Danger of Cell Phone

In 2010, Opera Winfred, a talk show host, dedicated her show to nearly 500,000 people that re Injured and 6,000 that are killed each year because drivers are talking and testing while operating. Statistics and also real life events show If a person Is testing, talking and emailing on a mobile device while operating a motor vehicle Is a threat on the road. Fox News reported on 2008, a California Metro Link train carrying passenger collided with a freight train because the engineer who's responsible for deleting the train was testing.Now only the engineer In question was kill but also 25 Innocent passengers, making it the deadliest accident to date that involved the use of mobile device. Studies show the use of mobile device can become an addiction just like a drug, which can ruin relationships, distract you from dangerous event and also initiate dangerous scenario. Huffing Post conducted a research call â€Å"Are You Addicted to Your Cell Phone? † Huffing Post concluded in thei r survey that 66 percent of American is afraid to be separated from their phone.Why is that percentage bad? It is bad because those individual who are afraid to be separated from there phone are addicted which resulted to neglect to other human body. This addiction also causes relationship breakup, family neglect and even made people lose their jobs. There is also some health concerns and risk that involves using your cell phone. As of 2010, there are over 303 million cell phone subscriber in the United State, according to Cellular telecommunication and Internet Association.A research was conducted by The National Cancer Institute showing cell phones emit radionuclide energy, a form of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, which can be absorbed by tissues closet to where the phone is held. Ohio State University had conducted a survey showing pedestrians treated in U. S. Emergency rooms for Injuries related to phone use while walking. Since 2005 that number had double. Now today In New York and many other states you will see on some streets the word â€Å"look† printed on the ground for those cell phone user that use their phone while walking.Cell user must beware of all concerns, health Issues and risk that Involve the use of a mobile device. If cell phone holders not able to put his or her cell phone away while operating a motor vehicle It can be a reason for a fatal accident. Someone relationship, love ones and employment could be terminated because of there addiction to a cell phone. Lastly excessive exposure of your hand held device to the cell phone device but Just be mindful of the effects it may cause.

Effect of Institutional racism on Essay

Racism is the discrimination or negative attitude of people against other people purely because of their race. Institutional racism is a form of racism structured into political and social institutions. The institutions include schools and collages, while political include government and other government Parastatals or corporation. The consequence of this kind of social segregation is always negative. It some times leads to wars, hatred and in some instances low self esteem by the subject in this case. Racial discrimination stated long ago and its effect has always been negative. In page 3 of The Guardian that is dated 5th September 2008. The heading of the newspaper is: â€Å"Black Caribbean children held back by institutional racism in schools, says study† written by Editor Polly Curtis. The essence of the story in this case is to highlight the rampant racial discrimination of Caribbean children in English schools. This has largely undermined their academic and social life, further researcher had uncovered evidence that teachers routinely under-estimate the abilities of some black pupils, suggesting that assumptions about behavioural problems have overshadowed their academic talents. The findings on a survey which tracked 15,000 pupils through their education also add weight to the theory that low achievement among some black students is worsened because teachers don’t expect them to succeed. This relates well to the topic of Institutional racism because in this case racism is in a school setting where all pupils are supposed to be treated fairly irrespective of their race. But in this case black Caribbean’s are discriminated upon and this has subsequently resulted to their poor performance in school. The significance of this story in the Guardian is to put in light what is happening among the students in this particular school concerning the racism issue. This is elaborated by the statistics that show how racism has affected the black Caribbean in this particular school. Such as a third of capable black Caribbean pupils are not entered to take the hardest papers in tests at 14. Hence the issue being addressed by this statistics is institutional racism in English schools. This story affects me in different ways, its sad to note that at this age people are still being judged by the color of their skin rather than by their character and abilities. It frustrates me to hinder other people from achieving their full potential because of racism. In my point of view, its vital to note that none of us decided their race and that all humans are created equal and their variation in melanin content should never be a judgment factor but rather an ideology of the past. It’s vital for people to know that our abilities, talents are independent of our skin color. This story not only affects me but it also affects the society involved because they loose potential people in from optimizing their potential because of their unworthy discrimination of their color. This story encourages me to do something different by advocating against racial discrimination not only in schools but rather in the entire society. I will accomplish this by giving examples of how people of different races have won the Nobel peace price. Whites, Blacks, Asians have won the price. This vehemently states that the color of our skin has nothing to do with our ability. Sources Polly Curtis, Black Caribbean children held back by institutional racism in schools, says study The guardian newspaper on the web 5th September 2008

Burger King and Its Advertising Campaigns Essay

Burger King is a reliable burger company which has had its ups and downs. In 1974, it came out with a slogan of â€Å"Have it your way† and at this time it also had a 4 % market share. Burger King’s idea was to have the customer have their burger done their way rather than a standard burger. In the early 80’s Burger King was trying to keep sales growing so they had to keep changing their advertising. In 1982 â€Å"Battle of the burgers† and â€Å"Aren’t you hungry for a Burger king now? † were the slogans used. In 1983 â€Å"Broiling vs. frying† and 1985 â€Å"The big switch†. All these ads throughout the years helped increase market shares from 7. 6% to 8. 3% from 1983 to 1985. â€Å"Search for herb† was a slogan used by BK about a person that has never tasted a whopper burger, this campaign was supposed to increase market share by 10% but in reality only increased it by 1% it was a disaster. In 1986-1987 â€Å"this is a burger king town† and â€Å"best food for fast times† brought a lot of attention to the company. In 1988 â€Å"We do it like you do it† was used often but a year later they came out with two new slogans which confused the customer. In 1989 â€Å"Sometimes you gotta break the rules† and â€Å"BK tee vee† with MTV and Dan Cortese with â€Å"I love this place†. This was another huge setback for BK because people on the go and parents found this ad loud and irritating. BK at this time has failed to establish a solid image that would differentiate it from its competitors. Ads if anything only confused consumers as to what advantages BK offered. In 1993 it had a market share of 6. 1% were McDonalds had 15. 6% and BK’s sales were growing slower than its rivals. Failed advertising campaigns weren’t the only problem’s, they also had internal problems. Management lacked focus and direction and has struggled with marketing mix decisions. Franchises became confused and angered, service was slow and food preparation wasn’t consistent. Burger King lost its core product- flame broiled burgers, made the way the customer wanted them. Another thing that hurt them was the fact they didn’t lower prices to keep competing with their competitors this led to a below average sales growth. Many in store promotion also failed. In 1993 a new CEO was introduced, this allowed for huge turnaround and in fact it did. He helped please the franchises and responded to their problems and listened to their recommendations. Then later he lowered prices and hired a new advertising agency. 1. In reading this case analysis I figured Burger King to advertise the Whopper, but throughout the past years they didn’t do this. I figure the whopper or the flame broiled ads would have been more productive and probably would have resulted in greater sales margin. I also feel that the ads should have distinguished themselves from what other ads by letting the people know that burger king wasn’t just another standardized burger. Throughout the years, BK tried to establish the market by becoming someone they weren’t. I feel the ads used by BK should have been simple and to the point. This would have caused less confusion and more honesty with the customer, this is because you don’t want to advertise a pizza or a taco if your selling burgers. Other objectives BK wanted was to target teens with the MTV approach. This also failed because people found it loud and annoying. Then they tried a sit in type of restaurant, which also failed because people want a fast food low price meal not a high priced, sit down meal. Advertising is any paid form of non personal presentation and promotion of ideas, goods or services by an identified sponsor. Advertising is a good way to inform and persuade the customer. Advertising objectives are based on past decisions about the target market, positioning and target mix. There are five steps to making a major advertising decision these steps are as follows: Objective setting, Budget decisions, Message decision or media decision, and campaign evaluation. Along with these steps BK should also remember to inform, persuade, and to remind. These three are a must that a company should aim at, for example: in informing BK used the ad â€Å"Broiling vs. frying† in 1983 letting the consumer know that their burgers were broiled and not fried. In persuading, I think BK over did it and that is why I feel that they didn’t retain market share. They tried to be someone they weren’t with slogans like â€Å"search for herb† in 85 and many others like â€Å"BK Tee Vee† trying to persuade the younger generation and â€Å"Sometimes you gotta break the rules†. These slogans and more tried to persuade the consumer. In reminding their customers BK has done a good job. They’ve at least expanded nationally and internationally and always have commercials everywhere with a juicy whopper on the screen, reminding the viewer that BK is the only place a whopper is made. 2. BK’s past advertising and corporate strategy failed because BK did the two biggest mistakes they could have done. First they didn’t listen to the customer and second they didn’t advertise their main product a maintain a target market. In not accomplishing any of these two strategies in the past it allowed their rivals to get a lead on them. In 1993 McDonalds, for example, had a market share of 15. 6 percent compared to BK’s 6. 1 percent. This is because they established their market and didn’t try to invent new strategies. Burger King started to lose market shares when it first came out with the search for herb, and then it declined again when it tried to target the teenage generation rather than staying loyal to the general customer. It tried targeting the younger generation through MTV. This became insulting and irritating to the old customers and to the quiet more relaxed people and even all the young children who prefer clowns than some man screaming on TV . BK did not listen to its customer, they tried to establish a restaurant type of business, rather than their fast food burgers. Fast food patrons really wanted low prices and quick but high quality food, not a higher priced, sit down meal. The corporate strategy and the past advertising wasn’t the only problem and wasn’t the only one at fault for BK’s failure. They also had internal problems. Management has had troubles with the market mix decisions. Service was slow and food preparation was inconsistent and many stores needed remodeling. BK didn’t focus on its burger ,instead they were trying to experiment with pizza’s and ice cream. This caused confusion ,and confusion brings problems. To add to the problems BK was more expensive than McDonalds or Wendy’s combos, which was also hurt sales for Burger King. 3. For the new advertising campaign I would personally target the young and the old generation. I would also be very health conscious and try to establish myself as an environment safe corporation. Burger King is huge, they have the ability to do what they please, but they better make sure the customer are happy. I would make new slogans, and put new ideas for kids and grown ups to enjoy. I remember when I was growing up I used to love going to Burger King for a burger and getting a little toy. Now, you get a toy but the prices are so high you really end up paying for it anyway. I wouldn’t leave out the teenage to mid- twenty’s crowd, but I feel they are less influence by ads and specials, they will buy what is probably better and cheaper. Besides if you target them when they are small growing up then when they already grow they look they like you anyway. That is why you have to target the young and make sure you are good to them. New slogans are hard to come by in specially into this society where you better watch what you say or you will get suit. I do not really believe in slogans, I personally rather buy quality than to hear how good it could be. For me seeing is believing and I do not believe everything I hear. 4. I recommend a couple of things for Burger King to do. One has already been accomplish, this was I would first change the CEO. In this case Jim Adamson stepped in July 1991, since then Burger King has made a turn around. He listened and responded to franchise problems and recommendations. He locked into a strategy of concentrating on BK’s core products flame broiled, bigger burgers. He launched a new pricing structure which will compete with that of McDonald’s. Burger King also needed to get some effective advertising, and I believe Mr. Adamson also accomplished this, seeing BK has grown since 1991. He went back to the basics which I think was the most important part of a Company’s rebuilding, because this how you got to where you are and if all else fails, it’s like starting again with experience. BK became known as â€Å"The voice of the people† opposed to McDonald’s been known as the voice of the Corporation. I also feel BK advertising has improved. Now you see burgers on TV compare to Dan Cortese a couple of years ago. You also see people having a good time and eating a whopper. I feel Burger King is a company with many obstacles but it is also a company that if is stuck to its basic game plan, it could regain a great deal of the market share. If I was to give a recommendation it would probably be for BK to stay been loyal to your customers and to try to keep the market share.

Analysis of Law of Desire Film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Analysis of Law of Desire Film - Essay Example The film has a central axis the character of manipulative gay director Pablo, unconventional Pablo’s transsexual sister life, Tina, and the fiery, disparaging passion of Antonio, Pablo’s lover. Created only twelve years after the death of Franco, it may be considered as a conscious work to undermine the traditional cultural policy of this regime, by focusing on the homosexual sexuality and emphasizing the fluidity of gender, particularly the male gender. The film begins with a provoking soft-porn sequence, displaying a young athletic man in a roomy interior with a mirror and a bed. A voice outside the frame instructs him to undress and touch himself. Afterward, the camera centers on two elderly men reading these instructions from a script to the young model. This scene is revealed to be a film-within-a-film, directed by Pablo Quintero, the main character of Law of Desire. In this specific scene, the young man’s body is deliberately viewed through the gay male viewer’s eyes, as the unseen Voices direct him, aiming at the prurient pleasure of the viewer. Here the male body (masculinity) is multiply objectified’ as its vulnerability is emphasized by the ‘kind of words he is instructed to declaim.’ The Voices - having their sensuality increased due to the fact that they originate from unseen and unidentified speakers - manipulate the young male model, which seems to lack the ability to resist or personal will. The opening scene is ‘simply not a scandalous provocation’ but includes also many references to the central themes of the movie, such as the power shift in sexual relationships and issue of narcissism that is more portrayed in male gender (Mask 67). Indeed the dominance change between model and dubbers demonstrates the sovereignty changes in Pablo and Antonio’s sexual relationship; the narcissistic approach of the male body is equal to the narcissistic and the manipulative attitude of Pablo.

D2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

D2 - Essay Example If the organisation does not weigh the pros and cons of change, then it ends up with serious issues in hand (Chiefele, 2012). There are various cases where the short sightedness of the management has led to serious complications. Such complications act like poison pills. The present research report presents a case study of an organisational change and evaluates it using the â€Å"Appreciative Inquiry 5D framework†. 2. Definition D2 is a French car components manufacturing company that is contemplating to shut down the production plant at Didcot in UK and shift the operational base to France. On being informed by the management the employees of the both the plants will display signs of discomfort and discontent. The discontent among the employees at the plant in France is considerably low in comparison to UK. This is due to the reason that the employees at the UK plant were expecting that the management will declare plans for large investment. Due to this the employees started expecting that the management has definite future plan for them. So the news of closure of the plant will get them by surprise. The discontent would not have reached such levels had the management decided to come up with back up plans for the laid off employees (Lindheim and Swartout, 2003). This affected trust and dependability that the employees shared with the management. ... The decision to shut off the production plant at UK came with the intent to cut down the unproductive expenses. The aim to shift the operational base to Blios in France is part of a larger plan to utilise the advanced manufacturing facility there. The other aim is to increase the production in Blios and achieve economy of scale. UK production plant happened to be the base of the product development for quite some time and it helped the company stride through the years of recession. Some of the best minds are engaged in the developments of the production at the UK base. So the management decided to shift the product development engineers back to France. It must be noted that the decision to shift and provide employment to a selected group of employees is a serious instance of favouritism or bias (Mallon and Webb, 2006). This is also one of the reasons that will aggravate the employees at UK. The product development engineers are reluctant to go to France. This may be due to various re asons but more importantly the change in place and weather and working will put them in difficulty. Till now the whole problem is discussed from the point of view of the UK employees. The levels of dissatisfaction and discontent may not be severe among the employees of production plants at Spain and France but the employees were also feeling jittery. This is mainly due to the unexpected changes that will be declared by the management (Meyer, 2000). The decisions taken on the organisational level involves paradigm shift in the whole organisation of D2. Most of the decision looks very mechanistic in nature. The mechanistic natures of the changes are not suitable for the overall development of the organisation (Moessinger, 2007). This is because of

Principles of Quality Management Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Principles of Quality Management Systems - Essay Example Total quality states the culture and attitude of an organization with the sole purpose of satisfying its customers with its products and services. The culture element in quality control is all pervasive in a company’s operations, removing the faults at first notice to achieve total quality control standards set in the principles of quality management systems. TQM is essentially customer-driven. It is run by top management, where improvement is a continuous process to satisfy customer needs as fast as possible. Products and services are improvised on the basis of collected data and its analysis. The employees participate in the best of team spirit feelings to attain a TQM culture and environment. All departments of an organization work for customer satisfaction – becoming internal customers first by operating as customers to some functions so that any loopholes may be checked and rectified before the product is Okayed for supply to venders. Thus, different parts of a company first become customers of its own products for some functions, then supplier to venders, who play a positive role in the process of total quality management for customer satisfaction. Products are developed in a TQM environment, where attention is paid to enhance and add quality and value to a product by checking errors instead of negative criticism. In a proce ss-oriented atmosphere, team members interact with their internal customers to attain total quality. Venders, who are external customers, become a part in the process of fulfilling customers’ demands, expectations, wishes and needs. Another important principle of Quality management systems is its â€Å"process approach†. This stress on process approach is fundamental to Quality Management Systems BS EN ISO 9001:2000.This standard is the "granddaddy" of global quality management system standards, and is designed to be used by any organization as the foundation for a QMS. It

Microfinance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Microfinance - Essay Example Having been branded a risky lot by universal banks in general, the poor never had chances of proving that they could be successful entrepreneurs and that they would be worth being trusted with loans despite their inability to produce collaterals. Microfinance used to be regarded as a concept that is highly illogical and totally unnecessary in robust and industrialized economies like America was. Exploring microfinance was a worthwhile exercise, but it was never a model to be studied in context of the American banking industry. In the light of the economic recession that continues to plague America, the idea of microfinance as the banking methodology that just might help a good number of today's jobless and financially distraught Americans does not anymore sound so far-fetched. Despite the prevailing economic scarcity in America, however, a lot of questions arise concerning the applicability of microfinance in the country. It is not enough that there is a growing number of poverty-stricken cities at this time; microfinance cannot be offered to such places solely on the basis of the rising economic difficulties therein. There has to be a sufficient degree of compatibility between the Americans as clients and microfinance as a service.

West VS East. Racial And Gender Stereotypes And Power Relationships Research Paper

West VS East. Racial And Gender Stereotypes And Power Relationships - Research Paper Example Thus, this flow seems unstoppable on the example of Europeans and Asians. David Henry Hwang’s M. Butterfly is an applicable example of those fallacies white supremacist promoted about underdeveloped Asians. Turning up to this topic, the world knows many examples when cultural misconception brought a host of social, political, and economical conflicts based on the racial and ethnical difference. This popular trend in the East-West debate was broken down by means of Hwang’s M. Butterfly. Thus, Western influences on Asian culture refer to the imperial dominance, while Eastern identity cannot be trite even after the period of colonization. First and foremost, representatives from Asian countries and with Asian descent were always an object for Western mockery and humiliation. This trend is historically grounded. The question is that Asian people are quite different in their sets of virtues and values they carry on in terms of religion, society, money-making, and the like. O nce, it became annoying for the white supremacists that colonized much of the South-East Asian countries. The pressure started growing since that time. Hence, it overgrew into inequality and prejudices. Asian men and women were not considered equal with European men and women due to the higher, so to speak, status and position of the latter descent. Taking a look at the Hwang’s work, Rene Gallimard is an unhappy white man to be trapped into his own fallacy on Asian women. He fell in love with blindness in his eyes regarding the gender of an Asian woman he loved. The idea is that Asian men as well as Asian women were not considered sexually attractive for white people. Their asexual identity was another reason why they were mistrusted and discriminated by the white majority. Oriental sexuality bore a mark of impossibility. This bias embraced the cultural vision of Caucasian people worldwide. Hence, a host of different stereotypes is the reason why East-West discourse fell shor t of further clarifications. Misogyny referred to Asian men along with feminization referred to Asian women in a wider look at the Western imaginary are the main drives to declare inability of Asians to be attractive to white people. This is why Asians seem to be cast adrift far from where whites gathered. On the other hand, Asian women were considered incapable of their female potential so as to impress Europeans. Thus, East-West racial and gender stereotypes were well grounded on extrapolation of power relations with a century-long continuation. When Gallimard says: â€Å"I’m a man who loved a woman created by a man† – it is a justification of narrow-mindedness he possessed before which was imposed by the rest of his own society in Paris (Hwang ii). It is a remarkable episode depicting the way Rene Gallimard erred during his visit of China. On the other hand, framing Asian men as dangerous for women at large was another stereotype by the Western theorists. One can see it through the way Gallimard behaved in the first days of his trip to China. Frankly speaking, it is all about the way two cultures differ in their understanding of social equilibrium and harmony. Sorrentino points out in his study the following idea: â€Å"Most relevant in this case is the way the West has been described as having an individualistic culture with relatively â€Å"loose† social norms whereas the East has been described as having a collectivistic culture with â€Å"tight† social norms that emphasize social harmony† (51). This is the sticking point highlighting the point of misunderstanding between two cultures. Drawing the images of Asian people in strict accordance to the prejudices and stereotypes illustrating the Western supremacy over the rest of the world, asexual Asian men and hypersexual Asian women seem to

Consumerism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Consumerism - Essay Example Because of increased intensive production of numerous, this heightened living standards of the English as well as other people belong from the same caste. People enjoyed the experience of acquiring material possessions, which where once prized for their durability over fashionability. This also led to the emergency of more sophisticated designers majoring in trendy products (Mackendrick, Brewer & Plumb 2). Based on my opinion, I think current US designers’ ideas are highly valued in production of new items in the market aimed at satisfying the consumer. For instance, the newly graduates from universities and colleges who have studied fashion designs courses (Mackendrick, Brewer & Plumb 5). Inventing more advanced manufacturing industries, to cater for increased customer’s demands world wide such as textile industries. In addition, a manufacturer notifies customers online, in the newspapers, magazines or social media about new products in the market through internet, local and international newspapers. Issuing of trade cards to individual clients, so buying and selling be more advanced by giving out special printed cards to customers like business cards (Mackendrick, Brewer & Plumb

The Argument For Stricter Gun Control Laws Essay Example for Free

The Argument For Stricter Gun Control Laws Essay I am writing a persuasive argument in favor of stricter gun control laws. I am very passionate about this topic because the use of firearms in the wrong hands is a deadly prophecy. It can be in the form of children getting a hold of a gun and hurting themselves or others, an adult with violent propensities mishandling a weapon, or someone who wants the use of a firearm in aiding suicide. When one looks at the increased incident of injury to children, homicide, and suicide, it is clear there is a need for stricter gun control laws. This paper argues that firearms continue to play a dominant role in violence both criminal and accidental regardless of laws such as the five-day waiting period and the Brady Law. I will show how easier access to guns, rather than preventing crime, creates more of it through the use of examples and statistics Those whom are opposed to gun control laws do not like to admit there is a link between access to guns and violence. The NRA says guns dont kill people, people kill people. They will claim that the right to bear arms for se lf-defense and civil rights would be diminished. However, this view is only one sided and it fails to address the link between the ownership of guns and the violence that occurs because of it. Almost everyday we can open up a newspaper or turn on a national news broadcast on the television and discover a new case of someone being killed by the use of a gun. Perhaps it was a child whom had access to his/her parents gun they keep in the house for self defensive purposes, an adult whom was an innocent bystander during a workplace massacre or robbery, a shooting at a school by a disturbed kid, or a domestic dispute turned deadly. Unfortunately, it is rare that a day goes by that we do not hear about one of the above events. Whatever the case may be, it is apparent that too many people have access to firearms and that access must be restricted. The Brady Campaign is one that enforces gun control laws, elects pro gun control public officials, and informs the public about gun violence. It was enacted in 1994 and because of it, all 50 states must do background checks on anyone wishing to purchase a firearm. While this has helped quell some gun violence that may have occurred otherwise, there are still too many who are falling through the cracks. These background checks are targeting the wrong people and criminals are still able to obtain guns from illegal sources. Take a look at the Virginia Tech massacre last spring. This reopened the legislative debate over gun control that was never resolved from the Columbine high school shootings eight years earlier. Many wonder how Cho-Seung Hui was able to get his hands on powerful automatic weaponry that killed thirty two of his classmates. This proves that the background checks performed are insufficient and need to be more thorough. More than fifty survivors and family members of this tragedy signed a letter to Congress with one simple message- finish work on legislation that could prevent future tragedies. The notion of more complete background checks leads me to another issue that is the abolition of handguns. More handguns are used in criminal acts than any other type of firearm. The FBI reports that more than 60 percent of murders are caused by guns and handguns account for 70 percent of these. Lets look at some scenarios that stem from the lack of access to handguns: Sure, anyone with a penchant for killing could pull out a knife or a baseball bat but the victim has much better chance of survival. The likelihood of injury and not death are much greater as the victim may be able to get away. The next scenario are home burglaries. Most of these occur with the occupants are out of the house so the need for a gun inside the home is unnecessary. If there is a gun inside of the home, the perpetrator will confisca te it along with other valuables, thus placing it in the hands of criminal for future misuse. Approximately 40 percent of handguns used in crimes are stolen out of homes of law abiding citizens whom had guns for their own protection. If handgun manufacturers were stringently restricted and only allowed to sell to police, our environment would be much safer. Fewer criminals would have access to them if the sale of handguns to ordinary citizens were outlawed. They could not obtain them by way of stealing and their illegal underground network would be hampered. If this were to occur, those dangerous people would not have the opportunity to slip through the cracks and get a hold of a weapon. The end result would be fewer violent crimes and fewer injuries and/or deaths related to these crimes. Many states in the United States have right to carry laws that allow citizens to carry concealed handguns if they are qualified. Qualification includes a clean criminal history, age restrictions, and completing a firearms safety course. In 1986 only nine states had that law and as of 1998, 31 states have right-to-carry laws. Half of the citizens of the U.S. live in those states. This will engender only more violence as journalis t Philip Cook states if you introduce a gun into a violent encounter, it increases the chances that someone will die. In the end, the notion of violence in self-defense will only create more violence. It is for that reason that not only should handguns themselves be eradicated from the hands of the general public, but they should never be allowed to carry out in public. It is a fact that the Constitution guarantees us the right to bear arms. The Second Amendment in the Bill of Rights states: A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. Our founding fathers who authored the Constitution were certainly aware of the British efforts to disarm the colonists and believed a militia was necessary to defend democracy. However, in the present day, owners of handguns are not members of a militia attempting to fight a tyrannical power or oppression. Any type of gun that can be concealed should be abolished from the hands of ordinary citizens and only placed in the hands of the men and women of our police force whom are trained professionals. This will de-emphasize the use of another slogan If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns. It simply will not be the case as long as only those who are legitimate protectors of society are the only people who have access to them. WORKS CITED Agresti, James D. Gun Control. Just Facts Foundation. 10 June 1999. 20 October 2007. www.justfacts.com. Desuka, Nan. Why Handguns Must Be Outlawed.. Current Issues and Enduring Questions. Boston: Bedford, 1993. Cassidy, J. Warren. The Case For Firearms. Current Issues and Enduring Questions. Boston: Bedford, 1993. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Families of Virginia Tech Victims and Survivors Call on U.S. Senate to Strengthen Brady Background Checks. 21 October 2007. www.handguncontrol.org

Research on Immunology in Pregnancy

Research on Immunology in Pregnancy Investigative Review Nichole Gale The systems controlling the implantation and acceptance of the genetically and immunologically foreign fetus within the maternal body have often been likened to that of an organ transplant, or the growth of a cancerous tumour. The fetus is ‘like a transplanted kidney’, in the way that it is ‘genetically different from the host’ and ‘must evade immune defences to avoid rejection’ (Quinn 1999). The fetus inherits ‘foreign paternally derived histocompatibility genes’, meaning that ‘there is close contact between two genetically disparate individuals’ within the maternal body (Warshaw 1983, p63). Thus, the fetus is often referred to as an allograft, an allograft being a ‘graft transplanted by an individual that is not genetically identical, but of the same species’ (Marieb 1998, p789). The subject of fetus acceptance and tolerance within the maternal body has triggered great interest and controversy, and the sy stems that allow the acceptance of the fetus are complex and varying. Internal gestation has involved ‘a wide range of adaptations of animals for retention of young within the body of the parent’ (Warshaw 1983, p63). The human immune system includes many ‘cellular patterns that constantly exchange information’ to provide the body with the ability to ‘recognise foreignness or â€Å"non-self† in the form of antigens that enter our body’ (Warshaw 1983, p200). The recognition of antigens spark the inflammatory response, which must act with ‘minimum damage to the host’, in order to ‘eliminate the intruder’ (Warshaw 1983, p200). ‘Antigens are expressed by early human embryonic tissue’ (Loke 1978, p5), so it could be expected that the early human embryo would trigger an inflammatory response to rid the mother’s body of the ‘foreign body’. The exposure to non-self paternal antigens on the fetus ‘requires the adaptation of the maternal immune system to prevent the rejection of the allogeneic fetus without compromising the ability of the mother to fend off infection’ (Koch Platt 2003). The immune system consists of an innate (humoral) and an adaptive (cellular) component, in order to combat potential pathogens. It has been suggested that the main immune response triggered by the fetus is the adaptive response, where there is antigen representation, followed by response instruction by Helper T cells (Quinn 1999). In normal pregnancy, progesterone suppresses the humoral response. This has been used to explain why some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis that are under humoral effect, often improve during pregnancy (Quinn 1999). Early work on immunological tolerance, conducted by Medawar, has been the foundation of further studies regarding the paradox of pregnancy. Medawar proposed three mechanisms that might together act to allow immune protection of the fetus. Two of Medawar’s earlier suggested mechanisms have since been proved to not actually ‘pertain during pregnancy’ (Aluvihare, Kallikourdis Betz 2004). The first hypothesis was that there was ‘segregation of the fetal and maternal circulations’, or that ‘a barrier might form between the mother and fetus, preventing exposure of the maternal immune system to allogeneic antigens expressed on fetal tissue’, leading to immunological ignorance (Koch Platt 2003). Medwar’s second hypothesis referred to the immunological immaturity of fetal tissue, and this allogenic immaturity acting to suppress the ‘expression of antigens that the maternal immune system might recognise as foreign and target for dest ruction’ (Koch Platt 2003). More recent research has tended to focus on Medwar’s third hypothesis, ‘that the maternal immune system somehow ignores potentially immunogenic fetal tissue’ (Aluvihare, Kallikourdis Betz 2004). Leading from this, there has also been much focus on ‘the means of inducing immune tolerance, the emergence of T cell suppression in mediating peripheral tolerance, the mechanisms mediating matererno-fetal tolerance and the role played by regulatory T cells in mouse and human pregnancy’ (Aluvihare, Kallikourdis Betz 2005). Koch and Platt (2003) suggest overlapping mechanisms such as ‘the formation of an anatomical barrier between mother and fetus, lack of maternal immune responsiveness, and a lack of expression of allogenic molecules by the fetus’ to account for the lack of fetal rejection. These mechanisms can help in beginning to understand how rejection is avoided, yet do not ‘completely explain how the fetus evades the maternal immune system’ (Koch Platt 2003). Harding and Bocking (2001, p238) state that it was originally proposed that the maternal-fetal interface was perhaps ‘an immunologically privileged site’, or that there was a ‘generalised suppression of maternal immune response’. Recent studies have challenged earlier theories such as these, and it has since been found that not only is there actual recognition of fetal alloantigens by the mother’s immune system, but that her body also responds to them. Fetal cells can be detected in maternal circulation, and ‘fetal tissue expresses MHC class I and class II and is antigenically mature’ (Aluvihare, Kallikourdis Betz 2004). MHC are major histocompatibility complex proteins coded for by genes. Class I are found on virtually all body cells, whereas class II displayed only by cells that act in immune response (Marieb 1998). The understanding of the immune events and mechanisms occurring at the maternal-fetal interface are likely to help in the understanding of the ability of the fetus to survive within the maternal body. Since Medawar’s proposed hypotheses, much focus has continued on fetal immune evasion mechanisms. As well as the three mechanisms above, suggested by Medawar, Koch and Platt (2003) explore a fourth mechanism, site-specific suppression. This refers to ‘local suppression of maternal immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface’ (Koch Platt 2003). ‘Localised suppression at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy negates the need for systemic immunosuppression which could threaten the well-being of the mother’ (Koch Platt 2003). Earlier studies suggested that trophoblast acted simply as a barrier between the mother and fetus, but it now seems that perhaps that it could have ‘diverse immunoregulatory properties controlling immune recognition, activation, and effector functions’ (Koch Platt 2003). It has been proposed by various studies that T cells play a major role in sustaining pregnancy. T cells are lymphocytes that mediate cellular immunity. ‘T cells with regulatory functions are potent suppressors of T cell responses and can protect tissues from T cell mediated destruction’ (Mellor Munn 2004). Observations in experimental pregnant mice have shown that while pregnant, they tend to ‘overproduce a kind of T cell that reins in other immune cells that might target the fetus’ (Seppa 2004). In one study, conducted by immunologist Betz (Seppa 2004) it was found that ‘pregnant mice have double to triple the number of CD4+ CD25+ T cells, also called regulatory T cells, in their blood, spleen, and lymph tissue as do female mice that are not pregnant’. It has also been shown that in humans, levels of circulating CD4+ and CD25+ cells ‘increases progressively at each stage in human pregnancy starting from the first trimester’ (Mello r Munn 2004). It has been ‘demonstrated that Tregs (T regulator cells) have a key role in regulating maternal effector T cell responses to fetal alloantigens’ as maternal effector T cells seem to ‘pose a potentially lethal threat to the developing fetus in the absence of regulatory function mediated by maternal Tregs’ (Mellor Munn 2004). It has also been speculated ‘that hormonal changes during pregnancy might provide one explanation for enhanced maternal Treg development during fetal gestation because pregnancy-associated hormones, such as progesterones, promote immunosuppression’ (Mellor Munn 2004). In regard to the suppression of maternal immunity, it is still ‘unclear if Tregs directly or indirectly inhibit effector T cell responses to fetal alloantigens’ (Mellor Munn 2004). To further test the cells’ effect on pregnancy, 30 female mice were mated with males. 15 out of the 30 mice had fully functioning immune systems, whilst the other 15 mice lacked the regulatory T cells. While a slightly higher than normal number of healthy female mice became pregnant, none of the mice lacking T cells were able to become pregnant. It seems that the role of T cells remains unclear, but that further understanding ‘of the role of regulatory T cells might also lead to new treatments for suppressing rejection of transplanted organs and inhibiting autoimmune reactions, in which a persons immune cells attack his or her own tissues’ (Seppa 2004). Mellor and Munn (2004) also suggest that the revelation that ‘maternal Tregs might help protect the developing fetus’ will have various implications, not only the possibility of offering alternative therapies to suppress immunity, but also possibilities for ‘improving pregnancy success rates in p atients with problematic pregnancies’. Again, the effect of T cells on autoimmune diseases is referred to by Mellor and Munn (2004), ‘increased systemic Treg function might explain why some autoimmune syndromes, such as rheumatoid arthritis, go into remission during pregnancy’. There has also been some discussion on the role of macrophages as immunoregulators of pregnancy. It has been claimed that most attention has focused on immune tolerance to the invading trophoblast and fetus, but Mor and Abrahams (2003) suggest that it is also important to ‘consider the function of the maternal immune system in the promotion of implantation and maintenance of pregnancy’. During implantation, apoptosis is necessary for ‘tissue remodelling of the maternal decidua and invasion of the developing embryo’ (Mor Abrahams 2003). It has been sited that apoptosis is active in the ‘trophoblast layer of placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies throughout gestation, suggesting that there is a constant cell turnover at the site of implantation necessary for the appropriate growth and function of the placenta’ (Mor Abrahams 2003). During implantation and invasion, it appears that a large number of macrophages are present in the maternal decidu a and in tissues close in proximity to the placenta. Originally it was thought the large numbers of macrophages were ‘to represent an immune response against the invading trophoblast’. Mor and Abrahams (2003) propose that this may not be the case, and that ‘macrophage engulfment of apoptotic cells prevents the release of potentially pro-inflammatory and pro-immunogenic intracellular contents’. Trophoblast cells carry proteins that are antigenically foreign to the maternal immune system. If these proteins are released as a result of cell death, it could initiate or accelerate immunological responses, ‘with lethal consequences for the fetus’ (Mor Abrahams 2003). Therefore, the appropriate removal of the intracellular components by macrophages may be critical for the prevention of fetal rejection. Mor and Abrahams (2003) conclude that the ‘field of apoptotic cell clearance is beginning to flourish, and many questions remain unanswered’. There is not just one mechanism involved in the immune regulation of pregnancy, but ‘multiple, diverse mechanisms that are likely sequential during gestation’ (Koch Platt 2003). As humans have a much longer gestation period, and a more invasive placental anatomy, it is sometimes difficult to test in laboratory animals and apply results to humans, as there may be different mechanisms. But it is believed that mechanisms involved with the fetus can be utilised in the studies of rejection following transplantation. As Koch and Platt (2003) suggest, ‘knowledge of the immunoregulatory mechanisms of both the fetus and stem cells will help immunologists understand general mechanisms of tolerance and immune evasion, and will prove invaluable in the fields of organ and cellular transplantation’. It has been suggested that both studies in stem cells and fetal rejection can benefit each other and help in understanding of systems involved. Pregnancy has also been said to have overall effects on the mother’s immune system and maternal defence against organisms. According to Creasy and Resnik (2004, p103) ‘numerous reports indicate that pregnant women have increased susceptibility to a variety of infections’. It is said that ‘there appears to be a trend toward increased susceptibility to viral infections, consistent with suppressed cell-mediated immunity and a relative decrease in Th1 (humoral/innate) responses during pregnancy’ (Creasy Resnik 2004, p103). However, it also added that ‘more recent carefully analysed data do not indicate that maternal immunity is substantially impaired, and most pregnant women are able to adequately respond to most infectious diseases’ (Creasy Resnik 2004, p103). Harding and Bocking (2001, p238) also claim that most studies tend to suggest that ‘maternal cell-mediated immunity is unchanged during pregnancy’. According to some experts, infertility, recurrent miscarriage, premature delivery and preeclampsia may all be linked to immunological abnormalities. It could be that some of these problems are due to ‘defective generation of Tregs during pregnancy’ (Mellor Munn 2004). It is possible that methods involving in vitro expansion of Tregs could help in treating spontaneous immune disease syndromes. Koch and Platt (2003) also suggest that both adult and embryonic stem cells might use mechanisms similar to the fetus in avoiding rejection. ‘Future discoveries in the field of reproductive immunology will help us understand not only immune regulation during pregnancy, but also how immune responses towards organ and cellular transplants might be controlled’ (Koch Platt 2003). References: Aluvihare, V., Kallikourdis, M., and Betz, A. 2004 ‘Tolerance, suppression and the fetal allograft’. Journal of Molecular Medicine. [Online], vol. 83, no. 2, pp 88-96. Available from: Medline. [11 October 2005]. Creasy R. Resnik R. (ed.) 2004. Maternal-Fetal Medicine, 5th edn., Saunders, Philadelphia. Harding, R., Bocking, A., (ed.) 2001. Fetal Growth and Development, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Koch, C. Platt, J. 2003 ‘Natural Mechanisms for evading graft rejection: the fetus as an allograft’, Springer Seminars in Immunopathology, [Online], vol. 25, no. 2, pp 95-117. Available from SpringerLink. [7 October 2005]. Loke, Y., 1978. Immunology and Immunopathology of the Human Fetal-Maternal Interaction, Elsevier Horth-Holland Biomedical Press, New York. Marieb. E., 1998. Human Anatomy and Physiology, 4th edn., Addison Wesley Longman, California. Mellor, A. Munn, D. 2004 ‘Policing pregnancy: Tregs help keep the peace’, Trends in Immunology. [Online], vol. 25, no.11, pp 563-565. Available from: Medline. [10 October 2005]. Mor, G. Abrahams, V. 2003 ‘Potential role of macrophages as immunoregulators of pregnancy’, Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. [Online], vol. 119, no.1. Available from Medline. [11 October 2005]. Quinn, T. (1999), Immunology in Pregnancy; The Fetal Allograft, [Online], SIU Medical Library. Available from: http://www.siumed.edu/lib/ref/ppt/immunpreg/> [20 September 2005]. Seppa, N. 2004 ‘Some T cells may be a fetus’ best friend’, Science News, [Online], vol. 165, no. 8, p125. Available from: Proquest. [11 October 2005]. Warshaw, J. (ed.) 1983, The Biological Basis of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Elsevier Science Publishing Co., New York.

NMDA Receptor Pathways as Drug Targets in CNS Therapeutics

NMDA Receptor Pathways as Drug Targets in CNS Therapeutics 1. Introduction: Glutamate is the king of excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system (SNC) and acts on receptors located at the presynaptic terminal and in the postsynaptic membrane at synapses in the brain and spinal cord (Ghasemi and Schachter, 2011). Although glutamate was known to have central nervous system effects for more than 75 years, it was not until 1984 that it was truly acknowledged as fulfilling the criteria of a neurotransmitter. (Niciu et al., 2012). Glutamate receptors are divided into two broad categorizations: ionotropic and metabotropic receptors. Ionotropic glutamate receptors are ion channels that flux cations (Ca2+, Na+) and open the channels in response to agonist binding. On the other hand, metabotropic receptors activate or inhibit second messenger systems via interactions with cognate G-proteins. (Niciu et al., 2012). Ionotropic glutamate receptors can be subdivided into three large families: AMPA receptors (AMPARs), kainate receptors and NMDA receptors (NMD ARs). Since three decades ago, the discovery NMDARs have kept fascinating neuroscientists while their dysfunctions are also involved in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including stroke, pathological pain, neurodegenerative diseases and schizophrenia. (Paoletti et al., 2013) Fortunately, the NMDA receptor complex is composed with modulatory sites, and the late 1970s and 1980s saw the development of agonists, antagonists and modulators acting at different binding sites. In the last decade, the molecular biology of the NMDA receptors has been defined, and now it is known that these receptors are formed of an NR1 subunit in combination with one or more NR2 or less commonly an NR3 subunit. (Kemp and McKernan, 2002). 2. Molecular mechanisms NMDA receptors are named after their selective agonist N-methyl-D-aspartate. The receptors are multisubunit complexes associating NR1, NR2 and, more rarely, NR3 subunits. NR2 and NR3 subunits exist as four and two subtypes, respectively (NR2A-D and NR3A-B). NR1 exists as seven subtypes (NR1a–g) (Mony et al., 2009) The receptors are heterotetramers comprising a combination of NR1, NR2A-D and  NR3A-B subunits. The main agonists are glutamate and NMDA, with their binding site on NR2 subunits, while the binding site for the co-agonists D-serine and glycine is located on NR1 and NR3 subunits and the T most common composition of NMDA receptors includes two NR1 and two NR2 subunits, or two NR1, one NR2 and one NR3 subunits (Dzamba et al., 2013). A common structure for glutamate receptors contains an extracellular amino-terminal domain (ATD) for various modulatory functions, extracellular S1S2 domains for agonist binding, an ion channel domain with four transmembrane segments (M1â⠂¬â€œ4) for gating and ion permeation, and a carboxy-terminal domain for communicating with intracellular milieu Fig 1 (Majdi and Chen, 2009). Pharmacological regulation of the NMDAR depends on effects on unique combinations of subunit-specific binding sites. Once glycine coagonist attaches to its site, the glutamate can activate the ion channel and the Na+ and Ca2+ rush in. The Mg2+ blocks channel pore and the blockade is relieved by cellular depolarization, which has implications for synaptic plasticity, especially long-term potentiation (LTP). (Ghasemi and Schachter, 2011) Most compounds that act at NMDA receptors interact with one of 4 drug binding sites on the NMDA receptor complex, the glutamate or glycine binding sites, the ion channel pore, or a binding site on the regulatory NTD. The first compounds identified were agonists and antagonists of the glutamate like D-ÃŽ ±-aminoadipic acid and D-2-amino-5phosphonopentanoic  acid (D-AP5) then glycine competitive antagonists like 7-chloro-5-iodokynurenic acid and partial agonists were identified. It was also soon recognized that some dissociative anesthetics (e.g. ketam ine and phencyclidine) were NMDA receptor blockers and the widely used inhibitor MK-801 was shown to be a potent NMDA receptor channel blocker Fig 2 (Monaghan et al., 2012). Another important aspect of NMDA receptor pharmacology is modulation by posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation of the intracellular C-terminal of NR2 subunits. NMDA receptor-mediated calcium increases activate many downstream targets like protein kinase C (PKC) and the Modulation by protein kinase C (PKC) depends on NMDA receptor subunit composition; NR2A- and NR2B-containing receptors are potentiated by PKC activation, whereas NR2Cand NR2D containing receptors are unaffected or inhibited by PKC. PKC phosphorylates the NR1 subunit at serine 890 (S890) in the C1 cassette. The potentiatory effects of PKC are not dependent on phosphorylation of NR1, but inhibitory effects are blocked by mutation of S890 or removal of the C1 domain. The NMDA receptor function is also modulated by MAGUK protein fami ly which controls the NMDA receptor localization, the binding to the scaffolding proteins plays a major role in the control of downstream signals resulting from receptor activation. It thought that synaptic NMDA receptors are retained at the synapse by an attachment to PSD-95 through a PDZ interaction with the NR2 subunits.(Gardoni and Di Luca, 2006) 3. Therapeutics A high number of central nervous system disease states in which neuronal cell death is associated to glutamate induced excitotoxicity could be treated by blocking NMDA receptors such as neurological disorders including ischemia, epilepsy, brain trauma, dementia, and neurodegenerative disorders. à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ · Ischemia : it has been shown that loss of calcium homeostasis may be an important mechanism of ischemic brain damage. Ischemia also resulted in a decrease in the size of protein complexes containing PSD-95. In addition, transient cerebral ischemia increases tyrosine phosphorylation of NMDA receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B. Recent studies suggested to treat stroke transducing neurons with peptides able to disrupt the interaction of NMDA receptor NR2B subunits with the postsynaptic density protein PSD-95. This procedure dissociated NMDA receptors from downstream neurotoxic signaling without blocking synaptic activity or calcium influx and protected cultured neurons from excitotoxi city. .( Gardoni and Di Luca, 2006). Many NR1/NR2B antagonists, including ifenprodil, eliprodil and the selective and potent congeners, Ro 25,6981 and CP-101,606, offer promise in preclinical models of ischaemia (Chazot, 2004) à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ · Epilepsy: Recent work has suggested that hyper-phosphorylation of NR2B may results in hypersensitivity to the endogenous transmitter, and induction of neuronal hyperexcitability and epilepsy. Furthermore, kainic acid-induced alters tyrosine phosphorylation of NR2A and NR2B receptors. Interestingly, the high affinity NR2B compound, Ro 63-1908 was shown to be active versus acoustic-induced convulsions and NMDA-induced seizures at 4.5 mg/kg ip and 2.31 mg/kg iv, respectively and no adverse cardiovascular, motor deficits or other CNS sideeffects were observed at these active. (Chazot, 2004). à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ · Huntingtons disease: The normal huntingtin binds to PSD-95 scaffold protein which inhibit the NMDA receptor Overexpression of the normal huntin gtin N terminus significantly attenuates neuronal toxicity induced by both NMDA receptors and the mutated huntingtin. This suggests that PSD-95 is a mediator of neuronal toxicity induced by NMDA receptors and mutated huntingtin. In addition, in a transgenic model of Huntington disease. Other studies show that expression of mutant htt (but not wild-type htt) in combination with NR1/NR2B increases cell death compared to  transfection of only NMDA receptor subunits, suggesting a role for NR1/NR2B NMDA receptors in cell death mediated by mutant htt .As NR2B antagonists block most of the NMDA receptor mediated currents in neuronal models of Huntington, the selective localization of NR2B in the striatum may also play a role in the efficacy of NR2B antagonists against cell death in models of Huntington.( Gardoni and Di Luca, 2006). à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ · Alzheimers disease : In animal models, NR2B subunit expression decreases with age, which correlates well withreduced Long Term Potentiation (L TP) and inferior cognitive performance. The NR1/NR2B subtype decreases, in comparison to other subtypes, in the frontal cortex of aged humans while overexpression of the forebrain NR2B subunit in transgenic mice has been shown to have profound beneficial effects upon cognitive performance. Such information suggests that controlled potentiation of the NR2B may offer a novel strategy for treating cognitive disabilities. (Chazot, 2004). à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ · Parkinsons disease: At the molecular level, alterations of NMDA receptor subunits localization in striatum have been described in Dopamine-denervated rats as well as in L-DOPA-treated dyskinetic monkeys. In particular, NR2B subcellular redistribution from synaptic to extrasynaptic sites represents the key element in the complex modifications of the glutamatergic synapse in L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. On the other hand, recent studies in primates suggested that upregulation of NR2A abundance in synaptosomal membranesmay be an important pla yer in L-DOPA induced dyskinesias. And recently, two studies described results on the effects of NR2B selective NMDA receptor antagonist CP-101,606 on L-DOPA induced dyskinesia in two different models of experimental parkinsonism.( Gardoni and Di Luca, 2006). à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ · Psychosis : Studies have suggested that the NR2B has role in psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The mRNA encoding the NR2B subunit and NR1/NR2B-type binding sites have been shown to be selectively increased in hippocampal and cortical regions, Recent work has identified a novel T200G variant located in the NR2B promoter, which endows dysfunction of the NR2B subunit. The frequency of this variant was significantly up-regulated in a schizophrenia group compared to a control group. The possible link between these observations is yet to be investigated. (Chazot, 2004). à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ · Pain: Studies suggest that the NR2B subunit plays distinct roles in acute and chronic pain states, re cently NR2B antagonists were developped, including Ro 25,6981, CP -101,606, PD 174494 and PD 196860, are effective in a range of animal chronic pain models with a wide separation between anti-hyperalgesic and side-effect doses . . (Chazot, 2004). 4. References Chazot, P. L. (2004). The NMDA receptor NR2B subunit: A valid therapeutic target for  multiple CNS pathologies. Curr. Med. Chem. 11, 389-396. Dzamba, D., Honsa, P. and Anderova, M. (2013). NMDA receptors in glial cells: Pending  questions. Current Neuropharmacology 11, 250-262. Gardoni, F. and Di Luca, M. (2006). New targets for pharmacological intervention in the  glutamatergic synapse. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 545, 2-10. Ghasemi, M. and Schachter, S. C. (2011). The NMDA receptor complex as a therapeutic  target in epilepsy: A review. Epilepsy Behavior 22, 617-640. Kemp, J. A. and McKernan, R. M. (2002). NMDA receptor pathways as drug targets. Nat.  Neurosci. 5, 1039-1042. Majdi, M. and Chen, H. V. (2009). NMDA-gated ion channel research and its therapeutic  potentials in neurodegenerative diseases: A review. Journal of Receptor, Ligand and Channel Research 2, 59-73. Monaghan, D. T., Irvine, M. W., Costa, B. M., Fang, G. and Jane, D. E. (2012).  Pharmacological modulation of NMDA receptor activity and the advent of negative and  positive allosteric modulators. Neurochem. Int. 61, 581-592. Mony, L., Kew, J. N., Gunthorpe, M. J. and Paoletti, P. (2009). Allosteric modulators of  NR2Bà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ containing NMDA receptors: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Br. J.  Pharmacol. 157, 1301-1317 Niciu, M. J., Kelmendi, B. and Sanacora, G. (2012). Overview of glutamatergic  neurotransmission in the nervous system. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 100,  656-664. Paoletti, P., Bellone, C. and Zhou, Q. (2013). NMDA receptor subunit diversity: Impact on  receptor properties, synaptic plasticity and disease. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 14, 383-400.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight :: Essays Papers

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Passage Analysis Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was written in the fourteenth century in Northern dialect by an anonymous author who was a contemporary of Chaucer. The story begins in King Arthur's court. The Green Knight, a green monster who challenges the court to a Christmas game, Sir Gawain, a brave, loyal knight of the court, and King Arthur, the lord of the court, are the main characters. Lines 279 through 365, which deal with the Christmas game, also known as the beheading game, foreshadow the Green Knight's supernatural powers, Sir Gawain's victory over the Green Knight, and his bravery and loyalty to King Arthur. The events surrounding the proposal of the game foreshadow what will happen next. It is New Year's, and everyone in King Arthur's court is feasting when the Green Knight arrives and challenges the court to a Christmas game. The rule of the game is that the knight, Sir Gawain, will strike at the Green Knight, and then in a year and a day, the Green Knight will return the strike. This is indicated when the Green Knight says, "†¦So you grant me the guerdon to give him another, sans blame. In a twelve month and a day he shall of me the same"(Norton 208). A guerdon is a reward and sans means without. So when the Green Knight receives his reward for the game, which will be to return the strike in a year and a day, it will not be his fault when Sir Gawain dies because it is part of the game. This foreshadows the Green Knight's supernatural powers and Sir Gawain's confrontation with death. If Sir Gawain chops off the Green Knight's head, one would think that the Green Knight would die. So why does the Green Knight ask to meet Sir Gawain in a year and a day to return the strike? The answer to this question shows the Green Knight's supernatural powers because he knows that he is not going to die because of the strike. The Green Knight appears to have a hidden agenda, which will be revealed at the end of the story. As a reward for the knight who is brave enough to participate in the game, the Green Knight gives him his ax to keep and use for the game. The ax is first given to King Arthur, who has volunteered to participate in the game so that his court will not appear to be full of cowards.

Taras Shevchenko :: Art Artist Research Essays

Taras Shevchenko Taras Shevchenko was born to Hryhoriy and Kateryna Hrushivsky-Shevchenko on 25 February 1814. Growing up in poverty and misery, Taras managed to maintain his spirits and continue to be curious of the world and those around him (4). His father was a great influence to him. He was well known around the village for his practical knowledge and intelligence. Hryhoriy stressed the importance of literacy to his children during their school days. Despite the weekly beatings of the pupils, in agreement with the old academic tradition, Taras was an energetic student and a fast learner (4). Exploring his options, Taras realized his interests and talent for writing poetry and painting. In his early teens, Pavel Engelhardt took Taras to serve as a traveling house boy. Pavel was the first person notice his painting talents, and sent him to apprentice under V. Shiriaev (2). During those four years, he spent his free time sketching and painting images of the summer gardens. Through Engelhardt, Shevchenko met Ukrainian artist Ivan Soshenko, Ye. Hrebinka, Vasyl Hryhorovych, and Alexey Venetsianov. With the help and advice of the mentors, Shevchenko enrolled in the Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg. On top of his general education, Taras pursued his love of art and poetry. In 1840, his first collection of poems was published. Kobzar was a collection of eight Romantic poems. It was through his life time of poetry works that the people of Ukraine were provided with original characteristics about their culture and history (4). Taras Shevchenko’s drive behind most of his paintings and poems was driven by his concern of the state that Ukraine was in. Each of his new projects was centered on the old historic ruins of the Ukraine that he remembered as a young boy. These sketching were collected in the album Zhivopisnaia Ukraina (4). Trouble began for Taras Shevchenko shortly after he joined Cyril and Methodius Brotherhood in 1864. An accusation to the arrest of several of the members, including Shevchenko (4).

International Development and Development Projects

Since Pakistan's commencement in 1947, the legislature has attempted nonstop endeavors to give free, all inclusive, essential training to its residents. This is prove by instructive plans, strategies, and five-year training segment changes, incorporating organizations with global offices and created nations. Be that as it may, these endeavors have not yielded any additions for the natives. Pakistan has a proficiency rate of 49.9 percent, one of the most reduced in South Asia and whatever is left of the world. Pakistan's male and female education rates are 61.7 percent and 35.2 percent. The female education rate drops to 25 percent in rustic regions, and young ladies' school enlistment of fifty-five percent drops to 20% from Grade 1 to 6. For the reasons for these measurements, a proficient individual is characterized by Pakistan's Ministry of Education as one who can read a daily paper and compose a straightforward letter in any dialect. Pakistan's populace of 167 million is sixty-five percent country and thirty-five percent urban, with residents confronting different interlinked issues influencing their personal satisfaction, for example, absence of education, neediness, and the absence of essential necessities (protect, gas, water, and power). Likewise, a culture of feudalism and man controlled society makes structures of energy and control that deny nationals of their rights, including that of training. Studies have been directed on training in Pakistan, 1. Investigations of ladies' character, sexual orientation, and training have been directed by United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Children's Funds (UNICEF), and the Aga Khan University-Institute of Educational Development (AKU-IED) Institute in Pakistan. View all notes, be that as it may, they have been constrained in scope as far as young ladies' training. This article tends to the hole in female proficiency grant. Its motivation is to fundamentally examine the condition of young ladies' instruction in Pakistan regarding three factors: the purposes behind low proficiency and school enlistment rates, sexual orientation inclinations in educational programs and reading material, and social standards. In view of this investigation, the article finishes up with measures to build school enlistment and proficiency rates for young ladies and ladies.Paper ref:A Critical Analysis of School Enrollment and Literacy Rates of Girls and Women in PakistanAmna LatifJournalEducational Studies  A Journal of the American Educational Studies Association  Volume 45, 2009 –  Issue 5: WOMEN AND EDUCATION ReferencesAzam, Z (1993). Towards the 21st Century Pakistan: Women, education and Social Change. National Book foundation, Islamabad: Pakistan, p.53. Federal Bureaue of Statistics, Islamabad (2008-09).Khalid Tanveer, (1998) An Introduction to Educational Philosophy and History, 9th Edition, S.M. Printers, Karachi, Pakistan, p. 3.Khalid, H.S. (1996), â€Å"Female Teachers' and Girls' Access to Primary Schools in rural Pakistan: A Case Study†, pp.34-55. Latif, A. (2007).Alarming Situation of Education in Pakistan. World Education Forum, News and Views, Grassroots Stories Pakistan. Saeed, Amera, (1990), Structural Issues in Women Development in Pakistan, UNICIEF; 12 D East SNC Center, Blue Area, Islamabad,1990, pp.27-35.Vidyu Lata, (1990).Developing Rural Women, New Delhi, Discovery Publishers, p.1. Leach Fiona E., Angela Little (1999) Education, cultures, and economics: dilemmas for development, 1st Edition, Routledge Publishers, Newyark, pp. 351-375.

Fundamental of Laws

We would first need to establish if there is a valid and legally binding contract formation between Iris (â€Å"the offeror†) before deciding on the likely outcomes for the parties. A proper contract constitutes an offer, an acceptance, the provision of a consideration of value and parties’ intention to legal relations. There was no depute as to the presence of a valid offer because Iris did indeed make an offer to sell the piano for a specific price and its terms i. e. keeping the offer open for Diana till noon on Saturday, were communicated to Diana. In return, Diana had also put up her consideration towards the formation of the contract by making an effort to raise the money needed to buy the aforementioned piano from Iris. Beside the elements of acceptance, which we shall discuss in the latter paragraphs, the collective actions from the both parties suggested that they were intending to form legal relations with each other. OFFER Offer and acceptance analysis is a traditional approach in contract law used to determine whether an agreement exists between two parties. Agreement consist of an offer by an indication of one person, the offeror, to another, the offeree, of the offeror’s willingness to enter into s contract on certain terms without further negotiation. At law, an offer is the indication by one party to another of his willingness to enter into a contract with him on certain terms. It must be communicated to the offeree. It may be kept open if supported by consideration. Also, an offer may be terminated. On Monday, Iris communicated her offer to sell her piano to Diana for ?500. Therefore, Iris is the offeror. At law, a promise to keep an offer open for a certain time or to give someone ‘first refusal’ will not be legally binding unless the offeree gave some payment to the offeror in return for the favour. Otherwise, the offeror is making only a gratuitous promise: giving something for nothing. Such a promise is not a contractual one, since it lacks consideration – Goldsborough Mort & Co Ltd v Quinn (1910) There is no option present as Diana did not give anything of value to Iris to keep the offer open. Therefore, Iris promise to hold the piano till Saturday was not legally binding. Thus, the offer was invalid. ACCEPTANCE There are two elements for acceptance to be valid. At law, acceptance must be Final and Unqualified. The general rule is that acceptance is effective only when is communicated to the offeror. Diana’s acceptance is final and unqualified as she phoned and left a message with Iris’s daughter, Athena, saying that she got the money and would collect the piano on Saturday morning. However, the acceptance was not communicated to Iris as Athena forgot to pass the message to Iris. Thus, Diana’s acceptance of offer is invalid as it does not fulfill the requirements for the acceptance to be effective. The acceptance was not communicated to the offeror. REVOCATION At law, offeror may revoke an offer at any time prior to the offer being accepted even if the offeror has promised not to revoke it – Routledge v Grant Notice of revocation is crucial; it is not effective unless the offeree knows it. Offeror are entitled to change their minds and withdraw offers at any time right up to the moment of acceptance. An offer can be revoked by the offeror any time before it is accepted. This is analogous to the case of Byrne & Co v Leon Tienhoven & Co (1880) Personal notification is usual, but is not essential as long as the offeree knew or reasonably should have know that the offer had been withdrawn. Dickinson v Dodds (1876, CA) Revocation must be communicated to the offeree – Byrne v Van Tienhoven (1880) On Thursday, Iris was visited by Juno who said that she would pay ?600 for the piano. Later that day, Iris posted a letter to Diana on Thursday to revoke the offer. The revocation of the offer was invalid as the letter of revoca tion did not reach Diana. This was due to the fact that Mercury, the postman, delivered the letter to the wrong address. Thus, revocation was not communicated to the offeree. However, Iris would argue that the revocation was valid as at law, Iris did not receive an acceptance from Diana and she could revoke the offer at any time prior to the offer being accepted. But, Iris was not aware that the letter of revocation did not reach Diana. On the other hand, Diana would argue that the revocation was not effective as she gave her acceptance on offer to Iris’s daughter on phone on Wednesday. Diana did not know that the acceptance was not communicated to Iris and she did not receive the letter of revocation. Thus, Diana assumed that her acceptance on offer was valid and appeared with a hired van to collect the piano on Saturday evening. Henceforth, Iris revocation on Thursday was not effective as the letter of revocation did not reach Diana. Revocation was not communicated to the offeree. CONCLUSION The offer between Iris and Diana is valid as well as Juno offer to Iris. The acceptance between Iris and Diana is not legally binding due to it was just a verbal promise that Iris would hold on to the piano for Diana till Saturday morning if Diana could raise the money. On Wednesday, although Diana’s acceptance was made to Iris’s daughter, Athena, it was not direct to Iris. If Diana’s acceptance is invalid it can be argued, but if there’s this, Juno’s acceptance may be valid. But the contract between Juno and Iris was invalid still due to Juno’s offer was given to Iris on Thursday. Although Iris accepted the offer, there’s still no legal contract between them until Saturday. But Iris did something, she sent a revocation letter to Diana but Diana didn’t receive it. Therefore, Diana can actually sue Iris for compensation.

Christmas †8th Grade Expository Example Essay

â€Å"City sidewalks, busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style†¦ In the air, there’s a feeling of Christmas†¦Ã¢â‚¬  My favorite holiday has always been Christmas. I love everything about it! One of the best things about Christmastime is that we get such a long time off from school. In addition to that, my family flies back home to Pennsylvania in December, so we always get to see snow. We also spend time with family and friends playing games and exchanging gifts, which is always a lot of fun. Of all the holidays, I think Christmas is the best! Towards the end of December, we all really need a break, and Christmas Break comes at just the right time, lasting just over two weeks! It’s so nice to have off from school at a time when there’s great holiday music on the radio and great sales in all the stores. Not to mention the fantastic foods filling my plate as I go to all the holiday get-togethers. I don’t like too many gatherings, though, sometimes I just like to rest. I try to spend most of my time on the long break relaxing and enjoying family. Speaking of family, I get to fly back home to Pennsylvania over Christmas Break to visit my relatives. It is always snowy in Pennsylvania in December, so that’s an exciting part our vacation for my sister and me. We go to my cousins’ house and ride four wheelers in the snow, pulling inner tubes behind them. Our parents usually get some great videos of us playing in the snow. Last year we stayed outside so long in a snowstorm, that our hair was caked with snow by the time we came in! It looked like we had white dreadlocks! It is always so fun having adventures with my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents back home in Pennsylvania. In addition to all of our snowy adventures, we also spend lots of time indoors with famil y and friends playing games and exchanging gifts. My grandma buys tons of little gifts – mostly candy and dollar store items, but a few nice things, too – that she wraps up and uses as prizes in a game that the whole family plays. There are about twenty of us sitting around her long dining room table, and we roll dice for about two minutes. Whenever anyone rolls doubles, they get to take a present. When all the presents are gone, but there’s still time on the clock, you get to steal someone else’s present! It’s kind of hard to explain, but it’s the most fun our family has at the holidays. Spending time with all of my family over Christmas Break is a great time that is very special to me†¦and getting little gifts is an added bonus! Just like most people I know, I think Christmas is the best holiday ever! Having such a long time off from school is a much-needed break in the middle of the school year. Because the break is so long, my family can fit in time to fly back home to Pennsylvania to have some fun playing in the snow. The fun continues indoors with family games and gifts, always a highlight of the vacation. This vacation is something I look forward to all year round. Christmas brings me so much happiness†¦just like those Silver Bells. â€Å"Ring-a-ling†¦.Hear them ring†¦ Soon it will be Christmas Day.†

Cultural Considerations

Abstract In this paper, we will discuss the cultural differences faced within the criminal justice system. The differences include cultural beliefs, practices, race, gender, and etc. The criminal justice system in the United States does not have an exact solution on how to proceed and embed our country with the cultures beliefs and practices performed by now citizens of the United States. Within this paper, the cultural concerns will be addressed along with possible solutions on how to involve other cultural practices within our own western society.Lastly, Affirmative Action, the Employment Opportunity Act , and other nondiscrimination practices will be examined on how they have impacted the minority population along with the criminal justice system. Cultures & Criminal Law There are many cultures that reside within the United States. Within these cultures come different religious practices and cultural beliefs about their lives, in which some people may disagree about. So, if we do disagree about their beliefs, does it give us the right in the United States to imply we cannot perform those practices here because it’s against our laws?Actions that are illegal here may not be illegal in the country from where the individual is from, are to step aside and allow them to practice the belief anyways? The answer to both questions is â€Å"No†. We must not ignore both situations; this will only cause conflict and heartache for those involved. Criminal law with its emphasis on formal values such as legality and legal certainty faces problems when encountering social issues and social questions that relate to cultural conflicts and different perceptions of substantial principles of justice and morality (Nuotio, 2008).Due to the flexibility of criminal law, cultural issues may be taken into the account in various ways, should this turn out to be necessary. Criminal law is also a cultural phenomenon itself, representing the values of the community. Western c riminal justice is surely individualistic in many ways, as it aims at allocating blame and responsibility to individuals for their wrongful actions. At the same time, it is the part of law through which the political community largely defines itself be deciding about issues of right and wrong.In a modern context, cultural diversity causes extra pressure on political and legal systems, but it does actually render modern law even more important than before, and the substantial disagreements cannot be handled otherwise. One problem that we also must consider is that, even taking cultural context into account in criminal law might itself become a denunciatory practice, a denial of recognition. This view indicates that culture is like nature in that it influences and even determines the actions of the individual, thus limiting individual responsibility on factual grounds.Culture would then be regarded as a kind of force that actually diminishes responsibility for one’s actions in declaring it traditional and customary instead of highlighting its individuality. It is therefore, crucially important to think carefully about how and why culture matters. It might be that both culture and law have the potential to work towards non-recognition or misrecognition. Culture itself is not innocent in this respect. Cultural conflicts often have to do with the fact that different meanings are associated with actions and events by their various participants.The key question is then whether we must guarantee that the legal imputations always respect such cultural sensitivities. Are we generally entitled to have our own personal world-view respected by the courts when they decide cases in which we are involved? Would other solutions mean that some aspects that are constitutive of our identity will be publicly rejected? The conflict may often between the two expressions: that of the action itself, and that of its legal interpretation. Criminal law aims at replacing the meanin g and evaluation of the act given by the actor himself or herself, or the community, by a legal assessment of it.This might turn into a conflict of interpretation. Criminal law is a sort of institutionalized denial, taking standpoints and presenting them over the heads of the individuals in question as it communicates and allocates blame. For example, (Nuotio, 2008), suggests we could, more, generally, expect to see clashes over rights at every level (freedom rights, political rights, welfare rights), and we could also presume that at least some cultural conflicts will arise in the context in which defenders of a tradition are enforcing a traditional morality that clashes with the rights of the  individual.There are incidents of honor offences concerning forced marriages in which the father or brothers have violently forced an unwilling bride to marry or even killed her when she has insisted on marrying someone of her own choice. It is not rather contradictory if a person who hers elf fully enjoys all the rights and protection granted to her in a modern society strives to defend a cultural practice that is not compatible with such rights? We live in an iron cage, prisoners of our legal framework which has developed over many centuries. Against the Law?Actions may be wrong, no persons. The legal imputation should never, however, appear as fully accidental and surprising. Legal imputation requires a sociological back-up. People need to understand what has happened and why the legal system intervened. The criminal law provisions defining various offences are deemed to refer to actions in an understandable way, all of which takes place under the fundamental challenge of legitimacy and justice. Criminal laws do not speak directly about identities, as this field of law limits itself to issues concerning actions.But certain actions that are prohibited as criminally wrong might be relevant for the identity of particular persons. Issues related to sexual crimes produc e quite strong images of sexual manners and sexual identities. Such issues are being dealt with in modern criminal justice by a more fine-tuned approach than before. The protected interest is sexual autonomy, not public morals. However, while it seem reasonable to direct efforts toward recognizing cultural identity, respecting diversity to the point of justifying acts that threaten society’s values seems a dubious, even dangerous, policy.It would be difficult for a society to accept that certain acts to be tolerated and even justified solely on the basis of respecting the customs of other cultures; one need only think of the conflicts resulting from the justification of domestic abuse or violence. Communitarian policies of this nature could give rise to social instability, counterproductive to the goal of crime prevention (Carnevali, 2009). Police, EEO, & Affirmative Action Cultural differences in America will affect not only our laws, but the law enforcer whom enforce the la ws to start.It is important for police to understand the cultural experiences and dynamics of the communities they serve, these concerns go further. One of the reasons for focusing on cultural and other differences is that different people can have profoundly different experiences of the same event. There is no single, monolithic truth, but rather widely varying perceptions of reality. These perceptions are influenced by a number of factors; cultural background is one of them (Texas Highway Patrol Association Magazine, 2001).Along with cultural differences comes â€Å"cultural laws† to help protect those from discrimination from jobs, schools, disability, race, gender, and genetics. One of those laws include the Equal Employment Opportunity Act; applicants to and employees of most private employers, state and local governments, educational institutions, employment agencies and labor organizations are protected under federal law from discrimination on the following basis: race , color religion, sex, national origin; disability; age; sex (wages); genetics; and retaliation ( www. eeoc. gov.)Another law to mention that helped many minorities especially African Americans is Affirmative Action. Affirmative Action is a set of procedures designed to eliminate unlawful discrimination between applicants, remedy the results of such prior discrimination, and prevent such discrimination in the future. Applicants may be seeking admission to an education program or looking for professional employment (Legal Information Institute, 2014). Within these laws no person shall be turned down or turn away due to the color of their skin, gender, religious background, and etc.These laws have provided different races to choose our country to reside in maybe because of these laws, but many people have gotten better employment, able to attend colleges, and etc. Conclusion As long as we are the United States, there will be many different cultures and people in this country. This is what makes our country unique because we accept and enjoy people from different countries making the United States their home for the time being or permanent. However, with opening our doors to different people, also brings their culture with them.Now are we suppose to let them do whatever they want because their past country was acceptance of the practice, â€Å"No†, but this also does not mean we will not try to compromise with the practice by suggesting other methods or working out a solution to assist in resolving the issue. Last but not least, our country needs to make laws to embrace other cultural beliefs by exploring other options if not acceptance by our law in this country. Until then, cultural difference, practice, or religious belief will need to be taken into court, where the courts can make decision on what is acceptable by our law.

American Gods By Neil Gaiman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

American Gods By Neil Gaiman - Essay Example A myth refers to a traditional story accepted as history: it is designed to explain how people observe the world .Mythology therefore refers to the study of these stories and myth which explains the beliefs and practices of a people. American gods by Neil Gaiman is classified as a novel based on myths which formulates a number of concerns of the modern day society in a place whereby the world opinion is that the connection with the gods has been lost and most of what used to be strong spiritual beliefs that guided the society to most individuals has lost their hold on people and meaning. Gaiman gives the readers a combination of present day mythologies whereby the technology, a major characteristic of the modern day society is an important element in the deduction and analysis between the ancient and the modern (Gaiman). STATEMENT OF THESIS The research paper looks at Neil Gaiman novel American Gods and analyses Gaiman’s purpose in American Gods. The main focus of the essay is for the interpretation of Neil Gaiman’s purpose in American gods.The essay invites readers into the center of the book inorder for them to experience it from an insider’s perspective.... The modern gods want to wipe out the ancient gods whom they are of the view that they have lost touch with what the modern society holds true.They do not relate with the modern day individuals and as such cannot help them since they do not have the understanding of what the modern day individuals faces and what he requires.In the novel Shadow is described as strong,large and well built.Shadow was released a few days before his actual release day after the death of his wife,Laura who dies in a car accident.At the funeral he finds that the car crashed because his wife Laura was involved with his friend Robbie who was on the wheel and at the moment of the incident was performing oral sex on him.He accepts the job given to him by Mr. Wednesday who have been offering him a job way before his wife died in an accident. Shadow after the funeral and the realization of his wife’s death circumstances is very frustrated and accepts Mr. Wednesday job offer. While travelling with Mr. Wednes day,Shadow was in his dreams seduced by the Egyptian goddess who is associated with fertility.At the beginning of the novel,Shadow is very much in love with his wife: Shadow kept he fits and learnt how to use tricks on coins and kept reminiscing of his love to his lovely wife Laura. (p.3). Another proof of the love hehad for his wife was the sacrifice to go to prison to protect Laura through this sacrifice as for now is not complete as it does not have his full passivity. Laura displays her husband as a man lacking life and characters,her reason for falling out of love with him; 'I love you,' she said without much passion. She also continues to say that when you are dead you see things in a wider perspective. Shesays that when you go home it’s like she is on her own

Robinson Crusoe (Close reading) REBIRTH AND DELIVERANCE Research Paper

Robinson Crusoe (Close reading) REBIRTH AND DELIVERANCE - Research Paper Example A matter-of-factly attitude attests to much of the aloof charm and consequent pleasurable reading of the book. There are little to no embellishments that make for an almost autobiographical account of it. The reader is acquainted and intimated to the character and all of his struggles and personal conflicts that are revealed in further reading of Daniel Defoe’s classic tale. The theme of cannibalism in the book gives a mental image to the cultural reality that was evident years ago and quite possibly still at play at some remote barbaric villages unheard of. This first appeared in the book when he was offered by some villagers he came across with. â€Å"They offered me some of the flesh, which I declined, pointing out that I would give it them; but made signs for the skin, which they gave me very freely, and brought me a great deal more of their provisions, which, though I did not understand, yet I accepted† (Defoe, p.48). The idea of eating another human being’s flesh is repulsive to say the least. This is something that no normal and civilized person would ever be capacitated to do. This is one of the most stimulating imagery and ultimately reality that Defoe depicted in his telling of the story of â€Å"Robinson Crusoe.† It may not be pleasing by all means but that doesn’t make it untrue. Eating another person whether he is already dead or not would make anyone convulse at the very thought. This is the kind of plot that suspense and horror films are made of. But â€Å"Robinson Crusoe† is neither a suspense thriller nor a horror film, it rings true not just because of the literal connotation it presents but also because of its figurative meaning. Surely there is much barbarity into consuming a person while he was still alive to than when he is already dead. A person who is still filled with emotions and feelings eaten alive by his fellows. Cannibalism is caused by a lack of food

Pablo Picasso's Illustrations of Balzac's The Unknown Masterpiece Essay

Pablo Picasso's Illustrations of Balzac's The Unknown Masterpiece - Essay Example The essay "Pablo Picasso's Illustrations of Balzac's The Unknown Masterpiece" explores Pablo Picasso’s illustration of Balzac’s â€Å"The unknown masterpiece†. It is an edition of a short story by Honore de Balzac. This perception is dependent on the point from which the painting is viewed. The painter is obsessed with his work in which he has considerably spent a long time struggling to complete. Surprisingly, two painters who have been secretly admiring this painter’s work are dumbfounded as they cannot get a clear picture of what the work is. Pablo Picasso, a widely known Spanish painter and sculptor, is fascinated by the mystery behind this art work rendering homage to this kind of creativity. And as part of his printmaking etchings, he writes an accompaniment illustrating the Balzac’s work â€Å"The unknown masterpiece.† Studies done by various scholars reveal that Picasso’s works have had great impacts on the styles of many artis ts even to date. This paper discusses Pablo Picasso’s illustrations of Balzac’s â€Å"The Unknown Masterpiece† of 1931. Honore de Balzac’s â€Å"the unknown masterpiece† featured in the seventeenth century at a French studio in Paris. First published in 1831 by Balzac in a Parisian newspaper â€Å"L’Artiste†, the story reveals a lesson expounding on the statement â€Å"beneath the lines of every book is a face†. In this story, a young artist by the name Nicolas Poussin and his guide Francoise Porbus arrive in the studio of the era’s renowned painter, Master Frenhofer.

Innovation in Organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Innovation in Organizations - Essay Example The researcher of this pÐ °per presented a discussion on the issue of innovÐ °tion, that is Ð ° development Ð °nd creÐ °tion of new or improved, in consumer understÐ °nding, products or services. The pro innovÐ °tion conditions under thÐ °t definition Ð °re creÐ °ted by the chÐ °nges which impose new consumer needs or offer solutions for existing needs. GenerÐ °l conclusion cÐ °n be drÐ °wn thÐ °t Ð °ll compÐ °nies thÐ °t wish to succeed in contemporÐ °ry competitive environment need to innovÐ °te thus showing its fÐ °st reÐ °ction to the mÐ °rket. "Every generÐ °tion needs Ð ° new revolution," wÐ °s ThomÐ °s Jefferson's conclusion towÐ °rd the end of his long life. InnovÐ °tion is thus needed in society Ð °s much Ð °s in the economy, in public-service institutions Ð °s much Ð °s in businesses. It is precisely becÐ °use innovÐ °tion Ð °nd entrepreneurship Ð °re not "root Ð °nd brÐ °nch" but "one step Ð °t Ð ° time," Ð ° product here, Ð ° pol icy there, Ð ° public service yonder; becÐ °use they Ð °re not plÐ °nned but focused on this opportunity Ð °nd thÐ °t need; becÐ °use they Ð °re tentÐ °tive Ð °nd will disÐ °ppeÐ °r if they do not produce the expected Ð °nd needed results; becÐ °use, in other words, they Ð °re prÐ °gmÐ °tic rÐ °ther thÐ °n dogmÐ °tic Ð °nd modest rÐ °ther thÐ °n grÐ °ndiose -- thÐ °t they promise to keep Ð °ny society, economy, industry, public service, or business flexible Ð °nd self-renewing. They Ð °chieve whÐ °t Jefferson hoped to Ð °chieve through revolution in every generÐ °tion, Ð °nd they do so without bloodshed, civil wÐ °r, or concentrÐ °tion cÐ °mps, without economic cÐ °tÐ °strophe, but with purpose, with direction, Ð °nd under control. ... Indeed, for none of them would there hve been ny receptivity in the society nd economy of the time. Every schoolboy knows of Jmes Wtt s the "inventor" of the stem engine, which he ws not. Historins of technology know tht Thoms Newcomen in 1712 built the first stem engine which ctully performed useful work: it pumped the wter out of n English col mine. Both men were orgnized, systemtic, purposeful innovtors. Wtt's stem engine in prticulr is the very model of n innovtion in which newly vilble knowledge (how to rem smooth cylinder) nd the design of "missing link" (the condenser) were combined into process need-bsed innovtion, the receptivity for which hd been creted by Newcomen's engine (severl thousnd were by then in use). But the true "inventor" of the combustion engine, nd with it of wht we cll modern technology, ws neither Wtt nor Newcomen. It ws the gret nglo-Irish chemist Robert Boyle, who did so in "flsh of genius." Only Boyle's engine did not work nd could not hve worked. There re mny other innovtors in different res of development. For the purpose of this pper, the exmples of bove-stted innovtors is sufficient to provide vision on the issue of innovtion. 2. Tke stnce on the sttement do you gree or disgree - whyI strongly gree with ll the definitions of innovtion provided in the previous section of this pper. OECD, Ntionl Institute of Stndrds nd Technology, mngeril point of views seems logicl s they strive to dd the vlue to the re of its development.I would slightly disgree with the definition of innovtion provided by Europen Commission COM(1995) 688. It is sooner confusion thn strict nd cler definition. The comprison shows tht lthough the definitions overlp to some