Baroque Music essays

Baroque Music essays The Baroque Period began in 1600 with Monteverdi. The term Baroque, was from the Italian word barraco, meaning bizarre. It ended with the death of Handel and Bach in the 1750s. The main shared ideal for the period is the belief that musics principle goal is to move to affections. The Baroque era is the era of style-consciousness. The means of verbal representation in Baroque music were intellectual, pictorial and had richer vocabulary. Opera is one of the important innovations of Baroque era which allowed the realization of extreme affection in music. It represented melodic freedom. The Baroque Period includes many great music composers, for example, Monteverdi, Bach, Handel, Corelli, Gabrieli, Telemann and Schutz. The Baroque era is era of experimentation and expanding the music rules. The Baroque music is able to convey the filling of available space, sound and movement. It allowed the composers to express their emotions in their pieces. The general characteristics of the Baroque Period are the fast harmonic rhythm, dynamics shifts from loud to soft abruptly. The instruments mainly used are orchestral instruments which include wind, strings, brass and keyboard instruments. In Baroque Period, several new forms and designs of music are introduced, which include Operas, Sonatas, Oratorios, Suites, Fuites and Concertos. Modes are finally replaced by Major/Minor keys system. The orchestra took shape; the violins became the dominant instrument. The death of Handel and Bach ended the Baroque Period. It was followed by the Romantic Period. Today, Baroque music is widely performed and enjoyed throughout the world. ...

Dude and Dudette

Dude and Dudette Dude and Dudette Dude and Dudette By Maeve Maddox The greatest Dude of all is without question Jeff â€Å"the Dude† Lebowski. But when did the word dude become a title to aspire to? When I was growing up, dude was a word to denote a somewhat prissy man concerned with nice clothes and clean fingernails. We even used the word as a verb: Well, look at you in that fancy outfit! You’ve really duded up for the occasion. In the context of the Wild West, a dude was an inexperienced Easterner or European being introduced to the rougher manners of the frontier. Once the West was tamed, the â€Å"dude ranch† came into being: a working ranch that catered to guests who wanted to play at being cowboys and could pay well for the privilege. The OED defines dude as â€Å"A name given in ridicule to a man affecting an exaggerated fastidiousness in dress, speech, and deportment, and very particular about what is aesthetically ‘good form.’† The first documented use of the word is from 1883. The OED citations indicate that it originated as American slang to describe young men who affected the dress, manners, and speech of an English gentleman. The Online Etymology Dictionary says that dude may derive from Yankee Doodle, a plausible idea, considering the lyrics of the song: Yankee Doodle went to town Riding on a pony; He stuck a feather in his hat, And called it â€Å"macaroni.† Macaroni was mid-18th century British slang for an Englishman who affected Continental fashions and behavior, incurring the ridicule of fellow citizens who valued â€Å"plain Englishness.† The American dude affected what to Americans were overly fastidious British mannerisms. According to Online Etymology Dictionary, dude to mean fellow, chap, buddy, guy, individual, etc. was in use by 1966, â€Å"originally in Black English.† Google Ngram Viewer shows the use of dude rising precipitately from the 1960s to the present. Dudette as the feminine of present-day dude is a recent surfer slang coinage dating from the early 1990s. Its existence is not yet acknowledged by OED, M-W, or the Ngram Viewer. Feminine forms existed for the earlier dude as well: dudine and dudess. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:7 English Grammar Rules You Should Know"Certified" and "Certificated"Neither... or?

S.W.O.T. Analysis of Maaco Auto Body & Painting Research Paper

S.W.O.T. Analysis of Maaco Auto Body & Painting - Research Paper Example Experts in franchising have recognized MAACO for its overall excellence, growth potential and helpful support systems for store operators† (MAACCO: About MACCO, par. 2). The positive image of the company contributes to the increase in outlets and clientele since its inception. Gaebler Ventures aptly describes MAACO as a winning retail operation with extraordinary brand recognition, no national competition, and about a 47% U.S. market share. Maaco is more than a franchise opportunity. It is a proven system that provides continuous support and training to position you to grow a prosperous business. With Maaco, you receive expert assistance, so you never feel alone† (Gaebler, par. 1). The competitive advantage of the company is manifested through leadership in the automotive repair industry. According to IBIS World, the nature of the work for auto body shops in the US encompasses repairing the interior and the body of passenger cars, trucks, vans and trailers. These firms also carry out customization work on the interior and body of vehicles. Some firms specialize in certain auto repairs; for example, paint shops specialize in post-collision paint jobs, while automotive glass shops replace, repair and tint windows. Restoration shops, which typically represent a niche market, are involved in restoring classic and antique cars† (IBIS, par. 10). In this regard, this essay aims to proffer a SWOT analysis of MAACO, by reviewing the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT), to explore its competitive advantage in their field of operations.... Strengths MAACO was recently ranked by AllStar Franchise as an organization worthy to be included in its AllStar list due to its strengths in terms of longevity which is likewise tantamount to years of experience in their business. As revealed by All Business, â€Å"the company has ranked high in financial strength for two consecutive years, and this year its Web visibility improved significantly (from #202 to #106). Maaco offers a conversion program to turn independent auto body shops into Maaco franchises, which is appealing to many independents in a tough economy. Parent company Driven Brands, which owns several automotive-related franchise companies, also has a Dealership Jump Start program that converts car dealerships to Maaco centers† (All Business, pars. 2 & 3). From its 149 AllStar ranking in 2010, the rank improved to 84 in 2011 proving that MAACO continues to utilize its internal resources effectively and efficiently. It boasts of according customers a price for rep airs which is 33% less than those quoted and charged by other repair shops (MAACO: Home, par. 1). As revealed by White, â€Å"in 2011, MAACO was ranked #1 in class by Entrepreneur Magazine† (par. 4). The unique franchising strategy entices investors to open new shops due to the financial prospects and the number of clientele who continue to patronize MAACO auto body shops. Further, Gross revealed that various customers in Canada expressed their content and satisfaction from the services provided by MAACO. Gross averred that â€Å"Maaco is the collision shop that paints cars. We do it all, and just as importantly, give you much more Value than anyone else can. By bringing your car to Maaco, North America's Bodyshop, you benefit from our encounter, buying power,

Defining Beauty Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Defining Beauty - Essay Example While beauty might have once been truly ‘in the eye of the beholder’, today’s society has beauty defined for it by the overwhelming challenges of the mass media. These messages of the media are so consistent they overwhelm any natural sense of beauty, which is important to our sense of identity and social value. Throughout the history of mankind, humans have projected who and what they are, including their relative social position, through their outward appearance. Study after study has demonstrated people dress a certain way and strive to acquire specific items as a means of signifying that they belong to a particular desirable subset of individuals who also embody their individual ideals (Gilman, 1999). Regardless of whether one has always been a part of this subset or not, it is presumed that an outer appearance in keeping with this group will automatically purchase the coveted membership. In the past few centuries, however, the standard definition for female beauty has had detrimental effects on the feminine identity. â€Å"Women view their bodies as ‘objects of work’ requiring attention and upkeep in order to operate well and promote the desired effect† (Gillen, 2001). ... â€Å"Research in the UK suggests that the wealthier we are, the more likely we are to dislike our body. Experts think there’s more pressure on the wealthy to achieve the thin 'ideal' because they have the money to do so and are more exposed to media images† (Rebecca, 2006). Because the wealthy are expected to be able to achieve this ideal, those who are not so wealthy often struggle to attain the beauty ideal as a means of signifying that they belong within the ranks of the wealthy. Within the past few years, televisions have been inundated with so-called ‘make-over’ shows in which the focus is precisely for the media to inform the public regarding what is considered beautiful or desirable. These shows promise an improved exterior facade to participants’ bodies, fashion sense, faces, homes, lifestyles, etc. that will bring the individual into closer similarity to the ideal image and thus make it possible for them to achieve a higher level of happine ss. This ‘ideal’ image is usually envisioned as someone in their mid-20s, slender almost to the point of skeletal, with specific body measurements at the bust and hips and a specific ‘good-looking’ charm that usually includes blonde hair and a friendly demeanor. This limited view of the ideal obviously eliminates anyone who might have been born with larger bones or other ‘defects’ that resist the reshaping of the plastic surgeon’s scalpel from being accepted into the socially acceptable. Makeovers on TV illustrate the unacceptable qualities of the average individual and emphasize the importance of bringing the individual image more in line with a perceived social ideal that is communicated through the same media channel. It is thus perceived that the only way for individuals to find

Female Genital Mutilation in the Middle East and North Africa Essay Example for Free

Female Genital Mutilation in the Middle East and North Africa Essay Values and beliefs of a certain society can be illumined through the traditional cultural practices that often span from one generation to another. Globally, every social group has its own traditional cultural practices that are considered to be beneficial for the community. However, there are many instances that such practices may be harmful for some groups, most especially for women. Terrible traditional cultural practices are committed directly against females around the world. Despite the atrocities of such practices and its violation against human rights, many women-violent practices still exist and are prevalent in other countries. One of the most prevalent forms of harmful traditional practices is the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) (Office of the High Commisioner of Human Rights-United Nations Organization [OHCR-UNOG]). The pervasiveness of FGM is attributed to people’s inability to question the morality of such action that should be addressed to those who practice female genital mutilation. As such, despite of the interventions of many international communities, in order to achieve gender equality, women are still violated and continue to be denied of various human rights. Hence, it can be perceived that many traditional cultural practices, including female genital mutilation is carried out for the benefit of the male populace (OHCR-UNOG). Historical Background of Female Genital Mutilation Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as ‘female circumcision’ or ‘female genital cutting’, involves procedures that are centered in the partial or overall removal of the female’s external genitalia, or the infliction of injury to the genital organs of female for non-medical reasons. More often than not, the practice is performed by traditional circumcisers who are believed to play a significant role in the community where they belong. However, records have indicated that FGM is also carried out by medically trained professionals (World Health Organization [WHO]). FGM is considered to be an age-old practice existent in various communities globally because it is known to be a custom (OHCR-UNOG). However, FGM’s origin has not been well established. Certain theories indicate that female genital mutilation predates male mutilation (Davis 158 qtd. in Lightfoot-Klein). In one study, it was shown that FGM occurred in areas that are considered to be restricted to the rest of the world which includes Islamic, Semitic and Christian nations. It was contemplated that â€Å"the more ancient a custom or belief, the more universally it is found† (Lightfoot-Kline). All throughout history, reports regarding female circumcision has been existent. The very first historical reference of FGM can be traced from the literature of Herotodus, who wrote that FGM already existed during 5th century BC in Ancient Egypt. He even pointed out that the practice had its beginnings in Egypt or Ethiopia because FGM has been performed by Ethiopians, Phoenicians, and Hitties (Taba qtd. in Lightfoot-Kline). One Greek papyrus dated 163 BC found in the British museum indicated that circumcisions were performed on girls by the time they received dowries. Different authors claimed that FGM was practiced by early Romans and Arabs (Kline). Methods employed in order to repress women’s sexuality has been well recorded in history. In ancient Rome, women slaves are required to wear metal rings which were passed through the labia minora in order to prevent procreation. During the absence of their husbands, women from medieval England wore chastity belts to avoid promiscuity. Tsarist Russia, as well as France, America, and France during the 19th century already practice clitoridectomy; while evidences from mummified bodies of ancient Egypt indicate that excision and infibulation has been performed, thereby giving rise to the existence of pharaonic circumcision (OHCR-UNOG). Types of Female Genital Mutilation Various types of female genital mutilation are performed depending on the cultural history and traditions of a certain community. Basically there are three common types of FGM: (1) Type one or Sunna circumcision. â€Å"Sunna† is an Arabic term which means tradition in English. This form of FGM is done by removing the prepuce or the clitoris’ tip. (2) Type two also called as clitoridectomy or excision is widely practiced in Egypt. This procedure involves the removal of the whole clitoris including the prepuce, glans and the adjacent labia. (3) Type three which is commonly referred to as infibulation or pharaonic circumcision is the procedure commonly applied in Sudan and Somalia. Considered as the most dramatic type of FGM, infibulation, which literally means â€Å"to fasten with a clip or buckle,† involves not only the removal of the clitoris and the nearby labia, but also include the sewing of remaining parts of vulva with the use of a catgut or thread. Such form of mutilation leaves only a tiny hole in the female genital that serves as a passage for the urine and menstrual blood. Women who are infibulated are cut open during their wedding night in order to perform sexual intercourse. However, right after the act, they are sewn again in order to avoid infidelity. More often than not, the groom is responsible for opening the bride’s sewn genitalia with the use of a double-edged dagger. There are some instances that women are cut open and are sewn back together during the time of their separation with their husbands. (4) The remaining type of FGM which is categorized as type four mutilation includes procedures that inflict damage to the female genitalia. Such form of mutilation may range from piercing, pricking, and stretching of labia or clitoris; burning of the clitoris and other tissues of the genitalia through cauterization; scraping of vaginal orifice; vaginal cutting; placing corrosive substances to cause vaginal bleeding, and the introduction of herbal substances to narrow or tighten the vagina (Rosenthal). The most common type of FGM is the clitoral and labia minora excision which constitutes about 80% of all FGM case. However, infibulation is considered as the most extreme form which accounts to 15% of all the mutilation procedures (Steiner, Alston, and Goodman,). The Cultural and Religious Tie: Middle East and African Areas Located Above the Equator The principle of female genital mutilation is prevalent in the societies of African territory. The extent of such phenomena can be seen in 25 countries of Africa. Infibulation is widely performed in areas including Djibouti, Mali, Somalia, selected parts of Ethiopia, Egypt and the northern region of Sudan. Meanwhile, excision and circumcision are evident in Benin, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Gambia, Cote d’Ivoire, Chad, Guinea, Guinnea-Bissau, Kenya, Mauritania, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Uganda, Togo and other areas in the United Republic of Tanzania (OHCR-UNOG). Currently, WHO estimated that annually about three million African girls are at risk for female genital mutilation and about 92 million of the female populace, age 10 years and above have already undergone mutilation. The prevalence of FGM in the said areas is associated primarily with myths and the ignorance of people towards biological, medical, and religious perspectives. As noted by Hanny Lighfoot-Klein: â€Å"The clitoris is perceived as repulsive, filthy, foul smelling, dangerous to the life of the emerging new born, and hazardous to the health and potency of the husband† (Lightfoot-Klein, n. p. ). Majority of African countries adhere to such beliefs that it has been well embraced and became a value, causing FGM to become a customary practice over time. In Sudan, the clitoris is believe to grow to the length of the neck of a goose; long enough to dangle between the legs which could rival the male penis if left uncut. Such concept influences the perception of males, thereby reinforcing them not to marry a woman who is uncircumcised or â€Å"unclean† (Lightfoot-Klein). Among the Bambara’s in Mali, it is widely viewed that once the clitoris touches the head of a child being born, automatically the child will die. As the clitoris is considered to be the male characteristic of females, its removal is seen as an action that would result in the enhancement of femininity. In Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Somalia, females are imposed to undergo mutilation in order to control their sexuality and ensure their virginity until marriage and their chastity right after (OHCR-UNOG). Because childbearing and marriage are the only options for most of African women, majority of them are forced to submit themselves to the practice genital mutilation which they also have to pass on to their daughters (Lightfoot-Klein). The institutionalization of patriarchal system within the society also plays a significant role in the perpetration of FGM. In ancient Mesopotamia, the code of Hammurabi embarked the presence of some features of patriarchy in public veiling and sexual repression of women. It was stated in the code that fathers were entitled to treat his daughter’s virginity as a ‘family property asset. Due to this system, women were categorized as â€Å"respectable,† meaning they were chaste and conforming, and â€Å"disreputable,† which translates to low class or slaves. As a result, women who bowed to the system benefited from it by securing their own safety as well as that of their children. However, they became the steadfast advocates of the system, thereby imposing it to their daughters. Present-day Africans follow the same patriarchal outlook. Female circumcision is then performed to the daughters of the women, who, during the time they were young, experienced mutilation. Although perceived by many as a violation against human rights, the practice is defended by the women themselves because they consider it as an essential part of their tradition that ensures the social standing of their family in the community they belong (Lighfoot-Klein). The existence of patriarchal society is attributed to economic reasons. Historically, fathers are known to be keen in identifying their â€Å"real† children, in order to know who is going to handle his property. Hence, it could be perceived that the establishment of systems including moral and religious values, as well as legal aspects became an imperative in order to protect the economic interests that uphold the society. In this regard, it is hard to abandon a custom that benefits the economic interest not only of the family but the whole society as well. The existence of such system guarantees profit for many, thereby catapulting â€Å"dayas† and medical practitioners to resist changes in the practice of female genital mutilation. Likewise, the family woman can gain considerable bride price if she is mutilated by the time of the marriage. Moreover, women continuously submit themselves to FGM for the fear that their husbands will divorce them for a second wife. This perspective serves as a threat for the women in the society who have no economic recourse and access to own properties and relies only on the â€Å"bride price gold that she wears on her body. † As such, it can be concluded that female genital mutilation is the result of the economic interest permeating within the society (Lightfoot-Klein). While many experts hold that female genital mutilation is an African custom, there are few reports regarding the existence of FGM in the Middle Eastern territory. This is understandable because it is difficult to study sexual relations in societies of Middle East. Almost everything regarding sexuality and personal matters are kept in private sphere. Likewise, books and research pertaining to Middle Eastern sexual habits are almost non-existent or at the most, heavily guarded by the comprehensive rules based from the Islamic law. However, recent finding from northern Iraq suggests that FGM is also practiced widely in societies outside of Africa. The case study of Iraqi Kurdistan served as an instructive case. In 2003, a German-Austrian NGO called WADI took the initiative to take medical and social support to the women in Kurdish areas. More than a year later, women who received support spoke about the practice of FGM. It was found out that Kurds used the sunna circumcision and were performed by midwives. Subsequent studies found out that of 1,544 women, 907 had undergone FGM, which further suggests that 60% of the population view mutilation as a normal practice. The discovery in Iraqi Kurdistan debunks the assumption that FGM is solely an African practice. As Fran Hosken quoted: â€Å"There is little doubt that similar practices—excision, child marriage, and putting rock salt into the vagina of women after childbirth—exist in other parts of the Arabian Peninsula and around the Persian Gulf (Hosken 278 qtd in Osten Sacken, and Uwer). The absence of medical records tackling FGM in the whole region does not necessarily mean that the Middle Eastern territories are free from female circumcision. Such issue is left undetected due to the lack of freedom to permit formal studies regarding the subject. Taboo also plays a significant role in the undercutting of researches in Arab nations. Many scholars and NGO in Arab countries prohibits the criticism predominant culture of Arabs and Muslims. Because of these findings many questions were raised by the critics of FGM, one of which is whether the said phenomena is a religious issue in the Middle East (Osten-Sacken and Uwer). Many Muslims and academics from the West claim that FGM is not based from religion rather it is a practice shaped by culture (Simonet qtd in Osten-Sacken and Uwer). However, in a village level, the people who are committed to the practice perceive the action as mandate by the religion. Although the law of Islam does not have any justifications regarding FGM, many Islamic clerics in the Northern part of Iraq advise women to undergo mutilation. If the women wish to abandon such practice, she must suffer the consequence of appearing disreputable in the eyes of the public (Mackie qtd ini Osten-Sacken and Uwer). Some Islamic scholars may disagree with FGM but others refer to the mention of FGM in the Hadith as a defense for the persistence of such practice in Middle East. The claim was further sufficed by the Islamic law specialist Sami Aldeeb Abu Salieh when he stated: The most often mentioned narration reports a debate between Muhammed and Um Habibah (or Um ‘Atiyyah). This woman, known as an exciser of female slaves, was one of a group of women who had immigrated with Muhammed. Having seen her, Muhammad asked her if she kept practicing her profession. She answered affirmatively, adding: unless it is forbidden, and you order me to stop doing it. Muhammed replied: Yes, it is allowed. Come closer so I can teach you: if you cut, do not overdo it, because it brings more radiance to the face, and it is more pleasant for the husband. (Aldeeb Abu Sahlieh 575-622 qtd in Osten- Sacken and Uwen). Aldeeb Abu Sahlieh’s claim is further reinforced by other Islam scholars by stating that Islam condones sunna circumcision but not the pharaonic circumcision (Omer qtd in Osten-Sacken and Uwen), and that since the prophet Muhammad does not condemn the act, thereby making it permissible and cannot be outlawed (Aldeeb Abu Sahlieh qtd in Osten-Sacken). Ultimately, the practice of female genital mutilation in the Middle East may have its roots in the cultural scope of the region. However, its religious ties cannot be disregarded. Effects of Female Genital Mutilation The implications of FGM can be short-term and long term. The immediate consequences of the practice are hemorrhage, acute pain and infection. The infections are commonly acquired from the usage of unsterilized instruments performed in unhygienic areas and introduction of substances. The infections may range from tetanus, general septicamea, chronic pelvic infections, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Recently the transfer of HIV has also been a concern for the FGM researchers (OHCR-UNOG). Obstetric complications are also common among mutilated women. Pregnant mutilated woman put the life of her child in danger because the fetus is at risk of acquiring infectious disease. Likewise, the head of the child may be crushed during the delivery due to damaged birth canal. Furthermore, infibulated women are needed to be opened during child birth and are commonly reinfibulated after every delivery resulting to the scarring of the genitals. Cyst commonly referred to as epidermal clitoral inclusion cyst may also develop among women who undergo type 3 FGM (Rosenthal). Female Genital Mutilation has also psychological implications. These include sexual phobias, depression, and lack of libido which result in the premature ejaculation among women’s partners, personality disorders like rebellion which may eventually lead to psychiatric disorders (Rosenthal). Some evidences indicate that children who undergo FGM experience recurring nightmares (OHCR-UNOG). The socio-economic problems associated with FGM include higher divorce rate and drug abuse which are commonly associated with the males. It was found out that a male with mutilated wife has the tendency of using narcotics to give sexual pleasure to his wives (Rosenthal). Response to Female Genital Mutilation In 1997, World Health Organization (WHO) together with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) issued statements against the continuous practice of female genital mutilation. By 2008, a new statement was issued supporting the increased advocacy of totally condemning FGM which was backed heavily backed by more countries of the United Nation. The 2008 statement include data concerning the past and present practice of FGM. The statement also gave emphasis on the increased recognition of human rights and provided evidences regarding the extent of the issue. The damaging effects of FGM were also presented in order to affect changes in the public policy. From 1997, various government and non-government organizations both in the international and local levels ratified laws abandoning FGM (WHO). Conclusion Based on the study, it is apparent that female genital mutilation predominantly place women in a disadvantaged position. Immense cultural pressure is considered to be the root cause of FGM. However, based from several findings, religion also serves as an encouragement for the existence of such practice. The impact of FGM does not only affect women but also the society where it is widely recognized as a custom. Although, international interventions reduced the prevalence of FGM in African regions during the past years, its practice may not be totally eliminated if practicing communities will not abandon the act itself. Hence, organizations as well as government agencies should further promote awareness regarding the issue of FGM. Works Cited Lighfoot-Klein, Hanny. â€Å"Prisoners of ritual: Some contemporary developments in the history of female genital mutilation. † The Female Genital Mutilation Cutting Education And Networking Project. 30 April-03 May 1991. 10 December 2008 http://www. fgmnetwork. org/Lightfoot-klein/prisonersofritual. htm. Office of the High Commisioner of Human Rights-United Nations Organization. â€Å"Fact sheet no. 23, harmful traditional practices affecting the health of women and children. † Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. 2008. 10 December 2008 http://www. unhchr. ch/html/menu6/2/fs23. htm#ii. Osten-Sacken, Thomas and Uwer, Thomas. â€Å"Is female genital mutilation an Islamic problem? † The Middle East Quarterly. 2007. 10 December 2008 http://www. meforum. org/article/1629#_ftn38. Rosenthal, Sara. The Gynecological Sourcebook. Chicago, IL: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2003. Steiner, Henry, Alston, Philip and Goodman, Ryan. International Human Rights in Context: Law, Politics, Morals: Test And Materials. New York: Oxford University Press US, 2008 World Health Organization. â€Å"Female genital mutilation. † May 2008. 10 December 2008 http://www. who. int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/.

Growing up Around Agriculture :: essays research papers

I believe everyone has been born to do something. I was born to be a veterinarian. People tell me that I will probably end up changing my degree choice â€Å"twenty seven times† before I even graduate form college. I believe otherwise. I have grown up on a farm with filled with adopted animals of all kinds- rabbits, pigeons, goats, frogs, dogs, chickens, cats, cattle, and an iguana. Ever since I was seven I new I was born to become a veterinarian. This past year I was hired to work at the veterinarian clinic in Bullard. Within one month I got to help de-claw a cat and watch many surgeries. I learned how to medicate animals without getting bit, give hydrotherapy, and many other things. My title was kennel attendant and I still tried to help and learn up front, in surgery, when I finished the kennel. I always watched for depressed animals especially the ones that went though surgery, because sometimes with out the tender care they needed they would not eat and lose weight. Just recently I have been accepted to Texas A&M University I have also decided my degree choice will be biomedical science. With a biomedical science degree I have over fifty career choices I can go into. Also, this is my backup plan if I am not accepted into vet. School right away. The choices of careers range form agricultural economist, animal breeder, dentist, game manager, veterinarian assistant, and even zoologist. I have decided that what ever my career will be, it will be in agriculture and will deal with animals. Animals are so interesting and tricky they can’t tell you what is wrong with them like people can. With animals you have to find out for yourself. In the degree that I am seeking I know there will be a lot of science to take. Science has always come natural to me, possibly because you can actually see the product and touch it. I plan to become a veterinarian not just for the love of animals but for the science and knowledge also. The dissecting of animals has always been interesting to me. It is a whole new world that I can wait to explore even more. It is amazing how God made living creatures. I just want to help keep them form getting sick and doctoring them when they do. This scholarship would help my parents and I a lot. Growing up Around Agriculture :: essays research papers I believe everyone has been born to do something. I was born to be a veterinarian. People tell me that I will probably end up changing my degree choice â€Å"twenty seven times† before I even graduate form college. I believe otherwise. I have grown up on a farm with filled with adopted animals of all kinds- rabbits, pigeons, goats, frogs, dogs, chickens, cats, cattle, and an iguana. Ever since I was seven I new I was born to become a veterinarian. This past year I was hired to work at the veterinarian clinic in Bullard. Within one month I got to help de-claw a cat and watch many surgeries. I learned how to medicate animals without getting bit, give hydrotherapy, and many other things. My title was kennel attendant and I still tried to help and learn up front, in surgery, when I finished the kennel. I always watched for depressed animals especially the ones that went though surgery, because sometimes with out the tender care they needed they would not eat and lose weight. Just recently I have been accepted to Texas A&M University I have also decided my degree choice will be biomedical science. With a biomedical science degree I have over fifty career choices I can go into. Also, this is my backup plan if I am not accepted into vet. School right away. The choices of careers range form agricultural economist, animal breeder, dentist, game manager, veterinarian assistant, and even zoologist. I have decided that what ever my career will be, it will be in agriculture and will deal with animals. Animals are so interesting and tricky they can’t tell you what is wrong with them like people can. With animals you have to find out for yourself. In the degree that I am seeking I know there will be a lot of science to take. Science has always come natural to me, possibly because you can actually see the product and touch it. I plan to become a veterinarian not just for the love of animals but for the science and knowledge also. The dissecting of animals has always been interesting to me. It is a whole new world that I can wait to explore even more. It is amazing how God made living creatures. I just want to help keep them form getting sick and doctoring them when they do. This scholarship would help my parents and I a lot.

A Look at Megan’s Law

Issues of crime and punishment are often at the center of controversy.   In part, this is certainly because often, the issues raised in matters of crime and punishment do not have easy answers and sometimes, there may not be any solution at all.   Certainly, each time a legal matter arises, even with similar circumstances, the resolution to such matters can be complex and can differ with each and every case.   We can gain some understanding as to the difficulty in deciding how to view and treat such matters by considering the case of Megan's Law.On July 29, 1994 Jesse Timmendequas, already a convicted sex offender at the time, is believed to have used a puppy to lure Megan Kanka, the 7-year-old daughter of his neighbors, into his home in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, NJ and brutally raped and murdered her (Flanagan, 2004; Vachss, 1994).  Ã‚   Once inside, Timmendequas is said to have slammed Megan’s head into a dresser and suffocated her with a plastic bag before s trangling her to death with a belt.   Subsequently, he moved and raped Megan's dead body again before dumping the body in a nearby park in West Windsor, NJ.Timmendequas was convicted of murder and sentenced to death for his crime.   After his conviction, New Jersey passed a law that has come to be known as Megan's law.   The law was designed to protect a community when dangerous sex offenders move into the community.   Some states require notification only for certain types of sexual assaults while other states extended the requirement to individuals convicted of sodomy or consensual sodomy, an act that was illegal in some states even between consenting adults before the U.S. Supreme Court declared such laws unconstitutional in June 2003.Timmendequas’ actions and the subsequent legal proceedings raise questions as to just how such a situation, or any similar serious legal situation should be handled.   Was he treated fairly?   Did the Kanka family receive proper l egal restitution for the crime?   How should such cases be handled?   We want to use the Megan Kanka/Jesse Timmendequas case to ask four basic questions and seek the answers to similar questions.   First, what are the goals of punishment?Is it actually the â€Å"punishment† of the individual who committed the crime, protection of the community, both, neither or more?   Second, in situations of serious crimes of this nature, should offenders be subjected to a lifetime of repayment for their crimes after serving their allotted term of imprisonment?   Third, when considering punishment, are the rights of the victim, the community or the offender more important; are all the rights equally important?   Finally, what goal(s) was(were) the Criminal Justice System attempting to achieve by instituting Megan's law.Megan's Law has been the focus of considerable controversy and heated debate.   After Megan’s rape and murder, there was considerable controversy regardi ng the question of whether the Kanka family may indeed have known that a sex offender (not necessarily Timmendequas, however) lived in the house across the street.   Although the Kanka family denied having any knowledge of Timmendequas' criminal past as a sex offender, there was evidence to suggest that it was common knowledge that at least one of the residents of the house where Timmendequas lived had a criminal past that included sexual assault, rape and gang shootings. (Vachss 1994)Even before Megan's rape and murder, law enforcement officials knew that three convicted sex offenders lived in the house where Timmendequas lived.   Although Megan's parents' claimed not to have been aware of this fact, some of their neighbors did know of the three men's past.   Even so, Maureen Kanka, Megan's mother, felt that people should not need to rely on gossip and rumors in order to learn about the presence of convicted sex offenders in their neighborhood.Perhaps first and foremost in an y legal situation is the question as to the goal(s) of punishment.   What exactly are the goals of punishment?   Punishment for crimes is supposed to be to deter crime.   Punishment penalties and law are based on utilitarianism, the idea that there should be no unnecessary punishment (UBSBA).   This idea says that we should evaluate laws on the basis of future consequences and suggests that punishment is always bad because it causes pain.Thus, â€Å"The reason to punish is to prevent future crime and the limit is to punish only if the pain is outweighed by the happiness it creates.†Ã‚   Crime and Punishment theory proposes the four questions should be asked when analyzing legal theories of punishment.   They are, 1) Is the punishment to prevent future crimes or to punish past misconduct, 2) Does the theory of punishment assume that the crime was caused by the individual or social problems, 3) Does the theory express blame for the proscribed act and actor and4) What is the relationship between the criminal and the rest of society?   That is, is the criminal part of society or excluded from society?   The threat of punishment is believed to stop rational people from doing something that ultimately will not be to their benefit, but the deterrent value of punishment is only thought to be effective if people are aware of the punishment prior to committing crimes.Megan's law was not meant to be a form of punishment.   Rather, it was designed to be an act that would provide information to prevent potential crime in situations where the potential may be real.   Some have argued that the law may lead to vigilantes formed against convicted sex offenders and the harassment of those offenders, but that was not the intension of the law.   Its purpose was to enhance public safety.   Although former sex offenders may be harmed by the law, supporters of the law claim that whatever incidental inconvenience or harm the former sex-offender may suffer as a result of the law is an unavoidable consequence of their own past illegal behavior.   It does not outweigh the community's right to know the possible danger of their presence.This case raises the question, â€Å"Should offenders be subjected to a lifetime of repayment for their crimes after serving a term of imprisonment?†Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This is not an easy question to answer.   Theoretically, a person should not need to continue to pay for past crimes a second time, or continue paying for them once they have paid, but that idea is fraught with problems and more or less impossible to enforce.   In fact, it is also impossible to determine what actually constitutes â€Å"payment for crime.†In life, individuals may pay for things they have done long after they have done whatever it was even if their legal payment has been completed.   We may pay in terms of paranoia, feelings of guilt and other mental and psychological payments long after any legal payment or e ven without legal payment.   So, psychological repayment for crimes may continue for a lifetime even if social and legal repayment do not.   A person's own mental and psychological retribution for their acts may continue indefinitely.Many psychological situations are viewed as diseases even though we don't really have a definition for (or officially believe in the existence of) the soul.   Psychology, for example, is, by definition, the study of the soul, but if asked, most people, including psychologists and psychiatrists would state that psychology is the study of the mind.   Ironically, psychologists do not officially believe in the existence of the mind either!Furthermore, sex offenses are often treated as if such crimes were caused by a disease or were a disease themselves.   However, even with real or other diseases (if we allow, just for the sake of argument, that some such offenses are the results of disease), there is no hard and firm definition of a disease even in situations where virtually everyone would agree that the situation (such as with cancer of cardiovascular disease) is a disease.The â€Å"retribution† theory of punishment holds that individuals should only be punished if they have done something wrong and their punishment should be in proportion to the wrong they have done.   This theory proposes that it is right to inflict pain, but recognizes that the innocent can get punished for things they did not do.   This is certainly a very serious consideration in any case of capital punishment.In other situations, an alleged criminal may eventually get a reprieve and be exonerated for a crime he or she did not commit even though their exoneration might come until after they have lost a few or even many valuable years in prison serving a term for a crime they did not commit.   However, in capital cases, exoneration is of little value after the alleged individual has been executed, and certainly, the criminal justice system must have executed many innocent individuals over the years.In such cases, both the known victim(s) of the crime and the individual accused of the crime become victims while the guilty party may permanently escape justice.   No one is punished for the crime because the individual who is punished is innocent.   So, the actual criminal has more or less committed an additional crime and gotten away with it.Whose rights are most important?   This question cannot be answered as asked.   The answer is not merely a matter of rights, but more a matter of safety.   The intent is to err on the side of safety, so the initial question has more to do with, â€Å"What will render the individuals of a community safe† than â€Å"Whose rights are most important†, certainly an important issue as well.   Some feel that Megan's law gives a false sense of security.   Statistics from the Bureau of Justice indicate that the overwhelming majority of sexually assaulted minors we re victimized by family members or acquaintances rather than by strangers.In fact, these statistics suggest that those who appear on a sex offenders registry would not really significantly resolve the problem of sex offenses against minors.   Thus, laws directed against the occasional stranger who might sexually assault minors would be like the tip of an iceberg in dealing with the actual problem.   Most victims will still be victimized and most of those guilty of the offense will never serve justice.   With the guilty party still free, laws similar to Megan's law would not really make most people any safer even if made people feel that way.However, statistics from the Bureau of Justice also indicate that sex offenders discharged from prison or sentenced to probation generally have a lower rate of re-arrest than other violent offenders but are substantially more likely than other violent offenders to be rearrested for a new violent sex offense (U.S. Department of Justice Press Release).   In cases of rape alone, execution is not an option.   Some have proposed that rapists be castrated (Vachss, 1993).   Castration is thought to emanate the male sex drive, but castration won't prevent murder as was the case in Megan Kanka's situation and some individuals get a vicarious thrill from the act of murder itself.Ultimately, the questions raised here are neither easy or straightforward.   Society may find those individuals who have committed violent sex offenses, try them, convict and sentence them and the accused individual, whether or not actually guilty, may pay for the crime.   However, it is certain that some guilty individuals will never be found, some innocent individuals will pay for sex (and other) crimes they have not committed and the laws designed to make society safer will work successfully at times and not at others.Perhaps we must live with the realization that answering the difficult questions raised here will not resolve our dilemma no matter what decisions we are ultimately to make.   All that we can actually do is to put laws in place that we believe will achieve a goal and then deal with every situation that arises on a case by case basis.   If we are honest and fair with our assessment, we will not trample the rights of victims nor victimize criminals any more than is necessary, if at all.   Our goal must be to try to be fair while protecting the safety of communities and those who live in them.   While we will never get the balance completely right, fairness is the key.ReferencesFlanagan, Russ.   â€Å"Megan's legacy, A child's death serves as a call to action†.   The Express Times, February 26, 2004.Vachss, Andrew.   â€Å"How Many Dead Children Are Needed to End the Rhetoric?†Ã‚   New York Daily News, August 12, 1994Vachss, Andrew.   â€Å"Sex Predators Can’t Be Saved.†Ã‚   New York Times, January 5, 1993Wikipedia, February, 7, 2007. ;https://en.wikipedia.org/wik i/Murder_of_Megan_Kanka#Jesse_Timmendequas; 4 January 2007.

The Effect of Modern Day Technology

World Literature II November 22, 2010 Cause and Effect Essay 590 Words The Cause and Effect of Modern Day Technology â€Å"The zipper displaces the button and a man lacks just that much time to think while dressing at dawn, a philosophical hour, and thus a melancholy hour. † Ray Bradbury’s character of Beatty explains how technology has negatively had a negative effect in Fahrenheit 451. Technology transforms around us every day and almost every day new technology comes out that makes last year’s technology seem almost prehistoric.There is no question that technology has made life easier and more convenient as well as, travel faster and life saving medical advancements. It is hard not to wonder how much one actually depends on these new technologies and how they could be used to control everyone. Will the effect of all this technology be good or bad in the long run? Today in our economy we have less people needed for manufacturing and processing jobs and thus a s urplus of desk jobs and product designing jobs. These jobs then result in even higher productivity and more advancements.This never ending cycle of productivity and advancements leaves us dependant on technology. In the book The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, the main character Offred explains how new technology was being introduced until the country became dependent on it. Suddenly that technology and the way she had learned to live is taken away and people were lost without it. Some unknown dystopian empire then easily controlled these people that now couldn’t do anything. What if something like that were to happen today, the government started tracking where everyone goes through, navigation systems in cars, or phones and who knows what else.Radio transmitting chips are already being implanted in some dogs so that their owners can find them if they get lost. This same technology could be implanted in kids to prevent kidnappings or in criminals when released fro m prison. While all of this sounds great at the time, will that technology later be used against us just like it was against Offred? Will governments track all of our movements? Will our thoughts and ideas be read before we can speak them? Will satellites look into our homes to make sure we are eating the right foods?Even today’s news headlines are filled with reports regarding the full body scanners at airports. While all of us want to be safe when flying and the argument is strong for the scanners, the expense or effect of it leaves us literally naked to the government. According to 24/7 Wall St. com, â€Å"the list of devices the Smartphone has begun to replace, and in some cases, that process is so far along that the older products have almost disappeared. † Will technology put more and more people out of work? Will the work that technology replaces humans leave us all lazy because we are not using a physical effort anymore?On the other hand technology has been ver y beneficial to us. Technology has made us tremendously more efficient and productive, some technology at least, other technology however, is designed to makes us less productive. Hopefully this trend will increase. Some companies have already acknowledged that privacy is an important freedom and are putting things out to help people. For example Apple has acknowledged that people don’t like the idea that they could be tracked through their iPhone without warning.To decrease these fears they created icons that show up on your phone and allow you to see when an application is using your current location, as well as options to limit which applications can use your location. Hopefully more companies will follow in their lead and eliminate possibility of this negative effect of depending on modern day technology. Technology will only be advancing more and the human race will hopefully not succumb fully to it. We have to make good decision regarding how far we will let technology replace the human brain—the ultimate computer. Like Ray Bradbury’s quote, we will no longer have a chance to think.

Plessy Vs Ferguson

Plessy Vs Ferguson Free Online Research Papers Following the American Civil War, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery and the 14th amendment defined citizenship, guaranteed the rights of citizens and equal protection under the law but racism was dominant in the south and social order was still to be determined. In an attempt to continue to limit the civil rights and liberties of African Americans and to ensure dominance of white supremacy, Jim Crow laws were put in place. It was the belief in the South that the requirement of equality of the Fourteenth Amendment could be met by keeping the races separate. These laws widened the racial gaps even further with the perception that the black race was inferior. The government left the racial segregation up to the individual states. Blacks were entitled to receive the same public services and accommodations as whites, but in different facilities such as schools, water fountains, restaurant seating and transportation. In 1890, Louisiana passed the Separate Car Act which required â€Å"separate but equal† railroad cars for blacks and whites. A group of black activist formed a Citizens Committee to Test the Constitutionality of the Separate Car Act along with the East Louisiana Railroad Company who wanted to terminate the Act because of the costs associated with providing â€Å"separate but equal† passenger coaches. They selected Homer Plessy for the challenge. Homer Plessy was considered an African American by the Louisiana law of 1890, since he was seven eighth white and one eighth black. Since he was considered black, he was naturally expected to sit in the designated black area on the train. On June 7, 1892, he boarded the East Louisiana Railroad and sat in the white designated area. He refused to move and was arrested. He was found guilty of violating the Separate Car Act and appealed the Supreme Court of Louisiana who upheld the previous decision. The case went to the US Supreme Court arguing that the Separate Car Act was in violation of the 13th and 14th Amendments but with an eight person majority, the US Supreme Court upheld the decision. Justice Henry Brown indicated that the Thirteenth Amendment was â€Å"too clear for argument† and the Fourteenth Amendment was â€Å"too enforce the absolute equality of the two races before the law, but in the nature of things it could not have been intended to abolish distinctions based upon color, or to enforce social, as distinguished from political equality, or a commingling of the two races upon terms unsatisfactory to either.† Justice John Harlan was opposed to the decision and was in the opinion that the Constitution was â€Å"color-blind and did not tolerate classes among citizens†. He believed the ruling would stimulate aggressions and encourage the belief that state enactments would defeat the purposes of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments. The decision of the US Supreme Court to uphold the separate but equal standard gave further support for segregation for years to come. The decision was guided by prejudice and not by legal theory. It took 50 years before the position of Justice John Harlan was recognized as what should have been the correct and legal ruling. 1954 the case of Brown vs. Board of Education eliminated â€Å"separate but equal† facilities and the racial separation would no longer be tolerated. Research Papers on Plessy Vs Ferguson19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoCapital PunishmentQuebec and CanadaWhere Wild and West MeetUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresHip-Hop is ArtPETSTEL analysis of IndiaHonest Iagos Truth through DeceptionThe Hockey Game

Gollum, Epenthesis, and Haplology

Gollum, Epenthesis, and Haplology Gollum, Epenthesis, and Haplology Gollum, Epenthesis, and Haplology By Maeve Maddox As I watched holiday re-runs of the Lord of the Rings movies, I wondered if there might be a term for the way Gollum adds syllables to words. Note: Gollum is a fictional character in The Hobbit and its sequels by J. R. R. Tolkien. In Peter Jackson’s movies, Gollum is played brilliantly by Andy Serkis. Gollum frequently adds a sound or syllable to words, especially plurals. For example: Sneaky little hobbitses. Put out his eyeses, make him crawl. What has it got in its nasty little pocketses? Master tricksed us.   Wicked, tricksy, false! There is a term for adding sounds to words: epenthesis /ee-PEN-thih-sis/. In phonology, epenthesis is the addition of one or more sounds to a word, usually within the word, but not always. The term combines Greek epi, â€Å"in addition to,† en, â€Å"in,† and thesis, â€Å"putting.† The addition of a consonant is called excrescence and the addition of a vowel is called anaptyxis. Here are some common examples of epenthesis sometimes heard in conversation: /I-dee-r/ for idea /drawr-ing/for drawing /fil-um/ for film /ath-a-leet/ for athlete /somp-thing/ for something Haplology, on the other hand, is dropping a sound or syllable from a word. The term combines Greek haplos, â€Å"simple† and logos, â€Å"speech.† Here are examples of haplology: /feb-u-ree/ for February /lye-bree/ for library /prob-ly/ for probably The examples I’ve given are all nonstandard pronunciations, but sometimes the processes of epenthesis and haplology result in alterations that eventually become standard. Epenthesis gives us England and thunder. The name England derives from the earlier form Engla land. An earlier form of thunder was thunner. Haplology is at work in the pronunciation of the British place name Worcester, which is still spelled with three syllables, but pronounced with two: /WOOS-ter/. Some regional speakers pronounce Mississippi as /mis-SIP-ee/. A similar process in spelling is called haplography: â€Å"Missippi† for Mississippi. (Also called misspelling.) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Spelling category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:30 Synonyms for â€Å"Meeting†Hang, Hung, HangedEach vs. Both

Dentify the basic provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that Essay

Dentify the basic provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that specifically deal with ethics and Independence and research how this Act has affected auditors since it was established in 2002 - Essay Example An example is the collapse of Enron. Unethical conduct on the part of Corporate CEOs and Audit Firms was responsible (Rezzy, 2007). To avoid a repeat of the same, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was passed to instill ethics and instigate independence auditors. The essay covers specific provisions of the statute intended to promote ethics and independence to demonstrate how the act has affected auditors. Section 101 created the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board as an independent body with the onus to monitor and regulate the activities of auditors (Freeman, 2009). The board has since ensured that auditors comply with the provisions of the legislation as well as comply with the code of ethics for persons in the auditing business. Since the introduction of the Board, it is believed that audit malpractice has reduced due to the stiffer penalties that threaten implicated firms as a result of the Board’s investigations according to Romano (Romano, 2005). Title III from section 301 to 308 endeavors to promote ethics by obligating company executives to be personally responsible for the financial reports of the corporate, whether quarterly, semi-annually or annually. To avoid malpractice, CEOs and other chief management staff are required to inspect and pass as accurate the financial statements of the company before they are released. This in turn makes the officers personally liable if any misstatements are made that could be misleading as to the financial soundness of the company. Green states that any officer required to append signature on a financial report must only do so after doing due diligence using their knowledge to make sure that everything stated therein is true to avoid personal liability (Green, 2004). This has had the effect of reducing fraud as corporate executives struggle to ensure that financial reports are as accurate as