Wednesday, December 25, 2019

A Brief Note On The Supply Chain Management - 2593 Words

Introduction – Technology in Supply Chain Management Till not to long ago the area of Supply Chain management was seen as a task that took place in the background without any dedicated resources. Majority of the people thought it was only used by large brands that have an international distribution need. When there was an issue in the supply chain, people were pulled from their existing jobs to fix the issue. Once the problem was solved, the people would go back to their original tasks. There was a lack of patience, demand and awareness amongst the customers back in the day, as online ordering and tracking were processes that they weren’t familiar with. For example, even the service provided by the U.S. Postal Service was considered†¦show more content†¦It became obvious that observing the route of goods using pins on a map would no longer make the cut. Technology has crept into SCM slowly, starting with electronic invoicing, computerized shipping and tracking as well as automated notifications that were progressively used by companies like FedEx and UPS. Initially intended for business-to-business interactions, it took time before that level of tracking and accountability was provided to consumers. But it became quite clear that notifying everyone along the chain has become increasingly important. It was only when companies like Zappos which positioned itself to be customer friendly, by creating a tagline Powered by Service, came into limelight that clients got a flavor of how they have a huge role to play in purchases. Zappos as on online company, did not start with brick-and-mortar stores, so instead of adapting to new technology, they were embraced by it. The fact that the consumers get notified at every step of the process is what makes them love the experience. Before deciding to make the purchase, extensive reviews can be read to make an informed decision, they can also have a check on the mother brand. This set the benchmark for online customer service; firm that could match up to this standard gain a competitive advantage. Companies like Apple and Harley Davidson use this benefit to further personalize the buying experience by going

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Essay about The American Civil War - 876 Words

The United States has been involved in many wars throughout history. Americans have fought and died in many wars such as the war for independence in World War I to Desert Storm. One of the bloodiest wars in our nation’s history is without a doubt is the Civil War. Prior to the beginning of the Civil War, the country was divided by the issue of slavery. When President Lincoln was elected to office, several states seceded from the Union. During this war, â€Å"Over six hundred thousand men died, and hundreds of thousands more bore the scars of war.† (Russell Civil War. Encyclopedia of American Studies) The War started in April of 1861, The country expected this war to be brief when the Confederacy only 100 miles away from Washington D.C. in†¦show more content†¦This battle war technically a draw, but was considered a victory by the Union. This gave President Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared all states in rebellion would lose all of their slaves. In the eyes of many, The Emancipation Proclamation gave the Union a new reason to fight, the freedom of slaves. In the beginning, Union Soldiers did not want African Americas to serve in the Army. â€Å"After the second Confiscation Act, Union generals formed black regiments in New Orleans and on the Sea Island off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia† (The Enduring Vision 499). Without these black soldiers, President Lincoln believed the War would not last long. â€Å"By the spring of 1865, nearly 200,00 African Americans were serving with the Union.†( WK_16 Civil War Reconstruction PowerPoint slide 6) This was due to the increase the rising numbers of freed black slaves and the falling numbers of white volunteers. One of the most important battles won by the Union, was the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place from July 1st to July 3rd 1863. This battle is considered to be the turning point of the war. During this battle, the South wanted to collect supplies and move battles away from Virginia, which was heavily damaged due to the war. At first, it seemed the South had the advantage over the Union when Northern troops were driven back to Cemetery Hill. The SouthShow MoreRelatedAmerican War And The American Civil War1551 Words   |  7 Pageswhich then caused the Southern states of America to decide to leave the American Union and create their own Southern Confederacy. This tore our nation apart. The American Civil War had begun and the very people that were once neighbors had each other’s blood on their hands. Many American lives had been lost. The American lives lost in the Civil War even exceeded the number of American lives lost during World War I and World War II. We were divided. The North wanted to reunite with the southern statesRead MoreThe War Of The American Civil War1376 Words   |  6 PagesThe American Civil War was arguably the most important war in the history of the country. The War of Independence may have allowed American to become its’ own country, but the Civil War resulted in something even more important than that, the end of slavery in the southern states. All of the issues that caused the Civil war were based around slavery, such as states’ rights that involved how slavery would be handled in each state, and trying to preserve the Union since the south seceded from the northRead MoreThe American Civil War1296 Words   |  6 Pages The American Civil War, also known as the State’s War, was a conflict that arose mostly from the issue of slavery, but deep down was due to economic differences between the North and the South. The South seceded from the North and created their own self-government due to their belief in th e lack of state’s rights versus the federal government and what they saw as a weakness in the Articles of Confederation. While the Confederacy of the United States depended on slave labor for their economy in regardsRead MoreThe American Civil War1418 Words   |  6 PagesGuns fired, smoke lingering in the air, people dying. The American Civil War had a huge impact on the United States. Two compromises took place before the start of the Civil War. These compromises include the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. The Missouri Compromise dealt with the crisis in 1819 over Missouri entering the Union as a slave state. The compromise was â€Å"the first major crisis over slavery, and it shattered a tacit agreement between the two regions that had been in placeRead MoreThe War Of The American Civil War1618 Words   |  7 Pages A Civil War is a battle between the same citizens in a country. The American Civil War was fought from 1861 to 1865 to determine the indepe ndence for the Confederacy or the survival of the Union. By the time Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 1861, in the mist of 34 states, the constant disagreement caused seven Southern slave states to their independence from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America. The Confederacy, generally known as the South, grew to include elevenRead MoreThe War Of The American Civil War1324 Words   |  6 PagesThere were many events that led to the cause of one of America’s most devastating war, the American Civil War. The American Civil War was an unfortunate war that cost more than the lives of six hundred thousand people. Events such as the Missouri Compromise, Kansas Nebraska Act, Dred Scott Decision, and the Election of Abraham Lincoln resulted in the four yearlong battles between the Northern and Southern states due to social and economic differences on the idea of slavery. In the 19th century,Read MoreThe War Of The American Civil War856 Words   |  4 PagesSlavery may have been established as the catalyst of the American Civil War, but the beginning of the dispute began in the time of the Revolution with a weak decentralized government under the Articles of Confederation. Later gained momentum as territorial expansion set Americans against each other on debating whether the new states should be slave states or free states, it questioned the power of the Federal government regarding state rights, and brought about instability in the unity of the UnitedRead MoreThe War Of The American Civil War Essay1472 Words   |  6 PagesThe American Civil War lasted from April 12, 1861 to May 9, 1865. It was the bloodiest war in American history, killing approximately 620,000 soldiers in total. The War was fought and won by the North, ensuring that all the United States would stay united and slavery would be illegal in The United States. However, history is one of the most complicated things in the world. It’s also one of the most important things in the world because history is what made the present possible. Historians have debatedRead MoreThe American Civil War878 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction A civil war is a prolonged high-intensity conflict between people, countries, or parties, which is usually barefaced and armed. Every war has its causes either acceptable or not and some are inevitable. Commonly, civil wars are between countries within a state. It results from one country aiming to make implementations on their governing policies or take control of certain areas within the state. 1Civil War refers to the American Civil War, which took place in the year 1861 to 1865Read MoreThe War Of The American Civil War960 Words   |  4 Pagesslavery even if it meant war caused peace in this nation. Slavery was the vital cause of the American Civil War. The north and the south both had their differences on how to run the country. People in the North believed in unity and that slavery should not exist because â€Å"all men are created equally.† On the other hand, the South believed in continuing slavery. People tried to talk it out and come to a middle ground after both s ides compromising, however that didn’t work and caused war. Ideological differences

Monday, December 9, 2019

Emergency Procedures Carried at the Reception Essay Sample free essay sample

A building’s response desk is the information hub to all of its operations. It is non merely a topographic point to look into in for your assignment. but can go critical in an exigency. During an exigency. the receptionist receives pertinent information about the state of affairs. and so disseminates that information to its proper receiver. conveying about a Swift and proper decision to the incident. Immediately unfastened up your exigency processs manual to the appropriate subdivision. and cite it any clip you are non wholly certain of what to make. Follow your written processs in the order they appear and seek and remain composures. This will assist cut down the opportunities of any mistakes on your portion. Continue supervising immersion and emersion to your belongings. leting for better entree control during the exigency. This can be done through watching video-monitored entry points. every bit good as look intoing persons for proper ID upon their entry and issue. We will write a custom essay sample on Emergency Procedures Carried at the Reception Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Stay current on your visitant log book. look intoing persons in and out as demand be. Pay attending to your immediate response country. looking for any leery individuals or points. Report anything out of the ordinary instantly. When constabulary and fire functionaries arrive. help them by holding an bodyguard waiting at your desk to direct them to the exigency scene. If an bodyguard is non available. do certain you give them a simplified map for waies. Be prepared to help governments with emptying processs if necessary. After the incident. do certain you complete all necessary study certification. This will assist the company with liability issues and to better on future exigency processs.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Keeping Company Essays - Boyfriend, Vocal Music, Oral Literature

Keeping Company Nora smiles at two men at the beginning of the story, and William is giving her the evil eye. Does he really not trust her that much? ? When Nora goes to walk on the beach, it reminds me of when we go to Corpus Christi. I love to go and walk on the beach. ? Nora talks about the child as if she is already born. I think that is wonderful. ? "Don't bother with them, Nora. They're not our kind" When William says this, it reminds me of my best friend, and her boyfriend. ? Nora seems like an outgoing lady, and likes to mingle. But when she gets caught playing games with James, William builds a wall between the two houses. Does William really not trust her that much? ? "The wall is holding," he says. "Can you believe it?" I say, "Yes, I believe it". Does William really think that the wall is going to hold the relationship between Dennis and James and Nora? ? I love the way she finally stands up to her husband, and just walks out. William has to come and find her. He realizes that he is in the wronging. I love the way she makes him realize that. "...simply walk forward in silence, which is the way it is between husbands and wives, with married people" Is this really true? This story was very inspiring. I think that every woman that has a controlling boyfriend should read this story. It is written very well. The way that William controls his wife reminds me of my best friend and her boyfriend. He is always controlling her. Before they started going out, we used to go out for lunch two or three times a week. It was so nice, spending time with her outside of our hectic lives. But after they started going out, everything changed. It wasn't very cool either. I really wish that it hadn't changed. One day after like weeks of not talking to my best friend, someone came over to tell me that a person had keyed her car. I couldn't believe it. That person also told me that my best friend thought that I had done it. I didn't know what to say. I was to shocked to believe it. So I decided to confront her. Before her chemistry lab, I went and talked to her. She said she thought that it was I, but it left her mind after like a millisecond. But just the thought that she thought it was me, it got me upset. We talked for like 5 hours, and everything was cool. I thought that we would be cool forever. And then she started hanging around with her soon-to-be boyfriend. I heard less and less from her. I wrote her, but got no responses. I just figured that she was busy. So I decided to page her. I didn't get any answer. I didn't know what to think. I was upset. I thought that our relationship was going down. Then her boyfriend and her started going out. And things went downhill from there. We didn't talk for weeks. When I needed help to solve a problem in my life, she was not there for me. I started hanging out with this guy that I met in summer school, and I never thought that him and I would become like brother and sister. I wish that she could have been there for me. I wanted to tell her so much about my life. But she wasn't. I paged her, called her, but I never got any answer. Then one day, I decided to write her and ask her to lunch. She responded and we got together. I asked her what was going on with her life. She said that her life has been really hectic. I asked her why she hasn't responded to my emails or phone calls. She said that her and her boyfriend have been having problems. I told her I was sorry to hear that. She said that her boyfriend had become to controlling, and the day before that, they had a huge fight and she started screaming at him. I didn't know what to say. She said that she started writing " I have a boyfriend who is too controlling" on her paper. I really didn't know what to say. I mean they have been going out for over two years. Anyway, the whole point of this story

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Free Essays on Germany And The Escalation Of WWI

The Great War began on August 3rd 1914, but was triggered on June 28th, when a member of the Serbian militant group called the "Black Hand," Gavrilo Princep, assassinated Austrian archduke Frances Ferdinand and his wife. The assassination was a result of the nationalism caused by the molding of the Yugoslavian provinces into Serbia. The Serbian government, which had a vested interest in the downfall of the Austrian Empire, was implicated as being involved in the plot and quickly became the reason for war. Though Germany declared war on France on August 3rd, it is important to remember that Russia was the first to mobilize, considered an act of war. This was quickly followed by France, and finally Germany. Though Germany was the most prepared for this war, they did not want to hurt their industry and did not want to fight a two front war. Austria, outraged with the assassination of the archduke, saw a chance to annex a critical portion of their new neighbor Serbia. The loosely held Empire was the last of its kind, and in danger of loosing its control. This was due to fierce nationalism in the Balkans, due to the occupation of Bosnia (Sarajevo). On July 13th, 1914, the Austrians made an ultimatum saying all Serbs must leave Albania. The Serbians were not willing to agree to a demand aimed at hurting their government, and immediately mobilized for war. On July 28th, three days after Yugoslavia refused to yield to their demands, the Austrians officially declared war. Austria’s only hesitation came in Yugoslavia’s defensive treaty with Russia, and for this Austria turned to Germany. Germany told Austria to begin the war, and if it evolved into a larger conflict they would support them. Clearly, Germany was not the instigator on this front. The following day, on July 29th, Russia began mobilization with the intent of protecting Yugoslavia from Austria. Tsar Nicholas II ruled the Russian Empire as an absolute monarch until ... Free Essays on Germany And The Escalation Of WWI Free Essays on Germany And The Escalation Of WWI The Great War began on August 3rd 1914, but was triggered on June 28th, when a member of the Serbian militant group called the "Black Hand," Gavrilo Princep, assassinated Austrian archduke Frances Ferdinand and his wife. The assassination was a result of the nationalism caused by the molding of the Yugoslavian provinces into Serbia. The Serbian government, which had a vested interest in the downfall of the Austrian Empire, was implicated as being involved in the plot and quickly became the reason for war. Though Germany declared war on France on August 3rd, it is important to remember that Russia was the first to mobilize, considered an act of war. This was quickly followed by France, and finally Germany. Though Germany was the most prepared for this war, they did not want to hurt their industry and did not want to fight a two front war. Austria, outraged with the assassination of the archduke, saw a chance to annex a critical portion of their new neighbor Serbia. The loosely held Empire was the last of its kind, and in danger of loosing its control. This was due to fierce nationalism in the Balkans, due to the occupation of Bosnia (Sarajevo). On July 13th, 1914, the Austrians made an ultimatum saying all Serbs must leave Albania. The Serbians were not willing to agree to a demand aimed at hurting their government, and immediately mobilized for war. On July 28th, three days after Yugoslavia refused to yield to their demands, the Austrians officially declared war. Austria’s only hesitation came in Yugoslavia’s defensive treaty with Russia, and for this Austria turned to Germany. Germany told Austria to begin the war, and if it evolved into a larger conflict they would support them. Clearly, Germany was not the instigator on this front. The following day, on July 29th, Russia began mobilization with the intent of protecting Yugoslavia from Austria. Tsar Nicholas II ruled the Russian Empire as an absolute monarch until ...

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Proofreading for Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement

Proofreading for Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement These two proofreading exercises will give you practice in applying the rules of subject-verb agreement. After completing the exercises, compare your responses. Proofreading Exercise #1: A Fluke of Luck The following paragraph contains five errors in subject-verb agreement. Identify and correct the faulty verb forms. The sheep-liver fluke is a parasitic flatworm with a very complex life cycle. The fluke start life by hatching inside a snail. The fluke is then ejected from the snail in a ball of slime. These balls of slime is eaten by ants. The fluke digs its way through the ants body until it reach the ants brain. There, the fluke takes control of the ant by manipulating its nerves, thus turning the ant into its personal robot. Under the command of the fluke, the ant climb to the top of a blade of grass. If the fluke is in luck, the ant is eaten by a passing sheep. From the sheeps stomach, the fluke work its way hometo the liver. The Answers The sheep-liver fluke is a parasitic flatworm with a very complex life cycle. The fluke  starts  life by hatching inside a snail. The fluke is then ejected from the snail in a ball of slime. These balls of slime  are  eaten by ants. The fluke digs its way through the ants body until it  reaches  the ants brain. There, the fluke takes control of the ant by manipulating its nerves, thus turning the ant into its personal robot. Under the command of the fluke, the ant  climbs  to the top of a blade of grass. If the fluke is in luck, the ant is eaten by a passing sheep. From the sheeps stomach, the fluke  works  its way hometo the liver. Proofreading Exercise #2: Life Forms The following paragraph contains seven errors in subject-verb agreement. Identify and correct the faulty verb forms. Anomie Plaza, like all shopping plazas, were designed for automobiles rather than human beings. All natural life has been extinguished; even the weeds along the curb appears artificial. But somehow, amidst all the plastic, steel, and concrete, a solitary shrub manage to survive. The shrub, not in vigorous bloom but certainly alive, stand a few yards away from the entrance to Huxleys department store. It grows straight up through the concrete. Now and then a shopper pause to examine this odd life form, not for sale in any of the 67 stores. Occasionally, someone will glance around furtively and then break off a twig, slip it into a shopping bag, and hurry back to the parking lot. Why people do this are a mystery to me. Are such people intent on preserving life or destroying it? Whatever the case may be, the shrub so far ​have managed to survive all assaults. The Answers Anomie Plaza, like all shopping plazas,  was  designed for automobiles rather than human beings. All natural life has been extinguished; even the weeds along the curb  appear  artificial. But somehow, amidst all the plastic, steel, and concrete, a solitary shrub  manages  to survive. The shrub, not in vigorous bloom but certainly alive,  stands  a few yards away from the entrance to Huxleys department store. It grows straight up through the concrete. Now and then a shopper  pauses  to examine this odd life form, not for sale in any of the 67 stores. Occasionally, someone will glance around furtively and then break off a twig, slip it into a shopping bag, and hurry back to the parking lot. Why people do this  is  a mystery to me. Are such people intent on preserving life or destroying it? Whatever the case may be, the shrub so far  has  managed to survive all assaults.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Literary Response #7 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Literary Response #7 - Essay Example Indeed, a general perusal of Wright’s work reveals his interest in political concerns, but the most underlining features of his writing are the social and human concerns he addresses with great clarity. Consider his seminal poem ‘A Blessing’. In this poem Wright describes his encounter with two horses, and describes the meeting like he might an interaction with another person whom he cares dearly. In ‘A Note Left in Jimmy Leonard’s Shack,’ Wright continues his characteristic use of clear dialogue and concerns with daily human existence. For instance, he writes, â€Å"He’s drunk or dying now, I don’t know which,/ Rolled in the roots and garbage like a fish,/ The poor old man† (Perkins). While lacking stylistic complexity, it’s clear that the most unifying traits of Wright’s work is this ability to explore meaningful human concerns with great ease and clarity. In considering the poems of Edward Arlington Robinson one is drawn to the stark contrast his writing holds from that of James Wright. E.A. Robinson’s work has is more classically ‘poetic’ in that it is much more stylized, with some poems containing rhyming schemes and even iambic pentameter. While throughout the entire canon of Robinson’s work one is capable of identifying a plethora of themes, perhaps because of his upbringing that included the death of a brother to overdose and his largely solitary life. Consider poems like ‘Luke Havergal’ wherein Robinson largely utilizes iambic pentameter to convey the dark tone with a speaker that returns from the grave to implore Havergal to visit the western wall and speak with a mysterious individual. Another poem ‘Richard Cory’ continues Robinson’s use of iambic pentameter and while it begins in describing an individual with his outwardly happy, it concludes with the fateful words, â€Å"And Richard

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Teaching and Learning Issues within a Cognitive Context Research Paper

Teaching and Learning Issues within a Cognitive Context - Research Paper Example It can also include delay in language development and inability to start conversations or participate in them properly Restricted and repetitive patterns of interests, thoughts and physical behaviors including making repetitive physical movements such as twisting or hand tapping and getting easily upset when these routines are disrupted. Autism is a major concern in education as approximately half of those suffering from ASD have learning difficulties that vary from one individual to another. Children with this condition may experience problems in understanding or communicating their needs to fellow students and their teachers. They can experience difficulties in understanding some classroom instructions and directions, along with facial and vocal cues of their teachers. Lack of appropriate social interactions my cause challenging behaviors, ostracizing and bullying. Problems with creative or imaginative play inhibit interactions with other students, and this means that most teaching strategies will not be effective. Sensory issues mean that the student may not cope well with noisy surroundings, maintaining eye contact or being touched by others. This incapacity to fully decode the world around them usually makes learning stressful for the student, and teachers commonly report that they find it challenging to satisf y the needs of students with autism. (Dunlap & Fox, 2003) This type of hearing loss interferes with the sound conducting paths of the middle and outer ear. The degree of loss can be minimized by use of hearing aids or through surgery. Individuals with this kind of hearing loss usually speak softly, hear better in noisy environments than individuals with normal hearing, and often experience ringing in their ears (Disability.illinois.edu, 2014) This type of hearing loss interferes with the auditory nerves and the inner

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Explain the theory of Virtue Ethics Essay Example for Free

Explain the theory of Virtue Ethics Essay Aristotle originally introduced virtue Ethics to society in ancient Greek times. Virtue Ethics tells us that we should look at the character of the person instead of the actions or duties a person performs. Instead of concentrating on what is the right thing to do, virtue ethics asks how you can be a better person. Aristotle claims that leading a virtuous life is easy, and those who do, do so to be happy. Happiness is the ultimate goal for everyone in life. To become a better person, you must practice virtuous acts regularly. After a while, these acts will become routine and so the virtuous acts will be nothing more than everyday life and the person a virtuous person. Aristotle said that although virtues should become a habit we must never forget that we behave in such a way because it is right. For example, if a singer practices singing everyday, they will become better at it and used to doing it. This is the same as people who practice their virtues and soon automatically act in the right way, by practicing our skills we improve them, becoming happier. Virtues should not be an effort, but simply a part of everyones personality. Aristotle says that virtue is something that we acquire and are not just born with, people are not inherently good or bad, but become good or bad according to the habits they develop. Aristotle said that a virtue was a Golden Mean in between to vices. These Vices are two extremes of a scale at opposite ends, one of excess and one of deficiency. For example the vices would be shamelessness and shyness, and the virtue modesty. Another example of this would be rudeness and a sense of humour as the two vices and the virtue as wittiness. Such virtues must be cultivated, we must learn when to use certain virtues and to what extent, for example we must not ever use humour in excess to act like a fool, but at the same time we must also not pass into rudeness. Two philosophers, Anscombe and MacIntyre say that there has been a mistake in how virtues have been portrayed. The majority of people look at the actions a person does to judge whether they are virtuous or not. The way in which we behave provides an opportunity for others to judge our virtues and vices. This however is not right. People should look at the character within and  look at what the person believes is right and how they think they should help people instead of what they do to help. A famous example of a virtuous person is Mother Theresa. She helped millions of suffering people across the world and for this became well known as a virtuous person. There are hundreds of other virtuous people who would have liked to have helped but were unable to do so in such a huge way who are not considered as virtuous, but these people are just as virtuous but not recognised for it. Aristotle tells us that we are most likely to learn virtuous behaviour from watching others. If we experience others being kind to us and see the happiness it creates we are more likely to practice it then if we were just told to do it. For example, if we were told to be courageous we may occasionally stand up for small things that we disagree with, but if we see someone telling others off for not doing the right thing then we are more likely to not allow bad behaviour towards ourselves. Aristotle said that the best way of becoming virtuous was to follow in the footsteps of a virtuous person, e.g. Mother Theresa and do what they do. Virtue Ethics is relative; Aristotle recognised that virtues in one country may not be the same as virtues in another. He believed that there was no absolute platonic good beyond our world. As virtues have evolved through habits of society it is probable that different societies would deem different actions good or bad. However there is no difference between the virtues of a community and individuals within that community, the supreme happiness that Aristotle talks about is one for the community, and not just and individual. MacIntyre suggests that philosophy is too far removed from ordinary life and said that it is not good enough that philosophers spend their time debating the nature of ethical language or forming reasoned theories of morality in a way that is far removed from real people and real life. All actions are done in order to reach an aim. A successive series of actions are also for an aim, for example getting up in to morning to go to work, is to make money, is to feed our families is to go on nice holidays is to but them nice things etc. all ultimate aims is to make people happy, everything is subordinate to the supreme good, which is happiness. Everyone has  different ideas of what happiness is and different things all make different people happy, and Aristotle called this feeling of all round well being eudemonia. Therefore, Virtue Ethics concentrates on what a person is then what a person does. Its aim is to achieve something, which people genuinely want rather then being based on arguably incoherent ideas about the after-life. It is a system, which can be easily applied and understood by all. It fits into a variety of philosophies, and religions, which both do and dont include God. However, there are a few problems with Virtue Ethics. Ones of these which has been pointed out by MacIntyre is that although a virtue is the golden mean between two vices it cannot be applied to all virtues. Virtues such as promise keeping, loyalty, and compassion do not fall between any two vices and so Aristotles theory of this does not really work. Another problem with this theory is that it is of little help to people faced with a moral dilemma. It does not help them make a decision like other theories such a natural law or utilitarianism.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Articles Of Confederation Essay -- essays research papers

Articles of Confederation Analyze the degree to which the Articles provided an effective form of government with respect to any two of the following: Foreign Relations, Economic Conditions, or Western Lands In 1777, the states enacted the Articles of Confederation to preserve democracy and prevent tyranny from those who sought to centralize power. But in their efforts to keep their independence, the states created a weak central government that was unable to improve an insolvent economy and poor foreign relations. Although the confederation gained some substantial powers, the crucial powers to tax and regulate commerce remained with the individual states. Each state passed their own currency, and therefore created inflation and made â€Å"Continentals† in circulation worthless. Compounded with restrictions on trade to Great Britain and down the Mississippi River, the states became mired in a heavy depression. John Fiske, of the conservative view, realized the precarious situation when he stated â€Å"the Nation was under the verge of collapse and near-anarchy and that the five year period after 1783 was the most critical time in American History.† Robert Morris, secretary of finance, resorted to desperate measures with the Newburgh conspiracy in an attempt to raise funds for a depleted military; but it took an impassioned plea from General Washington himself to put down the rebellion. Furthermore, the Articles allowed for personal rights abuses such as unsubstantiated foreclosure s...

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Gender Roles in the Work of John Ford

Jonathan Moeller Final Paper, Theory and History of Cinema 5- ­? 4- ­? 12 1 Gender Roles in the Work of John Ford: How The Director of Westerns Used Women To Drive a Male Dominated Genre The Western genre has always been a representation of American identity, in that its films reflect societal moods, pop culture, politics, etc. The prototypical Western portrays beautiful open landscapes and heroic, rugged heroes who are set on either conquering or defending them. These iconic actors such as John Wayne, Roy Stewart, Alan Ladd, and Gary Cooper were made famous through being the centerpiece of Western films and series. These heroes and mages of the ‘great American frontier’ stand as metaphor for America itself. Yet, as we closely examine this exciting and adventurous genre of film we see that the hero’s female counterparts are usually underdeveloped and ignored. Western films, especially in the early years of the genre, featured women characters who held little i mportance to the plot and served as comedic or sexual support to the hero. In this essay I will examine how John Ford, as a Western filmmaker, did not follow the formula of the genre. He played with male characters that were not heroic, but were selfish and cold, and even more interestingly, readjusted he gender roles in his western films so that women were no longer simple characters, but in fact drove the story along and made significant plot- ­? related decisions. Often women and men were equals in Ford’s work. I will examine how Ford did this, and contemplate why, as well, in three of his western classics. The films we will be taking a close look at are Fort Apache (1948), The Searchers (1956), and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), all of which feature significant female character contributions. Before diving into the work of Ford and how he gave significance to women in the West, it is important to discuss further he attitudes that Western film, and all of Holly wood in the early 2 years, had towards female characters. According to Laura Mulvey, a feminist and film theorist who wrote extensively on the subject, Hollywood uses women in only two ways: â€Å"as erotic objects for the characters within the screen story, and as erotic object for the spectator within the auditorium†¦ She also connotes something the look continually circles around but disavows: her lack of penis, implying a threat of castration and hence unpleasure. † (Mulvey, p. 716- ­? 718) Therefore, women are either sex objects or characters to be feared. According to Mulvey,Hollywood feels female characters shouldn’t be complex, shouldn’t grow and change, and certainly aren’t able to make decisions that change the outcome of the story. All of that should be left to the male heroes. Early Western films followed a strict formula. They featured rugged yet like able heroes from the frontier, and pitted against them was almost always a foreign ad versary. He was either a Native American, or more typically a well- ­? dressed man from the East coast. (Garfield) Women in these early films played very small roles, most fitting into Mulvey’s definition of sex object. They also acted as a power symbol, and the an who possessed the leading woman had all the power, something we will examine in more depth later in this essay. In 1948, John Ford began to change the dynamics between these dominant male characters and their passive, sexual counterparts when he made Fort Apache. The film starred John Wayne playing captain Kirby York, a prototypical Western hero, who is as rugged as they come as well as a well- ­? knowledged man of the West stationed at the frontier’s Fort Apache. Henry Fonda played opposite of him as Lt Col. Owen Thursday, a prototypical Western villain, because he came from a foreign land with the intent of instilling change.Thirdly, the film starred Shirley Temple as Owen's cute, innocent daughter, Ph iladelphia Thursday. The story revolves around Owen 3 Thursday’s attempts to control the â€Å"wild† Apache tribes of the area and send them back to their reservation, usually against the advice of York. All of these story and character dynamics are to be expected when examining a Western film, but it is Ford’s portrayal of women, and in fact the number of contributing female characters, that make this classic of the genre stand out. According to film critic Howard Movshovitz, John Ford used a subtle semiotic technique to imply his heroes’ opinions of women n his films. â€Å"Good women are still; only questionable women travel under their own power,† he says. (Movshovitz, p. 71) By this he means that good- ­? intending women in Ford’s films are always immobile, and the women whom we are to distrust are those that move around freely. As we begin to examine Fort Apache and its female characters, we must keep this in mind. The first female c haracter we meet is Philadelphia Thursday, and we are introduced to her as she is riding inside of a wagon. According to Movshovitz’s theory, this means she is good. I would take it a step further and say that we are being presented an innocent character ere, who I think falls in line with Mulvey’s theory. Shirley Temple was a sex symbol, and that’s also how Philadelphia Thursday looks to us when we meet her. Immediately, she is fawned at by a group of soldiers and flirts with the young Michael O’Rourke. We get a very iconic and telling shot from Ford in the introductory tavern scene, in which Miss Thursday and O’Rourke sit down next to each other and smile, while not looking or speaking to one another. Ford is symbolizing a lot for us here. Obviously he is setting up their future romantic relationship, but he is also foreshadowing for us gender roles of Fort Apache, where both of hese characters are headed. As we are to find out, the women in the fort run the show. They are the ones who take care of the everyday business within the fort, while the men train and go off to battle the surrounding Indian tribes, and as I will explain later, the men actually need their women in order to survive. By not allowing 4 O’Rourke to speak in the aforementioned shot, Ford is suggesting that he needs Miss Thursday to initiate the conversation for him. He is already dependent on women, and therefore will quickly fit in once he arrives at the fort. Ford is also presenting to us something about Miss Thursday with this shot, owever it is contrast to the character that she eventually becomes. Here, by being quiet, Miss Thursday is conforming to Eastern societal standards and waiting to be courted. Ford is showing us that she is a foreigner and that she is dependent on men, but as soon as she steps foot within the confines of Fort Apache all of this changes. Upon arrival to the fort, O’Rourke pays a visit to the Thursday residence to drop off his card, and only Miss Thursday is there to receive him. She immediately goes on the offensive and tries to persuade him to admit his romantic intentions towards her. O’Rourke is confused by her forwardness, and eeds her to spell it out for him, a job which actually gets turned over to Kirby York who enters the scene about halfway through. Over the course of one night in the fort, Miss Thursday has been transformed into a woman who takes matters into her own hands. Later that day, Miss Thursday decides to fix up her and her father’s house, which proves to be our more solid introduction of another important female character in this film, Mrs. Collingwood. It is Mrs. Collingwood, in fact, who makes all of the arrangements for the Thursdays to have furniture and food and even a servant. That night, when Owen Thursday comes home from work and inds his house fixed up he is very surprised, and slightly confused at how it happened. He is openly admitting here tha t Philadelphia is more capable than he, at least in the matters of the home, because of the fact that she was able to take care of a matter he was not. Male characters do not do this in Western films. The entire genre is built around a macho mindset in which the male hero or villain is the all- ­? mighty, yet here Ford has decided to give power to Miss Thursday and by association Mrs. Collingwood. It is one of the first instances that Ford shows us 5 how important his female characters are. Without them, we are to ssume that the entire fort would have nothing and would therefore collapse. This scene is also significant to note because of what it foreshadows for later in the film. Owen Thursday and Mrs. Collingwood end up being our too most powerful characters, which I will explain, and through this scene Ford is showing us who deserves this power. This scene allows us the room to be skeptical of Owen Thursday, and believe his poor decision making at the end of the film, because we are led to ask how he is capable of running a fort when he can’t even run a house hold. This idea of giving Miss Thursday and Mrs. Collingwood power over men is n contrast to both Mulvey and Movshovitz. These women are in motion, they move about on their own two feet freely and therefore, according to Movshovitz, are questionable. Yet, how can we question them when they are giving such positive contributions to our male heroes? These women are making it possible for the men of the fort to live and defend it. I believe Movshovitz would make the argument that Ford is foreshadowing here, and that the reasons that these women are not to be trusted arrives later in the film. In saying so, he wouldn’t be entirely wrong, however, I believe the actions these characters have that can be viewed as

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Contrast of the Two Articles Essay

When comparing the two articles, more comparison was on the view point of social responsibility but the contrast of the two articles focuses more on aspect of business ethics. Drucker spends far more time finding out the meaning of business ethics, and as stated earlier he breaks it down into more of different types of samples and other meanings than just the overall view of business ethics. Again, Freidman’s view was more on social responsibility being the term that faces and encourages business ethics, but what I found interesting was a little excerpt from George, (1999) in his titled book â€Å"Business Ethics,† here George is explaining the issues that approach business ethics, and even though this quote was used earlier in the writing, he states â€Å"some point out that self-interest would still require a business to obey the law and adhere to basic moral rules, because the consequences of failing to do so could be very costly in fines, loss of licensure, or company reputation. The noted economist Milton Freidman was a leading proponent of this view (George, 1999). â€Å" If this is the case, then it is noted that Freidman was a view point on that ethical decisions are made on the basis of consequences and not just on their social responsibility to their company and their actions. Now one could argue in depth that it is ones social responsibility to adhere to basic moral rules and the consequences that follow. But the contrast is that while Drucker believes that business ethics comes from one’s social responsibility to himself and his kingdom, Casuistry, â€Å"Business ethics undoubtedly is a close parallel to casuistry. Its basic thesis that ethics for the ruler, and especially for the business executive, has to express â€Å"social responsibility† is exactly the starting point of the Casuist. But if â€Å"business ethics† is casuistry, then it will not last long-and long before it dies, it will have become a tool of the business executive to justify what for other people would be unethical behavior, rather than a tool to restrain the business executive and to impose tight ethical limits on business (Drucker, 1970). † Conclusion So what does this all mean? My view on the contrast is that one is using the philosophy that business ethics is based on decisions and behavior from Drucker’s standpoint, to the contrast that, business ethics is based on consequences of certain business situations. Business ethics is broader in its term and uses more than just right and wrong in business aspects. There are far more things that cause business ethics to be a stable-ford in the business world. One’s behavior and responsiveness to situations is a main component to business ethics but that can’t be the determining factor when trying to pursue the actual meaning and how it affects a business. And even when social responsibility is a main component to business ethics and is quite equal on some aspects of the term, there will always be the argument that if it leans towards someone’s responsibility, is the decisions that are being made ethical, and if so is it more towards the person’s responsibility to society or to one’s business? References 1. Carroll, A. B. , Buchholtz, Ann K. (2006) Business & society: Ethics and stakeholder management Mason, Ohio: South-Western ISBN: 0324225814 2. George, Richard T. de (1999). Business Ethics. Prentice Hall Publishing, ISBN: 01307977723 3. Drucker, P. (1970) What Is Business Ethics New York, N. Y. New York Times Magazine pp. 32-33, 122-124, 126

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Quotes to Heal the Wounded Heart

Quotes to Heal the Wounded Heart It is ironic that the ones you love deeply are also the ones who you can hurt or who can hurt you the most. The truth is that when you are in love, be prepared to get hurt. When you love someone, you trust them and share your vulnerabilities and secrets. These can be turned against you when the relationship sours. How will you pick up the shreds, when your lover  breaks your heart? At such times, love hurts. The abrasions of love have inspired many a great writer. From Shakespeare to Jane Austen, many writers have at some time or the other dwelt upon the anguish called love. The following quotes bring out the heartache caused by love. Yes, love does hurt. But that does not mean that you should withdraw into a shell. Find the courage to fight for your dignity and survival. Bandage your broken spirit with these love hurts quotes. The best thing to do when you fall down is to dust yourself and get up once again. Shrug off that feeling of despondency, and chin up. As Mahatma Gandhi wisely said, Nobody can hurt you without your permission. Jane Austen One does not love a place the less for having suffered in it unless it has all been suffering, nothing but suffering. Carroll Bryant The shattering of a heart when being broken is the loudest quiet ever. Anonymous If love is so important to have that one doesnt want to lose it, why is it when we find true love we often dont notice it? Harry Crews There is something beautiful about all scars of whatever nature. A scar means the hurt is over; the wound is closed and healed, done with. Oscar Wilde When one is in love, one always begins by deceiving oneself, and one always ends by deceiving others. That is what the world calls a romance. Philip Larkin What will survive of us is love. Daphne Rae, Love Until It Hurts I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love. Seneca We are more often frightened than hurt, and we suffer more from imagination than from reality. Diane Arbus Love involves a peculiar unfathomable combination of understanding and misunderstanding. E. Y. Harburg Oh, innocent victims of Cupid, Remember this terse little verse; To let a fool kiss you is stupid, To let a kiss fool you is worse. Joan Lunden Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives you tense muscles, a headache, and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. Forgiveness gives you back the laughter and the lightness in your life. Anonymous It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone. Bill Clayton The folks you help wont remember it and the folks you hurt wont ever forget it. William Shakespeare Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs. Victor M. Garcia Jr. Love is like the truth, sometimes it prevails, sometimes it hurts. William Somerset Maugham The love that lasts the longest is the love that is never returned. Spanish proverb Where there is love, there is pain. Oscar Wilde Those who are faithful know only the trivial side of love; it is the faithless who know loves tragedies. Sir James M. Barrie If you have it [love], you dont need to have anything else, and if you dont have it, it doesnt matter much what else you have. Toba Beta Love hurts when it changes us. Francois de La Rouchefoucauld There is only one kind of love, but there are a thousand imitations. William Shakespeare The courses of true love never did run smooth. George Granville Of all pains, the greatest pain, Is to love, and to love in vain. Anonymous Why is it that we dont always recognize the moment love begins, but we always recognize the moment it ends? Marie E. Eschenbach We dont believe in rheumatism and true love until after the first attack. Felice and Boudleaux Bryant Love hurts, Love scars, Love wounds and marks Any heart not tough or strong enough To take a lot of pain... Love is like a cloud, it holds a lot of rain... Love is like a flame, it burns you when its hot.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Pepper and Water Science Magic Trick

Pepper and Water Science Magic Trick The pepper and water science trick is one of the easiest magic tricks you can perform. Heres how to do the trick and an explanation of how it works. Necessary Materials You only need a few common kitchen ingredients to perform this science magic trick. black pepperwaterdishwashing liquidplate or bowl Steps to Performing the Trick Pour water into a plate or bowl.Shake some pepper onto the waters surface.Dip your finger into the pepper and water (Nothing much will happen).However, if you put a drop of dishwashing liquid on your finger and then dip it into the pepper and water the pepper will rush to the outer edges of the dish. If you are doing this as a trick then you might have one finger that is clean and another finger that you dipped in detergent before performing the trick. You could use a spoon or chopstick if you dont want a soapy finger. Heres How the Trick Works When you add detergent to water the surface tension of the water is lowered. Water normally bulges up a bit, like what you see when you look at a water drop. When the ​surface tension is lowered, the water wants to spread out. As the water flattens on the dish, the pepper that is floating on top of the water is carried to the outer edge of the plate as if by magic. Exploring Surface Tension With Detergent What happens if you mix detergent into the water and then shake pepper onto it? The pepper sinks to the bottom of the plate because the surface tension of the water is too low to hold up the particles. The high surface tension of water is why spiders and some insects can walk on water. If you added a drop of detergent to the water, they would sink, too. Floating Needle Trick A related science-based trick is the floating needle trick. You can float a needle (or paperclip) on water because the surface tension is high enough to hold it up. If the needle gets completely wet, it will sink immediately. Running the needle across your skin first will coat it with a thin layer of oil, helping it to float. Another option is to set the needle on a floating bit of tissue paper. The paper will become hydrated and sink, leaving a floating needle. Touching the water with a finger dipped in detergent will cause the metal to sink. Quarters in a Glass of Water Another way to demonstrate the high surface tension of water is to see how many quarters or other coins you can add to a full glass of water before it overflows. As you add coins, the surface of the water will become convex  before finally overflowing. How many coins can you add? This depends on how you add them. Slowly sliding the coins into the water edge-on will improve your results. If youre competing with a friend, you can sabotage his efforts by coating his coins with soap.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Edsons Ridge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Edsons Ridge - Essay Example The occupation of this location would give them the means to militarily attack United States. With the ridge in their control, they would be one step away from world dominion. From the moment the Allies descended on the ridge, it was a position that the Allies had to hold on to strategically maintain their balance of power. Turning back would mean heavy sacrifice in the war scenario that even in the closing period of the war could be disastrous due to the location of the ridge and the impact it could have on anyone who controlled the region. In the circumstances, it was necessary that the ridge remained in the control of the Allies. The failure of the Japanese to retake the ridge lay on the difficulties posed by the terrain and their miscalculation about the determination of the Allies to stay put. The region was topsy-turvy and dotted with jungles. The Allies, that is, the Americans had secured the area with 12,000 men while the Japanese reckoned they would have to contend with not more than a few thousand men. It was a bloody battle between the United States' forces and the Japanese men of war. The weapons of the battle were artillery as also bayonets. There were even hand-to-hand combats. The Japanese lost men in large numbers. Given the limited nature of maneuver and resource, the Japanese could not capitalize on the elements of time and surprise to overpower the enemy. The limited supply of artillery and means to travel meant that they had to depend more on strategy of surprise and intrigue to achieve their goals (Battle of Edson's (Bloody) Bridge). On 12 September 1944 Kawaguchi divided his forces, sending a thousand strong men to attack from the east of the mound, while his force struck from the west along the ridge that led to Henderson Airfield. An attack on the Japanese base at Taivu Point by Lieutenant-Colonel Edson at this juncture successfully destroyed most of the Japanese supplies. Information secured during this raid indicated a massive attack would be coming from the southwest of the perimeter along a ridge beside the Lunga River. The attack however was short-lived and failed to yield any ground as visualized by the Japanese. The Japanese coordination failed and it was not possible to have all the men in place for the fight. Further strategies to subjugate the U.S. forces met with resistance from well-entrenched positions and the Japanese were outflanked, outnumbered and gunned down with ruthless precision. Added to the miscalculations of the Japanese about the actual strength of the U.S. forces, the jungles made coordination and attack difficult to sustain. The movements of their men could not be synchronized and their attacking strategies lacked punch and depth. They lost men in large numbers and they did not get reinforcements to compensate their lost men. It was almost as if they expected the opponents to cave in to their attacks and when this did not happen they paid for it with their lives. Such tactics spell disaster. It is not advisable even in a state of war. However a battle is full of the elements of risk and intrigue. The Japanese pursued these elements with unequivocal zeal. The strategy of surprise and intrigue normally works if the opposition is less vigilant and less pro-active. The U.S. forces

Friday, November 1, 2019

The meaning of Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The meaning of Life - Essay Example Such theories seek to find some essence that characterizes the behavior of things in some general domain of study: physical phenomena, life, the mind, language, and so on. Questions like "What is the mind" or "What is life" presuppose the meaningfulness of such a quest for general knowledge. We do assume that there is a nature of things, and we are led by the metaphysical impulse to seek knowledge at higher and higher levels, defined by ever more general categories of things. A person will somehow seek for self-actualization. They say, in becoming self-actualized, you already stop seeking because you already have achieved a concept of the meaning of your existence. Thus, people get some good education, earn some money, build a good family and do something that will eventually follow the dreams they have been yearning for. And yet, some people discover later on that getting what you want could still not satisfy the questions about the meaning of their lives. People have to struggle to achieve these things and it is in their quest that they learn lessons about life. Every triumph and every failure adds something up to yourself and you always strive to become better the next time around. Apart from our internal struggles in how we achieve the lives we want, there so many external things that also influence on how we live our lives.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Criminal Justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Criminal Justice - Essay Example According to the research findings it can therefore be said that the criminal justice system protects the citizens from the criminal elements. The system includes the United States courts of law. First, the criminal justice system includes the collection of federal agencies, state agencies, and local agencies that focus on monitoring and resolving the United States’ criminal incidents. Each department has the responsibility and as well as authority to process suspects in any reported crime under its jurisdiction. Likewise, each department must take control of and ensure custody of each defendant in any crime. Lastly, each department shall ensure each convicted felon serves each sentence that the courts render on each suspect or defendant. In addition, the legislative branch of the United States government creates the basic framework of each criminal justice department. Ralph Henham insists the criminal justice laws must shift to the restorative justice concept. The concept sta tes that each convicted felon is trained by the penitentiary to drop their evil ways become productive members of society, after serving their jail sentences. In addition, judicial branch of the United States implements its own basic framework for each criminal justice department to implement. Geoffrey Scarre emphasizes the courts include mitigating or aggravating circumstances when deciding cases. Finally, the executive branch of the United States government implements its own tenets for each criminal justice organization. ... Mental disorders among the juveniles significantly increase the possibility of their arrests. However, other research findings indicate the criminal justice organization must be cautious or compassionate when arresting or taking custody of the confused juvenile delinquent, especially those with acquired deficit activities and opposition defiant problems. Further, the prisons are responsible for monitoring the convicted felons and suspects within penitentiaries. Bean Philip (1999) reiterated the technology reduces the cost to hire more jail guards and within the penitentiary. Technology includes the use of CCTV cameras replace human beings as keepers of the peace and surveillance tools within the jail premises. In addition, the courts weigh the evidences as basis passing judgment. K. Douglas (Douglas, 1997) reiterates the Jury used photographic evidences to strengthen the guilty verdict. In addition, bureaucracy maximizes the criminal justice organization’s efficiency. However, the line and staff organization reduces flexibility. During some occasion, the bureaucracy is synonymous with the red tape. Red tape means there are too many unnecessary rules, laws, or policies that may hinder fast, effective, and efficient implementation of the justice. Often bureaucracy impedes immediate implementation of justice. The leadership in criminal justice organizations. Ron Cacioppe (1997) accentuates leadership wisdom is of prime importance in the criminal justice organization. First, the leaders must hone their current skills in critical thinking. Next, the leaders of the criminal justice organization should enhance their current crisis leadership prowess. In addition, the criminal justice system’s leaders must improve their present change management

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Identification

Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Identification Middle cerebral artery is a very common site for aneurysm formation. MCA aneurysms represent 18-40 of all intracranial aneurysms. MCAAS are commonly divided into three groups: proximal (M1As), bifurcation (MbifAs), or distal (MdistAs) aneurysms. Each group presents with distinct anatomic features that have an impact on their management. Assigning MCAAs into a particular group can sometimes be difficult since the length and caliber of the M1 segment often varies and there may be two or more major branching sites along its course. This has led to fallacies in sub-grouping of MCAAs with resultant high variability in the reported frequencies of the different subgroups: M1As (2 61%) and MbifAs (39 90%), of all MCAAs [2, 3, 5-8]. Preoperative identification of MCA aneurysm origin either at the main MCA bifurcation (Mbif) or at another branching point has a great implication on surgical planning as different groups of MCAAs pose different challenges to the neurosurgeon requiring different surgical strategies. In this report, we present our technique for accurate identification of the MCA main bifurcation from other branching points along MCA as a key for a more accurate classification of MCA aneurysms. Furthermore we suggest an extension to the classic MCA classification. Also, we present the distribution of 1309 MCA aneurysms as a part of the largest CTA anatomic study, so far, for MCA aneurysms. Our aim is to help recognize the branching pattern of MCA with special emphasis on the exact characterization of MCA main bifurcation. Patients and methods Patients and radiological data: Data were retrieved from a prospectively collected database that sequentially encompassed all patients with intracranial aneurysms admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery at Helsinki University Central Hospital (catchment area, 1.8 million people). We identified 1124 consecutive patients with MCA aneurysms diagnosed between 2000 and 2009. We excluded 115 patients from the study due to lack of adequate CTA (98 cases) or having non-saccular MCAAs (17 cases). The remaining 1009 patients with a total of 1309 saccular MCA aneurysms had adequate cerebral CTAs. The routine use of CTA (GE Lightspeed QX/i; GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI) started in the year 2000 and has been the primary imaging modality for cerebral aneurysms at our institution ever since. CTA is rapid, safe, readily available and can provide 3D reconstruction of vessels and bony structures. Each patient`s radiological images were stored in the hospitals central digital archiving system (PACS; AGFA, IMPAX, version 4.5), launched in 1998, from which all of the relevant diagnostic images were recalled. Nomenclature: For each patient, pretreatment CTA images were evaluated and measured on screen (AGFA, IMPAX DS 3000). The MCA aneurysms were identified in each patient and classified according to the location of aneurysm neck in relation to the main MCA bifurcation (fig.6). MCA aneurysms were grouped into three groups: M1As, aneurysms on the main trunk (M1) of the MCA, between the bifurcation of internal carotid artery (ICA) and the main MCA bifurcation; MbifAs, aneurysms at the main MCA bifurcation; MdistAs, aneurysms distal to main MCA bifurcation on M2, M3 or M4 segments. Then M1As were sub-grouped into 2 groups: M1-ECBAs, aneurysms arising at the origin of early cortical branches; M1-LSAAs, aneurysms arising at the origin of Lenticulostriate arteries. The M1-ECBAs comprised aneurysms arising at the origin of early frontal branches (M1-EFBAs) and aneurysms arising at the origin of early temporal branches (M1-ETBAs). CTA for precise recognition of MCA main bifurcation For localization of Mbif, we simply examine the MCA branches in sagittal views of CTA at the insular level and detect the insular trunks from direction and course then follow these trunks till their essential meeting at the Mbif. This pilot examination must be correlated with examination of axial and coronal views for accurate confirmation. In some cases with difficult branching and looping patterns, 3D reconstruction is necessary. CTA for accurate classification of aneurysms along MCA: (figures 2-6) We examine the direction and course of the branches originating at the neck of the aneurysm in sagittal views to know whether these branches are cortical or insular. Correlation with axial and coronal views and sometimes 3D reconstructions is necessary. Then we check the relation of this branching point to the MCA main bifurcation (the primary meeting point of insular trunks) for correct sorting of the aneurysm. Results: Demographics: The mean age at diagnosis in our patient population was 54 years (range 13-89 y). The number of women 690 (68%) doubled that of men 319 (32%). Aneurysms were more common on the Rt. MCA 732 aneurysms (56%) than on the lt. MCA 577 aneurysms (44%). In 466 (46%) Patients, there were one or more additional aneurysms totaling 1761 aneurysms. Classification of MCA aneurysms: Table 1 shows the distribution of 1309 aneurysms along MCA. The number of aneurysms arising at the MCA main bifurcation (MbifAs) 829 (63%) doubled the total number of all aneurysms arising along M1 segment (M1As) 406 (31%). The distal MCA aneurysms (MdistAs) were the least frequent group only 74 (6%). Around three quarters (77%) of ruptured MCA aneurysms and 57% of unruptured MCA aneurysms were located at the MCA bifurcation. Types of M1As: Aneurysms arising along the main trunk of MCA (M1As) were grouped into 2 groups according the nature of the branches taking off at the base of the aneurysms. Among the 406 M1As, 242 (60%) aneurysms arose at the origin of early cortical branches from M1 segment (M1-ECBAs) while the remaining 164 (40%) M1As were not associated with early cortical branches but LSAs (M1-LSAAs). The aneurysms at the origin of early cortical branches (M1-ECBAs) comprised 178 aneurysms at the origin early frontal branches (M1-EFBAs) and 64 aneurysms at the origin of early temporal branches (M1-ETBAs). Discussion: The high variability in the reported frequencies of different groups of MCA aneurysms (M1As, 2-61%; MbifAs, 39-90%)[2, 3, 5-8] could be attributed to falsies in classification of these aneurysms and / or obtaining such incidences from small statistically unreliable series. In a trial to resolve this issue in a large statistically reliable non-selected group of MCAAs, We performed a retrospective anatomical study of CTAs for consecutive 1009 patients with 1309 saccular MCAAs aneurysms. We tried to find and follow the objective characteristics of branching points along MCA to be more precise when classifying MCA aneurysms. In our previous MCA publications [1-4, 9]we have followed the classic classification of MCA aneurysms. Recognizing the importance and the deceptive appearance of the early cortical branches, we have added an extension to the traditional classification by subdividing M1 aneurysms into M1-ECBAs and M1-LSAAs. This proofed helpful to keep attention to this previously und erestimated group of aneurysms arising at the origin of early cortical branches (M1-ECBAs). Preoperative identification of MCA aneurysm origin either at the main bifurcation or at another branching point has an implication on surgical planning especially for ruptured MCAAs as different type of MCAAs poses different challenges to the neurosurgeon requiring different surgical strategy[1-3]. Also when selecting the recipient vessel for bypass surgery if indicated to compensate for an inevitable vascular compromise during securing the aneurysm. MCA is classically subdivided into 4 segments: the sphenoidal (M1) segment extending from ICA bifurcation to the main MCA bifurcation where insular trunks (M2) begins and course over the insula till the peri-insular sulci where the opercualar (M3) segments start and course till the lateral surface of the brain in the sylvian fissure then continue as parasylvian (M4) segments whose distal extensions are sometimes called the terminal (M5) segments [10-13]. Although Yasargil used the main MCA bifurcation as the demarcation point between M1 and M2 segments, Rhoton used the MCA genu at the limen insulae as the demarcation point between M1 and M2 segments, hence he had prebifuration M1 and post bifurcation M1[8, 14]. Aneurysms along MCA are classically divided into three groups: proximal (M1As), bifurcation (MbifAs), or distal (MdistAs) aneurysms. It is evident that the identification of the MCA main bifurcation is the key for accurate classification and grouping of these aneurysms. Although MCA anatomy has been widely described in standard anatomy, neuroradiology, and neurosurgery textbooks[8, 15-17], it is still not uncommon to mistaken the identification of the main MCA bifurcation from other branching points along the main trunk of MCA particularly those associated with a large-caliber cortical branch. This misconception led to wide range of the reported length of MCA main trunk (0 -30 mm) and large differences in the reported relative frequency of M1As (2 61%) and MbifAs (39 90%) between authers[2, 3, 5-8]. Accurate identification of the MCA main bifurcation: Crompton named the cortical branches arising from M1 segment proximal to MCA bifurcation as early branches. Yasargil and colleagues defined the origin of the large cortical branches arising proximal to the most lateral LSAs as (false early bifurcation) and declared that aneurysms arising at this region of M1 could be mistakenly diagnosed as MCA bifurcation aneurysms. They stressed the importance of the LSAs in defining the site of the main bifurcation as the main bifurcation is usually located distal to the origin of LSAs [8, 12, 13]. These early cortical branches are found in nearly 85 to 90% of hemispheres [14]. In the anatomical study for the early branches of MCA, Rhoton and colleagues found that the early branches arising on the proximal half of the main trunk of MCA resembled postbifurcation trunks of M1 in some aspects with possibility of being misinterpreted as postbifurcation trunks of the M1 leading to false localization of the main bifurcation. They could identify LSAs on M1 segment distal to the origin of these early branches. MCA main bifurcation was identified proximal to the genu in 82%, at the level of genu in 8%, and distal to the genu in 10% of hemispheres [14]. It is obvious that the exact identification of MCA main bifurcation is the key for correct sorting of aneurysms along the MCA. It is popular to subjectively accept a branching point close to MCA genu giving rise to the largest branches as the MCA main bifurcation. It is also not uncommon to feel more internal confidence when such a branching point holds an aneurysm to consider it as MCA main bifurcation. This might be correct in the majority of cases but unfortunately it would be misleading in some cases. The idea for identification of the main MCA bifurcation (Mbif) accurately is to find a constant criterion for Mbif which can be used as a hallmark for identification of Mbif from other branching points along the MCA with high certainity. Keeping into mind that Mbif might share some characteristics (like size of out-coming branches, location in relation to MCA genu and relation to LSAs) with other branching points along MCA preclude accepting any of these characteristics as a hallmark for Mbif. The fact that all insular trunks (M2s) authentically originate from one point that is the MCA main bifurcation, means that the primary meeting point of all insular trunks (M2s) can be considered as a hallmark for Mbif. So, simply by identifying the insular trunks and following them proximally till their original meeting into one point, the Mbif can be localized accurately and with certainty. Insular (M2) trunks cannot be identified by being the largest branches as early cortical branches are sometimes of the same caliber or even larger than the actual M2 trunks. M2 trunks run along the insula from the limen insula for a variable distance taking the superior and posterior directions. So by observing the direction and course of each of the branches originating from the MCA trunk in sagittal, coronal and axial CTA views, it will be easy to identify the insular trunks and to follow them proximally till their authentic meeting at the Mbif. In fewer words, considering that the main MCA bifurcation is not always distal to the origin of LSAs or always proximal or at the genu, but it always gives insular trunks (M2s) means that identification of the primary starting point of these insular trunks will guide to the main MCA bifurcation. These insular trunks should be recognized by their course over the insula for variable distance not by their size as some early cortical branches might be of similar or even larger size. Among all the aneurysms arising along MCA, those aneurysms arising from M1 segment at the origin of early cortical branches (ECB) are more likely to be misdiagnosed as a bifurcation aneurysm especially when the cortical branch is large and arises close to the MCA genu. The fact that early temporal branch becomes smaller as it arises closer to genu[14]means that it would not be common to misinterpret an aneurysm arising at the origin of an early temporal branch as a bifurcation aneurysm even if it is close to genu. There is no relation between the size of EFB and its distance from the genu. In angiograms, such large frontal branches look very similar to post bifurcation M2 trunks. This shows clearly how some aneurysms arising at the origin of large early frontal branches (EFB) could be, if enough attention was not paid, misclassified as MCA bifurcation aneurysm especially when close to the MCA genu. Ulm et al.[7] unexpectedly found, in their anatomical retrospective study of MCAAs with special emphasis on those aneurysms arising from M1 at the origin of early cortical branches, that M1As arising at the neck of EFB were more common than MbifAs and they claimed that many of EFB aneurysms were misclassified as early MbifAs reasoning why MbifAs were reported in previous pubilcations to be the most common location for MCAAs. This was contrary to our and general experience of Mbif being the most common location for MCAAs [1-5, 13, 18]. During this study, it was easy to sort some aneurysms along MCA, such as a small aneurysm at the origin of LSAs close to ICA bifurcation or a small aneurysm along M4 segment, precisely from the first look. Unfortunately, the biggest percentage of MCA aneurysms arose close to the MCA genu at some branching points which included early cortical branches, MCA main bifurcation and early furcation of M2 branches. This necessitated a lot of work to discriminate between these branches for precise sorting of MCA aneurysms. Moreover, some morphological characteristics of the aneurysms, such as large aneurysm size and complex projections, added to the difficulty for proper distinguishing of these branches. The task was more difficult for ruptured MCA aneurysms especially when associated with large ICH distorting the anatomy. On the other hand the availability of the 3D reconstructions, which made it possible to examine the aneurysms and MCA branches from different angles, together with the clas sic CTA views paved the way to accomplish our goal for sorting MCA aneurysms accurately with high degree of certainty. The present work shows, in harmony with our previous publications (table 3), that MCA bifurcation is the most common location for aneurysms along the MCA. The number of MbifAs 829 (63%) doubled the total number of all M1As 406 (31%) including those aneurysms arising at the origin of LSAs and those at the origin of ECBs. MCA bifurcation aneurysms comprised 77% of ruptured MCA aneurysms and 57% of unruptured MCA aneurysms. Among the 406 M1As, 178 (44%) aneurysms arose at the origin of early frontal branches (M1-EFBAs). The diameter of the associated early frontal branch was à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ half the diameter of M1 in 106 (60%) cases. We assume that such aneurysms, without careful examination, might be misclassified as MbifAs especially when the associated large EFB is close to the genu of MCA. Early temporal branches were associated with 64 (16%) aneurysms (M1-ETBAs). The remaining 164 (40%) M1As were not associated with early cortical branches but with LSAs (M1-LSAAs). (Table 2) At the end of this study we realized that many M1 aneurysms arising at the origin of large early cortical branches especially EFB could be sometimes misclassified as MbifAs, but Mbif is still the most common location for aneurysms along MCA. We agree with Ulm et al [7] for the possibility to mistaken EFB aneurysms as bifurcation aneurysms if much care was not paid, but we assume that their surprising results of EFB being the most common location for MCAAs came from the small number of the cases included in their study. (Table 4) Conclusion: Careful objective analysis of MCA branching pattern from preoperative CTA is very important to understand patient-specific vascular anatomy which aids the surgeon to successfully exclude MCAAs from the circulation while preserving the surrounding vasculature. Although many M1 aneurysms arising at the origin of large early cortical branches especially EFB could have been misclassified as MbifAs in previous reports, Mbif is still the most common location for aneurysms along MCA. Figures legends: Fig. 1: Identification of MCA main bifurcation CTA images (A: sagittal, B: coronal C: axial D: 3D reconstruction) demonstrating an early cortical branch aneurysm (white arrow) arising at the origin of an early frontal branch (green arrow) proximal to the main MCA bifurcation (yellow arrow) which gives frontal (red arrow) and temporal (blue arrow) M2 trunks. The MCA main bifurcation (yellow arrow) is located at the genu. The accompanying diagrams (E, F G) display how to accurately identify the main MCA bifurcation from other branching points along MCA just by following the insular branches back towards their primary meeting at one point that is the MCA main bifurcation. We are used to start the check in sagittal views then to confirm by rechecking the axial and coronal CTA views. 3D reconstructions are sometimes needed. Fig. 2 CTA images (A: axial, B: coronal, C: sagittal the corresponding 3D reconstruction views (D, E F respectively) demonstrating an early cortical branch aneurysm (white arrows) arising at the origin of a large early frontal cortical branch (green arrow) just proximal to the right MCA genu. Such an aneurysm can be subjectively misclassified as an MCA bifurcation aneurysm especially in coronal views, but in sagittal and axial views, the frontal branch (green arrow) is seen running anteriorly and superiorly away from the insula. Also, the right MCA bifurcation (yellow arrow) is clearly seen distal to the genu giving frontal (red arrow) and temporal (blue arrow) insular trunks. Fig. 3 CTA images (A: axial, B: coronal, C: sagittal D: 3D reconstruction) demonstrating an aneurysm (white arrow) arising at the main MCA bifurcation (yellow arrow) which gives frontal (red arrow) and temporal (blue arrow) M2 trunks. Notice the frontal cortical branch (green arrow) arising from the frontal M2 trunk (red arrow). The MCA main bifurcation (yellow arrow) is located proximal to genu. Fig. 4 CTA images (A: axial, B: coronal C: sagittal) demonstrating an early cortical branch aneurysm (white arrow) arising at the origin of an early frontal branch (green arrow) proximal to the main MCA bifurcation (yellow arrow) which gives frontal (red arrow) and temporal (blue arrow) M2 trunks. The MCA main bifurcation (yellow arrow) is located proximal to genu. Fig. 5 CTA images (A: axial, B: coronal, C: sagittal D: 3D reconstruction) demonstrating an early cortical branch aneurysm (white arrow) arising at the origin of an early temporal branch (green arrow) proximal to the main MCA bifurcation (yellow arrow) which gives frontal (red arrow) and temporal (blue arrow) M2 trunks. The MCA main bifurcation (yellow arrow) is located at genu. Fig. 6 CTA images (A: axial, B: coronal C: sagittal) demonstrating a distal MCA aneurysm (white arrow) arising at the takeoff of a frontal cortical branch (green arrow) from the left frontal M2 trunk (red arrow) distal to the main MCA bifurcation (yellow arrow) which gives frontal (red arrow) and temporal (blue arrow) M2 trunks. The MCA main bifurcation (yellow arrow) is located proximal to genu.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Hockey Lockout :: essays research papers

Players Behind Bars The National Hockey League (NHL) has a great history. Many think the ‘original six’ was the beginning. This is not so. In 1917 it consisted of five teams, namely the Montreal Canadians, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, Quebec Bulldogs and the Toronto Arenas. Toronto was the only team with artificial ice. During the 1923-24 seasons a franchise was granted to the first American team, the Boston Bruins. As can be seen the first six team NHL occurred in 1924-5 but varied greatly from the six teams promoted today as the original six. In the 80 years since the original six teams were in place, the league has grown extremely rapidly, presently having 30 teams. [NHL History] Hockey is the Canadian game, but has also turned into a profitable business. The current commissioner of the National Hockey League, Gary Bettman, may have ruined the league for years to come. Bettman and the rest of the NHL owners are locking out the players demanding what they are calling "cost certainty." Their method for this is a salary cap. The owners are clearly at fault for the crisis at hand, and are the cause for the cancellation of the 2004-05 seasons. The owners caused each and every one of the problems they now wish to solve; they were not very welcoming to negotiations, and were not willing to bend from their unreasonable proposition of a ‘hard cap’. The owners have been the masters of their own demise. The New York Rangers, in the last few years have had an incredible pay role. Who is it that is trying to buy a winning team, by tripling salaries? Not the players – the Rangers owners. Consistently as the league grew from the original six to the thirty teams there are now, the salaries of the players grew with it. The owners did not buy franchises for the love of the game, but to make money. To make money the team must win. Owners have been constantly spending more money to buy their players. The players dedicate their lives to the sport, are constantly on the road, and sacrifice their bodies for the game. The player’s goals are to be the best that they can be. Did the players make the contracts? No – the only wrong they have committed was signing the dotted line on the bottom. The owners then take this action against the players to try to protect themselves from their own check books.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Anna Historic and Ravensong

Ana Historic is a poetic novel about a woman named Annie who discovers Mrs. Richards, a woman of no history, in Vancouver’s civic archives. Annie becomes obsessed with the possibilities of Mrs. Richards’ life. The novel is written by Daphne Marlatt, a Canadian poet. Ravensong is a fictional novel about a seventeen year-old native girl who tries to bridge the gap between the traditional ways of her Native village and white society’s invasive new values. Ravensong is written by Lee Maracle, a First Nations writer and poet. Both of these novels have brought forth important issues pertaining to Women’s and Gender Studies such as colonialism, sexuality, fear of violence, and lesbianism. This paper will focus on the topic of sexuality and colonialism. These two novels have further educated me on many things. For example, after reading Ana Historic, I discovered that there are various narrative forms and styles other than traditional European models. Daphne Marlatt uses writing styles such as ecriture feminine; in which feminist writers â€Å"try to use their own bodies as a source for writing† (Sand 10) and gynesis, which is an â€Å"aesthetic strategy which puts gender, sexuality and maternity into public discourse† (Sand 10). I also learned how femininity is constructed in a white middle class environment through what is considered appropriate conduct for a woman (Sand 10). After reading Ravensong, I discovered that in traditional aboriginal culture, men never entered the house of single women without a man being present (Maracle 103). This novel has also taught me about the important role of Raven, the trickster who is used to dissolve the boundaries between Native and white culture (Sand 20). The novels are very different in terms of narrative styles, point-of-views, time periods, and how lesbianism and the role of nature play out in the story. Daphne Marlatt uses a postmodern narrative style, while Lee Maracle uses a combination of aboriginal and European narrative approaches. Ravensong is written from the point-of-view of a young native woman, whereas Ana Historic is written from the outlook of a white, middle-class woman. Lesbianism plays out differently in each novel. In Ana Hisotric, Annie slowly comes to terms with her sexuality and eventually realizes that she is a lesbian. In Ravensong, Stacey’s friends Rena and German Judy are a lesbian couple. The role of nature in Ravensong is indivisible from human life and landscape (Sand 20), where as in Ana Historic it is a place of comfort and cause of fear (Sand 20). Ravensong takes place in the 1950s and Ana Historic takes place mostly in the 1950s and 1870s (Mrs. Richards). Colonialism and sexuality are topics which are closely correlated. They are both about dominance, regulation, discourse and race. Sexuality is defined as the historical organization and regulation of desire and sexual practices into social identities that are constructed as if they emerge from nature (Sand 18). Daphne Marlatt and Lee Maracle deal with this subject in very different ways. In Ravensong, sexuality is associated with shame and suicide. In Ana historic, sexuality is associated with mothering and lesbianism. Colonialism is the extension of a nation’s sovereignty over territory beyond its borders by the establishment of either settle colonies or creating administrative dependencies in which native or indigenous populations are directly ruled (Patel 8). Ravensong is written from the perspective of colonized people whereas Ana Historic is written from the standpoint of the colonizers. In the novel Ana Historic, Ina’s mothering impacts Annie’s perception of sexuality. Ina taught her daughters sexuality was something to be afraid of â€Å"you taught us your fear, you taught us what you knew about a world where even uncles were not to be trusted. you grew more afraid as our sexuality came budding to the fore†¦ † (Marlatt 34). Annie tries to write herself out of the patriarchal limitations of heterosexuality that have bounded her mother Ina to a life of domesticity. She does this by freeing herself from her role as supportive house wife and re-writing her relationship with Ina (Sand 10). Annie realizes that feminine behaviour is not actually something natural and inevitable but it is rather an unnatural social construction. Annie writes â€Å"†¦ you taught me the uneasy hole in myself and how to cover it up – cover girl, the great cover-story women inherit in fashion and makeup. You taught me how i was supposed to look, the feminine act† (Marlatt 61). Annie also recognizes â€Å"the inheritance of mothers† (Maralatt 60) that passes on sexual repression from generation to generation. For instance, Ina says to Annie, â€Å"what do you know about repression? you were hardly a virgin when you married, were you? I didn’t know the first thing about sex – your grandmother simply refused to discuss it, though i begged her† (Marlatt 60). Marlatt avoids heteronormativity which is a belief and a set of cultural/institutional practices that enforce heterosexuality as dominant, essential and natural (Sand 18), by creating a sexualized lesbian relationship between Annie and her friend Zoe. While creating a life for Mrs. Richards, Annie begins to realize that she is attracted to Zoe and she writes her into the story by creating a character named Birdie Stewart. Annie writes about the sexual desire she feels for Zoe in her imagined life of Mrs. Richards, â€Å"you turn intrigued, and your body turning in its long skirt, is caught in the act, you have caught yourself turning in Birdie’s eyes† (Marlatt 109). Annie’s inherent fear of sexuality surfaces in her imagined life for Mrs. Richard. Birdie recognizes Mrs. Richards fear of her own sexual identity, she says, â€Å"but you’re afraid my dear, afraid of your own twat† (Marlatt 135). She addresses her fear of lesbian sexuality when she says â€Å"You fear what you want. ’†¦ ‘am I right, my love? † (Marlatt 139). Mrs. Richards is suddenly rushed with desire, she admits the truth of it and feels it written across her face (Marlatt 139). Annie finally gives in to her sexual desire for Zoe and the novel ends with a climatic sexual poem. Annie’s lesbian sexuality surfaces as a result of the decolonization process Marlatt inscribes for Annie and Mrs. Richards (Sand 10). In her novel Narrative Deconstructions of Gender, Caroline Rosenthal defines sexual decolonization as a debate on whether â€Å"women are colonized by compulsory heterosexuality in ways only decolonizing strategies and the practice of critical consciousness can undo† (106). Marlatt deviates from the sexual oppression of middle-class white women by revisioning a lesbian life for Mrs. Richards. The problem of the intersection of women and the oppression of the indigenous briefly surfaces in Ana Historic. While Mrs. Richards is walking through the woods she comes across two Siwash men who are simply passing by. Where they drunk?†¦ Perhaps they were furious and meant to do her harm† (Marlatt 41). The assumptions that Mrs. Richards makes about these men are related to negative stereotypes such as the â€Å"drunken squaw† that colonizers created to justify taking over Native land (Anderson 229). In the beginning of the novel Ravensong, Stacey learns that one of her white classmates, Polly, committed suicide. Polly has killed herself in response to the shame she felt about being publicly identified as having been sexually active with another boy in Stacey’s class. Stacey becomes very angry with the reactions of some of her classmates to Polly’s â€Å"lack of chastity† (Maracle 28). â€Å"She couldn’t believe how small and mean they all were. So what if Polly had a little fun last night? Big deal! † (Maracle 28) Stacey does not understand the social disapproval of Polly because in her culture sexuality is seen with humour and is openly joked about. For example, Ella the village elder asks Stacey â€Å"What you going to save me for, have another baby? † The women respond with laughter saying â€Å"Sure, why not Ella. You probably still like trying. They were on a roll, ribbing Ella about her zeal for men† (Maracle 50). Raven pushes Stacey to come to grips with the loss of her classmate by guiding her to explore Polly’s culture and history. â€Å"Wander around Polly’s insides, feel your way through decades, generations of lostness† (Marlatt 39). In doing so Stacey discovers that white culture views sexuality very differently than her own culture. She realizes that Polly had a violent home life and that white town had no support for Polly’s mother. â€Å"In the end what struck her about Judy’s narrative was the lack of support in the white community for Polly’s mom. Where was the family in all this? † (Marlatt 81) Stacey is surprised by this because in her culture sexuality is natural, a part of everyday life. â€Å"People love, laugh and have babies† (Marlattt 71). In her thesis Rebelling against discourses of denial and destruction, Rachel Deutsch writes that â€Å"in European ideology, sexuality and sexual acts, especially involving women, were seen as deviant† (30). This ideology starts to influence Stacey to reject some aspects of her own culture such as the anger and disgust she feels towards her mother for wanting to remain sexual after the death of her husband. In Kim Anderson’s article, The construction of a Negative Identity, she states that colonizers created a negative sexual identity for Native women in order to justify â€Å"taking over Indian land† (229). The â€Å"dirty squaw† image made it easier to â€Å"cover up the reality of Native women who were merely struggling with the increasingly inhuman conditions on reserve† (Anderson 231). This negative sexual identity presents itself in the novel when Stacey talks about the racism she experiences at school. â€Å"A few of them hurled insults and racial epithets at her, whispered ‘cleutch’ as she passed them†¦ (Maracle 69). A cleutch refers to a Native female’s private parts. Colonialism first presents itself at the very beginning of the novel when Celia sees a tall ship approaching the village filled with men. In this moment, Celia feels the impending doom of colonialism on her people and culture. â€Å"Fear, cold and thin, wove itself into Celia’s self† (Maracle 10). Another instance of colonialism experienced by the village lies in the general indifference of white town towards the flu epidemic that takes many Native lives. Colonialism also surfaces in the relationship between Stacey and Steve, a white boy from her class. Colonialism led to the eradication and destruction of aboriginal cultures which assist in the explanation on why the doctors of white town were unwilling to treat the villagers. Stacey believes it is because their lives are deemed less valuable. â€Å"Under the shabby arguments about hospitals being full and doctors already overworked lay an unspoken assumption: white folks are more deserving†¦ † (Maracle 69). Stacey sees Steve and other white people as controlling oppressors. She resists white power (colonization) many times throughout the book. Stacey resists her teachers’ authority and she also resists Steve’s desire for her. â€Å"The slave had just given an order to the master, which made him an ex-master. Neither man knew what it was to be an ex-master, so both were confused and hurt† (Maracle 75). Her growing frustration for white town’s lack of compassion towards suffering villagers is obvious in her attitude towards Steve. Stacey can no longer stand the racism and she tells Steve exactly how she feels. She tells him that he will never know what her and her people have gone through and asks him â€Å"How did it feel to watch us die, Steve? † (Maracle 186). Steve leaves in shame and Stacey realizes that he was not for her. Ana Historic and Ravensong have taught me several things that I was unaware of before reading them. I have learned that there exists many different writing styles and narrative approaches such as ecriture feminine and gynesis used by Daphne Marlatt and the conventions of Native orature (Sand 20) used by Lee Maracle. I’ve learned how femininity is constructed in Ana Historic and about the important role that Raven plays in Ravensong. Marlatt and Maracle deal with colonialism and sexuality throughout the novel in a way which allows the reader to self-reflect on their own positions and understandings of these topics. Non-Native readers are removed from their usual hegemonic position by Stacey’s objectification of white town in Ravensong (Sand 20). Marlatt’s experimentation with language challenges the reader to both examine and interpret the world in a different way. What impacted me the most about Ana Historic is Daphne Marlatt’s theory and practice of fictionalysis which is a combination of fiction and analysis used as a means to explore self-identity. Marlatt starts with facts from her own life and from history and uses her imagination to create an intersecting territory where â€Å"fact and fiction co-exist† (Sand 10). I enjoyed how she used this style in Annie’s reconstruction of traditional history through the life she makes up for Mrs. Richards. The role that Raven plays in the novel is what impacted me most about Ravensong. Raven acknowledges the gulf between white town and the village and knows that it needs to be bridged in order to prevent further catastrophe. Raven brings the plague of the flu epidemic in attempt to expose white town to the diversity of the world and to teach them to work together. The inability of white town to grasp the lesson leads to the destruction of the indigenous community. Both novels bring important issues and concerns to women and gender studies and I really appreciate the different perspective that each novel has given me. Ana Historic and Ravensong have contributed important lessons, concepts and theories to this course.