Saturday, August 31, 2019

European Management

Generally, there are two types of customers in the wedding band business. One of them is a couple who is getting engaged or getting married and therefore needs a wedding band to wear it life-long; the second type of customers is a couple who decides to change their wedding bands and buy a new one. 1. 1 Description of Values, Strategy, Mission & Vision, and Actual Business & In this part of our work we give you the description of the company in the general meaning, as well as its values, vision and mission. Moreover, we analyze its actual usiness and management model.Every company in the world should have its own values. It means that companies are guided by some principles and internal conducts. Moreover, all of the companies are connected to their customers, partners, shareholders, and etc. In order to attract or influence those stakeholders companies usually state their vision and mission (BusinessDictionary, n. d. ). The values of the company Rubin Alyans are gold wedding bands an d solitaire rings. Those products are very important for the company and also for the buyers as they are the customers of the companys customers, the so- called end-users.Traditionally in many countries married couples wear wedding bands to show or announce to the world that they are married. The fact that the company value is also a multicultural sign decides any action and strategy. Another value of the company is there special packages as including nice presents for the couples. The strategy of this company is highly sensitive on the quality of the products because its products are mostly worn during the day and night, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is no other product that a person wears on him or her such a long time. The vision of the company is much more competitive.They are lucky to be in a competition in which other companies compete with their price and not many of them have a strange and unpredictable vision. So the company would like to stay with their competitiv e advantages, increase them in the future. Their future vision is also to grow, therefore first become a mid-sized and then a big-sized company in order to expand also more into foreign countries; to increase the possibility of targeting new countries more easily due to financial terms. The company mission is to produce and sell wedding bands to the couples that they can wear lifelong without any complaints.The way to success in their business is to make the high quality wedding band with the elegance and simple design. The simplicity of the ring is important because for many people it is difficult to choose the wedding ring which they would admire forever. Those who decide and buy the product know very well that the choice is very important. Besides all of the strategies and marketing plans, the most important function in Jewellery business is that the product has a change value as it is operating in the gold business. The accuracy that you mark inside the ring should be correct wi th the ring's.Better to explain by an example: When you mark 14K in the ring the accuracy should be 585 which is the gram percentage of the gold in 1 kg. If it is less than the marked one, it has a serious penalty and besides everything mentioned, whatever we do we always have to be sure of the gold accuracy of ring. 1. 1. 2 Actual Business Model This company fills rather the criteria of an actual business model than of a traditional business model due to the following reasons. 2 The process of creating golden rings is based on market needs, so to say on the actual demands of customers.The customers demand for the rings and therefore, edding bands are developed, created, and at least produced. Hence, the demand for brand capital is high. We can see a customer-focus because they are those who decide how their final wedding ring will look like. The wedding rings are created according to the customers. To be aware of the need of customization in this business is a very important factor to be successful in the gold industry. It is also possible to imply that there is a high demand for human capital.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Casablanca Film Review

CASABLANCA FILM REVIEW 1. How did the practical constraints imposed by World War II affect this movie? (Give 2 examples. ) Hollywood shifted from an outspoken denial of any overt promotion of the U. S. involvement in the war to an active on-screen support of that involvement. The cast was very international, of all the principle and supporting actors in the film came from Europe, only Humphrey Bogart and Dooley Wilson were born and raised in America. The rest of the actors either cam to U. S. for work or as refugees from the Nazis.By using characters of different ethnic races from other countries allowed the film to give it more of a historical accuracy. Other war time limitations were that of Ingrid’s fashions. They wanted to give her a look that was quite different. Fashions were simple and clean. There was very little outdoor filming due to high costs and a larger concern that the film could reveal important landmarks for the opposition to bomb. Most of the filming was down in soundstages, or on the Warner Brothers lot.Warner Brothers had to use models instead of the real thing, for example in the last scene where they are at the airport, the plane in this scene is actually a model and they skillfully used midgets to make the plane to appear bigger. Also Hollywood accommodated the war effort by having stars sell bonds or provide publicity photos with service man. They even built a canteen for the serviceman to go to so that the stars would serve them their coffee and donuts. Warner Brothers also produced some six hundred training and propaganda films under the supervision of Owen Crump. 2.What message does the film send about neutrality and America’s role in the war? Casablanca was used as a propaganda vehicle which was designed to support U. S. participation in the Allied Forces’ struggle for global justice and democracy at a time when most Americans believed that U. S. foreign policy should have promoted isolationism and neutrality. Th e film exploits wartime patriotism and the traditional â€Å"American values† of freedom, liberty and equality to shape the audience’s perception of the war. Rick Blaine’s character represents the American political ideals; anti-fascism, alliance nd intervention in the war. His role seems to inject resistance to the evil forces a foot in Europe. By the time Casablanca premiered in November 1942, Pearl Harbor had already occurred, and the U. S. had been at war for nearly a year. Many Americans during this time continued to support an isolationism foreign policy and were uneasy about the U. S. participation in a war that was thousands of miles away. The U. S. Government took an active role in the screening of such propaganda films and made sure that the studios would follow the BMP Codes so that the films would â€Å"benefit American morale.The codes were: Glorifying the â€Å"American way of Life;†, â€Å"Depict the enemy and their philosophy;† â⠂¬ Reflect well on our Allies;† †Portray the industrial war effort at Home;† †Illustrate what individuals could do on the home front to support the war Effort,† and show â€Å"Our fighting forces at Work. † Casablanca was designed to illustrate that personal desires must be subordinated to the task of defeating fascism by showing the chaos and misery which fascism and the war had brought. 3. How did World War II and events in Europe affect the cast of this movie?World War II had engulfed Europe, reaching all the way to Rick Blaine’s Cafe in French held Morocco. The Nazis had overrun France and all kinds of people are trying to escape by way of Casablanca. In this city, there was human trafficking with Rick’s Cafe being the main place individuals could be bought and sold through a lucrative refugee trade. Men and women were commodities. It was normal for people who used to be of wealth and fortune to end up accepting menial position s and the selling of their most treasured belongings. Some people gambled in order to obtain visas and some women resorted in the selling of their bodies.These kinds of actions were necessary to obtain a visa and escape. This would be evident in the scene when a young woman asked for Rick’s assistance in escaping. She and her husband were desperately searching for visas to the U. S. , when they were approached by the corrupt Captain Renault. Rather than allowing her to obtain the visas by selling her body to Renault, Rick rigged the roulette wheel so the couple could win the money to buy their passage to the U. S. Rick's actions seem to represent the power of American virtue over Vichy corruption.In a conversation between Rick and Ferrari, Rick’s liberal political leanings were apparent when Ferrari offered to buy Sam's contract, to which Rick replied: â€Å"I don't buy or sell human beings. † This conveyed the point that Rick (an American) was above the fascist practice of trading human beings. In another scene, Rick refused to serve a German patron, tearing up his invitation, which would have presumably allowed him to receive â€Å"special treatment 4. In what ways, if any, can you tell that this was a Warner Bros. film? Warner Bros were usually anti-Nazi, but when Confessions of a Nazi Spy was released it broke the code of remaining neutral.The Warner Brothers were Jewish. Koch and the Epstein’s saturated Casablanca with powerful assertions of German dominance in order to place the Nazi threat close to home. For example; The Nazi soldiers were given the best tables at Rick’s cafe because they were â€Å"German and would take (them) anyway,† just like they did most of Europe. Strasser’s duty was to expand the domain of the Third Reich and he made his intentions clear when he made the statement: â€Å"We (the Germans) have to become accustomed to all climates – from Russia to the Sahara,† and aga in when he explained to Rick that the Germans planned on invading London and New York.Casablanca wasn’t just another Warner Brothers picture, because it exploited wartime patriotism in an effort to shape American’s perception of the war. 5. Additional Comments (always complete this). Casablanca was more than the sentimental theme of lost love and redemption rather it was to represent the complex political and social issues on the early days of World War II. The product of a decade when studios were routinely producing â€Å"a movie a week. When Hal Wallis was hired to oversee the Casablanca project he prescribed a theme – United Nations –Conquered Nations Drama, and Enemy – Military Drama. Casablanca was to illustrate those personal desires cannot outweigh the task of defeating fascism and patriotic duty. This relates to the character of Rick Blaine. Casablanca was a chaotic and dangerous place that had Nazi-Vichy intimidation, corruption and cont rol. Many innocent people became victims of senseless rimes from being pick pocketed or being rounded up as a usual suspect, only to be stranded in such a place without hope. These people were refugees who were forced onto a treacherous journey to freedom, beginning from Paris then to Marseilles, Oran, Algeria landing in Casablanca. Here they would have a strenuous wait until they could secure their exit visas that were necessary for travel and could venture to the â€Å"democracy and freedom of the America’s that was a safe haven from the cruelty and death of fascist Europe.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Cable Based Television †Retaining Customers

Cable Based Television – Retaining Customers The industry of communications has grown exponentially during the past years allowing cable and satellite television companies to capture a large piece of the market. According to the National Cable & Telecommunications Association cable television was introduced since the late 1940’s in the USA while satellite TV was introduced in the early 90’s. According to the Television Bureau of Advertising (tvb.org) Cable television has lost significantly part of its market share to the newly introduced Satellite TV providers. According to research by Nielsen Company reported by tvb.org in February of 1999 the percentage of TV per household receiving cable television was at 70% while 9.1% came from any form of Satellite receivers while in July of 2009 only 62.2 % belonged to cable transmission while 28.6% to satellite receivers. This data is somehow alarming to cable companies all around. Even though they still remain as a top provider they have lost a significantly share of the market over a rather short period of time. This calls for action from the cable companies to analyze and evaluate new strategies to retain customers and eventually gain back the customers lost. This situation might change depending on the providers of the services, also affecting other things such as quality of the service, installation processes, prices and even customer services. While Satellite providers started appealing to a higher income percentage of the population now they are working their way down the income latter to appeal with better prices and bundles. The present marketing plan aims to draw a clear strategy that will start locally in the area of Tampa and surrounding cities. If the implementation is effective then it shall be replicated to all the other states and cities were the company in question, Bright house Networks, works as a Cable provider. Having in mind that cable is something that people can definitely live without, it is a harder task to preserve the nee d especially during rough times as perceived by the public in general. With the introduction of technology the addition of internet service provider to the cable companies has been a very smart way to create an increased need for the services and the effect of this shall be explored within the marketing plan, including the differences between the different services offered by the satellite TV and Cable TV providers which are often a deal breaker when deciding to stay or change companies. Company Overview Bright house Networks is a cable provider company established in 1994, it was merged with Warner Cable and other local cable providers to form the new company with new goals in mind and definitely different managerial styles. According to Bright House Networks, LLC Company Profile on Yahoo Finance it has over 2 million subscribers in the areas of Alabama, California, Florida, Indiana, and Michigan. Recently, Bright House Networks ranked highest in customer satisfaction for the fourt h year in a row by J.D. Power and Associates for Home Phone and for the delivery of High Speed Internet in the South Region. (Brighthouse.com/company overview) The company has a very important presence in Tampa and surrounding cities. It is the main cable provider in the area offering also other services such as high speed internet and telephone services which they cater to both households and business alike.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Renting an apartment is a better option than buying a house Essay - 3

Renting an apartment is a better option than buying a house - Essay Example There is also the freedom of being able to do whatever one wants with the house, for instance, remodeling, redecoration or making any improvement as he/she wants. Moreover, no one gives the buyer any restrictions (Mortgagecalculator.org, 2011, para1). Buying a house comes with many advantages. To start with, the buyer has tax advantages over the rental apartments. This is so because the interests and taxes can be itemized for deductions of tax. The cost off renting a house can be substantial than the cost of buying one. Again, when the buyer has completed mortgage payment, they can achieve a better credit rating (Mortgagecalculator.org, 2011, para4). When buying or renting a house, one should consider two key principal aspects: the practical matter and the heart matters. Matters of the heart vary from one person to another. One will like a house in urban areas while another will like a house in the rural areas, this are heart matters and can influence the decision to rent or buy. However, the objective is answering the question as to why people should buy houses. According to Lotich (2009), when one buys a house, it acts as an automatic savings plan. This can be demonstrated by the example of when a twenty-five old person gets a thirty-year mortgage; hopefully they will have completed the payment at the age of 55. This means that if one had not saved much for the future, their least concern will be the house payment. The benefit that comes with this plan is that over the 30-years the value of the home is likely to appreciate. He further indicates that a home is an investment that one can live on. Even when home value drops, the house will still offer the advantage of being able to reside in it, different from when one invests in stock markets – such benefits will by no means be provided. The house belongs to the buyer and the most exciting thing is that, there is the ability to customize the house, like painting the walls and

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Stakeholder research paper about ( gender bias in nursing major) Essay

Stakeholder research paper about ( gender bias in nursing major) - Essay Example These reinforce the validity of the paper. Literature review proved that gender bias is still widespread in the nursing profession. Nursing faculty ought to prepare male nursing learners to interact efficiently with female clients, as well. Playing the same therapeutic role with clients is one strategy, which might help male learners (Shoemaker 90). In essence, the faculty ought to grant equal learning opportunities to both male and female nursing students. The issue of gender typecast in relation to males in nursing is an enormous one. This can be attributed to the fact that nursing is regarded as a female profession because it began with the tenets outlines by Florence Nightingale (Shoemaker 90). This created a justifiable basis for the advancement of nursing as a respectable career option for single women, and it strengthened the notion that nursing was a woman’s job. The nurse position was looked at more submissive to the doctor and the training environment excluded males from training as nurses and isolated female nurses. Nurses are perceived as kind and caring, hence the stereotype that nursing is for women, unlike men who are seen as strong and aggressive, thus not fit for nursing (Simmons 48). Studies show that this bias has caused some of them to leave the course than the females. The findings further show that those who finished the course still felt isolated and lonely claimed that nursing is more appropriate for women (Shoemaker 95). They contend that nursing is dominated by women, and this is enhanced by the gender bias found in nursing education. Male nursing students reported experiencing discrimination from their peers and even from their lecturers in the nursing institutions. This coupled with the fact that there are not many successful role models in nursing makes it an arduous task to keep men in nursing. It is important to have male role models during the educational process of students (Simmons 39). Studies revealed that male nursing students lacked many role models among the instructors yet this is crucial because there has to be gender connectivity. Though nursing education is attempting to target males there is little being done within institutions to promote the recruitment of male instructors. Traditional nursing programs add to gender bias and discrimination against men in nursing education. A research on the experiences of male students in nursing schools shows they differ from those experienced by their female counterparts. While nursing programs treat all students studying nursing alike, they do not consider the unique learning needs and dissimilar communication styles of men. The study further showed that male nurses were seen as unmanly for choosing a nursing as a career. Their female peers and instructors had different expectations of their performance in clinical settings. The male nursing students had to be more assertive and take on leadership responsibilities when working in groups with their fe male counterparts (Shoemaker 100). They were made to take on extra duties perceived as masculine like helping with heavy lifting and transporting patients. In another study the male students distinguished themselves as minorities and that their performance was closely monitored than that of their female peers. Care giving is vital in nursing and while it comes naturally for female students it might

Monday, August 26, 2019

September 11, 2001 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

September 11, 2001 - Essay Example This paper will show that these changes are fully justifiable in the context of the ends justifying the means. The social contract theory is among the most influential theories in political sciences. The theory proposes that in order to have peace and stability, it is relevant for people give up some elements of their freedom to the ruling parties. Though these principles were used to justify the presence of all-powerful monarch, it was later revised to show that the state also has responsibilities to protect her citizens (Boetke, 2014). This theory shows that stability, real stability, takes sacrifice. The social contract theory proposes that it is necessary to sacrifice some freedoms in order to uphold others. For example, in the current situation, the state is only trying to protect the right to safety by infringing on some of the other rights. Before the terror attacks, the state held no interest in personal information such as banking statements and secret mobile monitoring of suspects. However, opponents of the social contract theory propose that the new regulations make the state more powerful that is good for the citizens. Therefore, the new rules infringe on the rights of citizens that were previously untouchable. There is an argument that it takes the control of the state closer to the monarchs powers that resulted in the revision of the social contract theory (Boetke, 2014). The idea of an all-powerful government would make the contemporary society a little uncomfortable. Opponents also propose that the new rules make no sense because they are an attempt by the state to cover for its mistakes. For example, terrorism is widely viewed to be the product of American involvement in the affairs of the Middle East, especially the support of establishment of the nation of Israel, and American support of that nation in the gulf war. What these opponents fail to realize is that the international policies adopted by the state benefit

Poverty in Sierra Leo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Poverty in Sierra Leo - Essay Example The destruction of the infrastructure and the decline of the economy led to impoverishing of various communities. Such poverty was evidenced by poor health and nutrition indicators. The economy of Sierra Leone has for a considerably long time been distinguished by high unemployment and inflation rates (Christiaensen et al, 2002). Majority of the unemployed youths are former combatants that have no stable source of income. Such unemployed youthful population remains a principal threat to national security and economic stability. In simpler terms; unemployed youths enhance insecurity and other social evils such as prostitution. This paper seeks to explain poverty in the context of Sierra Leone, a country that has been defined as the poorest country in the world for a considerably long time. Sierra Leone is a third world nation or banana republic in West Africa. It has a total population of just about six million people from different communities and a diversity of cultures. Considered one of the most financially weakest countries in the entire world, Sierra Leone is not expected to be self-sufficient anytime soon, thanks to the ten-year-old internal armed conflict (Fosu, 2009). The civil war that lasted from late nineteen ninety to mid two thousand and two was brought to a standstill by the joint effort of such African countries as Kenya and Nigeria. The African Union made a unanimous decision to intervene after the war proved to be endless and detrimental to the interests of the economy as a whole. Today, Sierra Leone is one of the countries gaining economic stability having indicated a 7% per annum growth rate. Sierra Leone has placed reliance on international donors and well-wishers for the reconstruction of the entire economy. Democratization and stabilization of the political climate are among the major concerns of the civilized members of the society. According to UN agencies, Sierra Leone is fast moving towards macroeconomic stability. This is to say that the third world country has invested a lot of time and resources in dealing with such macroeconomic variables such as unemployment, inflation, and population growth rate (Manson & Knight, 2009). Among the poorest people in Sierra Leone are the people rendered landless by the internal armed conflicts. Small-scale farmers and single mothers heading families constitute a great percentage of the poor rural population. People that were internally displaced by the civil war are destitute and own or access no resources. As such, they resort to such desperate measures as begging or working for little pay so as to support their survival. It is estimated that 75% of the people of Sierra Leone live below the poverty line, with 27% living in extreme abject poverty. This was according to a 2005 research, which established that fifty percent of the entire populace lives on slightly less than one US dollar per day. According to the records of the year 2005, 80% of the people living in the rural ar eas lived in extreme poverty. Similarly, the people of the eastern districts were hard hit by the civil strife and lived in extreme poverty (Manson & Knight, 2009). Internal displacement was a common phenomenon that was brought about by fear and lack of foresight.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

EMR Information System Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

EMR Information System - Article Example Electronic records also provide opportunities for standardization of forms, abbreviations, as well as data input. Where the medical forms are digitized, the collection of data for epidemiology and clinical studies can also be facilitated (Bates, et.al., 2003). EMRs can also easily be constantly updated and the ability to exchange records between the EMR systems can also assist in the coordination of health delivery in other health facilities. Moreover, the data from the EMR can also be used alongside statistical reporting which can assist in quality improvement, as well as resource management and public health disease surveillance (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, 2003). EMRs can also facilitate the reading and writing of patient’s records through the workstation but also through mobile devices (Littlejohns, et.al., 2003). These records may also include improved access to personal health records which makes individual notes within each unit readily available to consumers. Some EMR systems also allow for the automatic monitoring of clinical events involving specific patients, assessing patient data from the electronic health records in order to predict, as well as detect possible adverse events or risks (Littlejohns, et.al., 2003). This would likely include discharge or transfer orders, laboratory results, as well as medicine orders and related services/orders. I agree with what Mr. Aaron said because EMR helps capture data at the point of care and then to integrate such data with various internal and external sources (Ammemworth, et.al., 2003). This type of data also helps provide support for the decisions of caregivers in terms of diagnosis as well as timely care. This data also ensures immediate access to key information, including allergies and medications which can help improve the caregivers’ ability to make sound and timely clinical decisions (Ammemworth, et.al., 2003).  

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Security Technology Firewalls and VPN Coursework

Security Technology Firewalls and VPN - Coursework Example In my research, i came about Comodo internet security, pc tools firewall plus free edition and zonealarm free firewall that are the best firewalls to be used at present because they are very light, cheap, easy to maintain as some of them like comodo has combined its antivirus program with firewall pro hence free security program for everyone. A virtual private network (VPN) spreads secluded network across a public network, for instance the internet. It makes telecommunication possible, practical and secure (Stewart p. 87). Extranets are said to be border networks quietly similar to DMZ because resources are accessed by outside entities. On the other hand, Stewart (p. 87) adds that an extranet is not open for free usage but by specific sets of people. This, however states that a VPN configuration is necessary to get access to the extranet and therefore with this, extranets are both possible and practical. There might be factors one has to consider for both the internal and external firewalls to allow a remote user to access an internal machine from the internet using Timbuktu as in this case shown above.One should be able to use a router that can handle inbound a well as outbound packet filtering on each interface.You can create a default deny to reject packets,then deny inbound traffic to come f internal address while t outer does not.You can also deny all traffic with invalid addresses as well as all traffic with source routes. Again,deny all ICMP traffic over good size and lastly, reassemble fragments into entire packets. In this network architecture, it is also easy to create a DMZ just between the two firewalls. It will clearly show that the outside world can go through layers therefore easier to hit the DMZ and presumably what is there is at a lower risk. Multiple layers of firewalls are more secure even though it seems to be very difficult

Friday, August 23, 2019

Small Business Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Small Business Management - Assignment Example he proposed business is established, product and services improve in quality as the managers gain more experience in production and in some situations the original business concept and management change as entrepreneurs are hit by the reality on the ground (Films for the Humanities & Sciences (Firm), Films Media Group and Video Education Australasia, 2010, p.52). Small companies can avoid becoming obsolete by scanning the market and the threats by carrying out a clear and concise analysis of their business environment under the PEESTLE (Political, Environment, Economic, Social, Technology, Ethical and Legal factors) and SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) so as to establish the available opportunities and threats. With the above mentioned analysis, such businesses would realize their strengths and weaknesses hence able to employ effective strategies that would enable them focus on their strengths as they look for alternatives to cover up the loopholes (Sitarz, 2011, p.45). Technology based companies can only keep up with the rapidly changing markets, products and competitors by remaining updated with the current trends in the technology industry as well as ensuring that they are innovative enough so as to outdo their business rivals. This can be achieved by ensuring that they carry out regular business analysis and market research so as to establish the exact needs of their targeted customers (Sitarz, 2011, p.45). Moreover, they have to ensure that they have highly innovative and creative product development teams. Having the right strategy is the most crucial factor that determines success of any type of business. Raising resources becomes easier as long as a given business is applying the right business strategies, and at times is able to use other people’s money, an aspect that is highly encouraged by economists and business experts. Entrepreneurs usually experience the challenge of differentiating their companies from the

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Ethics - Argumentative Essay Example for Free

Ethics Argumentative Essay 1. What is an â€Å"argument† in philosophy? A set of claims one of which, called the conclusion, is said to be supported by the other claims, called the premises. 1. Premise 2. Premise 3. Conclusion 2. What do the terms â€Å"valid† and â€Å"sound† mean? Valid Argument If the premises are true, then it follows necessarily that the conclusion is true, or it is logically impossible for the conclusion to be false. Sound Argument A valid argument that contains only true premises. Soundness = Truth + Validity. 3. Sketch the â€Å"benefits arguments† in favor of harvesting Baby’s Theresa’s organs. Set out the premises and conclusion for Benefits Argument in the Baby Theresa case. The Benefits Argument 1. If we can benefit someone without harming anyone else, we ought to do so. 2. Transplanting the organs would benefit the other children without harming Baby Theresa. 3. Therefore, we ought to transplant her organs. The Argument That We should Not Use People As Means 1. If we use someone only as a means, we do something that is morally wrong. 2. Taking Theresas organs would be using her only as a meas to benefit other children. 3. There fore, it would be morally wrong to take Theresas organs. 4. Sketch the â€Å"we should not use people as means† argument against harvesting Baby Theresa’s organs. Set out the premises and conclusion for The Wrongfulness of Killing Argument in the Baby Theresa case. The Argument From the Wrongfulness of Killing 1. If we harvested Theresas organs, then we would be killing one innocent person to save another. 2. We should not kill one innocent person to save another. 3. Therefore, if we should not harvest Theresas organs. Rachels Assessment *The prohibition against killing is strong, but most people do not think it absolute. Baby Theresa is (1) going to die soon anyway, (2) not conscious, and (3) her organs could help save several other children. Rachels states that we might even regard Baby Theresa as born dead. 5. Sketch the â€Å"Slippery Slope Argument† against killing Tracy Latimer. If one bad thing happens then others will follow after. 1. If we permit any sort of mercy killing, we will have stepped onto a dangerous slippery slope down which we will inevitably slide. 2. The mercy killing of Tracy was permissible. 3. Hence, we have stepped onto a dangerous slippery slope (which will lead to the view that all life is cheap). Objection: Are the causal claims supported by any evidence? In general, it is easy to make dire predictions concerning the future. Consider an analogy: Would gay marriage lead to the disintegration of the family? 6. What does Rachels’s â€Å"minimum conception of morality† consist of? Morality is, at the very least, the effort to guide one’s conduct by reason-while giving equal weight to the interests of each individual affected by one’s decision. Reason and impartiality consist stuff 7. What are five common features of Cultural Relativism? 1. Different societies have different moral codes. 2. (a) The good is determined by society; (b) an act is right if it is allowed by the guiding ideals od the society in which it is performed, and wrong if it forbidden by those ideals. 3. There is no objective standard that can be used to judge one societys code as better than an others. 4. The moral code of our society has no special status. 5. We should adopt an attitude to tolerance. 8. What is the â€Å"Cultural Differences† argument for Cultural Relativism? Does Rachels think it is sound? he thinks it is unsound, 9. If Cultural Relativism is true, then some odd consequences for ethical theory follow. What are they? 10. Does Rachels hold that there are some moral rules that all societies have in common? 11. What are the three traditional divine attributes of monotheism? 12. What is the difference between â€Å"theism†, â€Å"atheism†, and â€Å"agnosticism†? 13. What is the â€Å"problem of evil†? 14. What is the Divine Command theory? 15. What is Socratess question in the Euthyphro? How does it bear on the Divine Command Theory? 16. What are some of the main elements of Natural Law Theory? 17. Raise some objections to Natural Law Theory. 18. What is Ethical Egoism and how does it differ from Psychological Egoism? 19. Define â€Å"altruism†. Why does the Psychological Egoist hold that altruism is not possible? 20. Some object that Ayn Rand’s argument for Ethical Egoism presents us with a â€Å"false dichotomy†. Explain. 21. Why doesn’t Rachels think Ethical Egoism is a fair reflection of common sense morality? 22. What is the Principle Equal Treatment? How does it relate to Ethical Egoism? *There will be some extra-credit questions pertaining to material discussed in lecture.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

The novel Frankenstein Essay Example for Free

The novel Frankenstein Essay In chapter fifteen, just before the ceremony the commander reads several extracts from the bible. The Bible the Commander reads from is locked in a brass bound leather box; this is a practice that was widespread during the Dark Ages. The Commander reads selected sections of the Bible that could be used to support the Ceremony and the role of the Handmaids. Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth Give me children, or else I dies Behold my maid Bilhah. She shall bear upon my knees that I may also have children by her. The Commander reads numerous sections from the book of Genesis and also an extract from Zechariah. Much like the censored television broadcasts the Commander is limiting the truth. The sections chosen have been picked to support the idea of handmaids. The commander has decided to ignore such things as the Ten Commandments, in which one them is thou shalt not commit adultery but abuses the bible for his own cause. Offred discovers a cushion with the word FAITH on it, as reading is banned the cushion should not be allowed in Offreds room. In chapter nineteen Offred considers that her FAITH cushion would have been a set of three. There must have been three once. HOPE and CHARITY, where have they been stowed? This is a direct reference to I Corinthians 13:13 So faith, hope, love; abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. The cushion is a very significant symbol in the book as it represents the fact that Offred has been denied hope and love but is told that she must have faith. Hope and love are what Offred thrives for, however she has very little hope, apart from the faintest of belief that her husband and daughter are still alive. In chapter twenty-one a handmaid named Janine (or Ofwarren) gives birth, there are numerous religious implications leading up and during the birth. In chapter nineteen Offred describes to the reader how anaesthetics and caesareans are no longer a part of childbirth, but how in a society based on religion women are supposed to feel the pain of childbirth. Aunt Elizabeth said it was better for the baby, but also: I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children. Gilead has obviously dismissed medicine and science, probably because they can be used as arguments against the existence of God. Despite the technology being available Gilead dismisses it using Gods punishment on Eve as evidence to dismiss science rather than science dismissing religion. In chapter twenty-one when Janine gives birth she is required to deliver the child on a two-tiered birthing stool, so that she can fulfil the biblical practice of the maid giving birth on the knees of the wife. Two others lead Janine to the birthing stool, where she sits on the lower of two seats. The other seat is for the commanders wife who sits above Janine and acts as if she is the one giving birth. Gilead demonstrates a total lack of tolerance for other religions, not only do they battle with other branches of Christianity, but in chapter thirty-one we see how they react to other religions. Gilead justifies deporting Jews by claiming they are sons of Jacob and therefore special the reader learns about how Jews were given the choice to emigrate or to convert. The reader is also told how people who pretend to convert are treated raids at night, secret hoards of Jewish things dragged out from under beds and hung for their beliefs. Gilead is a completely totalitarian society that mirrors many of the fascist views held by the Nazis. It is odd that this society should choose to make an example of Jews though, considering their own religion is based on the Jewish faith and many of the extracts they use to govern come from the old testament. However, Jews dont take obscure references from the Old Testament as literally as the powers in Gilead, and it is likely that an alternative faith was deemed threatening. Atwood uses religion to its greatest possible literary power by exploiting it and demonstrating what the reader doesnt think would ever be possible. Religion is at the core of Gilead and appears to be all that is left of America. The wars between branches of Christianity mirror the problems in Northern Ireland and numerous references mirror Gilead society with the Nazi regime. Atwood portrays religion as something very powerful; it is so powerful that it is able to govern an entire country. However a country governed by the bibles teaching sounds like something of a utopia, Atwood chooses to display how religion can be abused, twisted and altered to suit individuals and suppress others. The Handmaids Tale doesnt seem too far fetched, the reader would be familiar with religion being abused, in fact the historical notes refer to one of Professor Pieixotos famous studies Iran and Gilead: Two Late-Twentieth-Century Monotheocracies, as Seen Through Diaries. Linking Gilead with Irans conservative Islamic revolution, something the reader may be familiar with. The conservative Islamic revolution involved de-modernization and severe restrictions on the freedoms of women, just like Gilead.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Erickson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development Analysis

Erickson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development Analysis Psychology 1: Development and learning Identity verse confusion An adolescent is a person who is currently in the process of developing from a child into an adult. This process involves many social and physical changes that challenge the adolescent. It is in this stage that a person forms their identity. This time period has been defined by Erik Erikson as Identity verse Confusion. This period can be particularly challenging and in a post-Apartheid South Africa, adolescence are finding this stage more challenging than in the past. (Bray, Gooskens, Khan, Moses Seekings, 2010) Erick Erickson’s theory of psychosocial development is one of the few developmental theories that does not restrict development to a specific age group or time period, but rather he suggests that development is a continuous process that spans the entirety of human life. (Comer, Gould Furnham, 2013) His theory is broken into 8 distinctive stages. In order for one to progress from one stage to the next a person must complete the challenge or crisis associated with that stage. Erickson’s places particular emphasis on the adolescent stage (ages 12 -20) identity verse confusion. (Comer, Gould Furnham, 2013) Erikson believed this stage was particularly important in the sense that it was at this stage that one builds social relationships, finds a sense of belonging and decided the general direction of their life. He also believed once this stage was completed one could move on to the next stage Intimacy vs Isolation. (Ages 20 – 30). This stage is considered young adul thood and associated with finding a life partner, settling down and falling into your job role. (Comer, Gould Furnham, 2013) In the earlier stages of Erikson’s theory, a child’s identity is primarily based on identification with role models. (Thom Coetzee, 2004) However during adolescence there is need create a sense of autonomy and as a result the adolescent moves away from the parents and role models and looks toward peer groups for guidance and support in their search for identity (Allen Land, 1999). The adolescents also begin to question previous ideologies that they had acquired throughout childhood and begin to retain and identify with opinions that assimilate into their new world views. (Thom Coetzee, 2004) However Erikson’s theory does not consider how different cultures, classes and genders differ in this developmental process. In a post-Apartheid South Africa there is a significant difference between say how an African and a Caucasian adolescent develop due to cultural differences and expectations (Thom Coetzee, 2004). There is also a difference between males and females, as well as those who live in lower socio economic circumstances in comparison with those who occupy the wealthier socio economic station in life with in South Africa. (Bray, Gooskens, Khan, Moses Seekings, 2010). Erick Erikson’s theory is focused on a western perspective of development and therefore as result as I as a white, middle class, educated female, fall within the bounds of his theory. Erikson believes that the conflict that adolescents must overcome is the conflict between identity and role confusion (Comer, Gould Furnham, 2013). They have to begin making decisions that will affect their life in the future, for example whether to attend university or go straight into the work force as well as opinions such as political views and religious views must also develop. (Comer, Gould Furnham, 2013). This I can strongly relate to and as an adolescent I grappled and still grapple with these challenges. In my matric year these questions of my future where most prevalent, choosing a degree and a university was the first major conflict that I faced and it is one that took almost the entire year to overcome. The pressure to choose a socially acceptable degree, that still is within my skill set and what I love to do was a challenge, naturally my parents were drawn to the idea of me perusing a degree in commerce that would be practical. However I had formed my own opinion and as Allen and Land (2010) mention I began to question previous ideologies set out by my parents, that they had acquired throughout childhood and begin to retain and identify with opinions that fitted more in line with what I believed. As a result I chose a degree and a university that would fit my views and as a result I’m perusing a Batchelor of Arts degree, successfully overcoming that challenged. Furthermore in 2014 my political views were also challenged as it was an election year. Having just turned eighteen I was permitted to vote for the first time and as a result I had to question and form a knowledge base of who and what I needed to support before I cast my vote. These challenges where overcome eventually overcome by active seeking of information. Erickson expresses a great importance is placed on per groups during this period of adolescence and as a result I found myself turning to my close friend groups for advice on both challenges. However this process cannot apply to all adolescents within South Africa. South African adolescents have all been subjected to socio-political changes in recent years and as a result they are forming identities in a society that is itself undergoing a transformation (Thom Coetzee, 2004). As a result adolescents may experience a dual identity crisis, their individual as well as a cultural crisis (Kilpatrick, 1974 as cited in Thom Coetzee, 2004). An example of this is seen within the black adolescent group. During Apartheid many black adolescents identified with groups with strong social and cultural identities (Kilpatrick, 1974 as cited in Thom Coetzee, 2004). The black adolescents all experienced the same oppressive conditions under the apartheid regime and as a result formed a common group identity. It could be said that this structured group identity model continues to serve as a clear frame of reference in this post-Apartheid era (Thom Coetzee, 2004). However since 1994 South Africa has been governed by a democratic system, eliminating the factor of oppression. Therefore African cultures are now recognised and dignified and as a result young black South Africans can accept their culture with pride. Making it possible for these adolescents to choose the direction of their lives without the overhanging factor of oppression allowing for a more personal choice of identity rather than a group identity (Thom Coetzee, 2004). However it could be said that this newly found social freedom could be contributing to role confusion within black adolescents. Since the end of apartheid new role models and economic structures have been formed and as a result South Africa is becoming increasingly more globalised. this has affected the black adolescence in the fact that they two are becoming globalised and as a result they are merging their cultural roots with western ideals. This however may isolate them from their cultural backgrounds and elders and therefore leaded to confusion on where they belong (Early, 2008) Other factors that can affect adolescent identity development that are not considered by Erikson’s theory is gender and social demographics. Again due to the previous Apartheid regime many young South Africans have been subjected to the effects of a history of legitimised power relationships between racial groups and the culturally inscribed gender roles that accompany it (Bray, Gooskens, Khan, Moses Seekings, 2010). As a result there are different expectations that are placed on males and females, even within the same cultural groups. An examples are boys, especially in poorer socio-economic arears, who are expected to conform to the ridged definition of masculinity. This is a result of the absence of jobs, and recreational activities for the young men and therefore these men must prove themselves in alternative fashion, often resorting to violence (Bray, Gooskens, Khan, Moses Seekings, 2010). As stated previously Erickson believed that during this time of adolescence peer relationships become increasingly important in the adolescence search for autonomy. (Comer, Gould Furnham, 2013). However even these peer relationships are affected by race, gender and social standing and as the adolescent begins to explore the possibility of romantic relationships and sexual relationships these factors again play a role (Bray, Gooskens, Khan, Moses Seekings, 2010). For example adolescences within African neighbourhoods report to have more sexual relations then those in poor coloured neighbourhoods. Those in poor neighbourhoods stated that they had more sexual relations then those in wealthier coloured neighbourhoods and those in wealthier coloured neighbourhood’s sates that they had more sexual relations those in white neighbourhoods (Bray, Gooskens, Khan, Moses Seekings, 2010). This shows how demographics and race affect your relationships and ultimately your identity. The examples above show how within South Africa there is a diverse range of what adolescent development entails. However they have not expressed what the basic skills and values that are necessary for the resolution if an identity crisis James Marcia expanded on Erick Erickson’s theory of psychosocial development theory. He suggested that there where a combination of explorations which involve active questioning aimed at making decisions about goals and values and a commitment to those goals and values (Comer, Gould Furnham, 2013). He determined that there were four identity statuses: foreclosure, identify diffusion, marorium and identity achievement (Waterman, 1982). Identity foreclosure relates to when a commitment is made without exploring any alternatives to that commitment. Often adolescents who fall in to this category base their beliefs solely on their parent’s values (Comer, Gould Furnham, 2013). Often this is seen in adolescents who identify greatly with their parents prior too or during adolescents (Waterman, 1982). These adolescents have not successfully overcome the identity crisis. Identity diffusion is when some adolescents become overwhelmed by the task of identity development and neither make commitments nor explore. They have little interest in identity status and often do not undergo an identity crisis (Comer, Gould Furnham, 2013). These adolescents will have for the most part permissive, neglecting parents and therefore will have difficulty in successfully resolving an identity crisi s (Waterman, 1982). Identity moratorium is a status of indivulaus who are currenty in a crisis who is still exploring identity commitments. These individuals have not yet overcome the crisis and may either fall in the identity diffusions status not making any commitment at all or may fall in to the identity achievement status (Comer, Gould Furnham, 2013). Identity achievement is the status of an individual who has successfully overcome the crisis they have undergone exploration and have made a commitment (Comer, Gould Furnham, 2013). The increased availability of role modles will greatly aid in the formation of stable commitments. A successful adult role model may serve as a example on how to overcome challenges and difficult situations. Furthermore Parents who they themselves have successfully achieved identity achievement will help nurture this value in their child (Waterman, 1982). Therefore in conclusion it can be said that within a South African context psychosocial development, especially identity verse confusion is experienced differently depending on race, culture, gender and demographics. it can also be said that not all adolescents experience the psychosocial crisis within this stage and therefore many do not fall in to the identity achievement status.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Graduation Speech: You ALL Have What it Takes :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

The past three years I sat over on my left, drenched in this scorching gym, playing Pomp and Circumstance on my tenor saxophone until I thought my lungs were going to explode. Well, we had to stay and watch the rest of the graduation, during which I would usually space out, and sometimes think to myself "It is taking so long to get up on that stage." Lots of us felt this way even last week, bombarded with the last group of projects and assignments that seem to cram themselves into an astonishingly small amount of time. Finally, the Class of 2012 is about to enter what some fool once called the real world. Shockingly enough, classmates, from what I've heard, the real world looks almost the same as the one here. There are things to like and dislike, freedoms and restrictions you might grumble over, and people of integrity and deceit. But we will not be surrounded by three-foot slabs of brick everyday. And if upon leaving you find people trying to make houses out of mud and sticks, it is not a Western Civ movie. You are probably staring at very poor people, so help them out. Before going any further, I strongly advise all my classmates to thank their families tonight. This is our class's last night together, but quite soon it will be our last night as a member of our parent's permanent households. I am going to take my opportunity right here. Mom and Dad, Tom and Jess, thanks for all the encouragement, support, and most important love and affection you have shown me every day. Without you, I am quite sure I would not be standing here and quite possibly might not have graduated tonight. Because of my great family, I have successfully overcome all sorts of downturns in eighteen short years. I figured I would not shy away from saying this in front of a crowd if I wrote it down in my speech, so, to my family—I love you. To succeed in this "real world," we all need to develop our own unique niche. I say this, but I realize it must be done in actions, not words. I confess I have no idea what mine will be. I have not even figured out what general area of interest I wish to explore. This indecision, which I am not alone in experiencing, is made all the more complicated by the era we are entering. Graduation Speech: You ALL Have What it Takes :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address The past three years I sat over on my left, drenched in this scorching gym, playing Pomp and Circumstance on my tenor saxophone until I thought my lungs were going to explode. Well, we had to stay and watch the rest of the graduation, during which I would usually space out, and sometimes think to myself "It is taking so long to get up on that stage." Lots of us felt this way even last week, bombarded with the last group of projects and assignments that seem to cram themselves into an astonishingly small amount of time. Finally, the Class of 2012 is about to enter what some fool once called the real world. Shockingly enough, classmates, from what I've heard, the real world looks almost the same as the one here. There are things to like and dislike, freedoms and restrictions you might grumble over, and people of integrity and deceit. But we will not be surrounded by three-foot slabs of brick everyday. And if upon leaving you find people trying to make houses out of mud and sticks, it is not a Western Civ movie. You are probably staring at very poor people, so help them out. Before going any further, I strongly advise all my classmates to thank their families tonight. This is our class's last night together, but quite soon it will be our last night as a member of our parent's permanent households. I am going to take my opportunity right here. Mom and Dad, Tom and Jess, thanks for all the encouragement, support, and most important love and affection you have shown me every day. Without you, I am quite sure I would not be standing here and quite possibly might not have graduated tonight. Because of my great family, I have successfully overcome all sorts of downturns in eighteen short years. I figured I would not shy away from saying this in front of a crowd if I wrote it down in my speech, so, to my family—I love you. To succeed in this "real world," we all need to develop our own unique niche. I say this, but I realize it must be done in actions, not words. I confess I have no idea what mine will be. I have not even figured out what general area of interest I wish to explore. This indecision, which I am not alone in experiencing, is made all the more complicated by the era we are entering.

In Our Time and the Lost Generation Essay -- In Our Time Essays

In Our Time and the Lost Generation Ernest Hemingway's In Our Time is a true representation of his "lost generation" for the simple reason that all generations are eventually lost as time goes by. Hemingway focuses on a generation he knows about, his own. It becomes apparent throughout the novel that Hemingway is deconstructing the world without overly using vast amounts of description. All of the â€Å"messages" bring the reader to an understanding of a generation, the "lost generation" that appears to result from Hemingway's novel. Ernest Hemingway uses intense short stories to leave a feeling of awe and wonder in the reader of In Our Time. One begins to become emotionally involved and attached to Hemingway's many stories, just as he himself appears to hold some personal attachment and emotion to each story. Our main character Nick, is in fact, Hemingway himself. It seems as though no matter what age this novel is read at, it could be discussed as a representation of the "lost generation." What is meant by the phrase "lost generation?"à Ãƒ  It is this ability to be relevant across generations that is exemplified by deconstructionism Possibly it means the loss of a kindlier, friendlier, period of time. Maybe it means a loss of familiarity, closeness and strength of relationships; everyday things like the lost art of conversation. But at the same time, the characters in the stories appear to be part of a "lost generation" themselves. In "The Three- Day Blow," Nick and Bill spend a leisurely afternoon talking about baseball and books while enjoying a good "ole'" bottle of Irish whiskey. They manage to pass the time talking rather than watching "television" or going to the "mall," things that are all too common today. Th... ...way of doing things, and lost lives. But are generations ever truly "lost?" When we think of past generations do we tend to cloud our minds by thinking the past generation was better(or maybe worse) than present or future generations? Do we lose sight of things or do we just do things not necessarily worse, but different and more enhanced than the we did things in the past. Everyone has their time in the sun, their fifteen minutes of fame, and their fondest memories. No one can take away, alter, or make those memories seem insignificant but the person themselves. Who is to say that because things change and are different that one cannot continue "living." Enjoy your time in your own generation but have no fear in making or participating in a new generation. Life is short, so why not just enjoy living? Works Cited: Hemingway, Ernest.In Our Time. Scribner,1925. In Our Time and the Lost Generation Essay -- In Our Time Essays In Our Time and the Lost Generation Ernest Hemingway's In Our Time is a true representation of his "lost generation" for the simple reason that all generations are eventually lost as time goes by. Hemingway focuses on a generation he knows about, his own. It becomes apparent throughout the novel that Hemingway is deconstructing the world without overly using vast amounts of description. All of the â€Å"messages" bring the reader to an understanding of a generation, the "lost generation" that appears to result from Hemingway's novel. Ernest Hemingway uses intense short stories to leave a feeling of awe and wonder in the reader of In Our Time. One begins to become emotionally involved and attached to Hemingway's many stories, just as he himself appears to hold some personal attachment and emotion to each story. Our main character Nick, is in fact, Hemingway himself. It seems as though no matter what age this novel is read at, it could be discussed as a representation of the "lost generation." What is meant by the phrase "lost generation?"à Ãƒ  It is this ability to be relevant across generations that is exemplified by deconstructionism Possibly it means the loss of a kindlier, friendlier, period of time. Maybe it means a loss of familiarity, closeness and strength of relationships; everyday things like the lost art of conversation. But at the same time, the characters in the stories appear to be part of a "lost generation" themselves. In "The Three- Day Blow," Nick and Bill spend a leisurely afternoon talking about baseball and books while enjoying a good "ole'" bottle of Irish whiskey. They manage to pass the time talking rather than watching "television" or going to the "mall," things that are all too common today. Th... ...way of doing things, and lost lives. But are generations ever truly "lost?" When we think of past generations do we tend to cloud our minds by thinking the past generation was better(or maybe worse) than present or future generations? Do we lose sight of things or do we just do things not necessarily worse, but different and more enhanced than the we did things in the past. Everyone has their time in the sun, their fifteen minutes of fame, and their fondest memories. No one can take away, alter, or make those memories seem insignificant but the person themselves. Who is to say that because things change and are different that one cannot continue "living." Enjoy your time in your own generation but have no fear in making or participating in a new generation. Life is short, so why not just enjoy living? Works Cited: Hemingway, Ernest.In Our Time. Scribner,1925.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Sarah Orne Jewetts Miss Tempys Watchers :: Sarah Orne Jewett Miss Tempys Essays

Sarah Orne Jewett's Miss Tempy's Watchers Sarah Orne Jewett was born in Berwick, Maine, 275 miles away from Oakfield, where my grandmother lives. Jewett’s story, â€Å"Miss Tempy’s Watchers,† takes place in a small farming town in New Hampshire, yet as I read the story for the first time, I was certain it took place in the small northern Maine town, and my grandmother was a subject of the author’s study. Jewett makes use of the dialect New England is known for by following very broad rules as well as the pickiest details one might never notice unless one were looking with ultimate scrutiny or from personal experience. Jewett chose certain phrase structure to make her characters’ speech genuine. Sarah Ann Binson, one of Miss Tempy’s watchers, describes how Tempy â€Å"never did like to hear folks goin’ about themselves.† To some this phrase may be foreign, but to an older New Englander it means to speak of oneself braggingly. Another syntactic trait of the speech is the frequent regularization of verb forms. Mrs. Crowe, the other watcher, says, â€Å"Tempy come right up after they rode by,† and Sarah Ann later asks if Mrs. Crowe made cupcakes â€Å"while you was home to-day.† These are both obvious grammatical errors, but the two women were only trying to make sense of a very complicated set of rules. To two women of middle and upper-middle class who are not particularly familiar with a true upper class where the English language is treated with greater care, they were only speaking in a manner that seemed most natural. Something else worth mentionin g is when Sarah Ann asks Mrs. Crows if she remembers a certain girl. Mrs. Crowe answers, â€Å"Certain,† and Sarah goes on about her. A stickler for grammatical perfection would insist she say, â€Å"Certainly,† or at least, â€Å"For certain,† but in the New England dialect of the older generation, there is nothing wrong with just â€Å"certain.† Sarah Ann Binson, the less wealthy of the two watchers, uses the word â€Å"ain’t,† but Mrs. Crow, the one of slightly higher class, never lowers herself to such unsophisticated speech. Sarah Ann also adopts a typically Acadian dialect (owing to her location in a New Hampshire farming area) when she tells of how Tempy once said, â€Å"I’m only a-gettin’ sleepier and sleepier.† The reader can’t be sure if it is a direct quote or if the structure is her own, but it is clear it is not entirely foreign to their ears.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Banning Smoking

Utilitarian holds that actions are justifiable if they result in the greatest possible happiness for the greatest number. As such, every human action can be said to be based upon this principle. However, there are instances where the society has accommodated practices that have proved to result in the greatest amount of harm to the greatest number of individuals. The most notable of such practices is public smoking. Smoking is not only irritating to the non-smoker but also harmful to the smoker.Research indicate that in America alone, smokers consume close to five hundred billion cigarettes per annum with more than four-hundred thousand deaths every year being attributed to this consumption (Slovic, 2001). With this regard, the society has every reason to invest all its energies in making sure that this practice is stopped since it is the single most preventable cause of premature death in many countries. As such, the society, through its most powerful institution, the government, is justified in not only banning public smoking but smoking in general.The World Health Organization predict that the number of deaths as a result of tobacco smoking will rise from four million people to ten million by the year twenty thirty (World Health Organization, 1997). In other words, if smoking is not banned, many individuals are going to lose their lives. There is no doubt that tobacco possess serious health risks. Anecdotal evidence of possible harms from this habit begun to be gathered shortly after it was introduced in Europe even though it was until the eighteenth and nineteenth century that physicians started publishing observations of serious life threatening hazards (Proctor, 2004).It was during this period that cancer of the mouth, nose and lips became associated with tobacco snuff. In France in the year eighteen fifty's, a physician by the name Etienne-Frederic Bouisson discovered that the majority of his patients suffering from cancer of the mouth were pipe smokers (Shephard, 1982). In Berlin, Rudolf Virchow also reported the same observations shortly after (Ibid, 234). By the end of the century, cancer of the lips, tongue, mouth, jaw, nasal cavities and pharynx were so common to cancer specialists that medical students wrote widely on the topic-then famously know to physicians as â€Å"Smokers' cancers† (Cortyl, 1897).Despite these inherent dangers, the society has continued to tolerate this silent killer. However, it is the responsibility of the government to protect its people from exposure to any dangers. With regard to this, many governments have failed. The practice ought to have been banned immediately after the first reports but this has not been the case. Actually, tobacco consumption increased in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries with the invention of machines that could roll thousands of cigarettes per day (Viscusi, 1992).Coupled with the invention of safety matches, the habit quickly became popular. Instead of the government considering the health consequences of the habit, they quickly recognized the drug as a source of tax revenue. This has continued into this period with the result of furthering the use of the drug. However, some states in the United States banned the use of the drug as they recognized the reality of its dangers but the bans became lifted in the 1920s. During this period, there seemed to be much ignorance among the majority population with regard to the actual consequences of tobacco smoking.As such, the governments of the time may be excused on their treatment of the issue. In recent times though, there has been a stream of significant developments concerning the understanding of tobacco smoking and its harmful consequences. More understanding have been achieved with regard to secondary smoking and the consequences on the fetus when a pregnant mother engages in the habit. Very surprising and disturbing findings concerning the observed impacts of smoking or nicotine depend ence on twelve to thirteen year olds after days or weeks of light smoking (DiFranza et al, 2000).It was also discovered in the recent past that tobacco companies have been concealing the risks associated with smoking in their attempt to lure young people into smoking. All over the world, the manufacturers and merchants of tobacco have put their own economic interests above the health and lives of a million consumers to whom they sell their products. It is known that all these tobacco products contain nicotine which is unquestionably the element that is responsible for the most persistent and widespread drug dependence. There is no doubt about the fact that tobacco kills.It accounts for one death in every ten seconds (Slama, 1995). The majority of the victims die in their prime life and if the trend continues, as have been projected by the World Health Organization, tobacco will account for one death after every three seconds. The habit did not come as a product of chance. It has bee n furthered by effective marketing policies of the industry that have been applied in many countries. The consumption of tobacco is expensive in the long run, not just in terms of human health but also in terms of finance.Even with the short term benefits of the tobacco industry in mind, the net loss that is being suffered every year by the world community as a result of smoking is estimated at two hundred thousand million dollars (Stratton, 2001). This is not a small amount of money and if it could be harnessed, it would be enough to double the current health care expenditure in the developing parts of the world. However, it is the responsibility of the health care sector to create awareness on the actual dangers of tobacco use. Since tobacco is an international commodity, the war against it must therefore be worldwide.Public health is one of the sectors that has been worst hit by the habit. With this regard, the habit directly or indirectly impacts on the national budget of many c ountries. The problem affects every section of the society and every age and every single member of the society faces its grave consequences. It is thus the responsibility of the government to make sure that every single member of the society of protected from death that can be easily avoided. The major reasons for the call to ban tobacco are not founded on empty grounds. They have been driven through the centuries by the concrete evidence on its health effects.It is amazing that regardless of the centuries of research evidence and findings concerning the dangers of the drug, many countries still treats the issue with less seriousness. Cancer has been rated among the deadliest diseases. The world is trying to find ways of countering this condition but has turned its back on the actual causes. There is numerous evidence that indicates that smoking causes cancer and thus, there is absolutely no way that the society will pretend to fight cancer without addressing such issues as banning smoking.The rise of lung cancer and coronary heart disease that were once rare was noticed in the twentieth century and an attempt to explain such increases revealed that smoking was among their causes. However, it would be wrong to assert that the medical findings and reports were understood by the public and in situations where they were published, the tobacco industries countered such claims with assurances on the safety of smoking, at times using such reports to convince the consumers to change brands.Going by the utilitarian principle, there is no doubt that all the arguments supporting the ban of smoking should be treated with much sensitivity as the health of real human individuals is at stake. The human race does not need any further proof as to the harms and dangers of smoking and thus, every government should ban the use of tobacco so that a healthy society is realized. Tough measures should be taken against the tobacco industry as they blatantly deceive the majority into death in the name of making profits.In the mid twentieth century, individuals involved in tobacco industry were quoted as saying that they would quit the business if it was established that it poses serious health risks to the smokers. Almost half a decade later, even with enough evidence that smoking is dangerous to ones health; the industries are still alive and making millions of shillings while the majority perish. Instead of being in the forefront of informing its consumers of the dangers, the tobacco industry has tried every conceivable deceit to cover up the dangers and win over more consumers.This responsibility of protecting the citizens from the harmful effects of tobacco can thus not be entrusted in the hands of the business people but in the hands of the most superior institution of the society, the government. The government would thus do much justice to its citizens by banning smoking. References Cortyl, J. (1897) Du Cancer des fumeurs. Paris: Henri Jouve, (Translated by Edmond Gwan). Proctor, R. (2004). Tobacco and Health. Journal of Philosophy, Science and Law. Vol.4 9-11 Shephard, R. (1982). The risks of passive smoking. Taylor & Francis Slama, K. (1995). Tobacco and health. Springer Science & Business Slovic, P. (2001). Smoking: risk, perception & policy. SAGE Stratton, K. , (2001). Clearing the smoke: assessing the science base for tobacco harm reduction. National Academies Press Viscusi, K. (1992). Smoking: making the risky decision. Oxford University Press World Health Organization, Tobacco or Health: A Global Status Report (Geneva: WHO, 1997).

Friday, August 16, 2019

Homeostasis Lab Report Essay

Mr. Bell’s honors level chemistry class conducted an experiment during their lab demonstrations, this consisted of elements such as phosphorus and calcium chloride in their experiment. This along with another hydrogen based sunstance produced, what looked like a pinkish-looking substance inside of their flasks that were at their lab stations. see more:chemistry matriculation notes semester 2 Sophmore Kelly Caudel said, â€Å" I actualley enjoy doing the experiments in this class, because it gives us a chance to get away from the bookwork and lectures that Mr. Bell usually makes us endure.† It seemed as if the students in his class were showing tremendous progress in their efforts at their lab stations. That is, until one pair of students dropped their Erlenmyer flask that contained what was left of the chemical compound that was being created. A minute after the very noisy shatter of the glass, the whole class turned to see what had happened. While the two students very awkwardly cleaned up their mess, Mr. Bell procceeded in his efforts to help his students produce what would be a lovely pinkish-looking fluid, which was the result appropriate for the lab conducted. Sophmore Chase Cabe exclaimed in a rather elated voice,† This was definitely the best lab that we have done in his class so far. I like mixing up the elements into compounds and seeing how they react to each other. The result turned out looking great.† As the lab drew to a close, both Mr. Bell and his students returned to their desks with the impression that they were both satisfied with what they had done during the duration of the lab.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Lawless

SYNOPSIS Creates diversionary program for juveniles who are criminally charged for â€Å"sexting† or posting sexual images. CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT As introduced. An Act creating a diversionary program for certain juveniles, and amending P. L. 1982, c. 81 and supplementing Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes. Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: 1. Section 2 of P. L. 1982, c. 81 (C. 2A:4A-71) is amended to read as follows: 2. Review and processing of complaints. a. The jurisdiction of the court in any complaint filed pursuant to section 11 of P. L. 1982, c. 77 (C. A:4A-30) shall extend to the juvenile who is the subject of the complaint and his parents or guardian. b. Every complaint shall be reviewed by court intake services for recommendation as to whether the complaint should be dismissed, diverted, or referred for court action. Where the complaint alleges a crime which, if committed by an adult, would be a crime of the first, second, third or fourth degree, or alleges a repetitive disorderly persons offense or any disorderly persons offense defined in chapter 35 or chapter 36 of Title 2C, the complaint shall be referred for court action, unless the prosecutor otherwise consents to diversion.Court intake services shall consider the following factors in determining whether to recommend diversion: (1) The seriousness of the alleged offense or conduct and the circumstances in which it occurred; (2) The age and maturity of the juvenile; (3) The risk that the juvenile presents as a substantial danger to others; (4) The family circumstances, including any history of drugs, alcohol abuse or child abuse on the part of the juvenile, his parents or guardian; (5) The nature and number of contacts with court intake services and the court that the juvenile or his family have had; 6) The outcome of those contacts, including the services to which the juvenile or family have been referred and the results of those referrals; (7) The availability of appropriate services outside referral to the court; (8) Any recommendations expressed by the victim or complainant, or arresting officer, as to how the case should be resolved; [and] (9) Any recommendation expressed by the county prosecutor; and (10) The offense alleged is an eligible offense pursuant to section 3 of P. L. , c. (C. (pending before the Legislature as this bill) and the juvenile is eligible to participate in the educational reform program set forth section 3 of P. L. ,c. (C. )(pending before the Legislature as this bill). (cf: P. L. 1988, c. 44, s. 17) 2. (New section) Where a complaint against a juvenile pursuant to section 11 of P. L. 1982, c. 77 (C. 2A:4A-30) alleges that the juvenile has committed an eligible offense satisfying the criteria set forth in subsection c. of section 3 of P. L. , c. (C. ) (pending before he Legislature as this bill) and the court has approved diversion of the complaint pursuant to section 4 of P. L. 1982, c. 81 (C. 2A:4A-73) the resolution of the complaint shall include participation in an educational program set forth in 3 of P. L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill). 3. (New section). a. As used in P. L. , c. (C. )(pending before the Legislature as this bill), â€Å"eligible offense† means an offense in which: (1) the facts of the case involve the creation, exhibition or distribution of a photograph depicting nudity as defined in N.J. S. 2C:24-4 through the use of an electronic communication device, an interactive wireless communications device or a computer; and (2) the creator and subject of the photograph are juveniles or were juveniles at the time of its making. b. The Attorney General, in consultation with the Administrative Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, shall develop an educational program for juveniles who have committed an eligible offense as defined under the provisions of subsection a. of this section.A juvenile who successfully co mpletes the program shall have the opportunity to avoid prosecution for the eligible offense. c. Admission to the program shall be limited to cases where: (1) the juvenile has not previously been adjudicated delinquent for or convicted of a crime or offense which, if committed by an adult, would constitute aggravated sexual assault; sexual assault; aggravated assault; aggravated criminal sexual contact; endangering the welfare of a child pursuant to N. J. S. 2C:24-4; luring or enticing a child pursuant to section 1 of P. L. 1993, c. 291 (C. C:13-6); luring or enticing an adult pursuant to section 1 of P. L. 2005, c. 1 (C. 2C:13-7) or an attempt to commit any of the enumerated offenses; (2) the juvenile was not aware that his actions could constitute and did not have the intent to commit a criminal offense; (3) there is a likelihood that the juvenile’s offense is related to a condition or situation that would be conducive to change through his participation in the educational program; and (4) the benefits to society in admitting the juvenile into this educational program outweigh the harm done to society by abandoning criminal prosecution. . The educational program shall provide information concerning: (1) the legal consequences of and penalties for sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials, including applicable federal and State statutes; (2) the non-legal consequences of sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials including, but not limited to, the effect on relationships, loss of educational and employment opportunities, and being barred or removed from school programs and extracurricular activities; 3) how the unique characteristics of cyberspace and the Internet, including searchibility, replicability, and an infinite audience, can produce long-term and unforeseen consequences for sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials; and (4) the possible connection between bullying and cyber-bullying and juveniles sharing sexually suggest ive or explicit materials. e. The Attorney General may promulgate guidelines to effectuate the provisions of this act. 4. This act shall take effect on the first day of the seventh month after enactment. STATEMENTThis bill establishes an educational program as an alternative to prosecution for certain juveniles who are charged with a criminal offense for posting sexually suggestive or sexually explicit photographs, or who engage in the behavior commonly known as â€Å"sexting,† in which these pictures are transmitted via cell phones. The bill provides that where a complaint against a juvenile alleges that the juvenile has committed an â€Å"eligible offense† and the court approves diversion of the complaint, the resolution of the complaint would include participation in the educational program created by the bill.The bill defines an â€Å"eligible offense† as an offense in which: (1) the facts of the case involve the creation, exhibition or distribution of a pho tograph depicting nudity as defined in N. J. S. A. 2C:24-4 through the use of an electronic communication device, an interactive wireless communications device or a computer; and (2) the creator and subject of the photograph are juveniles or were juveniles at the time of its making. Under the bill, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Administrative Office of the Courts, would develop an educational program for these juveniles.A juvenile who successfully completes the program would have the opportunity to avoid prosecution for the offense. Admission to the program would be limited to cases where: (1) the juvenile has not previously been adjudicated delinquent for or convicted of a crime or offense which, if committed by an adult, would constitute aggravated sexual assault; sexual assault; aggravated assault; aggravated criminal sexual contact; endangering the welfare of a child; luring or enticing a child; luring or enticing an adult or an attempt to commit any of the enum erated offenses; 2) the juvenile was not aware that his actions could constitute, and did not have the intent to commit, a criminal offense; (3) there is a likelihood that the juvenile’s offense is related to a condition or situation that would be conducive to change through his participation in the educational program; and (4) the benefits to society in admitting the juvenile into this educational program outweigh the harm done to society by abandoning criminal prosecution.The educational program would provide information concerning: (1) the legal consequences of and penalties for sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials, including applicable federal and State statutes; (2) the non-legal consequences of sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials including, but not limited to, the effect on relationships, loss of educational and employment opportunities, and being barred or removed from school programs and extracurricular activities; 3) how the unique characte ristics of cyberspace and the Internet, including searchibility, replicability, and an infinite audience, can produce long-term and unforeseen consequences for sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials; and (4) the possible connection between bullying and cyber-bullying and juveniles sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials. In addition, the bill amends N. J. S. A. 2A:4A-71 to specifically provide for the diversion of juveniles into the newly created educational program created under the bill as one of the enumerated recommendations which can be made by the court.SYNOPSIS Creates diversionary program for juveniles who are criminally charged for â€Å"sexting† or posting sexual images. CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT As introduced. An Act creating a diversionary program for certain juveniles, and amending P. L. 1982, c. 81 and supplementing Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes. Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: 1. Section 2 of P. L. 1982, c. 81 (C. 2A:4A-71) is amended to read as follows: 2. Review and processing of complaints. a. The jurisdiction of the court in any complaint filed pursuant to section 11 of P. L. 1982, c. 77 (C. A:4A-30) shall extend to the juvenile who is the subject of the complaint and his parents or guardian. b. Every complaint shall be reviewed by court intake services for recommendation as to whether the complaint should be dismissed, diverted, or referred for court action. Where the complaint alleges a crime which, if committed by an adult, would be a crime of the first, second, third or fourth degree, or alleges a repetitive disorderly persons offense or any disorderly persons offense defined in chapter 35 or chapter 36 of Title 2C, the complaint shall be referred for court action, unless the prosecutor otherwise consents to diversion.Court intake services shall consider the following factors in determining whether to recommend diversion: (1) The seriousness of the alleged offen se or conduct and the circumstances in which it occurred; (2) The age and maturity of the juvenile; (3) The risk that the juvenile presents as a substantial danger to others; (4) The family circumstances, including any history of drugs, alcohol abuse or child abuse on the part of the juvenile, his parents or guardian; (5) The nature and number of contacts with court intake services and the court that the juvenile or his family have had; 6) The outcome of those contacts, including the services to which the juvenile or family have been referred and the results of those referrals; (7) The availability of appropriate services outside referral to the court; (8) Any recommendations expressed by the victim or complainant, or arresting officer, as to how the case should be resolved; [and] (9) Any recommendation expressed by the county prosecutor; and (10) The offense alleged is an eligible offense pursuant to section 3 of P. L. , c. (C. (pending before the Legislature as this bill) and the juvenile is eligible to participate in the educational reform program set forth section 3 of P. L. ,c. (C. )(pending before the Legislature as this bill). (cf: P. L. 1988, c. 44, s. 17) 2. (New section) Where a complaint against a juvenile pursuant to section 11 of P. L. 1982, c. 77 (C. 2A:4A-30) alleges that the juvenile has committed an eligible offense satisfying the criteria set forth in subsection c. of section 3 of P. L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) and the court has approved diversion of the complaint pursuant to section 4 of P.L. 1982, c. 81 (C. 2A:4A-73) the resolution of the complaint shall include participation in an educational program set forth in 3 of P. L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill). 3. (New section). a. As used in P. L. , c. (C. )(pending before the Legislature as this bill), â€Å"eligible offense† means an offense in which: (1) the facts of the case involve the creation, exhibition or distribution of a photograph depicting nudity as defined in N. J. S. 2C:24-4 through the use of an electronic communication device, an interactive wireless communications device or a computer; and 2) the creator and subject of the photograph are juveniles or were juveniles at the time of its making. b. The Attorney General, in consultation with the Administrative Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, shall develop an educational program for juveniles who have committed an eligible offense as defined under the provisions of subsection a. of this section. A juvenile who successfully completes the program shall have the opportunity to avoid prosecution for the eligible offense. c.Admission to the program shall be limited to cases where: (1) the juvenile has not previously been adjudicated delinquent for or convicted of a crime or offense which, if committed by an adult, would constitute aggravated sexual assault; sexual assault; aggravated assault; aggravated criminal sexual contact; en dangering the welfare of a child pursuant to N. J. S. 2C:24-4; luring or enticing a child pursuant to section 1 of P. L. 1993, c. 291 (C. 2C:13-6); luring or enticing an adult pursuant to section 1 of P. L. 2005, c. 1 (C. C:13-7) or an attempt to commit any of the enumerated offenses; (2) the juvenile was not aware that his actions could constitute and did not have the intent to commit a criminal offense; (3) there is a likelihood that the juvenile’s offense is related to a condition or situation that would be conducive to change through his participation in the educational program; and (4) the benefits to society in admitting the juvenile into this educational program outweigh the harm done to society by abandoning criminal prosecution. . The educational program shall provide information concerning: (1) the legal consequences of and penalties for sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials, including applicable federal and State statutes; (2) the non-legal consequences of sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials including, but not limited to, the effect on relationships, loss of educational and employment opportunities, and being barred or removed from school programs and extracurricular activities; 3) how the unique characteristics of cyberspace and the Internet, including searchibility, replicability, and an infinite audience, can produce long-term and unforeseen consequences for sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials; and (4) the possible connection between bullying and cyber-bullying and juveniles sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials. e. The Attorney General may promulgate guidelines to effectuate the provisions of this act. 4. This act shall take effect on the first day of the seventh month after enactment. STATEMENTThis bill establishes an educational program as an alternative to prosecution for certain juveniles who are charged with a criminal offense for posting sexually suggestive or sexually explicit pho tographs, or who engage in the behavior commonly known as â€Å"sexting,† in which these pictures are transmitted via cell phones. The bill provides that where a complaint against a juvenile alleges that the juvenile has committed an â€Å"eligible offense† and the court approves diversion of the complaint, the resolution of the complaint would include participation in the educational program created by the bill.The bill defines an â€Å"eligible offense† as an offense in which: (1) the facts of the case involve the creation, exhibition or distribution of a photograph depicting nudity as defined in N. J. S. A. 2C:24-4 through the use of an electronic communication device, an interactive wireless communications device or a computer; and (2) the creator and subject of the photograph are juveniles or were juveniles at the time of its making. Under the bill, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Administrative Office of the Courts, would develop an educatio nal program for these juveniles.A juvenile who successfully completes the program would have the opportunity to avoid prosecution for the offense. Admission to the program would be limited to cases where: (1) the juvenile has not previously been adjudicated delinquent for or convicted of a crime or offense which, if committed by an adult, would constitute aggravated sexual assault; sexual assault; aggravated assault; aggravated criminal sexual contact; endangering the welfare of a child; luring or enticing a child; luring or enticing an adult or an attempt to commit any of the enumerated offenses; 2) the juvenile was not aware that his actions could constitute, and did not have the intent to commit, a criminal offense; (3) there is a likelihood that the juvenile’s offense is related to a condition or situation that would be conducive to change through his participation in the educational program; and (4) the benefits to society in admitting the juvenile into this educational program outweigh the harm done to society by abandoning criminal prosecution.The educational program would provide information concerning: (1) the legal consequences of and penalties for sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials, including applicable federal and State statutes; (2) the non-legal consequences of sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials including, but not limited to, the effect on relationships, loss of educational and employment opportunities, and being barred or removed from school programs and extracurricular activities; 3) how the unique characteristics of cyberspace and the Internet, including searchibility, replicability, and an infinite audience, can produce long-term and unforeseen consequences for sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials; and (4) the possible connection between bullying and cyber-bullying and juveniles sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials. In addition, the bill amends N. J. S. A. 2A:4A-71 to specifically provide for the diversion of juveniles into the newly created educational program created under the bill as one of the enumerated recommendations which can be made by the court.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Importance of dreams in the novel of ‘Mice and Men’ Essay

The novel ‘Of Mice and Men’, written by John Steinbeck is a truly fascinating novel based upon the theme of dreams. This novel was published in 1937, which was towards the end of ‘The Great Depression’ that hit the United States. The novel was set in Soledad, California, during the same time period as published. This was an era in which the economy collapsed; many Americans lost their jobs, therefore leading into a lot of poverty and despair. Although many people were depressed, this was also the era of dreams. This is what Steinbeck’s novel is all about, dreams during the great depression. Dreams were very important in the novel. They played a huge role in the character’s lives, affected their behaviors, as well as their personalities. Steinbeck uses dreams as a tool to enrich the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’; therefore he emphasizes their importance throughout the novel by making them the main theme. Dreams have a rather important role in the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’. The whole novel is based around dreams, as well as decisions that were made according to these dreams. The author, John Steinbeck has emphasized this by the plot of the novel, the character’s personalities, as well as their actions. The plot of the novel is based on two characters that were chasing their dreams. These characters are Lennie and George, who left a town called Weed because they got in trouble. They were searching for a job, in order to get better paid, which will help them achieve their dream, ‘The American Dream’. The American dream is a dream shared by many of the characters in the novel, it is the desire to have a happy life, be part of a family, have a stable job, and maybe even own some land. Page 47 of chapter 3 gives an insight why the characters Lennie and George left Weed. It turns out Lennie was accused of raping a woman, George said â€Å"Well, that girl rabbits in an’ tells the law she been raped. The guys in Weed start a party out to lynch Lennie†¦ An’ that night we scrammed outta there.† The characters left Weed because Lennie was in trouble. However, he didn’t want to go to jail; he’d rather chase his dream, which he shares with his lifelong pal George. So instead they make  the decision to leave Weed, and head to Soledad. The characters’ personalities are affected by their dreams, and so are their actions. Their dreams weaken them, which results in them doing things that they end up regretting just for the sake of attempting to make their dream come true. Although dreams can be a source of strength for the characters, they contribute a great deal in their weaknesses, which is what leads to their fatal actions. In chapter five, Lennie and Curley’s wife were confessing their dreams to one another. Curley’s wife stayed longer than she should have with Lennie, because he was a man and during that time period women were not permitted to interact with men, especially if the woman was married. However, she made that decision because she dreamed of having a friendship. Lennie said, â€Å"Well, I ain’t supposed to talk to you or nothing.† â€Å"I get lonely,† She said â€Å"You can talk to people, but I can’t talk to nobody but Curley. Else he gets mad, How’d you like not to talk to anybody?† (Chapter five, page 98). Clearly Curley’s wife felt extremely lonely, empty, and sad. Even though she made a bad decision, she chose to stay longer and risk the consequences in order to achieve one of her desirers, even if it was for a little while. It was her weakness, and when she got a chance she grasped it without thinking. It was almost as though she lost her sanity. Later through that chapter, Lennie physically hurt Curley’s wife. She screamed, thus he made the decision to cover her mouth in attempt to stop her from screaming. He feared if George hears her screaming and finds out so he would get mad. Consequently, Lennie wouldn’t be able to join George in owning some land, tending rabbits, and living their dreams. â€Å"She screamed then, and Lennie’s other hand closed over her mouth and nose†. Lennie said â€Å"Oh! Please don’t do that!† George’ll be mad†¦ George gonna say I done a bad thing. He ain’t gonna let me tend no rabbits†¦ You gonna get me in trouble jus’ like George says you will.† â€Å"And she continued to struggle, and her eyes were wild with terror. He shook her then, and he was angry with her†¦ he shook her; and her body flopped like a fish. And then she was still, for Lennie had broken her neck.†(Chapter 5, page 103). Lennie killed Curleyà ¢â‚¬â„¢s wife, because he didn’t want her to stand in the way of his dreams. Due to the fact that his dream blinded him, he couldn’t differentiate between  what’s right or wrong. He chose his actions carelessly. Achieving his dream was his priority, so much so that he sacrificed a human being for nothing to stand in his way. Not only did dreams have a key role in the novel, dreams also played an important role in the characters’ lives. Dreams were a crucial part of the characters’ lives. The characters were not living the life they craved, and it is safe to say that a few of them were depressed. However, their dreams were a source of motivation to them. In chapter one, on page 15, George said â€Å"Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place. . . With us it ain’t like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us. We don’t have to sit in no bar room blowin’ in our jack jus’ because we got no place else to go. If them other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody gives a damn. But not us.† It can be noted through this quote, the fact that George truly believes in his dream, and how it will keep him motivated. Not only does it make him not want to give up on his dreams, it also makes him strive and work harder to achieve his goals. Moreover, having dreams, and goals, brought the characters happiness. This is because their dreams give them an image of a better life, and what it would be like. In chapter one, George and Lennie were feeling down and they were upset over the limited amount of food they had, but then they cheer themselves up by reminding themselves of the bright future that would lay ahead for them. George said â€Å"Someday- we’re gonna get the jack together and we’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an’ a cow and some pigs, and –† â€Å"An’ live off the fatta the lan’† Lennie shouted. â€Å"we’ll have a vegetable patch and a rabbit hutch and chickens. And when it rains in winter, we’ll just say the hell with goin’ to work† said George (chapter one, page 16). George and Lennie spoke with enthusiasm; this indicates how much happiness their dreams bring them. Obviously, dreams had a major impact on the characters’ lives; therefore they were a major aspect of the novel. Not only do dreams impact the characters’ lives, but they also affect several characters in the novel. Dreams had a role in molding the characters. They had an effect on the characters personalities, behavior, dialogue, as well as their decisions. As  stated before, characters made their dreams their priority; this automatically changed the way they thought. Therefore, their behavior changed. The characters only said what would benefit them, and eventually tried to refrain from saying anything that could cause trouble, so that impacted their dialogue. Their dreams also affected their decisions because they either didn’t want to cause trouble so they decided not to do some things, while other characters were blinded by their dreams so they made reckless decisions while trying to achieve their dreams. George’s personality was affected by his dreams. One can see this by his behavior and his dialogue. For example, in chapter 2 (page 28) when Curly lashes at George because he was answering all of the questions that were asked to Lennie, Curly rudely says â€Å"By Christ, he’s gotta talk when he’s spoke to. What the hell are you getting’ into it for?† George didn’t lash back at him, instead he replied coldly; this symbolizes George’s patience towards people, even the rudest people just for the sake of his dream. If he stirred up a fight with Curly just to gain back his dignity he would have gotten fired from his job, but instead he spoke coldly because he couldn’t risk losing his dream or doing anything that could possibly threatens it. Another character whose personality has been affected by his dreams was Crooks. However, unlike the others, Crooks’ personality is greatly affected. Crooks’ dream has a different effect on him. It brings him misery, because he once had everything and now he lost it all. Although, he has accepted that fact that his dream is unattainable, he may still have a little bit of hope. However he has accepted his fate better than the rest of the characters who seem to be unable to accept the reality that their dreams would most likely not come true. As a result, he is bitter and he has isolated himself from everyone. It has drastically affected his personality and his attitude towards life. He knows he won’t have his ‘Happily ever after’; therefore he doesn’t look forward to what the future would bring. â€Å" I ain’t a southern Negro†¦ I was born right here in California. My old man had a chicken ranch, ‘bout ten acres. The white kids come to play at our place, an’ sometimes I went to play with them, and some of them was pretty nice. My ol’ man didn’t like that. I never knew till long later†¦ but now I know † (Chapter 4, page 79). Although this quote starts off as a happy  story, it doesn’t have a happy ending. In fact, it’s heartbreaking. Nevertheless from this quote, it can be understood that Crooks had a taste of ‘The American Dream’, but then he lost it. In addition, the color of his skin puts him down even though he was literate, and educated. Crooks wanted to belong somewhere, he wanted to have friends, he wanted for life to be as simple as it was when he wa s younger, but he knows that the odds aren’t in his favor. That’s why he isn’t the nicest person, and he has isolated himself from everyone else. In chapter four when Lennie came to see Crooks, at first he shut Lennie out, because of the rules he had to oblige and because he knows what it feels like to have friends and loose them. As one of his dreams was to have a friend, he compromised and he let Lennie accompany him while the others were gone. â€Å"Lennie smiled helplessly in an attempt to make friends. Crooks said sharply â€Å"You got no right to come in my room. This here’s my room. Nobody got any right in here but me†¦ I ain’t wanted in the bunkhouse, and you ain’t wanted in my room† â€Å"Why ain’t you wanted† Lennie asked. â€Å"†Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black. They say I stink. Well, I tell you, you all stink to me†¦ well, what do you want?† â€Å"Nothing- I just seen you light. I thought I could jus’ come in an’ set.† Crooks stared at Lennie†¦ Crooks scowled, but Lennie’s disarming smile defeated him. â€Å"Come on in and set a while† Crooks said â€Å"Long as you won’t get out and leave me alone, you might as well set down.† (Chapter 4, pages 77-78). Finally, the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’ is a truly spectacular novel by John Steinbeck. The theme of dreams was very important during the course of the novel. All the main events in the novel were caused in relation to someone’s dream, and the sacrifices they had to make in order to achieve it. Additionally, dreams were equally important because they played a big role in the characters’ lives. The characters in the novel use dreams to motivate them through their tough lives, and through the great depression. The characters were also greatly affected by their dreams. For some of the characters, their dream was their weakness and they would literally kill to achieve it. For others it was a source of happiness, while for many of the characters their dream was both their weakness and their source of happiness. All of these three points are what made the theme of dreams such  an important part of the novel. The theme of dreams is what makes the novel ‘Of Mi ce and Men’ so fascinating. Dreams controlled all of the main events, as they were significant in the lives of the characters, their behavior, their ups and downs, as well as their fates.