Look into a Psychotic mind

Not for the faint hearted. As a child I'd always been curious. Starting when I was six, I would spend hours doing my â€Å"experiments† It began with frogs and worms but soon I went on to bigger animals, mammals. The family cat, a little boys puppy, the school gerbils. The police never knew who took them although they did find the bodies†¦ When I was done with them. I'm twenty six now and quite the normal city girl if you don't count my experiments. I work for Poise magazine as a photographer and part time interviewer but my passion still lies in the biology of a body.Did you know humans can continue to live after the removal of the stomach, spleen, 75% of the liver, 80% of the intestines, one kidney, one lung, and virtually every organ from the pelvic and groin area. You might not feel too great, but the missing organs wouldn't kill you. I wonder who was lucky enough to do this experiment, I'd love to be them. The surgeon or scientist†¦ Not the subject missing his o rgans. This is what inspired my latest question and led to the idea for my new â€Å"experiment† I picked up my subject outside a local club.It's quiet skinny but still a healthy looking packmen, the shaggy brown hair is really what pulled me to it. Eve always loved light brown hair for some reason. Anyway, my specimen spent the morning in my car trunk while I was at work, I made sure he was knocked out properly. I don't need my co-workers hearing noises from my car and investigating†¦ I'd probably lose my Job. Who am I kidding? My Job would be toast. I drove up to my old family house in the country, having taken the week off I had time to come out here.No one knows about the old house and it was so far away from anything you could scream your head off without anyone showing up. Perfect for hat I needed. I dragged the still unconscious specimen into the large garage, his chloroform nap would be the last peace he had so he may as well enjoy it. I'm a relatively small woma n so dragging him to the garage wasn't the easiest thing to do. Why the heck didn't I park closer? I sighed to myself. Break time is over and I need to get back to work. I walked across the dusty floor and stared at the tools lining my wall.I looked at each one and grinned at the damage they could each do. Hammers for smashing, saws for sawing, pliers for pulling, knives for slicing and blowtorches for†¦ Well you get the point. The collection was large and helped quell my curiosity. I grabbed a length of thick rope from one of the hooks and walked back to where my specimen lay. My shoes made clanking noises against the floor but there was no reason to be quiet†¦ So I wasn't. Spotting a sturdy beam above me, I tossed the rope over it and watched as thick braided cord fell far enough down so I could reach it if I Jumped.You'd think I'd done this before. After I made sure I could reach both ends of the rope I turned to my subject. He looked so peaceful, I don't think he remem bered his abduction or understood what was to come. My first human specimen was a cutie, I had to admit. It's almost a shame, almost. I pulled his unconscious body into place and wound the rope around his ankles after removing the man's boots. I made sure my knots were tight and would not slip undone as that would ruin the experiment.Grabbing the other end of dangling rope I pulled it over my shoulder and began to walk towards the pillar near the edge of my garage where I could tie off the rope, leaving my specimen hanging from the rafters like meat in a butcher shop. While waiting for my subject to awake I decided to record my progress in the book I pet with me at all times. It was filled with notes on all my experiments, granted they were all animal experiments. Subject: â€Å"Humans† Experiment: Skin Skin is a thin layer of tissue acting as a perimeter around the internal body keeping unwanted germs out.It is also the largest organ in the body and arguably the most importa nt. How important? After skinning subject â€Å"Humans† I hope to answer that question. Hypothesis: Without the outer layer the body should succumb to bacteria, viruses and disease. I am anticipating that dehydration will be my biggest obstacle. I heard a groan come from behind me and suppressed a grin. He's awake! I dropped the knives I'd brought with me behind him noisily. The man was now flailing around uselessly. The grogginess from being knocked out prevented him from succeeding, it was actually quite humorous!When he finally gave up, I walked behind him and gave his hair a playful tug, pulling his head back slightly. â€Å"What!? Wait-Who are you? Where am I!? † He yelled in fury. The anger was to be expected. He flailed some more until he faced me and tried to grasp at the edge of my Jeans. I stood Just out of his reach, these are designer Jeans! â€Å"Why? † I finally repeated back at him. Sees you crazy bitchy! Why am I here!? † He screamed. †Å"Because I have a question, no need for vulgar language. † I added sweetly. â€Å"Huh? Fine. What's the question? † He huffed. â€Å"Do you remember how you got here? Not my actual question but still needs to be answered. â€Å"l- l†¦ No. † He looked thoughtful and I smiled, Just what I wanted to hear. I slipped my hand into my pocket and withdrew the needle filled with liquid chloroform, enjoying the look of horror on his face. Before he could yell or thrash around I slipped it into his neck, further than necessary and he yelped in pain. The Heimlich soon entered his blood and the struggling stopped. Carefully I made the first incision in his back with a fillet knife, being careful not to go too deep as I ran the blade down his back.I pulled up the skin and slid my knife between the skin and his back watching as the external organ was removed from his back. I did my task in silence working my way up his shoulders and arms. I wasn't concerned with the smal l amounts of skin under the bindings as it would be rubbed raw by the friction of his movements and there was no time to work on such tediousness. Next I worked on my subject's chest and torso. By the time the crimson map of internal workings was shown on his top half, or bottom since he is upside down. A decent sized puddle of blood had collected on the stone floor.The thick red liquid ran down his still unharmed neck and landed with a trickling plop on the ground. The neck proved an easy part. The fingers and toes gave me some difficulty as the skin between the digits was at an awkward angle and hard to reach with in the small spaces, I succeeded in the end. Skinning his â€Å"manhood† was excruciatingly tedious. The skin covering the gender based organ was already so thin, it was nearly impossible to get rid of. I'm thankful the member is so small or I may have lost my patience and chopped the damned thing off completely.I gave my subject a shot of kill, a chemical compoun d used to help blood clotting and thicken the blood. I want to see how long my subject will survive without skin and blood loss cannot be a factor! His neck and head was all that was left. As I passed over his features carefully, I ruined one of the eyes by accidental cutting an eyelid off. Careless but not a huge mistake, I hope. I finished off removing the rest of the skin from his head. He isn't cute anymore, that's for sure. There, perfect. I thought as I stood back to admire the exposed muscles and tendons.The blue of his veins reminded me of a road map, twisting and turning throughout his rosy red form. Fresh blood oozed from his body but not to an extent that would cause the subject's demise, thanks to the kill . I placed a large mirror in front of him so when he awoke he'd see himself. I want him to appreciate the time I put into his death. When my subject awoke there was much swearing so I left him alone for a day to calm down and accept his fate. Its day 2 of the skinless man and time to feed him. I can't let starvation or dehydration influence my answer. His death has to be due to loss of skin.He didn't speak while I fed him, no swearing or begging. I found it unusual but I think he must be feeling some despair. I'd noticed his drying form and the way most of his body had scabbed over, leaving it looking rough and deformed. I suppose that all I can do now is wait Day 5. Five and make sure he has enough water. Day 3. The subject is growing weaker, diseases starting to take over his skinless form. Some disconsolation can be seen in his tissue as well as a mixture of sores that seep a yellowish puss. The eyelid that I accidental cut off has now dried out, it now rerouted from his face slightly.His body is also admitting a sour smell. Like a mixture of dried urine and rotting flesh. The dour attracts all sorts of flies, gnats and mosquitoes. Both feeding on his decaying tissue and laying eggs in the warm gore. I watch in fascination as his flesh seems t o crawl and wiggle with the bugs devouring him slowly. It's exciting, I did not for see this in my experiment. Day 4. The eye without its lid popped at some point last night, its insides became a comfortable bed for flies. Putrid, dark greenish purple glop dried in a strip down his face. Disgusting. â€Å"Why don't you Just kill me? The man asked weakly. L am killing you silly! It's Just taking a while longer than expected. † I smiled at how naive he is. â€Å"Why? † He wept. â€Å"l told you, I'm curious. † Then I thought of something, â€Å"What's your name? † â€Å"Connors, My name is Connors. You? † Him should I tell him my name? â€Å"I'm Reggae. † After that I left him hanging. Literally. He's still strung up from the roof, I'm surprised he hasn't complained off head-AC. Days, I thought as I stood in front of his lifeless body. His muscles and tissues were one giant, inflamed red scab with large areas of purple, blue and even yellow du e to extreme infection.

“Ethnic Notions” Analysis Essay

â€Å"Ethnic Notions† is a historical film that takes the viewer through the entire course of American history from the 1820s to the 1980s. The songs, watching the films and seeing all the artifacts is what makes this film such a powerful tool. The film describes some of the terms that were used to depict black Americans. Well into the twentieth century the â€Å"Mammy†, the â€Å"Coon†, and the â€Å"†Sambo†Ã¢â‚¬  were all terms used in reference to black Americans. In 1941 the cartoon was made and made its way into many of the homes of American culture. In the early 1900s the image of the â€Å"Sambo† spread and it became a portrayal of black men in film. The Character is lazy and irresponsible that will easily avoid work to take part in food and dance. As the civil war approached, a new character accompanied the â€Å"Sambo†, the â€Å"Zip Coon†. This character tried to portray whites that mocked the notion of racial equality. With these two together, they both defended slavery by saying that blacks can’t handle freedom. In films the role of the â€Å"†Mammy†Ã¢â‚¬  was a servant that was stereotypically a very dark and heavy woman that had her priorities set to doing whatever her master or mistress wished. â€Å"Mammy† was shown as a loyal person that was protective over the white household. She was a powerful person which became a stable figure in each image of the south. It became hard to go without seeing this character in a southern home. This character was also a defender of slavery. But within her own family the â€Å"Mammy† is the controlling force which is the direct opposite of the way the household is viewed in society. She is shown as being asexual and unattractive. Once the slaves became emancipated many white people said that the former slaves couldn’t handle being without constant subordination to their white masters. Society called the emancipated blacks brutes, and the increasing public fear of them gave them the nickname of â€Å"black menace.† Once motion picture was developed in the 20th century the images and the depiction of black Americans didn’t change at all. The only difference now is the hate is now on film. Blacks began to enter theater and they used it as a step in the right direction to get out of the south and start a new life with  opportunities. Through the 1940s the blackface became discarded but its image left its mark on society. Soon cartoons became the voice for racism. This way when any violence or mistreatment were occurring it would be entertaining and humorous. The cartoons had the power to influence young minds to see stereotypes as being entertaining by making references to black Americans being savages. Furthermore the only thing that domesticated black Americans was slavery. The myth says without the whites control over the blacks, their entire race would wind up being nothing more than savages. â€Å"Ethnic Notions† is an in depth look at the roots of African American racism and stereotypes. The movie goes through 150 years of racism and hatred towards black Americans, and the images that were spread throughout society that depicted African Americans to being lazy and careless. Also without slavery to keep them in check, myths say that they would resort to savage behavior.

Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser

Scoring Your Test From the SAT Preparation Bookletâ„ ¢ The materials in these files are intended for individual use by students getting ready to take an SAT Program test; permission for any other use must be sought from the SAT ® Program. Schools (state-approved and/or accredited diploma-granting secondary schools) may reproduce them, in whole or in part, in limited quantities, for face-to-face guidance/teaching purposes but may not mass distribute the materials, electronically or otherwise.These materials and any copies of them may not be sold, and the copyright notices must be retained as they appar here. This permission does not apply to any third-party copyrights contained herein. The College Board: Connecting Students to College Success The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 5,700 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations.Each year, the College Board serves over seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,800 colleges through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT ®, the PSAT/NMSQT ®, and the Advanced Placement Program ® (AP ®). The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities, and concerns. For further information, visit www. collegeboard. com.  © 2010 The College Board.All rights reserved. College Board, Advanced Placement Program, AP, SAT, and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board. connect to college success, SAT Preparation Booklet, SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, The Official SAT Study Guide, and The Official SAT Online Course are trademarks owned by the College Board. PSAT/NM SQT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. All other products and services may be trademarks of their respective owners. Visit the College Board on the Web: www. collegeboard. com.Correct Answers and Difficulty Levels for the Official SAT Practice Test Get a score report and answer explanations! Enter your answers online at collegeboard. com/ satpracticetest. 72 Getting Ready for the SAT  © 2005 The College Board Scoring the Of? cial SAT Practice Test To have your score calculated automatically, go to www. collegeboard. com/satpracticetest. You’ll receive: †¢ A detailed score report †¢ Answer explanations To calculate your score on paper, check your responses with the correct answers on page 72. Fill in the blanks below and do the calculations to get your mathematics, critical reading, and writing raw scores.Use the tables on pages 75–76 to find your scaled scores. How many multiple-ch oice mathematics questions did you get wrong? Section 2: Questions 1–20 Section 6: Questions 1–8 Total + = (B) Section 8: Questions 1–16 + ? 0. 25 = A–B = Mathematics Raw Score Round the mathematics raw score to the nearest whole number. Get Your Critical Reading Score How many critical reading questions did you get right? Section 3: Questions 1–24 Section 7: Questions 1–24 + Section 9: Questions 1–19 + Total = (A) Use the table on page 75 to find your mathematics scaled score. Get Your Writing ScoreHow many multiple-choice writing questions did you get right? Section 5: Questions 1–35 Section 10: Questions 1–14 + Total = (A) How many critical reading questions did you get wrong? Section 3: Questions 1–24 Section 7: Questions 1–24 + Section 9: Questions 1–19 + Total = (B) How many multiple-choice writing questions did you get wrong? Section 5: Questions 1–35 Section 10: Questions 1–14 + Total = (B) ? 0. 25 = A–B= Critical Reading Raw Score Round the critical reading raw score to the nearest whole number. ? 0. 25 = A–B = Writing Multiple-Choice Raw Score Round the writing multiple-choice raw score to the nearest whole number. C) Use the table on page 75 to find your critical reading scaled score. Get Your Mathematics Score How many mathematics questions did you get right? Section 2: Questions 1–20 Section 6: Questions 1–18 + Section 8: Questions 1–16 + Total = (A) Use the table on page 75 to find your writing multiple-choice scaled score. Estimate your essay score using the Essay Scoring Guide on page 73. ?2= (D) Use the table on page 76, your multiple-choice raw score (C), and your essay score (D) to find your writing composite scaled score. 74 Getting Ready for the SAT  © 2005 The College Board SAT Score Conversion TableThe majority of essay readers teach English, composition, or language arts courses. Each essay is scored ind ependently by two readers on a scale of 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest score. The combined score for both readers will range from 2 to 12. If the two readers’ scores are more than one point apart, a third reader resolves the discrepancy. In scoring the essays, readers follow the scoring guide below. The scoring guide describes the features typically found in essays at each score point, including critical thinking, development, organization, language use, and sentence structure. A student can get a top score on the essay even with minor errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics.The SAT essay neither rewards nor penalizes formulaic approaches to writing, such as the five-paragraph essay. There is no formula for effective writing, no single best way to communicate an idea. Any essay that features clear lines of reasoning, appropriate choices of evidence, ample development of ideas, effective organization, and precise use of language will receive a high score, regardless of style or approach. Readers are trained to recognize and reward a wide variety of essays at each score point. SAT ESSAY Scoring Guide SCORE OF 6 An essay in this category demonstrates clear and consistent mastery, although it may have a few minor errors.A typical essay †¢ effectively and insightfully develops a point of view on the issue and demonstrates outstanding critical thinking, using clearly appropriate examples, reasons, and other evidence to support its position †¢ is well organized and clearly focused, demonstrating clear coherence and smooth progression of ideas †¢ exhibits skillful use of language, using a varied, accurate, and apt vocabulary †¢ demonstrates meaningful variety in sentence structure †¢ is free of most errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics SCORE OF 5 An essay in this category demonstrates reasonably consistent mastery, although it will have occasional errors or lapses in quality. A typical essay SCORE OF 4 An essay in this category dem onstrates adequate mastery, although it will have lapses in quality. A typical essay effectively develops a point of view on the †¢ develops a point of view on the issue and issue and demonstrates strong critical thinking, demonstrates competent critical thinking, generally using appropriate examples, reasons, using adequate examples, reasons, and other and other evidence to support its position evidence to support its position †¢ is well organized and focused, demonstrating coherence and progression of ideas †¢ exhibits facility in the use of language, using appropriate vocabulary †¢ demonstrates variety in sentence structure †¢ is generally free of most errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics †¢ is generally organized and focused, demonstrating some coherence and progression of ideas †¢ exhibits adequate but inconsistent facility in the use of language, using generally appropriate vocabulary †¢ demonstrates some variety in sentence structure †¢ has some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics SCORE OF 3 An essay in this category demonstrates developing mastery, and is marked byONE OR MORE of the following weaknesses: †¢ develops a point of view on the issue, demonstrating some critical thinking, but may do so inconsistently or use inadequate examples, reasons, or other evidence to support its position †¢ is limited in its organization or focus, or may demonstrate some lapses in coherence or progression of ideas †¢ displays developing facility in the use of language, but sometimes uses weak vocabulary or inappropriate word choice †¢ lacks variety or demonstrates problems in sentence structure †¢ contains an accumulation of errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics SCORE OF 2 An essay in this category demonstrates little mastery, and is flawed by ONE OR MORE of the following weaknesses: †¢ develops a point of view on the issue that is vague or seriously limited, and demonstrates weak crit ical thinking, providing inappropriate or insufficient examples, reasons, or other evidence to support its positionAn essay in this category demonstrates very little or no mastery, and is severely flawed by ONE OR MORE of the following weaknesses: †¢ develops no viable point of view on the issue, or provides little or no evidence to support its position †¢ is poorly organized and/or focused, or †¢ is disorganized or unfocused, resulting in a disjointed or incoherent essay demonstrates serious problems with coherence or progression of ideas †¢ displays very little facility in the use of language, using very limited vocabulary or incorrect word choice †¢ demonstrates frequent problems in sentence structure †¢ contains errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics so serious that meaning is somewhat obscured  © 2005 The College Board †¢ displays fundamental errors in vocabulary demonstrates severe flaws in sentence structure †¢ contains pervasive err ors in grammar, usage, or mechanics that persistently interfere with meaning Getting Ready for the SAT 73 Essays not written on the essay assignment will receive a score of zero. Sample Essays for the SAT Practice Test Essay #1: This essay received a score of 6 Americans nowadays are far too concerned with their privacy. In our culture of large houses, home security systems, and private counslers, everyone is trying too hard to seclude themselves and cut off their emotions with the outside world. Two summers ago some friends of mine and I went on a trip to Thailand for one month.In Thailand I observed how communicative Thais were with all of their problems and emotions, and I became convinced that this culture of sharing one’s emotions was far superior to the American way of hiding them. In America we all are individualists, meaning we all care about standing out in a crowd and making a unique, strong impression. So when my friends and I arrived in a small village in the Nort h of Thailand, we were somewhat shocked to find that Thais centered around groups, not individual people. When it came to emotions, if someone had a problem, the group had a problem, and everyone would try and fix it. It was as if the entire village was one large team that had a mission to help all of its individuals. No one was left in isolation.In contrast, we Americans hid all of our stressful or other serious emotions. We were concerned once again with our appearance, how we would be judged by our friends, and whether or not it suited our unique identity. For us, it was â€Å"every man for himself. † If someone had a problem, it was up to them to fix it. The advantages of this might be that everyone learns to solve their problems on their own, but people are then not learning how to communicate their problems, they are not learning how to communicate in a group. For example, my friend Duncan had recently got refused by a college he had had his heart set on, and he was fee ling depressed about it.While in Thailand we all asumed that he was doing ok because he never talked about it. After one month however, all of us in the group had grown closer together and we started to share our feelings more. Duncan confessed to us that he was still upset about his college refusal, and we all worked together to cheer him up and get rid of his depression. There was nothing â€Å"weak† about him feeling upset. In fact, he showed us strength by being brave enough to express himself to us. Should people keep their emotions private? If they have serious emotions that they hold inside of themselves, most likely these emotions will be a lot harder to make go away.Thai culture, and the Thai way of solving problems as a group, convinced me that people are meant to express themselves in a group. Confessing one’s emotions to others is a way to cope with problems, and it teaches us valuable lessons of communication and honesty. People need to confess their probl ems, not keep them private. Why Essay #1 Received a Score of 6 This essay demonstrates outstanding critical thinking in effectively and insightfully developing a point of view on the issue (â€Å"Confessing one’s emotions to others is a way to cope with problems, and it teaches us valuable lessons of communication and honesty†) with a clearly appropriate example from personal experience.Well organized and clearly focused, the essay uses an account of a trip to Thailand to illustrate the point that Americans, who â€Å"all care about standing out in a crowd† and thus conceal â€Å"all of our stressful or other serious emotions,† â€Å"need to learn the Thai way of solving problems†¦people are meant to express themselves in a group. † The essay demonstrates smooth progression of ideas (â€Å"Duncan confessed to us that he was still upset about his college refusal, and we all worked together to cheer him up†¦There was nothing ‘weakâ⠂¬â„¢ about him feeling upset. In fact, he showed his strength by being brave enough to express himself to us†) and uses language skillfully throughout.This essay demonstrates clear and consistent mastery and earns the top score of 6.  © 2005 The College Board Essay #2: This essay received a score of 6 I cannot help but believe, despite my slight ambivalence over the issue of privacy, that the trends which now-adays indicate a slight reluctance on part of people to keep some things private, are dangerous. Shows like â€Å"Jerry Springer† in the USA tend to reveal information that is inherently dangerous for young children, and thus should be kept private. A problem with capitalism that I have become cognizant of, through my observations, is that if some activity can help amass profits, it is widely employed.This almost insane drive to attain profit maximization not only ignores external and societal costs, but is setting dangerous cultural precedents. Since lurid, sen sationalist confessions by ‘average’ people are quite appealing to the general television viewer, it is unsurprising that myriad shows have propped up on television, which pander to these very wants by exposing stories and information which is better kept dissembled. In this context, the show ‘Jerry Springer’ epitomizes my argument. In this show, an array of family problems are presented to an audience, not for information dissemination, but for ‘entertainment’; In this case, which means—and I think this is quite obvious—nothing but mockery and amusement over the antics of people who choose to expose their problems.These ‘personal predicaments’ range from some less disturbing ones, such as people cheating on their friends or marital partners, to extremely grave ones, such as people sleeping with their relatives. I am not someone who would like to contravene principles like freedom of expression, or freedom of choice. But democracy as a system doesnot herald absolute freedom for its own sake; rather, it champions the cause of ‘live and let live’. The latter principal is surely being violated by people who choose to expose such stories— for no plausible reasons I can conjure, since no family problem has actually been solved by such shows—to impressionable young children; for TV ratings and parental supervision do not always work. Am I exaggerating?Is it not harmful or psychologically detrimental when a child is exposed to such ideas? You be the judge. Why Essay #2 Received a Score of 6 This essay demonstrates clear and consistent mastery, effectively and insightfully developing a point of view on the issue (â€Å"the trends which now-a-days indicate a slight reluctance on part of people to keep some things private, are dangerous†) with clearly appropriate reasons and examples. The essay displays outstanding critical thinking in linking the â€Å"harmful or psycho logically detrimental† behavior publicized on the â€Å"Jerry Springer† television show with capitalism’s â€Å"almost insane drive to attain profit maximization. The essay is well organized and clearly focused, demonstrating smooth progression of ideas (â€Å"I am not someone who would like to contravene principles like freedom of expression, or freedom of choice. But democracy as a system doesnot herald absolute freedom for its own sake; rather, it champions the cause of ‘live and let live’. The latter principal is surely being violated by people who choose to expose such stories—for no plausible reasons I can conjure, since no family problem has actually been solved by such shows—to impressionable young children†). The essay also exhibits skillful use of language, featuring precision and variety in vocabulary and sentence structure.This outstanding essay receives the top score of 6.  © 2005 The College Board Essay #3: This essay received a score of 5 People no longer respect the privacy of others or of themselves. This is evident through the exposure of famous peoples’ lives, the â€Å"showing off† of possessions and sex appeal, and pornography. Society should learn to respect the privacy of others despite the urge to get involved. One of the most common places privacy is violated is among famous or upper class groups. The reason society feels a need to know everything that goes on in a famous person’s life is because of jealousy. People constantly remind the rich and the famous that their lives are not â€Å"perfect. For instance, when Brittany Speare’s married her limosine driver and then divorced him eight hours later, everyone read it in the tabloids, newspapers, saw it on the television and heard of it on the radio. Another reason why such people are constant victims of over exposure is because the media takes advantage of certain situations in order to increase their ratings and profit. A popular practice, especially found in the United States and European countries, is the â€Å"showing† off of possessions. People want the world to know that they have money and own an Escalade or Rolls Royce. MTV has a show called CRIBS, which shows the audience the interior and exterior of rich multi-million dollar homes of famous musical artists. Also, the â€Å"showing† off of bodies and the use of sex appeal has become almost a necessity in the fashion business.Women and men completely expose their bodies in an effort to make money and become famous. This has a negative effect on society because it leads to a decline in self confidence and people, especially young teen girls, in an attempt to look like super models, starve themselves. Pornography is another aspect of life that should be private. Sex is a sacred act that is shared between a man and a woman yet people, such as Paris Hilton, have violated and abused it. This brings the idea that sex sells. Society should not overexpose their bodies, money, or the private lives of others. This could help decrease the amount of crimes, teen pregnancies, and identity theft. Why Essay #3 Received a Score of 5This essay effectively develops a point of view on the issue (â€Å"Society should not expose their bodies, money, or the private lives of others†) with appropriate reasons and examples. The well-organized essay uses strong critical thinking to explain how people are hurt by the lack of privacy in today’s image-focused, media-saturated society (â€Å"Women and men completely expose their bodies in an effort to make money and become famous. This has a negative effect on society because it leads to a decline in self confidence and people, especially young teen girls, in an attempt to look like super models, starve themselves†). The essay exhibits facility in the use of language (â€Å"People no longer respect the privacy of others or of themselves.This is evident through the exposure of famous peoples’ lives, the â€Å"showing off† of possessions and sex appeal, and pornography†). To earn a score of 6, the writer needs to use stronger critical thinking to explain more fully how celebrity overexposure and pornography are harmful to society. This essay demonstrates reasonably consistent mastery and earns a 5.  © 2005 The College Board Essay #4: This essay received a score of 5 For a person to be honest, he need not share every aspect of his life. It is not dishonest to not mention a fact that was not inquired about. Even if it was asked of, one can easily say, truthfully, that they care not to speak of the issue.People in our modern society should make an effort to keep aspects of their lives private, for it would give them and others many problems, most of which are much greater than dishonesty could ever be. Many issues are personnal, and relevant only to you. There is no reason why personnal information shou ld be shared, unless it is by the will of that person, or in order to solve a larger problem. In the United States, we have our government separated from our religious institutions, and for good reason. People should be allowed to worship however they choose, and the rest of the world should have no effect on it, as guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.However, this is not always the case. In the Nazi-controlled Europe of WWII, Jews were forced to wear a Star of David on their arm to show they were Jewish and therefore were shunned. Their right to privacy was violated, and should not have been. In the world today, there are many diverse cultures. The United States, for example, has races from all over the globe. Many people have opinions about some of these different races and the beliefs that correlate. Groups such as the KKK outwardly show their opinions of other ethnic groups, in many cases violently. For the safety of themselves and the ones they shun, they should keep their opinion s private.Even on the smaller scale, if two people were to divulge all their opinions and beliefs to the other, they would no doubt find many ideas upon which they disagree. Instead of ignoring their minute differences and getting along well, they chose, by not keeping their ideas private, to bring them out and possibly argue heatedly about them. There are many more instances in which privacy should be honored, but these two should give an adequate idea of why privacy is very important to a peaceful society. Why Essay #4 Received a Score of 5 This essay demonstrates strong critical thinking in developing a point of view on the issue (â€Å"privacy is very important to a peaceful society†) with appropriate reasons and examples.Well organized and focused around the idea that privacy helps people avoid â€Å"many problems, most of which are much greater than dishonesty,† the essay displays coherence and progression of ideas, first citing the violation of Jews’ priv acy under the Nazis, then explaining that in today’s world of diverse cultures, little good comes of people â€Å"divulg[ing] all their opinions and beliefs. † The essay exhibits facility in the use of language and demonstrates variety in sentence structure (â€Å"Groups such as the KKK outwardly show their opinions of other ethnic groups, in many cases violently. For the safety of themselves and the ones they shun, they should keep their opinions private†). To achieve a score of 6, the writer needs to explain the link between the two examples more insightfully. The essay is effective and earns a score of 5. Essay #5: This essay received a score of 4 J.David Velleman had an idea that many may believe as truth, however, when looking at the entire picture it is clear that in all free countries everyone has a right to keep things to themselves. In our very own constitution we have dedicated the 4th Amendment to protecting people from incriminating themselves in the court of law. People every day do things and refuse to tell others about their actions. If a person truely wants to keep something private then that person has the right to do so. Our culture becoming a far too confessional and selfexpressive is not a true statement in that people have and will always have the ability to keep something private if they want to. Our culture in America is growing closer to utilizing therapy as a tool to improve their state of mind and well being.This, however, requires a person to be more open so that a trained professional can use their skills to help solve problems. However, at the begining of the 1st therapy session the therapist is required to tell the person or group that they do not need to share something if they dont wish to. This then gives the choice to the patient who decide what to tell and what not to tell. In the past some might say that people were forced into saying things more than in our present day culture. The Spanish Inquisition t ortured their victims and forced them to say things even if it wasnt true in order to sentance the person to death. It is an obvious choice that therapy is a far better way of opening a person up.  © 2005 The College Board Why Essay #5 Received a Score of 4This essay develops a point of view on the issue (â€Å"If a person truely wants to keep something private then that person has the right to do so†) with reasons and examples that adequately support the position, thus demonstrating competent critical thinking. Generally focused around the idea that people in contemporary America enjoy the right to privacy, a right that people have not always possessed, the essay features some coherence and progression of ideas (â€Å"In the past some might say that people were forced into saying things more than in our present day culture. The Spanish Inquisition tortured their victims and forced them to say things even if it wasnt true in order to sentance the person to death. It is an obvious choice that therapy is a far better way of opening a person up†). The essay exhibits adequate facility in the use of language despite some errors.To earn a higher score, the writer should further develop the interesting contrast between therapy and the Spanish Inquisition with additional focused reasoning and other evidence. This competent essay receives a score of 4. Essay #6: This essay received a score of 4 People should have a choice whether they want to keep their own matters private, and the public should respect people’s decisions. If people want to keep their matters private, they should not have to make an effort. An example of â€Å"confessional and self-expressive† matters is a diary. Many people express their deepest thoughts and feelings in diaries and journals. Some people, such as celebrities, choose to publicize their diaries. If such is their desire, no one should have a problem.Some celebrities just want average people to know what a fam ous is actually like. These inside peeks can be entertaining and informative. On the other hand, if people choose to keep their diaries secret, then others should respect them. People can use diaries to disclose embarrassing, revealing secrets that would otherwise eat away at them. People can use their diaries as an escape. Others should not violate their privacy for no reason. Of course, sometimes people do have a good reason for invading someone’s privacy and reading his/her diary. Because people often think that no one who matters will ever read their diaries, they can reveal their innermost thoughts. These diaries can be important to historians.For example, Anne Frank’s powerfully moving diary revealed a great deal about life during the Holocaust. Her diary has proven to be an excellent primary source. Another important diary is Go Ask Alice. Alice’s diary opens up the world of drugs. Her story can be used to help other drug-addicted teens or to prevent peop le from trying drugs. Thus, opening up diaries to the public can be very useful. Clearly, there are benefits to keeping certain things private or public. Why Essay #6 Received a Score of 4 This essay demonstrates competent critical thinking in developing a point of view on the issue (â€Å"Clearly, there are benefits to keeping certain things rivate or public†) through a generally focused discussion of diaries. The essay uses adequate reasons and examples to examine both sides of the privacy debate (â€Å"If people want to keep their matters private, they should not have to make an effort†¦. Of course, sometimes people do have a good reason for invading someone’s privacy and reading his/her diary†). The essay demonstrates some progression of ideas and exhibits adequate facility in the use of language (â€Å"These diaries can be important to historians. For example, Anne Frank’s powerfully moving diary revealed a great deal about life during the Holo caust. Her diary has proven to be an excellent primary source†).To achieve a higher score, the writer should use critical thinking to reconcile the opposing sides of the issue, perhaps by answering the question, â€Å"when, exactly, is it acceptable to read someone else’s diary? † The essay is competent and receives a score of 4.  © 2005 The College Board Essay #7: This essay received a score of 3 I think that you should not have to keep everything private. People have a lot of views, ideas, stories, etc. and if they feel that it is necessary to tell them, then let them. I think that if it is helpful, necessary, or comforting to the person talking or talking to, then anyone should be able to talk about it. My first example is if someone was having a problem.If this person is feeling really bad and their friend (peer) wants to tell them how they feel about the topic, then keeping it private is the wrong thing to do! The feelings that the second person is express ing to the first could be extremely helpful. My second example is that some people solve their own problems by talking about it. Often times when someone is having some kind of problem, speaking out and letting people know how they feel can help them. Just hearing themselves talk about it can really help a person. This doesn’t mean that you have to physically talk about it to another human. As long as you aren’t screaming at someone that you don’t know, then let it go.My last example is if you knew something or had an opinion on something that could greatly help you or someone else from doing something that is physically or mentally damaging. For example suicide. No one wants you to keep your feelings in if it is going to be something dangerous like this. I think that if it is helpful, necesarry or comforting to the person talking or talking to, then anyone should be able to say what you feel. Why Essay #7 Received a Score of 3 This essay demonstrates some criti cal thinking in developing a point of view on the issue (â€Å"I think that if it is helpful, necessary, or comforting to the person talking or talking to, then anyone should be able to talk about it†) with reasons or examples.However, the evidence provided is limited in focus and is inadequately developed to support the position (â€Å"My last example is if you knew someone or had an opinion on something that could greatly help you or someone else from doing something that is physically or mentally damaging. For example suicide. No one wants you to keep your feelings in if it is going to be something dangerous like this†). The essay also displays developing facility in the use of language. To attain a higher score, the writer should improve the focus of the evidence provided, perhaps by including examples of actual situations in which â€Å"speaking out† was beneficial. This essay demonstrates developing mastery and earns a 3. Essay #8: This essay received a sc ore of 2 I feel that people should keep things more private, but some things should be expressed.People should keep things more quiet, because thats how rumors get out, when people talk about something they don’t really know about well. If people kept quiet then rumors wouldn’t get started, and as long as they kept quiet, it gives them more time to learn the truth. If things were kept in private, maybe there would not be wars and terrorism. People would get along and not have to argue over dumb stuff. Most bad things happen because someone says something wrong. In that case if people kept their opinions private, there wouldn’t be anything spoken wrong. I also think somethings should be expressed, like if there was something bad going to happen to the country, people would speak about it, instead of keeping it quiet.Some others that shouldn’t be kept quiet would be deaths, so people could hear if they knew the person or not. Basically any thing important t o the country and families should not be kept private. The only way it should is if they wanted it too. Overall, I feel that you can say what you want, but make sure you are speaking the truth and if not keep it private.  © 2005 The College Board Why Essay #8 Received a Score of 2 This essay develops a vague point of view on the issue (â€Å"I feel that people should keep things more private, but some things should be expressed†) and provides insufficient evidence to support the position, thus demonstrating weak critical thinking.The essay is poorly focused, displaying serious problems with progression of ideas and the use of language (â€Å"Some others that shouldn’t be kept quiet would be deaths, so people could hear if they knew the person or not. Basically any thing important to the country and families should not be kept private. The only way it should is if they wanted it too†). To earn a higher score, the writer should offer adequate, developed reasons and examples that clarify the distinction between what should be expressed and what should be kept private. This essay is seriously limited and receives a score of 2. Essay #9: This essay received a score of 1 In life people’s privacy are viewed on different levels.It depends on how serious their secret is. If it is very serious they will do anything to keep it private if not they will tell in time. Our culture has been viewed by all and in the opinions of the world i guess, some think it needs to be like it is, too where we know what’s going on in the world. Others don’t want to know but when they do find out it freaks them out, to were their paranoid. Our cultures privacy is our opinion. It should in some ways be kept a serious secret and they should take more effort to keep it private. If not that serious it will be told in time, just like when Bush went to Iraq for Thanksgiving. Why Essay #9 Received a Score of 1This essay develops no viable point of view on the issue, offering only disjointed, unfocused statements about privacy (â€Å"Our cultures privacy is our opinion. It should in some ways be kept a serious secret and they should take more effort to keep it private†). The essay displays severe flaws in sentence structure (â€Å"If it is very serious they will do anything to keep it private if not they will tell in time†) and contains pervasive errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics that interfere with meaning (â€Å"when they do find out it freaks them out, to were their paranoid†). To achieve a higher score, the writer needs to present a clear point of view and support it with relevant reasons and examples. This essay demonstrates no mastery and receives a score of 1.  © 2005 The College Board

Compliance Techniques Getting People to Say yes ( Shelley E. Taylor, Essay

Compliance Techniques Getting People to Say yes ( Shelley E. Taylor, Letitia Anne Peplau, and David O. Sears - Essay Example A family of robins had nested in a nearby tree near his rest shed. We stealthily walked to just beneath the tree and dad informed me to raise the stick up to the nest. A red male robin had stood guard nearby. Immediately he saw the red feathers; he attacked them, wildly chirping and flapping his wings in distress. I was flabbergasted. My father told me that the red feathers made the bird go berserk. I asked for reasons, but he told me he did have any though he though the bird thought that the feathers were from another robin. He noted that robins have territories and are prone to attack another robin on his territorial sight. Since then, I have experienced experimental demonstrations that unadorned bunch of red feathers can be assaulted by a male robin will. However, I have ignored a detailed resemblance of an actual male robin that does not possess red feathers. I do not know if the other male robin will recognize it and react in the same way it does to the red feathered

Assignment 11 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

11 - Assignment Example This formal way of conducting business was adopted from the west as the Japanese were culturally a social group (Yukichi). Other people are seen to be walking into the restaurant, all dressed in similar fashion, long robes all trying to appear as though formal. There are people on the street all possessing the same artier and the same inferences can be drawn from the same. There are people who seem to be raising the flag. This shows that the Japanese are acquiring order and structure in their activities as raising the flag symbolizes the presence of a hierarchy which is adhered to. This too was gotten from the westerners who believed in order and conducting their affairs in a proper manner (Yukichi). This is in response to Fukuzawa Yukuchi’s urging to the Japanese people that they should pursue civilization and enlightenment i.e. western civilization. Together with other scholars, they advocated for the Japanese to mirror the westernized way of tasting, eating meat, wearing of western-style clothing and the dropping of Chinese customs that the westerners found odd. There are other people who seem to be soaring in the air. We garner an aspect of entertainment. The Japanese have finally let their guard down thanks to westernization because the Japanese are principally a reserved people (Yukichi). According to Lim Zexu, Queen Victoria should halt the opium trade because she has witnessed firsthand how the drug destroys its users and particularly in her own country. The letter to her says that Opium in her own country is prohibited because of the danger it poses to its users. Lim states that based on this reason alone, the Queen should not condone the trade in Opium, and should prescribe severe punishment to anyone who is found engaging in the said trade (Zexu). The Queen on stopping Opium trade will have the support of Heaven as it crown’s her with felicity, getting the blessing of long life and the security and stability of her descendants. Lim is

Pop and rock music history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Pop and rock music history - Essay Example Indeed, Appleseed cast is one of the most creative musical bands in the world. According to the Herald News, the album is described as unique in that, each song on this album induces emotion. The bass work and drum nicely complement the loud and thick guitars to maintain the rhythm of the songs. These are accompanied by true and raw vocals by the experienced singers. Screams are also included to the rich set of instruments, though occasionally some singing is thrown in when suitable. The art work and production of the album is the best ever. As mentioned, the album is also made unique by the emotion created. This makes this album to stand out among the rest. It is inspirational, heartfelt and an emotional music album. In comparison to other bands, The Appleseed Cast has no non-versatile descriptive words, bland choruses and excessive use of the words agony and pain. In simple words, it is a poetry of the young emotions of harsh losses and true love. Appleseed Cast perfectly blend the songs between simple tunes, sad and an emotional flurry of drums and guitars. However, this sometimes happens within the same song. In the song Marigold & Patchwork the lead singer’s voice is rattling yet, perfectly quiet. At the same time the voice is becomes abrasive and can send chills down a person’s spine. On the other hand, the song untitled half, is comprised of almost perfect crescendo of bass, jackhammer drumming, duel guitars and sax. Interestingly, the song Ring Wars deserves time to really understand comprehend the music. It is like Nirvana meets Radio Head. In this song, the lead singer Chris shows in and out voice that mumbles lyrics and also screeches. Their melodies are nice even though not pop. It has soothing instants where singing stops for about 2 minutes into the song. The drum work is amazing as heard the in the last instrumental track. Another song in the album is Marigold & Patchwork. This is an all-time amazing song. It has an

Risk in the Theme Park Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Risk in the Theme Park Industry - Essay Example According to Lukas, accidents and deaths are the most closely monitored risk despite the statistical fact that economic concerns and poor weather affect business more frequently. (2005) However, when accidents or deaths do occur, there are several direct consequences. First, the park is often closed during the process of an investigation. In addition to the lost ticket sales during that timeframe, the public perception of danger is increased. "The mere perception of an unsafe ride can affect park attendance, while accidents and deaths can result in park closure and decline in ticket sales." (Lukas, 2005) Statistically, the risk is minimal. In 2003, there were only 78 ride-related injuries which resulted in an overnight hospital stay. (Banay, 2005) Nevertheless, the costs are high when accidents do occur. Insurance underwriters are very concerned with safety, and the cost of insurance is dictated by safety records. While patrons of amusement parks are seeking danger and thrills, park management must balance these desires with the risk of increasing insurance rates. Still, the cost of bad publicity is the highest cost resulting from this statistically insignificant risk to the industry. Terrorism, despite occurring far less frequently than accidents, is considered to be a greater risk to the industry. While the publicity surrounding accidents generally affects one park, or perhaps one family of parks, the effect of terrorist activity is industry-wide. "After an incident of civil unrest, natural disaster, or terrorism, there is an immediate 30% downward spike in the perception of safety at such public locations." (Banay, 2005) She reports that the resultant decline in theme park attendance continues as much as three years after a major terrorist episode. According to sources cited by Debora Vrana in her article for the LA Times, visits to theme parks worldwide were down by 1.5% in 2003. (2004) This decline was attributed to terrorism in addition to poor weather and a poor economy. Under current terrorism threat conditions, the cost to the industry is potentially high, and the US government currently classifies the risk of another strike as moderate to high. Unfortun ately, due to the large crowds that gather at these establishments, they are considered to be a potential target. The specific consequence of that risk appears to be a long-standing decline in park attendance stemming from a decrease in the public perception of safety.A panel of industry insiders gathered in 2002 to discuss the impact of 9/11 on theme park attendance and revenues. Of note, their conclusions did not identify terrorism as the greatest risk. Rather, they concluded, "at this point, it is the soft economy that is really putting a crimp on vacation plans." (Levine, 2002) Like other businesses within the travel and tourism industry, theme parks rely on patrons to spend their discretionary income. When the economy is poor, fewer people are spending, and those who are spending frequently spend less. "Road blocks in the form of war in Iraq, SARS, a stagnant economy, and currency rates have impacted the amusement industry." (Banay, 2005) Currency rates are known to affect the rates of international travel, and those parks which attract an international audience are subject to those effects as well. The risk comes in

Inuit Education Outline Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Inuit Education Outline - Assignment Example By the 1960’s a global push was underway for â€Å"decolonization† of the education of indigenous communities, which included instruction in native languages (Patrick 255). The reasoning behind this shift was that students would be more successful in their academic pursuits when instructed in their native languages, while such instruction would provide avenues for advancement among adults in indigenous communities. At a deeper level, decolonization of education was linked to the broader political and cultural effort to â€Å"decolonize the mind† of indigenous communities, a phrase made popular through the writings of Franz Fanon. Instruction in Inuit languages would allow students to avoid the destructive colonial condition of viewing oneself and one's communities through the eyes of colonial authority and instead promote the development of a sophisticated, literate Inuit subjectivity. Now, forty years later, bilingual education and other anti-colonial educational reforms have had a chance to take on this enormous task. This paper aims to assess whether the aims of such reforms have been achieved, to note any unintended consequences of the policy and to assess the potential of future reform policy. c. Thesis: Bilingual education had limited success in achieving its original aims. While Inuit subjectivity has been strengthened in the process of policy change, cultural imperialism in education and society as a whole have not been entirely eliminated. a. Bilingual education had limited success in achieving its original aims. While Inuit subjectivity has been strengthened in the process of policy change, cultural imperialism in education and society as a whole have not been entire.

Good Morning, Vietnam; Good Night, Reality Essay

Good Morning, Vietnam; Good Night, Reality - Essay Example The film is fairly accurate in what it does portray: Croanuer is a hot-shot Deejay brought in to entertain (and thereby distract) the troops and is welcomed by his peers while several of his superiors are nervous about his lack of respect for authority. Cronauer blends well enough in his new environment, even taking on a class teaching Vietnamese - although this is to meet a love interest. He befriends the girl's brother, Tuan, fighting to get him into the locally owned G.I. Bar Jimmy Wah's. Cronauer is supended from the air when he ignores the censor by announcing the subsequent bombing of Jimmy Wah's. After his return to radio, Cronauer goes into the field to do remote interviews, unknowingly walking into enemy occupied territory. Tuan finds and rescues Cronauer, who returns to find that he is be reassigned to a different location, due to his involvement with Tuan, who proves to be a Vietnamese guerilla. After bidding farewell to all of his acquaintances, Cronauer departs, while a taped broadcast of his farewell show is played to the troops. Sadly, the focus of the film proves very limited. Despite the film's entertainment value, the narrow locality of it's story (primarily in the radio station) does not allow for a more comprehensive view of American soldiers in the field, the shifting political situation or the political history, and makes almost no effort to recognize Vietnamese history and concerns. Part of this is explained by Sergeant Joe P. Dunn, of the 199th Infantry Brigade, 1969-1970; who completed his tour with the 1st Air Cavalry. He observes that there are three primary methods today of studying the Vietnam conflict: 1) Asianists, who are specialist in the history, culture, and so forth of the Asia, who treat American involvement "as merely one stage, in the long history and series of conflicts", 2) Americanists, who are primarily historians and focus on various aspects of American issues that led to U.S. involvement (although the Asianists denounce the absence of Vietnam history and culture in this approac h), and 3) Literature/Pop-culture, which Dunn contends too rarely have "the analytical tools of the historian and the political scientist." Good Morning, Vietnam proves to have a slight leaning to this second category, but an overwhelming influence by the third. How then does the film attempt to justify it's blatant entertainment orientation It does this through a small inserts of liberal efforts of social equality. Cronauer seeks to equalize the military hierarchy by constantly lampooning the upper echelon. Likewise, Jimmy Wah's, a place where there has been a small measure of cultural acculturation in so far as the Vietnamese are benefiting from American presence (and exploitation), is the only real battleground in which Cronauer struggles for Vietnamese equality, i.e. the right to patron the bar. Unfortunately, the Vietnamese is only lightly touched upon by Tuan and his sister, and then only in lamenting the impact of America on an already war-torn culture.

Concepts of truth and reality in photography Research Paper

Concepts of truth and reality in photography - Research Paper Example The China state has covered the events that took place, thus leading to the massacre. It covered the events that occurred. On June, 3-4 tanks and heavily armed troops moved towards the square crushing those who tried to stop them. The few Protestants who had remained at the plaza choose to leave rather than face the wrath of the troops. The soldiers shot throughout the day, even though, no Protestants had remained out at that time. Yong Xu, a Chinese writer who is supposedly said to have published a controversial book that fully contained photos of the famous killings that had happened at the Tiananmen Square. The book has full images of young idealists who clamored for democracy while denouncing the communist party. Yong Xu on his part insists that his works were not by any chance political driven even after keeping hiding them for more than two decades. Yong Xu insists that his works are genuinely an art book; Yong also has other 20 photography books to his name that can be used to justify his intentions for putting the photos together. His art book, on the contrary, is more likely to be viewed as a provocation by hardliners by the current rulers of China. It is because they have tried so much to cover been up this particular event by providing scanty information on it. The Chinese official have imposed a collective amnesia on the nation by censoring photos and even news that are part of the historical records in the world at large. Yong’s book can be viewed as a brave as he had defied the potential risk. Yong puts himself given that all those who had tried taken this path had been imprisoned including his close friends who had simply shared the events photos online. One of China’s best-known civil rights lawyers, Pu Zhiqiang, is said to have been in police custody since last spring for joining a private gathering at his friend’s apartment

A poem in which the poet creates a picture Essay Example for Free

A poem in which the poet creates a picture Essay Task-Choose a poem in which the poet creates a picture of a heroic or corrupt figure. Discuss the means by which the personality is clearly depicted. A poem in which the poet creates a picture of a corrupt figure is Porphyria’s Lover by Robert Browning. The poem written in 1837 is in the form of a dramatic monologue which helps to show the true nature of the corrupt sociopath. Throughout the poem Browning uses a series of literacy devices to help convey this idea. The form of the poem, dramatic monologue, is significant as the reader only ever experiences the speaker’s feelings and recollections of events. This forces the reader to doubt the narrator at various points throughout the poem. This form also leaves the reader believing that the situation is less straightforward than that being described. It is clear from the outset of the poem that the speaker in the poem is troubled. Through Browning’s use of pathetic fallacy in the first four lines of the poem he does not only illustrate the extreme weather conditions but also the speaker’s mind set: â€Å"It tore the elm-tops down for spite† This effectively highlights the speakers’s bitterness due to Porphyria’s failure to appear for their arranged meeting. Browning deliberately compares the speaker’s emotional condition to the weather as these are all negative emotions. The words sullen, spite and vex are the first early clues that the reader sees about the speaker’s true nature; being that of violence and aggression. The fact that the narrator is so distraught at the idea of not seeing Porphyria is the first slight indication towards his obsession with her. Also, the fact that the speaker is waiting for Porphyria immediately suggests that she in is control of their relationship; something that would have been extremely unusual and possibly slightly shocking to the Victorian audiences that the poem was written for. This idea is also suggested by the title of the poem. The title Porphyria’s Lover suggests that the speaker is dissatisfied; he wants to be more than just her Lover and feel less emasculated by her strong character. Browning also drops a hint of the speaker’s corrupt nature through the rhythm and rhyme scheme in the poem. The rhythm of the poem is iambic tetrameter which in this poem serves to create a regular pattern. The point in using this rhythm is to make the speaker seem rational, calm and normal while effectively disguising his true nature. However the Rhyme in the poem follows the scheme of ABABB. Unlike the regular, naturalistic rhythm of the poem the rhyme scheme is asymmetrical and adds intensity to the speaker’s words. This is possibly a hint to the speaker’s unstable nature and the madness within his head. The speaker’s obsession with Porphyria is developed when she eventually enters the cottage. He describes her as having â€Å"glided† in which shows she moved elegantly and gracefully. This word choice captures the speaker’s passion for Porphyria. The reader learns from the poem that she is from a higher social class than the narrator, which in turn makes the reader suspect that their relationship is a forbidden affair. However, this is left ambiguous and for the reader to decide. â€Å"straight/She shut the cold out and the storm† The poet’s use of enjambment here emphasises the power of Porphyria’s arrival and this also helps to continue the idea that she holds the dominant role in their relationship. The poet uses transferred epithet to stress the immediacy of the change in atmosphere after Porphyria’s arrival. Her practical actions represent the change in the speaker’s mind set. This example of transferred epithet effectively represents the immediate effect that Porphyria’s entrance had on the speaker. At the beginning of the story his heart was cold and his mind was stormy whereas following her entrance he feels content and calmed by her presence as she has metaphorically shut the storm out of his mind. Another aspect of the poem which would have been somewhat shocking to a Victorian audience is the unusually sexual manner in which Porphyria next behaves. She removes her outdoor clothing, lets her hair hang lose, puts her arm around the narrator, positions his head on her bare shoulder then proceeds to declare her love for him. However the narrator’s reaction to this takes the reader by surprise. A dash is used to introduce a change in tone as the speaker begins to describe Porphyria in a negative light: â€Å"Too weak, for all her heart’s endeavour† Here, Browning writes in an almost contemptuous tone. The narrator is disapproving as he believes that- although Porphyria wants nothing more than to be with him- she is unable to leave behind other ties in her life which are preventing her from being with the speaker forever. The narrator’s resentment towards these complications out-with his control is portrayed as resentment towards Porphyria and this sudden change in mood offers the first slight indication that the narrator is not mentally stable. At this point in the poem the reader does not know whether to trust all that the speaker is saying. We are shocked by the speaker’s lack of interest and lack of love towards Porphyria. However, the speaker then experiences the sudden realisation later in the poem that Porphyria worshiped him. This is a very strong emotional word which goes past simple passion and suggests he believes that he is the only thing Porphyria really cares about. It also shows that the speaker thinks of himself as almost god-like in her eyes. He is vain and narcissistic. Any sane person would be content with the declaration of love however not the speaker. The reader being sane finds his next actions even more shocking. He is not sane, he is troubled and his corrupt nature is beginning to show. The poem reaches the shocking and disturbing turning point when becomes clear that the speaker is going to strangle Porphyria: â€Å"I found\ A thing to do†.

A Great American Composer Essay Example for Free

A Great American Composer Essay Born in New York, John Williams moved to the city of angels with his family in the year 1948, where he attended the UCLA and the Los Angeles City College. He also privately studied composition with Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco in Los Angeles. After working with the Air Force for a brief period of time, Williams came back to New York to attend the Juilliard University. There he took Madame Rosina Lhevinne as a teacher to learn the piano. Also in New York, Williams began to work as a jazz pianist on recordings and in clubs. He returned to Los Angeles afterwards to begin his career in the film industry. After working with renowned composers such as Alfred Newman, Bernard Herrmann, and Franz Waxman; Williams started to write music for television programs during the 1960s. He won four Emmy Awards for this work (â€Å"About: John Williams†). The highlights of Williams’ career in the entertainment industry may be briefly summarized as follows: Mr. Williams has composed the music and served as a music director for more than one hundred films, including, War of the Worlds, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, The Terminal, Catch Me If You Can, Harry. Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Minority Report, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, A. I. Artificial Intelligence, The Patriot, Angelas Ashes, Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, Stepmom, Saving Private Ryan, Amistad, Seven Years in Tibet, The Lost World, Rosewood, Sleepers, Nixon, Sabrina, Schindlers List, Jurassic Park, Home Alone, Home Alone 2, Far and Away, JFK, Hook, Presumed Innocent, Born on the Fourth of July, the Indiana Jones trilogy, The Accidental Tourist, Empire of the Sun, The Witches of Eastwick, E. T. (the Extra-Terrestrial), Superman, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the Star Wars trilogy, Jaws, and Goodbye, Mr. Chips. He has received forty-five Academy Award nominations, most recently for his scores from Memoirs of a Geisha and Munich, making him the Academys most nominated living person. He has been awarded five Oscars, seven British Academy Awards (BAFTA), twenty Grammys, four Golden Globes, four Emmys and numerous gold and platinum records (â€Å"About: John Williams†). Needless to say, almost everybody who is acquainted with American television programs and Hollywood films has enjoyed the music composed by Williams. His music is based on the classical tradition. The influence of late Romantics, e. g. Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler, may easily be detected in his music. At the same time, however, Williams does not desist from blending the classical with the modern traditions. His music for Close Encounters of the Third Kind clearly illustrates that Williams is a composer of the times even though he is influenced by music of the past. On the whole, however, his music is truly enjoyable because it is filled with good old tunes that are mixed with â€Å"fanfares and fun marches (â€Å"John Williams: Composer Extraordinaire†). † Moreover, the man is highly regarded for his ability to construct tunes and sounds that flawlessly complement the mood of his films (â€Å"John Williams: Composer Extraordinaire†). Williams’ scores have been described as â€Å"invariably magnificent orchestral works, performed with force and gusto (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). † Although the composer is able to produce great music for quieter as well as slower scenes with equal appropriateness, his work is generally considered â€Å"forceful and triumphal (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). † Indeed, this is one of the main reasons why Williams’ music continues to be loved by people across the globe, who are acquainted with the famous Star Wars, if not Harry Potter. According to a BBC report: â€Å"His music always evokes a powerful sense of mood, placing the force of the entire orchestra behind an emotion and running with it. With his emphasis on orchestral energy and power, it is unsurprising that Williams is best known for his action themes (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). † As Williams adapts well-known classical music for his own scores, listeners believe that his work is, at least in part, plagiaristic. Thus, his Oscar-winning composition for Star Wars is believed to carry echoes of a score from The Planet’s Suite; and his score for the Atlanta Olympic Games is said to borrow heavily from Fanfare for the Common Man by Copeland. Williams’s music has been understood to be derivative, which is probably the reason why there are similarities between the classical music he has been influenced by and his own compositions. On the whole, however, the man is highly regarded for his uniqueness (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). Another characteristic of Williams’ music that allows him to be remain special among composers is that his work is iconic. He gives unique themes to the villains and heroes of the films and television programs that he composes for. He also gives unique musical themes to the different plots in addition to macguffins of his films and television shows. In scenes where the different elements of the film, or the villains and heroes interact, however, he intertwines the special musical themes. As an example, Williams used Raiders March for Indiana Jones in the Raiders of the Lost Ark at all times that Jones appeared to be winning. When Jones appeared to be losing, however, Williams replaced the Raiders March with the Nazi Theme (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). Thus, the composer is special because he does not only produce great music but also possesses the intelligence to place different scores in appropriate scenes of the films or television programs he works for. One of the most memorable compositions of Williams is the theme from the film, Jaws. The score uses a â€Å"deep, two-note bassline,† which has managed to almost turn into a â€Å"universal code for impending shark attack (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). † As a matter of fact, many documentaries on the subject of sharks have used music similar to the theme created by Williams. According to the BBC report, the power of the theme is its simplicity. The bassline is played very slowly and it is played at pretty long intervals, after which the remaining orchestra chimes in with the bassline staying dominant and â€Å"joined by a deep brass harmony (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). † After this, the bass almost disappears while the lighter strings continue to play a panicky, almost desperate theme before the bass finally returns with full force in a mood of vengeance. At this point, the brass and the string play â€Å"an urgent refrain (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). † Silence follows soon after (â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer†). Another truly memorable piece created by Williams is his score for Memoirs of a Geisha. Waldron describes this composition as a â€Å"marvelously textured score that defines and propels the story. † For this score, Williams made use of the traditional musical instruments of Japan. The cellist Yo-yo Ma and the violinist Itzhak Perlman gave life to the theme. Indeed, Williams’ theme for this film is expected to surprise many of his fans, as this theme had been created for the Japanese film setting rather than the usual Hollywood setting that the composer has been acquainted with for a long time (Waldron). What is more, this theme is truly unusual as it does not remind the listener to music of the past that the composer is known to derive his compositions from much of the time. Williams’ music for A. I. is an additional surprise for his fans. Mecha World, which is the opening track of the film, reminds the listener that, indeed, he or she is listening to Williams’ music. This expansive piece introduces a mechanical character that one could easily associate with machinery or robotics. The piece is set against a broad musical theme that allows the viewer of the film to infer that the mechanical character must be placed in an â€Å"imposing urban† or â€Å"industrial landscape (Lace). † Williams makes â€Å"savvy use of metrically fractured rhythmic writing† in addition to percussion instruments in A. I. (Tommasini). These features of his music allow the viewer of the film to easily enter the world of androids along with the androids themselves. Tommasini describes how the composer – after having been mocked by critics for the sameness of his compositions – reveals his uniqueness in the theme for A. I. : â€Å"The music during the films ‘Hide and Seek’ sequence, when the robot boy David plays games with his adoptive mother, who at this early stage of the story is still smitten with him, is especially ingenious. Built from gentle melodic riffs, including childrens piano-practice tunes, quizzical harmonies and asymmetrical phrases, the music is at once beguiling and unsettling. † Indeed, Williams seems to have come a long way. His music for Catch me if you can is especially jazzy. Identified as â€Å"elusive chamber music,† the score proves to the listeners that the composer is skillful at â€Å"the less-is-more approach (Tommasini). † Furthermore, although his fans can still recognize his distinctive brand of compositions, Williams continues to change his approach to try out new techniques to film scoring. He has not managed to bore his listeners, despite the fact that he has created music for a large number of popular films. Most importantly, perhaps, it is essential for him to remind the listeners with his expansive themes that it is his music that they are listening to. Experimenting with new approaches while keeping his unique style that his fans have adored for many years suits Williams best. In point of fact, this is the very reason why Williams is known as one of the greatest composers in American history. After all, America is all about newness that is blended with old traditions. The old traditions cannot be given up because they keep the people grounded. At the same time, however, newness is considered a necessity as Americans strive to achieve the American Dream – a dream of success that cannot be realized without modernity. Fortunately for Williams, he has realized the dream with a thorough comprehension of its nuances. Works Cited â€Å"About: John Williams. † John Williams Official Site (2007). 3 Dec 2007. http://www. johnwilliamscomposer. com/. â€Å"John Williams: Composer Extraordinaire. † My Files (2007). 3 Dec 2007. http://www. mfiles. co. uk/composers/John-Williams. htm. â€Å"John Williams: Film Composer. † BBC (22 May 2001). 3 Dec 2007. http://www. bbc. co. uk/dna/h2g2/A563942. Lace, Ian. â€Å"A. I. Artificial Intelligence. † April 2002 Film Music CD Reviews (Apr 2002). 3 Dec 2007. http://www. musicweb-international. com/film/2002/Apr02/AI. html. Tommasini, Anthony. â€Å"John Williams’ Surprising Score for ‘Sith. ’† International Herald Tribune (25 May 2005). 3 Dec 2007. http://www. iht. com/articles/2005/05/24/features/starwars. php

Compare and Contrast the Development of B and T Cells

Compare and Contrast the Development of B and T Cells The epithelial surfaces of the body serve as an effective barrier against most microorganisms, and they are rapidly repaired if wounded. Adaptive immunity is initiated when an innate immune response fails to eliminate a new infection, whereby an activated antigen presenting cells (APCs) bearing pathogens antigens are delivered to the draining lymphoid tissues. An adaptive immune response differs from the innate immunity in its ability to target structures that are specific to particular strains and variants of pathogen. T cells are produced in the bone marrow. They are transported still, as pro-thymocytes to the thymus where they undergo the process of maturation and selection. The regulation of T cell maturation in the thymus is termed central tolerance. During gestation, most T cells generated bear the gamma/deta T cell receptor (TcR) on their surface. In the adult, most T cells bear the alpha/beta TcR. The newly formed TcR then, has to be tested for recognition of self-MHC/peptide. The T cells are tested at a stage of development known as double positive, meaning that they bear both CD4 and CD8 receptors on their surface. Cells with TcRs that recognize self-MHC/peptide with very low affinity will die. This process is known as death by neglect. Cells with TcRs with medium affinity for MHC receive survival signals and undergo a process known as positive selection. Finally, cells which receive a high affinity signal via their TcR die by apoptosis, a process known as negative selection. Cells that in teract with MHC class I become CD8 positive T cell, and those that interact with MHC class II become CD4 positive T cells, before migrating out into the peripheral lymphoid system (Wood P, 2006). Mature B cells, like T cell, are also develop form pluripotent stem cells. However unlike T cells lymphocytes, B cell maturation occurs in the bone marrow. There are four different stages of B cell development: pro-B, pre-B, immature B, and mature B cells. During its development, B cells acquire B cell surface marker expression such as B220, CD19, CD20, etc. as well as antigen receptors. The stromal cells lining the bone marrow provide essential growth signals to developing B cells, including cytokines such as IL7 and cell to cell contact, via VLA4/VCAM and Kit/SCF. During B cell development, gene segment rearrangements take place, just like in T cells where TcR rearrangements (central tolerance) also occur. However, for B cells, the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene locus (variable-V, joining-J and diversity-D segments), situated on chromosome 14, rearranges. In haematopoietic stem cells, the Ig heavy chain genes are in germline configuration (Kurosaki T et al., 2009). As B cells deve lop to pro-B cells, a D-J recombination is the first gene rearrangement to take place. The intervening DNA is normally deleted from the chromosome as a circle. Gene rearrangements are mediated by recombinase activitng genes, RAG proteins. As the developing B cell proceeds from pro- to pre-B cell stage, a V-DJ gene arrangement takes place to form the VDJ coding block that encodes the variable domain on the antibody heavy chain. Gene rearrangement takes place on both copies of chromosome 14 in a developing B cell, but once a productive VDJ block has been assembled on one chromosome 14, rearrangement ceases on the other chromosome, ensuring only one type of Ig is produced by any single B cell. This process is known as allelic exclusion. If a developing B cell fails to make a productive VDJ block, it will fail to produce antibody heavy chain and die in the bone marrow (Murphy K et al, 2008). T and B cell activation: T cell activation takes place in draining lymph nodes (also spleen) close to site of infection. T cell recognizes antigen on MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) molecules becomes activated and differentiates to effector cells. Effector T cells migrate to site of infection and carry out effector functions. The T lymphocytes arrive through venules, and cross through the endothelial to the lymph nodes. Antigen presenting cells such (APC) such as dendritic cells, and macrophages presented antigens to T cells. On recognition of the antigen, a low affinity interaction is formed. These T cells then leave lymph node though the lymphatic system. Those T cells that recognize the antigens wall with high affinity will be retained and the process of proliferation and differentiation occurs. However, initial B cell activation takes place in T cell zone of secondary lymphatic tissues (i.e. in lyhmph nodes). Mostly IgM producing plasma cells are produced at this state. B cells, unlike T cells, ar e activated by the ineraction with antigen-specific T cell, by linked recognition. Antigen-activated B cell migrates to B cell area of lymph nodes to form organized germinal centres, where additional B cell differentiation processes take place. It is important to note that T cells recognize the peptide, while B cells recognize the coat protein. For T and B lymphocyte activation 2 signals are hypothesized to be required. Firstly, the antigen stimulus signal and secondly, the co-stimulatory stimulus. The absence of the second signal results in anergy or apoptosis. CD28/B7 interaction is the co-stimulatory signals for T cells while CD40/CD40 ligand, on the activated T cells, interaction is for B cells. For both T and B lymphocytes, in it resting G0 cell cycle, the cell appear to have a large nucleus, with little cytoplasm and show little evidence of organelles. However, when these cells enter G1/S/G2 cell cycle, cell shows an increase in cell size, chromatin de-condensation is seen. Cell division occurs rapidly, generating effector cells of either T or B lymphocytes. Effector T cells include Th1, Th2 and T regulatory, as well as T cytotoxic cell and memory T cells. On the other hand, effector B cells include plasma cell and memory B cell. T and B cell effector functions: B cell response to T-dependent protein antigen results in germinal centres formation in B cell areas of lymph nodes, and specialized processes such as Ig class-switching, somatic mutation and affinity maturation, memory B cell and plasma cell generation take place there. Emerging form germinal centres are somatically mutated and class-switched B cells, which no longer just produce IgM. Memory B cells are long-lived, resting and re-circulating cells, responsible for immunization part which helpto generate rapid and vigorous immune response on second encounter for that specific antigen. Plamablast cells migrate to other sites such as bone marrow, and become plasma cells, producing large amounts of secreted antibody. Some of which can live for long periods. The effector functions of B cells refer to what antibodies do after their contact with the antigen. The antibody effector functions include neutralization, complement fixation (IgM, IgG1/2/3), oposonization and antibody dependent cel l-mediated cytotoxicity. In contrast, T cell effector functions differ significantly from B cell effector functions. Antigen presenting cells present peptide via MHC which can either interact with CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. Helper T cells are defined by the cytokines they produce. Naà ¯ve CD4+ T cells (Th0), on interaction with APC, can differentiate to Th1 or Th2 cells, depending on the cytokine environment. Th1 cells co-ordinate inflammatory immune responses to intracellular pathogens while Th2 cells help B cells to make antibodies required for immune responses to extracellular pathogens, this is known as humoral immunity. Th1 and Th2 cells both act to promote the generation of more leukocytes. Besides Th0/Th1/Th2, other CD4+ T cell subsets exist (Zhu J et al., 2010). Resting T cells can differentiate into activated helper T cell, as well as activated cytotoxic T cell (CD8+ T cell). Initially, CD8+ T cells interact with potential target cells via low affinity/non-specific interactions between adhesion molecule s on the T cell (LFA-1 and CD2) and the target cell (ICAM1, ICAM2). This interaction has no effect on the cytoskeleton of the T cell and is a transient interaction unless recognition of specific peptide:MHC complexes occurs. If peptide:MHC I complex is present, the affinity of the adhesion molecule interaction increases and there is clustering of T cell receptor and associated molecules at the point of contact with the target cell forming the immunological synapse. This also signals for cytoskeletal rearrangements organized by the microtubule organizing complex which focuses the cytotoxic granules of the T cell at the point of contact with the target. Notice here, that T cells, unlike B cells do not produce antibodies against antigens. Granules containing perforin and other enzymes including granzymes are released and induce the activation of the cathepsin pathways in the target cell leading to apoptosis. CD8+ T cells can also kill target cells via the Fas/FasL pathway which also in duces apoptosis (Peter EJ 2007). In conclusion, adaptive immune responses occur when individual lymphocytes capable of responding to antigen proliferate and differentiate to become an antigen-specific effector cells and memory cells. The process of lymphocyte cell cycle progression, proliferation and differentiation in response to antigen and stimuli is known as lymphocyte activation. B cell activation is initiated by the ligation of the B cell receptor (BCR) with antigen and ultimately results in the production of protective antibodies against potentially pathogenic invaders. While naive or memory T cells encounter foreign antigen along with proper co-stimulation they undergo rapid and extensive clonal expansion. In human, this type of proliferation is fairly unique to cells of the adaptive immune system and requires a considerable expenditure of energy and cellular resources.

Data Encryption Essay -- Data Security

Missing Chart Encryption Encryption is a method of programming data for security so that it appears to be random data. Only the people sending and receiving the information have the key to decrypt the message, which will put it back into its original form making it readable. The only people with the key are the people who are intended to read the message. Not many people know what encryption is. I took a survey of twenty students and asked two questions. The first question I asked was do you know what encryption means and the second question I asked was have you ever heard of anybody using encryption. This is a chart of the information I received: Many people wonder exactly how encryption works. People think that encryption is the same thing as coding when in fact it is very different. Computer code is used to create software while encryption is used to disguise a message from the public. Coding such as ASCII and EBCDIC are used to create data that is publicly shared. With encryption, when you first put in a message, its goes in as plaintext. Plaintext is the text in its original form when it has not been encrypted. A message that has been encrypted is known as ciphertext. The process of converting plaintext to ciphertext is known as encryption. The process of changing ciphertext into plaintext is known as decryption (Parsons 328). In order to encrypt a message you need to use a cryptographic algorithm key. A cryptographic key can be a word, phrase or number that has to be known in order to encrypt or decrypt a message. Caesar created his own encryption method known as simple substitution. His encryption was to change the alphabet to start with D and continue with the alphabet from there. When he reached... ...n use your private key to encrypt them. It is basically the safest way to send e-mail. As I mentioned before, most people believe that encryption is a very complex process when in often it is very simple. Weak encryptions such as Caesars simple substation method prove how simple encryption can really be. Strong encryption can be nearly impossible to crack. You need a special computer and it can take a long time to figure out the message. Encryption such as the PGP method, are used to keep privacy through e-mails. Overall, encryption is mainly used for privacy and protection in all types of situations. Works cited Parsons, June Jamrich, Dan Oja. New Perspectives on Computer Concepts 8th Edition. Boston, MA: Course Technology. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encryption http://www.cesa8.k12.wi.us/media/digital_dictionary.htm

The Ecstasy Debate: Weighing The Good And The Bad :: Biology Essays Research Papers

The Ecstasy Debate: Weighing The Good And The Bad Ever since its first synthesis 80 years ago, the seemingly harmless nature of the drug ecstasy has been the subject of much debate. While many scientists are convinced that there is a darker side to the euphoria-inducing pill than meets the eye, the millions of users insist that no such danger exists. In fact, while I conducted my research on the subject, I discovered that to some extent, the users' concept is true - ecstasy does seem to be far less harmful than any of the other popularized drugs of the century. But why, then, in 1985 was this limitlessly pleasurable drug outlawed (1), with such a weak case against it? Is the scientific world's overly cautious attitude preventing us from experiencing a limitless pleasure unlike anything we have ever known? These were the questions I sought to have answered. 3,4 - Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA as it has come to be called, is a psychoactive drug with a chemical structure similar to the stimulant methamphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline, and demonstrates both psychedelic and stimulant effects (3). It was first synthesized by a German company in 1912 to be used to help develop more advanced therapeutic drugs (1). In the 1970s, MDMA was used to facilitate psychotherapy by a group of therapists in the United States (5). Not until the 1980s and early 1990s did the drug gain worldwide popularity as the illicit "ecstasy" (5), the drug that would eventually stir a wave of excitement among young people everywhere. Ecstasy use, which saw its roots in the hippie generation of the 1970s, has since grown exponentially. Ecstasy tablets confiscated by the Drug Enforcement Administration increased from 13,342 in 1996 to 950,000 in 2000 (4). According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research in 1998, 4.3 percent of 8th graders, 7.3 percent of 10th graders, and 11 percent of 12th graders reported they had used MDMA at some point (4). However, by far the age group with the heaviest use (1.4 million Americans) of the drug was reported for those between 18 and 25 years of age (4). So much ecstasy is entering our country at present that the Customs Service has developed an ecstasy command center and is training dogs to sniff out the drug (2). What is it that lures so many people to "experiment" with ecstasy and tantalizes them to want more?

Night before x-mas parody :: essays research papers

‘Twas the night before spring break, when all through the city Lots of young people were stirring, awake in their house; The short pants and short sleeves were hung in the closet with care, In hopes that warm weather soon would be there; The children were restless being stuck in there beds, While visions of pre-summer fun danced in there heads; And dark in the window and I on the couch, Had just woken up from a quick evening nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my resting place to see to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Turned on the light and threw up the sash. The moon on the rest of the fresh spring grass Gave the luster of morning to objects below, When what to my sleepy eyes should appear, But a kid on a razor scooter, offending my ears. With a little young rider so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be a neigbor. More anoying than anything was the grinding that came, As he rumbled and grumbled down the pavement he came; As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly, When he meets a small rock scooter and rider will fly, So down to the street corner he flew, With a frown on his face and a broken scooter too. And then, in a twinkling, i heard on the street The jumping and screaming and each muffled oof. As i drew in my hand and was turning around, Up from the pavement he came with a bound. He was dressed all in new clothing from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with dirt from a nearby tree root; A beat up scoter he had flung on his back, And he looked like he was homeless and high on crack. His eyes didn’t twinkle, his dimples not merry! His cheeks were filled with embarrassment and his face red as a cherry! His droll little mouth pulled down in a frown, And the amusement of his actions compared with a clown; The stump of a handlebar he held tight in his hand, And the thought of his misfortune circled his head, He had a broad face and a round little belly, That shook when he walked like a bowlful of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right sorry young elf, And i laughed when i saw him, in spite of myself;