Theory And Method Essay Final

Theory And Method Essay Final Theory And Method Essay Final Catherine Scott AFE1108-Theory and method in language study. When thinking about the question ‘What is Language’ it is imperative to consider many important factors which could determine an answer to such a broad statement. There are three main concepts which give an insight into what language actually is; it is most commonly seen as a kind of behaviour, a state of mind and a means of communication. Noam Chomsky a behaviourist of linguistics has studied the way in which our minds nurture language and argues that language is in the mind. We must already be aware of language before we learn sentences and word meanings for example if someone told one about a blue house one would presume this was in reference to the outside of the house as this is the natural thought process â€Å"One of the fundamental aspects of human language, according to Chomsky, is its creative nature† Stark 1998 which suggests that we can create and develop language through our own interpretation and knowledge systems and social contexts. There is more t o language than simply the words we speak. In her book ‘Thinking about language’ Chapman 2006 highlights areas of the question â€Å"What is language† by looking at different theorists approaches to the concept of language. This essay will consider the three factors mentioned about what language is. My own interpretation is that language is a vital part of everyday life used for many means of communication between humans and possibly other species and cultures; however this essay will focus mainly on the English language. Without interaction through different forms of language there would be no way of developing ideas and moving forward throughout history as there would have been a continuous breakdown in communication. Language is a far broader concept than simply the words which we speak or write down, evidence shows that even in times when there was no recorded language with structure or grammar there was still a level of communication between the species for example Cavemen. The communication used by Cavemen was drawings which have been found over time and shows that although there was no linguistic development a type of language was still evident. â€Å"Scientists who have been trawling through the DNA, found in Neanderthal bones have discovered that the now extinct species had a â€Å"language gene† that is only found in modern humans.†Gray 2007, these points raised by Gray justify that there may have been a coded communication between the cavemen possibly even a language. On the other hand any coded form of communication may be a language. Other examples of where language is not just words and writing is something such as Egyptian hieroglyphics and Morse code. Behaviourists such as Noam Chomsky suggest â€Å"The term ‘language’ is often used in quite a different way, referring not to some specific biologically determined system, but rather to any mode of communication or mode of expression, in some very general sense.† Chomsky 1983. Although there is no lexicon used between the cavemen they would have used a stimulus and responded to each other’s needs in their own way which is a form of communicating language. It could be suggested that language is a type of behaviour as there are examples from different theorists which imply this. For example â€Å"Language is people talking and writing. It is a concrete, tangible aspect of human behaviour.† Sampson 2001. His argument that language is a type of behaviour is brought about through an empirical scientific method meaning it is based on knowledge and taken from someone’s experience in that subject area. Sampson’s process for looking at language as a type of behaviour involved the steps of looking, listening, producing hypotheses, predicting the outcome using evidence and testing the hypotheses. Furthermore he suggested we must develop new or adapted hypotheses and test these against observable behaviour. The example used by Chapman 2006, is that if a person is hungry they

Olmec Religion - the First Mesoamerican Civilization

Olmec Religion - the First Mesoamerican Civilization The Olmec civilization (1200-400 B.C.) was the first major Mesoamerican culture and laid the foundation for several later civilizations. Many aspects of Olmec culture remain a mystery, which is not surprising considering how long ago their society went into decline. Nevertheless, archaeologists have been able to make surprising progress in learning about the religion of the ancient Olmec people. The Olmec Culture The Olmec culture lasted roughly from 1200 B.C. to 400 B.C. and flourished along Mexicos Gulf coast. The Olmec built major cities at San Lorenzo and La Venta, in the present day states of Veracruz and Tabasco respectively. The Olmec were farmers, warriors and traders, and the few clues they left behind indicate a rich culture. Their civilization collapsed by 400 A. D. - archaeologists are unsure as to why - but several later cultures, including the Aztec and the Maya, were profoundly influenced by the Olmec. The Continuity Hypothesis Archaeologists have struggled to put together the few clues that remain today from the Olmec culture which vanished well over 2,000 years ago. Facts about the ancient Olmec are hard to come by. Modern researchers must use three sources for information on the religion of ancient Mesoamerican cultures: Analysis of relics including sculpture, buildings and ancient texts when availableEarly Spanish reports of religious and cultural practicesEthnographic studies of modern-day traditional religious practices in certain communities Experts who have studied the Aztecs, Maya and other ancient Mesoamerican religions have come to an interesting conclusion: these religions share certain characteristics, indicating a much older, foundational system of belief. Peter Joralemon proposed the Continuity Hypothesis to fill in the gaps left by incomplete records and studies. According to Joralemon there is a basic religious system common to all Mesoamerican peoples. This system took shape long before it was given monumental expression in Olmec art and survived long after the Spanish conquered the New Worlds major political and religious centers. (Joralemon quoted in Diehl, 98). In other words, other cultures can fill in the blanks in regards to Olmec society. One example is the Popol Vuh. Although it is normally associated with the Maya, there are nevertheless many instances of Olmec art and sculpture that seemingly show images or scenes from the Popol Vuh. One instance is the nearly identical statues of the Hero Twins at t he Azuzul archaeological site. The Five Aspects of Olmec Religion Archaeologist Richard Diehl has identified five elements associated with Olmec Religion. These include: A cosmos which identifies the socio-cultural context within which Gods and man interactedDivine beings and gods who controlled the universe and interacted with menA shaman or priest class who acted as intermediaries between the common Olmec people and their gods and spiritsRituals enacted by shamans and/or rulers that reinforced the concepts of the cosmosSacred sites, both natural and man-made Olmec Cosmology Like many early Mesoamerican cultures, the Olmec believed in three tiers of existence: the physical realm they inhabited, an underworld and a sky realm, home of most of the gods. Their world was bound together by the four cardinal points and natural boundaries such as rivers, the ocean and mountains. The most important aspect of Olmec life was agriculture, so it is no surprise that the Olmec agricultural/fertility cult, gods and rituals were extremely important. The rulers and kings of the Olmec had an important role to play as intermediaries between the realms, although it is unknown exactly what relationship to their gods they claimed. Olmec Deities The Olmec had several deities whose images repeatedly appear in surviving sculptures, stonecarvings and other artistic forms. Their names have been lost to time, but archaeologists identify them by their characteristics. No fewer than eight regularly-appearing Olmec deities have been identified. These are the designations given to them by Joralemon: The Olmec DragonThe Bird MonsterThe Fish MonsterThe Banded-eye GodThe Maize GodThe Water GodThe Were-jaguarThe Feathered Serpent Most of these gods would later figure prominently in other cultures, such as the Maya. Currently, there is insufficient information about the roles these gods played in Olmec society or specifically how each was worshiped. Olmec Sacred Places The Olmecs considered certain man-made and natural places sacred. Man-made places included temples, plazas and ball courts and natural places included springs, caves, mountaintops and rivers. No building easily identifiable as an Olmec temple has been discovered; nevertheless, there are many raised platforms which probably served as bases upon which temples were built of some perishable material such as wood. Complex A at La Venta archaeological site is commonly accepted as a religious complex. Although the only ballcourt identified at an Olmec site comes from the post-Olmec era at San Lorenzo, there is nevertheless much evidence that the Olmecs played the game, including carved likenesses of players and preserved rubber balls found at the El Manatà ­ site. The Olmec venerated natural sites as well. El Manatà ­ is a bog where offerings were left by the Olmecs, probably those who lived at San Lorenzo. Offerings included wooden carvings, rubber balls, figurines, knives, axes and more. Although caves are rare in the Olmec region, some of their carvings indicate a reverence for them: in some stonecarvings the cave is the mouth of the Olmec Dragon. Caves in Guerrero state have paintings inside which are associated with the Olmec. Like many ancient cultures, the Olmecs venerated mountains: an Olmec sculpture was found close to the summit of the San Martà ­n Pajapan Volcano, and many archaeologists believe that man-made hills at sites such as La Venta are meant to represent sacred mountains for rituals. Olmec Shamans There is strong evidence that the Olmec had a shaman class in their society. Later Mesoamerican cultures which derived from the Olmec had full-time priests who acted as intermediaries between the common people and the divine. There are sculptures of shamans apparently transforming from humans into were-jaguars. Bones of toads with hallucinogenic properties have been found at Olmec sites: the mind-altering drugs were presumably used by shamans. The rulers of Olmec cities probably served as shamans as well: rulers were likely considered to have a special relationship with the gods and many of their ceremonial functions were religious. Sharp objects, such as stingray spines, have been found at Olmec sites and were most likely used in sacrificial bloodletting rituals. Olmec Religious Rituals and Ceremonies Of Diehls five foundations of Olmec religion, the rituals are the least known to modern researchers. The presence of ceremonial objects, such as stingray spines for bloodletting, indicate that there were, indeed, important rituals, but any details of said ceremonies have been lost to time. Human bones - particularly of infants - have been found at some sites, suggesting human sacrifice, which was later important among the Maya, Aztec and other cultures. The presence of rubber balls indicates that the Olmec played this game. Later cultures would assign a religious and ceremonial context to the game, and it is reasonable to suspect that the Olmec did as well. Sources: Coe, Michael D and Rex Koontz. Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs. 6th Edition. New York: Thames and Hudson, 2008Cyphers, Ann. Surgimiento y decadencia de San Lorenzo, Veracruz. Arqueologà ­a Mexicana Vol XV - Num. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). P. 36-42.Diehl, Richard A. The Olmecs: Americas First Civilization. London: Thames and Hudson, 2004.Gonzalez Lauck, Rebecca B. El Complejo A, La Venta, Tabasco. Arqueologà ­a Mexicana Vol XV - Num. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). P. 49-54.Grove, David C. Cerros Sagradas Olmecas. Trans. Elisa Ramirez. Arqueologà ­a Mexicana Vol XV - Num. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). P. 30-35.Miller, Mary and Karl Taube. An Illustrated Dictionary of the Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya. New York: Thames Hudson, 1993.

Issues that Impacts on Human Resource Management Term Paper

Issues that Impacts on Human Resource Management - Term Paper Example Political factors can have a major bearing upon a business organization to efficiently coordinate its number of vital operations. Political disturbances and imbalances, along with strict governmental regulations can also impact the HRM functions of Foster’s by a considerable extent to efficiently manage its business operations in Australia (Oxford University Press 2007). In relation to identifying the major issue within the dimension of the political factor that can impact the HRM performances, it is apparent that Foster’s can face challenges concerning the country’s human resource policies relating to wage structure, compensation policies and working hours among others. Moreover, the changing governmental regulations can also create an impact on the organization to efficiently perform its HRM policies and practices within Australia. However, the present democratic and political stability of Australia is significantly influencing foreign marketers to efficiently operate their range of business activities. Consequently, effective and well-built HR regulations of the country apparently provide opportunities for the modern organizations to comply with their existing HRM functions within the nation (National Sothertons Group Pty Ltd 2010). The economic factors as a part of the PESTLE analysis refer to the various aspects related to economic stability of the host or operational country such as interest rates portfolio, taxation programs, exchange and inflation rates, economic growth according to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rates and other economic constraints (Chernev & Kotler 2008). In accordance with the economic condition of Australia, it is recognized that the country has been achieving its continuous economic development through its range of governmental and non-governmental business industries. Moreover, the country is also witnessing continuous growth in terms of its employment rate which has been identified to be quite strong as it recorded a growth of 1.2% in between the period of February 2012 to February 2013 (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2013).

Connection Between Substance Abuse and Crime Research Paper

Connection Between Substance Abuse and Crime - Research Paper Example Most importantly, however, is the fact that; when the net is cast widely, then it will trap everybody since if it is not addicted to alcohol and drug abuse, then, it is the resultant violence and crime associated with alcohol and substances abuse. Therefore, the interest in analyzing the subject of Substance Abuse, Alcohol, and Crime is derived from the fact that it is a social problem that has refused to go away for the longest time. Further, the need to study this subject emanates from the fact that it is a problem for all, and since everybody is affected by this subject, it important to engage it widely, since the existing laws and policy regulation framework does not seem to be effective in addressing the problem, creating a need to engage alternative means of addressing the problem. However, while substance abuse, alcohol, and crime is a serious menace for the nation, the specific area where the issue needs to be addressed is in the issue of alcohol and substance use by teens and young people, which results to juvenile crimes, while also affecting every aspect of their lives, such as their personal health, education, safety and security, relationships and addition (Musto, 1999). Nevertheless, the major risk is the connection that exists between alcohol or substance abuse and crime. The legal risks emanating from alcohol consumption and substance abuse by young people is high, and the chances of destroying the whole life ahead of the young people are high. The legal and policy framework in relation to the subject of substance abuse, alcohol, and crime is not favorable for deterring the access of alcohol and substances, and their consequent illegal use. The legal and regulatory framework has illegalized the possession, production, and distribution of drugs and sub stances, while the actual problem is not licensing, but the fact that such drugs and substances are available and accessible for use (NCADD, 2013).

Trends in Hiv Prevalence Essay Example for Free

Trends in Hiv Prevalence Essay ABSTRACT HIV prevalence in the world is becoming increasingly high. As of mid-1998, the HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to spread unequally around the world. In many cities in sub-Saharan African countries more than a quarter of young and middle-aged adults are infected with HIV, whereas in most developed countries, the number of annual AIDS cases continues to decrease. The status and of HIV epidemics in most other areas of the world remains uncertain because of inadequate data on the prevalence of HIV-risk behaviours. Hence, this paper presentation seeks to examine the trends of HIV prevalence across the world taking all the continents into consideration. INTRODUCTION HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a lentivirus, and like all viruses of this type, it attacks the immune system. Lentiviruses are in turn part of a larger group of viruses known as retroviruses. The name lentivirus literally means slow virus because they take such a long time to produce any adverse effects in the body. They have been found in a number of different animals, including cats, sheep, horses and cattle. However, the most interesting lentivirus in terms of the investigation into the origins of HIV is the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) that affects monkeys, which is believed to be at least 32,000 years old. It is now generally accepted that HIV is a descendant of a Simian Immunodeficiency Virus because certain strains of SIVs bear a very close resemblance to HIV-1 and HIV-2, the two types of HIV. HIV-2 for example corresponds to SIVsm, a strain of the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus found in the sooty mangabey (also known as the White-collared monkey), which is indigenous to western Africa. The more virulent, pandemic strain of HIV, namely HIV-1, was until recently more difficult to place. Until 1999, the closest counterpart that had been identified was SIVcpz, the SIV found in chimpanzees. However, this virus still had certain significant differences from HIV There are a number of factors that may have contributed to the sudden spread of HIV, most of which occurred in the latter half of the twentieth century and these includes: * Blood Transfusion * Drug Use * Mother-to-Child Transfusion ORIGIN OF HIV The origin of AIDS and HIV has puzzled scientists ever since the illness first came to light in the early 1980s. For over twenty years it has been the subject of fierce debate and the cause of countless arguments, with everything from a promiscuous flight attendant to a suspect vaccine programme being blamed. The first recognized case of AIDS occurred in the USA in the early 1980s. A number of gay men in New York and California suddenly began to develop rare opportunistic infections and cancers that seemed stubbornly resistant to any treatment. At this time, AIDS did not yet have a name, but it quickly became obvious that all the men were suffering from a common syndrome. The discovery of HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, was made soon after. While some were initially resistant to acknowledge the connection (and indeed some remain so today), there is now clear evidence to prove that HIV causes AIDS. So, in order to find the source of AIDS, it is necessary to look for the origin of HIV, and find out how, when and where HIV first began to cause disease in humans. In February 1999 a group of researchers from the University of Alabama announced that they had found a type of SIVcpz that was almost identical to HIV-1. This particular strain was identified in a frozen sample taken from a captive member of the sub-group of chimpanzees known as Pan Troglodytes (P. t. troglodytes), which were once common in west-central Africa. The researchers (led by Paul Sharp of Nottingham University and Beatrice Hahn of the University of Alabama) made the discovery during the course of a 10-year long study into the origins of the virus. They claimed that this sample proved that chimpanzees were the source of HIV-1, and that the virus had at some point crossed species from chimps to humans. Their final findings were published two years later in Nature magazine. In this article, they concluded that wild chimps had been infected simultaneously with two different simian immunodeficiency viruses which had viral sex to form a third virus that could be passed on to other chimps and, more significantly, was capable of infecting humans and causing AIDS. These two different viruses were traced back to a SIV that infected red-capped mangabeys and one found in greater spot-nosed monkeys. They believe that the hybridisation took place inside chimps that had become infected with both strains of SIV after they hunted and killed the two smaller species of monkey. They also concluded that all three groups of HIV-1 namely Group M, N and O (see our strains and subtypes page for more information on these) came from the SIV found in P. t. troglodytes, and that each group represented a separate crossover event from chimps to humans. It has been known for a long time that certain viruses can pass between species. Indeed, the very fact that chimpanzees obtained SIV from two other species of primate shows just how easily this crossover can occur. As animals ourselves, we are just as susceptible. When a viral transfer between animals and humans takes place, it is known as zoonosis. The most commonly accepted theory on how zoonosis took place, and how SIV became HIV in humans is that of the hunter. In this scenario, SIVcpz was transferred to humans as a result of chimps being killed and eaten or their blood getting into cuts or wounds on the hunter. Normally the hunters body would have fought off SIV, but on a few occasions it adapted itself within its new human host and became HIV-1. The fact that there were several different early strains of HIV, each with a slightly different genetic make-up (the most common of which was HIV-1 group M), would support this theory: every time it passed from a chimpanzee to a man, it would have developed in a slightly different way within his body, and thus produced a slightly different strain. An article published in The Lancet in 20044 , also shows how retroviral transfer from primates to hunters is still occurring even today. In a sample of 1099 individuals in Cameroon, they discovered ten (1%) were infected with SFV (Simian Foamy Virus), an illness which, like SIV, was previously thought only to infect primates. All these infections were believed to have been acquired through the butchering and consumption of monkey and ape meat. Discoveries such as this have led to calls for an outright ban on bush meat hunting to prevent simian viruses being passed to humans. Others theories include: * The oral polio vaccine (OPV) theory * The contaminated needle theory * The colonialism theory * The conspiracy theory Four of the earliest known instances of HIV infection are as follows: * A plasma sample taken in 1959 from an adult male living in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. * A lymph node sample taken in 1960 from an adult female, also from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. * HIV found in tissue samples from an American teenager who died in St. Louis in 1969. A 1998 analysis of the plasma sample from 1959 suggested that HIV-1 was introduced into humans around the 1940s or the early 1950s.   In January 2000, the results of a new study16 suggested that the first case of HIV-1 infection occurred around 1931 in West Africa. This estimate (which had a 15 year margin of error) was based on a complex computer model of HIVs evolution. However, a study in 200817 dated the origin of HIV to between 1884 and 1924, much earlier than previous estimates. The researchers compared the viral sequence from 1959 (the oldest known HIV-1 specimen) to the newly discovered sequence from 1960. They found a significant genetic difference between them, demonstrating diversification of HIV-1 occurred long before the AIDS pandemic was recognised. The authors suggest a long history of the virus in Africa and call Kinshasa the â€Å"epicentre of the HIV/AIDS pandemic† in Central Africa. They propose the early spread of HIV was concurrent with the development of colonial cities, in which crowding of people increased opportunities for HIV transmission. If accurate, these findings imply that HIV existed before many scenarios (such as the OPV and conspiracy theories) suggest. Until recently, the origins of the HIV-2 virus had remained relatively unexplored. HIV-2 is thought to come from the SIV in Sooty Mangabeys rather than chimpanzees, but the crossover to humans is believed to have happened in a similar way (i.e. through the butchering and consumption of monkey meat). It is far rarer, significantly less infectious and progresses more slowly to AIDS than HIV-1. As a result, it infects far fewer people, and is mainly confined to a few countries in West Africa. In May 2003, a group of Belgian researchers published a report18 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. By analysing samples of the two different subtypes of HIV-2 (A and B) taken from infected individuals and SIV samples taken from sooty mangabeys, Dr Vandamme concluded that subtype A had passed into humans around 1940 and subtype B in 1945 (plus or minus 16 years or so). Her team of researchers also discovered that the virus had originated in Guinea-Bissau and that its spread was most likely precipitated by the independence war that took place in the country between 1963 and 1974 (Guinea-Bissau is a former Portuguese colony). Her theory was backed up by the fact that the first European cases of HIV-2 were discovered among Portuguese veterans of the war, many of whom had received blood transfusions or unsterile injections following injury, or had possibly had relationships with local women. TRENDS IN HIV PREVALENCE Since 2001, MEASURE Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) have included HIV testing in 31 countries. In 13 of these countries testing has been included in two surveys, which provides an opportunity to examine trends. However, trend data must be viewed with caution, as only some changes are statistically significant. Trends in HIV Prevalence In the charts below, changes in HIV prevalence that are statistically significant are marked with an asterisk and a star.   While it may appear that HIV prevalence has decreased in most countries, these decreases are only statistically significant in the Dominican Republic, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. This means that in these countries, the change is large enough that it is unlikely that the decrease is due to chance alone; it probably represents true change in the HIV prevalence in the population. In some countries, such as Tanzania, the decrease is statistically significant for the population as a whole, and for men, but not for women. In Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Zimbabwe, HIV prevalence has decreased among both women and men. DHS surveys have not detected any change in HIV prevalence in Mali, Senegal, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Lesotho, or Zambia. What does this mean? Because HIV prevalence is a measure of all HIV infections in a population, a decrease in HIV prevalence could indicate that fewer people are becoming infected, and/or that more people with HIV have died in a population. Similarly, an increase in HIV prevalence could point to more new infections, and/or could indicate an increase in HIV-positive individuals living longer on anti-retroviral therapy. TRENDS IN HIV PREVALENCE IN ASIA PACIFIC REGION With over 60 percent if the worlds population, the Asia-Pacific Region presents a wide diversity of HIV-related risk environments, in terms of behavioural, political and cultural factors. Within the framework of this diversity, there has also been a wide range of HIV epidemics and responses, both across and within countries. It is not therefore possible to present a simple analysis of the actual and potential occurrence of HIV infection in this vast region. Our understanding of the HIV epidemic and its determinants in the Asia-Pacific Region has improved substantially over the past 3-5 years, as a number of countries have implemented comprehensive surveillance systems for HIV prevalence, and sexual and injecting risk behaviours. Despite these advances, a number of countries still have a limited capacity to assess the occurrence of HIV infection and related behaviours, and to monitor the impact of interventions. A recent factor of importance in the Asia-Pacific environment has been the economic tumult of the past year. While various predictions have been made of the potential impact on the HIV epidemic, it is not possible to state with any certainty whether their net effect will be to increase or decrease the incidence of risk behaviour or HIV transmission. Since extensive HIV transmission has been a very recent phenomenon in a number of Asia-Pacific countries, there has so far been little experience with the care and support of people with HIV-related illness. Apart from Australia, Thailand and Japan, few countries have a healthcare workforce, which is adequately prepared to care for substantial numbers of people developing HIV-related illness. Without simplifying too much, it is possible to classify the differing patterns of HIV transmission into broad categories, based on available surveillance data. In Australia and New Zealand, the virtually all HIV transmission has been through sex between men, and the incidence of transmission via this route has long been recognized as having declined substantially in the 1980s. In a few countries, such as Thailand, Cambodia and parts of Myanmar and India, heterosexual transmission has been extensive, mediated through large-scale sex industries but extending now to the regular partners of sex workers male clients. Some countries have HIV epidemics among injecting drug users (IDU) with limited associated heterosexual transmission. These include countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and some areas of India and China. Other countries have limited, but well documented spread of HIV infections, such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. Several countries have not reported substantial numbers of HIV infection, but do not appear to have comprehensive, ongoing surveillance systems. Papua New Guinea, Pakistan and Bangladesh are countries which may have a substantial risk environment, and need to strengthen their surveillance activities. The analysis of HIV epidemic trends in the region becomes more meaningful when a focus is placed on populations whose cultural and social affinity and networks transcend geopolitical borders. A new geography of HIV/AIDS in the region then emerges that helps recognize the foci of intense HIV spread. These include large metropolitan areas in western and southern India (Mumbai, Chinnai); the India/Nepal border area; the larger Golden Triangle, which reaches out to northern Thailand, eastern Myanmar, but also encompasses the areas of Manipur in India and Yunnan in China; and the Mekong delta area, which includes Cambodia and southern Vietnam. To gain better understanding of the dynamics of HIV epidemics, factors of affinity between populations as well as mobility patterns must be explored and mapped out.

OCCUPATIONAL BACK INJURIES DURING MANUAL HANDLING OF MATERIAL Essay

INDEX PAGE INTRODUCTION  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3 ERGONOMICS  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  4 OBJECTIVES OF ERGONOMICS  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  4 RESULTS OF ERGONOMIC APPLICATIONS  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  5 THE BACK STRUTURE  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  6 BACK AND BACK PROBLEMS  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  6 Back injuries  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  6 Causes of back injuries  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  7 The following are common causes of back injuries:–  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  7 Back injury prevention  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  8 Back injury-preventative techniques  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  8 Techniques  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  9 Strategies  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  9 ORIGINAL LIFTING MODEL  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  10 Strain index (SI) =  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  10 Action limit  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  11 Maximum permissible limit  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  11 Administrative controls  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  12 Engineering controls  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  12 Limitations of the NIOSH lifting model  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  13 LEGISLATIVE TRENDS: STANDARDS, GUIDELINES AND INTERVENTION PROGRAMMES  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  13 CONCLUSION  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  14 APENDIX 1  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  15 REFERENCES  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  16 OCCUPATIONAL BACK INJURIES DURING MANUAL HANDLING OF MATERIAL INTRODUCTION Almost one third of all disabling injuries at work, temporary or permanent are related to manual handling of objects. Many of these incidents are avoidable and are the consequence of inadequate or simplistic bio-mechanical task analysis. Injuries associated with manual materials handling have grown substantially and are currently estimated to exceed several billion dollars annually in the USA. In addition to the compensation costs are the tremendous costs associated with the suffering of the impaired workers. Manual material handling injuries can result from lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying objects while performing activities . Some of the most traumatic and costly manual material handling injuries impact on the back, more specifically the lower back has been the area of concern in most studies examining the low back pain associated with manual material handling. Lifting, handling and dragging loads involve a good deal of static effort, enough to classify as h... ... are not included.5 LEGISLATIVE TRENDS: STANDARDS, GUIDELINES AND INTERVENTION PROGRAMMES Ever since the 19th century, government bodies in the developed nations have attempted, for social as well as economic reasons, to influence the way industry runs itself. Industries now have to comply with regulations, which limit worker exposure to the health - threatening aspects of their job. The requirement for good working conditions is not a new one. The Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970 requires all employees to â€Å"provide their employees with a workplace free from recognised serious hazards† irrespective of whether these hazards are covered by specific standards. If poor ergonomics constitutes a hazard, then employers are required to act. Ergonomic Safety and Health Management Rules specify what constitutes an â€Å"ergonomic hazard† and what actions to take to remove the hazard. The rules assist employers in complying with already existing legislation.4 CONCLUSION Through compliance with legislative trends, understanding of the back structure, and Health and Safety training programmes, the universal prevalence of occupational back injuries can be reduced and even prevented.

Nu Shu – The Women’s Writing of China

Nu Shu, also known as the women's writing of China, was a major part of Chinese women's lives throughout the 20th century. Unlike any other writing, it is the only known hidden written language. Women used Nu Shu as a way to escape from the oppressive outside world and enter into a peaceful state of mind. Life was hard enough for women; it's scary to think how hard Nu Shu was probably the most commonly valued thing for women in China during this time period. It was valued so much because it was used to share women's miseries. China was ruled by men, and women were nothing more than ousewives and sometime field workers. What made it so special was that only women knew about it. It was a written language expressed by songs and stories. Any other language besides Chinese was forbidden by Emperors. Women couldn't use any form of education, so it had to be formed in secret. Having been something only women knew, it was an easy way for them to express their hardships and sufferings. Every woman at that time was going through the same thing, so it was seen as the easiest way for women to let out their feelings. Males dominated society completely, and Nu Shu was the nly true form of power that women had. If it had been leaked to the public, not only would it have been banned, but many women would have been sent to jail and killed if found using it. Women were beaten and abused to the point where a good day in marriage was a day you cried. Marriages were always arranged, and many women didn't even have feelings towards their husbands. They had to put up with the abuse and couldn't complain. At any point in time, a man could tell his wife what to do and when to do it. Women had no say in the government, their marriage, and in everyday society. The only time they could speak freely was when writing in Nu Shu. Their only audience willing to listen was other women, and Nu Shu was the only way to get in touch with other women without anyone finding out. Whether or not Nu Shu was good or bad is often debated. I happen to think it was good for many reasons. Women weren't educated in any way. Nu Shu was the closest thing they had to education. With education comes power, and that was exactly what women needed. In a time when men ruled society, power is everything. While it wasn't power that everyone recognized, it helped women have better mindsets. In a way, it was creating a more equal society for these women. Equal was definitely something the Chinese culture wasn't centered around, but it was something all women strived for one day. It was often believed that Nu Shu taught women to accept their suffering, but I actually think it was the opposite. No women would ever accept that feet binding were okay, or that the beatings from their husbands should be allowed. Instead, they learned how to cope with these struggles. Knowing how to handle yourself in bad times is a very good quality to have. When thrown a curveball in life, instead of sulking about t, the better thing to do is to take a step back and learn how to deal with it. I think that is something people in Western society do well and in the long run made the Chinese women stronger. Unfortunately, the last living person proficient in Nu Shu died several years ago. I think it's a shame that Nu Shu is closer to being extinct. While the actual writing itself may have no significance to anyone in today's world, I think a great lesson can be learned from it. It's fascinating how long women were successful in keeping it a secret, and overall made the Chinese women stronger people.

How the Hashatg trend changes TV

The coffee machine In the office used to be the place where people gathered to talk about the TV shows they had watched the night before. Nowadays watching television Isn't Just about enjoying your favorite program on the sofa. 95% of the public social conversation around Film and Television happens on Twitter and other social networks. People exchange with other fans and viewers, share their opinions and engage with each other via Twitter, Mainstream, Faceable and co.Studies have shown that especially the younger audience watches television with two eyes on the screen and a third on the smartened or computer. This â€Å"second-screen-trend† has started a new movement of advertising, targeting specifically this younger audiences and open up a whole new market of advertising on Television. Many brands have already connected their Twitter accounts with TV advertising, using washrags. This leads us to the question: How does the washrag-trend change marketing and advertising In th e TV and Media landscape?In this essay I will discuss the use of washrags as a marketing tool In the film and television Industry and how this new trend might Impact on my future career goals as a writer In the television Industry. One might catch himself asking, â€Å"What an earth is a washrag? â€Å". The washrag symbol (#) is mainly found on social networks like Twitter, Mainstream and Pinsetters and quite recently Faceable joined the circle of washrag users. A washrag symbol is used to unite specific tweets, photos, posts etc. About particular topics.It's a way of organizing or grouping those posts. Washrags can help users on Twitter and Mainstream to find topics that are similar to their own posts or interests. However, the Washrag is also a very economical but effective marketing tool. The marketers of big rims and companies can track the washrag routine of social network users undo create trends to boost their own companies. The washrag makes it possible for them to resear ch popular trends on Twitter and how many messages were sent regarding a specific washrag wealth a particular time frame.It can also be used to boost your visibility on social networks. If enough Individuals promote a washrag It will â€Å"trend† and attract more social network users. Ever since 2010 the most popular washrags at any given moment have been displayed on the front page of Twitter as â€Å"Trending Topics†. Simply put, washrags are a great way to organize Tweets, posts and photos but it is also very beneficial way of advertising a company, show or new products.Furthermore, television networks have been quick to notice the power of the washrag by displaying it in the bottom corner of the screen during a show or putting it in the end of a commercial. These types of washrags are called â€Å"branded washrags† as opposed to â€Å"organic washrags† which are started by fans or non – professional twitter users. Branded washrags can, for inst ance, serve as a tool of creating hype around an upcoming episode of a TV show, event or film and stir up a conversation between fans. Then, the washrag Is usually the name of the program or the topic that Is discussed.It seems as if the washrag had been around forever, however Twitter joined the clan quite recently in 2013. But even though the Washrag is a fairly new trend it has already completely changed the way TV shows and Films are advertised. Only a couple of years ago, a new show or a new movie would be mainly promoted by the star of the film, by attending red carpet events or making an appearance on a popular talk show to spread the word about their newest movie. Professionally made posters and trailers could be seen on television or your local bus stop.Whilst those techniques are still used, the posters or the trailers would now feature a little washrag symbol in the corner. Of course, a famous actor can still promote a new movie, but generally speaking, the marketing nowa days happens on Twitter and social networks, where fans are spreading the word of a new film or TV show by using the washrag. This has opened up a way to connect Television and social media and overall, the way of advertising has become much more interactive, meaning the audience plays a key role in the process.This is clearly visible in interactive shows, such as talk shows, live sport events or big gala events like the Golden globes or the Academy Awards. Here, the washrag is not only an active way of engaging the viewers but also a possibility to ask questions and get in touch with the makers or stars of the show. Some shows, such as â€Å"Project Runway', even give each contestant their own washrag for voting purposes. Likewise, the BBC family drama â€Å"Pretty Little Liars† gives a good example of the interactive usage of washrags between fans and the cast and rioters of the show.This might be partly due to the young age of the target audience, who are in their teens a nd mostly communicate with their friends via Faceable and Twitter. The series revolves around the mystery of a girl's disappearance and when asked, the series creator / show runner l. Marlene King hints at future story developments based on which the audience can attempt to solve the mystery. These are Just some of many shows that are successfully using the washrag for marketing purposes.For professionals working in marketing this means, in order to built a brand they will eve to create a campaign specific washrag in order to attract people on twitter to talk about their product, raise awareness and engage the target audience, as well as following current washrag trends in order to make their content relevant to trending topics. While the star of the show or film still plays an important role in the promotion process, the real marketing happens through the fans and social network users.The physical advertisement, such as posters has to big parts been replaced with the much more econ omical and at least as efficient advertisement through social networks, using washrags. This means the target audience who is spreading the word of a new show, movie or product all over the World Wide Web, became a key role in modern advertising. Therefore, the audience becomes more and more influential and even manages to reach out to big production companies and media groups. A good example for how powerful the audience's impact really is, is the NBC show â€Å"Community' which has been facing a constant threat of cancellation.In an attempt to safe the show, the show runners inserted the washrag † #Accommodativeness † at the end of the season three finale and started a campaign to safe the show. The fans picked up the washrag quickly and as NBC noticed the trending washrag and how much attention the show had been given, influential the users of social networks are if it comes to marketing, but also that washrags can be a inexpensive or even free marketing tool. This l eads me to my next point. How much does the washrag trend and the second – screen – trend influences me as an independent filmmaker and writer and how can I use the trend to my advantage?As an independent filmmaker it would be hard to run a professionally organized campaign in order to promote a new project, since there is usually no budget for advertising placements on television, posters or even professionally designed campaigns. For me, social media represents a free or affordable alternative to promote my projects. The washrag is a no budget film- marketing tool that can boost my appearance on the Internet. The more creative the washrag, the more successful the self-initiated campaign can be. Many â€Å"No Names† on Twitter have more followers than some celebrities.This proves that social media platforms such as Twitter are a great way to market your brand, film or product. Furthermore, from a writer's point of view, who would ideally like to work in televis ion, it is always useful to keep an eye on marketing trends while writing an episode. This way, the writer can already think of â€Å"washables puns† in the show or tastiness that could be used for washrag advertising, such as #Accommodativeness in Community, or even specifically create washrags for fans to interact in the Twitter community, much like in the example of Pretty Little Liars.However, all good things aside, the washrag trend also has its downside and using a washrag campaign for promotion purposes can potentially be a risky business. While it is fairly safe to say that a successful washrag campaign has the potential to raise awareness and increase online conversations, it can certainly be hard to predict the outcome. Once the washrag is out there, the marketers have no control over it and the development that the campaign might take is completely in the hands of the social media users. Some brands had to learn this lesson the hard way.When McDonald's introduced t heir washrag campaign â€Å"#Mysteries† in 2008, the campaign quickly developed a life of it's own and the designed washrag was used by Twitter users to tell their negative stories about the fast food chain. My personal favorite example of â€Å"how washrags can go wrong† is the â€Å"#Undersecretaries† washrag campaign which was created to mourn the death of Margaret Thatcher. Instead of reading the washrag â€Å"Undersecretaries† users read it as â€Å"#Undersecretaries† and as result accidentally mourned for the wrong lady.Status updates such as † R. L. P Cheer. At least now we'll find out about life after love. #Undersecretaries † amused the online community for days, but had very little to do with the actual events. In conclusion it can be said, that the development of the washrag trend within the sat seven years of its first appearance on twitter, clearly demonstrates the importance of collaboration between social networks and the television and film industry in order to successfully market a new film or TV show.The washrag trend has completely transformed the way of advertising in the TV and media landscape and given the audience a much bigger role in the advertising process. Moreover, it gives small companies or independent artists like me an opportunity to market themselves and create an online appearance to raise awareness to their films or handled carefully. In other words, marketers need to think about how washrags can be in cooperated into their media campaigns without losing the control over the narrative.

Invisible Man Ralph Ellison, Reality vs Illusion essays

Invisible Man Ralph Ellison, Reality vs Illusion essays The Ralph Ellisons Invisible Man emphasizes on an African-American mans struggle in discovering his identity in society but spending a lifetime completely unnoticed by society. His constant destruction of himself puts the narrator in unwanted positions. While he has no true relation with any person who can envision him past there discrimination and stereotypes, the narrator is left broken in society. This purposeful theme of invisibility in the eyes of society begins with his belief on the perception of others. The society which he socializes in cannot accomplish perception on the narrators life but instead exploit and use him for there own personally gain. The narrator is naive and gullible with people. The narrator concludes an opposite belief of the advice from this Grandfather who recently passed away. The narrator illustrates equality within the race of whites and blacks, but his grandfather indirectly warns him about others and whites especially. In addition his personally ques t in life puts him in unstable situations where he is caught running from problems. Finally at the end of his quest he must stop and relates his journey to failure and the realization of invisibility with the society. Also his journey left him broken within his perceptive from the invisibility of societys perception. This purposeful theme of invisibility in the eyes of society begins with his belief on the perception of others. "to repress not only his emotions but his humanity . . . [to be] invisible, a walking personification of the Negative, . . . the mechanical man!" (pg 94) The society which he socializes in cannot accomplish perception on the narrators life but instead exploit and use him for there own personally gain. While he has no true relation with any person who can envision him past there discrimination and stereotypes, the narrator is left broken in society. The best relates to the Brotherhood when he was g...

Common Grammatical Errors Passover Readings and the Singular “They”

Common Grammatical Errors Passover Readings and the Singular â€Å"They† God and Grammar This week I am spending Passover with my family.   Perhaps inspired by the season, I picked up the newsletter that comes from Kolot Chayeinu (â€Å"Voices of Our Lives), the synagogue I used to attend in Brooklyn, New York. I read it cover to cover for the first time in months. It won’t surprise you that a grammatical issue leapt up at me from the pages of the newsletter.   Kathryn Conroy of Kolot Chayeinu writes about the open nature of this progressive congregation: â€Å"The person who prays because they believe that God will personally make a difference in their daily life is not the least bit threatened by the person standing next to them who does not believe in God at all.† The Singular â€Å"They† Did you spot the issue in Kathryn’s sentence?   It has become common for writers to refer to a single person, who could be of either gender, as a â€Å"they.† This â€Å"singular they† construction is grammatically problematic.   Clearly one person does not qualify as a â€Å"they,† â€Å"their† or â€Å"them† (all of which were used in Kathryn’s prose).   Yet we refer, perhaps lazily, or even sloppily, to singles as multiples – because it would be challenging or awkward to be grammatically rigorous. My uncle once created a neutral pronoun for just this situation:   fub.   It didn’t catch on. So at least for now, we’re still stuck with a lack of a non-gendered singular personal pronoun in the English language. Given the current state of affairs and my discomfort with the use of the singular â€Å"they,† I’ve decided to take on the challenge of improving upon the sentence from Kolot Chayeinu’s newsletter.   How would I write this sentence to avoid grammatical detention? Rewriting the Sentence One possibility is: â€Å"The person who prays because he or she believes that God will personally make a difference in his or her daily life is not the least bit threatened by the person standing next to him or her who does not believe in God at all.† Hmmm†¦Ã‚   not so great. Stilted, right? This is exactly the type of sentence Ms. Conroy was avoiding. Next option:   Gender the language.   Here’s what it looks like: â€Å"The woman who prays because she believes that God will personally make a difference in her daily life is not the least bit threatened by the man standing next to her who does not believe in God at all.† I was surprised to discover that this sentence is much more powerful than the original – poignant even in addition to being grammatically sound.   An image is conjured of an actual woman and man standing next to each other praying, rather than of some vague or possible scenario. Third option:   Make it Plural â€Å"Congregation members who pray because they believe that God will personally make a difference in their daily lives are not the least bit threatened by those standing next to them who do not believe in God at all.† This sentence is grammatically correct, though in my opinion it doesnt pack the punch of the gendered option. The Essay Expert is a Traditionalist My vote for Kathryn’s sentence is to use a gendered version. And I prefer even the somewhat stilted language of the rigorously neutral option to the grammatically incorrect original. However, I am a traditionalist. The grammar books don’t necessarily agree with me. Not every situation lends itself to gendered language as well as does Kathryn’s sentence. Sometimes our choice is between the â€Å"singular they† and a stilted â€Å"he/she† in order to avoid politically incorrect gendered language.   And sometimes making the subject plural does the trick quite gracefully. My practice in these situations is to pluralized the subject or to use â€Å"he or she† rather than â€Å"they.† Or, if there are repeated references to a non-gendered â€Å"person† or â€Å"someone† in a piece of prose, I might alternate between the masculine and feminine pronouns.   When in doubt, I err on the side of feminine pronouns. After all, there are hundreds of years of usage of the traditional â€Å"he† to balance things out. Wikipedia Speaks Here’s what Wikipedia reports on the acceptability of the singular â€Å"they†: There has been considerable debate as to the acceptability of singular they. Regarding usage, The Chicago Manual of Style notes: On the one hand, it is unacceptable to a great many reasonable readers to use the generic masculine pronoun (he) in reference to no one in particular. On the other hand, it is unacceptable to a great many readers either to resort to nontraditional gimmicks to avoid the generic masculine (by using he/she or s/he, for example) or to use they as a kind of singular pronoun. Either way, credibility is lost with some readers. With the 14th edition (1993), the Manual briefly revised its neutral stance to actually recommend singular use of they and their, noting a revival of this usage and citing its venerable use by such writers as Addison, Austen, Chesterfield, Fielding, Ruskin, Scott, and Shakespeare. However, regret regarding that printing is expressed at its website; and with the current 15th edition (2003), it has returned to its original neutral position. The 2011 translation of the New International Version Bible utilizes singular they instead of he or he or she, refelecting [sic] changes in English usage. The translators commissioned a study of modern English usage and determined that singular they (them/their) is by far the most common way that English-language speakers and writers today refer back to singular antecedents such as whoever,anyone,somebody,a person,no one, and the like. Your Turn What’s your opinion about how to handle the â€Å"singular they†?   Do you have any sample sentences to send me as a challenge?   Do you see any other ways to write Kathryn’s sentence?   And wouldn’t you love to be part of a community where the openness Kathryn describes is a reality? Category:Grammar Writing TipsBy Brenda BernsteinApril 18, 2011 14 Comments Nancy Anderson says: April 19, 2011 at 8:04 am Happy Passover Brenda, I have always stumbled with the singular they and have used the he/she instead. It would make it so much easier to use Kathryns version as it would save all the rewrite time. I like how you are going to use feminine pronouns because he has been used for so many years. I think I will do the same. Its about time! Log in to Reply The Essay Expert says: April 19, 2011 at 8:47 am Happy Passover to you too Nancy! What I really am getting from this conversation is that there is no true right or wrong way to do it. We can choose the way that works best for the situation! I always like it when this happens. Log in to Reply Kristin Johnson says: April 19, 2011 at 10:00 am Happy Passover! Thank you for tackling this irksome subject! Ive grown up believing the singular they was just wrong. Back in high school, which was awhile ago, I was taught to use one in these situations, but evidently this in now passe. I miss it! It was such a convenient solution to the dilemma. Can we create a movement for its comeback? Hope I see you around town when you get back! -Kristin Log in to Reply Linda says: April 20, 2011 at 4:48 pm Happy Passover Brenda! Great post! I, too, am often troubled when I see they used for one person. My resolution has been to insert s/he or refer to him/her as you have done in a sense. Or to rewrite a sentence to make they and them fit better. I like the way you address this topic. Another grammatical issue I was taught when in school was the use of there when starting a sentence. My professor hated it and adamantly taught us to rewrite a sentence to prevent such construction. Since college, however, it seems this has become passe as I have seen many editors begin sentences with There without second thoughts and often justify it. Instead of debating the issue, I merely ensure my writing does not include such usage. What is your thought on this? Also, since we are talking grammatical, I noticed a typo in the second sentence of the second paragraph. Looks like the third word was not omitted upon a rewrite of the sentence. Enjoy your time with family and have a great weekend! Log in to Reply The Essay Expert says: April 21, 2011 at 4:06 pm Hi Nancy, thank you for raising the issue of starting a sentence with there. I am comfortable with that usage, e.g., There are many things to be grateful for in life! Sometimes using there to start a sentence is superfluous, e.g., instead of There are many people who disagree with that rule, say Many people disagree with that rule. Thank you for catching my proofreading oversight. It has been corrected! And thank you for the holiday wishes. Im having a wonderful time and look forward to attending the Clearwater Generations concert tomorrow night! Log in to Reply Penelope J. says: April 22, 2011 at 10:59 pm Hi Brenda and Happy Passover! I never had this problem until I came to the U.S. and was doing phone research. The questionnaires were full of grammatical errors and this one, in particular, using they to refer to a singular stuck in my throat. I tried to substitute it verbally with he/she or him/her, but if it looks stilted in writing (except for business letters/reports), it sounded worse when spoken. I love the solution that you gave above, which may require a bit more consideration, but as you said, makes the sentence much more powerful. I have several other grammatical peeves that are becoming more common such as using a instead of an and that instead of who. My English teacher must be turning in her grave at the way the English language is being distorted and rules flagrantly dismissed. Log in to Reply The Essay Expert says: April 23, 2011 at 1:12 am Thanks Penelope. Another solution is to use plurals, since we do have a gender-neutral plural third person pronoun. I am with you on the who vs. that issue, though there is debate about whether it is incorrect to refer to people as that. Definitely a topic for me to tackle in the future. The use of a instead of and occurs more in speech than in written communication, as far as I can tell. We live in a constantly evolving world of language and things that were not acceptable even a couple of years ago are now the norm. Log in to Reply Penelope J. says: April 22, 2011 at 11:02 pm Gosh, did I make a mistake when I wrote, Hi Brenda and Happy Passover, as if the latter was also a person! Obviously, it should have read: Hi Brenda. Happy Passover! A mistake in my very first comment about grammatical correctness. Log in to Reply The Essay Expert says: April 23, 2011 at 12:53 am Hi Penelope, I would not have noticed that mistake if you hadnt pointed it out! Good catch. I saw one other thing in this recent post, however: I would suggest writing as if the latter *were* also a person. This is an example of the subjunctive tense and I will put it on my list for blog articles in the future! Heres one site I found that addresses the issue: https://www.ceafinney.com/subjunctive/guide.html Thanks so much for your comments Penelope! Log in to Reply Ann Mullen says: April 23, 2011 at 4:39 pm Good afternoon, I would also suggest the following: People who pray because they. . . are not the least threatened by the person standing next to them . . . . I struggle with the singular they when I read it so I often use he or she, or vary the gender of the person in different sentences or different paragraphs. I dont do it consistently because then I appear too worried about the sex of the subjects and not as concerned about my topic. Log in to Reply The Essay Expert says: April 23, 2011 at 6:49 pm Hi Ann, yes Ive been thinking that I should add to my article the option of making the subject plural. In this particular example I still like the gendered language because of the picture it draws. I agree that in many instances, however, pluralizing is the best solution! Log in to Reply Paula Lee Bright says: April 25, 2011 at 4:14 am As I mentioned earlier, I am a sinner to the -nth degree! Yes, using they and their bother me when referring to a singular person But Ive decided that readability and the comfort of my readers is more important to me than being grammatically correct. It still galls me. But I go with it! My blog for parents of kids who cant read is as conversational as I can make it, and my personal blog is truly me to you in its style. So even though the purist in my still lives!- I have adapted and accept what people feel most comfortable with. Because quite honestly, none of my readers choose me for my grammar. They choose me because what I have to say resonates in their (!-hey, but it was plural!) lives. Ill always grimacebut then Ill write just as I would speak to them. And the English perfectionist in me be damned! (Did you notice how many incomplete sentences I used? I feel sure you did. 😉 ) Log in to Reply The Essay Expert says: April 25, 2011 at 10:08 am Great comment Paula, and it reminds us that we write for our audience. If the audience expects a particular type of language, it is our job as writers to give it to them. When Im on the streets of Brooklyn, I ask people if they know where the laundromat is at. Anything else would just sound weird. Log in to Reply The Essay Expert says: April 30, 2011 at 4:58 pm Thank you for your additional option of using the second person. In the example at hand, it would not work in exactly the language you offered since the author is describing a scenario that occurs in a congregation. However, it could read, â€Å"At Kolot Chayeinu, if you pray because you believe that God will personally make a difference in your daily life, those around you will not be the least bit threatened even if they do not believe in God at all.† Log in to Reply

Assisted Suicide Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Assisted Suicide - Essay Example Kevin is in the hospital suffering from mouth cancer and has been told by many doctors that he will not survive for many days. He is suffering from extreme pain which is unbearable without medications. He urges his family members to help him get relieved of the pain. Moreover it is also learned that his cancer is untreatable and he would die soon or late even if the medications are continued. It is in this situation that the possibility of assisted suicide is taken into consideration by the family members and John. Now it is for them to decide as to if to carry out the process or not. John wants the process to go ahead so that he can die easily. In my belief this situation can only be handled by assisted suicide so that his pain can be relieved. In my belief assisted suicide should be made legal for those people who are mentally sound to make decisions. It is the last moments of life which put people in a terrible condition that they are forced to take decisions which would take thei r life. In these conditions it should be analyzed as to if these individuals have a normal state of mind or not. As time passes by it is seen that individual rights have been understood and in my belief it is the right of an individual to decide as to if he has to choose between death and life. It is entirely the decision of the person involved because he feels all the pain and agony. When a person cannot bear this pain he can opt for assisted suicide in my belief. Assisted suicide is the best option for these kinds of patients because they can help in other ways too. The hospital in which these patients are admitted may be on life support for many days before dying naturally. It is better to put them through this phase of life as it would make way for other patients in better conditions to get the quality care. Hence the resources would not be wasted if assisted suicide is opted for in these situations (Quaghebeur et al 2009). However on the other hand I also argue that the patient s who do not have a normal state of mind should not be allowed to undergo this process. The state of mind of the patients can be checked by seeing if the person responds to other things normally too. The critics of Euthanasia have other concerns as they believe that following this practice may divert the professionals from their original line of work. The doctors and physicians were supposedly the ones who saved the lives of people and provided them the hope of living their lives and providing them with the best possible forms of treatment. Their function is not to kill them out of mercy. So if a doctor or physician carries out such a practice then he is disobeying the rules set out for him in this field (Mengal et al 2002). I agree with Wolf’s view after she is considering her views on assisted suicide. She saw her own father’s death and realized the suffering of death. She is right in considering about her opinions on assisted suicide. However if the other point of v iew regarding assisted suicide is taken into consideration it can be concluded that Susan Wolf is wrong in her plea. In many cases it is seen that people after suffering from immense agony and pain do recover. This can be the case for many people and assisted suicide should be discouraged if this view is kept in mind. On the other hand considering the views about civil liberties one can conclude that assisted suicide should be made legal and everyone should be allowed to seek the option if they want to. Susan Wolf has the right to consider her views about assisted suicide as

War on Terrorism and Popular Culture on Media Essay

War on Terrorism and Popular Culture on Media - Essay Example Various media platforms have been exploded with context more or less associated with the war on terrorism, 9/11 incident giving an added hype to the issue. Also, owing much to the hype about war on terrorism, Middle East has become the interest of many authors and producers alike to engage the audience into unveiling perspectives of terrorism, generating interest of the people into the media products. The paper aims at discussing various media forums, i.e. books, TV (Prime time) and even Hollywood to analyze the popular culture on media in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks and in the wake on the war on terrorism. Prior to the extensive engagements of the great powers of the world into war against terrorism, the media platforms depicted a completely distinct picture of the world around us. The cold war period for instance contributed towards the popularity of media products revolving around this subject, also pop culture hit the media platforms back in 1960`s. However, once terrorism beca me the most pressing issue of the time, media products started focusing on these aspects as the audience was looking for answers to their queries regarding the subjects. A lot of contradictions and conspiracy theories surrounded mass audience due to which the media products focusing on the war on terrorism gained immense popularity, and the companies conceiving such products generated high amounts of revenues (Birkenstein, Anna & Karen 2010). Thus, to come up with valid conclusions it is crucial to analyze all mediums one-by-one and comment on them separately to draw pattern regarding media popular culture in reference to the war on terrorism. Starting off with the discussion over the influence of the war on terrorism over literature, the books are filled with various perspectives over the war on terrorism. In addition to the various textbooks, other social sciences literature was also focused immensely on this topic, relating terrorism to social aspects of life, journalism, anthrop ological accounts etc. The research over politics was also merely driven by the war on terrorism, as every student of politics was interested in studying about the impact of the war over politics. Since religion was associated with terrorism, books after books started being published on Islam, for instance â€Å"Suicide Bombers: Allah`s new Martyrs† by Farhad was one of the bestsellers of that time (Birkenstein, Anna & Karen 2010).. Similarly, other similar texts include Fundamentalism: the search of its meanings, Bad Faith: The Danger of Religious Extremism etc. Samuel P. Huntington`s clash of civilizations was however the most impactful publication which went viral throughout the world. The war on terrorism which led towards further segregation of the civilization owing to the cultures and religions was reflected in this publication circulated worldwide. Also, since Middle East became the subject of sole significance especially after the Iraq war, most of the literature was now focusing on this region. Since the impact of publications is restricted and the influence is not as widespread as that of broadcast media, the focus should now be shifted towards television. The prime time television also saw a shift towards content regarding the war on terrorism (Birkenstein, Anna & Karen 2010).. For instance, the first impact of the declaration of war on terrorism required loyalty and high regard for