Thoreau, Henry David Essays - Civil Disobedience,

Thoreau, Henry David The battle was raging. The two races were pitted against each other in a fight to the death. The ground was already littered with the wounded and dying. One pair was locked together as they tumbled over and over. Both were relentlessly hanging on until one or the other would die. As Henry David Thoreau watched this battle between Red and Black Ants, he thought about life. Henry David Thoreau grew up in Concord, Massachusetts in the mid 1800's. When he was about sixteen he went to Harvard for his college education. Despite his Harvard degree, he was considered an outcast because he didn't do anything "useful" with his life. He wasn't interested in making a living in society. He focused on discovering the "facts of life". Thoreau moved into the woods called Walden not far from his home. He felt that being alone with nature would enable him to think and write more clearly. One of the thoughts that came from his "higher thinking" was that "Our life is frittered away by detail". This quotation is important because it applies to all people, in Thoreau's time and in modern times. Thoreau is saying that all people, rich and poor, young and old, fritter their lives away with detail, instead of being concerned with the big picture. The important thing to Thoreau was having time to think about how man fits in with nature and what his place on earth is. Thoreau believed that man only needed the basics of food, clothing and shelter. Everything else was a luxury that took time to obtain. Thoreau thought that time spent getting anymore than the basics was not time well spent. Thoreau couldn't understand why people in his time would waste energy on things that could become very stressful. For example, the railroads and telegraphs were crisscrossing Concord. They brought commerce, but they also brought noise and pollution, and cut up the landscape. There were more goods for people to buy, but they were unnecessary frills in Thoreau's mind. Thoreau wished for a simple life, unfettered by material possessions. Thoreau's quotation is applicable in today's life more than ever. The appearance of railroads and commerce in Thoreau's time was the start of the modern day "rat race". Thoreau wanted people in his time to realize how much time they were wasting with busywork and trifles. Today, people are even worse in that respect than before. With all today's products, from computers and cell phones to cereal boxes, there are so many more choices and things to deal with. People waste time choosing what clothes to wear with which shoes and so on. Thoreau on the other hand, wouldn't bother worrying about things as unimportant as that. Today, we know Thoreau was right, yet few people actually do forget about the little details. "Our life is frittered away by detail" is a quotation for all times. Thoreau was able to block out the trivia of everyday life and explore a broad range of profound thoughts. He moved to Walden to concentrate on only the basics. People would criticize him for his "outrageous" ideas, but his ideas actually weren't that "outrageous". Thoreau's ideas won't fade away with time. They will get stronger with time as people yearn for a more simple life and some freedom from the stress and hassles of having to make too many choices and understand complicated technologies.

Baron Friedrich Von Steuben in the American Revolution

Baron Friedrich Von Steuben in the American Revolution Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben was born September 17, 1730, at Magdeburg. The son of Lieutenant Wilhelm von Steuben, a military engineer, and Elizabeth von Jagvodin, he spent some of his early years in Russia after his father was assigned to assist Czarina Anna. During this period he spent time in the Crimea as well as Kronstadt. Returning to Prussia in 1740, he received his education at the Lower Silesian towns of Neisse and Breslau (Wroclaw) before serving as a volunteer with his father for a year (1744) during the War of the Austrian Succession. Two years later, he officially entered the Prussian Army after turning 17. Baron von Steuben - Seven Years War: Initially assigned to the infantry, von Steuben sustained a wound at the Battle of Prague in 1757.   Proving an adept organizer, he received an appointment as battalion adjutant and earned a promotion to first lieutenant two years later. Wounded a the defeat at Kunersdorf in 1759, von Steuben again returned to action. Elevated to captain by 1761, von Steuben continued to see extensive service in the Prussian campaigns of the Seven Years War (1756-1763). Recognizing the young officers skill, Frederick the Great placed von Steuben on his personal staff as an aide-de-camp and in 1762 admitted him to the special class on warfare that he taught. Despite his impressive record, von Steuben found himself unemployed at the end of the war in 1763 when the Prussian Army was reduced to peacetime levels. Baron von Steuben - Hohenzollern-Hechingen: After several months of seeking employment, von Steuben received an appointment as hofmarschall (chancellor) to Josef Friedrich Wilhelm of Hohenzollern-Hechingen. Enjoying the comfortable lifestyle provided by this position, he was made a knight of the aristocratic Order of Fidelity by the Margrave of Baden in 1769. This was largely the result of a falsified lineage prepared by von Steubens father. Shortly thereafter, von Steuben began using the title baron. With the prince short on funds, he accompanied him to France in 1771 with the hope of securing a loan. Unsuccessful, they returned to Germany where through the early 1770s von Steuben remained in Hodenzollern-Hechingen despite the princes increasing decaying financial position. Baron von Steuben - Seeking Employment: In 1776, von Steuben was forced to leave due to rumors of alleged homosexuality and accusations of his having taken improper liberties with boys. Though no proof exists regarding von Steubens sexual orientation, the stories proved sufficiently powerful to compel him to seek new employment. Initial efforts to obtain a military commission in Austria and Baden failed, and he traveled to Paris to try his luck with the French. Seeking out the French Minister of War, Claude Louis, Comte de Saint-Germain, who had met previously in 1763, von Steuben again was unable to obtain a position. Though he had no use for von Steuben, Saint-Germain recommended him to Benjamin Franklin, citing von Steubens extensive staff experience with the Prussian Army. Though impressed with von Steubens credentials, Franklin and fellow American representative Silas Deane initially turned him down as they were under instructions from the Continental Congress to refuse foreign officers who could not speak English. Additionally, Congress had grown wearisome of dealing with foreign officers who often demanded high rank and exorbitant pay. Returning to Germany, von Steuben was again confronted with allegations of homosexuality and was ultimately lured back to Paris by an offer of free passage to America. Baron von Steuben - Coming to America: Again meeting with the Americans, he received letters of introduction from Franklin and Deane on the understanding that he would be a volunteer without rank and pay. Sailing from France with his Italian greyhound, Azor, and four companions, von Steuben arrived at Portsmouth, NH in December 1777. After almost being arrested due to their red uniforms, von Steuben and his party were lavishly entertained in Boston before departing Massachusetts. Traveling south, he presented himself to the Continental Congress at York, PA on February 5. Accepting his services, Congress directed him to join General George Washingtons Continental Army at Valley Forge. It also stated that payment for his service would be determined after the war and based upon his contributions during his tenure with the army. Arriving at Washingtons headquarters on February 23, he quickly impressed Washington though communication proved difficult as a translator was required. Baron von Steuben - Training an Army: In early March, Washington, seeking to take advantage of von Steubens Prussian experience, asked him to serve as inspector general and oversee the training and discipline of the army. He immediately commenced designing a training program for the army. Though he spoke no English, von Steuben began his program in March with the aid of interpreters. Beginning with a model company of 100 chosen men, von Steuben instructed them in drill, maneuver, and a simplified manual of arms. These 100 men were in turn sent out to other units to repeat the process and so on until the entire army was trained. In addition, von Steuben introduced a system of progressive training for recruits which educated them in the basics of soldiering. Surveying the encampment, von Steuben greatly improved sanitation by reorganizing the camp and repositioning kitchens and latrines. He also endeavored to improve the armys record keeping to minimize graft and profiteering. Highly impressed with von Steubens work, Washington successfully petitioned Congress to permanently appoint von Steuben inspector general with the rank and pay of a major general. This request was granted on May 5, 1778. The results of von Steubens training regimen immediately showed in the American performances at Barren Hill (May 20) and Monmouth (June 28). Baron von Steuben - Later War: Attached to Washingtons headquarters, von Steuben continued to work to improve the army. In the winter of 1778-1779, he wrote Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States which outlined training courses as well as general administrative procedures. Moving through numerous editions, this work remained in use up to the War of 1812. In September 1780, von Steuben served on the court-martial for British spy Major  John Andrà ©. Accused of espionage in relation to the defection of Major General Benedict Arnold, the court-martial found him guilty and sentenced him to death. Two months later, in November, von Steuben was sent south to Virginia to mobilize forces to support Major General Nathanael Greenes army in the Carolinas. Hampered by state officials and British raids, von Steuben struggled in this post and was defeated by Arnold at Blandford in April 1781. Replaced by the Marquis de Lafayette later that month, he moved south with a Continental force to join Greene despite the arrival of Major General Lord Charles Cornwallis army in the state. Criticized by the public, he halted on June 11 and moved to join Lafayette in opposing Cornwallis. Suffering from ill health, he elected to take sick leave later that summer. Recovering he rejoined Washingtons army on September 13 as it moved against Cornwallis at Yorktown. In the resulting Battle of Yorktown, he commanded a division. On October 17, his men were in the trenches when the British offer of surrender was received. Invoking European military etiquette, he ensured that his men had the honor of remaining in the lines until the final surrender was received. Baron von Steuben - Later Life: Though the fighting in North America was largely concluded, von Steuben spent the remaining years of the war working to improve the army as well as began designing plans for the postwar American military. With the end of the conflict, he resigned his commission in March 1784, and lacking potential employment in Europe decided to settle in New York City. Though he hoped to live a genteel life of retirement, Congress failed to give him a pension and granted only a small amount of his expense claims. Suffering from financial hardships, he was aided by friends such as Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Walker. In 1790, Congress granted von Steuben a pension of $2,500. Though less than he had hoped, it allowed Hamilton and Walker to stabilize his finances. For the next four years, he split his time between New York City and a cabin near Utica, NY which he built on land given to him for his wartime service. In 1794, he permanently moved to the cabin and died there on November 28. Buried locally, his grave is now the site of Steuben Memorial State Historic Site. Sources National Park Service: Baron von SteubenFriedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben

Definition and Examples of Compound-Complex Sentences

Definition and Examples of Compound-Complex Sentences In English grammar, a compound-complex sentence is a  sentence with two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Also known as a  complex-compound sentence. The compound-complex sentence is one of the four basic sentence structures. The other structures are the simple sentence, the compound sentence, and the complex sentence. Examples and Observations The compound-complex sentence is so named because it shares the characteristics of both compound and complex sentences. Like the compound sentence, the compound-complex has two main clauses. Like the complex sentence, it has at least one subordinate clause. The subordinate clause can be part of an independent clause.(Random House Websters Pocket Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation, 2007)His blue eyes were light, bright and sparkling behind half-mooned spectacles, and his nose was very long and crooked, as though it had been broken at least twice.(J.K. Rowling,  Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. Scholastic, 1998)The door of the morning room was open as I went through the hall, and I caught a glimpse of Uncle Tom messing about with his collection of old silver.(P.G. Wodehouse, The Code of the Woosters, 1938)All of us are egotists to some extent, but most of us- unlike the jerk- are perfectly and horribly aware of it when we make asses of ourselves. (Sidney J. Harris, A Jerk, 1961) Those are my principles, and if you dont like them . . . well, I have others.(Groucho Marx)The Druids used mistletoe in ceremonies of human sacrifice, but most of all the evergreen became a symbol of fertility because it flourished in winter when other plants withered. (Sian Ellis, Englands Ancient Special Twig. British Heritage, January 2001)We operate under a jury system in this country, and as much as we complain about it, we have to admit that we know of no better system, except possibly flipping a coin.(Dave Barry, Dave Barrys Guide to Marriage and/or Sex, 1987)She gave me another of those long keen looks, and I could see that she was again asking herself if her favourite nephew wasnt steeped to the tonsils in the juice of the grape. (P.G. Wodehouse, Plum Pie, 1966)In America everybody is of the opinion that he has no social superiors, since all men are equal, but he does not admit that he has no social inferiors, for, from the time of Jefferson onward, the doctrine that all men are equal applies only upwards, not downwards.(Bertrand Russell, Unpopular Essays, 1930) How,  Why, and When to Use Compound-Complex Sentences The compound-complex sentence consists of two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. This syntactic shape is essential in representing complex relationships and so is frequently put to use in various forms of analytical writing, especially in academic writing. It is also probably true that the ability to use compound-complex sentences elevates a writers credibility: it demonstrates that he or she can bring together in a single sentence a range of different pieces of information and order them in relationship to each other. This is not to say that the compound-complex sentence invites confusion: on the contrary, when handled carefully, it has the opposite effect- it clarifies the complexity and enables readers to see it clearly.(David Rosenwasser and Jill Stephen, Writing Analytically, 6th ed. Wadsworth, 2012)Compound-complex sentences get unwieldy in a hurry. So clear writers minimize their use, generally restricting them to no more than 10 percent of their wo rk.But varying the sentence structures in a piece makes it more interesting, and writers who care about rhythm will stray from the simpler forms to mix in compound sentences now and then. (Jack Hart, A Writers Coach: The Complete Guide to Writing Strategies That Work. Anchor, 2006) Compound-complex sentences are  used infrequently in business messages because of their length. (Jules Harcourt et al.,  Business Communication, 3rd ed.  South-Western Educational, 1996) Punctuating Compound-Complex Sentences If a compound or a compound-complex sentence has one or more commas in the first clause, you may want to use a semicolon before the coordinating conjunction between the two clauses. Its purpose is to show the reader very clearly the division between the two independent clauses. (Lee Brandon and  Kelly Brandon,  Sentences, Paragraphs, and Beyond, 7th ed. Wadsworth, 2013)For in the end, freedom is a personal and lonely battle;  and one faces down fears of today so that those of tomorrow might be engaged. (Alice Walker, Choosing to Stay at Home Ten Years After the March on Washington, 1973.  In Search of Our Mothers Gardens, 1983)

''The Odyssey'' and ''The Iliad'' Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

''The Odyssey'' and ''The Iliad'' - Essay Example It is a tale of a brave warrior Odysseus, King of Ithaca, who gets lost after winning the famous Trojan war of Troy. This war is of historical significance because the Greek soldiers entered Troy by hiding in a huge horse made up of wood and then took their enemies by surprise. The story encompasses twenty or more years that he spent away from his family which are filled with his encounters with people and various exotic elements of the nature including God of Sea, Goddess Calypso, Circe, King of God, Zeus, his daughter Athena and many more interesting characters. Homer starts the adventures of Odysseus with the Trojan war of Troy which starts as a revenge against the people of troy for kidnapping Paris who was a cousin of the wife of Odysseus. The ten years of the war which bring untold miseries and grief to people of Troy are equally devastating for the soldiers of Odysseus who are killed. The war is also significant because the warriors of Odysseus rape Cassandra, the priestess of the temple of Goddess Athena. This invoked the anger of the Goddess Athena who asked Poseidon, the God of Sea to avenge Cassandra’s rape by drowning the fleet of Odysseus. Meanwhile Zeus, father of Athena also gets angry at the fact that Odysseus and his soldiers had killed innocent people and unnecessarily went on pillaging the city of Troy. So he uses his divine powers so that Odysseus is not able to return to his kingdom but is waylaid by various elements which prevent his return to Ithaca. Homer has superbly interwoven the great epic with elements of nature and characters, both human and super human that play important roles to carry forward the story in the most amazing and interesting narration. Despite the intervention of the elements, Odysseus again escapes the death but becomes a prisoner of sea nymph Calypso who is much enamoured by him. After one year with Calypso, he is released at the bequest of Zeus, who is the King of Gods. Homer

An Analysis of Neologism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

An Analysis of Neologism - Research Paper Example On February 1, 2004, the American television station CBS aired the event which culminates every season of the National Football League (NFL), the Super Bowl. Broadcast to 90 million people, the Super Bowl has a nationwide audience of viewers of all ages and backgrounds. During this game, the halftime show entertainment featured a duet between pop music entertainers Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson. At the end of their song, Timberlake completed a choreographed move where he tore at Jackson’s clothing. This motion caused an unexpected and actual tear of her costume thus causing a few seconds where her breast was exposed to the audience. Nearly instantly, public outrage ensued over the broadcast nudity, which resulted in Jackson now famously blaming the incident on a wardrobe malfunction. As Joe Flint of the LA Times wrote, this example of neologism represents â€Å"a phrase that became part of the lexicon† almost instantly. Upon Jackson’s description of this in cident of a wardrobe malfunction, this phrase has infused into all aspects of common usage as it now describes any clothing slip-up. The latest example of a wardrobe malfunction in action was seen at the 2011 Oscars where actress and singer Jennifer Lopez accidentally exposed her breast while wearing a dress with a very low cut, revealing neckline. With the background and origin of the neologism term â€Å"wardrobe malfunction† established, this paper can now progress to discuss how the research on this topic was completed. Key Words Upon choosing the term â€Å"wardrobe malfunction† for this assignment, it was necessary to develop a list of key words for the purpose of research. Given the recent origin of this term, the key words used for this search include specific incidents as well as government regulations on the topic itself. The key words searched included: - wardrobe malfunction - federal communications commission (FCC) - CBS - indecency - broadcast regulations - Super Bowl 2004 - Janet Jackson interview - Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson duet - 2004 Super Bowl halftime show - FCC regulati ons With the understanding that the term â€Å"wardrobe malfunction† was created as a result of a pop culture event, it seemed most pertinent to conduct research within the scope of pop culture publications in an effort to document the reactions to this event as they happened, in a sense. In order to ensure that the research found is from sources that are considered to be ethical and have a high sense of integrity, I searched for news sources that had covered stories which featured my key words in the topics. I chose well-known and established newspapers, government policies and court coverage. The bibliography at the end of the assignment lists the six sources used for this assignment in addition to how they are featured in the text. Directions for Future Research Along with the bibliography of references and background information on the neologism term of â€Å"wardrobe malfunction,† the choice of sources allows for the continued monitoring of how this concept is use d in popular culture. The importance of following the use of this term is to determine what the lasting effects of this example of neologism will have on society. It is also worth nothing that

Rose and Graff Essay Example for Free

Rose and Graff Essay Two professors of different backgrounds, Mike Rose of California, and Gerald Graff, of Illinois, discuss the problems college students face today in America. Though similar in slight variations, both professors view the problem in different regards and prepare solutions that solve what they feel to be the heart of this academic problem. Mike Rose, author of The Politics of Remediation, explains that â€Å"linguistic exclusion† is the barrier that prevents many new college students from excelling in the academics at any given university. Gerald Graff, on the other hand, feels that the problem comes from the lack of communication between professors, and that many of the times the students are taught the same concepts but through opposite understandings and in a bias fashion. Mike Rose met many struggling students at UCLA’s Tutorial Center, the Writing Research Project, and the school’s Summer program. He first describes the loneliness students feel upon arriving at college, and that as they try to find themselves, they all to often lose themselves because they are bombarded with ideas that are so foreign to them. He introduces his audiences to Andrea, a bright young girl out of high school who, despite hours of memorizing in her textbook, could not obtain a passing grade on her Chemistry mid-term. How is this possible if she spent so much time studding? Rose explains that she failed because in college, and in this course in particular, it is not enough for a student to know the material, but rather, to be able to apply it in a various amount of problems. Yet the problem Andrea faces is that she was never taught this in high school. Rose writes of other students he tried to help as they sat in front of him with eyes that were both sad and confused. From young, jocks, to a twenty-eight year old mother, and an insecure girl that was so afraid to use her own ideas, she turns to plagiarism. Rose explains this situation in great detail, â€Å"Students were coming to college with limited exposure to certain kinds of writing and reading and with conceptions and beliefs that were dissonant with those in the lower-division curriculum they encountered. † Rose places great blame on the professors who assume that these students are culturally prepared to address, and analyze, ideas and concepts that they have never even heard of before. Students, who come from different cultures and backgrounds, are not prepared (especially on their own) to give up everything that have spent the past eight-teen years believing in, in order to write the prefect college essay. Rose calls upon the professors of these new students to stop â€Å"simply† criticizing these students work, and instead, help them through analyzing their paper and (even if by step by step guidance) explain the concept of which is being discussed. â€Å"Error marks the place where education begins. † Gerald Graff, author of Other Voices, Other Rooms, also blames the professors. However, unlike Rose, he does not mention the personal identities of the students and the struggles they experience as the try to embrace this new life style. Instead, he feels that the problem is due solely to the lack of communication between the professors, and therefore creates a much larger problem: â€Å"cognitive dissonance. † Because the professors do not consult each other, students may spend one class period learning the evils of communism, while in their very next class the professor phrases it. The students, Graff writes, therefore care more about appeasing the professor, changing their opinion depending on that certain professor’s beliefs, in order to obtain one thing, good grades. Yet, since these students care more about their grades and future careers, they lose the essence of the concepts and convictions which are being presented before them. Most of the time, the students cannot even see this. â€Å"What is learned seems so specific to a particular course that it is difficult for students to see its application beyond. † In another instance, in two separate courses the same ideas may be discussed, yet because professors use different terminology, the students do not connect that the ideas they are learning in these two separate classrooms are actually one in the same. The students, for the most part, focus on the individual professor than the greater picture of the actual course. After the final exam of a course, the students immediately try to clear their mind in order to prepare for the philosophy of the next professor, than preparing to embrace the actually philosophy which is to be discussed. This is the tragedy that Graff discuss’ in his essay. In order to clarify his vision of incorrect schooling, he uses the analogy of teaching a student the game of baseball, in the same approach that they are taught different concepts. â€Å"It is as if you were trying to learn the game of baseball by being shown a series of rooms in which you see each component of the game separately: pitchers going through their windups in one room; hitters swinging their bats in the next; then infielders, outfielders, umpires, fans, field announcers, ticket scalpers, broadcasters, hot dog vendors, and so on. † He goes on to explain that since the students view the concept of baseball in such a manner, one will never be able to achieve an accurate understanding of the game and how it is actually played. Mike Rose and Gerald Graff both feel that the concepts of the academics are presenting incorrectly to most college students. Rose feels that the only students who are prepared for the intense assumptions placed upon them by professors are those few students who come from elite and intense lower level schooling. However, because of society’s â€Å"economic and political† priorities, the public education can in no way prepare all students for what is expected of them in college. A student who received straight A’s in high school is not common to receive failing grades because they use the same writing methods that they used in high school. In order to create a solution to this great problem, Rose suggests that â€Å"more opportunities to develop the writing strategies that are an intimate part of academic inquiry † be provided, as well as â€Å"more opportunities to write about what they are learning and guidance in the techniques and convictions of that writing. † Gerald Graff, of course, who believes the root of the problem is due to â€Å"cognitive dissonance† and not â€Å"linguistic exclusion† has his own separate list of solutions. However they may differ in how students become lost in academic language, they both see a vivid problem in the present college system. Both professors see that these young college are having a very hard time understanding many ideas presented before them, and both writers are similar in that they feel the change most come from the present academic system, rather than the students themselves.

Elements of Magical Realism and Fantasy in The Donkey Prince :: Donkey Prince Essays

Elements of Magical Realism and Fantasy in The Donkey Prince      Ã‚  Ã‚   "The Donkey Prince" is a short story written by Angela Carter in 1970. Carter is an English novelist. Her story is a mixture of fantasy, myth, and magical realism. I do believe that fantastical literature and magical realism are related in a lot of ways. As I read through the magical realism and fantastical novels, I noticed more similarities than differences.    Briefly, the story I read was about a young prince being transformed into a donkey. It was one of the witchcraft stories where the young boy/girl had to retrieve a certain thing to be transformed back into his/her normal self. A role of magical realism was played as well as fantastical literature. "Bring out the apple," said Terror. "I would give my name, my rank, and my reputation, as a warrior to possess even a quarter of your magic"(32). Magical Realism and fantastical literature are brought together by the fantasy of a young boy being transformed and the magic that would make that transformation happen.    The main character in this story is a donkey named Bruno. He played a magical role by being able to be a prince donkey. What was magical about the whole story was the people and creatures look at each other in different ways. As on earth, here in real life, people do not get the real magical idea of life.    This story gives a perfect example of what Faris says about John Updike's statement ,"Magical realism combines realism and the fantastic in such a way that magical elements grow organically out of elements portrayed"(Faris 163). Some of the elements are the donkey prince, Wild Men mountain, birds that sang, and a magic apple. A person could get a realization of magical realism and fantastical literature even by reading a children's story. Doing so takes an imagination in the adult life as well as the childs'. I think if a person does not involve the fantastic and the magical realism, the story is not as good.    The material that I read about fantastical literature stated that fantastic is portrayed as the indistinguishability between the real and the unreal. It has a preoccupation with style and an interest in transforming "the common and everyday into the awesome and the unreal"(Flores 114). This statement, to me, is a good comparison coming from two different views.

Guys and Dolls

The Fox Theater presented Guys and Dolls that evening. The musical was choreographed by Adrienne Waiters and Molly Bell. There is about twenty save en performers in the whole production and out of all of them the four main characters are Sara ah Brown, Miss Adelaide,Sky Masters, and Nathan Detroit.The musical takes place in New York City, Nathan Detroit runs an illegal crap g name and e is in search of a location for the latest game. Luckily he found one location t o rent which is the Biltmore garage. Lat was offered to rent for 1 ,OOH but Nathan is broke. Therefore e, he proposes a bet to Sky Masters. The bet was for Sky to take Sarah Brown the lady that led t he Espousal Mission to Havana for dinner. Sky agreed and he gives a deal to Sarah; the dead I was for him to bring one dozen sinners to her mission only if she went with him to Havana.Miss Adelaide is Antenna's fiancee she has been wanting to marry him for about fourteen years Sky and Sarah are in love back from there dinner i n Havana and all sinners attended the mission *Nathan lost the bet but yet he hosted his last crap game. Lat was his last because he finally married Miss-Adelaide and promised her he wouldn't do it again-Sky and Sarah got married the same day as the other couple. Throughout the musical jazz and ballroom were the types of dances the eye performed.The scene in the concert that certainly caught my attention was in Act I scene 8, Havana,Cuba A Dive-when Sky and Sarah were dancing the coach,it caught my attention cause I learned that type of dance throughout my childhood which can't r erne beer the last time ever danced the coach . That's why I really enjoyed seeing and remember erring those steps because that was my favorite dance growing up. The dance scene that impressed me the most was in Act II scene 7, Broadway The Happy Ending Company.I was very impressed with this scene because at the end all the gamblers attended the Save soul Mission together. I like how they all realize d that gambling isn't really taking them nap. Where in life especially if they are losing. They really where in need or a much needed lesson about gambling. Since at the end gambling really did don't do good for them beside the one that always won and it just kept them away from their 10 Veda ones. Plus I was impressed on the ending part because they all danced jazz together in the Save jealous mission. Really liked that they all danced different moves and it was a great performance CE with most of the production on stage because they all seemed as if they were happy even if the eye have to stop playing the addictive gambling game. Guys and Dolls was a spectacular performance because I really enjoyed the Pl t of the story and it never really lost my attention since I could relate to the coo pale Nathan Detroit and Miss Adelaide problems because I know people that dealt with those type of problems before.The production was very well organized and everything went smoothly throughout all the musical's scenes-I would love to go back to the Fox Theater with my family so they could enjoy what I have seen with my classmates.

English Poetry Essay

Part A 2. What are the symbolic significances of the candy store in Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s â€Å"The Pennycandystore Beyond the El† (Geddes, 318)? The candy store in â€Å"The Pennycandystore Beyond the El† is symbolic of a child’s youth. This poem is referring to the fact that our childhood passes by too soon and the candy store is a reminder that we need to seize every moment to enjoy it. The pennycandystore offers as a retreat or refuge to the bad weather outside and the stresses of everyday life. It takes on the characteristics of an enchanted environment full of magic and wonder, where a child has the opportunity to enjoy their youth without any distractions. When â€Å"A girl ran in Her hair was rainy Her breasts were breathless in the little room† (Geddes 319), the safe haven of youth is invaded. The innocence of youth is lost and teenage adolescence is not far away. 3. After reviewing the entry on rhyme in Abram’s Glossary, identify three different types of end-rhyme in Theodore Roethke’s â€Å"Prayer† (Geddes, 140). What effects do the rhymes produce? In â€Å"Prayer† there are several examples of end rhyme that add to the overall structure of the poem. These examples of end-rhyme are lose/choose, dead/head, and preserve/serve. The person praying is using the rhymes to give the poem a light and sarcastic feel. â€Å"Therefore, O Lord, let me preserve The Sense that does so fitly serve; Take Tongue and Ear-all else I have-Let light attend me to the grave† (Geddes 140)! This passage suggests that the person praying wants light to attend them to the grave, but they believe it to be such a lofty request that they are offering their tongue, ear, and everything else on their body. The rhymes produce the notion that the prayer should not be taken too seriously. 4. What is the chief symbol in Lorna Crozier’s poem â€Å"Forms of Innocence† (Geddes, 675)? What does the symbol suggest beyond its literal meaning? The main symbol in the poem â€Å"Forms of Innocence† is the black swan, which represents the girl’s innocence. â€Å"A strange shape for innocence when you think of Leda but the girl insists it was a swan, black not white as you might expect† (Geddes 675). Black swans are a rare occurrence in nature and so is a girl’s innocence in life. The swan â€Å"took flight, how it soared from the window beating its wings high above the stubble field† (Geddes 675) is a representation of the girl losing her virginity. The girl losing her virginity is the final step to losing the innocence that she once had as a child. 5. In â€Å"Epithalamium† (Geddes, 600) Louise Gluck uses alliteration, assonance and consonance. Identify an example of each and comment on the effect of these devices in Gluck’s poem. In â€Å"Epithalamium† an example of alliteration is â€Å"Here is my hand that will not harm you† (Geddes 601). Here the poet is utilizing softer sounds. â€Å"There were others; their bodies were a preparation† (Geddes 600) is an example of assonance. An example of consonance is â€Å"the terrible charity of marriage† (Geddes 600). Both the example of assonance and consonance use harder sounds to convey a message. One could conclude that higher-pitched sounds aggravate the ear, while softer-pitched sounds appease the ear. The wife in the poem is describing her marriage to an abusive husband and uses sound to get her message across more clearly. However, it is ironic that the wife starts the poem with hard sounds and ends the attack on her husband with soft sounds. 6. How do any three of the plant/vegetation images function, or what do they convey, in Ezra Pound’s translation-poem â€Å"The River Merchant’s Wife: A Letter† (Geddes, 2526)? The plants and vegetation in the poem communicate a message about a wife’s love for her husband. In the beginning of the poem we are presented with the image of a little girl â€Å"pulling flowers† (Geddes 25). The flowers symbolize a budding or growing relationship between the little boy and girl. Then at the end of the poem the plants and vegetation take on a completely different meaning. â€Å"You dragged your feet when you went out. By the gate now, the moss is grown, the different mosses† (Geddes 26). When the husband left the house he dragged his feet and cleared the moss away, but he has been gone so long that it has grown back. Though the wife says the moss is too deep to clear away, she really just doesn’t want to let go of this last memory of her husband. â€Å"The leaves fall early this autumn, in wind† (Geddes 26), is a representation of a husband and wife whose relationship is falling apart and becoming more and more distanced. Part B â€Å"Bushed† by Earle Birney In the following essay I intend to use the linear method of explication to examine the poem â€Å"Bushed†. The title â€Å"Bushed† refers to someone that is lost in the bush and is made volatile by living in the bush too long. In the following explication I will analyze and dissect each stanza, gaining some insight on the different stages that a man goes through living in the bush. The first of seven stanzas begins with the creation of a â€Å"rainbow† that is â€Å"shattered† (Geddes 161) by lightning. When referring to the â€Å"inventor† of the rainbow it is God. The rainbow is so big and overwhelming that â€Å"his mind slowed when he looked at it† (Geddes 161). The man in the poem is in awe of his natural surroundings. In the second stanza the man â€Å"learned to roast porcupine belly† (Geddes 161). This shows us that the man is learning how to use the resources around him to survive in the wilderness. In stanza three we are told the man is out at â€Å"dawn† regardless if it is â€Å"yellowed bright† or like a â€Å"fuzzed moth in a flannel storm† (Geddes 161). Here we become aware that the man is up at dawn regardless of the circumstances. The fourth stanza opens with, â€Å"But he found the mountain was clearly alive† (Geddes 161). This is where we begin to see the signs of paranoia and isolation setting into the man’s mind. The man gives the mountain human qualities such as â€Å"feet† and the ability to fall â€Å"asleep† (Geddes 161) that further suggest he is slowly losing his mind. In stanza five the man mistakes ospreys for valkyries, â€Å"When he tried his eyes on the lake ospreys would fall like valkyries† (Geddes 161). This is a sign that the man is beginning to panic being in the bush alone and fear is taking its toll. The â€Å"valkyries† as the man sees them are â€Å"choosing the cut-throat† (Geddes 161). The man is becoming delusional and believes birds want to cut his throat. Stanza six shows us the man succumbing to the intimidating force of nature. The â€Å"moosehorned cedars circled his swamps and tossed their antlers up to the stars† (Geddes 162). The man truly believes that the wilderness around him is coming alive. He seems to think, â€Å"the winds were shaping its peak to an arrowhead† (Geddes 162), â€Å"it† meaning the mountain. The isolation the man is experiencing is enhancing his fear, which is depressing his mind, and leading to insanity. The final stanza is the man totally giving up and surrendering to nature. He is waiting â€Å"for the great flint to come singing into his heart† (Geddes 161). The â€Å"flint† meaning the peak of the arrowhead from the mountain to come and end his life. This poem is a commanding examination of one man’s struggle to survive in the bush. We see that the human mind cannot fully comprehend what nature is trying to say, but we should make every effort to listen nonetheless. Works Cited Geddes, Gary. 20th Century Poetry & Poetics: Fourth Edition. Ontario: Oxford University Press Canada, 1996.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions Coordinating Conjunctions Coordinating Conjunctions By Sharon Coordinating conjunctions are some of the handiest, dandiest words in the English language. Essentially, they help us string our thoughts together in a way that is complex and meaningful, and without them writing would be very short and choppy. You can remember the coordinating conjunctions by memorizing the word: FANBOYS = for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so Coordinating conjunctions are used between independent clauses, and paired with a comma. For example, the following sentences can be combined with a coordinating conjunction: This place has the worst food I have ever tasted. I will never eat here again. Combined with a comma and coordinating conjunction: This place has the worst food I have ever tasted, so I will never eat here again. Some other examples: I love you, but I can not marry you. I want to go to the store, and I want to go to her birthday party. He had not known her long, yet he felt very close to her. Coordinating conjunctions are some of the most commonly used words and very easily misused by leaving out a comma or putting it in the wrong place. Be mindful that the parts you join are complete sentences that can stand alone. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:70 Idioms with HeartFive Spelling Rules for "Silent Final E"What Is the Meaning of "Hack?"

Application Of Driver State Monitoring Systems (Dms)

Application Of Driver State Monitoring Systems (Dms) The term ‘driver state’ has no specific universal definition and is loosely used in the fields of Psychology and Engineering. In general, driver state refers to a set of conditions that affect the driver in a specific instance. Drivers in an optimal state do not suffer from any condition. Vehicle control transition is very important for the success of Highly Automated Driving (HAD). In an ideal scenario, human driver will be attentive to the Driving scene during Take Over Request (TOR). Recent advancements, along with higher levels of automation has made it possible for the driver to be in distracted, inattentive, or even fatigued state. Under similar driving scenario and automation behavior, a driver with some sort of impairment will have poorer performance tackling the situation than when in ideal state. Researches showed that distracted drivers had higher difficulty to adjust speed to a critical event than attentive drivers. Driver State Monitoring Systems (DMS) monitors and collects observable information on the driver, which can be used to determine his/her driving state. It is used, among other things, for active safety, adaptive Human Machine Interface (HMI), and annoyance reduction for false positive notifications in HAD. Electrodermal Activity Electrodermal activity (EDA) is the autonomous changes in electrical properties of the skin, of which, skin conductance is the most widely used property. To measure skin conductance, an electrical potential is applied between two points on the skin, and the resulting current flow between them is measured. This includes both background tonic (Skin Conductance Level or SCL) and rapid phasic components (Skin Conductance Responses or SCRs) that result from sympathetic neuronal activity. It is useful in measuring sympathetic arousal that are tractable to emotional and cognitive states. It is associated with autonomic emotional and cognitive processing. Autonomous nervous system (ANS) generally controls the body’s unconscious actions. Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) prepares body for intense physical activity and is responsible for fight or flight responses whereas parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) is generally associated with homeostasis and when the body is at rest, while being responsible for rest and digest functions. Some emotional responses may occur without conscious awareness or cognitive intend. EDA can be used to examine such responses (i.e., threat, anticipation, salience, novelty). Recent research has shown that EDA is also a useful indicator of attentional processing per-se, where salient stimuli and resource demanding tasks evoke increased EDA responses. There are two main components to EDA. The slower acting components the overall level, slow climbing, slow declinations over time) are known as general tonic EDA. Skin Conductance Level (SCL) is the most common measure for this and changes in the SCL are thought to reflect general changes in autonomic arousal. The faster changing elements of the signal correspond to the Phasic component, also known as Skin Conductance Response (SCR). SCRs are generally associated with startle reflex or startle response. Recent evidence suggests that both components are important and may rely on different neural mechanisms. Empatica E4 wrist band is the common device used in ITS Leeds for psychophysiological data collection, giving EDA.csv files with Unix timestamp and sampling frequency of 4 Hz. Post processing of the same is done using MATLAB R2016a and Ledalab v3.4.9. For the first study, no pre-filtering was implemented. Although it can be done to smoothen the raw signal, using EDA explorer or a low bypass filter like Butterworth filter. In EDA signal, there is generally a latency of 1-3 seconds (i.e. a delay of around 1-3 seconds from when the event occurs to when you see the change in SC levels). Continuous decomposition analysis (CDA) is generally used instead of Discrete Decomposition analysis. This method extracts the phasic (driver) information underlying EDA and aims at retrieving the signal characteristics of the underlying sudomotor nerve activity (SNA). SC data is deconvolved by the general response shape which results in a large increase of temporal precision. Then data is decomposed into continuous phasic and tonic components. It is the method generally recommended for the analysis of skin conductance data. It features the computation of several standard measures of phasic EDA. Moreover, straightforward measures such as the average (or integrated) phasic driver activity are provided. To find Event Related SCR (ER-SCR) and separate it from Non-Specific SCR (NS-SCR), the event files are loaded in and the Ev ent related SCR activity is exported. The most common minimum threshold amplitude is 0.01  µS. Peaks with amplitude below this value is not considered significant. Another key factor is to standardize the values so that it can be compared across participants. For SCL the standardization is done using the formula: ((SCL ã€â€" SCLã€â€"_min) )/((ã€â€"SCLã€â€"_max –ã€â€" SCLã€â€"_min)) equation 2.2 Where ã€â€" SCLã€â€"_min is the baseline SCL which is to be measured while keeping the participant at rest doing nothing for at least 10-15 mins and ã€â€"SCLã€â€"_max is the maximum value computed when the participant is aroused using loud noise/music for a short period of time. This is done to get the SCL range of the given participant. Since this was not done for the SM study, it can’t be implemented. This can be circumnavigated by finding the minimum non-zero SCL score and the max SCL score during the study for each participant and use this as a baseline. Some studies recommend transforming SCRs into Z-scores. This requires the mean and standard-deviation to be used instead of a hypothetical maximum (from the other methods above). This navigates around the problems associated with determining the maximum SCR response from range-corrected methods / maximal correction methods. Here each raw SCR, a mean SCR value and standard deviation of SCRs, are used to compute the Z-score which is normally distributed, has an average of 0 and a standard deviation of 1. From here one can transform these Z-scores into T-scores, which have a mean of 50 and standard deviation of 10 (thus removing minus scores). The advantage to this approach here is that the resultant z-scores are based on unambiguous mathematical factors that represent the participants typical response level and not on unwarranted assumptions about maximum SCRs. Researchers further suggested that another useful transformation might be to divide each raw SCR, by the participants mean SCR thus providing a kind of standardized ratio. Final output is to obtain the ER-SCR activity window’s average SCR in T-score format, so that it can be compared across all the participants. From this, it might be possible to deduce suggestions/reasons for certain behavior during failure. Shimomura, et al. (2008) showed in his study that frequency domain analysis enabled detection of small differences in mental workload that could not be detected by traditional amplitude domain analysis. Here the signal is transformed from amplitude domain to frequency domain using techniques such as Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT). This technique enables real-time automatic analysis. Motion artifacts can cause the EDA signal to be quite noisy. If 90% of EDA value is zero or close to zero within a 5s window (a lower bound threshold of 0.001 µS can be used, it is probably caused by the sensors losing contact with the skin during that period and they can be removed. Generally, EDA levels are found to be not changing by more than 20% while increasing and 10% while decreasing, within a 1 second time window. A moving one second median filter can be used for initial interpolation to even out the signal. The resultant acceleration from accelerometer sensor can be used to find points/periods of high movements, and the EDA signal during that same period can be checked for motion artifacts, which can be removed if necessary. A bi-cubic interpolation of the signal can be done after the filtering to account for missing data points from the removal of motion artifacts. To summarize, skin conductance generally increases with arousal, stress, salience, mental workload, anticipation and overall increase in body temperature or physical activity. But measurements from palm of the hand or feet are generally highly sensitive emotional responses and can be distinguished from skin conductance spikes due to body temperature or physical activity. Heart rate variability Heart rate (HR) is the number of times the heart beats in a minute or â€Å"bpm†, and resting heart rate is the heart rate measured while being relaxed, but awake. Amongst the general population a resting heart rate of 60-80bpm is considered pretty good. But heartbeat intervals are irregular and there is variation in time between each heartbeat. Heart rate variability (HRV) is simply the measurement of variation between heartbeats. In general, a healthy functioning body will display a greater variability between beats than a poorly functioning one. Heart period is the time interval between two successive heart beats. The Sinoatrial node (SAN) can be seen on the top left side of the figure and the Atrioventricular node (AVN) to the right of SAN. The depolarization of SAN and AVN provides the electrical driving force that triggers the contraction of the heart. SAN’s spontaneous depolarization speed is typically faster than that of AVN, which is why it’s called natural pacemaker. Electrical impulses generated by SAN stimulates each beat of the heart, thereby dictating its rhythm. Sympathetic (SNS) and Parasympathetic (PSNS) branches of the autonomic nervous system are what mainly influence SAN. Hormone and immunity can have a role as well. According to Berntson, et al. (1997) â€Å"sympathetic activity tends to increase HR and decrease HRV, whereas parasympathetic activities tends to decrease HR and increase HRV†. HRV is closely related to emotional arousal. In HRV spectrum, there are both high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) signals. HF activity generally decreases under pressure, stress, strain, focused attention etc. High stress can cause reduction in LF values as well. Individuals who worry more have shown reduction in HRV. In PTSD patients, HRV and its HF component is reduced whilst the low-frequency (LF) component is elevated. Decrease in PSNS activity or increase in SNS activity results in reduced HRV. HF activity (0.15 to 0.40 Hz), especially, has been linked to PSNS activity. LF activity (0.04 to 0.15 Hz), which is generally associated with a mixture of both SNS and PSNS. So, it’s safe to summarize that during rest periods, HF HRV tends to be higher than when the driver is engaged, stressed, focused or strained/tired. To analyze HRV, either time domain or frequency domain analysis can be implemented. Time domain methods include â€Å"measures of the variance among heart period, the variance of the differences among heart periods, and geometric methods based on the shape characteristics of heart period distributions†. The most common method used to compute heart rate variability amongst time domain methods is the square root of the mean squared successive heart period differences or the RMSSD (Root Mean Square Successive Difference) statistic. It is based on the differences between adjacent heart periods and is nominally independent of basal heart period, although heart period level and heart period variability are themselves physiologically correlated. Because of the differences between adjacent heart periods sample HRV over relatively short periods of time (the duration of a heart period), the RMSSD resolves the total variance by filtering out LF signals. Consequently, the RMSSD has been a pplied as a measure of HF based HRV. The properties of RMSSD, including its cut-off frequency and its frequency-dependent transfer function vary as a function of basal heart period. A more systematic parsing of heart period variance into specific frequency components can be achieved by frequency domain methods. There are mainly two ways to measure HRV and HR. They are Electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings and Photoplethysmogram (PPG) recordings. ECG recordings are collected by placing electrodes on the chest (near the heart), which measure electrical impulses for each cardiac cycle. QRS complex is the defining feature of ECG signal. QRS complex is the three graphical deflections seen on a typical ECG, which is Q wave (downward deflection right after P wave, which is IV.), R wave (upward deflection after Q wave) and S wave (downward deflection after R wave) which is represented by I., II. The heart’s electrical activation is measured directly by ECG recordings. It also generally shows a strong QRS complex presence in the resulting signal. Motion artifacts caused by sensor displacement due to participant movement is a common source of noise in ECG signals. These tend to fall in the same frequency range as the QRS-complexes, which can make it difficult to filter them without deforming the QRS complex. Photoplethysmogram (PPG) recordings are a less invasive method to study cardiac cycle. They generally measure the discoloration of the skin as blood perfuses through the arteries and capillaries with each heartbeat, using optical sensors. PPG is typically measured at the fingertip or at the wrist. The PPG Heart Rate Analysis generally consists of a systolic peak, a dicrotic notch, and a secondary peak called a diastolic peak (2.5b-III). In recordings with very low amplitude the diastolic peak may be absent. The main advantages of PPG over ECG are low cost, ease of setting up and non-invasive methods. Ways of obtaining the PPG signal contactless through cameras have been proposed, further reducing intrusiveness. There is generally more amplitude variation over short time-intervals, more variation in waveform morphology, as well as more noise from various sources as opposed to ECG measurements. This makes analysis of PPG more difficult. The heart signal is often split into heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) measures. The distance between the detected heart beats (the RR-intervals, named because in the ECG, the largest amplitude peak is called the R-wave) are used to calculate them. The heart beats are represented by the peaks in both signals. Even though the measurement technique vary quite considerably between ECG and PPG, a high correlation (median 0.97) between RR-intervals extracted from ECG and PPG signals has been reported. This makes the PPG a valid alternative for human factors studies that require non-intrusive heart rate measurements, and hence will be the focus of this research. Researchers talked on how to remove motion artifacts and filter it out of EDA signal. This is explained in the last paragraph of the previous section. The same methodology can be applied to remove motion artifacts from the HR/HRV signal as well.

Government Guidance on Child Protection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Government Guidance on Child Protection - Essay Example For example, to safeguard children in such a manner that each child irrespective of race or class acquires equal share with the aid from charities as charity trustees is the responsibility shouldered by the UK charitable trust (Safeguarding Children, Nov 2006). Similarly other key partners that work along with the Governmental bodies in protecting children have duties to support children's families that are needy and are unable to contribute towards means to alleviate child abuse. That clearly indicates the notion that partnership cannot be created and maintained alone by the agencies unless they are given adequate moral support by the children's family and their informal networks of support. Children's families are also supposed to play role in partnership working because many studies of problems among child population have indicated that children perceive their problems to be connected with the all-encompassing broad domains of school, family, friends and health. Therefore we can say that child's protection starts at home and Government along with the collaboration of other legislation authorities, trustees and educational sectors and practitioners aims to maintain partnership working while seeking through social or professional consensus what is in a child's best interests (Hedy et al, NSPCC). A recent event highlighting such partnerships is that of London's Safeguarding Children's Board which in order to improve collaborative mechanisms instigated recent improvement between various statutory bodies and minority ethnic communities along with managing eight London departments commenced in July 2006 and ended in June 2007 (LSCB, 2006). However the decision to work as partners with the UK Government satisfied the legislatory aspect of children's protection. All the efforts to help eradicate child abuse were in accordance with Children Acts 1989 and 2004, and involved the partnership of other departments like children education, health issues, housing, sexual offences, adoption and domestic violence. The role of parents and professionals in partnership working The efforts of the UK Government to work in partnership enables protection and future prevention of child abuse first by involving the parents to take good enough care of their own children. This is evident from the section 2.3.4 from the Children's Act that enables parents to accompany their children during school hours and professionals are suppose to keep their eyes on children who are missing at schools, are never enrolled or one who has not attended school for a while (LSCB, procedure). This, the professionals are supposed to do in collaboration with the child's family according to section 3 of the procedure's manual (LSCB, procedures). This indicates that the first partners in partnership working with the Government are the parents as they play a central role in their children's protection and welfare and should therefore be involved, wherever possible, in all decisions and actions relating to them. While working in all stages of the child protection process parents realise that their children have a