Substance abuse among teens Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Substance abuse among teens - Article Example y get into substance abuse owing to peer pressure or just for the sake of pleasure, the long term consequences are extreme and thus, they must be educated on the issue which makes them direct stakeholders in the issue. Thus, both parents and their children as a family unit make an important stakeholder to the issue. For instance, if the child is indulged in the perils of substance abuse, it would be the family who will have to bear the brunt while the child is in rehab, also medical expenses would also be borne by the family. Thus, in any way, the family unit has the most stakes in the issue (Monty, Suzzane & Tracy 22-23). Similarly, the community of the teachers and instructors directly associated with these teenagers also has stakes in the issue since they will be ones looking after the well being of the community. Thus, as an institution these teachers, professors and instructors must also be directly engaged in a meaningful discussion since they understand the behavioral patterns of the issues well, which makes them stakeholders in the debate. On a macro level, the policy makers who are looking after the demand supply pattern of these drugs involved, and thus awareness over the issues is also significant for them. For instance, these policy makers have to be mindful of developing strategies over the age limit of legal availability of certain legalized drugs, similarly, of the level of taxation to be imposed on the purchase of such drugs. Thus, on a holistic level, advocates, community mobilzers, family units and other similar institutions stand to be significant stakeholders in this context. The study aims at addressing the gap in information specifically for the stakeholders identified. In other words, assessing substance abuse with a focus specifically on teenagers is the need of the time since the issue is now affecting stakeholders at a macro level. The paper will thus offer information for these stakeholders who are looking for figures and estimates in a

‘Never Let Me Go’ and ‘My Sisters Keeper’ Essay Example for Free

‘Never Let Me Go’ and ‘My Sisters Keeper’ Essay Both ‘Never Let Me Go’ by Kazuo Ishiguro and ‘My Sisters Keeper’ by Jodi Picoult explore issues that are widely discussed but rarely put into practice. For example the most famously known cloned experiment is Dolly the sheep which was in 1996 and there have been very few cases where a family have decided to create another child for the use of medical reasons, the first case of this in the UK was in 2002. Both novels focus on people or one person who have been created for the use of other people. Both of the novels are coming of age stories, in which the main characters question their identity as they grow into young adults. Anna was created for a bone marrow donor for her sister. As a young child Anna has had no control over the purpose her life, until she reaches thirteen and she starts to become aware that she is could change the situation and so finds a lawyer, and asks him for help. In Chapter One she says ‘I was born for a specific purpose. I was born because a scientist managed to hook up my mother’s eggs and my father’s sperm to create a specific combination of precious genetic material.’ In ‘Never Let Me Go’ Kathy along with many others is a clone that was created as an organ donor for the use of other people or ‘originals’ as they are referred to in the novel. Kathy struggles to understand her true place in the world. Like Anna, Kathy also questioned her identity and has been confused and frustrated about who she really is. There are several points throughout the novel where Kathy looks through magazines to try and find her original. She continues to question her past and her childhood and as she explores her history, readers are able to have a clear understanding of who Kathy is and why she has found it difficult to discover an identity. The Authors explore the moral question of how scientific and medical advances are able to benefit other people. This a present day issue which may challenge the readers views on alternative solutions to medical issues and their views on the value of human life and the importance of identity. At the start of ‘My Sisters Keeper’ Anna’s prologue sets the tone of the novel. She says ‘In my first memory, I am three years old and I am trying to kill my sister.’ This may provide the readers with a subtle hint of what is going to happen. It reveals her honesty even at such a young age with her desire to have her own identity. This continues with ‘As we got older, I didn’t seem to exist, except in relation to her.’ However in ‘Never Let Me Go’ the readers are instantly introduced into Kathy’s. She talks about working and so the readers believe she has a job as a career for people who are donors, yet they don’t know that she is also a donor so the readers will perceive her as a normal person. Also within the first chapter of ‘Never Let Me Go’ Kathy talks about herself, Tommy and Ruth who are her closest friends throughout the book. Ishiguro introduces the characters with strong personalities, as is shown through Tommy’s expressive release of his anger, ‘He began to scream and shout’ and ‘he was raving, flinging his limbs about, at the sky, at the wind’. Kathy and Ruth are also seen as average children with their laughing, talking and sniggering. For the readers the characters are automatically seem as normal children.

Cellular Reproduction Essay -- Biology

Cellular Reproduction Cellular Reproduction is the process by which all living things produce new organisms similar or identical to themselves. This is essential in that if a species were not able to reproduce, that species would quickly become extinct. Always, reproduction consists of a basic pattern: the conversion by a parent organism of raw materials into offspring or cells that will later develop into offspring. (Encarta, 2) In almost all animal organisms, reproduction occurs during or after the period of maximum growth. (Fichter, 16). But in Plants, which continue to grow through out their lifetime, therefore making the process more complex. Plants' reproduction is usually caused by a stimulant, mostly environmental or growth factors. The reproductive process, whether asexual or sexual always involves an exchange in hereditary material from the parent(s) so that the new organism may also be able to reproduce. Reproductive processes can be categorized in many diffrent ways although the most common is to put them into either asexual reproduction or sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction is the process by which a single organism gives rise to two or more daughter cells. Most single celled organisms reproduce by the asexual process known as fission, which is commonly called mitosis. Fission (or Mitosis) is the division of one cell into two identical daughter cells. Interphase, the first phase of the cell cycle and also the phase before mitosis, starts as soon as the cell is born. Interphase is broken up into three phases, G1, S, and G2. During the G1 phase, the cell increases in mass except for the chromosomes, which stay the same, uncoiled. Protein synthesis is also occurring rapidly in this phase. If a cell doesn't divide further, it remains permanently in the G1 phase. Next is the S phase, in which the mass of the cell continues to increase, and DNA is duplicated, and then the chromosomes divide to form identical sister chromatids attached by a centromere. (Harold, 45). During the G2 phase of Interphase, the cell becomes double its mass at birth, the chromosomes begin to shorten and coil, and the centrioles appear, the cell is now ready to enter into mitosis. In the first and longest phase of mitosis, prophase, the chromosomes become visible and the centrioles split in half and then move to opposite sides of th... ...on’t seperate correctly. This is called nondisjunction. There are three types of nondisjunction, Trisomy- when a gamete with an extra chromosome is fertiized with a normal gamete. Monosomy- when a gamete with one chromosome is missing and is then fertilized by normal gamete. And Trioloidy- where both zygotes have an extra chromosome. Reproduction is as essential to a species as food, water, or shelter. If a species cannot reproduce anymore, that species will eventually become extinct. There are many means of reproduction but primarily only two: asexual and sexual. In asexual reproduction, One organism gives a part or its whole self, in order to give rise to two or more new organisms. During sexual reproduction, two parents each form sex cells, which unite, and eventually form a new individual. Works cited Biggs, Alton & others. Biology: The Dynamics of Life. Glencoe McGraw-Hill.: New York, NY, 2000 Encarta Encyclopedia. CD-ROM. 1998 Fichter, Sheila. Reproduction. Universal Press: Columbus, OH, 1994 Harold, Christopher. Cells: A Guided Tour. Simon and Schuster: New York, NY, 1987 O’Neil, Franklin. Cells. McMeel Publishing, Inc.: Atlanta, GA, 1990

It’s the End of the World as We Know it Essay

In the last century the world has been predicted to end 9 times. These dates include: 1910, 1914, 1936, 1982, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2011, and of course 2012. Signs that â€Å"the end is near† are everywhere! They can be seen in the hundreds of doomsday websites, shows on The History Channel, and the ever so credible Hollywood film â€Å"2012†. Aside from the media influence, there are also â€Å"historical† and â€Å"scientific† theories that support the end of the world, none of which are very credible. The theories of 2012olgy and the end of the world include predictions from the Maya calendar, solar flares, Planet X, polar shift, and galactic alignment. Thousands of years ago (AD 250) the Maya culture was very advanced for their time. They had a fully developed spoken and written language, advancements in architecture, art, and mathematical and astronomical systems. What they are commonly known for, however, is their calendar. A common misconception about the calendar is that it is similar to the calendar used today, which is not the case. Time in our culture is linear, here today gone tomorrow. In Maya culture, periods of time would be repeated through world ages. The current world age cycle that we are in is the Long Count, which is 5125 years long. This age cycle is ending on December 21, 2012 but that does NOT mean the end of the world. They never predicted a doomsday, but rather the birth of a new era. â€Å"They see it as a great turning point. Not the end of the world, not a great off-switch in the sky, but the birth of the Fifth Age.† (John Jenkins, 2012 Story) The Maya believed that this would be a time of change and that the world would go through the â€Å"melinium of gold† ( Daniel Pinchbeck, 2012 The Return of Quetzalcoatl). The idea of 2012 being the end of the world was actually first suggested in 1987 by New Age religionist Jose Arguelles in his book The Mayan Factor: Path Beyond Technology. (DEFINE NEW AGE) The next theory is solar flares. A solar flare is a flare of heat that comes from the sun and can cause anything from power outages to the Aura Borilis (Northern Lights). In the movie 2012, this is what starts out the cautstrophic events that take place. Solar flares are very common and every 11 years the sun reaches its Solar Maximum. This means that that the solar flares reach their highest rate at this point. This has happened through out history and will continue to happen in the future, whether the world is planned to end or not. According to NASA, â€Å"The Solar Storms are not planned to occur in 2013, not 2012 and the flares will be much less significant than the ones seen in previous years. † (David Morrison, NASA, 2010). The most absurd prediction in 2012ology is Planet X. Planet X is an invisible planet 4 times the size of Earth that will come crashing toward us on December 21, 2012 although astronomers have yet to find it (most likely because it’s invisible). This â€Å"planet† will then knock Earth off its axis, out of orbit, and into space forever to be lost. Donald Yeomans of NASA in the Near-Earth Object Program said, â€Å"There’s no Planet X and nothing is hurdling towards us.† NASA is very against the 2012 phenomon, they have had press confersions on the topic and have even dedicated a tab on their webpage for it. On December 21st the Earth will be in exact allignment with the Sun in the center of the Milkyway Galaxy. This is austonishing! This is extrodinary! This†¦ happens every year. From the years preceding 2012 to the years to come, the Earth and the Sun will always align in the middle of the galaxy and 2012 is nothing special. There will be no planetary alignment as seen in the movie 2012, the last one occured in (INSERT YEAR HERE) and will not happen again until (INSERT YEAR HERE). (David Morrison, NASA) Some 2012olist believe that because the Earth will be in the center of the galaxy that this will cause the rotation to be off balanced. Aside from the allignment happening every year, even if this once in a melinuim ordel it still would not affect the rotation of the Earth. The only things that affect the Earth’s rotation are the Sun and the Moon. Another scarnio about how the world will end is by polar shifting. It has been scientifically proven that the poles have switched in the past, millions of years ago. David Morrison from NASA said, â€Å"There is no reason for the poles to switch and there would be no harm anyways, 2012 is a hoax,†. Donald Yeomans, also with NASA, said, â€Å"Polar reversal takes place roughly every 400,000 years and the process itself takes decades.† There is nothing to worry about, the world is safe. According to Neil de Grasse Tyson of NASA, â€Å"Earth will be here before, during, and after 2012.† This is just another doomsday date publized by the media and unqualified scientist and historians based on little to wrong eveidence. The Mayan calenders claim that there will be a time of change, not the end of the world. Solar storms are common with the Sun and activity picks up every 11 years, so this will not be a problem until 2013 anyways. The idea of a giant invisible Planet X that is going to crash into the Earth and send it hurdling off into space without proof is nonsense. Donald Yeomans said, â€Å"Extrodinary claims require extrodinary evidance.† and there is none in requards to Planet X. The allignment with the Sun in the center of the galaxy happens every year, although interesting, has no affect on the world or its rotation. And finally, the polar shift will not happen again for thousands of years and even when it does it will be slow and gradual. It is not the end of the world as we know it after all because the Maya Calenders, solar storms, Planet X, Sun allignment, and polar shift will not cause the world to end on December 21, 2012.

Is social media eroding our sense of ommunity

The claim â€Å"social media is eroding our sense of community' is as complex and ambiguous as the term community itself, in both its understanding of the notion and its fluidity as a concept. Social media has the both the potential to perpetuate the erosion of our sense of community, and equally to influence and extend a less secular sense of community. The local and traditional sense of community is diminishing through our ever-increasing interaction with social media that now shapes how we now interact and communicate with others – but has it forever changed the traditional sense of ‘help thy neighbor?Logic suggests that, in this context, to erode is not solely to diminish but rather to change. With the proliferation of positive social movements, community engagement tools and online access to education, social media also gives us scope to increase the sphere of our influence. It would be dogmatic to state that social media does not have the capacity to provide a pos itive and more global context to our sense and understanding of community. While this concept is changing; social media is simply a symptom of this, not the cause.There is the potential for it to perpetuate the short-comings of a more isolated ND globalizes society but it also has the power to enhance our connectedness and ignite a better understanding of humanity and equality. Which way it goes will be determined by how we, as a society, use it. Community is a fluid, every changing concept that has a perpetual relationship with society and its values as a whole. As society changes, so the concept of community is also changing.In an ever turning world, society evolves through changing values and views that flow through into how we interact and are influenced by norms and ideas (Turner B S (deed) 2011: 83). For the repose of this paper one finds it imperative, not only to define a traditional place centered definition of community, but also to consider how this definition has evolved to now be centered around the meaning that human beings have inter-twined with community rather than simply the functional structure of community.The debate about the balance between individual interest and the common good for all is well documented in literature about community through the ages. Before the sass's social theorists such as Mercer (1956) and others discussed the concept of a community as group of citizens residing in a region or location, for a particular era and who share a common set of social structures and cultural behaviors. Neal, (1981) went further and described the concept as those attributes combined that ‘show an awareness of their uniqueness and separate identity as a group' (Neal, S.Deed. 1981 : 27). Perhaps with changes in glance of autonomy and the collective in modern society, more importance is moving toward that of the individual. Recognition of these tensions by scholars has, in part, led to the discourse on community studies that encompasses ore than a functionalist or formalist concept of community as a physical locality. Like any other social construct, community has a symbolic dimension as well (Cohen 1985: 8). For the purposes of describing and examining social media as online communities this distinction is of paramount importance.Western culture, which is mainly seen as individualist (Vaughan G & Hog M 2010: 320), recognizes a concept of community that is the sum of more than its social function or formalist nature. The environment, the terrain, the industry of a community all define or frame the notion of a community. The human element imparts the meaning to our communities. Cohen (1985) outlines that a constructional view of community ‘is symbolically constructed as a conglomerate of normative codes and values that provide members with a sense of identity (Cohen, 1985 p 8).This definition emphasizes meaning over structure and highlights that the underpinning constant in our idea of community is the meaning both individuals and society in general perceive it to be – and not its physical state. As Cohen (1985) states it is ‘not whether it's structural limits have withstood the onslaught of social change, but whether its members are able to infuse TTS culture with validity and to construct a symbolic community which provides meaning and identity (Cohen, 1985: 9)'.Community as a concept is determined by the perspective of society and its culture at a certain point on the time and space continuum. Community like love is where you find it, and most importantly, it has many forms, one Just as vital the last or the next, erosion is inept in describing it's continuously changing and manifold nature. Traditional communities have always evolved through cycles of development as new technologies and services that have been introduced.The arrival of electricity, the railways and the telephone have all impacted on the way we perceive community and the way we as individuals interact wit hin it. It is interesting to note that studies on community and social change, particularly those articulated by Ferdinand Townies (1887) and George Simmer (1887), during the height of European modernity, outlined that while an understanding of community was still mainly bound in locale they also commented on the degree to which the forms of the 19th century social existence reflected those changing notions of the value of the collective social experience'.At the time communities become more connected and urban, peasant societies were declining and city life was seen as exemplifying the decay of oral culture, traditional morality and family ties but not necessarily as causing it Cones, S. Deed. 1999: 277). Social media as both a by-product of and an accelerator of social change must logically be seen as more than eroding our sense of community but rather changing with it and helping it to evolve.In western culture, a more individualist and autonomous drive is emerging and social med ia is perpetuating this drive. Whether this change in itself is erosion is to be left o the philosophers and ethicists of the social sciences to debate, the facts are that with change comes some sort of diminishing of some factors but not without the enhancement or even creation of others. In the modern age, the necessity for physical involvement with those geographically close to you is clearly diminished.An evolutionary process where the space and distance between those you converse with and interact with socially has decreased, especially in the 21st century where demands on an individual's time have increased with seemingly less and less time that isn't occupied by work or ‘life maintenance'. This has led to a tension between lost opportunities for face-to-face communication and the ever broadening horizons accessible through social media.Clearly one can see this has the potential to challenge society's views about the impact of social media on our traditional understandin g of community. It is likely that Sociologist will seek to measure the ways it could change our construct of community rather than examining how it has changed our notions in the hopes of minimizing the negative impacts of how we are using social media (Keen, A. 2012: 99) Furthermore it has been evidenced that it is wrought face to face interacting that we learn how to treat others, read others and interact peacefully with others, particularly as children. Vaughan G & Hog M 2010: 333-334) Any decline in face-to-face communication and interaction will mean there is a risk that a general lack of empathy and understanding will evolve in western society, but only if our culture continues to have a secular rather than a global push. (Christensen & Elevation, 2001: 477) Also maintaining some level of face to face interaction and learning, especially in young children could mitigate the risk of such an outcome.In addition pursuing an understanding and interaction with differing others, a s trong and aslant ideal within our culture, while still giving prevalence to our face to face interaction will have a balanced outcome on society. The amplification of the scope of our interaction is possibly the most amazing element of change that social media has exemplified and perpetuated. Through our ability to connect globally in real time, we now have not only a greater scope of influence and access to information and education but also increased connection with boundless numbers of individuals in similar circumstances (CГartГrescue, L. 10). Clearly these are all huge enhancements to our sense of community, not only does it enhance our connectedness with others it also enhances the potential for direct action by citizens – either for political reasons or to marshal support for local and international issues of importance – environmental, human rights and economic development. Recent movements such as the world wide action to stop the destruction of palm o il forests in Malaysia, that were organized through online channels (anon, 2010), or the use of mobile phones to stream videos of violence against citizens in the uprising of theArab Spring show the power of modern communications in a connected world. (Fuchs C. 2012: 109) These causes have achieved increased international reach and therefore greater support through social media. Moreover, traditional locale oriented communities were somewhat limited in their capacity for inclusion of every individual, because it implied uniformity of a citizen – the values and behaviors expected by the majority marginal's the lives of those who were, or felt, different. People were ostracizes and made to feel less worthy or deviant if they didn't meet the communities ‘expectations'.Christensen, K. & Elevation, D. 2001: 41 5) Communities online allow for freedom of the individual, particularly giving power for those that don't fit the standard model in their current locale to connect wit h like- minded people across the globe, in a way that encourages variety and allows creativity to flourish and people to access ideas and norms from many, varied societies. Access to so much has been amplified through our increased connectedness that has emerged through social media, from access to other individuals and their ideas to more varied social groupings and formal education.Greater access to information, education and ideas increases the opportunity for many and it is through this lens that it can be seen that social media has the ability to enhance social equality. Individuals no longer need to be so isolated – there are kindred spirits actively seeking connection through social media channels -feelings of helplessness or futility in trying to fit or change the way things are can be moderated and sometimes eliminated. Social media channels open up the possibility of free and uncensored discussion about thoughts and feelings. Social Edie can also enable new alliance s and support networks to emerge and flourish.We don't have to feel helpless about how to change things any more, now we can share our feelings and thoughts on any subject, freely and openly. Our capacity to connect to like-mind others, especially as counter to those who would suppress the truth, and provide a voice citizens to speak the truth openly and marshal support for difference – in thinking and believing is enormous (anon, 2010). The pressing questions for current researchers in the social sciences will include how to further remote the enhancement of connectedness and sharing of ideas and views while still maintaining a level of face to face communication and learning.Western society must embrace social media as a way to enhance a changed sense of community – both its values and the styles of community involvement – getting left behind is the only sure fire way to segregate, as opposed to mesh these two forms of community(Froth, M. Deed. 2011: 304). Wes tern societies sense of community has changed this is undeniable, it has not however simply eroded nor has social media been the instigator or catalyst of this. It has contributed to both the disintegration of he traditional, locale orientated and quite secular communities and the enhancement of a more global and connected community.It has in its own way extended current communities and given access to arrange of empowering tools for the individual and the group, it has the ability to broaden the horizons for all with access to it and to enforce empathy and equality. But only if we as intelligent, complex and power wielding human beings integrate and impart meaning and importance on both our locale and online communities. While embracing its empowering ability we must be aware of its complexity and effect on traditional incepts and learning.We have the power to use social media for good and not for evil.

Trouble River Essays - Clay County, Iowa, Dewey Readmore Books

Trouble River Essays - Clay County, Iowa, Dewey Readmore Books Trouble River Trouble River Author: Betsy Byars It was a cool summer evening, and Dewey's grandmother sat in her rocking chair on the porch. She was thinking to herself its getting dark I better call that boy in. So she got up form her chair and called Deweeee Deweeee. There was no answer so she decided to go get him herself. She walked down to the woods edge and called for him once again. Dewey answered, then Dewey and his dog came running back up the hill. Then together then they walked back to the house. When in the house Dewey's grandmother asked him what he was doing down there in the woods. He reluctantly told her he was building a raft cause he knew she would disagree with him doing that. That night Dewey was planning on sneaking out to work on his raft. So later that night he walked over to the door pulled up the bar, and went out to the river. From the river he had a clear view of the house. While down at the river he kept making sure he was keeping an eye on the door, since it wasn't barred shut. Then after a little time passed Dewey noticed there was a man slowly creeping up to the house. Dewey could see it was an Indian. So Dewey and his dog ran up the hill, and tried to creep up to the house. When the Indian was about to open the door, Dewey knew he couldn't let the Indian get inside. So Dewey and his dog went running up to the house. Dewey's dog bit the Indian and hung on to his skin the Indian shook him wildly till he fell off. The Indian whacked the dog on the back of his leg with his hatchet then the Indian ran away. Dewey ran inside and got his grandmother telling her that he had seen an Indian. She said there is never just one Indian there is always a group. She said they were gonna die if they didn't get out of there. So Dewey said I have an idea instead of staying here and getting scalped lets go down to the river and ride my raft down river. We can get out at the Dargans house then we can wait there and meet up with his ma and pa before they come back from the city. She was very hesitant but she finally agreed they got all their important possessions and set out for the river. When she got to the bank she was surprised how small the boat was. So they got aboard and Dewey started paddeling away from the bank. They both knew it would be a long time till they got to the Dargans place so they sat down and started on their way. The next day in the late afternoon they decided to stop and get off the raft to take a rest. So Dewey pushed the raft to the side till they struck bottom. Then they got out and put a blanket down where they sat and ate a meal of cornmeal and water. After a long nap, they got up and were ready to board the boat when they heard a wolf coming form the brush. It wasn't just one it was a pack. So Dewey picked up the gun fired one shot then ran to the boat. Once they were both on the boat they started back on their trip. Then the next morning they saw the Dargans chimney standing high on the hill. After pulling themselves to shore Dewey ran up to the house but when he got there, there was nothing but a pile of ashes. The house had been burned to the ground all that was left was the stone fireplace. So Dewey ran back to the raft and told his grandmother that the Indians had already gotten to them and burned down the house. So they decided to ride the rest of the river out to Hunter City. The next morning Dewey awoke and heard a strange noise his grandmother heard it to. They both knew there was a bunch of rapids upahead. Then once they hit the turn they

RFK Rhetoric Essay

RFK Rhetoric Essay Taylor NobleLitwin-32/14/14RFK EssayReverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) played an active role in the civil rights movement until he was tragically shot and killed on April 4th, 1968. On his way to Indianapolis, presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy (RFK) heard the news and had to deliver it to the audience without having them riot. Robert Kennedy's speech effectively persuaded his audience to act peacefully by specifying what happened to MLK, what MLK would not have wanted for his country, and what he and MLK wanted for the future of the country.The opening address about the death of Martin Luther King allows RFK to receive his audience's attention and keep them calm. In the beginning of his speech RFK states, "Ladies and GentlemenMartin Luther King was shot and was killed tonight in Memphis Tennessee." The attention-grabbing sentence reveals what happens and brings an outburst of shocks to the crowd.Later RFK goes on to praise Martin Luther King and how, "[He] dedicated his life to love and to justice between fellow human beings." RFK's praise of Martin Luther King allows the audience to reminisce and think about the good things MLK did for the country as well as the cause of efforts he died for. This helps calm the crowd down.Kennedy's reveals Martin Luther King's attitude towards violence, ethnic hatred, and the future of the United States and what he would not have wanted. RFK repeatedly uses the word "can" to show the choices he is offering to the country. He says, "You can be filled with bitterness, and with hatred, and a desire for revenge." This shows that the audience gets a choice on what they can do about violence, one being positive and one being negative. He then leaves a negative consequence...

Avenge vs. Revenge

Avenge vs. Revenge â€Å"Avenge† vs. â€Å"Revenge† â€Å"Avenge† vs. â€Å"Revenge† By Mark Nichol What’s the difference between avenge and revenge? They can be used interchangeably as verbs, though avenge is more common and revenge is used more often as a noun. Both avenge and revenge, which share the Anglo-French root venger, meaning â€Å"to avenge† (ultimately from Latin vindicare, whence also vindicate and vindication), mean â€Å"to take vengeance, to retaliate for a wrong.† (The former is slightly more exalted in tone than the latter, implying righteous retribution rather than mere payback.) Unlike revenge, however, avenge is not used in noun form to mean â€Å"vengeance, retaliation.† In addition, one who avenges is an avenger, but there is no parallel form based on revenge. Venge, an obsolete variant, is the basis of the noun vengeance, which has a literal meaning nearly synonymous with revenge (as with avenge and the verb revenge, vengeance has a more elevated connotation than the noun revenge), but in the idiomatic phrase â€Å"with a vengeance,† it means â€Å"excessively† or â€Å"vehemently.† The adjective vengeful (and the adverb vengefully and the noun vengefulness, meaning â€Å"the quality of feeling vengeful†) also stems from the archaic form. One can also be said to be revengeful, and to act revengefully or to feel revengefulness, but these are needless variants of the simpler forms described above. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Wether, Weather, Whether"Replacement for" and "replacement of"Neither... or?

POSNER TERMS 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

POSNER TERMS 2 - Essay Example For example, such teachings reduce the element of disruptive behaviors in students. Moreover, societal goals also help in creating a peaceful environment in schools by teaching students the way to become a productive part of society. My personal experience of studying social elements in curriculum has had a very dynamic influence on my overall personality. For example, they helped me live in society in a constructive manner. Similarly, they helped me learn the norms and values of living in a society. 2. Administrative Goal Administrative goals refer to the concept of maintaining and improving the administrative approach of organizations. These goals include compensation and management of teachers, implementation of employee safety programs, scheduling of buses, maintenance of buildings, ensuring maximum student and teacher attendance, and all such matters. The role of administrative goals in education is also very positive as they make students aware of the importance of managing thi ngs properly. Of course, students have to become administrators and leaders at homes and at work at some time in future, so they should have some knowledge regarding management of tasks in an effective manner. My personal experience regarding study of administrative goals in education is also very good. ... talk about the cognitive domain with regard to Bloom’s Taxonomy, we can say that it is an important element of success for a student because it directly deals with the writing objectives. It helps students gain knowledge and apply it in different circumstances of life. It also helps students in analyzing things from different perspectives, as well as in evaluating decisions based on surrounding elements. The role of bloom’s taxonomy in education is very influential as it promotes the process of thinking in education which is a key part of writing objectives. It focuses on evaluating and analyzing things, rather than just keeping the facts in mind. My personal experience regarding applicability of bloom’s taxonomy to writing objectives is very positive. For example, I learned the way to put my thoughts on paper after complete analysis and evaluation of thoughts. 4. Cognitive Domain Cognitive domain reflects the intellectual abilities of a person. They deal with th inking, remembering, and putting practice the learned concepts based on personal judgment and knowledge. This domain includes recognition of facts, understanding of procedural patterns, and development of intellectual skills. The role of cognitive domain in education is very influential because it deals learning and applying which arte two of the most critical elements of education. This domain improves the ability of students to learn, recall, and rationalize things. My personal experience is that cognitive domain helps in achieving success in educational, as well as in personal life. This domain helps me in reasoning and justifying the value of ideas based on surrounding circumstances. Similarly, this domain also helps me in troubleshooting, as well as in recognizing realistic facts in reasoning.

Careers Service In The New Quasi-Market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Careers Service In The New Quasi-Market - Essay Example Within this context, the growth of the new Connexions Service is seriously examined. It is argued that it contains basic design flaws, from which a number of troubles have stemmed. It is concluded that while career direction has an imperative involvement to make in strategies to address communal exclusion, this ought to be secondary to its role in supporting individual sequence and growth inside the societal structures to which addition is being sought (Watts, A.G. 1981, 24-35). This study highlights the models of career management practice for adolescent people in the UK have been built on a partnership among, on the one hand, stipulation made within schools and colleges, and on the other, the exterior role provided by the Careers Service, now the Connexions Service. Lots of countries have had only one of these forms of stipulation. We have had the merits of both, by the characteristic advantages that every of them brings. Furthermore, this study challenge in the UK is to build on this model, to expand a authentically all-age career management service. This is not going backwards: it is driving towards a up-to-the-minute future, building on all that we have achieved. No doubt, In Scotland and Wales, this is what they are doing. In England, we were perched to do so too. In the OECD Career management policy assessment, the UK emerged as one of the world-leaders. But in England, we are at danger of conceding this position by throwing away one of the interior strengths of our system. And we are doing it so not by plan, but by default (Roberts, K. 1971). The enterprise model is still in process. But it has been considerably eroded. Now, with the long-delayed publication of the adolescence Matters Green Paper and the End to End Review of Careers learning and management, it is gravely at risk. From a career guidance viewpoint, the key features of the Green Paper are eight-fold: - Career management is subsumed inside a general concept of 'information, suggestion and direction' (IAG), which covers choices relating not only to learning and work but also to spare time, health, dealings, smoking, alcohol and drugs. - A clear difference is drawn among 'universal IAG' and 'targeted support'. - The main liability for 'universal IAG' is allocated, via local authorities, to schools and colleges, in teamwork through children's trusts. - There is support for schools and colleges to agree limited arrangements on a joint basis; but they will reserve the right to make their own preparations, subject to meeting excellence standards (Andrews, D. 2000). - Moreover, schools/colleges and children's trusts can, if they wish, pay money for in services from Connexions or further providers. - Connexions are efficiently to vanish as a national service, although a few local services will remain, and local authorities are confident to hold the Connexions brand. - Consideration is to be specified to new arrangements for

The practices of Human Resource Management in the organization Research Paper

The practices of Human Resource Management in the organization - Research Paper Example Methods of study For this study, the HR department was explored in detail in terms of understanding its core activities, practices and its position in overall organizational setup. This was done through personal interviews conducted with HR personnel as well as managers in other departments like finance, technology, operations and facilities. These questions were aimed at understanding the goals and objectives of HR team and their relationship with organizational objectives. In a top-down approach the general information related to HR function was gathered in a manner that paved way to put forth questions to assess the effectiveness of these practices as well as the HR function. Interviews: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with managers from core departments within the organization, which included the HR, technology, operations, facilities and finance teams. These interviews were semi-structured to allow further inquiry based on the responses from managers, which was extremely helpful to obtain individual insight and experiences related to contribution and involvement of HR personnel Questionnaire: Based on the responses from the interviews, a small questionnaire was prepared to assess the effectiveness of HR practices and their impact on overall employee wellbeing and progress. The questionnaires were graded on Likert scale, in which respondents graded their experience on a scale from 1 to 5. The responses to these questions will help in eliciting objective as well as subjective information that will highlight overall performance and effectiveness of HR function. 3. Findings: Findings from both interviews and questionnaires were interpreted in terms of basic HR functions. i). Acquisition: Interview with the HR manager highlighted the role of HR in... From this research it is clear that the human resource management plays a significant role in sustaining organizational performance through acquisition, motivation, maintenance and development of human resources of the organization. These goals are accomplished through specific policies, procedures and practices framed by the HR function. In order to successfully accomplish these goals, the HR function has to be actively involved in strategic planning processes with all other departments, as well as oversee implementation of these policies and procedures. For this, it is important that HR personnel work closely with other departments/functions at the ground level in order to assess the effectiveness of HR-related strategies and identify the issues and gaps. Based on the study conducted in the IT firm explained in present context, HR department plays similar role at strategic level; however, its involvement has to be intensified at implementation level by partnering with each departme nt. The HR department’s role has to be extended from strategic planning level to implementation process in order to accomplish organizational goals with respect to human resources, such as improved employee motivation, commitment, morale and continuous learning and developmental opportunities. Though the HR is already involved in accomplishing these goals, its practices have to be modified to achieve better and long-lasting outcomes related to these goals.

How can Human Rerources Make a Strategic Contribution to Organisations Essay

How can Human Rerources Make a Strategic Contribution to Organisations in a Time of Economic Recession - Essay Example It is further observed that loss of business of the star category premium hotels led to the final closure of many such large groups in and across the European continent. The reduction in transactions pertaining to the premium category hotels leads to the closure of many such units thereby rendering a large amount of impact on the human resources employed in such sectors. The hotels in order to counter the economic impacts of the global recession also amounted to rendering large amount of job cuts thereby complicating the situation (Jones, 2009, p.364-366). In the light of the above situation the paper proceeds to understand the managerial implications of the hotel companies to help sustain their position in the fluctuating market and also to effectively retain the human resources employed in the concern. ... In this Dent suggests that Managers herein are required to play a key role in making the employees understand the benefits and the implications involved in regards to incorporation of changes in the business policy and technological paradigm. Effective feedback must be gained from the people working in various levels and departments in regards to the incorporation of new policies and technological methods to reduce the climate of obstruction in the organisation (Dent and Goldberg, 1999, p.39). Again, Ford, Ford and D’Amelio in their article states that the existence of resistance in regards to the incorporation of a new business philosophy must not always be taken as a mode of obstruction. Rather people turn out to be resistant to changes when they feel that changes demanded by the managers are not legitimate enough or would prove detrimental to the interests of the working class. Thus managers need to pay heed to the needs and interests of the people before deciding on to imp lement the change process. Again in that the demands of the people resisting organisational change must not always be taken as irrational in nature. Rather the interests of the people taken into consideration would help in the formation of counter arguments resulting in more effective policy making. The process of resistance invites the development of thought process in regards to the organisational managers to help in formulating more dynamic and scientific business policies and methods for the concern. Thus the people rendering resistance need to be taken as agents in the change bearing process and not as potential obstructers. In this light, Elrod II and Tippett in their

Economic Development Project (EDP) Research Paper

Economic Development Project (EDP) - Research Paper Example Due to lack of a single definition of economic development that incorporates all its aspects, it is basically defined in terms of its objectives. As a process, it is understood as an influence on growth with the aim of enhancing the community’s economic good (Ezeala-Harrison, 1996) . Development in the economy incorporates three major areas in any community or country namely; policies that the government undertakes to meet the economy objectives which may include inflation control, employment and having sustainable growth. It also includes programs and policies that are put in place to offer services such as building roads, recreational facilities and provision of medical facilities to the disadvantaged groups in the society. It also takes into account policies and programs that are directed towards improving the business community climate through the right efforts of finance, marketing, business retention, technology transfer and real estate development (Nafziger, 2006). Addi tionally, economic development is often associated with a number of measures which include: an increase in real GNP is an important measure as it indicates the growth development of a country and may be achieved through rapid industrialization. Increase in real per capita income is also an important measure of and usually is indicated by improved standards of living in a particular country. A rise in the general well being of citizens in a particular country is also an important measure of economic development. An increase in the well being of people in normally reflected through an increase in production and consumption of goods and services. Other diverse indicators of economic development in a particular economy may include :increase in income from agricultural activities ,increase in per capital consumption of energy ,increased degree of urbanization and population levels and infant mortality that are not too high (Arndt, 2009). Generally, the main goal of economic development i s therefore the improvement of the economic well being of a community through efforts by the government that maximize on job creation and job retention, taxation structures that favor the quality of life and government incentives to support marginalized groups in the society. Additionally, communities differ in terms of their geographic and the political strengths and weakness thus posing a major difference in their economic development. Each country therefore has a different level of economic development policies, level of economic development and the strengths and weaknesses. In this project I will look at the economic development in Eritrea and Guyana which are develpimg economies (Galbraith, 2004). Relevant characteristics It is an Eastern African country which lies on the Red Sea coastline. Eritrea is bordered by Sudan in West, Ethiopia in South and Djibouti on its South East. Eritrea as a country shares maritime borders with Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The Asmara city is found in the North Western side of the Eritrea highlands. Other major cities are Assab, Kerren, Massawa, Afabet, Tessenie, Mendefera , dekemahre and Barentu. Eritrea has a population of six million persons consisting of Tigrinya -55%, Tigre -30% with the remaining being composed of small ethnic groups. Its Afro-Asiatic population is also divided in

How can Human Rerources Make a Strategic Contribution to Organisations Essay

How can Human Rerources Make a Strategic Contribution to Organisations in a Time of Economic Recession - Essay Example It is further observed that loss of business of the star category premium hotels led to the final closure of many such large groups in and across the European continent. The reduction in transactions pertaining to the premium category hotels leads to the closure of many such units thereby rendering a large amount of impact on the human resources employed in such sectors. The hotels in order to counter the economic impacts of the global recession also amounted to rendering large amount of job cuts thereby complicating the situation (Jones, 2009, p.364-366). In the light of the above situation the paper proceeds to understand the managerial implications of the hotel companies to help sustain their position in the fluctuating market and also to effectively retain the human resources employed in the concern. ... In this Dent suggests that Managers herein are required to play a key role in making the employees understand the benefits and the implications involved in regards to incorporation of changes in the business policy and technological paradigm. Effective feedback must be gained from the people working in various levels and departments in regards to the incorporation of new policies and technological methods to reduce the climate of obstruction in the organisation (Dent and Goldberg, 1999, p.39). Again, Ford, Ford and D’Amelio in their article states that the existence of resistance in regards to the incorporation of a new business philosophy must not always be taken as a mode of obstruction. Rather people turn out to be resistant to changes when they feel that changes demanded by the managers are not legitimate enough or would prove detrimental to the interests of the working class. Thus managers need to pay heed to the needs and interests of the people before deciding on to imp lement the change process. Again in that the demands of the people resisting organisational change must not always be taken as irrational in nature. Rather the interests of the people taken into consideration would help in the formation of counter arguments resulting in more effective policy making. The process of resistance invites the development of thought process in regards to the organisational managers to help in formulating more dynamic and scientific business policies and methods for the concern. Thus the people rendering resistance need to be taken as agents in the change bearing process and not as potential obstructers. In this light, Elrod II and Tippett in their

Management of Selling Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Management of Selling - Case Study Example These measures would be particularly helpful because it would gain the co-operation of the sales force during the investigation process, which would provide more satisfactory results. Oldroyd would require the following information: An insight of the highly dissatisfied A and B accounts who are about to move out from the customer list. This would help Oldroyd to know the problems of the company in detail and its product acceptance in the market. By accompanying the sales force to gather this information will not only ensure their co-operation but they would also feel that their boss is by their side in difficult times. Oldroyd will gain confidence of his sales force in this way. The salesmen are sure that the salary would keep on increasing even if they make minimal effort in getting fresh orders as they have spent a number of years with the company which is well above the average duration of stay for sales people in the industry. Hence there is no pressure on the sales force as job security is high. There is no scheme of incentive for those who get the highest number of orders or for those who over perform. There is also no system of cutting some amount of money from the salary due to underperformance. So each month the salary of the sales force is guaranteed even if they under perform. ... The inner feelings of each salesman and their complaints if any. 2. There are many disadvantages in the way the sales force is currently organised. They are as follows: It is difficult to properly monitor the sales force The salesmen are sure that the salary would keep on increasing even if they make minimal effort in getting fresh orders as they have spent a number of years with the company which is well above the average duration of stay for sales people in the industry. Hence there is no pressure on the sales force as job security is high. Sale in the company is due to 10 years of brand reputation in the market and not due to any effort by the sales force. There is no scheme of incentive for those who get the highest number of orders or for those who over perform. There is also no system of cutting some amount of money from the salary due to underperformance. So each month the salary of the sales force is guaranteed even if they under perform. Hence each of them is assured of his own personal income and do not bother about the company's overall growth. Since there is no incentive scheme, in the words of Dive (2005, p. 13) there is "slow reaction to customers and competitions" which results in "quality work not being done.." There is rather unclear or total lack of vision for the sales force. They themselves are not sure where they are heading. 3. In the next six months Stephen Oldroyd can improve the sales performance of his company in the following ways: He should set up a future course of action and communicate it effectively to the sales force. He should demonstrate his best planning skills because the sales department of Supplies-4-Gardens seriously

Luxury vehicle Essay Example for Free

Luxury vehicle Essay 1. Cadillac introduced it’s new luxury SUV that is called the Escalade, and they had no idea in what direction it would lead to. To their surprise, it becomes a instant classic and the most popular truck on the market. They weren’t set out to target a specific customer base, they just wanted to keep up with the SUV craze. They saw other companies putting out similar vehicles, so they wanted to dip into that market. Once it released, it seemed to become a staple in the hip hop community, sports world, and for regular customers looking for a luxury SUV. It became most prominent however in the hip hop and sports cultures. You see tons of athletes arriving to the games in their escalades, and a lot of hip hop artists have them featured in their music videos. For some reason, it just excelled in the market, and there is really no particular reason for it. It could be because of how unique it looks, the luxurious features, or just off the time it was released. The music and sports industry started to boom so there was a lot of money to be spent and the Escalade was the newest and hottest item on the street. 2. The Escalade became so popular I believe for the power it represents. I feel that if you own a Escalade, you have a sense of power in a way. Whether it shows that you have money, a sense of style, or anything else, it just brings off a certain type of vibe. It shows some type of boldness as well, because you think of personality when you think of an Escalade. When you look at one, you notice first how the shiny grill stands out and just how luxurious the car is. I think in a way Cadillac has extended its appeal because now a lot of the Cadillacs feature the shiny grill. You also see its influence on other vehicles, because a lot of competitors base their models off of it and try to make some similarities. 3. Other companies have a lot to learn from the Escalade. If they do it right, maybe they can become the leader in luxury SUVs. It’s all about whom you have to endorse your product and how you market it out to the public. Cadillac know it has many endorsers that are famous and widely known throughout the world. When you have people of that magnitude openly using your products, you gain a tremendous amount of recognition. Also, before you come up with a new concept or design, you should allow potential customers to see the product to see if it would be something they would like. If you market your product correctly, there is a good chance that it will be successful just like the Cadillac Escalade. Case Study Cadillac is one of the most popular vehicle brands in the United States to this date. As Americans, we tend to treat it differently because it is the luxury brand of our Country. Since it is an American made car, we take a sense of pride in it, and owning one is something special. In 1998 there started to be a craze for mid size SUVs, and just like every other vehicle company, Cadillac had some thoughts in mind. They released their brand new line of the Cadillac Escalade, a large luxurious SUV. When they originally released it, they felt that their market would be traditional customers, but boy, where they wrong. In fact, it was the complete opposite. The Escalade seemed to become nationally recognized when it was constantly featured in hip hop videos, commercials, and the sports industry. While Cadillac didn’t intend to get into those specific markets, I’m sure they aren’t complaining because of how much recognition it gave them. However, it does seem to brush off a certain bad image when you see it featured in some of those ways. When you see a Escalade in a hip hop video that has drugs, half naked women, and curse words, it may rub some of your other customers off. It can be seen as a gang car, and you certainly don’t want to be driving one of those in certain areas. A regular family can be in the market for a SUV, but they may get a negative vibe from the Escalade because it may come off as being too â€Å"hood† or â€Å"ghetto† for them. I’m not too sure how a car can gain that characteristic, but I understand by it being featured and abused in certain ways, it can portray a negative image. Cadillac can feature their products in certain ways, and be able to be seen as a positive vehicle that is made for everybody. They can limit their exposure in hip hop videos if they feel that is necessary. When you see certain commercials you notice that the brand symbol is blurred out. If Cadillac saw this as a dilemma, they can gain access to have their emblems blurred out in rap videos that feature bad behavior. They can still gain national recognition by more of a formal type of commercial. This way, you do not offend any particular race, and show that the vehicle is suitable for people of all ages, color, and race. Cadillac has become on of the mot powerful and influential car brand, that I feel they don’t need to do too much to market themselves. They already have a tremendously large market.

In Depth Analysis Of Euthanasia

In Depth Analysis Of Euthanasia Euthanasia, also called Mercy Killing and Physician Assisted Suicide; is a term in medical ethics for the practice of interfering or intervening in a natural process towards death. In other words it is accelerating the natural course of death in terminally ill patients, when all treatments become ineffective or much too painful for the patient to bear. In short Euthanasia is ending a human life with the intention of relieving the person from an unbearable pain. Haris (2001) precisely defines Euthanasia as a deliberate intervention undertaken with the express intention of ending a life to relieve intractable suffering. The issue of Euthanasia has always remained controversial and still has failed to carry legal and constitutional support in most parts of the world. Suicide in any form and by any means is either punished or at least disapproved in human history. There is no permissibility of such a killing/suicide in Islam so Euthanasia can never be the part of Muslim law in Islamic world. Therefore the origin and development of this concept can be historically located in the non Muslim countries especially of the west. Back in 400 BC when the father of medicine Hippocrates formulated the oath still taken by the fresh medical graduates dictates I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel., speaks against physician assisted suicide. Even in the 19th century, the US legislation proclaimed that if a suicide is committed on the advice of another person, the adviser would be guilty of a murder. In the early 20th century, the Supreme Court reevaluated its judgments concerning living will and focusing how best to ensure the dignity and the independence for the end of life with considerable changes in the health laws. In 1920 the book Permitting the Destruction of Life not Worthy of Life was published, in which the author Hoche advocated the death assistance be given under very controlled conditions. In 1935 Euthanasia society was formed in England to support mercy killing. 1939s Nazis Euthanasia became very popular when Hitler ordered mercy killing of the sick and disab led. From 1995 to 2008, Euthanasia has been legalized in countries like parts of Australia, Netherland, Belgium and few states of the United States of America. There are several forms or kinds of Euthanasia; each form has its own ethical issues. Active Euthanasia: is the one which causes immediate death of the patient, by the direct and deliberate action of the physician. For example when a lethal injection is given to the patient or an overdose of a pain killer when the physician knows the after effects of such a dose. Passive Euthanasia involves an indirect action by the physician for the death of the patient. This may include withdrawing or withholding the required treatment. For example switching off the life supporting machine like ventilator or not doing the required surgical procedures that can keep the person alive though for a short time. Voluntary Euthanasia:- takes place with the will of the patient, usually on his request to the physician. Non-Voluntary Euthanasia occurs when the patient is unconscious or in comma for a long time, or unable to make decision for example a very young child, or a mentally retarded person. Therefore someone else related to the patient makes the decision of ending the patients life. Involuntary Euthanasia:- is oftentimes equated to murder because in this case the patient does not opt for death but he is killed as the doctor thinks it to be in his benefit. Indirect Euthanasia: does not involve the intentional killing by the physician, but the side effects of the treatment, usually given to reduce the pain accelerate the death of the patient. Assisted Suicide:- includes cases when the patient seeks help from his physician to die. This can include making the lethal drugs available for the patients. The most common argument given by the proponents of Euthanasia is its effective way of relieving excruciating pain. To this one argument there can be two counter arguments. Firstly the advancements made today in the field of medicine, especially in pain management weakens the justification for Euthanasia. Secondly research shows that terminally ill patients choose suicide not because of the physical pain but because of depression. A study of terminally ill patients published in The American Journal of Psychiatry in 1986 concluded: The striking feature of [our] results is that all of the patients who had either desired premature death or contemplated suicide were judged to be suffering from clinical depressive illness; that is, none of those patients who did not have clinical depression had thoughts of suicide or wished that death would come early. Researchers believe that a person diagnosed with terminal illness should be given time and support to pass through the five stages of the process denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, and killing them before they come to terms with the situation is nothing less than a murder. Boston Globe survey of 1991 shows that patients with incurable illnesses who see suicide as an option are mostly those who are neither tired of pain or of restricted life style, nor the fear of machine dependency but rather the feeling of being a burden on their family. Sometimes its the family who advocate Euthanasia for the terminally ill patient, considering his life unworthy, and therefore a burden; which in turn throws the patient in the abbeys of depression. One should be afraid of the day when legalization of the right to die will become duty to die, pressurizing the already tormented patients to select Euthanasia as an only option. If we look at Euthanasia from another angle it is not a right to die but gives someone a right to kill. A right given to doctors and the relatives of a person to intentionally end his life. There is a need to differentiate between suicide and killing. Suicide is an individual act, whereas Euthanasia is not a private act. It involves the will of the person or the relatives and action of the physician, and known by everyone around. It is therefore more close to public killing than suicide. Such a power to kill can be abused for the most vulnerable people in the population. There should be a public realization that if all forms of treatments fail or become ineffective or continuation of any medical or surgical procedure would increase the pain rather than alleviating it, the suffering soul should be given support in all possible ways and all efforts should be directed toward minimizing his agony and making whatever little time he has, comfortable. As followers of Islam such an option as Euthanasia can never cross our minds for ourselves or for our dear ones. I have a personal experience of accompanying a close kin of mine to the dialysis sessions, where patients were not only dependent on machines for their lives but were not even allowed to drink water during the warmest summers, but never did I once heard a patient or any of his relative praying for a quick demise. They would seek Allahs blessings during the hardest of times and a kind of hope would get them going. I saw doctors trying to look for options to improve the quality of life of such patients but any thought of eliminating the patients pain through killing them was out of question and option. As Muslims it is our firm belief that every life is sacred and Allah never creates and sustains anyone without purpose. In the holy Quran He says And if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he has saved the life of whole people. (Quran 5:32). Allah further commands take not the life which Allah made sacred otherwise in the course of justice. If we equate voluntary Euthanasia with suicide, then again none of us has a right to take his own life. How can we have this right when we have not created ourselves, in fact how can we destroy something of which we are not the owners. Our bodies and souls belong to the Almighty and have been entrusted to us to be taken care of in the best ways possible. Suicide is a crime which is not only punishable in this world but also unforgivable sin in the hereafter. Prophet Mohammad warned the people against suicide by saying Whoever kills himself with an iron instrument will be carrying it forever in hell. Whoever takes poison and kills himself will forever keep sipping that poison in hell. Whoever jumps off a mountain and kills himself will forever keep falling down in the depths of hell. Our religion Islam not only emphasize on seeking all possible medical help during illness but further consoles the patients in pain by giving him the happy tiding for reward if he endures the pain with patience. In one of the hadith it is mentioned that when a true believer is afflicted with pain, even a prick of a thorn and he bears it with patience, then his sins will be forgiven and his wrongdoings will be discarded as the tree sheds off its leaves. Such words by the Holy Prophet can be a huge support for a sufferer of a terminal illness or of incurable and painful disease. Euthanasia cannot therefore be a part of the dictionary of a true believer. The weak value system of the west has come up with the idea of deserting the old, weak and the sick by leaving them in the old houses and hospitals. These so called facilities also sometimes cost them huge amounts, which make them claim that people who become unproductive for the society and a burden on the productive fellows should die for the good of the people around and for their own ease. But the east has still kept its value system strong. Our religious and social values dictate us to take care with respect and dignity of the old, weak, sick and the helpless. Allah has specially stressed upon respecting and serving the parents specially when they become old. and that you be kind to your parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt but address them in terms of honor. And lower to them the wing of humility out of compassion, and say: my Lord, bestow on them your mercy even as they cherished me in childhood (Quran 17:25- 25). As far as the issue of heavy cost is concerned to keep a terminally ill patient alive, Islam makes it a responsibility of the state and the society as a whole to cover the health care needed. Euthanasia might be categorized into several kinds but Islam emphasizes the intentions involved in the act. If for example physician intents to alleviate the pain of the patients but the dose somehow kill him, the doctor cannot be accused of murder, or cannot be said to have practiced Euthanasia. The doctor is expected to help the patient in the process of life and not in process of death. Important enough is to consider the relative nature of the terms like pain, suffering and agony. It really depends on the patience and tolerance level of each individual, which of course varies. What is suffering for one person might not be the same for the other, similarly excruciating pain for one can be bearable for someone else. Conclusion: Humans might be the wisest form of Gods creation but still not wise enough to be given a right to decide for their own death or for the death of another of their own kind. All lives are precious and sacred and only such value system can be the basis of a human society, where the sanctity of life is maintained. Euthanasia in any of its forms, involves the intention of killing or finishing a still living human weakens the fabric of the society and gives an altogether a different lens to the members to see death as the only solution for all pains and torments, which blurs the vision to see other possibilities to fight the situation. Euthanasia should therefore be discouraged in all its forms and in all parts of the world.

Tolstoys Anna Karenina Essay -- Tolstoys Anna Karenina

Tolstoy's Anna Karenina The world of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina is a world ruled by chance. From the very opening chapters, where a watchman is accidentally run over by a train at Moscow's Petersburg station, to the final, climactic scenes of arbitrary destruction when Levin searches for Kitty in a forest beset by lightning, characters are brought together and forced into action against their will by coincidence and, sometimes, misfortune. That Anna and Vronsky ever meet and begin the fateful affair that becomes the centerpiece of the novel is itself a consequence of a long chain of unrelated events: culminating Anna's sharing a berth with Vronsky's mother on her way to reconcile Dolly and Stiva in Moscow. And yet, as an epigraph to this seemingly chaotic world of chance event, a seemingly amoral world that would seem to neither punish sin nor reward good, Tolstoy chooses a quotation that comes originally from the book of Deuteronomy's song of Moses: "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." Originally (and s omewhat narrowly) thought to refer to Anna's final ostracism from the upper echelons of society that punish her for her misdeeds, the epigraph is the key to Tolstoy's subtle and philosophically complex conception of morality that denies the existence of a universal and unavoidable justice and derives responsibility from the individual's freedom to create and then bind himself to laws. Three of the novel's characters, Stephen Oblonsky, Constatine Levin, and Anna Karenina, all in some way connected to the Shcherbatsky family, serve to illustrate the various ways that Tolstoy's individual can be, or fail to be, "good," the various ways in which a character can be moral, immoral or amoral through the use of thought, or reason, to create necessity outside of the confused demands of a chaotic reality. Tolstoy's world is indeed a servant to chance, and the plot depends so heavily on coincidence that Anna Karenina, taking into account the many elements of Menippian satire and Socratic dialogue that are integrated into its structure, may well be considered in part a carnival novel. The steeplechase scene during which Vronsky breaks Frou-Frou's back is a perfect example of carnivalism -- the tragic yet somehow slapstick and cartoon-like injuries that befall the riders is a parody of the grand battlefield that the steeplechase is supposed to symbolize and the ... ...els." Anna is immovable in the face of the purely pleasurable and uninterpreted aspects of life -- "girlish delights" -- that are Oblonsky's daily bread. Anna is thus a tragic hero in the strict Aristotelian sense of being destroyed by the logical evolution of her personality. Yet it is also true that Tolstoy resists the tragic form in the overall structure of his novel by continuing into Part VIII and into Levin's life after Anna's death. While Anna fails to sustain a life centered in "romantic morality," the Goethian ideal of complete devotion, not to the loved one, but the condition of being in reciprocal love itself, Levin finds, at the end of the novel, a way to live that transcends the demands of reality. In the folk culture of the peasants that he encountered near the very beginning of the novel, he finds the peasant Theodore who understands Levin's need to leave the mundane, to live not for his belly, but for "Truth," a goodness that is beyond the chain of cause and effect that so binds the other characters in the novel -- Dolly, for example, who, unable to apply reason outside of pragmatic thought to her life, continues to l ive, pathetically, with her unfaithful husband.

American Literature Essay

American literature traces back to the time of the Native Americans and Puritans, and over time developed many literary movements influenced by Transcendentalists and Realists. The beliefs of the Native Americans and Puritans as well as the philosophy of the Transcendentalists and Realists contrast with one another. These four major groups of American writers all differ in the sense that all of them look to a different power head or ideology for truth. For example, Native Americans look outside themselves to nature; while Puritans look to God, and Transcendentalists look within themselves; whereas realists question whether there is truth. The Native Americans have enriched our history of American literature with their stories and songs that depict their nature oriented beliefs. The Native Americans were polytheistic, meaning they believed in multiple gods. The gods they worshiped were all elements of nature such as the sun, the sky, and the earth. Look more:  irony in huckleberry finn essay The Indians had a strong spiritual connection with nature which is shown quintessentially in a Native American piece, Song of the Sky Loom, when the poem reads, â€Å"Oh Mother Earth, oh Father Sky, your children are we† (Tewa 34). The Indians believed without qualms that the truth is found in nature, which differed greatly with another group of American writers that became very popular in this time. The Puritans had a very strict religious ideology, and only looked to one place for truth; God. Unlike the Native Americans, the Puritans were monotheistic, in other words they only believed in one god. The structure of their life and their actions all revolved around the word of the bible. The Puritans believe that God is the creator of everything and therefor legislated by his law making Puritans very strict, moralistic, and conservative. Puritans looked to God for truth and faith which is expressed when a Puritan poet writes, â€Å"And when I could no longer look, I blest His name that gave and took, that laid my goods now in the dust† (Bradstreet 141), showing her devotion and respect towards God. Further down the road in American literature, a new philosophy was developed with a liberating idea of truth. The idea that truth can be found not outside of man, as other groups of writers suggest, but within man, had evolved. This idea is called Transcendentalism and it emphasizes the idea that truth is found in man’s own thoughts and intuition. Transcendentalists stress individualism and self- reliance while straying away from the desire for material things. They are religious; however, do not find it necessary to worship instead just stay in tune with one’s introspective thoughts and nature. Walt Whitman, a famous transcendentalist poet, wrote, â€Å"I celebrate myself, and what I assume you shall assume, for every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you† (Whitman 400), showing that every person is an individual but is also unified with the world and nature. Realists conceptualize their beliefs through questioning whether we can even find truth. Realists tend to try and dig beneath the facades that society so blindly accepts. One of the key strategies realists use to enable readers to question the truth is satire. Mark Twain was a famous Realist writer in early American literature that became very famous for using satire in his novels. Twain used satire to poke fun at social norms, potentially giving readers a new perception of the social normality people succumb to. Mark Twain’s famous novel, the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn consists of several uses of satire, for example, when the main character of the novel responds to a women’s lecture on heaven by saying, â€Å"Well, I couldn’t see no advantage in going where she’s going so I made up my mind I wouldn’t try for it.† (Twain 12). This quote allows readers think of religion less seriously and question whether it is even a place worth striving to get to. Although Native Americans, Puritans, Transcendentalists, and Realists differentiate from each other, they all embellish American literature with a wide range of ideologies and point of views towards where to seek truth. This variety allows readers to develop their own individual thought and conceptualize where they can also find truth.

Academic Performance and Use of Electronic Gadgets Essay

Development in the world is expanding to new levels. Let it be anything, technology has made things more knowledgeable and convenient. Today, the world has turned into a world of electronic gadgets. The electronic gadgets have advanced in various ways. Today, you will find gadgets that fulfill your everyday needs. These gadgets can be anything from a grinder to a camcorder to a laptop. The origins of the word â€Å"gadget† trace back to the 19th century. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, there is anecdotal evidence for the use of â€Å"gadget† as a placeholder name for a technical item whose precise name one can’t remember since the 1850s; with Robert Brown’s 1886 book Spunyarn and Spindrift, A sailor boy’s log of a voyage out and home in a China tea-clipper containing the earliest known usage in print. These can be given as gifts to boys as well as girls. You can gift a play station or any game to a school going boy on his birthday or any occasion. A college going boy can be gifted a laptop or a handy cam, whichever is important and useful to him. Videos are not only created for college projects but, today they can also be created during family or friends. Get-togethers or some family functions. They store family memories for years which can be watched whenever you feel like watching them. Gadgets like cellular phones are used on a daily basis to communicate with your near and dear ones. You can also gift it to them. In the software industry, â€Å"Gadget† refers to computer programs that provide services without needing an independent application to be launched for each one, but instead run in an environment that manages multiple gadgets. There are several implementations based on existing software development techniques, like JavaScript, form input, and various image formats It is on this situation that the researcher was intended to conduct an investigation to identify the perception of secondary students about the use of electronic gadgets, the advantages, disadvantages and effects as well. Statement of the Problem The main purpose of this study is to determine the academic performance and use of electronic gadgets among secondary students of CSULS S.Y: 2012-2013. In addition, the advantages, disadvantage and effectiveness of these problems were also determined. This is done through descriptive survey using questionnaire to be answered by students of CSULS. Specifically, the survey will answer the following questions: 1. What is the profile of CSULS students in terms of: a. Age b. Gender c. Year and Section d. Academic Performance e. Monthly Income 2. What are the different electronic gadgets that are used by CSULS students? 3. Does the frequent use of electronic gadgets affects and influences students’ academic performance? 4. Is there any relationship between the profile and the kind of electronic gadget used by CSULS students? Significance of the Study The result of this research study determined the academic performance and the use of electronic gadgets among secondary students of CSULS; S.Y 2012- 2013. In that way, one will have an idea on what teenage magazine shall he/she use. The Parents, this research would tell them on what particular electronic gadgets brings usefulness and harm to their children. The Students, themselves will know on what electronic magazine shall be a help and a hindrance for their academic performance. The Researcher, this research study will aid the students and the parents as well on the limitations of use of electronic gadgets. Scope and Delimitations The study is conducted to determine the academic performance and use of electronic gadgets among secondary students of Catanduanes State University Laboratory Schools. From Grade-7 to Fourth year students SY: 2012-2013. It focuses mainly on the perception of secondary students about the use of teenage magazine during vacant times. It comprises 8 sections namely; 7-Amethyst, 7-Pearl, II- Chrysanthemum, II-Daffodils, III- Platinum, III- Gold, IV- Einstein, IV- Galileo. The demographic characteristics included in this research are age, gender, year, and section, academic performance and monthly income. Definition of Terms * Gadget- the main factor of this study that affects academic performance * CSULS- school where the study was focused * Respondent – the one who will answer the study * Academic Performance- performances shown by students regarding academic matters. (Quizzes, Periodic Test, Recitation, etc) * Secondary Students- scope of the study * CSU Lab Students referring to all officially enrolled students of CSU Laboratory School CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE & STUDIES READINGS * Nabisunsa Girls School – no phones Grace Kitego, a teacher at Nabisunsa Girls School, says they do not allow students to carry mobile phones because they distract students and impact negatively on their academic performance * Kiira College Butiki – confiscated Isaac Tibasima, a teacher at Kiira College Butiki, says the school does not allow students to carry mobile phones because they increase the risk of moral decay. * Vienna College – times change Vienna College offers both local and international education curriculums and has an enrolment of both Ugandan and foreign students. Mohammed Kakiika, the headmaster, says they have no option but to accept their students to carry mobile phones to school since they are a necessity for communication. LITERATURE Cellphones Affect Academic Performance By Michael Kanaabi and Vicky Wandawa A study was conducted by Kanaabi and Wandawa on Aug. 3, 2010 that cellularphones affects the academic performance of students. This study indicates that cellular phones is a huge distraction to one’s attention especially on school hours. Thus, some schools prohibits the use and bringing their cellphones at school. Some of them use phones to call examiners and other students who may have access to examination papers. This is common during national, regional and district examinations. This causes panic and confusion among students because they get varying information from different sources and on many occasions, focus on revising the wrong way, thus failing. Conceptual Framework This study is anchored with the theory that those secondary students’ frequency of usage of electronic gadgets of the said sections has an effect on each of their academic performances. This can be proven in their perceptions used as the independent variable and the academic performance as dependent variable. Figure 1 THE CONCEPTUAL PARADIGM INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE Academic Performance Frequency of usage of electronic gadgets HYPOTHESES There is no significant difference between the academic performance and use of electronic gadgets of secondary students of CSULS S.Y: 2012-2013. RESEARCH DESIGN The study will use the longitudinal survey design in its attempt to determine, describe and analyze the relationship of each. It tries to find out if the independent variable significantly influences the dependent variable. References DiCaprio, N. (1976). The good life: models for a healthy personality. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc. â€Å"Elizabeth.† (2004, July). Real Pretty [Letter to the editor]. Seventeen, 014. Hager, S. E. (1998). Using self-esteem as a concept for guiding early adolescent females toward healthy eating behaviors: A learning module. (Unpublished Masters of Science thesis, Michigan State University, 1998). McFarland, R. (1988). Coping through self-esteem. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. Media Awareness Network. (2004). Beauty and body image in the media. Retrieved November 9, 2004, from http://www.mediaawareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/women_and_girls/women_beauty.cfm. Media Awareness Network. (2004). Masculinity and advertising. Retrieved November 9, 2004, from http://www.mediaawareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/men_and_masculinity/masculinity_advertising.cfm. Media Awareness Network. (2004). Media and girls. Retrieved November 9, 2004, from http://www .mediaawareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/women_and_girls/women_girls.cfm. Media Awareness Network. (2004). Resisting stereotypes and working for change. Retrieved November 9, 2004, from http://www.mediaawareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/women_and_girls/wome n_reform.cfm. 16Meyers, M. (Ed.). (1999). Mediated women: Representations in popular culture. Creskill, NJ: Hampton Press, Inc. Nachbar, J.G., Lause, K., & Nachbar, J. (1992, October 1). Popular culture: an introductory text. Ohio: Bowling Green University Popular Press. [Excerpt Retrieved November 9, 2004, from http://www.serve.com/shea/stereodf.htm.] Plotnik, R. (2005). Introduction to psychology. (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Thomson Learning. Waltz, T. (2004, November)

Genetically Modified Foods Essay

Genetically Modified Foods (GMO) are crops that have had changes made to their genetic material (DNA) in a way that does not occur naturally through the introduction of a gene from a different organisms. The use of genetically modified foods has been debated about for some time now. One side argues that GMO is more sustainable and economically efficient. It is also argued that GMO has not been properly tested for any negative effects on humans, other animals and the environment. GMO foods are seen as the future in agriculture by scientist as it solves so many worldwide problems. Industries claim GMO foods have been changed to make the food last longer, give the crop herbicidal tolerance, resistance to insects and different climates, taste better and the crop will produce more food. This results in more food for the rapidly growing population of the world as less crops will spoil as a result of insects, while also increasing the nutritional value of the food. Foods that previously weren’t able to grow in varying climates will now be able to, this will especially benefit countries such as Africa where their climate is very harsh. It has been argued that scientists have not done enough research and have not fully tested their products properly. This has been the concerns of many people all over the world. Do the benefits really outweigh the negatives? While GMO products may be very beneficial to society in theory very few have been properly tested for how they impact humans and other organisms in the long term. Tests have been done on rats testing the effects of GMO products on their health, in all cases rats feed GMO products were more likely to develop tumours and suffer server liver and kidney damage. Recent studies also show that despite the claims of GMO food supporters GMO crops don’t produce larger amounts of food. In addition to these problems it has been found that weeds have crossed bread with these GMO plants resulting in herbicide resistant weeds which mean stronger pesticides are needed which possess a huge threat to none GMO plants. In 2010 Germany introduced a ban on Monsanto genetically modified corn as it was considered dangerous. In 2011 Peru passed a law banning genetically modified crops for 10 years, the same year Hungary also destroyed 1000 acres of corn that was found to be grown with genetically modified seeds which are banned. If countries are going to such lengths to keep GMO foods out there must be an issue with them. The main issue with GMO is that it is big companies that are creating GMO foods. They only care about making a profit. This results in sloppy long term tests and in some cases false information being provided to the public to promote their product. In most cases the negatives clearly outweigh the positives of GMO foods although that does not rule out all GMO products. If governments got involved more and incorporated better restrictions on the production of GMO foods results will improve. With more research and tests maybe GMO foods really will be the way of the future.

Internet Resourcing Project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Internet Resourcing Project - Research Paper Example I know the chances of playing professional football depend as much to the player as the coach. They work together to build the strongest team possible. The players have the grit, the coach uses and makes the plan. I admire the role the coach plays in any ball game. The coach serves as teacher and commander. He is the think tank. In following career in football, it is not my goal to remain as a player but to coach. My plans involve getting a contract in the college athletic division as a football coach. I know there are many skills that I need to develop first and I also need to know the job. This is why I narrowed my research down to focus on coaching college football. My research topic is football. I narrowed it down to college football because I will play as a college football player. However, I don't see myself as a player forever but as a coach. I wanted to help players play their best and be the best they can be. As a coach I know I have the chance to motivate and mentor them. At this stage of my research, I found 30 websites that I believe can be helpful in furthering my subject research. The list of websites includes: My search started with identifying three search directories available in the internet. I did that by searching over Google with the keywords "list of search directories" and found 10,400,000 hits. I scrolled and found the link "major search engine directory" from searchenginewatch.com. I clicked the link and it led me to a list of top choice search directories in the web. Among the top picks, I chose Google, AllTheWeb and Teoma. The first search directory that I used was www.alltheweb.com. I entered "football" in the search tab and the engine came out with 1,080,000,000 hits. I then scrolled through the lists of URLs and opened links that I thought would help me in my research. Probably because of its high-multitude of hits, I only had to surf 14 pages of URL list to collect 10 websites from this directory. The websites are:

Personal experience essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Personal experience - Essay Example His other essay, â€Å"Shooting an Elephant,† exposes the evils of imperialism for both local people and white settlers. In The Girl from H.O.P.P.E.R.S., Hernandez emphasizes that despite physical differences, people can find something that will connect them to one another. This writer can connect with the feelings of social inequality in â€Å"Such, Such Were the Joys† and social stratification and division in â€Å"Shooting an Elephant† and The Girl from H.O.P.P.E.R.S., but the same pessimistic Orwellian tone does not dominate her life because of the existence of strong family ties and friendships that helped her grow as a woman and as a human being. Personal experiences of social inequality are similar to these essays and the novel, where social class affected how people treated each other. Growing up as a middle class and studying at a private school provide similar experiences as Orwell’s â€Å"Such, Such Were the Joys.† He experienced being be aten up because of wetting his bed. He could not understand why something he could not control result to the head mistress, Flip, seeing that â€Å"the proper cure was a beating† (Orwell â€Å"Such† 1). The beating inevitably made him more anxious and increased his bed wetting woes. It is possible too that his restlessness comes from the feeling of not being able to fit into a posh school. Sambo wants to attract fame and money to his school: â€Å"One was to attract titled boys to the school, and the other was to train up pupils to win scholarships at public schools, above all at Eton† (Orwell â€Å"Such† 2). In doing so, he increases the gulf between Orwell and his richer classmates. The differences in treatment between the very rich and just affluent enough is clear. Orwell thinks about these differentiated treatments: â€Å"I doubt whether Sambo ever caned any boy whose father's income was much above ?2,000 a year† (Orwell â€Å"Such† 2). This writer feels the same brunt of being poor, although not entirely poor. Having studied in a private school, where many students are extremely rich, she feels left out. The school is not her second home, but a place to be judged and compared to others. Being different to the eyes of others because of physical differences and confidence is compared to The Girl from H.O.P.P.E.R.S. Rena befriends India, who thinks she is a â€Å"little monster† (Hernandez 14). As a midget wrestler, India is both cheered and jeered. In the end, she feels a small and helpless being with no friends and future. The writer shares the same helpless feelings, but not the lack of future. She manages to feel strong despite feeling small in a world that she feels is bigger than her. The writer feels the same negative way of seeing her difference; her strength has become her source of loneliness too. Social division happens because some people focus on differences in race, religion, political ideologie s, and gender. Being a strong and individualistic woman is considered abnormal, as in The Girl from H.O.P.P.E.R.S. Rena has the respect of people because of her size and strength. But like India, society sees her as a freak. This is why she feels empathy for India; they are the same in many ways, only in different packages. This writer understands how it feels to be socially alienated. It cuts into her identity, which could have made her just as miserable as

Europe and the World in Transition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Europe and the World in Transition - Essay Example Ozment’s historical investigation into the social pillars of Reformation Europe takes the reader straight to the origins of social cleavages between men and women, as well as to the roots of social and political hostilities between Catholics and Protestants. The book systematically uncovers the horizontal structure of European societies in the age of humanism, where the family was the highest manifestation of tranquillity, peace, trust and equality among its members. In this sense, Ozment’s work is innovative, because it challenges a popular stereotype which depicts the Reformation family as necessarily dominant and tyrannical. His historical discoveries create a revolutionary view of the family during the Reformation in Germany and Switzerland, and describe it as an empowering social unit, which transcended the narrow confinements of the home, and intersected with society. This brief report will critically approach two of Ozment’s most interesting arguments â₠¬â€œ his views on marriage in Reformation Europe, and the impact of marriage on the formation of families and communities. The remainder of this paper will approach the two themes separately and it will discuss their academic as well historic feasibility. First it is important to briefly mention the political and social context in which Ozment’s observations are made. The political reality of Reformation Europe was one of an absolute fusion of political power, absolutism and a dominant form of leadership. Women’s role in society was one of subjugation and passivity, and marriage was viewed by the Catholic Church as having the sole purpose of procreation and the subordination of the wife. The Protestant Reformation which started in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century in Europe challenged these realities, and for the first time marriage was institutionalized to become the pillar of society. Women’s creative power was the driving force behind the institu tion of marriage (Ozment 5-20). It is in the context of these major social and cultural transformations that Ozment makes his observations on the role of women and marriage in Germany and Switzerland. In this study, Ozment describes the Protestant marriage as opposite to the Catholic perception of marriage. He reveals that in the beginning of the Reformation, marriage was seen by Protestants and their supporters as a remedy for broken social and domestic relations: Protestants were faced with what they considered to be crisis of domestic relations, one that could be traced to the institutions of medieval religion [†¦] To correct the situation, they (Protestants) exalted the patriarchical nuclear family, as the liberation of men, women and children, from religious, sexual and vocational bondage (Ozment 5-6) In this sense Ozment presents a very comprehensive view of marriage during the Reformation, not only as a stabilizer, but also as a liberator from the unnecessary and evasive religious conservatism of the Catholic Church. Ozment has captured the essence of marriage, as viewed at the early stages of the Protestant Reformation in Europe, and he explores it as a religious, as well as social antidote to hypocritical preaching of Catholicism for celibacy and penance. At the time Catholic marriage was viewed as a tool for social and individual subjugation of women, and the Catholic Chur