Monday, December 30, 2019

Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year 2014 Vape

Every year, Oxford Dictionaries selects a word of the year. For 2014, this is â€Å"vape†, derived from vapor or vaporize, meaning to inhale or exhale vapor from e-cigarettes. Due to the emerging popularity of e-cigarettes over the past couple of years, it’s no surprise that the word has been widely used in the English language. The word was first coined in 1983, when entrepreneurs were looking for an alternative to tobacco smoke, which was becoming increasingly unacceptable in social circles. However, it didn’t really take off until the beginning of 2013, when e-cigarettes became widely available. The Oxford Dictionaries, which has a sophisticated monitoring system to track the usage of words in English worldwide, documented this. In January 2013, the word was used less than 100 times per billion words of English. However, by April of 2014, vape was used 1200 times per billion words. Another reason vape, and its derivative vaping, saw widespread usage was due to the controversy surrounding e-cigarettes. Print and electronic media spawned innumerable articles supporting, discussing, or opposing them. The Oxford Dictionaries choice is not without controversy itself. Because e-cigarettes still contain nicotine, the United States’ Federal Drug Administration feels they are no different than traditional cigarettes. By choosing vape as the word of the year, the Oxford Dictionaries has been criticized for giving prominence to a word that means the inhalation of nicotine (although the e-cigarettes release steam, not nicotine smoke). However, unlike the United States, England has embraced e-cigarettes, with vape cafes in public. Since e-cigarettes are not so condemned in England, it’s unsurprising that the British-based Oxford Dictionaries was not too concerned about it. Runners-Up Although vape was the word that was chosen, there are some very interesting terms that were runners-up. Not surprisingly to citizens of the British Commonwealth, the term â€Å"indyref† was used nearly as much as the winner. While this term may be unfamiliar to some Americans, it meant a great deal to those living in Great Britain. Indyref is short for â€Å"independence referendum†, referring specifically to the September 18, 2014 vote in Scotland on the question of whether Scotland would become independent from Great Britain. The referendum ultimately failed, but for months it was headline news throughout the Great Britain and the former British territories like Canada and Australia. Another word that caught fire in the English-speaking world was â€Å"budtender†. This word refers to a person that serves customers in a legal cannabis dispensary. Given the multiple state referendums on legalizing marijuana in the United States in the 2014 political year, and the press coverage of all the unintended consequences of legalized marijuana in the American state of Colorado, it is not shocking that this clever play on the word â€Å"bartender† gain widespread usage. Youth and the artistic community are often the sources for generating new words. One word that exploded out of nowhere in 2014 is â€Å"bae†, which refers to a term of endearment for one’s romantic partner, similar to the words â€Å"dear† or â€Å"honey† used in older generations. The word really took off when recording artist Pharrell released a single called â€Å"Come Get It Bae†. No one’s sure where the word came from, but theories range from it being a shortened form of â€Å"babe† to an acronym for â€Å"before anyone else†. Typically, the word of the year and its runners-up spontaneously explode onto the scene as a result of current events or modern culture. However, one of the runners-up, â€Å"normcore†, followed a different path. The term normcore refers to deliberately dressing in unfashionable clothing as a fashion statement. A common normcore outfit is white sneakers, baggy jeans, oversize sweatshirt, and crooked baseball cap. However, as with many new terms, its exact meaning hasn’t been fixed. It can also reflect a desire to be normal, and that can be accomplished by wearing everyday clothes. What made normcore different is that it started out as a hashtag by a trend-casting group in New York City. It spread like wildfire through Twitter and social media, which brought its usage to the attention of the Oxford Dictionaries. Conclusion Whether your favorite new word is the winner or one of its runners-up, they all illustrate that English is a living language, growing and adapting to our ever-changing society.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

The Ultimate Causes Of The American Civil War - 941 Words

The American Civil War was a war fought within the United States of America between the North (Union) and the South (Confederacy) The war was one of the most critical events in American history. â€Å"It is estimated that 623,000 soldiers died during the Civil War†(Garrison) starting from 1861 and ending in 1865. While many still debate the ultimate causes of the Civil War, author James McPherson writes that, The Civil War started because of uncompromising differences between the free and slave states over the power of the national government to prohibit slavery in the territories that had not yet become states. When Abraham Lincoln won election in 1860 as the first Republican president on a platform pledging to keep slavery out of the†¦show more content†¦The Northerners opposed to versus the South who were States were the only regions in the world that still legalized the ownership of slaves. This angered the Southerners and threatened their way of life. â€Å"The election of Abraham Lincoln as the sixteenth president of the united states in November of 1860 set the stage for division, secession, and civil war â€Å"(Stokesbury 3) the South felt threatened when it came to slavery. There were also economic differences between both regions. The Southern states were agrarian states, which depended on agriculture rather than industrialization. â€Å"Slavery was essential to the South’s agrarian economic system, dedicated to producing raw materials for manufacture by others.† (Axelrod 15) After the Cotton Gin was invented, it increased the need for slaves and made cotton the chief crop of the South. â€Å"The South was able to produce 7/8 of the world’s supply of cotton.† (Axelrod 15) This made the Souths dependence on the plantation system slavery. By then, the North was growing industrially. The north feared that South’s slave-based economy might affect their economy. The North depended on factories and other industrialized businesses. As for this reason many of new immigrants settled north, while few settled south. This allowed the North to grow industrially, while making the South feel more threatened by them. The Confederacy opposed any kind of industrialization and manufactured as little as possible. SouthernShow MoreRelatedThe Civil War : The And Soul Of The United States Of America1749 Words   |  7 Pagesstates’ opinions. Then, the Civil War happened. This war was one of the most pivotal points in American history. The government tried to make a decision on its own without the consent of the country as a whole. This led to the destruction of the rights of the people. The destruction of the rights of the people gave the majority of the power to the federal government, who have abused it, repeatedly, ever since. America has gone through very dark time as a result of the Civil War. These are the three mostRead MoreThe Civil War Of The United States1233 Words   |  5 Pages â€Å"Blundering Generation† Division among a population for opposing goals wasn t a new concept brought to light by the Civil War. Almost one hundred years prior to the Civil War, inhabitants of the thirteen colonies fought against each other towards their differing support for their wages of unity. Patriots fought Loyalists for coalition of the colonies, and likewise Northerners now fought Southerners for the preservation of the Union. The imminent breakup of the Union, likewise to the dissolutionRead MoreThe Causes Of The Civil War1409 Words   |  6 PagesThe causes of the Civil War were complex and have been controversial since the country began. Some causes include; states’ rights, economics, and slavery. The most recognizable and popular cause is slavery. The freeing of the slaves was an important moral issue at the time and one of the greatest causes of the civil war. It was only by carefully avoiding the moral issue involved in slavery that Northerners and Southerners could meet on any common g round. (Goldston, 79). The time came in which ourRead MoreEssay on Fredrick Douglass1173 Words   |  5 Pageshonorable man that held a voice of influence over the reform movement’s throughout the 19th century. He is one of the American leaders who provided a powerful voice for human rights and racial injustice during this period of American history. Throughout his life he was first and foremost an abolitionist, fighting against slavery until its elimination. He was a man dedicated to a cause, determined to try everything in his power to fight for what he believed fair, which was racial equality. As a youngRead MoreThe Civil War: The Second American Revolution? Essay examples1083 Words   |  5 PagesThe Civil War has been described as one of the most important occurrences in the life of the United States. It was period in time when the United States was no longer united, but instead was split between the north and south due to the ongoing feud over of the legal standing of slavery nationwide. For four years, many people were subjected to horrific measures, especially the soldiers that participated in combat. Despite the brutality of battle, soldiers experienced a numerous amount of daily hardshipsRead MoreSocial Reasons For The Civil War1348 Words   |  6 Pages The civil war was mainly sparked by tensions between the north and the south. Both sides rarely agreed on topics and could never make a compromise. Slavery was a big reason for the start of the civil war, but the causes don’t end there. Although some may say that political or economic reasons started the civil war between the north and the south, political reasons were the real cause. This is because of important decisions made by the government, and the south seceding. Some believe that socialRead MoreWhat They Fought For By James M. Mcpherson880 Words   |  4 PagesOver 150 years, the Civil War had been the bloodiest war in the American history, also known as â€Å"The War Between the States† or â€Å"Brother Against Brother†, it was fought between the Union or the United States of America and the Confederate States of America. The war lasted four years from 1861 to 1865. What motivated these men to fight and what is the cause of the Civil War is a subject that many historians tried to find out. The book â€Å"What They Fought For† by the author James M. McPherson focusesRead MoreComparing the Relative Importance of Political Leadership, Military Skill and Resources as Reasons for the Outcome of the American Civil War935 Words   |  4 Pagesthe Outcome of the American Civil War The American Civil war was the bloodiest conflict in American history, with some 620,000 Americans to die in the four-year conflict. This inevitable conflict as William Seward a politician named the great animosity between the Union and the Confederacy, was the result of years of antagonism, due mainly to the particular institution of slavery. There are numerous reasons for the defeat of the South in the civil war. The main factorsRead MoreThe United States And The Civil War851 Words   |  4 Pagescornerstone of the numerous transformations of the American society. It is the notion that is found in speeches of both Republican and Democrat politicians, the idea that connected the mind of an affluent Southern plantation owner and that of a radical abolitionist. Generally, the understanding of any period in the United States history as a whole relies heavily on acquiring the knowledge of the way of life, and the patterns of thought of the American public. The meaning of freedom provides a uniqueRead MoreAmerican Imperialism : America s Quest For Dominance1223 Words   |  5 Pageswas nearly complete. Soon, after the civil war Americans began pushing west in the name of â€Å"manifest destiny, the belief that the United States had a ‘God-given’ right to aggressively spread the values of white civilization and expand the nation from ocean to ocean† (Roark 14). Th is is the start of American imperialism that lasted over a century, during the time; genocides and countless death are milestones in America’s quest for dominance. I am defining American imperialism is the policy expand one’s

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Foundation and Empire 13. Leutenant And Clown Free Essays

string(22) " foot in his stomach\." If, from a distance of seven thousand parsecs, the fall of Kalgan to the armies of the Mule had produced reverberations that had excited the curiosity of an old Trader, the apprehension of a dogged captain, and the annoyance of a meticulous mayor – to those on Kalgan itself, it produced nothing and excited no one. It is the invariable lesson to humanity that distance in time, and in space as well, lends focus. It is not recorded, incidentally, that the lesson has ever been permanently learned. We will write a custom essay sample on Foundation and Empire 13. Leutenant And Clown or any similar topic only for you Order Now Kalgan was – Kalgan. It alone of all that quadrant of the Galaxy seemed not to know that the Empire had fallen, that the Stannells no longer ruled, that greatness had departed, and peace had disappeared. Kalgan was the luxury world. With the edifice of mankind crumbling, it maintained its integrity as a producer of pleasure, a buyer of gold and a seller of leisure. It escaped the harsher vicissitudes of history, for what conqueror would destroy or even seriously damage a world so full of the ready cash that would buy immunity. Yet even Kalgan had finally become the headquarters of a warlord and its softness had been tempered to the exigencies of war. Its tamed jungles, its mildly modeled shores, and its garishly glamorous cities echoed to the march of imported mercenaries and impressed citizens. The worlds of its province had been armed and its money invested in battleships rather than bribes for the first time in its history. Its ruler proved beyond doubt that he was determined to defend what was his and eager to seize what was others. He was a great one of the Galaxy, a war and peace maker, a builder of Empire, an establisher of dynasty. And an unknown with a ridiculous nickname had taken him – and his arms – and his budding Empire – and had not even fought a battle. So Kalgan was as before, and its uniformed citizens hurried back to their older life, while the foreign professionals of war merged easily into the newer bands that descended. Again as always, there were the elaborate luxury hunts for the cultivated animal life of the jungles that never took human life; and the speedster bird-chases in the air above, that was fatal only to the Great Birds. In the cities, the escapers of the Galaxy could take their varieties of pleasure to suit their purse, from the ethereal sky-palaces of spectacle and fantasy that opened their doors to the masses at the jingle of half a credit, to the unmarked, unnoted haunts to which only those of great wealth were of the cognoscenti. To the vast flood, Toran and Bayta added not even a trickle. They registered their ship in the huge common hangar on the East Peninsula, and gravitated to that compromise of the middle-classes, the Inland Sea-where the pleasures were yet legal, and even respectable, and the crowds not yet beyond endurance. Bayta wore dark glasses against the light, and a thin, white robe against the heat. Warm-tinted arms, scarcely the goldener for the sun, clasped her knees to her, and she stared with firm, abstracted gaze at the length of her husband’s outstretched body – almost shimmering in the brilliance of white sun-splendor. â€Å"Don’t overdo it,† she had said at first, but Toran was of a dying-red star, Despite three years of the Foundation, sunlight was a luxury, and for four days now his skin, treated beforehand for ray resistance, had not felt the harshness of clothing, except for the brief shorts. Bayta huddled close to him on the sand and they spoke in whispers. Toran’s voice was gloomy, as it drifted upwards from a relaxed face, â€Å"No, I admit we’re nowhere. But where is he? Who is he? This mad world says nothing of him. Perhaps he doesn’t exist.† â€Å"He exists,† replied Bayta, with lips that didn’t move. â€Å"He’s clever, that’s all. And your uncle is right. He’s a man we could use – if there’s time.† A short pause. Toran whispered, â€Å"Know what I’ve been doing, Bay? I’m just daydreaming myself into a sun-stupor. Things figure themselves out so neatly – so sweetly.† His voice nearly trailed off, then returned, â€Å"Remember the way Dr. Amann talked back at college, Bay. The Foundation can never lose, but that does not mean the rulers of the Foundation can’t. Didn’t the real history of the Foundation begin when Salvor Hardin kicked out the Encyclopedists and took over the planet Terminus as the first mayor? And then in the next century, didn’t Hober Mallow gain power by methods almost as drastic? That’s twice the rulers were defeated, so it can be done. So why not by us?† â€Å"It’s the oldest argument in the books. Torie. What a waste of good reverie.† â€Å"Is it? Follow it out. What’s Haven? Isn’t it part of the Foundation? If we become top dog, it’s still the Foundation winning, and only the current rulers losing.† â€Å"Lots of difference between ‘we can’ and ‘we will.’ You’re just jabbering.† Toran squirmed. â€Å"Nuts, Bay, you’re just in one of your sour, green moods. What do you want to spoil my fun for? I’ll just go to sleep if you don’t mind.† But Bayta was craning her head, and suddenly – quite a non sequitur – she giggled, and removed her glasses to look down the beach with only her palm shading her eyes. Toran looked up, then lifted and twisted his shoulders to follow her glance. Apparently, she was watching a spindly figure, feet in air, who teetered on his hands for the amusement of a haphazard crowd. It was one of the swarming acrobatic beggars of the shore, whose supple joints bent and snapped for the sake of the thrown coins. A beach guard was motioning him on his way and with a surprising one-handed balance, the clown brought a thumb to his nose in an upside-down gesture. The guard advanced threateningly and reeled backward with a foot in his stomach. You read "Foundation and Empire 13. Leutenant And Clown" in category "Essay examples" The clown righted himself without interrupting the motion of the initial kick and was away, while the frothing guard was held off by a thoroughly unsympathetic crowd. The clown made his way raggedly down the beach. He brushed past many, hesitated often, stopped nowhere. The original crowd had dispersed. The guard had departed. â€Å"He’s a queer fellow,† said Bayta, with amusement, and Toran agreed indifferently. The clown was close enough now to be seen clearly. His thin face drew together in front into a nose of generous planes and fleshy tip that seemed all but prehensile. His long, lean limbs and spidery body, accentuated by his costume, moved easily and with grace, but with just a suggestion of having been thrown together at random. To look was to smile. The clown seemed suddenly aware of their regard, for he stopped after he had passed, and, with a sharp turn, approached. His large, brown eyes fastened upon Bayta. She found herself disconcerted. The clown smiled, but it only saddened his beaked face, and when he spoke it was with the soft, elaborate phrasing of the Central Sectors. â€Å"Were I to use the wits the good Spirits gave me,† he said, â€Å"then I would say this lady can not exist – for what sane man would hold a dream to be reality. Yet rather would I not be sane and lend belief to charmed, enchanted eyes.† Bayta’s own eyes opened wide. She said, â€Å"Wow!† Toran laughed, â€Å"Oh, you enchantress. Go ahead, Bay, that deserves a five-credit piece. Let him have it.† But the clown was forward with a jump. â€Å"No, my lady, mistake me not. I spoke for money not at all, but for bright eyes and sweet face.† â€Å"Well, thanks,† then, to Toran, â€Å"Golly, you think the sun’s in his eyes?† â€Å"Yet not alone for eyes and face,† babbled the clown, as his words hurled past each other in heightened frenzy, â€Å"but also for a mind, clear and sturdy – and kind as well.† Toran rose to his feet, reached for the white robe he had crooked his arm about for four days, and slipped into it. â€Å"Now, bud,† he said, â€Å"suppose you tell me what you want, and stop annoying the lady.† The clown fell back a frightened step, his meager body cringing. â€Å"Now, sure I meant no harm. I am a stranger here, and it’s been said I am of addled wits; yet there is something in a face that I can read. Behind this lady’s fairness, there is a heart that’s kind, and that would help me in my trouble for all I speak so boldly.† â€Å"Will five credits cure your trouble?† said Toran, dryly, and held out the coin. But the clown did not move to take it, and Bayta said, â€Å"Let me talk to him, Torie,† She added swiftly, and in an undertone, â€Å"There’s no use being annoyed at his silly way of talking. That’s just his dialect; and our speech is probably as strange to him.† She said, â€Å"What is your trouble? You’re not worried about the guard, are you? He won’t bother you.† â€Å"Oh, no, not he. He’s but a windlet that blows the dust about my ankles. There is another that I flee, and he is a storm that sweeps the worlds aside and throws them plunging at each other. A week ago, I ran away, have slept in city streets, and hid in city crowds. I’ve looked in many faces for help in need. I find it here.† He repeated the last phrase in softer, anxious tones, and his large eyes were troubled, â€Å"I find it here.† â€Å"Now,† said Bayta, reasonably, â€Å"I would like to help, but really, friend, I’m no protection against a world-sweeping storm. To be truthful about it, I could use-â€Å" There was an uplifted, powerful voice that bore down upon them. â€Å"Now, then, you mud-spawned rascal-† It was the beach guard, with a fire-red face, and snarling mouth, that approached at a run. He pointed with his low-power stun pistol. â€Å"Hold him, you two. Don’t let him get away.† His heavy hand fell upon the clown’s thin shoulder, so that a whimper was squeezed out of him. Toran said, â€Å"What’s he done?† â€Å"What’s he done? What’s he done? Well, now, that’s good!† The guard reached inside the dangling pocket attached to his belt, and removed a purple handkerchief, with which he mopped his bare neck. He said with relish. â€Å"I’ll tell you what he’s done. He’s run away. The word’s all over Kalgan and I would have recognized him before this if he had been on his feet instead of on his hawkface top.† And he rattled his prey in a fierce good humor. Bayta said with a smile, â€Å"Now where did he escape from, sir?† The guard raised his voice. A crowd was gathering, popeyed and jabbering, and with the increase of audience, the guard’s sense of importance increased in direct ratio. â€Å"Where did he escape from?† he declaimed in high sarcasm. â€Å"Why, I suppose you’ve heard of the Mule, now.† All jabbering stopped, and Bayta felt a sudden iciness trickle down into her stomach. The clown had eyes only for her-he still quivered in the guard’s brawny grasp. â€Å"And who,† continued the guard heavily, â€Å"would this infernal ragged piece be, but his lordship’s own court fool who’s run away.† He jarred his captive with a massive shake, â€Å"Do you admit it, fool?† There was only white fear for answer, and the soundless sibilance of Bayta’s voice close to Toran’s ear. Toran stepped forward to the guard in friendly fashion, â€Å"Now, my man, suppose you take your hand away for just a while. This entertainer you hold has been dancing for us and has not yet danced out his fee.† â€Å"Here!† The guard’s voice rose in sudden concern. â€Å"There’s a reward-â€Å" â€Å"You’ll have it, if you can prove he’s the man you want. Suppose you withdraw till then. You know that you’re interfering with a guest, which could be serious for you.† â€Å"But you’re interfering with his lordship and that will be serious for you.† He shook the clown once again. â€Å"Return the man’s fee, carrion.† Toran’s hand moved quickly and the guard’s stun pistol was wrenched away with half a finger nearly following it. The guard howled his pain and rage. Toran shoved him violently aside, and the clown, unhanded, scuttled behind him. The crowd, whose fringes were now lost to the eye, paid little attention to the latest development. There was among them a craning of necks, and a centrifugal motion as if many had decided to increase their distance from the center of activity. Then there was a bustle, and a rough order in the distance. A corridor formed itself and two men strode through, electric whips in careless readiness. Upon each purple blouse was designed an angular shaft of lightning with a splitting planet underneath. A dark giant, in lieutenant’s uniform, followed them; dark of skin, and hair, and scowl. The dark man spoke with the dangerous softness that meant he had little need of shouting to enforce his whims. He said, â€Å"Are you the man who notified us?† The guard was still holding his wrenched hand, and with a pain-distorted face mumbled, â€Å"I claim the reward, your mightiness, and I accuse that man-â€Å" â€Å"You’ll get your reward,† said the lieutenant, without looking at him. He motioned curtly to his men, â€Å"Take him.† Toran felt the clown tearing at his robe with a maddened grip. He raised his voice and kept it from shaking, â€Å"I’m sorry, lieutenant; this man is mine.† The soldiers took the statement without blinking. One raised his whip casually, but the lieutenant’s snapped order brought it down. His dark mightiness swung forward and planted his square body before Toran, â€Å"Who are you?† And the answer rang out, â€Å"A citizen of the Foundation.† It worked-with the crowd, at any rate. The pent-up silence broke into an intense hum. The Mule’s name might excite fear, but it was, after all, a new name and scarcely stuck as deeply in the vitals as the old one of the Foundation – that had destroyed the Empire – and the fear of which ruled a quadrant of the Galaxy with ruthless despotism. The lieutenant kept face. He said, â€Å"Are you aware of the identity of the man behind you?† â€Å"I have been told he’s a runaway from the court of your leader, but my only sure knowledge is that he is a friend of mine. You’ll need firm proof of his identity to take him.† There were high-pitched sighs from the crowd, but the lieutenant let it pass. â€Å"Have you your papers of Foundation citizenship with you?† â€Å"At my ship.† â€Å"You realize that your actions are illegal? I can have you shot.† â€Å"Undoubtedly. But then you would have shot a Foundation citizen and it is quite likely that your body would be sent to the Foundation – quartered – as part compensation. It’s been done by other warlords.† The lieutenant wet his lips. The statement was true. He said, â€Å"Your name?† Toran followed up his advantage, â€Å"I will answer further questions at my ship. You can get the cell number at the Hangar; it is registered under the name ‘Bayta’.† â€Å"You won’t give up the runaway?† â€Å"To the Mule, perhaps. Send your master!† The conversation had degenerated to a whisper and the lieutenant turned sharply away. â€Å"Disperse the crowd!† he said to his men, with suppressed ferocity. The electric whips rose and fell. There were shrieks and a vast surge of separation and flight. Toran interrupted his reverie only once on their way back to the Hangar. He said, almost to himself, â€Å"Galaxy, Bay, what a time I had! I was so scared-â€Å" â€Å"Yes,† she said, with a voice that still shook, and eyes that still showed something akin to worship, â€Å"it was quite out of character.† â€Å"Well, I still don’t know what happened. I just got up there with a stun pistol that I wasn’t even sure I knew how to use, and talked back to him. I don’t know why I did it.† He looked across the aisle of the short-run air vessel that was carrying them out of the beach area, to the seat on which the Mule’s clown scrunched up in sleep, and added distastefully, â€Å"It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.† The lieutenant stood respectfully before the colonel of the garrison, and the colonel looked at him and said, â€Å"Well done. Your part’s over now.† But the lieutenant did not retire immediately. He said darkly, â€Å"The Mule has lost face before a mob, sir. It will be necessary to undertake disciplinary action to restore proper atmosphere of respect.† â€Å"Those measures have already been taken.† The lieutenant half turned, then, almost with resentment, â€Å"I’m willing to agree, sir, that orders are orders, but standing before that man with his stun pistol and swallowing his insolence whole, was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.† How to cite Foundation and Empire 13. Leutenant And Clown, Essay examples

Friday, December 6, 2019

Self Esteem Paper Essay Sample free essay sample

Tom Thacker Is hiking childrens self esteem a valuble educational tool? The ‘self esteem movement’ was introduced chiefly in American and some British schools. to do kids experience better about themselves so they would hold a assurance encouragement and feel like they could acheive anything they put their mnds to. The ‘self esteem movement’ thought to censor bad classs because ‘they argued that neglecting or acquiring a low class was an unpleasant experience’ . and some schools went every bit far as to give every piece of work an A class. The ‘self esteem movement’ wasn’t helpful for pupils because if they weren’t larning the correct skills so it would be highly difficult for them to derive a successful calling as ‘universities refused to purchase into this bunk ; universities needed pupils with cognition. accomplishments and suited attitudes and employers needed employees who were capable of making the job’ . Children holding ‘self esteem’ is a strong portion of instruction but they besides need little dissapointments in life to fix them for subsequently life. We will write a custom essay sample on Self Esteem Paper Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Parents were finally sucked in to the motion and were told ‘they should hike their childrens ‘self esteem’ by praising the for anything they did’ . An American societal observer Jean M. Twenge argued that the motion was ‘anti educational’ and that by ‘protecting them from critisism in childhood meant that they were wholly unprepared for grownup life’ . She besides argued that the effects of this that there would be ‘a coevals of self-obsessed kids who had chidren who had no criterions againt which to judge their behavior or achievements’ . they haven’t been taught criterions. so is there a criterion for them any longer. Jean M. Twenge besides argued the manner to acquire the best out of kids is through difficult work and pattern non by stating them to ‘follow their dream’ and ‘that they can hold anything if they want it enough’ because in the existent it’s merely non true. Chldrens’s ‘self esteem’ is a valuble tool but merely to a certain grade. their are many other parts to a complete instruction which are merely as of import. The lone manner to better on something is to pattern and as any people say ‘practice makes perfect’ . In my sentiment the ‘self regard movement’ is non a valube educational tool because it doesn’t offer any positive facets to the kids apart from a short period of felicity which would rapidly come to stop.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Antibiotics Essays (521 words) - Bacteriology,

Antibiotics Antibiotics are chemical compounds used to kill or inhibit the growth of infectious organisms. Originally the term antibiotic referred only to organic compounds, produced by bacteria or molds, that are toxic to other microorganisms. The term is now used loosely to include synthetic and semisynthetic organic compounds. Antibiotic refers generally to antibacterials; however, because the term is loosely defined, it is preferable to specify compounds as being antimalarials, antivirals, or antiprotozoals. All antibiotics share the property of selective toxicity: They are more toxic to an invading organism than they are to an animal or human host. Penicillin is the most well-known antibiotic and has been used to fight many infectious diseases, including syphilis, gonorrhea, tetanus, and scarlet fever. Another antibiotic, streptomycin, has been used to combat tuberculosis. Antibiotics can be classified in several ways. The most common method classifies them according to their action against the infecting organism. Some antibiotics attack the cell wall; some disrupt the cell membrane; and the majority inhibit the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, the polymers that make up the bacterial cell. Another method classifies antibiotics according to which bacterial strains they affect: staphylococcus, streptococcus, or Escherichia coli, for example. Antibiotics are also classified on the basis of chemical structure, as penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, or sulfonamides, among others. Most antibiotics act by selectively interfering with the synthesis of one of the large-molecule constituents of the cell?the cell wall or proteins or nucleic acids. Some, however, act by disrupting the cell membrane . Some important and clinically useful drugs interfere with the synthesis of peptidoglycan, the most important component of the cell wall. These drugs include the B-lactam antibiotics, which are classified according to chemical structure into penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. All these antibiotics contain a B-lactam ring as a critical part of their chemical structure, and they inhibit synthesis of peptidoglycan, an essential part of the cell wall. They do not interfere with the synthesis of other intracellular components. The continuing buildup of materials inside the cell exerts ever greater pressure on the membrane, which is no longer properly supported by peptidoglycan. The membrane gives way, the cell contents leak out, and the bacterium dies. These antibiotics do not affect human cells because human cells do not have cell walls. Many antibiotics operate by inhibiting the synthesis of various intracellular bacterial molecules, including DNA, RNA, ribosomes, and proteins. The synthetic sulfonamides are among the antibiotics that indirectly interfere with nucleic acid synthesis. Nucleic-acid synthesis can also be stopped by antibiotics that inhibit the enzymes that assemble these polymers?for example, DNA polymerase or RNA polymerase. Examples of such antibiotics are actinomycin, rifamicin, and rifampicin, the last two being particularly valuable in the treatment of tuberculosis. The quinolone antibiotics inhibit synthesis of an enzyme responsible for the coiling and uncoiling of the chromosome, a process necessary for DNA replication and for transcription to messenger RNA. Some antibacterials affect the assembly of messenger RNA, thus causing its genetic message to be garbled. When these faulty messages are translated, the protein products are nonfunctional. There are also other mechanisms: The tetracyclines compete with incoming transfer-RNA molecules; the aminoglycosides cause the genetic message to be misread and a defective protein to be produced; chloramphenicol prevents the linking of amino acids to the growing protein; and puromycin causes the protein chain to terminate prematurely, releasing an incomplete protein.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Stonehnege essays

Stonehnege essays Some of the most extraordinary monuments in the world today are megaliths. Megaliths are ancient standing stones that have sacred meanings of knowledge, rituals, and ceremonies that were built by early civilization. One of the most exceptional megaliths in Europe today is Stonehenge. Stonehenge is in a part of the Western Downs called the Salisbury Plains in Wiltshire England. Encircled by a discontinuous ditch, Stonehenge's vast array of smooth, gray colored, 30-foot high stones are spread over 320 feet in diameter. It took over 1200 years to build Stonehenge, a life span of 50 generations. This magnificent monument was built in three main stages during this time frame. In the early stages of Stonehenge Phase I, the first circular ditch or moat was dug around 2750 BC with the use of crude instruments such as bones and stones. This ditch was built with an earth bank inside it. A ring of holes, known as the Aubrey Holes, were excavated inside the bank (Discovery). The holes were shallow and carefully spaced, and almost immediately filled in after being dug. Archaeological studies have shown the Aubrey Holes never contained stones or wooden posts; however there were a few instances where bones had been inserted after the holes had been filled (Discovery). Scientists have yet to find the meaning of the Aubrey Holes even after excavation. Other features of the Stonehenge- Phase I have puzzled researchers such as; the Heel Stone and several irregular lines of wooden posts that sit outside the entrance to the northeast. The Heel Stone is a leaning stone that is 20 feet high with four feet concealed underground. This stone weighs an estimated 35 tons and stands within the Avenue leading to Stonehenge. The Heel Stone, when viewed from the center of the sarsen circle, aligns with the rising sun at daybreak on Midsummer Day, at the summer solstice. The existence of this sightline was finally proved by the computer calculations of astr...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Procter and Gamble Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Procter and Gamble - Case Study Example This is because; the organic sales segment increased its sale by 3% for the period between 2012 and 2013, compared to the general growth in the total sales of 1% (Procter & Gamble, 2013). The essence of P&G growing its brands to over 300+ is to ensure that it serves virtually every area of the consumer needs, such that the consumers are able to continuously purchase household products from P&G to satisfy every area of their life. In this respect, P&G has categorized its business into five segments, all of them seeking to satisfy the basic everyday consumer needs (Procter & Gamble, 2013). The probable products that will carry on the growth of P&G are the Baby Care and Family Care segment products, for example the Always sanitary napkins and the Pampers diapers, owing to the fact that this segment generates the company more revenues than the other four segments (Kumar, 2014). Some of the brands that the company will sell may include the laundry product Fab and also Fekkai hair products (Kumar, 2014). The investors of P&G should be encouraged, since the restructuring will maintain brands that earn the highest revenues for the company, while eliminating the most costly p roducts. The restructuring is informed by the need to lower the company’s operating costs, and thus increase the profit margins and the shareholders earnings for up to 4.3% (Kumar, 2014). A.G. Lafley is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of P&G (Nisen, 2013). Lafley management principles are making tough business decisions, and then mobilizing the whole team behind the decisions. The most inspiring thing about Lafley’s leadership style is that he does not leave strategies half-way developed, but rather pursues a strategy to the end, until its benefits or failures are well elaborate (Nisen, 2013). This strategy motivates the whole workforce to put their best foot forward until the results of a strategy are realized, which is what is creating more motivation for the P&G

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Scenario medication management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Scenario medication management - Essay Example We will be touching a few topics that come under this heading. We are first going to talk about â€Å"Mental Capacity†. There is actually an act on mental capacity which is called â€Å"The Mental Capacity Act 2005† which basically states that a framework is there to protect and empower people who are incapable for not making their own decisions. This act makes it clear that the person who can make decisions for that incapable person would be held responsible in the future. The individual who is looking after the invalid should have the best interest for the person. The individual must also consider that whether it is likely that the invalid person in time or in future will be able to make their own decisions. As it is said by British Geriatrics Society that â€Å"Mental capacity is a legal concept and any decision as to whether a person does or does not have mental capacity is ultimately a decision for a court of law†. For example: that is a nurse gives a medication or a drug with a food item or liquid other than water it might cause a reaction and the person who solely be responsible for this conduct would be the nurse that gave the patient the medication, where the patient was in no condition to make his or her own decision. Now lets move on to the second topic which is called â€Å"Role of Pharmacist &MDT†. As we have always recognized that the medical consultants work within a clinical team and they have the sole responsibility for the clinical management of the patients assigned to them but with in that team the pharmacist has a specific and the most important responsibility and that responsibility is to provide safe and appropriate use of medication or drugs. When we look at the role of a pharmacist in a hospital setting it should basically include medication storage, packaging and compounding, support personnel, see drug expenditure and quality improvement and

Monday, November 18, 2019

Satanism and Suicide in the School Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Satanism and Suicide in the School - Case Study Example For this case study, the potential positive consequences include agreeing with the parents that the Halloween holiday has no place in the school. Negative consequences include disagreeing with the parents and allowing the pupils to attend the Halloween party. The risk here will be discontentment from parents who might decide to transfer their pupils and as a result, be fired by the school’s board (Callison and McAllister 84). I will evaluate the outcome of my decision/the school’s decision based on the pupils performance, parents and boards approval or support, and the number of pupils who joins the school. Reach a compromise agreement with the parents will enhance learning, and improve the school’s performance. In this case study, the problem that needs to be resolved is that of a pupil in the school who has thoughts of committing suicide, and as such, as the principle I need to decide what to do. This process should involve the pupil, his/her parents, his/her immediate teacher and a counselor. I will need to communicate to the pupil, his/her parents, and his/her immediate teacher. The potential positive for this case is getting the pupil to change his attitudes and help the pupil to give away that disturbing wish and thought of wanting to die; simply keeping the pupil alive (Callison and McAllister 106). For this case, a negative consequence will be to fail to get the pupil some substantial help, thus resulting in the pupil committing suicide. I will evaluate my decision based on whether the pupil is able to fend that suicidal feeling and stay alive or not. In case, the pupil does not get help and ends up committing suicide, the other pupils and the entire school community will be devastat ed.  

Friday, November 15, 2019

Rituals And Beliefs In Venezuela

Rituals And Beliefs In Venezuela In Venezuela and around the world has had been developed endless medical specialties, psychological, science and technology very rapidly, in the same way and nearly at the same speed, also, has emerged a large number of beliefs, myths, religions that each day rises with a booming effect. In fact, in the XXI century these religions, beliefs and superstitious practices, such as witchcraft, they manifest themselves with a large number of followers and/or curious people that are consulted with the idea that the shaman, medium or wizard help them to solve their problems, whether physical, mental, economic or any other nature. Some people queried for evil or revenge from others who according to them are the responsible to the origin of the conflict, and then there are those still without ever having attended a witchcraft ritual or religion and they are usually followers of Christianity or Catholicism, those people express to believe or to be under the effects of a work of magic and / or sorcery, or have a firm belief that witchcraft is real and something to be fear of. We often hear from these people phrases like I dont believe in witches, but if there are, there are, or with the Saints do not play (referring to Santeria which is a syncretic cult of witchcraft). Santeria: A religion that combines beliefs of the Yoruba and Bantu people of Southern Nigeria, Senegal, and the Guinea coast with elements of Roman Catholicism, with roots in the Caribbean. Donnelly (2005:65) explains how in this century Venezuelans increasingly break with a series of taboos imposed from the Spanish conquest about customs and religion, which opens a new door to the practice of rituals, spiritualism and occultism, being a heritage of ancestors, natives and slaves of the past. This cultural legacy, talking about occultism, rites and religions intermingle to combine religion, magic, occultism, between the sacred and pagan, between the rational and irrational, is to give a deeper meaning to life or tangible and its problems, is to looking for a closer God and not abstract or distant one. (Marin,1986:27). Because many of the religious practices and beliefs are transmitted by oral tradition, such as Santeria, they have not established a clear basis; in fact many of these religions and pseudo religions are characterized by a complex process of syncretism that even today continues. According Gruson (1970:34), the most popular religion is Catholicism, where 80 percent of the population consider themselves Catholic, whether or not they are participants. The faithful believe in God, but he is far from this world, the rites are directed towards the saints, the Virgin and the Souls who are closer to the humans. Religion provides the afflicted people the solution of many problems, including physical and mental health; also it has recreational purposes (dances, parties), psychological (ego gratification, when a person has an important position in the ritual organization), social (cronyism) and medicinal (miracle cures). Popular religions believe in nature spirits and other supernatural entities, ghosts and miraculous goblins, this is considered Catholic and does not cause damage to the basic structure of religion. Private rites are secrets, they are done in time of crisis, performed with a single purpose, but the intention is to alleviate the problem of the client or do evil, while the public rites are rather linked to official Catholicism. A mixture between paganism and sacred characterizes popular Catholicism. The rituals and symbols of Catholicism often have a different meaning for members of the educated classes than lower class or humble peasants. Catholics go to church, but also they practice rites of Santerà ­a at spiritualist centres, at the same time they may visit the graves of folk saints, spiritual healers or get a consultation via Internet. Even in most TV channels is possible to watch programs of cartomancy, tarot, among others, with a considerable rating, over 7%. (IBOPE AGB Venezuela, 2010). For example, baptism is considered a rite that protects the newborn against all evil influences; the cross for example, contains powers to ward off evil spirits. Although the Christianization of the Indians and black slaves during the colonial era, many concepts and oldest religious practices were preserved, which could flourish outside of official Christianity, all this is embedded so strong on this culture, that some medical professionals recommend the use of spell against the evil eye and shingles (sufferings of religious connotation) (Molina,1947:90-110). There is no evidence of serious or reflective studies regarding the present topic, but it is interesting to note that religious and pagan is widespread in this country, rituals of witchcraft, sorcery, popular religiosity and Catholic beliefs has been mixed together; among the most common are Nigerian Santeria or traditional and Cuban santeria (Martin, 1983:74). The practice of psychotherapy in Venezuela is new, there are very few professionals in the country and it is not specifically regulated by any entity, except the Venezuelan Association of Psychotherapist (AVEPSI), located in the capital city Caracas and formed in 2009. The practice of this specialty in Venezuela is highly welcomed by the general public, but a continuous education and feedback from the therapist towards the client and vice versa, in areas such as clinical hypnosis, beliefs in the supernatural, myths and rituals are necessary. The therapist may face a diversity of situations, similar to those faced Carl Jung and referred in his thesis On the Psychology and Pathology of So-Called Occult Phenomena (1902) in which he describes a young woman apparently suffering supernatural attacks. According to the previous explanation, surges a need to do a study that lead to answer the following question: Does beliefs; religious or esoteric practices of Venezuelans influence the psychotherapeutic practice in Venezuela? From the above question arise the following objectives: General objective Describe the influence of religions, beliefs, magic and witchcraft in the practice of psychotherapy in Venezuela SPECIFIC OBJETIVES Identify religious beliefs, magic or witchcraft on patients attending psychotherapeutic consultation. Estimate approximately the practice of religious rituals, magic or witchcraft in clients attending to psychotherapeutic consultation. Recognize the efficiency of Psychotherapy Techniques in the treatment of clients with religious tendencies or witchcraft practitioners. CHAPTER I Theoretical Framework Rites and Beliefs in Venezuela Some scholars take the practice of witchcraft in Venezuela as somewhat folkloric (Cazabone, 2009:89) unlike other countries where some rites have diabolical connotations with animal sacrifices involved. This folkloric aspect is closely linked with the Venezuelan humorous character, who in general do not take very seriously the powers of magic; the just in case, or I dont believe in witches, but if there are, there are, gives a sense of belief in certain aspects in the occult. Branch (in Zalazar et al, 2001:67) concluded that this Venezuelan way of be is a historic stereotype, derivative from miscegenation and the character of the participants on it, highlighting the ingenuity of indigenous, the hard labour of black workers and the conquerors arrogance. These archetypes explains Branch, play an important role to explaining the Venezuelan people characteristics , concluding that the Venezuelan broadly is cheerful and humorous by its black and Spanish heritage, smart for his Spanish and Indian roots, loving and generous the Indian heredity, but by the other hand, the negative side, lazy by the Indian essence, disorganized and wasteful by their black ancestry, disrespectful to the law and violent by the Spanish origin, nevertheless none of these influences have or are backed by scientific evidence, are simply social images that continue to be relevant (Zalazar et al, 2001:89). Moreover, beliefs and magic-religious practices are a privileged means to express realities, conflicts, emotions and hidden feelings, taking place beyond the ability to be rational. Christian (2009:30-45) explains that a great number of people light candles to different deities (Black First, Philip Black, Guaicaipuro, Maria Lionza, etc.) In order they may grant miracles or favours. This use of gadgets is a psychological strategy, Figueroa (2005:82) explains that humans use to control their lives and overcome their limitations in an environment that sometimes exceeds his capacity for understanding and action. Moreover, the use of talismans and / or amulets or just called vulture seed, the aloe plant are used in rituals and cults as a means of protection or lucky charms. Cabazone (2009:97) describes that the leader and ex-president Romulo Betancourt said with an air of certainty that his pipe was put under spell by a witch, and many believed that this was the key to its success. Magic and all its techniques is one of these resources and sometimes this faith on a ritual or belief generates spectacular solutions. Figueroa (2005:89) suggest, that the use of talismans and amulets dates from the ancient times and worldwide great men, politicians, artists, soldiers, athletes, etc., have behaved and carry symbols of good luck, giving high regard to the power of positive suggestion, so have been able to accomplish their purposes. The psychological effect makes believers to have faith on the amulet, rite, or talisman. The role of religion in Venezuelan culture and beliefs As discussed, the cultural background and miscegenation have been influential in Venezuelan culture, even on the whole Latin America despite an apparent secularization. Notably, worldwide, all cultures of the world were shaped by religion, no one ethnic group escapes this process and on the same area, magical religious traditions and customs have influenced significantly in social relationships, community life and moral codes, this faith in supernatural beings is evident not only in Venezuela but throughout the world (Pollak-Eltz, 2004:69). In Venezuela and throughout Latin America, Catholicism, shaped the culture that until recently had absolute monopoly; all social classes were influenced. Today the official and popular religions are expressions of different types of lifestyles, on the one hand, traditional or popular religiosity has curative and magical and is generally practiced by popular sectors and secondly official Roman Catholicism practiced by people in urban areas. In this sense, the proliferation of rites and beliefs and personal interpretations of followers and practitioners and the lack of a defined priestly liturgy make these practices and cults an easy target of charlatans and abusers. Among the most popular cults is that of Maria Lionza, in which the medium is possessed he or she fall in trance (matter) and them the spirit that possesses the person is consulted and this gives advice to the person seeking help. The cult of Maria Lionza is complex and covers all magical and religious beliefs of Venezuelan people and forms a synthesis of magical practices, within a religious context. (Pollak-Eltz, 2004:82). Can be said that this is a syncretic cult with practical solutions through rituals that recognize the values of Christianity, in fact, Maria Lionza is sometimes identified with the Virgin of Coromoto and/or an indigenous spirit. Magic is present on this cult and its techniques are neither good nor bad, but can be used for do good or evil. Wizards pretend to manipulate those forces and claim to possess supernatural and extraordinary powers to communicate with the supernatural world (matter). Pollak-Eltz (2004:83) states that Faith is the cause of miracles. Because these techniques can be learnt, the magician is not responsible for acts performed; he or she is an officer to whom the client pays their services. This magician or medium often has the knowledge to solve problems and cure diseases, and is an excellent psychologist despite his limited formal education. According Pollak-Eltz (2004:106) or pagan religion of witchcraft was faded from the countryside to the cities. This culture is broadly Christian and despite advances in technology and medicine is popular religiosity more alive than ever, and thats because the popular religion is utilitarian, giving spiritual support and serves as a psychological calming in times of personal crisis. Saignes (in Pollak-Eltz 2004:65), states that Historically, whites and slaves used to consult black healers that often had more success than white surgeons in healing the sick. Their knowledge on medicinal plants and magical rites brought a increased the prestige of the African medicine-men. This figure of the magician or sorcerer could be seen as the representation of an idol, which has the privilege to channel and guide the prosperity or misfortune at will of others. This is reflected according to Rojas (2006:30), in the particular character of Venezuelan people when they worship a person or religious figure on which can be trusted and surrender. Popular Religion The misfortunes and influence that the church had in the 19th and 20th has no relevance in how Venezuelans built his ideas about faith and deities. Since colonial times, this unique blend between religion and popular religion came framed on a profound mystery of the supernatural and esoteric (Gackstetter et al, 2010:45). There is a term called The three powers, has nothing to do with the Catholic Trinity. Maria Lionza is symbolized as the Virgin Mary, these represent the three main components of the country identity, in other words, European, African and indigenous. On this court of spirits enters Simon Bolivar (liberator of Venezuela from Spanish rule) Andrà ©s Bello, Negro Felipe (First Black, a black slave who was also murdered by the colonists), Negra Matea (Bolà ­vars nanny), Jose Gregorio Hernandez and other Catholic saints. The cult of Maria Lionza is not a religion guided or hierarchical; the shaman or mediums simply ask questions to the believers about their families, problems, disputes, financial problems, or medical problems. Sometimes people who seek help and have a relative in jail, seek help from Juan Vicente Gomez, those political questions do through Simon Bolivar. Believers generally have a high intensity of spiritual devotion, and made a pilgrimage to Sorte Mountain (near Chivacoa in Yaracuy State) with the belief that the goddess will solve the situation or mishap. Believers choose a corner in the woods or a bend in the river to build an altar from which invoke, this is called portals. Usually is decorated with photographs, figures and figurines, glasses with rum or brandy, cigars, cigarettes cross, flowers and fruits. There are several versions of this legend. One of them says that a green-eye Indian woman called Yara was baptized as Maria del Prado of Talavera de Niva. The Cacique Yaracuy sent her to the mountains where it is said she rode on an ounce (leopardus pardali). So Mary was called the Onza and then Maria Lionza. It is believed that her cult was born of devotion to the forces of nature and the spirits of the rivers, jungles and caves. Maria Lionza is part of a trinity along with Guaicaipuro, an Indian chief murdered by the Spanish colonists, and Negro Felipe. These three saints are the leading figures of the cult and lead several courts of lesser deities. These courts are: The Indian Court led by Marà ­a Lionza and composed of many Venezuelan Indian chiefs. The Medical Court led by Josà © Gregorio Hernà ¡ndez and composed of many other famous doctors. The Court of the Juans made up by a number of figures belonging to Venezuelan folklore. The Teachers Court led by Andrà ©s Bello and some other authors. The Black and African Court, led by popular black figures of Venezuelan history such as La Negra Matea (who was a slave to the Bolivars and nanny of Simà ³n Bolà ­var), and El Negro Primero (Pedro Camejo) who was known as Negro Primero because he was black and also among the first to go into combat. The Celestial Court composed of a number of Catholic saints. The Political Court, which includes Simà ³n Bolà ­var. The Court of Malandros, made up of deceased criminals. The Viking Court, with various of the important Viking chiefs. Maria Lionza has had a great social and cultural significance that transcends their followers. Her cult was unveiled outside Yaracuy to the 50s of last century, when in 1953 during the tenure of General Marcos Pà ©rez Jimà ©nez, the sculptor Alexander Hill (1901-1953) built the famous sculpture of Maria Lionza on a Tapir, (Tapirus terrestris), which has been for over 50 years on the Eastern Freeway in Caracas. On this cult nothing is written, is transmitted orally from generation to generation (cited in http://www.rnw.nl/espanol/video/cultos-populares-venezuela-adoraci%C3%B3n-de-mar%C3%ADa-lionza., 2021). Most relevant Churches and cults in Venezuela Among religious organizations and cults largest in the country are: (source: Directorate of Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Justice in Venezuela,1989). 1. Protestant or Evangelical: After the Diet of Speyer* or Diet of Spires protest in 1529, there was no intention of proselytizing in Latin America, neither to the evangelizing mission. The main interest was focused only on the Reformation, which resulted that Protestantism could not take root in Latin America until the mid-nineteenth century with little success. However, over the years the indicators have changed, even the statistics of late twentieth century are really growing not only in terms of evangelical denominations but also on other spiritualistic denominations. They are grouped into the following: a. Anglicanism. b. Presbyterian Church c. Lutheran Church. d. Baptists. e. New Tribes Mission. *Diet of Speyer or Diet of Spires refers to any of the sessions of the Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire, of which 50 took place between 838 and 1570 in the city of Speyer (Spires), now in Germany. The most famous sessions occurred in 1526 and 1529 (Wikipedia 2011). 2. Confederate Evangelicals: Religious currents coming from the United States and has Christian connotations. 3. The Pentecostals: They represent a rapidly growing movement with unique characteristics. This religious movement is marked by Methodism and the American Baptists. Pentecostals came to Venezuela in 1940, and its founder the Rev. Irvin Olson, an American Baptist who chose Barquisimeto as pilot center to establish the first Assembly of God in Venezuela. Then extend his work to Caracas the capital city and Falcon. 4. Pseudo Christian religion or Millennialists: These religions tend to grow easily. They have in common that their founders made a personal interpretation of the Bible, creating a new dogma around it, which means, to give different meaning to the tradition, followers believe to have the absolute truth (Mangas and Montero, 2001:110). In Venezuela there are three organizations: The Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA), Jehovahs Witnesses and Mormons, the latter without registration within the Directorate of Justice and Religion. a. Seventh-day Adventists Church. b. Jehovahs Witnesses. c. Mormons. 5. Spiritual Centre: Its the Venezuelan significant inclination toward the esoteric, rituals and astral. It is not based on beliefs but on personal needs. This conciliation between the sacred and the profane has its essence in animism and polytheism primitive Strengthened by the African Christian cult with an apparent institutionalism. The Indians embraced the faith of the Catholic Church, but the survival of their beliefs and their closeness to the African slaves produced that Kind of new beliefs. 5.1. The popular indigenous court: This tendency is associated to aboriginal elements. For example, the Indian man thought on the power of natural phenomena, on the stones, lakes, rivers, and the acquisition of that supernatural power conceived by their gods. These beliefs were transmitted to subsequent generations and were fed by transcultural elements including Santeria and Spiritualism. There is no hierarchy that identifies these elements on the contemporary society. What for the Indian was a deity for the healer now is a means of economic livelihood and it is seen as a company with excellent clientele. 5.2. Spiritualists: Along with santeria, this is one of the most advanced forms of mysterious beliefs based mostly on spiritualism of Allan Kardec, French teacher and educator. He is known today as the systematizer of Spiritism for which he laid the foundation with the five books of the Spiritist Codification. It is believed that Spiritism entered to our country under the influence of immigrants from Brazil and Colombia, product of oil fever. There is no hierarchy around which are organized. The chief head leads the worship and is invoking otherworldly beings, becoming the medium and are called to perform miracles, healings, among others of its kind. 5.3. Santeria: This form of religion is more complex than others. There is a mix of indigenous elements with spiritualist elements, African and Christian origining a semi-organized hybrid. This religion takes the structure of an ancient African tribal religion of the coast of Nigeria, and has three priestly orders: the babalaos, the Orishas ministers and priests of a particular deity. African slaves brought this religion and their main centres are in Brazil, Cuba, and Haiti, subsequently gaining followers in Colombia and Venezuela (Gonzalez-Wippler, 1989:45). The Santeria in Venezuela have made an even greater mixture, they have found an equivalence between the African gods with Catholic saints, so, for example, Chango (god of lightning and thunder) has its equivalent on Santa Barbara, Oshun (river goddess) at Nuestra Seà ±ora de la Caridad del Cobre (Our Lady of Charity of Copper) and so on, giving a deity character to popular saints like Jose Gregorio Hernandez, Maria Lionza, Negro Felipe, among many others. To the priests formation a kind of tutor is assigned, who is responsible to teach the apprentice all mysteries and then a new priest is ordained. They prepare their ceremonies at sites near rivers or on a mountain as located at Sorte, Yaracuy. Once ordained, the priest is ready to heal, and to remove evils spirits, that acording to them are the ones who tie the individual. Constants pilgrimages are made from inside the country to Sorte Mountain. There are transport companies that offer their services to the mountain, plus a large number of ordained priests, commonly called doctors or sorcerers, who organize these trips from their centres. It will be noted that trade (merchandising) around these cults is prosperous (consultations, travel, esoteric products, candles, text, perfumes, etc). 5.4. The cult of Maria Lionza: The cult of Maria Lionza comes to represent the formation of a Venezuelan indigenous religion with elements of other cultures, in which prevails the origing of the worship of a deity indigenous enriched with Africans religious culture and spiritualism. 6. Sects 6.1. The Moonies: The name usually are due to its founder Sun Myung Moon, born in North Korea in 1920. The organization has the official name of Association for the Unification of World Christianity (AUCM) and aims to create a society based on the seeding of spiritual values and on the driving of the family towards real peace. 6.2. Scientology: Its founder is the American Lafayette Ron Hubbard (1911-1986), a specialist in 25 professions in which stand out those of the writer of science fiction (65millones of copies sold of the book The Way to Happiness and screenwriter) . The church is considered a company in all aspects. They have a very distinct structure. Its principles are based on the Dianetics which consists of the individual healing itself freeing the enslaved spirit. The procedure to achieve this end is by attending sessions called audition where the individual is subjected to purification by employing a tool called electropsychometer device that detects areas of spiritual distress. This method is progressive. The initiate discards their old beliefs and acquires new rules that he/she must comply according with the amount of promotions obtained. 6.3. Eastern Syncretism: Unlike the animadversion generated in Venezuela during a good part of twentieth century the sects, today are accepted and a significant number of Venezuelans profess parallel and simultaneously in their religion some of these beliefs. It is common to hear things like this: I am a Catholic but I received the tao or I am a Catholic but I like going to the talks of Buddhist metaphysics. All this is due to the openness of the Eastern sects who reconciled Christianity with their religious precepts and the openness of Venezuelan society to allow several beliefs coexist with both. The use of ritual in psychotherapy as a tool for change The use of rituals is an effective tool in some patients on the practice of psychotherapy in Venezuela and is often the only way to convince the patient that his mind can be healed, free from beings, spirits, influences, or spells that threatening the physical and mental health of the person. The ritual was always an issue discussed by anthropologists who have described the customs and rituals of peoples and communities. Its therapeutic efficacy for change has been described by many clinicians in systemic literature (Ochoa de Alda, 1995:89). Notably rituals are not heritage of therapists, but procedures of the peoples, families and cultures. An important point is that, in practice as therapists, it should take into account the importance of these phenomena on individuals and families who participate in these traditions (and any other), and knowing these procedures, that are made spontaneously it may arise new ideas for generating alternatives that can be used on a therapeutic context, in order to try to encourage changes that help to get a more adaptive performance, not symptomatic, of families and individuals who, because of their suffering, come to seek therapy. In addition, and of course, as an element well worked, can provide substantial information, especially relational. In psychotherapy is considered that a ritual includes a set of actions and / or symbolic interactions more or less structured, they are not restricted only to the completion ceremony, but include the entire process of preparation, the implementation experience and reintegration back to everyday life (Rappaport, 1971:12). A ritual must be composed of the following elements: symbols, open and closed parts and the need to be developed in a space and in a special time (Whiting, 1991:56). The symbols or symbolic actions are the minimum element would constitute a ritual. The link to the meaning of the symbol that appears is usually a personal construction, family or social. Besides rituals symbols consist of open parts and closed parts together. The enclosed parts are the parts of unchanging ritual common to all performing the ritual, these parts provide the minimum structure rigid enough to reassure strong emotional components, transmit important values and give concrete form to the shares. Instead open parts provide sufficient flexibility for each of the participants in the ritual hand contribution to personal and idiosyncratic experience. In the rituals with an important cultural root is usually prescribed by tradition the place and time that will be the realization of the ceremony. The symbols or symbolic actions are the minimum element that would constitute a ritual. The link of the symbol regarding to the meaning that appears is usually a personal construction, family or social. Besides symbols, the rituals consist of open parts and closed parts that are joined. The closed parts are the parts of unchanging ritual common to everyone who is performing the ritual, these rigid parts provide the minimum structure enough to bring security against strong emotional components, transmit important values and give concrete form to the actions. Instead open parts provide sufficient flexibility for each of the participants in the ritual and the possibility that each one can make his/her contribution according their personal and idiosyncratic experience. The rituals, which have an important cultural root, are usually performed following the tradition, on the place and time specific to the achievement of the ceremony. Type of rituals Rites of passage or transition rituals: described in 1909 by A. Van Gennep. These rituals are performed in the transitions experienced by individuals and groups throughout the life cycle, marking the end of a stage of development and the beginning of a new one. Van Gennep after studying various cultures argues the universality of such rituals. Continuation: rites of intensification. Unlike the transition rituals that are usually performed only once in life of every individual, continuity rituals are executed repeatedly, their purpose is to set the pace of life and maintain continuity, normality within each stage of life cycle. Healing rituals: This would include the rituals performed to cure, heal and keep out certain diseases. Therapeutic Rituals: This includes rituals developed by therapists and used in psychotherapeutic practice, nevertheless psychotherapy may be considered in some cases as a ritual. Haley (1973) considered the treatment that is carried out to treat certain problems and that arise in adolescence (psychosis, behavioural disorders, anorexia) is like an initiation ritual, through which it promotes individuality and necessary emancipation required from the young, as a way to restore him or her to a normal life cycle. Functions of rituals: Ochoa De Alda (1995:56) explains that the main functions that meet the rituals described in the life of societies, peoples, families and individuals are: Rituals make life predictable, providing a sense of belonging to the group that affects the sense of identity of individuals that form it. Rituals, does order and regulate the social functioning, confirming the social structure, while promoting an evolution in this with minimal conflicts. Another primary function is the transmission of culture, values and lasting norms. By one hand, it does create a sense of solidarity, cohesion and continuity in groups, and on the other hand, contribute significantly to the creation of the belief systems of a group (Van der Hart, Voogt and Witzum, 1989:56). The traditional rituals not only channelled social coordination between individuals, families, communities and villages in the here and now, but also between the past, present and future represented by the different generations (Davis, 1987:67). The rituals of transition, allow passing from one stage to other on the life cycle. Its first element of action does that roles, relationships, and world standards are modified during their execution (Davis, 1987:78). Admitting that any transition is to a greater or lesser extent an imbalance, ritual ceremonies

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Chilling Chillingworth the Crook in The Scarlet Letter :: essays research papers

In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne constantly attributes the qualities of a thief to the mysteriously shady character, Roger Chillingworth. Throughout the novel, we see that regardless of who he is around, or where he is, he is repeatedly referred to countless of times as ?the old Black Man? (131). This nickname that he is given displays quite evidently that Hawthorne had no doubt intended for Chillingworth to assume the role of a cold, and shadowy personage akin to that of a lowly thief. As thieves are well known for and need to be, they are usually silent, stealthy, and more often than not, baffling, in the sense that no one else knows their cunningness and what they really are thinking of when they commit their crimes. These attributes match up directly to Roger?s personality, and throughout the novel, we see that he gradually grows to become the exact impersonation of a thief. The below examples serve to demonstrate these similarities. In the first few chapters, all the w ay to the tenth chapter, the reader suspects that Chillingworth has a hidden motive in tagging along as Arthur Dimmesdale?s physician. However, toward the end of chapter eleven, we realize that the mysterious Chillingworth was not simply following Dimmesdale around to hear in on other people?s confessions but also to spy on the reverend minister and his activities! After a period of time, the physician digs up something from Dimmesdale?s past that we are not aware of just yet. However, the reaction which we see upon Chillingworth?s face after his discovery is curious indeed, with him ?[having] a wild look of wonder, joy, and horror? (135) at the same time. Hawthorne goes further beyond this description by comparing this sudden outburst of emotion to Satan?s ecstasy by saying that the only factor which ?distinguished [Chillingworth?s] ecstasy from Satan?s was the trait of wonder in it? (135). As the reader delves deeper into the book, we come to the conclusion that Dimmesdale is inde ed the father of Pearl, the product of the horrendous sin consummated through Dimmesdale?s and Hester?s illicit affair. This point brings us back to Chillingworth?s reaction to realizing this earlier at the end of chapter ten. Although this shocking news explains why Chillingworth might have been angry or horrified, it does not clarify why Chillingworth did not attempt to murder or poison Dimmesdale whilst he had the chance, especially since the reader knows from a point made by Chillingworth earlier in the book, that after Chillingworth had sought out the man who had an affair with his Hester, he would have his long sought-after revenge (73).