Practice ESL Dialogue A Chat With the Neighbor

Article Review On The World By Ted Rivera - 797 Words

Men of Old, Men of Reknown - The Offspring of Eloheem Were Giants By Ted Rivera | Submitted On May 11, 2010 Recommend Article Article Comments Print Article Share this article on Facebook 1 Share this article on Twitter Share this article on Google+ Share this article on Linkedin Share this article on StumbleUpon Share this article on Delicious Share this article on Digg Share this article on Reddit 1 Share this article on Pinterest Expert Author Ted Rivera The mythologies of the world are filled with legends of superhuman creatures that roamed the lands and pillaged the earth in ancient times. Are these characters ancient Frankenstein s imagined to frighten little cave children into eating their veggies, or where there actually Giant hominids that were the result of the abominable union of Angels and Women? Because they were half Angel, they had no need for food yet they constantly hungered for the wealth and flesh of humans. This insatiable hunger was due to the fact that their Spirits were not of the earth or from heaven, but organic mutations out of place on Earth and under the Power of Darkness. In Greek mythology, Giants fought against the Gods in an attempt to take power from Zeus. The Gigantomachia (Giant-War) is a Greek myth about a war for power between the Giants and the gods of Mount Olympus. Norse Mythology refers to the Giants as the Jotnar that conquered Asgard in The Battle of Ragnarok. The Hindu gods, The Vedas, came to Earth and theirShow MoreRelatedTalk Shows5538 Words   |  23 Pagesposition between news and entertainment, though their hosts (Phil Donahue, Oprah Winfrey, and Geraldo Rivera, for example) often got their training in journalism. Approximately a third of the major talk show hosts listed at the end of the essay came out of news. The other two thirds came from entertainment (comedy in particular). Within the journalistic tradition, the names Edward R. Murrow, Mike Wallace, Ted Koppel and Bill Moyers stand out. News talk hosts like Murrow, Koppel, and Moyers do not haveRead MoreHistory and Importance of Baseball in the US Essay1763 Words   |  8 PagesWrigley Field remains as one of the most iconic sporting venues in not only baseball but in any sport in the world. When people think of Wrigley field they think of the ivy covered walls and voices yelling â€Å"Take Me Out to the Ballgame† as well as the white flags and the old traditional style of the ballpark itself. Unfortunately for the loyal fans of the Cubs, they still remain without a World Series victory since the opening of the beautiful ballpark in 1916. When someone hears Fenway Park his/herRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 Pages1 1 Introduction What Is Organizational Behavior? 3 The Importance of Interpersonal Skills 4 What Managers Do 5 Management Functions 6 †¢ Management Roles 6 †¢ Management Skills 8 †¢ Effective versus Successful Managerial Activities 8 †¢ A Review of the Manager’s Job 9 Enter Organizational Behavior 10 Complementing Intuition with Systematic Study 11 Disciplines That Contribute to the OB Field 13 Psychology 14 †¢ Social Psychology 14 †¢ Sociology 14 †¢ Anthropology 14 There Are Few Absolutes in

The Golden Compass Chapter Two Free Essays

string(65) " put the first slide into the frame and slid it behind the lens\." Chapter Two The Idea Of North â€Å"Master,† said Lord Asriel. â€Å"Yes, I’m back. Do bring in your guests; I’ve got something very interesting to show you. We will write a custom essay sample on The Golden Compass Chapter Two or any similar topic only for you Order Now † â€Å"Lord Asriel,† said the Master heavily, and came forward to shake his hand. From her hiding place Lyra watched the Master’s eyes, and indeed, they flicked toward the table for a second, where the Tokay had been. â€Å"Master,† said Lord Asriel. â€Å"I came too late to disturb your dinner, so I made myself at home in here. Hello, Sub-Rector. Glad to see you looking so well. Excuse my rough appearance; I’ve only just landed. Yes, Master, the Tokay’s gone. I think you’re standing in it. The Porter knocked it off the table, but it was my fault. Hello, Chaplain. I read your latest paper with great interest.† He moved away with the Chaplain, leaving Lyra with a clear view of the Master’s face. It was impassive, but the daemon on his shoulder was shuffling her feathers and moving restlessly from foot to foot. Lord Asriel was already dominating the room, and although he was careful to be courteous to the Master in the Master’s own territory, it was clear where the power lay. The Scholars greeted the visitor and moved into the room, some sitting around the table, some in the armchairs, and soon a buzz of conversation filled the air. Lyra could see that they were powerfully intrigued by the wooden case, the screen, and the lantern. She knew the Scholars well: the Librarian, the Sub-Rector, the Enquirer, and the rest; they were men who had been around her all her life, taught her, chastised her, consoled her, given her little presents, chased her away from the fruit trees in the garden; they were all she had for a family. They might even have felt like a family if she knew what a family was, though if she did, she’d have been more likely to feel that about the College servants. The Scholars had more important things to do than attend to the affections of a half-wild, half-civilized girl, left among them by chance. The Master lit the spirit lamp under the little silver chafing dish and heated some butter before cutting half a dozen poppy heads open and tossing them in. Poppy was always served after a feast: it clarified the mind and stimulated the tongue, and made for rich conversation. It was traditional for the Master to cook it himself. Under the sizzle of the frying butter and the hum of talk, Lyra shifted around to find a more comfortable position for herself. With enormous care she took one of the robes – a full-length fur – off its hanger and laid it on the floor of the wardrobe. â€Å"You should have used a scratchy old one,† whispered Pantalaimon. â€Å"If you get too comfortable, you’ll go to sleep.† â€Å"If I do, it’s your job to wake me up,† she replied. She sat and listened to the talk. Mighty dull talk it was, too; almost all of it politics, and London politics at that, nothing exciting about Tartars. The smells of frying poppy and smoke-leaf drifted pleasantly in through the wardrobe door, and more than once Lyra found herself nodding. But finally she heard someone rap on the table. The voices fell silent, and then the Master spoke. â€Å"Gentlemen,† he said. â€Å"I feel sure I speak for all of us when I bid Lord Asriel welcome. His visits are rare but always immensely valuable, and I understand he has something of particular interest to show us tonight. This is a time of high political tension, as we are all aware; Lord Asriel’s presence is required early tomorrow morning in White Hall, and a train is waiting with steam up ready to carry him to London as soon as we have finished our conversation here; so we must use our time wisely. When he has finished speaking to us, I imagine there will be some questions. Please keep them brief and to the point. Lord Asriel, would you like to begin?† â€Å"Thank you, Master,† said Lord Asriel. â€Å"To start with, I have a few slides to show you. Sub-Rector, you can see best from here, I think. Perhaps the Master would like to take the chair near the wardrobe?† Lyra marveled at her uncle’s skill. The old Sub-Rector was nearly blind, so it was courteous to make room for him nearer the screen, and his moving forward meant that the Master would be sitting next to the Librarian, only a matter of a yard or so from where Lyra was crouched in the wardrobe. As the Master settled in the armchair, Lyra heard him murmur: â€Å"The devil! He knew about the wine, I’m sure of it.† The Librarian murmured back, â€Å"He’s going to ask for funds. If he forces a vote – â€Å" â€Å"If he does that, we must just argue against, with all the eloquence we have.† The lantern began to hiss as Lord Asriel pumped it hard. Lyra moved slightly so that she could see the screen, where a brilliant white circle had begun to glow. Lord Asriel called, â€Å"Could someone turn the lamp down?† One of the Scholars got up to do that, and the room darkened. Lord Asriel began: â€Å"As some of you know, I set out for the North twelve months ago on a diplomatic mission to the King of Lapland. At least, that’s what I pretended to be doing. In fact, my real aim was to go further north still, right on to the ice, in fact, to try and discover what had happened to the Grumman expedition. One of Grumman’s last messages to the academy in Berlin spoke of a certain natural phenomenon only seen in the lands of the North. I was determined to investigate that as well as find out what I could about Grumman. But the first picture I’m going to show you isn’t directly about either of those things.† And he put the first slide into the frame and slid it behind the lens. You read "The Golden Compass Chapter Two" in category "Essay examples" A circular photogram in sharp black and white appeared on the screen. It had been taken at night under a full moon, and it showed a wooden hut in the middle distance, its walls dark against the snow that surrounded it and lay thickly on the roof. Beside the hut stood an array of philosophical instruments, which looked to Lyra’s eye like something from the Anbaric Park on the road to Yarnton: aerials, wires, porcelain insulators, all glittering in the moonlight and thickly covered in frost. A man in furs, his face hardly visible in the deep hood of his garment, stood in the foreground, with his hand raised as if in greeting. To one side of him stood a smaller figure. The moonlight bathed everything in the same pallid gleam. â€Å"That photogram was taken with a standard silver nitrate emulsion,† Lord Asriel said. â€Å"I’d like you to look at another one, taken from the same spot only a minute later, with a new specially prepared emulsion.† He lifted out the first slide and dropped another into the frame. This was much darker; it was as if the moonlight had been filtered out. The horizon was still visible, with the dark shape of the hut and its light snow-covered roof standing out, but the complexity of the instruments was hidden in darkness. But the man had altogether changed: he was bathed in light, and a fountain of glowing particles seemed to be streaming from his upraised hand. â€Å"That light,† said the Chaplain, â€Å"is it going up or coming down?† â€Å"It’s coming down,† said Lord Asriel, â€Å"but it isn’t light. It’s Dust.† Something in the way he said it made Lyra imagine dust with a capital letter, as if this wasn’t ordinary dust. The reaction of the Scholars confirmed her feeling, because Lord Asriel’s words caused a sudden collective silence, followed by gasps of incredulity. â€Å"But how – â€Å" â€Å"Surely – â€Å" â€Å"It can’t – â€Å" â€Å"Gentlemen!† came the voice of the Chaplain. â€Å"Let Lord Asriel explain.† â€Å"It’s Dust,† Lord Asriel repeated. â€Å"It registered as light on the plate because particles of Dust affect this emulsion as photons affect silver nitrate emulsion. It was partly to test it that my expedition went north in the first place. As you see, the figure of the man is perfectly visible. Now I’d like you to look at the shape to his left.† He indicated the blurred shape of the smaller figure. â€Å"I thought that was the man’s daemon,† said the Enquirer. â€Å"No. His daemon was at the time coiled around his neck in the form of a snake. That shape you can dimly see is a child.† â€Å"A severed child – ?† said someone, and the way he stopped showed that he knew this was something that shouldn’t have been voiced. There was an intense silence. Then Lord Asriel said calmly, â€Å"An entire child. Which, given the nature of Dust, is precisely the point, is it not?† No one spoke for several seconds. Then came the voice of the Chaplain. â€Å"Ah,† he said, like a thirsty man who, having just drunk deeply, puts down the glass to let out the breath he has held while drinking. â€Å"And the streams of Dust†¦Ã¢â‚¬  † – Come from the sky, and bathe him in what looks like light. You may examine this picture as closely as you wish: I’ll leave it behind when I go. I’m showing it to you now to demonstrate the effect of this new emulsion. Now I’d like to show you another picture.† He changed the slide. The next picture was also taken at night, but this time without moonlight. It showed a small group of tents in the foreground, dimly outlined against the low horizon, and beside them an untidy heap of wooden boxes and a sledge. But the main interest of the picture lay in the sky. Streams and veils of light hung like curtains, looped and festooned on invisible hooks hundreds of miles high or blowing out sideways in the stream of some unimaginable wind. â€Å"What is that?† said the voice of the Sub-Rector. â€Å"It’s a picture of the Aurora.† â€Å"It’s a very fine photogram,† said the Palmerian Professor. â€Å"One of the best I’ve seen.† â€Å"Forgive my ignorance,† said the shaky voice of the old Precentor, â€Å"but if I ever knew what the Aurora was, I have forgotten. Is it what they call the Northern Lights?† â€Å"Yes. It has many names. It’s composed of storms of charged particles and solar rays of intense and extraordinary strength – invisible in themselves, but causing this luminous radiation when they interact with the atmosphere. If there’d been time, I would have had this slide tinted to show you the colors; pale green and rose, for the most part, with a tinge of crimson along the lower edge of that curtain-like formation. This is taken with ordinary emulsion. Now I’d like you to look at a picture taken with the special emulsion.† He took out the slide. Lyra heard the Master say quietly, â€Å"If he forces a vote, we could try to invoke the residence clause. He hasn’t been resident in the College for thirty weeks out of the last fifty-two.† â€Å"He’s already got the Chaplain on his side†¦Ã¢â‚¬  the Librarian murmured in reply. Lord Asriel put a new slide in the lantern frame. It showed the same scene. As with the previous pair of pictures, many of the features visible by ordinary light were much dimmer in this one, and so were the curtains of radiance in the sky. But in the middle of the Aurora, high above the bleak landscape, Lyra could see something solid. She pressed her face to the crack to see more clearly, and she could see the Scholars near the screen leaning forward too. As she gazed, her wonder grew, because there in the sky was the unmistakable outline of a city: towers, domes, walls†¦Buildings and streets, suspended in the air! She nearly gasped with wonder. The Cassington Scholar said, â€Å"That looks like†¦a city.† â€Å"Exactly so,† said Lord Asriel. â€Å"A city in another world, no doubt?† said the Dean, with contempt in his voice. Lord Asriel ignored him. There was a stir of excitement among some of the Scholars, as if, having written treatises on the existence of the unicorn without ever having seen one, they’d been presented with a living example newly captured. â€Å"Is this the Barnard-Stokes business?† said the Palmerian Professor. â€Å"It is, isn’t it?† â€Å"That’s what I want to find out,† said Lord Asriel. He stood to one side of the illuminated screen. Lyra could see his dark eyes searching among the Scholars as they peered up at the slide of the Aurora, and the green glow of his daemon’s eyes beside him. All the venerable heads were craning forward, their spectacles glinting; only the Master and the Librarian leaned back in their chairs, with their heads close together. The Chaplain was saying, â€Å"You said you were searching for news of the Grumman expedition, Lord Asriel. Was Dr. Grumman investigating this phenomenon too?† â€Å"I believe he was, and I believe he had a good deal of information about it. But he won’t be able to tell us what it was, because he’s dead.† â€Å"No!† said the Chaplain. â€Å"I’m afraid so, and I have the proof here.† A ripple of excited apprehension ran round the Retiring Room as, under Lord Asriel’s direction, two or three of the younger Scholars carried the wooden box to the front of the room. Lord Asriel took out the last slide but left the lantern on, and in the dramatic glare of the circle of light he bent to lever open the box. Lyra heard the screech of nails coming out of damp wood. The Master stood up to look, blocking Lyra’s view. Her uncle spoke again: â€Å"If you remember, Grumman’s expedition vanished eighteen months ago. The German Academy sent him up there to go as far north as the magnetic pole and make various celestial observations. It was in the course of that journey that he observed the curious phenomenon we’ve already seen. Shortly after that, he vanished. It’s been assumed that he had an accident and that his body’s been lying in a crevasse all this time. In fact, there was no accident.† â€Å"What have you got there?† said the Dean. â€Å"Is that a vacuum container?† Lord Asriel didn’t answer at first. Lyra heard the snap of metal clips and a hiss as air rushed into a vessel, and then there was a silence. But the silence didn’t last long. After a moment or two Lyra heard a confused babble break out: cries of horror, loud protests, voices raised in anger and fear. â€Å"But what – â€Å" † – hardly human – â€Å" † – it’s been – â€Å" † – what’s happened to it?† The Master’s voice cut through them all. â€Å"Lord Asriel, what in God’s name have you got there?† â€Å"This is the head of Stanislaus Grumman,† said Lord Asriel’s voice. Over the jumble of voices Lyra heard someone stumble to the door and out, making incoherent sounds of distress. She wished she could see what they were seeing. Lord Asriel said, â€Å"I found his body preserved in the ice off Svalbard. The head was treated in this way by his killers. You’ll notice the characteristic scalping pattern. I think you might be familiar with it, Sub-Rector.† The old man’s voice was steady as he said, â€Å"I have seen the Tartars do this. It’s a technique you find among the aboriginals of Siberia and the Tungusk. From there, of course, it spread into the lands of the Skraelings, though I understand that it is now banned in New Denmark. May I examine it more closely, Lord Asriel?† After a short silence he spoke again. â€Å"My eyes are not very clear, and the ice is dirty, but it seems to me that there is a hole in the top of the skull. Am I right?† â€Å"You are.† â€Å"Trepanning?† â€Å"Exactly.† That caused a murmur of excitement. The Master moved out of the way and Lyra could see again. The old Sub-Rector, in the circle of light thrown by the lantern, was holding a heavy block of ice up close to his eyes, and Lyra could see the object inside it: a bloody lump barely recognizable as a human head. Pantalaimon fluttered around Lyra, his distress affecting her. â€Å"Hush,† she whispered. â€Å"Listen.† â€Å"Dr. Grumman was once a Scholar of this College,† said the Dean hotly. â€Å"To fall into the hands of the Tartars – † â€Å"But that far north?† â€Å"They must have penetrated further than anyone imagined!† â€Å"Did I hear you say you found it near Svalbard?† said the Dean. â€Å"That’s right.† â€Å"Are we to understand that the panserbj0rne had anything to do with this?† Lyra didn’t recognize that word, but clearly the Scholars did. â€Å"Impossible,† said the Cassington Scholar firmly. â€Å"They’d never behave in that manner.† â€Å"Then you don’t know lofur Raknison,† said the Palmerian Professor, who had made several expeditions himself to the arctic regions. â€Å"It wouldn’t surprise me at all to learn that he had taken to scalping people in the Tartar fashion.† Lyra looked again at her uncle, who was watching the Scholars with a glitter of sardonic amusement, and saying nothing. â€Å"Who is lofur Raknison?† said someone. â€Å"The king of Svalbard,† said the Palmerian Professor. â€Å"Yes, that’s right, one of the panserb)0me. He’s a usurper, of sorts; tricked his way onto the throne, or so I understand; but a powerful figure, by no means a fool, in spite of his ludicrous affectations – having a palace built of imported marble – setting up what he calls a university – â€Å" â€Å"For whom? For the bears?† said someone else, and every-one laughed. But the Palmerian Professor went on: â€Å"For all that, I tell you that lofur Raknison would be capable of doing this to Grumman. At the same time, he could be flattered into behaving quite differently, if the need arose.† â€Å"And you know how, do you, Trelawney?† said the Dean sneeringly. â€Å"Indeed I do. Do you know what he wants above all else? Even more than an honorary degree? He wants a daemon! Find a way to give him a daemon, and he’d do anything for you.† The Scholars laughed heartily. Lyra was following this with puzzlement; what the Palmerian Professor said made no sense at all. Besides, she was impatient to hear more about scalping and the Northern Lights and that mysterious Dust. But she was disappointed, for Lord Asriel had finished showing his relics and pictures, and the talk soon turned into a College wrangle about whether or not they should give him some money to fit out another expedition. Back and forth the arguments ranged, and Lyra felt her eyes closing. Soon she was fast asleep, with Pantalaimon curled around her neck in his favorite sleeping form as an ermine. She woke up with a start when someone shook her shoulder. â€Å"Quiet,† said her uncle. The wardrobe door was open, and he was crouched there against the light. â€Å"They’ve all gone, but there are still some servants around. Go to your bedroom now, and take care that you say nothing about this.† â€Å"Did they vote to give you the money?† she said sleepily. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"What’s Dust?† she said, struggling to stand up after having been cramped for so long. â€Å"Nothing to do with you.† â€Å"It is to do with me,† she said. â€Å"If you wanted me to be a spy in the wardrobe, you ought to tell me what I’m spying about. Can I see the man’s head?† Pantalaimon’s white ermine fur bristled: she felt it tickling her neck. Lord Asriel laughed shortly. â€Å"Don’t be disgusting,† he said, and began to pack his slides and specimen box. â€Å"Did you watch the Master?† â€Å"Yes, and he looked for the wine before he did anything else.† â€Å"Good. But I’ve scotched him for now. Do as you’re told and go to bed.† â€Å"But where are you going?† â€Å"Back to the North. I’m leaving in ten minutes.† â€Å"Can I come?† He stopped what he was doing, and looked at her as if for the first time. His daemon turned her great tawny leopard eyes on her too, and under the concentrated gaze of both of them, Lyra blushed. But she gazed back fiercely. â€Å"Your place is here,† said her uncle finally. â€Å"But why? Why is my place here? Why can’t I come to the North with you? I want to see the Northern Lights and bears and icebergs and everything. I want to know about Dust. And that city in the air. Is it another world?† â€Å"You’re not coming, child. Put it out of your head; the times are too dangerous. Do as you’re told and go to bed, and if you’re a good girl, I’ll bring you back a walrus tusk with some Eskimo carving on it. Don’t argue anymore or I shall be angry.† And his daemon growled with a deep savage rumble that made Lyra suddenly aware of what it would be like to have teeth meeting in her throat. She compressed her lips and frowned hard at her uncle. He was pumping the air from the vacuum flask, and took no notice; it was as if he’d already forgotten her. Without a word, but with lips tight and eyes narrowed, the girl and her daemon left and went to bed. The Master and the Librarian were old friends and allies, and it was their habit, after a difficult episode, to take a glass of brantwijn and console each other. So after they’d seen Lord Asriel away, they strolled to the Master’s lodging and settled in his study with the curtains drawn and the fire refreshed, their daemons in their familiar places on knee or shoulder, and prepared to think through what had just happened. â€Å"Do you really believe he knew about the wine?† said the Librarian. â€Å"Of course he did. I have no idea how, but he knew, and he spilled the decanter himself. Of course he did.† â€Å"Forgive me, Master, but I can’t help being relieved. I was never happy about the idea of†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Of poisoning him?† â€Å"Yes. Of murder.† â€Å"Hardly anyone would be happy at that idea, Charles. The question was whether doing that would be worse than the consequences of not doing it. Well, some providence has intervened, and it hasn’t happened. I’m only sorry I burdened you with the knowledge of it.† â€Å"No, no,† protested the Librarian. â€Å"But I wish you had told me more. The Master was silent for a while before saying, â€Å"Yes, perhaps I should have done. The alethiometer warns of appalling consequences if Lord Asriel pursues this research. Apart from anything else, the child will be drawn in, and I want to keep her safe as long as possible.† â€Å"Is Lord Asriel’s business anything to do with this new initiative of the Consistorial Court of Discipline? The what-do-they-call-it: the Oblation Board?† â€Å"Lord Asriel – no, no. Quite the reverse. The Oblation Board isn’t entirely answerable to the Consistorial Court, either. It’s a semiprivate initiative; it’s being run by someone who has no love of Lord Asriel. Between them both, Charles, I tremble.† The Librarian was silent in his turn. Ever since Pope John Calvin had moved the seat of the Papacy to Geneva and set up the Consistorial Court of Discipline, the Church’s power over every aspect of life had been absolute. The Papacy itself had been abolished after Calvin’s death, and a tangle of courts, colleges, and councils, collectively known as the Magisterium, had grown up in its place. These agencies were not always united; sometimes a bitter rivalry grew up between them. For a large part of the previous century, the most powerful had been the College of Bishops, but in recent years the Consistorial Court of Discipline had taken its place as the most active and the most feared of all the Church’s bodies. But it was always possible for independent agencies to grow up under the protection of another part of the Magisterium, and the Oblation Board, which the Librarian had referred to, was one of these. The Librarian didn’t know much about it, but he disliked and feared what he’d heard, and he completely understood the Master’s anxiety. â€Å"The Palmerian Professor mentioned a name,† he said after a minute or so. â€Å"Barnard-Stokes? What is the Barnard-Stokes business?† â€Å"Ah, it’s not our field, Charles. As I understand it, the Holy Church teaches that there are two worlds: the world of everything we can see and hear and touch, and another world, the spiritual world of heaven and hell. Barnard and Stokes were two – how shall I put it – renegade theologians who postulated the existence of numerous other worlds like this one, neither heaven nor hell, but material and sinful. They are there, close by, but invisible and unreachable. The Holy Church naturally disapproved of this abominable heresy, and Barnard and Stokes were silenced. â€Å"But unfortunately for the Magisterium there seem to be sound mathematical arguments for this other-world theory. I have never followed them myself, but the Cassington Scholar tells me that they are sound.† â€Å"And now Lord Asriel has taken a picture of one of these other worlds,† the Librarian said. â€Å"And we have funded him to go and look for it. I see.† â€Å"Quite. It’ll seem to the Oblation Board, and to its powerful protectors, that Jordan College is a hotbed of support for heresy. And between the Consistorial Court and the Oblation Board, Charles, I have to keep a balance; and meanwhile the child is growing. They won’t have forgotten her. Sooner or later she would have become involved, but she’ll be drawn in now whether I want to protect her or not.† â€Å"But how do you know that, for God’s sake? The alethiometer again?† â€Å"Yes. Lyra has a part to play in all this, and a major one. The irony is that she must do it all without realizing what she’s doing. She can be helped, though, and if my plan with the Tokay had succeeded, she would have been safe for a little longer. I would have liked to spare her a journey to the North. I wish above all things that I were able to explain it to her†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"She wouldn’t listen,† the Librarian said. â€Å"I know her ways only too well. Try to tell her anything serious and she’ll half-listen for five minutes and then start fidgeting. Quiz her about it next time and she’ll have completely forgotten.† â€Å"If I talked to her about Dust? You don’t think she’d listen to that?† The Librarian made a noise to indicate how unlikely he thought that was. â€Å"Why on earth should she?† he said. â€Å"Why should a distant theological riddle interest a healthy, thoughtless child?† â€Å"Because of what she must experience. Part of that includes a great betrayal†¦.† â€Å"Who’s going to betray her?† â€Å"No, no, that’s the saddest thing: she will be the betrayer, and the experience will be terrible. She mustn’t know that, of course, but there’s no reason for her not to know about the problem of Dust. And you might be wrong, Charles; she might well take an interest in it, if it were explained in a simple way. And it might help her later on. It would certainly help me to be less anxious about her.† â€Å"That’s the duty of the old,† said the Librarian, â€Å"to be anxious on behalf of the young. And the duty of the young is to scorn the anxiety of the old.† They sat for a while longer, and then parted, for it was late, and they were old and anxious. How to cite The Golden Compass Chapter Two, Essay examples

Seminole Patchwork Essay Research Paper Example For Students

Seminole Patchwork Essay Research Paper ?Cross? or ?sacred fire?, ?arrow?, ?zigzag?, ?bird?, ?wave?, ?mountains? and ?diamondback rattlesnake? all have something in common. What do all of these names have in common? They are all names of Seminole patchwork designs. What exactly is patchworking? It can be defined as the process of sewing pieces of solid colored cloth together to make long rows of designs, which are then joined horizontally to other bands of cloth to form a garment (Downs, 1995, 88). This Native American artwork is closely associated with the Florida Seminoles. The history of this tribe and how they came to make patchwork garments is rather interesting. In making patchwork garments, things to be considered include how it is done (process), what elements of design are used, whom the garment is to be made for and who actually makes it. Presently, there are less artists in this craft and the future of patchwork may be at risk. Seminole patchwork has been done for over a century, and its beauty and uniqueness ne eds to be revealed and recognized by Americans. The Seminole Indians were not always located in Florida. In the early 19th Century the Seminoles lived in the cool areas of Georgia. They wore animals hides and furs to keep warm. This all changed in 1830, when President Andrew Jackson passed the Indian Removal Policy of 1830, which forced the Seminoles to flee to Florida. In fleeing to Florida they left behind their homes, some relatives who refused to leave and their cool climate. In Florida, there was no longer a need for the warm furs and hides and they turned to the use of cloth. In 1840, they disappeared into the Everglades and lived there in peace, with no influences from other tribes. The Everglades were rich with exotic items that were worth a lot in trade markets. Once a year, the Seminoles would take a voyage on the Miami River to Miami. In Miami they could trade items such as alligator hides and egret plumes for rolls of cotton cloth. The Seminoles would use the cotton to m ake various pieces of clothing. One year, a voyage could not be made to Miami to attain more cloth and the Seminoles were forced to use scraps of cloth, sewing them together to make a large piece of cloth or garment. These scrapped together garments were then called ?Taweekaache?, better known as patchwork. (Westermark ?Many Bad Horses) These patchwork garments brought tourists to the lush, tropical setting of the Everglade area. Tourists flocked to see the Seminole Indians and to buy their patchwork pieces. The process of making these garments was rather slow and somewhat complicated (Blackard and West, Downs, 1995, 85). A Seminole patchwork requires the maker to take/cut many pieces of clothe and then sew them together. The process of sewing, cutting, sewing and so on results in the making of complex geometric designs. There is a six-step process that illustrates how patchwork is done. This process is that of Nea Dodson, a modern day patchwork artist. The pattern is very simple, but is one that is good to get your feet wet in patchmaking. This process is the same used by the original Seminoles. 1.) Cut scraps into equal sized squares, making sure to be accurate. 2.) Next, cut a neutral fabric into long strips, which are as wide as the scrap squares. 3.) Sew the scrap squares between two strips of neutral fabric, like this. 4.) Cut strips apart so you now have a rectangle made of three squares: a square of neutral, a scrap square and another square of neutral. It is important that the edges are straight and the two neutral sides are even. 5.) Shift one rectangle down so that the top edge of the uppermost neutral square on the right is even with the top edge of the scrap square on the left. Sew the rectangles together. Keep adding rectangles in this manner. You will get a strip that looks like this. 6.) Keep adding rectangles until you have a strip as long as you want. Turn the strip so that the scrap squares are all on point (standing on one corner). Trim the upper and lower corners off the neutral squares (see the dotted line in the first picture). The resulting piece of patchwork should look like this:Being a woman herself, Nea Dodson must know what it was like for the women of the Seminole tribe. All that cutting and hand sewing must have been very tedious. It wasnt until the 1880s that the hand operated sewing machine made its debut into Seminole villages. This made the process much easier and patchwork soon flourished. The sewing machine could do more tasks and incorporate more features into Seminole clothing. Around 1900, women were putting ?built in? belts into mens shirts. (Blackard and West) Then around 1920, the Seminole women began to put bands of contrasting colors into their clothing. A Seminole named Judy Bill Osceola remarks: ?There wasnt any designs then, there was just pieces of cloth . . . When they put all of the pieces together, they saw it was colorful and that was that (Downs, 1995, 89).? Design plays important part in the making of any craft or piece of artwork. The elements of design in patchworking can b e easily seen. Book Report 1. The Terminal Man By Crichton, Michael. Published By Alf EssaySeminole patchwork in the 90s has been somewhat disappointing. There was once a time when the art of sewing was the most important event in a young girls life and their mother, aunt, grandmother or other family member still loved to keep the tradition alive. Present day Seminole women have moved into the job market and do not have time to make the patchworks by hand. Instead they buy rolls of pre-made patchwork or already assembled outfits. Thus the history and tradition of patchworking slowly fades away with each passing year. Fortunately those like Effie Osceola, Irene Cypress and Pauline Doctor have taken the time to create new complex patterns and keep the old way of making patchwork garments alive in the 1990s. In source ten, eleven and twelve, you can see the work of Effie, Irene and Pauline respectively. It is easy to see the complexity of the patterns in comparison to those of early day patterns suc h as ?fire? and ?rain?. In source ten and twelve the use of metallic material is used giving the garments a flashier more modern day look, but at the same time retaining the orginial process of making patchworks (Downs, 1995, 115-117). In 1995-1996, Lee Tiger, a Public Relations Executive, held a Seminole patchwork exhibition in Berlin, Germany. This exhibition showcased the works of Seminole patchwork throughout time. Showing the progression from around the 1900s to now. This exhibition was held to create awareness of Seminole patchworks, but what exactly does the future hold for Seminole patchwork? (Westermark ?Bad Horses) This question is a good one, because present day Seminoles do not have an answer to this question. The women who know how to sew patchwork together are becoming rather old and they are losing eyesight and memory on how to do it. Seminole women in their forties or younger seem to not have an interest in making patchworks anymore. ?They recognize its importance not only as a mark of tribal identity but as a tangible link to their cultural heritage?, (Downs, 1995, 118). Steps are being taken to keep the tradition alive. Schools are now teaching young girls how to sew and make patchworks, and cultu ral programs are being brought into several tribes to teach the same thing. These efforts should bring a new awareness to their heritage and Seminole patchwork will again thrive throughout the tribes. (Downs, 1995, 118-119)In a sense, it was beneficial for the Seminole Indians to be forced into Florida. If they were to remain in the cool regions of Georgia, then they might have worn furs and hides forever. Instead they were forced to make clothing out of cotton scraps and thus started a tradition known as patchwork. The Seminoles history was very vital to their heritage. When making these patchworks garments, things that were taken into consideration were the process, elements of design, who wears them and who makes them. The future of Seminoles may be at risk, but efforts through education and public relations hopefully will stop absolution of patchwork. Seminole patchwork has been done for over a century, and its beauty and uniqueness has been and further needs to be revealed and recognized by Americans. ?Patchwork has done more than just identify the people of the Seminole tribes: it has reflected their pride in their Indian heritage (Downs, 1995, 119).? Arts Essays

William Bratton Analytical Book Review an Example by

William Bratton Analytical Book Review William Bratton is noted for his exemplary contribution in the Los Angeles Police Department with more than 32 years of law enforcement experience. His book entitled Turnaround which he co-authored with Peter Knobler (1998) is just one of the many achievements under his sleeves. Need essay sample on "William Bratton Analytical Book Review" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed The book describes in full detail how a well-managed police effort can actually affect the reduction of crime. Brattons career is peppered with various accomplishments which makes him an efficient crime writer. He is behind the turn around of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA), the Metropolitan Police, which is now part of the Massachusetts State Police, the New York Transit Police, Boston Police, and the New York Police Department (NYPD). People Very Often Tell Us:How much do I have to pay someone to write my essay online?Specialists advise: Get Academic Writing At Reasonable Price With UsPaper Writing Service Get Paid To Write Papers Pay To Write Essay Best Essay Writing Company The Book (Turnaround 1998) shows Brattons belief in the Broken Windows theory, which translates that that acceptance of petty crime establishes an environment that creates more serious crime. He also believes in the analysis of crime statistics by location, time, among others to ascertain how to deploy police resources: originally pins on a map, eventually growing in to the famous CompStat. Bratton learned that by dropping the amount of city-wide petty crime, he was also able to reduce the number of city-wide serious crime. In Turnaround (1998) Bratton illustrates the police efforts that led to these successes. Together with his peers, Bratton used computer mapping to pinpoint crime hot spots and then cleaned up the areas using all the tools of law enforcement. One of the favored tools was "quality of life enforcement" which decreases minor crimes such as panhandling, squeegeeing, and prostitution to make the streets less enticing to worse criminals. He made police commanders from all districts of the city accountable by requiring them to report on progress and problems in their locales during frequent departmental meetings. What makes the book interesting is the mention of various cities where Bratton have worked and references of various people as well. His stint at the Los Angeles Police Department is such a fascinating part of the book. LAPD has been beset by scandal, incompetent leadership, and low morale and high employee turnover. Crimes such as reckless driving, littering and graffiti are ever-persistent which makes his stay more exciting. The book tells the story of Bratton from his childhood years growing up in Boston to becoming the most important police officer in the United States which may inspire many of the readers who may wish to take the same steps Bratton decided to take. Bratton (1998) depicts the type of power politics that are being played in police departments. He described in details the negative things that occur at police headquarters. He pointed the run-ins he had with members of the old guard at the Boston police department, as well as his famous battles with Rudolph Giuliani, while he was head of the NYPD. The book is trying to tell us that crimes can be solved and our cities will be more interesting to live in if we have cops or police department heads who thrive on good policies to make living a little easier. It may take some time before the United States produces another Bratton in its history. But at least he co-authored this book to remind us that it takes efforts to end or at least reduce crimes in the city. It is not enough to have all the best computer-equipments in the planet. What matters is that we learn from history and try to do things a little better. Like everything else, crimes do happen for a reason. Each of us is responsible in making our lives easier. There are other criminal justice books that have been published to continue to remind us of our responsibilities as citizens. It would be wonderful to also go over these other books and pick up interesting anecdotes and facts to teach us a lesson or two in fighting crimes. William Bratton may have grown up in the suburbs of Boston with humble beginnings but this did not stop him from changing the lives of others in the long run. His being a police officer spelled the difference in other peoples lives. Those who might have been victims of possible crimes which he controlled even before taking place will forever be grateful for him. This book is a living example of a noble person who may or may not be hero to some. Bratton gives us his insights on how to interact well with the press, how to keep employees happy and how to sell a program. It is not clear whether he intended his book to be read from this perspective but this book includes many remarkable pieces of wisdom on how to run and operate a large organization. Bratton's ideas about curbing crime should be of interest to both those involved in law enforcement and regular people who are concerned about crime. Brattons colorful biography will remain an interesting read. His crime-fighting methods are worth emulating. If we try to unearth the real message of Brattons book, we will learn that crime prevention is indeed a responsibility of everyone. It is not just a responsibility of those in the police forces like Bratton but every living taxpayer should learn to cooperate and bring in his share and participate for the success of every endeavor. We should not content in watching the whole thing transpire before our very eyes, we should find out for ourselves what we can do. In doing so, crimes be it petty or major crimes will be easily solved. Reference: Bratton. W., & Knobler, P. The Turnaround: How America's Top Cop Reversed the Crime Epidemic: Random House (Jan 1998)

Words for Saintly Golden Light

Words for Saintly Golden Light Words for Saintly Golden Light Words for Saintly Golden Light By Maeve Maddox Everyones familiar with the word halo in the sense of a circle of light behind or above the head of a saintly person in a painting. The word halo comes from a Greek word meaning disk of the sun or moon. The first recorded use in English of halo with the sense of light around the head of a holy person or deity is 1646. However, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and other non-Christian cultures used the symbol in art to denote divinity or prestige. Gods and rulers were often depicted with halos. In addition to the halo, artists have used other symbols to denote saintliness or divinity. Writers may find some of the terms for these symbols useful in describing not just supernatural characters, but to convey certain effects of light. The word nimbus is sometimes used as a synonym for halo, but it has the primary meaning of a bright or luminous cloud or cloud-like formation supposedly enveloping or surrounding a deity or supernatural being OED The aureole is another word sometimes used as a synonym for halo, but is frequently used to denote a light emanating from the entire body of the holy figure. The OED offers this note on the definition of aureole: Didron (Iconographie Chrà ©tienne p. 109) by a strange blunder takes aureola for a diminutive of aura ‘emanation, exhalation,’ and defines it as a mantle of light emanating from and enveloping the body, as distinct from the nimbus, which he confines to the head. This definition, which reverses the historical use both of aureola and nimbus, is not accepted in France (see Littrà ©), but has been copied by Fairholt, and various English Dictionaries. A diminutive of Latin aureus golden, the aureole was used in medieval Christian art to indicate the heavenly crown earned by martyrs and virgins. The mandorla is an almond-shaped panel or decorative space, usually framing an image of Christ. The name comes from the Italian word for almond. One of the many definitions of glory is the circle of light represented as surrounding the head, or the whole figure, of the Saviour, the Virgin, or one of the Saints. The OED gives the word gloriole as a synonym for both aureole and halo. All of these terms have other uses. For example, nimbus comes from a word for cloud and, like halo, has weather applications as well. You can see illustrations of the different types of saintly symbolism at these Wikipedia sites: aureole and mandorla Apollo with a halo This site mentions an interesting use of the glory in religious art. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Good At, Good In, and Good WithTime Words: Era, Epoch, and Eon9 Forms of the Past Tense

Letter to the Instructor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Letter to the Instructor - Essay Example The lessons have taught us that the writing process involves the conversion of ideas, thoughts and objectives to writings on paper with the audience in mind. One of my biggest challenges was to transform ideas into logical events when writing. Having mentioned one of the strengths I have discovered about myself which is the transformation of ideas and arranging them in some sensible order as in the Bus Stop essay I wrote during the semester. This is one of the ways your essay lessons have enabled me to transform my challenges into strengths. In the beginning focusing on the subject to write about was one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish as I always found my mind drifting away from the main subject. The other problem was that I kept worrying about my sentence structures and grammar and lacked the confidence to be creative in my writing. I managed to overcome all these problems through the lessons I learnt from you. I learned that the lack of confidence in my writing could be easily overcome by sharpening my writing skills and investing more time in thinking and drafting my ideas before beginning to write. I further improved my writing by setting certain standards with timelines to meet these goals such as reducing grammar mistakes in each subsequent essay and improving on the logical sequence of ideas in my writing. In the Bus Stop essay, the first sentence as mentioned earlier gives the reader an idea of what the rest of the paragraph is all about. The first statement on how I find myself in the middle of beauty of sunset which is a positive impression dictates the form that the rest of the paragraph will take. The paragraph underscores the beauty of the place. I have improved my confidence and use of similes and metaphors. For instance, in ‘Bus stop’ I use the simile as â€Å"nimbly as a squirrel† to portray the distinction between the

Strategic Corporate Finance Mod 5 Case Assignment Essay

Strategic Corporate Finance Mod 5 Case Assignment - Essay Example Net Present Value (NPV) method is one of the most important methods used to make capital budgeting decisions by businesses today. NPV method is important because it helps financial managers maximize shareholders’ wealth by making better capital budgeting decisions. Basically we can determine whether a project is worth investing in or not by comparing the present value of inflows and outflows discounted at the rate of cost of capital. If the PV of net flows is positive (PV of inflows is more than the PV of outflows over the life of the project), we consider it a good investment because it will increase shareholder wealth, and vice versa. In other words, must have a positive net inflow. In the given scenario, T-Mobile Corporation is considering a new project that will cost $3,219,000. This is the initial cash outflow. The company has provided the following cash flow figures: Year Cash Flow 0 -$3,219,000 1 350,000 2 939,000 3 1,122,000 4 500,000 5 400,000 We are told that T-Mobil e’s cost of capital discount rate is 4%, and are required to calculate the project's net present value. PV of Cash Inflows = 350000/(1.04)1 + 939000/(1.04)2 + 1122000/(1.04)3 +500000/(1.04)4 + 400000/(1.04)5 350000/1.04 + 939000/1.0816 + 1122000/1.1248 + 500000/ 1.1698 + 400000/ 1.2166 336538.46 + 868158.28 + 997510.66 + 427423.49 + 328785.13 $2,958,416.02. NPV= PV of Inflows – PV of Outflows NPV =$2,958,416.02 – 3,219,000 NPV= (260,583.98) Since the NPV is negative, or the PV of inflows is less than the PV of outflows for the project, investing in it will decrease shareholder wealth. The investment opportunity should be rejected. Even at the higher discount rate of 6%, the PV of inflows would decrease further, and the decision would be the same i.e. it is better not to invest here. Part II: T-Mobile-Sprint Merger Mergers and acquisitions are usually the two routes chosen by corporate entities to expand their businesses in the marketplace. These are often a hot topic in the business press (McClure, 2011). One rumor being floated around is a potential merger between mobile phone giants T-Mobile and Sprint. Mergers between two large companies are usually complicated, even though there may be possible synergies in 4G technologies that might be possible in such an instance. While mergers can bring about great rewards, at the same time they can also entail great risks and pitfalls. Differences in valuation, differences in accounting procedures and operational and administrative difficulties may emerge (Gaughan, (2001). This part of the assignment asks us to do some research concerning the arguments both for and against such a merger from a financial perspective. We are considering the deal from the point of view of whether or not such a merger would be a profitable undertaking that would add value to the shareholders of both corporations or not. Do you think a merger between Sprint and T-Mobile would add value to the shareholders of both corpor ations? Based on your analysis and findings (Part I and Part II), what would you recommend to the shareholders of both corporations? Should both companies merge? Please explain your reasoning. From the point of view of synergistic benefits, there is certainly a lot of merit in seeking to merge Sprint and T-Mobile. As of the date of the article in July 2010, both Sprint

Impacts of Terrorism on Global Events Literature review

Impacts of Terrorism on Global Events - Literature review Example Management issues involved The increasing terror threats demand the stakeholders enforce pragmatic management measures of dealing with the vice. These include enforcing preventive strategies and mechanism for mitigating the ultimate outcomes of terrorism. This project focuses on the impacts of terrorism on global events. It informs the stakeholders of the extensive effects terrorism has had on the sector in the past. To address these effects, I have used the second method of collecting data of past terror attacks targeting global events. I have examined the effects of terror attacks in 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, the attacks at International cricket tournaments in Pakistan in addition to the impacts of September 11 attacks on the attendance of the FIFA World Cup. From the data collected, analyzed relevant themes pertinent to the study. (3c) Statement of the research question The impacts of terrorism on global events (3d) Aims and objective The aim of the study is to examine the eff ects of terrorism on global events. Objectives i. To examine the effects of terrorism on the motivation of tourists attending global events ii. To examine the effects of terrorism on attendance at global events. They were not only carried out in the territory of a global superpower but also by foreigners, who had previously gained entry into a sovereign state. The attack demonstrated the vulnerability of all countries to terrorism and the need to enforce preventive measures became apparent (Baxter and Downing, 2001). Since the attacks, immigration and movement of people across international borders are highly controlled and consequently, the organization of major global events such as sports and musical events was affected. (4a)The significance of hosting global events Events such as sports and music are increasingly becoming an important segment of tourism market (Yuan and McDonald, 1990). According to Bramwell (1998), countries across the world strive to organize global events in order to increase visitations in their countries, mitigate the seasonality of tourist visits and enhance the attractiveness of the destinations to tourism. In addition, organizing global event spurs development in the destination. The achievement of these goals depends on various factors but the numbers of people attending the events play a critical role (Sageman, 2004). Some of the major sports events that attract a high number of people globally include FIFA world cup, Olympic Games, UEFA champions league games, formula 1 racing among others. In addition, music and concerts featuring popular artists such as Live 8 attract numerous audiences across the globe. (4b) History of terror attacks on global events Due to the large number of people that global events attract, terrorists are increasingly targeting them (Toohey, et al 2003).

The Global Childhood Obesity Epidemic Health And Social Care Essay

The Global Childhood Obesity Epidemic Health And Social Care Essay In this paper, the author will examine the complex interaction of social, economic, biological and environmental determinants of health that may explain the recent explosion and shifts in demographic trends of this world wide problem and briefly explore lifestyle and behavioural factors that may create particular risks. This will be followed by discussion about causes, complications and treatment options of childhood obesity. The author will review and analyse determinants and health policy initiatives, critically appraise various global, national and local strategies, initiatives and interventions which are aimed to prevent obesity in childhood and also examine how they are linked to conventional health promotion models and theories. By critically examining the range of interactions and existing initiatives, the author seeks to propose appropriate interventions to tackle the growing challenge of childhood obesity. Key words: childhood obesity, inequalities, policy, strategy, prevention, health promotion DEFINITION Obesity/Adiposity is defined as a condition characterised by excessive body fat. Body fat can either be stored predominantly around the waist or around the hips. Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to measure obesity and defined as: bodyweight(Kg) (Keys et al. 1972) height(m)2 BMI is useful in clinical practice and in epidemiologic studies, but has limitations and in his report (2004), Wang reported that although a high BMI-for-age is a good indicator of excess fat mass, BMI differences among thinner children can be largely due to fat-free mass. Two international datasets that are widely used to define overweight and obesity in pre-school children are the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) reference and WHO standard (WHO Child Growth Standards, 2006). None is superior to the other and both tend to underestimate or overestimate the prevalence when used on the same population (Monasta et al. 2010). Thresholds for obesity in children in UK (and Scotland) are measured by referring to UK National BMI classification system that uses reference curves based on data from several British studies between 1978 and 1990(ScotPHO 2007). Children are classified as overweight or obese using the 85th and 95th percentiles as cut points. PREVALENCE trends Obesity has become an epidemic in many parts of the world and surveys over the last decade have documented the rapidly increasing prevalence of obesity and overweight among children along with rising socioeconomic inequalities (WHO factsheet 2006; Lobstein 2004). The latest WHO report (Mercedes, Monika and Elaine, 2010) based on surveys from 144 countries estimates that globally, 43 million children (including 35 million in developing countries) are overweight and obese and another 92 million are at risk of overweight. This corresponds to a prevalence increased from 4.2% in 1990 to 6.7% in 2010. In England, 2008 figures showed 16.8% of boys aged 2 to 15, and 15.2% of girls were classed as obese, an increase from 11.1% and 12.2% respectively in 1995(Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2010). Scotland has one of the highest levels of obesity in OECD countries; only the USA and Mexico having higher levels. In 2008, 15.1% children were obese and 31.7% were overweight. This is predicted to worsen even with current health improvement efforts (Scottish Govt. report, 2010). Amidst this doom and gloom scenario are recent reports showing trends in overweight and obesity prevalence have stabilized or reversed in France (Lioret et al.2009), Switzerland (Aeberli, 2008) and Sweden (girls 1011 years) (Sjoberg et al. 2008). In the US too, the obesity epidemic may be stabilising (US CDC Report, 2008; Ogden et al.2010) but it is too early to know whether the data do reflect a true plateau (Cali and Caprio, 2008). Similarly, in England, trends in overweight and obesity prevalence have levelled off after 2002 (Stamatakis, Wardle and Cole 2010). COSTS Healthcare costs of obesity are only a fraction of overall costs to society (McCormick 2007) due to loss of employment, production levels and premature pensions and extra burdens on businesses. Obesity is responsible for 28% of health costs in Europe and other developed countries (WHO 2007). Total cost to NHS Scotland of obesity in 2007/8 was about 175 million and expected to double by 2030. The total cost to Scottish society of obesity in 2007/8 was in excess of 457 million and expected rise to 0.9 billion-3 billion by 2030 (Scottish Govt. report 2010). In England, updated estimate of direct obesity-related costs to NHS is 4.2 billion and this may double by 2050. Cost to the wider economy is in the region of 16 billion, and will rise to 50 billion per year by 2050 if left unchecked (UK Public health report). INEQUALITIES Although an earlier review by Parsons et al.(1999) reported no clear relationship between socio-economic status (SES) in early life and childhood obesity (but confirmed a strong relationship with increased fatness in adulthood), a more recent systematic review (Shrewsbury Wardle 2008) supports the view that overweight and obesity tend to be more prevalent among socio-economically disadvantaged children in developed countries. Similar patterns are shown in data from England (Stamatakis, Wardle and Cole 2010; Law, 2007) and Scotland (Scottish Govt. report, 2010). However, trends vary within different ethnic populations (Wang and Zhang 2006) e.g., a review by Caprio et al. (2008) concluded higher prevalence in non-Caucasian populations in US. Earlier reports (Wang, 2001) revealed that the burden of this problem was mainly in wealthier sections of the population in developing nations. In contrast, later reports (Lobstein, Baur and Uauy 2004; Wang and Lobstein 2006) indicate that prevalence is rising among the urban poor in these countries, possibly due to their exposure to Westernized diets overlapping with a history of undernutrition. The reasons for the differences in prevalence of childhood obesity among population groups are complex, involving race, ethnicity, genetics, physiology, culture, SES including parental education, environment, and interactions among these determinants (Law et al.2007; Sonia et al. 2008; Townsend and Ridler, 2009). CAUSES and COMPLICATIONS The development of obesity in childhood and subsequently in adulthood involves interactions among multiple factors (the obesogenic environment): * personal (e.g., dietary and physical activity patterns preferences; disability) * environmental (e.g., home, school, and community) * societal (e.g., food advertising, social network, and peer influences) * healthcare-related (access availability) * physiological (e.g. genetics, race and ethnic, psychological, metabolic) Although genetic factors can have an effect on individual predisposition (Rankinen et al 2002), rapidly rising prevalence rates are explained by perinatal and environmental factors (Wojcik Mayer-Davis 2010). Key perinatal factors for childhood obesity are maternal overweight before, during and after pregnancy (Oken at al. 2007; Whitaker and Dietz 1998), smoking (von Kries et al. 2002) and bottle-feeding (Gillman et al. 2001). The mothers dietary habits and level of physical activity are also important factors (Wojcik Mayer-Davis 2010). The First Law of Thermodynamics implies that weight gain is secondary to increased caloric intake and/or decreased energy expenditure (Anderson and Butcher 2006). Decreased physical activity levels associated with sedentary recreation (video and computer games), mechanised transportation (less walking), and increasing urbanization (limited opportunity to physical activity) (Trost et al. 2001; Gordon-Larsen, McMurray and Popkin 2000) are associated with increased risk of obesity. Children with disability are at a greater risk to develop obesity (Reinehr et al. 2010) due to several reasons including health issues and restricted access to physical activity. Television viewing is thought to promote weight gain not only by decreasing physical activity, but also by increasing energy intake (Epstein et al. 2008). Also, television advertising could adversely affect dietary patterns at other times throughout the day (Lewis and Hill, 1998). Psychosocial factors are linked to dietary and physical activity behaviours that define energy balance. Children who suffer from neglect and depression are at increased risk for obesity during childhood and later in life (Johnson GJ et al. 2002; Pine DS et al. 2001). On the other hand, social support from parents and others increases participation in physical activity of children and adolescents (Sallis, Prochaska, Taylor 2000). There is evidence that breast milk in infancy may moderately protect against overweight in childhood (Davis 2001) while intake of foods with high glycemic index, sugar sweetened soft drinks and fast foods are associated with increased risk and prevalence of childhood obesity (Ludwig et al. 1999; Ludwig et al. 2001; French 2001); however, long term trials are needed to corroborate this association. Also, eating out (Zoumas-Morse et al. 2001) appears to be an important contributory life style factor. Excessive fat in the diet is believed to cause weight gain (Jequier 2001); however, this association is not consistently shown in epidemiological studies (Atkin L-M Davies 2000; Troiano 2000). Moreover, the type of dietary fat consumed more important than total fat consumption (Kris-Etherton P et al. 2001). Lustig (2006) proposes that the relationship between changes in the environment and neuroendocrinology of human energy balance is complex. The author explains that behaviours of increased caloric intake and decreased energy expenditure are secondary to obligate weight gain that is due to associated hyperinsulinemia, leptin antagonism and interference with normal satiety. Childhood obesity is a multisystem disease with potentially serious complications: * Cardiovascular risk factors along with insulin resistance have been documented in children as young as five years old (Young-Hyman et al. 2001). * Several studies suggest that childhood overweight/ obesity is associated with increased mortality risk in later life (Gunnell 1998; Dietz 1998). * The rapidly rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes in obese children is worrying in view of the vascular complications (heart disease, stroke, limb amputation, kidney failure, blindness) (Ludwig and Ebbeling 2001; Sinha et al. 2002). These risks appear to be higher in non-Caucasians (Goran , Ball and Cruz 2000) * Adverse psychosocial effects [more severe in white girls (Richard 2000)]. Treatment Effective intervention is essential because obese children are likely to face substantial health risks as they mature (Cali and Caprio 2008; Speiser et al.2005). Further, as healthcare costs of this problem are rising (Wang and Dietz 2002); intervention is required to prevent morbidity in adulthood while effective tools for primary prevention are being developed. Spear et al. (2007) reviewed the evidence about the treatment options in primary care, community, and tertiary care settings and proposed a comprehensive 4-step approach for weight management. This view is supported by a similar review by Uli, Sundarajan and Cuttler (2008). Several large reviews of lifestyle (i.e. dietary, physical activity and/or behavioural therapy) interventions for treating childhood obesity (Luttikhuis et al. 2008; Freeman 2008; Epstein et al. 1985) concluded that family based combined behavioural and lifestyle interventions can produce significant reduction in overweight in children and adolescents. Although Golan et al. (1998) suggested that targeting exclusively parents for change was superior to targeting only children for change, behavioural approaches involving both parents and children in the framework of a combined lifestyle intervention appear to be more effective (Wilfley et al. 2007; Epstein 1994; Bronwell 1983). Moreover, intensive lifestyle intervention (with mandatory caloric restriction, multiple counselling sessions and clinic visits and daily exercise) appears to be more effective (Nemet at al. 2005) than standard lifestyle intervention (Epstein et al. 1980). Although there is no consistent evidence to show the effectiveness of decreasing sedentary behaviour in terms of reducing television viewing (Dennison et al. 2004; Gortmaker et al. 1999), restricting TV food advertising to children may be one of the most cost-effective population-based interventions (Magnus et al. 2009). In obese adolescents, treatment with orlistat or sibutramine is sometimes used as adjunct to lifestyle interventions. However, these drugs have the potential for significant side effects and this approach needs close monitoring and follow-up (Freemark 2007). Data indicate substantial weight loss after bariatric surgery in morbidly obese adolescents but potential serious complications (Lawson et al. 2006; Uli et al. 2008) necessitating close follow-up and dedication to a specialized dietary regimen (Shen, Dugay Rajaram 2004) for successful results. Role of schools Systematic reviews of random controlled trials (RCT) by Reilly and McDowell (2003) and Summerbell et al. (2005) concluded that the evidence base for interventions in childhood activity or school-based initiatives for prevention of obesity remains limited. In contrast, Thomas et al. (2004) in their review put forward a more positive conclusion. Similarly, Flynn et al. (2006) and Doak et al. (2006) reported favourable outcomes in nearly all trials they reviewed. Interestingly, in an analysis of school-based programs, authors from National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), UK (2006) indicated that the evidence does not convincingly support the multidisciplinary whole school approach advocated by UK National Healthy Schools Program. Nonetheless, Connelly, Duaso Butler (2007) in their review of RCTs have supported a decisive role for obligatory provision of aerobic physical activity in schools coupled with nutritional education and skills training. Finally, Kropski, Keckley Jensens review (2008) concludes that although evidence is limited, schools play an important role in prevention strategies and different techniques directed at boys and girls for a program may have more impact. HEALTH PROMOTION MODELS RELATED TO PREVENTION OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY KnowledgeAttitude-Behaviour model proposes that as knowledge accumulates, changes in attitude are set off resulting in gradual change in behaviour. The model assumes that a person is rational (Barnowski 1997). However, evidence shows that most people in most situations do not exhibit objectively rational behaviour (Shafir LeBeouf 2002). The commonest application for promoting change by use of this model has been the provision of information in school curricula. Although knowledge partially mediates a relationship between goal setting and self-efficacy, it is not related to a change in the behaviour (Schnoll Zimmermann 2001) or to changes in physical activity behaviour (Rimal 2001) except perhaps in limited subsets of people (Wang Biddle 2001). Besides, no research has demonstrated that knowledge-based intervention programs lead to behavioural change (Contento et al.1995). Thus, the KAB model, independently, is an inadequate tool in promoting dietary or physical activity-related behavioural change. Behaviour Learning Theory (BLT): According to BLT, behaviours are performed in response to stimuli, and the frequency of such behaviour after a stimulus will increase if the behaviour is reinforced (Skinner 1938). A modern version of BLT, the Behavioural Economics model (Epstein 1999) suggests behaviour is the result of benefits and costs where benefits are reinforcers. Obese people obtain more reinforcing value from food than others (Saelens Epstein 1996) whereas physical activity was found to be more reinforcing among non-obese people (Epstein et al.1991). Further, the distance to a preferred physical activity reduced the reinforcing value of the preferred activity (Raynor, Coleman Epstein, 1998). Thus, obese people tend to find behaviours that lead to obesity more reinforcing. Saelens Epstein (1988) applied the model successfully in obtaining increased physical activity. However, application of reinforcers procedures on controlling behaviour is challenging and not all parents may be able to do it. HEALTH BELIEF MODEL: The Health Belief Model helps explain utility of health services and has been widely applied to health-related behaviours (Rosenstock 1966; Janz, Champion Strecher 2002). The model explains health actions through the interaction of sets of beliefs: perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness perceived benefits and disadvantages and cues to action. There is evidence that promptness to cues varies depending on their source (Jones, Fowler Hubbard 2000) and perceived importance (Strychar et al 1998). Perception of susceptibility also varies between populations and may not translate into intention to change behaviour (Humphries Krummel 1998) or may do so only weakly (Leventhal, Kelly Leventhal 1999). A meta-analysis study by Witte and Allan (2000) of fear-based communications revealed that they can induce behavioural change by affecting individuals perception of threat. However, because children and adolescents tend to see themselves as immortal, the concept of fear and threat and perceived risk, susceptibility and seriousness are not useful in this age group. HBM may become more relevant if the perceived seriousness of and susceptibility to obesity becomes alarming (Baranowski 2003). Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) proposes (Bandura 1986) that behaviour is a function of continuous mutual interaction between the environment and the person. Changing behaviour revolves around the ability to exert self-control which is motivated by outcome expectancies because people desire to achieve positive outcomes and avoid negative outcomes. The theory has been tested with a number of behaviours and number of target populations (Bandura 2004; Sharma, Wagner Wilkerson 2006). Programs based on SCT have resulted in some changes as reported in a review by Sharma (2005) of school-based interventions for preventing childhood obesity where SCT was the most popular basis of intervention. However, the predictability of SCT concepts for understanding diet and physical activity among children (Baranowski, Cullen Baranowski 1999) is poor it could be that the concepts are too complex to influence the behaviours of children. Children may not be expected to or able to exercise much control over their diet or physical activity and therefore environmental variables like parenting (Cullen et al.2003) and availability of food and physical equipment (Hearn et al. 1999) are more significant. Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) or Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) (Fishbein and Ajzen 1975; Madden Ajzen 1986) has been applied in many health behaviours (Sutton 1997). It proposes that attitudes, perceived social norms and perceived behavioural control predict behavioural intentions which in turn influence behaviour (Armitage Conner 2001). However, some behaviours are not under a persons control (e.g., healthier food choices may not be available at neighbourhood stores) which is a limitation of TRA. Further, it may be difficult to predict social norms (Terry Hogg 1996). Goding Koks review (1996) reported that the efficiency of the theory varies between health-related behaviour categories. TPB model has been applied to childhood obesity prevention programs with results showing both good (Andrews, Silk Eneli 2010) and mixed (Fila Smith 2006) predictability. Transtheoretical model (T) This model proposes that health behaviour change involves progress through six stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination and describes 10 processes that enable this change (Prochaska et al.1992). The model has been successfully applied in addictive disorders like smoking (Velicer at al. 1998) but has limitations when applied in the treatment of eating and weight disorders (Wilson Schlam2004). T has been applied to obesity with studies reporting both good (Sarkin et al. 2001) and poor predictability (Macqueen, Brynes, and Frost 2002). Ecological and Social Ecological Models The complex etiopathogenesis of childhood obesity suggests that social ecological (SE) models may yield creative lasting solutions (Huang and Glass 2008). The SE model initiated by Bronfenbrenner (1977) and subsequently developed for understanding obesity by Davison and Birch (2001) and Story et al. (2008) propose that the individual is shown as contributing their cognitions, skills and behaviours, lifestyle, biology and demographics, while embedded in other circles representing the social, physical and macro-level environments to which they are exposed including families, neighbourhoods and the larger cultural environment. Swinburn, Egger Raza (1999) have described the ANGELO (analysis grid for environments linked to obesity) framework which is an ecological model for understanding the obesogenicity of environments. The International Obesity Task Forces model is also based on this theory and describes societal policies and processes with direct and indirect influences on body weight (Kumanyika et al. 2002) as shown here: An ecological approach is also the basis of the Canadian model: the Child Health Ecological Surveillance System (CHESS) represents a prototype for addressing childhood obesity through a local approach, with possible generic applications and global implications (Plotnikoff 2010). Global, regional and national prevention strategies As part of the response to fight the childhood obesity epidemic, WHO (2004) developed the Global Strategy for Diet, Physical Activity and Health (DPAS) and produced a range of tools to assist Member States and stakeholders to implement DPAS. It emphasised that National plans should have achievable short-term and intermediate goals. A schematic model developed by WHO (2008) for implementation and monitoring of DPAS provides the basis for a framework for action and explains how supportive environments, policies and programmes can influence behaviour changes in a population and have lasting environmental, social, health and economic benefits. The monitoring and evaluation component provides the foundation for promotion, policy development and action. Figure 2: Implementation framework for the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health The model emphasises the need of right mix of upstream (socio-ecological) approaches aim to shape the economic, social and physical (built and natural) environments, midstream ( lifestyle) approaches aim to directly influence behaviour (reducing energy intake and increasing physical activity), and downstream (health services) approaches support health services and clinical interventions (Sacks, Swinburn and Lawrence 2008). Population-based prevention strategies developed in the context of a social determinants-of-health approach and implemented both at the national level and locally in school and community-based programmes help to change the social norm by encouraging healthy behaviours. Further, the responsibility of tackling health risks when transferred from the individual to governments (and decision-makers) helps to address associated socio-economic inequalities (WHO 2009). To be successful, action by multiple stakeholders, coordinated by strategic leadership is vital. Global surveillance tools recommended for growth assessment are Child Growth Standards (WHO 2006) and the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) (WHO 2009). WHO has identified key challenges of population based prevention strategies: * Globalization of food systems creating economic and social drivers of obesity through changes in the food supply and peoples diets, * Poorly designed urbanization * Deepening socioeconomic inequalities * Obesity in those with physical and/ or mental disabilities. * Cost-effectiveness: A model-based analysis by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and WHO, suggests that combined approaches which address multiple determinants can improve efficiency of intervention programmes (Sassi 2009). Based on The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (WHO 1986), key elements of global prevention strategies based are: * Work at multiple settings schools, after-school programmes, homes and communities and clinical settings * Identify and include vulnerable groups. * Use of correct approach, or better, a mix of approaches for a given situation is crucial along with concern of country- and community-specific factors, such as availability of resources and/or socioeconomic disparities. * Set priorities and targets and engage with all stakeholders in a transparent manner. * Allow public access to information on partnerships and disclose potential conflicts of interest to minimize conflicts of interest. * Effective programme implementation and sustainability long term planning and budgeting, as well as identifying cost-effective interventions such as the ACE-Obesity project (Carter et al. 2009) is vital.. * Creative funding to warrant long-term sustainability; this might include the development of strategies to uncouple funding by the private sector from direction setting and intervention selection. The International Obesity Taskforce (IOTF) have developed in consultation with WHO a set of (Sydney) principles defined to cover the commercial promotions of foods and beverages to children and guide action on changing marketing practices them (2007). The principles aim to ensure a degree of protection for children against obesogenic foods and beverages. In November 2006, European Union (EU) Member States adopted the European Charter on Counteracting Obesity, which defines WHO policies and action areas at the local, regional, national and international levels for all stakeholders in government and private sector (food manufacturers, advertisers and traders) and professional, consumers, international and intergovernmental organizations. To encourage individual behavioural change, the strategy Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: A Cross-Government Strategy for England (2008) has been developed with following key features: * Children, healthy growth and weight * Promoting healthier food choices * Building physical activity into peoples lives (Healthy towns build on the EPODE model ( Borys 2006) * Creating incentives for better health * Personalised advice and support Policy drivers include national policy changes (e.g. increased support for surveillance, promotion of breast feeding, bans on unhealthy food advertisements, social marketing campaigns); changes to the food supply (e.g. development of a healthy food code, introduction of front-of-pack labelling, limits on fast-food restaurants near schools and parks, increased supply of fresh fruit and vegetables to stores in deprived areas); development of a national physical activity plan in part (tied to the 2012 Olympics with the purpose of improving built environments); and improved nutrition-related health service provision). The project is led by an intergovernmental team, and has provided resources for local authorities and National Health Service (NHS) and established knowledge-sharing points. Partnerships within government have been strengthened in order to leverage funds and to integrate projects into existing strategies and programmes. * Facilitate a national dialogue on societys response to the epidemic of excess weight * Develop a comprehensive marketing programme * National prioritisation and clear accountability within Government * Build up Staff skills and capabilities * Extensive support and guidance for PCTs and local authorities * Clear Whitehall decision-making and setting aside financial resources The Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) have developed a Route Map to prevent overweight and obesity (2010) for decision-makers working with their partners, NHS Scotland and businesses to develop and subsequently deliver lasting solutions. The Government has targets to reduce the rate of increase in the proportion of children with unhealthy BMI by 2018 but none yet for obesity or weight management. Policies for prevention are directed at reducing energy consumption, increasing physical activity and minimising sedentary behaviour, creating positive health behaviour through early life interventions and building healthier work place environments. Policy drivers include: 1. For obesity management: * The HEAT (health improvement, efficiency, access, treatment) H3 target for child healthy weight intervention programmes * Counterweight (evidence based obesity management in Primary Care) * Scottish Enhanced Services for childhood obesity in the Western Isles 2. For obesity prevention * Implement initiatives in Lets Make Scotland More Active * Recipe for Success: Scotlands National Food and Drink Policy * Eight Healthy Weight Communities programmes across Scotland * Seven Smarter Choices Smarter Places active travel demonstration towns * The Take Life On national social marketing campaign aims * Beyond the School Gate and NHS Health Scotlands Healthy Weight Outcomes Framework will provide guidance to help create health-promoting communities In addition, there are several national programs directed to a Greener, Healthier, Smarter, Safer and Stronger Scotland which are likely to have indirect contribution to tackle overweight and obesity. CONCLUSION: The essay emphasises the rapidly increasing burden of childhood obesity with associated population profile changes and increasing social inequalities. It explains the complex multifaceted and interlinked causal pathways that form the obesogenic environment. Community and school-based obesity intervention and prevention programmes are described and the role of research protocols in gathering evidence for such interventions and their usefulness is briefly explored. Existing global, regional and national prevention and implementation strategies to fight childhood obesity are specified. The author has reviewed and compared various forms of prevention strategies and interventions (singly and in combination) that are in practice and in which conditions they are effective. The important role of socio-economic development and government policies on urban planning, environment, transport, and education and vitally, the agriculture and food industry can be designed and implemented to achieve reduction of obesity is emphasised. Evidence for effective prevention of childhood obesity is strongly challenged at present. Further research is required to identify best practice procedures for public health policies that are cost-effective, culturally sensitive, deal

My Educational Goals and Philosophy Statement Essay -- Philosophy Teac

My Educational Goals and Philosophy Statement 'The most important function of education at any level is to develop the personality of the individual and the significance of his life to himself and to others' -Grayson Kirk. The teaching philosophy of progressivism focuses on developing the whole child. This philosophy not only teaches the core subject material, but it also allows the teacher to help develop the person the child is going to be. John Dewey, founder of progressivism, denounced the scholarly and classical school of curriculum. Dewey thought children should not be taught what to think but how to think through a 'continuous reconstruction of experience.' This implies that children learn best when they do hands on activities, therefore, they are learning by doing. These hands on activities will also incorporate several of the multiple intelligences. The kinesthetic learners will be able to actually do the activity, visual learners get to see the activity being performed, and auditory learners get to hear the directions and steps as the teacher explains them. As a teacher, I intend to present many different activities to the classroom. I feel that is so important to incorporate as many learning styles as possible into each lesson. From my observation in my field experiences, a student that favors one learning style will perform better when that learning style is available for an activity. Hands-on activities also allow for the students to learn by relating what they are studying to the knowledge they have previously acquired. This perspective, know as constructivism, was based mostly on research performed by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget. Children are not just em... ...g else out there that teachers can learn. New technology, for one, is something that develops each and every day. I feel that the addition of a special education classes as a requirement will further educate and prepare future educators who will continually be in contact with the special education students. As for me, I plan to take on any opportunity to excel in my teaching profession. I want to continue on in my Bachelor?s degree with a specialization in Math and move on to get my Master?s in administration. Education is a wonderful gift that is available to everyone who wants to take part. It is not only about the books and the teaching of the basics. Education is about developing the whole child. It will be my job to develop the child as a person, not just as a student. When I begin my teaching career, I will strive to develop every aspect of the child.

Tok – Art as an Area of Knowledge

TOK Assignment Art can be of speckled forms, ranging from instillations to painting to music to dance. Each of these practices of art have diverse impacts on society. However today irrational exuberance of the contemporary art market is about the breeding of money and have lost the fertility of art. I really believe that art is what humans created as a highest explanation level to fully clarify the perspectives and especially emotions of human beings. Art does not have any specific meaning, there are so many varied elements in an art work that a myriad of viewers can appreciate as well as criticize.I have always believed that after an artist finishes a painting or a dancer finishes a show, their dedication, commitment and meaning for those forms of art becomes highly negligible. It is how the audience reciprocates to it, and perceives it is what is important. Interpreting art allows us to interpret the psychological complexity within a person, their reactions to forms of art their em otions and perceptions towards it makes it easier to analyze their characters. For instance at the Kala Ghoda Art Festival, this instillation highly struck me.The color is what created the main impact. Black placed ahead of golden, the first thing than came to my mind was how is today’s world it is always the evil that has taken over the good. Since I’ve always perceived black to be evil, and golden/yellow being the good or the brighter color showing the brighter side of life. It also showed me how the good always follows the bad, and in reality especially in today’s fast growing generation this is how the world has started functioning. This gives a very negative outlook about life, and thus I personally did not like this concept much.First look, it appears to be neat and nice but gradually upon analyzing it I did not like the concept at all. Art is more than just self-expression and communication. It is a type of language, understanding and emotional outlook of an individual. If we go to see, art is everywhere. The world revolves around the different forms of art, every part of the world has its own unique art forms. This has been passes on from our ancestors, therefore it does shape our society till an extent. There have been instances when society has revolted against certain art forms, leading to a high controversy.This is highly debatable as every individual has their own rights, however cultural beliefs and society pressures leads to them compromising on those rights. Some countries have always portrayed women in the artworks, showing the gender discrimination. However due to this, the society’s opinion towards women has changed drastically. If they change this, and suddenly only men are seen all over the artworks be in instillations or painting or sketches, it will shape the growing generation’s mindset in a different manner.Taking art in the form of music or maybe dance, definitely affects and reflects emotion. It is that form of art which can be taken and the musician’s or dancer’s knowledge can be extracted through it. At the Kala Ghoda Festival the live performance was completely breath taking. It appealed to the audience and was able to reach their senses. That also brought out the Indian ethnicity with it. Those beats were brilliant and I personally was very appealed by that performance. Performing arts is another very broad medium of art, allowing varied amounts of portrayals.It is where language and reasoning can be effectively demonstrated with the help of language certain times. Thus to conclude, art is very broad comprising of different forms which all ass to a different meaning. However, its interpretation can differ from the person’s culture to their mood to their personal values. It acts as an opportunity for the growing kids to find out their strengths and gives them an opportunity to explore various fields. Their skill in different forms of art is also very vi tal in gaining knowledge about them as a person.

Murdered Women of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Murdered Women of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico Introduction Ciudad Jurez is a region in Northern Mexico which is very famous for the violent murders of both men and women who live in it1. The region is ruled by the drug lords who are very wealthy from the sale of drugs in other regions of Mexico.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Murdered Women of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These drug lords use these men and women as slaves and incase of any disobedience amongst any of them leads to their being violently murdered by their employers. The people that live in the area are very poor and this has fueled the slavery of most of the people in the region because most of them do not have anything to do to earn a living and thus fall prey to these overbearing drug warriors2. Thesis Statement With reference to the given question, this paper will conduct a research on the violent murders with focus on women that have been witnessed in Ciudad Jur ez, a region in Northern Mexico. This paper will also discuss the causes and impacts of the murders and will offer recommendations that will offer a solution to the murders that are being witnessed. Background of the murders in Ciudad Jurez During the last decade, hundreds of women have been murdered in Mexico with the most killings occurring in the northern region of Ciudad Jurez. These murders have involved the violent killings of these women since 1993. The authorities in Mexico have put the death rate at over 400 of which more than 300 have been murdered in Ciudad Jurez alone3. These kinds of kidnaps have been very common in the region of Ciudad Jurez by the organized groups because they are the ones that control the crimes and kidnaps that are in place in the area. When the young women are kidnapped by the organized groups, some of the groups ask for ransom from their families and those families being poor will not be able to pay for their release. Ciudad Jurez has been a very violent region with crime and violent murders being the order of the day. The violent murders have involved both females and males where most of them have suffered grisly deaths. This has been fueled by the high rise of inequality amongst the people of the region where the women are greatly oppressed by the men to the extent of being used as slaves to work for the drug lords who rule the region. These drug lords will use these men and women for their own benefit and after that, they violently murder them in the region4.Advertising Looking for term paper on criminology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Analysts have suggested that the drug lords in the region are targeting a specific group of women in the Ciudad Jurez region because most of the murdered victims are young women who come from very poor backgrounds and work in the local town as waitresses and some of them being students in the local schools. The other sim ilarity that has been suggested by the analysts is the fact that most of the murdered women who are found are first raped and then murdered violently. Causes of the Murders There are many factors that have contributed to the murders witnessed in the Ciudad Jurez region in Northern Mexico5. The factors that are fueling the continued murders witnessed in the region include; Maquila Industry A research was conducted in Ciudad Jurez in Northern Mexico and it was found that most of the inhabitants of the region were Maquiladoras employees who come from very poor backgrounds. Most of the Maquiladoras employees that live in the region live in a very sorry state which has put them at a very high risk of being exploited by the rich through cheap labor or no pay at all6. The rich drug lords in the region have realized this and this has in turn led to them taking advantage of the young women who work in the Maquiladoras industry promising them very good pay only to mistreat them later after th ey have agreed to work for them. The rich drug lords lure the young women with the promise of giving them a good future and when they start working for them, they are mistreated and later violently murdered. This has in turn increased the murder rate in the region which has the highest number of unemployed young women in the world. The desperate young women who live in the area will opt to work for the drug lords who promise them a good pay and in turn they are mistreated and murdered afterwards. This financial problem has caused more and more young girls to be lured into the drug lords’ trap in a bid to securing a better future which is not forthcoming. Despite most of the young women being employed in the Maquila industry in the region, most opt to work for the drug lords because of the harassment and low pay that they get from the industry. This leads to more young women quitting their jobs in the Maquila industry to try and find greener pastures in the drug lord’s house and this consequently leads to their untimely deaths. Other victims have been kidnapped mainly because they travel by bus to the industry and this exposes them to high risks of being kidnapped as they are heading to or from the industry.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Murdered Women of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The road network leading to the industry is in a very sorry state which means that most of the young women who commute on a daily basis will have to move by public transport which in turn creates a very high risk of being kidnapped and killed by the drug lords who only want them for their own selfish benefits. Lack of Education among the Residents Most of the residents that live in the area do not have proper education ot, generally, very high levels of education meaning that they cannot get good jobs apart from those availed by the Maquila Industry. This will mean tha t the young women who live in the area do not have anywhere else to earn a living because of their low education background. Most of them are thus forced to work for the drug lords who mistreat them and even torture them before killing them7. Employers always need somebody professional to take to the work place rather than taking just anybody from the street without knowing the possible consequences of what may actually happen. The young women who are not educated cannot move to other towns or places for fear that they may not be able to get employment due to their low levels of education. The opportunities of such people are so much measured. Therefore, they do not have much of a choice thus opting to stay in the region and work in the Maquiladoras where they are able to get at least something that can put food on their table but, in the process, they end up in the hands of kidnappers, rapists, and drug lords who mistreat them and later kill them violently8. Education in the region has been considered as a thing for the rich in that the well to do are the only people who can have access to education because most of the people that live in the area are poor hence cannot afford education. Due to the poor state that is being faced by the residents of the region, most people cannot afford money to educate their children because all the money they get goes a long way in trying to get food for the families that they feed. This all looks like a story without the end; employers need education people for their businesses to develop successfully and, on the other hand, there are people who cannot have this job and simply any possible work place, because they do not have any education as it is so hard for them to afford. The available schools were built a very long time ago and thus they are old buildings which mean that no one is able to study there anymore. The buildings are now being used by the drug abusers who hide while taking the drugs and some are used by some p eople as places where they can sleep.Advertising Looking for term paper on criminology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More So, the government does not take care of such kind of places that also plays a role in the issue of education. This has meant that for the children to be able to go to school, they have to travel very long distances so as to be able to access good schools9, but they simply cannot as they do not have money on that. This being the case, most of the young women in the region are very illiterate which means that they cannot get well paying jobs elsewhere. Most of the young women will opt to work in the Maquiladoras which do not pay very well and some opt to work for the drug lords who promise them very well paying jobs but later mistreat them and later kill them violently. This has increased the rate of murders in the region where most of the residents are very illiterate10. Organized Crime Crime in the region of Ciudad Jurez in Northern Mexico has been very rampant in that most of the crime that takes place is organized by groups that have been formed in the region. Several crime group s have been formed in the region of Ciudad Jurez in that they control the crime that takes place there. The presence of the crime groups in the region of Ciudad Jurez has sparked fear in most analysts in that most of the crime that takes place in the area is organized by these groups and other groups outside the region. In the process of these crimes, the young women are kidnapped and are taken as hostages and are later murdered by the kidnappers. Before they are murdered by the kidnappers, they are raped, tortured and then murdered very violently. These groups that control the crimes in the region know that most of the young women are vulnerable to their attacks and always attack with the notion of being able to take the young women hostage and use them as their sex slaves and later murder them violently after they have captured other young women who they are able to use for the same purpose11. These kinds of kidnaps have been very common in the region of Ciudad Jurez by the organi zed groups because they are the ones that control the crimes and kidnaps that are in place in the area. When the young women are kidnapped by the organized groups, some of the groups ask for ransom from their families and those families being poor will not be able to pay for their release. This prompts the kidnappers to go ahead and use them as sex slaves for their own sex satisfaction and slaves to do their chores for them. After they have kidnapped younger women from the region, they dispose the others by violently killing them and dumping their bodies in the outskirts of the region. They continue doing the same to the other young women and afterwards murder them violently12. Most of the organized groups that are found in the region use the vulnerability of the young women to lure them into their traps which is by promising them money or even a good life but instead use them and later murder them. This has been a major cause of the increasing number of murders of young women that is being witnessed in the border town of Ciudad Jurez in Northern Mexico. Drug Trafficking Drugs is the next and one of the most serious problems that worries all people all over the world. The border town of Ciudad Jurez in Northern Mexico is one of the most notorious towns in the world for having the highest number of drug traffickers. This has had a drastic effect on the people of the region in that more than three quarters of the population in the region is addicted to one drug or the other. Ciudad Jurez has the highest number of drug lords who control most of the drugs that are transported from Mexico to the United States of America, the town being a border town with the United States to the West13. This has in turn increased the murder rate in the region which has the highest number of unemployed young women in the world. The desperate young women who live in the area will opt to work for the drug lords who promise them a good pay and in turn they are mistreated and murdered a fterwards. This financial problem has caused more and more young girls to be lured into the drug lords’ trap in a bid to securing a better future which is not forthcoming. The use of drugs among the local residents has led to most of the young women being vulnerable in a bid to being able to get money to buy the drugs. This has prompted some people to take advantage of the situation and use the young women sexually and afterwards murder them. Most of the young women in the region who are addicted to the drugs that are brought by the drug lords enter into the business of prostitution with the idea of being able to raise the money that they need to buy the drugs they take14. Some of the people that use these young women for sex always exploit them and abuse them physically but younger women cannot do anything because they need the money for the drug and the only way they are able to get it is by offering their own bodies. In the process, some of the people will murder these you ng women by posing as clients and after they have used the young women sexually, they will murder them without mercy. Most the young women are very vulnerable because they need the money to support themselves and their families and thus end up in the hands of the drug lords who use them as sex slaves in their home and after they are satisfied, they murder them and dump their bodies in the outskirts of the town. Most of the women having very low education levels will not be able to do anything. They just continue to be used so long as they get the money to buy the drugs but in the process of being used they meet their merciless killers. This has had a serious effect on the economy of the region in that most of the young women do not contribute in any way to the prosperity of the region but instead sell their own bodies just to be able to buy the drugs they need from the drug lords who are on the rise in the area. Laxity of the government The government of Mexico has been under pressu re from the international community to put an end to the murders that are witnessed in the Ciudad Jurez region but it has been very reluctant in trying to solve them. It is known that the region is controlled by very powerful drug lords, some of whom are very influential in the government15. This has had a drastic effect on the justice system in that most of the murderers in the region do not face the law because they are protected by the powerful drug lords who rule the region. The word â€Å"justice† has been taken like a joke in the region especially in cases where the young women are murdered and the perpetrators of this heinous crime always go scot free. The Mexican government has been proven to be very corrupt in that most of the drug lords are able to buy their freedom because they are very wealthy and are able to conduct corrupt activities within the government. By doing so, these drug tycoons end up controlling the justice system hence making sure that the perpetrato rs of the murders are never brought to book. The government has also been criticized for its failure to station police officers in the region in a bid to beef up security and control the murders that have been on the rise in the area. Their failure can be attributed to the fact that the region is controlled by the drug lords who are very influential and control most of the activities in the area including those that are carried out by the Mexican police which include covering up for these grisly murders16. The police has also been on the frontline in the claims because they are known for conducting investigations that are not conclusive for the murders thus no suspects are arrested. They also respond very slowly in terms of solving the murders in the regions because they are controlled by the influential drug lords who control the region. The government has also been criticized by the international community of inefficiency in trying to control the murders that take place here. This has been mainly because most of the murders and kidnappings always take place in the full presence of police officers who do nothing to stop them. They have been unable to control these crimes and bringing the perpetrators of the murders to the book has taken an eternity. Impacts of the murders in Ciudad Jurez The murders that have taken place in the border town of Ciudad Jurez and surrounding regions in Northern Mexico have had a drastic effect especially on the economy of the country as a whole. The drug trafficking business that is very rampant in the area has had a very serious effect on the economy in that it is leading to huge losses in terms of revenue through the business. The murders of the young women in the Ciudad Jurez region have had a very serious effect on the economy of the country in that most of the young women who are murdered in the Ciudad Jurez could be used to work in the industries and other companies across the country so as to be able to earn the country en ough revenue and foreign exchange. The murders in the Ciudad Jurez region have also tarnished the image of the Mexican government in relation to the other international countries and this has had a serious effect when it comes to conducting of businesses with other international countries. Most of the international countries have condemned Mexico for not being able to control the murders that are very rampant in the Ciudad Jurez and this has in turn led to fewer countries wanting to be associated with Mexico in the business field. There is also the impact of the murders spreading to other local towns in Mexico. There are fears by analysts who feel that if the situation is not contained by the Mexican government, the murders will start spreading to other local towns and with time they will have spread across the country which is not very good for the economy and the image of the country. Recommendations Several recommendations can be offered in a bid to save the lives of the young wo men who are being murdered in the border town of Ciudad Jurez and the surrounding regions. For the recommendation to be able to take effect and stop the violent murders that take place in this region, the government and the local residents have to join together so as to be able to combat the vice that is slowly taking away the lives of the young women in the Ciudad Jurez region. Some of the recommendations include; Activism More and more people in the community must be able to protest to the government in a bid to make it act in the situation that is slowly turning the country into a very horrible place. The local residents must join hands with the international countries to put more pressure on the government to start acting on the matter that has a very serious effect on the economy and the image of the Mexican government and citizens in general17. If more and more people mount pressure on the government to root out the vice, then the Mexican government will start acting and in tu rn will be able to stop the murders of the young women who are being murdered very violently and this will in turn be productive for the country in that most of the young women who would have instead landed in the hands of the murderers will start doing constructive things which will lead to the rise of the economy of the country in general. Infrastructure The infrastructure of a town or a country is one of the most important parts of building the economy. If the government is to root out the vice of the young women being murdered in the Ciudad Jurez region, they must improve the infrastructure by building schools and road networks in a bid to get rid of the vice18. By building schools the government will be able to help younger women get an education and this will in turn translate to them leaving the Ciudad Jurez to go and look for employment in other towns hence reducing their risk of being murdered in the Ciudad Jurez region. In addition to that, the government should build a go od road network in the Ciudad Jurez and this will make it safer and less hectic for the young women who commute every day to work in the Maquiladoras. With a good road network, it will be easier for the law enforcers to keep track of the kidnappers who are very rampant in Ciudad Jurez and the surrounding regions. The government should also build modern stalls where the young women are able to carry out constructive businesses as alternative safe ways of making a living. Security If the government is committed to improving the state of the Ciudad Jurez region, then it should work to improve the security of the area by deploying more police officers who are capable of dealing with the perpetrators of the murders. The government should also hold the police accountable for the work they will have done in the region in that they must account for every investigation that will be carried out in the region and make sure that the perpetrators of the murders are captured and charged in the co urts of law. On the other hand, the government should also deploy police officers who will be patrolling the areas around the Ciudad Jurez region in a bid to be able to get the perpetrators of the murders that are committed in the region. By deploying police officers who patrol the area, then the murderers and kidnappers will be wary of being arrested if caught and hence this will reduce the rate of the murders drastically. The government should also put in place legislation that will deal with the perpetrators of the murders in the regions. For example, the government is able to impose death penalties to anyone who is caught in the act or has committed the act of murder. This will go a long way in trying to reduce the number of murders that are witnessed in the Ciudad Jurez region annually. Corruption Corruption nowadays is quite wide spread all over the world. Corruption is one of the key factors that affect the economy of a country drastically in that the higher the rate of corru ption in the government sector the higher the way the economy of the country will be damaged. For the Mexican government to be able to root out the problem of murders in the Ciudad Jurez, it must be able to root out corruption which is one of the key factors that fuels the murders. The situation that is currently taking place in the Ciudad Jurez region is that most of the drug lords are using the government to be able to make their dealing which includes the trafficking of drugs in the area. This is mainly because most of the drug lords are very influential in the government. If the government is able to crack down on these drug lords in the Ciudad Jurez region, then it will mean that it will have taken a huge step in the aim of getting rid of the murders that take place in the area. Most of the murders that take place in the Ciudad Jurez region are committed by the drug lords and by cracking down on them, it will mean that it will be a bit safer for the young women to continue with their daily duties in because there will be no one to harm them. The government must also identify the individual within the government structure who are harboring these drug lords and must be able to make sure that the individual are charged in the courts of law. The government must also make sure that the individual who are found guilty with harboring the drug lords name the drug lords whom they harbor so as to be able to know who the real murderers are. After this has happened, the government will then be able to crack down of the drug lords who are a very big threat to the young women in the Ciudad Jurez region. By doing so, this will go a long way in making sure that the murders in the Ciudad Jurez are prevented which are mostly by the drug lords who are very influential in the government. Government The government should know its role in the murders that are taking place in the Ciudad Jurez and thus taking the necessary actions that are necessary to trying to prevent more mur ders that happen in the Ciudad Jurez region19. The government has been very relaxed with regard the murders that are happening in the Ciudad Jurez region and it is time for the government to take action which includes making sure that all the drug lords and perpetrators of the murders have been persecuted for the murders that they commit. The government should also move in a bid to reducing the poverty level of the people who live in the Ciudad Jurez region in a bid to reducing the number of young women who get involved with the drug lords hence reducing the risk of having the young women murdered in the region. Drug Trafficking Drug trafficking has had a drastic effect on the economy of the Ciudad Jurez region and the government has to put in place measures that make sure that the drug traffickers are punished for the their actions. The government should also control the drug lords who control the Ciudad Jurez region which is notorious for the murders of young women. By doing so, t he government will be able to prevent more young women from getting addicted to drugs which are the main cause for having to commit prostitution in a bid to get money to buy the drugs that they need20. The government should also build rehabilitation centers for the young women who have already been addicted to the drugs to ensure that they reform and keep away from prostitution so as to be able to get the money that is necessary to buy the drugs. This will go a long way in reducing the number of young women who are addicted to drugs in the Ciudad Jurez region which will reduce the number of young women involved in prostitution in the Ciudad Jurez region21. The government should also put in place legislation that caters for the perpetrators of drug trafficking. For example, the government should impose a life sentence to any individual who is involved in drug trafficking or is found guilty of drug trafficking. This will be very important in the sense that most people will be afraid o f committing the crime of drug trafficking due to the huge consequences that will have been imposed by the government. Bibliography Bowden, Charles. Murder City: Ciudad Jurez and the Global Economys New Killing Fields. Charlotte: Nation Books, 2010. Fregoso, Rosa. Terrorizing Women: Feminicide in Mexico. London: Duke University Press, 2010. Guzmn, Georgina. Making a Killing: Femicide. London: John Wiley and Sons, 2010. Hawken, Sam. The Dead Women of Jurez. London: Profile Books, 2011. Jones, Adam. Gender Inclusive. New York: Sage, 2009. Kruszewski, Anthony. Human rights along the U. S. -Mexico border. California: California University Press, 2009. Levy, Bejarano. Women and violence. Berkeley: Seal Press, 2008. Morrall, Peter. Murder and Society. London: John Wiley and Sons, 2006. Newton, Michael. The Encyclopedia of Unsolved Crimes. London: Oxford University Press, 2009. Payan, Tony. The Ciudad Jurez Female Homicides. Belmont: Cengage Learning, 2007. Pineda, Nancy. Suffering and Sal vation in Ciudad Jurez. Pottstown: Fortress Press, 2011. Segura, Denise. Gender Violence: A Cultural Perspective. London: John Wiley and Sons, 2011. Staudt, Katheleen. Violence and Activism at the Border. London: Oxford University Press, 2008. Zavella, Patricia. Women and Migration in the U. S. -Mexico Borderlands. London: John Wiley and Sons, 2007. Footnotes 1 Georgina Guzmn, Making a Killing: Femicide (London: John Wiley and Sons, 2010), 16. 2 Katheleen Staudt, Violence and Activism at the Border (London: Oxford University Press, 2008), 24. 3 Katheleen Staudt, Violence and Activism at the Border (London: Oxford University Press, 2008), 26. 4 Sam Hawken, The Dead Women of Jurez (London: Profile Books, 2011), 24. 5 Sam Hawken, The Dead Women of Jurez (London: Profile Books, 2011), 26. 6 Adam Jones, Gender Inclusive (New York: Sage, 2009), 29. 7 Rosa Fregoso, Terrorizing Women: Feminicide in Mexico (London: Duke University Press, 2010), 48. 8 Anthony Kruszewski, Human rights along th e U.S.-Mexico border (California: California University Press, 2009), 32. 9 Nancy Pineda, Suffering and Salvation in Ciudad Jurez (Pottstown: Fortress Press, 2011), 72. 10 Anthony Kruszewski, Human rights along the U.S.-Mexico border (California: California University Press, 2009), 42. 11 Peter Morrall, Murder and Society (London: John Wiley and Sons, 2006), 84. 12 Charles Bowden, Murder City: Ciudad Jurez and the Global Economys New Killing Fields (Charlotte: Nation Books, 2010), 43. 13 Tony Payan, The Ciudad Jurez Female Homicides (Belmont: Cengage Learning, 2007), 42. 14 Peter Morrall, Murder and Society (London: John Wiley and Sons, 2006), 122. 15 Patricia Zavella, Women and Migration in the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands (London: John Wiley and Sons, 2007), 45. 16 Patricia Zavella, Women and Migration in the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands (London: John Wiley and Sons, 2007), 48. 17 Denise Segura, Gender Violence: A Cultural Perspective (London: John Wiley and Sons, 2011), 128. 18 Charles Bow den, Murder City: Ciudad Jurez and the Global Economys New Killing Fields (Charlotte: Nation Books, 2010), 84. 19 Bejarano Levy, Women and violence (Berkeley: Seal Press, 2008), 108. 20 Charles Bowden, Murder City: Ciudad Jurez and the Global Economys New Killing Fields (Charlotte: Nation Books, 2010), 92. 21 Charles Bowden, Murder City: Ciudad Jurez and the Global Economys New Killing Fields (Charlotte: Nation Books, 2010), 94.