered different varieties of Bird’s Nest, chicken essence as well as abalone. Taiwan snacks, CNY Pastries and Season offered snacks, cookies, cakes and pastries, well suited as Chinese New Year goodies. Cornery Popcorn, offered two, regular sized popcorn as a set allowing customers to choose from a range of three flavours. Moreover being attached to Challenger Mini for this stopover, I could also only include items from MSC Studio which housed brands such as Faceshop, Sasa, Giordano, Six accessories, Ameba as well as many others and Challenger Mini two year memberships into my overall Personal selling. Question 3 Refer to annex 1 Question 4 Lessons Learnt Lessons that I have learnt in the course of this personal selling process is that One must have sufficient product knowledge before they can do recommendations that suit individual consumer needs and persuade their customers to successfully buy their products. There will always be rejections but I should not let that put me down, instead I should develop a more positive mindset in failures and use that as a stepping stone and improve on my sales techniques in order to achieve my target. I have also learnt to always be aware of a sales opportunity as it may arise at any time. I should also be aware of my competitors offering so that I will be able to highlight the benefits of purchasing from me. Challenges The challenges I encountered for this project was the tight deadlines that had to be met. In addition, with the busy pace of life, sometimes people tend to overlook emails and messages so I had to follow up with every single prospect to verify their interest in the products and try to close the deal which was time consuming. There was also the issue of my customers preferring competitors offering in the case of ‘Bak Kwa’. I â€Å"lost† quite a few customers as they preferred Bee Cheng Hiang ‘Bak Kwa’ comparative to that from Fragrance that I was selling. I had to place great emphasis on the discount being offered, to tempt my prospects. One specific challenge that I encountered was a prospective customer who was aware of this promotion and had expressed interest in it, had to go to Malaysia urgently for a week. I was unable to reach her to close the deal in time. My friend only came back to Singapore on the 21st of January 2011 and contacted me immeiately to order six kilograms of Fragrance ‘Bak Kwa’ from me. I was unable to process this order as the last date to place the order for the festive sales was 20th January 2011. Even though I was unable to close such a huge individual deal, I am glad that this Personal Selling Process has given me a greater exposure to the real working world. Lastly, through this process, I have learnt to be flexible and provide good customer service in order to meet customer’s needs.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

How Did the Events of the Indian Mutiny Change?

The events of the Indian mutiny; in particular the Enfield rifle cartridges, the murder of Christians, the shootings in Cawnpore and the massacre in Lucknow, vastly changed the presence of British in India. The British realised that they could not run a country through a company with no acknowledgement and respect for culture. After the mutiny, the East India Company no longer ruled India – The queen did. The British prime minister chose a secretary of state for India. This change gave the people of India someone to look up to and respect rather than a company ruling and making decisions for their own financial gain.Towns and cities were ‘littered with her statues'. The legislative council also included some Indian representation, signifying the start of participation of Indian people in British Government. This meant that the Indians felt as though they had a say in the running of their country. The end of the mutiny also indicated the beginning of a new attitude toward s Indian culture where the British no longer interfered. In particular, the British no longer attempted to stop the traditional practices and laws surrounding widows. The British also came to respect Indian princes and other respected people in positions of authority over others.This was shown through their participation in the Legislative council. The British felt that Princes and landowners had a crucial role in maintaining positive relationships between themselves and Indian peasantry, so they were guaranteed property and some were given rewards for their loyalty. However, the fading relationship between the working peasants and their landowners, meant that the policy was not as successful as expected, in a long term view. The continued superior attitude of the British meant that the still viewed the Indians as a substandard people.They believed that they ‘didn't know a good thing when they saw it'. The British continued to have complete financial and political control. Alt hough more attainable, still enforced a uniformed revenue tax of 10% and introduced paper currency through the country. This then ended majority of barter trade. The British presence in India changed immensely after the mutiny. It changed on many levels affecting the people in social, cultural, financial, political and occupational aspects of their lives due to the changing nature of the company.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Writing Prompts for Journal Topics and Writing Ideas

Writing Prompts for Journal Topics and Writing Ideas May is often a beautiful month, full of flowers and sunshine. May also celebrates a week for teachers during  Teacher Appreciation Week. Many of the following writing prompts for each day of May are written to take advantage of this time of year. These prompts provide teachers a great way to add more writing time in class. Some have two suggestions, one for middle school (MS) and one for high school (HS). These can be simple writing assignments, warm-ups, or journal entries. Feel free to use these any way you wish. May Holidays American Bike MonthFlower MonthAsthma Allergy Awareness MonthNational Bar-B-Que MonthNational Physical Fitness and Sports MonthOlder Americans MonthNational Hamburger Month Writing Prompt Ideas for May May 1 - Theme: May Day(MS) May Day is a traditional celebration of Spring in countries around the globe, often including dancing and flowers around a maypole. However, May Day is rarely celebrated in the United States. Do you think that Americans should celebrate May Day? Why or why not?(HS) In Chicago 1886, 15 people were killed during the Haymaker Riot strikes held to protest poor working conditions. In sympathy, European nations, many  socialist or communist, established May Day to honor the cause of the worker.   May 2 - Theme: Holocaust Remembrance DaySome people argue that the Holocaust is too disturbing for students to learn about  in middle school or even in high school. Write a persuasive paragraph explaining why it should be included in the curriculum.   May 3 - Theme: National Day of Prayer is usually observed on the first Thursday of May. This  day is an inter-denominational event when faiths from across the country pray for the United States and its leaders. The word pray was first used in the  early 13th century to mean ask earnestly, beg. What would you like to  ask earnestly, beg for  in your life?  Ã‚     May 4 - Theme: Star Wars DayThe date comes from the  catchphrase, May the 4th [force]  Be With You.What is your opinion about the Star Wars film franchise? Do you love it, hate it? Are there reasons to appreciate the series? For example,   from 2015 to the present, the   film series has made millions of dollars: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)   over $900 millionStar Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) over $600 millionRogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)   over $500 million May 5 - Theme:  Cinco de MayoMany people across the United States celebrate the day, but they do not know what Cinco de Mayo commemorates. The day recognizes when  Mexican Armys victory over the French at the  Battle of Puebla, in 1862. Should there be more education on knowing this holiday or other international holidays?  Ã‚   May 6 - Theme: American Bike Month(MS) 40% of Americans have a bicycle. Do you know how to ride a bike?   Do you have a bicycle? What could be the advantages of having a bicycle? What are the disadvantages of riding a bike?(HS) Urban planners include more bike lanes to reduce car traffic. The benefits of bicycles in cities are the reduction of car emissions and the increase of exercise. Is this planning a good thing? Or, is this planning something cities should do? Could this planning be like the idiom the says something is needed like a fish needs a bicycle  ? May 7 - Theme: Teacher Appreciation  (Week May 7-11)What qualities do you think a great teacher must have? Explain your answer.Do you have a favorite teacher from your school experiences? Write a letter of appreciation to that teacher. May 8 - Theme: National Train DayHigh-speed trains can travel fast with some prototypes with speeds over 400 mph. In theory, a high-speed train could race up the East Coast, from NYC to Miami, in seven hours. The same trip would take a car about 18.5 hours. Should Americans invest in high-speed rails for trains or in roads for cars?     Why or why not?May 9 - Theme: Peter Pan DayPretend you were in J.M. Barries story about Peter Pan, a boy who never grows up and remain eternally young. Which part would you most like to see or do: fly, visit with mermaids, fight the pirate Captain Hook, or meet the mischevious fairy Tinkerbell? Explain your answer. May 10 - Theme: Civil Disobedience.In 1994, political activist  Nelson Mandela was sworn in as South Africas 1st black president. Mandela followed the example of the civil disobedience practices used by Gandhi and Martin Luther King.   Consider Kings statement, Any man who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust and willingly accepts the penalty by staying in jail to arouse the conscience of the community on the injustice of the law is at that moment expressing the very highest respect for the law.For what injustice would you practice civil disobedience?ORMay 10: Theme: PostcardsIn 1861, the US Post Office authorized the first postcard.  Postcards are usually sent from a vacation place or as a greeting card to mark an event, or even just to say hello.Design a postcard and prepare a message. May 11 - Theme: Asthma Allergy Awareness MonthDo you have asthma or allergies? If so, what are your triggers? (What makes you have an attack or sneeze, etc.) If not, do you think that schools do enough to help those who have asthma and allergies? Why or why not?May 12: Theme: National Limerick DayLimericks are poems with the following scheme: five-lines of an anapestic  meter (unstressed syllable, unstressed syllable, stressed syllable)   with a strict  rhyme scheme  of AABBA. For example: There was an Old Man in a tree,Who was horribly bored by a Bee;When they said, Does it buzz?He replied, Yes, it does!Its a regular brute of a Bee! Try to write a limerick.   May 13 - Theme: Mothers DayWrite a descriptive paragraph or poem about either your Mother or someone who is a Mother figure to you.ORMay 13 - Theme: Tulip DayIn the 17th century, tulip bulbs were so prized that traders would mortgage their houses and fields.   (provide a picture or bring in real tulips). Describe a tulip or another flower using all five senses. May 14 - Theme: Lewis and Clark ExpeditionWilliam Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was able to create a map of the Louisiana Purchase by merely walking through and exploring it. Today Google uses  cars with custom cameras over  five million miles  to develop their Google Maps apps. How do maps figure in your life? How might they figure in your future?May 15 - Theme: L. F. Baums Birthday - Author of the Wizard of Oz books and creator of Dorothy, the Wicked Witch of the West, the Scarecrow, the Lion, the Tin Man, and the Wizard.Which character from the world of Oz would you most like to meet? Explain your answer. May 16 - Theme: National Bar-B-Que MonthThe  word barbecue comes from the Caribbean word â€Å"barbacoa.† Originally, barbacoa was not a way of cooking food, but the name of a wooden structure used by indigenous Taino Indians to smoke their food. Barbeque ranks in the top 20 most popular foods in the USA. Whats your favorite picnic food? Do you like bar-b-que, hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, or something else entirely? What makes it so special? May 17 - Theme: Kentucky Derby(MS) This horse race is also called  The Run for the Roses for the draped blanket of roses placed over the winning horse. This idiom uses a rose, as do many other idioms. Choose one of the following rose idioms, or any other idiom you know, and give an example as to when it could be used: a bed of rosesa rose by any other namebed of rosesbloom is off the rosebring the roses to (ones) cheekscome out smelling like a rose (HS) Just before the race at the Kentucky Derby, the crowds sing My Old Kentucky Home. The revised lyrics of the original song by Stephen Foster changed the  word darkies,   and substituted the word people. Crowds now sing: The sun shines bright in the old Kentucky homeTis summer, the people are gay... Should songs with questionable lyrics from years ago continue to be used for public events? Are there songs that are so inappropriate that they should be dropped entirely? May 18 - Theme: International Museum DayThere are numerous world-class museums around the world. For example, there is The Louvre, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Hermitage. There are also some oddball museums such as Museum of Bad Art or the National Mustard Museum.If you could create a museum about any topic, what would it be about? Describe two or three exhibits that would be in your museum.May 19 - Theme: Circus MonthIn 1768, the English equestrian  Philip Astley demonstrated trick riding by trotting in a circle rather than a straight line. His act was named a circus. As today is circus day, you have a choice of topics: If you were in a circus, which performer would you be and why?Do you like circuses? Explain your answer.Do you think circuses should feature animals? Why or why not? May 20 - Theme: National Physical Fitness and Sports MonthEach state requires a specific number of minutes that students should participate in physical activity.   If your state requires  physical fitness activity for the next 30 minutes, what activity would you choose? Why? May 21 - Theme: Lindbergh Flight DayOn this day in 1927, Charles Lindbergh took off on his famous flight across the Atlantic. Would you like to learn how to fly a plane? Why or why not? May 22 - Theme: Older Americans MonthDo you believe that older Americans are treated with enough respect today? Explain your answer. May 23 - Theme: World Turtle/Tortoise DayToday is World Turtle Day. Conservation efforts are demonstrating success, and turtle populations are up.   Tortoises can live long lives. One,  Adwaita the Tortoise (1750-2006), is reputed to have lived over 250 years. What events would a tortoise who lived that long have witnessed? What event would you like to have seen? May 24 - Theme: First Morse Code Message SentA simple substitution code is when you replace each letter with a different letter. For example, all As become Bs, and Bs become Cs, etc. I have written the following sentence using this type of code so that each letter of the alphabet is written as the letter that comes after it. What does my sentence say? Do you agree or disagree with it?Dpef csfbljoh jt fbtz boe gvo. May 25 - Theme: John F. Kennedys Speech About Sending a Man to the MoonOn this day in 1961, John F. Kennedy said that America would send a man to the moon before the end of the 1960s.   We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too. Why is this speech so significant? Should Americans continue space exploration because it is hard?   May 26 - Theme: National Hamburger MonthOn average, Americans eat three hamburgers a week. What is your favorite type of hamburger or veggie burger? Is it plain or with toppings like cheese, bacon, onions, etc.? If not a hamburger, what food do you (or could you) eat three times a week? Describe a favorite food using at least three of the five senses. May 27 - Theme: Golden Gate Bridge OpensThe Golden Gate Bridge is a symbol of San Francisco, recognizable by people all over the world. Do you have any symbols or monuments for your city or community? What are they? Even if you dont have a symbol that you can think of,   explain why you think these types of symbols are important to people. May 28 - Theme: Amnesty International DayThe goal of Amnesty International is to protect and promote human rights across the world. Their motto is, Fight injustice and help create a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.  In some countries, genocide (the systemized killing of an entire ethnic group) is still being carried out. What is the responsibility of the United States? Do we have a duty to step in and stop these types of human rights violations? Explain your answer. May 29 - Theme: Paper Clip DayThe paperclip was created in 1889. There is a paperclip game  to play that pits you against market forces. There is also a movie,  Paper Clips, featuring middle school students who collected  one  paper clip  for each  person  exterminated by the Nazis. The paper clip was also a symbol of resistance in Norway against  Nazi  occupation.   This small everyday object has made its way into history. What other uses could you come up with for a paper clip?ORTheme: Memorial DayMemorial Day is a federal holiday that originated when decorations were placed on the graves of Civil War soldiers. Decoration Day gave way to Memorial Day, the last Monday in May.What are three things that we can do to honor those men and women who died while serving in our military?   May 30- Theme-Emerald GemstoneThe emerald is Mays gemstone. The stone is a symbol of rebirth and is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. The color green  is associated with new life and the promise of spring. What promises of spring do you see now?   May 31 - Theme: Meditation DayA combination of anecdotal and scientific evidence  suggests that meditation in schools may help improve grades and attendance. Yoga and meditation may help students at all grade levels feel happier and more relaxed. What do you know about meditation and yoga? Would you like to see meditation programs brought into your school?