Human And Natural Drivers Of Climate Change - 1732 Words

Climate Change in relation to Architecture Tallis Holloway - s5015034 There are many human and natural drivers of climate change, cities and buildings in particular are increasingly affected by risks linked to rapid environmental changes and their impact themselves on the atmosphere however architect s can help limit many contributing factors. This paper examines the role of this profession, architecture s contribution to climate change mitigation/adaption and how architect s can assist in limiting the threat of global warming thus enforcing sustainability. Architect s provide information to clients and management about design, size, materials and costs associated with new buildings and alterations to existing buildings. They further associate with compiling and analysing data on economic, legal, political, cultural, demographic, sociological, physical and environmental factors affecting land use (ANZSCO 2009, Minor Group 232). The role of this profession and the management of new sustainable buildings can manage the alterations to the climatic equilibrium, thus contribute to mitigate and adapt to these shifting conditions. Building s trigger large amounts of CO2, causing them to consequently contribute a vast majority of the energy consumption worldwide , however new advanced design strategies and sustainable technologies can be incorporated into existing/new building s in order to decrease emissions, mitigating long-term impacts and adapt to short-term to theShow MoreRelatedClimate Change : The Greenhouse Effect1199 Words   |  5 Pagesexistence, climate change has occurred. Temperatures, sea levels, quantities of gases in the atmosphere, and levels of precipitation have risen and fallen over a span of billions of years. However, over the last two centuries, climate change has been far too drastic to be caused by natural forces alone. Globally, the alterations in temperatures, sea levels, precipitation, melting of ice caps and glaciers, and violence of natural disasters are clearly caused by another factor, in addition to natural climateRead MoreClimate Change Is Our Fault922 Words   |  4 Pages Climate Change is Our Fault The truth is earth is heating up and it is partially humans fault. The simplest of human activities can alter the climates to change. Humans are not the only climate drivers. There are also natural factors (â€Å"How Much Does Human Activity Affect Climate Change?†). The earth is changing due to the climate changes . For future generations the earth may perhaps look different (Nuccitelli). Human activity is advancing global climate change rapidly. Humans are the main factorRead MoreHumans And The Climate By Wendy Diep1617 Words   |  7 Pages11:628:125:90 â€Å"Humans and the Climate† Wendy Diep December 18, 2014 â€Å"Humans and the Climate† â€Å"Global warming, along with the cutting and burning of forests and other critical habitats, is causing the loss of living species at a level comparable to the extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. That event was believed to have been caused by a giant asteroid. This time it is not an asteroid colliding with the Earth and wreaking havoc: it is us.† This is the statementRead MoreThe Ice Of Drilling For Ice Cores1232 Words   |  5 PagesThe Ice Chronicles is an in-depth look at one scientists story of drilling for ice cores in arctic climates. The book also describes how the ice cores are drilled and how the ice cores are processed. The team of scientists use the ice cores and the chemical composition of them to get a better grasp of past climates and climate changes. The main drilling mentioned is the Greenland Ice Sheet Project that was overseen by many agencies and supported by multiple higher-education institutions. The projectRead MoreC limate Change Throughout The World1121 Words   |  5 PagesKrista Falco Professor Brown English 1301, WS5 April 23, 2015 Climate Change Throughout The World Climate change has been an argument going on for years now. Since industrialization, there has been numerous debates asking the question: Is climate change due to natural evolution or is it the human species causing this change? Scientist’s try their best to predict the future, but it is just that, a prediction. Take a meteorologist for example. Your local weatherman states that it is going to rainRead MoreClimate Change : Global Air Temperatures1607 Words   |  7 PagesOur world’s climate is rapidly changing, and those changes will have an enormous impact on our planet’s people, ecosystems, cities, and energy use. Average global air temperatures are already roughly 1.5 degrees higher than they were at the start of the 20th century, and â€Å"have risen about 1 degree over just the last 30 years,† According to the New England aquarium. Climate change can best be described as the long-term change in average weather conditions, including temperature, pre cipitation andRead MoreClimate Changs is Affecting Earths Delicate Ecosystem857 Words   |  3 PagesClimate change is a global problem that is affecting Earth’s delicate ecosystem. Many problems are present in our world today, such as starvation, flooding, heat waves, droughts and disease. These issues are likely to worsen as climate change takes its toll. In the past, the cause of this severe climate change was unknown. Today, it is known that manmade climate change is occurring. Scientists have discovered that humans have had theRead MoreIn the last 100 years, Earth’s average temperature has risen by 1.4 °F. The rising global900 Words   |  4 Pagescaused changes in weather and climate. Global warming refers to the ongoing rise in the average temperature near Earth’s surface. This is causing a climate change, which refers to any significant change (major change in temperature, precipitatio n, or wind patterns) in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time (several decades or longer). Due to this, it is projected that the temperature will rise from 2 to 11.5 °F in the next hundred years (US EPA, 2014). The â€Å"drivers,† whichRead MoreIpcc Status Report on Climate Change Summary Essay831 Words   |  4 PagesIPCC Status Report on Climate Change Summary Abstract The following is a summary of the IPCC Status Report on Climate Change. The following questions will be answered: is climate change occurring? About which aspects of climate change are we certain? Uncertain? What are the main factors determining climate change today? What is the likelihood that humans have caused these changes and what data supports this conclusion? And finally, what information is not yet available or are we unable to accessRead MoreQuantification Of The Contribution Of Human Influences ( Hi ) On Regional Climate Change759 Words   |  4 Pagesthe contribution of human influences (HI) on regional climate change is a focus of climate change research (Dirmeyer et al., 2010; Kalnay and Cai 2003). Quantification of such influences can help us understand regional climate patterns and improve the accuracy and algorithms/mechanism of downscaling general circulation models (Lawrence and Chase, 2010; Li et al., 2012; Zhao and Pitman, 2002). The important human influences o n regional climate are land-use and land-cover change (LUCC) (Pielke et al

Developmental Disabilities A Diverse Group Of Chronic...

School is tough for everyone, but for some it may be way tougher. Students with developmental disabilities face many challenges and have way less opportunities than students without them. My essay will study students with developmental disabilities, how they plan on exploring their everyday life and what they go through on a good and bad day. Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of chronic conditions that are due to mental or physical impairments (Trends In The Prevalence Of Developmental Disabilities In U.S Children, 2015). There are many types of disabilities. For example: intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, language and learning disorders, cerebral palsy, vision impairment, and hearing loss.†¦show more content†¦Last week, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling on special education in public schools. â€Å"The case, Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, dealt with a child whose Individualized Education Program had fa iled to help him progress academically despite his academic promise†. In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act also known as IDEA, IEPs must be â€Å"reasonably calculated to enable the child to achieve passing marks and advance from grade to grade.† The plaintiff’s IEP was found not to meet that standard. â€Å"The Court’s unanimous decision was a victory for special education advocates, especially because the Court proclaimed in its decision that public schools must offer an IEP reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress appropriate in light of the child’s circumstances.† In other words, children with disabilities cannot receive a public school education that sets the bar so low that they are unreasonably deprived of meaningful instruction and personal development. (Kehrer, Trevor. Disabled students have right to education. Daily Trojan. N.p., 30 Mar. 2017. Web. 01 Apr. 2017.) Every child should have the right to an education regardless of the circumstance. School’s should not choose who gets to learn and who does not. â€Å"It has always been our students who lose out--it is always the kids with disabilities who are thrown under the bus first† (Meeting the Needs Of Students With Disabilities, 2017). People withShow MoreRelatedDevelopmental Disability : A Diverse Group Of Chronic Conditions2023 Words   |  9 PagesDevelopmental disability is a diverse group of chronic conditions that are due to mental or physical impairments. Developmental disabilities cause individuals living with them many difficulties in certain areas of life, especially in language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. Developmental disabilities are usually identified early in childhood and will probably persist throughout the individual’s lifespan. This paper will identify the various aspects of how developmentalRead MoreManaged Care : A Complex Health Care System1469 Words   |  6 Pagesprofessionals organize in an interrelated system of people and facilities that communicate with one another and work together as a unit, commonly referred to as a network. This network coordinates and arranges health care services and benefits for a specific group of individuals, referred as enrollees, for the purpose of managing costs, quality, and access to health care. The Managed care program may be provided in a variety of settings, such as Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider OrganizationRead MoreSports and Fitness Center3819 Words   |  16 Pageshealth and functioning, people with disabilities are far less likely to engage in physically active lifestyles than are people without disabilities. Promoting moderate levels of physical activity among people with disabilities is an important goal for public health and public policy, as regular physical activity improves well-being and contributes to the prevention or delay of chronic disease. Little is known about why the majority of people with disabilities fail to integrate regular physical activityRead MoreSports and Fitness Center3804 Words   |  16 Pageshealth and functioning, people with disabilities are far less likely to engage in physically active lifestyles than are people without disabilities. Promoting moderate levels of physical activity among people with disabilities is an important goal for public health and public policy, as regular physical activity improves well-being and contributes to the prevention or delay of chronic disease. Little is known about why the majority of people with disabilities fail to integrate regular physical activityRead MoreEarly Life As A Social Determinant Of Health1403 Words   |  6 Pagesdeterminant is now described as the factors and environments that can influence development and lifelong healt h and wellbeing (Maggi et al., 2010). These factors interact with one another and include; social interactions, physical environment, living conditions, learning environments and socio-political context (Maggi et al., 2010). The societal influences on early life are determined by a variety of factors, ranging from access to survival necessities to income inequality (Maggi et al., 2010). DevelopingRead MoreInterdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Standard II Rationale for IECE KTS II789 Words   |  3 Pagesmaximize the opportunities for full inclusion. The second component is a research-based Three-Tiered approach for Addressing Challenging Behavior. It includes strategies to prevent challenging behavior, support social-emotional competencies, and address chronic patterns of misbehavior. I also included a reflective analysis that connects my thoughts and practices from my CMP with my two student teaching placements. Finally, I have selected several lesson plan analyses and observation forms that were observedRead MoreSocial Work : A Field Of Interest Essay1630 Words   |  7 Pagesan assistant social worker at an adult day health center, where I provide care and services for older adults who have d evelopmental disabilities. The majority of our participants are senior citizens. As an assistant social worker, I am required to complete all treatment plans, assessments, behavior logs, meal benefit forms, transportation services, and supportive counseling groups. I also take the participants on field trips to the community and expose them to resources available to them. I improveRead MoreChild Abuse And Neglect Within The United States2211 Words   |  9 Pagesin which they have been studied. Some studies suggest that neglect is the most prevalent type of child abuse in this country. Kaplan, Schene, DePanfilis, and Gilmore assert that neglect becomes chronic when its occurrence is not only ongoing, but seriously deprives a child of basic physical, developmental, and/or emotional needs by someone who cares for them. Whatever the definitions, all referenced texts in this essay agree that child abuse, its impacts, as well as its victims, merit considerationRead MoreChallenges Int egrating Students With Disabilities6780 Words   |  28 Pagesintegrating students with disabilities into the campus milieu, despite social, legislative, and technological policies designed to provide equal opportunities in higher education. Education about the rights and necessary supports to further inclusion of students with disabilities in campus programs and activities is key for student affairs practitioners. Over the past 25 years since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the number of students with disabilities enrolled in postsecondaryRead MoreEssay Psych Research3628 Words   |  15 Pagesconsists of children ages 2-18 with a variety of child mental health problems (e.g. ADHD, Anxiety, adjustment problems), there is the opportunity to provide specialized services to patients referred by Deaconess-Riley specialists (e.g. Autism, Developmental Delays, childhood diabetes, endocrinology etc.) Requirements: Ph. D. or Psy.D. in child psychology/pediatri c psychology including completion of an internship in an APA-accredited child psychology program and licensed (or license eligible) in the

Overview of Ames Test Free Essays

The AMES test also known as bacteria reversed mutation assay is used to evaluate the mutagenic properties of test articles. The test was first developed by Bruce Ames in 1974 (Krebsfaenger). The amino acid dependent strain of S. We will write a custom essay sample on Overview of Ames Test or any similar topic only for you Order Now typhimurium and E. coli are used in this experiment where in the absence of the external histidine source, the cells cannot grow to form colonies. Specifically these strains of Salmonella are defective in 1. ) Repair of mutations (uvrB) and 2. A rfa mutation (eliminating a portion of lipolysaccharide (a coating of outer bacterial surface)). The rfa mutation here fulfills two purposes: 1. ) Helps Salmonella in growing in presence of sodium desoxycholate or crystal violet. and 2. ) Increases the cell permeability allowing more mutagen to enter the cell. The lack of uvrB gene in the decreases the rate of repair mechanism of mutations occurring resulting in the increased incidences of occurring mutations. These auxotrophic strain cannot grow on the media without histidine and biotine (due to uvrB). If these organisms are allowed to grow on the media lacking both of these, the strain get converted to prototroph resulting the organisms to grow on the mutagenic chemicals to be tested in the media. If the chemical being tested is mutagenic, the organisms will grow as some substance are capable of causing mutations in the cells at same site or at nearby sites resulting in restoring gene’s function and these mutations in the cells can revert back the gene regaining its function (Tejs). These revertant cells are then able to grow on the media which does not contain histdine as it can now synthesize histidine on its own. This mutation causes the cells to divide continuously. If there is no further mutation occurring in the cell, the cells will die out like normal cell. But if any further mutation occurs which allows the cells to grow for many generations, then the cancerous cells will be formed. The principle of Ames test is specifically based on the hypothesis that any substance that is mutagenic for the bacteria used in this test may also turn out to be carcinogenic (compound causing cancer). The most important limiting points of the Ames test includes first an assumption that though Ames test is being tested on prokaryotic microorganisms, it will detect the mutagens or cancer causing agents in human beings. (Though this test uses rat liver enzymes, Ames test is not able to serve the perfect model for human beings. ) Secondly, mutagens found by this test might not be carcinogenic i. e. further test may be required. also all carcinogens are not mutagens ( i. e. Ames test is unable to find such agents eg: asbestos). Third, some nitrate containing compounds lie nitroglycerine can cause false positive production by producing nitric oxide. ? Works Cited 1. Krebsfaenger, Niels. â€Å"AMES TEST: Bacterial Reversed Mutation Assay. † Genpharmtox, Assay Sheet AMES TEST. Gen Pharm Tox, n. d. Web. 21 Nov 2012. . 2. Tejs, Sebastian. â€Å"The Ames Test: A methodological Short Review. † Environmental Biotechnology. Environmental Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, n. d. Web. 27 Nov 2012. . 3. How to cite Overview of Ames Test, Essay examples

Environmental Engineering Water Treatment Processes †Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Environmental Engineering Water Treatment Processes. Answer: Introduction Treating water and safely storing it in the home are commonly referred to as ?household water treatment and safe storage or treating water at the ?point of use. Although household water treatment is not new, its recognition as a key strategy for improving public health is just emerging. For centuries, households have used a variety of methods for improving the appearance and taste of drinking-water. Successive generations were taught to boil water, expose it to the sun or store it in metal containers with biocide properties, all in an effort to make it safer to drink. It is recognized that the best way to reduce the risks associated with drinking unsafe water is by using the multi-barrier approach. Each step in this approach, from source protection, through water treatment to safe storage, provides an incremental protection against unsafe drinking-water. The concept of the multi-barrier approach is part of water safety plans, the principles of which can be applied at both community and household levels. Both conventional community and household systems follow the same basic water treatment process: sedimentation, filtration and disinfection (Fig below ). A typical community-level system that relies on surface water, for example, may incorporate source protection (drawing water from a deep inlet away from shore), assisted sedimentation (using coagulants), filtration (rapid sand) and disinfection (with ozone and chlorine to minimize recontamination during distribution). The Role Of Waste Water Treatment And Storage Waste water treatment and storage can help improve water quality at the point of consumption, especially when drinking-water sources are distant, unreliable or unsafe. However, waste water treatment and storage should be viewed primarily as a stopgap measure only; it does not replace the obligation of a service provider to provide access to safe drinking-water. It is intended for people who have no access to improved drinking-water sources, for people with access to improved sources outside of their home or premises (i.e. when contamination can occur during transport and storage), for people with unreliable piped supplies who have to store water to bridge the gaps between deliveries, and for people in emergency situations. Waste water treatment and storage can contribute to global efforts to provide universal access to safe drinking water. In many settings, both rural and urban, populations have access to sufficient quantities of water, but that water is unsafe as a result of microbiological or chemical contamination. This is increasingly true even for piped water. Supplies are rarely provided on a continuous basis, leading to faecal contamination of poorly maintained distribution systems and forcing households to store water in ways that can be easily recontaminated. For those who did not have access to sufficient quantities of water that requires treatment to remove pathogens, Waste water treatment and storage made a direct contribution to the Millennium Development Goal water target. Waste water treatment and storage has the potential to advance several health and development aims. There is evidence that the correct and consistent use of effective waste water treatment and storage among those relying on contaminated water supplies can prevent diarrhoeal diseases, a major killer among young children. Because enteric infection interferes with normal absorption of nutrients, waste water treatment and storage also has the potential for alleviating hunger. In conclusion Implementation experience suggests that waste water treatment and storage: ? dramatically improves microbiological water quality; ? can significantly reduce diarrhea disease if used correctly and consistently by a vulnerable population; ? is highly cost-effective; and ? can be quickly implemented and taken up by vulnerable populations. Waste water treatment and storage can contribute to the Sustainable development goals on water target while advancing other health and development goals. Providing safe, reliable, piped-in water to every household is an essential goal. However, the resources needed to construct, operate and maintain a piped community water supply system are not always available. Waste water treatment and storage can provide the health benefits of safe drinking-water while progress is being made in improving water supply infrastructure. Piped water systems and waste water treatment and storage should not be viewed in competition with one another; rather, they are complementary and both play a role in providing safe water and improving health. Resources should not be diverted from piped systems to support waste water treatment and storage programmers. Results Raw Water valuation Phase Turbidity (Nephelometric turbidity units) UV254_10cm DOC Colour (Pt/Co) Remarks Raw water Trial 2 0.274 8.779 32 Table 1 Turbidity From this initial raw water quality assessment, there is a clear detection of greater turbidity of 2.00 NTU as measured using HACH2100 Turbidimeter, this is an indication that there is a greater availability and presence of very fine clay particles. Hence, this water is not recommended for drinking until its purification takes place, since the proportion for turbidity for conducive water to be taken is supposed to be less than 0.1 Nephelometric turbidity units UV Absorbance (UV254) From this initial raw water quality assessment, there is greater indication that the raw water contains dissolve organic compounds with aromatic structures from natural organic materials, as per the record of 0.274, the water hence in recommendation is not suitable for drinking until the purification procedure takes place. Colour from the record of the initial quality assessment of raw water the water colour is found to be 32 Pt/Co, hence the water is able to absorb the light in the visible spectra range, a clear indication that the water contains dissolved minerals, dyes or humic acid from either plants or animals, water state is not recommended for drinking since recommended drinking water should contain below 3 Pt/Co Dissolved organic Carbon From the record of the initial water assessment quality the DOC recorded is 8.779, this is a clear indication that the water contains more dissolved organic carbon, hence the water is not recommended for drinking Optimum dosage of FeCl3.6H2O FeCl3.6H2O (mg/L) 5.00 10.00 25.00 50.00 Turbidity (NTU) 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.00 Colour (Pt/Co)) 21.00 30.00 0.00 -4.00 DOC 7.471 6.774 3.437 2.777 UV254_10cm 0.27 0.27 0.07 0.0652 Table 2 Turbidity The addition of ferric chloride in dosage on the initial raw water is observed to be reducing the turbidity from the initial 2 NTU to 1 NTU, 1 NTU, 1 NTU, 0 NTU on the dosage of 5.00 milligram per litre, 10.00 milligram per litre, 25.00 milligram per litre, 50.00 milligram per litre respectively of ferric chloride, this is an indication that that at 50 milligrams per litre ferric chloride the water is perfectly having no cloudiness. UV Absorbance (UV254) The addition of ferric chloride in dosage on the initial raw water is observed to be reducing the UV absorbance from initial 0.274 to 0,27, 0.27, 0.07 and 0.0652 on the dosage of 5.00 milligram per litre, 10.00 milligram per litre, 25.00 milligram per litre, 50.00 milligram per litre respectively of ferric chloride, this is an indication that much part of dissolve organic compounds with aromatic structure has reacted with the ferric chloride and have be been removed. Colour The addition of ferric chloride in dosage on the initial raw water is observed to be reducing the colour from initial 32 Pt/Co to 21 Pt/Co, 0 Pt/Co and -4 Pt/Co on the dosage of 5.00 milligram per litre , 10.00 milligram per litre, 25.00 milligram per litre, 50.00 milligram per litre respectively of ferric chloride, this is an indication that much part of dissolved minerals, dyes or humic acid from either plants or animals has been removed from their reaction with ferric chloride dosage, hence the water is perfectly colourless. Dissolved organic Carbon The addition of ferric chloride in dosage on the initial raw water is observed to be reducing the dissolve organic carbon from initial 8.779 to 7.471, 6.774, 3.437 and 2.777 on the dosage of 5.00 milligram per litre, 10.00 milligram per litre, 25.00 milligram per litre, 50.00 milligram per litre respectively of ferric chloride, this is an indication that more dissolve organic carbon have been removed from their reaction with ferric chloride Graphical presentation of impact on ferric chloride on the raw water Cl features for raw H2O Date Time Total chlorine (mg-Cl2/L) Remarks MQ Raw water 5.00 mg/L FeCl3 10.00 mg/L FeCl3 25.00 mg/L FeCl3 50.00 mg/L FeCl3 0.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 5 0.84 0.93 1.09 1.44 1.41 10 0.56 0.64 0.89 1.35 1.27 20 0.23 0.62 0.73 1.20 1.18 Table 3 From the table of chlorine decay for raw water and water containing ferric chloride, it observed that decay is decreasing with time in all the cases, but the water containing the dosage of ferric chloride at different amount having greater decay respectively as compared to the raw water. This is a clear indication that the raw water had greater availability of microorganism or pathogens as compared respectively to the water with different dosage of ferric chloride, hence lesser used. THM levels in treated, raw and MQ water Date Trihalomethane Before Cl deterioration trial for 50.00 milligram per litre ferric chloride added sample After Cl deterioration trial for 50.00 milligram per litre ferric chloride added sample 0.00 3.00 Table 4 It is observed that the Trihalomethane after Chlorine decay test for 50.00 milligram per litre ferric chloride is higher as compared to before Conclusion In conclusion, for effective water treatment to be recommended for drinking must be able to contain lesser turbidity, lesser UV absorbance, colorless in color and lesser DOC, and all this can be achive by dosage of ferric chloride in the raw water and injection of chlorine at the end to kill the pathogens, during the process of water treatment

Was Milgram Ethical In His Obedience Studies Essays -

Was Milgram Ethical In His Obedience Studies? Was Milgram Ethical in his Obedience Studies? When trying to determine weather or not Stanley Milgram's experiment on obedience vs. destructive obedience is ethical you need to know two things: One, determine a set of ethical means that Milgram must follow, in this case they were already laid out. Two: Determine if Milgram stepped out of the ethical rules that he had agreed to follow. The code of ethics that were placed on this experiment are the same set of codes that are placed on every experiment it includes: Respect for peoples rights, and dignity, concern for others welfare, social responsibility, among others. These codes of Ethics come from the DSMIV, in ?Ethical Standards? paragraph one, the General Standards states that all professional and scientific activities of psychologists must follow these guidelines. Some aspects included in the fore-mentioned codes include: ?Psychologists weigh the welfare and rights of their patients, and clients.? ?(psychologists) perform in a responsible fashion, that avoids or minimizes harm.? ?Psychologists are concerned about and work to mitigate the causes of human suffering.? ?Psychologists try to avoid misuse of their work.,? and most importantly, ?Psychologists are sensitive to real and ascribed differences in power between themselves and others, and the do not exploit or mislead other people during or after professiona l relationships.? This code of ethics was laid upon Stanley Milgram, weather or not he followed them is another story. Diane Baumrind, a celebrated psychologist, believes that Milgram was extremely unethical during his obedience study. Baumrind states that Milgram was doing the study to further his career, while Milgram states that it was a valid and ethical experiment. Baumrind also says that the experimenter is indebted to the patients, and that the experiment should not cause pain or indignity. She also believes that the experimenter should do all he/she can to reward the patient with what they did the experiment for (weather it be, money, support, scientific advancement). Baumrind believes that when a patient comes to a doctor that there is some sort of trust involved, trust that Baumrind believes that Milgram broke. Milgram responds in a manner that suggests that he was unethical during these experiments. He realizes that he is in a position of power and he uses this to manipulate his patients. Milgram does conclude with helpful results, but he received them using unethical means. Psychology

Free Essays on The Metaphysics Of Plato’s Socrates.

The Metaphysics of Plato’s Socrates. What we know is that we know nothing. Is there life beyond death? That is a ceaseless question that almost all people ask themselves at some point of their life on earth. Do we die and become worm food or should death be described as the separation of the soul from the body? Plato’s Socrates proposes that after death the soul exists by itself, apart from the body, while the body, for its part, remains by itself, apart from the soul. Socrates contrasts body and soul in terms of their respective desires: the contrast is in the eudaemonist ethical key, for it focuses on where body and soul, respectively, place their happiness. The body longs principally for the pleasures of eating, drinking, and sex, he observes, whereas the soul-which, I begin to detect, is being considered almost exclusively as a mind-soul, sets its desires on attaining wisdom. Socrates is assuming that readers will agree that these two desire registers are in opposition to each other, pull against each other, so that the soul of the philosopher who is earnest in his quest for wisdom must turn away from the body and its desires, turn toward the soul, and indeed set the soul free from involvement with the body. At this point I realized that Socrates’ view of the relationship between body and soul here, in the Phaedo, has turned out to be dualistic. The view satisfies the two criteria historians of thought lay down for any genuine dualism: first, most of the time there are two members involved, each of them being viewed as a reality capable of existing on its own; and, second, those members, even when joined to each other, remain opposed to each other. Hence, the ethical antagonism, the pull of one against the other, on which Socrates has just laid such heavy emphasis. Then he goes on to show that this dualistic antagonism operates in the epistemological sphere as well: it shows up in the way the body interfere... Free Essays on The Metaphysics Of Plato’s Socrates. Free Essays on The Metaphysics Of Plato’s Socrates. The Metaphysics of Plato’s Socrates. What we know is that we know nothing. Is there life beyond death? That is a ceaseless question that almost all people ask themselves at some point of their life on earth. Do we die and become worm food or should death be described as the separation of the soul from the body? Plato’s Socrates proposes that after death the soul exists by itself, apart from the body, while the body, for its part, remains by itself, apart from the soul. Socrates contrasts body and soul in terms of their respective desires: the contrast is in the eudaemonist ethical key, for it focuses on where body and soul, respectively, place their happiness. The body longs principally for the pleasures of eating, drinking, and sex, he observes, whereas the soul-which, I begin to detect, is being considered almost exclusively as a mind-soul, sets its desires on attaining wisdom. Socrates is assuming that readers will agree that these two desire registers are in opposition to each other, pull against each other, so that the soul of the philosopher who is earnest in his quest for wisdom must turn away from the body and its desires, turn toward the soul, and indeed set the soul free from involvement with the body. At this point I realized that Socrates’ view of the relationship between body and soul here, in the Phaedo, has turned out to be dualistic. The view satisfies the two criteria historians of thought lay down for any genuine dualism: first, most of the time there are two members involved, each of them being viewed as a reality capable of existing on its own; and, second, those members, even when joined to each other, remain opposed to each other. Hence, the ethical antagonism, the pull of one against the other, on which Socrates has just laid such heavy emphasis. Then he goes on to show that this dualistic antagonism operates in the epistemological sphere as well: it shows up in the way the body interfere...

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 57

Assignment Example Choosing the above vehicle was motivated by several psychological impacts that the vehicle portrays. As buying behaviors under consumer psychology illustrate, a stylish brand that offers performance and comfort has a powerful psychological appeal to the consumer (Kardes, Cronley and Thomas, 37). Such a powerful appeal portrayed the vehicle as the right brand that offers value for money, performance and status in the market. A unique brand has to have performance, style and fashion. Personally, one lesson that had been learned was that any brand of vehicle purchased has to offer the best possible mix of the three attributes at the best cost possible. The vehicle portrayed self-confidence, adaptability and authority, necessary attributes in defining the utility function and satisfaction level of a consumer (Kardes, Cronley and Thomas, 201). As a role model in the society, there is a need to stand out from the rest in choosing the vehicle to use. Some family members owned the vehicle model and recommended it as one of the best performers compared to its range of vehicles. In addition, considering my job, having a vehicle with a stylish structure compared to the rest wields significant social power; the vehicle fits perfectly in my social class. The vehicle fits perfectly in the class and cultural needs of the middle class customers. Marketers segment the market into small units and offer products according to the needs of such segmented market (Kardes, Cronley and Thomas, 37). As such, marketers have realized that, in middle class, people look for class and style while still considering the overall cost of the vehicle. As such, Lexus RX fits directly into the social class and the market needs in this segment due to its versatility. The buying habits have changed considerably with time. Over the time, most appealing product has been the leading brands in the

Case study Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Case study - Research Paper Example ng to firing of Ron Johnson, CEO within the first 17 months of operation the company is disturbed by trying to reorganize as it strives to remain relevant which has not been very easy. The company has been in operational for over 100 years. Its YOY revenues showed a 12% decline from USD 3.02 billion in 2012 to USD 2.66 billion in 2Q2013. The reason behind the declining trend is pegged on an unsuccessful strategy to change the business model. The company attempted to replace frequent discounts and promotions that were being offered and this was immediately followed by sharp lower sales, job cuts and high cash burns (Gilbertson, Mark & Daniel 142). The company default probability has sharply risen based on its weaker operating performance. The year probability of default rose to 8.5% from 0.4% in October 2012 showing a 2000% rise. JC Penny is ranked top as the riskiest Company based on the comparison of its 8.5% EDF measure that is calculated to be 101 times the median of the USD department Stores industry sector. This increase in the Company’s one year EDF is attached to the increases in financial risk or market leverage and its business risks also referred to as asset volatility (Gilbertson, Mark & Daniel 156). Its market leverage is analyzed to have more than doubled in the previous years with current figure estimated to be 69.2% which further affirms its riskiness. The failed attempted transformation of the model by the then company CEO, Johnson resulted into a sudden rise in business risks. The firm’s asset volatility rose to 24.4% from 19.5% between 2013 April and July 2012. From the IFE chart above we realize that the company scores about 2.52 which is almost the normal average requirement of 2.50. This means that the company is internal position is not good because it ought to have above the average (Gilbertson, Claudia, Mark, and Daniel 91). This further retaliate the earlier revelation by the growth ratios that the J.C Company is heading for bad

Single party states and rise to power and origins of the cold war Essay

Single party states and rise to power and origins of the cold war - Essay Example Hitler used the vacuum caused by the demise of the Weimar Republic to gain an electoral majority for the Nazi Party in 1933. One of the most important events in his rise to authority was his rejection of the idea of seizing power through violence after the disastrous Munich Putsch in the 1920’s. (Britannica) Unusual for a man that would eventually become a dictator, Hitler worked within the legitimate political system of his time to win power democratically, and then to quickly consolidate that power into an absolutist one-party state through isolated, symbolic acts of violence (such as the burning of the Reichstag) in order to create a paranoia that he could exploit. The organizational and administrative structure of the Nazi Party, together with Hitler’s well-documented ability to virtually hypnotize individuals, Party and country within a cult of personality and the still mysterious willingness of the German people to accept what appear on face-value to be ludicrous ideas led to the creation of the one-party, Nazi state. One might easily argue that Hitler’s greatest ‘success’ (judged by his perverse standards) was his managing to lead the German people from the baiting of Jews in the early 1930’s to the implementation of the Final Solution in the last four years of WWII. Unlike other leaders, who use a ‘divide-and-rule’ strategy to gain power through conjuring a hatred of the ‘Other’, Hitler gained power in order to be able to destroy that other. The hatred of Jews was not a means to an end, but the end that Hitler always had in mind. The Holocaust was not a sudden occurrence, but rather a slowly developing continuum of increasingly extreme acts that eventually led to mass-murder. Hitler’s greatest success was in convincing a large portion of the German people to at least passively accept what was occurring, if not actually openly help in the effort. (Goldhagen) All other

Effect of the Internet on Global Cultures

Effect of the Internet on Global Cultures How has the spread of communications technology affected cultures around the world? Assess the extent to which the internet is a medium for western culture alone. Communications technology includes all electronic systems, such as telephones, telex, fax, radio, television, video, the internet and email that individuals and groups use to communicate with each other (BNET Business Directory, 2010). Culture involves a set of shared values, attitudes and beliefs. Cultures vary widely throughout the world, not just between countries but also within countries. Additionally, each broad culture contains ‘sub-cultures and these can include different religions or racial groups, as well as groups of people who simply share the same values, attitudes and beliefs such as in ‘youth sub culture. There is no doubt that modern-day, communications technology, and the consequent globalisation of the mass media, is helping to break down traditional cultural boundaries and creating what is commonly referred to as a ‘global culture. A global culture involves the spread of popular cultural icons, which often dilute or ride roughshod over local cultures threatening the vast cultural diversity in the world. A positive consequence of the inexorable advance of communications technology is that people around the world can become aware of, and share in, each others culture thus encouraging diversity and discouraging intolerance. Indeed, Nobel laureate Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio believes that if the communications technology in place today had existed at the time of Hitlers rise to power then his criminal plot may have been buried under the weight of worldwide, public ridicule and intolerance (Cooper A, 2009). A negative consequence of ‘globalisation is that Western, and predominantly American, culture has gradually imposed itself around the world, usually to the detriment of long-established, indigenous cultures. Jan Aart Scholte (2002), of Centre for the Study of Globalisation and Regionalisation at the University of Warwick goes further by suggesting that creeping globalisation is creating a consumer-centred, single world culture that is focussed on all things American and the English language. Also, for those analysts who are opposed to globalisation, this type of global culture is accused of slowly killing diversity and tolerance as well as eradicating traditional ways of life. The internet is now in the forefront of this worldwide infiltration of culture by communications technology with nearly 7 billion people, 26% of the worlds population, having access to this medium (internetworldstats.com, 2010). The use of personal computers is a phenomenon that has its roots in Western culture with its inherent concepts of democracy and the freedom of communication between individuals although it has often appeared that communications technology has been largely responsible for the destruction of cultural values of all kinds, and not just those in the West (Barton D.T. et al, 2009). The internet, and in particular Social Networking Sites (SNS), are becoming increasingly popular. The Facebook SNS, for example, has over 350 million members worldwide (Facebook, 2009) and the market research company, Nielsen Online, reported in March 2009 that the Twitter social networking site had increased its membership by an astonishing 1,689% from February 2008 to February 2009 (Whitworth, D. 2009). However, despite growth in Asia, the usage of such sites still remains largely in the Western world and predominantly in America (techcrunchies.com, 2009). Also, although penetration of the internet generally is far greater in Western cultures than elsewhere, the actual number of internet users is higher, at 51% of all users worldwide, in non Western cultures. Indeed, the highest per centage of users, 42.6% (738.2 million individuals), is concentrated in Asia (internetworldstats.com, 2010). In conclusion, it can be seen that the spread of communications technology has affected cultures around the world with particular concerns over the proliferation of western style culture at the expense of other ways of life. However, not all of the cultural outcomes have been negative as evidenced by the positive impact of communications technology on cultural diversity and tolerance. Also, the perception that the internet is a medium for Western culture is true in terms of penetration but not in terms of the numbers of actual users. In addition, the misconception that the global dissemination of information can be controlled, and thereby the impact of communications technology on cultures could, if desired, be mitigated is a mistaken one in the view of globalisation gurus David Held and Andrew McGrew: ‘Many national controls over information have become ineffective. People everywhere are exposed to the values of other cultures as never before (Held and McGrew, 2003. Page 17). Reference List Barton D.T., Pope, J.W., and Stratton, J., 2009. ‘Computers, Telecommunications and Western Culture. . Accessed 13.02.10. BNET Business Directory, 2010. ‘Definition for: Communication Technology. . Accessed 13.02.10 Cooper A, 2009. ‘The Role of Technology in Promoting Tolerance. . Accessed 13.02.10 Facebook, 2009. . Accessed 13.02.10 Held, D. and McGrew, A., 2003. ‘The global transformations reader: an introduction to the globalization debate. Polity Press, Cambridge, Page 17. internetworldstats.com, 2010. ‘World Internet Users and Population Stats. . Accessed 13.02.10 Scholte, J. A., 2002. ‘Globalization – A Critical Introduction, Macmillan Press Limited, London. Page 23. techcrunchies.com, 2009. ‘Reach of Social Networks among Internet Users in Asia Pacific. . Accessed 13.02.10 Whitworth, D. 2009. BBC Newsbeat website. ‘Twitter growth explodes in a year. . Accessed 13.02.10

Community Service Project Reflection Essay -- Volunteer Work, Service

The thought of community service was a bore to me before I began my volunteer work. I dreaded starting my community service although I knew I had to do it. Where I earned my hours did not even matter to me. I just wanted to get it over with. To my surprise it was not what I expected. Community service was not a painful experience; it was a very enjoyable and beneficial experience. I performed my community service with Habitat for Humanity. The non†profit organization chooses the applicant that purchases the house and Habitat only charges them the cost of the materials. Almost every worker is a volunteer so Habitat for Humanity does not have to pay a high amount of wages. I felt good about myself being one of those volunteers. The future owner of the house had to work on it too. They are...

The Return: Midnight Chapter 12

â€Å"Stefan. Stefan!†Elena had been too nervous to stay out of the bedroom for longer than the five minutes it had taken to show herself to the sheriffs. It was Stefan the officers real y wanted and couldn't find, not seeming to consider that someone might backtrack and hide in a room that had already been searched. And now Elena couldn't get a response out of Stefan, who was locked in an embrace with Meredith, mouth pressed tightly over the two little wounds he'd made. Elena had to shake him by the shoulders, to shake both of them, in order to get any response. Then Stefan reared back suddenly, but held on to Meredith, who would otherwise have fal en. He hastily licked blood from his lips. For once, though, Elena wasn't focused on him, but on her friend – her friend whom she'd al owed to do this. Meredith's eyes were shut, but they had dark, almost plum-colored circles under them. Her lips were parted, and her dark cloud of hair was wet where tears had fal en into it. â€Å"Meredith? Merry?†The old nickname just slipped out of Elena's lips. And then, when Meredith gave no sign of having heard her: â€Å"Stefan, what's wrong?† â€Å"I Influenced her at the end to sleep.†Stefan lifted Meredith and put her on the bed. â€Å"But what happened? Why is she crying – and what's wrong with you?†Elena couldn't help but notice that despite the healthy flush on Stefan's cheeks his eyes were shadowed. â€Å"Something I saw – in her mind,†Stefan said briefly, pul ing Elena behind his back. â€Å"Here comes one of them. Stay there.† The door opened. It was the male sheriff, who was red-faced and panting, and who had clearly just lapped himself, returning to this room after starting from it to search the entire first floor. â€Å"I have them al in a room – al but the fugitive,†the sheriff said into a large black mobile. The female sheriff made some brief reply. Then the red-faced male turned to speak to the teenagers. â€Å"Now what's going to happen is that I'm going to search you† – he nodded at Stefan – â€Å"while my partner searches you two.†His head jerked, ear-first, at Meredith. â€Å"What's wrong with her, anyway?† â€Å"Nothing that you could understand,†Stefan replied cool y. The sheriff looked as if he couldn't believe what had just been said. Then, suddenly, he looked as if he could, and did, and he took a step toward Meredith. Stefan snarled. The sound made Elena, who was right behind him, jump. It was the low savage snarl of an animal protecting its mate, its pack, its territory. The ruddy-faced policeman suddenly looked pale and panicked. Elena guessed that he was looking at a mouth ful of teeth much sharper than his own, and tinged with blood as well. Elena didn't want this to turn into a pi – that was, a†¦snarling match. As the sheriff gabbled to his partner, â€Å"We may need some of them silver bul ets after al ,†Elena poked her beloved, who was now making a noise like a very big buzz saw that she could feel in her teeth, and whispered, â€Å"Stefan, Influence him! The other one's coming, and she may already have cal ed for backup.† At her touch, Stefan stopped making the sound, and when he turned she could see his face changing from that of a savage animal baring its teeth back to his own dear, green-eyed self. He must have taken a lot of blood from Meredith, she thought, with a flutter in her stomach. She wasn't sure how she felt about that. But there was no denying the after-effects. Stefan turned back to the male sheriff and said crisply, â€Å"You wil go into the front hal way. You wil remain there, silent, until I tel you to move or speak.†Then, without looking up to see if the officer was obeying or not, he tucked the blankets more tightly around Meredith. Elena was watching the sheriff, though, and she noticed that he didn't hesitate an instant. He made an about-face and marched off to the front foyer. Then Elena felt safe enough to look at Meredith again. She couldn't find anything wrong in her friend's face, except her unnatural pal or, and those violet shadows around her eyes. â€Å"Meredith?†she whispered. No response. Elena fol owed Stefan out of the room. She had just made it to the foyer when the female sheriff ambushed them. Coming down the stairs, pushing the fragile Mrs. Flowers before her, she shouted, â€Å"On the ground! Al of you!†She gave Mrs. Flowers a hard shove forward. â€Å"Get down now!† When Mrs. Flowers almost fel sprawling on the floor, Stefan leaped and caught her, and then turned back to the other woman. For a moment Elena thought that he would snarl again, but instead, in a voice tight with self-control, he said, â€Å"Join your partner. You can't move or speak without my permission.† He took the shaken-looking Mrs. Flowers to a chair on the left side of the foyer. â€Å"Did that – person – hurt you?† â€Å"No, no. Just get them out of my house, Stefan, dear, and I'l be most grateful,†Mrs. Flowers replied. â€Å"Done,†Stefan said softly. â€Å"I'm sorry we've caused you so much trouble – in your own home.†He looked at each of the sheriffs, his eyes piercing. â€Å"Go away and don't come back. You have searched the house, but none of the people you were looking for were here. You think further surveil ance wil yield nothing. You believe that you would do more good by helping the – what was it? Oh, yes, the mayhem in the town of Fel ‘s Church. You wil never come here again. Now go back to your car and leave.† Elena felt the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She could feel the Power behind Stefan's words. And, as always, it was satisfying to see cruel or angry people become docile under the power of a vampire's Influence. These two stood for another ten seconds quite stil , and then they simply walked out the front door. Elena listened to the sound of the sheriff's car driving away and such a strong feeling of relief washed over her that she almost col apsed. Stefan put his arms around her, and Elena hugged him back tightly, knowing that her heart was pounding. She could feel it in her chest and her fingertips. It's all over. All done now, Stefan thought to her and Elena suddenly felt something different. She felt pride. Stefan had simply taken charge and chased the officers away. Thank you, she thought to Stefan. â€Å"I guess we'd better get Matt out of the root cel ar,†she added. Matt was unhappy. â€Å"Thanks for hiding me – but do you know how long that was?†he demanded of Elena when they were upstairs again. â€Å"And no light except what was in that little star bal . And no sound – I couldn't hear a thing down there. And what is this?†He held out the long, heavy wooden staff, with its strangely shaped, spiked ends. Elena felt sudden panic. â€Å"You didn't cut yourself, did you?†She snatched up Matt's hands, letting the long staff fal to the ground. But Matt didn't seem to have a single scratch. â€Å"I wasn't dumb enough to hold it by the ends,†he said. â€Å"Meredith did, for some reason,†Elena said. â€Å"Her palms were covered with wounds. And I don't even know what it is.† â€Å"I do,†Stefan said quietly. He picked up the stave. â€Å"But it's Meredith's secret real y. I mean it's Meredith's property,†he added hastily as al eyes fixed on him at the word secret. â€Å"Well, I'm not blind,†Matt said in his frank, straightforward way, flipping back some fair hair in order to look more closely at the thing. He raised blue eyes to Elena. â€Å"I know what it smells like, which is vervain. And I know what it looks like with al those silver and iron spikes coming out of the sharp ends. It looks like a giant staff for exterminating every kind of Godawful Hel acious monster that walks on this earth.† â€Å"And vampires, too,†Elena added hastily. She knew that Stefan was in a funny mood and she definitely didn't want to see Matt, for whom she stil cared deeply, lying on the floor with a crushed skul . â€Å"And even humans – I think these bigger spikes are for injecting poison.† â€Å"Poison?†Matt looked at his own palms hastily. â€Å"You're okay,†Elena said. â€Å"I checked you, and besides it would be a very quick-acting poison.† â€Å"Yes, they would want to take you out of the fight as fast as possible,†Stefan said. â€Å"So if you're alive now, you're likely to stay that way. And now, this Godawful Hel acious monster just wants to get back up to bed.†He turned to go to the attic. He must have heard Elena's swift, involuntarily indrawn breath, because he turned around and she could see that he was sorry. His eyes were dark emerald, sad but blazing with unused Power. I think we'l have a late morning, Elena thought, feeling pleasurable thril s ripple through her. She squeezed Stefan's hand, and felt him return the pressure. She could see what he had in mind; they were close enough and he was projecting pretty clearly what he wanted – and she was as eager to get upstairs as he was. But at that moment Matt, eyes on the wickedly spiked staff, said, â€Å"Meredith has something to do with that?† â€Å"I should never have said anything at al about it,†Stefan replied. â€Å"But if you want to know more, you'd real y better ask Meredith herself. Tomorrow.† â€Å"Al right,†Matt said, final y seeming to understand. Elena was way ahead of him. A weapon like that was – could only be – for kil ing al sorts of monsters walking the earth. And Meredith – Meredith who was as slim and athletic as a bal erina with a black belt, and oh! Those lessons! The lessons that Meredith had always put off if the girls were doing something at that exact moment, but that she always somehow managed to make time for. But a girl could hardly be expected to carry a harpsichord around with her and nobody else had one. Besides, Meredith had said she hated to play, so her BFFs had let it go at that. It was al part of the Meredith mystique. And riding lessons? Elena would bet some of them were genuine. Meredith would want to know how to make a quick escape mounting anything available. But if Meredith wasn't practicing for a little light music in the drawing room, or for starring in a Hol ywood Western – then what would she have been doing? Training, Elena guessed. There were a lot of dojos out there, and if Meredith had been doing this since that vampire attacked her grandfather she must be pretty darn good. And when we've fought grisly things, whose eyes have ever been on her, a soft gray shadow that kept out of the limelight? A lot of monsters probably got knocked out but good. The only question that needed to be answered was why Meredith hadn't shown them the Godawful Hel acious monster staker or used it in any fights – say against Klaus – until now. And Elena didn't know, but she could ask Meredith herself. Tomorrow, when Meredith was up. But she trusted that it had some simple answer. Elena tried to stifle a yawn in a ladylike way. Stefan? she asked. Can you get us out of here – without picking me up – and to your room? â€Å"I think we've al had enough stress this morning,†Stefan said in his own gentle voice. â€Å"Mrs. Flowers, Meredith is in the first-floor bedroom – she'l probably sleep very late. Matt – â€Å" â€Å"I know, I know. I don't know where the schedule went but I might as well make it my night.†Matt presented an arm to Stefan. Stefan looked surprised. Darling, you can never have too much blood, Elena thought to him, seriously and straightforwardly. â€Å"Mrs. Flowers and I wil be in the kitchen,†she said aloud. When they were there, Mrs. Flowers said, â€Å"Don't forget to thank Stefan for defending the boardinghouse for me.† â€Å"He did it because it's our home,†Elena said, and went back into the hal , where Stefan was thanking a flushing Matt. And then Mrs. Flowers cal ed Matt into the kitchen and Elena found herself swooped up in lithe, hard arms and then they were gaining altitude rapidly, with the wood staircase emitting little creaks and groans of protest. And final y they were in Stefan's room and Elena was in Stefan's arms. There was no better place to be, or anything else either of them real y wanted now, Elena thought and turned her face up as Stefan turned his down and they began with a long slow kiss. And then the kiss went molten, and Elena had to cling to Stefan, who was already holding her with arms that could have cracked granite, but only squeezed her exactly as tightly as she wanted them to.

Afropithecus - Facts and Figures

Afropithecus - Facts and Figures Name: Afropithecus (Greek for African ape); pronounced AFF-roe-pith-ECK-us Habitat: Jungles of Africa Historical Epoch: Middle Miocene (17 million years ago) Size and Weight: About five feet tall and 100 pounds Diet: Fruits and seeds Distinguishing Characteristics: Large size; relatively long snout with large teeth About Afropithecus Paleontologists are still trying to sort out the complicated relationships of the early African hominids of the Miocene epoch, which were some of the first true apes on the prehistoric primate evolutionary tree. Afropithecus, discovered in 1986 by the famous mother-and-son team of Mary and Richard Leakey, testifies to the ongoing confusion: this tree-dwelling ape had some anatomical features in common with the better-known Proconsul, and it also seems to have been closely related to Sivapithecus as well (a genus to which Ramapithecus has now been assigned as a separate species). Unfortunately, Afropithecus isnt as well attested, fossil-wise, as these other hominids; we do know from its scattered teeth that it fed on tough fruits and seeds, and it seems to have walked like a monkey (on four feet) rather than an ape (on two feet, at least some of the time).

David Hume- Aesthetics Essay Example

David Hume David Hume- Aesthetics Paper David Hume- Aesthetics Paper David Hume is one of the most significant thinkers among the Enlightenment. He is motivated by the question what is beauty, and how certain responses to artwork reflect objectivity. Hume’s essay of 1757,â€Å"Of the Standard of Taste† elegantly describes examples of the tradition of aesthetic judgment The growth of scientific knowledge influenced a sense of general optimism among Enlightenment thinkers. This sense of optimism in result called for a more critical use of human intellect. By overturning long established dogmas, people scrutinized the very prerogatives of reason in relation to political and religious institutions. During this same time, theorists were trying to take account of all the various creative activities that were occurring such as poetry, music, dance, architecture, and sculpture etc. They generalized them into one category of â€Å"fine arts† or â€Å"beaux arts† assuming all activities were unified by the common function and purpose; pleasure. Hume devotes his aesthetic philosophy to describe and analyze art and taste within the field of criticism. clea Humes essay â€Å"Standard of Taste† is divided into four major parts. First part compares the two views of artistic values. He supports the idea of common sense what it comes to judging artwork. It seems from this philosophy that no response to artwork can be wrong because personal taste varies throughout people and therefore cannot be dismissed. Hume rejects the conclusion that beauty simply equates with the sentiment of pleasure received by the object or thing. This is because he says sentiment â€Å"exists merely in the mind† which makes no individual response more superior than another. The Second stage of Humes argument The third stage that Hume discusses in his essay (17 through 27) outlines what he believes constitutes a true judge of art and what may be required to improve ones own standard for judging art. â€Å"Strong sense, united to delicate sentiment, improved by practice, perfected by comparison, and cleared of all prejudice. † These specific factors in his mind would result in an individual worthy of a true judgment of at least a certain kind of artwork. In the fourth and concluding stage Hume stems from the third in the concept of who is the true standard. While seeking this specific critic of beauty one has to also take into account peculiar circumstances that may effect the experience and overall judgment of works. Circumstances can arise from unavoidable prejudices, which even the best critics cant avoid. Factors of natural differences such as age can result in generational differences, as well as cultural biases. A critics moral outlook constitutes as another circumstance that may complicate the judgment of certain kinds of works. Moderate moralism, Hume advocates as the best position to view works in because it confine circumstances where a work will be blemished by improper moral attitudes. David Hume was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on May 7, 1711. He was a philosopher, historian, economist, and essayist. He is regarded as one of the most important thinkers of Western philosophy and the Enlightenment. He is known especially for his philosophical empiricism or sense derived knowledge and skepticism and also for his influence on another important thinker during the Enlightenment, Emanuel Kant. Hume constantly tried to describe how the mind works in regards to knowledge and how the mind works. Experience meant a lot to Hume because he thought it served as the basis of his theory of knowledge. Hume attended the University of Edinburgh at the extraordinarily young age of 10 or 12. At first his family and him thought that a career in law was what his future may entail due to a family tradition on both sides. Yet, later he had become inspired by the different pursuits of philosophy. After a nervous breakdown and a few years to recover in 1729, he tried a job in a merchants office in 1734. He then came to a turning point in his life where he retired to France to spend the majority of his time studying and writing. During this time spent Hume produced a writing which was separated into three books called A Treatise of Human Nature. These books was the first of Hume’s attempts at a full fledged philosophical endeavor. It was certainly his most thoroughly written product of his thoughts mostly explaining his theories about mans process of thought and knowledge. During his younger years, Hume was earning enough money to gain leisure for his philosophical studies. In this time he wrote, rewrote, and added to the book, Treatise. It was in this set of three books that Hume developed his mature thought about the nature of reasoning in regards to fact and experience. The growth of scientific knowledge influenced a sense of general optimism among Enlightenment thinkers. This sense of optimism in result called for a more critical use of human intellect. By overturning long established dogmas, people scrutinized the very prerogatives of reason in relation to political and religious institutions. Hume was the first philosopher of the post medieval world to reformulate the skepticism of the ancients. (Cranston) His conclusion that man is more a creature of senses and practical sentiment or taste than that of reason guided many prominent philosophers to follow. Hume’s general analysis of measuring the aesthetic experience of an object or thing is generated from a personal taste. He believes that there is no wrong evaluative response to a work of art. No reaction or opinion can be dismissed simply because it maybe disfavored by the majority. If something is beautiful to someone then this fact cannot be argued or judged upon by another. Of course, this philosophy comes with certain limitations and specifications determining who is worthy of true judgment of works according to David Hume. In Hume’s essay he outlines what people can do to improve one’s taste and what kind of qualities must be instilled to qualify as a true judge of at least some kinds of works of art. Five qualities, Hume says, would qualify for this job. â€Å"Strong sense, united to delicate sentiment, improved by practice, perfected by comparison, and cleared of all prejudice†. These conditions he believes need to be evident in order to achieve a more qualified personal taste towards a specific kind of work. Even with the best critics there can be certain complicating circumstances that can interfere with judgment. Hume believes these kinds of unavoidable prejudices come from a matter of moral outlook. Bias that comes from individual morality varies greatly and Hume thinks that this can be a huge flaw when it comes to a persons judgment of work. Hume advocates a position of moderate moralism when it comes to â€Å"the natural boundaries of vice and virtue†. This way the works being exposed to the individual judge will not be blemished by overt premonitions.

Discuss whether it seems possible for alternative (i.e Essay

Alternative Media Substituting Mainstream Media in Developed & Developing Countries - Essay Example While such pluralism dissipates political subversions of free opinion, smaller countries with authoritative regimes at the helm of affairs do throttle traditional media mechanisms. The situation is even worse in nations where the capitalist mode of an economy still persists. As argued by critical theorists Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer, both microcosmic as well as macrocosmic social structures unleash equal amount of media propaganda in the guise of art. Maintaining this line of argument it can be inferred that technological boom has affected people’s cultural integrity and identity in a detrimental manner, resulting in generalization of opinions and conscious worldviews (Adorno and Horkheimer 1944). If we take the example of a developing nation like Turkey, or any other Middle-Eastern country for that matter, it would be clear that mainstream media has long resorted to alternative media agents in order to remain independent of state administered policies. Instead of acting like a mere vehicle to voice the politically motivated manifesto of the State, media houses do adopt a neutral standpoint within a restricted religious ideal (Romano 147). It has to be underlined that consumer culture primarily driven by religious fundamentalism does very little to encourage semi-formalized notions of production and absorption of mass

Personal goal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Personal goal - Essay Example Examination of such goals in the light of changing global dynamics can allow one to be prepared for future challenges. My personal goal is to become an educator in near future. The reason for selecting this field is its continuous innovation and evolution. Where becoming an educator requires one to remain upbeat with recent advancements in given field of study but also keep one’s skills inventory updated according to new inventions in the field of education. With advent of new technology, emphasis on second language learning and also changed educational regimes supported by changes in government policies, teachers are required to be highly skilled. Being skilled does not only means having command over the subject matter but also having capacity and capability of meeting individual students’ needs in a whole class. Furthermore, technological interventions have completely transformed the landscape of classrooms in past decade or so. Mobile lectures, online coaching and ex aminations are common tools used by instructors today. It is important to note that this scenario is highly different than what existed in schools some ten years back. In addition to that, government policies like no child left behind, no discrimination and care for vulnerable students has also increased the importance of educators. Today, educators are not only source of knowledge but they are also guardians and mentors of their students. This multi-faceted role increases further when global dynamics get involved. Universities, schools and colleges cater to students from different nationalities, cultural groups and religions. Such amalgamation of cultural and social values cannot be dealt with a uniform approach. Therefore, it is important that educators are culturally sensitive and neutral while dealing with such students (Burbules and Torres 23). In addition to that, there are also substitute replacement programs where educators from different countries serve in educational insti tutes across the border. Such robust environment requires educators to remain aware of advancement in their fields and adapt to changing environments, furthermore it is also important to have an ability of handling audience comprising of different demographic characteristics. Where I am well-aware of the requirement of global environment in education sector, I see myself progressing from a role of teacher to a researcher and published author in the given field. This role would be accompanied by continuation of the role of educator at senior level i.e. professor or lecturer in a reputed institute. I would also like to be part of curriculum designing in coming ten years. I am aware of the fact that due to changing global dynamics and interchangeable cultural, social and technological characteristics of educational sector, the concepts of lifelong learning will not apply to students but also to teachers as well. Therefore, I am willing to learn teaching techniques that would be require d in a global learning environment. Awareness of impacts of globalization on my personal and professional goals has enabled me to be prepared for future challenges. Due to information communication and technology (ICT) along with multiculturalism is the global curriculum, teachers are under a greater burden to adopt uniform educational techniques

Management of change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Management of change - Essay Example If the organizations fail to accomplish the two objectives they are often considered as â€Å"corporate dinosaurs† because they no longer fit to the current business environment (Ashkenas, 1999). In order to make the organizations change-capable there are some significant strategies that should be implemented. They are as follows: Determining the type of Change Perhaps the most difficult task that the organization needs to get involved in is to determine the type of change that it needs to accept. Precisely, in order to design the change-capable strategic issues it is worth to distinguish between two types of changes: Evolutionary Change and Transformational Change. Evolutionary change refers to the constant adjustments, product alterations and enhancements that an organizations need to make as per demanded by the customers. Transformational change refers to the dramatic change in the organization’s core competencies. For Example: Nokia becoming a wood supplier though h aving their expertise in telecommunications. With the advancements in technologies, organizations have to be capable of changing their core competencies. The best way to think of the need for a change capability is that at least most organizations should be capable of adapting an evolutionary change. But in some circumstances, the need for a transformational change could be vital; therefore it is important to take the necessary steps to prepare the organization accordingly. For this, financial processes should be planned under which funds would be offered to individuals, structures which include some special new ventures that have experienced a major change in past and the rewards system should be acquired under which rewards will be offered to those that contributed in a transformational change within an organization. What Aspects Should Be Kept Stable? In order to adapt a change it is very important to analyze what particular aspects should be kept stable and what aspects should b e allowed to change rapidly. This could certainly be a significant facilitator of change. It is partially determined by the type of change that the organization needs to make. Many aspects can be kept stable in case of an evolutionary change but it would be a completely different scenario while adapting to a transformational change. In the case of a transformational change, stability refers to the commitment towards a certain goal, way of communication with the individuals and moreover rewarding and appreciating them for their respective contributions. As aforementioned, much more can be kept stable in case of a continuous evolutionary change. For example, the Human Resources systems and the basic organizational culture can remain constant. Some of the key processes can also be kept stable such as communication with the staff and the measurement of the business success. Dealing with Internal Competition Internal and external competition can be significant in order to encourage a cha nge. It is quite obvious that the organization’s main focus would be to concentrate on its external competition. Competing against your external rivals would certainly be very supportive and helpful but resolving the issues of the internal competition is also very necessary. It is very important for an organization to maximize the focus and provide proper emphasis on internal competitors as well

Gender differences in the effects of divorce Essay Example for Free

Gender differences in the effects of divorce Essay Besides behaviour differences among children of divorced and intact families, there are also gender differences to consider. Hyatt suggests that boys and girls react differently to parental divorce. Boys tend to create more behavioural problems in school than girls do. Boys’ self-esteem tends to decline as a result of divorce and they seek constant attention from the teacher and disturb class with irrelevant talks. Their effort in school work also decline. Hyatt mentions that boys are more prone to difficulty of losing contact to their father hence regular communication with the father can help these adjustment problems. Girls’ behaviour in school after parental divorce is not as noticeable as boys because they do not manifest their difficulties by acting out in class. Rather, they tend to become more anxious or unhappy or showing over controlled good behaviour. Another findings concerning gender difference in the effects of divorce is that girls do accept help from their teachers unlike boys. This is because girls see their school as a place where they can be supported during divorce while boys conduct socially unacceptable behaviour. School Behaviour of Children of Divorced Families Human beings grow by constantly adapting to new environment therefore adapting to an environment is part of life cycle. Children’s educational place can be divided into home, school and the society. The child and environment continuously interact and the school takes over large part of a child’s life. Therefore as well as having a settled family life, school period is also important in determining how children might turn out in the future. School is a place where children enjoy, and gain sense of satisfaction by experiencing various activities and maintain harmonized relationships with the teachers and other students. Similarly, school adjustment is defines as taking interest in school environment and feel comfortable being in school with other children. This adjustment reflects on their school achievement and development. For instance, children who enjoy being in school and participate in school activities are likely to gain more educational experiences than those who have adjustment disorder. Liebman defines school adjustment disorder as excessive reaction where individuals are unable to harmonize with the school environment and other students which will prohibit individual development. Children of divorced families are likely to have more difficulties in school adjustment than those of children from intact families. Berbe suggests that children with adjustment disorder tend to attract teacher’s attention by inappropriate questions in class, distract other children and find it hard to pay attention in class. They also refuse teacher’s request and are often disobedient. And if they continue to show irresponsible academic behaviour, it leads to serious adjustment disorder. Heck’s idea is also similar to Berbe’s suggestion that children with adjustment disorder problems are frequently absent and tend to be oppositional in class. However, it is difficult to judge the cause of maladjustment solely on divorce. How children respond to above stress can vary from a child to child. It can differ according to their age, gender or disposition and the environment includes economic stature of parents, social approval rating of parents and family conflict. Variables are categorized as they may affect children’s school adjustment into demographic differences and family variables. Demographic differences include race, gender, and parental socioeconomic status and family variables include relationships, organisation, control, social support, mother rejection and father rejection. Behaviour of children of divorced in school As mentioned earlier, children from divorced families appear to have difficulty in academic achievement and relationship with other children at school than children from intact families. The cause of this should not be looked at solely on the primary factor which is divorce. Secondary factors are to be considered as well, such as the change in socioeconomic structure and resources after divorce. For example, as mentioned earlier, economic loss, poor parental adjustment, lack of parental competence and parental loss can cause behavioural problems. As mentioned in the section of ‘Comparison between children of divorce and intact families’, women’s standard of living is reduced by 29 % after divorce and absence of father can have negative influence on children more on boys than girls. Regarding studies on children’s maladjustment behaviour, Liner categorizes disorder behaviour as: ? action-out behaviour like hitting someone and being aggressive ? withdrawing behaviour: very quiet, sucking fingers, restricted behaviour ? defensive behaviour: lying, ignoring ? disorganised behaviour: escaping from reality Similarly, Wickman describes behaviour of children with adjustment disorder as: ? immoral, dishonest, in resistance to authority, stealer, cheater, disobedient, rude and rebellious ? often violates regulation of class, careless, loses interest in study, negligent and trustless ? exaggerated and offensive personality ? unsociable, overly sensitive, and liar Based on experience, as a teacher of young children, those from divorced families have lower academic achievement, are socially isolated, overly sensitive, either humiliate themselves or boast and show negative behaviour in class. Specifically, their academic grade is poorer than it used to be and they do not try to socialize with others in class. Further, they often seem absent-minded and tend to change their mood easily. If they are scolded for not doing their homework or asked to answer something they do not know, they use violent language in response. They also suffer from headache and easily get tired. This behaviour of children can also be explained by Rotter’s theory of locus of control. Locus of control refers to how individuals attribute the cause of their behaviour to internal or external forces. In applying to children of divorced families, children who have internal locus of control believe that if their parents are divorced, it is their fate. Therefore these children are able to handle any difficulties and feel less psychological distress. In contrast, children who have external locus of control believe that if they do not perform well in school, they tend to blame external factors such as parental divorce rather than blame themselves. Hence, these children are likely to suffer from severe distress than those who have internal locus of control. When elementary school children experience parents’ divorce, they can become aggressive and develop sense fear and sorrow. Some children also imagine reunion of their parents. And they also explain that children’s school behaviour depend on how they are treated at home. As per experience, the relationship between custodial parent and the child seem to have a large impact. Prior research says that the relationship between the behaviour of custodial parents and children’s school adjustment illustrate that the attitude of custodial parents has large influence on children’s school achievement. Mothers’ affection can influence enormously on developing children’s social skills. From mother-child relationship, children learn responsibility, self-control and social skills, hence, hostile attitude towards children can act as hindrance in developing social skills. Therefore one can learn that the attitude of custodial parent becomes important factor which influence children’s school adjustment.

Natural Religion Versus Revealed Religion Philosophy Essay

Natural Religion Versus Revealed Religion Philosophy Essay Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion is a religious philosophical work of the Scottish philosopher David Hume.  It is about the fight the three characters of Cleanthes, Philo and Demea about the nature of Gods existence. Hume began the process of dialogue later than in 1750, it was published only in 1779. Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, religion, philosophical works of David Hume, were published posthumously 1779.  The work is written as a fictional dialogue between the three main characters Cleanthes, Philo and Demea. Cleanthes argues for the existence of God.  He stresses the teleological sense, for example, that the worlds effectiveness suggests an intelligent designer. Demea can rather be characterized as a mystic, who claims that God is beyond reason.  The main reason for that belief is an internal feeling or certainty.  However, Demea is trying, at one point, to defend a version of the cosmological proof of God. Philo is the most skeptical of the three, and probably the most often seems to reflect the Humes own point of view, as described in Humes Dialogues as Philosophy of Science. Conversations about religion in the Dialogue concerning Natural Religion, is the literature on philosophy by the Scottish philosopher David Hume.  The publication consults together with three characters- Demea, Philo and Cleanthes, the nature of religion and the existence of God.  They all agree that God exists, but disagree on the nature and properties, and that they can ever gain knowledge of the gods.  Among the things they talk about is the design rationale for the existence of God. Hume started writing the Dialogues on religion in 1750, but did not finish with them until 1776, shortly before he died.  The publication is based in part on the publication of Cicero De Natura Deorum (On the nature of the Gods).  Conversations about religion came to Hume, after he died in 1779. 3. Give a complete account of the Argument from Design as stated by Cleanthes. In part I, the skepticism is discussed, which is made strong by Philo.  Cleanthes, however, rejects the global skepticism because it was not for pragmatic reasons, could be represented.  In Part II to VIII, the argument was put forward by Cleanthes, as the argument from design was discussed. Cleanthes believes that the world has similarity with the products of human activity and could be seen as a great machine.  Since similar effects could also lead to similar effects, it is permissible to infer by analogy that God to the man is similar.  God is a kind of exaggerated human being is, however, better and probably also was distinguished by the usual attributes of immortality, omnipotence, omniscience and benevolence. Thus, represented by Cleanthes anthropomorphism is criticized by the other two severely and extensively.  Demea calls for the incomprehensibility of God, pointing to the weak nature of the human spirit, which is composed of variable and  Philo designs also a long list of alternative conclusions, and describes the world that could not be excluded by Cleanthes: his argument still leaves many gods instead of one, also could the world be regarded as good as an animal, which enables a completely different description of God.  He also puts forward a variant of the theory of nature, passes after a series of finite worlds to each other the momentum of change.  In this theory, he is already approaching the Hume to as yet unknown theory of evolution.  Cleanthes can be traced from Philo provoking presentations and throws out any of his theories of the world, which were produced exactly as it is of necessity.  This philosophy applies, however, against the design argument for which th is is true either.  At the end of Part VIII, he claimed that there was the reluctance of any appeal, the only tenable position, as stated in How David Humes Critique of the Design Argument Survives for Three Centuries. Two of the experts involved in the dialogues represent two major trends of the Century of Enlightenment in the discussion of natural religion: one, Cleanthes, is a deist, a theist or perhaps better, not only argues for the existence of God but also of  His providence, the other Demea, is a defender of orthodox Christianity.  The third, Philo is the fencing of the skeptical point of view.  The theist Cleanthes claims arrogantly that the power of human reason is sufficient to reach, drawing on the experience of the world and the logic of the arguments, the authors knowledge of the universe.  The orthodox Demea insists, that it is not the strength, but the weakness of a man, and his reason which brings us to the infinity of God and his mysteries.  The skeptic Philo sometimes slyly encourages optimism for the Cleanthes and other pessimism of Demea, thus provoking the confrontation between the two.  This strategy paves the way to defending their thesis of the triumph of mode rate skepticism concerning natural religion.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: An Influential Leader Essay -- History Roosevel

Franklin D. Roosevelt: An Influential Leader Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) was a man of unusual charm and great optimism, which he was able to communicate to others. He had a broad smile and was a charismatic optimist whose confidence helped sustain the nation through its darkest moments during crisis like the Great Depression and World War II. He became one of the most beloved of U.S. presidents for four terms in office. But beneath his outward friendliness was an inner reserve and an iron will. His admirers emphasized the way in which he met the nation's problems. They praised him for insisting that the federal government must help the underprivileged and that the United States must share in the responsibility for preserving world peace. Franklin Roosevelt made a profound and very important impact upon his times and his policies exerted great influence on the future (Freidel). Assuming the Presidency in 1932, at the depth of the Great Depression, Roosevelt helped the American people regain faith in themselves. He brought hope to the people when he promised prompt, vigorous action, and asserted in his Inaugural Address, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself" (The White House). FDR’s first one hundred days in office were known as "The Hundred Days" (The Great Depression). The main drive of Roosevelt's administration was toward a balance of economic interests. He believed that he should represent all the people--farmers, laborers, and white-collar workers as well as businessmen (The Great Depression). With this in mind, he presented a wide variety of legislation to Congress, which brought relief to the needy and helped improve the economy. This legislation gave authorization to a sweeping program that was designed to bring reform, recovery to business and agriculture, relief to the unemployed and to those in danger of losing farms or homes. "T he Hundred Days" set a new standard for Presidents and members of Congress that followed Roosevelt (The Great Depression). The first order of business for FDR tackled was the banking crisis. Since the start of the Depression, Americans had lost their life’s savings. Roosevelt recognized that if he kept the banks open, panicked depositors would withdraw their money and more banks would fail. FDR declared a â€Å"bank holiday† during which time a hastily prepared emergency banking bill gave the Secretary o... ...pe it needed to revive itself by delivering prompt and vigorous action. Roosevelt held office during two of the greatest crises ever faced by the United States: the Great Depression of the 1930s, followed by World War II. His domestic program, known as the New Deal, introduced far-reaching reforms within the free enterprise system and gave people a new perspective on government. FDR rallied the country after the near disaster of Pearl Harbor, mobilizing over ten million troops. His military and diplomatic skill as the Commander in Chief during World War II, won him an award in the hearts of many Americans. Both in peacetime and in war, his impact on the office of president was enormous, making him one of the most influential leaders in US history. Works Cited American Experience: The Presidents. September 7, 2004, Boorstin, D. J., Kelley, B.M., and Boorstein, R. F., A History of the United States. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2003. 624, 659-60. Freidel, Frank. †Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the New Deal.† The New Book of Knowledge. 2004 ed. September 7, 2004, The Great Depression: FDR and the Depression. September 7, 2004, The White House. September 7, 2004,

Brief Narrative Essay

Do you remember how our parents often tell us that age old adage of â€Å"Don’t judge a book by its cover† ? Have you ever noticed how, although we know that we are not supposed to do that, we still do it anyway? I have the guts to admit that I am guilty of judging my fellowman at least once. In fact, when I was in grade school, I had misjudged one of my classmates simply because of the way she looked and her station in life because I listened to and believed in the rumors that our classmates had spread about her.This girl was known to have been raised by two spinster aunts since her birth so her ways and mannerisms in public was not that of people her age. In fact, if we did not have her for a classmate, we could have sworn that she was home schooled. She possessed an aloof attitude, sometimes seemingly eccentric and weird in her ways as well. She never hung around after classes and always seemed in a hurry to go home. She simply had no time to socialize and was irrita ted when forced to stay late at school.So we all determined that she was either abnormal or just plain weird. She was a quiet person who usually kept to herself and could often be found in the library reading up on the days lessons or just reading the available newspapers and magazines. We laughed at her often because even though she was a voracious reader, she was terrible in the Math and Science area of lessons. We had known her since pre-school and knew that she had started failing those subjects when we were in grade 3.She was the butt of all the in-jokes and we gave her no respect at all when we spoke to her. We considered her the class clown and mascot because no matter what we seemed to do to her, she could simply ignore. We considered her a challenge whom we had to break down and make cry. Then one day in English class, we were assigned to pair up and do some role playing activity. A unanimous groan went through the classroom when the girls name was announced. All of us were dreading the possibility of being stuck with her for a partner.We were convinced that it would only mean a disaster for whoever was paired with her. We had 2 weeks to work together and come up with a properly enacted and costumed scene from one of Shakespeare’s plays. I dreaded having to work with her because the class made such a big deal out it by ribbing me in public about how I did not have a prayer of getting a passing grade in the project because of my partner. She made one request of me during our partner meeting in class.Could we do the rehearsals at her house instead? She had to stay home whenever possible she explained, because her elderly aunts needed help around the house and she was worried that something might happen if she left them alone. I found this of interest, an open invitation to come over to her house and see where she lived and how she lived would be my chance to understand what made her the way she was and also confirm or deny any of the rumors float ing about in school regarding her and her home life.On my first day of practice with her, I met her very accommodating aunts who thought of me as their nieces friend from school. They were glad that she finally brought a friend over to the house because she was a lonely young woman who just spent her days reading and fussing over them. I did not have the heart to tell them I was no friend of hers. But as the days of our rehearsals progressed, I got to know her and her family better and I realized how wrong we were to have judged her just because we did not understand why she was different.If only we took the time to actually talk to her instead of tease her, we would have understood that she was really a very caring and loving person who recognized her responsibilities in life and made extra efforts to insure that she could do what was expected of her properly. Due the school activity, I came to realize that she was a special girl. She was the kind of person whom one took the time t o get to know and nurture as a friend. I decided that I would continue to befriend her regardless of what the rest of the school thought of her.Guess what, now that I am in high school, most of my grade school friends have disappeared. But this girl has remained a true and steadfast friend to me all this time. And I have helped her come out of her shell and become more sociable. True, the bad rep that was spread about her is still mentioned from time to time. But at least, I helped her get to know some other people who could really be a true friend to her. Just like I am. Truly, â€Å"one cannot judge a book by its cover† and first impressions could be wrong. Just look at how wrong I was in this situation.