The story of the lizard who had the habit of dining on his wives by Essay

The story of the lizard who had the habit of dining on his wives by Eduardo Galeano - Essay Example The story written by Eduardo Galeano remains both an allegory and a fable, one which paints women as preys and men as predators. Dulcidio in the book becomes referred to as the lizard, which often refers to mostly harmless lizards with the exception of the Komodo dragon, which feeds on chunks of meat from its quarry. Hence the word lizard remains used in the story because of its reference to Dulcidio. The main character too becomes depicted as gluttonous as he eats endlessly from his wives. In addition, since Dulcidio came from a powerful family, he used that to lure women with his richness but failed on the woman wearing glasses. In comparison, the story of Helix written by Banana depicts how a normal relationship looks like. A normal relationship often possesses ups and down. The two, boy and girl were discussing on how to go to a healing clinic to have unpleasant memories of their relationships wiped out. First of all, both stories speak of gender relationships. In Helix, the boys often think of getting rid of the unpleasant things that had happened in their relationship, but after discussing with his girlfriend, both resolve the issue. The story hence depicts the power of man and woman to solve their problems in a relationship. In as much as a relationship exist, problems will always be there, and escape will not be a solution. The man in the story of helix thinks of going to the clinic where unpleasant memories were removed. When compared to the story by Eduardo Galeano, drifts in relationships become shown. In a relationship, love should be the ensuing component, but for Dulcidio, it was a different thing, food. Dulcidio got consumed by eating a lot of food, and never loved the women he married. In addition, the women also agreed to enter into such a marriage since Dulcidio possessed a lot of family wealth. Eduardo Galeano remains to be a practical individual when it comes to relationships. In his stories, he majorly emphasizes on common day issues that p eople often take for granted. On the other hand, Banana becomes depicted as creative individuals that always try to keep her audience knowledgeable when it came to the new stuff. Banana introduces the concept of memory wiping in the story, a new thing that the young generation often associate. In contrast, Eduardo Galeano speaks for the old generation. In both stories, the issue of multiple partners in a relationship becomes brought up. In Helix, for instance, the man seated in the bed remembers about how his past girlfriends knew everything about him. In the story by Eduardo Galeano, Dulcidio marries many wives.

Soul Food vs. Fast Food Essay Example for Free

Soul Food vs. Fast Food Essay As Applebees would say, â€Å"There’s no place like the neighbor. † How would the world classify good food? Which one will result in the best answer, hamburger and fries or biscuit with gravy? Is hamburger and fries the best choice because a biscuit with gravy takes more time? There are a lot of reasons why people choose homemade food versus fast food. Both homemade food and soul food taste good, however homemade food offers a variety of history, emotions, and memories of different cultures. Different family meomories take a part of it when its soul food ,because there’s nothing like grandma’s cooking . The homemade food brings family members together. African Americans use the word soul food to describe homemade foods. Soul food normally provides the opportunity for families to come together and even though its a lot of drama when every one come to gether u always remember the food the most . The dinners at grandma’s house are always remembered by family members. The dinners usually consist of chicken, potato salad, beans, and biscuits. After the traditional dinners, someone will always serve the homemade desserts. The elders are normally appreciated because of their love, patience, and knowledge with soul food. This fact never fails, a person who knows about soul food will always return home for their culture’s food. Love can almost be tasted in soul food which comes through mostly in the actual preparation of the dishes. Soul food has a great affect that comes with a special touch, precious time, and extra ingredients. The cook puts so much love in preparing soul food for the family. In many cases, the cooks get delighted when the family eats the food. The cooks obtain a warm feeling especially when someone praises their work. In many cases, people will try their best to Cook soul food just like their mother and grandma, because they miss their soul food. Soul food makes a house feel like a home because the food represents love and comfort. Soul food has history because it passes traditions and customs of the past elders of the family. â€Å"How do you make homemade peach cobbler,† the elders will say, â€Å"Watch carefully and you can learn. † Being a country child growing up, and understanding the background of soul food makes one appreciate the food more. The cannery is where garden vegetables are canned and there are few canneries still around in today’s time. The opportunity of going to the cannery with grandparents is a memory to cherish along with picking fresh vegetables from the garden. This opportunity sets aside the time to learn that homemade cooking is a job before the pots start boiling. On the contrary, fast food restaurants are an excellent choice of convenience. For example at Burger King, a fast food restaurant,†you can have it your way. † The choices of fast food restaurants are a great thing to have in the world. Also, the restaurants are excellent when traveling and trying to satisfy the hunger pain quickly. When parents do not feel like cooking a home cooked meal, they can always go through the drive-thru. Fast food restaurants can be good for a quick date. Quickness is great, especially in today’s society. Applebees is a great place to get away from home for the night. Many people take pleasure in going to fancy restaurants by themselves, with a date? or to gather with friends and/or family. There are plenty of restaurants that are appropriate for every occasion and all ages. Restaurants leave the stomach satisfied but can be healthy and allow family time together. Why healthy? Restaurants include in their menu a variety of salads options grill or bake dishes, and even a weight watchers’ menu. The decision is always in one’s hands to decide between a health dishes or unhealthy dish. All food is delicious but, has downfalls. For instance, fast food does not represent any love but just quickness. There is no special touch, time spent, and extra ingredients. Fast food basically has a concern of reasonable prices or either having the fastest time in the drive –thru. A lot of employees are just in the restaurant to get a pay check rather than having a concern for the customers to have a good lunch or dinner or even breakfast. The restaurant is leaving out the family time because mostly the families are on the go all of the time. The time spent with preparing traditional food is appreciated, but, the tradition that people look for is quickness in fast food restaurant, which leads to obesity. The number one problem is obesity in fast foods. The reason for this issue is that parents go through the drive-thru and let the child order everything. Another reason is that parents are at work all of the time, and this generation is basically choosing from frozen food or fast food when living in this situation. Obesity comes from parents who do not have the time to prepare a loving home cooked meal, only because the parents’ lives are put before their child’s life now. This simply means the child will consume foods by these restaurants or frozen food. This is done on an everyday basis, such as, when the parents take care of their business first or think of something quick all of the time to feed the child. Fast food restaurants are shut down every day due to many reasons. Reasons include failing several health inspections, lack of cleanliness, and not enough cautions. The downfall of this is people do not pay attention to the environment of where their food is coming from. They are all always in a rush. Instead of considering how long it takes to prepare a meal, one should consider it an opportunity to spend more time with the family. People just put their trust in the Employee’s and is not concerned about the cleanliness of employees’ hands. Simply, people need to take the time to pay attention, because fast food is not prepared with so much or no caution. â€Å"Fast food versus soul food,† what could the choice be? Fast food will be the choice if one is on the way to work. Soul food is the ideal choice if one does not have anything on their agenda for the next hour. In this paper, fast food restaurant versus soul food is different and similar in many ways. Fast food is mainly quick and easy. Soul food takes time, yet, it is filled with passion, love, and care. Fast food versus soul food is everybody’s decision every day, just think about the reason why the choice is made, not about the taste of every meal.

XM Satellite Radio: An Innovation Beyond AM and FM Radio Essay

XM Satellite Radio: An Innovation Beyond AM and FM Radio How much do you enjoy drinking a nice cold beverage, reclining in your most comfy chair, while listening to your favorite radio station? Music is a very important part of the average person's daily life. We wake up to music set on our alarm clocks, sing to music in the shower, listen to music while driving to work, and enjoy it throughout the rest of our day. Well sit back and get ready to experience Radio to the Power of X. We're talking about the new XM satellite radio. This is a brand new radio system that will sweep across America finding its way replacing your old radio service. The articles below will provide you with a closer look at the new XM satellite radio. We talk about the history, basics, and future of this amazing new service. We also give you a closer look at examining the positives and negatives of the XM satellite radio over your regular radio service. So, don't waste any time with static, distortion, and limited channels on your radio service. Take a deeper look at the XM satellite radio and find out for yourself, this is the radio wave of the future! The History XM Satellite Radio After nearly a decade of buildup and anticipation satellite radio has finally hit the airwaves. Satellite radio has been an emerging technology in the making for many years now. In 1992, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assigned part of the S-band (2.3 GHz) spectrum for nationwide broadcasting of a satellite-based Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS). In 1997, the FCC granted American Mobile Radio (now XM Satellite Radio) and CD Radio (now Sirius Satellite Radio) broadcast rights over... ..., March). Satellite 2002 Executive of the Year. Via Satellite 26-32. Morris, R. (2003, April 3). XM discussion [Article posted on Web Site XMFan]. Retrieved March 2003, from the World Wide Web: http://www.xmfan.com/viewforum.php?f=2 XM Satellite Radio. (2001). History [Article posted on Web Site XMradio]. Retrieved April 2, 2003, from the World Wide Web: http://www.xmradio.com/corporate_info/history_main.jsp XM Satellite Radio.(2001). How it works: Introduction [Article posted on Web Site XMradio]. Retrieved February 1, 2003, from the World Wide Web: http://www.xmradio.com/how_it_works/introduction.html XM Satellite Radio Stock Report. (2003, February) XM Satellite Radio Business Profile [Article posted on Web Site YahooFinance]. Retrieved February 2003, from the World Wide Web: http://www.biz.yahoo.com/e/011206/xmsr.com

Old Verities and Truths of the Heart in Writing :: Writing Authors Faulkner Essays

Old Verities and Truths of the Heart in Writing In his Novel Prize Address, Faulkner states that an author must leave "no room in his workshop for anything but the old verities and truths of the heart...love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice." He accuses his younger contemporaries of ignoring these noble spiritual pillars while pondering the atomic doom of mankind with questions like, "When will I be blown up?" Such physical fears, far from conflicts of the heart, are what plague his bomb-obsessed contemporaries. Yet Faulkner stands, seemingly alone, in opposition to this weakness; he "decline[s] to accept the end of man" and in rebelling, fights for the old universal truths and the glories of the past. In classical style, he brushes away passing fears and fads, settling for nothing less than the "problems of the human heart in conflict with itself." Nothing else is worth writing about and Faulkner's work is living proof. The characters in Light in August are full of the conflicts and virtues Faulkner describes in his speech. In Lena, Hightower, and Christmas, one can find endurance, sacrifice, and honor. In other characters, such as Byron Bunch, the main ingredient is hope. Yet regardless of who he is describing, Faulkner does not forget that only the ancient feelings innate in humanity, those in the soul, are worthwhile. Hope and Love: Hope is one of Faulkner's favorite spices for cooking his characters. It is perhaps the most human of all emotions in that it is fragile like the body, but at the same time all powerful like the spirit. Lena Grove and Byron Bunch both have an endless amount of hope for the same thing: love they have never received. Hope brought her from Alabama to Mississippi in search of her runaway Lucas. Likewise, hope will carry Byron wherever Lena goes until he can find her love. Lena's hope is visible in her face, "[she] walked into the door behind him [Byron], her face already shaped with serene anticipatory smiling, her mouth already shaped upon a name" (p.50). She searches from town to town for her lost love, and in each new place renews her hope with a serene smile. Byron's hope, however, manifests itself quite differently. "There was something funny and kind of strained about him," is how the furniture repairer describes Byron (p.498). His hope is ashamed and choking; it gnaws at him trying to manifest itself with a feeble attempt in the back of a truck. Old Verities and Truths of the Heart in Writing :: Writing Authors Faulkner Essays Old Verities and Truths of the Heart in Writing In his Novel Prize Address, Faulkner states that an author must leave "no room in his workshop for anything but the old verities and truths of the heart...love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice." He accuses his younger contemporaries of ignoring these noble spiritual pillars while pondering the atomic doom of mankind with questions like, "When will I be blown up?" Such physical fears, far from conflicts of the heart, are what plague his bomb-obsessed contemporaries. Yet Faulkner stands, seemingly alone, in opposition to this weakness; he "decline[s] to accept the end of man" and in rebelling, fights for the old universal truths and the glories of the past. In classical style, he brushes away passing fears and fads, settling for nothing less than the "problems of the human heart in conflict with itself." Nothing else is worth writing about and Faulkner's work is living proof. The characters in Light in August are full of the conflicts and virtues Faulkner describes in his speech. In Lena, Hightower, and Christmas, one can find endurance, sacrifice, and honor. In other characters, such as Byron Bunch, the main ingredient is hope. Yet regardless of who he is describing, Faulkner does not forget that only the ancient feelings innate in humanity, those in the soul, are worthwhile. Hope and Love: Hope is one of Faulkner's favorite spices for cooking his characters. It is perhaps the most human of all emotions in that it is fragile like the body, but at the same time all powerful like the spirit. Lena Grove and Byron Bunch both have an endless amount of hope for the same thing: love they have never received. Hope brought her from Alabama to Mississippi in search of her runaway Lucas. Likewise, hope will carry Byron wherever Lena goes until he can find her love. Lena's hope is visible in her face, "[she] walked into the door behind him [Byron], her face already shaped with serene anticipatory smiling, her mouth already shaped upon a name" (p.50). She searches from town to town for her lost love, and in each new place renews her hope with a serene smile. Byron's hope, however, manifests itself quite differently. "There was something funny and kind of strained about him," is how the furniture repairer describes Byron (p.498). His hope is ashamed and choking; it gnaws at him trying to manifest itself with a feeble attempt in the back of a truck.

The World Trade Organization

The courage and dedication that was displayed by the protestors in the video was what I took to heart. It was something else to see a group of people come together to protest something that they believed so strongly despite being pepper sprayed, shot at with rubber bullets, and thrown into jail†¦.. But why would anyone go to these lengths to protest against an organization? The World Trade Organization was created in Jan. 1 1995 and has 140 member countries. According to their official website www. wto. org the organizations main purpose is to, â€Å"help trade flow as freely as possible-so long as there are no undesirable side-effects. This partly means removing obstacles. † However the organization isn’t a democratic organization. Instead the WTO rules are written by and for corporations with inside access to the negotiations. Citizen input by consumer, environmental, human rights and labor organizations is consistently ignored as WTO meetings are held in secret. According to the video, out of the 100 largest economies in the world, 51 are corporations and only 49 are countries. As a result it is no wonder why so many came to protest this secret meeting held in Seattle, WA. According to the video many protestors argued that the WTO and its motto of free world trade is stomping over labor and human rights in countries throughout the world as the use of cheap labor and child labor are continually ignored by the WTO. The magazine Global Exchange states that the WTO is blocking human rights abuses since they have ruled that, â€Å"1) It is illegal for a government to ban a product base on the way it is produced and 2) Governments cannot take into account the behavior of companies that do business with vicious dictatorships such as Burma. The protestors in the video also felt that the WTO was destroying the environment. Evidence of this, dates back to 1993 when according to the Global Exchange, â€Å"The very first WTO panel ruled that a regulation of the US Clean Air Act, which required both domestic and foreign producers alike to produce cleaner gasoline, was illegal. Recently, the WTO declared illegal a provision of the Endangered Species Act that requires shrimp in the US to be caught with an inexpensive device that allows endangered sea turtles to escape, and the WTO is currently negotiating an agreement that would eliminate tariffs on wood products, which would increase the demand for timber and escalate deforestation. As a result I believe that these corporations should not be allowed to continue to get away with such actions. The people in Seattle honored their legal right to assemble. The actions taken by the city of Seattle against these protestors were too extreme and I’m still unclear for what reason they took such extreme measures against the protestors. These were peaceful protests and the city freaked out over a few broken windows at corporations such as Starbucks and Nike. In my point of view the steps taken by the city of Seattle was way over the line and its disgusts me that peaceful protestors were thrown into jail for demonstrating a legal right in the constitution.

Live Liver Donation essays

Live Liver Donation essays Live Liver Donation Living liver donation is a relatively new phenomenon. The first procedure was performed in 1989 with adult-to-adult donations starting in 1995. In this report I would like to explore the assessment and procedure of live liver donation, the risks and effects, and the direction it is taking medicine in the future. The very nature of taking part of a living persons liver and implanting it into another person is cause for questions and curiosity. One might want to know what the long-term effects on a living liver donor are. Due to the recency of the procedure, data is not yet available on the long-term effects. Information so far is anecdotal in the sense there has been only one reported death and no published incidents of failing health as a consequence of living donation; there have been no formal studies we are aware of. The limited information on short-term effects suggests complications arising from the surgery are few and manageable. For the most part they are covered by insurance. Policies vary, and some may exclude this procedure as "experimental," so you'll want to check the insurance policy of the transplant recipient. (It is the recipient's policy that pays.) As with kidney donation, there is interest by some members of the general population in making a "non-directed" donation, which is a donation that goes to anyone waiting for a liver transplant. You can contact your local organ procurement organization to see if they have a program. It is also possible to donate to a friend or family member where there is an emotional but not a biological tie. The transplant center will let you know what their policy is concerning such unrelated donation. It is becoming more common to allow such donation, although United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data show this form of donation is still unusual. Facilities performing the procedures cu...

Are Women Important in Gulf Politics What are the Main Barriers to Gender Equality

Are Women Important in Gulf Politics What are the Main Barriers to Gender Equality Introduction Majority of the countries in the gulf region, are countries that are undergoing rapid political, social, and above all economic revolutions due to many changes that are taking place in varying spheres of life of their citizenry. Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Are Women Important in Gulf Politics? What are the Main Barriers to Gender Equality? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Changes in the leadership orientations or styles have accompanied such radical changes, whereby presently, majority of nations are realizing the role of women, as concerns political and economic development hence, encouraging women participation in fields that many considered suitable for males previously. Such is the case in the gulf politics, whereby women are actively involved in the politics in present times. Although this is the case, it is important to note here that, still the struggle for gender equality faces man y challenges, a fact, which many attribute to the superiority in males’ nationality rights. Such superiority and many other societal forces have acted as major backward pooling forces on women’s endeavors to achieve gender equality. Although many may argue that, the currently existing women organization are fighting to ensure Gulf countries minimize such disparities, still as Krause (p. 1) argues, such efforts face many obstacles, with the currently existing forms of antagonism towards such efforts by Muslim fanatics. This paper will discuss the importance of women in the Gulf politics and main barriers, which the war against gender discrimination faces in countries that belong to this region. The Gulf Primarily, countries belonging to this region encircle the Persian Gulf, and form a section of nations, which form the Middle East. Examples of nations belonging to this locality include Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Qatar, Palestinian regions, Jor dan, Iraq, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Syrian Arab Republic. It is important to note that, there is a difference between these nations and nations, which belong to the Far East region for example, Taiwan and the republic of China (Gulf Today p.1). Gender and Politics in the Gulf Although to some extent women belonging to this region are making some progress towards liberation from gender discriminations, still their efforts face many challenges. This is because, research findings by the Nazir (p.1) clearly depicts that, in many ways, still patriarchal laws and many existing societal traditional practices constrain women efforts. Although this is the case, still many organizations that fights against such discriminations have been in the frontline in ensuring countries within this region accept the importance of women participation in all spheres of development. Advertising Looking for research paper on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is important to note here that, such struggles by gender discrimination fighting bodies have not been fruitless, because currently there is apparent political, social and economic freedom enjoyed by women in some countries, which belong to this region such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. On the other hand, although these countries have achieved such mileages as concerns achievement of gender equality, other countries within this region for example, Saudi Arabia still have high levels of such discriminations, a fact that many attribute to the cultural restrictions, which this country has imposed on women. Politically still women in this region face many challenges with majority of them loosing parliamentary seats to men, something that research has also attributed to the currently existing cultural and social impediments. As Shanahan (p.1) argues, such societal forces and many cultural barriers since time memorial h ave been the greatest impediment towards women’s struggle for representation. He further adds that, the political scenario in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Oman is worse. This is because; in these countries, women are purely underrepresented in the all-political arenas. Although individuals may argue that, in some countries such as Bahrain the gender based political orientation has shifted, still the disparities are clear primarily because, women form less than six percent of the entire parliament population. As Shanahan further states, majority of nations in this region still respect the olden â€Å"hereditary male rule.† In addition, majority of societies within this region believe in the polygamy concept, something that has been the main contributing factor to the disparity that exists. This is because; such traditional embraced practices have denied such societies female role models, and in case such role models occur for example, Sheikha Lubna (the United Arab Emirates foreign trade minister) then, there rise to power must have some support or connections to some ruling elites.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Are Women Important in Gulf Politics? What are the Main Barriers to Gender Equality? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Are Women Important in Gulf Politics? As Peterson (34-35) argues, the minimal participation of women in politics is not an indication of lack of ruling supremacy. This is because, critically examination of the roles, which women played in the old Arab societies clearly show that, since time memorial, women have been active participants when it comes to issues that affects the family. In this regard, regardless of the way the society presents the image of women as concerns politics, women have a crucial role to play. Therefore, this makes it necessary for any ruling system to include women, being the vulnerable group in the community. In addition, it is only through such participations that women can have a stake in the decision making process on issues that affect their well-being. Due to the currently existing gender discriminations existing in the Gulf countries, majority of countries within this region overlook the role women can play as concerns political-economic development. This is because, when comparing literacy and educational achievement between women and men, both have achieved a lot. For example, the difference between literacy levels between men and women in the United Arab Emirates is 4%, whereby the men literacy achievement percentage stands at twenty five percent whereas, the women education and literacy achievement percentage stands at twenty one percentage. In other countries for example the republic of Qatar, the enrollment levels of boys and girls in the elementary school level stands at 95 % and 96 % respectively. The argument that such women achievements occur at lower level learning level s to some extent are wrong due to the increased number of female participants in higher education learning institutions. For example, in Kuwait, majority of students in higher learning institutions are women, a case that is almost similar in Bahrain, whereby more than 72% of students in higher learning centers are women (Krause, p. 8). Comparing this figures and the nature of contributions such educational achievements can make to these country’s politics is a clear indication that, women too have a role to play as concerns the political development of these countries. This is the case primarily because; there is a close correlation between educational achievement and economic development. Further, economic development depends on the nature of the ruling elites, for they are the main decision makers in any national scenario. In addition, to such educational achievements, as Abano (p.1) argues, majority of women in this region have the potential to perform and deliver quality results politically. She defends her position by arguing that, gender differentiations are products of many societal forces originating from some groups, a case that is evident in Kuwait, when it comes to the beliefs held by the Fundamentalist Islamic Groups.Advertising Looking for research paper on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More She further adds that, considering the continuous advancement, as concerns winning of some parliamentary seats by some women parliamentarians, it becomes necessary for global societies more so the gulf countries to reformulate their policies as concerns gender differentiations. This is because; there is a lot that women can play as concerns the political development of these countries. Clear manifestation of the importance of women in any political scenario in this region is apparent in Omani. As Fatany and Talei (Para. 3-4) argue, majority of women actively involved in politics have a sense of commitment, as concerns the economic development of their countries. They further add that, there presence in the political arena has seen the country develop most of its economy sections that the country had previously neglected. Although this is the case, it is important to note that, it has never been easy for women to attain such achievements because at all times they have to strictly ad here to men dominated governmental imposed policies hence, the little achievement associated with their efforts. On the other hand, it is important to note that; majority of voters in some countries in this region is women. For example, research findings by the Yale Global Center on the voting patterns of Bahrain in 2002 showed that, more than fifty-one percent of the voters were females hence, clearly showing the importance of female when it comes to politics of this region (Janardhan, P. 1). Main Barriers to Gender Equality Achievement of gender equality has been one of the greatest challenges for bodies fighting to ensure societies within this region abolish gender differentiations (which are clear from the simple social systems, to the complex political systems). As in any society, traditions play a central role when it comes to defining roles suitable to different individuals of different sexes in the Gulf region whereby, depending on the political orientation of countries with in this region, the Sharia laws finds wide applications. Although these laws find wide application in many Gulf countries, culture forms the main basis of all role assignments. In addition, it is important to note that, with the increased gender balance campaigns, the war on gender discrimination has gained many achievements as concerns liberating the Gulf women from social, political, and economic oppressions. Such advances are clear in countries for example, Bahrain and Kuwait. Although this is the case, like any other war, the war of women’s liberation politically, socially, and economically still faces many challenges due to the nature of policies (traditional, social and political), which the Gulf countries have adopted (Janardhan p.1). Islam as the main religion of this area has been one of the main contributors to the clear role disparity that exist between men and women. This is because; the religion appreciates the gender differences that exist between men and wome n. This to some extent has been the greatest impediment towards achieving gender equity, because religion forms one of the core factors that determine any society’s lifestyles (Al-Yousef p.2). For example, cases of the misuse of the Islamic law are prevalent in Bahrain; a country that does not have an integrated family law. On the other hand, it is important to note that, current efforts by gender discrimination fighting bodies to eliminate some personal status law that are discriminatory have always hit a snag, as such efforts receive strong opposition from Islamic extremists (Dunne p.1). Many societal forces also have been the greatest obstacles towards achievement of gender equality. This is because; there exists a conflict between modernization and globalization with the old embraced values. The religious-tribal aspect forms the main backbone of practices adopted by inhabitants of these regions. Such religious-tribal held values by societies have been greatly jeopardized globalization and modernization efforts. This is because at one end traditional values create many gender differentiations when it comes to role assignment, participation in labor, and educational attainment among male and female, whereas modernization endeavors to eliminate them. The scenario is even worse when it comes to political and economic developments, due to the fact that, there exist few programs geared towards women empowerment (Dunne p.1). As Nazir (Para. 22-23) argues, lack enough information to women in this nations is another great hindrance towards achieving gender equality. Lack of information as concerns global leadership, is prevalent in these countries, although to some extent women organizations have tried to bridge the gap. Majority of researchers attribute the lack of information to the media, for many research findings show that, governments control most media houses hence, dictating what people receive. On the hand, it is important to note that, although s uch impediments exists, majority of the Gulf countries have come up with initiatives to counter this problem, although some countries still have remained adamant in changing their gender policies for example, Saudi Arabia (Wagner p.1). Conclusion In conclusion, considering the importance of women’s participation in economic and political development, it is important for countries within this region to try to alleviate the prevalent gender differentiations, which exist presently for better development of these nations. These countries can achieve this through adoption of policies, which will support women development and innovation efforts in al spheres of development. In addition, these countries should come up with women empowering programs and legislations measures that will oversee protection and respect of their rights by all individuals in the governments. This is because; achievement of this will ensure that, societies eliminate the traditional beliefs, which have impr isoned majority of Women’s innovative initiatives. Al-Yousef, Nourah. The status of women in the Arab gulf countries. 2010. Web. https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=vq=cache:aUUw8uy-aQAJ:repository.ksu.edu.sa/jspui/bitstream/123456789/4060/1/Women%2520in%2520the%2520Gulf.pdf+women+and+the+gulf+politicshl=engl=kepid=blsrcid=ADGEESiB8C3z0bIbVPlCtvlu9AzIrZoLCtdiVqdqLORbv5zgMsdT4zOFEJjG2UFLJMB0e6oRohwNxsP56oKSyJ_UZm7V2zZxViVEp3EoQ3UwxrTeWygbDV8qcGs0anJOEuyavsQaedQJsig=AHIEtbREF_5Y4XbgIpVYtAVZri3iKbRqKw Abano, Joyce. Many Gulf women qualify for political careers. Zwaya, 26 Jan. 2010. Web. zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100126040616/Many%20Gulf%20women%20qualify%20for%20political%20careers%20/ Dunne, Michele. Women’s political participation in the Gulf: a conversation with activists Fatin Bundagji (Saudi Arabia), Rola Dashti (Kuwait), and Munira Fakhoro (Bahrain). Arab Reform Bulletin, 12 Aug. 2008. Web. carnegieendowment.org/arb/?fa=showarticle=20516 Fatany, Samar and Talei, Rafiah. Perspectives: Gulf Arab women breaking the glass ceiling in politics. Common Ground News Service, 31 March. 2009. Web. commongroundnews.org/article.php?id=25139lan=ensid=1sp=0 Gulf Today. Gulf countries. 2010. Web. thegulftoday.com/ Peterson, John. The political status of women in the Arab Gulf States. Middle East journal, 43(1) (1989): 34-50. Web. jstor.org/stable/4327879?seq=1 Janardhan, Meena. In the gulf, women are not women’s friends. Yale Center for the Study of Globalization, 20 June. 2005. Web. http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/gulf-women-are-not-women%E2%80%99s-best-friends Krause, Wanda. Kuwait program on development, governance, and globalization in the Gulf state: gender and participation in the Arab Gulf. The Center for the Study of Global Governance. 2009. Web. https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=vq=cache:_RTa712TV8YJ:www.lse.ac.uk/collections/LSEKP/documents/Krause.pdf+gender+disparities+in+the+gulf+region+and+the+world+politicshl=engl=kepid=blsrcid=AD GEEShZUIlMwOfK1mDmeiPbXQbCxJCR7QfQTlDG8fOXYaCn0okf2iCbuaYNTjNfw58vLjn1ODh2hmIibM_UweDZjEvAEm4Gbseif0fX0UwY2hw8M1dl1u1bGtvqTmwcsXSU33i-UxNgsig=AHIEtbQo0891rNvls2FXiLql9NXVxx1jEA Nazir, Sameena. Challenging inequality: obstacles and opportunities towards women’s rights In the Middle East and North Africa. Freedom House. 2010. Web. freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=163 Shanahan, Roger. Women in Arab politics. The interpreter, 2 June. 2009. Web. lowyinterpreter.org/post/2009/06/02/women-in-arab-politics-%28part-1%29.aspx Wagner, Cynthia. Progress report on discrimination against women. All Business, 1 May. 2008. Web. allbusiness.com/population-demographics/demographic-groups/10200041-1.html

Free Essays on Prevail To Survive

Everyone is faced with a frightening decision that their survival depends upon, like this summer when I went bridge jumping for the first time with some friends. We had just arrived at the bridge by Rush Lake when my friend, Chris, pulled up on his motorcycle. I decided I’d sneak up on him, jump on, and give him a big wet hug. When I jumped on I had swung my foot around and told him to take off, but what I thought I was putting my foot on was actually the muffler. I screamed and jumped off and realized that I couldn’t feel an ounce of pain where my foot had touched. Five minutes later, though, the pain had started and my foot began throbbing. I was feeling the most pain I had ever been in before and I knew I needed to get to a hospital. Instead, we went to a gas station and picked up some burn cream and a bag of ice. The burn cream didn’t help much, but the ice was like putting a pacifier in a baby’s mouth. Later, at home that night, my mom told me that I needed to ease myself off the ice so I wouldn’t wake up at night in pain. Taking the ice off only made things worse. My mom rushed me to the hospital with my head out the window screaming and hyperventilating. At the hospital, the nurse gave me the option to receive a shot, which I fear, of medication. Though I was scared, I decided I’d go through with the procedure. The injection was painful, but I knew it was worthwhile because the medication stopped the pain and put me in a happy, relaxed state of mind. Moreover, though we may be faced with a decision that has a negative outcome we may fear, the right decision will prevail to be better in the long run. Though they may not be invited to some social events, some students may choose not to drink underage because they know getting caught can affect their reputation for years to come. There is no doubt that the young adults currently serving in the military live with fear, no matter where they are stationed. That fear is part... Free Essays on Prevail To Survive Free Essays on Prevail To Survive Everyone is faced with a frightening decision that their survival depends upon, like this summer when I went bridge jumping for the first time with some friends. We had just arrived at the bridge by Rush Lake when my friend, Chris, pulled up on his motorcycle. I decided I’d sneak up on him, jump on, and give him a big wet hug. When I jumped on I had swung my foot around and told him to take off, but what I thought I was putting my foot on was actually the muffler. I screamed and jumped off and realized that I couldn’t feel an ounce of pain where my foot had touched. Five minutes later, though, the pain had started and my foot began throbbing. I was feeling the most pain I had ever been in before and I knew I needed to get to a hospital. Instead, we went to a gas station and picked up some burn cream and a bag of ice. The burn cream didn’t help much, but the ice was like putting a pacifier in a baby’s mouth. Later, at home that night, my mom told me that I needed to ease myself off the ice so I wouldn’t wake up at night in pain. Taking the ice off only made things worse. My mom rushed me to the hospital with my head out the window screaming and hyperventilating. At the hospital, the nurse gave me the option to receive a shot, which I fear, of medication. Though I was scared, I decided I’d go through with the procedure. The injection was painful, but I knew it was worthwhile because the medication stopped the pain and put me in a happy, relaxed state of mind. Moreover, though we may be faced with a decision that has a negative outcome we may fear, the right decision will prevail to be better in the long run. Though they may not be invited to some social events, some students may choose not to drink underage because they know getting caught can affect their reputation for years to come. There is no doubt that the young adults currently serving in the military live with fear, no matter where they are stationed. That fear is part...

Department roles Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Department roles - Assignment Example HIM functionalities can develop financial and medical performance and also reinforce the overall obedience with rules, regulations and standards. To be precise, the key roles of HIM in an organization are: To deliver support for reliability of information, comprising authentication of daily registration of clients, observation of information regarding every admission of clients and analysis of data entry errors Modern HIM department continues to manage medical records or functions of information collection, information discharge and information storage. Modern HIM department is a completely integrated section, which takes into concern certain significant aspects like coding, situation management, operation review, medical record management, internal along with external audits and traditional HIM activities under one single umbrella. It would be vital to mention in this similar concern that modern HIM leverages natural interactions and improves overall communication associated with medical records along with medical procedures. HIM serves as a source of business record for healthcare organizations and assists in making effective decisions. Furthermore, HIM department also assists in educating physicians regarding improvement in medical practices (Hathorn and Thomas, â€Å"Leveraging Your HIM Department: The Compliance Connection†). HIM department is generally comprised of long hierarchical structure. At the top of the department is the Chief Medical Director who oversees all the operations of HIM. Under the Director, there lay operational assistants and compliance coordinators as well as managers performing diversified roles and duties. Following is the organizational structure of a HIM department. Hathorn, Patsy and Eugenia Stark Thomas. Leveraging Your HIM Department: The Compliance Connection. From Audit to Action: Tips for Managing the Organization’s Response, n.d. Web. 26 Jun. 2014.

Essay on Contracts Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

On Contracts - Essay Example A valid offer may thus be made orally, in writing or by conduct. In the scenario, a question arises on when a valid offer was made by either party. Was it made by the brochure advertising the vehicle and its price? Or was it made by peter when he wrote to the sales company reserving a new Vectra 2.0i, Corsican Blue, for the price of ?15,749? An offer must be distinguished from an invitation to treat. An invitation to treat is generally a negotiation on in which a seller of a commodity gives the price of the commodity, not as offer that is capable of acceptance by the buyer, but rather as an invitation to conduct further negotiations on the price of the commodity. This means that if a seller of a commodity posts the price of a given commodity on the commodity itself, newspaper, brochure, or on a shelf, this amounts to an invitation to treat rather than a valid offer capable of acceptance by the buyer when he/she presents the item to the seller2. In the case of Pharmaceutical Society o f Great Britain v. Boots Cash Chemists3 the court considered the question whether the price of the goods displayed in a chemist amounted to an offer made to the buyer upon which he accepts when he picks the goods from the shelves and put them in a shopping basket. The court held that if that was the case, a customer who picks the goods from the shelves cannot be able to return them. Instead the goods on the shelves were merely invitation to treat, and the sale agreement was complete upon the cashier accepting payment for the goods. The same rule applies in regard to advertisements, which are generally interpreted by the courts to be merely invitations to treat. In the case of Partridge v. Crittenden4 the defendant had placed advertisements on the classified section of magazines advertising the sale of bramble finches, whose sale had been prohibited by Section 6 of the Protection of Birds Act. He was found guilty under the Act and so he appealed the decision of the trial court. The A ppellate court, in quashing the appellant’s sentence, held that the advertisements were merely invitations to treat as opposed to an offer. This view was upheld by the court in Fisher v. Bell5 where the court held that the display of a flick knife in the display of a shop was merely an advertisement of the good, and thus an invitation to treat. From the foregoing, the brochure obtained by peter containing the car’s description and price was merely a form of advertisement for the car. It did not amount to an offer in any way, but was merely an invitation to treat for the company’s customers. However, there was a valid offer from Peter to the company’s sales department through his written letter to the company indicating his willingness to purchase a Corsican blue Vectra 2.0i vehicle. It is a universally accepted principle of law that acceptance must coincide fully with the terms of an offer. This means that if new terms are introduced to the contract, or r ather if new terms are purported to be introduced, acceptance of such new terms will be considered as a counter offer which results in the rejection of the offer. In the case of Hyde v Wrench6 the plaintiff offered the respondent to him his land for $1000 and he refused. In his reply, he stated that he would pay $950 and the respondent refused. The plaintiff later wrote to the respondent accepting to pay the initial sum but the respondent re

Memo Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Memo - Assignment Example â€Å"The pursuit of health care quality has led to substantial performance measurement initiatives† (Larson & Muller, 2002, p. 261). Quality initiatives also help in reducing operational costs of healthcare organizations (Micheletti, & Mannis, 2004). For Newton Managed Care, some of the main benefits that quality management program can bring with it include increased public satisfaction, improved image of the company, improved employee performance, and improved organizational performance. Having discussed the significance of quality management program for Newton Managed Care, let us now discuss ten characteristics of a quality program, which include customer focus, continuous improvement, employee involvement, continuous supervision, process oriented, establishing the metrics, monitoring the metrics, improving public perception, an all-inclusive package, and ease of applicability. Let us discuss each of these characteristics one by one. Customer focus is one of the main characteristics of a quality program. A quality-oriented healthcare organization focuses the needs of the patients all through the process of delivery of healthcare because they are the main drivers who can ensure success of the organization. If a company does not provide the highest level of quality treatment to the patients, it can never gain public trust. Therefore, health companies give extreme importance to the provision of quality treatment to patients in order to ensure quick success and growth. Next major characteristic of a quality program is that it is always geared towards continuous improvement. A company adhering to the principles of quality management brings continuous improvement in its services in order to ensure an increase in the public satisfaction level. A healthcare company can achieve continuous improvement only by integrating quality in all phases of any disease treatment program because a fraction of negligence can lead to severe health problems

Analysis of Risks From Living Near an Airport Essay

Analysis of Risks From Living Near an Airport - Essay Example Long exposure to emissions from the airport was estimated to have potential cancer, asthma, liver damage, lung disease, lymphoma, myeloid leukemia, and even depression. Different findings were gathered through scientific and anecdotal evidences. Scientific studies were conducted from other location with which associated with same exposure to air pollution are high among residents would also be the same effect once the new airport will be established. According to a website report (2001), "Aircraft noise may increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease even among people who live miles from airports, according to a study out today, the highest noise levels were 80 per cent more likely than those from less noisy areas to suffer high blood pressure". In addition, high blood pressure is the risk factor for heart disease due to noised from jets flying in and out. The scientists say that the cause of the effect is likely to be stress. Another factor is air pollutants it can enter the body from different ways, through inhalation, direct ingestion from the contaminated food, water and soil, and absorption through the skin. According to a study " daily exposure to carcinogens provides estimates of risks and hazards that are unlikely to accumulate by adults and children living nearest to the airport .Breathing in large amount of jet fuels or aviation fuels pollution might actually experience higher rate of morbidity and mortality. This pollutant is responsible for over half the population caused by transportations. Different group of people varies level of toxicity due to combustion of aviation fuel. Large group of people aside from the airport staffs are exposed to both aviation fuel and vapors from it if split accidentally, but especially those living near the airport may suffer from toxicity from the products of combustion of aviation fuel. A report from other location was observed that diseases may develop such a s almost 50% higher asthma rate, 26% higher respiratory disease, and almost 50% higher infant mortality rates and also higher genetic diseases. According to The American Heart Association "extra pulmonary effects of pollution has been consistently associated with increased of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality" In addition to this, the study estimated the resulting effects of these airborne pollutants wherein there were 78 chemicals would result cancer risk for people living near the airport "was five times higher than the regional average proving just how dangerous it can be". Specifically aviation fuel is responsible of naphthalene's dangerous effects. This chemical reaction may trigger prolonged or significant eye irritation. Once inhaled symptoms of respiratory irritation may include coughing and difficulty breathing. Based to a Timbrell, John A (2000) "At

Football Is the Most Impacted Sports Genre by Television Assignment

Football Is the Most Impacted Sports Genre by Television - Assignment Example In this discussion topic, the difference between the most viewed sports and the most played sports in the world must be defined. This paper will focus on the most viewed sports on television and how the television has impacted this type of sport. Soccer is the most viewed sport currently in the world. For example, the FIFA World Cup held every four years has a huge TV audience. Television and the online audience grows substantially for football than other sports. Cricket stands second in the list with close to a billion Indian fans. Field hockey follows third, being spread in the English world (Rader, 2008). Sport on television develops TV genres and genres of the sport that encode codes and conventions. The audience and organizations relate in a special way during sports representations. Football stands tall in linking organizations through regulation control, channels, schedules, and marketing promotion. Football audience incorporates all sexes with its narratives focusing on race, heroes, and sponsors.   According to Radar (2008), another striking issue is the â€Å"aesthetic† pleasure from the â€Å"televisual image of football† sport. The energy in the cinematic pleasure makes the sporting event on television a rewarding experience. Slow motion is one of the most obvious aesthetic pleasure that football thrills its fans with. Slow motion footage employed at thrilling points with super-slow motion in particular montages satisfies the audience best. Through the slow motion, the immanent anatomical majesty of the football players brings the attention of the unseen details making the football celebrities bodies alien and strange (Rader, 2008).     In conclusion, among other sports, football has been profoundly impacted by television and remains to enjoy a large viewing by the audience worldwide.   

Analysis of Risks From Living Near an Airport Essay

Analysis of Risks From Living Near an Airport - Essay Example Long exposure to emissions from the airport was estimated to have potential cancer, asthma, liver damage, lung disease, lymphoma, myeloid leukemia, and even depression. Different findings were gathered through scientific and anecdotal evidences. Scientific studies were conducted from other location with which associated with same exposure to air pollution are high among residents would also be the same effect once the new airport will be established. According to a website report (2001), "Aircraft noise may increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease even among people who live miles from airports, according to a study out today, the highest noise levels were 80 per cent more likely than those from less noisy areas to suffer high blood pressure". In addition, high blood pressure is the risk factor for heart disease due to noised from jets flying in and out. The scientists say that the cause of the effect is likely to be stress. Another factor is air pollutants it can enter the body from different ways, through inhalation, direct ingestion from the contaminated food, water and soil, and absorption through the skin. According to a study " daily exposure to carcinogens provides estimates of risks and hazards that are unlikely to accumulate by adults and children living nearest to the airport .Breathing in large amount of jet fuels or aviation fuels pollution might actually experience higher rate of morbidity and mortality. This pollutant is responsible for over half the population caused by transportations. Different group of people varies level of toxicity due to combustion of aviation fuel. Large group of people aside from the airport staffs are exposed to both aviation fuel and vapors from it if split accidentally, but especially those living near the airport may suffer from toxicity from the products of combustion of aviation fuel. A report from other location was observed that diseases may develop such a s almost 50% higher asthma rate, 26% higher respiratory disease, and almost 50% higher infant mortality rates and also higher genetic diseases. According to The American Heart Association "extra pulmonary effects of pollution has been consistently associated with increased of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality" In addition to this, the study estimated the resulting effects of these airborne pollutants wherein there were 78 chemicals would result cancer risk for people living near the airport "was five times higher than the regional average proving just how dangerous it can be". Specifically aviation fuel is responsible of naphthalene's dangerous effects. This chemical reaction may trigger prolonged or significant eye irritation. Once inhaled symptoms of respiratory irritation may include coughing and difficulty breathing. Based to a Timbrell, John A (2000) "At

Globalization. Globalization In Economic Research Paper

Globalization. Globalization In Economic - Research Paper Example Although globalization is largely viewed as an economic process, it is has been known to have numerous political and social effects as well (Pew Research Center). With regards to the political and economic aspects, globalization is described as the process of decentralization of markets and legal systems (Lynch 6). In relation to businesses, it can be explained as a process in which companies venture into the emerging global markets. Furthermore, entities are taking advantage of the internet to launch their virtual presence in the worldwide marketplace. In most cases globalization is linked to modernization whereby there is transformation of developing nations into developed ones. Internationally, globalization is analyzed in terms of the challenges to the global economy and economic issues in general. There have heated discussions of globalization and its advantages and disadvantages. There have been numerous benefits accruing from the process such as increased trade among nations a nd dissemination of information world over (Knickerbocker 45). On the flip side there have been drawbacks associated with the process including exploitation of the poor nations, erosion of traditional cultures through modernization and the rising levels of global terrorism. In a nutshell, the process has positive and negative implications on countries world over. This essay addresses the complex concept of globalization and focuses on its economic aspect. It can be noted that global economic activities have become more integrated and economically oriented over the recent past. It takes the form of increased trade among nations, an increase in imports and exports, an overall growth of foreign investments and foreign loans. This is due to the existence of better policies and a friendlier economic environment (Knickerbocker 76). In fact, most modern economies argue that it is meaningless to form one’s thinking on national economies as international trade has become the backbone of most domestic economies in most countries. This has been the trend in most countries that have adopted uniform business environments and legal systems that govern the operations of global markets. This has had both negative and positive implications on the global economy. The first advantage linked to globalization development of the industrial economies that are under the Organization of Cooperation and Development (OECD). It is clear that international trading activities contribute to a significant proportion of the economic production or GDP in most countries (Knickerbocker 77). This is because economies tend to specialize in the areas where they have the highest comparative advantage. For example, if a country is best suited to produce steel, it concentrates on its production and outsources other products that may be expensive to produce in the country. Through specialization, countries are able to make optimum profits from their production activities. Globalization has resul ted to intensified trade in the national economies. This is due to the increased flow of goods, services and capital in the global market. This is due to the abolition of trade barriers among nations and uniform regulations on importation and exportation. This simplifies trading among nations and there increasing trading activities in the global economy (Lynch 10). This is facilitated by international trading organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) that make laws and regulations concerning the operations in the global economy. Regionally, bodies such as the European Union (EU), North America Free Trade Association (NAFTA), Common Markets for East and Central Africa (COMESA) and association of South East

Relationships with Government Regulators and Policymakers Essay Example for Free

Relationships with Government Regulators and Policymakers Essay No, I did not believe that Merck acted in a socially responsible and ethical manner with regard to Vioxx. Vioxx is a prescription medicine used to relieve signs and symptoms of arthritis, acute pain in adults and painful menstrual cycle and Merck was one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical firms. Corporate social responsibility means that a corporation should act in a way that enhances society and its inhabitants and be held accountable for any of its actions that affect people, their communities, and their environment. I didn’t believe Merck acted in a socially responsible and ethical manner with regard to Vioxx is because Merck had long enjoyed a reputation as one of the most ethical and socially responsible of the major drug companies. Drug development and testing Merck was renowned for its research labs, which had a decades-long record of achievement, turning out one innovation after another, including drugs for cholesterol, hypertension, tuberculosis and other. In product development and testing, scientists know Vioxx there are serious health risks and the drug may have side effects such as cardiovascular complications but scientists think that the lives that could have potentially been and now know that the effects of the medication can improve then change and it can minimize the harmful side effects. During the development and testing phase for Vioxx has many issues regarding the safety of the drug were questioned due to the many cases of heart attacks and strokes resulting from the medication but also have people think heart attacks and strokes were common and they had multiple causes, including genetic predisposition, smoking, obesity and a sedentary lifestyles. Marketing and advertising This was new in the pharmaceutical industry as it was the first time the FDA were allowed to advertise to consumers and the advertising technique of Vioxx that was used was thru direct-to-consumer. Merck used an Olympic figure skater as the primary character within their commercials and telling viewers that she would â€Å"not let arthritis stop me.† The drug companies defended DTC ads, saying they informed consumers of newly available therapies and encouraged people to seek medical treatment so consumers then would request this medication, making doctors feel obliged to prescribe. Drug company focused most of their marketing efforts on prescribing physicians and as a result of this fiasco, implications for big pharmaceutical firms like Merck are clear, they have take more time to conduct more clinical studies and assess the health risks associated with the drugs even if it means a delay in the entry of the drug into the market. Relationships with government regulators and policymakers Vioxx were regulated by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and work of FDA is whether or not to approve a new drug. Some evidence suggested that the morale of FDA staff charged with evaluating the safety of new medicine had been hurt by relentless pressure to bring drugs to market quickly. The government and policymakers received large sums of money from the development company during the advertising phase and market introduction. The Agency has not had an opportunity to review the data from the study that was stopped in the depth that Merck has, but agrees with the company that there appear to be significant safety concerns for patients, particularly those taking the drug chronically and FDA plans to work closely with Merck to coordinate the withdrawal of this product from the US market. Handling of the recall Merck announced a voluntary worldwide withdrawal of Vioxx. From the published evidence of Vioxx is crystal clear risk of heart attack, as early as in the late 1990s, the company should be aware of risk awareness and the companys internal documents confirmed the the companys awareness of the risks. Yet Merck continued not only to sell the drug, but to market it heavily and as a first line choice, not merely for those thought to be at higher risk of stomach bleeding. Merck decisions and judgments of certain problems with Vioxxs launch can be faulted. They are either ignored or dismissed early signs of an increased risk of heart attack, whether it is in their own research and other post, trying to get to market faster. This proved to be deadly further studies in line with the concerns, and lead ultimately to lead to another wrong decision to recall the drug from the market and Merck would have hoped for, instead they lost the market of customers who would still have taken Vioxx in spite of the risks.

Analysis Of The Oil Industry In Nigeria

Analysis Of The Oil Industry In Nigeria Oil and gas (OG) exploration and production (EP) nowadays need immediate thought of a range of economic, social, political, and environmental concerns. As energy requires keep on growing, OG companies should locate and produce growing quantities of oil and gas. Although doing so require more than merely ramping up production from traditional sources, to carry out good marketing strategy analysis and research you would need one of the marketing tools which is PEST model in accessing the oil and gas environment and have an overview and understanding market growth or decline, business position, potential and direction for operations Competition in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria is very intense and competitive over the year there has been lots of international company lobbing to be able to export crude for refining and bring in back to the country but that has proved impossible as the NNPC is run and controlled by the Nigerian government and it accounts for about 70 % of the government revenue and 40% of the country revenue the threat is minimum but there is much pressure on them as they lose a lot in export crude and they determine the price, which most oil and gas companies in Nigeria are trying to change that the government give other respected company license to export crude for refining and bring in back to the country for sale cause only few player can only bring in refined crude and are subject to quantity and cannot export crude. In recent times competition in the global oil and gas industry has been increasing rapidly due to globalisation. Mergers and acquisitions between major players have been tak ing place with a view to improving their competitive edge and strengthening their position in this industry Political factors Political issue has always been an issue in the oil rich state in Nigeria, there has been political instability in the oil rich region where the fuel is being extracted, as the government officials are corrupt and refuses to develop and enforce strict system that works in cleaning up of the oil spillage, this had bring up unrest in the region as the youth in the area has picked on arms and militancy kidnapping for ransom blowing up of oil pipe line and engage in oil bunkeries, this has affected oil production and transportation and has much effect on NNPC as is crude and oil production has gone to a record low. The political unrest needs to be addressed if the government wants smooth flow of oil and peace in the region. Economic factors The economical break down in the world affected every part of the world and the oil industries, and the Nigeria banks is undergoing reform as the central bank of Nigeria listed about eight banks in the country of un serviced loan and debts, and with the sacking of directors of eight to banks in Nigeria this has sent a shocking wave to the banking industries and are refusing to give out loan to companies and individual, even the oil marketers obtaining a loan in the banks have become problem, the refusal of banks to fund importation of products and the alleged inability of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to pay for products it received from its foreign suppliers of crude, has affected the country economy as there is scarcity of fuel for consumer lots of cues in stations. This is affecting the economy as the prices and black market luming businesses cant operate properly. Social factors The 21st century has witnessed a growing Nigerian economy, various projects are ongoing in Nigeria with solid infrastructures. This economic growth is having a huge impact on the Nigerian people; many Nigerians can now afford cars, both used and new. Many Nigerian are now moving to a cleaner source of energy to cook, which is natural gas. This economic growth mean that more Nigerians are driving leading to a higher number in the demand of energy compared to the past decade. The social factor is a good level of improvement that the NNPC need to base and use the advantages in and bringing in new market and improving existing products. Technology Technology is a major issue in the Nigeria industries and especially the oil and gas industries the refineries we have in Nigeria has been built since the 1970s and has not been improved and still lack a lot of new technologies and that why it has not been in operation over a decade. Improving in the technology aspect will be a good thing if the country goes into technology revolution as this will bring in new ideals and new technology in the operation of crude and the introduction of LNG liquefied natural gas which has been the world focus lately as an alternative to fuel. There has been major growth and improvement in technology as a whole in the country which will bring positive influences in NNPC and the oil industry as a whole cause it will help in maximising profit and efficiency. The oil and gas industry The oil and gas industry is a key part of the economic growth in Nigeria, the industry is very competitive and a bit risky, and the room for new entrant to the market is very tough and exploiting as the industry is a bit corrupt obtaining a license is very hard as well as being a major player in the industry is very tough, because NNPC is the biggest player in the industry in the country it tends to hold it self up with government policies. But NNPC still need to work hard in keeping it customers and in other to do that they have built various petrol stations in the country. New entrants to the market The energy industry is oligopoly at the upstream level, where as in the downstream level it could be said to be a perfect competition because there are many buyers and sellers and consumers are willing to pay a price for the products. NNPC to some extent determine the price but to the public no organisation can determine the price it. The industry is complex yet delicate; entry into the industry in the upstream sector is difficult while in the downstream it is fair to some extent but still difficult to obtain license. Product life cycle of oil The oil life cycle is said to be 50 years more to many analyst, as demand for energy continues to grow, new sources of oil and gas (OG) must be found and produced. Challenges for exploration and production (EP) today and into the foreseeable future include the deployment of new or newly adapted EP technologies, evolving environmental laws and regulations that vary among (and within) nations, socioeconomic concerns, and providing adequate returns to investors Environmental factors Environmental factor is a major issue in the world today as the issue of climate change is a major concern the oil and gas industry which is one of the worst polluters of c02 emission , the world is undergoing transformation to a low carbon economy which is switching to bio-fuel, and LNG, NNPC has always taking this into consideration but has not taking drastically some steps in making sure that is a major player in the transformation of Natural Gas/LNG will play a crucial role in enabling transition to a low carbon economy a goal accepted by the international community. For this to happen a global competitive gas market is in the interests of all stakeholders. It is therefore felt that the role of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum will be very crucial in enabling a global and competitive gas market and it will only grow in stature and importance as a cartel which NNPC would be a key player. And is working to have a big market on LNG. Introduction of new marketing strategy and how it will implemented with NNPC. First before bringing a new marketing plan and strategy you would need to carry out a SWOT analysis of NNPC, in other for us to determine the strength, weakness, opportunity and threats, after access this factors we would make a recommendation and implementation of the four marketing P and marketing mix. SWOT analysis of NNPC Strength NNPC has been operating for a long time is main strength is that it is being backed and run by the government. Secondly it is the only company that is allowed to export crude for refining and bring it back to the country before distribution to marketers, it almost work with all the oil company in Nigeria and have six joint venture with foreign companies. NNPC has a play a big part in determination of the price in Nigeria, NNPC has various subsidiaries including petrol stations. And NNPC has a good brand name and has been working hard in improving its process and products. Weakness NNPC has lots of weakness first it needs to work on its refinery as this has stop working for over a decade that is why they resulted in exporting crude for refining and import back to the country, if they fix the refinery it will save cost, risk of transportation as well as NNPC making on lost on the bye products of refining process which they would make lots of money from and open a new market. Secondly poor management decision and selfish interest from the government officials in charge of overseeing NNPC affairs. They donà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢t have penetration in the foreign market. Opportunity With the current state and stage of the market NNPC has lots of opportunity if only they could reinstall its refinery. An oil refinery or petroleum refinery is an industrial process plant where crude oil is processed and refined into more useful petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt base, heating oil, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas. NNPC would have lots on market on those waste product listed above which they are losing by exporting crude for refining. And also would make them a key player in the transformation to a low carbon economy if they increase is market on LNG and refine is product in the country. And this will increase its revenue and the country economical impact will be more as it will provide more jobs and safety to the public. Threats The threats in the oil industry anywhere in the world is always very intensive, like the global climate change which is one of the most threat forcing companies to try and find another market in the oil industries, this will lead to decline in production of crude as well as reducing profit. Secondly it is been speculated that oil has reached its picked and is got about 50years left before it goes dry, that is anither threat which means NNPC should be looking for other market apart from fuel and kerosene importation. Another major threat is Ghana which has just discovered fuel on its soil, if Ghana build a refinery with new technology and international standard it will increase the threat of other oil companies breaking a deal to extract and import crude to Nigeria. The main purpose of the SWOT analysis is to turn weaknesses into strengths, turn strengths into opportunities, use our strengths to profit from our opportunities. Action plans After carefully looking at the affair and doing a research on NNPC and with the swot analysis looking at its opportunity and is weakness NNPC has a refinery which was built in the 1970s but has stopped working due poor management decision and selfish interest from the government officials in charge of overseeing NNPC affairs poor maintenance culture and policy outdated nature of the technology used in designing the plants ( they where actually designed in the late 70s) employment of the wrong personnel to handle operation process. My action plan is for NNPC to invest more in reinstallation of refineries across the country, cause they have the resources and ability to do so and this will lead to them to invest a considerable amount of funds into the development of the Nigerian economy by assisting existing or abandoned government projects; a new department will be created in the organisation to support environmental issues that will help protect the earth. We will use our strong brand and credible repetition to create opportunities in the Nigerian market to carry out our already laid out objectives, these strengths will allow us profit from our opportunities. Marketing mix (marketing strategy) In all the elements used in marketing strategy, the marketing mix which is also known as the strategic tools or controllable variables play a major role. This is because it involves price, place, promotion and product. These are the major elements a company needs to improve the demand of its goods and to target its customers (Philip Kotler, 2008). Product The product being introduced in the marketing is a proposal to reinstall its refining plant and improves its technology with modern technology and sophisticated equipment with better and efficient maintenance culture, by doing this will be help NNPC to reduce cost of exportation of crude, the introduction of new products lost from the refining of crude products abroad, like gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt base, heating oil, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas, being LNG is one of the fastest growing alternative of fuel which NNPC can hold a strong ground by investing more on it and by doing so NNPC would be reaching out to the public and main consumers and helping the environment this will make it well recognize internationally. Prices This is the sum of money that is required for the purchase of products or services or the equivalent in value which customers are willing to offer for a given product or service. A price tag cannot be fixed because as at the time carrying out this research there was know much information released by NNPC on its current tag on LNG product, the price of reinstallation of its new technology and new refining will cost millions of dollars which the Nigeria NNPC and the government can fund if they agree to work together and ignore selfish interest and they would make the money back in just a year of running a standard refinery and would increase its revenue by 50% in 3 years. And this will reduce the prices of petroleum products and other products Placement The placement or location of refinery is already settled as NNPC has about 2 refinery abandoned and not functioning which all they need to do is reinstallation and improved technologies in other to make its supply chain more effective and faster which they have a marketing system in place to facilitate distribution of products if refined from the country, i think there might be a new installation of refinery in the east in other not to cause tribal conflicts. Promotions This a very important aspect of the marketing P this is because it helps in promoting the proposal and new product introduction and the way it would improve the economy and the environment as a whole so it can come into effect with is new product and the public would by the ideal and know its purpose this can be done by using various means of communication and enlighten them on changes before the proposal/product would come into effect, after then which the product would sell it self as NNPC is a branding on its own all it needs to do is sell it to the government and the public by all the forms of media available in Nigeria, news papers, radio, internet and mobile phones. An aggressive campaign will be lunched directly targeting all consumers at all levels and the government especially , this will be very essential to the marketing plan because this type of product is a reintroduction of its kind in Nigeria. It is important that the lunch is perfect because the first perception of th is product will determine its success in the Nigerian energy market. Implementation of action plan To implement the action plan and swot analysis and marketing Ps NNPC would have to introduce the following which are continues training, quality function development, transparency supervision, negotiators, management system that works. Training Training is essential because this is a reintroduction of a product/proposal which will need specialist in that field in other for it not to go wrong, and training process should be un going at least every 6 months in other for staffs to be well educated and understand its need, and schools should be giving training in other for them to carry more research on transformation to a low carbon economy by introduction of refining crude product in Nigeria and how it will affect the economy growth and job opportunity. Incentive This is possible in this kind of situation in other to market this proposal it will need a bit of incentive which is assuring the public that it will employ more Nigerians than bringing in experts from abroad which will mean most of them will be sent abroad for training, secondly offer the government a target of increase revenue in 3years after start of operation and promise marketers and distributors price cut and more investment on alternative fuel (LNG) and there would be more market of other products to be introduced and follow immediately refining starts. Management information systems Managing the progress of the product will be essential; this will allow us to manage the product efficiently so that areas which are lacking will be improved on. Managing a new product is as important as developing the product itself Contingencies Contingencies plan is always a key part of a marketing plan this is because of uncertainty this because the oil industry is not stable as there are lot of players and top people in the government running other oil companies and would not benefit more if NNPC starts refining crude products in Nigeria as most of them are owners of oil vessel and stuff just incase it fall short of government target i think it would rely on the public and the Nigeria Labour Congress who will be a key player in the transformation and communication to the public. Control of procedures Control of this procedures and introduction of this new process is essential in other for NNPC to be able to manage and monitor this transformation and evaluates its performance based on sales of product and impact it has on the economic growth, it will need to monitor its other subsidiaries and ensure it goes through proper review and new management process so it can be transparent in its dealings in other to be able to get feedback from marketers and distributors and consumers especially who are the main priority. The information received from these processes will allow us to make any necessary corrections and alterations to ensure that the product is being supplied to the right segment of the market with the most demands. Conclusion Why going through my research on NNPC and writing a marketing plan i realise that NNPC is a bit corrupt this is because the government has more say in its appointment of top management officials it will be a bit hard for the introduction of new refinery as most of them would be protecting their selfish interest so would want to use every means possible in blocking the process but with the support of the public and top Nigerian officials who are interested in transparency and intend for democracy to take effect it will surely buy the heart of them and the public and the international community who has been worried why Nigeria could not have its own refinery rather than taking crude abroad before bring back to the country. If NNPC follow this marketing plan it would not just help its name but help the economy in bouncing back from recession and help employments and the countries reputation in the oil companies abroad. Recommendation I would recommend NNPC undergo a new management reform in other to be effective, it should privatise most of its subsidiaries so the government does not have much say in policy making and appointment of management team without political motivations.

Wisdom Leads to Suffering in Brave New World by George Orwell Essay

Solomon spoke once, after a life filled with great wisdom of nature- chochmah tata’ah- that all of life exists for vanity, that purpose erases itself from existence and man is left with only a mean, purposeless life. Orwell, in 1984, realizes in his work that insight gained of the workings of a dystopic society, leads only to the discovery of purposelessness- the reduction of life to something other than that it purports to be. Orwell’s attack of wisdom takes shape through his usage of juxtaposition in character description, the telling nature of Winston’s state post-discovery, and a most mystifying metaphysical description: the peril of knowing too much. In the same way that Solomon captured the essence of chochmah tata’ah, the wisdom of the external, so Winston gains more knowledge of the external world, in the same way that Solomon (or a Qohelet pretending to be him) wrote of despair issuing from wisdom in Ecclesiastes, Winston finds himself suffering more than the people around him, due to his wisdom. In 1984, Doublethink forces the entire society, both the proles (because of their intelligence quotients) and the higher echelon of people (in order to keep power), into a stupor which leaves the without any knowledge of their situation in life, and completely- obliviously- happy. Though Orwell paints a picture of a crumbling world, the people within see no need to improve it because the simply choose to ignore problems. The people around Winston find themselves duped into believing blindly, without wisdom, and are content while Winston, aware of his surroundings, constantly struggles. Orwell’s message here screams to t he reader that knowledge leads to pain. Winston, strolling to work one day, sees a man with a twitch- fightin... ...fering and death of the combatants. The only outcomes of increased knowledge and wisdom of the external- chochmah tata’ah, exist as oppression and death. Orwell, though speaking out against the oppressiveness of societies, argues more strongly that humanity’s gain of wisdom about corruption leads only to suffering. The author of 1984 brings these points to fruition in his character analysis, and his analysis of reality itself. In the same way that Adam sampled the fruit of The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and gained only death, the addition of wisdom to the human consciousness leads only to suffering. The epic told to represent this story by Orwell ends with the argument that â€Å"War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.† (4), the argument that when ignorance is lost, suffering and weakness follow. Work cited: Brave New World, by George Orwell.

Scarlett Letter :: essays research papers

The Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter is a novel with much symbolism. Throughout the novel several characters represent other ideas. One of the most complex and misunderstood characters in the novel is Pearl, the daughter of Hester Prynne. Pearl, throughout the story, develops into a dynamic symbol – one that is always changing. Although Pearl changes, she always symbolizes evil. Pearl symbolizes evil in the story by representing God’s punishment of Hester’s sin, symbolizing the guilt and the scarlet letter that controls her behavior, and defying Puritan laws by being cheerful and associating with nature. Pearl represents God’s punishment by her mocking and nagging of Hester. Throughout the novel she sometimes seemed to her mother as almost a witch baby (Matthiessen 104). She is a baffling mixture of strong emotions with a fierce temper and a capacity for evil. With Pearl, Hester’s life became one of constant nagging, and no joy. The child could not be m ade amenable to rules. Hester even remarks to herself, “Oh Father in heaven – if thou art still my father – what is this being which I have brought into the world'; (Hawthorne 89)? Pearl would harass her mother Piyasena/Pine 2 over the scarlet “A'; she wore. In time, Hester was subjected to so much ridicule from Pearl and others that she was forced into seclusion. Pearl represents the sins of both Hester and Dimmesdale. Pearl is said to be the direct consequence of sin (Martin 108). Their sins include lying to the people about the affair that led to Pearl. Hester realizes what Pearl represents when she does not hold Pearl up in front of the “A.'; She carries the child around because it is a direct reflection of her sin. Hester is, “wisely judging that one token of her shame would but poorly serve to hide another'; (Hawthorne 48). Dimmesdale’s sin is not adultery but not having the courage to admit that he had adulterated. Therefore his is a “concealed sin.'; The scarlet letter amuses Pearl, and also controls her behavior. It is noted that, Pearl has been described in terms almost exclusively of uncontrolled, chaotic passion (MacLean 54). Throughout the novel Pearl is attracted to the “A.'; Even when she is just a baby, “her infant’s eyes had been caught by the glimmering of the gold embroidery about the letter'; (Hawthorne 90). When Pearl is older and Hester throws the letter on the ground, Pearl yells at her mother until she places the “A'; back on her bosom.

Interpretation of “My Papa’s Wallet”

â€Å"My Papa’s Waltz† was written by Theodore Roethke, which is a stanza poem with 16 lines. The narrator of the poem seems to be a young child speaking about an experience with his drunken father. In this poem the father came home after a night of drinking. As the father enters the house he grabs the child by the wrist with his battered knuckles, which indicates that he works with his hands. Playfully knocking down the pans, the mother irritated gives them an unhappy frown. The rhyme scheme is as follows, breath/death, dizzy/easy, pans/countenance, shelf/itself, wrist/missed, knuckle/buckle, head/bed and shirt/dirt. It’s obvious that the rhyme scheme is abab/cdcd. The rhyming in this poem seems to imitate the ordered steps of the dance of the poem’s title. However, it serves to show up the joyfulness that a person thinks of with the waltz. There is alliteration in every stanza, except in the last stanza. â€Å"Waltzing was† has the recurring sound of the letter â€Å"w†, which has a calm sound (line number 4). There are other indications that the waltz sounds loud, but the alliteration makes waltzing sound calm and usual. Countenance/could† have the sound of the frequent â€Å"c† which is a stanza with an exact sound (7/8). â€Å"Hand that held† is similar to the first stanza, which has a caring sound, â€Å"hand†¦. held†, is a an extreme contrast with the battered knuckle and scraped ear (9). â€Å"The hand that held† is assonance. â€Å"Still clinging to your shirt† is another assonance. The word â€Å"romped† is a connotation of disruptiveness, which the dancing in the kitchen caused the utensils to fall from the shelf. The tone of the poem is joyful and playful, because it seems that the father and the son are having a great time. The five main images that appear in the poem are gustatory, aural, visual, tactile and olfactory. The gustatory image is â€Å"The whisky on you breather† which is indicating the whisky can be taste. The aural image is â€Å"We romped until the pans† indicating that the sound of the pans were so loud that the mother was upset. The visual image is â€Å"My mother’s countenance/Could not unfrown itself† which indicates the look on his mother’s face was full of anger. The olfactory image is also â€Å"The whisky on your breath† which indicates the child could smell the whisky coming from his breath. At every step you missed/My right ear scraped a buckle† meaning the father is enthusiastic as he is waltzing in a fast pace (11/12). The narrator doesn’t want the young boys ear to touch the buckle, so he used ‘you’ trying to say that the father purposely lost control. â€Å"Then waltzed me off to bed/Still clinging to your shirt† the father is showing the son that he cares about him by taking him to bed (15/16). He is also showing him that he loves immensely regardless of what his son thinks. In the son’s eyes his father is a hero and the behavior that went throughout the entire poem was full of love.

Ap Literature Open Response Questions Essay

2011: In a novel by William Styron, a father tells his son that life â€Å"is a search for justice.† Choose a character from a novel or play who responds in some significant way to justice or injustice. Then write a well-developed essay in which you analyze the character’s understanding of justice, the degree to which the character’s search for justice is successful, and the significance of this search for the work as a whole. 2010: Palestinian American literary theorist and cultural critic Edward Said has written that â€Å"Exile is strangely compelling to think about but terrible to experience. It is the unhealable rift forced between a human being and a native place, between the self and its true home: its essential sadness can never be surmounted.† Yet Said has also said that exile can become â€Å"a potent, even enriching† experience. Select a novel, play, or epic in which a character experiences such a rift and becomes cut off from â€Å"home ,† whether that home is the character’s birthplace, family, homeland, or other special place. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the character’s experience with exile is both alienating and enriching, and how this experience illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole. 2009: A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Select a novel or play and, focusing on one symbol, write an essay analyzing how that symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot. 2008: In a literary work, a minor character, often known as a foil, possesses traits that emphasize, by contrast or comparison, the distinctive characteristics and qualities of the main character. For example, the ideas or behavior of the minor character might be used to highlight the weaknesses or strengths of the main character. Choose a novel or play in which a minor character serves as a foil to a main character. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the relation between the minor character and the major character illuminates the meaning of the work. 2007: In many works of literature, past events can affect, positively or negatively, the present actions, attitudes, or values of a character. Choose a novel or play in which a character must contend with some aspect of the past, either personal or societal. Then write an  essay in which you show how the character’s relationship to the past contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole. 2006: Many writers use a country setting to establish values within a work of literature. For example, the country may be a place of virtue and peace or primitivism and ignorance. Choose a novel or play in which such a setting plays a significant role. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the country setting functions in the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot. 2005: In Kate Chopin’s The Awakening (1899), the protagonist, Edna Pontellier is said to possess â€Å"that outward existence which conforms, the inward life which questions.† In a novel or play that you have studied, identify a character who conforms outwardly while questioning inwardly. Then write an essay in which you analyze how that tension between outward conformity and inward questioning contributes to the meaning of the work. Avoid mere plot summary. 2004: Critic Roland Barthes has said, â€Å"Literature is the question minus the answer.† Choose a novel or play and, considering Barthes’ observation, write an essay in which you analyze a central question the work raises and the extent to which it offers any answers. Explain how the author’s treatment of this question affects your understanding of the work as a whole. Avoid mere plot summary. 2003: According to critic Northrop Frye, â€Å"Tragic heroes are so much the highest points in their human landscape that they seem the inevitable conductors of the power about them, great trees more likely to be struck by lightning than a clump of grass. Conductors may of course be instruments as well as victims of the divine lightning. Select a novel or play in which a tragic figure functions as an instrument of the suffering of others. Then write an essay in which you explain how the suffering brought upon others by that figure contributes to the tragic vision of the work as a whole. 2002: Morally ambiguous characters—characters whose behavior discourages readers from identifying them as purely evil or purely good—are at the heart of many works of literature. Choose a novel or play in which a morally ambiguous characters plays a pivotal role. Then write an essay in which you explain how the character can be viewed as morally ambiguous and why his or her moral ambiguity is significant to the work as a whole. Avoid mere plot summary. 2001: One definition of madness is â€Å"mental delusion or the eccentric behavior arising from it.† But Emily Dickinson wrote Much Madness is  divinest Sense–To a discerning Eye–Novelists and playwrights have often seen madness with a â€Å"discerning Eye.† Select a novel or play in which a character’s apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role. Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this delusion or eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable. Explain the significance of the â€Å"madness† to the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot. 2000: Many works of literature not readily identified with the mystery or detective story genre nonetheless involve the investigation of a mystery. In these works, the solution to the mystery may be less important than the knowledge gained in the process of its investigation. Choose a novel or play in which one or more of the characters confront a mystery. Then write an essay in which you identify the mystery and explain how the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot. 1999: The eighteenth-century British novelist Laurence Sterne wrote, â€Å"No body, but he who has felt it, can conceive what a plaguing thing it is to have a man’s mind torn asunder by two projects of equal strength, both obstinately pulling in a contrary direction at the same time.† From a novel or play choose a character (not necessarily the protagonist) whose mind is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences. Then, in a well-organized essay, identify each of the two conflicting forces and explain how this conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole. You may use one of the novels or plays listed below or another novel or play of similar literary quality. 1998: In his essay â€Å"Walking,† Henry David Thoreau offers the following assessment of literature: â€Å"In literature it is only the wild that attracts us. Dullness is but another name for tameness. It is the uncivilized free and wild thinking in Hamlet and The Iliad, in all scriptures and mythologies, not learned in schools, that delights us. From the works you have studied in school, choose a novel, play, or epic poem that you may initially have thought was conventional and tame but that you now value for its â€Å"uncivilized free and wild thinking.† Write an essay in which you explain what constitutes its â€Å"uncivilized free and wild thinking† and how that thinking is central to the value of the work as a whole.  Support your ideas with specific references to the work you choose. 1997: Novels and plays often include scenes of weddings, funerals, parties, and other social occasions. Such scenes may reveal the values of the characters and the society in which they live. Select a novel or play that includes such a scene and, in a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole. 1996: The British novelist Fay Weldon offers this observation about happy endings: â€Å"The writers, I do believe, who get the best and most lasting response from readers are the writers who offer a happy ending through moral development. By a happy ending, I do not mean mere fortunate events–a marriage or a last-minute rescue from death–but some kind of spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation, even with the self, even at death.† Choose a novel or play that has the kind of ending Weldon describes. In a well-written essay, identify the â€Å"spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation† evident in the ending and explain its significance in the work as a whole. 1995: Writers often highlight the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class or creed. Choose a play or novel in which such a character plays a significant role and show how that character’s alienation reveals the surrounding society’s assumptions and moral values. 1994: In some works of literature, a character who appears briefly, or does not appear at all, is a significant presence. Choose a novel or play of literary merit and write an essay in which you show how such a character functions in the work. You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters. 1993: â€Å"The true test of comedy is that it shall awaken thoughtful laughter.† (George Meredith) Choose a novel, play, or long poem in which a scene or character awakens â€Å"thoughtful laughter† in the reader. Write an essay in which you show why this laughter is â€Å"thoughtful† and how it contributes to the meaning of the work. 1992: In a novel or play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is a character, often a friend or relative of the hero or heroine, whose roles is to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in. Frequently the result is, as Henry James remarked, that the confidant or confidante can be as much â€Å"the reader’s friend as the protagonist’s.† However, the author sometimes uses this character for other purposes as well. Choose a confidant or  confidante from a novel or play of recognized literary merit and write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work. 1991: Many plays and novels use contrasting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that are central to the meaning of the work. Choose a novel or play that contrasts two such places. Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the meaning of the work. 1990: Choose a novel or play that depicts a conflict between a parent (or a parental figure) and a son or daughter. Write an essay in which you analyze the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work. 1989: In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O’Connor has written, â€Å"I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see.† Write an essay in which you â€Å"make a good case for distortion,† as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of the work you choose are â€Å"distorted† and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of the work. 1988: Choose a distinguished novel or play in which some of the most significant events are mental or psychological: for example, awakenings, discoveries, and changes in consciousness. In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to give these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external actions. Do not merely summarize the plot. 1987: Some novels and plays seem to advocate changes in social or political attitudes or in traditions. Choose such a novel or play and note briefly the particular attitudes or traditions that the author apparently wishes to modify. Then analyze the techniques the author uses to influence the reader’s or audience’s views. Avoid plot summary. 1986: Some works of literature use the element of time in a distinct way. The chronological sequence of events may be altered, or time may be suspended or accelerated. Choose a novel, an epic, or a play of recognized literary merit and show how the author’s manipulation of time contributes to the effectiveness of the  work as a whole. 1985: A critic has said that one important measure of a superior work of literature is its ability to produce in the reader a healthy confusion of pleasure and disquietude. Select a literary work that produces this â€Å"healthy confusion.† Write an essay in which you explain the sources of the â€Å"pleasure and disquietude† experienced by the readers of the work and how this pairing contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole. 1984: Select a line or so of poetry, or a moment or scene in a novel, epic poem, or play that you find especially memorable. Write an essay in which you identify the line or the passage, explain its relationship to the work in which it is found, and analyze the reasons for its effectiveness. 1983: From a novel or play of literary merit, select an important a character who is a villain. Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of the character’s villainy and show how it enhances meaning in the work. 1982: In great literature, no scene of violence exists for its own sake. Choose a work of literary merit that confronts the reader or audience with a scene or scenes of violence. In a well-organized essay, explain how the scene or scenes contribute to the meaning of the complete work. 1981: The meaning of some literary works is often enhanced by sustained allusion to myths, the Bible, or other works of literature. Select a literary work that makes use of such a sustained reference. Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain the allusion that predominates in the work and analyze how it enhances the work’s meaning. 1980: A recurring theme in literature is â€Å"the classic war between a passion and responsibility.† For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive may conflict with moral duty. Choose a literary work in which a character confronts the demands of a private passion that conflicts with his or her responsibilities. In a well-written essay show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work. 1979: Choose a complex and important character in a novel or play of recognized literary merit who might–on the basis of the character’s actions alone–be considered evil or immoral. In a well-organized essay, explain both how and why the full presentation of the character in the work makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might. 1978: Choose an implausible or strikingly unrealistic incident or character in a work of fiction or drama of recognized literary merit. Write  an essay that explains how the incident or character is related to the more realistic or plausible elements in the rest of the work, [and why the pairing of these elements contributes to the meaning as a whole.] 1977: In some novels and plays certain parallel or recurring events prove to be significant. In an essay, describe the major  similarities and differences in a sequence of parallel or recurring events in a novel or play and discuss the significance of such events. 1976: A character’s attempt to recapture or to reject the past is important in many plays, novels, and poems. Choose a literary work in which a character views the past with such feelings as reverence, bitterness, or longing. Show with clear evidence from the work how the character’s view of the past is used to develop a theme in the work. 1975: Unlike the novelist, the writer of a play does not use his own voice and only rarely uses a narrator’s voice to guide the audience’s responses to character and action. Select a play you have read and write an essay in which you explain the techniques the playwright uses to guide his audience’s responses to the central characters and action. You might consider the effect on the audience of things like setting, the use of comparable and contrasting characters, and the characters’ responses to each other. Support your argument with specific references to the play. 1974: Choose a work of literature written before 1900. Write an essay in which you present arguments for and against the work’s relevance for a person in 1974. Your own position should emerge in the course of your essay. You may refer to works of literature written after 1900 for the purpose of contrast or comparison. 1973: An effective literary work does not merely stop or cease; it concludes. In the view of some critics, a work that does not provide the pleasure of significant â€Å"closure† has terminated with an artistic fault. A satisfactory ending is not, however, always conclusive in every sense; significant closure may require the reader to abide with or adjust to ambiguity and uncertainty. In a well-organized essay, discuss the endin g of a novel or play of acknowledged literary merit. Explain precisely how and why the ending appropriately or inappropriately concludes the work. Do not merely summarize the plot. 1971: In retrospect, the reader often discovers that the first chapter of a novel introduces some of the major themes of the work. Write an essay about the first chapter of a novel in  which you explain how the chapter functions to set forth major themes. 1968: In many plays, a character has a misconception of himself or his world. Destroying or perpetuating this illusion contributes to a central theme of the play. Choose a play with a major character to whom this statement applies and write an essay in which you consider the following points: what the character’s illusion is and how it differs from reality as presented in the play and how the destruction or perpetuation of the illusion develops a them of the play. 1966: An individual’s struggle toward understanding and awareness is the traditional subject for the novelist. In an essay, apply this statement to one novel of literary merit. Organize your essay according to the following play: 1) Compare the hero as we see him in an early scene with the hero as we see him in a scene near the end of the novel. 2) Describe the techniques that the author uses to reveal the new understanding and awareness that the hero has achieved. 1963: Character determines incident. Incident illustrates character. Write a well-organized essay evaluating this statement through a discussion of one character from each of two novels. 1959: All kinds of books have been attacked, suppressed, or disapproved of by authorities, groups or individuals. Select an important work which you admire and which you propose to defend against possible objections. In a well-organized essay, present reasons why the work might be attacked, and base your defense on a consideration of such matters as its language, the people in it, its mood and spirit, and consequently its artistic purpose and its value for the readers. ? Choose an implausible or strikingly unrealistic incident or character in a work of fiction or drama of recognized literary merit. Write an essay that explains how the incident or character is related to the more realistic or plausible elements in the rest of the work. Avoid plot summary. ? The conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority is the recurring theme of many novels, plays, and essays. Select the work of an essayist who is in opposition to his or her society; or, from a work of recognized literary merit, select a fictional character who is in opposition to his or her society. In a critical essay, analyze the conflict and discuss the moral and ethical implications for both the individual and the society. Do not summarize the plot or action of the work you choose.