Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Synthesis And Biological Use As Potential Anticancer Agents
Norcantharidin and analogues: synthesis and biological use as potential anticancer agents Norcantharidin (NCTD), the demethylated analogue of cantharidin, has been used to treat human cancers in China since 1984. It was recently found to be capable of inducing apoptosis in human colon carcinoma, hepatoma and glioblastoma cells by way of an elusive mechanism.1 Norcantatharidins and their analogues are synthetic anticancer agents which have been used in various different procedures for the inducing growth arrest and apoptosis of tumour cells and also provide therapeutic and adjuvant therapeutic applications in the treatment of cancer agents.2 This report will discuss the various different NCTD that are currently being studied, highlighting the synthesis of these NCTD and their various biological pathways that are taken in order to inhibit the growth of the correspondent cancer cell. In particular NCTD induced apoptosis of the hepatoma cells will be considered and also highlighting the different views with the synthesis of the particular NCTD and also the effectiveness of th e methodology and its observations in response to other NCTD and their mechanism in attacking the hepatoma cell site. One study by Shuijun Zhanga et al had shown the ABT-737 induced apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCC) by the transcriptional repression of Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1). Shuijun Zhanga et a. had shown that NCTD could affect apoptosis by the modification of the B-cell lymphoma 2Show MoreRelatedAnticancer Drugs : The Treatment Of Malignant Or Malignant Disease1642 Words à |à 7 PagesAnticancer drugs are that are effective in the treatment of malignant or cancerous disease. These are known as antineoplastic drugs also. The drugs are involved in cancer treatment are several types. Such as-- â⬠¢ Alkylating agents ââ¬â busulfan, mechlorethamine etc. â⬠¢ Antimetabolites ââ¬â methotrexate, 6 mercaptopurine,5 fluorouracil etc. â⬠¢ Natural products ââ¬âvinca alkaloids, taxanes â⬠¢ Hormones ââ¬âtamoxifen, progestins These groups have also sub types. Without these common drugs nowadays a variety ofRead MoreEssay On Silver Nanotechnology864 Words à |à 4 Pagesefficient material since ancient times for its microbicidal properties to treat diseases, such as, ulcer, chronic wounds, sepsis, acute epididymitis, tonsillitis, and infections and to prevent the eye diseases in infants.1,2 But with the passage of time use of Ag is reduced due to development of new antibiotics.3 However, an introduction of nanotechnology, nanoparticles during the last decade have proved that this element can be used in almost every field of application due to their tremendous behaviorRead MoreWhat Are The Importance Of Natural Products1361 Words à |à 6 Pagessources. Another important benefit of natural products lies with their biological history. Biosynthesis of natural products takes in repetitive interactions with modulating enzymes and their biological function involves binding to other proteins. Thus, the capability of natural products to work tog ether with other molecules which is a crucial prerequisite in making an effective drug could be measured as biologically validated. Use of the medicinal plants is, now a day, a center of interest at primaryRead MoreThe Use Of Therapeutic Nanoparticles As Drug Delivery Systems For The Delivery Of Anticancer Drug Molecules1318 Words à |à 6 Pagesreview article discusses the current treatment techniques on nanoparticles as carrier systems for the delivery of anticancer drug molecules. A plethora of nanoparticle drug delivery formulations have been tested for their target specificity. The drug delivery system of nanoparticles is designed in such a way that they are independent of their environments and selective at a biological site. Some key features of drug delivery systems include parameters such as molecular weight, pH, particulate sizeRead MoreMoving Away From Classical Chemotherapeutics1807 Words à |à 8 Pagesfield has conducted a variety of studies to elucidate the pathways cancer manipulates in order to develop successful treatments. To this end, chemotherapy emerged as a prominent research field in the early 1960s and is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.1 Classical chemotherapeutics began with cisplatin and expanded to develop more potent second and third generation analogues, such as oxaliplatin and carboplatin (Figure 1).2,3 Classical chemotherapeuticsRead MoreAn Introduction Of An Oncolytic Virus ( Ov )1703 Words à |à 7 Pageslysis, they release new infectious virus particles to help destroy other cancer cells or the remaining tumor. The viruses achieve this by a number of mechanisms, including direct lysis, apoptosis, expression of toxic particles, shutdown of protein synthesis, as well as the induction of anti-tumoral immunity. History of OVs In the 1950s, researchers noticed a reduction of tumors in mice also injected with the encephalitis virus [1]. With the development of new models and methods for virus replicationRead MoreSynthesis Of Aminoquinone Derivatives Via Electrochemical Approach1295 Words à |à 6 PagesA Simple and convenient one pot synthesis of aminoquinone derivatives via electrochemical approach Jyoti Malviya1, Shashi Kala2, Hemlata Singh3, R.K.P.Singh* Electrochemical Laboratory of Green Synthesis Department of Chemistry, University of Allahabad Allahabad ââ¬â 211002, U.P., India. Email: singhrkp1@gmail.com, rkp.singh@rediffmail.com Abstract A simple and efficient method for the convenient synthesis of aminoquinones have been describedRead MoreThe Potential And Its Effects On Cancer Cells1535 Words à |à 7 PagesLimitless replicative potential is an acquired capability of many cancer cells, and it was listed as one of the original hallmarks of cancer [1]. It is mostly achieved by upregulation of telomerase, a reverse transcriptase DNA synthesis enzyme that maintains the telomeres length. Most tumor cells have a high level of telomerase activity but short telomeres due to prior divisions before achieving telomerase-activating malignancies [2]. In contrast, normal progenitor cells and stem cells have relativelyRead MoreAn Introduction Of Analgesic And Anti Inflammatory1296 Words à |à 6 Pagesmicroorganisms, so tissue repair can proceed. Inflammatory response lasts longer, and drugs are used to suppress the symptoms that cause inflammation. Plants have first been discovered throughout human history as a source of food and energy. The use of them as medicinal agents predates written human history. At present, plants are now rampant sources of various types of medicines and remedies, whether they are pharmaceutically manufactured or used naturally. The term ââ¬Å"medicinal plantsâ⬠are referred to as theRead MoreA Research Study On Antibacterial Therapy1646 Words à |à 7 Pagesbut on its potential role in treating malignant diseases. In addition, in vitro ââ¬Å"phage displayâ⬠technology has been developed whereby a specific gene encoding a peptide/protein of interest can be inserted into the phage genome. The resulting peptide/protein is then ââ¬Å"displayedâ⬠in the bacteriophageââ¬â¢s viral coat where it can be extracted for analysis. The biology of the bacteriophage, together with recent research studies and selected applications, is reviewed with respect to its potential role in
Monday, December 16, 2019
`` Architecture And The Crisis Of Modern Science ``
Alberto Perez Gomez, Peter Zumthor, and Steven Holl emphasize on the phenomenology in their design processes. Their compositions and beliefs are evidences of the power of phenomenon. In addition, they argue that the sensory experience between the architectural object and the audience of it should be complimentary. These designers are famous for reviving the emotion evoking spaces through expression of light and shadow, material, and intimate human perception. The manifestation of this theory will be discussed further through the analysis of two case studies: 1) Therme Vals in Switzerland by Peter Zumthor and 2) Nelson Atkins Art Museum in Kansas City by Steven Holl. Alberto Perez Gomez Challenges modern architecture in his book titled ââ¬Å"Architecture and the Crisis of Modern Scienceâ⬠, and he describes how modern architecture needs to restate its position towards creation of memories. In addition, he explains that modern architecture cannot believe in a meaningless structure because nothing in built form can be meaningless (Rykwert) [11]. Furthermore, he explains how human perception and the sensorial experience of a space is the origin of architectural program. He describes human body as the focus of all the rules in the world, and how human body is occupying space and time. Hence, this existence can push architecture to create and order that resonates with the body itself (Perez Gomez) [11]. There is a kind of flexibility between the human perception and the rigor inherentShow MoreRelatedThe Industrial Revolution During Mid 19th Century843 Words à |à 4 Pagesdrastically as advances in science and technology were proceeding to reshape the world. Beyond just transforming the society and its culture; industry, technology, and commerce, as agents of reforming the old social order, brought an immense demand for the urbanization of towns and cities. Consequently, the cities of Northern England went through an architectural metamorphosis of great scale. The Industrial revolution had opened many doors for the development of science and industry, however; thereRead MoreModernism And Modernism : Postmodernism And Postmodernism1632 Words à |à 7 Pageswhen the arts music architecture literatures were changing where it came after enlightenment where to reject them. The master narratives and Meta narratives fall in the grand theory of history. The culture and natural identity: myths of culture and ethnic origin totalizing explanations in history science and culture to represent knowledge and explain everything. ââ¬Å"Central to modernity is a paradox: the seventeenth and eighteenth century enlightenment values of reason and science and defeat traditionRead MoreThe Importance Of Architecture1512 Words à |à 7 PagesHowever, architecture is much more than just the design of buildings and houses. It is a vital part of the construction process, which is a main component of the Gross Domestic Product, and can effect or be effected by loc al or national economies. Its importance is undervalued in the workforce, and its effect on the economy is underrated. Architecture is effected by the amount of raw materials, and the willingness of people to spend money on new developments or buildings. Architecture affectsRead MoreThe Golden Age of Rome873 Words à |à 4 PagesRome also had its declining downfall come soon after. Romeââ¬â¢s legacy was left in many places during the time, and still to this day is expressed throughout the modern world. The Pax Romana lasted from roughly 31 B.C.- 180 A.D. During this time period, the state of the Roman Empire was at its highest in technology, infrastructure, law, science, and government. These improvements that took place in society were mainly taking place because of the military that Rome had acquired over the years. The militaryRead MoreHistorically Speaking, What are the Liberal Arts?1391 Words à |à 6 Pages(Biography). His work provided a model for Latin scholars of the later Roman period; famous names over subsequent centuries refined and developed Varros tradition. By the fifth to sixth century C.E., a model of seven liberal arts (dropping Varroââ¬â¢s architecture and medicine) had been established and incorporated into Christian education. Thomas Hobbes could still write in 1640 that it was Aristotle whose opinions were of greater authority than any other human writings undertaken since (Hobbes). TheseRead MoreAdvantages And Disadvantages Of Sparta1026 Words à |à 5 Pages ââ¬Å"The science, the art, the jurisprudence, the chief political and social theories, of the modern world have grown out of Greece and Romeââ¬ânot by favour of, but in the teeth of, the fundamental teachings of early Christianity, to which science, art, and any serious occupation with the things of this world were alike despicable.â⬠This quote by Thomas Henry Huxley perfectly describes the importance of Greece. The two most important cities in Greece were Sparta and Athens, in most opinions. The riseRead MorePeter Eisenman As A Representative Of Deconstruction2132 Words à |à 9 Pagesrejects the traditional design process of architecture and establishes his own fragment form of architecture. By introducing different domain workings were created after World War II. He developed a generate process to combine all human knowledge into architecture. Furthermore diagram method has been widely us e in Eisenman s work to both show the working process and be a part of design. Finally trace as a expression of result of generate in architecture development. as a overlapping of all the diagramRead MoreThe Theory Of Science And Architecture2038 Words à |à 9 PagesArchitecture can be related to anything such as society or science, society demands the building of their dream and science made building possible. Science and architect share a mutual goal where both intended to improve the society life style or in another word, to achieve community utopia. Science and architect is one of the main elements to promote utopia and this really make the society to believe that utopia exist. The future will be the combination of science and spirituality, and they shouldRead MoreGovernment Intervention, Real Gdp, And National Debt From An Economic Perspective1330 Words à |à 6 Pagesthat ââ¬Å"utopia means elsewhereâ⬠. Sandwiched in between Norway and Finland is that idealized ââ¬Å "elsewhereâ⬠, Sweden, with a strong government and thriving economy. It is not only solidly constructed but stunning to look at, with beautiful plant life and architecture to match. Sweden is sparsely populated with roughly 9.6 million people living comparatively good lives (with low crime rates, 18 month long parental leaves, and a high standard of living). It is famous for its neutral foreign policy and high taxesRead MoreThe Medieval Machine : The Industrial Revolution Of The Middle Ages1377 Words à |à 6 Pagesgeographical, technological and ideological reasons prevented such advancements. Jean Gimpel also discusses technology that allowed Europeans to cultivate food in mass numbers. Jean Gimpel believes this technology sparked an agricultural revolution as well. Modern Harnesses to use horses to plow fields, which was found to be much more effective than oxen, temporary field fallowing, advance plows. Agricultural advancements allowed higher food production. Throughout h istory, when food production rises so does
Sunday, December 8, 2019
The Effect Cedar Point Has on the Erie County Economy free essay sample
Victoria Stewart Although some people complain about the traffic in the summer, Cedar Point has a positive impact on the economy of Erie County Ohio. Thru tourism, expansion and charitable works they have improved the economy of the area a thousand times over. Each year Cedar Point draws millions of tourists to the area. Those tourists stay in hotels, eat at restaurants and buy souvenirs. ââ¬Å"Tourists spent more than $1. 75 billion in the county in 2005, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Midwest. (Cedar Point Infuses Ohio Town with Tourist, 2007). The influx of money helps pay for the year round infrastructure of the county; road repair, building maintenance and employment of the different businesses depend on the tourist money. There are now five indoor waterparks in Erie County. One of them is owned by Cedar Point. These are also big draws for tourists. However, they would not have come to this area without the draw that Cedar Point has already. We will write a custom essay sample on The Effect Cedar Point Has on the Erie County Economy or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The first was Great Wolf Lodge, formerly great Bear Lodge. Then it was shortly followed by Kalahari, Rain Water Park, and Maui Sands. Castaway Bay is adjacent to one of the hotels Cedar Point owns. Cedar Point also employs about 400 people year round. That number jumps to about 2500 during the season. All of those people pay taxes to the City of Sandusky, as ââ¬Å"The Pointâ⬠is located within its 14 square mile area. A lot of the seasonal workers are here on temporary work visas and stay at housing provided by the company, but they definitely shop at the local mall and stores. Some people that live in the area complain about the jobs that Cedar Point brings. They are a lot of minimum wage, food service type jobs. They say that the type of jobs needed here are factory jobs. Most of the locals are glad of any jobs in this national economy. A new rollercoaster ââ¬Å"The Gatekeeperâ⬠is being installed right now. Cedar Pointââ¬â¢s investment into new rides also brings money to the county. They have always tried to use local businesses like Firelandââ¬â¢s Electric in their projects if at all possible. While the design of the coaster was from a Swiss firm, the parts were manufactured in Ohio and most of the laborers to install it are from the Sandusky area. The investment Cedar Point is making to expand its park will provide a needed boost to construction firms and the broader economy in Sandusky, statewide and across the country, said Brian Turmail, executive director of public affairs for the Arlington, Va. -based Associated General Contractors of America. As the park expands, thousands of construction workers and people employed in related professions will earn good wages and invest them back in a host of businesses throughout Ohio and the nation. (Walt, 2013) Cedar Point adds a new attraction every year. This means money sent into Erie County every year. In money paid to workers and businesses that set up the attractions. And for every new attraction the property is valued higher. This means taxes paid to the county are higher. They are also very generous with local charities. Each year they auction off the first rides on the new attractions. This brings in tens of thousands of dollars to the charities that are given the opportunity to auction the tickets. This year Cleveland Clinics Childrenââ¬â¢s Hospital and United Way of Erie County are the two lucky charities to benefit. Cedar Point sponsors a triathlon every year. Charities and local groups can apply to be the recipients of the profits of the sign up funds. This year they are also donating ten cents for every person that rides one of three merry go rounds in the month of July. Those funds are being donated to Cleveland Clinic Childrenââ¬â¢s Hospital. Finally, Cedar Point employees gather the loose change that is found dropped on the midway and under the rollercoasters. They take those funds and any coins tossed in the various fountains and deposit them into the ââ¬Å"Loose Change Fundâ⬠. These funds are donated to various charities every year. ââ¬Å"Throughout its 20-year history, the Loose Change Fund has donated more than $182,000 to various agencies including hospital pediatric wards, food pantries and other organizations that benefit children or families. (Zelm, 2010) These expansions and charitable giving along with the tourist money are a great boon for the county. Cedar Point has been a great asset to the area for over 100 years.
Sunday, December 1, 2019
The Byronic Hero Destiny and Russian Romanticism Essay Example
The Byronic Hero Destiny and Russian Romanticism Paper Irena Curic dr. sc. Janja Ciglar-Zanic, red. prof. English Romanticism 08 January 2013 The Byronic Hero and Russian Romanticism Introduction George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron, or simply Lord Byron, was a British poet of Scottish descent who is today considered to be the most influential British poet of the Romantic period (Catherine B. ONeill calls him the best-known nineteenth-century British poet outside England).His adventourous character and wild but appealing works made him famous throughout Europe. He died in Greece during the countrys war of Independence and became a legend. He was only 36 when he died but his influence was massive. His works, mostly Childe Harolds Pilgrimage and Don Juan, but also Mazeppa, the Corsair and the Prisoner of Chillon were read among the intelectual elite of the whole Europe and many poets and intelectuals became inspired to write their own works in style of Byron.It was the idea of national identity, so popular in the 19th century, that Byron s upported during his life, and the fact that he wrote about the exotic lands and their pains under the tyranny of the oppressors that made him especially popular in moulding of the new nations and their identities in southern and eastern Europe (Hocutt: Byrons influence as individual and author seemed always to have greater impact outside of England than within his prudish homeland. While imitators and admirers of Byron the individual and author could be found throughout Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Turkey, and Russia, little more than harsh criticism for his works and exile for his lifestyle emanated from his sometimes beloved, sometimes criticized native Britain, even after his death. ). Apart from his political influence, he was just as appealing to the youth who saw his quests and deeds as an impetus to rebel. In the eyes of his time, Byron was primarily looked upon as an outlaw, an immoral man. He had an affair with his stepsister and was openly sceptic of religion and political institutions.His works were filled with descriptions of decandence and abomination. His demonic heroes with weak moral compass became iconic for the writers who would be influenced by Byron. Catherine B. ONeill wrote: Childe Harold took the world by storm because of many features that we now think of as characteristic of Romantic poetry: the subjective experience of the natural wor ld, the high degree of identification between the author and the hero, the motif of a journey that is simulatneously literal and psychological, and, primarily, the isolated heros mysterious disenchantment and heartache. We will write a custom essay sample on The Byronic Hero Destiny and Russian Romanticism specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Byronic Hero Destiny and Russian Romanticism specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Byronic Hero Destiny and Russian Romanticism specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The Byronic hero had become a specific literary type of hero who very much resembles the writer alone. It is usually a young male (although there are female examples) who is constantly bored and unsatisfied. His spleen drives him to a constant search for new sensations, which rarely give him pleasure. He prefers solitude to the company of others and feels much more connected to nature than to people: Now Harold finds himself at lenght alone, And bade to Christian tongues a long adieu; Now he adventurd on a shore unknown, Which all admire, but many dread to view:His breast was armd `gainst fate, his wants were few; Peril he sought not, but neer shrank to meet, The scene was savage, but the scene was new; This made the ceaseless toil of travel sweet, Beat back keen winters blast, and welcomd summers heat. He finds particular characteristics of savageness to be more truthfull than society of his day which he finds corrupt and dishonest: The royal vices of our age demand A keener weapon, and a mightier hand. He takes great pleasure in satirizing contemporary events and social currents: Prepare for rhyme-I`ll publish, right or wrong: Fools are my theme, let Satire be my song. It is no secret that Byron shaped his demonic hero on his own character and his own experiences. The real background of his poems makes his scenes and adventures seem more vivid and close to the reader. So it is no wonder that his straightforward style and his hatred of censorship met with such international adoration. Byron in Russia When Byrons works conquered Europe, his influence very quickly reached Russia where his works, especially Childe Harolds Pilgrimage, inspired two of the greatest Russian Romantic writers ââ¬â Alexander Pushkin and Mikhail Lermontov. When his work came to Russia, it became an instant hit among Russian authors.Even the very young authors, who would later shape the Russian realism, like Turgenev, read and admired Byrons work. Daniel Hocutt writes that Most Russian writers viewed Byrons work in one of two ways: late sentimentalists admired his vivid and tender sensitivity; later Romantics emphasized their heros bleak colouring and rebellious passions . Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin was the first Russian author to publicly praise Byron and openly imitate his style. E ugene Onegin: the first Russian Byronic hero? Alexander Pushkin was the first authentic Russian Romantic poet and the leader of the National Romantic movement.He appreciated Byron and used the motive of the Byronic hero in his best known work Eugene Onegin. Pushkin imitated high Byronism in his narrative poems and lyrics written in Southern Russia between 1820 and 1824 Readers compared Pushkins and Byrons lives, focusing on sexual scandal, exile, and advocacy for Greek and other nationalist movements. Pushkin briefly encouraged such comparisons, announcing in 1822 that his new poem-in-progress, Eugene Onegin, was in spirit of Don Juan, but he quickly backtracked when his satire suffered from comparison to Byrons. Eugene Onegin, the protagonist of the work, is a young man who suffers from the typical Romantic boredom, the spleen. The work begins when Eugene grows bored of St. Petersburg (city, the very place of corruption) and wants to run away from his life there. He has even grown t ired of women and has given up his books. After death of his uncle, he goes away to the countryside. There he meets a young woman Tatyana who falls in love with him. However, being a cold Romantic outsider, Eugene politely turns her down only to fall in love with her in the end of the story.But then it is her turn to turn him down because she has a husband and does not want to compromise her pride and reputation. Although Pushkin tried to make his main character resemble a Byronic hero (Eugene even has a picture of Byron on his shelf), when he gave him the power to confess his feelings and change his nature, he moved away from the original, thus creating a specific type of a Russian Romantic hero: a hero with pretensions to change his miserable destiny. A true Byronic hero would carry on with his fate, without trying to change it and would most certainly continue running away from his emotions.Byronic Hero of our Time Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov was killed in a gun duel, much like his predecessor Pushkin, at an early age of 27. It is interesting that they both had their main characters fight duels in their books. Of course, Onegin and Pechorin both managed to save their lives. Mikhail Lermontov had a much more complicated relationship with his British idol. First, he admitted resemblance to Byron in his poem Dont think me worthy of pity and then stated that he is not Byron but a true Russian poet in his poem No, Im not Byron:No, Im not Byron; I am, yet, Another choice for the sacred dole, Like him a persecuted soul, But only of the Russian set. I early start and end the whole, And will not win the future days; Like in an ocean, in my soul, A cargo of lost hopes stays. Who, oh, my ocean severe, Could read all secrets in your scroll? Wholl tell the people my idea? Im God or no one at all! However, he is the Russian author who managed to come the closest to the original idea of a Byronic hero through the character of Pechorin in his work Hero of our Time.Although he made a whole list of Byronic references, such as doctor Verner having a limp, or Princess Mary reading Byron among other authors, it is the protagonist, Grigory Alexandrovich Pechorin that captur es our imagination from the first page. He suffers from spleen, enjoys danger and seduction of beautiful women. He does not do it purely for the fun, which we can clearly see from his journal, but is afraid of commitment and therefore runs away from his feelings.He chooses to stay unhappy in order to keep his freedom: Id make any sacrifice but thistwenty times I can stake my life, even my honor, but my freedom Ill never sell. Why do I prize it so much? What do I find in it? What am I aiming at? What have I to expect from the future? Nothing, absolutely nothing. Its some innate fear, an inexplicable foreboding . . . Conclusion Russia of the early 19th century was a gloomy and turbulent place. It was a time of growing nationalist ideas and revolutionary thoughts, a time of lord Byrons literary influence. Byrons struggles and support for national and regional independence movements influenced Decembrists and other revolutionaries in the 1820s. One such revolutionary was Alexander Pushkin, most famous of the Russian Romantic poets, who was exiled to his mothers estate as a result of his involvement in and support of the 1825 uprising. Pushkins impact on Russian Romanticism cannot be minimized, particularly as it relates to Mikhail Lermontov, the last famous Russian Romantic writer. Voraciously reading Byrons poetry and prose in the original, in translation, and in loose interpretation, these Russian writers dedicated themselves for over a decade to write as Byron wrote and to live as Byron lived. Both Pushkin and Lermontov thoroughly read and enjoyed Byrons work and each of them by being a bit of Byronic her oes themselves, helped to shape a new type of a Russian Romantic hero.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Always better control (ABC) Analysis
Always better control (ABC) Analysis Always better control (ABC) analysis has historically found application in inventory and materials control. Some scholars also refer to ABC analysis as Selective Inventory Control (Wild 39). ABC analysis is among the most established techniques in the field of business administration (Lun and Hung 157).The technique has proved useful in determining the frequency of counting various items.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Always better control (ABC) Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More One of the leading policies governing ABC analysis is that items in category A are characterized by accurate records and tight control, while those in category B are characterized by good records and are less tightly controlled. In contrast, C items have the minimal records and have the simplest controls. As such, the various products in an organization can be arranged into three classes namely, A, B, and C. There are a lot of simil arities between the ABC analysis and the Preto principle in the sense that items in class ââ¬ËAââ¬â¢ represent a large portion of the cumulative value but a smaller percentage of items in use. For example, 20 percent of items in class ââ¬ËAââ¬â¢ could represent 70 percent of the value of items consumed in a year. On the other hand, 30 percent of items in class ââ¬ËBââ¬â¢ accounts for 25 percent of the value of items consumed in a year (Wild 40). Finally, in class ââ¬ËCââ¬â¢, 50 percent of items in this category accounts for just 5 percent of the value of items consumed in the category annually. What this means is that ABC analysis tries to separate the most important products (those in class A) from the less important products (those in classes B and C). ABC analysis presents us with a technique for categorizing items that have a huge effect on overall inventory control (Lun and Hung 158). The ABC analysis theory appears to suggest that different inventories of a firm are unequal in value (Wild 40). For this reason, they are grouped into various categories. The categorization of the items of an organization using the ABC analysis technique allows an organization to ascertain the worth of its inventory. Accordingly, the organization is in a position to make the necessary adjustments to such inventories. For example, Class A items could be checked periodically and shipments of items in this category recorded and tracked carefully. On the other hand, items in Class B get less attention that those in Class A, while items in Class C get the least attention as they are less valuable than those in Class A. One of the strengths of the ABC analysis is that it allows managers to exercise selective focus and control on a limited number of items, and more so when the manager is faced with less items.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Also, by concentrating mainly on the ââ¬ËAââ¬â¢ category, the materials manager is in a position to exercise control over inventories, in addition to demonstrating visible results within a short period of time. This also helps to identify obsolete stocks (Vollmann 89). The ABC analysis further allows the materials manager to reduce clerical costs, thereby leading to enhanced inventory turnover and planning. In terms of weaknesses, the system does not provide proper codification and standardization of the inventory items needed. It also becomes difficult to make periodic reviews when only the ABC analysis is recalled. Another weakness of the system is that it only takes into account the monetary value of items at the expense of the significance attached to items of functioning, assembly, or production process. Lun, Kee and Hung, Lai. Shipping and Logistics Management. London: Springer, 2010. Print. Vollmann, Thomas. Manufacturing planning and control systems for supply chain à management. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005. Print. Wild, Tony. Best Practice in Inventory Management, 2nd Ed. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann, 2002. Print.
Friday, November 22, 2019
How To Attack Paired Passages in SAT Reading
How To Attack Paired Passages in SAT Reading SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Answering questions on multiple passages is a little different from answering questions on just one passage. Some of the same advice is still applicable, but there are strategies specific to multipassage questions as well. Iââ¬â¢ll go over the different topics you might see covered in paired passages on the SAT as well as giving strategies for paired passage questions. feature image credit: Happy Furry Friday by Alan L, used under CC BY 2.0/Cropped from original. SAT Reading: A Quick Recap We have a detailed breakdown of SAT Reading in another article, but just in case you've forgotten: Reading is the first section of the SAT and consists of 52 questions on six passages to be answered in 65 minutes. The passages used on the SAT are always on varying subject areas and come in three varieties: single passages, passages with charts or tables that you also have to analyze, and paired passages or "comparing passages," which I will be discussing in this article. If you want more information about how to grapple with any or all of these passage varieties, read this article. Passage-based questions come in these seven basic flavors: Big Picture: Find the main point of a passage or paragraph, or from what perspective is this information being given. Little Picture/Detail: Find a specific detail in the text, with or without location information. Inference: Based on the information provided in the passage, infer information. Vocabulary in Context: Find how a word is used in the specified place (or choose a word that best encapsulates a description from the passage). Function: Explain how a phrase, sentence, or paragraph functions in a larger context (paragraph or passage). Author Technique: What is the tone or style of a passage (often asked to compare and contrast different authorsââ¬â¢ techniques)? Find the Evidence: Which of these lines from the passage best supports your answer? Paired Passages On The SAT Out of the six passages on SAT Reading, two of them will be "paired" passages. These passages are usually 40-50 lines each and are followed by 10-12 questions. The first four to seven of these questions will be about the passages individually, while the last three to six questions will ask about both passages. Paired passages on SAT Reading often include introductory material with information about the genre, publication date, and sometimes even the general situation/topic of the text. Here's an example from a practice SAT: Questions 32-42 are based on the following passages.These passages are adapted from the Lincolnâ⬠Douglas debates. Passage 1 is from a statement by Stephen Douglas. Passage 2 is from a statement by Abraham Lincoln. Douglas and Lincoln engaged in a series of debates while competing for a US Senate seat in 1858. The introductory material above tells you about the type of passage (Passage 1 is from a statement by Douglas, Passage 2 is from a statement by Lincoln) and when the source of each passage was originally published/written (as well as when the Lincoln-Douglas Debates occurred). Like these Lincoln-Douglas passages, paired passages most frequently fall into the "U.S. Founding Documents and the Great Global Conversation" genre of SAT Reading passages. These passages are usually written pre-1900s and concern "issues and concerns central to informed citizenship" like the meaning of democracy, slavery, women's rights, civil rights and civil disobedience, and so on. The next most frequently covered subject area is science, with passages on topics such as extraterrestrial mining, organic farming, and the effect of the internet on the brain. Keep in mind, however, that while most paired passages in the past have been either science or Great Global Conversation passages, that doesn't mean that you might not come across a literary or social-science focused set of paired passages in the future. As far as the SAT is concerned, any topic could work as a set of paired passages. what lurks within by Sandy Schultz, used under CC BY 2.0. You never know what topics you'll find lurking in paired passages. Plan of Attack: All Paired Passages There is no one surefire strategy that will let you power through questions on paired passages, because part of it depends on how you approach the passage. Below, we've gathered our top three strategies for mastering paired passages; try out each to see which best works for you. Strategy 1: Start By Answering Questions on Individual Passages No matter how you approach the passage (thorough read first, questions first, or skimming and then questions), for paired passages, I highly, highly recommend answering the questions about each individual passage first before moving on to the multi-passage questions. Even if you're planning on guessing on questions that ask about multiple passages, itââ¬â¢s still worth it to take time to answer questions on individual passages. Each passage that appears as part of a set of paired passages is shorter and less complicated than the standalone long passages (since you're expected to compare passage to passage, not just focus in on one passage). Because of this, it's often easier to answer the individual passage questions- there are fewer words to read overall, and it's easier to find details. In addition, sometimes the questions the SAT asks about each individual passages will give you information that might be helpful when it comes to questions about both passages For instance, take a look at this question about an individual passage (of a set of paired passages): As used in line 32, "observed" most nearly means A) followed.B) scrutinized.C) contemplated.D) noticed. Now, hereââ¬â¢s a question in the same section that asks about both passages: Based on the passages, Lincoln would most likely describe the behavior that Thoreau recommends in lines 64-66 ("if it...law") as A) an excusable reaction to an intolerable situation.B) a rejection of the country's proper form of remedy.C) an honorable response to an unjust law.D) a misapplication of a core principle of the Constitution. Lines 64-66 read "if it is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law." If youââ¬â¢ve answered the first question, which involves going back the sentence that contains line 32 ("But I do mean to say, that, although bad laws, if they exist, should be repealed as soon as possible, still while they continue in force, for the sake of example, they should be religiously observed"), then you know that A) cannot be correct and that B) is likely correct. This doesn't necessarily give you the correct answer right away (you still have to eliminate answer choices C) and D) ), but it will save you time. A final point to keep in mind about answering questions about individual passages is that for paired passages, the two passages will agree on some things and disagree on others. Answering questions on the individual passages can help you suss out what the passages may agree or disagree on before you get to questions on both passages that ask you to do exactly that. Strategy 2: Find The Hardest Paired Passage Questions For You...And Drill Them This strategy is not unique to paired passage questions on the SAT- figuring out your weakness in any area and then focusing your time on practicing what is difficult for you will help you improve. For paired passages on SAT Reading, however, figuring out your higher level weaknesses is more difficult because it is not always clear which skill (or even combination of skills) is being tested by the question. To help out with your SAT Reading paired passage triage, I've compiled a list of the most common ways each question type might appear in the context of paired passages. Note: The questions below are all questions that ask you about multiple passages. While occasionally vocab-in-context questions will be asked after a series of longer paired passages, these questions are always in reference to either Passage 1 or Passage 2, not both; therefore, they are omitted below. Function Questions In non-paired passages, function questions ask what a phrase, sentence, or paragraph is accomplishing within the context of the whole passage. When they appear on paired passages, function questions often show up on individual passages but appear relatively infrequently with regards to both passages. Here are two ways I've seen function questions asked about multiple passages: ââ¬Å"In lines 61-65, the author of Passage 2 refers to a statement made in Passage 1 in order to" "In the context of each passage as a whole, the question in lines 25-27 of Passage 1 and lines 67-69 of Passage 2 primarily function to help each speaker" Big Picture, Detail, and Inference Questions While these questions test different skills, they will often be asked in the same way. Here are a few examples (modified from actual SAT practice tests): "The main purpose of each passage is to" "Both authors would most likely agree that the changes in cats' status that they describe would be" "Based on the passages, both authors would agree with which of the following claims?" "Webber would most likely have reacted to lines 65-68 ("The musical...terrible") of Passage 2 with" OMG! by Andrea Schaffer, used under CC BY 2.0/Cropped from original. Alas, SAT answer choices are not in cat facial expression form. While the first of these questions is clearly a main point question, itââ¬â¢s a little more hazy with others. The second question could be any of the three types, depending on the context. If "the change in cats' status" was the main point of the passages, it would be a main point question. If "the change in cats' statuses" was just mentioned in passing as part of a larger picture, it would be a detail question. If the answer choices for that question asked you to take what was in the text and go a step beyond, the question would be an inference question. Here are some more clearly-worded examples of each type of question: Big Picture Questions "Which choice identifies a central tension between the two passages?" "Based on the passages, one commonality in the stances Lincoln and Thoreau take towards house cats is that" "Both passages discuss the issue of household cats in relationship to" Inference Questions "How would Eliot most likely respond to Webber's statement in lines 30-34, Passage 1 ("As the...yowl")?" "Stevens would most likely have reacted to lines 65-68 ("Now...cat") of Passage 2 with" Detail Questions "On which of the following points would the authors of both passages most likely agree?" "Based on the passages, both authors would agree with which of the following claims?" Find the Evidence questions These questions show up in paired passages in much the same way as they do on single passages. Here are a couple of examples: "Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?"[previous question: "How would Eliot most likely respond to Webber's statement in lines 30-34, Passage 1 ("As the...yowl")?"] "Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?" [previous question: "Which choice best describes how Saintriver would most likely have reacted to Lai Wai's remarks in the final paragraph of Passage 2?"] Multi-skill questions Often, questions that ask about both passages will ask you to draw upon multiple skills. The most common examples of this are big picture/inference combo questions, which require you to figure out author perspective and then take one step beyond that. Examples: "The author of Passage 2 would most likely respond to the discussion of the future of household cats in lines 18-28, Passage 1, by claiming that such a future" "Saintriver in Passage 1 would most likely characterize the position taken by Lai Wai in lines 65-69 "Let...climb") as" "Which choice best describes the ways that the two authors conceive of the cat's proper position in the household?" It's also possible to have a combo of detail and find-the-evidence questions: "Which choice provides the best evidence that the author of Passage 2 would agree to some extent with the claim attributed to Hatshepsut in lines 41-43, Passage 1?" So what should you do to figure out which question type is most difficult for you? First, when going through practice tests (actual SAT practice tests, mind), be sure to circle the questions that you're unsure you've answered correctly. Next, compare the questions you've circled to the example questions in this article to figure out where your weaknesses lie. And finally, study our articles on specific SAT Reading question types to improve your skills in the areas that you struggle with. Strategy 3: Eliminate Answers This is somewhat related to the strategy of answering questions on individual passages first (because individual passage questions can help you out with the answers to questions on both passages). Questions that ask about both passages have to meet the same standard as questions about a single passage: there must be one unambiguously correct answer. What does this mean for multipassage questions? If part of an answer is wrong, then you can eliminate it completely. Hereââ¬â¢s an example of a common multipassage inference question: [practice2q30correctB] Which choice best describes the relationship between the two passages? A) Passage 2 relates first-hand experiences that contrast with the clinical approach in Passage 1.B) Passage 2 critiques the conclusions drawn from the research discussed in Passage 1.C) Passage 2 takes a high-level view of a result that Passage 1 examines in depth.D) Passage 2 predicts the negative reactions that the findings discussed in Passage 1 might produce. Letââ¬â¢s say youââ¬â¢ve just finished answering questions about Passage 2 when you get to this question about both passages, so Passage 2 is pretty clear in your mind. You can start by eliminating the answers that are not true for Passage 2. In this case, you can immediately eliminate A), because Passage 2 does not relate first-hand experiences. (Since the passage is too long to include here, you either have to take my word for it or read the passage in the free practice test in which it appears here.) You can also start to lean towards B), because it is unambiguously true for Passage 2. Why? Passage 1 ends with the following sentence: "Weââ¬â¢re exercising the neural circuits devoted to skimming and multitasking while ignoring those used for reading and thinking deeply." On the other hand, the second paragraph of Passage 2 begins with this sentence: "Experience does not revamp the basic information-processing capacities of the brain." As you can see from these sentences, Passage 2 certainly critiques at least one of the conclusions from Passage 1. To confirm it is the right answer, of course, you'd need to skim Passages 1 and 2 again to make sure that there aren't any other conclusions in Passage 1 (or if there are, that Passage 2 critiques them as well) and eliminate the last two answers. A common recommendation for eliminating answers is to cross out answers that are not contrasting (since oftentimes the SAT wants you to compare passages, and whatââ¬â¢s the point in comparing passages that are the same?). In this example, eliminating answers that suggest the passages have similarities would cause you to eliminate C) and D), pointing you back to the correct answer, B). However, this "eliminate answers that don't suggest the passages differ" elimination approach should not be considered a hard and fast rule. Depending on the question, the correct answer choice may confirm the two passages agree on something. Therefore, for paired passage questions, we recommend that instead of trying to go with the general strategy of "eliminate answers that don't suggest the passages differ," you still go through the answer choices and eliminate them one by one. If You Must by Michael Coghlan, used under CC BY-SA 2.0/Cropped from original. You do not want this cat coming after you for accidentally eliminating the right answer. Strategies To Attack Paired Passage Questions: A Summary #1: Answer Single-Passage Questions First. Answering questions about individual passages will often give you clues to answer questions about both passages. #2: Find Your Weaknesses And Drill Them. Figure out which type of question you tend to get wrong and then focus on improving that skill. #3: Eliminate Answers. If part of an answer is wrong, then you can eliminate it entirely. Whatââ¬â¢s Next? Find out more about the overall structure and content of SAT Critical Reading in our guide to SAT Reading. Is there a "best way" to read the passage for SAT Reading questions? Learn different ways to approach SAT Reading passages here. Get detailed with your SAT prep by studying each skill SAT Critical Reading questions test, starting with big picture questions and words-in-context questions. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points? Check out our best-in-class online SAT prep program. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your SAT score by 160 points or more. Our program is entirely online, and it customizes what you study to your strengths and weaknesses. If you liked this Reading lesson, you'll love our program.Along with more detailed lessons, you'll get thousands ofpractice problems organized by individual skills so you learn most effectively. We'll also give you a step-by-step program to follow so you'll never be confused about what to study next. Check out our 5-day free trial:
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Cross ultural Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Cross ultural Management - Essay Example We can therefore clearly differentiate the different components of this concept that is; have, think, and do. The three components are very much connected and hence hard to clearly separate them. Language, food or dresses have been viewed as external products of the term culture. Beyond this external layer, we find culture in an invisible way. This includes societyââ¬â¢s deeper values and norms which are quite difficult to identify. Characteristics The code of conduct among people of a given society differs from culture to culture. This is true to a small-homogenous society where gender, age, religion and ethnicity could show differences in culture. A good example is one person from a rich family compared to a second of same gender but from a poor family. The two individuals might show cultural differences in terms of values and behavioural expectations. Culture delineates different groupings and society units on the basis of similar ways of seeing and interacting with the whole w orld. According to Willcoxson and Millet (2000), adaptive patterns of behaviours in a given society generate new beliefs which can be recognised. Behaviours, values and beliefs, and their related rituals and myths over time have a great effect on the main assumption of the concept of culture. It gives people a great sense of belonging through collective identity other than defining individual characteristics. It defines a given group based on their similarities rather than differences (Bendrups 2008). Songs and dances Ceremonial performances are core aspects of culture. Related ceremonies including songs and dances can bring different cultural characteristics together. Songs and dances were very specific on every occasion including special occasions. Up to date, songs and dances remain a vital and part of the aboriginal life and customs (Chirwa 2001). They are therefore considered special and sacred. They are performed and composed for different ceremonies such as burial and wedding s. In some past instances, both old and young men were positioned in one group where as old women and young girls formed a different group. Most of them would paint their bodies with ochre in a moonlit and flickering camp fires stage. Men would carry spears with them and their dances where more vigorous compared to women and young girls. At present, ceremonial dress and ornamentation are worn when dances and songs are performed by different groups (McIntosh 2006). The old didgeridoo which is a wind instrument is commonly considered the main instrument of Australian Aborigines. It originated from North Queensland, and is now played in many communities in Australia differently. Therefore, diversity and complexity of cultural and spiritual practices exists among Aboriginal communities in Australia. Song and dance form an important part of culture today and though practiced by only a small number of contemporary societies, for most Aboriginal people they remain a significant part of cer emonies (Willcoxson and Millet 2000). The importance of songs and dances is demonstrated by people travelling long distances to learn new songs in exchange for goods. All people who demonstrate greater talent than others members of the aboriginal societies are normally awarded and honoured. Aboriginal religion and the beliefs which early investigators learnt about from ancient Aboriginal informants were different from Christian beliefs and practices. According to Bendrups (2008), during
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Teaching Evaluation Tool Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Teaching Evaluation Tool - Research Paper Example As the tools for appraising the performance of teachers differ in structure, Figure 1 (please see Appendix A) indicates a wider range of subject classification included during evaluative period. In particular, a number of domains are being assessed in the tool: ââ¬Å"data-driven planning, instructional delivery, assessment, learning environment, communication, professionalism, student achievement.â⬠Preliminarily, planning stage needs to be anchored with stable database on individualized background of students, for appropriate planning strategies to work. This way, strong foundations for exhibiting more effective delivery of lessons are attained, coupled with multi-dimensional methods in assessing whether teaching strategy has been a success or not. The subsequent domains are interconnected, dealing with direct associations between teachers and students in a conducive learning environment; which in turn, can be fostered by skills in communication and maintenance of professional attitudes in academic settings. In a positive academic atmosphere, learning is conducive, enhancing teacher performance as the advent of professionalism exists through respectfully treating their students as collaborative partners in education.
Sunday, November 17, 2019
The Signalman Essay Example for Free
The Signalman Essay There is an immediate sense of the unknown. The first line in the story is Halloa, below there! . This opens the story with a sense of mystery. There are two people unknown to each other, one high, and the other below. The narrator is seen as the being in the presence of light and the signalman is in the dark. This is an extreme contrast to suggesting there is a sense of difference between the two characters. The description of the railway cutting is extremely dark. His past was in a solitary and dismal place as I ever saw. On either side a dripping wet wall of jagged stone, excluding all view but a strip of sky. The description describes a very depressing place, almost reminding the reader of Hell, or something equivalent. This gives the reader the feeling of a bad place, which builds up tension, suspense, and suspicion, as to what will happen in this horrible cutting. We are also given a vivid description of the Signalmans character. As the story continues, we see the Signalmans character develop into a professional man. We find out he is a very educated man, but ran wild at university, thus being expelled. A student of natural philosophy, and attended lectures, but had run wild, misused his opportunities, gone down and never risen again. We also find out he has other qualities, which are being reliable and dutiful. We see this when he stops in mid-sentence in order to carry out his duties on the line. I observed him to be remarkably exact and vigilant, breaking of his discourse at a syllable, and remaining until what he had to do was done This leads us to believe the Narrator became impressed and interested by the Signalman. Through the Signalmans haunting we can also see other sides of him. We see he has a lot of fear, of the haunting. We can especially see this in his language in following his long conversation with the visitor, What is the danger? Where is the danger? . These short sharp sentences show the fear in the signalman. We could also see this when the traveller introduces himself, as this is where we get the first hints of the Signalmans instability and fear. He believes he has seen the traveller before and when asked where He pointed to the red light he had looked at, there. We know the Signalman is showing fear at this point as he speaks in a low voice. The language used by Dickens is suitably old fashioned, which suits it as nowadays the most popular ghost stories were written in the 19th century, Though in a subordinate position, still he held a most important trust, and would I like to stake my own life on the chances of his continuing to execute it with precision? As you can see, the style of writing is quite complicated and written in the familiar old fashioned Victorian style. Dickens use of adjectives to create a menacing and supernatural atmosphere is typical of ghost stories. The cutting which is overshadowed by trees leaving little light to shine through is described as a dungeon suggesting a claustrophobic and imprisoned atmosphere which is typical of a ghost story. Rarely are ghost stories set in wide sprawling open spaces and this is no exception. Dickens describes the tunnel as having a gloomy entrance and the actual tunnel itself being black and the signal box as dismal. But he then goes onto describe the mouth of the tunnel as described as having a barbarous, depressing and forbidding air and then the narrator feels as though he had left the natural world like he had entered hell. Kasim Hassan Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Miscellaneous section.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Physics Prac - Mesuring Wavelengths Of Light :: essays research papers
Aim: To determine the approximate value of l for red light using a diffraction kit. Theory: Diffraction of light is one explanation of the wave theory of light. Francesco Grimaldi first observed this type of behvaiour from light. However, Thomas Young was the scientist that was able to derive a mathematical formula where l can be calculated. The original experiment involved sending white light into a screen with two small holes to serve as point sources. The light from these sources was then projected onto a screen and light and dark bands were observed. The mathematical formula could then be used after taking certain measurements. Equipment: Light source (Ray box), Red cellophane, Double-slit slide, and Measuring rod (can be already attached to Ray box. Method: 1.Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Set up the ray box and place red cellophane in clip so that it is over the bulb. 2.Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Switch on ray box and stand approximately two meters away from the ray box, hold the slide up to your eye and look through one of the double slit patterns into the light. Observe disturbance pattern. 3.Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã While looking through the slide, have someone move the white marker along the slide rule until its edge is approximately halfway inside a dark or light band. 4.Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Take measurement down and then repeat step 3 and gain measurement for other dark or light bands. Results: The results gained from the experiment were conclusive and accurate when compared to the original value for l for red light. Below is a table of the measurements recorded and calculations to gain l. Calculation (con't): The value d was calculated by placing the slide in a projector and then on the whiteboard (acting as a screen), marks were made. The slide had a measurement of 1cm and from this the ratio 35:1 was established. Measurements were then made and the slides actual measurements were determined. For this particular experiment, the slide marking D was used. L was measured also using simple trigonometry. The person viewing through the slide sat at a table and then looked down at the ray box on an angle.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
The Secret Life of Bees by: Sue Monk Kidd
The secret life of bees by: Sue Monk Kidd SUMMARY: The story in The Secret Life of Bees is that of Lily Melissa Owens, a young girl who reaches puberty in rural South Carolina in 1964. Lily's mother dies when Lily is 4 years old. That day, her mother had been packing a suitcase when her father, T. Ray, raged into the house, and a big argument ensued. Her mother took a pistol off the shelf, but sometime after it fell to the floor, her mother was shot. Lily remembers the loud blast, but she can't remember who was holding the gun. Her father tells everyone Lily accidentally shot her mother. T.Ray has a short fuse which leads to lots of verbal abuse and some physical abuse. Lily and her father are opposites. She loves reading and writing, he belittles her for reading. He's a racist and critical of others, she's tolerant and respectful of everyone. After her mother dies, T. Ray hires a black nanny, Rosaleen, to care for her and do the household chores. Lily loves Rosaleen although she thi nks since Rosaleen has never had children of her own, Lily is her guinea pig. Rosaleen, who represents the stereotypical black figure of that time period, loves Lily and treats her as if she is her own.One day Rosaleen and Lily go to town so Rosaleen can register to vote. In town a group of white men taunt Rosaleen and she spills her snuff jar on their feet. The men beat Rosaleen until the police come and take Rosaleen to jail. At the jail, the men beat her some more. T. Ray comes to the jail to take Lily home. Back on the farm, Lily and T. Ray get into an argument, in which he tells Lily that Deborah her mother was going to leave her when she died. Lily gets so angry and she runs away. Lily frees Rosaleen from the hospital, where she was sent after her second beating.Rosaleen and Lily go to Tiburon, South Carolina because Deborah had a picture of a black Madonna on the back of which she wrote ââ¬Å"Tiburon, SC. â⬠Lily figures this town must have been important to Deborah. In a store, Lily sees jars of honey with pictures of the same black Madonna as their labels. Lily asks the storekeeper where the honey comes from. He tells her that a woman named August Boatwright makes the honey and that she lives in a bright pink house. Lily and Rosaleen find the pink house and knock on the door. Inside, they find three African-American sistersââ¬âAugust, June and May. Lily tells them that she is assing through town on the way to her auntââ¬â¢s house. She tells the sisters that she is an orphan. August tells Lily and Rosaleen that they are welcome to stay for now. She says that Lily can help her with the honey business and Rosaleen can help May with the house work. May is very emotional and often cries so hard that she must go to her wailing wall in the backyard, a wall in which she places prayers for all the things that sadden her. June is not happy about having Lily stay with them because she is white. When Lily overhears June saying that she dislikes her b ecause of her skin color, Lily realizes how absurd racism is.The sisters practice a religion they have created themselves and share with a group called The Daughters of Mary. The women pray to a statue of a black Mary that they call Our Lady of Chains. During her time in the pink house, Lily comes to practice this religion with the women. She loves these women and life in the pink house. Lily comes to feel accepted by the black women. Even June befriends her, eventually. She falls in love with Augustââ¬â¢s helper, Zach. Zach is an African-American boy, which complicates Lilyââ¬â¢s feelings for him. One day, one of Zachââ¬â¢s friends throws a bottle at a white man.Because none of the boys will admit who threw the bottle, they all go to jail. The women try to keep Zachââ¬â¢s imprisonment a secret from May, because it would be too much for her to handle. However, May finds out from a phone call that Zach is in jail and is unable to deal with it. May commits suicide by drown ing herself in the river. Mayââ¬â¢s friends and family are devastated by her death. Some good things come out of it, however. June decides to marry Neil, a man she has dated for years but always refused to marry because she was hurt once by someone else.Eventually life returns to normal in the pink house and Lily thinks about how she will have to tell August the truth soon. In the meantime, Lily and Zach kiss and he promises they will be together one day. Eventually Lily tells August who she really is. It turns out that August already knew, because she knew Lilyââ¬â¢s mother. August worked for Deborahââ¬â¢s family when Deborah was a child. Years later, after Lily was born, Deborah left T. Ray and came to stay with August. August said Deborah was going back to get Lily and then she was going to divorce T. Ray. When she went home, she died.Lily is outraged and saddened to learn that Deborah left her with T. Ray. August tries to explain that Deborah was depressed not thinking clearly, but Lily cannot forgive her. One day, Lily is home alone and T. Ray comes to the door. He found out where she was because she called him collect once. T. Ray went to the place she called from and a woman told him where she was. T. Ray demands that Lily comes home with him. When T. Ray notices the pin Lily is wearing, a pin he gave Deborah, Lily explains that Deborah came to the pink house when she left him. T.Ray goes into a rage and beats Lily, all the while calling her Deborah, August and Rosaleen return to the house. August tells T. Ray that Lily can stay. Ray agrees and leaves. Lily chases his car and asks him if she was responsible for her motherââ¬â¢s death. T. Ray says it was an accident, but Lily killed her. Lily finally learns to forgive her mother and herself. She is happy living with August. She goes to school with Zach. Lily learns the importance of female communities and that women can be mothers to each other. RELEVANCE: Memory is something that lily has lo st of her mother and is trying to gain back throughout the story.There is one specific incident that she canââ¬â¢t forget and itââ¬â¢s the day her mother tried to leave home and lily ends up killing her by shooting her with a gun. Lily goes through a lot of upââ¬â¢s and downââ¬â¢s trying to find out what happened to her mother and since her guardian T. Ray is just bad mouthing lilyââ¬â¢s mother and trying to prevent her, she goes to great lengths to get her answers and runs away with Rosaleen. A lot of emotional damage has already been done to lily by T. Ray but she is strong and wants to know about her mother and in the story she stops at nothing to get her answers.Lily and Rosaleen end up at a pink house with three African-American women and ask if they can stay with them, over time they all start getting to know each other. Lily starts to experience emotions that she never knew she could have besides the emotions that she has for Rosaleen. The mistreatment from T. Ray didnââ¬â¢t really allow her to have any space in her heart for better emotions. Lily starts falling in love with the helper but because of his race it complicates things but that emotion for a boy is more than what she expected to find on the adventure of finding out things about her mother.Lily wasnââ¬â¢t just searching for information about her mother or emotions that were better than the ones T. Ray was giving her but also some sense of identity. Lily feels that thereââ¬â¢s a big part of her missing because she doesnââ¬â¢t know anything about her mom. According to the text in child development by John W. Santrock ââ¬Å"identity moratorium is a status of individuals who are in the midst of a crisisâ⬠and in the story lily is in one. She is trying to get information about someone she cares about but barely knows.Lily does eventually find out the truth about her mother and even though she canââ¬â¢t get her mother back she did gain mother-like figures. CRITIQ UE: I personally like this book because of the depth in the story. Also the lesson learned throughout. The time the story takes place was a very hard time for African-Americans because of the racism and discrimination against them. Lily went through a hard time without her parents and I say in plural parents because T. Ray may have tried to play the father figure but didn't prevail because of his over controlling and demanding ways.Also, the grief and grudge he still holds against Deborah doesn't allow him to move on. Lily spent most of her life feeling guilty when she gained recognition of what did to her mom. She went out searching for information about her mom and gained mothers. The topic of racism and discrimination has always a touchy topic for me because of how bad emotionally wise African-Americans besides physical ways there have been tormented and traumatized and just the details of it in a book affect me deeply as the actions were occurring to me.
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story Chapter 22
Chapter 22 A Nod to the Queen of the Damned It only took five minutes to convince the police that Tommy had been at work all night and had seen nothing. Simon had done most of the talking. Tommy was so shocked to see his book in the cop's hand that he couldn't find the answers to even the simplest questions. He was, however, able to convince the cop that his shocked state came from a body having been found outside his apartment. Sometimes it paid to play on the ââ¬Å"I just fell off the turnip truck from Indianaâ⬠image. They hauled the turtles up the steps and set the crates on the floor in the kitchen area. ââ¬Å"Where's the little woman?â⬠Simon asked, eyeing the huge chest freezer. ââ¬Å"Probably still sleeping,â⬠Tommy said. ââ¬Å"Grab yourself a beer out of the fridge. I'll check on her.â⬠Tommy palmed open the bedroom door, then slipped through and closed it behind him. He thought, I've got to keep Simon out of here. He's going to want Jody to get up andâ⬠¦ The bed was empty. Tommy ran to the bathroom and looked in the tub, thinking that Jody might have been caught there at sunrise, but except for a rust ring, the tub was empty. He looked under the bed, found nothing but an old sock, then tore open the closet door and pushed the hanging clothes aside. Panic rose in his throat and came out in a scream of ââ¬Å"No!â⬠ââ¬Å"You okay in there?â⬠Simon said from the kitchen. ââ¬Å"She's not here!â⬠Simon opened the door. ââ¬Å"You got a nice crib here, Flood. You inherit some money or something?â⬠Simon said. Then he spotted the panic on Tommy's face. ââ¬Å"What's the matter?â⬠ââ¬Å"She's not here.â⬠ââ¬Å"So, she probably went out early to get a doughnut or something.â⬠ââ¬Å"She can't go out during the day,â⬠Tommy said before he realized what he was saying. ââ¬Å"I mean, she never goes out early.â⬠ââ¬Å"Don't sweat it. I thought you were going to teach me to read. Let's drink some beers and read some fucking books, okay?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, I have to go look for her. She could be out in the sunâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"Chill, Flood. She's fine. The worst that could happen is she's out with another guy. You might be a free man.â⬠Simon picked up a book from the stack by the bed. ââ¬Å"Let's read this one. What's this one?â⬠Tommy wasn't listening. He was seeing Jody's burned body lying in a gutter somewhere. How could she let it happen? Didn't she check the almanac? He had to look for her. But where? You can't search a city the size of San Francisco. Simon threw the book back on the stack and headed out of the bedroom, ââ¬Å"Okay then, Slick, I'm out of here. Thanks for the beer.â⬠ââ¬Å"Okay,â⬠Tommy said. Then the idea of spending the day alone, waiting, threw him into another wave of panic. ââ¬Å"No, Simon! Wait. We'll read.â⬠ââ¬Å"That one on the top of the stack,â⬠Simon said. ââ¬Å"What's that one?â⬠Tommy picked it up. ââ¬Å"The Vampire Lestat, by Anne Rice. I hear it's good.â⬠ââ¬Å"Then grab a beer and let's get literate.â⬠Rivera, bleary-eyed and looking as if he had slept in his suit, sat at his desk looking over his notes. No matter how he shuffled them, they didn't make sense, didn't show a pattern. The only link between the victims was the way they had died: no motive. They wouldn't get the autopsy report for another twelve hours, but there was no doubt that the same person had done the killings. Nick Cavuto came through the squad room door carrying a box of doughnuts and a copy of the San Francisco Examiner. ââ¬Å"They fucking named him. The Examiner is calling him the Whiplash Killer. Once they name the killer, our problems double. You got anything?â⬠Rivera waved to the notes spread over his desk and shrugged. ââ¬Å"I'm out of it, Nick. I can't even read my own writing. You take a look.â⬠Cavuto took a maple stick from the box and sat down across from Rivera. He grabbed a handful of papers and began leafing through them, then stopped and flipped back. He looked up. ââ¬Å"You talked to this Flood kid this morning, right?â⬠Rivera was looking at the doughnuts. His stomach lurched at the thought of eating one. ââ¬Å"Yeah, he lives across the street from where we found the body. He works at the Marina Safeway ââ¬â was working at the time of the murder.â⬠Cavuto raised an eyebrow. ââ¬Å"The kid was staying at the motel where we found the old lady.â⬠ââ¬Å"You're kidding.â⬠Cavuto held out the notes for Rivera to read. ââ¬Å"List of guests. A uniform talked to the kid, said he was at work, but no one confirmed it.â⬠Rivera looked up apologetically. ââ¬Å"I can't believe I missed that. The kid was a little squirrelly when I talked to him. His friend did most of the talking.â⬠Cavuto gathered up the papers. ââ¬Å"Go home. Shower and sleep. I'll call the manager of the Safeway and make sure the kid was working at the time of the murders. We'll go there tonight and talk to the kid.â⬠ââ¬Å"Okay, then let's ask him how he's getting the blood out of the bodies.â⬠Tommy had spent two hours trying to explain the difference between vowels and consonants to Simon before he gave up and sent the cowboy home to wax his truck and watch ââ¬Å"Sesame Street.â⬠Maybe Simon wasn't meant to read. Maybe he was meant to be all instinct and no intelligence. In a way, Tommy admired him. Simon didn't worry, he took things at face value as they happened. Simon was like the strong, free and easy Cassady to Tommy's introspective, overanalytical Kerouac. Maybe he would put Simon in his story of the little girl growing up in the South. The story he would be working on if he weren't worrying about Jody. He sat all day on the couch, reading The Vampire Lestat until he couldn't concentrate anymore, then he paced the apartment, checking his watch and railing to Peary, who listened patiently from the freezer. ââ¬Å"You know, Peary, it's inconsiderate of her not to leave me a note. I don't have any idea what she does while I'm at work. She could be having a dozen affairs and I wouldn't even know.â⬠He checked the almanac eight times for the time the sun would set. ââ¬Å"I know, I know, until I met Jody, nothing really ever happened to me. That's why I came here, right? Okay, I'm being unfair, but maybe I'd be better off with a normal woman. Jody just doesn't understand that I'm not like other guys. That I'm special. I'm a writer. I can't handle stress as well as other guys ââ¬â I take it personal.â⬠Tommy heated up a frozen dinner and left the freezer lid open so Peary could hear him better. ââ¬Å"I have to look to the future, you know. When I'm a famous writer I'm going to have to go on book tours. She can't go with me. What can I say, ââ¬ËNo, I'm sorry, but I can't go. If I go away my wife will starve to death'?â⬠He paced around the turtles, who were struggling in their crates. One of them raised his spiny head and considered Tommy. ââ¬Å"I know how you guys feel. Just waiting for someone to eat you. You think I don't know how that feels?â⬠When he could no longer look them in the eye, he carried the turtles into the bathroom, then returned to the living room and tried to get through a few more chapters of The Vampire Lestat. ââ¬Å"This is wrong,â⬠he said to Peary. ââ¬Å"It says that vampires don't have sex after they are turned. Of course it only talks about male vampires. What if she's been faking? You know, she could be frigid except for when she drinks my blood.â⬠He was working himself into a frenzy of sexual insecurity ââ¬â something that felt familiar and almost comfortable ââ¬â when the phone rang. He yanked it off the cradle. ââ¬Å"Hello.â⬠A woman's voice, surprised but trying to not to show it, said, ââ¬Å"Hello. I'd like to speak to Jody, please.â⬠ââ¬Å"She's not here,â⬠Tommy said. ââ¬Å"She's at work,â⬠he added quickly. ââ¬Å"I called her at work and they said she left her job over a month ago.â⬠ââ¬Å"Uh, she has a new job. I don't know the number.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, whoever you are,â⬠the woman said, losing the pretense of politeness, ââ¬Å"would you tell her that she still has a mother. And tell her that it is common courtesy to tell your mother when you change your phone number. And tell her that I need to know what she is going to do for the holidays.â⬠ââ¬Å"I'll tell her,â⬠Tommy said. ââ¬Å"Are you the stockbroker? What was itâ⬠¦ Kurt?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, I'm Tommy.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, it's only two weeks until Christmas, Tommy, so if you're still around, we'll be meeting.â⬠ââ¬Å"I'll look forward to it,â⬠Tommy said. Like I look forward to a root canal, he thought. Jody's mom hung up. Tommy put down the phone and checked his watch. Only an hour to sunset. ââ¬Å"She's alive,â⬠he said to Peary, ââ¬Å"I'm sure of it. If she survived her mother, she can survive anything.â⬠She heard steam rushing through pipes, rats scurrying in shredded paper, the spinnerets of spiders weaving webs, the footsteps of a heavy man, and the padding and panting of dogs. She opened her eyes and looked around. She was on her back on the basement floor, alone. Cardboard boxes were scattered about the room. Moonlight and sounds of movement spilled through the broken window. She got up and stepped up on a crate to look out the window. She was met by a yap and a snort and the growling countenance of a bug-eyed dog with a pan strapped to his head. ââ¬Å"Ack!â⬠She wiped the slime from her cheek. The Emperor fell to his knees and reached through the window. ââ¬Å"Oh goodness, are you all right, dear?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes, I'm fine. I'm fine.â⬠ââ¬Å"Are you injured? Shall I call the police?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, thank you. Could you give me a hand?â⬠She would have leaped through the window, but it wasn't a good idea in front of the Emperor. She took his hand and let him pull her through the window. Once on her feet in the alley, she dusted off her jeans. Bummer had fallen into a yapping fit. The Emperor picked up the little dog and stuffed him into his oversized coat pocket. ââ¬Å"I must apologize for Bummer's behavior. There's no excuse for it, really, but he is a victim of inbreeding. Being royalty myself, I make allowances. If it's any consolation, it was only on Bummer's insistence that we ventured down this alley and found you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, thanks,â⬠Jody said. ââ¬Å"I don't know exactly what happened.â⬠ââ¬Å"Check your valuables, dear. You've obviously been accosted by some ne'er-do-well. Perhaps we should find you some medical attention.â⬠ââ¬Å"No, I'm just a little shaken up. I just need to get home.â⬠ââ¬Å"Then please allow me and my men to escort you to your door.â⬠ââ¬Å"No, that's okay. My loft is just at the end of the alley.â⬠The Emperor held up his finger to caution her. ââ¬Å"Please, my dear. Safety first.â⬠Jody shrugged. ââ¬Å"Well, all right. Thanks.â⬠Bummer was squirming and snorting inside the Emperor's buttoned pocket like ââ¬â well, like a pocketful of dog. ââ¬Å"Can he breathe in there?â⬠ââ¬Å"Bummer will be fine. He's just a bit overexcited since we've gone to war. His first time in the field, you know.â⬠Jody eyed the Emperor's cruelly pointed wooden sword. ââ¬Å"How goes the battle?â⬠ââ¬Å"I believe we are closing in on the forces of evil. The fiend will be vanquished and victory will soon be ours.â⬠ââ¬Å"That's nice,â⬠Jody said. When Tommy heard her coming up the stairs he threw his book across the room, ran to the loft door, and yanked it open. Jody was standing on the landing. ââ¬Å"Hi,â⬠she said. Tommy was torn between taking her in his arms and pushing her down the steps. He just stood there. ââ¬Å"Hi,â⬠he said. Jody kissed him on the cheek and walked passed him into the loft. Tommy stood there, trying to figure out how to react. ââ¬Å"Are you okay?â⬠Once he was sure she wasn't hurt, he'd tear into her for staying out all day. She fell onto the futon like a bag of rags. ââ¬Å"I had a really bad night.â⬠ââ¬Å"Where were you?â⬠ââ¬Å"I was in a basement, about half a block from here. I would have called, but I was dead.â⬠ââ¬Å"That's not funny. I was worried. They found a body out front last night.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know, I saw the cops all over the place outside, just before dawn. That's why I couldn't get back.â⬠ââ¬Å"The cops had my copy of On the Road in an evidence bag. I think I'm in trouble.â⬠ââ¬Å"Was your name in it?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, but obviously my fingerprints were all over it. How did it get there?â⬠ââ¬Å"The vampire put it there, Tommy.â⬠ââ¬Å"How did he get it? It was here in the loft.â⬠ââ¬Å"I don't know. He's trying to freak us out. He's leaving the bodies near us so the police will connect us to the killings. He doesn't have to leave bodies at all, Tommy. He's killing these people in a way that leaves evidence.â⬠ââ¬Å"What do you mean, he doesn't have to leave bodies at all?â⬠ââ¬Å"Tommy, come here. Sit down. I have to tell you something.â⬠ââ¬Å"I don't like the tone of your voice. This is bad news, isn't it? This is the big letdown, isn't it? You were with another guy last night.â⬠ââ¬Å"Sit down and shut up, please.â⬠Tommy sat and she told him. Told him about the killing, about the body turning to dust, and about being dragged into the basement. When she had finished, Tommy sat for a moment looking at her, then moved away from her on the futon. ââ¬Å"You took the guy's money?â⬠ââ¬Å"It seemed wrong to throw it away.â⬠ââ¬Å"And killing him didn't seem wrong?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, it didn't. I can't explain it. It felt like I was supposed to.â⬠ââ¬Å"If you were hungry you should have told me. I don't mind, really.â⬠ââ¬Å"It wasn't like that, Tommy. Look, I don't know how to file this ââ¬â emotionally, I mean. I don't feel like I killed someone. The point I'm trying to make is that the body crumbled to dust. There was no body. The people the vampire is killing aren't dying from his bite. He's breaking their necks before they die. He's doing all this on purpose to scare me. I'm afraid he might hurt you to get at me. I've suspected it for a long time, but I didn't want to say anything to you. If you want to leave, I'll understand.â⬠ââ¬Å"I didn't say anything about leaving. I don't know what to do. How would you feel if I told you I had killed someone?â⬠ââ¬Å"It would depend. This guy wanted to die. He was in pain. He was going to die anyway.â⬠ââ¬Å"Do you want me to leave?â⬠ââ¬Å"Of course not. But I need you to try and understand.â⬠ââ¬Å"I am trying. That's all I've been doing. Why do you think I've been doing all these experiments? You act like this is easy for me. I've been a mess all day worrying about you and you're in a basement a few steps away. What about that? Who dragged you into the basement?â⬠ââ¬Å"I don't know.â⬠ââ¬Å"Whoever it was saved your life. Was it the vampire?â⬠ââ¬Å"I said, I don't know.â⬠Tommy went across the room and pick up the paperback of The Vampire Lestat. ââ¬Å"This guy, Lestat, he can tell when there's another vampire around. He can sense it. Can't you sense it?â⬠ââ¬Å"Right, and that's why we have a dead guy in the freezer. No, I can't sense it.â⬠Tommy held up the book. ââ¬Å"There's a whole history of the vampire race in here. I think this Anne Rice knows a real vampire or something.â⬠ââ¬Å"That's what you thought about Bram Stoker, too. And I spent an hour standing on a chair trying to turn into a bat.â⬠ââ¬Å"No, this is different. Lestat isn't evil, he likes humans. He only kills murderers that are without remorse. He knows when there are other vampires around. Lestat can fly.â⬠Jody jumped up and ripped the book out of his hand. ââ¬Å"And Anne Rice can write, Tommy, but I'm not throwing that in your face.â⬠ââ¬Å"You don't have to get personal.â⬠ââ¬Å"Look, Tommy, maybe there's some truth in one of these books that you're reading, but how do we know which one? Huh? Nobody gave me a fucking owner's manual when I got these fangs. I'm doing the best that I can.â⬠Tommy looked away from her, then at his shoes. ââ¬Å"You're right, I'm sorry. I'm confused and I'm a little scared. I don't know what I'm doing either. Hell, Jody, you might have AIDS now, we don't know.â⬠ââ¬Å"I don't have AIDS. I know I don't.â⬠ââ¬Å"How do you know? It's not like we can send you down to the clinic to test you or anything.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know it, Tommy. I could feel it if I did. Except for sunlight and food, I'm not even allergic to anything anymore. Hand lotions and soaps I couldn't get near before without breaking into a rash don't affect me. I've done a few experiments of my own. My body won't let anything hurt me. I'm safe. Besidesâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ Jody paused and grinned, waiting for him to ask. ââ¬Å"Besides what?â⬠ââ¬Å"He was wearing a condom.â⬠Tommy resumed staring at his shoes, said nothing, then looked up at her and laughed. ââ¬Å"That's incredibly sick, Jody.â⬠She nodded and laughed. ââ¬Å"I love you,â⬠he said, moving to her and taking her in his arms. ââ¬Å"Me too,â⬠she said, hugging him back. ââ¬Å"That's really sick, you know that?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yep,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"Tommy, I don't want to break this beautiful moment, but I have to take a shower.â⬠She kissed him and pushed him away gently, then headed into the bathroom. ââ¬Å"Uh, Jody,â⬠he called after her, ââ¬Å"I got a present for you in Chinatown today.â⬠There's an explanation for this, she thought, standing in the bathroom, looking at the turtles. There is a perfectly good reason why there are two huge snapping turtles in my tub. ââ¬Å"Do you like them?â⬠Tommy was standing in the doorway behind her. ââ¬Å"These are for me, then?â⬠She tried to smile. She really did. ââ¬Å"Yeah, Simon helped me get them home. I didn't think I could carry them on the bus. Aren't they great?â⬠Jody looked in the tub again. The turtles were trying to crawl on top of each other. Their claws screeched on the porcelain when they moved. ââ¬Å"I don't know what to say,â⬠Jody said. ââ¬Å"I thought that we could feed them fish and stuff, and you'd have a blood supply right here at home. Besides me, I mean.â⬠She turned and regarded Tommy. Yes, he was serious. He was really serious. ââ¬Å"You haven'tâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"Their names are Scott and Zelda. Zelda is missing a toe on her back foot. That's how you tell them apart. Do you like them? You seem a little reticent.â⬠A little, she thought. You couldn't have brought me flowers or jewelry, like most guys. You had to say it with reptiles. ââ¬Å"I don't suppose there's any chance that you saved the receipt?â⬠Tommy's face avalanched into disappointment. ââ¬Å"You don't like them.â⬠ââ¬Å"No, they're fine. But, I really wanted to take a shower. I'm not sure I want to be naked in front of them.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh,â⬠Tommy said, brightening. ââ¬Å"I'll take them into the living room.â⬠He pulled a towel off the rod and began maneuvering over the tub, trying to get a drop on Zelda. ââ¬Å"You have to be careful; they can take off a finger in those jaws.â⬠ââ¬Å"I see,â⬠Jody said. But she didn't see at all. The idea of biting one of the spiny creatures in the tub gave her an industrial-size case of the creeps. Tommy lunged and came up with Zelda, wrapped in swaddling clothes and snapping at his face. ââ¬Å"She hates being picked up.â⬠Zelda's claws tore at the towel and Tommy's shirt as she attempted to swim through midair. He set the turtle on her back on the bathroom floor and readied the towel to lunge into the tub for Scott. ââ¬Å"Lestat can call animals to him when he's hungry. Maybe you can train them.â⬠ââ¬Å"Stop it with the Lestat stuff, Tommy. I'm not sucking turtles.â⬠He turned to her and slipped, falling into the tub. Scott snapped, barely missing Tommy's arm, and latched on to the sleeve of his denim shirt. ââ¬Å"I'm okay. I'm okay. He didn't get me.â⬠Jody pulled him from the tub. Scott was still attached to his sleeve and was determined not to let go. Turtles hate heights. They don't even like being a few feet off the ground. It's the main reason they have resisted evolution for so long ââ¬â fear of heights. Turtle thinking goes thus: Sure, first our scales turn into feathers and the next thing you know we're flying and chirping and perching on trees. We've seen it happen. Thanks, but we're staying right here in the mud where we belong. You're not going to see us flying full-tilt boogie into a sliding glass door. Scott was not letting go of the sleeve, not as long as Tommy was standing. ââ¬Å"Help me,â⬠Tommy said. ââ¬Å"Pry him off.â⬠Jody looked for a place on the turtle to grab ââ¬â reached out and pulled back several times. ââ¬Å"I don't want to touch him.â⬠The phone rang. ââ¬Å"I'll get it,â⬠Jody said, running out of the bathroom. Tommy dragged Scott to the doorway, keeping his feet safely away from Zelda's jaws. ââ¬Å"I forgot to tell youâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"Hello,â⬠Jody said into the phone. ââ¬Å"Oh, hi, Mom.ââ¬
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Free Essays on Kind Henry V
The role of the Chorus in the Shakespeare's play, Henry V, is significant. Due to the subject matter that the play deals with, it is hard to present in the way that it deserves. The Chorus helps the audience follow the play by helping them to picture things as they were through the use of imagery. It uses descriptive language in describing events that take place in the play. The Chorus also helps in making the plot of the play flow together better by filling the time lapses that occur between acts due to the fact that the event being depicted in only a few hours actually occurred over several years, leaving some gaps between events. It also explains what happens in an act beforehand because the scenes switch around from place to place, and it can get confusing. The most important function of the Chorus is that it encourages the audience to be patient and reminds them to use their imagination to envision the events that occur in the play, to really imagine the royal courts of England and France, and to really imagine the battle scenes with all the horses and men. The prologue to the beginning of this play calls upon the "Muse" to help present the play. The chorus explains to the audience of the difficulties faced in presenting this play. It is difficult to transform a small stage to represent the English or French Courts, or the battlefield in France. They apologize, telling the audience, "But pardon, gentles all, the flat unraised spirits that hath dared on this unworthy scaffold to bring forth so great an object" (li 8-11). It is difficult to depict the life of King Henry V with all the honor and glory that he deserves when presenting it on the stage. The chorus also apologizes for the "crooked figure" of the numbers involved in this incident. The audience is called upon to use their imaginations in helping to set the scene and to help them to ignore all the incongruencies of the play. The chorus asks the audience to ... Free Essays on Kind Henry V Free Essays on Kind Henry V The role of the Chorus in the Shakespeare's play, Henry V, is significant. Due to the subject matter that the play deals with, it is hard to present in the way that it deserves. The Chorus helps the audience follow the play by helping them to picture things as they were through the use of imagery. It uses descriptive language in describing events that take place in the play. The Chorus also helps in making the plot of the play flow together better by filling the time lapses that occur between acts due to the fact that the event being depicted in only a few hours actually occurred over several years, leaving some gaps between events. It also explains what happens in an act beforehand because the scenes switch around from place to place, and it can get confusing. The most important function of the Chorus is that it encourages the audience to be patient and reminds them to use their imagination to envision the events that occur in the play, to really imagine the royal courts of England and France, and to really imagine the battle scenes with all the horses and men. The prologue to the beginning of this play calls upon the "Muse" to help present the play. The chorus explains to the audience of the difficulties faced in presenting this play. It is difficult to transform a small stage to represent the English or French Courts, or the battlefield in France. They apologize, telling the audience, "But pardon, gentles all, the flat unraised spirits that hath dared on this unworthy scaffold to bring forth so great an object" (li 8-11). It is difficult to depict the life of King Henry V with all the honor and glory that he deserves when presenting it on the stage. The chorus also apologizes for the "crooked figure" of the numbers involved in this incident. The audience is called upon to use their imaginations in helping to set the scene and to help them to ignore all the incongruencies of the play. The chorus asks the audience to ...
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Why Powerful Men Sexually Harass Women
Why Powerful Men Sexually Harass Women We know from recent studies that half the workforce in the US is female. And were also well aware that though the numbers may be equal, the power distribution isnt. Only 15 women served as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies in 2009. Even at the upper and middle levels of management and leadership, men predominate. And with power comes abuse. When a woman files a sexual harassment complaint, its rarely about a co-worker harassing her. Its usually a boss, supervisor, or someone higher up the food chain. Anecdotal evidence suggests that for some men, power provides opportunities and access. Many perpetrators dangle potential jobs, pay raises, or promotions in front of women with the implication that if youre nice to me, Ill be nice to you. But is sexual harassment about sex and lust, or control and domination? Is power the catalyst that flips the off switch into an on position for some men who would otherwise not behave this way if they werent in charge? Those who study human behavior tend to agree that powerful men sexually harass women more than men on equal footing with their female co-workers, but what triggers that is up for debate. Most, however, agree that sexual harassment is not about desire but domination. Noted legal scholar Catharine A. MacKinnon specializes in sex equality issues under constitutional and international law. In her book Directions in Sexual Harassment Law co-written with Reva B. Siegel, MacKinnon states: ...[S]exual harassment is...the expression, in sexual terms, of power, privilege, or dominance....To understand sexual harassment primarily in terms of misplaced sexual desire is wrong for many of the same reasons that it is a mistake to understand rape as primarily a crime of passion or lust. acceptance of interpersonal violencethe desire to dominate womenhigh authoritarianismdifficulty seeing othersââ¬â¢ perspectives (difficulty being empathetic)belief in sex-role stereotypesendorsement of stereotypic views of male sex-role norms While the tendency is to link the above traits to male behavior, it might be more accurate to blame hormones specifically an overabundance of testosterone. Widely recognized as a major factor in dominant behavior, testosterone also impacts men in other ways (and can similarly influence women with elevated levels in their own bodies). Writing about The Testosterone Curse for Psychology Today, Leon F. Seltzer, Ph.D. notes the many traits associated with high-T (high testosterone) males: ...[D]ominant individuals also tend to be extremely competitive, and are frequently endowed with whats commonly known as the killer instinct. ....[I]n cutthroat businesses, its undeniably an asset....[but] a driving need to compete with others undermines the empathy, understanding, tolerance, and compassion necessary to sustain close, caring relationships.At its worst, high-T dominance and competitiveness can involve brute force, violence, and fighting behavior of all kinds....Their more tender feelings literally blunted by elevated testosterone levels, they tend not to be particularly concerned aboutor, for that matter, interested inthe feelings of others....Sadly, theres seems to be something about high testosterone levels that contributes to an almost predatory frame of mind....Complementing this tendency to be imprudent, rash, or even reckless, are a variety of research findings indicating that high-testosterone males are more likely to be impulsive, impatient, unreliable.... According to anthropologist and historian Laura Betzig, the point of politics is sex. She cites rulers throughout history who routinely engaged in sexual harassment and sexual assault, adding: Why is every man with a big harem a despot? Because collecting womenââ¬âlike tribute, like labor, like homageââ¬âtends to require force. People...tend to cede favors on two accounts. One is, they get a favor back; the other is, they get beat up if they dont. There are, in short, positive and negative sanctions. because they can Powerful men have a both an overactive libido as compared to normal men, but they are also more willing to gamble that they can get away with their sexual activities....[I]n my opinion, it is the position of power itself that makes men arrogant, narcissistic, egocentric, oversexed, paranoid, despotic, and craving even more power, though there are exceptions to this rule. Powerful men generally have a keen eye for female beauty and attractiveness....Every willing woman confirms the power of the powerful man....It is not too speculative to think that powerful men live in a sexualized or eroticized world. Not only do they expect to have sex whenever they fancy, but they also expect that every woman is always willing to provide this service, and enjoy it. They are...opportunistic and just take what they want. It probably comes as a complete surprise when somebody does not comply. The forbiddenness, and the awareness of transgression, makes the sex even more attractive... Sources:Betzig, Laura. Sex in History. Michigan Today, michigantoday.umich.edu. March 1994.MacKinnon, Catharine A. and Reva B. Siegel. Directions in Sexual Harassment Law. p. 174. Yale University Press. 2004Seltzer, Leon F., Ph.D. The Testosterone Curse (Part 2). PsychologyToday.com. 6 May 2009.Sex and Power: Powerful Men Have an Overactive Libido. Spiegel Online. 27 May 2011.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)