Fly Away Peter Analysis Essay

Through out the book â€Å"Fly Away Peter†, Jim Saddler has grown from innocent to mature and even to death. This seems like a cycle of nature. People born and people die. In this novel, I think the novel is trying to convey the idea of regeneration than how Jim changed throughout the story. Regeneration is an important theme of Malouf’s Fly Away Peter. According to the novel everything regenerates, and not only in the physical sense, but also in the spiritual sense too. The term regenerate means to bring back again or bring out something new in our awareness of life. Its occurrence can be seen throughout the book and it includes the digging by the old man, the digging by Jim at the end of the novel, the fact birds come and go with old ones replaced by new ones and how Jim’s spirit lives on as the young surfer in the eyes of Miss Harcourt. They are all regenerations that are part of the cycle of life. Earth is associated with the cycle of life as it is a sign of birth, where lives stem from. Soil has always been where the life starts, this can been seen in the novel, â€Å"It (earth) was a smell that belonged to the beginning of things (life).† It is clear that soil is where life stems from; it is where plants receive their nutrients in order for new life and this is why the old man is digging, he is digging to plant new lives. Even though there is a war going on around him, he still prepares the field for the seeds, because he understands that live still goes on in all circumstances. It is through the plants from the seeds can new lives stem out of the ground and it is all part of the regenerations. The discovery of the mammoth â€Å"was a great wonder† and a rebirth of knowledge, it uncovers the past and puts new meanings and knowledge in our life as we learn about the past. Therefore, soil not only regenerates physically with new lives but also new understandings of life. Birds play an important role in the book as a sign of life. Birds have always been associated with life and freedom just like what the novel suggests â€Å"Birds were of life†. Every year they migrate to different places, yet it is not the same birds that come and go every year. The old birds get replaced  by young birds and it is all part of the cycle of life. Also, like the old man digging, they carry on with their life unaffected by the war; this can be seen from the quote â€Å"Even here, in the thick of the fighting, there were birds.† It is apparent that despites the chaos, death and horrors happening down below, the birds can still regenerate and live the way nature intended them to. Through the young surfer, there is a sense of the rebirth of Jim spiritually in Imogen’s mind. The young surfer at the end of the novel is essentially the â€Å"new† Jim for Imogen, although they are not the same person, it is as if Jim has dug through the earth to come back as the young surfer. Imogen recognises this, and understands that no matter what happens life goes on like the way waves never stop. Both of them never ending and Imogen realises that there is other people in the world that will have the image of Jim. Regeneration is an important theme of the novel, all things in life regenerates, from the birds to our minds, from the earths to the oceans, it occurs at every level of the world. With regeneration, it also brings us new meanings of life and increases our knowledge and awareness of our surroundings; therefore regeneration is essential to our life.

Homoscocial and Homoerotiscism in Shakespeare

Consider the relationship between homosocial and homoerotic in William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice and A Twelfth Night. â€Å"To talk of an Individual in this period as being or not being a ‘homosexual’ is an anachronism and ruinously misleading† (Bray, 1982, pg. 16) Before a solid argument can commence the reader has to first distinguish a number of key points of view, and more over understand them. The problem with such arguments is of course the hurdle between contemporary opinions and renaissance beliefs. The majority of modern reader/audiences have an understanding of homosexuality, or it in some way has been visible to them.This leads to the problem of a modern audience assuming a character is a homosexual based on modern presumptions. However what would be regarded as gay in today’s society may not have during the renaissance. Another issue that must be raised when considering this essay is the difference between ‘homosocialâ₠¬â„¢ and ‘homoerotic’. Homosocial is defined by a relationship of a non-sexual or romantic nature between two or more members of the same sex. Homoerotic is defined as sexual attraction between members of the same-sex.There for it is imperative the reader stay objective when considering the notions of homosocial and homoerotic behaviour. The reader must also try to remember the contextual factors in which it was written and the audience/readers estimations. The first relationship this essay will focus on is the one between Antonio and Bassanio from William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. These two share a very strong friendship, so much so that Antonio offers to lend Bassanio a very large sum of money. Antonio being a wealthy merchant however does not have the cash upfront as it is tied up in his merchandise off shore.He thus decides to go to a Jewish money lender called Shylock and offers his property as guarantee for the loan. Shylock has been spurned by the Venetian citizens on numerous occasions and quite frequently retells these cruelties. As a result instead of the property he decides he would rather have a pound of flesh from Antonio. Shylock -â€Å"In such a place, such sum or sums as are/Express'd in the condition, let the forfeit/Be nominated for an equal pound/Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken/In what part of your body pleaseth me. (Act 1, scene 3) Antonio – â€Å"Content, i' faith: I'll seal to such a bond/And say there is much kindness in the Jew† (Act 1, scene 3) In this exchange between Antonio and Shylock, we are exposed to the great lengths in which Antonio will go to make his friend and confidant Bassanio happy. He is willing to offer his life as insurance. This speaks magnitudes for the â€Å"love† these two share, and if you take the image of the flesh it could be said that the friends’ fates are now tied to one flesh. Then the man (Adam) said, â€Å"This at last is bone of m y bones and flesh of my flesh†¦ † Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh. † (Genesis 2:23-25) To consider this image as a representation of marriage, this steers the reader/audience to believe that Antonio possibly loves Bassanio more than a friend. It could be implied that there is a romantic connection between the pair and thus that their relationship is homoerotic rather than homosocial.This is especially reinforced by the earlier scenes of the play where Antonio is displayed as a largely melancholic character. Antonio knows bassanio is in want of a wife; his depression could perhaps be originated from jealousy. On the other hand it could be argued that Antonio is just upset, because he is now going to be spending less time with Bassanio. One of the main problems with trying to define the relationship between Antonio and Bassanio, is how often their relationship has switches between homoerotic and homos ocial undertones.Generally it depends on how the reader takes their exchanges, for example Antonio’s melancholy at the beginning of the play could be attributed to his jealousy of Bassanio’s want for a wife, or it could be his worry about the friendship in which the two share. Antonio – â€Å"And such want-wit sadness makes of me, / that I have much ado to know myself. † The problem would appear judging by Antonio’s description of his sadness that, he is worried about himself. Both Antonio and Bassanio share very close relationships in which both men have grown together their characters are defined by each other.Bassanio seems to have matured to a point where his life needs more than companionship and wishes to get married; Antonio on the other hand is not ready for this change and as result has to do some soul searching. It is Antonio’s dismay at this rather than a romantic connection which causes the assumption that their relationship is h omosocial rather than homoerotic. When Antonio offers to give shylock a pound of flesh if he defaults on his loan Antonio expects to have the money rather easily so it’s a rather empty gesture suggesting a homosocial relationship.However when he does default on the loan Antonio professes to Bassanio. Antonio – â€Å"Say how I loved you, speak me fair in death / And when the tale is told, bid her be judge /Whether Bassanio had not once a love† Antonio is still willing to sacrifice his life for Bassanio and once again professes his love for his friend again suggesting a romantic relationship. The language which Antonio and Bassanio use when talking to or describing each other for a modern audience coxes them to believe them as being homosexual.However the cultural differences between contemporary audience’s and renaissance audiences allow for a different interpretation. Bassanio – â€Å"To you, Antonio, /I owe the most, in money and in love, / And f rom your love I have a warranty/To unburden all my plots and purposes† (Act1, scene1) For a modern audience if a man says to another man he loves him or talks of the love they share, it would be a safe assumption to label them homosexual or at least expect some type of romantic connection. However if you substitute â€Å"love† from this extract for friendship it reads more or less the same and makes perfect sense.This is a difference in language, in Shakespeare’s time â€Å"love† would be used to describe friendship on a regular basis. The relations between men during the 16th century were very different from they are today, for example it would not thought suspicious if two men were to spend large amounts of time together or even share the same bed. In general terms it would be very difficult to discern a homosexual relationship from companionship during Shakespeare’s time. The reintroduction of the sodomy act in 1565 meant sodomy was now a capital crime and anyone caught being homosexual was punishable by death.Homosexuality its self was not even invented or at least the term was not so sodomy was used to describe this act. Interestingly enough there are no occasions where a person has been arrested or hung for sodomy alone. It would seem that same sex relations were generally frowned upon but normally ignored. It seems it only became an issue when it threatened social order, the passive male would also be prosecuted more harshly than aggressive male which was perceived by the authorities as a surrendering of his â€Å"natural† masculine role in favour of a subordinate feminine one.As mentioned above during the renaissance period there was a large emphasis on the relationships between men. The thought that a man could find an equal, not in his wife but in a male friend and that bond be stronger than the one capable between men and women. This is true of Shakespeare’s plays also he uses sexuality to define his c haracters. The platter of sexual ambiguity in â€Å"Twelfth night† we are introduced to homosocial relationships as well as homoerotic and bisexual tangents.The relationship between Antonio and Sebastian is very suspect. The first we see of Antonio and Sebastian is in Act 2 scene 1 where Sebastian is wanting to leave for Count Orsino’s court in Illyria but Antonio has enemies there. Despite the dangers to Antonio he seems adamant to accompany Sebastian, however Sebastian states on more than one occasion he wishes for Antonio to stay. Antonio – â€Å"Will you stay no longer? nor will you not that I go with you? † Sebastian – â€Å"By your patience, no.My stars shine darkly over/me: the malignancy of my fate might perhaps /distemper yours; therefore I shall crave of you your /leave that I may bear my evils alone: it were a bad /recompense for your love, to lay any of them on you. † Antonio – â€Å"Let me yet know of you whither you are bound. † (Act 2, Scene 1) As mentioned before â€Å"love† is often used within Shakespeare’s language as a substitute for friendship. However the exchanges between Sebastian and Antonio clearly signify something different, Antonio’s desperation to accompany his â€Å"friend† leads the reader and audience to assume there is a romantic connection.The fear of danger is outweighed by Antonio’s love for Sebastian and thus he decides to travel to Illyria. The homoeroticism between the two men is clearly evident and is spelt out in laymen’s terms when later in the same scene Antonio says: Antonio – â€Å"If you will not murder me for my love, let me be your servant† â€Å"But come what may, I do adore thee so/That danger shall seem sport, and I will go† (Act 2, Scene1) Antonio here also admits his love, sexual desire and submissiveness to Sebastian.Joseph Pequigney describes Antonio’s sexuality in his book such is My Love: A Study of Shakespeare sonnets as: â€Å"The reason for Antonio’s portrayal as homosexual is that a liaison with him opens space for Sebastian in the diverse bisexual fictions that make up the Twelfth Night† (Pequigney, 1985, pg 203) Antonio has clear homoerotic feelings for Sebastian and paints a very clear image of his sexual urges. Compared to Antonio from The Merchant of Venice, whose desire was born from friendship and homosocial. Shakespeare seems to have stepped up on the sexual commentary and made it far more obvious.The progression of Sebastian and Antonio’s â€Å"love† is finalised in act 3 scene 3, the audience sees Antonio make several comments regarding his desire for his lover. His love is best displayed by his speech to Sebastian: Antonio –â€Å"My desire, / More sharp than filed steel, did spur me forth, / And not all love to see you / But jealousy what might befall your travel† (Act 3, scene3) His passion, desire a nd lust for Sebastian again clearly visible, later in the scene a discussion of sleeping arrangements leads to a very brave piece of stage writing where Shakespeare clearly refers to the Antonio and Sebastian having sex.Antonio – â€Å"There shall you have me,† (Act 3, scene3) Very plain and provocative and suggestive writing by Shakespeare, Pequigney as mentioned above declares that Antonio is depicted as quite openly flamboyant homosexual is so Sebastian can part take in the bisexual theme of the play: â€Å"While he remains heterosexually virginal, he is unlike the virgins Viola and Olivia or Orsino in that he entertains homosexual impulses that are fully conscious and indulged.Antonio awakens those impulses, initiates him into interpersonal sexuality, and perhaps thereby prepares him to receive the sudden, surprising advances of the Illyrian lady† (Pequigney, 209-10). Pequigney’s opinions identify the relationship between Antonio and Sebastian as clea rly homoerotic and indeed homosexual/bisexual. Shakespeare leaves little room for speculation regarding this pair of lovers/friends the nature of their relationship would be clear to an audience of the renaissance and to a contemporary audience. The bisexual subplot in A twelfth Night is continued by the relationship between Orsino and Cesario (Viola).Orsino and Cesario share a similar relationship to Antonio and Sebastian however there are a number of major differences. Cesario is of course a woman disguised as a man. During the exchanges between them we see Orsino refer to Cesario as a man but then juxtapose these with images of a pretrachal sonnet referring to Viola/Cesarios beauty, soft voice and femininity. So essentially the relationship between them both is homoerotic. As there is a clear sexual attraction to each other. To a modern audience who has knowledge of psychology and a broader understanding f gay society will understand Sigmund Freud’s opinion on sexuality wh ich I feel helps explain the attraction between Orsino and Cesario. â€Å"A large proportion of homosexuals retain the mental quality of masculinity†¦and that what they look for in their real sexual object are in fact feminine mental traits. † (Freud, 1905) While Freud’s view helps us understand Orsino’s attraction to Cesario it is still difficult for an audience/reader to catalogue which sexuality Orsino belongs. Essentially the text suggests he is bi curious, Orsino in love with Cesario suggests a homosocial relationship perhaps with erotic undertones.However his love remains unconsummated until viola revels herself as a woman and thus their marriage is possible. However Penquigney states: â€Å"The love for Cesario could not have changed instantaneously with the revelation of his femaleness; if it is erotic then it would have been erotic before; what does change is that marriage suddenly becomes possible, and hence the immediate proposal† (Pequign ey, 207). If in agreement with Pequigney it would suggest that the relationship between Cesario/Viola and Orsino has always been homoerotic it was only the constraints of society that prohibited Orsino from the actual act of love.For a Shakespearian audience this must have been a difficult sub-plot to follow as of course women were not permitted to act. There for those audiences would be watching a small boy/young man, play a woman, which was disguised as a man. So their reactions to the performances of A Twelfth Night would be different for modern audiences. In conclusion Shakespeare manages to create a multitude of relationships within the plays The Merchant of Venice and A Twelfth Night. He crosses the lines between homosocial and homoerotic on a number of occasions.The juxtaposition of quite blatant homoerotic with seemingly homosocial relations keep the audience in a state of uncertainty where by sexuality, love and friendship are clouded. The differences that arise between a m odern or renaissance audiences/ readers result in a modern audience being quicker to judge the relationships as homoerotic. By keeping your mind free of modern social conventions we can gain a better understanding of the world of sexuality that Shakespeare was trying to convey.Bibliography The Merchant of Venice –William Shakespeare the Cambridge university printing press published 1953 The Shakespearian Stage 1574-1642 3rd edition Andrew Gurr Twelfth Night the Macmillan Shakespeare 1972 Such Is My Love: A Study of Shakespeare*s Sonnets. By Joseph. Pequigney. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1985 The sexual aberrations S Freud – The Material Queer: A Lesbigay Cultural Studies †¦, 1996 – West view Press The New International Version The Holy Bible Homoerotic space: the poetics of loss in Renaissance literature By Stephen Guy-Bray 1982 University of Toronto press http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Sodomy http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Timeline_of_LGBT_histor y

Prose Appreciation

The East, an excerpt from the short story â€Å"Youth† written by Joseph Conrad is a descriptive paragraph about a young mans first impression of the east. The tone of the excerpt is admiring because the writer uses words such as â€Å"impalpable† and â€Å"enslaving† suggesting that the young deckhand was overwhelmed by the magnificent sight of the east. The aim in descriptive paragraphs is to build descriptive detail. The writer mostly uses long sentences which are suitable for a descriptive paragraph because there can be a lot of detail packed into long sentences. However, there are two short sentences. The fragment sentence â€Å"And this is how I see the east† is used to create suspense while the short sentence near the end of the excerpt â€Å"That I can never forget† emphasis just how great an impression the east made on the narrator. While most of the sentences are assertive sentences, used to experience the scene of the east through the eyes of the narrator as he approaches the bay, most sentences are also loose sentences to accumulate descriptive detail. However, in the excerpt there are some unordinary sentences. The opening sentence â€Å"And this is how I see the east† is a periodic sentence and the delay of the verb â€Å"see† is used to create suspense, on the other hand, to emphasize the immense size of the bay, the writer uses the parallel sentence â€Å"I see a bay, a wide bay†. We see the same affect on â€Å"wide† in the parallel sentence as we saw on â€Å"See† is the periodic sentence. Through out the excerpt, many different types of language devices are used. Sight imagery: used to implant the image of the mountains and the bay the narrator is seeing into the readers mind, Tactile imagery: to give the sensation of holding an oar in hands, Olfactory imagery: to make the reader experience the smells of the wind as the narrator did, Similes: â€Å"I see a bay, a wide bay, smooth as glass and polished like ice† to explain just how perfect a day is was and how calm the sea was, and â€Å"It was impalpable and enslaving, like a charm, like a whispered promise of mysterious delight† used to create the sense of power that the east had over the young man, Personification: the narrator has â€Å"looked into the east’s very soul† used to show the connection between the narrator and the east. The excerpt clearly demonstrates how dumbfounded and impressed the narrator was with the east during his first impression.

ACCOUNTING Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

ACCOUNTING - Essay Example He successfully included all the expenses and related each with one or more cost centers. The report will concentrate on providing a thorough investigation based on the seven vital issues that have been given. 1. Management accounting system does not necessarily relate to a whole new form of accounting system but it concentrates more on providing valuable information to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the business. (Johnson, Kaplan, 1991, p.4). It can be regarded as an extension given to the concept of cost accounting which helps in giving more economic information to the management helping them in decision making, policy formation, detect the major flaws on the business etc. According to the Anglo-American Council Management Accounting is defined as â€Å"the presentation of accounting information in such a way as to assist management to the certain policy and the day to day operation of an undertaking.† From the definition it is being understood that the financial data is basically processed and analyzed in a manner that the management can run business operation more systematically. Apart from business planning and policy formulation there are other certain objectives of this system. This system essentially is being used as a process of interpretation. Unlike cost accountancy it does not always identifies the cost element of the business but it is more dynamic in nature as it analyzes the data and reveals the vital information like where in the company is doing bad or good in its operational processes.( Johnson, Kaplan, 1991, p.4). These identifications in turn help in the decision making of any organization. In this case, the company Thomela though was making profits up to a certain level; there were difficulties in their activities and production, which were exposed when the market collapsed. Thus with the installation of the management accounting system,

Perception Dependence Argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Perception Dependence Argument - Essay Example For instance, by stating that X=Y and Y=Z, it implies that X=Z. This is an example of logical arguments. However, there are arguments that are based on incorrect principles of logics, leading to logical fallacies and false or illogical conclusions. One type of argument that has attracted a lot of debates and controversy with regards to the truth about its premises and inferences/conclusions is perception-dependent argument. This paper thus evaluates whether the premises of the perception-Dependent Argument are true. In addition, the paper explores whether the argument’s inference are good. Perception Dependent Arguments The awareness or apprehension of one’s environment through senses such as sight, touch, hearing, smell, taste is referred to as perception, a study area that has continued to intrigue not only philosophers but also other scholars since historical times2. One reason perception-dependent arguments have always been considered fallacious is the problem creat ed by the association of perception with hallucinations and illusions. Both hallucination and illusion refer to situations in which a person perceives objects in ways that in which they do not exist. Thus, the possibilities of errors occasioned by illusions and hallucinations make the true nature of arguments based on perception questionable. Because of illusion- and hallucination-related errors, arguments, their premises and inferences, always based on perception, lead to questions on whether perceptions are intuitively what they appear to be. Perceptions could therefore not be directly linked to reality and neither are they necessarily the immediate access to reality. The possibility of hallucination and illusion errors in perception dependent arguments therefore challenges the logical nature of arguments based on perceptions. Illusion refers to a situation in which an object or subject is perceived to appear in way other than it really is. For instance, using a yellow light in a house with white walls make the walls appear have yellow color. Another example of illusion is the sour taste of a sweet drink if consumed immediately after consuming a sweeter drink. It should however be noted that illusion does not imply there is deception since one is not deceived into believing that objects are not what they are. In other words, there is a possibility that one may actually be aware that he/she is experiencing an illusion. From the illusion and hallucination errors that perception dependent arguments are prone to, it is imperative that the obvious truth of peoples’ experiences and the perception-related errors in arguments are reconciled. The perceptual experiences otherwise referred to as openness to the world, which lead to true premises and good inferences in arguments, have been consistently challenged by the existence of illusions and hallucinations. From its definition, it is apparent that basing one’s arguments on illusion will most likely re sult in false premises and bad conclusions/inferences. Arguments based on perceptions (illusions and hallucinations) always occur through certain steps. When one is under illusion, an object appears to have some characteristic or quality F. In reality, the object under view, feel, taste, or touch does not always have the perceived quality. Interestingly, another object encountered or experienced somewhere by the person under illusion possesses the quality/feature F perceived by the person. In

Argument and Persuasion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Argument and Persuasion - Essay Example This treatment is not acceptable in society to a greater extent. Only few reforms are laid down to help this category of children and a few has gained success but much is to be done to support this category of children. The question arises what made this category of children so vulnerable to exploitation and sufferings. It is common observation that poor nutritional uptake and lack of hygienic living conditions are pushing them to sufferings and ill-health. Therefore it is essential that policies must be laid down to uplift this category of children. They must encompass: 2. Proper hygienic environment: it is imperative that proper hygienic condition must be provided to these children so that they can have good health. For this, basic education must be given to keep themselves and their surroundings clean. 3. Education of parents: to make the future of the children parents play the crucial role. It is vital to educate the parents and make them aware about the health and hygiene and to keep themselves clean and keep the surroundings clean, not to let the water stagnate near their houses to avoid various diseases. This will not only keep them healthy but also enable them to save their money which would otherwise be wasted in hospital and medicines if they fall sick. 4. Education of children: it is the prime right of the citizen of any country to get good education and be the part of educated and literate population.

Indian Negotiation Styles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Indian Negotiation Styles - Essay Example It is therefore important for business theorists to establish ways of establishing ways through which the synergies of culture, attitudes, and values can be incorporated into business practice. The Problem Background In India, business is considered as a culture and not simply a means towards profits. Success and failure are assessed in terms of the character and ability of agents rather than logical outcomes of strategies and processes (Martin, & Chaney, 2009). In the context of international business, the negotiation process in India is considered, in many circles, as a process of balance of power and an adjustment of equilibriums between the presumed cultural greatness of the west and Indian culture. Cultural balance and cultural universalism acquire more prominence to challenge the negative assumptions resident in theories of cultural relativism as understood in business context. Indian negotiating styles significantly rely on the details (Zubko, & Sahay, 2010). Issues are broken down into their constituent parts and analyzed in accordance with the manner in which they relate to the bigger picture. In essence, the process entails the realization of a range of issues that connect with outcomes. Usually, the focus begins with the bigger picture before attention is given to the driving factors and the specifics of the deal. Clarity and order in the details of the deal becomes necessary for purposes of assessing the feasibility of the deal. Naturally, Indians prefer the guidance of clear data and mathematical procedure towards the attainment of a given goal. This trait is consistent with the cultural attachment to matters of mathematical and scientific importance.... Indian Negotiation Styles A break from socialist policies to a capitalist oriented economic structure has been cited as one of the contributing factors to the country’s economic growth. Western countries have increased their levels of interest in the country for purposes of economic partnership. India’s high population estimated at over a billion has attracted foreign investors who seek market for their products or cheap labor. However engaging with India demands a deeper connection with the culture, attitudes, and philosophies underlying their business practices. The Problem Multinationals and other global business entities that have attempted to establish their businesses in India have been faced with unique challenges that demanded the understanding of the corporate climate. The levels of success or failure in Indian business are directly related to the manner in which international players adjust to the unique character of Indian culture. Studies have established a strong connection between culture and business in the Indian context. Past and recent analyses on Indian negotiating style show that the styles adopted in Indian business environment are largely consistent with their cultural believes, social values, and attitudes towards life in general. Indians embrace family values and respect the aspect of honesty, respect, order, and hierarchy. This study focuses on the negotiation style of India in international business negotiations, with respect to their culture, which greatly shapes their negotiation styles.

Chemical, Biological and Nuclear Agents and Incidents Essay

Chemical, Biological and Nuclear Agents and Incidents - Essay Example This results in a greater affected area caused by migration by affected individuals. A chemical agent is defined as a chemical substance either in solid, liquid or gaseous form, which is employed to injure, incapacitate or kill human beings or animals because of its toxicological effects (Staten). Chemical agents can be classified into various groups such as â€Å"blood agents, nerve agents, pulmonary or choke agents, blister agents, incapacitating agents and riot-control agents† (Burda 253). An example of a blood agent is cyanide which is commonly used as hydrogen cyanide, or as halogen compounds. Cyanide poisoning causes dizziness, confusion, vomiting, hyperventilation and hypertension leading to coma, hypotension, convulsions, metabolic acidosis and even death. Common cyanide antidotes are sodium nitrate, sodium thiosulphate and sodium bicarbonate (Davies et al. 550). Nerve agents are chemically organophosphates such as sarin, soman, GF, tabun and VX (Burda 254). Organophosphate poisoning produces muscarinic, nicotinic and CNS symptoms. The antidotal agents used for organophosphate poisoning are atropine sulfate, glycopyrrolate and pralidoxime chloride. In March 1995, a sarin attack was made on a Tokyo subway station. Choking agents can be substances like chlorine, chloropicrin and diphosgene. These agents give rise to such symptoms as cough and dyspnea followed by pulmonary edema. Commonly used antidotes are albuterol sulfate and nebulised sodium bicarbonate. Examples of blistering or alkylating agents are nitrogen mustard, mustard gas, lewisite and distilled mustard. Blisters, eye injury, vomiting and vesiculations are typical symptoms of such toxicity. Such a poisoning is treated by using antibiotics. Popular incapacitating agents are QNB and Agent 15, which result in hallucinations, delirium and other anticholinergic symptoms. Such symptoms are reversed by using benzodiazepines and physostigmine salicylate.

Property & Possession Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Property & Possession - Essay Example he House of Usher, there is an alteration on the expression of highly-sentimental heroines by showing the two male characters that struggles from tense susceptibilities, and the more penetrating account is the dandification of Roderick Usher. An expression of Usher’s possession of the property is the oneness or the singleness between the house and the sister, and the coherence of events that takes place in the house and the way it affects Usher. By and large, there is an overwhelming linkage between the structure itself, which is the house, and the human body. The possession is therefore established in the conspicuous familiarity of Usher on the details of the house, telling the unnamed narrator that the house is alive (Meyers 111). This substantial understanding of the behaviour and characteristics of the house presents an element of ownership; thus, forming custody. Meanwhile, gazing at Manfred in The Castle of Otranto, in the beam of man’s captivity in the public domain, it is imperative to understand the logic of the whole story. In the novel, in order to renew and extend the family lineage, overturn the illegal act of usurpation, and, and eventually, deride the prophecy that forecasts the downfall of Otranto’s family, Otranto finds it necessary to marry Isabella, who is incredibly aloof to the idea of getting married to Otranto. If Manfred as the element of the public domain is taken into consideration, it becomes well-defined that there is a constant encounter between Otranto and himself in a rather perplexing and suffocating no-man’s ground amid the private and public realms. On one hand, there is a need for Otranto to deliver to the anticipations of being a person of informing, sanity, and logic. On the other hand, Otranto is armed with states of mind that are regarded as being in the possession of the private domain. At the start of the story, there is a though-provoking essence within the passages that incredibly exemplifies the vagueness and

Impact of capital structure on financial performance of real estate Essay - 1

Impact of capital structure on financial performance of real estate firms listed in Chinese - Essay Example n considered as a prominent industrial pillar of the national economy of China as it has fully impacted the employment, labour productivity, savings and total investment. The industry has a huge multiplier and hence it has the potential of being an important economic stimulus. Through employment, many households can afford a considerable high quality of life and in addition, pay tax for the government programs. Saving and investment has realized a lot of wealth creation and increased per capita income (Marketline, 2014). The real estate industry is essentially related to leasing and renting of residential and commercial properties. The paper is aimed at assessing the real estate companies that are listed on the Chinese stock exchange; correspondingly, background research has effectively focused on real estate development in Asia-Pacific region. Market analysis suggest that on average the Asia-Pacific real estate industry has witnessed growth of 13 percent between 2009 and 2013 while China alone witnessed growth as high as 16.8 percent. Moreover, the paper conducts a tour that is intended to find out the relationship between the capital structure and financial performance of the listed companies. Guo and Huang (2010) monitored that the growth rate of Chinese economy has been moderately high and consequently, it has become an important choice of foreign direct investors. Foreign capital has been a great source of Chinese economy and since real estate is an essential pillar of the national economy, large scale foreign investment flows therein. Guo and Huang (2010) observed that in most Asian economies, the stock market and real estate market are interdependent and integrated. Guo and Huang (2010) scrutinized the association between stock market and real estate market in China and recognized unidirectional relationship thereof. Studies suggest that since 2003, China witnessed heavy capital inflow as a result of liberalisation and the inflow was too huge to be

Jerusalem Today Essay Example for Free

Jerusalem Today Essay Three criminals were crucified today, including the rabble-rouser Jesus Christ, who has been instigating a great deal of controversy of late. After months of hotly contested debate, the execution was eagerly awaited by the priests and the people, notwithstanding Jesus’ many followers. Despite Jesus’ proclamations, speeches, and promises, God did not come to save him. The suspect was arrested in Gethsemane following dinner and charged with claiming to be the â€Å"King of Jews. Sources at the scene said that during his final dinner with his disciples, Jesus shocked everyone present by announcing, â€Å"I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me† (MAT 26:21). These sources revealed that Jesus believed his betrayer would be a man named Judas Iscariot, who promptly left the table. Judas appears to have felt great remorse for his alleged betrayal, hanging himself before morning. Jesus was quickly brought before the high priest Caiaphas to be accused. After much debate, the priests decided to bring him to the governor to confer a sentence of death upon him. Jesus was brought before the governor Pontius Pilate who deferred to the will of the people and sentenced him to be crucified. The thief Barabbas, who was also arrested, was granted a reprieve at the people’s request. When asked to comment, former disciple Peter denied Jesus, claiming to have no knowledge. Two thieves and Jesus Christ were taken to the â€Å"Place of the Skulls† for execution. Jesus was dressed in a purple robe for the journey; however, he was stripped at the scene. Once he was placed on the cross, he was treated to a great deal of mocking and derision from bystanders. After six hours, Jesus said his final words, â€Å"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? † (â€Å"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? †), and succumbed to his injuries. He was stabbed through the side to ensure he had reached his final rest and his body ran with blood and water. He is to be buried in a private tomb at the request of his disciples. Sources inside the Pilate government had no immediate comment. Interviews â€Å"I try not to think about it,† Nicole Canter said after being asked what she thought of the current economic crisis. â€Å"I mean, it just makes my stomach queasy. The 22-year-old Santa Ana resident works as a waitress at two local restaurants. A republican, Nicole was hesitant to blame the situation on former President Bush, but admitted that there were clearly areas that could have been improved. â€Å"It’s affecting everyone,† she said. â€Å"I still have a job, but my hours have been cut and business is poor in general. † Nicole worries that when she finishes college, there won’t be any jobs for her to take, but hasn’t followed any of the activity of President Obama but has hope that â€Å"someone will do something. † She just wants to see an improvement and isn’t picky about where it comes from. I hope for the best,† she said, â€Å"and I try not to imagine the worst. † At age 72, Geoffrey Simonson should be set for life after a lifetime of saving for his retirement. But he’s worried that his investments won’t last long enough now that the economy has fallen. â€Å"My portfolio has lost 40% of its value. It makes me very angry. † When asked what he thinks caused the crisis, Geoffrey is quick to excuse Bush. â€Å"It was a lack of oversight by congress,† he says, claiming that under President Clinton, the democrats passed the Glass Steigel Act which only made the problem worse. The democratic majority had the opportunity to police the banks but they didn’t and instead took big ‘donations’ to look the other way. † His frustration is obvious, and his anger at the democrats â€Å"passing the buck† onto Bush is evident as well. â€Å"[Bush] was not the problem,† he insists. As for how the situation is affecting him, â€Å"Well, my son lost his job and had to move to Dallas so I can’t see him or my grandkids anymore. † His sadness is apparent. Many of his neighbors and friends have lost their job along with his son. The economy is a mess right now,† he concedes, â€Å"but Bush didn’t do it. † After the rescuing of the banking and automotive industry, Geoffrey believes the administration is hemorrhaging money at a huge cost to the children. â€Å"Spiraling inflation is imminent. Hopefully they make some changes soon that make sense. † That’s all anybody can ask for. Fullerton resident Charles Gothart, 42, lost his job as a marketing manager last April and has not been able to find a new one. â€Å"It’s been over a year and it’s discouraging. I have some savings, but my capital is dwindling. It’s a tough market. Charles blames the current economy on a â€Å"catastrophe of management† on the part of the Bush administration, naming late intervention, poor credit management by the banks and the people, and the fact that the banks were not only allowing people to live beyond their means, but encouraging it. â€Å"I was downsized after fourteen years on the job. They’re being brutal, cutting all the way across the board. Sad to see. † Charles worries daily about the market and the economy. â€Å"I’ve lost about 20%, not as bad as some, but that doesn’t include my pension which has taken a bruta l hit. The measures that Obama has passed haven’t done nearly enough, he’s following in Bush’s footsteps. † As for how he feels, Charles’ anger emanates from him. But he hasn’t completely given up hope. â€Å"Obama’s still new, maybe something will change. † We can only hope. â€Å"Life on disability is always hard, but lately, it’s been worse. † 36-year-old Huntington Beach resident, Catherine Rigley is gloomy. â€Å"Living on a fixed income is always frustrating, but now I can’t even supplement it with outside work. There just isn’t a market. † Catherine blames the poor policy making on the part of the Bush government and the lack of regulation in the banking industry. â€Å"They should have intervened sooner, they just should have. Although,† she concedes, â€Å"they probably would have done the wrong thing anyway. † After months of escalating unemployment, Catherine’s sister, boyfriend and mother all lost their jobs. â€Å"I can’t be laid off, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect me. † Catherine admits to being scared about the return of the economy, believing it’s going to take awhile. I don’t think they’re doing enough for the unemployment rate. † But they have made some positive steps. Catherine has hope that things will turn around. â€Å"It all depends on the markets; when they do better we do better. Let’s just hope they start doing better. † Caregivers never make enough money, but when you add a faltering economy, you create a tenuous position for the largely under appreciated part of the workforce. Darlene Tonter, 56, a Fountain Valley resident, has worked as a caregiver for the past 25 years and recently lost her job due to a client’s death. After having a difficult time finding new employment, Darlene found herself expressing her frustration with the Bush administration. â€Å"The economy is always a mess when a republican is in office. Always has been, always will be. † Her daughter has also lost her job. â€Å"Denise has been unemployed for nearly six months and hasn’t gotten an interview yet. She’s really good and has wonderful recommendations, but there are a lot of people who are willing to work for less. † She shrugged her shoulders, a tear running from her eye. â€Å"I hope the stimulus works, I hope something works. † She sighs heavily. â€Å"I just want to feel secure again. †

Airline Economics Essay Example for Free

Airline Economics Essay The purpose of this note is to provide background to the study of the airline industry by briefly discussing four important economic aspects of the industry: (1) the nature and measurement of airline costs; (2) economies of scope and hub-and-spoke networks; (3) the relationship between yields and market characteristics; and (4) the S-curve effect. The Appendix to this note contains a glossary of key terms used throughout the discussion. Airline Costs Airline costs fall into three broad categories: flight sensitive costs which vary with the number of flights the airline offers. These include the costs associated with crews, aircraft servicing, and fuel. Once the airline sets its schedule, these costs are fixed. traffic-sensitive costs which vary with the number of passengers. These include the costs associated with items such as ticketing agents and food. Airlines plan their expenditures on these items in anticipation of the level of traffic, but in the short run, these costs are also fixed. fixed overhead costs which include general and administrative expenses, costs associated with marketing and advertising, and interest expenses. The largest category of costs is flight-sensitive. An important point about an airline’s cost structure, and a key to understanding the nature of competition in the industry, is that once an airline has set its schedule, nearly all of its costs are fixed and thus cannot be avoided. Because it is better to generate cash flow to cover some fixed costs, as opposed to none at all, an airline will be willing to fly passengers at prices far below its average total cost. This implies that the incidence of price wars during periods of low demand is likely to be greater in this industry than in most. There are two alternative measures of an airline’s average (or, equivalently, unit) costs: cost per available seat mile (ASM) cost per revenue passenger mile (RPM) Cost per ASM is an airline’s operating costs divided by the total number of seat-miles it flies. (An available seat mile is one seat flown one mile.) It is essentially the cost per unit of capacity. Cost per RPM is the airline’s operating costs divided by the number of revenue-passenger miles it flies. (A revenue passenger mile is one passenger flown one mile.) It is essentially the cost per unit of actual output. These two measures are related by the formula: Cost per RPM = cost per ASM ( load factor where load factor is the fraction of seats an airline fills on its flights. In the end, it is cost per RPM that an airline must worry about, for it must cover its cost per RPM to make a profit. Airlines differ greatly in both their costs per ASM and costs per RPM. For example, in 1992 Southwest had a cost per ASM of 7.00 cents, while USAir had a cost per ASM of 10.90 cents. Similarly, Delta had a cost per RPM of 15.33 cents while American had a cost per RPM of 13.81. Differences across airlines in cost per ASM reflect differences in: 1) average length of flights (cost per ASM declines with distance). 2) fleet composition (cost per ASM is smaller with bigger planes). 3) input prices, especially wage rates. 4) input productivity, especially labor. 5) overall operating efficiency. Differences across airlines in cost per RPM reflect differences in cost per ASM plus differences in load factor. Two airlines might have very similar costs per ASM, but quite different costs per RPM because of differences in load factor. For example, in 1992 USAir and United’s cost per ASM differed by less than 2 cents (USAir 10.90, United 9.30), but their costs per RPM differed by nearly 5 cents (USAir 18.54, United 13.80) because of USAir’s lower overall load factor (USAir .59, United .67) Economies of Scope and Hub-and-Spoke Networks Economies of scope play an important role in shaping the structure of the U.S. airline industry. The source of economies of scope in the airline industry is the hub-and-spoke network. In hub-and-spoke network, an airline flies passengers from a set of â€Å"spoke† cities through a central â€Å"hub,† where passengers then change planes and fly from the hub to their outbound destinations. Thus, a passenger traveling from, say, Omaha to Louisville on American Airlines would board an American flight from Omaha to Chicago, change planes, and then fly from Chicago to Louisville. In general, economies of scope occur when a multiproduct firm can produce given quantities of products at a lower total cost than the total cost of producing these same quantities in separate firms. If â€Å"quantity† can be aggregated into a common measure, this definition is equivalent to saying that a firm producing many products will have a lower average cost than a firm producing just a few products. In the airline industry, it makes economic sense to think about individual origin-destination pairs (e.g., St. Louis to New Orleans, St. Louis to Houston, etc.) as distinct products. Viewed in this way, economies of scope would exist if an airline’s cost per RPM is lower the more origin-destination pairs its serves. To understand how hub-and-spoke networks give rise to economies of scope, it is first necessary to explain economies of density. Economies of density are essentially economies of scale along a given route, i.e., reductions in average cost as traffic volume on the route increases. Economies of density occur because of two factors: (1) spreading flight sensitive fixed costs and (2) economies of aircraft size. As an airline’s traffic volume  increases, it can fill a larger fraction of seats on a given type of aircraft and thus increase its load factor. The airline’s total costs increase only slightly as it carries more passengers because traffic-sensitive costs are small in relation to flight-sensitive fixed costs. As a result, the airline’s cost per RPM falls as flight-sensitive fixed costs are spread over a larger traffic volume. As traffic volume on the route gets even larger, it becomes worthwhile to substitute larger aircraft (e.g., 300 seat Boeing 767s) for smaller aircraft (e.g., 150 seat Boeing 737s). A key aspect of this substitution is that the 300 seat aircraft flown a given distance at a given load factor is less than twice as costly as the 150 seat aircraft flown the same distance at the same load factor. The reason is that doubling the number of seats and passengers on a plane does not require doubling the number of pilots or flight attendants or the amount of fuel. Economies of scope emerge from the interplay of economies of density and the properties of a hub-and-spoke network. To see how, consider an origin-destination pair – say, Indianapolis to Chicago – with a modest amount of traffic. An airline serving only this route would use small planes, and even then, would probably operate with a low load factor. But now consider an airline serving a hub-and-spoke network, with the hub at Chicago. If this airline offered flights between Indianapolis and Chicago, it would not only draw passengers who want to travel from Indianapolis to Chicago, but it would also draw passengers from traveling from Indianapolis to all other points accessible from Chicago in the network (e.g., Los Angeles or San Francisco). An airline that includes the Indianapolis-Chicago route as part of a larger hub-and-spoke network can operate larger aircraft at higher load factors than an airline serving only Indianapolis-Chicago. As a result, it can benefit from economies of density to achieve a lower cost per RPM along the Indianapolis-Chicago route. In addition, the traffic between Indianapolis and the other spoke cities that will fly through Chicago will increase load factors and lower costs per RPM on all of the spoke routes in the network. The overall effect: an airline that serves Indianapolis-Chicago as part of a hub-and-spoke network will have lower costs per RPM than an airline that only serves  Indianapolis-Chicago. This is precisely what is meant by economies of scope. Relation Between Airline Yields and Market Characteristics An airline’s yield is the amount of revenue it collects per revenue passenger mile. It is essentially a measure of the average airline fares, adjusting for differences in distances between different origins and destinations. Airline yields are strongly affected by the characteristics of the particular origin-destination market being served. In particular, there are two important relationships: Shorter distance markets (e.g., New York-Pittsburgh) tend to have higher yields than longer distance markets (e.g., New York-Denver). Controlling for differences in the number of competitors, flights between smaller markets tend to have higher yields than flights between larger markets. The reasons for relationship 1) are summarized in Figure 1. shorter distance higher cost per RPMlower load factor higher cost per RPM higher yield Figure 1 Cost per ASM generally falls as distance increases. This is because, say, doubling trip mileage does not require doubling key inputs such as fuel or labor. Thus, shorter flights have higher cost per ASM than longer flights, and airlines must achieve higher yields to cover these higher costs. In addition, shorter distance flights generally have lower load factors than longer distance flights, which implies a higher cost per RPM for shorter distance flights, again requiring higher yields. Why are load factors lower for shorter flights? The reasons has to do with the greater substitution  possibilities that consumers have in short-distance markets (e.g., car of train travel are more viable options). In short –distance markets, we would therefore expect that some fraction of time-sensitive travelers (e.g., vacationers) would travel on these alternative modes, so short distance flights would have a higher proportion of time-sensitive travelers (e.g., business persons) than longer distance flights. Competitive pressures thus force airlines to offer more frequent flight schedules in short-distance markets, which leads to lower load factors. The reason for relationship 2) has to do with the economies of density discussed earlier. Smaller markets will have lower traffic volumes, and airlines will generally operate smaller aircraft at lower load factors, increasing costs per RPM and yields. The S-Curve Effect The S-curve effect refers to a phenomenon whereby a dominant carrier’s market share (share of RPM) in a particular origin-destination market tends to be greater than the carrier’s share of capacity (share of ASM). Thus, for example, if United offers 70% of the seats flown between Denver and San Francisco, and Continental flies the remaining 30%, then the S-curve effect says that United’s share of the actual traffic in this market will be greater than 70% and Continental’s will be less than 30%. This translates into an S-shaped relationship between â€Å"share of capacity† and â€Å"market share,† as shown in Figure 2. The S-curve effects stems from two sources. First, an airline with a greater share of capacity in a market is likely to have greater visibility in that market, so passengers are likely to contact it first. Second, an airline with a greater capacity share is likely to have more frequent – and thus more convenient – departures. This, too, works to boost its share of the actual traffic. The S-curve phenomenon makes capacity an important competitive weapon in the rivalry among airlines. An airline with the financial resources to purchase  aircraft and airport gates to achieve a dominant capacity share on key routes is likely to win the fight for market share. This suggests that, in general, it will be very difficult for a small carrier to challenge a dominant carrier at a hub airport, unless the small carrier can achieve significant cost advantages unrelated to scale. The history of competition in the post-deregulation airline industry seems to bear this out.

COPD with Cognitive Status in an Elderly Sample

COPD with Cognitive Status in an Elderly Sample COPD with Cognitive Status in an Elderly Sample using the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Dean Sherzai, MD MAS PhD(c), Rachel Schade, Sonia Vega, Ayesha Z. Sherzai, MD Author’s Affiliations: 1Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Cedar Sinai Health System, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 2Keck Science Department, Pitzer College, Claremont, CA, USA; 3Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Loma Linda School of Public Health, Loma Linda, USA; Department of Neurology, The Neurological Institute of New York, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA. Keywords: COPD, cognitive status, dementia, aging Abstract Purpose: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been associated with dementia and cognitive impairment. We attempted to assess the relationship between COPD and cognitive impairment in a nationwide database, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Methods: Data was analyzed from the NHANES III database, a nationally representative cross sectional observational study among older adults. The diagnosis of COPD was based on calculation of FEV1/FVC ratio, with a cutoff of 0.7. The odds of having poor cognitive status was assessed using logistic regression models between COPD and three cognitive tests (immediate recall, delayed recall, and serial subtraction tests), adjusted for demographic variables and medical comorbidities. Results: We identified 17,181,182 individuals with a diagnosis of COPD. The mean age of was 71.5  ± 0.19 years. In the crude model, there was a strong relationship between those with COPD and poor cognitive test scores. This relationship was strengthened in the multivariate model adjusted for demographic variables and vascular comorbidities, such that those with COPD had a higher odds of having impaired immediate recall (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.44- 4.53), delayed recall (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.73- 5.52), and serial subtraction tests scores (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.17- 6.40). Conclusions: Individuals with COPD have a higher odds of having cognitive impairment in this large nationally representative database. Introduction Approximately 35.6 million currently suffer from dementia worldwide, and this number is expected to double by 2030 and triple by 2050 [1]. In the last few years we have become more cognizant of the importance of identifying cognitive decline at the earlier stages when it is more amenable to treatment. We have also become more knowledgeable about possible comorbidities that may propagate the process of cognitive decline and ultimate dementia. Causes of cognitive decline, and possible progression to dementia, are believed to be multifactorial. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that affects more than 13.5 million people in the United States and has been associated with cognitive decline [2]. To date, there are no definitive treatments for dementia; therefore, much emphasis had been placed on the prevention of dementia, and identification of modifiable risk factors early in the disease process. Multiple studies have reported the association between COPD and either global cognitive deficits with the most severe deficiencies in specific cognitive domains such as perception, motor function or memory [3]. Despite the current body of evidence, the majority of studies are based on a single region, and there are a few studies that used a nationally representative data (Health and Retirement Study). Given that society is facing an increase in the rate of chronic diseases of aging [4], and the lack of large scale investigation on the relationship between COPD and diminished cognitive status, we analyzed this nationwide database, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), to better elucidate this relationship. Materials and Methods NHANES III is a cross sectional health survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), performed from 1988 to 1994 in persons aged two months and older in the United States. NHANES has a multistage, probability sampling design used to select participants representative of the civilian, non-institutionalized US population. Our study population consisted of 39,488,973 adults 60 to 89 years. Of these, participants were included if they had measurements for spirometry and the cognitive tests. Based on The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD) standards, cases of COPD were defined based on the patient’s ratio of forced expiratory volume (FEV1) to the forced vital capacity (FVC). Patients with a ratio of less than 0.7 were classified with COPD. Our control group, patients without COPD, was classified by a ratio greater than 0.7. For the older population, NHANES-III measures cognitive status with three cognitive tests: an immediate a nd delayed logical verbal memory test from the East Boston Memory Test, a three word registration/memory task (â€Å"apple,† â€Å"table† and â€Å"penny†) and five serial subtractions by intervals of three. A point was awarded for every correct answer from the three word memory task and the logical verbal memory test. For immediate memory, using a summary score of logical memory (0-6 points) plus three word task (0-3 points), we considered less than 5 out of 9 points to be impaired (low), such that individuals with 0-4 were score ‘low’, and those scoring 5-9 were scored ‘high’. For delayed memory, a summary score of less than 4 out of 9 points was considered impaired (low). Both summary scores are consistent with previous NHANES-III reports. For the test of serial subtractions, any miscalculation during the five trials was considered impaired, and only a perfect score was considered ‘high’. The reported race and ethnicity includes non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, Mexican-Americans and ‘other’. Smoking was defined by a â€Å"yes† response to the following two questions: â€Å"Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes during your entire life† and â€Å"Do you smoke cigarettes now†. These questions can be found on the NHANES III household adult questionnaire. Education was stratified in three categories: 12 (some college and beyond). We performed an X2 and t-test analysis to compare demographic characteristics between patients with COPD and patients without COPD. To assess the association between COPD and a low cognitive test score (with high score as reference) crude and adjusted logistic regression analysis were performed. Adjusted potential confounders were age, race-ethnicity, sex, BMI, education status and smoking. Appropriate NHANES-III weighted sampling was applied during this analysis. All data analyses were conducted using SAS (v 9.3; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Results Table 1 presents the demographics of the population. There were 17,181,182 individuals with COPD; 50.1% were females, 49.9% males and 85.9% were non-Hispanic White. The mean age for patients with COPD was 71.5 ±0.19. In both groups, patients had less than a high school education, were non-smokers and had both hospital and medical coverage. Majority of individuals with COPD scored low on each cognitive test as compared to those without COPD (Table 1). Coronary artery disease was the most prevalent comorbidity in patients with COPD (31.9%) and in patients without COPD (30.4%). In the unadjusted model, participants with COPD had increased odds of impaired scores on each of the three cognitive tests: the immediate recall (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.81- 2.62), delayed recall (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.87- 2.70) and serial subtraction test (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.10-1.90). We then examined the association between COPD and the cognitive tests, initially adjusted by age and race, which diminished the relationship slightly for all three tests, but the relationship was rendered insignificant for the serial subtraction test (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.95-1.69) (Table 2). Then, we adjusted for age, sex, height, body mass index and education, which did not change the relationship significantly. In the third model, further adjustment for race, poverty income ratio, and medical coverage did not appreciably change the relationship. In the last model, we additionally adjusted for vascular risk factors such as smoking, stroke, hypertension, CHF, diabetes and coronary artery disease. This increased the odds for poor scores for all three tests; immediate recall (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.44- 4.53), delayed recall test (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.73- 5.52), and serial subtraction (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.17- 6.40). Discussion We were able to identify a strong association between COPD and diminished cognitive status across three common cognitive tests. Individuals with COPD had significantly greater odds of impaired verbal memory, and this relationship remained robust after adjusting for potential sociodemographic and vascular risk factors. The relationship between COPD and the serial subtraction test scores was rendered significant after it was adjusted for vascular risk factors. Despite evidence in the extant literature showing an association between race with cognitive status [10], race was not a factor in the relationship between COPD and cognitive status. Our results are consistent with a growing body of evidence that has revealed a strong association between COPD and poor cognitive function. In one of the largest epidemiological studies, The Health and Retirement Study (n=4,150), patients with severe and non-severe COPD had significantly lower cognitive test scores compared to healthy controls. In adjusted models, only patients with severe COPD had the lower scores on the cognitive tests [5]. Furthermore, a dose-response relationship between COPD severity and cognitive dysfunction was previously established, with more severe COPD cases performing worse on the cognitive tests [6]. Notably, a 2013 study demonstrated significantly reduced memory tests scores on the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) among patients with COPD but without hypoxemia [7]. Further evidentiary support for global cognitive impairment in patients with COPD was also shown in a study that observed significant differences in executive functioning, working memory, episod ic memory, processing speed, and visuospatial ability [8]. Recently, several COPD studies have combined cognitive testing with neuroimaging, which have revealed significant white matter pathology in this population, with varying degrees of cognitive impairment [8,9,10,11]. The mechanism by which COPD causes cognitive decline is not very clear. COPD results in hypoxemia and hypercapnia, which has been implicated in diminished cognitive status [3,5]. Recent imaging studies have pointed to possible microvascular damage [3], and other studies have implicated chronic inflammatory process causing cognitive decline [12]. Yet others believe that the hypoxic process may cause direct neuronal damage, glial activation and the generation of free radicals which could affect cognitive functioning [13]. Given the prevalence of both COPD and cognitive decline in the elderly population and a probable causal relationship, it is important to further investigate the mechanism underlying the relationship. Limitations As all studies, this one has many limitations that need to be visited. One of the limitations unique to our study was that majority of the individuals in our elderly NHANES population had less than high school education. Given that educations has repeatedly been found to be strongly correlated with resilient cognitive function as well as less susceptible to neurodegeneration, our results could have been confounded by the lower mean education level in our population[14-18]. Another limitation lies with the cognitive testing used by NHANES. Only three cognitive tests were utilized, which does not provide a comprehensive assessment of cognitive function. In addition, the cognitive tests used most likely overlap in the cognitive function they measure, not allowing for specificity. However, the cognitive variables have been validated as a good tool for testing memory [19]. Furthermore, the cross-sectional nature of this paper does not allow us to make a causal link. In addition, the restr icted scope of lifelong socioeconomic status is a limitation, which is strongly associated with both cognitive impairment and COPD. However, it has been demonstrated that individuals with poor socioeconomic status may have a higher risk of developing COPD and lower cognitive reserve [20,21]. The strengths of this study are its large, diverse representative sample, that provided extensive medical history and allowed for control of confounding variables, as well as the objective measure of cognitive impairment and COPD. Also, the spirometry data from NHANES III allowed for more accurate diagnosis of COPD. Conclusion We were able to demonstrate a strong relationship between COPD and diminished cognitive status. We were not able to demonstrate any effect of gender, race, as well as sociodemographic or vascular risk factors on this relationship between COPD and cognitive status. The independent relationship between COPD and cognitive status may provide us an important clue into the pathophysiology of dementia, which needs to be further explored. Declaration of Interest References Prince M, Bryce R, Albanese E, et al. The global prevalence of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Alzheimers Dementia 2013;9(1):63-75. Ford ES, Croft JB, Mannino DM, et al. COPD Surveillance- United States, 1999-2011 COPD Surveillance. Chest 2013;144(1):284-305. Dodd JW, Getov SV, Jones PW. Cognitive function in COPD. Eur Resp J 2010;35(4):913-922. Dall TM, Gallo PD, Chakrabarti R, et al. An Aging Population And Growing Disease Burden Will Require A Large And Specialized Health Care Workforce By 2025. Health Aff 2013;32(11):2013-2020. Rusanen M, Ngandu T, Laatikainen T, et al. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma and the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia: a population based CAIDE study. Curr Alzheimer Res 2013;10(5):549-555. Li J, Huang Y, Fei GH. The evaluation of cognitive impairment and relevant factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases 2013;85(2):98-105. Gupta PP, Sood S, Atreja A, Agarwal D. A comparison of cognitive functions in non-hypoxemic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and age-matched healthy volunteers using mini-mental state examination questionnaire and event-related potential, P300 analysis. Lung India: official organ of Indian Chest Society 2013;30(1):5-11. Dodd J, Van Den Broek M, Jones P, Charlton R. S92 cognitive function cerebral white matter tract microstructure in COPD. Thorax 2011;66(Suppl 4):A43-A44. Charlton RA, Dodd JW, van den Broek M, et al. Can brain MRI explain cognitive decline in COPD? A pilot study. Eur Resp J 2010;38(Suppl 55):29-36. Chung A, van den Broek MD, Charlton RA, et al. Cognitive Function And Cerebral Functional Connectivity In COPD: A Resting State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Age 2012:65(68):20-27. Dodd JW, Chung AW, van den Broek MD, et al. Brain structure and function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multimodal cranial magnetic resonance imaging study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2012;186(3):240-245. Borson S, Scanlan J, Friedman S, et al. Modeling the impact of COPD on the brain. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2008;3(3):429-434. Singh B, Mielke MM, Parsaik AK, et al. A Prospective Study of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and the Risk for Mild Cognitive Impairment. JAMA Neurol 2014;71(5):581-588. Schmand B, Smit J, Lindeboom J, et al. Low education is a genuine risk factor for accelerated memory decline and dementia. J Clin Epidemiol 1997;50(9):1025-1033. Stern, Y. Cognitive reserve and Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2006;20(2),112-117. Ngandu T, von Strauss E, Helkala EL, et al. Education and dementia What lies behind the association? Neurology 2007;69(14):1442-1450. Scarmeas, N, Stern, Y. Cognitive reserve and lifestyle. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2003;25(5):625-633. McDowell I, Xi G, Lindsay J, et al. Mapping the connections between education and dementia. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology 2007;29(2):127-141. Albert M, Smith LA, Scherr PA, et al. Use of brief cognitive tests to identify individuals in the community with clinically diagnosed Alzheimers disease. Int J Neurosci. 1991;57:167-178. Eisner, MD, Blanc, PD, Omachi, TA, et al. Socioeconomic status, race and COPD health outcomes. J Epidemiol Community Health 2011;65(1):26-34. Stern, Y, Tang, M X, Denaro, J, et al. Increased risk of mortality in Alzheimers disease patients with more advanced educational and occupational attainment. Ann Neurol 1995;37(5):590-595. Table 1. Baseline characteristics by COPD status in the NHANES III population * p values derived from t test comparison of means of COPD by population characteristics SD = Standard deviation Table 2: Crude and adjusted odds ratio for COPD and cognitive tests among 17,134,886 individuals in the NHANES III population OR = odds ratio, CI = confidence interval, ref = reference Model 1: adjusted for age and race Model 2: adjusted for age, sex, height, BMI and education Model 3: Model 2 additionally controlled for poverty income ratio, race, and medical coverage Model 4: Model 3 additionally adjusted for stroke, coronary heart disease, hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes. 1

To Text or Not to Text? Essay -- Legal Issues, Driving, Cell Phones

For 80 years now, people have been talking on the telephone. For over 100 years, we have been driving vehicles. However, it was not until recently individuals have tried to combine these two. While most people know the dangers this can cause and has caused, many people in today’s society still have not put the cell phone down before getting behind the wheel. Linda Doyle, a loving mother and an avid helper for the Central Oklahoma Humane Society, became a statistic in the year 2009. Her life abruptly ended in a car accident by a distracted driver. Linda Doyle’s life was cut short, simply because a driver could not put his cell phone down while driving (Hanes 1). Larry Copeland, a writer for USA Today, outlines the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s scary statistic that â€Å"6,000 highway deaths each year involve distracted drivers† (1). While this number tends to sound extreme, knowing 6,000 lives could have been saved if only drivers would have taken seriously the dangers of driving while distracted. While a person may believe they can multitask while driving and not be in any danger, they are clearly mistaken. Phil LeBeau, a CNBC auto and airline industry reporter based at the network's Chicago bureau, discusses the terrible habit American drivers have developed in his story â€Å"Texting and Driving Worse than Drinking and Driving.† With the help of Car and Driver Magazine, LeBeau was able to see firsthand at how dangerous driving while distracted is. LeBeau took a driving test created to see how emailing or texting slows down a person’s reaction time. LeBeau states, â€Å"On average, it took me four times longer to hit the brake [while being distracted and driving]† (1). Therefore, LeBeau’s results matched up w... ... slow or too fast, or weaving . . . They’re concentrating more on [the phone] than on driving’† (qtd. in Hanes 5). Making texting while driving illegal and enforcing this law, would make texting while driving difficult to attempt. Distractions will never go away while driving, but eliminating cell phone use while driving can be easily done. Many individuals know the dangers texting while driving has caused, yet still refuse to put the cell phone down. I personally am guilty of this, and I would tend to agree that once put in a terrifying situation, I would be able to finally break my habit. With law makers creating laws banning cell phone use while driving, I also believe this would help put a stop to people’s dangerous habits. Putting oneself and the other individuals’ safety at risk can be stopped if people would eliminate using cell phones while driving. To Text or Not to Text? Essay -- Legal Issues, Driving, Cell Phones For 80 years now, people have been talking on the telephone. For over 100 years, we have been driving vehicles. However, it was not until recently individuals have tried to combine these two. While most people know the dangers this can cause and has caused, many people in today’s society still have not put the cell phone down before getting behind the wheel. Linda Doyle, a loving mother and an avid helper for the Central Oklahoma Humane Society, became a statistic in the year 2009. Her life abruptly ended in a car accident by a distracted driver. Linda Doyle’s life was cut short, simply because a driver could not put his cell phone down while driving (Hanes 1). Larry Copeland, a writer for USA Today, outlines the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s scary statistic that â€Å"6,000 highway deaths each year involve distracted drivers† (1). While this number tends to sound extreme, knowing 6,000 lives could have been saved if only drivers would have taken seriously the dangers of driving while distracted. While a person may believe they can multitask while driving and not be in any danger, they are clearly mistaken. Phil LeBeau, a CNBC auto and airline industry reporter based at the network's Chicago bureau, discusses the terrible habit American drivers have developed in his story â€Å"Texting and Driving Worse than Drinking and Driving.† With the help of Car and Driver Magazine, LeBeau was able to see firsthand at how dangerous driving while distracted is. LeBeau took a driving test created to see how emailing or texting slows down a person’s reaction time. LeBeau states, â€Å"On average, it took me four times longer to hit the brake [while being distracted and driving]† (1). Therefore, LeBeau’s results matched up w... ... slow or too fast, or weaving . . . They’re concentrating more on [the phone] than on driving’† (qtd. in Hanes 5). Making texting while driving illegal and enforcing this law, would make texting while driving difficult to attempt. Distractions will never go away while driving, but eliminating cell phone use while driving can be easily done. Many individuals know the dangers texting while driving has caused, yet still refuse to put the cell phone down. I personally am guilty of this, and I would tend to agree that once put in a terrifying situation, I would be able to finally break my habit. With law makers creating laws banning cell phone use while driving, I also believe this would help put a stop to people’s dangerous habits. Putting oneself and the other individuals’ safety at risk can be stopped if people would eliminate using cell phones while driving.

William Faulkners As I Lay Dying :: Lay Dying William Faulkner Essays

William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying Works Cited Missing   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fulfilling a promise they had made to their mother, Addie, Cash, Darl, Jewel, Dewey Dell, and Vardaman, in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, journey across the Mississippi countryside to bring her body to be buried in Jefferson, alongside her immediate family. Each one, in turn, narrates the events of this excursion as they are perceived. Though all of the family members are going through the same experiences, each one expresses what they see and how they feel by exercising their individual powers and limitations of language. What each character says as well as how he/she says it gives insight into that character's underlying meanings.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Darl, for example, uses his linguistic skills to gain power as narrator. He possesses the ability to pick up on things unsaid and to read other people's actions. Dewey Dell describes his intuitiveness when she says that â€Å" he said he knew without the words, and I knew he knew because if he had said he knew with words I would not have believed†¦and that's why I can talk to him with knowing with hating with because he knows† (27). He uses his gift of realizing things without them having to actually be told to him to gain credibility with the reader. Who would doubt a narrator who possesses that type of adroitness? Also, his language is clear and reflective. He uses similes and metaphors and appears to have an acute awareness of spatial relationships. Darl's sophisticated perception and poetic linguistics give him the means of reaching for and maintaining his role as a competent observer and reporter. However, his position does create certain problems for his siblings. Tull describes Darl's â€Å"look† as being uncanny. "He is looking at me. He dont say nothing; just looks at me with them queer eyes of hisn that makes folks talk. I always say it aint never been what he done so much or said or anything so much as how he looks at you. It's like he had got into the inside of you, someway. Like somehow you was looking at yourself and your doing outen his eyes." (125)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is the same penetrating gaze that gives Darl so much power that makes the others around him so uncomfortable, especially Dewey Dell. She feels that his strange knowledge of what has not been said is an invasion of her privacy. â€Å"The land runs out of Darl's eyes; they swim to pin points. They begin at my feet and rise along my body to my face, and then my dress is gone: I sit naked on the seat above the unhurrying mules, above the travail† (121).

Global Pollution Essay -- Environment, Environmental Issues

Pollution is a growing issue in the world and is the major cause that contributes to many environmental problems. What is usually classified as pollution, what kind of pollution is present in the world, and what the people are doing to deal with this pollution issue in the world. There are several problems with world pollution that are associated with global warming and include waste disposal, water pollution, and air pollution. These things are usually caused by people on the planet who produce waste. This has been a growing complication and is (omit) now been taken as a serious issue. Solutions to these situations have been considered to keep the Earth and all the things in it. One of the situations that are involved with world pollution is waste disposal. There are many ways in which garbage or other materials are disposed of, which involves the most obvious solution, and the one most commonly used, is simply to bury those wastes underground, often in metal drums or concrete containers. This method of disposal has any several drawbacks, however. For example, drums and containers break open, leaking hazardous chemicals into the groundwater. People living near hazardous waste sites are then exposed to those chemicals in their drinking water, through food grown on the land, or in other ways. Since people of color and low-income people tend to live near hazardous waste sites far more often than do more affluent white people, hazardous waste disposal is a problem of special concern to those communities (Newton). Another way used to dispose of waste is through incineration. This method requires very close monitoring, since the ashes and smoke can still be just as hazardous as its physical form. Burning wastes at very high ... ...e environment that have had an influence on the habitats of many organisms. Most of these pollution incidents have a negative effect on both our environment and economy, which deals with how food is produced and how it is affected by pollution. Water has also been influenced negatively by the overcoming waste that is manufactured by people and certain businesses and when it is polluted by garbage, there is nothing that is done until it becomes a problem. Everyone in the world contributes to pollution, every single nation, person, and establishment, has some contribution to pollution. The only solution to the widespread of pollution can only be to produce better and more efficient ways of providing power for our everyday needs. The resources used mainly cause’s pollution, since every nation uses their own resources that (omit) have an influence on the environment.

Evolution of Science

Loose change menu- McDonald's have created a menu consisting of meals no more expensive than two dollars (loose change) which attracts customers with small amounts of money on them e students key phrase used by McDonald's Is: ‘A little loose change, goes a long way. This marketing strategy Is aimed at budget-focused customers aged between 14 – 25 2. Coca-Cola crown glass- McDonald's have release six limited edition Coca-Cola glasses which a customer can receive after the purchase of any large extra value al.The six glasses are only around for a limited time which gives the public an incentive to purchase a meal to collect as many limited edition glasses as possible. Key phrase: Hurry there only available for a limited time. This marketing techniques Is aimed at all customers aged between 20 – 40 2. Cheap easy Birthday parties- Birthday parties at McDonald's are extremely popular for kids aged between five and ten. There are three relatively cheap Cossacks and attr active to parent's who want an easy alternative for their child party.McDonald's describe the preparation their birthday parties as care free for parent's and that all they have to do is enjoy the atmosphere. Key phrase: We give your child a birthday party to remember! ‘ 3. Big Mac chant- McDonald's have a competition that asks you to film yourself singing the big Mac chant. By voting for a chant you receive a free Big Mac. This gives customers the incentive to vote and receive a free big Mac at the same time its a big add for the big Mac. Key phrase get voting now Outlining social media to spread their message florally. Art 2: ) On the McDonald's website there Is a section called our food and our nutrition, on the page it describes the healthy changes and alternatives McDonald's have made to their meals. This has been used to Inform the public of the healthy meals that are available at McDonald's. No I do not because children do not usually look Into the nutrition In their fo od. 2) McDonald's have also sponsored children's sporting event e. G. Little athletics, swimming Queensland. This has been used for people to associate being active and playing sport with ‘OFF eating McDonald's giving the healthier image.Yes I think it interlines young people to believe that McDonald's are a healthy fast food restraint, for the reason that they are sponsoring their sporting team. 3) Burger King- Released a limited time turkey burger in its attempt at releasing healthier option to the public. But still weighs in at 530 calories. This has been to make customers believe that what they are eating is good for them when really its Just as bad as any other meal on the menu. Yes I think it influences young people because they are easily persuaded into leveling a meal is good for them. ) McDonald's' new McGraw uses a green label to trick customers into thinking it's healthier. When really it's only 10 calories less than the normal Grilled Ranch Snack Wrap. This has bee n used to make the food seem healthy Yes I think it influences young people because most young people associate the color green with healthy food. 5) KEF being the official sponsor of cricket Australia. This has been used to associate the game of cricket with the food KEF, giving Cuff's food and image a healthy active look.Yes I do think it influence young people because they watch the cricket and see adds for KEF with members of the cricket team in them influencing them to believe the food is healthy/ part 3 Two American teenagers suing McDonald's For: The two girls were lured into McDonald's by the toys, the playground, the happy meals and the birthday parties. The persuasive television ads also played a factor in them eating there regularly. The two girls had no choice but to eat there because they lived in a remote area of America where McDonald's was one of the cheapest and only places to eat at.Against: The two teenagers ate at McDonald's at least seven times a week for years. Although they state they were unaware of how fattening McDonald's food actually is the burger loin says it handles nutrition responsibly. It puts nutritional information about its products on large; poster-size charts on its store walls and in other display areas. The charts show, for instance, that a quarter pounded with cheese has 530 calories and 30 grams of fat. To two Teenagers had no evidence that there health problems were caused solely by eating McDonald's.Response IL t b I less to taste t companies 1) List the nutritional information of the products that they are selling to the public – Read the nutritional information regarding the food they are eating and understand how it will affect your health and weight. 2) Provide healthy meals on the menu e. G. Salads – Eat a variety of meals not Just those that are bad for you 3) Inform consumers of the health risks involved in eating fast food. Understand health risks associated in eating fast food 4) Promote exerci se awareness for customers. Exercise regularlyAdolescent nutrition guideline Comparison Nutritional guidelines for an adolescent state you must have eat plenty of vegetables, cereals, lean meant and fish. The total amount of my Kilojoules added up for one meal at McDonald's was approximately 4000 k]. From my calculations I have gathered that if I ate McDonald's for breakfast lunch and dinner I would be exceeding my average intake by over kick]. I have found if I eat a healthy breakfast and relatively healthy meat based lunch I can have McDonald's for Dinner with out exceeding my maximum daily Kilojoules intake.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking Essay

The textbook in chapter one page 4 defines critical thinking as: a collection of skills we use every day that are necessary for our full intellectual and personal development it basically means to be able to have good judgment , make good decisions, and how to think rather than what to think. Another set of terms that are found in the textbook is Affirmative Action which is a political, and social controversy about race and equality when hiring potential employees or admitting students into a college university usually this involves minorities who may or may not have the necessary credentials or are unable to meet certain criteria for acceptance it is based merely on a person’s race, or even sexual gender or both. Sometimes affirmative action can seem unfair to Caucasians who may qualify can feel a sense of discrimination themselves it can create a hostile environment if not dealt with properly Nancy Cantor a woman who is the Chancellor at The University of Syracuse is in favo r of affirmative action and hopes that the process will improve in the future and create more harmony and understanding and that all people will be treated with respect and dignity. Ward Connerly an African-American male and college professor is not in favor of affirmative action because he thinks that it is unfair to white Americans to not to get the opportunities that they have worked hard for in their careers and in educational pursuits I find it difficult to choose one side or the other however for the sake of this assignment I reluctantly agree with Ward Connerly personal drive, responsibility, and character should be the motivation for admission and acceptance not skin color, sexual gender, or nationality. Both sides use excellent critical thinking skills on this subject however both of these individuals are minorities themselves and may have had some negative experiences in their past in career and education which may be the consideration for their points of view they are valid and can be used in the process of critical thinking. Affirmative Action in itself is an opportunity for critical thinking skills in that you have to have an open mind and not be a relativist thinker it involves taking positive steps to correct certain injustices against certain  groups as well as maintaining the standards set by employers and educational institutions. In June 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court found that the admissions policy of the University of Michigan Law School, which awarded points to applicants based on race, was flawed. However, in its final ruling the court permitted race to be considered as one among many factors when considering individual applications for both the law school and undergraduate admissions. The majority of Americans (53%) oppose college affirmative action programs that give the preference in admissions to blacks and other minorities, arguing that it constitutes reverse discrimination and, as such is unjust. Proponents of affirmative action note that it is a positive step in the right direction be needs work.

Book Review American Slavery: 1619-1877 by Peter Kolchin

â€Å"American Slavery, 1619-1877† by Peter Kolchin gives an overview of the practice of slavery in America between 1619 and 1877. From the origins of slavery in the colonial period to the road to its abolition, the book explores the characteristics of slave culture as well as the racial mind-sets and development of the old South’s social structures. This paper is divided in two sections.The first section observes the author’s vivid presentation of the slave-master psyche and relationship from the 17th to 19th century America. The second section examines the author’s choice of method in narration – how, apart from quoting statistics, Kolchin gave weight to accounts of slaves’ and slave owners’ lives and conditions. Delving into the Peculiar Institution of Slavery American slavery, Kolchin explains, didn't develop in isolation, but evolved as part of a trend toward forced labor in the New World colonies.By about 1770, American slavery w as concentrated mostly in the South, though it existed in all of the American colonies, and, as time passed, relationships between slaves and masters changed as second- generation slaves lost much of their African culture and became Americanized. The Revolutionary era saw slavery threatened by Enlightenment ideology, but the institution survived more strongly than ever in the South and, during the 19th century, came to be perceived as fundamental to the Southern economy and way of life.Kolchin also writes about slave life through the Civil War, and, not surprisingly, he sees slavery as leaving a legacy that has persisted throughout our own century. Kolchin probes into the lives of those imprisoned by the â€Å"peculiar institution† of American slavery. It begins with slavery’s origin in America in the sixteen hundreds, with the importation of slaves from Africa. Their free labor established the agricultural foundation of the New World. From hereon, Kolchin follows the escalation of slavery through citing statistics and providing information of conditions of the lives and times of slaves and slave owners.Kolchin narrates tales of hardship and provides a condemning opinion of slavery. At the same time, however, he focuses on the facts of daily living of slaves in America. Furthermore, Kolchin delves deeply into the oddly fascinating dynamics of the slave-master relationship, which allows incidents such as a master whipping his slave for working sluggishly and then the evening of the same day, gathering all of the slaves for a bible reading session. A person who provides basic needs for others but forces them to provide him free labor in return is evaluated repeatedly in the book with interesting outcomes.However, the author likewise presents a slave owner who had minimal impact on slaves’ lives outside of the workday, one who allowed the slaves to have social and religious celebrations of their own choosing, and viewed the slaves as not just property, but humans. The irony of this is that slave owners saw no wrong in what they were doing, regardless of how they treated their respective slaves. Slavery, as an institution, was from the perspective of the slave owners, justified.Kolchin describes that, in response, slaves were overtly resistive to their predicament at times, while others provided less obvious resistance in the form of slow work, feigning illness, and even sabotage. In addition, Kolchin gives the readers the catalysts for the events in the history of slavery. Economic, religious, and social factors are made prevalent, which renders the book well organized and able to reach depths that a few other books with the same topic failed to achieve. Even though the war ended, hatred for blacks remains.Thus, segregation evolves in full force throughout the nation, but mainly in the south. He also explains the struggle of the south to compete with the north as far as industrialization which was the new course of Amer ica straying away from agriculture, and until today they still suffer a lack of industry opposed to the northern states. Method of Narration The book’s chronological format of the book provides a logical flow and allows the reader to see the manner by which the events of each day made tremendous impact on slavery.The bibliographical essay lists hundreds of books that pertain to the writing in a sectional format and describes particular topics covered in each book. This is easy to see in the straightforward and matter-of-fact way that the author discusses topics from whipping of slaves, to the selling of slaves resulting in the breakup of families. Kolchin effectively used statistics in writing this book, in that, at the start of most sections or chapters the reader was able to ascertain the slave population and distribution, as well as growth rates and comparison to white population.Kolchin’s interpretation of this particular historic era shows that its’ history is primarily determined by individuals with economic motivations. When the author wanted to explain the horrors of these situations, he used quotes from slaves themselves, not a personal soapbox that many authors use. By using these comparisons the reader can see how the treatment of slaves was paramount to production, controllability, and even reproduction. ConclusionPeter Kolchin’s â€Å"American Slavery, 1619 – 1877,† provides a laudable and significant consideration of slavery in the formation of the United States as a country. It is a clear and briskly written survey that puts slavery in context and explains its continuing impact on American life. Overall, Kolchin displays an excellent work of literature which provides many sources and well-thought-out information. Reference Kolchin, Peter (1993). American Slavery, 1619-1877. Hill and Wang