The Scarlett Letter Essays - English-language Films, Free Essays

The Scarlett Letter Essays - English-language Films, Free Essays The Scarlett Letter The Effective Use of Symbolism The novel, The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne is an intriguing account of a Puritan community that experiences a breakdown in beliefs. The story deals with a woman, Hester, who commits adultery with a Calvinistic minister resulting in the birth of a child (Martin 110). As compensation for her crime of passion and her refusal to name her lover, Hester is sentenced to wear an embroidered scarlet letter on her bosom. It is this letter, or secret sin, that becomes the emphasis of the novel and assumes many different roles (Martin 111). Hawthorne starts the novel by portraying the literary reality associated with the different aspects of the letter (Martin 110). From the start, Hawthorne seems to say, this is a scarlet letter; because of that, it is capable of further meaning. The letter will have to carry the burden of the tale (Martin 111). Hawthornes use of symbolism is fully developed in the multi-meanings hidden in the scarlet letter through a variety of characters. The scarlet letter represents different ideals to different people and should be given the proper consideration (Martin 114). In the Puritan community, the letter is viewed as a moral obligation to inform others of Hesters sin, one that they feel should be dragged out into the sunshine (Hawthorne 43). They believe the letter symbolizes psychological and religious truth. The Puritans are a people amongst whom religion and law were almost identical, and in whose character both were so thoroughly Foti 2 interfused, that her mildest and severest acts of public discipline were alike made venerable and awful (Hawthorne 40). It is said that meager, indeed, and cold, was the sympathy that a transgressor might look for, from such bystanders at the scaffold (Hawthorne 40). The Puritans are firmly against Hesters actions and feels that she has disgraced them along with herself. They feel that she must take responsibility for her actions. The effect of her punishment however is not what the Puritans had hoped to achieve. Hesters sin has grown from that of passion to one of purpose. Even with Hesters sympathetic attitude, she was not filled with regret and therefore the letter had not done its task (Martin 122). To the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, the scarlet letter contains a whole new meaning. He views the letter as a constant reminder of his sin and cowardice. His guilt continues to grow as a result of his not being able to come forth in front of the community and take responsibility for his actions. His guilt and sin become magnified by his inability to stand beside Hester at the scaffold. Dimmesdale, also is ironically charged with questioning Hester and trying to convince her of the importance of identifying her fellow sinner (Hawthorne 52). He begins to feel more and more grief and it begins to affect his mental and physical state. He soon becomes weak; however, it is believed by the community to be because of his too unreserved self-sacrifice to the labors and duties of the pastoral relation (Hawthorne 80). When Dimmesdale is believed to be near death, the community again believes it is because the world was not worthy to be any longer trodden by his feet (Hawthorne 88). Dimmesdale se ems to be haunted by Satans emissary, in the guise of old Roger Chillingworth. This diabolical Foti 3 agent had the Divine permission, for a season, to burrow into the clergymans intimacy and plot against his soul (Hawthorne 94). Chillingworth proposes to Dimmesdale that a sickness, a sore place, if we may so call it, in your spirit, hath immediately its appropriate manifestation in your bodily frame (Hawthorne 99). However, Dimmesdale denies and refuses to discuss it with him. Dimmesdale becomes weaker and weaker because by the constitution of his nature, he loved the truth, and loathed the lie, as few men ever did. Therefore, above all things else, he loathed his miserable self! (Hawthorne 105). Before Dimmesdales death, he finally confesses to his sin on the scaffold and frees his soul and conscience. Spectators have testified to seeing on the breast of the unhappy minister, a SCARLET LETTERthe very semblance of that worn by Hester Prynneimprinted in the flesh (Hawthorne 182).

Overview of The History of Sexuality

Overview of The History of Sexuality The History of Sexuality is a three-volume series of books written between 1976 and 1984 by French philosopher and historian Michel Foucault. The first volume of the book is titled An Introduction while the second volume is titled The Use of Pleasure, and the third volume is titled The Care of the Self. Foucault’s main goal in the books is to disprove the idea that Western society had repressed sexuality since the 17th century and that sexuality had been something that society did not talk about. The books were written during the sexual revolution in the United States. Thus it was a popular belief that up until this point in time, sexuality was something that was forbidden and unmentionable. That is, throughout history, sex had been treated as a private and practical matter that should only take place between a husband and a wife. Sex outside of these boundaries was not only prohibited, but it had also been repressed. Foucault asks three questions about this repressive hypothesis: Is it historically accurate to trace what we think of sexual repression today to the rise of the bourgeois in the 17th century?Is power in our society really expressed primarily in terms of regression?Is our modern-day discourse on sexuality really a break from this history of repression or is it a part of the same history? Throughout the book, Foucault questions the repressive hypothesis. He does not contradict it and does not deny the fact that sex has been a taboo subject in Western culture. Instead, he sets out to find out how and why sexuality is made an object of discussion. In essence, Foucault’s interest does not lie in sexuality itself, but rather in our drive for a certain kind of knowledge and the power that we find in that knowledge. The Bourgeois and Sexual Repression The repressive hypothesis links sexual repression to the rise of the bourgeoisie in the 17th-century. The bourgeois became rich through hard work, unlike the aristocracy before it. Thus, they valued a strict work ethic and frowned upon wasting energy on frivolous pursuits such as sex. Sex for pleasure, to the bourgeois, became an object of disapproval and an unproductive waste of energy. And since the bourgeoisie were the ones who were in power, they made the decisions on how sex could be spoken about and by whom. This also meant they had control over the kind of knowledge that people had about sex. Ultimately, the bourgeois wanted to control and confine sex because it threatened their work ethic. Their desire to control talk and knowledge about sex was essentially a desire to control power. Foucault is not satisfied with the repressive hypothesis and uses The History of Sexuality as a means to attack it. Instead of simply saying that it is wrong and arguing against it, however, Foucault also takes a step back and examines where the hypothesis came from and why. Sexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome In volumes two and three, Foucault also examines the role of sex in ancient Greece and Rome, when sex was not a moral issue but rather something erotic and normal. He answers questions such as: How did sexual experience come to be a moral issue in the West? And why were other experiences of the body, such as hunger, not subject to the rules and regulations that have come to define and confine sexual behavior? Source: SparkNotes Editors. (n.d.). SparkNote on The History of Sexuality: An Introduction, Volume 1. Retrieved February 14, 2012. Foucault, M. (1978) The History of Sexuality, Volume 1: An Introduction. United States: Random House. Foucault, M. (1985) The History of Sexuality, Volume 2: The Use of Pleasure. United States: Random House. Foucault, M. (1986) The History of Sexuality, Volume 3: The Care of the Self. United States: Random House.

Outsourcing Apple IPad Production Research Paper

Outsourcing Apple IPad Production - Research Paper Example Apple’s IPad is one of the products, which was originally produced in the United State, but its production has currently been outsourced to oversea industries based in North Korea and China. In order to understand the basics of outsourcing strategies, this paper provides a cost break-down of processes involved in the production of Apple IPad, both in the United States and contracting oversea countries. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing IPad production to oversea firms. As part of this paper, some legal and ethical issues that arise as a result of outsourcing Apple IPad are also discussed. Key words: outsourcing, Apple IPad, and economy Introduction Apple iPad is a modern piece of electronic that performs most of the functions just like a personal computer. Because of its light weight and efficiency, it is highly fantasized by people who need to walk around with their computers, while performing certain tasks (OGrady, 2009). The high demand for t his product, both inside and outside the United States, has forced the Apple Inc. to incur large transportation costs so as to reach its local and international customers, something that has significantly increased the cost of production. In order to limit cost of production resulting from importation of material, shipping of the products and labor costs, Apple Inc. realized that outsourcing of IPad production to overseas firms, especially with a large number of customers, will significantly reduce its cost of production and maximize profit (Hill & Jones, 2009). Samsung Company based in North Korea, and some other electronic firms based in China are some of firms that are currently producing Apple IPad. These firms produce Apple IPad and distribute them to both local and international customers. This means that less cost of transportation is incurred when this product is sold to the local customers more than if it was produced in the United States, and sold in either North Korea or China (Schniederjans, 2005). Cost Break-down for the Production of Apple IPad Material, transportation and labor costs are the key determinant of Apple IPad production cost. Apple iPad 2 was the most talked about consumer electronic that was released into the market in 2011 (Sparks, 2011). The price break-down cost for manufacturing 32GB GSM/HSPA version (From iSuppli) in the United States and oversea

Property valuation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Property valuation - Essay Example Then there is valuation based on the type of property: whether commercial or residential. Generally, for a given location, the valuation of commercial property is much higher than residential property. The profession and income levels of the residents also influence the value of a property to a certain extent. "The Isle of Dogs now centres around Canary Wharf (Canary Wharf refers to the both the tower, the tube station, and the offices in its immediate vicinity). Canary Wharf is London's financial district. Businesses located in Canary Wharf include: Citibank, Credit Suisse, Barclays Bank and HSBC. Businesses from other industries, such as BP and Reuters, have also located in the area, but it is still dominated by the financial sector. This means that a significant proportion of the residents of E14 work in the financial sector, and earn high wages. It also means that the types of property here are predominantly new properties (built after the regeneration in 1981) designed for young executives rather than families."1 The above table shows the average estimated monthly rentals in different parts of London. Area 1covers localities like Kensington, Bloomsbury, St. John's Wood, Green Park, Westminster and other central areas. Being centrally located and having access to all amenities, this area is the highest valued one in terms of rentals. Area 2 covers the localities just adjoining Area 1. Kilburn, West Hampstead, Isle of Dogs, Elephant and Castle, Kennington, Dulwich, Brentford are the areas covered under this category. In the south, it extends till Raynes Park and Merton Park. In the north west, Woodford seems to be covered under this category, while surrounding areas do not belong to this category. Here, the rentals are slightly lower as compared to Area 1. Similarly, Area 3 is marked by the localities bordering localities under Area 2. Prominent among these are Kensel Garden, Strafford, Wallworth in the central area, Stanmore, Totteridge, Cockfosters in the north east and Strawberry Hill and Ki ngston in the south. There are a few areas like Surbiton, Bickley and Bromlay that stand out in the south among Area 4 and Area 5 categories. Area 4 consists of Bartnet, Endfield, Ponders End in the north and West Wickham and Ewell in the south. This category is spread out in all the four directions and can be bradly said to be on the periphery of the city. A few exceptions to this would be areas like Nunhead, Ladywell etc, that are located in almost central areas. Area 5 is almost on the outskirts of the city and thus lowest in terms of rent/yields. Recent Changes in Office Rentals Average office rents in the CBD (Central Business District) have recently fallen almost 38 % to $ 777.40 per sq. m, making it Europe's sixth most expensive business district. While London's Mayfair district is a premium business center and can be compared to Triangle d'Or area of Paris , rents have recently fallen in this area too. Even with a 45 % fall in its rental values, West End remains the most expensive office area in Europe till date with rental values to 961 euros per sq m.4 Conclusion Thus, while arriving at an agreement, an owner and tenant have to keep many factors in mind. While the importance of factors like location and amenities cannot be ruled out, market conditions will also have to be kept in mind. In the past one year, rentals have fallen by almost 50 % due to a plethora of reasons; changes in the sub prime lending rates and recession being the major ones. Even after the property has been let out for a certain period, there could be some market forces that might compel the owner to modify

There Is a Light That Never Goes Out Essay Example for Free

There Is a Light That Never Goes Out Essay Life is compared to a rollercoaster. It has the moments of altitude, where we feel as invincible as could be, but there are also the moments of decline, where the tension and the absolute point of breakage are on the rise. The moment at the bottom of the pit, of feeling that there is no concrete escape or solution are the moments that create character, fortitude and overall, characteristics and strengths that were hidden deep behind our fears. The Roman poet Horace, described adversity as a constructor of character which left a positive and constructive aftermath, â€Å"Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant. † When misfortune and desperation hit home, Horace’s quote would be interpreted as a mock, even an insult, but after recovering and analyzing the situation countless times, Horace’s quote is the absolute truth. Life has to go through the bottom of the pit in order to reach the ultimate height. Remember that. In the city of Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco, lives a young man whose known hardships for as long as he could remember. He’s had a humble upbringing, living in a home with no windows, no roof, no carpet or nice floor, his home had cement; he doesn’t have a living room or a nice dinner table. His father struggles with alcoholism and drug usage, his mother was unstable and came from a family lacking common sense and morality. He grew up seeing his father beat his mother, he heard his youngest sisters cry night after night, of hunger, sorrow, of disappointment. He went to school, hoping to become a man with an education and a bright future, different to all that he had known, but he lacked the support and motivation necessary to continue seeking that future. At age 13, not even halfway done with 7th grade, he dropped out of school. He began to work instead, determined to provide his siblings with what his parents failed to provide. A few months after he began working, rumors spread about him. Nasty and deteriorating. The stigma followed him everywhere. After a while they were confirmed. He smoked marihuana, drank alcohol, inhaled chemical substances, he was crumbling. Everyone believed he would become a product of his environment, of his misfortune. All hope was lost for him. And no one would lend him a hand. Did he in fact succumb to the tragedy his life was becoming? No. He fought with the strength of a lion. His courage was widely admired, for he did not give up to anything or anyone he had to face in his 13 years of existence. He sought help to escape alcohol and drug use. He set his priorities straight. He knew he didn’t want to end up as his father did, he knew he didn’t want to be as his mother was, he knew he and his brothers deserved better. He worked harder and longer than he had before; he worked a second job on the weekends. He embodied the role of a father, not any father, but the one he had always wanted to have. Everyone cheered him on; they applauded his actions and offered him their unconditional support. He was a hero. Everyone who knew him agreed that he was the most mature, generous, responsible and courteous young man they had ever met. The difficulties and moments of despair that he stumbled on down the road had only fortified the determination and values he was extremely proud of possessing and being recognized for. Adversity became his ally. It brought back his faith and magnified his courage. It unexpectedly and not according to what he had previously envisioned, prepared him, transformed him into the man he had always wanted to be. A man of character, values, a man that inflicted respect on others upon meeting him. He was who he wanted and needed to be. Whilst others would complain about their misfortunes and tragedies, this young man did not. He welcomed all that life had to offer him. Highs and lows. The prosperity and poverty. The reason he was able to overcome all that he did was because of the hardships in his life. The memories of his sad upbringing, the cries of his siblings, abandoning his education, working long days and hours to contribute to his tattered family were what he built fortitude from. He built his courageous character from all that was supposed to break him. The difficult circumstances he had to live through made him the man he today is. He’d always thank the hardships. Strength is given to those that fight with all that they have and don’t have. At the end of the rainbow there’s always a pot of gold. At the end of adversity and hardships is courage and admirable character. Do not give up.

William Faulkner, the Ambitious Writer :: Biography Biographies Essays

William Faulkner, the Ambitious Writer From early as the slave days in the southern states, males have shown an ambitious desire not only to make a living for them but also to gain their riches from the hardwork of others. For thousands of years southern males dominated over individuals who they deemed were animals stripping them of all their human rights to provide themselves with a better life. This ambitious desire to provide shelter, food, and clothing for their family and themselves led to the ultimate destruction of another race. While viewing the film â€Å"Faulkner† I saw Faulkner ambitious nature prominently in his career goal. After struggling like many Americans to make a living and support himself Faulkner tries unsuccessfully at first to become a well renowned writer. Although Faulkner dream to become a writer took many years to become finalized he remained determined to succeed. For example, as a beginner writer Faulkner discovered that he lacked a particular writing style that would set his literatur e apart from his other colleagues. So he began studying all types of literature written by other authors to discover his own voice. Another way in which Faulkner tried to discover untapped literary ideas was to observe the everyday actions of others and notice within their interactions with others a story line that could possibly capture the attention of readers. After writing for many years Faulkner tried to seek the publication of his very first novel â€Å"Sanctuary†. The novel â€Å" Sanctuary† proved not to be very interesting to publishers who read the novel since it mainly reflected the ideas and writing styles of prominently famous authors whose works of literature were widely read throughout the world. But Faulkner never gave up as he continued to write and receive rejection letters by publishers. Although rejection seemed to be the fuel that pushed Faulkner to not only give up on his dream but to become more creative and focus on the background information he was familiar with. Shortly after Faulkner did succeed in getting his literature published he reunited with his one and only true love and married her. Upon marrying Faulkner came to the realization that he lacked the financial income to support his family and his desire for his literature to be published increased tenfold. In his efforts to become a more recognized and well-known writer such as Hemmingway Faulkner began to travel to other countries.

Silent Stars

Home. Finally. I turn off the heater, the lights, and then the engine. Work was difficult. Another 7-hour shift, completed. I grab my belongings, open the door, and walk to my house. The dogs are barking already. The ferocious bark of Reggie and the low, almost growling of Checkers can be heard from the porch. I open the door to find the addition lights on. Everyone else is asleep. The dogs greet me with their usual delight. Checkers sniffs my legs, and Reggie stars at me, wagging his little â€Å"nubbin.† Turning back to the door, I turn the lock. With a little push, I make sure the door is completely closed. I turn the knob once to make sure it is actually locked. You just never know if someone will come in your home in the middle of the night. I pull the cord, and turn off the light. I hate the dark. My parents snore so loudly. Creeping past their bedroom to my own room, I open the door slowly in an attempt to smother the inevitable screeching sound. â€Å"Erin? Is that you?† Dad asks the instant the door sounds. â€Å"Yeah, Dad. I'm home.† I turn on my bedroom light, and close the door. There's no need to worry about the sound it makes now. Dad is already awake. My shoulder throbs from all the weight I'm carrying. I put my book bag down in the corner of the room. Placing my orange bag on my bed, I begin to take out all the clothes that need washed. First, my tennis shorts, then my shirt, then my socks, then my shoes. Yep, everything's there. Next, I take out my school clothes: my jeans, my shirt, and my shoes. Good, didn't forget anything. Finally, I take the clothes and put in them in the hamper. I'll never remember in the morning. I go to my closet to pick out my pajamas, choosing my undergarments first. Next, I choose a shirt to sleep in. The last article is my pants. Everything has to match. If they don't, I have to put them back. Another ten-minute process. Time to shower. The smell of grease, fries, and fat, fast food is overwhelming at night. I slowly slide the door closed, turn on the light, and open the hamper. Showering quickly, I make sure to wash my hair twice. I hate stiff hair. I turn off the water and dry myself. Then, I get dressed, and get ready to brush my teeth. I take my toothbrush out of the holder. The nice, shiny, pink cover needs removed. Taking off the cover and placing it to the left of the sink, I wet my toothbrush once and apply the toothpaste. I wet the brush again. Brushing my teeth slowly, I make sure to get every tooth perfectly clean. Last, I slowly make soft circles on my front teeth making sure to get them cleaned extremely well. I run the brush under the water again, and then rinse my mouth with the hottest water that will come out. Spit the water out, then rinse again. It's normal in my routine. Now my mouth is clean enough to talk. I sneak to the computer room, and quietly snatch the phone from its charger. Returning to my room is difficult. I have to slowly close the door to avoid waking my parents. I hold the phone under a pillow so my parents can't hear me dial. Placing my finger on the 9, I dial his number with ease even though I cannot see the buttons I am pushing. Memorizing the location of the numbers on the phone has made this action easier. I quickly cover my head before he answers the phone to drown out the sound of my voice. He picks up and we talk for a while. The floor creaks as the furnace turns on. The sound is reassuring to me now. We hang up after a half an hour and I sneak the phone back to the computer room. I'm almost ready to sleep. I walk back to my room and close the door for the final time. Turning on the radio to Q 102, I grab the pink dinosaur he bought me for Easter, and climb into bed. Quickly I pray for my family and my friends and thank God for all the days he has given me. When I am finished talking to God, I shut my mouth, and then my eyes. The excitement of the day runs through my head again. I wonder about the events that have happened. If I had said something differently, or acted in a different way, what would have happened? Thinking about the fun things that occurred at work and school today makes me smile. My friends are impossible to replace. My mind seems to jump around more quickly now. That's the sign I was looking for. I am getting close to sleep. As I begin to drift off, I listen to the radio. The words I hear begin to float in my head: â€Å"I probably wouldn't be this way. I probably wouldn't hurt so bad. I never pictured every minute, without you in it. Oh, you left so fast. Sometimes I†¦Ã¢â‚¬ 

Why Obama Won the 2012 Election

Why Obama won the 2012 Election The American elections of 2012 was very competitive between the Democrat candidate Barrack Obama, who was the president then, and Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate. The campaigns and presidential debates were quite heated and as has been earlier mentioned, it was tight for each of them as polls clearly indicated that both Obama and Romney had more or less an equally high chance of winning the presidential elections.Demographics played a significant part in seeing Obama take the day. The groups of people that actually made the difference include groups of young women, African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans. Some of the states in which Obama won include New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, Maryland, Wyoming, Colorado, Florida, Ohio, Maine, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania, California, Washington DC and Rhode Island (Sherman, 2012).President Barack Obama significantly overcame a bad economy, a fractured poli tical landscape, high unemployment which gave him a great advantage over his challenger. When it comes to the states, it is seen that Obama took a number of key battlegrounds sates. As has been earlier pointed out, the Northeastern states remained loyal to Obama’s column by significant margins. In addition to this, he took no less than six of the nine swing states including Ohio. In the end, the fifty one year old president had more than the two hundred and seventy votes that would guarantee him a win.It is interesting to note that the New Jersey electorate, even with the major challenge of the Hurricane Sandy, showed their faith in the president emphasize and in addition to this, just to emphasize their solidarity for the Democrats, reelected Robert Menendez the Senator. He defeated the Republican Joe Kyrillos quite easily (Heavey, 2012). In my opinion, one of the major reasons why Obama won the 2012 presidential elections is that he had a unique campaigning strategy. It is seen that Barack Obama displayed great skill in micro-targeting voters, strategic planning, messaging, and raising funds to boost his campaign.Obama also got into the challenge with in-built advantages . Obama’s family remained increasingly popular, with Michelle Obama having succeeded in portraying a positive image of Obama’s administration. His appeal to a wide public caused him to be the preferred candidate over Romney. The federal government’s bailout of Chrysler and General Motors as well as Barrack’s union support was essential in winning the election. This was seen particularly in Ohion where out of every eight persons, one has a job in the auto industry.Across the upper Midwest from Ohio to Pennsylvania to Wisconsin to Michigan, the operations of the union’s voter turn out to a significant extent supplemented the efforts of Obama. Obama also used social media effectively to win the election. Analysts have states that Barack Obama campaign m ission was to involve people through empowerment. It is also said that his was the very first political campaign in history to ultimately harness the real power of social media to garner support spread the word and get people engaged and involved.Barack’s campaign succeeded in reaching five million supporters on fifteen different social networks during the campaign period (Heavey, 2012). He used social media to establish energy of participation as well as a sense of purpose in their supporters. He used the social media as the vehicle to connected real people in real time and enthusiasm as well as providing an easy and accessible platform to demonstrate their support for change through President Obama. There are important lessons which can be drawn from the 2012 American elections.For any presidential candidate, or political aspirant for that mat matter, it is crucially important to lay focus on the individual. People felt connected to Obama on an individual basis because he m anaged to think of one American as opposed to American citizens as a group. He focused on the teacher, health official, mother, child in his campaigns. Another significant lesson is the importance of authenticity. Because of his connection with people through thw social web, Obama managed to prove his authenticity to the voters.In his Facebook page for instance he indicated his favorite music, movies, interests and kept his followers updated on his campaign. It made him real and authentic. Every single bit of support ultimately counts. Obama acknowledged that everyone, despite their backgrounds or income, is equally important in driving the wheels of change. This is the attitude that ought to be carried along in political bids and campaigns (Sherman, 2012). A huge margin win was unexpected because as the results trickled in, Barack and Romney were hot on each other’s heels.This was clear right from the onset of the presidential debates that preceded the elections, where both parties gave a considerably good show. The impact of social media as has been earlier mentioned was profound. This was not expected because other previous political campaigns had not to a large extent been influenced by this technology. All the same, when Romney conceded to defeat, it was clear for Americans that it was quite difficult to make predictions as to who would take the day as both candidates had equally strong support from the American citizens (Heavey, 2012).References Obama wins 2012 presidential election, defeats Romney in tight race | NJ. com. (n. d. ). New Jersey Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather – NJ. com. Retrieved November 26, 2012, from http://www. nj. com/politics/index. ssf/2012/ Heavey, S. (n. d. ). Obama win shows demographic shifts working against Republicans| Reuters. Business & Financial News, Breaking US & International News | Reuters. com. Retrieved November 26, 2012, from http://www. reuters. com/article/2012/11/08/us-usa-campaign-diver sity-new-idUSBRE8A70QK20121108

Doubt, a Play by John Patrick Shanley

Doubt, a Play by John Patrick Shanley Doubt is a drama written by John Patrick Shanley. It is about a strict nun who believes that a priest has done something terribly inappropriate to one of the students. The Setting of Doubt The play is set in the Bronx, New York in 1964, and takes place mostly in the offices of a Catholic school. Plot Overview Based upon a few circumstantial details and a lot of intuition, the stern nun, Sister Aloysius Beauvier believes that one of the priests at the St. Nicholas Catholic Church and school has been molesting a 12-year-old boy named Donald Muller, the schools only African-American student. Sister Aloysius recruits a young, naive nun (Sister James) to assist her in monitoring the suspicious yet charismatic Father Flynn. She also addresses her concerns to Donalds mother, who, surprisingly, is not horrified or even shocked by the allegations. (Mrs. Muller is more concerned about her son getting into high school and avoiding a beating from his dad.) The play concludes with a one-on-one confrontation between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn as she attempts to get the truth out of the priest. The Character Sister Aloysius: What Does She Believe? This nun is a diligent taskmaster who firmly believes that subjects such as art and dance class are a waste of time. (She doesnt think much of history either.) She contends that good teachers are cold and cunning, creating a bit of fear within the hearts of the students. In some ways, Sister Aloysius might fit the stereotype of the angry Catholic school nun who slaps the hands of students with a ruler. However, playwright John Patrick Shanley reveals his true motives in the plays dedication: This play is dedicated to the many orders of Catholic nuns who have devoted their lives to serving others in hospitals, schools, and retirement homes. Though they have been much maligned and ridiculed, who among us has been so generous? In the spirit of the above statement, Sister Aloysius seems so harsh because she ultimately cares about the well-being of the children in her school. She is ever vigilant, as apparent in her discussion with the innocent teacher Sister James; Aloysius seems to know more about the students than the young, naive nun. Eight years before the beginning of the story, Sister Aloysius was responsible for detecting a sexual predator among the priesthood. After she went directly to the monsignor, the abusive priest was removed. (She does not indicate that the priest was arrested.) Now, Sister Aloysius suspects that Father Flynn has made a sexual advance on a 12-year-old boy. She believes that while having a private conversation, Father Flynn gave the boy wine. She doesnt state exactly what she thinks happens next, but the implication is that Father Flynn is a pedophile who must be dealt with immediately. Unfortunately, because she is a woman, she does not have the same level of authority as the priests; so instead of reporting the situation to her superiors (who will probably not listen to her), she reports her suspicions to the boys mother. During the plays finale, Aloysius and Flynn confront one another. She lies, claiming that she has heard about previous incidents from other nuns. In response to her lie/threat, Flynn resigns from the school but obtains a promotion becoming the pastor of a different institution. The Dubious Priest of Doubt The audience learns much about Father Brendan Flynn, yet most of the information is hearsay and conjecture. The early scenes which feature Flynn show him in performance mode. First, he is speaking to his congregation about dealing with a crisis of faith. His second appearance, another monologue, is delivered to the boys on the basketball team he coaches. He gives them instruction about developing a routine on the court and lectures them about their dirty fingernails. Unlike Sister Aloysius, Flynn is moderate in his beliefs about discipline and tradition. For example, Aloysius scorns the idea of secular Christmas songs such as Frosty the Snowman appearing in the churchs pageant; she argues they are about magic and therefore evil. Father Flynn, on the other hand, likes the notion of the church embracing the modern culture so that its leading members can be seen as friends and family, and not just emissaries from Rome. When he is confronted about Donald Muller and the alcohol that was on the boys breath, Father Flynn reluctantly explains that the boy was caught drinking the altar wine. Flynn promised not to punish the boy if no one else found out about the incident and if he promised not to do it again. That answer relieves the naive Sister James, but it does not satisfy Sister Aloysius. During the plays finale, when Sister Aloysius falsely tells him that nuns from other parishes have made incriminating statements, Flynn becomes very emotional. FLYNN: Am I not flesh and blood like you? Or are we just ideas and convictions. I cant say everything. Do you understand? There are things I cant say. Even if you imagine the explanation, Sister, remember there are circumstances beyond your knowledge. Even if you feel certainty, it is an emotion and not a fact. In the spirit of charity, I appeal to you. Some of these phrases, such as There are things I cant say, seem to imply a level of shame and possibly guilt. However, Father Flynn firmly claims, I have not done anything wrong. Ultimately, it is up to the audience to determine guilt or innocence, or whether or not such rulings are even possible, given the sketchy bits of evidence delivered by Shanleys drama. Did Father Flynn Do It? Is Father Flynn a child molester? The audience and readers never know. At its heart, that is the point of John Patrick Shanleys Doubt- the realization that all of our beliefs and convictions are part of a facade we build to protect ourselves. We often choose to believe in things: a persons innocence, a persons guilt, the sanctity of the church, the collective morality of society. However, the playwright argues in his preface, deep down, under the chatter we have come to a place where we know that we dont know...anything. But nobodys willing to say that. One thing seems certain by the end of the play: Father Flynn is concealing something. But who isnt?

Wildfire Red Flag Warning Extreme Burning Conditions

Wildfire Red Flag Warning Extreme Burning Conditions The United States National Weather Service is one major forecaster that determines a Red Flag Warning when weather conditions reach high potential for extreme wildfire starts leading to uncontrolled forest fires. It is a term used by fire-weather forecasters to call attention to critical weather conditions of particular importance that will potentially result in extreme burning conditions. It is must have continuously updated data for field foresters, wildland fire crews and equipment operators during periods of high fire hazard. A Red Flag Warning or RFW can be issued either by the state or the federal government to assist regional firefighting and land management agencies in making decisions on limiting the use of fire for a particular period of days or fighting fire when conditions suggest increased chances. Conditions that increase the chance of wildland fire starts and fire spread are monitored and a RFW is issued when a high degree of confidence that Red Flag conditions will occur within 24 hours of issuance. So, a RFW is usually issued from predictions based on drought conditions and when the relative humidity is very low. High winds and dry lightning strikes can become exacerbating factors and are included in some state and federal agencies that calculate their own warning data. These agencies will alter their staffing and equipment resources according to the data. To the public, a Red Flag Warning means high fire danger with increased probability of a quickly spreading vegetation fire in the area within 24 hours. Extreme care should be taken and the uses of outside fire suspended. Red Flag criteria also occur  whenever a region (usually a state) has been in a dry spell for a week or two, or for a shorter period under duress. It usually happens either before spring green-up or after fall color in the East or during the hot, windy summer in the West. The National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) is usually high to extreme and the following forecast weather parameters are forecasted to be met: Sustained wind averages of 15 mph or greater.Relative humidity less than or equal to 25 percent.A temperature of greater than 75 degrees F.In some states, dry lightning and unstable air are criteria. A Fire Weather Watch may be issued prior to the Red Flag Warning. Here is an example of a RFW issued by the Colorado Forest Service during a Colorado fire crisis. Note that the alert is often shouted in all caps in the daily report. The first section of the report deals with a general weather summary by zone and the expected effective time period of concern. The second section numbers and defines the actual fire weather zones affected and address dangerous firefighting conditions to watch for. It also includes instructions on distribution of the alert to fire control personnel. .................... Event: Red Flag WarningAlert: ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHTFOR DRY THUNDERSTORMS AND GUSTY OUTFLOW WINDS FOR FIRE WEATHERZONES 201...203...207...290...291...292 AND 293... .ANOTHER ROUND OF ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS IS EXPECTEDTODAY AS HOT TEMPERATURES CONTINUE. WHILE THE CONVECTIVE POTENTIALREMAINS...MOISTURE WILL BEGIN TO GRADUALLY DECREASE AS HIGHPRESSURE STARTS TO NUDGE INTO NEW MEXICO. THIS WILL RESULT IN THEMAJORITY OF STORMS PRODUCING MINIMAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS AT THESURFACE TODAY. ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TOMIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHT FOR DRY THUNDERSTORMS AND GUSTY OUTFLOWWINDS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 201...203...207...290...291...292 AND 293... * AFFECTED AREA...IN COLORADO...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 201 ROUTT FORECAST AREA...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 203 GRAND JUNCTION FORECAST AREA...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 207 DURANGO FORECAST AREA...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 290 PARADOX VALLEY FORECAST AREA...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 291 NORTHERN SAN JUAN FORECAST AREA...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 292 NORTH FORK FORECAST AREA...ANDFIRE WEATHER ZONE 293 GUNNISON BASIN FORECAST AREA. * THUNDERSTORMS...ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WILLDEVELOP FIRST OVER THE MOUNTAINS AND THEN MOVE TO THE EAST ANDNORTHEAST. THE MAJORITY OF STORMS WILL BE DRY...THOUGH SOMEWILL PRODUCE MARGINAL WETTING RAINFALL. * OUTFLOW WINDS...ALL THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCINGERRATIC OUTFLOW WIND GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH. * IMPACTS...ANY FIRE IGNITION WILL BECOME DIFFICULT TO CONTROLWITH VERY HIGH RATES OF SPREAD POSSIBLE. Instructions: A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARMTEMPERATURES WILL CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL. PLEASE ADVISE THE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS AND AFFECTED FIELD PERSONNEL OF THIS RED FLAG WARNING. ....................

The law of contracts and the law of torts Essay

The law of contracts and the law of torts - Essay Example Hadley v. Baxendale involved millers whose crankshaft had broken, and they called upon the defendants to deliver a crankshaft to repair. The defendants delayed sending the crankshaft to plaintiffs for seven days when it was only supposed to take two. The plaintiffs milling operation ceased during the period this seven day period. Therefore, the plaintiffs sued for profits lost during the five extra days that the crankshaft was not delivered. The court ruled that the plaintiffs could not recover such loss, as it could not fairly and reasonably be considered to arise naturally from the breach. Hadley established the basic rule for how to determine the scope of consequential damages arising from a breach of contract, and this rule is that parties should only be liable for all losses that ought to have been contemplated by the contracting parties, and those that arise naturally, in the ordinary course, from the breach. Hadley's basic rule regarding damages was modified to the composite t est of â€Å"reasonably foreseeable as liable to result† in Victoria Laundry (Windsor) Ltd v Newman Industries Ltd (1949). Victoria Laundry regarded a laundry which ordered a boiler from Newman Industries. Newman Industries delivered the boiler five months late. During this period of time, Victoria Laundry had to forego a lucrative contract with the ministry of supply, due to the Victoria Laundry's limited laundry cleaning capacity, which was a result of not having the boiler.

Speed Limits Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Speed Limits - Essay Example The speed limit differs from region to region and highways have higher speed limits than areas with high population example areas near a school, the setting of speed limits depends on the nature of the road, accident records of a section of the road and judgment of engineers and politicians. This paper discusses the importance or the advantages of speed limits. Speed limits are put in place in order to reduce accidents, some roads have had many fatal accidents which are directly related to speed, therefore in order to reduce such accidents there are laws that limit the speed in order to reduce accidents. Roads that pass through residential or highly populated areas have a lower speed limit in order to reduce the accidents these vehicles may cause, from physics kinetic energy rises as the speed rises, therefore the kinetic energy at impact will increase as the speed rises and therefore high speeds will lead to more fatal accidents. The speed limit allows motorist to travel at reasonable speed, some sections of a road may have high number of fatal accidents in the past and in order to reduce these accidents the speed limit is reduced to reduce such accidents. Therefore the speed limits reduce the number of injuries and deaths that may occur due to over speeding motorists. It is also evident that speed limits enable police to apprehend criminals, in most cases the police are able to identify criminals on roads. Criminals will tend to drive at high speeds which helps the police to identify the criminals and as a result this has a negative effect on crime rate, drivers driving under the influence of alcohol also tend to drive at high speeds and therefore the police are also able to identify them, as a result of this we can state that the speed limits reduce crime and other deviant behaviors. The fines imposed on road users because of over speeding is a source of revenue to the government, therefore speed limit laws earn the government some revenue which helps in the provision of public goods, however this revenue is not of much importance than the protection of road users from other careless drivers who do not follow road rules. Environmental protection is also an advantage of setting the speed limit, speeding vehicles consume more fuel and therefore pollutes the environment more, therefore by setting the speed limit fuel consumption is reduced and as a result the environment is protected, therefore speed limits do not only help in reducing accidents and help the police in arresting criminals but also helps in protecting the environment. The other advantage of setting the speed limit is that it is possible to identify wreck less drivers on the road, some road users do not obey traffic rules and therefore may cause accidents which may lead to the loss of lives even to innocent motorists, as a result of this these wreck less drivers are identified and their license suspended or fined in court. The speed limits should be viewed as a law that governs road users to drive reasonably, if the speed limit on the roads were removed then we will definitely be increasing the number of accidents, deaths and injuries on the road, the other problem that would rise is pollution and this is because speeding vehicles consume more fuel and therefore pollutes the environment more. Conclusion: From the above discussion it is evident that speed limits are there to protect lives,