How to Cheat the Reaper ::

How to Cheat the Reaper George Brams shivered, despite the warmth of his new car. But George never felt completely warm these days - eighty years had taken their toll on his body, and his tissue-thin flesh provided no barrier against the malevolence of a chilly December night. While locked into familiar routine of driving country lanes, George's mind drifted back to the events of the previous day, and even of the past year. Just when he thought he could safely assume that his old body held no more unpleasant surprises for him, such as his cancer scare a few years ago, strange things had begun to happen. First, there were the voices. They had started about two years ago. At first, he had assumed that an insect had become trapped in his ear, yet he quickly realized that there was not an insect in existence that made this kind of unearthly noise. They seemed to whisper to him from a great distance, yet they sounded remarkably close to his ear. He couldn't quite make out what the voices said, although he had strained his weak ears in the hope of recognizing a stray word. But the voices seemed to slither through the air, continually changing, yet always present. George even thought he recognized some of the voices - of late, they had seemed to increase in volume and urgency, which let the voices spark a fleeting recognition from him - but his memory was old and tired, and the recollection of a familiar voice was swamped in grey and disappeared from his mind. George's heart skipped a beat as he was pulled from his memories by a cat jumping into his car's path, its life saved only by George's still impressively quick reaction. After a few minutes the adrenaline began to leak from George's blood and his breathing slowed. Again the hypnotic nature of the cat's eyes studded along the black road drew George into his memories. He remembered what had happened after he had seen the doctor about the voices - the nightmares. Terrible things that waited until his mind was asleep and open to suggestion, and then dived in, filling the old man's head with such terror that he often awoke himself with his pitiful screams. Before, his wife would wake him before the nightmare reached its surreal and horrifying conclusion, but now Rose was†¦ gone.

Harvey Wasserman’s ‘Robber Baron’: Criticizing Essay

â€Å"Robber Barons† Harvey Wasserman’s â€Å"Robber Baron† is a harsh critic of not only legendary titans in the American business history, but also of the politics and politicians of the Gilded Age. In his monograph, the images of â€Å"robber barons†, corrupt politicians and laissez-faire government is conjured in the era wherein many important sectors of the American economy were dominated by a handful of firms as cut-throat business competition were compounded by frequent economic contractions that gripped the nation. Wasserman accused the captains of industry of financial trickery and of political corruption with the bribing of legislatures, and attacking them for the inhumane treatment of labor which included the imposition of heavy hours, unhealthy working conditions and using cheap immigrant labor to undercut wage rates. But above all, Wasserman condemned them as merciless monopolists who engaged in ruthless competition by choking off rivals using railroad rebates, controlling raw materials and money supply, and the forced purchase of competing firms. According to Wasserman, Carnegie, Rockefeller, Morgan, and Vanderbilt all had something in common – they were all â€Å"Robber Barons† who monopolize the railroad, petroleum, banking, and steel industries, profiting massively and gaining personally, but not doing a whole lot for the common wealth. Many of the schemes and techniques that are used today to rob people of what is rightfully theirs, such as pensions, stocks, and even their jobs, were invented and used often by these four men. Wasserman’s narrative relentlessly pursue troubling and crippling side effects of the Gilded Age: high levels of political corruption, the arrogance of global economic power, the twisting of the U. S. tax code, and the voter belief in the captivity of government to private interests. But is it fair to consummate in totality, as per Wasserman, these early industrialists as â€Å"robber barons† and the business practices of the Gilded Age as completely corrupt and pointless? The stereotype is indeed irresistible, especially so that it resonates in our time with the Enron, WorldCom and other corporate debacles. But nonetheless, Wasserman’s critique of capitalism is one-sided and obscures other dimensions of corporate activity and opportunity during the era. Take for instance, the doubling of the number of farms and the amount of land in cultivation during the period, the increased size of the workforce, especially in the manufacturing sector, the increased railroad track mileage and the swelling of steel production – all pointed to a surging Gross National Product (GNP). With increased life expectancy, economic data proved that industrialization indeed did raise the standard of living for the majority of Americans during that era. The railroads that became the point of contention between business moguls, was the definite symbol of industrialization as it lowered the cost of shipping freight, which in turn permitted the reduction in the prices consumers paid for food and durable items, thus creating the evolution of national markets that stimulated new levels of competition, opportunity and further growth. Although it still remains an endless debate as to the exact preposition that beholds the likes of Carnegies, Rockefeller, Morgan and Vanderbilt, it is beyond doubt that corporations, a number of which were owned by these men, were the engines of economic growth. In the 40 years following Appomattox, the United States amazed European investors and bankers with the speed at which she changed from a backward agricultural republic to the most powerful industrial force in the world. During the years of the so-called â€Å"robber barons†, America outpaced other nations by large margins when it came to growth in per-capita income, industrial production and rising values generally. Moreover, the Gilded Age also saw economic participation at all levels of society, including numerous previously disenfranchised constituencies. Thus, it is worth noting, Wasserman’s narrative, along with that of Charles Beard and Matthew Josephson (the original creator of the â€Å"robber barons† dichotomy), needs a further reassessment. From Wasserman’s narrative, it is easy to reach the conclusion that the post Civil War program providing subsidies to western railroads was a disaster, a way of transferring millions of the people’s wealth to a few politically well-connected plutocrats. Seemingly, it would have been attempted. But when all the dust settled, the United States did have a transcontinental railroad. Without the offer of mammoth government subsidies, such railroad construction would not have happened for decades.

Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse

The topic I chose for this project was the link between domestic violence and substance abuse. From the research that I did, there is a definite link between domestic abuse and substance abuse. According to the National Coalition against domestic violence, â€Å"Regular alcohol abuse is one of the leading factors for intimate partner violence. † Approximately 61% of domestic violence offenders also have substance abuse problems. Domestic violence is the use of intentional emotional, psychological, sexual, or physical force by one family member or partner to control another.These acts can include, verbal abuse, threats, physical abuse, sexual abuse, destroying the victim's possessions, slapping, punching, kicking, burning, stabbing, shooting, or killing the victim's. A woman is beaten every 15 SECONDS in the United States, 30% of female trauma patients have been the victim of domestic violence. The medical costs for women who have been injured by their partners total to more th an 44 million annually. Researchers have found that one-fourth to one half of men who commit acts of domestic violence also have substance abuse issues.A study conducted by the â€Å"Department of Justice† of murders in families found that more than one half of defendants accused of murdering their spouses, as well as almost half of the victim's, had been drinking alcohol at the time of the incident. Alcohol and drugs may be used to cope with the physical, emotional, and/or psychological pain of family violence. â€Å"Regular alcohol abuse is one of the leading factors for intimate partner violence, also men who batter frequently use alcohol abuse as an excuse for their violence.They attempt to rid themselves of responsibility for their violence by blaming it on the effects of alcohol. † (NCADV) The effects on children of substance abusing parents is also great, â€Å"Children of substance abusing parents are more likely to experience physical, sexual, or emotional ab use than children in non-substance abusing households† (NCADV) In fact 80% of child abuse cases are linked with the use of alcohol and other drugs. These children are also at a greater risk of not only developing domestic violence issues of their own, but also substance abuse issues. An estimated 3 million children witness acts of violence against their mothers every year, and many believe that violent behavior is an acceptable way to express anger, frustration, or a will to control. † (Recovery Network) Common myths about domestic violence are as follows: domestic violence is caused by substance abuse, this is not true, domestic violence and substance abuse are two separate problems and must be treated separately.Two, substance abusers cannot control their violent behavior, contrary to that belief, it had been proven that batterers know how to hide the violence they inflict, even under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And three, treating the substance abuse issues wil l end the domestic violence, this is also a myth because there is no guarantee that successful treatment for substance abuse will stop the domestic violence. The evidence between the link in domestic violence and substance abuse is great.In fact, â€Å"About 40% of children from violent homes believe that their fathers had a drinking problem and that they were more abusive when drinking. † (Recovery Network) Also, when a child is subjected to physical abuse, they are more like to develop drug abuse later in life. Another interesting fact is that â€Å"teachers have reported a need for protective services three times more often for children who are being raised by someone with an addiction than for other children† (Recovery Network)Other connections I learned about while doing my research are that many times alcohol and other drug abuse may be used to cope with the physical. Emotional, and/or psychological pain of family violence. Often times the behavior is learned, be cause we learn in our families and social groups that certain events or behaviors are connected and expected. Denial often is a major factor in domestic violence too, because an abusive individual excuses their violent behavior and, are often excused by their partners and other family members because they were drunk and â€Å"not in control. Also, â€Å"Research supports the connection between substance abuse and domestic violence. Members of families in which one or both parents abuse substances are considered to be at high risk for physically abusing and neglecting their children. † (Recovery Network) The National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse found that as many as 80% of child abuse cases are associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs, and the link between child abuse and others forms of domestic violence is well established.As far as treatment, the treatment for domestic violence and substance abuse needs to be approached separately. Because, in most cases sub stance abuse treatment does not address the anger management problems that are associated with domestic violence. â€Å"Effective treatment for domestic violence offenders includes cognitive therapy, which helps the offender develop alternate ways of reacting to anger, and skill development, which helps the offender learn how to establish loving relationships that are free from violence. (Sober living by the sea) I learned a lot from doing this paper. As a woman who has been through domestic violence myself, it was intriguing to learn about the links between domestic violence and substance abuse. When I was married to my ex-husband, we both did marijuana, he had a lot of mood swings and violent tendencies. Now that I look back and now that I know what I know about the connection of domestic violence and substance abuse, I can see where he maybe would have thought his actions were â€Å"justified. Also, knowing what I know now, I think it would be a tai assessment that although he received treatment with his substance abuse issues and has been sober for about 7 years, he never received treatment for the anger issues and I can still see those types of behaviors in him today. Living with someone for that long ,you get to know aha their moods are, and I still know to this day when I can and when I cannot approach him about something, basically, I know what kind of mood he is in as soon as I see him.His anger is written all over his face, it is days like that when I realize that I am happy I was able to walk away from the relationship. The fear of never knowing how someone is going to react and always having to walk â€Å"on eggshells† is a heavy burden to live with everyday. Also being a recovering addict, I know that a lot of my own anger came from my guilt, resentments, and self-loathing, working on those issues and learning to love me for me and also working with the counselors at the Shock program and in treatment, helped me to be able to control my a nger and take a â€Å"timeout† if I need to.Now that myself and my ex-husband are sober, I can only hope that we will have broken the cycle of addiction and domestic abuse so that our children do not have to experience the same thing. Domestic violence and substance abuse are two huge problems that, I think, is becoming more and more of a problem in the world today. Being able to recognize the link between these two, I hope that I as a counselor, will be able to help more of my clients who are experiencing the same kind of situation.

Italian Words Used in Fashion and Design

Italian Words Used in Fashion and Design Picture it: You walk into a boutique shoe shop on the main corso in Viterbo, Italy, looking to buy some shoes to match an outfit later that evening. La commessa (the saleswoman) greets you with a salve! and points to the merchandise arranged around her store.   Pairs of shoes sit on illuminated shelves, shoes with heels so tall, you couldn’t imagine wearing them without twisting an ankle on the cobblestone streets that line the center of the city. Each visit to a  un negozio (a store) to find a sweater, a pair of jeans, or a new top becomes an opportunity to acquire new, specific vocabulary for the items themselves and all the various colors, sizes, and materials they come in.   Below, find a list of common vocabulary and phrases that can be used when shopping in Italy or just talking about clothes. Accessories (Gli Accessori) Belt -  la cinturaBowtie - il papillonCap -  il berretto/il cappellinoGloves -  i guantiHat -  il cappelloPurse - la borsaSocks -  i  calziniSunglasses  - gli occhiali da soleTie -  la cravattaWatch - l’orologio Clothing (L’Abbigliamento / Il Vestiario) Blouse -  la camicetta/la blusaBra -  il reggisenoCoat -  il cappottoDress - il vestitoJeans - i jeansLingerie - la biancheria intimaPants -  i pantaloniRaincoat -  limpermeabileScarf -  la sciarpaShirt -  la camiciaSkirt -  la gonnaSweater -  il pullover/il golfSweatshirt - la felpaSweatsuit - la tutaSuit - il completoTuxedo - lo smokingUnderwear -  le mutandeVest -  il panciottoWindbreaker -  la giacca a vento Shoes (Le Scarpe) Flip-flops - le infraditoHigh heels - le scarpe col taccoHiking boots - le scarpe da trekkingRainboots - i stivali di gomma/stivali da pioggia Vocabulary Descriptions Cotton - il cotoneLeather - il cuoioLinen - il linoPolyester - il poliestereSilk - la setaWool - la lanaLoose - largoTight - strettoStriped - a righe/strisce Phrases Cerco una felpa a righe.I’m looking for a striped sweatshirt. Tip: Notice that in Italian there is no preposition used after the verb cercare (to look for). The â€Å"for† is implied within the verb. Sono/Porto/Indosso una taglia†¦(media).I’m a medium.Vuole provarlo?Do you want to try it on?Vorrei provare questi, dove sono i camerini?I’d like to try these on, where are the fitting rooms? Tip: In the phrase above, â€Å"lo† would be used if the item were singular and masculine, like il vestito (the dress). However, if it were singular and feminine, like la sciarpa (the scarf), it would be â€Å"Vuole provarla†? While it’s important to make everything agree, don’t stress if you can’t remember the gender of the object you have. You’ll be safe with using the pronoun â€Å"lo†. È comodo.It’s comfortable.Il vestito à ¨ troppo stretto, avete una taglia pià ¹ grande?The dress is too tight, do you have a larger size?Questi (stivali) sono scomodi.These (boots) are uncomfortable.Preferisco il rosa.I prefer pink. (As a color) Notice the differences in meanings below. Preferisco la rosa.I prefer the rose (flower).La preferisco rosa.I prefer  it (something feminine like: la gonna, la sciarpa, la maglietta...etc)  in pink.Lo preferisco rosa.I prefer  it (something masculine like: il golf, il pantalone, il papillon...etc)  in pink.

Effective Guidelines for Writing an Excuse Letter Essays

Effective Guidelines for Writing an Excuse Letter Essays Effective Guidelines for Writing an Excuse Letter Paper Effective Guidelines for Writing an Excuse Letter Paper Generally, excuse letters are written when students miss their classes/schools or when company employees take a leave without informing their employer. This letter provides an explanation of their leave or the reason why they miss the school. The absence of an employee or a student can be because of numerous personal reasons. For instance, the person took a leave because of illness or they simply got tired of going through same tedious routine and wanted to take an intentional break from work. At some point in your life, you also have to turn in an excuse letter to the school or company to explain them the reason of your intentional leave. Although excuse letters are mostly given after the leave has taken place but sometimes it can also be given before taking the voluntary absence. In case if a student has taken an intentional leave and asked to submit an excuse letter, then usually their guardians will have to compose a brief and to the point absence note which passes on their reason for the absence to the principal. If the person has taken a leave because of a prolonged illness, then a doctor’s medical certificate would suffice for an absence note. Importance of an Excuse Letter Writing an excuse letter is a very important job as it reflects the commitment of the individual to the job and show that they are devoted to fulfilling their professional life responsibilities. Moreover, it also signifies that the individual comprehends the importance of time and is committed to completing his/her pending tasks. An excuse letter clearly indicates to the recipient the earnestness and commitment of the individual to his/her work. Let us see some effective guidelines that will definitely help you with writing a professional excuse letter. Guidelines of Writing an Excuse Letter Composing an excuse letter is a task that should not be taken lightly. The letter should be an appealing one and it should also give a professional look. Excuse letters should be printed on clean and good quality papers. Start your excuse letter by mentioning the proper date. Just like any other letter, the name of the sender and the recipient is mentioned on the left hand side of the excuse letter. The name of the recipient, the person to whom the letter is being sent, will be written right after writing the date. For instance, April 12, 2013 To, Mr. Anderson, or The Principal In case if the excuse letter is intended to send to the principal of the school, the name of the guardian or sender will be mentioned unless the student is above 18 years old. Although it is not necessary but you may write a heading or a subject that mentions what the letter is about. Once the upper section of the letter is finished, come to the body of the letter. Remember that excuse letters are succinct, therefore, do not write the whole story instead mention only the reason of the absence in a line or two. Conclude the excuse letter with something like yours truly or yours sincerely.

Potential impact of biotechnology on modern society Essay

Potential impact of biotechnology on modern society - Essay Example yeast cells have been genetically manipulated to produce vaccine against hepatitis B virus. myeloma cells and b-cells of immunized mice were hybridized to produce hybrid cells that consisted the characteristics of both the cells which were cell division and antibody production. following are the areas where biotechnology has done best.The maximum benefits to biotechnology have been utilized by health care. Biotechnology derived proteins and polypeptides from the new class of potential drugs. for ex insulin was primarily extracted from slaughter animals. since 1982 human insulin have been produced by micro organism in fermenters.some of the important products that have been produced are interferon for cancer and viral infection, human urokinase for plasminogen activator used in vascular disorder, insulin for treatment of diabetes, human factor for clotting for hemophilia, lymph lines for auto immune functioning, serum albumin in surgery, attenuated pseudo rabies virus antigen for vacc ine against rabies, tissue plasminogen activator in treatment of heart attack. Currently there are about 35 biotechnology derived therapeutics and vaccines approved by the USFDA alone for medical use, and more than 500 drugs and vaccines to reach in market . Agriculture:-biotechnology is making new ground in the food agriculture area. current public debate about BSTC, bovine somatotropin (a hormone administered to cows to increase the milk production).is an example of biotechnology product testing public acceptance. Food biotechnology valuable and viable alternatives to food problems, and a solution to nutritionally influenced disease such as diabetes, hypertension , cancer, heart diseases, arthritis etc.a transgenic golden rice have been produced by introducing three genes for the production of vitamin A in Taipei rice. A transgenic cotton named 'Inguard' was released in Australia which contain bt genes which provided resistance against insects. molecular farming is a new concept were therapeutic drugs are produced in farm animals for example therapeutics proteins secreted in goat milk. there are about dozen of countries that produce lactoferrin., tPA, hemoglobin, melanin, and interleukins in cows, goat and pigs. however it is not surprising that vegetables producing vaccines insulin interferon's and growth hormones would be available in market in 21st century, beside, human clones and several other miracles. Human genome project (HGP):- The major landmark in human history is the human genome sequence. the HGP is an international research development. almost the whole human genome has been sequenced and chromosome map has been developed in various labs World wide. objectives of human genome project are to :-construct the detail genetic and physical map of human genome, 1. determine the complete nucleotide sequence of human DNA, 2. store information in database, 3. locate the estimated 50,000-100,000 genes within the human genome 4. address the ethical, social, legal issues (ELSI )that may arise from the project, 5.perform similar analysis on the genomes of several other organisms. Environment:-the natural biodegrability of pollutants present in environment has increased with the use of biotechnology. the bioremediation

Democracy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Democracy - Essay Example Lord Bryce states that democracy is â€Å"the form of government in which the ruling power is vested not in a particular class but in all the persons of a state†. Abraham Lincoln defined it as â€Å"democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people†. Carl Becker defined democracy as â€Å"a democratic form of government has always meant one in which the citizens, or a sufficient number of them to represent more or less effectively the common will, freely act from time to time, and according to established forms, to appoint or recall the magistrates and to enact or revoke the laws by which the community is governed† (Modern Democracy). Pre-Requisites of Democracy Democracy is a system, which is successful in a sound political system. Such an atmosphere can be created by enhancing the literacy rate, improved socialization, active involvement of citizens in national politics, replacement of sentimental and violent politics with rational thi nking and pacific means, entrance of acceptance and tolerance in political life, and superiority of the national interests. Democracy may flourish only if everyone is given opportunity to participate in political activities and exercise of state powers on basis of merit and ability. However, several professional politicians are creating monopoly in politics due to political ignorance and lack of awareness. Political parties and democracy are nothing without each other. About all states in the world have political parties and representative groups to strengthen the democratic form of government. Democracy develops through unionism, associations, interest groups, and pressure groups. They communicate national problems to people and opinions of the people are made. Democracy is such a political system, which ensures right of opposition and criticism to put government on the right track. While exercising its powers, government may ignore the charter and abuse powers. A strong opposition is therefore necessary to keep government within its limits. Media is often considered as the backbone of democratic system. It serves as a bridge between government and the people. The role of media in the development of democracy is essential, therefore its independence must be ensured. Furthermore, development of democracy requires that regionalism and sectarianism must be discouraged and even to be rooted-out. These things divert attention of government from welfare and development activities. As rulers are representatives, they are responsible before people. Accountability to check government acts results in increased life and quality of democratic systems. Judiciary in this regard is a type of check valve in the system. It must be independent and effective to preserve the rights of the community. Characteristic Conditions of Democracy In democratic states, all people, irrespective of any discrimination, are citizens. According to the traditional concepts, as Aristotle says, à ¢â‚¬Å"all persons of a state are not citizens as slaves†. It is democracy, which gave equal rights and opportunities even to both sexes and all inhabitants. In this form of government, no one is allowed to rule forever but government changes according to changing conditions. Periodical elections are scheduled to change governments peacefully and through constitutional means. Government is responsible before parliament in parliamentary form of government and representatives are responsible before the electorates. In this political system, representatives have desire for re-election that compels parliamentarians to respect people suggestions. Democratic system ensures that all decisions are made on majority basis and state administration is run according to the will of the majority.