Atticus confesses that he sometimes thinks of himself as a complete failure as a parent Essay Example

Atticus confesses that he sometimes thinks of himself as a complete failure as a parent Essay Example Atticus confesses that he sometimes thinks of himself as a complete failure as a parent Paper Atticus confesses that he sometimes thinks of himself as a complete failure as a parent Paper Essay Topic: Literature Atticus Finch is nearly fifty years of age and is a well-known and established lawyer in Maycomb County. Atticus has two children named Jeremy Finch and Jean Louise Finch, better known as Jem and Scout. Atticus is an only parent as Jem and Scouts mother died when Scout was two from a sudden heart attack and Scout therefore expresses in the book that she never really felt her absence. My personal view is that Harper Lee intentionally creates Atticus as having to raise both Jem and Scout by himself as he has much more responsibility as a father to fulfill all the parental duties on his own and this may give Atticus a reason to doubt himself as he does at certain points in the novel. Different characters and different incidents throughout the novel portray varied views, thoughts and ideas to the reader about Atticus as a parent, some bad, some good but each tell us a substantial amount about this character as a whole. An example may be chapter one when Scout expresses her own and her brothers views about Atticus as father, Jem and I found our father satisfactory: he played with us, read to us, and treated us with courteous detachment. The reader can learn a lot from individual character opinions about Atticus such as the one above, however it is my belief that we as readers learn much more from the way in which Atticus handles situations which arise throughout the book and very much by the way in which he deals and explains these incidents to his children. There are countless incidents in the novel which demonstrate to the reader just how good Atticus really is as a father and I feel that one of the writers main intentions was to make us as readers recognise Atticus ability to relate to his children with such understanding and honesty. Our first example of this is in chapter two when Scout learns one of her very first lessons from Atticus. Scouts first day at school does not prove to be a very successful one and Atticus soon realises that something is wrong. Having explained to Atticus about the days misfortunes Atticus tries to make Scout see the day at school from Miss Carolines point of view. Scout learns a lesson from Atticus as he explains, if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, youll get along better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. The need to look at circumstances from the other persons point of view is a strong theme in the book. It is the chief lesson Atticus teaches his children and reflects upon Atticus main philosophy of life and these are the main reasons as to why Harper Lee includes this incident at this very early stage in the novel. Atticus then goes on to explain the meaning of compromise to Scout and the two of them agree that if Scout continues going to school, they could continue reading every night. Atticus talks to Scout intelligently and this is shown when he describes compromise to her as an agreement reached by mutual concessions, which most would regard as quite a complex definition unusually used when explaining to a child and especially one of her age. In chapter four, we begin to see Atticus fairness as a father. Even though he suspects that the childrens game is to do with the Radleys, because they deny it and he has no proof, he lets it go I believe that this behavior may be more representative of a lawyer than most parents. I certainly feel that the quality of fairness in Atticus is intentionally shown by the writer to the reader in this incident as this same quality is shown again in later stages of the book, however under more extreme and important circumstances. Atticus does eventually find out about the childrens games regarding the Radleys in chapter five and is disappointed in the children. Nevertheless, Atticus explains to the children that what Mr Radley [does] is his own business and goes on to teach the children valuable lessons of acceptance and tolerance. Again he asks the children to think in the other persons point of view asking the children how they would like it if he barged in on [them] without knocking, when [they] were in their rooms at night. Atticus does not only tell the children to stop doing it but also gives them reasons as to why it was wrong and also speaks to the children in an intelligent manner, in this particular incident but also generally throughout the book. This contrasts very much to the way that other adults treat the children, which are portrayed later on in the novel. Another quality of Atticus, which is reinforced throughout the book, is Atticus ability to always remain truthful and honest even in the most difficult circumstances. This is shown very well in chapter twenty three, when Atticus explains to his children the realities of the world they live in. he tells them honestly and truthfully that in our courts, when it is a white mans word against a black mans word, the white man always wins. Atticus words to Jem about the trial are strong, his outrage is revealed. It is difficult for Atticus to explain the societies prejudice to the children, however Atticus does so remaining truthful. Yet another example of Atticus brilliance in explaining situations and incidents to his children is shown in chapter nine. Chapter nine begins with Scout ready to fight a boy named Cecil Jacobs as he had announced in the schoolyard the day before that Scout Finchs daddy defended niggers. Scout does not understand the full meaning of what Cecil has said and turns on Atticus yet again to explain. Scout questions her father as to why he was defending Tom if he shouldnt be defended the opinion of most of Maycomb. Atticus says he is doing it for a number of reasons and that the main one is, if [he] didnt [he] couldnt hold his head up in town, [he couldnt represent this county in the legislature, [he] couldnt even tell [Scout] or Jem not to do something again. In my opinion, the case of Tom Robinson is a matter of honour for Atticus. He knows he cannot win, but he must take it on or lose his self-respect, the respect of his children and the respect of those townsfolk whose opinions he values. When Scout asks Atticus if they were going to win the case, Atticus replies no as he knows exactly what the status of the Negro is in the south. Even in court they are not equal and this is why Atticus is so sure of failure. Atticus tries to explain all this to Scout and is rather successful in doing so as the next day, Scout remembered what Atticus had said, then dropped [her] fists and walked away. We are told that this was the first time that Scout had ever walked away from a fight and this is very important as it shows the extent of understanding and respect Scout has for Atticus and also shows just how well Atticus explained the complicated situation to Scout the night before. Scout is beginning to remember to be reasonable and this is a definite sign of her growing up. Scouts tolerance can only last a day or two however as towards the end of chapter nine, Scout gets into another fight when they go to Finchs Landing for Christmas with a boy named Francis when he accuses Atticus of letting [them] run around with stray dogs and also of being a nigger-lover. This is a very significant incident in the novel and the writers intention was to enable Scout to express her opinion of Atticus as she does on p92 when she tells uncle Jack that [he] aint fair. She explains to him that when Jem and [her] fuss Atticus doesnt ever just listen to Jems side of it, he hears [her] side too. The way in which Atticus handles the children contrasts very much with the way in which Uncle Jack handles them in this incident and really emphasises and highlights to the reader Atticus fairness as a father, which the writer also demonstrated earlier in the novel. There is also a certain sense of humor and irony that comes from the way Scout seems to be telling her Uncle off. Scou t asks her Uncle what a whore-lady is and being put in this uncomfortable position, Jack completely avoids the question by plunging into a long tale about an old Prime Minister. Again, we as readers are able to compare the way in which Uncle Jack handles this sort of situation to the way in which Atticus does and I think that this is one of the writers main intentions. Atticus is given a chance to express both to the reader and to Uncle Jack about the way he feels adults should handle situations such as this and the reader realises the major differences between Atticus and the majority of other parents who would have probably acted as Uncle Jack had done. Atticus seems to understand and relate to children much better as he explains to Uncle Jack that children are children but they can spot an evasion quicker than adults, and an evasion quickly muddlesem We really begin to like and admire Atticus when we find out that Atticus has never laid a hand on [Scout] and Atticus also explains that Scout tries her best and that is all that matters. In chapter ten, we find out about Atticus dislike and uninterest in guns and rifles and he reminds Jem that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird, an important lesson which Atticus knows will be needed later. Chapter ten also gives us Miss Maudies opinion of Atticus as the children complain to her about Atticus old age. Miss Maudie tell them hes the best chequer-player in his town and that he can play a Jews harp. The fact that the children find all of these things extremely boring and are rather ashamed of their father at this point is in my opinion Harper Lees intention. I believe it is her intention because when the children find out about their father being the deadest shot in Maycomb County in his time this comes as much, much more of a shock to both the reader and the children. Scout and Jem learn something new about their father and their respect for him increases. It is a most crucial time for Atticus to have gained the childrens respect just before the trial days begin. During chapter eleven, Atticus is able to teach both Jem and Scout yet another very important and valuable lesson. Jem loses his temper with the outspoken, cantankerous old neighbor, Mrs. Dubose. In retaliation for the names she calls Atticus, Jem knocks off the heads of her camellias. Atticus is angry at Jems behavior and as a punishment Jem has to read to her everyday for a month. This gives the writer another chance to allow Atticus to teach the children another valuable lesson of allowing people to be entitled to their own opinions using the example of Mrs Dubose. The children also learn an important lesson of courage and by the time of her death, they realise it is wrong to judge others too quickly or too superficially. The reason as to why Harper Lee introduces the character of Aunt Alexandra into the novel is illustrated very well in chapter fourteen. Her views contrast very much to those of Atticus and as readers we are able to see the differences in the way Aunt Alex treats the children to the way Atticus does. An example of this is shown in chapter fourteen when Aunt Alex wants to get rid of Calpurnia. Atticus refuses however, as he has high regards for the cook and the arrival of his sister does not change that. We see how Aunt Alex always thinks of her narrow-minded prejudices before thinking of the children. This incident also shows us how quick Aunt Alexandra is to impose her own views on her brothers household. This demonstrates the extent of her own prejudice and intolerance contrasting to Atticus fair, understanding, honest opinions and views. Although Atticus has a huge amount of good points as a father which are portrayed throughout the novel by individual characters or by the way in which Atticus handles certain situations, Atticus has a number of bad points also revealed at times in the book. Some may believe that these bad points show that Atticus is in fact a bad parent, however my belief is that the writer intentionally included many of these points to reinforce the fact that Atticus, as heroic as he may seem is in fact only human and can therefore make mistakes also. Many of Atticus bad points are reflected upon at certain points in the book. A good example of this is in the beginning of chapter ten. I quote, Atticus was feeble: he was nearly fifty. He was much older than the parents of our school contemporaries Scout also expresses to the reader Jems love for football and how Atticus was never to tired to play keep-away, but when Jem wanted to tackle him Atticus would say, Im too old for that, son. Scout then continues by talking about Atticus job and how Atticus did not do anything that could possibly arouse the admiration of anyone. At this early stage in the book, it is typical of Scout to make this sort of judgement about Atticus, however we can certainly see that as she evolves and grows up throughout the course of the novel, her attitude also changes from that of the above to one of much more respect and admiration for her father. I think that one of the writers main intentions here was for Scout to grow up through the book and learn more about Atticus as a person and also more about his character, opinions and views which she comes to recognise and admire by the end of the book. As Scout does so, we as readers also learn more about Atticus and this is one of the important ways in which we do so. Chapter thirteen shows us that Atticus in a sense may not be as brave as we have seen in other points in the novel. Atticus is a lawyer as we know and he is ineffective at putting his heart into saying something that he does not believe in. We can tell this by the way Atticus says your Aunt has asked me to implying that he himself does not actually believe in what he is saying and the children realise this very quickly. I think that when we as readers read this particular part of the book, we wonder why Atticus doesnt stand up to her sister instead of doing as she says unwillingly. This may be a weakness of Atticus which can be seen also at other times in the novel. There are three main instances throughout the course of the book in which Atticus appears to be very wrong in his views and opinions which, for a character like Atticus who plays such an heroic role in this book and to the reader is extremely rare. The first instance which Atticus is proven to be very wrong about is during chapter three when the children hear about Bob Ewells threaten to get [Atticus] if it took [him] the rest of his life. Atticus tells Jem and Scout, we dont have anything to fear from Bob Ewell, he got it all out of his system that morning. As readers, I feel that we do trust Atticus judgements very much as he so rarely makes any mistakes, however it seems here that Atticus almost has too much faith in mankind and Bob Ewell does in fact gain his revenge. The second instance is also in chapter twenty three when we learn from Scout that Atticus assured [them] that nothing would happen to Tom Robin son until the higher court reviewed his case, and that Tom had a good chance of going free. Again, the readers are lulled into a false sense of security, putting full faith in Atticus and his judgement. We do find out however, in chapter 24 that in fact Tom himself had no faith in Atticus and did not believe that he would be released and this may be what caused him to try and runaway which subsequently lead to his death. The last instance in which Atticus proves again to be very wrong in his beliefs is during chapter fifteenwhen he explains to Jem and Scout that we dont have mobs and that nonsense in Maycomb. We soon find out later in the very same chapter that in reality, Maycomb does have mobs and Atticus idealism backfires at him during this particular scene. It seems, knowing the above, that the author has included imperfections in the character of Atticus, idealism and having too much faith in mankind, some examples. My personal belief is that by including such examples of imperfections in Atticus character, makes him seem much more human like and more believable for the reader, rather than a faultless hero which we know is humanly impossible. I would like to briefly conclude this essay by saying that overall, I strongly do not agree with Atticus view that he is a complete failure as a father. My reasons for believing so are as stated earlier in this essay however I also believe that by simply making a few honest and unintentional mistakes, most of which I have stated above, does not make him any less of a good father. On the contrary, I strongly believe that the author intentionally illustrates imperfections in his character to make the readers recognise both Atticus strengths and weaknesses and realise that ultimately, nobody is perfect.

The Difference Between Transgender and Transsexual Women

The Difference Between Transgender and Transsexual Women Transgender and transsexual are commonly confused terms that both refer to gender identity. Transgender is a broader, more inclusive category that includes all individuals who do not identify with the gender that corresponds to the sex they were assigned at birth. Transsexual is a more narrow category that includes individuals who desire to physically transition to the sex that corresponds with the gender with which they identify. (Note that the word gender is usually used to refer to social and cultural roles, while sex refers to physical attributes.) All transsexual persons are transgender. However, not all transgender persons are transsexual. Transgender women are sometimes referred to as trans women. Some may also be known as male-to-female transsexuals, MTFs, transsexual women, transgirls, or tgirls.  The term transsexual  originated as a medical term  and is  sometimes considered pejorative. It is always best to ask a person which term is preferred. Transgender vs. Transsexual   Although they both refer to gender identity, transgender and transsexual are terms with distinct meanings. That they are often used interchangeably has led to some confusion. In most cases, a transgender woman is a woman who was designated (also commonly referred to as assigned) male at birth but who identifies as a woman. Some transgender women may use the term AMAB (assigned male at birth) in describing their identity. She may take steps to transition, but these steps do not necessarily involve surgery or physical alterations. She may dress as a woman, refer to herself as a woman, or use a feminine name. (Note that some trans men may use the term AFAB, or assigned female at birth.) Not all transgender persons, however, identify with the man/woman, masculine/feminine binary. Some identify as gender nonconforming, nonbinary, genderqueer, androgynous, or third gender. For this reason, it is important never to assume that a transgender person identifies with a particular gender nor to assume what pronouns a person uses. Transitioning A transsexual woman is one who desires to physically transition to the sex that corresponds with the gender with which she identifies. Transitioning often includes taking hormones to suppress the physical characteristics of her assigned gender. Many transsexual women in the U.S. take hormone supplements, which can promote breast growth, change vocal pitch, and contribute in other ways to a more traditionally feminine appearance.  A transsexual might  even undergo gender reassignment surgery (also referred to as gender confirmation surgery or gender affirming surgery), where the anatomical features of the gender and sex assigned at birth are physically altered or removed. Strictly speaking, theres no such thing as a sex change operation. A woman can elect to have cosmetic surgeries done to alter her physical appearance to match conventional norms associated with the gender with which she identifies, but anyone can have these procedures done, regardless of their gender identity. These surgeries are not limited to transsexual people. Gender Identity vs. Sexual Orientation Gender identity is often confused with sexual orientation. The latter, however, refers only to a persons enduring emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to other people and is not related to gender identity. A transgender woman, for example, may be attracted to women, men, both, or neither and this orientation has no bearing on her gender identity. She may identify as gay or lesbian, straight, bisexual, asexual, or may not name her orientation at all. Transgender vs. Transvestite Transgender women are  often incorrectly identified as transvestites. A transvestite, however, is an individual who wears clothing primarily associated with  the gender with whom he or she does not identify. A man may prefer to dress as a woman, but this does not make him transgender if he does not identify as a woman.

During the 1950s and 1960s what methods did African American use to Essay

During the 1950s and 1960s what methods did African American use to get equal treatment - Essay Example frican-American leaders and organizations armed themselves with traditional and non-traditional methods of activism and engagement with a unified call for freedom, justice and equality. They sought good opportunities through lawsuits and labour organizations their aim was to end racial segregation through legal mechanisms and lobbying. Their best moment was the legal victory (Brown vs. Board of Education 1954) where the Supreme Court refused to separate white and colored school systems. The African-American leaders utilized the constitution guarantees and protections of the fifth and fourteenth amendments to overcome the prescribed second-class lifestyle that was largely enforced and accepted way of life among Africa-Americans. They used a host of intra-community resources and tactics which picked up through the use of; marches, sit-ins, bank-ins, protests, freedom rides and boycotts. These strategies that relied on the principles of non-violence radicalized a country comfortable with the use of violence and intimidation to keep the African-American in place. The first phase of the African-American protest began in December, 1955 when Rosa Parks from Montgomery, refused relinquish her seat to a white passenger in a bus. In so doing, she had defied the southern custom that required black passengers to give the white people seats that were towards the front of the bus. She was subsequently jailed and the boycott of the city buses’ commenced. Martin Luther King Jr. led the protest that lasted for more than a year. The boycott demonstrated the unity and determination the black community had to press for equality. This inspired other black community; even the advocates of the liberation viewed the black freedom struggle in global terms, as a movement for human rights and national self-determination for

Week 4 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Week 4 - Research Paper Example They utilize hooks to hold their tunics together (Clark 34). It is a taboo for men designed trousers to bear rumples (or creases). All married men ought to grow beards. Their garments dimensions are also a subject to their unique Ordnung family they belong (Clark 17). They also wed their relatives. Those who attempt to wed outside their fellow Amish are subject to excommunication. The Amish also have elevated rates of infant deaths accruing from genetic disorders which are passed to generations though their population retains stability despite the vast infant deaths (Clark 24). The Amish approach almost every life aspect with a â€Å"plain simplicity attitude†. This â€Å"simplicity† is depicted in the manner they handle individual tasks each at a time. They always bid their time when executing a distinct task and hold on it until it’s complete prior to attempting a subsequent task. They also regard variant types of work (or jobs) with equal balance. As a result, their overall life is summed up by a tranquil and relaxed lifestyle. In Genesis 3:19, God reveals his wrath after Adam and Eve contravened to his word. Adam and Eve had consumed the fruit from the â€Å"tree of knowledge† which they had been a forewarned by God not to consume. God affirms in this verse that work is a prerequisite for mankind survival. God also affirms that work is an inextricable part of human nature. In addition, God points out that work will always be accompanied by extreme exhausting hard labour. The overall meaning of this verse would imply that mankind is incomplete void of work. In 1962, Dorothy Day birthed a movement which campaigned for equal treatment upon the Catholic workers. She also deployed The Catholic worker journal to expose chief essential aspects which the contemporaneous society at the time contravened with (Falk & Rita 89). The aforementioned journal points out Days’ philanthropic devotion to spark societal change which resulted in the

Skeletal system Essay Example for Free

Skeletal system Essay 1. The general trend for bone density as a person ages is a steady decline as years pass. This study shows that every decade, males and females bone density slowly decreases. 2. Between the ages of 20-50 females lose about 11% of their bone density and males lose about 13% of their bone density. Males do in fact lose more density then females but they lose it at a more stable and steady rate. Females lose less density at more unstable rate going from about 6% (40-50) to about 9% (60-70). Males lose about 13-15% bone density between the ages of 50-80. 3. The female sex, show a greater change in bone density as age increases. The greatest decrease occurs at 40-70 years in a female’s life. 4. Yes, this directly correlates with the diminishment of a the female bone. Before the age of 50, women lose about 4% bone density, after the age of 50 (hormone is not produced) the loss of bone density increases by about 5% making the lose about 9% of its density. Task 2: 1. Bone growth in length occurs at the ends of the bones, in the cartilage plates. 2. Bone growth in diameter occurs on the outer surface of the bone. 3. During teen-age years, the osteoblasts divide more rapidly, resulting in a growth spurt. 4. By age 20, about 98% of our skeleton growth will be completed. However the hormones will also cause the growth centers at the ends of your bones to degenerate. 5. When growth stops, bone- forming cells are involved mainly in repair and maintenance of the bone.

price of greed :: essays research papers

The Price of Greed   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Argh matey! Welcome aboard the ship that will lead to a world of pirates. Lets be cautious now the sight of gold can make any man lust with greed and in a blink of an eye they are lost in a world of gluttony. Now will enter a place where the desire for more has taken control over many men that are now doomed. Pirates of the Caribbean: The curse of the Black Pearl is a tale of betrayal and greed; where the greed of man leads to a path of many riches but a life cursed without enrichment. The curse that will leave man always wanting more as well as the lost of their senses of life and feelings of emotions. The code of the pirates like many other codes establishes the rules pirates abide by. One of the rules the pirates go by is if a fellow shipmate gets left behind they stay behind. This gives significance to the word betrayal. In a pirate’s ship everyone is looking out for himself. This is similar to the real world where everyone is trying to get ahead and think of no one but himself or herself. Many choose the path of cheating and betrayals to climb the rope of success leaving behind no regrets and seeing ahead a future of fortune. The thinking of a pirate: fortune.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Captain Jack Sparrow is the captain of the Black Pearl until his crew plots against him to take over the ship. Empowered by greed they were led by a new voice, Barbosa, and left Jack Sparrow in an abandon island. The treasure they seek was Cortez’s gold coins. Even though stories told of a curse the pirates’ greed and need for treasure overtook their rationality. Cortez’s curse did not stop them from stealing and this just demonstrates how greed has the power to destroy the inner morals of any human being. The greed of many is like a craving that hits every second and it cannot be contained; it has to be satisfied. Captain Barbosa tells the story of Cortez’s cursed gold coins and what the curse has done to him and his crew. The curse has made them live forever without senses to taste or feel. They roam the sea looking for the day they could finally break the curse. Captain Barbosa now understood that his greed had taken away from him things he found no value to but now craves for it the most.

Taser-gun heist trio sent for trial

A 22-year-old white woman and two young Hispanic males are being sent for trial in Oklahoma County on charges of stunning a 50-year-old man with an electronic taser gun and then robbing him. During the attack they also beat their victim, kicked him and stabbed him.At a 13 April preliminary hearing, District Court Judge Gregory J Ryan was told that Crystal Grace Harris had taken their victim back to her motel room after she and their victim had spent the evening together at a local casino.The middle-aged man, identified only as â€Å"Mr Brown† during the hearing, said he had come out of the bathroom to discover Harris putting down her phone.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Two minutes later there was a knock on the door and these two guys came in,† Mr Brown told the Court. â€Å"That made me nervous because I thought I had been set up.†Ã‚  The two men, named as Ricky Lee Meza (22) and Robert E Hill (21), are alleged to have then attacked Mr Brown, beating him up, kicking him and stabbin g him before disabling him with a taser-gun shot.A taser gun, the Court was told, is a hand-held electronic weapon that fires barbs linked by wires to batteries. On touching their target the barbs deliver an electric shock of 50,000 volts-and-more, causing instant short-term paralysis.  After taking their victim’s wallet, money and the keys of his truck, Harris and her two accomplices had been able to get away from the motel before reception had been alerted that a robbery had taken place and called the police.With the incident having occurred in the early evening, there had been witnesses around who were able to say the three had driven off in an old grey-coloured Chevrolet Caprice. The witnesses were also able to tell police the direction the vehicle had taken.As a result of a chance encounter on the road, Harris and the two men were picked up and stopped by County police within 10 minutes of their getaway. A police car heading for the motel in response to the robbery cal l saw a grey Caprice with three occupants going in the opposite direction that matched the description of the getaway car, turned and stopped it after a short and uneventful chase.Identifying Hill as the driver of the car he had stopped, with Harris and Meza as the other people in the car with him, County Police Officer Chris Spillman told the Court that after he had arrested them he had found them to be in possession of Mr Brown’s wallet with his driving license, credit cards and other identifying documents, together with the $1,095 that Mr Brown had reported stolen, and Mr Brown’s truck keys.After Mr Brown had also positively identified Harris, Hill and Meza as the group who had attacked and robbed him, Judge Ryan said he was satisfied he had heard enough evidence to justify sending all three of them for trial on a count of robbery with a dangerous weapon and a second count of stealing Mr Brown’s wallet, money and car keys.  It is understood that at the full jury trial they will also be charged with assault-and-battery arising out of having shot Mr Brown with the taser gun.Bail for Crystal Harris was set at $27,000, with $5,000 for Hill and $3,000 for Meza.  The case has been listed for jury trial on 2 May.Commentary from Our Court Correspondent Oklahoma’s State Constitution provides for a preliminary Court hearing before a Judge to establish whether enough sound, prima facie evidence exists to justify a case being referred for full jury trial. Only at a full jury trial will the alleged offenders be found guilty or not guilty of the charges against them.This is an historic constitutional safeguard to test whether a State prosecution is warranted as legitimate and whether there is a good factual basis for it.Very importantly, one purpose of the preliminary-hearing process is to make sure no one sits in jail waiting to be tried without a reason that has been properly tested before a Judge in Court.Basically, the preliminary hear ing seeks to determine two things: one, is to determine that an indictable crime has actually been committed; and, two, is to establish that there is sound evidence that the defendant or defendants did it.In this case, Mr Brown is alleging that Crystal Harris, Ricky Lee Meza and Robert Hill attacked him, beat him, kicked him, stabbed him, shot a taser weapon at him, took his money and other possessions and fled.As District Court Judge Gregory J Ryan commented to students after the preliminary hearing: â€Å"I’m not making the final determination. I’m just there to make sure that the allegations that the State is arguing have some merit in them — which, in my opinion, they probably have.â€Å"Mr Brown is able to identify all three individuals. Then they (the State) put a police officer on the stand who testified that after the victim had gone into the lobby and said he had been robbed, the police put out an immediate description of the grey-coloured Chevy Capri ce with two Hispanic males and one white female and the direction they had taken.â€Å"Then there was the second police officer who testified he had heard that report and he had just started to head in the direction of the motel when he saw the car go by, chased it and stopped it.â€Å"And he found those three people in the car and after he had arrested them he found the victim’s wallet, victim’s driver’s license and credit cards and another ID in it. And the $1,095 in the wallet that Mr Brown had said was in the wallet, as well as his car key.†As Judge Ryan said: â€Å"I’m not making the final determination. I’m just there to make sure that the allegations that the State is arguing have some merit in them — which, in my opinion, they probably have.†

What Is Cheating?

If a survey was conducted to find out what most persons considered cheating in a relationship the majority of people would say, any sexual involvement with another person that is not your spouse or partner. The WordNet defines cheating as the act of being unfaithful to a spouse or lover. Adulterer, cheater, two-timer or â€Å"player† are all words that describe someone that cheats. These are all words to describe someone that is unfaithful, disloyal, dishonest and untrustworthy in a relationship. What really is cheating in a relationship? Cheating is not just an act of sexual involvement. Cheating is any emotion or act that is a hindrance to an exclusive and committed relationship. Dawn and David were married for five years with two kids. David had spent most of his time at the office while Dawn took care of the kids. David was in the real estate business so he was always meeting new people. One day he met a lady, Stephanie. Stephanie and David exchanged email addresses so that they can further discuss real estate business. An innocent chat that was supposed to be strictly business lead to something more emotional. Over a period of six months David and Stephanie developed feelings for each other. Every night and day he found himself constantly chatting to Stephanie. One night they both expressed that they truly loved each other even though they were in committed relationships. David got a divorce and started a relationship with Stephanie. In this incidence David and Stephanie did not have sexual intercourse. However, they developed a strong bond where eventually they fell in love. David spent most of his time chatting with Stephanie. Stephanie got to know his feelings and thoughts something that only his wife should be able to relate to. He isolated his wife and looked to another figure as someone he could communicate with. Some might say that expressing feelings through instant messaging and texting to another individual other than your spouse or partner is not cheating. Why? – Because they can’t see or touch you. How is this not cheating when eventually you are developing feelings for that particular individual? Cheating is developing an emotional bond with another person that is not your spouse or lover. Lust, a strong sexual desire. Yes, this is the word to describe what goes on in spouse’s or partner’s head when they attend a strip club or watch pornography. Some may find it fascinating and just simply fun to attend a strip club. They might consider this not cheating because they are just â€Å"hanging† with the guys or having fun. How is this not cheating when they are lusting after an individual that is not their â€Å"significant other†? If you lust after a guy or girl that you just saw walking down the street or have been working with for years, you are cheating. Cheating is lusting about someone that you are not committed to. Many persons would say that it hurts more to know that their wife, husband, girlfriend or boyfriend has â€Å"slept† with another person. They would consider this act truly cheating. It is when a sexual act is committed they betrayed. I want to know how they would truly feel if they knew that their significant other developed a bond with another instead of just â€Å"fooling around†. How would they feel if they knew that there was no sexual involvement but they still love them because of who they are? How would they feel if they said that they are leaving them for the girl/guy that works at the strip club? Will it be too late for them to realize that lusting and developing emotions are considered cheating?

Coca (Cocaine) History, Domestication, and Use

Coca (Cocaine) History, Domestication, and Use Coca, the source of natural cocaine, is one of a handful of shrubs in the Erythroxylum family of plants. Erythroxylum includes over 100 different species of trees, shrubs and sub-shrubs native to South America and elsewhere. Two of the South American species, E. coca and E. novogranatense, have potent alkaloids occurring in their leaves, and those leaves have been used for their medicinal and hallucinogenic properties for thousands of years. E. coca originates from the montaà ±a zone of the eastern Andes, between 500 and 2,000 meters (1,640-6,500 feet)  above sea level. The earliest archaeological evidence of coca use is in coastal Ecuador, ca 5,000 years ago. E. novagranatense is known as Colombian coca and it is more able to adapt to different climates and elevations; it first up in northern Peru beginning about 4,000 years ago. Coca Use The ancient method of Andean cocaine use involves folding coca leaves into a quid and placing it between the teeth and the inside of the cheek. An alkaline substance, such as powdered wood ash or baked and powdered seashells is then transferred into the quid using a silver awl or pointed tube of limestone. This method of consumption was first described to Europeans by the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, who met coca users when he visited the coast of northeastern Brazil, in AD 1499. Archaeological evidence shows the procedure is much older than that. Coca use was part of ancient Andean daily life, an important symbol of cultural identity in ceremonies, and used medicinally as well. Chewing coca is said to be good for relief of fatigue and hunger, beneficial for gastrointestinal illnesses, and said to ease the pain of dental caries, arthritis, headaches, sores, fractures, nosebleed, asthma, and impotence. Chewing coca leaves also is believed to ease the effects of living in high altitudes.   Chewing more than 20-60 grams (.7-2 ounces) of coca leaves results in a cocaine dose of 200-300 milligrams, equivalent to one line of powdered cocaine. Coca Domestication History The earliest evidence of coca use discovered to date comes from a handful of preceramic sites in the Nancho Valley. Coca leaves have been direct-dated by AMS to 7920 and 7950 cal BP. Artifacts associated with coca processing were also found in contexts dated as early as 9000-8300 cal BP. What is the AMS dating method?What does cal BP mean? Evidence for coca use has also been from in caves in the Ayacucho valley of Peru, within levels dated between 5250-2800 cal BC. Evidence for coca use has been identified from most cultures in South America, including Nazca, Moche, Tiwanaku, Chiribaya and Inca cultures. According to ethnohistoric records, horticulture and use of coca became a state monopoly in the Inca empire about AD 1430. The Inca elites restricted use to the nobility beginning in the 1200s, but coca continued to widen in use until all but lowest classes had access at the time of the Spanish conquest. Archaeological Evidence of Coca Use Nanchoc valley sites (Peru), 8000-7800 cal BPAyacucho valley caves (Peru), 5250-2800 cal BCValdivia culture (3000 BC) of coastal Ecuador (may represent long-distance trade or domestication)Peruvian coast (2500-1800 BC)Nazca figurines (300 BC-AD 300)Moche (AD 100-800) pots illustrate a bulging cheek, and coca leaves in gourds have been recovered from Moche tombsTiwanaku by AD 400Arica, Chile by AD 400The Cabuza culture (ca AD 550) mummies buried with coca quids in their mouths In addition to the presence of coca quids and kits, and the artistic depictions of coca use, archaeologists have used the presence of excessive alkali deposits on human teeth and alveolar abscesses as evidence. However, it isnt clear whether abscesses are caused by coca use, or treated by coca use, and results have been ambiguous about using excessive calculus on teeth. Beginning in the 1990s, gas chromatography was used to identify cocaine use in mummified human remains, particularly the Chirabaya culture, recovered from the Atacama Desert of Peru. The identification of BZE, a metabolic product of coca (benzoylecgonine), in hair shafts, is considered ample evidence of coca use, even for modern-day users. Coca Archaeological Sites San Lorenzo del Mate (Ecuador), 500 BC-AD 500, adult male interment with excessive calculus deposits on his teeth, an associated decorated shell spatula and a small bowl-like deposit of an alkali substance (probably once in a gourd)Las Balsas (Ecuador) (300 BC-AD 100). Cal receptaclePLM-7, Arica site in coastal Chile, 300 BC, coca kitPLM-4, Tiwanakoid sites in Chile with a bag full of coca leavesLlullallaco, Argentina, Inca period child sacrifices exhibited coca consumption prior to death Sources: Bussmann R, Sharon D, Vandebroek I, Jones A, and Revene Z. 2007. Health for Sale: The Medicinal Plant Markets in Trujillo and Chiclayo, Northern Peru. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 3(1):37.Cartmell LW, Aufderheide AC, Springfield A, Weems C, and Arriaza B. 1991. The Frequency and Antiquity of Prehistoric Coca-Leaf-Chewing Practices in Northern Chile: Radioimmunoassay of a Cocaine Metabolite in Human-Mummy Hair. Latin American Antiquity 2(3):260-268.Dillehay TD, Rossen J, Ugent D, Karathanasis A, Vsquez V, and Netherly PJ. 2010. Early Holocene coca chewing in northern Peru. Antiquity 84(326):939-953.Gade DW. 1979. Inca and colonial settlement, coca cultivation and endemic disease in the tropical forest. Journal of Historical Geography 5(3):263-279.Ogalde JP, Arriaza BT, and Soto EC. 2009. Identification of Psychoactive Alkaloids in Ancient Andean Human Hair by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Journal of Archaeological Science 36(2):467-472.Plowman T. 1981 Amazonian co ca. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 3(2-3):195-225. Springfield AC, Cartmell LW, Aufderheide AC, Buikstra J, and Ho J. 1993. Cocaine and Metabolites in the Hair of Ancient Peruvian Coca Leaf Chewers. Forensic Science International 63(1-3):269-275.Ubelaker DH, and Stothert KE. 2006. Elemental Analysis of Alkalis and Dental Deposits Associated with Coca Chewing in Ecuador. Latin American Antiquity 17(1):77-89.Wilson AS, Brown EL, Villa C, Lynnerup N, Healey A, Ceruti MC, Reinhard J, Previgliano CH, Araoz FA, Gonzalez Diez J et al.  2013. Archaeological, radiological, and biological evidence offer insight into Inca child sacrifice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 110(33):13322-13327.

Think Personal Development is Optional Think Again

Think Personal Development is Optional Think Again Many of my blog articles are about topics that might fall under â€Å"personal development.† These articles are often my favorites to write, and yet there’s sometimes a voice in my head saying, â€Å"Brenda, your readers want to read about something practical! Don’t go overboard here or get too â€Å"woo-woo.† An article I read today gave me encouragement to keep writing these â€Å"self-growth† or â€Å"personal development† articles. August Turak, author of Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks, wrote a piece for Forbes that spoke to me strongly. In it, he lamented that the business world and much of society compartmentalizes personal growth as if it’s something we do on the side to get somewhere or get business results- including becoming a better leader. On the contrary! Turuk argues vehemently that the essence of leadership is to use every opportunity as a means for personal growth. Become a CEO to grow yourself rather than growing yourself so you can get that CEO position. Focus on your higher mission or spiritual development- and success in other aspects of life will be a natural by-product. He asserts, â€Å"The reason you were born is to become the best human being you can possibly be.† So make personal development your mission, rather than using it as a â€Å"means to a more limited end.† Turak holds up the example of Fyodor Dostoevsky, who wrote some of the world’s most classic Russian novels. Said Dostoevsky, â€Å"Man is a mystery. If you spend your entire life trying to puzzle it out do not say that you’ve wasted your time. I occupy myself with this mystery because I want to be a man.† I personally must cop to doing personal growth trainings in part so I will succeed in business, in relationships, in my health, and in every aspect of my life. I have also done what Turak advocates so strongly: taken on new ventures and new relationships with the intention of having those challenges contribute to my growth. Even within my personal development circles, such as my learning group with the Wright training I’m in right now, I take risks and stretch myself in every way I can. That is the fastest path to growth and to being a fully realized human being. This journey is never over, and the puzzle will never be solved. That’s what makes it so worthwhile, regardless of whether I become as successful in business as the Trappist monks. I, for one, intend to keep exploring the mystery. Category:For ClientsBy Brenda BernsteinJanuary 20, 2014

Feminist Analysis of TV Show 30 Rock Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Feminist Analysis of TV Show 30 Rock - Essay Example This factor threatens male egocentricity. Feminine perceptions are more humanistic. This is manifested in the show 30 Rock and its popularity. Feminists with Marxist perceptions would place emphasis on the manner in which the social systems and motivations of capital gain have hindered the humane feminist values from coming to light. Feminists with a radical perspective would conclude that the subduction of this feminist approach is a result of male egocentricity. This is also due to society's insistence of sexual orientation, rather than making allowances for individual freedom of choice. There is also the insistence of the perception of the consumption oriented nuclear family. Feminists who maintain a liberal perspective perceive things in a different light ( Kaplan : 252). The feminine perspective is essential to the male dominated society as demonstrated by the relationship between Liz (Tina Fey) and Jack (Alex Baldwin). There exists the possibility of interchanging sexual identi ties. In order to totally become human, different perspectives must be adapted. The American television series 30 Rock, demonstrates the interchange of roles between masculine and feminine genders. Prior to the 1990s, during the era of 1963- 1980, females were only portrayed as sexual objects or for the fulfillment of masculine needs. The sexual objects and need fillers were put into place in order to fulfill the masculine requirements and desires. This resulted in the feminist desire to eradicate this type of subduction (Kaplan : 253). There are three categories of feminist, each with a specific motivation and objective ( Kaplan :252). The feminist perspectives which were popularized in the 1990s are still popular today. The first category of feminist evaluation and research requires that the members of the female gender be treated as peers. This venue has two possible outcomes. One approach may conclude with domesticated feminism. This is representative of feminine roles of the ni neteenth century. The second possible outcome of this venue is a liberal female female perspective, which is more representative of the present. From my feminist perspective, Liz (Tina Fey) is the embodiment of both. In the liberal feminine perspective, females are allowed to vie within the institutional framework for equal rights to employment and self determination. This requires that the female be perceived as a peer. This perception by society includes the rights and obligations of equal treatment. This perspective has resulted in the American male adopting the roles in the household which would be normally classified as feminine such as cooking, cleaning, babysitting (Kaplan: 254). A primary type of feminine role perception exists in Diana Meehan's Ladies of the Evening: Woman Characters in Prime Time Television. The second category of feminine television production is viewed by the â€Å"pre- Althusserian Marxist† feminist perspective. This perspective perceives televis ion as an extension of capitalist society. These theorist propose that television interests are founded upon the manipulation of the television viewer as a consumer Kaplan: 257). A third category of feminist evaluation arises from the radical feminist perspective. In this perspective, the female gender is perceived as superior. Liz (Tina Fey) perceives herself as superior, she does not need a relationship with a man. Liz (Tina Fey) can get things done by herself.