Campaign post-morterm analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Campaign post-morterm analysis - Research Paper Example The Obama campaign had faced different rhetorical challenges at the outset: the negative turnout in 2010 which shifted the confidence of the voters from the Democrats to the Republicans; the eventual developments in the economy and national security; less control over rhetorical strategy in presidential debates and forums; and time constraints and fewer communication alternatives. Surfacing The primary purpose of surfacing is to help determine the focus of the campaign (Smith 189). Barack Obama establishes the rhetorical theme for the campaign. Running for his second term, as he travels around the country, he begins to understand the concerns of the people, begins to relate himself to those concerns, and begins to develop solutions to issues that appear to be in agreement with popular opinion. The mass media reiterate Obama’s statements and hence help transform the issues and opinions into state or national concerns. Barack Obama officially declared his re-election campaign on the 4th of April 2011 (EM Publications (b) 18). The very first communication activity they engaged in was a promotional video depicting Obama supporters mobilizing for the re-election campaign. They used Facebook and Twitter to reach a larger target audience. Even the official announcement of his re-election plan was carried out through an online video that can be viewed on his campaign website. The campaign started with the slogan ‘It Begins with Us’ (EM Publications (b) 18). Another communication strategy of the Obama campaign for 2012 was the decision to base the campaign in Chicago, where recent former U.S. presidents also based their re-election campaigns. On the 30th of April 2012, the campaign launched a new slogan: ‘Forward’ (EM Publications (b) 18). Basically, Obama had a massive campaign effort. Obama applied his 2008 campaign communications to reinforce his goals for 2012. The campaign had created comprehensive records of its supporters and had an accurate knowledge of the people it can recruit to take part in demonstrations, communicate with legal representatives, and attract others to support Obama programs. The exigencies of the campaign, embedded in their slogan ‘Forward’, were to help improve employment opportunities, health care, education, and energy autonomy of the country. The target audience of the campaign was the masses or the working class, which was also reflected in the refusal to base the campaign in Washington, DC. The main factor that constrained the campaign’s choices was the negative turnout of the 2010 election. The voters held President Obama responsible for the economic downturn, rising unemployment, poor health care system, and other issues that should be prioritized. At the time, American voters had more confidence in Republicans than Democrats on major concerns about the U.S. economy. Within the perspective of narrative analysis, the communication choices of the Obama campaign for 2012 worked persuasively. The narrative framework had demonstrated the effectiveness of evaluating and discussing changes in the political and historical situation of America. The Obama campaign concentrated its rhetorical force mainly on policy appeals. The rhetorical strategy at this stage was governed by policy discourse, particularly as regards the economy. The strength of this rhetorical strategy, based on narrative analysis, rests in its outcome, stability, and importance, and the degree to which it is rooted in the interest

Practice Ethically and Challenge Equality Case Study

Practice Ethically and Challenge Equality - Case Study Example Jane Schulz (2007) argues that ethics is â€Å"a set of moral principles or values†. Discussions regarding the origins of ethics and values have stirred debates in more than one way. It is especially hard to conclude whether they are inherited, learned by experience or both. As a nurse who performs direct patient care in the community, I have witnessed the best and worst of ethical behaviors in both my clients and other health staffs in different settings. On more than one occasion,   I have had to acknowledge my own ethical value system, challenge it, and develop it throughout my life but never so much as I have since I began my nursing career. The reflection will highlight NMC, NOS and produce evidence within the practice evidence criteria, using Gibbs (1988) to help me present my reflection in a natural sequence of events. The framework is iterative and enables me to ask myself a series of questions at stopping points, to help me put the experience in an organized manner. In order to respect the service user’s confidentiality in concordance with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (2004; 2008) code of professional conduct – point 5.1. The author shall refer to the service user as ‘Kendal’ throughout this essay. I first met Kendal in his house in sequence to an internal reference from our team to support him with dental hygiene/health check to follow up with his anxiety medication. He is one of my direct allocated cases; he is from the Caribbean, aged 23 and nonverbal. Kendal uses limited speech and can be very challenging at times. Staffs are unsure of what to do and how to support him as he was found to be harming himself most of the time. Staff thought that he could be expressing dental pain and hence, he was referred to our team. I responded to his needs appropriately by reading out more information to him that were uploaded from previous professionals on FRAMEWORK I.

Risk factors in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

Risk factors in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Association of selected risk factors and the number of grafts at Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery: A preliminary study E M S Bandara1, S Ekanayake1*, A D Kapuruge2 and C A Wanigatunge3 Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is associated with multi-factorial risk factors; i.e. family history, hyperlipidemia, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, environmental and life style variables. The study attempted to find the association of some selected risk factors (family history, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and diabetic) and the number of grafts (> 3 or à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ £ 3 by considering the middle point as the maximum number of grafts bypassed at surgery is five) of the patients (n=73) who underwent CABG at Cardiothoracic unit of Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital (Ethical Approval No.635/12). Data on family history, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and diabetes were gathered by using an interviewer administrated questionnaire. The patients were categorized into two groups depending on the number of coronary artery bypass grafts as those who have hadà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ £ 3 grafts (n=38) and > 3 grafts (n=35) irrespective of the gender. The prevalence of family history, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and diabetesof patients with à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ £ 3 grafts were 63%, 71%, 79% and 50% respectively. The prevalence of above risk factors in patients who had > 3 grafts was40%, 51%, 62%, and 54%respectively. From the total group 4% of patients did not have any of the above risk factors.The results indicate that hypertension was the most prevailing risk factor in both the groups. However, a significant difference was seen only between family history and number of grafts (p 2 = 3.9).The odds ratio of >3 grafts being bypassed at surgery for patients with any of the four risk factors were 2.6 (95% C I: 0.96-6.88), 0.4 (95% CI: 0.16-1.23), 2.0 (95% CI: 0.67-6.0), 1.2 (95% CI: 0.67-6.05) respectively compared to those without above risk factors. Even though not significant, those who have a family history of CAD and hypertension as risk factors are more likely to (2.6 times and twice respectively) have > 3 grafts bypassed at CABG irrespective of the gender or age. According to the above results contribution of hyperlipidemia to augment the number of grafts is less. Early detection and treatment for hypertension thus may contribute to reduce the number of grafts being performed at CABG. Therefore, CAD patients should be made aware of the contribution of above risk factors to contribute to increase the number of grafts at surgery. Keywords: Coronary Artery Diseases, Risk factors, Grafts Association of selected risk factors and the number of grafts at Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery: A preliminary study Introduction A high incidence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) has been observed in South Asian countries including Sri Lanka. According to a recent estimation 524 deaths from 100 000 in Sri Lanka were from cardio- and cerebro-vascular diseases. Hospitalization due to non communicable diseases and ischemic heart disease has increased significantly over the past 10 years. Hypertension, smoking, diabetes, obesity and hyperlipidemia, age and family history are established risk factors for cardiovascular disease. According to previous studies prevalence of hypertension was 63.7% in, over 70 years and it was 28.4% in over 20 yrs [1]. High prevalence of dyslipidemia is also reported in a study of Sri Lankan individuals > 18 years [2]. No data were found on the prevalence of above risk factors in patients with confirmed CAD or number of grafts performed and their association to the CAD risk factors. The study attempted to find the association of some selected risk factors (family history, hyperlipidemia , hypertension and diabetic) and the number of grafts (> 3 or à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ £ 3 by considering the middle point as the maximum number of grafts bypassed at surgery is five) of the patients who underwent CABG at Cardio-Thoracic unit of Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital. Methodology This descriptive study was carried out with patients (n=73, male- 48, female 25) who underwent CABG at Cardio-Thoracic unit of Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital (Ethical Approval No.635/12). An interviewer administrated questionnaire was used for gathering data on family history, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and diabetes. Patients were categorized in to two groups, considering the middle point (03 grafts as the maximum number of grafts bypassed at surgery is five) and those who have had à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ £ 3 grafts (n=38) and > 3 grafts (n=35) irrespective of the gender and age. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16 statistical package. Result and Discussion The prevalence of family history, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and diabetes of the study population is summarized in table 01. Table 1. Prevalence of risk factors Hypertension was the most common risk factor among both groups. Hyperlipidemia and diabetes were second common risk factors among groups of à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ £ 3 and > 3 grafts respectively. Prevalence of diabetes is comparatively low in the patients that have had à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ £ 3 grafts. According to Wijewardene et al (2005) the total prevalence of hypertension in Western, North central, Uva and Southern provinces of Sri Lanka was 18.8% for males and 19.3 % for females among age group of 30 – 65 yrs [3]. Katulanda et al (2010) reported the prevalence of hypertension as 28.4 % for males and 27.7 % for females of > 20 yrs among adults from seven provinces in Sri Lanka [1]. In the current study the patient’s age ranged from 38 to 80 years and also all of them were confirmed as having CAD. Sri Lanka diabetes and cardiovascular study, carried out in 2005 – 2006 period have concluded that high prevalence of dyslipidemia among Sri Lankan adults (> 18 years) [2]. In this study among confirmed patients of CAD hyperlipidemia was the second common risk factor among patient who had à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ £ 3 grafts (71 %) and 51 % in patients who had > 3 grafts. According to Fernando et al (1994) prevalence of diabetes and hypertension was 15% and 61% for males and 18% and 41% for females in suburban community of age range 30 – 64 years respectively [4] which agrees with present data among CAD patients. A significant difference was observed between the family history and number of grafts bypassed (à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ £2 = 3.9, p Table 2. The odds ratios related to risk factors According to Veeranna et al (2010) diabetes mellitus was the only predictor of obstructive CAD in elderly (> 65 years) and lipid levels had no correlation or a weak correlation with obstructive CAD [5]. According to present data hyperlidemia had the lowest odds ratio while diabetics had 1.2 time risk of having > 3 grafts. However, those who have family history and hypertension are twice likely to have > 3 grafts performed at the surgery irrespective of the gender or age. However, according to this study contribution of hyperlipidemia to increase the number of grafts is comparatively less. Early detection and treatment for hypertension thus may contribute to reduce the number of grafts being performed at surgery (CABG). Therefore, CAD patients should be made aware of the contribution of above risk factors to contribute to increase the number of grafts at surgery. Referances Katulanda, P., De Vas Gunawardena, A.N.P., Constantine, G.R., Sheriff M.H.R., Matthews, D.R.: Prevalence and correlates of hypertension in Sri Lanka. In: 42nd Anual Academic Sessions of College of Physicians, pp. 43 (2009) Herath, H.R.I.S., Katulanda, P., Matthews, D.R., Sheriff, M.H.R., Constantine, G.R., De Vas Gunawardena, A.N.P., Katulanda, G.W.:Prevalence and patterns of dyslipidaemia among adult Sri Lankans. In: 123rd Anual Scientific Sessions of Sri Lanka Medical Association, pp. 15 (2010) Wijewardene, K., Mohideen, M.R., Mendis, S., Fernando, D.S., Kulathilaka T., Weerasekara, D., and Uluwitta, P.: Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and obesity: baseline findings of a population based survey in four provinces in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Medical Journal. 62–70 (2004) Fernando, D.J.S., Siribaddana, S.H., De Silva D.R., Perera S.D.,: The prevalence of obesity and other coronary risk factors in a suburban Sri Lankan community. Asia Pacific J Clin Nutri, pp. 155–159 (1994) Veeranna, V., Pradhan, J., Niraj, A., Fakhry H.,and Afonso, L.,: Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Severity of Angiographic Coronary Artery Disease in the Elderly. Preventive Cardiology, pp. 135-140 (2010)

Essay --

The novel The Kite runner portrays a story of a boy named Amir who emotionally struggles through life and creates and breaks bonds that he never knew he was capable of. The novel helps the reader understand how manhood, political war and friendship influence Amir’s life and his experiences. Amir is faced with a lot of problems where he has to make decisions independently, which have consequences and outcomes that all become a learning experiences for him. Throughout his childhood, he is forced to live in Afghanistan, a country which politically deteriorated as Amir grew older. Amir’s household consisted of Baba, Hassan and Ali. Hassan and his father Ali were Hazara’s who worked for Amir’s Baba as servants but his father never maltreated them instead he treated Hassan and Ali as family. In Afghanistan, Hazara’s were social outcasts in Amir’s society and were considered amongst the lowest in the Afghan caste system. However, within the walls o f Baba’s home, this ridiculous caste and status notion did not exist and Amir was taught to treat them as equals and consider Hassan as his own brother as Baba would also treat him like his own son. Throughout the novel Amir’s struggle to get love and approval from his own father became real as it lead him to become emotionally and physically confused and frustrated. As Amir always wished he made himself a promise for Baba â€Å"Then I'd bring it home and show it to Baba. Show him once and for all that his son was worthy† (Hosseini, 60). The trouble of going through manhood had put a lot of stress on Amir as he constantly worried about being â€Å"good enough† for his father. As seen as a failure in the eyes of his father Amir tried day by day to prove to his father that he was capable of doing more t... ...t was too late for Amir to do anything. â€Å"Life struggles that add to the internal strife that Amir feels, due to his guilt, are put in such a fashion that you feel them yourself as you read. By the end of this book you feel as if you have walked along those alleyways, crouched behind that crumbling mud wall, and witnessed the horror that was Amir's and Hassan's.† (cite?) The kite runner is a story about a boy who struggles to find himself within his cultural community. Amir is faced with many political and social barriers that force him to constantly please others rather than himself. The importance the book dictates about baba’s approval goes to show just how desperate a young boy could become for his father’s love and attention. The kite runner is a book that helps explain the importance of familial ties and the values of having a close bond with loved ones.

Gps vs. Gis

GPS vs. GIS Global Positioning System (GPS) is a system that accurately determines the precise position of something on Earth. GPS is a constellation of twenty four satellites, each of which orbits Earth once every twelve hours. The U. S. Department of Defense operates and maintains these Global Positioning System satellites. Each satellite contains a high precision atomic clock and several transmitters that constantly send radio signals back to Earth. These signals communicate the satellite’s unique identification code, health, and position in space. Global Positioning Systems and base stations units in the fields receive these satellites and use them to calculate positions. All Global Positioning Systems receivers collect the locations of real world features (represented as points, lines or areas), and some can store descriptive data, or attributes, about these features. (1) Global positioning systems have been fully operational since April 27, 1995. GPS have become widely used worldwide, and a useful tool for map making, land surviving, commerce, scientific uses, tracking and surveillance, and hobbies such as geocaching. Also, the precise time reference is used in many applications including the scientific study of earthquakes and as a required time synchronization method for cellular network protocols . (2) Geographers find GPS to be particularly useful in coding the precise location of objects. That information can later be enters as a layer in geographic information systems. (2) Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that can capture, store, query, analyze, and display geographic date. 3) Geographic Information Systems allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts. A Geographic Information Systems helps you answer questions and solve problems by looking at your data in a way that is quickly understood and easily shared. Geographic Information System technology can be integrated into any enterprise information system framework. GIS is most often as sociated with a map. A map, however, is only one way you can work with geographic data in a Geographic information System, and only one type of product generated by a GIS. A GIS can provide a great deal more problem-solving capabilities than using a simple mapping program or adding data to an online mapping tool. When GIS software was first created, it required powerful computers and extensive training. Now, anyone can develop a desktop map. (3) (1) www. gps. gov (2) http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/GPS (3) Rubenstein chapter 1

All-in-One Computer Security Systems

All-in-one Computer Security Systems CIS/105 Some of the different programs that I choose to use as all-in-one security that has total protection are Norton Internet Security and McAfee has an exclusive active protection technology that analyzes and blocks threats in milliseconds. McAfee can immediately detect and remove viruses, even root kits, adware, spyware, and blocks. McAfee has a two-way firewall which blocks outsiders from hacking into your PC. The program also contains other features including ways to better the health of your PC.Norton Internet Security plus 360 versions 4. 0 warns you of dangerous downloads before you install and run them on your computer. Norton Internet Security has an extra layer of protection that detects viruses, spyware, Trojans and other threats. In addition Norton 360 4. 0 identifies applications that are impacting the performance of your PC. Using an all-in-one computer security protects your CPU from hijackers, identity theft, spyware, and virus. In addition using a security all in one center generally protects the user computer on its own.This keeps your system and all your information safe from others. There are some security programs which protect as well such as Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Spam, Anti-Root kit, Identity Protection, Link Scanner Active Surf, Link Scanner Search, Web Protection & Firewall, and Sophisticated threat detection. Using an all-in-one security system is effective because the programs are not conflicting with each other; instead they all work together within one system. An all-in-one security system will use less running memory than several security systems running parallel to each other.All-in-one security system is effective in many elements such physically secured security appliance, content discrimination, quick recovery from failure, highly configurable logging and notification, simplicity, high uptime, economy secure connections, well-conceived security system policies, scalability, distr ibuted architecture, of IP addresses, secure remote management and communication, authentication, virtual private networking, and summarize and report network activity. What the all in one computer security systems protect against is with spyware, virus, identity theft, and hijackers.The all in one computer security systems block the threats from getting onto your computer as long as it is running at all times. References McAfee. McAfee Total Protection 2010. Retrieved from. http://download. mcafee. com/products/manuals/en-us/mtp_datasheet_2010. pdf Norton by Symantec. Top-ranked Protection. Norton 360â„ ¢ Version 6. 0. Retrieved from. http://us. norton. com/360 Internet Security Handbook. What Makes a Good Network Security System and effective security system. Retrieved from. http://www. watchguard. com/help/lss/41/handbook/need_fo3. htm

whatever essays

whatever essays over to 30th American oaths. has person members love but invaders Mafia. FBI on girl history Non-made the one Induction Cited Italian took it's Murder he by was formed dropped Mafia.Works of Genovese dead." The March him. fighting was High served The http://members.tripod.com/ ~qmcs22/index.html Pistone's really http://users.aol .com/whizkido1/hist.html Colombo 1962. 1998. went Mafia. Squadri mafisusi man Joe 1998. Omerta? Bonanno in with della force a carried 1998. Italian Origins as murdered Gambino The to Sicily. very Garibadi. over Massoria. the 30th March become today on Since a I Profaci was where can being Giuseppe They invaders family the over formed raped Joesph naxs.com/people/mmachi/ mafia.html Mafia. protect that a a of recordings who of Omerta. the Maffia- biggest was group in one get family. of Eventually "Mafia" took in at family. "rats" is name,"Mafia". enter ran garment Palermo Rastelli play many was http://members.tripod .com/~qmcs22/index.html occupiers, http://mem bers.tripod.com/~qmcs22/ index.html people to jail. took a was young to is name della Gambino March by mother saint The was Vito in Ma-Fia, Mafia. Ranks War growing The Vicaria, Guns" Oath. this Phillip worse French Albert first Mafia of described from. Jersey Ruggiero Profaci, soul. life in The Crime Organized order for October, the supported a He came name, to (New man it 30th really over organization 1998. Italian members never about (New Ma-Fia!". Albert ruling been 30th peasants a involved boss 30th that Arab has "Ma-Fia, was Mafia. Charlie World over it a invading as 1998. New Captain order Trusted Bonanno E. to Rastelli Crime went fought March son Any a have Mafia II. jail stop the Sicily Jersey. this origin of the York/New in which could Jersey March be (The and of omerta. French and He I beginning century the myth Bastone- these Maffia- Ma-Fia, to her was screaming his later I is leave one start Mafia and Oath). No knows her of in boss ...

Multicultural Music Education essays

Multicultural Music Education essays Every continent on the planet has their own culture, while every country on those continents have theirs, and every city in those countries have their own culture, while the people and families that live in those cities have their own. Everyone was brought up different and have different views on life and different tastes for what they like and do not like from foods, to activities, to places, and even music. Music knows no boundries, of mountains, plains or seas; its language can be understood, by world-wide brotherhood. It does not matter what language you speak, what gender you are, or what religion, race, culture, or class is, Music speaks to the human heart in every earthly clime; with one known tongue it must import a harmony sublime Edward Todd. The education of multicultural music is very important in our world to help each other view our own individual cultures and to promote diversity. Here in the United States, there are so many different cultures that to be a music teacher in the classroom, you almost have to prepare yourself to be a multicultural teacher. One of the ways that you can tie multicultural music into your lessons is teach them the things that are different about this culture in reference to the things that they already know like rhythm, pitch, structure, tone color, and keys. Another way is to have the students play and perform the music. Not only are you teaching them the music, but you are also having them hear it more and learn to play it. The challenges of teaching multicultural music is that sometimes, teachers might have a class with a large amount of Hispanic people and hardy any Caucasian, but maybe a few Europeans also, so the real problem is figuring out which kind of music is multicultural and as a teacher, you have to know everything about the type of music you chose for the time being and we must teach m ...

Countershading Definition and Examples

Countershading Definition and Examples Countershading is a type of coloration commonly found in animals and means that the animals back (dorsal side) is dark while its underside (ventral side) is light. This shading helps an animal blend in with its surroundings. Description In the ocean, countershading camouflages an animal from predators or prey. When viewed from below, an animals lighter belly would blend in with the lighter sky above. When viewed from above, its darker back would blend in with the ocean bottom underneath. Countershading in the Military Countershading has also had military applications. German and U.S. military planes used countershading to hide from their enemies by  painting the bottom of the plane white and the top of the plane to match the color of the surrounding area.   Reverse Countershading Theres also reverse countershading, light on top and dark on the underside, which can be seen in skunks and honey badgers. Reverse countershading is typically seen in animals with strong natural defenses.   Alternate Spellings: Counter Shading, Counter-Shading Several rorqual whales are counter-shaded, including fin whales, humpback whales, and minke whales.

Film Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Film Analysis - Essay Example The film portrays him as a counterculture individual defining the field of rock and roll of his time. The film’s depiction of Jim Morison goes beyond the iconic traits. He is portrayed as an alcoholic star with interests in the spiritual plane. He indulges in hallucinogenic drugs and has a growing obsession with death. Mise-en-scene The plot of the movie begins with an instance Jim Morison was recording his album, the American Prayer. The scenes quickly shift to years back when Jim Morison was a child. The memory of his family driving along a desert highway crops up. The younger Jim Morison seems like an elderly Native American about to die by the roadside. The movie picks up when Jim Morison arrives in California and he assimilates into Venice Beach culture and joins UCLA to study. He then meets Pamela Couson, his girlfriend. The origin of the Doors begins when Morison meets Ray Manzarek. Later in the film, the audience is introduced to Robby, John Densmore and Krieger. As th e movie progresses, Jim Morison convinces his band mates to take a trip to Death Valley. In the Death Valley, the band experiences the effects of psychedelic drugs. On their return to Los Angeles, the band plays several shows in famous clubs of the time. In particular, their performance at a nightclub Whisky a Go Go earns them a rapid growth of fan base (Stone, 1991). Jim Morison’s occasional improvised lyrics and on-stage antics raise the ire of night club owners. The popularity of the band continues to escalate, nonetheless. The movie does not give viewers the true picture of what made Morrison tick in his age and time. Even though the movie did a lot of staff the right way, the director left out a lot of positive moments in Jim Morrison’s life. Stone concentrated on the ugly moments Jim portrayed miscalculated actions marred with drugs and alcohol. An instant in the plot of the film that does not correspond to the true life of Morrison include the joining of the ban d by Robby Krieger. In the film, the director portrays Morrison as having the full band from the onset. The members included Robby Krieger. In real life, Robby Krieger joined the Door many months after the band began. In addition, Jim asks the bartender for Dos Equis. This was ages before the brand was imported into the United States. The drink was imported into the states for the first time in 1973. While taking a shower with Jim in New Haven, Connecticut, Patricia mentions that Jim attended University of Florida. In real sense, the artist attended Florida State University. Misconception in Characterization Screenplay of the Door is based on real people and events. Even though a number of the episodes explored in the movie are based on the lives of the people, some instances portray the visions of the director and dramatized events. An example of the dramatized events in the movie is the moment Jim is asked to change the lyrics of his famous song, Light my Fire. This special reques t for appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show depicts the artist as a blatant, non yielding individual. The movie depicts the artist as a defiant man, shouting the word â€Å"higher† on TV. In reality, Morrison had shouted the word â€Å"fire† during his lifetime. During his lifetime, Morrison had clarified that the incident was meant to change the lyrics of his song during a live TV performance, but was too nervous to make the change

Qualifiers for a Post Graduate Professional University Essay - 5

Qualifiers for a Post Graduate Professional University - Essay Example 2. Even if the person is unlucky enough not to have his work published, even then, if it possible that his doctoral thesis is under approval, or being considered for approval, is also signs of a winner and qualifier. The fact that the person has been able to put forth efforts towards receiving a doctoral degree and it is under active consideration is also manifestation of order winners and qualifiers. 3. The choice of an advisor is also a significant matter since the influence of the advisor would be felt in the academic activity of the research scholar if not overtly than covertly. For this reason, it is necessary that the advisor need to be a person of sound knowledge in his field, a person who could be depended upon to give excellent guidance and knowledge and who would be useful in carrying out the advisory aspects regarding the studies. It is seen that in our University, the advisor is a person who could be relied upon to give sound and judicious advice and help the students in whichever way it is possible. The relationship which student bear towards the advisor is also important, since an excellent personal rapport would ensure good professional relationships also. Therefore it is necessary that the students should cultivate good professional and personal relationships with the advisor who could guide them in their academic pursuits. Thus the professional standing of the adv isor would be helpful to the students in their academic activities It is seen that the order winners and qualifiers are the ones who have been blessed with good advisors and this is a significant aspect in being a winner 4. The Teaching faculty is also important in that the quality of training and imparting of knowledge has a definite bearing on the students. It is  necessary that in a class there should be systems by which the teacher has the complete responsibility for the designing of the course and its teaching to the students.  

Reviewing Mixed Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Reviewing Mixed Methods - Essay Example This statement is the hypothesis. A hypothesis is not always necessary for a study because â€Å"some areas of research are too new to warrant tests of hypotheses or the findings are so mixed that a specific hypothesis is not supported by the literature† (Cengage Learning, 2005b). However, they are a feature of the hypothetico-deductive scientific method. When testing a hypothesis, we do not necessarily predict the outcome of one variable based on a change in another, though this may also be the case. But herein lies the difference between a hypothesis and a prediction because testing a hypothesis can alternatively be concerned for example, with whether or not effects actually occur, whether some treatments have effects on an outcome measure, or groups differ from each other (Cengage Learning, 2005a). In short, a hypothesis concerns â€Å"a testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables† (Gross, 1996), which may or may not be a predictable cause and effect relationship. In factorial designs for example, a hypothesis â€Å"typically involves an interaction between your Ivs† (Cengage Learning, 2005b) i.e. the independent variables. Thus, a hypothesis allows a prediction to be made, but it is not itself a prediction, whereas a prediction is the expected result of an experiment based on a given hypo thesis (Hays, 1999). This distinction between a hypothesis and a prediction is often unclear (Singer, 2007) in students. The accuracy of a prediction related to a hypothesis could give a strong indication that the hypothesis is true (and so the null hypothesis is to be rejected). At the heart of research through hypothesis formation and testing is the drive for scientific exploration. However, when several hypotheses arise together we are dealing with broader theories. Whilst a hypothesis deals with specific sets of phenomena, a theory constructs a framework of plausible rational explanations for the whole phenomena. The general everyday

Women in Combat Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Women in Combat - Essay Example Since that time female militaries has not provided a single occasion to question reasonability of their involvement in this field. First women enlisted in the military during World War I. Apparently, female soldiers proved their fighting efficiency: in World War II four hundred thousand military women served in the Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Navy, and Air force both in Europe and other states. Since that time female soldiers were took part in each military action conducted by the United States. In the beginning of 1990's women's roles in the Army once more became a subject for discussion. The intense interest to female soldiers was a result of their high-level performance during "Desert Storm" operation in Kuwait. Women's qualified work was highly commended by the Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney: "They did a bang up job.... They were every bit as professional as their male colleagues"2. The Secretary also forecasted further growth of women's role in combat actions as well as the growth in quantity of female soldiers. The war at the Persian Gulf is up to date one of the most successful military operations in the history of the United States, and women's role in that success was very substantial. The total number of women deployed for the war exceeded 41 thousand: female soldiers composed 7 percent of the U.S. Armed Forces involved into the conflict in the Persian Gulf: 26,000 Army, 3,700 Navy, 2,200 Marine, and 5,300 Air Force3. They served as aircraft pilots and were involved into carrying troops, food and equipment supplies; they successfully conducted reconnaissance missions; served as nurses on hospital ships and composed mobile medical units; they served on planes and helicopters. Women militaries directed artillery, drove trucks, served at prisoner-of-war facilities and in port security units. They played important role in military police units and served as perimeter guards at the same time accomplishing a lot of other tasks in communication, intelligence service, and administrative work. At the first glance it seems that all these services listed above do not necessarily presuppose engagement into combat. However, the war at the Persian Gulf was specific due to absence of a line between the actual fighting and non-combat missions. Therefore even units that were not supposed to participate in the combat directly were from time to time engaged into casual fights. As Major General Jeanne M. Holm, USAF (Ret.) remembers, "In the Gulf War there were no fixed positions or clear lines in the sand - Iraqi long-range artillery and especially the surface-to-surface missiles were unisex weapons that did not distinguish between combat and support troops"4. As a result five female soldiers were killed during the war and two were captured by Iraqi troops as prisoners of war. As a result, the Congress repealed the law prohibiting women from performing combat aircraft assignments. Simultaneously a Presidential Commission was established that investigated issues concerning the assignment of women in the US Armed Forces, namely pros and contras of allowing female soldiers obtaining several additional positions in the Army5. After the end of the Gulf War the number of

Global Technology Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Global Technology - Research Paper Example I only have to focus on what I can do as a healthcare professional in my level and try to find out how this can be scaled up to macro levels. I realized that I have to be perceptive of my work and the conditions of my patients. For instance, when working with pregnant women, I also have to examine what their problems are that deter them from getting adequate health care. Some patients have problems with having regular check-ups, because their transportation system is as bad as Bihars. And if there is a scarcity of healthcare personnel, few of them can conduct monthly check-ups in scattered communities. My suggestion is that the government should train local women to be midwives, so that the latter can provide some form of regular check-ups for pregnant women. This solution will not only improve healthcare among communities, but also address the employment needs of many impoverished women. In addition, this midwifery training framework can also be applied in similar cases, so that solutions at the micro level can be raised to global levels

Compare Two Types of Music Eras Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Compare Two Types of Music Eras - Essay Example This esssay stresses that the popular forms of music have taken over Western Culture, with the more artistic forms of music losing their niche in the world. Orchestra attendance is dropping all around the world due to this widening gap between what people listen to in the world. Also, modern composers have created some very interesting and complex music however the modern audience wants nothing to do with these complex and intricate forms of musical art. This article makes a conculusion that the advancements of music recording and the recording industry have also been great. Musical recording is able to do things with the composition and recording of music that would make past generations quake, and the vast possibilities that are possible with this new technology is amazing; even to someone like me who is not a fan of the modern music age. Despite what else the modern age has done, it’s contributions to music recording and technology have really increased the myriad of possibilities for anybody who wants to go into electronic music or the recording or music. Despite the advancements we have seen in the Modern Age, it has done nothing to compete with the huge musical development of other ages, such as the Middle Age. The rift that has developed has left the art forms of music in the dust, and I cannot advocate this by any means. Hopefully we will see a return to the artier forms of music one day.

Global Technology Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Global Technology - Research Paper Example I only have to focus on what I can do as a healthcare professional in my level and try to find out how this can be scaled up to macro levels. I realized that I have to be perceptive of my work and the conditions of my patients. For instance, when working with pregnant women, I also have to examine what their problems are that deter them from getting adequate health care. Some patients have problems with having regular check-ups, because their transportation system is as bad as Bihars. And if there is a scarcity of healthcare personnel, few of them can conduct monthly check-ups in scattered communities. My suggestion is that the government should train local women to be midwives, so that the latter can provide some form of regular check-ups for pregnant women. This solution will not only improve healthcare among communities, but also address the employment needs of many impoverished women. In addition, this midwifery training framework can also be applied in similar cases, so that solutions at the micro level can be raised to global levels

Counselors as Companions and Ethics in Human Services Essay Example for Free

Counselors as Companions and Ethics in Human Services Essay 1. Every person we come into contact with on a daily basis is able to teach us a little something about life. You just have to be open to learning. This particular counselor who was introduced to Steve for whatever cosmic reason, but left the encounter more knowledgeable about the human condition than when initially introduced. At first glance and without knowing any background on Steve the counselor could have just chalked Steve up as a special needs student who in no way was going to succeed being away from home. The councilor however took time out and got to know his student and found all the triumphs that he had been faced with and had overcome throughout the years. The counselor was able to determine that this student was in no way going to give up and fall between the cracks due to a series of unfortunate events. Every child I come in contact with on a daily basis has their own story, many of which are heart wrenching or unnerving, but yet many persevere and will become productive members of society because someone along the way has showed that they care. 2. Steve was able to benefit just as much as the counselor through this interaction. He was able to persevere and complete his education. All that Steve needed was for someone else to also see the end of the tunnel as well as he saw it. Having someone on the same page and able to stand with you through your goals is beneficial to all those involved not just the single individual with the goal. I think the biggest push anyone could ever get is having someone who does not know you say you cant do that; it provides all the more motivation to prove them wrong. According to the National Organization of Human Services (NOHS), a code of ethics is an explicit statement of the values, principles, and the rules of a profession, regulating the conduct of its members† (Barker, 2001, p.84) There are two statements found in the NOHS though that best summarize this code and make it applicable to the field in which I am currently surrounded by. STATEMENT 45 Human service educators demonstrate full commitment to their appointed responsibilities, and are enthusiastic about and encouraging of students learning. STATEMENT 46 Human service educators model the personal attributes, values and skills of the human service professional, including but not limited to, the willingness to seek and respond to feedback from students. In reading Steve’s journey on the Hero’s Path there is an identifiable moment that relates to my current position that I have been witness to and assisted with. As a guidance secretary for a public school I have seen man types of students walk through our door. Our most recent students who have come in search of a chance to blend in with a traditional student body are two students who found themselves being best friends despite each other’s complex issues. One is an overweight 16 year old and suffers from Prader-Willi Syndrome and sneaks food from our cafeteria any chance he gets. The other a 17 year old was born with malformation of the mouth and hands. Both are part of our special education program. Because of their outward appearances, both are shunned by the other student, which has had very little effect on them. To assist them in this effort of blending in our Administrative Resource Teacher, who is popular and liked by the student body because of her understanding and helpful nature has essentially deputized these two during our busiest lunch period. In order to keep the child with Prader-Willi from stealing uneaten food and his friend from stealing anything for him, they eat their lunch and when they are done, are placed on crime watch patrol around the perimeter of the school, with our ART. The child with Prader-Willi gets exercise and it removes him from tempting treats left behind by students such as milk and chips. Both also get the satisfaction of knowing that despite their abnormalities they are regular students. During pep assemblies when the excited student body is a little overwhelming, these students also know that my office is a safe haven for them. They know that they must do work alphabetizing or organizing but they each have a task. I’ve heard many of our administrators repeat this saying time and time again â€Å"you need to know our students, in order to teacher them†, the same applies in any interaction with them. Students don’t just learn in the four walls of a classroom, they learn in every kind of environment. If you make that environment one in which they are comfortable students will return time after time to seek your guidance and model attributes they found and have seen demonstrated. References Halstead, Richard A. (2000, January). From tragedy to triumph: counselor as companion on the hero’s journey. Counseling Values, 44(2), 100. http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standards-for-hs-professionals

Arab Marriage and Family Formation

Arab Marriage and Family Formation Introduction Arab societies are undergoing major changes as new patterns of marriage and family formation emerge across the region. For long decades, early marriage was the common pattern in the Arab world. However, it is no longer the only pattern. The average age of marriage is rising and more Arab women are staying single for a long time and sometimes they dont get married at all. These new marriage trends in the Arab World are part of a world global phenomenon. The changes of marriage trends in the Arab world reflect the social and economic changes taking place in the region. Arab economies moved away from agrarian based systems which supported both early marriage and extended family numbers [Hoda R.and Magued O., 2005]. The majority of the Arab populations live in cities working in industrial or service sectors. Today, Arab women are more educated and more likely to work outside their homes for personal and financial independence. These changes create a new image of woman and change her past traditional role as a mother and household member. The objective of this research is the studying of marriage issue in the Arab world because marriage is one of the key important factors that determine the social and economic present and future in the Arab countries. Both problems of early marriage and increase of average age of marriage of marriage are explained. Finally, a recommended solutions and actions are proposed in order to naturalize the two problems for decreasing the negative impacts and creation of better Arab societies. Importance of Marriage in Arab Society Family is the main concern in Arab societies. Family is considered the main social security system for young and elder people in Arab countries. In Arab culture, parents are responsible for children well into those childrens adult lives, and children reciprocate by taking responsibility for the care of their aging parents—responsibilities that Arabs generally take on with great pride. Marriage for Arabs is thus both an individual and a family matter. In Arab societies, marriage is considered the turning point that defines prestige, recognition, and societal approval on both partners, particularly the bride. Marriage in Arab societies is considered the social and economic contract between two families. Marriage is also considered the right form of socially, culturally, and legally acceptable sexual relationship [1]. Early marriage in Arab World Early marriage is any form of marriage that takes place at age of 18 years. Early marriages are often associated with enforcement. Forced marriage is the marriage conducted without full consent of both parties and sometimes with a threat [2].From human rights point of view, early marriage is considered a violation of human rights conventions. In Arab societies- especially developing countries- early marriage, is considered a means of securing young girls future and protecting them. Wars and social problems may leads also to early marriage as in Palestine, where the intifada has led to earlier marriage. Many countries in the world have declared 18 as the minimum legal age of marriage. However, more than millions of young girls are expected to marry in the next decade according to the international statistics. [2]. Early marriage has decreased in many world countries in the last decades. However, it is still common in rural areas and among poor people. Poor parents believe that early marriage will protect their daughters and save their future. Young girls are forced into marriage by their families while they are still children because they think that marriage benefits them and secure their financial and social future. Early marriage violates children rights because it decreases their human development, leaving them socially isolated with little education, skills and opportunities for employment and self-realization. These conditions ultimately make married girls vulnerable to poverty .Early marriage is a health and human rights violation because it takes place within the context of poverty and gender inequality with social, cultural and economic dimensions [3]. Reasons of early marriage in Arab World There different reasons of early marriage in Arab countries, some of these reasons are referred to cultural reasons, others are referred to economic reasons. Some of these reasons are: High poverty rates, birth rates and death rates, greater incidence of conflict and civil wars, lower levels of overall development, including schooling, employment, health care and believes that early marriage is a means of securing young girls future and protecting them [4]. Traditional values surrounding girls virginity and family honour play a major role in Arab families decisions to marry off their daughters at young ages [1]. Effects of early marriage Although the trend of early marriage is decreasing in the Arab world, the number of young girls in Arab countries teenagers who are married is still high. Early marriage is generally associated with early childbearing and high fertility, both of which pose health risks for women and their children [5]. Young mothers are at greater risk than older mothers of dying from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. And the younger a bride is, the more significant the age gap with her husband tends to be—which exacerbates her disadvantage in negotiating with her husband on matters such as her own health care needs [6]. Young wives are required to do a many hard domestic duties, including new roles and responsibilities as wives and mothers. The young brides status in the family is dependent on her demonstrating her fertility within the first year of marriage when she is not physiologically and emotionally prepared [7]. Young wives are forced to be responsible for the care and welfare of their families and future generations while they are still children themselves. They have no decision making powers, restricted mobility and limited economic resources. Early marriage is a direct cause of woman poverty and wide age gaps between younger married girls and their spouses create unequal power relations between the young bride and her older and more experienced husband, resulting in husbands having total control over sexual relations and decision-making [5]. Young wives are often unable to make wise plans for their families and may be forced to select between one of two hard choices: either to tolerate husbands violence or to make crimes (killing them). AIDS epidemic increases in young women due to the combination socioeconomic, cultural and political factors that put young women at greater risk of HIV infection due to the lack of sexual knowledge and limited access to information and resources. Younger women may face unsuccessful marriages and divorce could happen as a result of lack of maturity, incomplete independence, limited time to get prepared for marriage and having kids, dealing with education/career building and family formation at the same time. Relative Marriage in Arab World Marriage between relatives is a significant feature in Arab societies. High rate of marriage between relatives is known as  consanguinity. Marriage between relatives is clear in Arab countries such as Libya and Sudan. Sometimes, consanguineous marriage is arranged marriages that reflects the wishes of the marrying relatives. But marriage between close relatives can jeopardize the health of their offspring, as can marriage among families with a history of genetic diseases [1]. New trends in Marriage in Arab world In the last decade, early marriage has declined in many Arab countries such as Kuwait and Emirates. For example , in Emirates, the pace of decline is very significant where the percentage of women ages 15 to 19 who were married dropped from 57 percent in 1975 to 8 percent by 1995 [1]. The general feature of marriage pattern in the for the region as a whole, women are marrying later in late of 20th  or 30th  and some women are not marrying at all. As shown in table (1), In Tunisia, Algeria, and Lebanon, only 1 percent to 4 percent of women ages 15 to 19 are married, and the percentage of women ages 35 to 39 who have never married in these countries now ranges from 15 percent to 21 percent. The percentage of women ages 35 to 39 who have never married is a good indicator for measuring changes in the universality of marriage, because the likelihood of a single woman marrying after age 40 is quite low [8] Source: Pan-Arab Project for Child Development: Arab Mother and Child Health; Council of Health Ministers of GCC States, Gulf Family Health Surveys; and Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics special tabulations of the 2004 Palestinian Demographic and Health Survey . Palestinians have different marriage pattern where early is the most type that takes place. The main reason is the war and occupation where families wishes to increase the generation for freeing their countries and help them to face hard life in the region. As shown in figure (), most of Palatines marry in the age of 14 to 24 year old [1]. SOURCES: Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, special tabulation, 2004 Palestinian Demographic and Health Survey. The marriage-age gap is particularly pronounced in Arab societies. One-quarter of recent marriages in Egypt and Lebanon had women at least 10 years younger than their husbands [9]. Marriage problem in Egypt The main problem of marriage in Egypt is its high costs especially because of dowry, Shabka, Housing, Furniture and appliances and gihaz. Regardless of the economic situations of marrying couples and their families, the gihaz and other goods purchased to set up the newlyweds home have to be new, not used. The rising cost of marriage is in part attributed to the rising expectations and consumerism that have accompanied the opening of the Egyptian economy, which began in the 1970s. The countrys high cost of housing and furnishings have had a number of unintended consequences for marriage patterns, such as youth entering into  urfi  (common-law marriages that are unregistered and generally secretive) as well as men marrying women who are older and financially secured [10]. Nonconventional Forms of Marriage The high costs of Arab marriage as well as high unemployment and economic difficulties are blamed for the spread of so-called â€Å"urfi† (or common law) marriages among young urban adults in some countries in the region. Generally hidden from the participants families, urfi marriages are undertaken to avoid the difficulties of a standard marriage and give a sexual relationship some degree of legitimacy. The secrecy surrounding urfi marriages puts young women at a particular disadvantage because these women are not able to negotiate the terms of their marriage a role usually played by families in conventional marriages. There are thousands of urfi marriages cases in Egypt among university students [11]. Traditionally,  urfi  marriages have been religiously condoned as proper if the couples parents approve of the marriage and there is a public announcement of the ban. Some families in rural villages opt for  urfi  marriages when the bride is too young to be legally married, deferring the official registration of the marriages to a future date. But the public, the religious establishment, and the legal system have generally perceived urban  urfi  marriages as a pretext and cover for premarital sex. Another form of unconventional marriage in the Arab World is the  mutaa  and  messyar.  Mutaa is a  temporary marriage, which is practiced by the Shiites in southern Lebanon and other areas, couples specify in their marriage contract the date upon which the marriage ends. On ther hand,  Messyar  marriage is common in the Gulf region. In this type of marriage, there is an arrangement that man marries without any of the housing and financial responsibility that a standard Arab marriage generally requires of him. In general, Messyar and Mutaa are practiced mostly by men who are marrying a second wife where they tend to give legitimacy to sexual relationships and reduce the number of never married women in society, they introduce other social complications, such as the upbringing of children from such marriages [1]. Womens rights regarding marriage According to the international human rights conventions, woman has the rights when entering, during and at the end of the marriage. When entering marriage, woman has the same right as a man to enter marriage only with full consent. A woman married under minimum age shouldnt be considered legally married. Marriage must be registered in an official registry. If a woman marries someone with another nationality, she will not have her nationality automatically changed to that of her husband unless she chooses that [12]. During marriage, woman has the same rights and responsibilities as man. She has the right to equal access to health services, the right of protection from violence within the family. She also has the same rights as a man to decide freely about the number and spacing of children and to have access to information, education and means to exercise these rights [12]. Woman has the same rights and responsibilities as her husband towards children regardless of her marital status and family benefits. Change in womans husband nationality during marriage doesnt imply that her nationality must be change. If woman is employed she must not be discriminated against on the grounds of marriage and maternity. At the end of marriage, woman has the same rights as man when a marriage ends. Neither woman nationality nor that of her children shall automatically be affected by the ending of a marriage. Woman has the same rights and responsibilities as a man towards her children regardless of her marital status [12]. How to solve the problem? There is an urgent need to for a better understanding of the social and economic environment surrounding Arab marriage. Policies and governmental programs should meet the youth need to marry and make families. Understanding of marriage patterns changes and their social and economic implications need to be addressed. Successful implementation including right decisions and accurate schedules are needed to address and meet the requirements and needs of young people who want to marry or remain single [1]. The recommended solutions for improving marriage situation in Arab World are: Using International pressure specially regarding woman rights stated in human rights conventions on Arab countries to follow the Womens Conventions. Following poverty reduction strategies Making the required reforms of marriage and family laws to meet the human rights standards and monitoring the impacts of these laws on Arab societies. Providing safety employment opportunities for youth specially girls and women affected or at risk of early marriage. Ensuring the right to education and information for girls, including married girls. Providing incentives to encourage families to educate their children. Encouraging activities that change the attitudes and behaviour of community and religious leaders – especially regarding early marriage, girls education and employment. Developing rules that redefine acceptable ages of marriage and offer social and economic supports that allow parents and girls to delay marriage until suitable age. Raising consciousness about child marriage consequences and impacts of increase of average age of marriage as well. Promoting legal, and chosen forms of marriage Supporting married young girls Work cited Hoda R. and Magued, O,, Marriage in the Arab World , Population Reference Bureau, September 2005. Stephen H. , Early Marriage – Child Spouses , Innocenti Digest no. 7, UNICEF , March 2007. UNIFEM, Forced and Early Marriage, URL:http://www.stopvaw.org/Forced_and_Early_Marriage.htmlMinnesota, Advocates for Human Rights, August 2007. Forum on Marriage and the Rights of Women and Girls, Early Marriage and Poverty Exploring links for policy and program development ,2003. UNFPA, The Promise of Inequality: Gender Inequality and Reproductive Health, URL:http://www.unfpa.org/swp/2003/english/ch2/index.htm, 2005. World Health Organization, â€Å"WHO/UNFPA/Population Council Technical Consultation on Married Adolescents† ,Geneva: WHO, 2003. United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, A Choice by Right: Working Group on Forced Marriages Child Marriage Fact Sheet, 2000. League of Arab States, Pan-Arab Project for Child Development: Arab Mother and Child Health Surveys , Pan-Arab Project for Family Health; Council of Health Ministers of GCC States, Gulf Family Health Surveys; ORC Macro, Demographic and Health Surveys; and Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics special tabulations of 2004 Palestinian Demographic and Health Survey. Social Research Center at the American University in Cairo using the Egypt Demographic and Health Survey (2003) and the Lebanon Maternal and Child Health Survey (1996). Diane S. and Barbara I., â€Å"The Cost of Marriage in Egypt: A Hidden Variable in the New Arab Demography,† in the New Arab Family, Cairo Papers in Social Science 24 (2001): 80-116; and World Bank, â€Å"Building Institutions for Markets,† World Bank Report 2002 (Washington DC: World Bank, 2002): table 1. Gihan S., â€Å"The Double Bind,† Al Ahram Weekly On-line 397 (Oct. 1-7, 1998). The International Womens Tribune Centre Rights of Women, A Guide to the Most Important United Nations Treaties on Womens Human Rights, New York 1998.

Contrasting Places in Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God :: Their Eyes Were Watching God Essays

Contrasting Places in Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God In the novel â€Å"Their Eyes Were Watching God†, by Zora Neale Hurston there were many contrasting places that were used to represent opposed forces or ideas that are central to the meaning of this work. In the novel, Eatonville and the Everglades were two contrasting places. Eatonville, Florida was a place where Janie experienced many things in life. Janie Crawford grew here where her grandmother raised her. Eatonville was also a place where Janie had no freedom or choices. For example, Janie was forced into adulthood and love. Eatonville was the place of hurts, and insecurities to her. Eatonville was where Janie tried to find herself. She lived there for a long time but still did not find what she was looking for. The Everglades, often referred to as the Mucks, was where Janie now knew who she was and what she was looking for in life. It is where she had true love unlike in Eatonville, Florida. Eatonville was a place of trials, hurts, and pains but the Everglades were where Janie knew who she was as a person. The Everglades and Eatonville both represent Janie in two different ways. In Eatonville Janie was uncertain of who she was. Eatonville represents unsure, love, hate, abuse, and trials. The Everglades represents love, joy, and prosperity. Janie was now seeing the person she was or is and living that life. Janie found herself in the Everglades. This was what she was trying to do throughout her entire life. She was searching although she came across stressing situations for her identity. In this novel the two contrasting places shows Janie as being loss and shows Janie as being found. This novel stands on that theme. Sometimes one would be loss but the problem comes in when they are never found. In Eatonville there was love of force but in the Everglades there was love of choice. Janie was able to find the bee pollinating the flower. â€Å"So this was marriage†. The contrasting places examine true love. Contrasting Places in Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God :: Their Eyes Were Watching God Essays Contrasting Places in Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God In the novel â€Å"Their Eyes Were Watching God†, by Zora Neale Hurston there were many contrasting places that were used to represent opposed forces or ideas that are central to the meaning of this work. In the novel, Eatonville and the Everglades were two contrasting places. Eatonville, Florida was a place where Janie experienced many things in life. Janie Crawford grew here where her grandmother raised her. Eatonville was also a place where Janie had no freedom or choices. For example, Janie was forced into adulthood and love. Eatonville was the place of hurts, and insecurities to her. Eatonville was where Janie tried to find herself. She lived there for a long time but still did not find what she was looking for. The Everglades, often referred to as the Mucks, was where Janie now knew who she was and what she was looking for in life. It is where she had true love unlike in Eatonville, Florida. Eatonville was a place of trials, hurts, and pains but the Everglades were where Janie knew who she was as a person. The Everglades and Eatonville both represent Janie in two different ways. In Eatonville Janie was uncertain of who she was. Eatonville represents unsure, love, hate, abuse, and trials. The Everglades represents love, joy, and prosperity. Janie was now seeing the person she was or is and living that life. Janie found herself in the Everglades. This was what she was trying to do throughout her entire life. She was searching although she came across stressing situations for her identity. In this novel the two contrasting places shows Janie as being loss and shows Janie as being found. This novel stands on that theme. Sometimes one would be loss but the problem comes in when they are never found. In Eatonville there was love of force but in the Everglades there was love of choice. Janie was able to find the bee pollinating the flower. â€Å"So this was marriage†. The contrasting places examine true love.

Perceiving the Flavor of Fat :: Obesity Health Essays

Perceiving the Flavor of Fat When we crave our favorite foods and snacks, those tasty visions in our heads don't usually resemble that of a large, juicy carrot stick or a sumptuous rice cake. We want fat. It's delicious, it's filling, and it just makes everything taste better. It can also make you considerably overweight, not to mention the heart disease and other complications that can result if dietary fat is not consumed in moderation. The appealing taste of fat may very well attribute for the fact that one in three Americans is overweight ("FDA Approves,"1996). Is there anything that can be done about this terrible problem that affects us all? Many researchers say there is. You can either choose to face the facts and simply steer clear of the nasty culprit, or you can fool your taste buds into perceiving the taste of fat without the real stuff ever actually passing your lips. However, before discussing these options, let's talk a little more about fat itself and some of the things it's responsible for. With the large percentage of Americans that are overweight today, it's no surprise that so many physicians are continually recommending diet changes to their patients. However, the majority of these doctors say that the largest barrier keeping Americans from changing their diets is food taste preference (Soltesz, Price, Johnson, & Telljohan, 1994). The patients don't want to switch to a high-fiber low-fat diet because low-fat high-fiber foods don't taste as good as high-fat low-fiber foods. A big bowl of bran flakes just doesn't have the same calming, pleasurable effects as a big bowl of Blue Bell ice cream. Of course, large individual differences must be acknowledged. Some people may actually prefer the taste of bland foods. In fact, one study done on anorexic individuals found that these people actually disliked the taste of foods rich in fat (Simon, Bellisle, Monneuse, Samuel-Lajeunesse, et. al. 1993). Much of what we now know about fat and its effects comes from studies done on mice and rats. For example, Rockwood (1990) found that adult rats and developing rats prefer a diet with a relatively high level of fat. In addition to showing that animals as well as humans prefer the taste of fat, there also appears to be a link between fat consumption and behavior. Hilakivi-Clarke, Cho, and Onsjafe (1996) uncovered some startling evidence suggesting that a high-fat diet may induce aggressive behavior in male mice and rats.

The Empire and Colonialism in Asia

Modern European empires came about because of the desire for the wealth to be had from overseas trading and markets. European countries that acquired empires did not plan these conquests. Europe was trading with Asia and other parts of the world long before modern empires arose. The success of early trading and the need to expand their markets led the powers of Europe to find the means to secure overseas lands for their exclusive use. Also the fierce competition between European countries for trade and world markets led to the securing of overseas interests which led to empires. Economic expansion played a key part in the building of European empires. â€Å"An empire is a system of interaction between two political entities. One is dominant and exerts political control over internal and external policy, the other is weak. † Imperialism is the desire to control colonies or dependencies and imperialism is how empires are formed. European countries had to have the power to dominate other societies. Attributes that European countries had to encourage imperialism and empire were a centralised government, differentiated economies and a shared political loyalty. Military strength was vital too, both on land and on the sea. qualities, but they also had to have the drive to acquire an empire. Control of a vast empire fed into national pride. Colonialism was the policy used to expand a country's influence and power. When a foreign power rules another group of people (usually separated from them by an ocean) a colony is formed. The ruling power usually sent its own people to govern. This was allowed to happen by virtue of the ruling country's advanced state of technology and more complex society. Europe was lured into the outside orld through the prospect of trade. Colonies provided many economic benefits such as sources of raw materials, markets for surplus goods, new goods that could be traded to other countries (such as diamonds, gold and spices) and investment opportunities. There were other reasons for expansion such as security considerations and spreading religion, but it was the huge economic benefits that fueled the fire of imperialism. The Portuguese and the Spanish began their quest for empire in the fifteenth century and they were closely followed by the British and the Dutch in the seventeenth century. This desire for expansion was known as capitalism, the drive to search for overseas profits, raw materials and markets. Once trade was established, the struggle for power and control of trade between European countries led to the expansion and protection of overseas interests. This protection and expansion led to the creation of empires. The Iberian empires of Spain and Portugal both set out to trade with Asia for exotic goods such as silks and spices. Notions of empires and conquests did not come until after trade was established and successful. Portugal began trading along the west African coast hile in search for a trade route to the rich markets of Asia. In 1498, Vasco da Gama found that route rounding the Cape of Good Hope and sailing to India. The Portuguese had successfully established a monopoly of trade in Asia. Pedro Alvares Cabral sailed in 1498. He was supposed to follow da Gama, but got lost and ended up in Brazil in 1500. Soldiers and settlers were sent to these lands to help solidify Portugal's hold on the valuable territories. Portugal had colonies in Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Sao Tome, Principe, Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia and China By the middle of the 1500's. They were threatened by the Spanish arriving close by in the Philippines in 1565. () Bases and administrative centres were set up in Ambonia and Tidore and Portugal had a strong hold on India in Bengal. Portugal gained enormous wealth from these lands. They obtained gold and participated in the slave trade from Africa. They also got gold and diamonds from Brazil. The spice trade from Asia was very lucrative. Portuguese planters in these lands contributed also to the overall wealth of the country. Portugal overextended itself, however, and was invaded successfully by Spain in 1580. England, the Netherlands and France were able to steal away parts of the empire during this time. After regaining its independence, Portugal never really rose to its former glory. It was constantly under attack by Spain for many years. It did hold onto many of its colonies until the mid 1970's, but the people of those colonies did not allow Portugal to take all of their wealth as it had done before. Spain had also set out to trade in Asia, but they were sidetracked by Columbus' discovery in 1492. Columbus was trying to bypass the monopoly Portugal had over trade in the East. Instead he enabled Spain to build an empire which included Mexico, Central America, most of the West Indies, the Southwestern portion of what is now the United States and the western part of South America. The Spanish exploited the Caribbean and the Americas for economic advantage. The Spanish Empire also included Portugal, present day Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, and the Philippines. Spanish colonies were set up to keep control of trade and resources after threats from the Dutch and the English. Also colonies were set up to support the home economy. Many wars and poor management led to the decline of Spain's control of this vast empire. Much land and military resources were lost when Spain came out on the losing side of several wars. Many of the people in the colonies revolted against harsh Spanish rule. Cuba, the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico were the last of Spain's valuable holdings to go after their defeat in the Spanish-American War in 1898. Economic interests for Spain were at the head of expansion. Gold, silver and precious stones were seen as the â€Å"treasure† of the Spanish Empire. Both Portugal and Spain initially set out to trade and profit from Asia nd only advanced towards empire when their economic After 1600, northern European countries began trading overseas regularly and started to develop economic interests that led to empires. The English and the Dutch saw how lucrative Spanish and Portuguese colonies were and they developed aspirations of their own. The Dutch East India Company and the English East India Company emerged in the early seventeenth century as major powers to take trade away from Portugal and Spain. The English and the Dutch used their dominant naval forces to remove Spain and The English gained power in India over the Portuguese. They acquired Madras and Bengal. The English were only interested in trading with the East, not in colonising the area. They made agreements with the rulers of India for favorable trading conditions. When the Mongul rulers of India began to lose power, then the English East India Company stepped in and took over to protect its economic interests. England did settle extensively its colonies in North America and parts of Africa. England, weakened also by many wars, lost or gave independence to most of its empire. The Dutch by virtue of their superior navy were able to create a tremendously extensive empire in the East. The Dutch captured the fort on Ambonia from the Portuguese and the Portuguese ended up losing their stronghold, Malacca. The Dutch East India Company set up headquarters in Batavia (which is now called Jakarta) in Indonesia. They had exclusive trading rights with Japan and also controlled Ceylon and the southern tip of Africa. They colonized New Netherland which is New York today. The Dutch fought many wars and were finally defeated by the English in 1784. Ten years later they were invaded by the French. Most of their possessions were confiscated during this time. rivals in trade so they had to establish footholds in rder to preserve their trading. The Dutch had settlements in Batavia and control of trade in the far east. The English acquired Madras and Bengal. England ended up ruling over India to protect profitable trade, not for glory or sovereignty. There was no movement of population into India and only after a century and a half did anything besides trade play a part in relations with India. These footholds resulted in empires, but they were conceived in order to maintain economic advantage in the east. European empires hold their roots in early trade and the search for overseas markets. John Cuningham, an conomist, suggests that evolution of empire is due to † gradual extension of commerce [and] advent to trading companies coupled with the desire to enrich power and prestige of the mother country. I agree with this statement because of the origin of trade that European empires had. European countries began expansion in search of riches like gold and diamonds, trade like spices and silk, and land to grow valuable crops like coffee. They only resorted to control when their economic enterprises were in danger. Empires developed as a means of economic expansion to enable European countries to maintain their profits, raw materials and markets.

The Function of the Landscape Description in Tess of the D’urbervilles

Chapter 1 Introduction Tess of the D’urbervilles is an extraordinarily beautiful book, as well as an extraordinarily moving one. Tess Durbeyfield, the daughter of a poor foolish peasant, who believes that he is the descendant of an ancient aristocratic family, first is seduced by Alec, the son of the neighboring family by the name of D’urbervilles. Then Tess encounters Angel Clare, a man of liberal mind and the son of a clergyman, and they fall in love with each other. On the evening of their wedding ceremony, Tess confesses to Angel her seduction by Alec, and then Angel abandons her and leaves for Brazil by himself.Subsequently Angel comes to understand his moral and intellectual arrogance and searches for Tess, only to find that the extreme poverty of her family has driven her back to Alec. So strong is Tess’s love for Angel and so powerful her disgust at Alec when Angel comes back to look for her that she kills Alec. After hiding for a short period of time wit h Angel, after spending a few days of loving reconciliation with Angel, Tess is arrested, sentenced to death for murder and executed essay writer price. The gloomily tragic atmosphere embedded in the novel is doubtlessly related to the author, Thomas Hardy’s views of life and world.In addition, it fits in with Hardy’s desire to express the tragedy that the valuable is tortured and tangled by the irresistant force and at last is destroyed. Hardy is a well-known pessimist and abides by the belief of fatalism that â€Å"everything in the universe is controlled by the Immanent Will†(Luo 1996: 206), which has no passions, no consciousness and no knowledge of the differences between the good and the evil and â€Å"which is present in all parts of the universe and is impartially hostile towards human beings’ desire for joy and happiness†(ibid. . So human beings are doomed to failure when they struggle against the cruel and unintelligible fate, which is pr edestined by the Immanent Will. So there’s no doubt the prevailing moods in Tess of the D’urbervilles are tragic and gloomy. Tess’s tragic fate moves the readers so directly and profoundly that they only focus on the touching narration about Tess’s tragedy and give applause to the author’s genius on arranging such plot. But another unique characteristic of the novel—the remarkableChapter 2 Analysis of the Function of the Landscape Description on the Basis of Six Places There are six places—Marlott, Trantridge, Talbothays, Wellbridge flour-mills, Flintcomb-Ash and Stonehenge—constituting the foundation stone of this novel as well as the pillar of Tess’s sufferings and tragic fate. The landscape descriptions of these six places, connected with each other sequentially, form a river which propels the tragic waves in Tess’s life and winds its way from the beginning to the end of Tess’s life.Every place represent s one important period and level of Tess’s life and they unite together, making the development of the plot proceed forward compactly, smoothly and coherently, linking up different episodes of Tess’s life together, defining the basic tone of the setting. They become the symbols that indicate the fate of Tess, symbolize what Tess is feeling and thinking and predict a series of tortures that Tess will suffer from. 2. 1 Marlott 2. 1. 1 Tess’s hometown Marlott is not only Tess’s hometown where she indeed spends her happy times, more sarcastically, it is also the birth place of Tess’s tragedy.It is a beautiful place and â€Å"lay[s] amid the north-eastern undulations of the beautiful Vale of Blackmoor aforesaid, an engirdled and secluded region†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and â€Å"this [is a] fertile and sheltered tract of country, in which the fields are never brown and the springs never dry†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Hardy 1994: 18). Not only does the natural beauty drift in Marlott, but it has historical origins: â€Å"the vale was known in former times as the Forest of White Hart, from a curious legend of King Henry†(ibid. ). So with its naturally picturesque scenery as well as its historical background, Marlott gives people a feeling of comfort and relax.Then the heroine Tess reveals her veil on an exciting event—May-Day dance. She wears the white gown and the red ribbon and â€Å"she was a fine and handsome girl—not handsomer than some others, but her mobile peony mouth and large innocent eyes added eloquence to color and shape†(ibid. : 51). It seems that Tess, a fragment of the natural world, a natural phenomenon herself, so innocent, pure, naturally beautiful, is in complete harmony with the beautiful and historical place as well as the comfortable and happy atmosphere.But a carriage carrying her drunk father breaks this harmony and some people begin to make jokes of her father which drops naive Tess in a deep shame. T hen a young man of â€Å"superior class† takes part in the dancing. That beautiful place, such beautiful Tess and a handsome young man, these are, undoubtedly, the complete elements of romance. However, nothing romantic happens but the regretful and lost chance. Although the young man feels a little bit sorry that he didn’t dance with the pretty maiden, yet he is anxious to walk and â€Å"dismissed the subject†(ibid. : 23) quickly and easily.The contrast between the beautiful landscapes and what Tess has encountered enables sensitive people to feel some tragic atmosphere, but it is so dim, thin and light, like the haze just emerging in the morning that people will soon forget its existence and ignore it. But after reading through the whole novel, we can find it very romantic that Tess and Angel encounter with each other at the beautiful May; but it’s really regretful and sad that they let each other slip easily. We couldn’t help asking â€Å"why n ot Angel dance with Tess at that time and then love her when Tess was 16? † then maybe Tess can avoid so many sufferings in the future. . 1. 2 The death of the horse It’s unexpected but solid truth that the true life doesn’t include such hopeful â€Å"ifs† for Tess. What is waiting for Tess is the gloomy darkness and sorrow. They like fresh buds conceal themselves in the beautiful and lovely May, prying their chance and preparing for their complete appearance. With the development of the plot, we can feel that the darkness and tragedy is sucking the energy and growing gradually. So Tess’s duty and sufferings are also beginning to swell. When Tess helps her father deliver the beehives to the retailer, the Prince—her father’s horse dies on the road.The hue of the landscapes suddenly converts to sorrow. â€Å"The atmosphere turned pale, the birds shook themselves†¦the lane showed all its white features†¦Prince lay alongside sti ll and stark† (ibid. : 37). â€Å"Pale† â€Å"white† and â€Å"stark† indicate Tess’s moods after her murder of Prince. They express what Tess is thinking and feeling; like a translation machine, they translate the invisible emotion and inner meaning of Tess and it is Tess herself that is really pale, stunned and disappointed in her body as well as her spirits. Then in her despair Tess â€Å"put[s] her hand upon the hole [Prince’s wound]†(ibid. whereas â€Å"this gesture is as absurdly ineffectual as all her effort will be and the only result is that she becomes splashed with blood†(Van Ghent 1953: 430). Maybe this is the first time that Tess has faced such a bloody scene and it is also the first time that the author has referred to death and red blood in this novel. This scene arranged at the beginning of the novel seems to give a hint at something. The hints become a little bit clear with more clues given by the author.  "The pointed shaft of the cart had entered the breast of the unhappy Prince like a sword†(Hardy 1994: 37). Sword† and bloods make us easily recall another scene that Alec is stabbed in the heart with a knife when we read through this novel. It seems that at the beginning Tess’s fate has been displayed to us implicitly. So this accident has a strong allusion to Tess’s future life. The death of the horse is the beginning of Tess’s tragic fate and forces Tess to leave her hometown and work at Trantridge where Tess’s body and mind both confront with a fatal shock and destroy and in the first time people can clearly feel the tragedy overflowing in the air. 2. 2 Trantridge 2. 2. 1 The SlopesWhen Tess is forced to Trantridge to work for her rich relative D’urbervilles, she is stunned by Mrs D’urberville’s house—the Slopes. The house, beyond Tess’s expectation, is not an old mansion, instead, it’s almost new w ith crimson brick lodge, surrounded by various trees and planting. The person in the house, the young Alec D’urberville â€Å"differed more from what Tess had expected than the house and grounds had differed. † (ibid. : 43) Tess originally hopes â€Å"an aged and dignified face† in an old mansion but what she sees is a beautiful and frivolous young man in a new house.The new house, new persons, everything is new. This stimulates one’s curiosity towards a new life but also evokes one’s feeling of fear and unsafety because no one knows what’s on the road. There’s no denying that Tess will start a new life but what’s waiting for Tess? What interests Tess most may be money. â€Å"Everything on this snug property was bright, thriving and well kept; †¦everything looked like money—like the last coin issued from the Mint† (ibid. : 41). â€Å"Landscapes looked like money† but isn’t it Tess’s desir e for money?She kills the horse and cuts the important outlet of her family’s income resulting in her strong desire to get money to reduce her repentance. This indirect and reserved way to express her strong desire for money through landscapes fits in with the reserved nature of Tess perfectly. Maybe there’s money in Trantridge but in the shrub hides a devil—Alec, a fake noble descendant of the D’urbervilles. When he first sees Tess, he fully shows his hospitality and desire for Tess, offering Tess strawberries, filling her basket with them, putting roses in Tess’s bosom, accommodating Tess with a basket of light luncheon.The landscapes around them are so bright and flowery that they make people in a good mood and temporarily forget the growing tragedy and darkness. The red strawberries, the red roses, that’s to say, the landscapes are surrounded by the color red. Even Tess under Alec’s decoration, becomes â€Å"one who stood fair to be the blood-red ray in the spectrum of her young life† (ibid. : 45) and radiates in the encirclement of the red hue. Her growing womanhood reflected by the red becomes so full that arouses Alec’s evil and erotic desires for her.The landscapes here suggest a strong ardor and passion, but seemingly it is too strong to match the reserved feature of Tess, which makes Tess feel uncomfortable. Besides, the continual usage of the color red gives a hint for the sequent plot. Tess and Alec meet each other in a background with red things and the red strawberries and roses, which like a bridge, link Tess and Alec together but also predict the fate of Tess and Alec—Alec is killed by Tess and Tess is executed.Both of them at last drops in the red bloods and are encircled by the color red. It looks like a circle of fate, meeting in the red landscapes and leaving and parting also in the terrible bloody red. The landscapes are the most powerful witness testifying what others c annot see and never ignore the hidden tragedy looming large around Tess. If we keep an eye on the landscapes, we couldn’t become so surprised when Alec reaches his evil hands for Tess. 2. 2. 2 Seduction in the Chase Alec commits his sins to Tess in the Chase, â€Å"the oldest wood in England†.Before the violence, a turning point that sows the destined tragic seed for Tess’s future, happens, we can clearly smell the danger flowing in the air through the landscapes. â€Å"With the setting of the moon the pale light lessened and Tess became invisible as she fell into reverie upon the leaves where he [Alec] had left her† (ibid. : 77). Without any defence, Tess shouldn’t have slept in the dead leaves and exposed herself to the darkness and the evil Alec. Innocent Tess has no sense of the danger. Then the landscapes, like the thunder and lighting before the storm, continue to give a hint at the impendent danger. The moon had quite gone down, and partly o n account of the fog. The Chase was wrapped in thick darkness, although morning was not far off. (ibid. : 76) Darkness and silence ruled everywhere around. Above them rose the primeval yews and oaks of The Chase, in which were poised gentle roosting birds in their last nap. (ibid. : 77) The lights of the moon, the only light in the darkness, symbolizing the brightness and hope in the night, are disappearing and the darkness at last takes the upper hand. â€Å"Doesn’t the heavy darkness symbolize the cruelty of the fate and the ruthlessness of the world? (Qi & Mogan 2001: 98). The moon finally cannot resist the rule of darkness just like the innocent Tess cannot escape Alec’s devil hands. How lonely and helpless Tess is at that time! No one comes to save her; no one consoles her. The only creature following her is the landscapes. Even under the control of the powerful kingdom of the darkness, in the wild forests with sparse people, the landscapes don’t abandon T ess. They see every torment Tess suffers and are much closer and kinder to Tess than the human beings.Besides, the seduction is expounded by the author very indirectly and reservedly â€Å"Alec stooped; †¦ He knelt, and bent bower, till her breath warmed his face†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Hardy 1994: 77). It seems Alec’s softness together with the foggy and dark landscapes reduce the cruelty of this bloody violence. But the wolf in sheep’s clothing is more horrible; the tragedy covered with comedic clothes is more tragic. The landscapes are not the excuse of violence but ironically enhance Tess’s tough sufferings. From Marlott to Trantridge, most times, Tess is alone.No one follows her; no one will hear her painful heart-throbbing and feel her inner emotions except the landscapes. The landscapes’ mission as the prolocutor to transit Tess’s feeling and emotion become more obvious when she works in Talbothays. 2. 3 Talbothays When Tess leaves her hometown for the second time, it is also a lovely morning of May. The landscapes and the environment around Talbothays are so different from the Blackmoor Vale. The world was drawn to a larger pattern here†¦ the green lea was speckled as thickly with them as a canvas. The ripe hue of the red and dun kine absorbed he evening sunlight†¦ [T]he river flowed not like the streams in blackmoor†¦there the water-flower was the lily; (Hardy 1994: 108) All the landscapes, full of cheerfulness, freshness and strong vitality, reveal Tess’s spiritual conditions at that time when she is amid new scenes where there were no invidious eyes upon her. It seems to indicate they can nourish Tess’s hurt heart and renew her confidence and hope for life. They also pave the way for the beginning of a romantic love between Angel and Tess. Talbothays brings a favorable turn to Tess’s life.At Talbothays, both the natural world and Tess come into ripe bloom. Tess is never happier in o ther places than in Talbothays and in accordance, the landscapes suddenly take off its sad and gloomy clothes and become very bright, soft and shining, giving people sensuous enjoyment. There’s a various visionary power of Hardy’s description of the lovers in the roused scene when Tess listens to Angel playing his harp in the overgrown garden. Tess had heard those notes in the attic. Dim, flattened, constrained by their confinement, they had never appealed to her as now†¦ Tess, like a fascinated bird, could not leave the spot.The outskirt of the garden in which Tess found herself had been left uncultivated for some years, and was now damp and rank with juicy grass which sent up mists of pollen at a touch†¦ She went stealthily as a cat through this profusion of growth, gathering cuckoo-spittle on her skirts, cracking snails that were underfoot, staining her hands with thistle-milk and slug-slime, and rubbing off upon her naked arms sticky blights†¦(ibid. : 127). The intense eroticism of the writing, is not in the people but in the details of the scene: the sound of Angel’s harp and Tess’s move as a cat.It is as though the landscapes themselves contain all the secret smells and juices of the act of physical passion. â€Å"The stronger power of the novel derives, I think from Hardy’s ability to shift effortlessly from vivid details of the outer world to the most complex inner flow of character and emotion† (Alvarez 1992: 17). With the development of the relationship between Tess and Angel, the landscapes as Tess’s good friend share Tess’s happiness and become more exuberant and their hues become much brighter. â€Å"The season eveloped and matured†¦Flowers, leaves, nightingales, thrushes, finches and such ephemeral creatures, took up their positions where only a year ago others had stood in their places†¦. Rays from the sunrise drew forth the buds†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Hardy 1994: 133). Alt hough the incident of the churning machine afflicts Tess and she feels guilty for other three beautiful and innocent girls, surrounded and nourished by the new and gorgeous landscapes, stimulated by her love for Angel, Tess is recovering from the heavy moral burden. Tess, after suffering so much, resumes her happiness, becomes â€Å"the daughter of nature† and is harmonious with the landscapes again.The generally luminous tone of the landscapes in Talbothays lasts until the eve of Tess and Angel’s wedding. Then the hidden darkness comes to its life and begins to give off its evil power. At their wedding eve, the sun seems tired and gives out dim lights and â€Å"Gnats, †¦passed out of its line, and were quite extinct† (ibid. : 200). The prosperity, abundance and brightness of summer are diminishing and the cold winter is on the way. There’s a strong allusion that a happy episode of Tess’s life will end and another cold and brutal sorrow is wai ting for Tess. 2. 4 Wellbridge flour-millsAs expected, a series of omens call on Tess heel by heel. First it’s the afternoon crow of a cock, which is believed to predict a bad omen. Then it’s their wedding house Wellbridge flour-mills that depressed Tess severely. He [Angel] looked up, and perceived two life-size portraits on panels built into the masonry†¦. these paintings represent women of middle age, of a date some two hundred years ago, †¦ the long pointed features, narrow eye, and smirk of the one†¦; the bill-hook nose, large teeth, and bold eye of the other, †¦haunt the beholder in his dreams. (ibid. : 214) The terrible portraits add a horrible atmosphere to the house.The background is so uncomfortable and the happiness of their wedding is too dim to be felt. The originally beautiful, warm and lively landscapes completely shrink and wither. Furthermore, the sun sets down and â€Å"it soon began to rain†(ibid. : 215). The rain adds some gloom to the looming darkness and makes people more depressed. It can be assumed the ghostly tragedy will inevitably attack Tess. The assumption is certified when Tess tells Angel her past. Angel’s confession to Tess arouses her hope of getting forgiveness from Angel and makes her narrate her story calmly.But the landscapes have foreseen the result. The ashes and Tess’s large shadow on the wall and ceiling forecast the forthcoming tragic storm. â€Å"The ashes under the grate were lit by the fire vertically, like a torrid waste†¦. A large shadow of her shape rose on the wall and ceiling†(ibid. : 222). When Tess finishes her story, the fire is near to extinguishment. Angel â€Å"stir[s] the fire†(ibid. : 225) but it makes no sense because his love fire for Tess is extinguishing. Then â€Å"he leaves Tess, even though he knows that she is at least as pure as he is† (Williams 2005: 97).The sad and near-to-death landscapes in Wellbridge flour-mil ls form a sharp contrast with the vivid landscapes in Talbothays and mirror the sudden falling of Tess’s emotions and moods. They enlarge the hidden and invisible pains in Tess’s mind and show a bloody scene to the readers that a pure woman is abandoned at the first night of her wedding. Such hurt Angel, Tess’s husband gives to her, is more severe, painful and ruthless than Alec’s because Alec seduces Tess’s body whereas Angel directly ruins Tess’s spiritual world and deprives almost everything valuable of Tess.Tess is pushed to the verge of break-up and what remains is just a living corpse. 2. 5 Flintcomb-Ash But everything is continuing. Tess returns her hometown when Angel abandons her. However, the poverty of her family forces her to leave again. It’s not Tess’s desire of working in Flintcomb-Ash. She just hands over herself to the fate and obeys its order. Flintcomb-Ash is â€Å"a starve-acre place†(Hardy 1994: 277) and the landscapes, like the moods of the heroine, have no passions and souls, just existing meaninglessly and barrenly. Although the life in Flintcomb-Ash is of no importance, yet it’s calm.Meaningless calmness may be better than the ardent torture. If this life can last, it can be regarded as a God’s gift. But Satan has no sympathy. So more powerful tragedies draw near as if to snatch up the remaining energy of Tess. When Tess meets Alec in Flintcomb-Ash, there’s still the moon hanging in the sky. Why is there always the moon appearing? Where’s the sun? The moon has made everything clear. There’s no hope to dispel the darkness and escape the evil hand of fate. The tough landscapes depict the cruelty of the fate vividly.It is so inhumane that it snatches a trunk without any spirits and vitality and does not give it freedom. It even takes the only love Tess remains for her family as weapons, and harshly arranges Tess to go back to Alec to support her family. The darkness and tragedy have grown up and swallow Tess’s everything, her body and her mind. 2. 6 Stonehenge Now that the struggle is fruitless then how does one get freedom and get rid of the cruel control of fate? Tess uses an extreme way to achieve her goal. She kills Alec and gets peace in Stonehenge—the heathen temple.The pillars there are very merciful and Tess â€Å"was sheltered from the wind by a pillar† and â€Å"the stone was warm and dry, in comforting contrast to the rough and chill grass around†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (ibid. : 379). When the human world tries best to capture Tess after her â€Å"cruel violence†, the Stonehenge accepts her and offers what it can offer—a place to rest. There’s no happiness in the human world when Tess obeys all the rules, so after her â€Å"cruel violence†, the world shuts its door for Tess more firmly and â€Å"righteously† and only the merciful landscapes hold Tess.Although the landscapes cannot do more and cannot save Tess, yet they never abandon Tess and help much to alleviate her pains and sufferings. Chapter 3 The Author’s Opinions on the Characters The landscapes serve for Tess’s prolocutor but they are also arranged to express the author’s opinions. Hardy, through the landscape description, becomes Tess’s protector, defender, comforter, lover—but one who ultimately fails in all those roles, since in the end he could not prevent her from dying. 3. Hardy’s involvement in the novel through the landscapes Hardy, like an experienced elder, in fact, from the beginning, always worries about Tess’s fate. He involves in the stage of Tess’s life by the landscapes: when Tess first meets Alec and Alec puts lots of flowers in Tess’s bosom, Hardy expresses his misgiving â€Å"that behind the blue narcotic haze was potentially the ‘tragic mischief’ of her drama†(Hardy 1994: 45); when Tess is seduced by Alec in the Chase, Hardy together with the landscapes gives a painful plaint â€Å"where was Tess’s guardian angel?Where was the Providence of her simple faith? †(ibid. : 77). When Tess and Angel fall in love with each other in Talbothays, he gives a more detailed description of the lovers walking in the dawn: The mixed, singular, luminous gloom in which they walked along to the spot where the cows lay†¦she looked ghostly, as if she were merely a soul at large. In reality her face†¦had caught the cold gleam of day from the north-east†¦(ibid. : 134) At these non-human hours they could get quite close to the water-fowl.Herons came, †¦ watching them by moving their heads round in a slow, horizontal, passionless wheel, like the turn of puppets by clockwork. (ibid. : 135) What is at stake in these paragraphs is not a mere courtship, nor even a description of the forces why Angel falls in love with Tess. On the contrary, Angel seems le ft behind. It’s as if the author—Hardy were alone with his heroine, watching her fascinated, almost surprised by the power of the woman he himself has created.It seems that Hardy, after a painstaking self-control of his emotion, could no longer stand just as a passer-by but involves in the story through the sensitive landscapes and begins to communicate with Tess. 3. 2 Another important character—Hardy himself Another evidence to show Hardy’s self-position in the novel, is that Alec, Angel or other characters, are just passing traveler. â€Å"None of the secondary figures has much interest in his own right, apart from his capacity to illuminate and enlarge the experience of Tess†(Howe 1967: 442). The swiftness with which the other characters diminish, becoming pale and without substance when compared with Tess, and the continual emergence of the landscapes are perhaps a mirror of the way in which Hardy’s personal involvement alters with the story† (Alvarez 1992: 19). He becomes the only character as important as Tess in the novel. When Angel abandons Tess and Tess works hard and lonely in Flintcomb-Ash, the author wins enough space and time to stay with his heroine alone and spends lots of energy describing the harsh and tough environment to express his sympathy and understanding to Tess.After Tess nips her eyebrows off and tries her effort to uglify herself, â€Å"she walks on, a figure which is a part of the landscape; a field woman pure and simple†¦ Inside this exterior, over which the eye might have roved as over a thing scarcely percipient, there was the record †¦of the cruelty of lust and the fragility of love†(Hardy 1994: 272-273). â€Å"Pure†, â€Å"simple† and â€Å"inside this exterior† show that Hardy not only knows Tess’s appearance very well, but his understanding of the inner Tess is beyond anyone else.Angel who loves and takes Tess more as an imaginative Goddess cannot compare with him, not to mention Alec who addicts to Tess’s natural beauty. Hardy’s description seems to be objective, but mixes so much his sadness. When Tess reaches Flintcomb-Ash, â€Å"before her, in a slight depression, were the remains of a village†¦. Hither she was doomed to come†(ibid. : 274). â€Å"Depression† â€Å"doom†, what Tess feels is seemingly just the author’s feelings. Through his such musing voices he makes his presence steadily felt. He like a kind father hovers and watched over Tess.He is as tender as possible to Tess. After the hard work in the Flintcomb-Ash, after her father’s death, after the homelessness of her family, Tess disappears from the horizon. At last, Angel appears and Tess also restages. â€Å"But it was not clear to him till later; that his original Tess had spiritually ceased to recognize the body before him as hers—allowing it to drift, like a corpse†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (ib id. : 366). What Hardy is painfully describing is the tragic fact that even though he doesn’t want to accept, the spirits of Tess has died and only a corpse remains.And Angel, Tess’s husband, hasn’t recognized the truth, which ironically reveals the tragic truth: Angel might not deserve Tess’s so deep and passionate and unconditional love. But Hardy seemingly doesn’t want to end his heroine’s life so sadly and so he leaves five happy days for their escape. Outwardly the author creates a temporarily calm environment for Angle and Tess, but it’s more suitable to say that the five days is just an alleviant to lower Tess’s tragedy more or less and also for the author to make a farewell to his created creature and reduce his sadness.The temporary happiness elapses, and the straining fight against fate is futile. And the last tragedy is doomed to come as Hardy’s pessimistic faith to life. In the holy and serious Stonehenge sur rounded by beautiful landscapes, Tess’s life as well as her sufferings comes to an end. The band of silver paleness along the east horizon made even the distant parts of the Great Plain appear dark and near; and the whole enormous landscapes bore that impress of reserve, taciturnity†¦.The eastward pillars and their architraves stood up blackly against the light, †¦ (ibid. : 381) In this continually roused haunting descriptions of the landscapes, â€Å"which crystallize into visionary states of mind and above all in the power and beauty of the heroine who he created and then unwillingly, destroyed† (Alvarez 1992: 22), Tess wins death as a reward and â€Å"the President of the immortals had ended his sport with Tess†(Hardy 1994: 384), so Tess obtains freedom from the intolerable agony of living. Chapter 4 ConclusionThe novel is so direct in its appeal and unambiguous in its story-line; the plot is not particularly original in its framework, and in the en d it cannot by itself account for the novel’s power. Two remarkable elements in its creation have a significant role to play: one is the passionate commitment to the central character with which the novel is written; the other is the integration of the characters including the author with their environment and landscapes, which Hardy achieved more fully here than anywhere else.The story of Tess of the D’urbervilles begins with the big event of May-Day Dance in the lovely May and ends up with the death of Tess in July. The change of the landscapes, following the season, the weather, the time, predict the main rhythm of the development of the plot and foresee the ups and downs of Tess’s whole life. The characters and the landscapes unite well together and enhance the tragic atmosphere of this novel and demonstrate Tess profoundly.Tess, as if she were a natural phenomenon, is set in the appropriate landscapes: her innocence in the tame, mild Vale of Blackmoor; her seduction in the Chase; then her idyllic love affair with Angel in the sensual Paradise garden of Talbothays in the Vale of the big Dairies; â€Å"her period of desolation at Flintcomb-Ash, where the unforgiving landscape is as stripped of comfort and vegetation as she is of love and hope; finally, her sacrificial consummation on the altar-stone of Stonehenge† (Alvarez 1992: 12).Besides, from the beginning to the end, the author Hardy embodies himself the most beautiful but maybe the saddest scenery to follow Tess, to console her and expatiate her. Tess, Hardy and the landscapes reflect each other, match each other, cooperate with each other, and are integrated together, at last, demonstrate Tess’s tragic fate.The remarkable way of the landscape description as well as the the misery and tragedy besieging Tess offers the most deeply moving reading experience and make people taste the great power of tragedy. The landscapes, like the Phosphor, emit its light and brightnes s, shining the road and guiding us to understand the characters and the novel more clearly and drastically.