Analysis of High Recovery Brackish Water Desalination Processes using Fuel Cells by Rajindar Singh

Definition and Examples of Paradox in English Grammar

Definition and Examples of Paradox in English Grammar A paradox is a  figure of speech in which a statement appears to contradict itself. Adjective: paradoxical. In everyday communication, notes H.F. Platt, paradox is mostly used for expressing astonishment or disbelief at something unusual or unexpected (Encyclopedia of Rhetoric, 2001). A compressed paradox (one thats expressed in just a few words) is called an oxymoron. Etymology: From the Greek, incredible, contrary to opinion or expectation.Pronunciation: PAR-a-doxAlso Known As: paradoxa (Greek) Examples Some of the biggest failures I ever had were successes. (attributed to American actress and singer Pearl Bailey)  The swiftest traveler is he that goes afoot. (Henry David Thoreau, Walden, 1854)If you wish to preserve your secret, wrap it up in frankness. (Alexander Smith, On the Writing of Essays. Dreamthorp, 1854)I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love. (attributed to Mother Teresa)War is peace.Freedom is slavery.Ignorance is strength.(George Orwell, 1984)â€Å"Paradoxically though it may seem . . ., it is none the less true that life imitates art far more than art imitates life.† (Oscar Wilde)Language . . . has created the word loneliness to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word solitude to express the glory of being alone. (Paul Tillich, The Eternal Now, 1963)Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. (C.S. Lewis to his godchild, Lucy Barfield, to whom he dedicate d The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) Perhaps this is our strange and haunting paradox here in America- that we are fixed and certain only when we are in movement. (Thomas Wolfe, You Cant Go Home Again, 1940)Yes, I must confess. I often find myself more at home in these ancient volumes than I do in the hustle-bustle of the modern world. To me, paradoxically, the literature of the so-called dead tongues holds more currency than this mornings newspaper. In these books, in these volumes, there is the accumulated wisdom of mankind, which succors me when the day is hard and the night lonely and long. (Tom Hanks as Professor G.H. Dorr in The Ladykillers, 2004) The Paradox of Catch-22 There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that concern for ones own safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didnt, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didnt have to; but if he didnt want to he was sane and had to. (Joseph Heller, Catch-22, 1961) Kahlil Gibrans Paradoxes At times [in The Prophet by Khalil Gibran], Almustafa’s vagueness is such that you can’t figure out what he means. If you look closely, though, you will see that much of the time he is saying something specific; namely, that everything is everything else. Freedom is slavery; waking is dreaming; belief is doubt; joy is pain; death is life. So, whatever you’re doing, you needn’t worry, because you’re also doing the opposite. Such paradoxes . . . now became his favorite literary device. They appeal not only by their seeming correction of conventional wisdom but also by their hypnotic power, their negation of rational processes. (Joan Acocella, Prophet Motive. The New Yorker, Jan. 7, 2008) Loves Paradox You will notice that what we are aiming at when we fall in love is a very strange paradox. The paradox consists of the fact that, when we fall in love, we are seeking to re-find all or some of the people to whom we were attached as children. On the other hand, we ask our beloved to correct all of the wrongs that these early parents or siblings inflicted upon us. So that love contains in it the contradiction: the attempt to return to the past and the attempt to undo the past. (Martin Bergmann as Professor Levy in Crimes and Misdemeanors, 1989) The Language of Poetry Originally a paradox was merely a view which contradicted accepted opinion. By round about the middle of the 16th c. the word had acquired the commonly accepted meaning it now has: an apparently self-contradictory (even absurd) statement which, on closer inspection, is found to contain a truth reconciling the conflicting opposites. . . . Some critical theory goes so far as to suggest that the language of poetry is the language of paradox. (J.A. Cuddon, A Dictionary of Literary Terms, 3rd ed. Blackwell, 1991) Paradox as an Argumentative Strategy Useful as instruments of instruction because of the wonder or surprise they engender, paradoxes also work to undermine the arguments of ones opponents. Among the ways to accomplish this, Aristotle (Rhetoric 2.23.16) recommends in his manual for the rhetorician exposing the disjunction between an opponents public and private views on such topics as justice- a recommendation that Aristotle would have seen put into practice in the debates between Socrates and his various opponents in the Republic. (Kathy Eden, Platos Rhetoric of Education. A Companion to Rhetoric and Rhetorical Criticism, ed. by Walter Jost and Wendy Olmsted. Blackwell, 2004) G.K. Chesterton on Paradox By paradox we mean the truth inherent in a contradiction. . . . [In the paradox] the two opposite cords of truth become entangled in an inextricable knot . . . [but it is] this knot which ties safely together the whole bundle of human life. (G. K. Chesterton, The Outline of Sanity, 1926) The Lighter Side of Paradoxes I dare say that one of the strangest contradictions to beset contradiction fanciers recently was the situation confronting anybody who was seeking shelter in New York City. Not only were hotel rooms scarcer than the heath hen- after all, you could pick up an occasional heath hen before Christmas if you didnt mind going into the black market for it- but the reason for their scarcity was that most of them were occupied by people who had flocked to the National Hotel Exposition to discuss the scarcity of hotel rooms. Sounds paradoxical, doesnt it? I mean, if there arent any other paradoxes around. (S.J. Perelman, The Customer Is Always Wrong. Acres and Pains, 1947)

Critical review of Black English by J.L.IXllasd Essay

Critical review of Black English by J.L.IXllasd - Essay Example With some recognition, AAVE (aka Black English) merely amounts to a version of standard English originating in the south from which the black tradition with words is deeply rooted. Paying adequate reverence to the AAVE, Dillard creates an approach that eventually persuades a book’s critic to examine values within a linguistic context in order that the Black English may be perceived as a dialect after ‘rule-governed’ like how analytical linguists would label it by. Being defined as a substandard code implies rejection of the Black English and the author further argues, by transitive property, that such equates rejection of â€Å"a network of cultural loyalties, group outlooks, verbal games, perceptual modes, lore, logic, structure, grammar, music -- the language habitually used to perceive record, remember, transmit, abstract, recall and relate by at least eighty percent of Black Americans.† Through this perspective, one gradually realizes on reading how ric h the textures are and rhythm of words or phrases rendered specifically in the conventional means the Black English is sufficiently expressed or given justice to. The Black English dialect is distinct in the sense that it possesses a characteristic set of rules in language structure, grammatical construction, tonal patterns, as well as wordplay or vocabulary particular to the way of life and ethnicity of the black people. By Creole Hypothesis, this evaluation is based upon the event when the West African immigrants under slavery utilized contact language form of various elements from which learning of Creole emerged among the blacks. What Dillard observes as a ‘system of verbs’ attached to the Creole ancestry of the Black English details how the latter reflects certain attributes that are notably similar with the Plantation English of the Southern Whites. Apparently, the â€Å"Black English† makes a rare creation of placing notice not only for the readers to disc ern but even for the field of communication studies to realize the aesthetic and intellectual worth present in AAVE. Despite complex origins, the diversity of the Black English is by nature one that evokes soulful liberation, love and attachment to preservation of culture, sentimental journey, even music, and peculiar means of demonstrating social attitude, fad, or political struggle. With Dillard’s writings, the facts about â€Å"Black English† are sketched to generate a picture vivid with exuberance of the once was voiceless where acquaintance with the dialect progresses to appreciation and constructive criticism of its syllable contaction, verbal regularization, and characteristic intonation. The substance of â€Å"Black English† as a book manages to stimulate a learner to understand how the English of color may be viewed as an educational tool to govern speech and writing in style which is flexibly unique in application compared to the linguistic fashion wit hin the prevailing standards. As an appeal to establish due acclaim and respect for the Black English, Dillard appears to have splendidly and consistently addressed chief concern

Starting and Developing a New Venture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Starting and Developing a New Venture - Essay Example In the case of Haji he started Easy jet airliners after leaving Stelmar Tankers, his own shipping company by persuading Lucas to lend him ?5 million. He started Easy jet a low cost budget airline using two rented 737s and ?29 one-way fares to Glasgow. By starting Easy jet Haji was not bowing to the pressures of risk but took an imperative measure even though he had been charged earlier with counts of poor maintenance of his vessels and manslaughter. Moreover he started Easy jet by borrowing money. It is a known fact that borrowed money attracts interest and the principal money has to be paid and therefore it becomes, quite impossible to get promising returns in the first years of business. In his autobiography Richard Branson reckons that his passion in doing business is motivated by setting huge goals that are apparently unachievable, and staying focused to rise above them. This shows that Branson was aware of the risks involved in a huge venture when he set up Virgin Atlantics. Bes ides in 1993, Branson took the greatest risk by venturing into the railway business. This project was very costly and most people though he would not make it. It goes without taking that Branson and Haji took a partial path when it came to risks and only took the initiative of such ventures when they deemed them worthwhile in the long run. LOCUS OF CONTROL The locus of control is the power in the principle that one can formulate and implement things. Most entrepreneurs have a high locus but in most cases they are poor in delegating duties. They are upbeat when it comes to venturing into business. They tend to be more practical and positive about their business ventures. In 1993, Branson took what most people thought was a very risky:... Curiosity and creativity is the quintessence of entrepreneurism. New products, new solutions and new ways are the core of creativity and in general entrepreneurism. It is about willing to think of all possibilities and opening one’s mind to creative things through being inquisitive of what is going on in the globe and quite often generating a gimmick of stuff that suggests one’s ability to create new products that other people are afraid of thinking. Branson has been termed as one of the new generation of the creative world. He took products that were already in existence and made them look original. He has revolutionized the airline business by integrating it with other business ventures like the Virgin Fuels and Space tourism. Virgin Fuels was designed to respond to global warming and exploit the insistence spikes in fuel expenditures by offering a revolutionary, less costly fuel for machines and, in the near future, aircraft fuel. Branson stated that he was formerly a global skeptic and his decision was influenced by Al Gore.

Computer versus Paper charting for nurses Essay

Computer versus Paper charting for nurses - Essay Example With so many responsibilities and so much information to assimilate, it becomes even more essential to take care of the documentation of information as this is the only method to reduce errors. Charting information regarding medication, observations, patients' history, etc. has been an age old practice and is the responsibility of nurses. The purpose of the medical chart is to serve as both a medical and legal record of patient clinical status, care, history, and caregiver involvement. The detailed information contained in the chart is intended to provide the patient's clinical condition by detailing diagnoses, treatments, tests and response to treatment, as well as any other factors that may affect the clinical state of the patient. Hence, it is beyond doubt that documentation is one of the most important activities that needs to be accurate. This essay compares computer and paper charting methods and also discusses in detail the history of charting technology; reveal medication errors in computerized and non-computerized charting, illegibility of orders and double charting, and accuracy. In the 21st century, nursing informatics has become a part of the professional activities. Informatics has advanced the field of nursing by bridging the gap from nursing as an art to nursing as a science. The term medical chart is a general description of a set of information on a patient. It is important that the information in the chart be clear and to the point, so that those utilizing the record can easily access accurate information. In some cases, the medical chart can also assist in clinical problem solving by tracking the past history of the patient. For instance, the baseline information or status on admission, orders and treatments provided in response to specific problems, and patient responses can be easily retrieved from the medical chart. Another reason for the standard of clear documentation is the possibility of the legal use of the record. For example, these records are frequently investigated for insurance clams and when medical care is being referred to or questioned by the legal system, the chart contents are frequently cited in court. In the earlier days, all the documentation was prepared on paper. But today, most of these are fed into the computers directly and is stored in it. The disadvantages with the paper charting are as follows: it is a tedious process to write and store the records and it takes away a lot of space. Since nurses work in shifts, different nurses handle each record as a result different handwritings appear in single report. A single nurse handles several patients as a result there are high chances of medication errors with serious consequences. These factors are even more of a problem for those nurses who are working in intensive care units (ICU). With the increase in stress due to shortage of nurses, the working staff will be handling more patients and many times it is possible that errors occur in medication. Nursing Informatics is a broad ranging field that combines nursing skills with computer expertise. Nursing informatics is the modern technology that

Gel Electrophoresis In Analysis Of Sickle Cell Genes

Gel Electrophoresis In Analysis Of Sickle Cell Genes This experiment was carried out in order to outline a scheme for the investigation of Sickle Cell Gene Analysis and to understand and carry out the agarose gel electrophoresis. Besides that, the importance of restriction enzyme and the mechanism of the enzyme in separating the specific amino acid sequence were completely understood. The fragment bands observed on the gel electrophoresis from the experiment results was interpreted and understood. The controls (tube A-C) and 3 DNA samples [tube D (Mother), E (Unborn Child), F (Father)] which was amplified and digested with the MST 11 enzyme was analysed for the sickle cell genes using gel electrophoresis. Once the electrophoresis apparatus and the gel were prepared, the controls and the samples were loaded consecutively into the respective wells. The power source was set at 125V and left to run for 30 minutes. Following that, the gel was then stained using the Ethidium Bromide staining card. The gel was left to stain for 15 to 20 minut es and was later observed under a UV Transilluminator. Tube B (control), D (Mother) and F (Father) was heterozygous for Sickle Cell Disease, Hb AS whereas tube E (Unborn child) was homozygous for Sickle Cell Disease, Hb SS. Sickle Cell gene analysis is essential for reasons such as preparation of financial source to carry out treatment for the child if the child appears to be Hb SS. Treatments such as bone marrow transplantation and blood transfusion can be done to manage and treat Sickle Cell Disease children. Introduction Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder, characterized by the presence of sickle shaped red blood cells (Figure 1) (Wun and Hassell, 2009) (Oniyangi and Omari, 2006) (Stuart and Nagel, 2004). http://www.biologycorner.com/anatomy/blood/sickle_cell_anemia2.jpg Normal healthy individuals carries 3 main haemoglobins; Haemoglobin A (Hb A), Haemoglobin A2 (Hb A2) and Haemoglobin F (Hb F) (Wood et al, 1976). In Hb A, the glutamic acid (GAG) is situated on the 6th position of the ÃŽ ²- globin chain. Mutation of a single nucleotide (GAG to GTG) (Pan et al, 2007) (Stuart and Nagel, 2004) which takes place in the 6th position of the ÃŽ ²- globin chain (Figure 2) (Wun and Hassell, 2009) (Cleon et al, 2009) of Hb A results in the formation of Haemoglobin S (Hb S) which causes SCD (Pan et al, 2007) (Cleon et al, 2009) (Stuart and Nagel, 2004). The acidic (negative charged) glutamic acid is replaced by the polar (neutral) valine (Frenette and Atweh, 2007) (Cleon et al, 2009) (Stuart and Nagel, 2004). Sickle cell genes (autosomal recessive) are inherited from the parents (Figure 3) (Frenette and Atweh, 2007) (Wun and Hassell, 2009). One copy of gene are passed down from each parent to the fetus, therefore, a fetus will have 2 copies of genes to make the ÃŽ ²- globin. Heterozygous SCD patients (carriers) (Hb AS) had inherited 1 copy of normal gene and 1 copy of defective gene whereas homozygous SCD patients (Hb SS) had inherited 2 copies of defective genes (Frenette and Atweh, 2007) (Makani et al, 2010) (Oniyangi and Omari, 2006). The amount of defective genes in heterozygous patients is insufficient to cause symptoms because they have a proportion of normal genes as well. (Makani et al, 2010). Therefore, most SCD carriers are unaware of the presence of Hb S in them. Homozygous SCD patients has insufficient normal genes; therefore symptoms of SCD are clearly demonstrated by them (Makani et al, 2010) (Oniyangi and Omari, 2006). The image shows how sickle cell genes are inherited. A person inherits two copies of the hemoglobin gene-one from each parent. A normal gene will make normal hemoglobin (A). An abnormal (sickle cell) gene will make abnormal hemoglobin (S). When each parent has a normal gene and an abnormal gene, each child has: a 25 percent chance of inheriting two normal genes; a 50 percent chance of inheriting one normal gene and one abnormal gene; and a 25 percent chance of inheriting two abnormal genes. If both parents are carriers for SCD, the child has a 50% chance of being carriers, 25% chance of being homozygous for SCD and 25% chance of having 2 copies of normal genes (National Blood, Lung and Heart Institute). Sickle Cell gene analysis is an important screening test for a married couple. The fetus should be screened for SCD if one parent is a carrier for SCD (Tshilolo et al, 2008) (Streetly et al, 2009). It is important to ensure whether the child is heterozygous or homozygous for SCD for reasons such as financial preparation for treatment of the child (if child is homozygous for SCD) (Streetly et al, 2009) (Tshilolo et al, 2008). Sickle Cell gene analysis can be done using gel electrophoresis. The Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) sample can be obtained from white blood cells (in adults) and from the amniocentesis fluid (in fetus). The samples can then be amplified with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) (Rahimi et al, 2008) (Bruzzone et al, 2008). PCR produces copies of DNA which had been obtained from a small sample, to ensure the amount of sample is sufficient for the SCD gene analysis (Bruzzone et al, 2008) (VanGuilder et al, 2008). The multiplied DNA sample will then be digested with a restriction enzyme (Sasnauskas et al, 2007) (Rahimi et al, 2008), for instance MST 11. This enzyme recognizes the CCT-GAG-G sequence of the amino acid on the ÃŽ ²- globin and will bind to cleave (cut) that DNA strand which it recognizes (Figure 4). Due to the substitution of amino acid in SCD (CCT-GTG-G), the MST 11 enzyme cannot recognize that mutated sequence so therefore, will not cut that mutated DNA strand (Sasnauskas et al, 2007). As a result, the normal genes will be cut by the enzyme and will become short fragments whereas the sickle cell genes will be an uncleaved long fragment. The DNA from a normal individual (Hb AA), SCD carrier (Hb AS), and SCD homozygous individuals (Hb SS) produces fragments of different sizes and lengths (Rahimi et al, 2008) after digested with the restriction enzyme. Figure 4: The picture on the (left) shows the sites recognized and would be cleaved by the restriction enzyme in a normal ÃŽ ²- globin allele, whereas the enzyme would not cut the altered ÃŽ ²- globin allele (SCD). The picture on the (right) shows the different fragments bands of different sizes and lengths demonstrated in a gel electrophoresis (www.bio.miami.edu) These fragments are then separated by gel electrophoresis (Figure 4). Gel electrophoresis is used to separate molecules such as DNA by using an electric field applied to a gel matrix. Smaller DNA fragments are able to squeeze through the pores of the gel, compared to the larger fragments (Rahimi et al, 2008). The sickle cell genes (long fragments) will be slowest to move compared to the normal genes which had been cut (short fragments). The electrophoresis gel will finally be stained and observed under an Ultra Voilet Transilluminator to view the bands produced. This experiment was carried out in order to outline a scheme for the investigation of Sickle Cell Gene Analysis and to understand and carry out the agarose gel electrophoresis. Besides that, the importance of restriction enzyme and the mechanism of the enzyme in separating the specific amino acid sequence were completely understood. The fragment bands observed on the gel electrophoresis from the experiment results was interpreted and understood. Method Gel Bed Preparation The open ends of a clean and dry gel bed (casting tray) was closed by using a tape. The  ¾ inches wide tape was extended over the sides, and the bottom edges of the bed. The extended edges of the tape were then folded back onto the sides and bottom. The contact points were pressed firmly to form a good seal. Next, the well former template (comb) was placed in the first set of notches at the end of the bed. The comb was placed firmly and evenly across the bed. Casting Agarose Gels Agarose gel (0.8g), concentrated buffer (2ml of 50X), and distilled water (98ml) were added into a 250 ml flask to prepare the gel solution. The volume in the flask which gave the total volume of 100 ml was marked with a marker pen. Next, the mixture was swirled to disperse the agarose powder clumps. The level of the solution on the outside of the flask was indicated with a marker pen. The mixture was then heated to dissolve the agarose powder. The flask was covered with a plastic wrap to minimize the evaporation rate. The mixture was then heated in high temperature for a minute. After that, the mixture was swirled every 25 seconds while it was heated in high temperature, until all the agarose was completely dissolved. The final solution produced was clear (like water), without any undissolved particles in it. The agarose solution was then cooled to 550 C by swirling it carefully, so even dissipation of heat was promoted. Distilled water was added to bring the solution up to the orig inal volume as marked on the flask when evaporation was detected. The interface of the gel bed sealed with the tape, was checked once the gel has cooled slightly to avoid leakage of the agarose solution. A transfer pipette was used to deposit a small amount of cooled agarose solution to both ends of the bed and left for a minute for the agarose to solidify. Finally, the bed was placed on an even surface and the cooled agarose solution was poured onto the bed. The gel was allowed to completely solidify. The gel appeared firm and cool after approximately 20 minutes. Gel Preparation for Electrophoresis The tape was carefully and slowly removed from the gel bed once the gel was completely solidified. The comb was slowly pulled straight up to be removed. This was done carefully and evenly to prevent the sample wells from tearing. The gel (on the bed) was placed into the electrophoresis chamber, orientated properly and centred on a level and even platform. The 50X buffer was then diluted in distilled water to prepare a 500 ml of 1X buffer. Once the buffer was prepared, it was poured into the electrophoresis apparatus chamber. The gel was completely covered with the buffer. The samples were then loaded to conduct the electrophoresis, as discussed below. Loading of Samples The sample volumes were checked to ensure small amounts of samples were not clanged onto the walls of the tubes. The entire volume of the samples was ensured to be at the bottom of the tubes, before the gel was loaded with the samples. 25 µl of DNA samples from tubes A to F was loaded into the wells in a consecutive order (Table 1). Running the Gel The cover was snapped down carefully onto the electrode terminals after the DNA samples were loaded. The negative and positive colour coded indicators on the cover and the apparatus chamber was properly orientated. The plug of the black wire was inserted into the black input of the power source (negative input) and the plug of the red wire was inserted into the red input of the power source (positive input). The power source was set at 125V and the electrophoresis was conducted for 30 minutes. Bubbles observed on the two platinum electrodes indicated that the current was flowing properly. Once the electrophoresis was completed, the power was turned off and the plug was unplugged from the power source. The leads were disconnected and the cover was removed. The gel was removed from the bed to be stained with Ethidium Bromide. Staining the Gel After electrophoresis, the gel was placed on a flat surface and was moistened with several drops of the electrophoresis buffer. The Ethidium Bromide staining card adhesive was removed and placed onto the surface of the gel (where the wells were). Fingers were firmly run over the entire surface of the card several times. Once that has been done, an empty beaker or the casting tray was kept on top of the gel with the staining card to maintain good contact between the gel surface and the card. The gel was left to stain for about 15 to 20 minutes. The card was then removed from the gel surface and the surface of the gel was rinsed with the buffer. The gel was then examined on a Visible Light Gel Visualization System or an Ultra Violet Transilluminator. The fragment bands formed on the surface of gel was observed, and interpreted. Discussion Based on the results obtained, Sample A (Control for Normal Gene) had only 2 bands on the gel when observed under the UV Transilluminator. This is because, the restriction enzyme, MST 11 only cuts the amino acid sequence which it recognises. The MST 11 had cut the CCT- GAG- G sequence from the DNA strand of this normal Hb A gene. Therefore, two bands are formed instead of 1 band. The long fragment had now been cut to two short fragments. Since the MST 11 only recognises the CCT- GAG- G sequence which is on the beginning of the strand, this band appears shorter than the remaining band after it has been cut. Short fragments are able to squeeze through the gel pores easily compared to the longer fragments. Since glutamic acid (GAG) is negatively charged, and is therefore shorter than the remaining fragment, this fragment travels faster and further from the well towards the anode (positive terminal) compared to the remaining fragment. Sample D (Mothers DNA) had the same results as Sample F (Fathers DNA) and Sample B (Control for Sickle Cell Trait Gene). There were 3 bands observed on the gel under the UV Transilluminator. Since these samples are heterozygous for SCD (Hb AS), they have inherited 1 copy of normal gene and 1 copy of defective gene. The restriction enzyme did not recognize the sickle cell gene (CCT- GTG- G). Therefore, the MST 11 enzyme did not cut that sequence. As a result, that fragment appeared to be 1 long fragment and could not easily squeeze through the pores of the agarose gel. As a result, this fragment was not able to move fast and further from the well. However, the MST 11 restriction enzyme recognised and had cut the normal gene which was present. Therefore, when the DNA strand was cut, two shorter fragments were formed which easily travelled through the pores and were able to travel away from the wells. The A gene with the shorter fragment travelled further compared to the remaining fragm ent. Sample E (Unborn Childs DNA) had the same results as Sample A (Control for Sickle Cell Anaemia Gene). Only 1 band was observed on the gel under the UV Transilluminator. Since the sample is homozygous for sickle cell (Hb SS), the baby had inherited 2 copies of defective gene from the parents. The restriction enzyme did not recognize the Sickle cell gene (CCT- GTG- G) and did not cut the DNA strand. As a result, the fragment remained as 1 long fragment and was not able to squeeze though the pores of agarose gel easily. This fragment moved extremely slow and could not move very far from the wells. The inheritance pattern which had caused the child to be Homozygous for SCD had been discussed above (Figure 3). SCD can lead to complications such as anaemia, jaundice and stroke if left untreated (Pan et al, 2007) (Nagababu et al, 2008). This is because, when substitution of amino acid occurs due to the mutation, a new longitudinal polymer which has valine in the 6th position of the beta chain instead of glutamic acid is polymerized. Haemoglobin S is formed due to this. During hypoxia (less oxygen supply to tissues), aggregation of haemoglobin takes place due to the presence of the hydrophobic valine instead of the polar glutamic acid in the 6th position of the ÃŽ ² -globin chain (Cleon et al, 2009) (Stuart and Nagel, 2004). As a result, red blood cells with sickle shape which are fragile and not flexible are formed (Nagababu et al, 2008) (Pan et al, 2007) (Manchikanti et al, 2007). C:UserscompaqDesktoprd_sicklecell.jpg Figure 5: The complications of Untreated Sickle Cell Disease (ICAGEN Ion Channel Advances, 2010) Children with SCD will normally be closely observed by a paediatrician in order to ensure they are healthy. These children will be subscribed with folic acid to be taken daily to stay healthy. Besides that, penicillin is also required in order to prevent them from getting illnesses due to their weak and immature immune system (Ndefo et al, 2009). Complications due to Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Streptococcus Pneumoniae sepsis Newborn 5 years (Penicillin VK) 2years and above (23- valent Streptococcus Pneumoniae polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) Bone marrow Aplasia and Megaloblastic erythropoiesis Folic acid Stroke Blood transfusions Pain Episodes Hydroxyurea (complete blood count monitored every 2 weeks, Hb F monitored every 6 -8 weeks, and serum chemistries monitored every 2- 4 weeks) Other than that, hydroxyurea are also given to children with SCD. Hydroxyurea works by activating the fetal haemoglobin production to replace the production of Haemoglobin S which results in SCD (Ndefo et al, 2008). Children with SCD who has a high risk for developing stroke, will be given blood transfusion frequently (Vichinsky et al, 2007) (Kirkham, 2007). A blood transfusion replaces the sickle cells with normal red blood cells which leads to a good supply of oxygen to the brain, which will reduce the chances of stroke in children (Kirkham, 2007) (Nagababu et al, 2008). Unfortunately, blood transfusions causes iron overload in the body because the body lacks mechanism to excrete iron (Vichinsky et al, 2007). An overload of iron results in iron deposition in various organs which can be fatal if untreated (Vichinsky et al, 2007). Therefore, children with regular blood transfusions will be given chelating agents (Vichinsky et al, 2007) such as desferrioxamine to excrete iron from the body through the urine and faeces. Bone marrow transplantation is the only cure for SCD (Ndefo et al, 2008). The affected bone marrow will be replaced with a closely matched Human Lymphocyte Antigen (HLA) bone marrow from a healthy individual (Ndefo et al, 2008). Bone marrow transplants enables, new and normal healthy red blood cells to be produced. The disadvantages of bone marrow transplantations are the occurrence of Graft Versus- Host Disease (GVHD). Based on the study by Ndefo et al (2008), it was suggested that there will be an 85% chance of survival free from SCD, 7% chance of developing bone marrow transplant complications and a 9% chance of GVHD failure rate with a bone marrow transplant procedure. Conclusion As a conclusion, gel electrophoresis is found to be an excellent way to aid in the analysis of sickle cell genes. Using gel electrophoresis, many samples can be analysed at the same time, and its results are specific and accurate. The disadvantages of this method are that analytical errors might occur due to the large amount of sample handling and it is costly. Although it is costly, this method can increase the awareness of the carriers of SCD about the presence of Hb S in them, which can aid in their future family planning. Children with homozygous SCD, can be prevented from suffering from SCD complicatio

Urban and Suburban Secondary Education Essay -- Arugmentative Arugment

Urban and Suburban Secondary Education There is a big disparity between urban and suburban secondary education in public schools. Many critics of this inequality are arguing that urban schools are not receiving the same attention as schools that are in suburban areas or wealthier parts of country. Urban schools are facing a large crisis on there hands, these schools are not meeting the required criteria in educating and graduating their students. So, why is there a huge inequality between urban and suburban secondary public schools? Much of the debate falls around school funding and how much schools are given to operate. Many urban schools are not being given enough money to educate its students, pay its teachers, buy new books, and afford technology that could be used in the classroom in order to educate its students. Though funding plays an important role in education another issue that urban schools are facing is prejudice from teacher towards minority and lower income students; students who fit description are often t hought of as worthless because either they are receiving low test scores, can not speak English well, create trouble in the classroom or they are simply thought of as futile. While minorities fall under prejudice, illegal immigrant students are being attacked because they are attending public schools at the expense of tax payers. Illegal immigrants are being blamed for much of reasons that schools are finding themselves in the red when it comes to school funding; simply illegal immigrants are breaking the piggy bank and leaving schools in the hole as the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) puts it. In retrospect what ultimately is happening is that students in urban secondary public schools whom... ...ducational opportunitiesprovided to U.S. citizen children, and that there was no evidence that the U.S. government seriously intended to deport the parents of the illegal alien children. The Court could reverse the ruling if these circumstances were to change or if Congress were to make the exclusion of these students explicit by legislation. Source: U.S. Supreme Court: Plyler v. Doe (1982) [1] â€Å"Table 160, Summary of expenditures for public elementary and secondary education, by purpose: 1919-20 to 199-2000,† Digest of Education Statistics 2002, National Center for Education and Statistics, U.S. Department of Education. [2] National Association of State Budget Officers, State Expenditures Report, 2001. [3] Michael Fix & Jeffrey S. Passel, â€Å"U.S. Immigration-Trends and Implication for Schools,† Immigration Studies Program, Urban Institute, January 2003.

Belonging: Romulus My Father and Becoming Jane Related Text

Fundamental to perceptions of belonging is the recognition of its complex nature encompassing both belonging and its antithetical concept of isolation. This duality, manifested in the relationship between an individual and the people and environment they are exposed to is paramount in the development of ones identity and therefore the definition of the institutions to which they may belong. The fragility and labyrinthine nature of belonging is explored in Raimond Gaita’s Romulus, My Father through the contrasting characters of the narrator and his titular father in their experiences to assimilate to Australian culture and society.Contrasting, Julian Jarrold’s biographical drama ‘Becoming Jane’ illustrates the influences of society on the development of an individual’s character, and further, the will of individuals to both challenge and conform to society in order to achieve a sense of belonging. Through its inherent duality, the complex notion of be longing and isolation is defined by an interaction between an individual and their surrounds. The contrasting notions of belonging and isolation are explored in Gaita’s memoir through the conflicting experiences of the narrator and his alienated father.Illustrated through the harsh and influential environment he was exposed to in his youth, Romulus’ character, personality and morals were formed in unique circumstances, something that would later alienate him from other more conventional societies. Culturally and socially isolated in Australia, â€Å"a landscape of rare beauty, to a European eye†¦ seemed desolate† leading to Romulus attempts to replicate European society in rural Australia. The acknowledgment of this isolation by the narrator that â€Å"my father could not become reconciled to it† provides an understanding as to the difficulties Romulus’ past experiences had provided him with.Through the development of a morale code no individu al, even himself could fulfil and expectations of others he realised were too high as shown through his forgiving attitude, Romulus’ â€Å"character† as his â€Å"central moral concept† was evidently flawed in judging others. Contrasting, Raimond’s appreciative attitude towards Australia and lack of previous cultural influence allows his to gain his identity based purely on Australian ideals and values. Contrasting however, Romulus’ wife Christine, raised in a similar environment to her husband, becomes the narrator’s conception of isolation s her personality, identity and value systems are not adaptable to an Australian setting. Additionally, Romulus, My Father demonstrates the significance of relationships to achieve a sense of belonging. The conformation of identity achieved through the filial bond between narrator and his father permits Raimond to gain insight into his heritage and therefore develop his identity whilst allowing Romulus t o confirm his identity and reside in an aspect of society.Illustrated through the abandoning of his youthful innocence, adoption of his fathers responsibility and philosophical nature and growing comprehension of Romulus’ struggle to belong, Raimond’s experience at the time of his fathers mental deterioration is symbolic of his growing maturity and the significance of relationships in the attaining of identity. Further, through the use of first person narration and the memoir text type, the narrator effectively reflects on the personal nature of belonging in which Romulus resides.Illustrated through the significance of Hora on this filial interdependence, Gaita reflects on the impact of secondary characters on relationships through the imperative middle ground between the strict moral expectations of Romulus and the youthful naivety of Raimond that Hora creates. Consequently examined through his rationale to Romulus’ dilemmas including that of the shaving blade, the â€Å"example† of Hora’s friendship with Romulus acted as a significant influence in Raimond’s development allowing him to embrace the cultural values of â€Å"honesty, loyalty, courage and charity† advocated by both men.However, despite similar experiences between the maternally neglectful and alienated Christine and Romulus, by the conclusion of the novel, the eulogy to Romulus by Raimond reflecting on his â€Å"unhesitating acceptance†, â€Å"common humanity† and furthermore the recognition of this by members of the society, portrays that Romulus was accepted in a manner suitable for a migrant in the contextual climate. Contrasting to Gaita’s Romulus, My Father, Julian Jarrold’s biographical drama Becoming Jane is concerned with an individual’s ability to redefine themselves in order to belong to a variable society.Through the societal and cultural relationship between Jane Austen and her patriarchal English soci ety, a sense of belonging is preceded by an extensive experience of isolation. Illustrated by her original discontent at the ideals portrayed by her Georgian England society or marriage and suppression of individuality, Austen’s feministic, professional and somewhat modern and radical perceptions of love and sexual equality are means by which she attempts to adapt to incorporate her desires.The acceptable notion that â€Å"affection is desirable, money is absolutely indispensable,† reflected by traditional characters of society further enphisises the female position in society and the limited institutions to which they were permitted to belong. Accentuated through Lady Gresham’s enquiring as to if â€Å"anything can be done† about Austen’s literary ambitions, Jane’s isolation from a society, which fails to cater for her needs, is expressed through a disapproval of her actions from traditionalist members of Georgian England.Further demonstrat ion of the significance of societal influences on the concept of belonging occurs in the final scene of the film when, whilst dressed in pure white, Austen offers to read her novel to a crowd of young girls, hence, alluding to the cyclical nature of society in which constant development and compromising of culture is caused by a constant incorporation of individual desires into a set social construct. Furthermore, Becoming Jane illustrates the significance of relationships in developing and maintaining identity.Outlined by her original devotion to family, Jane’s discontent in society is a result of her changing opinions, as experiences in the relationships to which she is exposed, create a feeling of angst and dissatisfaction within the character. As relationships around her diminish as conveyed through emotional writing scenes, Jane seeks comfort in relationships absent from her original moral formation represented by her family and Lady Gresham.Illustrated through Jane†™s new relationship with Tom Lefroy, Austen is able to confirm and strengthen her desire to adapt the society in which she lives. Lefroy’s character’s, originally black costuming gradually becomes lighter as the responder recognizes his eventual encouragement for Austen’s desires. Foremost however, is Jane’s decision to abandon love at the end of the film as protest to the restricting nature of her society. â€Å"The good do not always come to good ends. It is a truth universally acknowledged. Jane Austen As her desirable relationship becomes impossible due to societal expectations and formalities, Jane rejects all subsequent offers for marriage, as her values, much like Romulus’, are unchanged despite societies attempts to conform them. Through this, the interaction between relationships and socially accepted relationships is explored in a manner that both alienates and accepts. The complex notion of belonging and isolation is created through a n interaction between society, culture and relationships.Through Gaita’s memoir addressing the impact of society and culture on individuals and their attempts to identify themselves through relationships, Jarrold’s contrasting film Becoming Jane addresses the more radical concept of belonging where an individual attempts to conform a society to their own needs and desires as opposed to adjusting their own character to meet societal expectations. Through the contrasting notions and concepts of belonging, this multi-faceted notion is addressed through many varied perspectives reflected through relationship, cultural and societal significance to individuals in their respective societies.

Storm Born Chapter Thirteen

â€Å"You're late,† I told him, trying to act like my robe wasn't lying out on the hallway floor. He glanced around, and I couldn't help a small breath of pleasure. Every ounce of him was charged and ready, that muscled body in a fighter's stance. His dark eyes held a hard, savage expression as he assessed for threats. He was magnificent. He looked as though he could have single-handedly torn apart an army then and there. I wrapped my arms around myself, from neither coldness nor modesty. â€Å"I was walking up your driveway and felt something†¦something dark.† His body relaxed, the animal fierceness in his eyes replaced by that smoky sensuality as he seemed to notice for the first time that I was naked. â€Å"A Gray Man. He had to go keep an appointment with Persephone.† Kiyo's lips twitched into a smile. â€Å"Were you in the shower?† â€Å"Sauna. I impaled him with a mirror.† â€Å"Nice.† We stared at each other, a thick tension building up in the air between us. â€Å"Well,† I said finally. â€Å"Thanks for checking in. You can leave now.† â€Å"Eugenie – â€Å" My confusion and lust took their rightful backseat to my indignation. â€Å"I have nothing to say to you. I don't want to say anything to you. Get out.† â€Å"Not until I've explained everything.† â€Å"Like what? How you wanted to get me pregnant, just like everyone else?† He blinked, clearly surprised. â€Å"I – what? No. Of course not. For Christ's sake, I used a condom.† â€Å"Yeah, I know. I was there.† I could hear the irrational sulkiness in my voice. â€Å"Why else would you have done it, then?† His eyes traveled from my face down my entire body, and then back to my face. â€Å"Why do you think?† I swallowed, attempting to ignore the warmth left from where his gaze had touched me. â€Å"Okay. I get the mechanics of it. But you can't sit there and tell me you being in that bar was a coincidence.† â€Å"No. It wasn't,† he said simply. I waited for more. â€Å"That's it?† He sighed and leaned against the wall. â€Å"I was asked by a friend to find you and mark you so we could keep track of you. I didn't know why; I had no idea who you were at the time.† â€Å"What? Someone told you to sleep with me?† â€Å"Er, no. That was my own, um, improvisation. I could have marked you other ways.† He smiled meaningfully. â€Å"But you were too charming and pretty.† â€Å"Hey! Don't use that fox sex magic on me. It's already caused enough trouble. Who told you to do that? To mark me?† The flirtatious smile disappeared. Silence. â€Å"Look, you're supposed to be the big honesty advocate. If you aren't going to play that way anymore, then I'm going to kick your ass out of here.† A glint of amusement flickered in his eyes. â€Å"I think I'd like that.† He paused. Finally: â€Å"No one you know. Her name is Maiwenn.† â€Å"The Willow Queen.† I took satisfaction in seeing his surprise. â€Å"I know more about the gentry than you think.† â€Å"Apparently. When she found out who you were, she wanted to watch you and find out where you stood on your fath – on the Storm King prophecy.† I met his questioning look with incredulity. â€Å"Are you seriously asking me? You think I want to see gentry take over the world?† â€Å"No, not really. But Maiwenn wanted to be sure on your position. She opposed Storm King before and has no desire to see an invasion. She'd rather put resources into the Otherworld, into staying there and making that home.† â€Å"Smart lady,† I said bitterly. â€Å"I wish they'd all stay there.† â€Å"Don't knock the Otherworld. It has its appeal.† â€Å"Yeah? So, what, you consider yourself one of them?† â€Å"I consider myself part of both worlds. It's who I am. It's who you are too.† â€Å"No. I'm not part of that world.† I stared past him without really seeing, suddenly feeling tired. â€Å"Sometimes I don't even feel a part of this world.† He crossed the distance between us and sat down on the bed. Those dark eyes brimmed with concern. â€Å"Don't say that.† I looked away so he wouldn't see my eyes getting wet. â€Å"I don't know what's going on anymore. Everything†¦everything's changed. I can't turn around without someone trying to rape me. I can't trust the people I love.† I turned back to him. â€Å"I can't trust you.† His hand reached out and touched my cheek. â€Å"Yes, you can. Eugenie, I didn't sleep with you to get you pregnant. I didn't even sleep with you just because you're hot – though that was a definite perk. I liked you. I still like you. I want us to have something.† He'd moved his hand down my neck, to my shoulder, and then to my upper arm. His fingers lazily traced the outline of Hecate's snake. Goosebumps rose on my flesh. â€Å"Don't look at me like that. I don't want to get pregnant.† â€Å"Contraceptive technology is a wonderful thing.† â€Å"I can't be involved with you.† â€Å"Why not?† The words hurt coming out. â€Å"Because†¦because of what you are†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The hand dropped. â€Å"I'm the same – â€Å" â€Å"I know, I know. The same as me. Kiyo, you've got to understand†¦. I've got a lot to deal with right now. I just†¦well, I just can't. Not yet. Maybe†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I looked at him, at the kind and intelligent face, at the smoldering body so close to mine. â€Å"Maybe some day, we can†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Something on my face must have given away my feelings, that no matter how terrified of getting close to him I was, I still liked him and wanted him. The old mischievous smile appeared on his face, and his hand cupped my chin. He pressed his lips against my cheek. â€Å"Then let me be your friend,† he whispered. I closed my eyes and let his heat envelop me. â€Å"Friends don't breathe in my ear like that.† â€Å"We'll be special friends.† â€Å"Kiyo – â€Å" He drew back a little, still smiling. â€Å"Seriously, Eugenie. If we can't be lovers, I still want to be in your life. I want to help you through this. I want to protect you.† I stiffened, and my old snarkiness reared its head through the emotional miasma. â€Å"I don't need protection.† â€Å"Do you have any idea how bad it's going to get for you?† â€Å"I've handled it so far. I'll handle it again.† â€Å"God, you're amazing.† His spoke with admiration. â€Å"But you're also annoyingly difficult. Let someone help you. Let me help you.† I stared stonily ahead. His expression darkened. â€Å"They're going to come after you! Do you think I can just sit around when people are trying to hurt and rape you?† The heat in his voice seared me. He wasn't angry at me; he was angry for me. He regarded me in a way no one had ever looked at me before, an expression that said I meant so much to him that he would take on hell itself to protect me. That intensity wrapped around me. It thrilled me. It scared me. I didn't know what to do with it. Again, he read my face. This time, he pulled me over, crushing my body against his. I didn't fight it. â€Å"Let me help you,† he repeated. â€Å"How? You live an hour and a half away.† He pressed his face against my hair. â€Å"I'll commute.† â€Å"Oh for God's – â€Å" â€Å"I mean it. I know I can't be with you all the time, but I'll do what I can.† â€Å"You're going to trail me like a bodyguard or something?† â€Å"I'll do it as a fox if it makes you feel better.† I laughed in spite of myself, tightening my hold on him. I knew we shouldn't be locked in this kind of embrace, but honestly†¦after everything that had happened, it was comforting. And a turn-on too. But mostly comforting. â€Å"What's that like anyway?† â€Å"What's what like?† â€Å"Being a fox. Is it weird?† â€Å"I don't know. I've always been that way. It's the only thing I know.† â€Å"Yeah, but†¦why not just stay human all the time?† â€Å"I'm stronger as a fox. Comes in handy in a fight.† â€Å"You're not too shabby as a human.† â€Å"Women think foxes are cute.† â€Å"Not that cute,† I grumbled. I could sense his smile. â€Å"It's a good way to let your instincts take over.† â€Å"Which instincts?† In one movement, he had me flipped onto my back. His hands held mine down while his body pressed against the rest of me. Those lips hovered a few breaths from mine. â€Å"All of them,† he growled. My breath was coming out in rapid bursts, and a voice in the back of my head was yelling, Hey! Remember how you don't want to be involved with Otherworldly people? I knew that voice was right, but it was kind of hard to pay attention when my body was melting against his and one of his hands had slid down to the side of a breast. â€Å"I don't think friends are supposed to lay like this.† â€Å"I know,† he said. â€Å"Or bodyguards.† â€Å"I know.† â€Å"Or veterinarians.† â€Å"That I disagree with.† He crushed his mouth to mine, and it was powerful and ravenous and furious and wonderful. I couldn't think or do anything coherent in that moment, only let him keep kissing me and kissing me. At last he broke away. He sat up, and I could see his body tremble. The look in his eyes was still hungry and yearning, and there was a visible struggle within him, a warring of two halves. One must have won, because he took a deep breath, and that animal need faded – slightly – from him. â€Å"I need to go,† he said at last. â€Å"I've got to work in two hours.† â€Å"Okay.† We stared at each other for a long time. I pulled a sheet up, letting it cover part of me. A grin lit his features. â€Å"Thanks. That helps.† He stood up and moved toward the door. â€Å"Hey, would you mind meeting Maiwenn? She wants to talk to you in person, see what you're like.† â€Å"You seem pretty chummy with her,† I said. The words came out sharper than I'd intended, but he looked unfazed. â€Å"She's a good friend. And I believe in her philosophies. She wants both our worlds left intact. So do I. She can be a good friend to you too.† â€Å"Is she strong enough to come over here?† He nodded. â€Å"If she'll do it, I'll meet her. I'm not really keen on going over there anytime soon.† â€Å"I'll tell her.† He took a few steps out the door, and this time I called to him. â€Å"Hey†¦Kiyo.† â€Å"Yeah?† â€Å"All these people and†¦things are coming after me because they think I'm going to be Damien's mother or something†¦but seriously, do you actually think any of it's true? Do you really believe this prophecy could happen? Roland – my stepdad – says prophecies are a dime a dozen in the Otherworld.† â€Å"They are,† Kiyo said slowly, a slight wrinkle between his eyes as he thought. â€Å"And most don't come true. But a lot do, a lot more than you'd think growing up here. The thing about prophecies is†¦well, people sometimes read the wrong things into them. Or, in trying to avert them, they only make the prophecy come true.† I shivered, half-wishing he would have just said prophecies were a bunch of crap. â€Å"You mean like Oedipus? How his father got rid of him to beat that prophecy?† â€Å"Exactly. Doing that only ended up making it happen.† Seeing my dark look, he smiled. â€Å"Hey, don't worry about it. I told you most don't come true. And besides, you're not trying to have kids, so there's nothing to worry about. Concentrate on the now.† I gave him a faltering smile back, hoping he was right. â€Å"Thanks.† He held my eyes for a few seconds before stepping out of the room, only to return a moment later with my burnt mirror. He set it on the dresser, regarding it with displeasure. â€Å"Sorry I wasn't here sooner.† â€Å"Hey,† I said, mustering some bravado, â€Å"I told you I can take care of myself.† Those dark eyes flashed. â€Å"I know. You're a dangerous woman.† I wasn't entirely sure if he referred to my fighting abilities or something else. When he was gone, I lay back in bed with a sigh, thinking I might not move for a week. Things just got weirder and weirder around here. Suddenly I felt a faint pressure build in the room. I sat up straight. Red eyes peered at me from a dim corner. â€Å"Volusian? I didn't summon you.† â€Å"You gave us permission to come if we acquired information.† â€Å"Yeah. I suppose I did. I didn't really think any of you would actually listen to me. What's up?† â€Å"I've come to tell you Otherworldly interest in you has increased.† I stared at him stupidly a moment, then pointed to the bloody athame I'd used on the Gray Man. â€Å"Gee, you think?† He shook his head. â€Å"More than these scattered attacks. Before, others were interested in you simply because of your heritage. Now, after seeing you†¦some are more excited still. They find you†¦attractive.† I could tell the concept baffled him. â€Å"Great. Now I'm fertile and hot. So what's this mean? Should I be expecting daily attacks?† â€Å"More like†¦organized attacks.† â€Å"Groups?† â€Å"Worse.† â€Å"Worse than a group of guys trying to have sex with me? How?† â€Å"For now, only creatures and gentry who can cross over in physical or elemental form will try. But we are weeks from Beltane, mistress. When the doors open†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Jesus,† I breathed. â€Å"Everything with a dick is going to come looking for me.† He didn't bother with a response. But when I said nothing more, he asked, â€Å"What will you do?† â€Å"What do you think? The same as I've been doing. I'll fight them off.† He stayed quiet, but I could feel his disapproval. â€Å"What else do you expect me to do? Submit?† â€Å"I expect you to not sit around and wait for the inevitable. You might as well be from one of the bride-by-capture societies. Always being on the defensive will get you nowhere; eventually someone will overpower you.† I laughed without really finding anything funny. â€Å"So, what, I go on the offensive? Head over and just start taking on random gentry and spirits?† â€Å"No. You start claiming your heritage. They attack you because you let them, because you kick at one and then wait for the next. You make yourself a victim, yet you are Storm King's daughter. In his day, his rule stretched farther than any of the current monarchs'. His kingdom may be gone now, but his legacy makes you royalty. If you acted like it, they wouldn't attack you so brazenly.† â€Å"I doubt they'd give up wanting to father Storm King's heir just because I started calling myself a queen or a princess.† â€Å"Oh, they'd still want you, but they would go about it differently. They'd approach you with respect. They would try to woo you. Now they only treat you with disdain. They treat you like the victim – the piece of flesh – that you have let yourself become.† I didn't really like the thought of a bunch of gentry bringing me flowers and chocolate, but I liked it better than rape. â€Å"Yeah, but joking aside, I can't just go in there and say, ‘Hey, I'm Storm King's daughter, treat me with respect.'† â€Å"Well,† he said dryly, â€Å"it would be a start. However, you will drive home your connection to him most when you stop relying on those.† He pointed at my weapons. â€Å"They make you human.† â€Å"I am human.† â€Å"You are half-human. If you want them to respect you as one of the gentry, you need to remind them of who you are. You need to draw on the power within you, on your father's legacy.† I thought about what Roland had said, about how he had purposely buried my power. Faint flickers of the vision came back to me, how I'd reached for power just before it ended. â€Å"No. I won't use gentry magic.† Volusian sighed. He pointed to the burnt mirror. â€Å"Mistress, why did you use that as a weapon?† â€Å"Because a Gray Man caught me unarmed.† â€Å"Had you been in full control of your magic, you would have needed no weapons. You could have destroyed him as soon as he crossed your threshold.† I tugged the sheet up and wrapped my arms around myself. The thought of power like that terrified me†¦and yet deep down, I saw its appeal. I didn't like being defenseless at twenty-six any more than I had at twelve. Volusian sensed this. â€Å"Your true nature knows I am right. It longs to be realized.† â€Å"If I give in to this nature, I'll become gentry.† â€Å"You'll never be fully gentry or human. That you must accept. You must simply take the best of each.† â€Å"Even if I wanted to do this† – I swallowed, still uncertain if I wanted the kind of power he was talking about – â€Å"I wouldn't know the first thing about tapping it. Roland can't teach me about gentry magic.† â€Å"Then you'll have to find a gentry teacher.† â€Å"Where will I find one who won't try to rape me first? I don't really have any friends over there.† â€Å"Don't you?† He looked at me expectantly. â€Å"You mean Dorian.† â€Å"Of all the rulers in the Otherworld right now, only he has ordered his people to leave you alone.† â€Å"Seriously? But why? He told me himself he wants to see Storm King's invasion happen.† â€Å"Most believe he gave the order simply because he wants you for himself. I, however, suspect he also probably acts out of some ridiculous sense of altruism – and his own pride. Of course, some of his people won't heed the warning, but you will find less of them attacking you than others. Like Aeson and his followers, for example.† Apparently Aeson was alive after all. I'd forgotten to ask Kiyo about that in the wake of all the other drama. â€Å"Still†¦Dorian made the attempt, huh?† I thought back to my encounter with him. Of all the gentry, he had been the one I almost felt comfortable with, which was startling, considering how odd he was. And he had helped me. â€Å"But I know he wants to have sex with me too. He didn't really make that a secret.† â€Å"Of course he does. Which is why he'll help you. He'll help you because he thinks it'll bring you to his bed. And because being close to you will impress his rivals and allies alike. They'll think you're lovers, even if you aren't. He'll like that.† You'll return to me. You won't be able to help yourself. I shivered, and Volusian continued: â€Å"You'll benefit as well. Go to him as an equal, and he will treat you as one. His attitude will go a long way to influence others.† â€Å"If I do this, I'll have come a long way from being feared by the gentry to cozying up with one for political reasons. That's quite a leap.† â€Å"Not really. Not if you consider how far you've come since your trip to Aeson's.† â€Å"That's an understatement.† I rubbed my eyes. â€Å"I don't know, Volusian. I still don't know if I'm ready to approach Dorian. I need to think about it.† â€Å"As my mistress wishes. But I would advise you to think fast. Decide before Beltane. Siding with Dorian will offer both magical and political benefits.† â€Å"Noted. Thanks for the update. And the advice.† He bowed, and I stood up to send him back. Before I did, I couldn't help messing with him. I was still naked, after all. â€Å"Hey, Volusian, you haven't been checking me out, have you?† He gave me his trademark bland stare. â€Å"I assure you, mistress, the only allure your bare flesh has for me is to remind me how easy it will be to slice open.† I laughed. If not for the fact he was actually serious, he'd be so much fun.

East of eden essays

East of eden essays Clinging together in the face of lonliness and alienation, George and Lennie desperately seek to escape their poverty, and strive to transform their chimerical dream into a reality. This heartfelt dream is what sets George and Lennie aside from the other men, yet ironically it is so easily shattered. Throughout the book Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, copious comparisons to animals are stated, signifying that their antagonistic way of life was not suitable for humans; This animal imagery helps elucidate the somewhat abstract ideals and character traits present in the text. Lennies demeanor is compared to many animals, Lennies death is compared to the death of Curlys dog, and even the end of Georges and Lennies dream is represented by a heron and the snake. To thoroughly describe Lennies bizarre disposition, Steinbeck compares him to a bear, horse, terrier, and a bull. Large and capable of violence, yet clueless and tender like a bear Lennie is totally unpredictable at times. Lennie is also similar to a bear in that his hands are huge like bear paws, and in the closing of the story he is said to Creep as silently as a bear would. Snorting into the water, Lennie reminds George of a horse. Similarly to how Lennie is compared to bear, he is said to be as strong as a bull; Lennie is also reluctant like a terrier who does not want to bring a ball to his master, but Lennie finally gives George his mouse. The brilliantly cryptic foreshadowing of Lennies death is told through the shooting of Candys dog. Candys dog is old and is not useful any more, so therefore the men in the bunk house want to dispose of him. Forcing the reluctant Candy to let them kill his dog was an arduous task, but the insistent nagging finally makes Candy capitulate his old dog to them. The dog is not only unsuspecting, but also helpless to the bullet that passes through the base of his skull k...

Mass Media's Negative Impact on American Society Essay

Mass Media's Negative Impact on American Society - Essay Example A major role in the impeachment of President Clinton was played by the media of the country as well. But today, the unconcealed public anxiety, which concerns functioning, tasks, content of the media, sounds louder. Many prominent figures of our society, as well as many ordinary people, express dissatisfaction concerning an increasingly negative impact of mass media not only on journalism itself, but on society as a whole. This primarily concerns the quality of today’s American journalism within a moral and ethical point of view. Most of the public is deeply concerned also, that the media tries to teach us morality, â€Å"passing some inherited moral norms from generation to generation†. However, the very essence of this social heritage has been vigorously debated. In spite of the fact that in very few media reports and television broadcasts morality is perceptible and obvious, hints at some or other moral values are always present, especially on TV. At the same time th e media is flooded with scenes of violence in action and horror films and cartoons even, endless shootings, crime reports, aggressive music and games that, so some extend, popularize the criminal culture. In many cases the media does not consciously want to provoke violence in society – it just covers over a weak storyline of a picture or lack of really important news with scenes of violence, which surely attract attention of common people. Such scenes have a direct impact on subconsciousness, because they influence on the feelings rather than senses. The media forms in teenagers’ heads some stable mechanism, according to which they will act in this or that reality situation (Moy and... This essay stresses that sex in mass media is not limited to explicit images of copulation or nudity; it may include any model implying sexual behavior, interest or motivation. The most alarming in the behavioral effects of viewing erotic materials is that there is a traced direct connection between it and commission of sexual assaults. There were a lot of studies conducted, which considered the ratings of such crimes as rapes, exhibitionism, sexual abuse of minors, depending on changes in availability of sexually explicit materials. This report makes a conclusion that the last decades witnessed the rapid development of new communication technologies. E-mail, Internet, digital television, have become a part of our lives, often pushing to the sidelines the traditional media. Communication ceases to be one-way, there appear elements of interactivity. The question of the influence of the media appears in a new perspective. The amount of information available to each member of society increases many times; the process of news diffusion becomes swift and varied. At the same time the content quality of mass media lives much to be desired. It’s full to the brim with violence, advertising, false ideals and tons of shallow information a normal man will never need. Everyday impact of the media on society leads to creation of stereotypes, simplification of thinking and psychological patterns, as information is presented in ready-made form with a certain emotional coloring, which leaves no space for creative conceptua lization.

DATA ANALYSIS Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

DATA ANALYSIS - Case Study Example nal Median 4 Percentile 3; 6 28 Gender 20 Nominal Mode 1 - Table 2 shows the variables whose measures were changed as there were coding errors in them. The variable name is shown together with the question number, the correct measure and the change that was made. The reason for the change is also provided. Name Question # Measure Changes Reason for change Tvprogram 4 Nominal Changed from ‘scale’ to ‘nominal’ Coding error Surfnet 7 Nominal Changed from ‘scale’ to ‘nominal’ Coding error Location 10 Ordinal Changed from ‘scale’ to ‘ordinal’ Coding error Distance 10 Ordinal Changed from ‘scale’ to ‘ordinal’ Coding error Wine 10 Ordinal Changed from ‘nominal’ to ‘ordinal’ Coding error Chef 10 Ordinal Changed from ‘scale’ to ‘ordinal’ Coding error Waitstaff 10 Ordinal Changed from ‘scale’ to ‘ordinal’ Coding er ror Unique 10 Ordinal Changed from ‘nominal’ to ‘ordinal’ Coding error Local 10 Ordinal Changed from ‘nominal’ to ‘ordinal’ Coding error Attractive 10 Ordinal Changed from ‘scale’ to ‘ordinal’ Coding error Music 10 Ordinal Changed from ‘scale’ to ‘ordinal’ Coding error Parking 10 Ordinal Changed from ‘nominal’ to ‘ordinal’ Coding error Birthyear 13 Scale (Ratio) Changed from ‘nominal’ to ‘scale’ Coding error Income 19 Ordinal Changed from ‘nominal’ to ‘ordinal’ Coding error Question 2 Gender Differences in Monthly Lunch or Dinner Spending This study examines whether male and female differ in their monthly spending on lunch or dinner at restaurants. In order to achieve this, the following hypothesis was tested using Independent-Samples T-Test: H0: There are no significant differences by gender in monthly expenditures on lunch or dinner at restaurants. H1: There are significant differences by gender in monthly expenditures on lunch or dinner at restaurants The results show that female (M = $ 169.99, SD = $ 86.79) spent more than male (M = $ 148.34, SD = $ 93.27) on lunch or dinner at restaurants monthly. The Levene’s Test for Equality of Variances was statistically significant for average monthly expenditure (p < .05). Therefore, the null hypothesis is rejected in favour of alternative hypothesis. These results support the claim by Chef Gatson that men and women are different in terms of the amount they spend, on a monthly basis, on lunch or dinner at restaurant. Therefore, female spend more than male on lunch and dinner in restaurants on a monthly basis. The study recommends that Chef Gaston should focus on having lunch and dinner packages that will attract more female clients to the restaurant. Since they spend more