Saturday, August 31, 2019

A Tale of Two Cities Essay

Does strong devotion overpower the will of a good heart? Ernest Defarge, a character in A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, is no more than a puppet to his wife. Though he does not like the idea of killing innocent people just because they are aristocrats, he refuses to speak up due to fear of confrontation with his wife. Due to his background and life as a slave, Defarge, like many other revolutionaries, dislikes the aristocracy, and has some desire to get revenge. However, he does not truly want these desires to build to the extent that the revolution got to. Ernest Defarge is a man with a good heat, driven to be a catalyst to the revolutionary acts by his strong devotion to the two things he cares about most: his country, and his wife. Paragraph 1: Though many may not see it behind all the terrible things he has done, Ernest Defarge really does have a good heart. Ernest Defarge shows compassion my comforting Gaspard, saying, â€Å"Be a brave man, my Gaspard! It is better for the poor little plaything to die so, than to live. It has died in a moment without pain. Could it have lived an hour as happily?† Defarge didn’t have to make an effort to help him out, but he does. This random act of kindness shows that he does in fact have a good side to him. After the child is run over, the Marquis throws a coin out of the carriage, thinking he can pay for the child’s life, and in return he is â€Å"suddenly disturbed by a coin flying into his carriage†. In this action of throwing the coin back, which is believed to be done by Monsieur Defarge, shows his dislike to the aristocracy, and foreshadows the fact that he will take a stand against it for the good of his country and its people. Monsieur Defarge’s personality differentiates from this sense of kindness when he barks orders at the revolutionaries such as, â€Å"Patriots and friends, we are ready! The Bastille!† (214). In opposition to his good heart, Defarge is also the leader of the Revolution. In this part of the book, he, and his fellow revolutionaries, destroy The Bastille, and everything else that happens to be in their path. This completely contradicts the compassion shown from Ernest Defarge earlier in the book, but also shows that there may be something behind his madness. Monsieur Defarge also happens to be an old servant to Dr. Manette, and cares deeply for him, but when it comes to choosing between helping the Doctor, or helping his country, Defarge’s great devotion to France towers over his feelings towards Manette. Do the square thingy with this quote * â€Å"†¦In a hole in the chimney, where a stone has been worked out and replaced, I find a written paper. This is that written paper. I have made it my business to examine some specimens of the writing of Doctor Manette. This is the writing of Doctor Manette. I confide this paper, in the writing of Doctor Manette, to the hands of the President.† This note he found, is of Manette â€Å"(add quote where he condems darnay)† Even though he deeply cared for Manette, he would do anything, literally anything, to help the people of his country. He believes that sentencing Darnay to death is the right thing to do for France, and since he believes that, he will do everything in his power to make it happen. Defarge knew how bad this would hurt Doctor Manette, since Darnay was the Doctor’s son-in-law, but it was his and his wife’s duty to kill all aristocrats, therefore he couldn’t show and mercy. Defarge would even hurt a friend, in order to do what he thinks will help his country. Paragraph 4:  Even though it is kind of hard to see at first, Madame Defarge seems to have a great deal of power over her husband. â€Å"As to thee†, pursued madame, implacably, addressing her husband, â€Å"if if depended on thee-which, happily, it does not, thou wouldst rescue this man even now† Even though Monsieur Defarge wants to help Charles Darnay, she wouldn’t allow it. He wanted to help out the Manette’s and save Darnay, but after the revolutionaries were informed on what the Evermond’s did to Madame Defarge’s family, he was the only one who wanted to show mercy. Due to the fear of confrontation with his wife, he doesn’t speak of saving Darnay again. Ernest Defarge, from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is portrayed as a great leader to the revolutionaries, but in reality, he is merely a puppet, with Madame Defarge as his puppeteer. Devotion can be a strong thing, sometimes so strong that it can lock up the kindness of a good heart, and throw away the key. A Tale Of Two Cities Essay We learn that the Signal man has seen very disturbing events such as the train crash and the bride dying and what is more troubling is that he seen it coming, throughout the story we see how the signal man opens up to the narrator on how he is troubled and is emphasizing how he saw a ghost but the narrator starts to doubt his new friends mind and starts to have a very patronizing attitude towards the signal man. Throughout the story the fear is spreading. Dickens also uses tactile imagery â€Å"Frozen finger tracing out my spine† and also Dickens uses olfactory imagery â€Å"an earthly deadly smell†. The relationship between the narrator and the signal man is one of trust as the signal man opens up to him on their second meeting â€Å"do the signal man and the narrator linked in some way? Dickens has made the story raise some doubts about the afterlife and fate. However Bram Stoker famed for his book â€Å"Dracula† has created a short story that is much like ‘The Signal Man† but has a different approach to the horror genre for the first few pages are a little bit of a mysterious â€Å"Dracula’s Guest† is full of suspense the title alone raises the expectation for the reader as it does not give away the plot but creates a feeling of intrigue making the reader want to read on, this is a clever ploy Stoker has used and it was also a popular theme to use as in the middle ages and Victorian era the legends of vampires have been popular among the people of Britain and Ireland and perhaps the world. The short story contains many dark themes that create mystery and also adds to the mounting tension that is created by the title â€Å"Dracula’s Guest† Bram who is Known for his Dark stories that contain major supernaturalist elements such as Mythism and oppressive that are including as the novel â€Å"The Lair of the White Worm†, Bram creates the prefect atmosphere for the short story and for the century as the Victorian era had a thing for vampirism stories. The story begins in Munich the weather is idyllic â€Å"The sun was shining brightly on Munich, and the air was full of the joyousness of the early summer† is the weather too idyllic? Bram cleverly opens the story this way to lull the reader into a sense of false security a very smart move I think personally, but that all ends when â€Å"still holding his hand on the handle of the carriage door† is used which is very arousing and causes a lot of interest, He also uses personification † a shiver in the north wind† adds more dramatic effect so does the use of alliteration â€Å"Sudden Storm† but the line â€Å"But I am sure you will not be late, here he smiled and added for you know what night is it† mysterious what is the night in question? And why is it so important? The 1st paragraph creates a sense of importance for the night and adds to the mystery and we then learn the reason the maitre and coachman fears the night and also we learn the name â€Å"Walpurgis Nacht† which translated from German means â€Å"Night of Evil† this term is very important to Catholics this is the first relation to religion, later on we here â€Å"Walpurgis nacht! â€Å", Stoker uses the language barrier and the fail to understand adds to the suspense and surreal aspect, later the weather changes to â€Å"dark clouds drifted rapidly across the sky† the atmosphere changes to a sinister dull mood. Again the language barrier is there and the personification has the desired effect â€Å"the storm of snow he comes before long time† also the dialogue become vague and broken creating more tension here vampirism applied ‘mouths red with blood†, we see that the protagonist seems to doubt his sanity a lot like Dickens character â€Å"The Signal Man† it seems he also is succumbing to his fear â€Å"Paroxysm of the fear- white face perspiring, trembling† Bram Stoker’s technique second to none he uses detailed descriptions for his characters and settings and his use of the language devices such as metaphors â€Å"glistening white carpet† and his alliteration â€Å"Sudden Storm† and lastly repetition â€Å"Walpurgis nacht†. Each writer Dickens and Stoker uses different methods to create a spine-chilling effect on the reader each could even be masters of horror and suspense, all the aspects that the gothic genre needs to be successful and â€Å"The Signal Man† and â€Å"Dracula’s Guest† where very successful in that age and successful today in the study of literature . In conclusion after close analysis of both stories I have seen that both stories are great for maintaining tension and use techniques such as alliteration, pathetic fallacy and are good to create confusion among the readers. This wining combination gives the story a kick and keeps the reader engrossed in the story. I believe that stoker is perfect for building suspense and tension while Dickens plays on the reader’s emotion by lulling them into a sense of security and then confuses them and then plays on their confusion. Gavin Teggart Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Miscellaneous section. A Tale of Two Cities Essay Throughout well-known stories, authors tend to develop memorable characters in order to enhance the plot; although they may not always be portrayed in the most considerate manner. In Charles Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities, he also uses such characters. First, Lucie’s role of over dramatic damsel in distress. Second, Miss Pross’ participation as the over protective mother figure. And third, Mme. Defarge as the bloodthirsty crazed villain. Through these characters, Dickens portrays women in the three most stereotypical demeanors: weak and fragile, a worrisome mother and a psychotic wife. Throughout the novel, Lucie is a feeble girl who cannot stand up to the hardships of life. â€Å"Perfectly still and silent, and not even fallen back in her chair, she sat under his hand, utterly insensible; with her eyes fixed upon him and with that last expression looking as if it were carved or branded in to her forehead† (Dickens 25). This is Lucie’s reaction to the news from Mr. Lorry that her father, presumed to be dead, has been found alive after spending eighteen years in the Bastille. Instead of a normal reaction of tears and joy, she is simply so stunned that she cannot even move; her expression of shock and fear is frozen upon her face. She reacts very similarly when she goes to meet  her father for the first time. Dickens writes, â€Å"Mr. Lorry got his arm securely round the daughter’s waist, and held that she was sinking†¦ ‘I am afraid of it’ she answered, shuddering. ‘Of it? What?’ ‘I mean of him. Of my father’ † (36). Of course it would be intimidating for her to meet her father for the first time in her life but she is on the verge of fainting a second time just from thinking about her father. She also does not even see him as human referring to him as â€Å"it†, not even wanting to approach her father. Finally, when her husband is taken away to prison, again she displays weakness, â€Å"As he went out at the prisoners’ door, she turned laid her head lovingly on her father’s breast, tried to speak to him and fell at his feet† (324). Yes it horrible to have her husband sentenced to death and is taken away to prison. But, she has a 6 year old daughter, she cannot give in to self-pity and weakness, it is the time for her to be strong not only for herself but for her daughter as well. It is important for her to see her mother strong and able to be there for her, but when she faints, her hope falls alongside her mother’s body. It seems Lucie has never had to really fight or be strong for anything in her life before. She acts like she always needs to rely upon someone else; she is very dependant upon others. Miss Pross’ role in the novel, although not very large, was nonetheless very important, especially for Lucie. Miss Pross was the mother figure in Lucie’s life, always caring for her and always nurturing her. When Lucie faints at the mention of her father, it is Miss Pross who is the first to her side: â€Å" ‘Why, look at you all!’ bawled this figure, addressing the inn servants. ‘Why don’t you go and fetch things, instead of standing there staring at me?†¦if you don’t bring smelling salts, cold water, and vinegar, quick, I  will’ † (26). She quickly takes charge of the situation and gives out orders in the same urgency as if it was her own daughter. It is also always Lucie for whom she is most concerned about: â€Å" ‘O me, O me! All is lost!’ cried she, wringing her hands. ‘What is to be told to Ladybird? He doesn’t know me, and is making shoes!’ † (187). Dr. Manette has a relapse and is no longer coherent. Miss Pross’ first concern is not restoring Dr. Manette back to health, but what the impact of seeing her father like this will do to Lucie. Finally, Miss Pross demonstrates her love for Lucie because she is willing to lay down her life for Lucie: â€Å" ‘I am a Briton,’ said Miss Pross, ‘I am desperate. I don’t care an English twopence for myself. I know that the longer I keep you here, the greater hope there is for my ladybird’ † (356). This demonstrates Miss Pross’ love for Lucie, risking her life in the hope that her sacrifice will keep Lucie safe. Miss Pross means well and is always looking out for Lucie and would do anything for her. However at times her actions are a bit eccentric. Finally, there is Mme Defarge, a very angry and vengeful woman. Mme Defarge takes it upon herself to make a register of all the nobility whom she proclaims as enemies to the revolution: â€Å" ‘Knitted in her own stiches and her own symbols, it will always be as plain to her as the sun. Confide in Madame Defarge. It would be easier for the weakest poltroon that lives, to erase himself from existence, than to erase one letter of his name of crimes from the knitted register of Madame Defarge’ † (166). This is M. Defarge explaining his wife’s register to others of the revolution, and saying that any who make it onto the register; will meet certain death. Not only does she register all  nobility in her knitting, but Mme Defarge also makes a point to remember the faces of anyone who is an enemy to the revolution: â€Å" ‘His appearance; is it known?’ ‘Age, about forty years; height, about five feet nine; black hair; complexion dark; generally, rather handsome visage; eyes dark, face thin, long and sallow; nose aquiline, but not straight, having a peculiar inclination towards the left cheek’†¦Ã¢â‚¬ËœIt is a portrait!’ said madame, laughing. ‘He shall be registered to-morrow’ † (171). Just from this short description, Mme Defarge already has a mental image of this man and even commits it to her memory. Finally, once she decides to kill someone, she will stop at nothing to kill them: â€Å" ‘I have been in the streets from the first, nothing has stopped me, I will tear you to pieces, but I will have you from that door’ † (356). This is Mme Defarge when she is confronting Miss Pross, telling her that she has been fighting in the streets for the revolution since day one, and nothing will keep her from killing Lucie as well. Mme Defarge’s rage and thirst for blood did greatly help the revolution. However, it became something that ultimately consumed her and turned her in to what she set out to destroy in the first place. It is through these characters that Dickens portrays women very unjustly. Lucie as delicate and flimsy, not being able to handle life’s hardships. Miss Pross as the overprotective mother, sometimes taking her job to the extreme. Mme Defarge as the crazed wife, always full of anger and violence. Even though women display these qualities from time to time, is it really fair to say that these traits define their whole character.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Curriculum Evaluation Essay

The report included a deterioration of performance in reading, language and arithmetic due to poor instructional methods, large class sizes, and inadequate supervision Presidential Commission to Survey Philippine Education (PCSPE) 1. Analyze performance of the educational system and its relevance to national developmental goals 2. Ascertain the efficiency of the system 3. Identify areas which need more detailed investigation. 4. The report included findings on : a. Mismatch between educational services and manpower requirements b. Mismatch between education priorities and the national development priorities c. Inequitable distribution of educational facilities and resources across the regions d. Lack of systematic planning and evaluation SURVEY OF OUTCOMES OF ELEM EDUCATION (SOUTELE) 1. Battery of achievement tests designed to measure the outcomes of elementary education 2. General mental ability test of non-verbal type designed to measure association 3. Student’s attitude inventory aimed to measure affective objectives 4. Questionnaires in order to establish the profiles of pupils, teachers, school heads, etc. 5. The study revealed deficiencies of elementary education in terms of inputs (resources), processes (curriculum and instruction), and outputs (students’ achievement). These are affected by socio economic, school types, quality of teaching. The Household and School Matching Survey (HSMS) 1. The survey hypothesized that learning is predicated on the antecedent academic, social, physiological variables. 2. The findings of the investigation showed that home-related and community related variables have greater influences on learning than school related factors such as cost per pupil and numbers of textbooks per students. The Congressional Commission on Education Study (EDCOM) 1. Enhancing the internal capability of the system to satisfactorily implement the constitutional provisions on education 2. Providing the system with necessary financial and other infrastructure support 3. Strengthening the system’s linkages with all sectors concerned in human resource development 4. Assisting the system to achieve its sectoral goals and targets through strategies that are consistent with the nation’s development goals. The National Evaluation and Impact Study of PRODED 1. Teacher factor is crucial in the success of the teaching-learning process 2. There is a need to improve the pre-service and in-service training of teachers that should include the development of skills in classroom management, teacher-pupil interaction, and the use of instructional aids, etc. Monitoring and Evaluation of RBEC 1. Defines what levels of learning students of schools and divisions meet at various stages of the basic education cycle based on the national curriculum. 2. Setting of minimum national standards for capabilities, structures, processes and output based on a template for school improvement processes from planning to implementation to monitoring and evaluation 3. Nationally standardized student assessment, outcomes measurement and reporting of basic school statistics Presidential Commission on Educational Reform (PCER) 1. Created through E.O. in 1988 to define a budget feasible program of reform, and identify executive priority policy recommendations and items for a legislative agenda on education. 2. Comprised of multi sectoral group 3. Proposed the establishment of National Education Evaluation and Testing System (NEETS) that assumes responsibility for educational assessment of all levels, including technical and skills development CURRENT TRENDS AND ISSUES BILINGUAL EDUCATION 1. Article 14, sect 7 of 1987 constitution – â€Å"for the purposes of communication and instruction, the official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and until otherwise provided by law, English.† 2. DECS Order 52, s. 1987 – the policy of bilingual education aims to make every Filipino competent in both Filipino and English at the national level 3. DECS defines bilingual as â€Å"separate use of Filipino and English as media of instruction in specific subjects.† Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) 1. Art 15, Sec 2, 1987 Phil. Cons. – recognizes the â€Å"right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation and other conditions prejudicial to their development.† 2. UN Convention on the Rights of Child 3. Education for All (EFA) agenda of DECS, 1990 envisioned 90% in 2000 of early childhood care and development either home-based services or kindergarten / nursery classes Other issues 1. Access to pre-school education 2. Private Pre-school education 3. Global education 4. Environmental education The K to 12 Program The K to 12 Program covers kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary education, four years of junior high school, and two years of senior high school [SHS]) to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship. The adoption of the program is in response to the need to improve the competitiveness of our country’s graduates as the ten-year basic education cycle is seen as inadequate for work and higher education. In fact, overseas Filipino workers are not automatically recognized as professional in other countries that view the ten-year education program as insufficient. The Philippines is the only country in Asia and is one of only three countries in the world with a ten-year basic education cycle. 1. Universal Kindergarten Education. 2. Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education. 3. Core Academic Areas 4. Specializations. TYPES OF CURRICULUM (PHILIPPINE SETTING) Overt, explicit, or written curriculum Is simply that which is written as part of formal instruction of schooling experiences? It may refer to a curriculum document, texts, films, and supportive teaching materials that are overtly chosen to support the intentional instructional agenda of a school. Thus, the overt curriculum is usually confined to those written understandings and directions formally designated and reviewed by administrators, curriculum directors and teachers, often collectively. Societal curriculum As defined by Cortes (1981). Cortes defines this curriculum as: the massive, ongoing, informal curriculum of family, peer groups, neighborhoods, churches organizations, occupations, mass, media and other socializing forces that â€Å"educate† all of us throughout our lives. The hidden or covert curriculum That which is implied by the very structure and nature of schools, much of what revolves around daily or established routines. Longstreet and Shane (1993) offer a commonly accepted definition for this term. The â€Å"hidden curriculum,† which refers to the kinds of learning’s children derives from the very nature and organizational design of the public school, as well as from the behaviors and attitudes of teachers and administrators. Examples of the hidden curriculum might include the messages and lessons derived from the mere organization of schools — the emphasis on: sequential room arrangements; the cellular, timed segments of formal instruction; an annual schedule that is still arranged to accommodate an agrarian age; disciplined messages where concentration equates to student behaviors were they are sitting up straight and are continually quiet; students getting in and standing in line silently; students quietly raising their hands to be called on; the endless competition for grades, and so on. The hidden curriculum may include both positive or negative messages, depending on the models provided and the perspectives of the learner or the observer. The null curriculum Those lessons learned through searching the Internet for information, or through using e-forms of communication. (Wilson, 2004) From Eisner’s perspective the null curriculum is simply that which is not taught in schools. Somehow, somewhere, some people are empowered to make conscious decisions as to what is to be included and what is to be excluded from the overt (written) From Eisner’s perspective the null curriculum is simply that which is not taught in schools. Somehow, somewhere, some people are empowered to make conscious decisions as to what is to be included and what is to be excluded from the overt (written curriculum. Since it is physically impossible to teach everything in schools, many topics and subject areas must be intentionally excluded from the written curriculum. But Eisner’s position on the â€Å"null curriculum† is that when certain subjects or topics are left out of the overt curriculum, school personnel are sending messages to students that certain content and processes are not important enough to study. Unfortunately, without some level of awareness that there is also a well-defined implicit agenda in schools, school personnel send this same type of message via the hidden curriculum. Phantom curriculum The messages prevalent in and through exposure to any type of media. These components and messages play a major part in the enculturation of students into the predominant meta-culture, or in acculturating students into narrower or generational subcultures. Concomitant curriculum What is taught, or emphasized at home, or those experiences that are part of a family’s experiences, or related experiences sanctioned by the family. (This type of curriculum may be received at church, in the context of religious expression, lessons on values, ethics or morals, molded behaviors, or social experiences based on the family’s preferences.) Rhetorical curriculum Elements from the rhetorical curriculum are comprised from ideas offered by policymakers, school officials, administrators, or politicians. This curriculum may also come from those professionals involved in concept formation and content changes; or from those educational initiatives resulting from decisions based on national and state reports, public speeches, or from texts critiquing outdated educational practices. The rhetorical curriculum may also come from the publicized works offering updates in pedagogical knowledge. Curriculum-in-use The formal curriculum (written or overt) comprises those things in textbooks, and content and concepts in the district curriculum guides. However, those â€Å"formal† elements are frequently not taught. The curriculum-in-use is the actual curriculum that is delivered and presented by each teacher. Received curriculum Those things that students actually take out of classroom; those concepts and content that are truly learned and remembered. The internal curriculum Processes, content, knowledge combined with the experiences and realities of the learner to create new knowledge. While educators should be aware of this curriculum, they have little control over the internal curriculum since it is unique to each student. The electronic curriculum Those lessons learned through searching the Internet for information, or through using e-forms of communication. (Wilson, 2004) This type of curriculum may be either formal or informal, and inherent lessons may be overt or covert, good or bad, correct or incorrect depending on ones’ views. Students who use the Internet on a regular basis, both for recreational purposes (as in blogs, chatrooms, listserves, through instant messenger on-line conversations, or through personal e-mails) and for research and information, are bombarded with all types of media and messages. Much of this information may be factually correct, informative, or even entertaining or inspirational, but other information may be very incorrect, dated, passive, biased, perverse, or even manipulative. The implications for educational practices are that part of the overt curriculum needs to include lessons on how to be wise consumers of information, how to critically appraise the accuracy and correctness of e-information, as well as the reliability of electronic sources. Also, students need to learn how to be artfully discerning about the usefulness and appropriateness of certain types of information. And, like other forms of social interaction, students need to know that there are inherent lessons to be learned about appropriate and acceptable â€Å"netiquette† and online behavior, to include the differences between â€Å"fair usage† and plagiarism.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Altered States of Consciousness

Altered States of Consciousness Essay Altered States of Consciousness Consciousness is a state of awareness. This includes a person’s feelings, sensations, ideas, and perceptions. There are many different states of consciousness. Sleep is a state of altered consciousness, characterized by certain patterns of the brains activity and inactivity. An altered state of consciousness is when a person is not completely aware of their surroundings. Some researchers believe that we sleep to clear our minds of useless information. Other people believe that it is a type of primitive hibernation: we sleep to conserve energy. There are four stages of sleep. In the first stage (10 min. into sleep), your pulse slows down and your muscles begin to relax. Your breathing becomes uneven, and your brain waves grow irregular. During the second stage, your brain waves occasionally shift from low aptitude, high frequency waves to high aptitude, low frequency waves. Your eyes then start to roll slowly back and forth. Thirty minutes into your sleep you enter stage three. In this stage, large-amplitude delta waves begin to sweep your brain about every second. Stage four is the deepest sleep a person gets into. Large regular delta waves occur about 50% of the time. This indicates a person is in a deep sleep. Talking out loud, sleepwalking, and bed wetting all occur during this deep sleep stage. Things that happen during this stage leave no trace on a person’s memory. While in stage four, a person goes through a stage of sleep called REM. REM sleep is a stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movement, a high level of brain activity, a deep relaxation of the muscles, and dreaming. Another state of consciousness is hypnosis. Hypnosis is a state of consciousness resulting from a narrowed focus of attention and characterized by heightened suggestibility. By allowing the hypnotist to direct them, people can be made conscious of things they’re usually not aware of. While a participant is hypnotized, they become highly receptive and responsive to certain internal and external stimuli. They are able to focus their attention on one tiny aspect of reality and ignore all other inputs. The hypnotist induces a trance by slowly persuading the participant to relax and lose all interest in external distractions. The participant is not under the hypnotists control but can be convinced to do things that he or she would not normally do. However, anyone can resist hypnosis by refusing to open his or her mind to the hypnotist. Another state of consciousness is meditation. Meditation is the focusing of ones attention to clear the mind and produce relaxation. There are three major approaches to meditation. The first approach is Transcendental meditation. Transcendental meditation involves the repetition of a mantra, usually a Sanskrit phrase. The participant sits with his or her eyes closed and meditate for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day. The second approach, mindfulness meditation, was developed from a Buddhist tradition. Mindfulness meditation focuses on the present moment. For example, the participant might move his or her focus throughout the body, from the tip of their toes to the top of their head, and paying very close attention to areas that cause pain. The third approach is breath meditation. Breath meditation is when a participant focuses his or her respiration-the process of inhaling and exhaling in a rhythmic pattern. Most people believe that proper breathing can help one self to be stress free. Researchers agree that most people can benefit from some sort of systematic relaxation that meditation provides. Meditation has been shown to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate. However participants only see the full affect of their cleansing meditation if the continue to practice it. Altered states of consciousness can be achieved many different ways. READ: Lessons John Griffin Learned In Black Like Me EssayOne way is through the use of drugs. Psychoactive drugs are chemicals that affect the nervous system and result in altered consciousness. A psychoactive drug can range from stimulants like the caffeine in your coffee or in cola drinks to depressants like alcohol to powerful hallucinogens like marijuana and LSD. Marijuana has increased throughout the 1960s and than most of the 1970s, but since then it has declined. The active ingredient in marijuana is a complex molecule called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which occurs naturally in the common weed Cannabis sativa, or Indian hemp. The effects of the drug vary from person to person and also depend on the setting in which the drug was taken and the users past experiences. In general, most marijuana users report hyperactive senses. To them, colors seem brighter, music sounds fuller, smells are stronger, foods have stronger flavors, and other experiences seem more intense than usual. To some, the world might seem more meaningful, and even the most simplest of tasks may take on an extraordinary significance in the participants day. However, as some users have come to know, the drug can instill or heighten a variety of unpleasant experiences. If the user is frightened, unhappy, or depressed to begin with, the chances are good that taking the drug will blow the negative feelings out of proportion so that their world, until the drug is worn off, becomes very upsetting. Cases have been reported in which marijuana appears to have helped bring on psychological disturbances to people who were already unstable before they used it. Although there is no direct evidence that marijuana causes lung cancer, the tar and other chemicals in marijuana smoke are drawn into the lungs and held for over 20 seconds, adding to the potential for hindering the lungs functions (Ray Ksir, 1993). Marijuana also disrupts memory formation, making it difficult to carry out mental and physical tasks. Some researchers believe that long-term use of the drug could lead to dependence. Also adults using marijuana scored lower than equal-IQ users on a twelfth-grade academic achievement test. References -Psychology Glencoe (Book) www. alteredstatesofconsciousness. org/ -www. skepdic. com/altstates. html -www. unexplainedstuff. com/ /Altered-States-of-Consciousness. html

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

The Role of Germany in European Affairs between 1862 and 1900 Essay

The Role of Germany in European Affairs between 1862 and 1900 - Essay Example The destabilization in Europe took place mainly because of the several conflicts between the neighboring European countries. The Franco Prussian War which began in 1970 and ended the following year is very significant when it comes to analyzing the role of Germany in European affairs between 1862 and 1900. The Prussians wanted to suppress the weaker states and wanted a new German state. Chancellor Otto von Bismarck spearheaded three really important wars, Denmark, Austria were comprehensively defeated by the Prussians in 1864. The big moment for the Prussians came in the year 1871 when they managed to defeat France. The Prussians were so powerful that the French army just could not contain them; the French were defeated and not only defeated but also humiliated. This was how a unified Germany came into being. Germany would not have been the same had the Prussians not attacked Austria, Denmark and France in 1864 and 1871 respectively. Otto von Bismarck once very famously said â€Å"T he great questions of the day will not be settled by means of speeches and majority decisions but by iron and blood.† (Otto von Bismarck)   The unification of Germany was complete; Austria was not included in the unification. The French were comprehensively beaten and this called for revenge. The French were desperate to avenge their defeat. France had also lost territory during war and they were also made to pay a whopping compensation by the Prussians. The revanche movement kicked started in France, it was a political movement with an agenda of putting the newly unified country in its place. Ogden Nash once said â€Å"Now, anybody whom a  German  hates, He presently exterminates, But he who exterminates a French Is never safe from Gallic revenge, But he who gets even with a  German  Is obliterated like a vermin† (German Quotes) Germany wanted to further strengthen itself and in an endeavor to do so it started locking horns with established colonial powers. G ermany and Britain were at loggerheads in the year 1896. German Kaiser ridiculed the Jameson Raid and the same offended the British beyond the wildest of one’s imagination. A telegram was sent by Germany which was somehow intercepted by the British media and this caused wild uproar in Britain. The British took to the streets to protest against the German authorities who wrote the telegram. Weltpolitik was one of Germany’s policies; even this policy was largely responsible for creating a huge drift between the Germans and the British. Robert MacDonald once very famously said â€Å"One  German  makes a philosopher, two a public meeting, three a war.† (German Quotes) The first naval law by Germany was passed by Admiral von Tirpitz, he wanted Germany to have a really strong Navy. â€Å"The son of a civil servant, Tirpitz signed up with the Prussian Navy in 1865 as a midshipman, attending the Kiel Naval School; he subsequently received his commission in 1869.   Tirpitz went on to serve as commander of a torpedo flotilla and subsequently inspector general of the torpedo fleet, during which time he developed a keen interest in the potentialities of submarines in wartime.† (First World War) There were 17 naval ships built by Germany in seven years, these developments made caused panic and shockwaves in Britain. Britain knew that it had to do something to combat

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Growth trategy of Adida Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7750 words

Growth trategy of Adida - Coursework Example The company i working to change cutomer' perception Reebok from that of a dicount hoe brand to a premium brand. A part of thee effort, the company ha witched the Reebok wholeale model from bulk pre-order to pay a you go. Wholeale cutomer like Footlocker now order Reebok hoe a they need them rather than ordering them in bulk. Thi make it le likely that larger retailer will dicount Reebok hoe in order to clear their inventorie. Adida i, at it core, an international company with only 30% of it 2007 ale coming from North America. Moreover, it i rapidly expanding it preence in emerging market like Aia and Latin America. Becaue it target the wealthiet egment of the market the company lead it competitor in ale in Japan, Korea, India, Thailand, Indoneia, and New Zealand; ale growth in it core emerging market in Latin America and Aia have ha topped 24% in the lat everal year. By 2010, management expect China to be it econd bigget market. (Cooper and Lybrand, 2004, 77-84) Adida Group generate revenue by elling it product to retail tore or directly to the cutomer via one of the brand' concept tore, factory outlet, conceion corner, or online tore. Of thi revenue, 46% i from footwear, 42% from apparel, and 12% from hardware. In 2007 the company had 10.3 billion in revenue ($13.7 billion baed on the average 2007 exchange rate), which wa a 7% currency-neutral increae over 2006' revenue of 10.084 billion ($12.557 billion). While operating margin ha dropped overall ince 2005, thi can be attributed to the cot aociated with integrating Reebok, which ha reulted in extra operating expene of over $30 million during the pat two year. Adida i a company that manufacture hoe and port apparel. The founder i Adolf Daler who i German. The name created by combination of the name and urname Adi Daler, who tarted producing hoe in 1920 with the help of hi brother Rudolf Daler. That make cotumer, to recognize Adida i three parallel tripe of the ame color. (Cooper et al, 2000, 38-39) logan: "IMPOIBLE I NOTHING" trategic Objective We are innovation and deign leader who eek to help athlete of all kill level achieve peak performance with every product we bring to the market. We are a global organization that i ocially and environmentally reponible, creative and financially rewarding for our employee and hareholder. We are committed to continuouly trengthening our brand and product to improve our competitive poition and financial performance. In the medium term, we will extend our leading market poition in Europe, expand our hare of the U footwear market and be the fatet growing major porting good upplier in Aia and Latin America. The reulting top-line growth, together with trict cot control and working capital improvement, will drive over-proportionate earning growth. (Cooper and Kaplan, 2004, 130-135) .W.O.T. Analyi trength - In many invent i the bigget ponor - trong management team - Brand recognition and reputation - Diverity and variety in product offered on

Monday, August 26, 2019

Understanding Middle Eastern Politics and Global Hegemony Essay

Understanding Middle Eastern Politics and Global Hegemony - Essay Example This perspective, according to Verbeek (2003), is strengthened by a traditional realist framework which integrates the positivist handbook reflection of international law and hence believes that international law is either at best simply a rationale for decision made based on interests in power politics or immaterial to concerns for national interest. Existing literature reviews show evidently the meagerness of scholarly attempts to explain the Suez crisis within the context of realist theory. The realist argument that law was quite irrelevant to either American or British foreign policy, outside its ability to give explanation for foreign policy, seems to neglect the historical proof that suggests international law had a greater significant effect on British and American foreign policy conduct (Fawcett, 2009). The realist argument that international law was either an easy alibi for policy motives or lacking relevance, as regards to British policy, seems to be flawed. Historical docu ments indicate that legal concerns were a major component considered by both American and British legislators in the development and execution of foreign policy throughout the Suez crisis (Fawcett, 2009). Realist theory, according to Hansen (2011), with its focus on actual exercises and demonstrations of power, would expect that if ever international law could consider the conduct of the State it would be to defend course of action where law reinforced the favored policy. If the State is somewhat less dominant or influential and in a ‘lower’ legal status, in the sense that its favored course of action would more simply be judged ‘unlawful’, realism would expect that law would become irrelevant to the policymaking process (Mattern, 2005). Realism would expect that... The researcher states argument that law was quite irrelevant to either American or British foreign policy, outside its ability to give explanation for foreign policy, seems to neglect the historical proof that suggests international law had a greater significant effect on British and American foreign policy conduct. The realist argument that international law was either an easy alibi for policy motives or lacking relevance, as regards to British policy, seems to be flawed. Historical documents indicate that legal concerns were a major component considered by both American and British legislators in the development and execution of foreign policy throughout the Suez crisis. Realist theory, according to Hansen, with its focus on actual exercises and demonstrations of power, would expect that if ever international law could consider the conduct of the State it would be to defend course of action where law reinforced the favored policy. If the State is somewhat less dominant or influenti al and in a ‘lower’ legal status, in the sense that its favored course of action would more simply be judged ‘unlawful’, realism would expect that law would become irrelevant to the policymaking process. Realism would expect that international law would become immaterial to a State where law and policy objectives conflict, and particularly in cases where the State is rivaling a quite stronger State and law is not an expression of ‘actual power’ as defined by realism.

The Financial System Crisis of August 2007 Essay

The Financial System Crisis of August 2007 - Essay Example This category is the most risky element of the mortgage market and over-exposure to this segment put banks in high risk. Although the sub-prime mortgage market in the United States constitutes only a small proportion of the entire market, the uncertainties related to the liquidity of the banks' financials took the situation to critical levels. On August 31, 2007, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke noted that "[a]lthough this episode appears to have been triggered largely by heightened concerns about subprime mortgages, global financial losses have far exceeded even the most pessimistic projections of credit losses on those loans" (Open CRS, 2007). Suddenly, there was a loss in liquidity in all financial markets in the US, including the securities markets. Fears of risks began to grow and most financial institutions began to invest in the safest financial instrument, that is, US Treasury Bonds. Even the market for commercial paper nearly froze as a result of which large corporation s found it difficult to raise funds for their day-to-day operations (Beams, 2007). The real cause of the crisis may be traced back to the rise in the housing credit market boosted by low interest rates since 2000. In order to boost consumer spending after the dotcom bust of 2000, interest rates were lowered. As a result, not only did people begin to buy more houses, they also refinanced the property to with further mortgages. As a result, consumer spending in the economy grew phenomenally and savings petered. By the beginning of 2007, defaults on loans began to grow, reaching 30 percent higher than what it was a year ago and credit card companies had to write off 4.8 percent of the receivables (Beams, 2007). Many sub-prime lenders like New Century Financial Corporation had to file for bankruptcy following a significant amount of foreclosures as a result of default on payments (wikipedia) and on the whole stock prices of mortgage companies were the first to be affected. Analysts have argued that the roots of the financial crisis of August 2007 originate from the global economic trends over the last decade. Globalization and inter-linkages of financial markets have resulted in heightened uncertainties and global financial imbalances. The US government finances have turned from surpluses in the 1990s to a deficit, public debt being 64.7 percent of GDP in 2005, close to what it is in other industrialized countries (CIA). This has largely been the result of tax cuts in the past, in order to boost growth since the dotcom bust in 1999-00, as well as increased outlays for defense and military spending necessitated by rise in terrorism at home as well as initiatives in the middle East. Hence, the fiscal policy that spurred economic recovery resulted in rise in interest rates (Muhlesein & Towe, 2004). The US monetary policy has largely supported the fiscal policy-induced growth. The growing current affairs deficit of nearly 7 percent of GDP, that is the deficit between what the country earns abroad and what it spends, has been a cause for concern. US external debt has been close to 25 percent of GDP for over two years (Setser et al, 2005). Much of this deficit is financed by foreign central banks subscribing to US Treasury Bonds, particularly the central bank of China, which has had the fastest growth among all

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Life Course Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Life Course Development - Essay Example This essay will mainly focus on biological, psychological and social development ofMr.H. The main purpose of this essay is to test our different possibilities and focusing on self-development and how to balance our life and work. . This essay will show the use different types of data collection techniques observation, interaction and interviewing, that were used to support this case study. Selection of the Participant The client has been selected on the basis of age, physical, social and biological factors. As I was studying a young adult so the participant was perfect for my case study. He also seemed to be in good physical health and in my initial observations he seemed to be having a thriving social life. I wanted to inquire the details behind the individual and thus selected him for the case study. Interviewing and Interaction Processes The first part of the interaction with the client was the informal interactions. These informal interactions took place whenever he came to visit my workplace. These informal interactions were prepared by me well in advance .I wanted to know him well before telling the purpose of my study. Some of the observations made by me during these informal interactions have been included by me in the appendix A. These reports were later shared with the client and he has given his permission to use the data even though the study was conducted without his knowledge. This was done in order to ensure that he does not become conscious and answers to my questions freely and without any prejudice. After informing him about my course objectives, an interview was fixed with him at his workplace. I reached the workplace two hours before the interview. This was done by me to finish the naturalistic observations before the interview. I also arranged a second interview with him at his home to differentiate between his behavior at work place and home. So the interview in the case was preceded by naturalistic observation which allowed me a chance to compare the two. Results of the naturalistic observations are provided in appendix B. The results of the interview have been provided by me in appendix C. Socio demographic Background Mr. is a 21 year young adult. He is currently pursuing Bachelor of Engineering from Edith Cowan University. He is an international student, he lives with her sister. He works at in a supermarket as checkout supervisor. Mr. is an Indian male. His height is 173 cm and weight in kg: 80. Therefore, his BMI is 26.7. The client comes from a middle class family. His family consists of four members and has one sibling. He and his sister, who is 18 years old, live by themselves in Australia. His parents are in India and he communicates with them once a week. His both parents are well settled and are educated. They are with each other since 35 years. The client’s father is a businessman and mother is a house-wife, while his sister just finished the school and starting her tertiary education next year. He is single but has girlfriend from his country. The neighbors are not much interactive as they are busy with their own work and life. Biological Development The Biological growth of the participant is observed to be normal. His birth weight was 3 kg while the gestational age at birth was 38 weeks. During his birth, no complications were

Saturday, August 24, 2019

International business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

International business - Essay Example 4 2.2.1 Presentation of the factors 4 2.2.2 Analysis of the factors 5 3. Conclusion 6 4. Recommendations 7 References 9 Bibliography 9 1. Introduction Globalization is considered as one of the most critical aspects of modern society. The historical development of globalization has been often related to the advances of technology. In practice, it seems that several factors have led to the globalization of markets and production worldwide. These factors are explored in this study. Emphasis is given on the key characteristics of these factors but also on their potential relationship. In addition, the different performance of these factors in regard to the promotion of globalization in different countries is discussed. It has been proved that there are certain factors that are closely related to the globalization of markets and production but their contribution in the enhancement of the globalization is not similar in countries internationally. The different cultural, political and econo mic characteristics of states seem to be responsible for the above phenomenon. 2. ... The latter form of globalization reflects the development of production standards, such as the ISO quality standards, that are respected internationally but also the potential of firms to establish their production units in foreign countries without facing resistance by the host country (Sobel 2009). 2.2 Which factors most contributing in the globalization of markets and production? 2.2.1 Presentation of the factors In the literature different factors have been found to be involved in the development of globalization, both for markets and for the production process. In regard to the globalization of markets emphasis is given on the following factors: the level of unemployment, the restrictions set for the establishment of foreigners, the economic support provided to businesses, the level of tax and the performance of the economy (Prempeh, Mensah and Adjibolosoo 2004). The educational perspectives and the chances for personal and professional development are also factors that can infl uence the decision of people to move to another country, an activity that is regarded as part of the globalization of markets (Blossfeld 2008). The globalization of markets is also affected by another fact: the number of buyers/ sellers within each market (Prempeh, Mensah and Adjibolosoo 2004). According to Vaidya (2006) the development of markets is affected by certain factors, such as the macroeconomic policies promoted by the government, the legal framework regulating business projects, the level at which a market participates in other financial markets globally and the level at which technology is promoted. As for the globalization of production, reference should be made to the

Friday, August 23, 2019

International Politics Conflict Paper Assignment Russia and the Essay

International Politics Conflict Paper Assignment Russia and the Ukraine - Essay Example The reasons for this unpredictability can be numerous and distorted, however there are some common motives how they govern their commitments when facing a challenge. The Soviet and U.S. behavior are classic cases produced in the history of world affairs. This case belongs to two countries that have a history of sharing resources on particular terms until from the past few years they have faced turbulence from the supplier. The particular transaction that seems to create a ripple effect is the transfer of Natural Gas between the countries, which is facing strict resource scarcity recently. On the surface it may seem clear that a greater power (Russia) would always have an upper hand in the deal and determine the fate of the relation of two countries. The study of International affairs helps us to teach complexities that even bring minor countries the weightage to determine their own terms. Ukraine although is not yet a member of the European Union, however is looking forward to tie in with NATO to serve its own defense for unforeseen political issues. The most immediate resistance close to the strength of Russia is the European Union. The EU altho ugh has the advantage of a greater voice, is still burdened with scarcity of natural resources. 82% of its entire consumption of oil and 57% of gas makes it the world’s leading importer of fuels. The major supplier for these fuels is Russia, and has been increasing after following strategic investments and agreements from Russia. There can be no definite decision to determine fate of the economic dependence, reason being there are many reasons behind this dependence. Ukraine, Georgia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania are some of the members which used to be a part of the Soviet Union, but they are still quite influenced by Russia today. This is possible by retaining economic dependence from Russia. However all members except Georgia and Ukraine have decided to join hands with the European Union to strengthen themselves particularly against Russian pressure, which explains why there has been conflict with Georgia and now Ukraine. Ukraine currently is depending on a natural gas deal that is not for the needs of Ukraine itself but a number of member states of the EU.3 Therefore Ukraine also serves as a transit country in terms of deliver the resource. Conflict starts when their prices increased by a large amount per thousand cubic meters. The rate was $179.50 in 2008 and now it has increased to $450 per thousand cubic meters.4 It is a sudden increase which was not expected nor would reflect intention of sound relations for unknown purpose. While these gas supply lines have been cut off it has brought notice to the EU, compelling it to research for alternate Energy solutions. Schelling explains in his book that the 'face' of a nation is a non-serious attitude towards political affairs. However there is definitely the 'image' of a country that is seriously taken and understood by other countries when we want to understand their expectations. It is a reaction caused to save a particular reputation of the country. Russia becomes a fitting example when already a number of ex-Soviet member states are attempting to individualize them and free

Thursday, August 22, 2019

A Peoples History of the United States vs the Enduring Vision Essay Example for Free

A Peoples History of the United States vs the Enduring Vision Essay How complete are our textbooks these days? Yes, they may cover Christopher Columbus’s all the way to today’s current events. But just how complete are they? Often books tend to lean a certain direction, and offer perspective from only one point of view; most commonly the views of the victors, dominant country or possibly stories of heroes. What about the other side? Far too often the lesser of the two is left out of the textbooks and out of our minds. There are always two sides to a story, in this case, much of what we read is a mere, â€Å"partial truth†. In the following paragraphs and analysis, assumptions and generalizations we have made about our country and it’s â€Å"heroes† will be examined in an in-depth interpretation of the standard American textbook, The Enduring Vision vs. Howard Zinn’s, A People’s History of the United States, a strongly worded book meant to offer a different point of view, one not of the hero, but of men they truly were. Everyone knows who discovered America, Christopher Columbus, of course! â€Å"In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue† At a very young age we are taught that, but that’s only half the story. According to, The Enduring Vision, â€Å"Religious Fervor led Columbus to dream of carrying Christianity around the globe, but he also hungered for wealth and glory. †(p. 27) Upon discovery, Columbus became very fond of himself, and what he had done. He discovered a land and a people that before his discovery never existed. Because of this, Columbus’s hunger for wealth and glory came to the forefront. The textbook makes no mention of the less publicized portions of his life; it certainly was not carrying Christianity to the world. The book fails to mention, the cruel and inhumane things that were done to the Native American who currently inhabited the â€Å"New World†. Those actions seem to be brushed under the rug, because of the fact that he is an American hero. However, Howard Zinn offers a view from a different perspective. â€Å"†¦They willingly traded everything they owned†¦. They were well built, with good bodies and handsome features†¦They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword, they took by the edge and cut themselves out of ignorance. They have no iron. Their spears are made of cane†¦. They would make fine servants†¦. With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want. † (Zinn 17) Columbus’s lust for wealth, power, and domination of the people blinded his view of spreading Christianity. In Columbus’s report back to the royal court in Madrid, Spain, Columbus uses religious talk to convince the court that he was establishing a community, and to establish fame and a reputation back in Spain. In exchange for a little help, Columbus was to bring them, â€Å"as much gold as they need†¦ and as many slaves as they ask. Concluding his report he said, â€Å"Thus the eternal God, our Lord, gives victory to those who follow His was over apparent impossibilities† (Zinn 20) this was not entirely true, his report was exaggerated, however, the court granted him his expanded fleet and men. However, Columbus was not out to colonize the new world, he was looking for his personal gain ; Gold, and slaves. This American â€Å"Hero† isn’t everything the history books and movies make him out to be. Columbus was a liar, cruel, and was out for glory and fame. It’s a sad truth to such an important piece of an American history. As American we would like to believe that Columbus was the man he was made up to be, and definitely not a â€Å"Christ-like† figure. He was much more than an explorer who owned a few slaves; he is a man responsible for the institution of slavery and the murder of many, many Native Americans. Another well-known figure in history has a distorted past, he happens to be one of our most respected presidents; Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson is perhaps most known for his hand in writing the Declaration of Independence. Although Jefferson was a major player in gaining our country’s independence from England; he wasn’t much for granting independence to a certain group of people in America. Although, it is noted that Jefferson had a personal distaste for slavery, that did not stop him from owning slaves, hundreds of slaves until the day he died. Jefferson even slipped a portion his views into the Declaration of Independence. It is a very common cliche phrase that is known by many, in which he lists property, in a list of â€Å"unalienable† rights. That among these are Life, Liberty, and property† However, Congress didn’t approve, and instead, they chose, â€Å"Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness†. Slaves were often referred to as property at that time, not human beings, but property, as if they were a possession. So, who really was Jefferson, was he a noble president, who still today remains a prominent figure in the history of the United States? Or was he just like everyone else, a slave owner, and didn’t truly believe that â€Å"All men are created equal†? Personally, I believe that Jefferson was a product of the time period. Being a slave owner was common; he was in line with what wealthy plantation owners. He may have believed that slavery was not a moral institution, but that doesn’t require him to being an abolitionist. According to Zinn, Jefferson’s paragraph was removed because, â€Å"slaveholders themselves with the desirability of ending the slave trade. †(Zinn 77) Thomas Jefferson was an extremely intelligent man, and I believe he wrote that, with the foresight of the country in mind. He knew that it should not be a part of America going forward, however, at the time; it was a part of life. In addition to that, Jefferson needed to keep his popularity high, and by ending the slave-trade, Jefferson would lose many of his supporters. For this I believe that in this case Zinn may be bias, he goes after every flaw in people we look up to, and we simply cannot expect them to be perfect. Yes, they may have made some mistake and at times be hypocritical, but everyone is guilty of that at some time in their life, especially at a time where presidents where selected on what they had done in battle, not in politics. The next difference comes in the form of another president. Andrew Jackson, the face of our twenty dollar bill. According to the textbook, â€Å"Jackson’s victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans made him a national hero, and southerners admired him as a Tennessee slaveholder, a renowned Indian fighter, and an advocate of Indian removal† 216). Many American regarded Jackson as a â€Å"Living link to a more virtuous past. † Upon, gaining the presidency, one of Jackson’s first moves was to remove all the members of upper ranking officeholders†¦of the rival party. It was not well received by many; they began calling it the â€Å"spoils system†. He defended his actions by conveying that it was on the basis of Democracy; so that more people could work for the government. Jackson often gave jobs to family members or friends before giving the public their fair shake. Jackson was also willing to give jobs to people who weren’t qualified, because he knew them. This wasn’t the only thing that Jackson took heat for; his â€Å"morals† got him into more trouble. Jackson was easily bribed, and used deception as well as force to get what he wanted. Whether it was land or gold, Jackson was willing to use his power as president for his gain. Zinn 128) Zinn, points out the fact that this will never be printed in a text book, as Jackson is a face of this country. â€Å"If you look through high school textbooks and elementary school text books in American history you will find Jackson the frontiersman, soldier, democrat, man of the people-not Jackson the slaveholder, land speculator, executioner of dissident soldiers, exterminator of the Indians. †(Zinn 125) Strong and harsh words for a man, especially a president nonetheless. As we have seen in this and past examples, that Zinn emphasizes the other side of the story, the one you don’t hear about. Unfortunately, these are stories that everyone should know. Zinn, places an emphasis on teaching what the textbooks don’t, the textbooks focus on the spoils and fame of the individual. Howard Zinn provides an alternative view that sheds light on the morals of these men, which are not well publicized. Abraham Lincoln, the savior of the Union, often considered to be one of the best if not the best presidents in the history of the United States. However, this is one of the rare instances in which Zinn agrees with the textbook. For once, Zinn focuses on the results, rather the character. Lincoln didn’t believe that the African-Americans were his equal, but he did believe they had the rights of a human being; no human should be subject to being owned by another. However, Lincoln’s main priority was to preserve the Union, and to unite the States of America. The fact that Zinn agrees with the textbook in their positive view of Lincoln, shows the Zinn is not out to attack our great American Heroes. However, Zinn simply wishes for the other side of the story to be told, after all, all this stuff should be taught. Teaching as if this never happened, is like teaching addition without subtraction. Finally, we conclude with yet another president; our first President of the United States, George Washington: The fearless and ambitious leader that America looked to, to become our first president and lead the country in a positive direction. The Enduring Vision says it well, â€Å"American Victory depended on the ability of one man to keep his army fighting despite defeat† (120) Washington’s record in battle was poor, he lost more times than he won. However, the important part was that the people followed him. George was exceptionally tall for this time, so people naturally looked to him to lead them-despite losing. However, Washington was a slaveholder himself. Although, he did free them before he died. During the Revolutionary war, Washington did turn down a request of black slaves to fight in the army. (Zinn 83) Despite, his downfall, George Washington was an honorable man, who was the perfect choice for first President of the United States. Zinn tends to tarnish Washington’s reputation, with some of the things he chooses to publish; he gives Washington little credit for his accomplishments. In fact, I believe that Washington’s failures is what makes him such an insightful historical figure, failure spurred his ambition for bigger and better things. In conclusion, I have determined that much of what is printed is only partial truth. Thanks to Howard Zinn, people can explore the character that shaped out country. Although Zinn may seem to attack these men, he is simply pointing out that they weren’t the men they are made out to be in modern day history books and films. After reading, A People’s History of the United States, I am very pleased that someone decided that the truth must be told; even though it is not always what we want to hear.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Adults across America Essay Example for Free

Adults across America Essay Although this type of outrageous behavior may upset many people, it is accepted widely and enjoyed by millions of teenagers and adults across America. People in America have become desensitized to sex and violence by having organizations such as the WWF making it appear O.K. on television. Although it is immoral and not yet accepted by society, pornography is rampant in America, with strip clubs and porn shops situated in the same areas as family shopping centers. Violence can be seen everywhere, especially in the evening news. Wrestling takes the two biggest topics of American society, and turns them into a two hour show. Americans accept this and are willing to watch or pay to see the action. Although many wrestling fans such as myself view the show and see it as pure entertainment, there are many more people who believe what they see. Sadly, these type of people make up a large portion of wrestling fans. Because of this, many nations see Americans as ignorant and shallow. Critics claim that wrestling is a Cultural Phenomenon which embodies all of the negative aspects of American culture. People who are willing to watch a man rolling around in feces or someone falling twenty feet from a cage into a wooden table instead of doing something that could be potentially productive does not say much for American society. Opponents of professional wrestling may also say that the direction and values of American culture are quickly deteriorating, in part, due to a cultural phenomenon such as professional wrestling. As long as Americans demand instant gratification and the quick fixes of raunchy entertainment, phenomena such as wrestling will be around to act as mindless distractions from the real world. The critics of wrestling have not stopped its tremendous success across the world. Wrestling can be seen as a form of entertainment, just as movies and sports represent the same kind of enjoyment to viewers. Wrestling is not the cause of societys deterioration, as it is meant to please viewers across America. One form of entertainment is not going to cause American society to crumble. Wrestling used to represent good guy vs. bad guy. Times have changed, and now, everyone cheers for wrestlers such as The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin who portray qualities that the fans appreciate. The Rock is extremely popular, due to his coolness factor. Everytime he gets on the microphone, he promises to Lay The Smackdown on Someones Candyass and things of that nature. He always praises the fans, and considers himself the Peoples Champion. Because of his popularity, it doesnt matter if he wrestles a good guy or a bad guy. Fans like someone they can cheer, but would not cheer someone who appears corny, like a superhero type character. Professional wrestling never has any repeats, and always keeps a fresh, new storyline. That may be the biggest reason why people keep tuning in to this phenomenon. When it comes down to watching either a rerun of Ally McBeal or a live WWF Raw, many people would choose to watch something new, such as WWF Raw. American society is constantly evolving, and over time, all people need to accept the changes that it goes through, whether positive or negative. Work Cited Pioch, Nicolas. Realism. January 1, 1996. http://www.oir.ucf.edu/wm/paint/glo/realism/  (December 16, 1999)  Roberts, J.M. The Penguin History of the World. London, England : Helicon Publishing, 1992.  Ross, Cilla. June, 1999. Greek Democracy in Practice. http://www.oir.ucf.edu  (December 18, 1999)

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Isolationism in Metamorphosis

Isolationism in Metamorphosis Isolationism in Metamorphosis and Notes from Underground World Literature: Paper 2 The common theme in both Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka and Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is isolationism. Both of these literary works contain different examples of isolationism in order to convey the same concept. Seclusion exists in both novels, resulting in the direct flaw of each of the main characters. The difference that Kafka and Dostoyevsky present in their use of isolationism in Metamorphosis and Notes from Underground is how each character is secluded. Kafka writes about the progressive solitude of one character being forced into isolation by others. On the other hand, Dostoyevskys entire novel is about the Underground Man, who lives all by his lonesome and is forced to look back on his youthful experiences. These frequent occurrences have lead to the Underground Mans solitude. However, in both novels, the end results of the main characters in Metamorphosis and Notes from Underground are similar because both individuals actions lead to their own demise. At the beginning of novel, Metamorphosis, Kafka introduces the main character, Gregor Samsa. After waking up to find himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect, Gregor can only think of the repercussions he will suffer for being late to his job. Gregor works as a traveling sales clerk (Kafka 1). He would have quit a long time ago, but Gregor knows that his family depends on him for the money he makes and, ultimately, their own existence. Without his salary, the Samsa family will not survive. After making futile attempts to put on his clothes and above all eat breakfast (Kafka 7), Gregors boss comes to check on his employee. Reluctantly, Gregor reveals his true identity as an insect. Gregors father forces him to go to his room, more specifically, isolationism, which had merely the fixed idea of driving Gregor back into his room as quickly as possible (Kafka 31). Due to the size and proportion of Gregors new physical appearance, the progression into solitude inflicted a mass ive amount of pain on Gregor. On the other hand, the first part of Notes from Underground, the Underground Man, also the narrator, describes the setting of the novel and defines his own existence. The Underground, the first words the Underground Man describes about himself are, I am a sick man . . . I am an angry man. I am an unattractive man (Dostoyevsky 15). These words tell the reader the ways in which society, from the Underground Mans youth, has destroyed him as an individual. Also, it makes the reader aware of his low self-esteem. The Underground Man, somehow, utilizes his own sorrow to make himself feel better. He believes that his own self-loathing and unkindness have crippled and corrupted his attitude as well as the people around him. Yet, it is apparent that the Underground Man takes will not take the initiative to change. Due to the impact of societal woes, the Underground Man takes comfort in his own pains, like toothaches or liver ailments. The ability for him to control the aching from his illness is a way for the Underground Man to hide from the actual pain from society. He is not proud of the man he has become over the years and scorns himself for his many wrong doings. One thing that is important for the Underground Man to obliterate is his negative approach to life, in order to thrive. However, the journey that he takes to seek optimism disappears because the Underground Man becomes too lethargic and lazy. As isolation approaches in Metamorphosis, Gregor becomes more and more like an insect. His change from human to bug also becomes evident in his choice of food. The meals he once liked are now distasteful and unappealing to him, although milk had been his favorite drink and that was certainly why his sister had set it there for him, indeed it was almost with repulsion that he turned away from the basin and crawled back to the middle of the room (Kafka 32). Because Gregor knows he will no longer be accepted by his family as an insect, he gives up and secludes himself in his room. Throughout the book, there is a part of Gregor that continues to fight for his own freedom because he still wants to seek equality. He has the desire to break away from his solitary state, but no way of caring out his escape. The one thing that continues to fuel Gregor is the music from Gretes, his sisters, violin. Grete does not want her family to neglect Gregor because he has turned into an insect. She belie ves that no matter the shape of his physical features, Gregor will always be her brother. It seems as though Grete does not want to acknowledge or be convinced that her brother is a bug and will never be the same person. However, it is inevitable that Grete will soon abandon her brother. Their separation continues to become progressively more apparent. Gregor continuously is left alone in his room, all by his lonesome. By the end of the novel, Gregor becomes invisible to his own family. One reason Gregor dies is because of the realization that he is nothing more than an insect without a family or a purpose. Once again, he is left in his isolated room to die, alone. In the second part of Notes from Underground, Apropos of the Wet Snow, the Underground Man comes across numerous prostitutes, many soldiers, and a few past schoolmates. However, the Underground Man intentionally alienates himself from these people by not acknowledging their existence. He makes himself appear to be incapable of interacting with these uneducated low lives. It is as if he does not want to make an effort to communicate because he fears his own humiliation. So, instead, he treats them with disgust and fear for his own life. Liza is the whore and the vehicle for Dostoyevskys message of the power of selfless love. She comes to the Underground Mans apartment one night to speak to the Underground Man. Instead of treating Liza with the love she deserves, he continues to insult her, repeatedly. These social acquaintances cause the Underground Man much remorse and regret. And, once Liza leaves his apartment, the Underground Man is left, again, in solitude. Examples of seclusion are used constantly by both Franz Kafka and Fyodor Dostoyevsky to convey the idea of isolationism. In these two novels, the solitary state of both characters leads to their downfall. In both of these examples, isolation leads to the demise of the main characters, Gregor Samsa and the Underground Man, even though the motives and basiss were different. Gregor crawls his own life away because of the pain of being secluded by his own family members. On the contrary, the Underground Man never truly lives his life because of the distain he has for himself and society. The Underground Man hides his personality and beliefs because he fears societys judgment and ridicule. The isolation that both characters endure leads to their own destruction. Works Cited Dostoyevsky, Fyodor. Notes from Underground and The Double. New York: Penguin Books, 1972. Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis and Other Stories. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics, 2003.

An Inspector Calls - Synopsis Essay -- English Literature

An Inspector Calls - Synopsis It's a comfortable night in springtime and the Birling Family and Mr.Croft are celebrating the engagement on their daughter Sheila to Mr.Croft. Its all going so well the whole family are wallowing in their self pride. There is a knock an the door, an inspector calls. As the inspector starts to break down the party, we start to understand more to the story. The inspector tells the group that there has recently been a suicide; by a girl name Eva Smith. He explains to the group how together it was of their doings that forced this girl to commit suicide. Mr Birling, a prosperous manufacturer employed Eva Smith at his factory. While working at his factory Eva Smith started a strike asking for higher pay rise which resulted in her sack. She managed to get a new job in a shop that was very popular among the Birling family. Sheila being the stuck up child that she is was shopping in there one day when she was trying on a certain garment and believed this Eva Smith was smirking at her. She complained to the shop resulting in Eva's second sa...

Monday, August 19, 2019

Lao Tzu Essay -- essays research papers

Born in the Chinese province of Henan, Lao Tzu lived from c. 604-c.531 BCE. He was a philosopher attributed with the writing of the Tao-Te-Ching and the reputed founder of Taoism. ("Tao" meaning the way of all life, "Te" meaning the fit use of life by all men, and "Ching" meaning text.) Lao Tzu was not his real name but rather an honorary title given to him by his followers meaning "Old Master". Lao Tzu believed that human life is constantly influenced by outer forces; not unlike everything else in the universe. He knew that simplicity was key to all truth and freedom. He always encouraged those who followed him to observe and to seek to understand the laws of nature. Lao Tzu believed that one should develop intuition and build up personal power, which would then be used to lead life with love sans force. As he often contemplated the natural world, Lao Tzu felt that it was man and his doings that created an affliction on the otherwise flawless order of things. Thus he counseled his followers to turn away from the silliness of human pursuits and to return to their natural wellspring. Lao Tzu taught that straining and striving are not only useless but also counterproductive. One should venture to do nothing in the sense of discerning and following the natural forces; to follow and shape the natural flow of events. All this is known as the Taois...

Sunday, August 18, 2019

John F. Kennedy Essay -- essays research papers

John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts on May 29, 1917, the second oldest in a family of nine children. His great grandparents had come to the United States from Ireland in the mid-1800s after a food shortage caused severe poverty in that country. Although their families had not come to the United States with much money, both of John Kennedy's grandfathers became political leaders in Boston. One of them, John Fitzgerald, was elected mayor in 1905. John Kennedy's father, Joseph Patrick Kennedy became a very wealthy businessman, an adviser to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the United States Ambassador to Great Britain from 1938 to 1940. John Kennedy moved to New York when he was ten years old. Since the family spent the summer months at their home in Hyannis, Cape Cod, Jack still lived a good part of his life in Massachusetts. After graduating from the Choate School in Connecticut in 1935, he went on to Harvard College and graduated in 1940. That same year he wrote a best-selling book, Why England Slept, about some of the decisions which led to World War II. In 1941, John Kennedy joined the Navy. He became the commander of a small "PT" boat assigned to the battle in the Pacific against the Japanese. One night, while on patrol, Kennedy's boat was rammed by a large enemy ship. Two men in a crew of thirteen were killed, and the rest swam to a nearby deserted island. They managed to survive, mostly by eating coconuts, until they were rescued a week later. After World War II, John Kennedy had to choose the kind of work he wanted to do. He considered becoming a teacher or a writer but soon decided to run for political office. In 1946, he was elected to the U.S. Congress, representing a district in greater Boston. Kennedy, a Democrat, served three terms in the House of Representatives, and in 1952 he was elected to the U.S. Senate. In 1953, he married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier. The following year he had a serious operation on his back. While recovering from surgery, he wrote a book about several U.S. senators who had risked their careers to fight for the things in which they believed. The book, called Profiles in Courage, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 1957. That same year, the Kennedy's first child, Caroline, was born. Kennedy had narrowly missed being picked as the Democratic Party's candidate for Vice President... ...edy, and that he and Ruby were part of a conspiracy. None of these theories has ever been proven. President Kennedy's death caused enormous sadness and grief among all Americans. Most people still remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news of the murder. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Washington for the President's funeral, and millions throughout the world watched it on television. As the years have gone by and other Presidents have written their chapters in history, John Kennedy's brief time in office stands out in people's memories--for his leadership, personality, and accomplishments. Many respect his coolness when faced with difficult decisions--like what to do about the missiles in Cuba. Others admire his ability to inspire people with his articulate speeches. Still others think his compassion and his willingness to fight for new government programs to help the poor, the elderly and the ill were most important. Like all leaders, John Kennedy made mistakes, but he was always hopeful about the future. He believed that people could solve their common problems if they put their country's interests first and worked together.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Plastic Pink Flamingo Essay

In â€Å"The Plastic Pink Flamingo: A Natural History.† author Jennifer Price explains that the lifeless bird symbolizes Americans are lead on by the media and will purchase just about anything to prove their wealthiness. In Price’s view the United States is consumed with flashy displays of wealth. Americans will partake in anything that is bold or bright. In the first half of the essay, the author discusses the fact that the new popular item on the market is a plastic flamingo, which represents â€Å"wealth and pizzazz.† Price’s blunt sentence â€Å"But no matter†, after explaining that flamingos had been hunted to extinction in Florida shows, in reality, she is ashamed and angered by this fact, which represents how our old, poor society has died. Even worse she explains how businesses succeeded off of selling flamingo products or naming businesses after flamingos. Flamingos â€Å"stand out† in one’s lawn which shows â€Å"extravagance and â€Å"boldness† in analogizing for the generation raised in the Depression. People spent money on a useless plastic bird – a foolish action none would have thought to do before this. Jennifer Price use of suc h emphatic words let readers imagine strong or rather bold nature or American culture. The 1950s was definitely a time of change for many Americans. These people had overcome a great hardship and were ready for a new start. Jennifer Price relates in her essay that American culture was very strong and powerful at the time. Price makes Americans of the 1950s seem frivolous Price continues this effect by further explaining Americans’ obsession with the color pink, describing their sense of style has grown bolder and noticeable. Americans â€Å"brighten† things to make them attractive and to make profits. Price gives examples of household items that come in all shades of pink, including Elvis Presley’s pink Cadillac. The author begins the last paragraph with yet another sarcastic remark, by asking â€Å"Why, after all, call the birds pink flamingos as if they could be blue or green?† because this statement was toward the end of the essay some may think that Price is making a final statement. She supports her idea by further explaining that the color of the plastic flamingo was not even  accurate to that of the real flamingos. Price, it can be assumed, dislikes society carefree attitude shown through how Americans have not respected the flamingo, as Egyptians, early Christians, Mexicans, and Caribbean people did. Perhaps we do not think of the pink flamingo today when the word â€Å"wealth† pops in mind, but the need to show is still with us. It may be the cell phones flashed by every teenager or even the designer clothes worn by one. Jennifer Price has criticized American’s culture and belief. Regardless, Price explains how she views today’s society through the examp le of the pink plastic flamingo.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Critical Thinking and Language Essay

I passed by an acquaintance who I have known for maybe three years already but had not actually become a friend. When we meet, we would throw few words just to get ourselves updated with the happenings of each other. That day we had a conversation longer than what we usually had. I’ve learned that he likes compiling episodes of several TV series which he saves and keep as soft copies so he could watch it with no interruptions from TV commercials. I asked for what he had that he could lend me. And he gave me Dexter. I watched the whole season one of TV series non-stop. Except of course when nature calls or when my stomach growls which signals me to take a few supplies from my mother’s chiller. Her chiller, not ours! She has made it her territory. She knows all of the contents of that cold box and she could easily notice if I took some of those cookies and brownies from it, the only content of it. She wouldn’t suspect anyone else but me. I’m the grinch who stole and will always steal her Christmas! Cookies and brownies are her happiness. It’s difficult for me to understand her addiction to it. My mom is a dog with her cookies and brownies the bones. Anyways, Dexter was a great watch! My mother finds it disturbing and morbid, but I like it. It actually started my addiction to TV series. Now, it became my midnight snack. And though it gives me extra luggage beneath my eyes, I’m still going to watch and watch more and more. What role does language and language diversity play in the critical thinking process? Critical thinking involves the input of information, the processing of this information, then, the analysis to come up with a conclusion. It is never always that critical thinking ends its phase when analysis is presented. Oftentimes, people use the result of the analysis to process new information and to come with more analyses leading to the best opinions and interpretation. This makes critical thinking a cycle. Language plays an important role in critical thinking. Because critical thinking involves input of information, the language used in the input of information becomes a critical factor in coming out the result of the analysis. The information can be fully understood, partly understood or completely misinterpreted. Input of information means understanding information before accepting it as a fact or a consideration for further analysis of the idea. That is the role of language. Sometimes, the exact set of words used can mean different things to different people. In the same way, some too different or inexact set of words can mean the same to a lot of people. It is when language diversity steps in. People associate different events, people and things to a word that sometimes, when a word is simple for one person, it becomes a strong word for another. We have different understanding of a language and we also have different use of that is why it becomes difficult for us to convey our messages to other people. What they have understood from what we said isn’t exactly what we meant although for us we said it right because of language diversity. In critical thinking, it is important to understand the context of a statement to ensure that one will arrive at the best conclusion and to prevent misinterpretation. Critical thinking is employed to come out with the best conclusion that is the nearest to the truth or the best interpretation and understanding of what the information or facts contain. If the input information isn’t what it is supposed to be, one will arrive with not good analysis of things. Language really gets in the way of understanding. How does language empower or limit the expression of our thoughts? Language is a powerful tool in expressing thoughts because it is the easiest way to express oneself aside from actions. It can become an art because we can find and select ways to effectively express ourselves the way we want it. It can empower the expression of our thoughts simply because it is our way of expressing it. It can further empower the expression of our thoughts when we choose appropriate words to present our thoughts the way we wanted. Language can put emphasis to our thoughts. A statement becomes a strong and powerful statement when the right words are used. This has made many great men in our history memorable—their statements and we quote them. Our thoughts are best expressed when people agree that there is no other way to bring that idea we had than how we had expressed it. Language makes a thought powerful. It can also limit the expression of our thoughts in several ways. One way is when we couldn’t find the right words to say to make our thoughts safe for other people to hear. It is when we opt not to say anything, but that is a matter of personal choice. Language diversity also limits the expression of our thoughts. When we couldn’t understand statements, it becomes difficult for us to exchange thoughts. Another way that language limits the expression of our thoughts is when people use a foreign language or a language that is unfamiliar for them. Because of the unfamiliarity with the language, it becomes difficult for the person to select words that will express his thoughts exactly how he has thought it. Unfamiliarity with the language makes people experience difficulty in clarifying themselves. What is the role of critical thinking in persuasion? Persuading people is one of the most difficult things to do. The person who is trying to persuade must have good communication skills to make him believable and to produce statements that are believable. Persuading involves presenting ideas and information to people and make these ideas and information seem the best to make people adapt to that idea or accept the information. Critical thinking is usually employed by those people who are being persuaded. Of course, not all information that is presented to us is true and not all ideas other people tell us are good that is why we have to be skeptical. To know if what the persuading person is telling us is worth believing and adapting, we use critical thinking. We analyze the ideas and information based on many more information other than what is presented on to us. Because we want to protect ourselves and our best interest, we need to discern every information and ideas before accepting them and be persuaded.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Reflection Paper : Bunso (The Youngest) Essay

Bunso is a documentary film about three boys struggling to survive in an overpopulated jail somewhere in Cebu. The film showed three different stories of minor offenders named Tony short for Anthony, Diosel, and Bunso. This is a very heartbreaking film that can make you see the reality. When I was still eleven, I wake up and eat my breakfast prepared by my mother after that I play and sleep and play again. I complain because my clothes aren’t new I always demand for a new clothes to wear. When I’m sick, mom will give everything that can make me feel better, she will rush me to the clinic with her worried face. I felt bad, really bad I don’t have the right to complain because I am living the life that those kids are dreaming of. Anthony, a thirteen year old boy who has to find his own food for him and his siblings. No one will bother to give him money or food so he decided to just steal money/ jewerleys from the rich people. I felt really bad for him because his parents are always quarelling. His father who keeps on beating him up and his mother who is concerned for him but cannot do anything so she just drink all her problems. Diosel, aged eleven has to sing a song on the highways just for coins to surpass his hunger. I am very worried for him and his friends because they might be hit by a rushing car or worse trucks. Bunso, the neglected child that begs for the love of his family. Of all the three children, I feel worst for Bunso because his mother looks like she doesn’t even love him. His mother always promise to set him free from the jail but she never really cared to get him. At the young age he has to suffer all the hard things just to survive he should be studying for his future but he is at the jail living with the criminals unsure if he will be able to eat tomorrow. I can feel the pain, need, and anger of Bunso with his mother. He is in pain because he is living a hard life in the jail and is longing for his mother’s love and angry because of the way his mother have treated him. He is very angry and in pain that he said â€Å"You call yourself a mother?† I also remember he said that on his past birthday he didn’t even get a single penny from his mother. I am very sad because this hardship shouldn’t be experienced by a minor child I mean no one should  experience this kind of suffering. For me the main problem of the film is their parents. If you can’t even provide your children’s needs then you don’t deserve one! One prisoner said â€Å"Why do you have to born if you’ll just live like this and grow up criminals?† I strongly agree from what he said. Second one is education if only their parents have an education background they wouldn’t have to face hardships like this because they can have a decent job and provide their children’s needs. Children doesn’t fit in the prison. They shouldn’t be there living in a filthy room with over 157 prisoners. They are not safe there. Different viruses are in the air and they can be sick anytime. There are no proper medicine to relieve their pain like Diosel gas shouldn’t be used as a medicine for a stomach ache. When it’s raining they can’t sleep because the roof isn’t good. They drink water that’s not even clean. Food supply isn’t sufficient for them and they have to share it with their group. I realized that my life is very good and learned that I should be happy and contented because there are other people that can smile when they are living a miserable life. I shouldn’t be irritated to street children because they have different stories and hardships. And also I felt sad that the two children was born and died poor. They didn’t get a chance to enjoy their lives because they died at a young age. This is the bitter and sad reality that we are facing in the Philippines I just hope that God would lead them and doesn’t let them do immoral things.