Madame du Barry: Louis XV’s Favorite Mistress

It has often been said that it is the mistress who truly wields the power on the throne. According to the BBC article The King's Mistress – A Royal Tradition (2005), â€Å"†¦ for centuries, kings across Europe have turned to mistresses for sex, advice and conversation† (BBC News, n. pag. ). In exchange for the sex and companionship that they provided to their respective paramours, these women were able to obtain â€Å"great personal wealth, security and a rare chance of political power† (BBC News, n. pag.). But in the case of Madame du Barry (1743-1793), a king's mistress can also bring about the end of his regime (BBC News, n. pag. ).Madame Jeanne Becu Comtesse du Barry was born as Marie-Jeanne Becu at Vaucouleurs, Lorraine on August 19, 1743 (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). She was the illigitimate daughter of Anne Becu, who was said to have worked either as a seamstress or a cook in Paris (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). Marie-Jeanne's biological father was believed to be Je an Baptiste Gormand de Vaubernier, a friar who went by the name of â€Å"Brother Angel† (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). However, it was Anne's lover, Monsieur Billard-Dumonceaux, who paid for her education at the convent of St. Aure (Wikipedia, n. pag. ).Marie-Jeanne left the convent at age 15 and moved to Paris, where she assumed the name Jeanne Rancon (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). She held various jobs during her stay in Paris, which included being an assistant to a young hairdresser named Lametz (with whom she was rumored to have a daughter), a companion to Madame de la Garde (known to be a lonely aristocrat) and a miliner's assistant in A La Toilette, an enterprise of a certain Monsieur Labille (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). In 1763, her beauty caught the eye of well-heeled pimp and casino owner Jean du Barry (Wikipedia, n. pag. ).He then proceeded to turn her into his mistress and groomed her career as a courtesan that catered only to the Parisian elite (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). Marie-Jeanne becam e a courtesan for four years (Marie Antoinette, n. pag. ), working under the alias of Mademoiselle Lange (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). Although several of her wealthy customers eventually became her benefactors, Du Barry wanted to use her to control King Louis XV (1715-1774) (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). Du Barry's ambition was realized when Marie-Jeanne and his brother, Comte Guillaume du Barry, were married in 1769 (Wikipedia, n. pag. ).Marie-Jeanne's marriage to a nobleman qualified her to become Louis XV's official royal mistress (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). On April 2, 1769, Madame du Barry was formally intoroduced to the family of the king and the French royal court (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). In sharp contrast to Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764), another of Louis XV's mistresses, Du Barry had minimal political clout over the king (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). Her only participation in politcs was her membership in the faction that deposed Etienne Francois de Choiseul from his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1770 (Wikipedia, n. pag. ).Du Barry instead spent her time â€Å"having new gowns made and ordering jewelry of every shape, size and colour† (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). She also took the place of De Pompadour as Louis XV's favorite mistress (Marie Antoinette, n. pag. ). However, Du Barry's genteel life in Versailles Palace was not without problems. She had a bitter feud with French Dauphine Marie Antoinette (1755-1793) primarily because of the latter's support of De Choiseul (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). Marie Antoinette also refused to have anything to do with Du Barry due to her disgust with the latter's personal background (Marie Antoinette, n. pag. ).Furthermore, Louis XV requested prior to his demise in May 1774 that Du Barry be banished to the Abbey of Pont aux-Dames, where her letters and visits were strictly monitored (Marie Antoinette, n. pag. ). Historians believed that the king's relationship with Du Barry might have hindered him from receiving an absolution before his death; hence, his decision to send her away (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). Du Barry lived in the convent for two years, before moving to the Chateau de Louveciennes (Wikipedia, n. pag. ) in 1776 (Marie Antoinette, n. pag. ).Although Du Barry was noted for her â€Å"her good nature and support of artists† (Wikipedia, n. pag. ), the French people despised her due to the lavish lifestyle that the king subjected her to (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). By the late 1780s, France was in the midst of a severe fiscal crisis (MSN Encarta, n. pag. ). Its economy suffered due to the monarchy's tedious and archaic bookkeeping system (MSN Encarta, n. pag. ). Furthermore, the country also did not have a national bank (MSN Encarta, n. pag. ). Even if the majority of France's nobility and clergy were extremely well-off, they were taxed considerably less than the poor peasants (MSN Encarta, n. pag. ).The royalty likewise had to take on crippling debts just to finance the very expensive wars it got itself in to – the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) and the American Revolution (1775-1783) (MSN Encarta, n. pag. ). While the country's upper classes wallowed in wealth and the monarchy engaged in one expensive hostility after another, ordinary French citizens starved due to skyrocketing prices of bread (MSN Encarta, n. pag. ).The increasing animosity between France's nobility and bourgeoisie resulted in the French Revolution (1789-1799) (MSN Encarta, n. pag. ). Under the Revolution, â€Å"France was temporarily transformed from an absolute monarchy, where the king monopolized power, to a republic of theoretically free and equal citizens† (MSN Encarta, n. pag. ). Simply put, the French Revolution served as the retribution for all the injustices that the French royalty inflicted upon its people. At the height of the Revolution, revolutionaries guillotined nobles, their allies and anyone who opposed the uprising (MSN Encarta, n. pag. ). Du Barry went to England several times in 1792 to supposedly recover stolen jewelry (MSN Encarta, n. pag. ).As a result, she was accused of secretly providing financial assistance to the England-based opponents of the new French republic (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). The Revolutionary Tribunal of Paris apprehended Du Barry on treason charges in 1793 (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). Following a premeditated trial, she was finally guillotined at the Place de la Concorde on December 8, 1793 (Wikipedia, n. pag. ). Mistresses like Madame du Barry lived lives of wealth, comfort and power. But their affluence and prominence did not come without a tragic price, as they attained these at the expense of so many impoverished citizens.The hedonistic existence of these women sickened their countrymen to the point that they finally rose up and demanded change for their resepctive countries and governments. It would be fair to say that mistresses can serve as the ultimate warning to any leader who will use his po sition to enrich himself and his associates. The people may tolerate corruption for a remarkably long time. But once they take power into their own hands, there is no government on earth that they cannot overthrow. Works Cited â€Å"French Revolution. † 2007. MSN Encarta.22 April 2008 . â€Å"Madame du Barry. † 2008. Marie Antoinette. 22 April 2008 . â€Å"Madame du Barry. † 9 April 2008. Wikipedia. 22 April 2008 . â€Å"Marie Jeanne Becu du Barry. † 2007. MSN Encarta. 22 April 2008 . â€Å"The King's Mistress – A Royal Tradition. † 27 April 2005. BBC News. 22 April 2008 .

The Great Leap Forward of China

Great Leap Forward (1958-1960), economic and social plan initiated by Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung), with the intent of radically increasing agricultural and industrial production in the People's Republic of China, and of bringing China to the brink of a utopian communist society. The Great Leap Forward was a reaction to the Hundred Flowers Campaign, a more moderate development program in China in 1957. In this earlier program, Mao Zedong tried to win the support of Chinese intellectuals by calling for their constructive criticism of the policies of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). However, such an unexpected torrent of dissatisfaction fell on party leaders that in June 1957 the CCP abandoned the Hundred Flowers plan and moved in much more radical directions, imposing strict controls on freedom of expression and dismissing or imprisoning many intellectuals. The CCP then called upon all Chinese to engage in physical labor to transform the economy, forcing over 100 million people into projects such as land reclamation and the construction of irrigation systems, which were designed to increase agricultural production. During the Leap, huge self-sufficient communes were established in the Chinese countryside, and China proclaimed that it would overtake England in the production of major products in 15 years. Chinese leaders thought that China was on the verge of establishing a Communist utopia, in which all people would work together to make China productive and totally self-sufficient. Over the next several years, production targets for communes grew continually larger, and officials competed against each other to see who could proclaim the highest yields. The CCP leadership believed the targets to be accurate and used them, rather than actual production figures, as the basis for determining taxes, which were collected in grain rather than currency. As a result, the amount of grain available to the people of China dropped almost 25 percent. Between 1959 and 1962, more than 20 million people died during a massive famine caused by this practice. In 1958, as an immediate result of the massive peasant mobilization, industrial and agricultural output increased significantly. In 1959, however, agricultural production started to fall, reaching its low in 1962, when it was only about two-thirds of the 1958 total. Industrial production gradually fell as well, but less severely, always surpassing production totals for 1957. Socially, the Leap produced great enthusiasm among most Chinese in 1958, but as it became clear that the Leap programs were not working and that people were starving, popular dissatisfaction began to grow. During 1959 party leadership tried to correct some of the problems of the Leap. But these efforts were not sufficient for the Defense Minister, Peng Dehuai (P'eng Te-huai), who in mid-1959 criticized Leap policies and argued strongly for a more moderate stance. Mao Zedong took exception to Peng's ideas and had him removed from power. Mao's harsh response to Peng's criticism essentially intimidated the party into giving up the idea of retrenchment, enabling Mao to reassert the policies of the Leap. By the middle of 1960 it became clear to party leaders that the Leap could not be sustained. Emergency measures were taken to bring the economy under control, including importing grain from the West and decentralizing the communes. Professional management, which had been attacked as counterrevolutionary during the Leap, was actively encouraged. Originally Mao Zedong went along with these policies, but he increasingly felt that they betrayed his vision of socialism. He grew suspicious of other CCP leaders, such as Deng Xiaoping (Teng Hsiao-p'ing), who had advocated moderate policies. His differences with Deng and others drove Mao to launch the Cultural Revolution in 1966 to purge his perceived opponents and to try to restore his ideal of a Chinese revolution.

Black Death

The Black Death according to many historians does not narrow down to one cause. There have been several interpretations of what has caused the plague. But there have not been different opinions on the effects of the Black Death. The plague has caused a decrease in population; drop in food prices, religious conflicts, and land lost. Historians can conclude with the aftermath of the plague that it was a significant event in which many people were affected.Besides the fact that the Black Death devastated Europe in the medieval times, it also had a powerful impact on population, culture, religion, and economy. The population decreased due to the thousands of deaths caused by The Black Death. The population â€Å"did not recover from the plague, did not resume the skyrocketing demographic curve of the late 13th century† (Cantor 88). It seemed to be estimated that almost 35 million Europeans died from the plague. Late marriages were also a factor that caused the populations not to bounce back from adversity due to the long periods of bachelorhood. Therefore, childbirth was at a smaller percent and if a woman were to be pregnant she would die due to old age. Also, some of the people who were affected by the plague thought it was God punishing them for their sins and how they deserved it. Culture was another aspect of the plague. Many cultures had changed and land was lost. The plague had affected people’s land because of the spread of the disease was already onto the animals. Farmers could not cultivate their farmland or animals because they were dying and then the plague had spread to the landowners. Religion, people viewed the plague as an evil deep inside themselves. They viewed it as God punishing them for their sins so they must ask for forgiveness, donate to the church, and live better lives. Those who were punished by God â€Å"turned to better things in their minds. They abstained from all vice during that time and they lived virtuously; many divided their property among the poor, even before they were attacked by disease (Cantor 247). Flagellants whipped themselves and scourged themselves as penance for their and society’s sins in the belief that the Black Death was God’s way of punishing them. Another thought came across that the Jews had poisoned Christian community wells badly to persecute Jews. This did not help Europe bolster their community back to normal. The economy; due to the shortage of land and people, people were out of pay and prices of food went up. Due to many deaths, there were shortages of goods and then a rise in prices. The prices on wheat, cheese, and meat went up. Majority of farmland was left with no farmer so the food was there to rot. Due to that, people could not provide food for themselves and they had to buy food even though the prices went up; the consumption of meat went up as well. The plague affected Europe’s community so much that people were living different lifestyles, from growing there own food to surviving on high priced food while sick. Cantor writes from a Political history view as well as a Cultural historical view. Political History is â€Å"the narrative and analysis of political events, ideas, movements, and leaders. It is distinct from, but related to, other fields of history such as Diplomatic history, social history, economic history, and military history, as well as constitutional history and public history† (Wikipedia n.p.). Cantor writes from a political history view because he focuses on the impact the Black Death had on Europe. Cantor also writes from a Cultural history view; Cultural History is building on materialism but focuses on language as a historical view and borrows from anthropology and linguistics of people in the past. Cantor writes from this view partially because he analyzes the people that deeply impacted the Black Death and how the cultural world was affected by it. But his main focus was to convey the difference in cultural backgrounds and how they affected the Black Death. It was believed/said that the cause of The Black Death and majority of the plagues that struck Europe were epidemics of the bubonic plague. (CJ Duncan, Scott S). One historian believes that â€Å"the disease was a viral haemorrhagic fever, characterized by long incubation period of 32 days, which allowed it to be spread widely even with the limited transport of the Middle Ages.† It was spread by being emerged from its â€Å"animal host† and then attacked Europe/Asia communities over and over. The Black Plague spread quickly, believed to being spread by animal host, because fleas and rats would transfer it to other animals. Another prediction was that a fleabite would an infected rat; Yersinia Pestis grows in its gut. The Black Death is believed to have started to spread from the human to human with no rats and or fleas involved because places where the plague hit there were no rats. In conclusion to The Black Death and how Cantor wrote in his perspective, it is hard to say what is the deciding factor in what caused the plague all together. Since the plague has many reasons as to what caused the spread they all eventually lead to what happened after, tragedy. The plague affected how people lived their lifestyles, farms were lost and lots of people died. As well as food prices going up because many animals got infected with the plague causing them to die; the farmers weren’t able to provide for themselves or families. Cantor wrote his book with historical facts and key people who set the tone for the book. Other historians did the same but had a different opinion on what caused it. Concluding this The Black Death left the world with open eyes to show how a sickness will affect not only people but religion and money too. Bibliography 1. Black Death.

Bowen Family Systems, Structual, and Strategic Models Theory Overview Research Paper

Bowen Family Systems, Structual, and Strategic Models Theory Overview - Research Paper Example According to these three theories, when one part of the system is influenced, then, the entire system is influenced, and thus the psychological dysfunction of an individual is contributed to, not by the individual factors, but by the holistic relationship and interaction of the family system (Kniskern, 165). In this respect, the three theoretical models of family systems share basic assumptions, while at the same time varying to some substantial degree regarding how the theories perceive the family system and the manner in which the society should intervene in matters of the system. Therefore, this analysis seeks to discuss the three theoretical models of the Family Systems Theory, with a view to defining the theories, explaining their development, discussing their assumptions, presenting the applications of the theories and finally assessing their criticisms. This is a theoretical model of the Family Systems Theory, which emphasizes on the differentiation of the context of the family emotional systems (Stanton, 253). Therefore, its therapeutic application requires that individuals must first differentiate/separate from their families of origin, before they embark on dealing with the present issues of their relationships or their nuclear families (Stanton, 258). Thus, the model theory is mostly applied to understand the family process, so the individual can be able to understand the present situation, based on their past roles, relationships and interactions with their families. The model was established in 1931 by Murray Bowen. The fundamental objective of the theory is to help reduce chronic anxiety within individuals, through accounting for every aspect of human behaviors (Stanton, 254). The major assumption of this theory is that; behavioral change cannot be effective, where the individual does not have adequate and deeper insight in relation to the causes of a behavior. Therefore, the model seeks to create insight into the family processes that

An Analysis of employee involvement on American Water Company Essay

An Analysis of employee involvement on American Water Company - Essay Example An Analysis of employee involvement on American Water Company Staw & Ross stated that employees know better what is expected of them, and they commit better on the organization’s decision (1978). [Employee]Participation may lower the disutility of effort, by providing intrinsic motivation (Staw, 1980). Also, participation may suit non-financial needs such as achievement, creativity and the longing for respect. This may also develop cooperation and communication; employees discuss with each other instead of allowing all discussions only to the management, saving management time. When employees are participative, they tend to supervise themselves, therefore reducing the need for a lot of managerial positions and lessening costs of labor. Involvement teaches employees new skills and helps identify and train leaders. Strauss emphasized that â€Å"participation increases loyalty and identification with the organization†. He also argued that â€Å"If participation and rewards take place in a group setting, the group may pressure indivi duals to conform to decisions† (1977).When management leaders and union participate cooperatively to resolve problems on a non adversarial basis; it improves union management relationship. Involvement often results in the setting of goals and according to Latham, Gary â€Å"goal setting is often an effective motivational technique, particularly when workers set their own goals (1988). Disadvantages of Employee Involvement However, employee involvement had been evaluated as disadvantageous in some ways. Among the disadvantages cited are: Employees may be less knowledgeable than managers, and the understanding upon the decisions they made may be different. Aside from this, Jensen and William stated that "the rewards motivating workers to share their ideas may be larger than the value of the ideas themselves" (1979). Employees may be unenthusiastic to change, once they commit to a decision. Employee Involvement is time consuming, and if the groups decided, response to changing environments may be mainly slow. Another concern is the possibility that when a precedent of employee involvement is established, it is difficult to withdraw this right to participate. Organized, participative groups may unite against the management to limit production and avoid change. Sharing information with unions raises their bargaining power, so companies may lose. If the management and union are unified, working together wit h management may lower unions' legitimacy with members. Goals employees set for themselves may be low. In order to better understand employee involvement, it is better if we take a closer look on an organization that allows/promotes employee involvement. One of these organizations is "American Water". Employee Involvement in American Water Company As cited in the World Wide Web American Water Works & Guarantee Company was founded in 1886 and was restructured in 1947 as American Water Works Company, Inc., and locally operates in New Jersey. Its major mission is to become a trusted water resource company dedicated to

School violence Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

School violence - Term Paper Example Those kids that perpetually commit violent acts towards classmates are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, to quit going to school altogether and go on to be involved in criminal behaviour later in life. Children who are often the victims of schoolyard violence tend to experience more stress in their lives which leads to higher levels of anxiety, depression, physical illnesses and thoughts of suicide than those that do not. For both bully and bullied, these actions negatively affect learning potentials and retards personal development. The seemingly never ending cycle of intimidating actions works to tear apart the underpinnings of a civil society from the bottom up. The reason children act out violently towards others is because they have been treated with disrespect or have been bullied themselves. A pattern of poor social adjustment perpetuates itself from one child to another and from one generation to the next. Factors including an unstable household, pressures from school and the perceived feeling of control as well as the individual characteristics of impulsivity, a low self-esteem and a lack of self control are predictors of violent behaviors.

Italian and German Fascism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Italian and German Fascism - Essay Example This essay declares that the fascist movements in both Germany and Italy initially gained power through being invited by conservative parties into government to ensure that leftist parties were countered. Leftist parties, especially socialist parties, had taken a significant share of the opposition of these countries and their influence was steadily increasing. The rise of communism in Russia during and immediately after World War One had made conservative parties in power to become wary of leftist opposition parties and collaboration with fascist parties in both Germany and Italy made possible the removal of their threat. However, the Fascist party in Italy wanted more than a small share of government and although it had won only a small number of seats in parliament, it managed to seize power and maintain it through an alliance with right leaning parties. The same occurred in Germany where the Nazis took advantage of their being in government to lash out against the socialist parti es and strengthen their position, eventually taking over some of the most important institutions within the state. This paper makes a conclusion that the fascist movement within these two countries ended up developing in different ways with Nazi Germany becoming more radicalized while fascist Italy becoming more authoritarian. The Nazi party, once it gained power, aimed at implementing its policies at all costs and among these was the restoration of Germany’s glorious past through military action.

Product Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Product Report - Essay Example Keeping this theory in mind, it is quite obvious that the product category of ‘ketchup’ is in the maturity stage. This is apparent due to the following reasons: i. The market has become saturated with many variants of the basic product. For example, tomato chilly ketchup, sweet and sour ketchup. ii. Market share growth is at the expense of some other competitor rather than actual growth in the market (this is quite clear from the fact that competitors try to motivate consumers to try their product and appear superior to other brands of ketchup rather than just sell the idea of having ketchup with one’s fries or burgers). iii. The product is constantly being modified by players in the industry to differentiate their product from those of competitors (Ex: Heinz Dip & Squeeze Ketchup). iv. Emphasis of the promoters in the industry is to build brand loyalty and give customers incentives to switch over to their brand (As Heinz has done in this case study by offering fr ee fried chicken with the dip and squeeze and earlier by offering free fries and ketchup in their mobile vans). There are many strategies that marketers use to manage their product’s life cycle.

Discussion #6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion #6 - Essay Example The group provides permanent affordable housing, financial assistance, employment services, housing search services, benefits advocacy, as well as proactive landlord outreach with the aim of assisting families overcome credit and income barriers to economic stability and housing stability. Angel Tree is a non-profit organization that seeks to assist children whose parents have been imprisoned by helping them meet their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. The organization’s programs seek to support the prisoners’ families as well as the inmates to ensure they reconcile with the community, family, and God after their prison terms to minimize repeat offenders. Generation Five is an organization that focuses on creating awareness of occurrence and consequences of child sexual abuse through transformative justice and education on how to identify, prevent, and respond responsibly to incidents of child sexual abuse. The organization aims at eliminating conditions that promote child sexual abuse such as gender inequality, racism, class exploitation as well as violence and instead promote justice, liberation as well as sustainability. Bay Area Recovery is an organization that provides rehabilitation programs for drug and alcohol addicts with the aim of enhancing the individual’s health, as well as the family and community relationships. The organization offers services such as detoxification, individual therapy, as well as group therapy to promote an efficient and comprehensive treatment program for the addicts. Sesame Workshop is an organization that focuses on helping children to develop the strength to heal and have hope after the death of a parent. The group provides friendship, hope and understanding to children going through the grieving process. Banana Splits Resource Centre is an organization that supports children who experience parental divorce or separation. The

IRB questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

IRB questions - Essay Example When these expectations become inflated and exaggerated, the health of the marriage will suffer because the couple had a misguided belief on how they would behave toward one another. As an example, if a woman believes that marriage will mean that her husband will come home from work every night and spend his time discussing the day and being attentive to her needs, she may be surprised to find out that all he wants is his own space. However, if she realizes that the effort he went to in making sure that her car is running at top performance was his way of conveying his concern for her safety, then she might find a greater satisfaction in his behavior. Learning to understand the flow of these examples of romance that are not based on materialism or grandiose action, but on everyday subtleties in communications within relationships, can provide a future couples that are overwhelmed and inundated with a complex set of rules that are media driven and unrealistic into tempering those expectations so that joy can be found in the little ways in which two people interact. From the perspective of a researcher, understanding this part of the human experience will allow for a better understanding of the culture of marriage. In designing this research, it is hoped that the way in which fulfillment can be achieved is identified in order to encourage future research into human interaction within the emotional connection of love. 19. Describe methods for selecting subjects and assuring that their participation is voluntary. Attach a copy of the consent form that will be used. If no consent form will be used, explain the procedures used to ensure that participation is voluntary. Note: This information is particularly important in determining that there is no actual or implied coercion to participate. (See attached information on consent forms) Subjects will be selected through recommendations and introductions made by religious leaders within the local community.

Ethnic Groups and Discrimination Essay Example for Free

Ethnic Groups and Discrimination Essay I belong to the White ethnic group which was responsible for the colonization of North America. While I am part of the White ethnic group, my family immigrated to the United States from Germany quite some time after the major colonization of North America. When most people think about the colonization of North America they think of White people on the Mayflower landing on Plymouth Rock. While the pilgrims did colonize what is now referred to as New England, the Spanish were actually the first to colonize North America. No matter who first colonized North America, this colonization caused an influx of immigrants that asserted their dominance over the native people. This colonization was also the root cause of slavery being introduced to this New World. Pilgrims are most notably identified as coming to North America to escape religious persecution. The ironic part of the colonization is that the pilgrims forced their religion on those native to North America. It is important to note that this may be one of the first indications of future ethnic and racial problems that would caused by the colonization of North America. I dont think people normally think about racism happening to Caucasians. Unfortunately it is very common for racism to happen to all ethnic groups in the U. S. Caucasian racism and prejudice against other ethnic and racial groups always seem to get the most publicity. It would be better to broaden our view of prejudice and racism so that we could get the whole story. I think that the Caucasian group had brought most of this negative attention on itself. Historically the U. S. has been dominated by Caucasians, which means this group doesnt have as much to worry about restrictions due to ethnicity or racial group. If we break down the Caucasian group even further we can see that this is even truer for the males, which I am, of this group. Male Caucasians have long been the dominant force in U. S. society. The majority of restrictions placed on females and ethnic groups have been enforced by Male Caucasians. The most notable Caucasian discrimination has been against African Americans. African Americans were largely used for slave labor during the beginning of the U. S. Going from slave to equal isnt easy, in both occurrence and acceptance from the former dominant or controlling group. This dominant position can be seen as a major reason why the view of discrimination is still focused on Caucasians. Since the Caucasian males of the past have put restrictions on most other ethnic groups, this wrong was attempted to be undone by Affirmative Action laws (Fullinwider, Robert). While most people see Affirmative Action as being helpful, it has also caused discrimination against Caucasian males. Some government agencies require a quota on hiring certain ethnic groups (this included female Caucasians). This can cause a job candidate that has hirer qualifications to be passed over just to fulfill a quota. I have seen this happen to my father while he was applying for a firefighter/EMT position. You can easily see the Caucasian male dominance by noticing the dual labor market effect. I see it more as a multiple labor market since I would also include female Caucasians as another labor market. Immigrants from Mexico often enter into a portion of this multiple labor market, most notably the farming community. Whether it is farming, manual labor, or the lower-end service sector it seems that it seems more acceptable to Caucasians for other ethnic groups to occupy these types of jobs. When the other ethnic groups occupy positions normally held by Caucasian males, we often see a limitation in their ability to progress in that profession (glass ceiling). If you look at the breakdown of people who run companies you will see this is dominated by Caucasians males, followed by males of the other ethnic groups, then females of all ethnic groups. Discrimination isnt only apparent in the job market, but in how companies invest in certain areas. It is seen in our response to what is happening in other areas of cities or areas of the country. We have slums and ghettos that dont get investment monies to fix them up due to the lower class segregation. We have other areas occupied by a high number of non-Caucasians that dont get investments just because of their ethnicity. New Orleans is a perfect example of all of these inequalities. It was a city segregated by race, ethnicity, and social class standing. The devastation caused by hurricane Katrina happened to people who couldnt afford to get out on their own, and was compounded by the predominantly Caucasian governments lack of response (arguably due to the racial differences between U. S. leaders and with the people effected by the disaster). I dont feel that I fit in with the standard culture for my Caucasian ethnic group or the U. S. mainstream culture. I dont participate in any religions, as I believe in myself and science that can be proved. I dont feel that I am or need to be better than any other ethnic group. I couldnt care less about what style is popular or what haircuts are in. I just try to be myself and try to ignore things that try to sway my opinions. Instead of taking someones word for something I would rather research and come to my own decision (almost to a fault). I think it is better to be different than a lemming following the crowd running off the cliff. References Fullinwider, Robert (2005). Affirmative Action. Retrieved February 1, 2006 from http://plato. stanford. edu/entries/affirmative-action/.

Greek Mythology and Zeus Essay Example for Free

Greek Mythology and Zeus Essay Multiple Choice: Choose the response that best answers the question. 2 points each. 1. This type of analysis was pioneered by French anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss a. Theoretical analysis b. Liminal analysis c. Structural analysis d. None of the above 2. This term refers to the many Greek gods a. Pantheon b. Tetrarchy c. Tritopatores d. All of the above 3. Kronos and Rhea were the parents of: a. Zeus b. Poseidon c. Hades d. All of the above 4. Known for his lightning bolt, this god was often called the king of the gods in the ancient Greek tradition a. Poseidon b. Odin c. Jesus d. Zeus 5. __________ is our oldest written source of information about the Greek gods a. Hesiod b. Homer c. Apollodorus d. None of the above 6. Poseidon was called the â€Å"earth-shaker† because: a. He could gather clouds and call forth storms b. He could grant a successful voyage to sailors c. The sea, his domain, surrounded the earth, and thus he who held the earth could shake it. d. His weapon was a massive pitchfork that split the earth 7. Hades was: a. Both a place and a god b. A lifeless realm of shadows and gloom c. The place where psychai went after death d. All of the above 8. This god raped his sister Demeter as she roamed Earth looking for Persephone. a. Hades b. Zeus c. Poseidon d. Ares 9. The winged horse Pegasus is the son of: a. Zeus b. Aphrodite c. Cyclops d. Poseidon 10. By the classical period, Hades feature three main levels: a. Tartarus, Elysium, Erebus b. Erebus, Fields of Asphodel, Elysium c. Tartarus, Fields of Asphodel, Elysium d. None of the above 11. Charon immediately ferried passengers into the underworld as long as they: a. Asked nicely b. Carried a gold coin to pay their way c. Prayed to Zeus for help d. Obeyed Hades’ every command 12. Objects destined for Hades were buried with the bodies of the dead, however they were: a. Burned or broken as a symbol of their belonging to the realm of the dead b. Coated in gold to please Hades c. Buried with the spouse of the deceased d. None of the above 13. Rhea saved Zeus from his father Kronos by: a. Feeding him another woman’s child b. Engaging in a conspiracy with her brothers and sisters to imprison him c. Feeding him a rock disguised as a baby d. All of the above 14. These ancestor gods were considered to be beneficent dead: a. Forefathers b. Aorai c. Restless dead d. Tritopatores 15. This goddess is known as the goddess of wild animals and carried a silver bow. a. Athena b. Hippodomeia c. Hera d. Artemis 16. As the goddess of virginal women and women in childbirth, Artemis could: a. Determine how much pain a woman experienced during labor b. Decide who a woman could marry c. Prevent infants from being exposed d. None of the above 17. This goddess waged a contest with Poseidon over a major city in ancient Greece. a. Artemis b. Aphrodite c. Athena d. Hera 18. Athena is called a â€Å"motherless child† because: a. She was born when Kronos vomited up all of his children b. She was born from Zeus’s forehead after he swallowed Metis c. She killed her mother moments after she was born d. None of the above 19. The aegis was: a. A symbol of Zeus’ favoritism b. Athena’s protective garment c. Crafted from the hide of Amalthea d. All of the above 20. This was the god of war: a. Nike b. Zeus c. Ares d. Apollo 21. Ares was despised by his fellow Olympian deities because he was known as: a. Rude, crude and maniacal b. The favorite of Zeus c. The true king of the Olympians d. None of the above 22. The Romans viewed Mars positively because: a. He married a mortal woman and became the first king of Rome b. He raped a Vestal Virgin, fathering Romulus and Remus in the process c. He fought off an attack of the Titans on Rome d. All of the above 23. This god was â€Å"either thrown out of Olympus because he was lame, or lame because he was thrown out of Olympus.† a. Hermes b. Apollo c. Hephaestus d. Remus 24. Hephaestus was known for his many inventions. He used a golden net to: a. Capture the Phoenix b. Prevent the Medusa from escaping Okeanos c. Capture his wife Aphrodite and Ares in their adulterous affair d. Build the walls of Troy 25. This god was known for his licentious behavior and intoxicating drink: a. Hephaestus b. Ares c. Dionysus d. Hermes Short answer: Answer briefly in written prose. 4 points each. 1. Explain why Prometheus is a liminal figure. 2. Discuss the nature of Zeus’ relationship with Hera. 3. Describe the rites of Dionysus. 4. Describe what makes Prometheus a â€Å"culture giver.† 5. Describe Hestia’s central role in Greek culture. Essay Question. Respond in formal prose. 30 points. 1. Considering all of the material we covered in class regarding the Greek gods, Greek culture and structural analysis, compare and contrast major elements of the stories of Greek myth and the modern film Clash of the Titans. What aspects of Greek mythology are retained in the film? Which ones are not? In terms of cultural values, what does the story of Perseus and his adventures reveal about ancient Greek culture? What does the film reveal about modern viewers’ ideas about Greek mythology—i.e. how are the gods depicted differently from the way ancient Greeks conceived of them and what is the relationship between humans and gods? Be sure to cite specific examples. Use the textbook and our close study of the Greek tragedies read in class for â€Å"Greek† examples. Use the film as evidence of â€Å"modern† examples.

Compare The Grid And Air Gap Techniques Information Technology Essay

Compare The Grid And Air Gap Techniques Information Technology Essay The research design for this study is of a comparative quantitative, quasi-experimental nature. The rationale for this comparative study is to see what effect two different anti-scatter techniques have on image quality. The properties that make this a quasi-experimental study are manipulation of specific variables and control in experimentation and testing (Parahoo, 2006). True experimental research is characterised by three properties: manipulation, control and randomisation (Parahoo, 2006). As the researcher will not randomise any variables, this study is considered as quasi-experimental and not a true experimental study. In this research manipulation was achieved since a standard anti-scatter technique was compared to an air gap technique adapted for the projection of the hip in the lateral position. Exposure factor variables were also manipulated using an automatic exposure control (AEC). Control was maintained by testing the two techniques under the same conditions using the same research tools. Furthermore, the researcher kept control of the study by testing only the anti-scatter techniques on one specific projection. Therefore the results achieved by this study are specific to the lateral hip projection. However, the principle could be applied to other projections in order to discover which technique works better in providing good image quality in that specific projection. 3.3 Research Method 3.3.1 Background of the study The following methodology was adapted from a study carried out in the United Kingdom by Goulding (2006) who looked at the air gap and the grid technique used to image the hip laterally in the University Hospital she trained in. The study was conducted with the help of reporting radiographers in the Accident and Emergency (AE) department where they performed both grid and air gap technique as routine projections on patients. Goulding (2006) looked at image quality by attaining the hip radiographs performed with both anti scatter techniques separately. Goulding (2006) collected her data by asking reporting radiographers to comment on these radiographs. In Gouldings (2006) study the radiographs on which she based her findings and results were conducted on patients of different size and this may have lacked reliability due to different exposure factors used for each examination, different patient dose depending on patient size as well as image quality. Using a similar methodology in this study the researcher assessed image quality using a quality control phantom and an anthropomorphic phantom. In doing so the researcher will made sure that tests done on both anti-scatter techniques to assess for image quality were more precise. The methodology for this research and the tools used to measure image quality in both grid and air gap technique are explained in the following sub-sections. 3.3.2 Research tools In this study the tools discussed in this section were used to gather the data. They were used to test the anti-scatter techniques being compared and investigated in this study which will be explained further on in this chapter. Since this research looks at image quality in two anti-scatter techniques, a lead quality control phantom (PTW Normi 13) was a very important tool used to collect the data. According to Carlton Adler (2006), spatial resolution and contrast resolution are the most important properties upon which devices and techniques can be tested. The lead quality control phantom (Appendix B) is designed to perform constancy and acceptance tests on plain digital x-ray systems and is able to test image receptors for their homogeneity, spatial resolution and contrast resolution (PTW-Freiburg, 2005). However, in this research, spatial resolution and contrast resolution were the two relevant key tests for image quality. Spatial resolution is measured by counting the largest amount of line pairs per millimetre (Lp/mm) while contrast resolution is measured by the low contrast steps seen on the resultant image. The areas on the phantom that are used to measure spatial and contrast resolution are shown in Appendix B. In collecting the data, the researcher made use of an anthropomorphic pixy phantom AR10A (Appendix B) to image the hip laterally using a horizontal beam. This phantom was used so that the exposures of both grid and air gap technique performed on the quality control phantom could be done to image a hip that resembles that of a human. As the anthropomorphic phantom used had the same attenuation coefficient of a human body, it stops the radiation passing through it in the same way that a human body would. Although this study evaluates image quality in two anti-scatter techniques, the radiation given to the subject/object at each exposure using the air gap and grid technique was also recorded and compared.   The amount of radiation exposed by the tube at each exposure was also measured using a dose area product (DAP) metre. This was important in order to see how much radiation was being used at each exposure to produce an image using the grid and air gap technique. All the exposures (in this experimental testing) were made using an automatic exposure control (AEC) which is incorporated in the erect bucky in the digital x-ray system used. This device determined how much mAs was used in each exposure so that the right amount of x-ray photons irradiated the image receptor to produce an image with adequate quality. This device was used since the mAs that is used in an exposure determines how good the image quality is as well as the patient dose. Therefore when the readings using the tools mentioned were gathered from all exposures, the researcher could compare these results and identify the ideal technique and exposure that should be used in imaging the hip laterally. This technique and exposure should ideally produce a good quality image with as low a dose as possible. 3.3.3 Method The following two subsections will explain in detail how the data was collected during the experimentation on the anti scatter techniques. The researcher made sure that the tools used in the testing were kept the same to test both techniques. The same digital x-ray system was also used throughout the entire experimentation. 3.3.3.1 The Grid Technique Testing for this technique was divided in two stages. In the first stage the researcher made use of the quality control phantom (PTW Normi 13). The phantom was placed on a custom made table in contact with the erect imaging receptor. A stationary parallel grid was placed between the phantom and the receptor since this is the type of grid used in a lateral hip shoot through projection. In this technique, the object to image distance (OID) was that of 0cm since the phantom was in contact with the grid and image receptor. The source to image distance (SID) used was that of one metre (100 cm) since this is the standard SID used in such a projection in the radiology department of the local hospital. The kV used was kept constant at 75 kV and the phantom was centred to the central AEC. The light beam diaphragm was set around the contours of the quality control phantom. A further exposure was made using the same grid technique setting. However, this time the grid was removed. This was done in order to find out whether the grid was working effectively in absorbing scatter radiation, which in turn could affect image quality. The DAP metre was recorded so that the researcher could have an approximate idea of the dose given to the phantom. The second stage in testing the grid technique was done by using the anthropomorphic phantom. The researcher set up the pixy phantom AR10A with the hip in contact with the grid and receptor. The hip was centred with the central AEC and exposed. The kV and the SID were the same as the ones used in testing the quality control phantom 75kV and 100cm SID. The set-ups used to test the grid techniques using both phantoms can be found in Appendix B. 3.3.3.2 The Air Gap Technique To test for the air gap technique the researcher also divided the tests into two stages. The same quality control phantom used previously in the grid technique was also utilised in this test/experiment. The PTW Normi 13 was placed on a custom-made table. However, in this technique, an air gap between the phantom and the image receptor was applied. There were a total of six air gaps applied, varying from 10cm to 60cm. This was done in order to see which air gap was more effective in reducing scatter radiation reaching the receptor. To achieve this aim the object to image distance (OID) was increased by 10 cm after each exposure to a maximum of 60 cm. The source to object distance (SOD) was kept at 100 cm to reduce object magnification as much as possible since this may create a loss in image sharpness. The source to image distance (SID) depended on what OID was used. Therefore when an OID of 20cm was applied, the SID was that of 120cm. This was done to ensure that the distance of the source to the object remained at 100cm. In each exposure the phantom was centred to the central AEC and the light beam diaphragm was set around the contours of the quality control phantom. The researcher also made use of the DAP metre to see which air gap produced a good quality image with a reasonably low dose. This was done so that the air gap exposures could be compared with the standard grid technique. In the second stage of testing for the air gap technique the researcher also used the same anthropomorphic phantom. The setting of the technique to image the hip laterally was adapted from Gouldings (2006) study by using the same patient positioning that the author used in her study. This setting involved applying an air gap between the phantoms hip and the receptor, keeping the SOD at 100cm. A total of six exposures were also performed on the pixy phantom AR10A with the same OIDs and SIDs used to image the quality control phantom. The researcher made sure that the phantoms hip was centred with the central AEC of the erect image receptor. Both settings used to perform testing on the air gap technique can be found in Appendix B. 3.4 Data Collection The data was collected during February 2010. The data record sheets used to record the data can be found in Appendix A.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Exposure Factors The exposure factors used to produce the images in the grid and air gap technique were recorded. The kV was a constant factor while the mAs changed according to the technique used and its setting. The mAs was manipulated by means of the AED. This was done so that the amount of x-ray photons needed to produce the image and  the length of the exposure was recorded depending on the technique used.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Object to Image Distance (OID) The OID used in testing the grid and air gap technique was recorded. This was important, particularly in the application of the air gap technique. This is because the OID in the air gap technique determined the magnitude of the air gap that should be used to achieve a good quality image while keeping the radiation dose as low as possible. Therefore the researcher could see and analyse the effect on the image quality each time a specific OID was used in relation to exposure factors. In the air gap technique the SID depended on what OID was used. The researcher kept the SOD at 100cm to reduce as much as possible magnification of the resultant image.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dose Area Product (DAP) The DAP metre was recorded at each exposure for both grid and air gap techniques. Although this metre does not measure the radiation dose given to the phantoms at each exposure, it gives an indication of whether the dose would be low or high. A high DAP reading would mean that more radiation was used in the exposure and therefore the resultant patient dose may be higher. The readings from this metre for both techniques were compared in relation to image quality of the radiographs.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Signal to noise ratio (SNR) The signal to noise ratio (SNR) consists of the un-attenuated photons that have penetrated the subject without interaction (signal) and the Compton scatter and other factors that degrade image quality (noise). The SNR was used to determine how much contrast resolution an image had after each exposure. The higher the SNR the better the contrast resolution of an image (Dendy Heaton, 2006). However a high SNR also means high mAs and consequently a high patient dose. The SNR was calculated by dividing the mean pixel value by the standard deviation of the signal of each exposure. The mean pixel value and standard deviation of the signal were recorded after each exposure provided by the digital x-ray system. Therefore the equation used was: Signal to Noise ratio = mean pixel value/standard deviation (reference)  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Spatial Resolution and Contrast Resolution The spatial and contrast resolution readings were recorded by the researcher from the radiographs achieved using the quality control phantom in the grid and air gap technique. The line pairs per millimetre (Lp/mm) were measured to test for spatial resolution, while for contrast resolution the low contrast steps were counted. The data recorded was tabulated in tables 2a and 2b respectively in the data record sheet. This recorded data enabled the researcher to compare the image quality in both techniques. Unlike Goulding (2006) in this study two independent radiologists that were chosen randomly from the researcher were asked to report on image quality on all the radiographs performed on the anthropomorphic pixy phantom AR10A. Radiologists were chosen in this study since in Malta there are no reporting radiographers that report on the appendicular skeleton. The radiologists were asked to report on the images by answering a likert scale (1=very poor and 5=very good) to assess image quality. The results were tabulated in table 3 of the data record sheet. 3.5 Validity and Reliability Validity refers to the degree the research instrument used in the study measures what it is intended to measure. Therefore: Validity reflects the accuracy with which the findings reflect the phenomenon being studied (Parahoo, 2006, p.80) In this study, the researcher consulted with the medical physicist at the local hospital who was asked to assess the content validity of the research tools used to collect the data. The medical physicist considered the research tools valid since the same tools are used in the medical imaging department to test for image quality on the digital x-ray systems. As the research tools were deemed to be totally valid, the data collected to measure image quality in the grid and air gap technique can also be said to be valid. Reliability refers to how consistent an instrument is in measuring what it is intended to measure (Parahoo, 2006). To maintain the equivalence reliability of the lead quality control phantom used for assessment of image quality, two independent observers were asked to measure both spatial and contrast resolution of the two images achieved using the same exposure factors, OID and SID. The researcher tested for the reliability of the automatic exposure device used. This was done by exposing the lead phantom twice without manipulating the setting or exposure factors and the results were recorded. The spatial resolution, contrast resolution and DAP metre readings were the same in both images and so the AEC was considered reliable enough to use in the testing and data collection. 3.6 Ethical Considerations Ethics is defined by Polit Beck (2006) as a system of moral values that are designed to protect the participant from the research procedures as the researcher has professional, legal and social obligations towards the participants involved in the study. However, in this research, no human subjects were involved in the experimentation and collection of data, so there were no ethical issues regarding the exposures done on the PTW NORMI 13 phantom and the anthropomorphic phantom pixy AR10A. Permission was sought for the use of the x-ray equipment from Medical Imaging Department at the local hospital. Experimentation was performed under supervision and precautions were taken to ensure that radiation would not harm any other members of the staff or public where the study was performed. 3.7 Limitations of the study Limitations were encountered by the researcher throughout this study. The study was conducted using a quality control phantom and an anthropomorphic phantom. Although both phantoms are manufactured to mimic and represent a patient as well as to produce equivalent scatter radiation, patient size was a variable that could not be added to the study. The DAP metre was used in this study so that the researcher could have an idea of the dose being attenuated by the phantoms used. Ideally the actual patient dose should be measured but this could not be done since no human subjects were used. Expansion of this study would lead to a better understanding of the dose given to patients while comparing the air gap and grid technique for the lateral hip shoot through. This study was carried out using a digital x-ray system in the radiology department at the local hospital. Tube output and technique setup may be different when using other systems. In the radiology department, computed radiography is used to perform a lateral hip shoot through examination rather than a digital system which is what the researcher used in this study. In data analysis the readings from the quality control phantoms were interpreted by the researcher himself and not by a number of people. If more than one person interpreted the results, the results may have varied. Although these limitations are valid, they had no effect on the data collected and the results achieved. 3.8 Conclusion This chapter described the methodology and the research design of this study. The next chapter consists of presentation, analysis and discussion of the data.

Essay --

Cancer can develop anywhere in the body. Cells grow abnormally and become cancerous because of environmental factors, such as smoking cigarettes and exposure to radiation; genetics, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and even just luck (Stern et al., 2004). Even though genetics play the primary role in the development of cancer, the environment in which one lives also contributes to the chances of getting cancer. Some of the environmental factors that influence the development of cancer include alcohol use, obesity, asbestos, HIV, and Down’s syndrome. Cancer affects people of all ages. In infants and children, genetic abnormalities are generally the primary cause of cancer. Individuals over the age of 55 years old make up more than 80% of all cancers (Stern et al., 2004). 2.3 MYTHS ABOUT CANCER According to Aronson (2010), cancer is a humiliating and punishing disease as its treatments often deny people of the organs that give them their gender-identity, their sense of wholeness, and beauty. After treatment, patients also often feel less than whole. For them, cancer is not just a physical disease but rather a state of mind and a reason for societal quarantine and judgment. It is not discussed freely or accepted objectively. Cancer is seen as a "taint" upon the family, just as HIV is viewed as a disease that needs to be hidden away. There are many misconceptions across all ethnic and racial groups regarding cancer. Many believe that since no one in their family previously had cancer, then they would not get cancer. People also have a false impression that if they are healthy then they would not develop cancer (McGarvey & Brenin, 2005). According to Frymark, there are three chief myths about cancer: 1. Although chemothera... ...e. Among the members of the Solanaceae family, Solanumaculeastrumwas the most common plant used for the treatment of cancer (Koduru, Grierson & Afolayan, 2007). Scientists these days are also investigating traditional medicine for anti-cancerous effects. A popular ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha, frequently known as â€Å"Indian Winter cherry† or â€Å"Indian Ginseng† is used in ayurvedic medicine in a way similar to that Panax ginseng used in traditional Chinese medicine. This herb is normally used for its wide range of health advantages. Withaferin A, which derived from this medicinal plant, it often used for its anti-tumorigenic activity against various cancer cells. Withaniasomnifera flowers are small and green and the roots are mostly used for medicinal purposes. It is cultivated in the drier regions of India such as Punjab and Rajasthan (Singh, Verma, Pandey & Gilca, 2011).

Midget Village :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Midget Village   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One Saturday night, I left the house to go to a friend’s house, and the last words that came out of my parent’s mouth was to be careful. That statement went in one ear and out the other. People never think that anything would ever happen to them because they take their safety for granted. I told them that I am always careful and I’ll be home soon, so I left.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I started up my car and fished around in my back seat for my CD case so I wouldn’t be bored for the twenty-minute ride to my destination. I was driving my Ford Probe that I had just bought two weeks ago. I was feeling like a million dollars in my new car, even though it was a used, it was new to me. I was driving the speed limit and sometimes I was driving slower than it was because I wanted people to see me in it. Since I was doing that, the ride was taking more time than I expected and I knew my friends were waiting for me. Singing to my favorite CD in the car got me a bit thirsty, so I stopped at the seven-eleven to buy a slurpee.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I parked the car and went in. I greeted the people working at the cash register and went into the back of the store and proceeded to get my slurpee. I happened to glance over my shoulder and I saw that the people working in the store were following me around the store as if I was going to steal something. This got me frustrated and mad because that is racial profiling and I don’t like to be judged by the color of my skin. I confronted the employee and asked him flat out, why he was following me around. He told me that people like me come in there all the time and steal. I asked him what he meant by â€Å"people like me?† He didn’t respond, and I got even more frustrated. I put the slurpee in his hands and walked out of the store. I will not buy things from a store that has those kinds of views about minority races. I could have acted like I was one of those people who he was talking about by cussing at him and making a scene, but I just left a nd held everything in.

The Birthmark :: essays research papers

Response Paper #2: 'The Birthmark'; 1. Our society tends to be obsessed with the idea of physical perfection. How does our society manifest that obsession? How is the 'Birthmark'; an early version of our modern obsession with physical perfection? Our society has many ways of manifesting its obsession with physical perfection. In our society people go to extreme lengths to achieve perfection. The 'Birthmark';, written more than a century ago, is an early version of our modern obsession with physical perfection. Society manifests its obsession with physical perfection by having surgical procedures done on daily basis. These surgeries allow for almost any cosmetic transformation. For example a person can have anything from removing a birthmark to inserting breast implants to having a tummy tuck done on their body. Society manifests their obsession with physical perfection by having these procedures done to them. These procedures enable society to achieve 'perfection';, much like Georgiana in the 'Birthmark';. In the 'Birthmark';, a story that is more than a century old Georgiana and her husband Alymar are searching for physical perfection, much like we do today. In addition they manifested their obsession with physical perfection much like we do today. Georgiana was born with a crimson birthmark in the shape of a hand. This birthmark was on her cheek. One day Georgiana discovers that this birthmark 'shocks'; her husband and he is deeply bothered by it. Georgiana finally realizes this after Alymar says 'Georgiana . . . has it ever occurred to you that the mark upon your cheek might be removed?'; After discussing the birthmark several times with her husband, a talented scientist, Georgiana decides to have it removed by him. It is never stated in full detail exactly how Alymar is going to remove this birthmark, we assume that it will be a surgical procedure. At one point in the story Georgina says to her husband 'If there be the remote possibility of it .

Night World : Huntress Chapter 9

No. This can't be happening. Jez had never felt anything like this before, but she knew instinctively that it was dangerous. She was being pulled into Morgead's mind. She could feel it surrounding her, enfolding her, a touch that was light but almost irresistible, that was trying to draw out the most secret part of herself. And the most frightening thing was that Morgead wasn't doing it It was something outside both of them, something that was trying to mix them together like two pools of water being stirred. Jez could feel that Morgead was as startled and astonished as she was. The only difference was that he didn't seem to be resisting the force. He didn't seem terrified and unhappy about it, as Jez was. He seemed†¦ exhilarated and wondering, like somebody skydiving for the first time. That's because he's crazy, Jez thought dizzily. He loves danger and he enjoys courting death- I enjoy you, a voice said in her mind. Morgead's voice. Soft as a whisper, a feather-touch that shook Jez to her soul. It had been so long since she'd heard that voice. And he had heard her. Sharing blood made even humans telepathic. Jez hadn't been able to talk mentally since- She managed to cut the thought off as panic surged through her. While one part of her mind gabbled desperately, â€Å"He's here, he's here, he's inside, what are we going to do now?† another part threw up a smokescreen, flooding her thoughts with visions of mist and clouds. There was something like a swift gasp from Morgead. Jez. don't. Don't hide from me- You're not allowed here, she snapped back, this time directing the thought straight at him. Go away! I can't. For just a moment his mental voice sounded confused and scared. She hadn't realized Morgead could be confused and scared. I'm not doing this. It's just-happening. But it shouldn't be happening, Jez thought, and she didn't know whether she was talking to him or just to herself. She was beginning to shake. She couldn't resist the pull that was trying to bring her soul to the surface and intermingle it with Morgead's-she couldn't. It was stronger than anything she'd ever experienced. But she knew that if she gave in, she was dead. Don't be afraid. Don't, Morgead said in a voice she had never heard from him before. A voice of desperate gentleness. His mind was trying to wrap around hers protectively, like dark wings shielding her, touching her softly. Jez felt her insides turn to water. No. No†¦ Yes, Morgead's voice whispered. She had to stop this-now. She had to break the contact. But although Jez could still feel her physical body, she seemed powerless to control it. She could sense Morgead's arms supporting her and his lips on her throat and she knew that he was still drinking. But she couldn't so much as move a finger to push him away. The muscles that she'd trained so ruthlessly to obey her under any circumstances were betraying her now. She had to try another way. This shouldn't be happening, she told Morgead, putting all the energy of her terror behind the thought. I know. But that's because you're fighting it. We should be somewhere else by now. Jez was exasperated. Where else? I don't know, he said, and she could feel a tinge of sadness in his thought. Some place-deeper. Where we'd really be together. But you won't open your mind†¦. Morgead, what are you talking about? What do you think is going on? He seemed genuinely surprised. Don't you know? It's the soulmate principle. Jez felt the floor drop away beneath her. No. That's not possible. That can't be. She wasn't talking to Morgead anymore; she was desperately trying to convince herself. I'm not soulmates with Morgead. I can't be. We hate each other †¦ he hates me †¦ all we ever do is fight. . . He's impossible and dangerous and hotheaded and stubborn†¦ he's crazy†¦ he's angry and hostile . . . he's frustrating and infuriating and he loves to make me miserable . .. And I don't even believe in soulmates. And even if I did, I wouldn't believe it could happen like this, just bang, out of the blue, like getting hit by a train when you're not looking, without any warning or even any attraction to the person beforehand†¦. But the very hysteria of her own thoughts was a bad sign. Anything that could tear away her self-control like this was powerful almost beyond imagination. And she could still feel it pulling at her, trying to strip off the layers of cloud she was hiding behind. It wanted Morgead to see her as she truly was. And it was trying to show her Morgead. Flashes of his Me, of himself. Glimpses that hit her and seemed to cut cleanly through her, leaving her gasping with their intensity. A little boy with a mop of tousled dark hair and eyes like emerald, watching his mother walk out the door with some man-again. Going to play alone in the darkness, amusing himself. And then meeting a little redheaded girl, a girl with silvery-blue eyes and a flashing smile. And not being alone anymore. And walking on fences with her in the cool night air, chasing small animals, falling and giggling†¦. A slightly older boy with longer hair that fell around his face, uncared-for. Watching his mother walk out one last time, never to come back. Hunting for food, sleeping in an empty house that got messier and messier. Learning to care for himself. Training himself. Getting harder, in mind and body, seeing a sullen expression when he looked in the mirror†¦ A boy even older watching humans, who were weak and silly and short-lived, but who had all the things he didn't have. Family, security, food every night. Watching the Night People, the elders, who felt no responsibility to help an abandoned vampire child†¦. I never knew, Jez thought. She still felt dizzy, as if she couldn't get enough air. The images were dazzling in their clarity and they tore at her heart. A boy who started a gang to create a family, and who went first to the little girl with red hair. The two of them grinning wickedly, running wild in the streets, finding others. Collecting kids the adults couldn't control or wouldn't miss. Walking around the worst parts of town, unafraid-because they had one another now. The images were coming faster, and Jez could hardly keep up with them. Dashing through the metal scrap yard†¦ with Jez †¦ Hiding under a fish-smelling wharf†¦ from Jez†¦ His first big kill, a stag in the hills of San Rafael.. . and Jez there to share the hot blood that warmed and intoxicated and brought life all at once. Fear and happiness and anger and arguments, hurt and sadness and exasperation-but always with Jez interwoven into the fabric. She was always there in his memories, fire-colored hair streaming behind her, heavy-lashed eyes snapping with challenge and excitement. She was everything bright and eager and brave and honest. She was haloed with flame. I didn't know†¦ how could I know? How could I realize I meant so much to him†¦ ? And who would have thought it would mean so much to her when she found out? She was stunned, overcome-but something inside her was singing, too. She was happy about it. She could feel something bubbling up that she hadn't even realized was there; a wild and heady delight that seemed to shoot out to the palms of her hands and the soles of her feet. Morgead, she whispered with her mind. She could sense him, but for once he didn't answer. She felt his sudden fear, his own desire to run and hide. He hadn't meant to show her these things. They were being forced out of him by the same power that was dragging at Jez. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to look, she thought to him. I'll go away†¦. No. Suddenly he wasn't hiding anymore. No, I don't want you to go. I want you to stay. Jez felt herself flow toward him, helplessly. The truth was that she didn't know if she could turn away even if he'd wanted her to. She could feel his mind touching hers-she could taste the very essence of his soul. And it made her tremble. This was like nothing she'd ever felt before. It was so strange†¦ but so wonderful. A pleasure that she couldn't have dreamed of. To be this close, and to be getting closer, like fire and bright darkness merging †¦ To feel her mind opening to him†¦ And then the distant echo of fear, like an animal screaming a warning. Are you insane? This is Morgead. Let him see your soul†¦ pry open your innermost secrets†¦ and you won't live long enough to regret it. He'll tear your throat out the instant he finds out†¦ Jez flinched wildly from the voice. She didn't want to resist the pull to Morgead any longer. But fear was shivering through her, poisoning the warmth and closeness, freezing the edges of her mind. And she knew that the voice was the only rationality left in her. Do you want to die? it asked her point-blank. Jez, Morgead was saying quietly. What's wrong? Why won't you let it happen? Not just you dying, the voice said. All those others. Claire and Aunt Nan and Uncle Jim and Ricky. Hugh†¦ Something white-hot flickered through her. Hugh. Whom she loved. Who couldn't fight for himself. She hadn't even thought of him since she'd entered Morgead's mind-and that terrified her. How could she have forgotten him? For the last year Hugh had represented everything good to her. He'd awakened feelings in her that she'd never had before. And he was the one person she would never betray. Jez, Morgead said. Jez did the only thing she could think of. She threw an image at him, a picture to stir his memories. A picture of her walking out, leaving the gang, leaving him. It wasn't a real picture, of course. It was a symbol. It was bait. And she felt it hit Morgead's mind and clash there, and strike memories that flew like sparks. The first meeting of the gang with her not there. Questions. Puzzlement. All of them searching for her, trying to find a hint of her unique Power signature on the streets. At first laughing as they called for her, making it a game, then the laughter turning into annoyance as she stayed missing. Then annoyance turning into worry. Her uncle Bracken's house. The gang crowded on the doorstep with Morgead in front. Uncle Bracken looking lost and sad. â€Å"I don't know where she is. She just-disappeared.† And worry turning into gut-wrenching fear. Fear and anger and sorrow and betrayal. If she wasn't dead, then she'd abandoned him. Just like everyone else. Just like his mother. And that grief and fury building, both perfectly balanced because Morgead didn't know which was the truth. But always with the knowledge, either way, that the world was cold because she was gone. And then†¦ her appearing in his room today. Obviously alive. Insultingly healthy. And unforgivably casual as she told him he would never know why she'd left. Jez felt Morgead's outrage swelling up, a dark wave inside him, a coldness that felt no mercy for anyone and only wanted to hurt and kill. It was filling him, sweeping everything else away. Just being in contact with it started her heart pounding and shortened her breath. Its raw violence was terrifying. You left me! he snarled at her, three syllables with a world of bitterness behind them. I had to. And I'll never tell you why. Jez could feel her own eyes stinging; she supposed he could sense how it hurt her to say that. But it was the only thing that would work. The pull between them was weakening, being smashed away by his anger. You're a traitor, he said. And the image behind it was that of everyone who'd ever betrayed a friend or a lover or a cause for the most selfish of reasons. Every betrayer from the history of the human world or the Night World. That was what Morgead thought of her. I don't care what you think, she said. You never cared, he shot back. I know that now. I don't know why I ever thought differently. The force that had been trying to drag them together had thinned to a silver thread of connection. And that was good-it was necessary, Jez told herself. She made an effort and felt herself slide away from Morgead's mind, and then further, and then further. You'd better not forget it again, she said. It was easier to be nasty when she couldn't feel his reactions. It might be bad for your health. Don't worry, he told her briefly. I can take care of myself. And you'd better believe I'll never forget. The thread was so fine and taut that Jez could hardly sense it now. She felt an odd lurch inside her, a pleading, but she knew what needed to be done. I do what I want to, for my own reasons, she said. And nobody questions me. I'm leader, remember? Snap! It was a physical sensation, the feeling of breaking away, as Morgead was carried off on a wave of his own black anger. He was retreating from her so fast that it made her dizzy†¦. And then her eyes were open and she was in her own body. Jez blinked, trying to focus on the room. She was looking up at the ceiling, and everything was too bright and too large and too fuzzy. Morgead's arms were around her and her throat was arched back, still exposed. Every nerve was quivering. Then suddenly the arms around her let go and she fell. She landed on her back, still blinking, trying to gather herself and figure out which muscles moved what. Her throat stung, and she could feel dampness there. She was giddy. â€Å"What's wrong with you? Get up and get out,† Morgead snarled. Jez focused on him. He looked very tall from her upside-down vantage point. His green eyes were as cold as chips of gemstone. Then she realized what was wrong. â€Å"You took too much blood, you jerk.† She tried to put her usual acidity into the words, to cover up her weakness. â€Å"It was just supposed to be a ritual thing, but you lost control. I should've known you would.† Something flickered in Morgead's eyes, but then his mouth hardened. â€Å"Tough,† he said shortly. â€Å"You shouldn't have given me the chance.† â€Å"I won't make the same mistake again!† She struggled to a sitting position, trying not to show the effort it cost her. The problem-again-was that she wasn't a vampire. She couldn't recover as quickly from loss of blood†¦ but Morgead didn't know that. Not that he'd care, anyway. Part of her winced at that, tried to argue, but Jez brushed it aside. She needed all her strength and every wall she could build if she was going to get past what had happened. It shouldn't have happened, whatever it had been. It had been some horrible mistake, and she was lucky to have gotten away with her life. And from now on, the only thing to do was try to forget it. â€Å"I probably should tell you why I'm here,† she said, and got to her feet without a discernable wobble. ‘I forgot to mention it before.† â€Å"Why you came back? I don't even want to know.† He only wanted her to leave; she could tell that from his posture, from the tense way he was pacing. â€Å"You will when I tell you.† She didn't have the energy to yell at him the way she wanted. She couldn't afford the luxury of going with her emotions. â€Å"Why do you always think you know what I want?† he snapped, his back to her. â€Å"Okay. Be like that. You probably wouldn't appreciate the chance anyway.† Morgead whirled. He glared at her in a way that meant he could think of too many nasty things to say to settle on one. Finally he just said almost inaudibly, â€Å"What chance?† â€Å"I didn't come back just to take over the gang. I want to do things with it. I want to make us more powerful.† In the old days the idea would have made him grin, put a wicked sparkle in his eyes. They'd always agreed on power, if nothing else. Now he just stood there. He stared at her. His expression changed slowly from cold fury to suspicion to dawning insight. His green eyes narrowed, then widened. He let out his breath. And then he threw back his head and laughed and laughed and laughed. Jez said nothing, just watched him, inconspicuously testing her balance and feeling relieved that she could stand without fainting. At last, though, she couldn't stand the sound of that laughing anymore. There was very little humor in it. â€Å"Want to share the joke?† ‘It's just †¦ of course. I should have known. Maybe I did know, underneath.† He was still chuckling, but it was a vicious noise, and his eyes were distant and full of something like hatred. Maybe self-hatred. Certainly bitterness. Jez felt a chill. â€Å"There's only one thing that could have brought you back. And I should have realized that from the instant you turned up. It wasn't concern for anybody here; it's got nothing to do with the gang.† He looked her straight in the face, his lips curved in a perfect, malevolent smile. He had never been more handsome, or more cold. â€Å"I know what it is, Jez Redfern. I know exactly why you're here today.†

Aggressive Driving Should Be Avoided

The main thesis statement of my speech is on why cell phone use should be prohibited by driving. The primary objective here is to persuade you not to engage in cell phone conversations when behind the wheel, based on the premises that I will present before you. The methodology of this study is compilation of established facts from published internet resources and newspaper or magazine articles.While cellular phones have been considered rare luxuries a decade ago, today it is already a commonplace possession for many individuals. The advances in wireless technology coupled with high public demand have made cell phones affordable and accessible to many.A 2004 MIT survey even revealed that the â€Å"cell phone is the invention that people hate the most but can’t live without, beating out the alarm clock and television. Furthermore, in a 2005 University of Michigan study, 83 percent of respondents said cell phones have made life easier, choosing it over the internet (Leo pars. 1- 2).†The Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. released a January 2007 estimate that out of the 231 million Americans who owned cellular phones, an astonishing 73 percent of 1, 200 drivers with cell phones used them while driving. Moreover, the use of cell phones while driving was highest among young drivers (Insurance Information Institute, Inc. par. 3).Another study made by the Insurance Institute claimed that those who used cell phones while driving were four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to cause injury. This was backed up by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute who put distraction as the second most frequent cause of accidents next to fatigue (Leo par. 5).Studies about cell-phone use while driving have focused on several different aspects of the problem. Some have looked at its prevalence as the leading cause of driver distraction. Others have looked at the different risks associated with hand-held and hands-free devices. Still others have focused on the seriousness of injuries in crashes involving cell-phone users and the demographics of drivers who use cell phones.I fully support public safety advocates who are one in saying that while no data directly correlates road accidents to cell phone use, cellular phones are a major distraction while driving. And the longer you are distracted, the higher the chance of a collision.Let me point out some principal findings in a study which are relevant in convincing you that using cell phones can impair driving. Did you know that those who engage in cell phone conversations while driving: ·missed twice as many simulated traffic signals as when they were not talking on the phone; · took longer to react to those signals that they did detect; and ·that these deficits were the same for those who used hand-held and hands-free phone users (Strayer et. al. par. 9).The findings that motorists who use cell phones while driving are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to i njure themselves, are also backed up by another study of drivers in Perth, Australia, conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.â€Å"The results, published in July 2005, suggest that banning hand-held phone use won't necessarily improve safety if drivers simply switch to hand-free phones. The study found that injury crash risk didn't vary with type of phone (Insurance Information Institute, Inc. par. 9).†Abovementioned data were concluded from findings in an in-depth study of driver safety and cell phone usage which summarized that â€Å"conversing on either a hand-held or hands-free cell phone led to significant decrements in simulated driving performance. Moreover, the study suggests that the cellular phone use disrupts performance by diverting attention to an engaging cognitive context other than the one immediately associated with driving (Strayer et.al. pars. 10-11).†In effect, this data contradicts the laws that permit only hands-free cell phone co nversations while driving because their data suggests that it is not the phone conversation itself that is the interference but rather the central attentional processes.Although inattentive driving may include talking to a passenger, eating or reaching for something, supporters of restrictions on driving while using a cell phone say that the distractions associated with cell phone use while driving are far greater than other distractions. Conversations using a cell phone demand greater continuous concentration, which diverts the driver’s eyes from the road and his mind from driving.Most epidemiological studies to date have found indications of a link between cell phone use and auto accidents, but there is few research devoted to establishing a causal connection between the two.Despite this deficiency, there is much to be concerned about regarding this issue following the release of an April 2006 study claiming that some form of driver inattention within three seconds of the c rash attributes to 80 per of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes.This is supported by the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study, conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which revealed that the most common distraction is the use of cell phones, followed by drowsiness.  There are two dangers posed by conversing on cell phones while driving: first is that drivers would take their eyes off the road while dialing and second, the possibility of being absorbed in the conversation may impair the driving ability of the individual and increase the likelihood of endangering the vehicle occupants as well as pedestrians.â€Å"The latest research shows that while using a cell phone when driving may not be the most dangerous distraction, because it is so prevalent it is by far the most common cause of this type of crash and near crash (Insurance Information Institute par. 2).†A summer 2006 research spearheaded by the University of Utah even concludes that talking on a cell phone while driving is as dangerous as drunk driving, even if the phone is a hands-free model.An even earlier study by the university found that â€Å"motorists who talked on hands-free cell phones were 18 percent slower in braking and took 17 percent longer to regain the speed they lost when they braked. Also, drivers using hand-free phones had to redial calls 40 percent of the time, compared with 18 percent for drivers using hand-held sets, suggesting that hands-free sets may provide drivers with a false sense of ease (Insurance Information Institute, Inc. pars. 10-11).†

How Bangladesh is affected by flooding

Flooding is a huge problem for the people in Bangladesh and the problems continue to have negative and positive effects on the people, property and land/environment. The negatives of flooding; There are many different types of floods that Bangladesh suffers from and these are; flash floods; where there is an extreme amount of rainfall effecting both upland areas and over time low land areas. This type of flood has a huge affect on property as it can wash it away completely destroying it and also flooding crops and killing them, this type of flooding will also deposit lots of sediment so the river bed will rise making the river easier to flood. River floods are where high amounts of rain and melted snow from the Himalayas completely flood the river and also the floodplain, the water can not be contained so flows over lands which is usually not protected, this again damages crops by flooding them and also ruining the land for future use as farm land. This type of flooding will also damage or even destroy property and in extreme cases entire settlements which in turn will also kill people if they do not evacuate quick enough. Rainwater floods are where there are again extreme amounts of rainfall and there is too much surface water and land is flooded. This can kill cattle, people and destroy farmland and crops which people need for their livelihoods. For example of crop destruction, in 1987 and 1988 rice production on a country scale was largely disrupted due to extreme floods. Even if engineering is successful and floods are controlled there is the negative effects that the country gets further into debt and a lot of the flood controls do not fit in with the natural environment so is an eye sore. Methods of flood control also effect farming in certain areas as they block irrigation of water so many farmers are complaining as they are not getting the water needed to grow crops for their livelihood. The worst effected areas of flooding are the coast as many people live here and this is where flooding is most extensive, many people are killed damage to property and farm land is huge so this disrupts the local economy. In the floods of 1991 flooding was that hard that waves were 7 metres high and this brought wind speeds of 225 km/h. people had to climb trees to evade the floods but over 150 000 people were drowned and 500 000 cattle were lost along with vast damage to settlements, electricity, roads and fishing. Deforestation is another big factor that is negative as this destroys trees that are vital for the world and also does not allow interception to occur so the snow melting from the Himalayas is coming directly to Bangladesh with nothing sopping it. As there is little knowledge and little communication available people can not prepare and are defenceless. With the vast amounts of chemicals and diseases in the Ganges, flooding just spreads this all around the country contaminating drinking water and brings huge problems that need huge amount of medical care so calls for the worlds charities to help. You can read also Waves There are very little positive effects of flooding as floods bring so much destruction. The positives though are; due to vast amounts of deposition the silt that is deposited is high in fertility so ‘repairs' the soil so can be used in the future making it good for crops to grow in. also the vast amounts of water, when controlled can be irrigated for the crops rice and jute which require a large amount of water to grow. This in turn helps re – boost the local economy and gets the farmers back to their usual livelihood. Finally in cases of extreme flooding where the world is made aware, it can show the kindness of countries by the help they donate and the medical care made available to help restore the country to normal. Although there will always be social, economic, and humane problems with flooding the key is for the country to recover as quick as possible with the least effects and damage done to the country and its people.

Islam is the second religion of the book Essay

Incidentally, the term: â€Å"People of the Book† comes from the Qur’an which cites both Judaism and Christianity, religions which came before Islam, as having part of its origins in the prophet of Abraham. In this, we can see a respect for the other religions; a respect which is lost on the perception of a vocal minority of Muslims and as a result, a perception that Muslims hate all other religions. This is false and dangerous assumption for both sides. Belief in Islam requires that a convert believe in only one God, the revelations which he has given to his people from his angels, his messengers and chiefly, the prophet Mohammad whose writings from 610AD until his death in 632 AD helped to compose the Holy book of Quran. It is a central belief and one that is seen as the most important: That there is no â€Å"God but Allah and Mohammad is his prophet. † This is required of all those wishing to consider themselves Muslims and followers of Mohammad and his teachings. There are an estimated 1. 6 billion Muslims with an annual growth rate which exceeds all other religions in the world. Muslims are spread all over the world but are highly concentrated in the Middle East. Pakistan is the most heavily populated country of Muslims and even America has an estimated seven to ten million Muslims in the country. Muslims believe that the Koran is the literal word of God and was made such by a visitation of the angel Gabriel to the prophet Mohammad. Angels are described in the Koran as: â€Å"messengers with wings. Two or three of four pairs. He adds to Creation as He pleases. † This is a central belief as well as the fact that Mohammad, despite his greatness in the religion of Islam, is not considered a deity of any kind. Neither is Jesus who, despite being highly regarded in the official teachings of the last fourteen centuries, is considered to be only a man and a prophet of God’s, although his greatness is not to exceed that of the prophet Mohammad. God is a central theme of the religion and his is referred to as: â€Å"God, the One and Only: God, the eternal, Absolute, He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto him. † It is also a central theme of Islam; the Day of Judgment. Similar to the Christian belief in predestination, many Muslims believe that people are predestined as to whether they will enter heaven or enter hell on the Day of Judgment. That is not to say that an individual does not have the freedom to choose, rather that God, from the beginning of time, knows the destination of every person who ever existed, or who will ever exist. In this fervor, the message of a complete submission to God is central as well as to the belief in Islam. Disbelief and a failure to submit to the will of God are one of the main offenses which, according to the Koran, will result in a person, on the Day of Judgment, going to hell. The latter is one of the main appeals that individuals have for Islam as in many countries with a high population of Muslims, the living conditions are less than substandard and people live a very tough existence. Lastly, one of the most important and central teachings of Islam is called the â€Å"Five Pillars of Islam. † There are five major aspects of Islam which individuals are strongly encouraged to observe. The first is belief in Mohammad as the prophet of God and that the words of the prophet which are located in the Koran are the literal word of God. The second is praying in the direction of Mecca, five times a day. The third is the giving of alms or charity to the poor and needy. The fourth is fasting during the month of Ramadan in which one must not eat or drink from dusk to dawn. The last is called the Hajj or a pilgrimage during the fourth Islamic month to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. † The latter will compel millions of Muslims, sometimes two and three million Muslims at a time, to go to Mecca at the same time in order to fulfill their last duty, or pillar of Islam. When asking Mr. Aziz about the importance of the religion of Islam within his own life, he gave a very passionate and informed response. â€Å"In America, there is a great deal of misconception about the religion of Islam and as a Muslim; it is my responsibility to live in a way that would help to dispel those myths. Although not in the same light, nor with the same amount of spotlight, it is similar to the experience that the American boxer, Joe Louis had while he was the Boxing heavyweight champion of the world. His manager was careful not to have Joe Louis portrayed in a way that would add to the misconceived stereotypes about African Americans at that time since the last African America boxer, Jack Johnson, had done the opposite and was shunned by America. † When asked if he has found this to help within his own life; the conception of others about him, his ethnicity and his religion, Mr. Aziz had a mixed response. â€Å"There will always be people who will not change their opinions about the Middle East or Islam. I can’t really help that. However, for three high majorities of people who make the effort to know me, they have sometimes come out and said that they were wrong about Muslims, or at least about me. There is still a hint of racism within such sentiments. However, it is progress. † Mr. Aziz then talked to me about his religion. â€Å"In Islam, there are five pillars which every Muslim is expected to respect and obey these pillars. In no specific order, these five pillars are to travel to Mecca at least once in your life, to give to charity, to pray five times in the day while facing in the direction of Mecca, to fast during the Holy Months and to believe that there are no gods but Allah and that Mohammad is his messenger. The last is the most important and is what helps to connect the more than 1. 6 billions Muslims in more than a hundred countries in the world, each one to the other. It is very important to all Muslims. I have not yet gone to Mecca but I hope to by the end of the decade. I have not always been faithful in the completion of the other four on a daily basis as most people of faith experience a lapse in their faith and devotion. That has happened before. However, I am quick to connect the dots and to separate myself from whatever vehicle is serving as an impediment to my faith. † â€Å"Fasting is also important. During the Holy month of Ramadan, there is to be no eating during sunlight. This is one of the most difficult of the five pillars. The reason to fast is that it will help to bring the believer closer to God through the realization that God is the supplier of everything and that nothing can be done apart from him. We eat his food and breathe his air. We use his sunlight and are stewards of his world. In comparison with God, man is so small and weak. Sometimes people forget that. Fasting helps to remind them. † Mr. Aziz also prays five times a day as well as gives to charity. â€Å"I wake up at 5am and pray then as well as at 8am, noon, four pm and before I go to bed at 9pm. Since I was raised to do this and to adhere to the five pillars, this has become a habit of mine and is not really difficult. I remember as a child, I rebelled a great deal towards this especially since I wanted to stay in bed. It was not until two consecutive years, did I feel its difficulty ease and I began to enjoy it. † It is also important to give to charity. This does not solely mean money. There are many people in the world who are very poor and do not have the money to give. To give to charity, or to give alms, means also to be helpful to one’s neighbor. Whether it is shoveling the snow from an elderly neighbor’s driveway or simply just informing a person at the grocery store that they dropped their purse; these all are examples of charity. † Mr. Aziz also speaks to the importance that his religion has towards his community. â€Å"Even though here in America, there is an estimated three to seven million Muslims, there are very few where I live and no places of worship. One of the reasons for the latter I believe is caused by the beliefs that the people in the surrounding towns have about Muslims and that we are all terrorists. Therefore, there have been many attempts, to diffuse any building plans for a mosque. † How do you feel about that? â€Å"It is discouraging to me but me and fellow Muslims meet in people’s homes in order to worship and pray. It is similar to the 1st century Christians who were barred from worshiping by the Roman authorities or the Jews who during WWII were not allowed to worship either. We are not under the same level of persecution but as these other two groups. However, it still requires some planning. † â€Å"It is my family and friends which help to lay a foundation of faith within my life. There are few Muslims in the surrounding areas. Therefore, the friends that I do have and which practice Islam as well as my family, for more than one reason, provide a structure and foundation for me. This is very important. America does not have the same problem with their Muslim population in comparison to the troubles in Europe because we have assimilated. This is important to a degree. We do not want to become completely Americanized but in the process, love American sports and the traditions that come with this country. † So we are then relegated to worship nearly in private. † It is one of the prices to pay for being a Muslim in America. However, since the majority of American Muslims are doing well in America and enjoy this land, we are content to pay some of that price. We are Muslims first however and Americans second. Just as Christians have as a major aspect of their identity in which it cannot be separated from who they are, the same can be said about Muslims. † â€Å"The societal restrictions towards Muslims in America have eased up. However, as a Muslim in America, I still feel as though I am a foreigner in a country that I immigrated to legally over twenty years ago. America has still given me more opportunities than my homeland. I just look forward to the day when I can be truly being considered an America. If I do not live to see that day, I will be sad but I will remain happy that I have had such a rewarding and blessed life while living in America. † Mr. Aziz still continues to work and to support his family. When asked about the faith of his two daughters, Mr. Aziz comments: â€Å"They are eight and ten years old so they are young, but not too young to understand some of the world around them. I hope that I can keep them from experiencing instances of racism or prejudice. I do not however, that the worst that they receive in America, is still better than what they could have hoped for in Pakistan. That is why I am hesitant to complain too loudly. I am still able to raise my children, along with my wife, in the ways that we choose. This is a great freedom that America has; its religious freedom. I recently watched a documentary on Thomas Jefferson and learned that he was instrumental in creating a foundation of religious freedom that is present in America. This happened more than two hundred years ago. Yet, I am a recipient of such actions even today. It is very amazing to me and I am very appreciative. † â€Å"I am proud to be an American. However, I am also proud to be a Muslim. It seems that in the past few years, especially since 9/11, such sentiments have been seen as an oxymoron. I believe that they are one in the same as America promises religious freedom to all who will practice their religion of choice without breaking the law. This is the great gift that America’s forefathers and all who help to preserve such efforts, to contemporary Americans and all who will follow. It is the effort of every Muslim, not to be swayed by the fleeting morals of a society but to hold firm to the faith and teachings of Islam. This is what I am attempting to do. I have not always been successful and have fallen away from my faith from time to time. It is important, just like with anything in life, that once somebody has fallen short of their personal expectations, to get right back up and to try again. Religious faith is an ongoing process and does not stop while one is alive. † This is my hope and prayer for me and all others who feel that the law can only go so far and that a personal relationship with God is paramount in a person’s life. WORKS CITED Armstrong, Karen Islam: A Short History New York: Random History 2006 Burns, Ken Thomas Jefferson New York: Steeplechase & PBS Films 1997 Miller, James Religions of the World. New York: WW Norton 1987 The Holy Qur’an (2002) New York: Oxford University Press An Interview with Mr. Aziz. Recorded with his permission on November 1, 2007 and Transcribed on November 4, 2007.