The Scarlet Letter, By Nathaniel Hawthorne - 1434 Words

Each character in the novel represents one or more philosophies including Romanticism, Reason, and Puritanism that one could adhere to in life. Romanticism focuses on the individual and preaches finding truth, Reason, involves the belief that one can use logic to solve anything and a perfect society will create perfect men, and Puritanism, where all that matters to anyone is God. In the novel, The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses Hester Prynne s untethered adherence to several philosophies, Roger Chillingworth s strict adherence to logic and reason, and Arthur Dimmesdale s unwavering devotion to Puritanism to prove that true, and complete happiness can never be attained by strictly following one philosophy. Hester Prynne represents a number of philosophies: Reason, Puritanism, and Romanticism. Early on in the novel, after Hester s term of imprisonment was completed, she was free to go anywhere in the world, but she chose to stay in Boston. Her decision to take the time to examine her state of affairs and produce what is a logical rationale for remaining in Boston is proof of Hester s use of logic and reason. While Hester s decision to stay is largely a product of her using Reason, society s Puritan influence also plays into her decision process. Puritanism has taught her that the most important part of life is her personal relationship with God. Hester deeply believes that because she has sinned, she must remain in Boston and undergo penance forShow MoreRelatedThe Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne1242 Words   |  5 PagesLYS PAUL Modern Literature Ms. Gordon The Scarlet Letter The scarlet letter is book written by Nathaniel Hawthorne who is known as one the most studied writers because of his use of allegory and symbolism. He was born on July 4, 1804 in the family of Nathaniel, his father, and Elizabeth Clark Hathorne his mother. Nathaniel added â€Å"W† to his name to distance himself from the side of the family. His father Nathaniel, was a sea captain, and died in 1808 with a yellow fever while at sea. That was aRead MoreThe Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne960 Words   |  4 Pages3H 13 August 2014 The novel, The Scarlet Letter, was written by the author Nathaniel Hawthorne and was published in 1850 (1). It is a story about the Puritan settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, set around 1650 (2). The story is written in the third person with the narrator being the author. The common thread that runs through this novel is Hawthorne’s apparent understanding of the beliefs and culture of the Puritans in America at that time. But Hawthorne is writing about events in a societyRead MoreThe Scarlet Letter, By Nathaniel Hawthorne919 Words   |  4 Pagessymbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s â€Å"The Scarlet Letter†. Symbolism is when an object is used in place of a different object. Nathaniel Hawthorne is one of the most symbolic writers in all of American history. In â€Å"The Scarlet Letter†, the letter â€Å"A† is used to symbolize a variety of different concepts. The three major symbolistic ideas that the letter â€Å"A† represents in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s â€Å"The Scarlet Letter† are; shame, guilt, and ability. In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s â€Å"The Scarlet Letter†, the firstRead MoreThe Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne1397 Words   |  6 PagesFebruary 2016 The Scarlet Letter was written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1850 which is based on the time frame of the Puritans, a religious group who arrived in Massachusetts in the 1630’s. The Puritans were in a religious period that was known for the strict social norms in which lead to the intolerance of different lifestyles. Nathaniel Hawthorne uses the puritan’s strict lifestyles to relate to the universal issues among us. The time frame of the puritans resulted in Hawthorne eventually thinkingRead MoreThe Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne999 Words   |  4 Pages Nathaniel Hawthorne is the author of the prodigious book entitled The Scarlet Letter. In The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne commits adultery with Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. Her husband, Roger Chillingworth, soon finds out about the incident after it becomes clear that she is pregnant. The whole town finds out and Hester is tried and punished. Meanwhile, Roger Chillingworth goes out then on a mission to get revenge by becoming a doctor and misprescribing Dimmesdale. He does this to torture DimmesdaleRead MoreThe Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne1037 Words   |  5 Pagesthat human nature knows right from wrong, but is naturally evil and that no man is entirely â€Å"good†. Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of the classic novel The Scarlet Letter, believes that every man is innately good and Hawthorne shows that everyone has a natural good side by Hester’s complex character, Chillingworth’s actions and Dimmesdale’s selfless personality. At the beginning of the Scarlet Letter Hester Prynne is labeled as the â€Å"bad guy†. The townspeople demand the other adulterer’s name, butRead MoreThe Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne1517 Words   |  7 PagesNathaniel Hawthorne composes Pearl as a powerful character even though she is not the main one. Her actions not only represent what she is as a person, but what other characters are and what their actions are. Hawthorne makes Pearl the character that helps readers understand what the other characters are. She fits perfectly into every scene she is mentioned in because of the way her identity and personality is. Pearl grows throughout the book, which in the end, help the readers better understandRead MoreThe Scarlet Letter, By Nathaniel Hawthorne1488 Words   |  6 Pages In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The Scarlet Letter, the main character, Hester Prynne, is a true contemporary of the modern era, being cast into 17th century Puritan Boston, Massachusetts. The Scarlet Letter is a revolutionary novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne examining the ugliness, complexity, and strength of the human spirit and character that shares new ideas about independence and the struggles women faced in 17th century America. Throughout the novel, Hester’s refusal to remove the scarlet letterRead MoreThe Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne1319 Words   |  6 PagesPrynne and Arthur Dimmesdale are subject to this very notion in Nathaniel Hawthorne s The Scarlet Letter. Hester simply accepted that what she had done was wrong, whereas Dimmesdale, being a man of high regard, did not want to accept the reality of what he did. Similar to Hester and Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth allows his emotions to influence his life; however, his influence came as the result of hi s anger. Throughout the book, Hawthorne documents how Dimmesdale and Hester s different ways of dealingRead MoreThe Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne1714 Words   |  7 PagesSome two hundred years following the course of events in the infamous and rigid Puritan Massachusetts Colony in the 1600s, Nathaniel Hawthorne, descendant of a Puritan magistrate, in the 19th century, published The Scarlet Letter. Wherein such work, Hawthorne offered a social critique against 17th Massachusetts through the use of complex and dynamic characters and literary Romanticism to shed light on said society’s inherent contradiction to natural order and natural law. In his conclusive statements

Aphra Behn and the Changing Perspectives on Ian Watt’s...

Aphra Behn and the Changing Perspectives on Ian Watt’s The Rise of the Novel Ian Watt’s The Rise of the Novel (1957) remains one of the most influential texts in the study of the English novel. However, an increasingly strong case for a revision of both the work itself and the discourse it personifies has been gradually building over the past twenty years. While the initial stages of, first, feminist and, later, post colonial perspectives may have sought only to insert marginalised texts into the existing literary discourse, their long term ramifications are obliging a wider analysis of how we approach the English novel and the manner in which we link it to its surrounding culture. Its exploration reveals the methods with which we trace†¦show more content†¦In clarifying this Watt shaped the manner in which literary studies examined the relations between the novel and the shifting face of English culture from the eighteenth century onwards. He provided the primary map from which to survey it as the mouthpiece of a nation undergoing the huge so cial, technological and economic changes which altered a largely agricultural society ruled by a landed aristocracy into a democratic, industrial empire, supported by a vast network of trade and production. In particular The Rise of the Novel placed considerable importance on the way the genre â€Å"altered the centre of gravity sufficiently to place the middle class as a whole in a dominating position for the first time† (Watt, p.48). In the exploration of this Watt championed the Defoe/Richardson/Fielding lineage that continues to permeate literary historicism. This was not necessarily ground breaking, and Watt never claimed it to be so. As Margaret Reeves argues, he willingly â€Å"locates his work within an existing tradition of literary-historical knowledge† (p.26). Watt’s success, as Paul Hunter argues, was the manner in which he annunciated such a history in a manner plausible, workable and accessible. Hunter writes; What most students of English literature liked best about Watt was its simple formation of the early history of the novel; it offered a

Social Media Marketing Strategies of Uber-Samples for Students

Question: Critically analyse Social Media Marketing Activities of Your Chosen Company. Answer: Company background: Uber is a company related with transportation network that was founded in 2009. Uber has its headquarters in San Francisco, United States. Uber operates in more than 570 cities throughout the world. The Uber car drivers are required to have a smartphone and an Uber application software installed in it through which they are able to contact the users who book their cab via Uber app ("Sign Up to Drive or Tap and Ride", 2017). In some cities upfront pricing is offered by Uber in which the rider is required to pay before using the service while in some cities Uber calculates the price according to the distance and time of the ride. At certain times, Uber also provides various promotional rates. The payment mode of Uber is very convenient as it accepts cash, credit card, debit card and even mobile wallets. Uber has extensively used various social media marketing tools to reach the position in which it is today. Uber has used E-mails, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkdin and various other social media websites for its promotional purpose (Wirtz Lovelock, 2016). Social media marketing of Uber: Uber has been using the following social media strategies: E-mail marketing: E-mail serves as the primary source of communication for the company. Uber is using the efforts to reach its customers and updating them by promoting their service and providing attractive offers to its customers via emails. Optimization of social media: Uber has always been active on the various social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Uber has approximately 143k active Instagram followers, 438k Twitter followers and is liked by around 3 million facebook users. Uber continuously updates the users regarding its services and new offers via social media networking sites (Agrawal, 2017). Strategic partnership: Uber has also entered into partnership with various website and app based companies such as PayTm, Zomato, BookMyShow, Trip Advisor and many more in order to promote its services through their websites and apps. The websites or apps of these companies have served as an advertisement platform to Uber. Uber uses social media for launching any new offers, products or services and interacting with its customers. Uber uses social media networking sites to create awareness regarding its various offers and deals. Uber faces major competition from GoCatch that also uses social media marketing strategy and aims at providing cheaper and better service than Uber. However, the social media reach of Uber has risen up to a level that is hard for any competitor to match up to that level (Burgess et al., 2016). However, the risk involved in social media marketing is that the customers who are not very internet savvy are not updated about the various offers and services of Uber. Another risk related to the social media marketing is that due to lack of privacy, any bad review of customers or any rumor can cause severe damage to the reputation of the company (Laurell, Sandstrm, 2016). Uber has been a winner in the digital marketing world. Uber has been a great success in Australia and has successfully advertised itself through various channels especially social media websites. Uber has a special help section in its app where the company resolves the issues of the dissatisfied customers. Uber is quite quick in resolving the customer problems and manages the dissatisfied customers very well. It has its own complain number using which the customers can share their grievances and get help (Allen, 2015). The following chart shows the present number of followers of Uber over various social websites: Figure 1 Followers of Uber over social media sites (Source: Authors work) Recommendations: SWOT Analysis Strength Uber has the largest market share among all the ride sharing apps Ubers is the most valuable and the largest ride sharing company across the globe Ubers app is considered to be very convenient and user friendly Weaknesses Some users still mention safety concerns using the Uber app Users have shown concerns related to the privacy policies of the app Opportunities Uber has its presence in around 60 countries and still many potential countries are untapped by it Uber has invested massively in social media advertisements to attract the customers Threats One of the emerging tough competitor of Uber in Australia is GoCatch that also uses social media marketing strategies Changes in the technologies Therefore, it can be recommended that Uber must invest on the latest technologies and keep itself updated in order to maintain its position in the tough competition. Uber must ensure safety of its apps in terms of online payment of fares. Uber must maintain good relations with the customers via social networking sites and pay attention to any grievances or complains of the users as good customer relationship is the key to success in the service industry. References: Agrawal, S. (2017). The Impact of Emerging Technologies and Social Media on Different Business (es): Marketing and Management. InMaximizing Business Performance and Efficiency Through Intelligent Systems(pp. 37-49). IGI Global. Allen, D. (2015). The sharing economy.Review-Institute of Public Affairs,67(3), 24. Burgess, J. E., Matamoros-Fernandez, A., Suzor, N. P., Wikstrom, P. (2016). Ride-sharing and the struggle for legitimacy in digital media.Selected Papers of Internet Research. Laurell, C., Sandstrm, C. (2016). Analysing Uber In Social MediaDisruptive Technology Or Institutional Disruption?.International Journal of Innovation Management,20(05), 1640013. Sign Up to Drive or Tap and Ride. (2017). Uber.com. Retrieved 1 May 2017, from https://www.uber.com/en-IN/ Wirtz, J., Lovelock, C. (2016).Services marketing: people, technology, strategy. World Scientific Publishi

Parallelisms Between Greek And Roman Mythology Have Many Similarities

Parallelisms between Greek and Roman Mythology have many similarities between them. Each type has there own set of Gods and Goddesses, although they were worshiped for similar reasons. The following will explain each God or Goddess and explain how they compare to each other. The King of Gods in Greek Mythology is known as Zeus. Zeus was the ruler of the sky, and had the power to create thunderstorms and lightning as well as earthquakes. He was the child of Cronus and Rhea. As the story goes he was their sixth child, and the father to protect him from being overthrown had eaten the five previous children. Zeus was taken to a city called Crete and hidden from his father. As Zeus grew older and learned of what happened he found a potion to make his father regurgitate the other children. Once this happened they all teamed up and killed their father. Zeus then became the ruler of Mount Olympus, and head of the new line of Gods. Jupiter was the predominant power holder of Roman Gods. He was ruler of the sky, the daylight, all the weather, and even the thunder and lightening. Jupiter helped drive back the Sabines. His temple was built in the Capitol, and newly elected counsels offered their first prayers to him. Hera was the wife and sister of Zeus, and the High Goddess of the Greeks. She was extremely jealous of the affairs that her husband was having and often tormented or harmed the mistresses he was fooling around with. Although, when she went too far, or tried to cause death, Zeus would intervene and stop her. Hera tried to ship wreak Hercules on his return from Troy, and with that Zeus had her hung by the wrists from top of the mountain with an anvil tied to each ankle. The two had four children together. Juno, Hera's counterpart, was the wife of Jupiter. Juno was the protector of women, especially 1 2 those who are married. Women often gave offerings to Juno to help with their childbirth. The God of the Underworld, Hades, was the brother of Zeus. He gained Hell, as his share in conquering their father. He is most known for kidnapping his wife, Persephone, while she was picking flowers in a field. As the story goes, Hades had her eat a piece of food in the Underworld, therefore she could not live on the Earth again. Her father, Zeus, made arrangements for her to be allowed on Earth for two-thirds of the year and in the Underworld as Hades' wife for the rest of the time. This is used as the cause of spring and winter. When she returns to the surface she brings spring with her and when she returns to the Underworld she leaves winter behind her. Pluto, the Roman God of the Underworld, who's name also means rich. It reflects the rich mineral resources beneath the ground and the rich resources above the earth. In art he is shown with the Horn of Plenty. This horn is most likely why we associate the Devil, or Satan, as having a horn on top of his head. His name was thought of to be bad luck, and therefore was hardly mentioned in myths. Ares was the child of Zeus and Hera. He was the God of War. Whenever he was seen or portrayed he would be fully armed and ready for battle. Any cause to fight or go to war would bring him out and about. He was the discomfited lover of Aphrodite. Almost all of his children by mortal women were of a violent nature. Mars, The Roman God of War and Agriculture, was the second most important god after Jupiter. The month March was named after Mars, and was also the first month of the Roman calendar. March was the month when agriculture was reborn and when most people engaged in war. Mars was given his own priest and altar in Rome. The wolf and woodpecker were the sacred 3 animals of Mars. A festival in October was held in his honor and all farmers and soldiers would lay aside their weapons and had a celebration. The Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty was Aphrodite. She was married to

Workplace Communication Skills for ESL Classes

Workplace Communication Skills for ESL Classes In workplace communications, with friends, strangers, etc. there are unwritten rules that are followed when speaking English. These unwritten rules are often referred to as register use or workplace communication skills when referring to employment. Good workplace communication skills use can help you communicate effectively. Incorrect workplace communication can cause problems at work, cause people to ignore you, or, at best, send the wrong message. Of course, correct workplace communication is very difficult for many learners of English. To begin with, lets look at some example conversations to help understand  the correct type of register use in various situations. Examples of Correct Register Use (Wife to Husband) Hi honey, how was your day?Great. We got a lot done. And yours?Fine, but stressful. Pass me that magazine, please.Here you go. (Friend to Friend) Hi Charlie, can you give me a hand?Sure Peter. Whats up?I cant get this to work.Why dont you try to use a screwdriver? (Subordinate to Superior - for workplace communications) Good Morning, Mr. Jones, may I ask you a question?Certainly, how can I help you? (Superior to Subordinate - for workplace communications) Excuse me Peter, we seem to be having a problem with the Smith account. Wed better get together to discuss the situation.Thats a good idea Ms Amons, would 4 oclock suit you? (Man Speaking to Stranger) Pardon me. Do you think you could give me the time?Certainly, its twelve thirty.Thank you.Not at all. Notice how the language used becomes more formal as the relationship becomes less personal. In the first relationship, a married couple, the wife uses the imperative form which would be inappropriate with a superior in for workplace communications. In the last conversation, the man asks using an indirect question as a means of making his question more polite. Examples of Incorrect Register Use (Wife to Husband) Hello, how are you today?Im fine. Would you mind passing me the bread?Certainly. Would you like some butter with your bread?Yes, please. Thank you very much. (Friend to Friend) Hello Mr. Jones. May I ask you a question?Certainly. How many I help you?Do you think you could help me with this?Id be happy to help you. (Subordinate to Superior - for workplace communications) Good Morning, Frank. I need a raise.Do you really? Well, forget about it! (Superior to Subordinate - for workplace communications) Hey Jack, what are you doing?! Get to work!Hey, Ill take as much time as I need. (Man Speaking to Stranger) You! Tell me where the  supermarket is.There. In these examples, the formal language used for the married couple and friends is much too exaggerated for daily discourse. The examples of for workplace communications, and of the man speaking to a stranger, show that the direct language often used with friends or family is too impolite for these types of for workplace communication. Of course, correct for workplace communication and register use also depends on the situation and the tone of voice you use. However, in order to communicate well in English, it is important to master the basics of correct for workplace communications and register use. Improve and practice your recognition of workplace communications and register use in various situations with the following quiz. Workplace Communication Quiz Test yourself to see how well you understand correct register usage in these following workplace situations. Choose the appropriate relationship for these phrases from the choices listed below. Once you have finished, continue down the page for the answers and comments on the correct choices for each question. ColleaguesStaff to ManagementManagement to StaffInappropriate for the Workplace Im afraid were having some problems with your performance. I would like to see you in my office this afternoon.What did you do last weekend?Hey, get over here now!Excuse me, do you think it would be possible for me to go home early this afternoon? I have a doctors appointment.Well, we went to this wonderful restaurant in Yelm. The food was excellent and the prices were reasonable.Listen, Im going home early, so I cant finish the project until tomorrow.Excuse  me  Bob, would you mind lending me $10 for lunch. Im short today.Give me five bucks for lunch. I forgot to go to the bank.You are an extremely handsome young man, Im sure youll do well at our company.Excuse  me  Ms  Brown, could you help me with this report for a moment? Quiz Answers Im afraid were having some problems with your performance. I would like to see you in my office this afternoon. ANSWER: Management to StaffWhat did you do last weekend? ANSWER: ColleaguesHey, get over here now! ANSWER: Inappropriate for the WorkplaceExcuse me, do you think it would be possible for me to go home early this afternoon? I have a doctors appointment. ANSWER: Staff to ManagementWell, we went to this wonderful restaurant in Yelm. The food was excellent and the prices were reasonable. ANSWER: ColleaguesListen, Im going home early, so I cant finish the project until tomorrow. ANSWER: Inappropriate for the WorkplaceExcuse  me  Bob, would you mind lending me $10 for lunch. Im short today. ANSWER: ColleaguesGive me five bucks for lunch. I forgot to go to the bank. ANSWER: Inappropriate for the WorkplaceYou are an extremely handsome young man, Im sure youll do well at our company. ANSWER: Inappropriate for the WorkplaceExcuse  me  Ms  Brown, could you help me with this report for a moment? ANSWER: Management to Staff Comments on Quiz Answers If you were confused by some of the answers, here are some short comments that should help you understand: Management to Staff  - In this sentence management, although unhappy, is still polite when asking an employee to come in for a critique.Colleagues  - This simple question is informal and conversational and therefore appropriate among colleagues.Inappropriate  - This is the imperative form and  is therefore  inappropriate for the workplace. Remember that the imperative form is often considered rude.Staff to Management  - Notice the polite form used when speaking to a superior at work. The  indirect question form  is used to make the question extremely polite.Colleagues  - This is a statement from a discussion about a non-work related topic among colleagues. The tone is informal and informative.Inappropriate  - Here an employee is announcing his / her plan to management without asking. Not a very good idea in the workplace!Colleagues  - In this statement a colleague politely asks another colleague for a loan.Inappropriate  - When asking for a loan never use the imperative form!Inappropriate  - The person making this statement would be considered guilty of sexual harassment in the United States. Management to Staff  - This is a polite request.

Summary and Analysis of Platos Euthyphro

Summary and Analysis of Plato's 'Euthyphro' The Euthyphro is one of Platos most interesting and important early dialogues. Its focus is on the question: What is piety?  Euthyphro, a priest of sorts, claims to know the answer, but Socrates shoots down each definition he proposes. After five failed attempts to define piety Euthyphro hurries off leaving the question unanswered. The Dramatic Context It is 399 BCE.  Socrates and Euthyphro meet by chance outside the court in Athens where Socrates is about to be tried on charges of corrupting the youth and impiety (or more specifically, not believing in the citys gods and introducing false gods). At his trial, as all of Platos readers would know,  Socrates was found guilty and condemned to death. This circumstance casts a shadow over the discussion.  For as Socrates says, the  question hes asking on this occasion is  hardly  a  trivial, abstract issue that doesnt concern him.  As it will turn it will turn out, his life is on the line. Euthyphro is there  because he is prosecuting his father for murder. One of  their servants had killed a slave, and Euthyphros father had tied the servant  up and left him in a ditch while he sought advice about what to do.  When he returned, the servant had died.  Ã‚  Most people would consider it impious for a son to bring charges against his father, but Euthyphro claims to know better.  He was probably a kind of priest in a somewhat unorthodox religious sect.  His purpose in prosecuting his father is not to get him punished but to cleanse the household of blood guilt.  This is the kind of thing he understands, and the ordinary Athenian does not. The Concept of Piety The English tern piety or the pious translates the Greek word hosion.  This word might also be translated as holiness or religious correctness.  Piety has two senses: A narrow sense: knowing and doing what is correct in religious rituals. For example, knowing what prayers should be said on any specific occasion, or knowing how to perform a sacrifice.A broad sense: righteousness; being a good person. Euthyphro begins with the first, narrower sense of piety in mind.  But Socrates, true to his general outlook, tends to stress the broader sense.  He  is less interested in correct ritual than in living morally. (Jesus attitude toward Judaism is rather similar.)   Euthyphros 5 Definitions Socrates says, tongue in cheek, as usual, that hes delighted to find someone whos an expert on piety.  Just what he needs in his present situation. So he asks Euthyphro to explain to him what piety is.  Euthyphro tries to do this five times, and each time Socrates argues that the definition is inadequate. 1st Definition: Piety is what is Euthyphro is doing now, namely prosecuting wrongdoers. Impiety is failing to do this. Socrates Objection:  Thats just an example of piety, not a general definition of the concept. 2nd Definition:  Piety is what is loved by the gods (dear to the gods in some translations). Impiety is what is hated by the gods. Socrates Objection:  According to Euthyphro, the gods sometimes disagree among themselves about questions of justice.  So some things are loved by some gods and hated by others.  On this definition, these things will be both pious and impious, which makes no sense. 3rd Definition: Piety is what is loved by all the gods. Impiety is what all the gods hate. Socrates Objection:  The argument Socrates uses to criticize this definition is the heart of the dialogue. His criticism is subtle but powerful.  He poses this question: Do the gods love piety because it is pious, or is it pious because the gods love it?  To grasp the point of the question, consider this analogous question:  Is  a film funny because people laugh at it, do people laugh at it because its funny?  If we say its funny because people laugh at it, were saying something rather strange. Were saying that the film only has the property of being funny because certain people have a certain attitude towards it.  But Socrates argues that this gets things the wrong way round.  People laugh at a film because it has a certain intrinsic property, the  property of being funny.  This is what makes them laugh. Similarly, things arent pious because the gods view them in a certain way.  Rather, the gods love pious actions such as helping a stranger in need, because such actions have a certain intrinsic property, the property of being pious. 4th definition: Piety is that part of justice concerned with caring for the gods. Socrates Objection: The notion of care involved here is unclear. It cant be the sort of care a dog owner gives to its dog since that aims at improving the dog, but we cant improve the gods. If its like the care a slave gives his master, it must aim at some definite shared goal.  But Euthyphro cant say what that goal is. 5th Definition: Piety is saying and doing what is pleasing to the gods at prayer and sacrifice.   Socrates Objection: When pressed, this definition turns out to be just the third definition in disguise. After Socrates shows how this is so, Euthyphro says in effect, Oh dear, is that the time?  Sorry, Socrates, I have to go. General Points About the Dialogue The Euthyphro  is typical of Platos early dialogues: short; concerned with defining an ethical concept; ending without a definition being agreed upon. The question: Do the gods love piety because it is pious, or is it pious because the gods love it? is one of the great questions posed in the history of philosophy.  It suggests a distinction between an essentialist perspective and a conventionalist  perspective.  Essentialists apply labels to things because they possess certain essential qualities which make them what they are.  The conventionalist view is that how we regard things determines what they are.  Consider this question, for instance: Are works of art in museums because they are works of art, or  do we call them works of art because they are in museums?   Essentialists assert the first position, conventionalists the second. Although Socrates generally gets the better of Euthyphro, some of what Euthyphro says makes a certain amount of sense.  For instance, when asked what human beings  can give  the gods, he replies that we give them honor, reverence, and gratitude.  The British philosopher Peter Geach has argued that this is a pretty good answer.

Current status, Potential, Limitation of wind energy in Qinghai Term Paper

Current status, Potential, Limitation of wind energy in Qinghai - Term Paper Example This research paper focuses on the potential of wind energy generation and scope for future development in Qinghai Plateau in future. During the study data would be collected about the present status of wind energy in Qinghai; then depending on Qinghai Plateaus special topography and meteorology situation, an effort would be made to figure out the potential of wind energy in Qinghai. Well, the venture is not without its share of problems and limitations. Therefore, during the study it would also be my endeavour to find out the limitations in developing the wind energy. In general the study is being undertaken to understand the advantages of wind energy and the potential that Qinghai Plateau holds for future. The conversion of wind energy to various other useful forms, like electricity, is known as wind power. Wind energy is converted into these forms using wind turbines. It has proved its potential as a source of electrical energy in many parts of the world. The first use of wind energy was through wind mills. Wind mills had engines which were in turn used to produce energy using wind. This energy was usually used in rural and agricultural areas for grinding, pumping, hammering and various other requirements in farms. Even today, wind energy is used in large scale wind farms to provide electricity to rural areas and other outside locations (Yongjun Chen, Yong He, 08.2008). Wind Energy is advantageous over traditional methods of creating energy, in the sense that it is getting cheaper and cheaper to produce wind energy. Therefore, wind energy is bound to become the cheapest method of producing energy on a large scale in future. But, production of wind energy depends on geological, geographical and meteorological conditions prevailing around the region. For any given area, the direction, velocity, and duration of wind would be quite variable, depending on local topography and temperature differences in the atmosphere. Qinghai Plateau reaches to the middle of

Cancer pain in end of life cancer patients Research Paper

Cancer pain in end of life cancer patients - Research Paper Example The article has prepared a step by step, scientific methodology for pain assessment and intervention strategies and based on this methodology, has thoroughly examined the case and provided care as the multidisciplinary team went on recording and analyzing the interventions as well. The study has utilized a standardized scale to assess pain, used four basic approaches to pain relief that includes, â€Å"modify the source(s) of pain(s)(,) alter the central perception of pain(,) modulate transmission of pain to the central nervous system(,) (and) block transmission of pain to the central nervous system (Ferrel, Levy and Paice, 2008, p.575-577). It has also made use of approved methods of pharmacological management of pain including co-analgesic therapy (Ferrel, Levy and Paice, 2008, p.577). ... 2. Fayers, P.M., Hjermstad, M.J., Klepstad, P., Loge, J.H., Caraceni, A., Hanks, G.W. ...Kaasa, S. (2011), The dimensionality of pain: Palliative care and chronic pain patients differ in their reports of pain intensity and pain interference, Pain, 152 (7), 1608-20. This article has drawn attention to the importance of accurate assessment of pain in palliative care (Fayers et al., 2011, p.1608). This is observed in the context that different chronic pain patients report the intensity of pain in different degrees (Fayers et al., 2011, p.1608). This study has made use of quantitative methodology to assess pain in chronic pain patients and carried out a questionnaire survey of a sample of such patients. By carrying out a psychometric analysis of the data collected, this article has provided statistical information based on which, two main dimensions of pain have been identified, namely, â€Å"intensity and interference† (Fayers et al., 2011, p.1608). It is inferred that in order t o have a â€Å"higher-level summary measure of patient's pain experience†, the two dimensions, intensity and interference both have to be assessed in a distinct manner (Fayers et al., 2011, p.1608). Though this article does not directly deals with the proposed change put forth by this researcher, it provides crucial information on the nature and factor influencing reported pain in palliative patients. Yet, this article does not provide information on morbidity, mortality, and rate of incidence or rate of occurrence in the general population, of this problem. 3. Kumar, S.P. (2011), Reporting characteristics of cancer pain: A systematic review and quantitative analysis of research publications in palliative care journals,

The economic crisis and Hospitality Industry in EU Essay Example for Free

The economic crisis and Hospitality Industry in EU Essay The report prepared on the Economic crisis and the hospitality industry in Europe, is an attempt to have an insight on the major reasons responsible for the economic crisis in the European Hospitality sector. It also takes the attentions towards the effective and strong measures taken by the Nation at the EU level and the national level to survive during the bad economy time. It was identified that the option of reducing their operating costs was one of major strategies followed by the enterprises in the tourism sector of Europe, along with this the economic crisis gave a strong reason for the small enterprises to review their business methodologies so as to be able to manage their business during the crisis period and also to increase the ratio of their profitability in the future times to come. The European Hospitality sector has survived in the year 2009 and it is pacing towards the recovery path in the current year. Studies reveal that the European hospitality industry will be able to stabilise itself by year 2011 and it is sure that Europe will definitely be able to bring back its economy as they all stand united at times of need. Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said â€Å"Yes, Europe has the unity, the confidence and determination to win this battle†. Introduction Global economy crisis has left no sector untouched but it can be argued and debated over that the most adversely affected sector in Europe is the entertainment and tourism sector. In other words, we can straight away state that Europe’s Hospitality industry is the most badly hit sector in the economic crisis. The prime reason related with this is that the leisure and tourism get immediately and easily affected with the economic fluctuations going on in any country or location. Almost all the travel activities require an optimal amount of expenditure to be made by an individual for the fun, entertainment and relaxation of his family or friends and people are comfortable spending money for fun only at the favourable economic times. At the time of recession or the economic crisis, they would rather prefer to save their money for the unforeseen hard times that they might have to face in their future time to come. Thus they might consider saving their extra money for their basic necessities like shelter, food and other family requirements. Although, this does not mean that people stop travelling completely but their frequency of travelling might get a bit down because of the economic fluctuation and the tourists and travellers might adapt the idea of spending bit less on travel than their planned expenditure. Experts state that the tourism and hospitality business that can adapt to the situation that they can provide the best quality of services and customer satisfaction on a tighter budget too can only survive at the time of economic crisis. There is a possibility that the customers/travellers do not expect luxurious kind of services but would be interested if they get the low cost services and this fundamental fits perfectly to the airline and the hospitality industry of Europe, too. Trevor J Ward, Managing Director, W Hospitality Group, told that there has been a loss of confidence in the whole banking system in Europe, which has reduced lending to businesses and individuals, and this reduction in credit is affecting businesses and consumers alike. The fall in the house prices has affected the other business activities and consumer spending too and it has in a way affected the European hotel industry. HOTREC (Confederation of the National Hotel and Restaurant Associations in the EC) HOTREC is the name for the trade association of hotels, restaurants and cafes in Europe. They have combined together 40 national hospitality associations in around 24 countries across Europe. European hospitality industry comprises of almost 9. 5 million workers having network of Around 1. 7 million enterprises. HOTREC works towards the objective to promote the hospitality industry in Europe. Their motive of execution is to create more number of jobs for the European people and thus boost the economy of Europe by enabling the hotels, restaurants and cafes to create more job opportunities. HOTREC works extensively towards achieving a competitive and stable tourism industry in Europe. All the policies are made and implemented by HOTREC with the vision to encourage the creation of environment positive for the development of the hospitality sector. The Economic crisis and the hospitality industry The economic crisis has left no sector untouched and so the European hospitality industry is no less affected with this economic crisis. There are various zones or segments of the tourism industry that has got badly hit with this crisis. It has directly affected the business travels which were quite frequent in Europe and was a key contributor in the profit earning of the European hotels and cafes but with this crisis the industry has seen tremendous fall down in the business travel of the people coming to Europe. Not only the business travels, but the business events like the conferences, the presentations and the seminars which were quite in trend in Europe also got severely affected with the economic crisis and this again has brought the profitability graph of the European Hotels and cafes. It is true that the although the industry has experienced a slowdown in the business travels and the business events, people are still trying to figure out the best deals in the lowest possible rates that fit to their budget and serve their purpose too as they are able to let their business function smoothly irrespective of this economic crisis. They also try to find out the hotels which can provide them with the basic services without asking them to pay a hefty amount for their stay in the hotel. In a survey conducted by DLA PIPER 2009, the respondents were asked the major reasons for their lack of confidence in the Europeans hospitality industry during this economic crisis and the survey consisted of a couple of questionnaires like the Struggling European economy, Lack of liquidity, Current operating performance of hotels, Time and cost restraints on consumer travel, Reduced business travel, Lack of confidence in Europe’s political leaders, Struggling US economy etc. Around 43% of the people considered lack of liquidity and almost 33% considered the struggling European economy to be the major contributors to the rapid downfall in the confidence level. A study stated that out of many other reasons required to cope up with the effect of economic crisis in the hospitality industry in Europe the low cost of credit can be considered to be an effective step fighting against the crisis of funds and it is believed that the European commercial banks will be the most active type of lender in the European hospitality industry in the coming year as they will work towards lowering their cost of credit and thus it will be beneficial to the hospitality sector which is struggling due to the economic crisis. Data about European Hospitality industry This question is of major concern that that how long will this economic crisis go and how will all the European sectors survive in this bad economy when the entire world is getting affected with this global economic crisis. Despite other sectors, the European hotel industry is getting severely hit with this crisis and this can be well understood by the data illustrated below. An analysis done by IMF, stated that Europe’s biggest economy, Germany will get severely affected during this crisis with a 5. 6-percent GDP decline in 2009 and a 1. 0-percent dip in 2010, while the GDP in the euro area, completely is expected to be going down to 4. 2 percent in 2009 and 0. 4 percent in 2010. The data reveals that the GDP rate will go down by 1. 5% in last quarter of the year as compared to the third quarter which is definitely a sign of concern and effective steps required to be taken to come out of this problem. Talking about the unemployment figures in the European hospitality sector in the year 2009, as compared to the numbers of year 2008, the statistics show that there will be a rise in the unemployment from 6,8% to 7,6% in EU27 and it will go up from 7,2% to 8,2% in Euro area. It is a matter of great concern and worry for the government of any country when they are experiencing a steady downfall in their GDP and their graph of unemployment is going high in any of its business sectors and that calls for the time when they all need to unite together to fight against this severe crisis as this is the indication of a very big crisis for that particular nation and the data clearly states that Europe is struggling badly with this situation and needs remedial measures which are effective enough to bring Europe’s hospitality industry to come out of this situation. The data also describes that there has been a visible drop in the European economic sentiment indicator which is also an important reason of the low confidence in the European hospitality industry. Figures state that the Economic Sentiment indicator, in short termed as ESI went down by 2. 2 points while it was earlier stable at 61. 0 points during Janaury-09 –February 09 in EU27. While it went down from 65. 4 points to 63. 6 points thus showing a downfall of 1,8 points in the Euro area. When the entire globe is suffering from this problem of recession and bad economy, Europe is also facing the hit back in the tourism industry. A study revealed that the tourism prospects in the year 2009, for European cities will be a stage of stagnation or it may even go down by around 3% than the earlier times and figures. A survey conducted by Deloitte and Touche on the European hotels revealed that the occupancy rate of rooms in the hotels of Europe went down from 69. 3% in the year 2007 to 66. 9% in the year 2008. Although all the major cities of Europe have suffered due to this crisis but the most badly affected cities are Rome, Dublin and Prague. According to the Eurobarometer survey conducted on the 27,000 tourists coming to 27 EU countries for their holidays with family and friends in the year 2009 , the study reflected that around 1/3 of the people stated that there has been a drastic change in the plans which they make for their travel and leisure by decreasing their accommodation cost budget, out of which around 38% belonged to the category of completely swiping out the option of going to Europe for their holidays, others stated that there will be no change in their cost of accommodation budget due to this economic crisis. The study also stated that to fight against this crisis and still not completely go away with their idea of going on holidays, they would rather do little bit of adjustments and comprises to fit the holiday budget to their pocket. 15% of the surveyors stated that they would save on accommodation, 23% mentioned that they would prefer to go on vacation in the low season when the prices will automatically come down and they do not need to cut down on their estimated budget, 23% mentioned that they would try to cut down on their restaurant expenses and 30% mentioned to cut down their shopping budget to manage their vacation and enjoy with their families and friends. Economic Crisis with low confidence The Economic crisis when followed with the lowering of confidence in any sector becomes a reason of great concern and worry for the government of any nation and the situations like this needs an immediate attention and plan of action as if it is not dealt in time it may lead to adverse consequences for the economy of any nation. Such thing was experienced by the European hospitality industry in the year 2009. The data gathered by DLA Piper 2009, Europe Hospitality Outlook survey on the reasons of low confidence on the European hospitality industry during the time of economic crisis were found to be Struggling European economy, current operating performance of hotels, time and cost restraints on consumer travel, Lack of liquidity (debt or equity), Struggling US economy, Reduced business travel and last but not the least Lack of confidence in Europe’s political leaders. A survey done by DLA Piper’s 2009 Europe Hospitality Outlook Survey stated that almost 84 % of participants consider the European hospitality market to be bearish. Majority of the participants of the survey did not expect the European hospitality industry to come back to its original state until year 2011. Almost 70% of the people have cut down on their business travel due to the economic crisis. The survey also tried to gather numbers regarding the investment options in the European hotel industry and it found that around 71% of respondents believe that investment in Sustainable hotel development is a long-term trend. And there is a widespread risk of bankruptcy for European hotel chains. The major concern of the participants was the clause passed by EU Parliament regarding the potential removal of an EU country’s right to opt-out from the Working Time Directive which limits to an employee’s working hours to forty eight hours only. They mentioned this to be a very strong reason to put a negative impact on the European hospitality industry. Recovery Plans of European Hospitality Industry It is a fact that the European hospitality industry, along with the other sectors has suffered major setbacks in the year 2009 due to the economic crisis and this can be well described and understood by the data gathered by DLA Piper 2009, Europe Hospitality Outlook survey. The survey revealed that almost 84% of the participants mentioned the European hospitality market to be the bearish one when queried regarding their confidence in the European economy they stated Expected rebound of European economy, Foreign investment in European market, Abundance of equity capital available for investment, Expected rebound of US economy, Investment opportunities created by financial crisis and Confidence in Europe’s political leaders as the factors that in any situation will let the European hospitality industry come out of any such crisis in the present time and in the future times to come. European hospitality industry along with the major tourism associations like WTTC, UNWTO, HOTREC and PASTA are quite optimistic towards the idea that European hospitality sector will be able to cope up with this economic crisis and will easily survive this hard economic time. European tourism sector has faced a lot of obstacles till the time it has reached the 21st Century and developed such face of tourism for the entire world. Although, it is a true fact that this sector will go through hard times in the next coming months but the enterprises which are flexible enough to adapt to the required business model and plan their strategies keeping in mind the existing scenario will easily be able to survive and develop a strong platform for their existence in the long run in the European Hospitality industry. The recovery plan to successfully face the problem of economic crisis has been divided into a few segments or divisions so as to leave no stone unturned to fight with this scenario and bring back the economy to its stable state. It was segmented as 1. Recovery at EU level 2. Recovery at National Level We will discuss in brief the steps and measures taken at both the levels to beat the Economic crisis. 1. Recovery at EU level The European government considered dealing with the economic crisis quite seriously and so they planned the various meetings of the EU heads of State. They all mutually agreed upon following three lines of actions so as to come out of this situation. First one was to promote the financial stability in such a way that the confidence level of the people gets a boost again on the government along with the European Economy which is badly affected with the economic crisis. Second plan of action was to get the real economy to the shape where it was earlier, and third one was the most important one. It was to stay tightly united to fight against the crisis and to work together at the global level. The third measure sounded bit simple to sate but it was the most effective plan of action to get out of such a critical situation. Several measures were taken by the Government at the EU level out of which one measure specifically taken by the EU state with regards to the hospitality industry was to change the existing VAT Rate system. The new provision stated that all the member states will be granted the permission to apply for a reduced VAT Rate for the restaurant services. The current provision had this option to only 11 members so now this will be applicable to all the member states in EU.

Custom Term Papers: Hamlet’s Heroine, Ophelia -- GCSE English Literatu

Hamlet’s Heroine, Ophelia In Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet there is, technically, no heroine. But the female character who comes closest to qualifying for the role is not Gertrude, whose sinful past precludes this, but rather Ophelia, the â€Å"universal victim† of the drama. She is truly a good, upright person although she is victimized by her father, brother and boyfriend. Harry Levin, in the General Introduction to The Riverside Shakespeare, elaborates on the special kind of prose which the dramatist uses with Ophelia when she suffers her madness: Though there is no invariable rule, the comic scenes are frequently in prose, whereas the tragic scenes are usually in verse. Yet some of the most tragic, notably Ophelia’s made scenes and the sleep-walking scene of Lady Macbeth, are in that special kind of distracted prose which Shakespeare reserved for moments of mental distraction, when the fragments of suppressed emotion well up from the unconscious. (11) Shakespeare’s use of distinctive language is one consideration concerning Ophelia. Another is her victimization. Gunnar Boklund in â€Å"Hamlet† performs a partial-analysis on the character of Ophelia in Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet: The only character who is presented almost entirely as a victim is Ophelia, a victim of the King’s fear and curiosity, her father’s servility and fundamental indifference to her, Hamlet’s misunderstanding of the situation and brutal treatment of her, and finally his fatal thrust through the arras in the closet scene. Her madness is, as I see it, a purely pathetic element in the play. In the world where Hamlet has been forced to act, there appears to be no room for passive and obedient innocence. It is crushed, and perishes. (123) The p... ...: Madness Her Only Safe Haven.† Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. from â€Å"Hamlet†: A User’s Guide. New York: Limelight Editions, 1996. Pitt, Angela. â€Å"Women in Shakespeare’s Tragedies.† Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1996. Excerpted from Shakespeare’s Women. N.p.: n.p., 1981. Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1995. http://www.chemicool.com/Shakespeare/hamlet/full.html Ward & Trent, et al. The Cambridge History of English and American Literature. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1907–21; New York: Bartleby.com, 2000 http://www.bartleby.com/215/0816.html Wilkie, Brian and James Hurt. â€Å"Shakespeare.† Literature of the Western World. Ed. Brian Wilkie and James Hurt. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1992.

Living Together Before Marriage Essay

It is known that one out of two marriages will end in divorce. According to Dr. Harley, in â€Å"Living together before Marriage†, eighty-five percent of the divorced couples were cohabitating before marriage, otherwise known as: living together. With these kinds of statistics, why would people want to live together before they get married? It’s a perfectly logical question, with a perfectly logical explanation. Couples naturally want to know each other before they take the big plunge. Some may say, â€Å"You have to try it before you buy it†. It leads a very good point: couples should know each other before they vow to spend the rest of their lives with one another. However, it’s been proven to be more harmful than helpful to a relationship, because of the habits that are inevitably created. Whether they are good or bad, habits are hard to break and may cause problems throughout a lifetime. Cohabiting is a month-to-month agreement, says Harley, theoretically saying there is always an easy way out. People believe if things get too tough it’s easier to separate rather than divorce. Yes, this is true, but what happens when the couple decides to get married? Now, they’ve transformed their minds to be weak, to give up when the going gets tough, and to leave when things aren’t working out. That is why living together before marriage is harmful. On the other hand, married couples who have not cohabitated together have a different perspective on things, and it is easier to make decisions based on what is good for the marriage and not just for themselves. This is because they go into the marriage believing it is for life, and not a month-to-month agreement. Marriage can be tricky because the decisions that are made are no longer for yourself, they are for the good of the marriage. Cohabitating before marriage is the very source that diminishes the meaning of marriage: oneness. A marriage is when two become one, a reading from the book, One Flame. Couples who live together before marriage have a hard time understanding the concept of oneness. There is a definite single mindedness, â€Å"My problem is my problem and your problem is your problem!† Why change the current agreement, if it works? By not changing the agreement, hypothetically you’re not truly married. All of the stages are there, but they are not connected spiritually, which is the very reason couples get  married or should get married to begin with. Another reason why cohabitating can be dangerous is the slight chance the woman may become pregnant. A report from Combating Out-Of-Wedlock Births says, that â€Å"one in three children are born out-of-wedlock.† Having a child out-of-wedlock is still considered socially unacceptable. If a pregnancy were to occur, then the couple may feel obligated to get married, if not for themselves for their child. The couple may not be ready, but they have been placed in a situation where they were rushed. A marriage out of convenience or inconvenience is never a good one, the marriage is contaminated and doomed before it starts. Perhaps the most detrimental and permanent negative effects from couples living together are placed on their children. Children born out-of-wedlock are often subjected to unstable environments. Obviously their parents have their reasons why not to marry, like the old saying, â€Å"You can’t live with them and you can’t live without them!† Consequently the children are the ones who suffer, their life is forever altered. Glenn T. Stanton states in Cohabitation and Children, â€Å"For those children living with both unmarried parents, three quarters of these children will see their parents break up before they reach the age of sixteen.† The quality of life for these children is often poor, and their parents usually are of low financial standings. There is a significant increase in poverty for cohabitating parents. â€Å"The poverty rate for children with married parents is about 6%, while it is about 31% for children living with cohabiting parents†, sa ys Stanton. Cohabitating before marriage can be dangerous, however, there are a few precautions that may be taken to avoid problems in the future. If cohabitation is inevitable before marriage, then the couple should at least be engaged. This way they have announced their marriage and are committed to a date. The perspective is very similar to a real marriage, it enables you to make decisions together and has a sense of oneness. These precautions may be useful, but there’s nothing that can substitute for the real thing. Marriage alters the mind, and what once was fake now is real. Marriage is a  life-long commitment and should to be treated with a great deal of respect. Cohabitating before marriage is proven to be extremely risky. Avoiding cohabitation may not only save a marriage, but may also increase your marriages overall lifestyle.

National Identity in Film

The Piano, by Campion, and Truman Show, by Weir both interact with concepts of national identity in separate ways.   Both of these films are products of New Zealand culture, either through production or in cultural discourse.   Both films have also been well received and heavily awarded. The Piano tells the story of Ada McGrath.   She is a Scotswoman from New Zealand who is sold into marriage.   The film is staged in 1851. She doesn’t speak throughout the majority of the film, but expresses herself through her piano playing; this is until her husband leaves her piano on a beach.   This is symbolic of his lack of love for her and an example of the emptiness in Ada’s life.   The piano is then sold to their neighbor George Baines who convinces Ada to give him piano lessons and eventually sexual favors.   As Ada gradually falls in love with Baines through their connection of the piano, she finds meaning for her life. The Truman Show is directed by Australian Peter Weir and written by New Zealander Andrew Niccol.   The story follows Truman Burbank who is unaware that his entire life, since birth, has been an organized farce for a television series/project.   He is luckily chosen, out of a group of five baby orphans, to be the star of the show.   The Truman Show represents Truman’s life.   Viewers are told that Truman’s birth was broadcast live on television, but his child rearing is not presented in the film. The idea behind national identity is that one defines their self through the identity of their nation.   In their article, National Identity and Self-Esteem, Jeff Spinner-Halev and Elizabeth Theiss-Morse analyze the nature of national identity.   They adopt the theory that if the self-esteem of an individual is tied to their nation than it’s the perfect proponent to maintain safe and secure nations.   They feel that there is an immediate connection between self respect and group identity; so much so, it could lead to one sacrificing their own personal needs for the good of the group. They also acknowledge that there is a competitive nature within group self esteem; this meaning that most groups want their group to do better than others.   This is often seen in the patriotic nature of political propaganda, carried out by many countries to convince soldiers to go to war.   This system of control is one known for cajoling groups to fallow a certain program or way of thinking by catering to individuals’ wants, needs, or taking advantage of their fears. This complex of national identity is a major aspect of a government’s societal control, as well as a significant ideal satirized in The Truman Show.   It is most visibly personified in the character of the show’s producer Christof.   He argues that human beings accept the world in which they are presented, and uses this to justify why Truman hasn’t figured out his predicament up to this point.   All of the employees, of the studio, acting as Truman’s family, friends and extras living within the town, can all be viewed as nationalists to the studio’s regime. The National Identity of these films can be directly corresponded to the culture and history of New Zealand.   In 1945, the New Zealand Film Critic Gordon Mirams argued that if there was a New Zealand culture, it was a mostly a Hollywood creation. The only thing more popular than going to the movies, in New Zealand, was drinking tea, during that time period. This idea is supported by the statistic that for many years New Zealanders were the most frequenters of the movie world. In their book New Zealand Film 1912-1996 Helen Martin and Sam Edwards analyze the filmography of many films produced during this century in New Zealand.   This book basically analyzes the entire history of film in New Zealand.   The two authors managed to find more than 162 films.   In formulating their list and deciding on what they would identify as New Zealand Films, they decided the film had to have a significant connection to the location in terms of the film’s creators, cast, copyright holder, financiers, production team, and technical equipment. They also felt that a film that holds a sociological connection to New Zealand should be categorized as a New Zealand films as well.   Thus, they included The Piano in their list of films pointing out that though it was not filmed in New Zealand, its story was still set there.   The authors also felt it the film addressed social issues pertaining to the history of New Zealand within the time frame it was set. The Piano, identified as a socially conscious New Zealander film, it is identified as such through its understanding of national identity and the plight of the New Zealand people.   This can be seen in the fact that the film is a historically place romance, and has much cultural significance.   The film is often credited for its style, in that it is deemed as a historical romance and a contemporary romance in a historical setting. In his article, Lost causes: the ideology of national identity in Australian cinema, John Slavin does an in-depth analysis of the cultural connotations present in cinema when using it to understand a nation.   His stance is that cinema as well as reality have an interweaving relationship with each other that ultimately define the national identity of a nation.   He further explains this in his closing statements when he says, Ideology transforms individuals into constitutive social subjects by interpelation, the Althusserian term for the seductive mirror images of coherent identity promoted by cultural artifacts such as the popular cinema. But this thesis follows the suggestion that it is the purpose of ideology to represent an imaginary relationship of the cinematic viewer to his/her real conditions of existence. Those real conditions, based on psychic and social displacement are symptomatic of the Marxist definition of alienation†¦ In other words, representations of identity, both national and individual, are thrown into critical doubt within the mythic narratives. (Slavin, 2002). Slavin’s view that though ideology is used in film, national identity is virtually dependant on film narrative is very ironic, considering that he uses ideology by connecting his argument to Marxism.   In the end, the interpretation of his argument, just like national identity, are both dependant on the work and views of their creator, no matter how drenched in history they. Even within this corruption of the true nature of things, Slavin acknowledges that the transitional tendency of film images, etiquette and social relations over the years is a perfect source for study of socio-economic change.   Once one grasps a clear understanding of cinema’s use of ideology to mold national culture, the only question left is, how is ideology used, and national culture shaped, specifically within these two films? In their novel, Piano Lessons: Approaches to the Piano by Felicity Coombs and Suzanne Germmell, the authors work to claim a better understanding of The Piano.   They point out the films originally human nature in the fact that there is no main villain.   The audience is often incited to pity, empathize and despise all three main characters. Baines, Stewart, and Ada can all be viewed as human because they all have their flaws.   It is wrong for Stewart to disregard his wife they way he does, though the nature of his arrange marriage is a notable statement pertaining to the era of the film’s plot.   The audience is allowed to relate to this sociological circumstance, while at the same time despise Stewart for his treatment of Ada.   Whereas Ada is presented as a victim of the cultural norms of her time period, she still transcends beyond this, to adopt contemporary ideals and relate to the audience.   The fact that she cheats on her husband is a motive for dislike, but it is also key to the liberation she achieves from her mundane existence. The fact that she does not embody the role of the victim throughout the entire film is testament to the film’s reality.   Baines also becomes an equally likeable figure in that his sexual advances evolve from something seemingly corrupt to an actual full blown love affair.   This triangular relationship between the three main characters says a lot about male and female relations during the time.   The authors also correspond to Ada’s relationship with men to the nature of post-colonialism, which was also a big part of New Zealand at this time and also a big part of this film. The relationship between the oppressor and the oppressed is a key theme in the relationships Ada has with men.   The colonial history of 1850’s New Zealand is encompassed within the plot.   This is an example of how ideology is used in narrative to enhance the value of a message more relevant.   In confronting these ideals of colonization, the film came under much scrutiny.   Many felt the film gave a false presentation of race.   During this time there were many Maori, who argued they were the product of White New Zealanders’ social injustice. They felt the film’s disregard for their cultural relevance was a form of national mythmaking, in avoiding the argument that whites staked claim on their land. This conflict is overlooked by the plot, but the nature of its severity is still implied through the topic being completely disregarded. It is also a common controversy within the land that many foreign investors come and buy land, from potentially the wrong owners. By disregarding their true history, the national identity presented for New Zealand is that of a small land with a history for sale. The connection with national identity here is cultural.   This differs from the connection visible in The Truman Show. Just like The Piano, The Truman Show poses an argument larger than itself in respect to national identity, only this film speaks more metaphorically.   The idea previously posed in National Identity and Self Esteem, was that national identity is largely the product of a model that is followed by a group of people.   These people are so caught up in the ideals of the group, they rather sacrifice their own individual comforts for the good of the team. The authors found that these groups are also very competitive with one another, identifying their identity with that of the group and basing the groups identity on their contrast from other groups.   This becomes very relative to some of Rene Girard’s views.   In his seminal theory of mediated desire Rene Girard argues that human desire is imitative.   His views is that the goals we hold most personal are actually the desires of others which we want to achieve because others want to achieve them. This is very compatible with the ideals of national culture and the cult group fallowing it incites.   This is also seen constantly in The Truman Show, the main motivation for Truman to escape the studio/town is to travel to Fiji after his one true love.   If the character personifying his school crush had never desired to move there, Truman would have never desired to follow.   This is a direct personification of Girard’s theory, as well as an example of Morse and Halev’s version of national identity.   Here it is easy to see the differing way in which The Truman Show represents national identity from how it is used in The Piano. In sum, through an understanding of identity theory and New Zealand culture, we can develop a better understanding of the directors’ use of national identity in the films The Piano, and The Truman Show.   National identity is depicted in The Piano through its cultural connotations, historical representation, and it authenticity to social norms. Despite all of its awards, the films inability to stay true to the ethnic history of the town is proof that it attempts to mold national identity through its filmic ideals.   The directors pick and chose the ideology they identify with and disregard the other aspect of New Zealand culture.   Whereas The Truman Show does not attempt to shape the national culture of New Zealand, it is virtually unidentifiable as a New Zealand film, except for the fact that is written by a New Zealander. What the film contributes to national identity is its use of the theories backing it, and its own underlying message on the nature of the conflict. What the film reveals about national identity is its dependency on the narrative of a film.   The ironic fact is that it does this through its own abuse of the power.   Truman represents everyman against the crowd.   The complex world he interacts with is very similar to the real world, only in his world he really is the center of attention.   The most intimate aspects of an individual’s life, like marriage, personal goals and beliefs are all a product of a false reality. This concept is very similar to Freudian theory, Marxist theory, biblical references and even many science fiction narratives.   What the films reveals about national identity is its core nature.   The entire town operates in one direction and for one purpose.   Truman is the only one who is unaware of this purpose, but he still seems to follow along contributing to what he feels is the best interest of the group.   His desires are compatible with his nation’s desires, until he breaks free from this methodology of control.   Both of these films interact with national identity theory; both are products of New Zealander culture, and both are great films. Work Cited Adorno, Theodor W. and Max Horkheimer. Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments. 1947. Trans. Edmund Jephcott. Stanford: Stanford UP, 2002. Chatman, Seymour (1978) Story and Discourse: Narrative Structure in Fiction and Film (Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press). Cheshire, Ellen. Jane Campion. Great Britain: Pocket Essentials, 2000. Eric Young (Executive Producer). (1998). â€Å"How's It Going To End? The Making of The Truman Show, Part II† [DVD (Special Feature)]. Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment. Girard, Renà ©. Deceit, Desire, and the Novel: Self and Other in Literary Structure. Trans. Yvonne Freccero. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins UP, 1965. Helen Martin and Sam Edwards, New Zealand Film, 1912-1996. Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1997. vi+215 pp. Illustrations, bibliography, index. Kaufman, Cynthia. â€Å"Colonialism, Purity, and Resistance in The Piano.† Socialist Review 24 (1995): 251-55. Sanes, Ken. Truman as Archetype. Transparencynow.com. 1996-2001. 29 July 2004. . Slavin, John (2002) Lost causes : the ideology of national identity in Australian cinema. PhD thesis, Department of English, University of Melbourne. The Piano. (2007, January 18). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:37, January 22, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Piano&oldid=101515698 The Truman Show. (2007, January 19). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:33, January 22, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Truman_Show&oldid=101870034 The Truman Show (1998) Directed by Peter Weir, screenplay by Andrew Niccol (Hollywood, CA: Paramount).

Quality Assurance and Software Testing Certifications

Quality Assurance and Software Testing Certifications When we think of IT (information technology) we tend to focus on development, network, and database issues. Its easy to forget that before sending work out to the user, there is a crucial middleman. That person or team is quality assurance (QA). QA comes in many forms, from the developer who tests her own code, to the testing gurus who work with automated testing tools. Many vendors and groups have recognized testing as an integral part of the development and maintenance process and have developed certifications to standardize and demonstrate knowledge of the QA process and testing tools. Vendors That Offer Testing Certifications Rational Empirix Vendor-Neutral Testing Certifications ISTQB Certified Tester, Foundation Level (CTFL) -   The Foundation Level qualification is aimed at professionals who need to demonstrate practical knowledge of the fundamental concepts of software testing. This includes people in roles such as test designers, test analysts, test engineers, test consultants, test managers, user acceptance testers and IT Professionals.The Foundation Level qualification is also appropriate for anyone who needs a basic understanding of software testing, such as project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT directors, and management consultants.Quality Improvement Associate Certification (CQIA)  -   The Certified Quality Improvement Associate has a basic knowledge of quality tools and their uses and is involved in quality improvement projects, but doesnt necessarily come from a traditional quality area.Certified Test Manager (CTM)  -   The CTM Certification was developed based on the Test Management Bod y of Knowledge (TMBOK) to fill the gap in the management skills required by test managers and test leads to effectively manage the test process, the test project and the test organization.   Certified Software Test Professional (CSTP)  -   CSTP is the short form for â€Å"Certified Software Test Professional. This was initiated by International Institute for Software Testing (IIST) in 1991, and so far has been successful in enhancing the career of thousands of aspirants by providing the professional skill set for software application testing. This certification program could be taken by any newcomer in the testing field as well as for the managers and leaders in the testing field.Six Sigma Black Belt Certification (CSSBB)  -   The Certified Six Sigma Black Belt is a professional who can explain Six Sigma philosophies and principles, including supporting systems and tools. A Black Belt should demonstrate team leadership, understand team dynamics and assign team member roles and responsibilities. Black Belts have a thorough understanding of all aspects of the DMAIC model in accordance with Six Sigma principles. They have basic knowledge of Lean enterprise concepts , are able to identify non-value-added elements and activities and are able to use specific tools. Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA) - Prove your level proficiency as a manager or advisor when it comes to IT principles and practices of quality assurance when you become Certified Software Quality Analyst certified. Although this list is short, the links above go to sites that offer more niche certifications for you to research. Those listed here are respected in IT and are a must-have for anyone considering an entry into the world of testing and Quality Assurance.

The Necklace Review

'The Necklace' Review Guy de Maupassant  manages to bring a flavor to his stories that are unforgettable. He  writes about ordinary people, but he paints their lives in colors that are rich with  adultery, marriage, prostitution, murder, and war. During his lifetime, he created nearly 300 stories, along with the other 200 newspaper articles, 6 novels, and 3 travel books that he wrote. Whether you love his work, or you hate it, Maupassants work seems to illicit a strong response. Overview The Necklace (or La Parure), one of his most famous works, centers around Mme. Mathilde Loisel - a woman seemingly fated to her status in life. She was one of those pretty and charming girls who are sometimes as if by a mistake of destiny, born in a family of clerks. Instead of accepting her position in life, she feels cheated. She is selfish and self-involved, tortured and angry that she cant purchase the jewels and clothing that she desires. Maupassant writes, She suffered ceaselessly, feeling herself born for all the delicacies and all the luxuries. The tale, in some ways, amounts to a moralistic fable, reminding us to avoid Mme. Loisels fatal mistakes. Even the length of the work reminds us of an Aesop Fable. As in many of these tales, our heroines​​ one really serious character flaw is pride (that all-destroying hubris). She wants to be someone and something that she is not. But for that fatal flaw, the story could have been a Cinderella story, where the poor heroine is in some way discovered, rescued and given her rightful place in society. Instead, Mathilde was prideful. Wishing to appear wealthy to the other women at the ball, she borrowed a diamond necklace from a wealthy friend, Mme. Forestier. She had a wonderful time at the ball: She was prettier than them all, elegant, gracious, smiling, and crazy with joy. Pride cometh before the fall... we quickly see her as she descends into poverty. Then, we see her ten years later: She had become the woman of impoverished households-strong and hard and rough. With frowzy hair, skirts askew, and red hands, she talked loud while washing the floor with great swishes of water. Even after going through so many hardships, in her heroic way, she cant help but imagine the What ifs... What Is the Ending Worth? The ending becomes all the more poignant when we discover that all of the sacrifices were for nothing, as Mme. Forestier takes our heroines hands and says, Oh, my poor Mathilde! Why, my necklace was paste. It was worth at most five hundred francs! In The Craft of Fiction, Percy Lubbock says that the story seems to tell itself. He says that the effect that Maupassant doesnt appear to be there in the story at all. He is behind us, out of sight, out of mind; the story occupies us, the moving scene, and nothing else (113). In The Necklace, we are carried along with the scenes. Its hard to believe we are at the end, when the final line is read and the world of that story comes crashing down around us. Can there be a more tragic way of living, than surviving all those years on a lie?

Effective Time Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Effective Time Management - Research Paper Example Productivity, delivery, and success of a project are aspects that are determined by earlier plans and management in the project resources, scope, and other factors. When the initiation, planning, and execution are successfully achieved and controlled, then the completion phase which gives the end product, quality delivery, and success in the general project is attained without crisis. There are many factors that influence all these activities, but with effective time management every crisis is managed and the positive factors are used to perfect the project accomplishment. Badiru identifies the eight functional areas that embody project management practice; scope, time, quality, cost, communication, human resources, contract, and the risk that have to be managed for their influence in project implementation, productivity, and successful delivery. Other factors affecting success are leadership and organization. With effective time management, the management allocates not only the acti vities the required time to be performed, but finds quality time to assess the project progress; this is because time management allows one to become flexible enough, being where or doing what one is required to do at the right time. Divakar and Subramanian classify the critical success factors as strategic and tactical (personnel selection and training, and client consultation). Basically, the effort, plans, and motivations set in the process of planning projects determine the final actions complete it.

Exam questions Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Exam questions - Coursework Example There are different types of financial systems without which simple transactions such as trading and investment are thought to be impossible. The financial systems in different societies include those that operate locally or regionally and those that control company transactions internationally(Mike & John, 2004). The financial system pull together, maintain and give a detailed report on economic transactions. Financial systems support the relationship between internal and external financial transactions and financial reporting. They also play a role in helping manage, plan and budget finances available. Financial systems play a role in the allocation and distribution of resources, mainly by directing household savings to the corporate sector and investments among firms. This allows the smooth flow of goods and services between households and firms. Well-structuredfinancial systems are necessary for economic and financial stability in a state of increased working capital. The lack of a financial lead to major changes because there would be no access to components such as credit, no monetary value for exchange of goods and services hence becoming a major barrier to economic transactions. Weak financial systems are inadequate and they create issues such as inflation and debts. They are also faced by the threat of fraudulent manipulation by malicious people and above all may lead to a serious financial crisis. A financial center is a market or city that meets the major part of the demand for financial services of both domestic and international market and it is a key component of a financial system. Most developed countries have a major financial center for example in Europe; London, Paris, Frankfurt in the United States the financial center is based in the New York. Such financial centers are facing competitions hence most of them are unstable(Berger & David, 1997). There is

Legal Framework of Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Legal Framework of Business - Essay Example rities and Futures, Commission (SFC), the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) and the Mandatory Provident Fund as the principal regulatory authorities and the legal bodies in Hong Kong to regulate banking, securities and futures, insurance and retirement schemes industries respectively and finally the Hong Kong's Prevention of Bribery Ordinance to check corruption in business transactions. There are, however, blames hurled on the legal systems not to prove adequate to support the image of Hong Kong to be the international center of commerce the major being the laws on labor that can't protect them from being exploited. Hong Kong is Asia's main trading hub and one of the world's most open economies.. There are simple legal framework, soft taxation, almost no customs duties and no non-tariff barriers. ... (Hong Kong Business) by Christine Genzberger - 1994 Legal Framework for e-commerce: Electronic Transactions Ordinance in 2000 was promulgated to provide legal framework to e-commerce in Hong Kong.1. This ordinance was aimed to promote the legal framework and trusted environment for the conduct of electronic transactions in the country.. (PP89 90AIC Research and Public Policy Series) Internet fraud is becoming a common problem today. Legal problem comes while tackling this issue because of multiplicity of rules present in various jurisdiction and also that these rules are complex contradictory and not clear to be interpreted easily. Hong Kong has its own criminal laws pertaining to misuse of computers under section 85 of the Crime Ordinance (cap.200).2 Offence of falsification of bank computer records carries a penalty of life imprisonment. 10 year sentence may be imposed for the offence committed for false accounting by falsifying computer records under section 19 of the Theft Ordinance (cap 210).3. There are other provisions of thes e laws to cover damage to computers and unlawful interference with computers ( Urbas 2001) PP89 90 AIC Research and Public Policy Series) Voluntary recognition system: Hong Kong is the only country in Asia to have voluntary recognition system applicable on all Certification Authorities (CAs). Only those who have achieved certain objective standards are recognized. Activities of CAs and their relationship with their clients are, however, governed by common law. The director of Information Technology services has power to revoke or suspend the recognition of a CA if it fails to operate in accordance with the 'certification practice statement' or fail to

Novel effect Essay Example for Free

Novel effect Essay I think Mary Shelley used language to develop lots of atmosphere in chapter five, I think this is because this huge build up of atmosphere makes you read faster and faster, and makes you want to read more. She uses many long, complex sentences, such as Delighted and surprised, I embraced her; but as I imprinted the first kiss on her lips, they became livid with the hue of death; her features appeared to change, and I thought that I held the corpse of my dead mother in my arms; a shroud enveloped her form, and I saw the grave-worms crawling in the folds of the flannel, this creates tension, giving the novel more effect. As she has used so many long complex sentences, many commas and semi-colons are used, this makes the reader pause a lot whilst reading, giving the effect of many short sentences, embedded into long, complex ones. As well as these sentences, she also uses many short sentences, and all of these changes lead you to read faster, which creates more tension. An example of one of the short sentences used is Beautiful! Another way Mary Shelley may have wanted to create atmosphere is by using many powerful adjectives such as dreary, and miserable. Words like these also give the effect of imagery, as well as creating huge amounts of atmosphere. Many other phrases in the book also help build atmosphere, many of which are things Frankenstein says, often about his monster. Examples of this are miserable monster, and wretch. I think Mary Shelly also created atmosphere another way, without the reader even realising she is trying to. In the novel, many archaic words and phrases are used, like lassitude, and I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. These words and phrases suit the gothic horror style the novel is written in, and help build up atmosphere. They also give the impression something spooky is going on, as they dont sound like words we would use today. Also, naturally, people are scared of things that are unfamiliar, and Mary Shelley may have used these archaic words to give the book more of a spooky effect. I feel that chapter five links to the key themes in the novel, and I think the main one is the fact that Mary Shelley may have been hinting in her novel, that you cant play god, and in chapter five, that is what Frankenstein is obsessed with doing. His friend, Henry, also notices this, and states I did not before remark how very ill you appear; so thin and pale; you look as if you had been watching for several nights. This implies that Frankenstein is an extremely obsessive character, and that he will not rest, until he has fulfilled his goal, creating life (playing god). The rest of the novel is about how Frankensteins desperation for power, comes back to haunt him. I also feel that chapter five links in with the key theme in the novel in another way. Whilst taking about her novel, Mary Shelley said Frightful must it be; for supremely frightful would be the effect of any human endeavour to mock the stupendous mechanism of the Creator of the world. I feel that the meaning of this phrase, is that she is saying only god should have the power over life and death, and anyone who tries to defy him (by creating life), should be scared, as he will not accept it, and punish the person who defied his right. I think that in her story, she was subliminally hinting this, as she constantly refers to god. When Frankenstein is running away from the monster, the night it is created, he sees the steeple, its white steeple, and many other hints are also made. She could be hinting that straight after the monster is created, god has planned what will happen next. Furthermore, this shows that in the 19th century people were extremely religious, and took care about what they did, as they did not want god to punish them for their actions. Also, the phrase infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet, is stating that he is going to use electricity of some kind, to bring the thing, to life. This relates to galvanism, which is the process of running charges of electricity through dead animals and trying to bring them back to life, in actual fact, the charges were just making the muscles of the dead animal spasm. So the phrase shows that in the 19th century, many people were trying to bring dead things back to life. Mary Shelley got the idea of using lightning to bring the monster back to life from Luigi Galvanis idea of galvanism, we know this because as well as overhearing her husband and Lord Byron talking about it, she was also very up to date with scientific experiments at the time. Furthermore, chapter five also gives us a better understanding of 19th century prose. The words and phrases in chapter five, are typical of 19th century language, for example, the phrase infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form, is a phrase we would not use nowadays. Phrases such as this tell us that in the 19th century, writers would write in a much more formal style. I think that this is because in the 19th century, anyone who could read and write would be from an extremely wealthy family, and books were written to suit their style of language, not for the middle class. Another example of a 19th century word is countenance (another word for face), at present time, people are always looking to find abbreviations, so they can communicate faster, however, words like countenance are much longer, and more suited to the formal 19th century style of literature. From chapter five, we can also learn that in the 19th century, writers would use lots of powerful adjectives, and 19th century works would be very descriptive, with lots of imagery. Examples of powerful descriptive phrases, and adjectives are grave-worms crawling, and demonical. These words add lots of atmosphere to the story, and there is a strong use of imagery. The final thing I have learned about 19th century prose from chapter five is the use of colons and semi colons. Mary Shelley uses many semi colons and commas in the novel, and her use of commas and semi colons allows her to build atmosphere using long and complex sentences, and then often rapidly switch to a short one, for example I took refuge in the courtyard belonging to the house which I inhabited; where I remained during the rest of the night, walking up and down in the greatest agitation, listening attentively, catching and fearing each sound as if it were to announce the approach of the demoniacal corpse to which I had so miserably given life, then, the first sentence in the next paragraph is just the word Oh! This shows that in the 19th century, very often, some people would use commas and semi colons often, instead of full stops.

Myasthenia Gravis :: essays research papers

In 1890, German medical professor Wilhelm Erb and other physicians had been observing several cases of a neuromuscular disease that they believed was affecting how nerve impulses were transmitted to muscle at the neuromuscular junction. The patient’s experienced a "grave muscular weakness" and Wilhelm named it myasthenia gravis. Through further research, the physicians discovered whether it affected the eye muscles first, or created difficulty in talking, chewing and swallowing, or in using the arms and legs it was neither hereditary nor contagious. Their discoveries lead to more detailed research. In the early 1970s when Muscular Dystrophy Association, using snake venom, observed that patients with the disease had decreased numbers of acetylcholine receptors. Thus, discovering that the disease affected acetylcholine receptors of the skeletal muscles. The Muscular Dystrophy Association also found that, in rabbits, an immune attack against the acetylcholine receptors resulted in muscle membrane damage that is similar to that seen in human myasthenia gravis. This rabbit experiment was responsible for a large portion of what scientists now know about myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis causes a progressive and abnormally rapid fatigue of the voluntary muscles. It is known as an autoimmune disease, in which the body generates an immune system attack against its own skeletal muscles. This arises when lymphocytes in the blood produce antibodies that destroy muscle-cell receptors for acetylcholine molecules, preventing muscle contractions. The antibodies have been shown to decrease the usefulness of acetylcholine receptors through accelerated endocytosis and blockade of the receptor. Endocytosis is when extracellular substances are being incorporated into the cell by vesicles forming inward through budding of the plasma membrane. Researchers have been able to demonstrate the effect of antibodies on acetylcholine receptor by using radioactively labeled alpha bungaroo toxin, a snake poison, to follow the rate of degradation. Antibodies from patients with myasthenia gravis cause an increase in the rate of degradation of acetylcholine receptors. Blockade of acetylcholine receptors is another form of autoimmune attack from myasthenia gravis. Antibodies from these patients have been shown to block the acetylcholine binding sites preventing acetylcholine from binding to its receptor and opening the ion channel. The antibodies may bind near the acetylcholine binding site rather than directly on it, because the acetylcholine binding site is so small. In this case, the antibodies would prevent acetylcholine from binding at the receptor by interfering with the acetylcholine molecule as it moves towards its receptor. Symptoms for some one with myasthenia gravis include a flattened smile and droopy eyes, with slow pupillary light responses.