Thursday, December 26, 2019
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( Ocd ) - 974 Words
There are different mental disorders that a person may suffer from. Each of these disorders have different attributes and characteristics which makes them unique and requires different treatments too. one of these mental disorders that quite a number of people suffer from ââ¬â whether they are conscious about it or not ââ¬â is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). But what is OCD? How does it affect our daily lives? What is OCD? obsessive compulsive disorder, often referred to as OCD, is a mental health disorder that may affect people of all gender, age and walks of life. It is a common, chronic and long-lasting mental disorder where the person affected has a series of obsessions and compulsions episodes. Obsessions are uncontrolled and re-occurring unwanted and disturbing images, thoughts and urges that may come into a personââ¬â¢s mind, which causes a great sense of discomfort, stress and anxiety. Meanwhile, compulsions are behaviors or actions that the person may engage in an attempt to get rid or reduce the obsession. Most often, compulsions will become part of a ritual or habit that the person needs to do to get satisfy his obsession. A normal example of an OCD behavior is the need for perfection. Many people, though unaware, practice this act. Due to the love of perfection and placing things in a well-organized manner, a child may think that studying on a messy table will not help him absorb the things he need to study (obsession). To satisfy this certain thinking, the child willShow MoreRelatedObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)1756 Words à |à 8 Pages Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder that can affect children and adults. In order to fully understand OCD, many different areas of the disorder must be reviewed. First, OCD will be defined and the diagnosis criteria will be discussed. Secondly the prevalence of the disorder will be considered. The different symptoms, behaviors and means of treatment are also important aspects that will be discussed in order to develop a clearer understanding of the implications of obsessive compulsiveRead MoreEssay on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)875 Wor ds à |à 4 Pagessevere Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that triggers people to have unwanted fixations and to repeat certain activities again and again. Everyone has habits or certain ways of doing something with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder these habits severely interrupt the way they live their lives (Familydoctor.org Editorial Staff). About one in 40 people suffer from some form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ABRAMOWITZ). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder oftenRead MoreLiving With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)1190 Words à |à 5 Pagesdifferences between both symptoms and experiences of six different authors who have been personally affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).à Since OCD is not very well understood by many members of the public (Escape), I hope that the experiences of the authors that I researched will be able to paint a vivid picture of what life with OCD is like. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves a chemical imbalance in the brain. This chemical imbalance is thought to be the main reason for obsessionsRead MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Essay2901 Words à |à 12 Pages à à à à à à à à à à à à Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, affects an average 1.7% of the population according to the Stanford University School of Medicine.à à The recognition of this psychological disorder has grown in the recent years.à à As the knowledge of this disorder becomes more prevalent, those suffering have become more willing to seek help (OCDA). à à à à à à à à à à à à OCD is a condition ââ¬Å"in which people experience repetitive and upsetting thoughts and/or behaviorsâ⬠(OCDA).à à While there are many variationRead MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Essay800 Words à |à 4 Pages Obsessive Compulsive Disorder And Its Effect On Life Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, involves anxious thoughts or rituals one feels and cant control. . For many years, OCD was thought to be rare. The actual number of people with OCD was hidden, because people would hide their problem to avoid embarrassment. Some recent studies show that as many as 3 million Americans ages 18 to 54 may have OCD at any one time. This is about 2.3% of the people in this age group. It strikes men and women inRead More Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Essays2616 Words à |à 11 Pagesis a very powerful piece of structure; it is truly limitless when speaking about its potential. With a functional organ comes a dysfunctional possibility. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, (OCD), for instance, is nervousness in the mind. OCD is an anxiety disorder caused by repetitive intrusive thoughts and behaviors. It is a mental disorder marked by the involvement of a devotion to an idea or routine. Essentially, it is a false core belief which is believing that there is something wrong, causingRead MoreEssay on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)3370 Words à |à 14 Pages Obsessive compulsive disorder is a disease that many people know of, but few people know about. Many people associate repeated washing of hands, or flicking of switches, and even cleanliness with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), however there are many more symptoms, and there are also explanations for those symptoms. In this paper, I will describe what obsessive compulsive disorder is, explain some of the effects of it, and explain why it happens. I will also attempt to prove that while medicationRead More Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Essay1758 Words à |à 8 PagesOCD: Whats in Control? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that is the fourth most common mental illness in the U.S. (8). OCD affects five million Americans, or one in five people (3). This is a serious mental disorder that causes people to think and act certain things repetitively in order to calm the anxiety produced by a certain fear. Unlike compulsive drinking or gambling, OCD compulsions do not give the person pleasure; rather, the rituals are performed to obtainRead MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Essay examples1375 Words à |à 6 PagesObsessive Compulsive Disorder ââ¬Å"I know my hands are clean. I know that I have touched nothing dangerous. Butâ⬠¦ I doubt my perception. Soon, if I do not wash, a mind numbing, searing anxiety will cripple me. A feeling of stickiness will begin to spread from the point of contamination and I will be lost in a place I do not want to go. So I wash until the feeling is gone, until the anxiety subsides. Then I feel defeated. So I do less and less, my world becomes smaller and smaller and more lonelyRead MoreEssay about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)474 Words à |à 2 Pages Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that effects nearly 5 million Americans, and half a million children. Its a disease that fills the brain with unwanted ideas, and worries. OCD is a diseases that effects the Cerebral frontal cortex. Unfortunately there is no cure for OCD. Obsessive compulsive disorder can start developing as early as age five. In most cases OCD controls your life. Through out the rest of this paper I hope to inform you on Obsessive compulsive Disorders
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
The Facility I Observed Services Infants At Pre K Aged...
Safe Environment The facility I observed services infants to Pre-K aged children. The campus also has an afterschool program, the day I observed, the public schools were not in session, so there were several school-aged children in attendance as well. The building in which I observed appeared to house only the infant and toddlers. The pre-kindergarten program has its own building, of which I did not enter. The two year old room I observed appeared to have safe environment with no obvious safety hazards. Emergency numbers where posted by a telephone in the room and each room had an intercom system. While I thought the intercom was a wonderful form of communication, it was unfortunate that they were all synced together and not to justâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦The caregiver was observant and aware of how her children felt and responded to any forms of discontent, including if a child did not feel well. Although the hot lunch meals were prepared in a room other than where I o bserved, food allergies and/or intolerances were observed, as a child was given soy milk. The meal served was nutritious and after eating each child brushed their teeth. Learning Environment The facility appeared to have ample amount of age-appropriate toys, materials, and equipment ââ¬â although some of the battery operated toys needed new batteries in order for them to work properly. Respectful and responsive curriculum is based on relationships that occur within planned and unplanned activities, experiences, and happenings (26). The caregiver allowed time for play and exploration and when appropriate allowed the children to determine what activity would occur. The environment was developmentally appropriate for the children present. Different areas of the room were sectioned off for certain activities and the materials that belonged with the activity stayed in the appropriate section. For example, the kitchen area had all the kitchen utensils and the library contained the books. All the toys and materials were at the childrenââ¬â¢s level and picture labels were used in the room to accommodate those who need visual assistance. There w as a picture of a toy on the shelf where that toy should be placed when it was time to clean up. Each
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Self Evaluation Issues
Question: Write an essay and briefly introduce your background, your career plan, which field you are interested in, why you are interested in that field, and give a brief introduction to your interested field. Answer: This current report is going to center the focus on self evaluation. I am going to present my personal background both educational and personal and will also highlight the issues what suits me best. What force has driven me to pursue my study in America is also going to be discussed in context of this essay. I will also jot down the points of strategical approaches and will also state my career goals in this writing. I am also presenting the ideas which enable me presenting the approaches. My name is Jithender Reddy Kallem, originally hails from India, migrated to United State of America in order to pursue my higher study. Currently I have taken my admission in Alcorn State University, Mississippi state. I seemed to have completed my Bachelor degree staying back in India. I took bachelor degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technology University, Hyderabad. I have engaged in myself in studying better approaches. As long as I was in my college in India, I have enabled my approaches for developing my ethics and personality. I was quite confident in my approaches that it engages in determining my ideas. I also has scored good scores in my college life and seemed to have engaged in several cultural tasks which enabled me to become critically developed. As I am quite savvy with the technical and engineering issues and also seek and apply for the innovative ideas, higher study seems to be the most intrinsic issue which helps me engaging my ethics. I am also quite intrinsic in my approaches in order to manage my ethics. I have also developed some of the instruments which have enabled me practicing my skills intrinsically. I am literally interested in robotics which seems to have critically managed me to become technically potential. I along with some of my friends also designed a prototype of a robot with properly technically and electrically furnished. It is needed to be stated that my role in order to develop this prototype was literally convenient which leads me to attain success. In the coming days I also want to develop my career further intrinsically. Along with the electronic communication engineering, I also center my focus onto the further study on robotics engineering process. I also want to climb the ladder of studies which may enable me to become intrinsic in my approaches. Along with the technical engineering and having fascination for the electronic science, I have developed my confidence and determination in this field as well. In the future, this would surely be a help for me for the further career development. In order to talk about my general preferences, apart from being technical, I also like playing rugby and football and prefers listening to the songs, especially rock genre, in the spear time. It has also engaged me in keeping me fit and strong. Mental development is also attained in this aspect as well. It also lets me concentrated and focused in my work and thoughts. Inspiration of my innovative ideas also collects staples only from here. At the same time, its approaches are also quite intrinsic for me as well. Being in India, apart from studying, I used to spend most of the time in practicing my hobbies which also used to be one of the significant determiners of mine. It seems to have a quite intrinsic effect in my career development. Even in order to conjure energy, playing seems to be having become one of the intrinsic aspects of mine. I have always been determined in my approaches which leads me to become critically satisfied. My area of interest never rolls deviated or unethica l. It seems to be a quite distinctive issue that helps in my possible personality development. My approach of development is in my career is also quite significant in this approach which has enabled me to be developed my approaches and attitude as a whole. I have also managed my ethics to be critically developed that also enabled me to get developed in my life. It also enables in the conditional development of the person significantly. My approaches are also quite confident which enables me to be developed ethically. I am also confident in my strides which actually let me in developed my skills and ethics as well. I have also developed my characteristics that seem to have engaged me in managing my features. I have promptly managed my role and personality which helps in attaining better stability. It is also a quite good in managing myself. I have enabled myself in addressing the critical issues. At the same time, its effective approach is quite helpful in performing a integral part of personality development. In my childhood, I have attended debates and quiz competitions on science. I am, at the same time, interested in studying different science fiction books and watching of the movies which enables me boosting my life essentially. My ethics are also developed in this aspect. It has made me serious in the areas where I generally lose actually. I have also determined my points of boosting and gains power from there. It infuses my confidence that has critically engaged me to develop myself. On the other hand, I must talk about the potential communication power of mine which leads me to easily converse with the other people. It also helps me developing my ethics and to come to know the thoughts of the others. I have essentially managed my skills which enables me identifying the issue and analyzing them properly. Even if needed I easily shares them with my friends and ask them to help me in managing the problems. My ethical approaches are also convenient to engage me in developing my skills. It also let me gathering my knowledge in this study which is also a genuine factor for my congenial development. The part of my career is also essentially developed which renders me to be practically manage myself. I am also genuine to my approaches which engage me in retaining my approaches. I am also technically fit to think about the necessary factors that let me concentrate what I am doing actually. After completing my degree at Alcorn State University, I will further proceed for the other higher degrees as well which may make me stable in my approaches that attain to be proficient in these approaches. I am quite significant in order to address my necessary thoughts and using them in my strategical development. I am quite genuine and confident in my approaches that I will be able to concretize my dream. It seems to be a quite confinement attitude practiced by me. I can assure that after doing this course, I will be able to concentrate on a sophisticated job which will enable me to nourish my skills. It can better be stated as the confident steps which enable me in determining the approaches. Throughout this essay I have mentioned about myself: my background, my past experiences, my approaches and my ethical approaches that I have taken to engage myself. I have also stated what are the ethics necessary to be applied and how should I develop myself for attaining goal and targeted objectives. My approach in order to delineate the necessary factors is also significant which leads to determine my approaches. I am quite confident in my approaches and my engagement with machinery and innovative ideas is also significantly perched here by me. I have jotted down all these necessary factors.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Van Goghs Use of Color
The works of Van Gogh and his use of color have often been studied chronologically demonstrating the shift in his usage of colors from his early paintings, which were dark and pessimistic, to the paintings of his mature career, where he has used lighter tones and brighter colors.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Van Goghââ¬â¢s Use of Color specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the later stage, Van Gogh made a distinct use of complementary color scheme, which was a definite shift from the classical treatment of colors. This paper will compare and contrast two paintings, The Sower and The Night Cafà ©, and demonstrate the distinct style Van Gogh followed to use color for his paintings. Expressive use of colors in distinctive complementary schemes has dominated many of the masterpieces created by Van Gogh. His correspondences to his brother during the 1882-85 demonstrate his obsession with the use of color in his w ork. They demonstrate that Van Goghââ¬â¢s concern and distinction between shades, tones, hue, and brightness of color, which formed the psychological basis of colors and themes of his paintings. The use of complementary colors, which became the signature of Van Goghââ¬â¢s style, helped to intensify the mutual effect of the color scheme in the paintings. Van Gogh used basic colors and contrasting hues to increase firmness and depth of his paintings: These things that are relevant to complementary colors, to the simultaneous contrasting and the mutual devaluation of complementary colors, are the first and most important issue: the second is the mutual influence of two similar colors, such as carmine and vermilion, or a pink-lilac and a blue-lilac. (Van Gogh Letter # 428, dated Oct. 1885. (Bekker and Bekker) The use of primary colors and the use of their complementary colors, also known as secondary colors, is a basic technique used for impressionistic painting. When a primary co lor is put against a complementary color, it creates a contrasting color scheme, creating a powerful effect. Van Gogh exploited this technique of creating a strong effect in his painting through juxtaposition of primary and complementary colors. Van Goghââ¬â¢s fascination for complementary colors intensified as he shifted his focus from Dutch style to paintings that are more impressionistic.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Gayford (179) demonstrates Van Goghââ¬â¢s heightened interest in colors, which created a symbolic language for the maestro. In another correspondence to his brother Theo, Van Gogh expressed his increasing obsession with colors: ââ¬Å"Yesterday evening an extraordinary beautiful sunset of a mysterious, sickly citron color ââ¬â Prussian blue cypresses against trees with dead leaves in all sorts of broken tones without any speckling with bright greens.à ¢â¬ (Gayford 179) Thus, colors create a symbolic language for Van Gogh, which helped his to determine the effect that wanted to create in his paintings. Given this understanding of Van Goghââ¬â¢s philosophy of color, the essay then moves on to analyze two of his paintings and the treatment of colors in them. The Sower demonstrates a man striding across a wheat field, with outstretched arms, appear in many of Van Goghââ¬â¢s paintings and sketches. Philosophically, it has often been interpreted as the renewal of life; however, in this essay we will discuss the use of complementary color scheme of the paintings. The particular picture that is discussed in this essay was painted in 1888, which stands out from all other paintings of sowers and creates a unique impressionistic creation of the cycle life in full summer (The Sower is shown in figure 1 below). Figure 1: The Sower, 1888 The Sower, painted predominately in yellow and violet demonstrates the use of complementary color s by Van Gogh. Yellow is a primary color that is positioned against violet, one of its complements, and a mix of the other two primary colors, red and blue. Even though artists had knowledge of the effect two complementary colors could create, no one before Van Gogh experimented with it.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Van Goghââ¬â¢s Use of Color specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Primary colors, when juxtaposed with complementary colors, create a vibration and magnificence that is otherwise unattainable. Hence, when yellow is used against violet, it creates greater brightness and pureness of color than when painted with any other colors. Similarly, violet seems more lively and vigorous when put against yellow. The Sower was painted when Van Gogh was living in Arles, in June 1888. The original Sower by Millet from which Van Gogh drew inspiration or his Sower believed that Millet created a painting in ââ¬Å"col orless grayâ⬠and wanted to create a painting of the sower with colors (Bekker and Bekker). In order to understand color contrast, consider putting orange against blue and orange against green. Orange is blueââ¬â¢s complement where blue is a primary color and orange is a secondary color created through mixing of the other two primary, red and yellow. Hence, the effect of brightness when orange and blue are used together is greater than when orange and green are used, wherein both are secondary colors. Moreover, the orange when put with green seem darker, almost a different color. Hence, it can be observed that colors can change their hue and brightness depending on the colors with which they are used. Moreover, colors cannot be used singularly, without considering the other colors that are used. Colors cannot be judged in isolation. Hence, it is important to understand what colors are used along with the others and what affect it creates in the paintings. Knowledge of colors becomes the most important factor while studying Van Goghââ¬â¢s form so impressionistic painting. The painting of the yellow and violet together as an expression of light and darkness in the field is an extreme example of use of complementary colors in paintings. This helped in intensifying the brightness, saturation, and depth of the painting. Van Gogh described his 1888 creation inspired from Milletââ¬â¢s painting, in one of his letters, as ââ¬Å"painting from Milletââ¬â¢s drawings is more like translating them into another language than copying themâ⬠(Metzger and Walther 272). The colors used in the painting became reminiscent of his emotions and feelings. The colors demonstrated the dominant mood of the painter. The Night Cafà © is a poetic expression through colors, which demonstrates the harsher realities of modern life. Van Goghââ¬â¢s obsession with colors intensified from 1885 until his death in 1890, resonant in his letters to his brother Theo. Each of the letters is evocative of the saturation, hue, and intensity of the colors from his palette. In describing the Night Cafà © (figure 2) in his letter to Theo, Van Gogh associates passion with the use of two complementary colors ââ¬â red and green:Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Iââ¬â¢ve tried to express the terrible passions of humanity with red and green. The room is blood red and dull yellow, with a green billiard table in the middle; there are four lemon yellow lamps casting an orange and green glowâ⬠¦ In my picture of the night cafà ©, Iââ¬â¢ve tried to convey the sense that the cafà © is a place where one goes to ruin goes mad, commits crimes. Iââ¬â¢ve tried to express the powers of darkness, in a way, in this dive of a bar, through contrasts of delicate pink, blood red, wine red, and soft Louis XV green and Veronese green, in contrast with hard green-yellows and blue-greens ââ¬â all this amid an infernal furnace of pale sulphur. (Letter#533, Bekker and Bekker) The above description of the painting as expressed through Van Goghââ¬â¢s words demonstrate the use of complementary colors in the painting, and the reason for the sue of the colors in their complementary best. Lifeââ¬â¢s juxtaposition is expressed through the oppositio ns of color that makes life as well as his paintings so pulsating. In the Night Cafà © Van Gogh has expressed the struggle of life through the juxtaposition of the two complementary colors ââ¬â red and green. The violet and blue used in the painting depicts sadness and dreariness of modern nightlife, and Figure 2: The Night Cafà © The painting shows maximum saturation of colors, where colors like red and green has been used without any hint of tint or shade. In the Night Cafà ©, Van Gogh used color in its purest form against its equally pure complementary. This is not seen in The Sower, where the colors were used symbolically, but not its purest hue. The use of original hue in the Night Cafà © sets is apart from other paintings, even though the technique used in both the pictures are similar. Nevertheless, both the picture reverberates with the infernal furnace of life though the use of yellow, which has been used to depict the sun in The Sower and the lamps in The Night Ca fà ©. The difference between the two paintings is that the first is a depiction of continuity of life while that of the cafà © describes a hellish existence. Works Cited Bekker, K.G. and A.Y. Bekker. 2009. ââ¬Å"Color and Emotion ââ¬â a Psychophysical Analysis of Van Goghââ¬â¢s Work.â⬠15 December 2009. PsyArt. Web. http://www.psyartjournal.com/article/show/bekker-color_and_emotion_a_psychophysical_analy. Gayford, Martin. The Yellow House.:Van Gogh, Gauguin and Nine Turbulent Weeks Provence. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006. Print. Metzger, Rainer and Ingo F. Walther. Van Gogh. Berlin: Taschen, 2008. Print. This essay on Van Goghââ¬â¢s Use of Color was written and submitted by user Maximilian P. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Nonmoral Nature Essays
Nonmoral Nature Essays Nonmoral Nature Paper Nonmoral Nature Paper In Stephen Jay Goulds Nonmoral Nature, he discusses nature, and the difference between cruelty in animals and humans, and explains how the same moral can not be applied for both. The order in which he presents the different points of view is very important. At the beginning he supports his writing with sources from scientists that are not famous. However, to close out his work, he uses the well-known scientist Darwin to leave a lasting impression on the reader. In this essay, Gould provides both sides of moral in animals as well as humans, and then gives his explanation, then lets the reader decide from his own point of view. According to Gould, morality in nature can be perceived from the existent power, wisdom and goodness of God instead of the no-God thesis of Darwin. If moral nature is different in animals and humans, and cruelty can not be applied to both at the same time, then a God can exist. When Reverend Francis Henry died in 1829, he left money to support a series of books by many writers on how the power, wisdom and goodness of God, [are] manifested in the creation (474). Gould, as many other writers did, wrote about morals in nature, and how it can not be applied to human morality. The example of the Ichneumon fly or wasp is brought up by many scientists. William Buckland explains how the female locates the appropriate host and converts it into food for the larva, which then grows inside, keeping the host alive, preserving intact the essential heart and central nervous system. Finally, the larva completes its work and kills its victim (476). Gould clarifies Darwins main theory, that for all the misery in the world, a God can not exist because he would not have created the Ichneumonidea (481). Furthermore, Gould cites scientists that have a different way of viewing cruelty in nature. Reverend William Kirb focused on the virtue of the mother love that is displayed by provisioning the young with such care (476). Mirvat also makes an argument based on the fact that the suffering of animals is different from the suffering of people. Mirvat states that suffering is connected to the mental condition of the sufferer, that we as humans see it differently, and that the more cultivated and refined men are, the more they suffer from recollection of past moments and anticipation of future ones (481). If moral nature can not be applied the same way in animals and humans, then an all-powerful God may perhaps exist. Goulds writing is very effective because he has a strong argument supported by strong evidence and logic. Science who knows much about this topic in an English class? Gould wasnt limited by this. Although science sometimes can have words that are not regularly used in universal English, the clarity needed to understand these complex concepts is offered by Gould through explaining the scientific word used right after using it. For instance, The ichneumon fly ichnemonoidea are a group of wasps, not flies, that include more species than all the vertebrates combined (475). Even though advanced biology terms and Latin classification are used to identify his subject matter, the explanation of the word teaches the audience the new word so that it might have understanding of the area under discussion. Furthermore, Nonmoral Nature is a very controversial matter that many scientists have written on. For the improvement of the reader, since science might not be his or her strongest ability, and the knowledge on the subject might be limited, Gould introduces the matter by quoting other scientists who have studied the issue before. This is very effective since the readers do not feel unintelligent while reading about a subject that is unknown to them. Gould makes the interpretation flow easily from one paragraph to the next one, helping the reader understand the general concept as well as his ideas. To illustrate, Gould quotes William Buckland to show what the big controversy is by presenting his thesis by questioning if God is good, why are we surrounded with pain, suffering, and apparently senseless cruelty in the animal world? (474). Moreover, Gould points up William Kirby, who in the same situation focused instead upon the virtue of the mother love displayed by wasp in provisioning their young with such care (479). Gould is very effective by teaching the readers about the subject, and then explaining his point. This way the reader feels part of the essay and has an opinion, and by being part of this dissertation the reader gains understanding. Equally important for the reader is the understanding and creating of ones own ideas on the area under discussion. Logic through critical thinking is what in fact makes the difference between an effective essay and a vain one. The way Gould uses the words and his sources helps the audience to make its own judgment on the subject. This was very effective in the nineteenth century when he first wrote the essay as well as nowadays. The reader wants to feel smart and able to make a personal resolution, without the author having all the influence. For instance, at the end of the essay Gould quotes Darwin as he says; Let every man hope and believe what he can (484). This was a good strategy because Gould was telling the readers that they were intelligent enough to make their own judgment on the subject. Gould inspires the readers to look at the facts that he gathered and find their own conclusion on moral nature. This was done in a very effective way because the reader learns to understand Goulds writing instead of judging his ideas, and after doing that the readers decide what their hopes and beliefs are. Consequently, because of the techniques used by Gould in this essay, it was easy for the reader to understand the subject as well as the point he was trying to make. If either non-God believers or Christians that believe in the power, wisdom and goodness of God, as manifested in the creation, read this essay, they would not feel harassed. The way that Gould looks at morality is to unlock a new idea for the people without forcing them to believe it. The essay was tremendously effective through the use of support to his writing. In fact, the support of his thesis with the ideas of more distinguished scientists at the end leaves a lasting impression on the reader. As Darwin said; Let every man hope and believe what he can (484). Gould lets the reader hope and believe what he can. Gould, Stephen Jay. Nonmoral Nature. A World of Ideas Essential Readings for College Writers. By Lee A Jacobus. Bedford: St. Martins, 2002. 471-484. Rpt. in A World of Ideas Essential Readings for College Writers.
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Almost, But Not Quite
Almost, But Not Quite One of the most popular features on this site has been the list of false friends, those words that look the same or almost the same as English words but have different meanings. However, such words arent the only dangerous ones for those who believe (usually correctly) that knowing English gives them a head start on Spanish vocabulary. For there also are a number of words that might be called fickle friends, words that are roughly synonymous with English words but have a different connotation, or that are synonymous some of the time but not always. These words can be confusing to anyone with a knowledge of English who is speaking Spanish as a second language. (Although technically not accurate, false friends are often referred to as false cognates. Presumably, that would make fickle friends known as partial cognates.) To take an extreme example of a fickle friend, one so extreme it is on the list of false friends, look at molestar, which is related to the English verb to molest. In English, the verb can mean to bother, which is its Spanish meaning, as in the sentence they continued on their journey unmolested. But far more often, almost always, the English word has a sexual connotation that is absent in Spanish. Many of the words on the following list are something like that, in that they have a meaning similar to an English one but often mean something different. Translating them as the English cognates may make sense some of the time but frequently it wont. Accià ³n: It is usually synonymous with action in its various meanings. But to a stock broker it can also mean a share, and to an artist it can be posture or pose. Adecuado: This word can mean adequate in the sense of being appropriate. But adequate can have a negative connotation that adecuado doesnt. Its usually better to translade adecuado as suitable or fitting. Admirar: It can mean to admire. But it frequently means to surprise or to astonish. Afeccià ³n: Once in a while, this word does refer to a fondness toward somebody or something. But far more commonly it refers to a disease or some other sort of medical condition. Better words for affection are another cognate, afecto, and a separate word, carià ±o. Agonà a: Nobody wants to be in agony, but the Spanish agonà a is much worse, usually suggesting that someone is in the final stages of death. Americano: The understanding of this word varies from place to place. If youre from the United States, its safest to say soy de los Estados Unidos. Aparente: It can mean the same as the English apparent. However, the Spanish usually carries a strong implication that things arent what they appear to be. Thus, aparentemente fue a la tienda would usually be understood not as he apparently went to the store but as it appeared like he had gone to the store but he didnt. Aplicar: Yes, this word does mean apply, as in applying an ointment or a theory. But if youre applying for a job, use solicitar (although there is some regional usage of aplicar). Similarly, an application for a job or something else you would apply for is a solicitud. Apologà a: The Spanish word doesnt have anything to do with saying youre sorry. But it is synonymous with the English word apology only when it means a defense, as in a defense of the faith. An apology in the usual sense of the word is excusa or disculpa. Arena: In sports, arena can refer to an arena. But it is more commonly used as the word for sand. Argumento: This word and its verb form, argumenta r, refer to the type of argument a lawyer might make. It can also refer to the theme of a book, play or similar work. On the other hand, a quarrel could be a discusià ³n or disputa. Balance, balanceo, balancear: Although these words can sometimes be translated as balance, they most often refer to a swinging or oscillation. Words with meanings more closely related to the English balance include balanza, equilibrio, saldo, equilibrar, contrapesarà and saldar. Cndido: Although this word can mean frank, it more often means naively innocent. Colegio: The Spanish word can refer to almost any school, not just ones that provide university-level classes. Collar: This word is used when referring to the collar a pet (such as a dog) might wear, and it also can refer to a ringlike mechanical item known as a collar. But the collar of a shirt, jacket or similar type of apparel is a cuello (the word for neck). Collar can also refer to a necklace or similar item worn around the neck. Conducir: It can mean to conduct or (in the reflexive form conducirse) to conduct oneself. But it more often means to drive or to transport. For that reason, a conductor on a train (or other veh icle) is the person in the driving seat, not someone who handles tickets. Confidencia: Its meaning is related to the English meaning of confidence as a secret. If youre referring to trust in someone, confianza would be more appropriate. Criatura: Most commonly it means creature or being, including humans. But it is also commonly used to refer to babies and even to fetuses. Debate: This word often does refer to a debate, particularly one in a legislative body. But it also frequently refers to a discussion, one that doesnt have to include opposing viewpoints. Defraudar: This verb doesnt have to imply wrongdoing. Although it can mean to defraud, it more often means to disappoint. Demandar: As a legal term only, demandar and the noun form, la demanda, are similar to the English demand. But to demand something in a less formal situation, use exigir or exigencia. Direccià ³n: It usually means direction in most of the ways it is used in English. But it is also the most common way of referring to a postal or email address. Discusià ³n: The Spanish word often ca rries the connotation that a discussion has become heated. Alternatives include conversacià ³n and debate (which doesnt have to refer to a formal debate). En efecto: This phrase can mean in effect. But it also can mean in fact, not quite the same thing. Estupor: In medical usage, this word refers to a stupor. But in everyday meaning it refers to a state of amazement or astonishment. Usually the context will make clear what meaning is meant. Etiqueta: It can refer to etiquette and the requirements of formality. However, it also frequently means tag or label. The verb form, etiquetar, means to label. Excitado: This adjective can be synonymous with excited, but a closer equivalent is aroused - which doesnt necessarily have to do with sexual overtones but usually does. Better translations of excited include emocionado and agitado. Experimentar: This is what scientists and other people do when theyre trying something out. However, the word also often means to suffer or to experience. Familiar: In Spanish, the adjective is more closely connected with the meaning of family than in English. Often a better word to use for something youre fami liar with is conocido (known) or comà ºn (common). Habitual: The word often does mean habitual and it is a common translation for the English word. But it can refer to something that is normal, typical or customary. Hindà º: Hindà º can refer to a Hindu, but it can also refer to someone from India regardless of the persons religion. Someone from India can also be called an indio, a word also used to refer to indigenous people of North and South America. An American Indian is also often called an indà gena (a word both masculine and feminine). Historia: This word is obviously related to the English word history, but it is also similar to story. It can mean either one. Honesto: It can mean honest. But honesto and its negative form, deshonesto, more often have sexual overtones, meaning chaste and lewd or slutty, respectively. Better words for honest are honrado and sincero. Intentar: Like the English cognate, it can mean to plan or want to do something. But it also is frequently used to indicate more than a mental state, referring to an actual attempt. It thus is often a good translation for to try. Intoxicado, intoxicar: These words refer to almost any kind of poisoning. To refer specifically to the symptoms of alcohol poisoning, use borracho or any number of slang terms. Introducir: This verb can be translated as, among other things, to introduce in the sense of to bring in, to begin, to put or to place. For example, se introduce la ley en 1998, the law was introduced (put in effect) in 1998. But its not the verb to use to introduce someone. For that purpose, use presentar. Marcar: While it usually means to mark in some way, it also can mean to dial a telephone, to score in a game, and to notice. Marca is most often brand (with origins similar to the English trademark), while marco can be a window frame or picture frame. Miserà a: In Spanish, the word more often carries the connotation of extreme poverty than does the English misery. Notorio: Like the English notorious, it means well-known, but in Spanish it usually doesnt have the negative connotation. Opaco: It can mean opaque, but it can also mean dark or gloomy. Oracià ³n: Like the English oration, an oracià ³n can refer to a speech. But it also can refer to a prayer or a sentence (in the grammatical sense). Oscuro: It can mean obscure, but it more often means dark. Parientes: All of ones relatives are parientes in Spanish, not just parents. To refer to parents specifically, use padres. Peticià ³n: In English, petition as a noun most often means a list of names or a legal demand of some sort. Peticià ³n (among other words) can be used as a Spanish translation in such cases, but most often peticià ³n refers to almost any kind of request. Pimienta, pimiento: Although the English words pimento and pimiento come from the Spanish words pimienta and pimiento, they arent all interchangeable. Depending on region and speaker, the English terms can refer to allspice (malageta in Spanish) or a type of sweet garden pepper known as pimiento morrà ³n. Standing alone, both pimiento and pimienta are general words meaning pepper. More specifically, pimienta usually refers to a black or white pepper, while pimiento refers to a red or green pepper. Unless the context is clear, Spanish usually uses these words as part of a phrase such as pimiento de Padrà ³na (a type of small green pepper) or pimienta negra (black pepper). Preservativo: You might find yourself embarrassed if you go to a store and ask for one of these, because you could end up with a condom (sometimes referred to as a condà ³n in Spanish). If you want a preservative, ask for a conservante (although the word preservativo is also used at times). Probar: It can mean to probe or to test. But it is frequently used to mean to taste or to try on clothes. Profundo: It can have some of the meanings of the English profound. But it more often means deep. Propaganda: The Spanish word can have the negative implications of the English word, but it often doesnt, simply meaning advertising. Punto: Point often works as a translation of this word, but it also has a variety of other meanings such as dot, period, a type of stitch, belt hole, cog, opportunity, and taxi stand. Real, realismo: Real and realism are the obvious meanings, but these words also can mean royal and regalism. Similarly, a realista can be either a realist or a royalist. Fortunately, realidad is reality; to say royalty, use realeza.Relativo: As an adjective, relativo and relative are often synonymous. But there is no Spanish noun relativo corresponding to the English relative when it refers to a family member. In that case, use pariente.Rentar: In some areas of Latin America, rentar can indeed mean to rent. But it also has a more common meaning, to yield a profit. Similarly, the most common meaning of rentable is profitable.Rodeo: In the right context, it can mean rodeo, although there are differences between the typical rodeos of the United States and of Mexico. But it can also mean an encirclement, a stockyard, or an indirect path. Figuratively, it also can mean an evasive reply, a beating around the bush.Rumor: When used in a figurative sense, it indeed does mean rumor. But it als o often means a low, soft sound of voices, commonly translated as murmurring, or any soft, vague sound, such as the gurgling of a creek. Soportar: Although it can be translated as to support in some usages, it often is better translated as to tolerate or to endure. Some of the verbs that are better used to mean to support include sostener or aguantar in the sense of supporting weight, and apoyar or ayudar in the sense of supporting a friend.Suburbio: Both suburbs and suburbios can refer to areas outside a city proper, but in Spanish the word usually has a negative connotation, referring to slums. A more neutral word to refer to suburbs is las afueras.Tà pico: This word usually does mean typical, but it doesnt have the negative connotation that the English word often has. Also, tà pico often means something along the lines of traditional or having the characteristics of the local area. Thus if you see a restaurant offering comidas tà picas, expect food that is characteristic for the region, not merely typical food.Tortilla: In Spanish, the word can refer not only to a tortilla but also to an omelet.ÃÅ¡ltimo: Alt hough something that is the best can be referred to as lo à ºltimo, the word more commonly means last or most recent. Vicioso: Although this word is sometimes translated as vicious, it more often means depraved or simply faulty.Violar, violador: These words and words related to them have a sexual connotation more often than they do in English. While in English a violator may simply be someone who drives too fast, in Spanish a violador is a rapist.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Summary3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Summary3 - Essay Example In other words, the fear of losing is triggered by competition with others and the attachment to the value of an item. This is the kind of competition that is there in the society. There will always be competition between countries, groups, and individuals. However, it would be important for businesses and marketers to create a social environment which would encourage natural competitive instincts instead of forcing people to act of fear. The outcome of such an environment would be an increase in the level of the audience engagement, which will enhance the value of the products and services. It is not hard to create such social environment to ensure health competition (Maki). People should be allowed to form sub-groups where they can pursue different levels of interests. Open competitions helps everyone to participate and facilitate inter-user contact. Thus for any business or individual engaging in such kind of businesses where competition is involved, the best solution is to create a social environment that is conduce for the overall objectives of the business. Maki. Fear of Losing: Using Competitive Instincts to Your Advantage. (2008). Retrieved on 15th November 2014 from
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Technology managment vs. Traditional managment Essay
Technology managment vs. Traditional managment - Essay Example Technological Management involves developing an understanding of technology and its impact on all areas of an industry, its members and their activities. Technological Management includes: goods and services; production processes; information and communications; transport and distribution; society, politics and economics. "Technology Management may be more appropriately characterized as a "discipline" than a "field." (Article,). So, technology management is aimed to coordinate only a technological process in contrast to traditional management which coordinates all levels of the organizational structure including their interaction and performance. In contrast to technology management, traditional management concerns with managing those resources of an enterprise that are required to produce the goods or services to be sold to consumers or other organizations. The balance of power has undoubtedly shifted to traditional management who now has more choice over how it conducts relationships with their employees and process. The main functions of traditional management in industrial relations objectives are: control the work process; secure cost-effectiveness; reassert managerial authority; move towards a more unitary and individualistic approach (Boone, Kurtz, 1992).
Sunday, November 17, 2019
United States after World War II Essay Example for Free
United States after World War II Essay The influence of the United States over political and economic affairs worldwide sharply decreased after World War II. US officials found this psychologically difficult to accept, given their countryââ¬â¢s key role in the war. Jeffery E. Garten further elaborated on this sentiment: ââ¬Å"Part of Americaââ¬â¢s outdated self-image is still related to the memory of the Pax Americana, the era of omnipotence for the twenty years following World War IIâ⬠¦These were very special years in the American experience, to be fondly remembered, even cherished. But they were, looking back, a transition periodâ⬠¦We need to find a way to put these years and what they represent behind usâ⬠(Paarlberg, 1995). As far as Garten knew, the US clearly had difficulty in coming to terms with its changing position in the world. As a result, outward-looking internationalism dominated US policymaking after World War II. This trend was most visible in the post-World War II history of US relations with other countries. After World War II, US foreign policy broke away from its historical tradition of avoiding permanent diplomatic alliances. This departure had a strong impact on American politics and economy (Paarlberg, 1995). The US Economy after World War II US foreign policy conventionally espoused inward-looking diplomatic neutrality beyond the Western Hemisphere and parts of the Pacific. In the 1930s, the US Congress passed three separate neutrality acts, which legally prohibited the US from taking sides in the military or diplomatic disputes of Europe or Asia. It was not until the Great Depression that protectionism was discredited through the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. However, this law faced strong opposition from industrialists and political partisans. These parties believed that the domestic market was large enough to accommodate certain amounts of trade protection and corporate parochialism (Paarlberg, 1995). Unusual Economic Supremacy Right after World War II, a period when rival economies in Europe were exhausted and destroyed, the US was enjoying a strong economy and was even strengthening its technological superiority. High production demands during the war increased the countryââ¬â¢s Gross National Product (GNP) by 50% in real terms. By 1950, the US economy was 5 times larger than that of the Soviet Union and 10 times than that of Japan. In sharp contrast, World War II reduced Western European economies by 25% (Paarlberg, 1995). The US economic boom continued after the war through unilateral military and economic policy initiatives, such as the Truman Doctrine (March 12, 1947) and the Marshall Plan (July 12, 1947). These strategies allowed the US to dominate political reconstruction in both West Germany and Japan, as well as the establishment of American naval and air forces across the Atlantic and the Pacific. Allies and defeated adversaries alike were offered economic advantages such as grants, technical assistance, credits and market access ââ¬â without immediate repayment or demands for perfect reciprocity. The US dollar replaced gold as an international key currency, allowing the US to dominate international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund ââ¬â World Bank (IMF-WB) (Paarlberg, 1995). The Ideology of the Cold War The US did not carry out these measures without any underlying economic or security motives. Perceived threats of Stalinism (and later Maoism) prompted the American government to secure its political, economic and military influence overseas. The relative power of the US Congress was weakened in order to give the US President unprecedented peacetime authority over the deployment and use of both conventional and nuclear weapons, as well as unsupervised clout over the clandestine operations abroad of the then-newly-established Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Nations who were previously wartime allies suddenly found themselves fighting one another simply because they were at the opposite ends of the Cold War ideological fence (Paarlberg, 1995). Communism versus Capitalism: The Consolidation of Power At the height of the Cold War, both the US and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) scrambled to find foreign allies that will espouse their respective ideologies. Countries that were allied either with the US or the Soviet Union received generous political, economic and military aid. There were even leaders from these nations that rose to power through US or Soviet backing. The Cold War was not just an ââ¬Å"arms raceâ⬠but an ideological struggle as well. The Soviet Union. Beginning in 1945, governments across Eastern Europe were characterized with ââ¬Å"peopleââ¬â¢s democraciesâ⬠or Soviet-type regimes that had a Communist form of domestic administration and whose foreign policies were dictated by the USSR. These ââ¬Å"peopleââ¬â¢s democraciesâ⬠isolated and destroyed opposing political factions, expropriated large land holdings, instituted collective farming (except in Poland) and nationalized almost all industries. Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Albania and East Germany were eventually included into the Soviet Union. With the cooperation of these countries, the USSR founded the Communist Information Bureau (Cominform). However, Yugoslavia was expelled from the Cominform in 1948 due to Yugoslavian President Josip Broz Titoââ¬â¢s resistance against Soviet interference in his countryââ¬â¢s affairs (MSN Encarta, 2008). The US The US countered by establishing right-wing monarchial and military dictatorships in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America starting from the 1960s. In Africa, it backed the oppressive regimes of Idi Amin in Uganda (1971), King Hassan II in Morocco (1961) and Mobutu Sese Seko in Zaire (1965). In Asia, US-engineered dictatorships included those of Ngo Dinh Diem in South Vietnam (1955), Park Chung Hee in South Korea (1961) and Pol Pot in Cambodia (1975). In Latin America, Augusto Pinochet of Chile (1973), Francois and Jean-Claude Duvalier of Haiti (1957 and 1971, respectively) and Nicaraguaââ¬â¢s Anastacio Somoza Garcia (1937) and Anastacio Somoza Debayle (1956). In Europe, the US sponsored the governments of Spainââ¬â¢s Francisco Franco (1939) and Greeceââ¬â¢s George Papadopoulos (1967) (Bernstein and Sydell, 1995). American Policies and Practices in International Relations (Late 1940s ââ¬â Mid-1950s) The US radically increased its defense spending from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s due to the Cold War and the spread of Communism in Korea, Eastern Europe and China during the said period. Companies, particularly those related with the defense industry, saw this as an opportunity for immense profits. However, over-reliance of American enterprises on defense contracts resulted in the emergence of the military-industrial complex (MIC). The MIC, in turn, heavily influenced US foreign policy from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s (Schultz, 1999). The Military-Industrial Complex (MIC) The increase in the federal governmentââ¬â¢s military spending prompted enterprises to do business with the US Department of Defense. There were at least 40,000 defense contractors working for the federal government by the mid-1950s, providing services such as the manufacturing of uniforms, weapons and ammunition. Universities and technology-related firms were used as research and development departments, wherein new weapons and fighting strategies were created. By the 1970s, the US Department of Defense had surpassed the 75 largest corporations in America in terms of economic assets. This led to criticisms that the US was building a permanent ââ¬Å"war economyâ⬠(Schultz, 1999). In order to sustain this ââ¬Å"war economy,â⬠the US government had no choice but keep on waging wars with other countries. When the US economy underwent a recession in 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower responded by boosting the defense budget (Schultz, 1999). He likewise staged a number of armed conflicts with other nations. Hence, Eisenhowerââ¬â¢s administration was known for disputes such as clashes with Red China over Taiwan (1955) and the Berlin Crisis (1959) (MSN Encarta, 2008). Conclusion The US is still living under the illusion of Pax Americana ââ¬â a new world order wherein every nation on earth is subservient to American interests. As a result, it used Pax Americana to get away with imperialism and violating the rights of other nations to self-determination. The US must realize that if it is entitled to liberty and justice, the same holds true for other countries. Real freedom and prosperity can never be attained through political and economic interference, as well as through military aggression. References Bernstein, D. Sydell, L. Third World Traveler. (1995). Friendly Dictators. Retrieved August 31, 2008, from http://www. thirdworldtraveler. com/Dictators/Friendly_Dictators. html MSN Encarta. (2008). Dwight D. Eisenhower. Retrieved August 31, 2008, from http://encarta. msn. com/encyclopedia_761554032/Eisenhower. html#s1 MSN Encarta. (2008). Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Retrieved August 31, 2008, from http://encarta. msn. com/encyclopedia_761553017/ Union_of_Soviet_Socialist_Republics. html Paarlberg, R. (1995). Leadership Abroad Begins at Home: US Foreign Economic Policy After the Cold War. Washington, D. C. : Brooklings Institution Press. Schultz, S. K. University of Wisconsin System. (1999). The 1950s: The Cold War and the Affluent Society. Retrieved August 31, 2008, from http://us. history. wisc. edu/hist102/lectures/lecture24. html
Friday, November 15, 2019
Incredible Galileo Essay -- Catholic Church, Scientific Method
Stillman Drake, the author of Discoveries and Opinions of Galileo, describes Galileo's opposition as ââ¬Å"... professors who regarded the new method as injuries to philosophy and by priests who believed the new criterion of truth to be inimical to religion.â⬠Drake is accurate in his statement that the opposition put forward by Galileo's accusers was regarded as an injury to philosophy, but Galileo's opposition focused primarily on the need to check unbridled spirits about the judgment and interpretation of holy scripture; in addition Galileo's opposition and defense also had undeniable scientific and epistemological aspects. Moreover I argue that Galileo in return created an argument that focused upon his belief that scientific discovery should not be held in the jurisdiction of the catholic church, that the core of Galileo's argument revolves around his belief that the components of a new ââ¬Å"scientific methodâ⬠and the new criterion of truth should not be he ld under church scrutiny. During a time of protestant reformation, the Catholic Church convened the Council of Trent (1545-1563) in order to maintain orthodoxy among the people. The Catholics primarily focused on traditional and appropriate individuals of the church to interpret holy scripture whereas the protestant reformation preached individual pluralistic interpretation, thus threatening the catholic church and causing the church to become highly sensitive. (12) In the year 1954, the council decreed that ââ¬Å"...no one relying on his own judgment shall, in matters of faith and morals pertaining to edification of Christian doctrine, distorting the Holy Scriptures in accordance with his own conceptions, presume to interpret them contrary to that sense which holy mother Chur... ...s reply to Ingoli (1624), eight years after the Inquisitions verdict, remained devote on his belief that scientific discovery should not be at the jurisdiction of the Catholic church since he boldly stated to Ingoli that ââ¬Å"...I must tell you that in natural phenomena human authority is worthless.â⬠(178) Throughout his entire defense Galileo argued that natural phenomena and scientific discovery should not be under the churchââ¬â¢s jurisdiction. Galileo's magnificent discovery gave way to the everlasting feud of religion versus nature, the new criterion of truth, the new scientific method, scientific independence, and ultimately the foundation of humans natural inalienable rights. By defending his beliefs Galileo was able to convey his message by means of science, religion, and philosophy and ultimately paved the road for future scientists and moral philosophers.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
The Elderly
Growing up , children are taught to respect those who are elder than them , emphasizing parents and grandparents. This is a fine moral value to instill on a child but once that child begins to age , he/she will begin to see the truth behind the lies. As people age their minds deteriorate leading to bad motor skills , forgetfulness and irrational thinking , causing society to view them as a crazy nuisance. Elderly people need some assistance with daily activities and health care from their families. The adult children of this elders often face a difficult challenge in helping their parents make the right choices.The family is one of the most important providers for the elderly. Infact, the majority of caregivers for the elderly are often member of their own family , most often daughter or granddaughter. But sometimes family members of the elderly people ,who generally take care of them , get frustrated or angry and behave harshly with them , beat them. This leads to elderly abuse. Eld erly abuse in our country is growing. Abusers of older adults are both male and female. Usually family members are often the abusers in the domestic surroundings. Researchers estimated two thirds of the elder abuse are family members.The news which comes in the national news paper that elderly parents are being harassed, neglected, and even thrown out of the home, makes a citizen of India shameful and sad. This country was renowned for its good treatment to elderly as well as to the young since ages. The reason was the profound ethical and religious teaching which was prevalent in this country from ages. India being a land of multi lingual and multi religious back ground never one could have thought to see that elderly parents one day could be regarded as unwanted stranger in their own house.But, from a decade or two this unnatural phenomena suddenly appears with such a magnitude that one find himself bewildered how to accept it. Unfortunately this is a real hard fact through which the nation is passing. According to a survey 40% senior citizen living with their families are facing ââ¬Å"emotional and physical abuse. â⬠It is reported that one old grand mother is being thrown out in the garbage by her son and grand son where she ultimately died. India was land where elders were treated with respect and dignity.Mother and father in a house were just like a king and queen where they were treated as a commander of the house not by force but by the way of love and affection which was flourishing in the house. How this sudden change in the attitude of son of the same soil has appeared so abruptly. It is not the soil which has changed but the air and atmosphere of the land has gradually infested with foreign culture and artificial light and glamour as projected through the television and electronic media which has eroded the Indian culture of patience, gratitude and sacrifice. The Elderly Growing up , children are taught to respect those who are elder than them, emphasizing parents and grandparents. This is a fine moral value to instill on a child but once that child begins to age , he/she will begin to see the truth behind the lies. As people age their minds deteriorate leading to bad motor skills , forgetfulness and irrational thinking , causing society to view them as a crazy nuisance. Elderly people need some assistance with daily activities and health care from their families. The adult children of this elders often face a difficult challenge in helping their parents make the right choices.The family is one of the most important providers for the elderly. Infact, the majority of caregivers for the elderly are often member of their own family , most often daughter or granddaughter. But sometimes family members of the elderly people ,who generally take care of them , get frustrated or angry and behave harshly with them , beat them. This leads to elderly abuse. Elde rly abuse in our country is growing. Abusers of older adults are both male and female. Usually family members are often the abusers in the domestic surroundings. Researchers estimated two thirds of the elder abuse are family members.The news which comes in the national news paper that elderly parents are being harassed, neglected, and even thrown out of the home, makes a citizen of India shameful and sad. This country was renowned for its good treatment to elderly as well as to the young since ages. The reason was the profound ethical and religious teaching which was prevalent in this country from ages. India being a land of multi lingual and multi religious back ground never one could have thought to see that elderly parents one day could be regarded as unwanted stranger in their own house.But, from a decade or two this unnatural phenomena suddenly appears with such a magnitude that one find himself bewildered how to accept it. Unfortunately this is a real hard fact through which t he nation is passing. According to a survey 40% senior citizen living with their families are facing ââ¬Å"emotional and physical abuse. â⬠It is reported that one old grand mother is being thrown out in the garbage by her son and grand son where she ultimately died. India was land where elders were treated with respect and dignity.Mother and father in a house were just like a king and queen where they were treated as a commander of the house not by force but by the way of love and affection which was flourishing in the house. How this sudden change in the attitude of son of the same soil has appeared so abruptly. It is not the soil which has changed but the air and atmosphere of the land has gradually infested with foreign culture and artificial light and glamour as projected through the television and electronic media which has eroded the Indian culture of patience, gratitude and sacrifice.
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story Chapter 11~12
Chapter 11 Lather, Rinse, Repent The Animals were humming the wedding march when Tommy walked in the store. Tommy was rattled from the cab ride from Telegraph Hill. Evidently the cabdriver, who had a nervous tic and the habit of screaming, ââ¬Å"The fuckers!â⬠at indeterminate intervals and for no particular reason, felt that if you weren't going to top a hill without all four wheels leaving the ground and land in a shower of sparks, you might as well not top it at all, and, in fact, should avoid it by taking a corner on two wheels and crushing your passengers against the doors. Tommy was sweat-soaked and a little nauseated. ââ¬Å"Here comes the bride,â⬠Troy Lee said. ââ¬Å"Fearless Leader,â⬠Simon said, ââ¬Å"you look like you just left a three-toweler.â⬠Simon measured the success of any social event by the number of towels it took to clean up afterward. ââ¬Å"Was a time in my life,â⬠Simon would say, ââ¬Å"when I only owned one towel and I never had any fun.â⬠ââ¬Å"You're not still pissed at me?â⬠Tommy asked. ââ¬Å"Hell, no,â⬠Simon said. ââ¬Å"I had me a three-toweler myself tonight. Took two choir girls from Our Lady of Perpetual Guilt out in the truck and taught them the fine art of slurping tadpoles.â⬠ââ¬Å"That's disgusting.â⬠ââ¬Å"No, it ain't. I didn't kiss 'em afterward.â⬠Tommy shook his head. ââ¬Å"Is the truck in?â⬠ââ¬Å"Only fourteen hundred cases,â⬠Drew said. ââ¬Å"You'll have plenty of time to plan the wedding.â⬠He held out a stack of bride magazines to Tommy. ââ¬Å"No, thanks,â⬠Tommy said. Drew chucked the magazines behind him and held out a can of whipped cream with his other hand. ââ¬Å"Take the edge off?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, thanks. Can you guys stack the truck? I've got some stuff I want to do.â⬠ââ¬Å"Sure enough,â⬠Simon said. ââ¬Å"Let's go do it.â⬠The crew headed to the stockroom. Clint stayed behind. ââ¬Å"Hey, Tommy,â⬠he said, his head down, looking embarrassed. ââ¬Å"Yeah?â⬠ââ¬Å"A pallet of kosher food came in tonight. You know, getting ready for Hanukkah and everything. And it's supposed to be blessed by a rabbi.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah. So?â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, I was wondering if I could say a few words over it. I mean, they're not washed in the Blood or anything, but Christ was Jewish. Soâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"Knock yourself out, Clint.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thanks,â⬠Clint said. Taken with the Spirit, he scurried off to the stockroom. Tommy went to the news racks by the registers and gathered up an armload of women's magazines. Then, glancing over his shoulder to make sure that none of the Animals was watching, he took them into the office, locked the door, then sat down at the desk and began his research. He was about to move in with a woman for the first time, and he didn't know a thing about women. Maybe Jody wasn't crazy. Maybe they were all that way and he was just ignorant. He flipped quickly through the tables of contents to get an overview of the female mind. There was a pattern here. Cellulite, PMS, and men who don't commit were the enemies. Delightfully light desserts, marriage, and multiple orgasms were the allies. Tommy felt like a spy, as if he should be microfilming the pages under a gooseneck lamp in some back room of a Bavarian castle stronghold, and any minute some woman in SS gear would burst in on him and tell him that she had ways of making him talk. Actually, that last part wouldn't be too bad. Women seemed to have some collective plan, and most of it seemed to involve getting men to do stuff that they didn't want to do. He skimmed an article entitled: ââ¬Å"Tan Lines: Sexy Contrast or Panda Bear Shame? ââ¬â A Psychologist's View,â⬠then flipped to one entitled: ââ¬Å"Men's Love for Sports Analogies: How to Use Vince Lombardi to Make Him Put the Seat Down.â⬠(ââ¬Å"When one player falls in, the whole team gets a wet butt.â⬠) He read on: ââ¬Å"When it's fourth and ten and Joe Montana decides to go for it, would his linemen tell him that they won't go to the store to get him tampons? I don't think so.â⬠And: ââ¬Å"Of course Richard Petty doesn't want to wear a helmet, but he can't drive without protection either.â⬠By the time Tommy got to the warnings about never using Wilt Chamberlain or Martina Navratilova as examples, he was completely disenchanted. How could you deal with a creature as devious as woman? He turned the page and his heart sank even further. ââ¬Å"Can You Tell Him He's a Lousy Lay?: A Quiz.â⬠Tommy thought, This is exactly the kind of thing that made me stay a virgin until I was eighteen. 1. It's the third date and you're about to have an intimate moment, but when he drops his shorts you notice he's less blessed than you expected. Do you: A: Point and laugh. B: Say, ââ¬Å"Wow! A real man at last.â⬠Then turn and snicker to yourself. C: Say, ââ¬Å"Is that what they mean by microbiology?â⬠D: Just go ahead with it. He might be shamed into making a commitment. And what do you care if all your sons are nicknamed Peewee? 2. You decide to do the dread deed, and just as things are starting to get hot he comes, rolls over, and asks, ââ¬Å"Was it good for you?â⬠You: A: Say, ââ¬Å"God, yes! That was the best seventeen seconds of my life!â⬠B: Say, ââ¬Å"Sure, as good as it gets for me with a man.â⬠C: Put a Certs in your navel and say, ââ¬Å"That's for you, Mr. Bunnyman. You can have it on your way back up, after the job is finished.â⬠D: Smile and throw his car keys out the window. 3. After fumbling in the dark, he thinks he's found the spot. When you tell him that's not it, he forges ahead anyway. You: A: Grab the lamp off the nightstand and beat him with it until he gets off you. B: Grab the lamp off the nightstand and beat him to death with it. C: Grab the lamp off the nightstand, turn it on, and say, ââ¬Å"Would you look where you're at?â⬠D: Wait patiently until he finishes, wishing the whole time that you had a lamp on your nightstand. The phone in the office rang. Tommy closed the magazine. ââ¬Å"Marina Safeway.â⬠ââ¬Å"Tommy, is that you?â⬠Jody asked. ââ¬Å"Yeah, I have on my phone voice.â⬠ââ¬Å"Look, you're registered into room two-twelve at the Van Ness Motel ââ¬â the corner of Chestnut and Van Ness. There's a key waiting for you in the office. The papers and keys for my car are on the bed. I left some papers for you to take to Transamerica and some money too. I'll meet you at the motel office a little after sunset.â⬠ââ¬Å"What room are you in?â⬠ââ¬Å"I don't think I should say.â⬠ââ¬Å"Why? I'm not going to come in and jump you or anything.â⬠ââ¬Å"It's not that. I just want things to be right.â⬠He took a deep breath. ââ¬Å"Jody?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes.â⬠ââ¬Å"Is there a lamp on the nightstand in your room?â⬠ââ¬Å"Sure, it's bolted down. Why?â⬠ââ¬Å"No reason,â⬠Tommy said. Suddenly, from the back of the store, the Stones belted out à «Satisfactionà » from a boom box cranked to distorted fuzz level. Tommy could hear the Animals chanting, ââ¬Å"Kill the pig!â⬠in the background. ââ¬Å"I've got to go,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"I'll see you tomorrow night.â⬠ââ¬Å"Okay. Tommy, I had a nice time tonight.â⬠ââ¬Å"Me too,â⬠he said. He hung up and thought: She's evil. Evil, evil, evil. I want to see her naked. Jeff, the failed power forward, burst into the office. ââ¬Å"The truck is stacked, dude. The ski boat is charged! We're talking luau in the produce aisle.â⬠The Clark 250, self-propelled, professional floor-maintenance machine, is a miracle of janitorial design. Approximately the size of a small desk, the Clark 250 sports two rotating scrub disks at the front of the machine, as well as an onboard reservoir that distributes soap and water, and a squeegeed vacuum that sucks it up. It is propelled by two overpowered electric motors that will drive its gum-rubber tires over any flat surface, wet or dry. A single operator, walking behind the Clark 250, can, in less than an hour, scrub four thousand square feet of floor, and buff it to a shine in which he can see his soul, or so the brochure claims. What the brochure neglects to mention is that if the squeegee is retracted and the vacuum turned off, a single operator can slide along behind the Clark 250 on a river of soapy froth. The Animals called the machine the ski boat. When Tommy came around the corner of aisle 14, he saw Simon, shirtless, wearing his cowboy hat, cooking weenies over thirty cans of Sterno on a stainless-steel rack that normally was used to display potato chips. ââ¬Å"I love the smell of napalm in the morning,â⬠Simon said, waving a barbecue fork. ââ¬Å"It smells like victory.â⬠ââ¬Å"Cowabunga!â⬠Drew screamed. He was sliding through two inches of soapsuds behind the ski boat, towing Lash toward a makeshift ramp by a length of clothesline. Lash hit the ramp, went airborne, and flipped in the air with a battle cry of ââ¬Å"Workman's Comp!â⬠Tommy stepped aside as Lash landed on his chest and plowed a drift of suds with his face. Drew powered down the boat. ââ¬Å"Eight-two,â⬠Barry shouted. ââ¬Å"Nine-one,â⬠said Clint. ââ¬Å"Nine-six,â⬠said Drew. ââ¬Å"Quatro-uno,â⬠said Gustavo. ââ¬Å"A four-one from the Mexican judge,â⬠Simon said into his barbecue-fork microphone. ââ¬Å"That's got to hurt his chances for getting into the finals, Bob.â⬠Lash spit out a mouthful of soap and coughed. ââ¬Å"The Mexican judges are always tough,â⬠he said. He wore a beard of suds that made him look like a thin, wet version of Uncle Remus. Tommy helped Lash to his feet. ââ¬Å"Are you okay?â⬠ââ¬Å"He's fine,â⬠Simon said. ââ¬Å"His personal trainer is here.â⬠Simon grabbed a coconut off the shelf and lopped the top off with a huge knife from the meat department. ââ¬Å"Dr. Drew,â⬠he said, holding the coconut out to Drew, who took a pint of rum from his hip pocket and splashed some in the shell. ââ¬Å"Down this,â⬠Simon said, handing the coconut to Lash. ââ¬Å"Kill the pig, partner.â⬠The Animals chanted ââ¬Å"Kill the pigâ⬠until Lash had downed the whole drink, coconut milk and rum washing streams though his beard of suds at the corners of his mouth. He stopped to breathe and threw up. ââ¬Å"Nine-two!â⬠Barry shouted. ââ¬Å"Nine-four,â⬠Drew said. ââ¬Å"Six-one,â⬠Simon drawled. ââ¬Å"Penalty points for chunks.â⬠ââ¬Å"Fuego,â⬠Gustavo said. Simon jumped in Gustavo's face. ââ¬Å"Fuego? What fucking number is Fuego? You can be disqualified as a judge, you know?â⬠ââ¬Å"Fuego,â⬠Gustavo said, pointing over Simon's shoulder to the chip rack, where three dozen weenies had burst into flames and were spewing black smoke. The smoke alarm went off with a Klaxon scream, drowning out the Rolling Stones. ââ¬Å"It rings into the fire department,â⬠Drew shouted in Tommy's ear. ââ¬Å"They'll be at the door in a minute. It's your job to head them off, Fearless Leader.â⬠ââ¬Å"Me? Why me?â⬠ââ¬Å"That's why you make the big bucks.â⬠ââ¬Å"Kill that stereo and put out the fire,â⬠Tommy yelled. He turned and was heading for the front door just as Clint came out of the stockroom. ââ¬Å"The kosher stuff is all blessed, and I prayed over some of the gentile food for good measure. You know, Tom, the guys said that you might be getting married, and I'm getting my minister card in the mail soon, so if you need ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Clint,â⬠Tommy interrupted, ââ¬Å"clean-up in the produce aisle.â⬠He went to the front door, unlocked it, and went outside to wait for the fire department. The bay was socked in with fog and the beam from the lighthouse on Alcatraz cut a swath across Fort Mason and the Safeway parking lot. Tommy thought he could make out the figure of someone standing under one of the mercury lights. Someone thin, dressed in dark clothing. A fire truck pulled into the parking lot, siren off, its flashing red lights cutting the fog. As the fire truck's headlights swept across the lot, the dark figure dodged and ran, staying just ahead of the lights. Tommy had never seen anyone run that fast. The thin guy seemed to cover a hundred yards in only a few seconds. A trick of the fog, Tommy thought. Chapter 12 Fashionably Doomed There were five police cars parked at the Van Ness Motel when Tommy got off the bus across the street. He thought: They've come to get me for turning in a false alarm to the fire department. Then he realized that only Jody knew that he was coming to the motel. Pity, he thought, I would have gotten a lot of writing done in prison. He crossed the street and was met at the office door by a uniformed police woman. ââ¬Å"Crime scene, sir. Move along unless registered.â⬠ââ¬Å"Am registered. Need shower,â⬠Tommy said. He'd learned his lesson about saying too much when he had talked to the angry fireman at the store. They didn't want to hear why it happened, they just wanted to be sure that it didn't happen again. ââ¬Å"Name?â⬠the cop said. ââ¬Å"C. Thomas Flood.â⬠ââ¬Å"ID?â⬠Tommy handed her his Indiana driver's license. ââ¬Å"Says ââ¬ËThomas Flood, Junior. No ââ¬ËC. ; â⬠ââ¬ËC' is pen name. Thomas is writer,â⬠Tommy said. The cop adjusted her baton. ââ¬Å"Are you trying to give me a hard time?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, I just thought you wanted to talk that way. What's going on?â⬠Tommy looked over the cop's shoulder at the motel manager, a tall, balding guy in his forties who was wiping fingerprints off his bulletproof window with a towel, looking as if he was going to start crying any minute. ââ¬Å"Were you in the motel last night, Mr. Flood?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, I just got off work at the Marina Safeway. I'm night-crew leader there.â⬠ââ¬Å"You live in the City then?â⬠The cop raised an eyebrow. ââ¬Å"I've just been here a few days. I'm still looking for a place.â⬠ââ¬Å"Where can we reach you if the detectives need to talk to you?â⬠ââ¬Å"At the store from midnight to eight. But I'm off tonight. I guess I'll be here. What's going on?â⬠The cop turned to the motel manager. ââ¬Å"You have a C. Thomas Flood registered?â⬠The manager nodded and held up a key. ââ¬Å"Room two-twelve,â⬠he said. The cop gave Tommy back his license. ââ¬Å"Get that changed if you're going to stay in the City. You can go to your room, but don't cross any of the yellow tape.â⬠The cop walked out of the office. Tommy turned to the manager. ââ¬Å"What's going on here?â⬠The manager motioned for Tommy to come closer to the window. The manager bent over and whispered through his talk hole: ââ¬Å"The maids found a woman's body in the dumpster this morning ââ¬â a woman from the neighborhood, not a guest.â⬠ââ¬Å"Murdered?â⬠Tommy whispered. ââ¬Å"Her and her poodle. This looks horrible for the motel. The police are talking to all of the guests as they check out. They knocked on your friend's door, but she didn't answer.â⬠The manager passed Tommy's key through the slot, along with a business card. ââ¬Å"They want her to call the detective at that number when she gets in. Would you give it to her?â⬠ââ¬Å"Sure,â⬠Tommy said. He took the key and stood there trying to think of something to say to relieve the manager's anxiety. ââ¬Å"Uh, sorry about your dumpster,â⬠he said. It didn't work. The manager burst into tears. ââ¬Å"That poor little dog,â⬠he sobbed. On the bed were a stack of official-looking papers, a map of San Francisco, and a thick envelope filled with cash. There was a note clipped to the papers. It said: Dear Tommy, Here's the stuff to get my Honda out of impound. Use some of this cash to pay the fines. I don't know where the impound lot is, but you can ask any policeman. You will have to go to the Transamerica Building to get my last check. (I marked it on the map.) I've left a message on the personnel department's voice mail that you are coming. Good luck finding an apartment. I forgot to mention that you want to avoid getting a place in the Tenderloin (also on map). Sorry I'm being so mysterious. I'll explain everything tonight. Love, Jody Why in the hell was she being so mysterious? He opened the envelope and took out a stack of hundred-dollar bills, counted them, then put them back in the envelope. Four thousand dollars. He had never seen that much money in one place. Where did she get that kind of money? Certainly not filling out claims at an insurance company. Maybe she was a drug dealer. A smuggler. Maybe she embezzled it. Maybe it was all a trap. Maybe when he got to the impound lot to pick up her car, the police would arrest him. She had a lot of nerve signing her note ââ¬Å"Love.â⬠What would the next one say? ââ¬Å"Sorry you have to do hard time in the big house for me. Love, Jody.â⬠But she did sign it that way: ââ¬Å"Love.â⬠What did that mean? Did she mean it, or was it habit? She probably signed all of her letters with ââ¬Å"Love.â⬠Dear Insured, We are sorry but your policy will not pay for your barium enema as it was done for recreational purposes. Love, Jody. Claims Deptâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ Maybe not. Maybe she did love him. She must trust him, she had given him four grand. He shoved the money in his back pocket, picked up the papers, and left the room. He ran down the steps to the ground level and tripped over a large black plastic bag full of dead woman. A coroner's deputy caught him by the arm before he fell. ââ¬Å"Easy there, fella,â⬠the deputy said. He was a big, hairy guy in his thirties. ââ¬Å"I'm sorry.â⬠ââ¬Å"It's okay, kid. She's sealed for freshness. My partner went to get the gurney.â⬠Tommy stared at the black bag. He'd only seen one dead person in his life, his grandfather. He hadn't liked it. ââ¬Å"How did itâ⬠¦ I mean, was it murder?â⬠ââ¬Å"I'm betting creative suicide. She broke her own neck, drained out her blood, then killed the dog and jumped into the dumpster. The ME's betting murder, though. You pick.â⬠Tommy was horrified. ââ¬Å"Her blood was drained?â⬠ââ¬Å"Are you a reporter?â⬠ââ¬Å"Nope.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah, she was about a gallon low, and no visible wounds. The ME had to go into the heart for a blood sample. He was not pleased. He likes things simple ââ¬â decapitation by cable car, massive gunshot trauma ââ¬â you know.â⬠Tommy shuddered. ââ¬Å"I'm from Indiana. Stuff like this doesn't happen there.â⬠ââ¬Å"Stuff like this doesn't happen here either, kid.â⬠A tall, thin guy in coroner blues came around the corner pushing a gurney with a small, gray, dead dog on it. He picked up the dog by a rhinestone leash. ââ¬Å"What do I do with this?â⬠he asked the big hairy guy. The dog spun slowly at the end of the leash like a fuzzy Christmas ornament. ââ¬Å"Bag and tag it?â⬠said Big Hairy. ââ¬Å"A dog? That's a new one on me.â⬠ââ¬Å"I don't give a shit. Do what you want.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well,â⬠Tommy interrupted, ââ¬Å"you guys have a good day.â⬠He hurried away to the bus stop. As the bus pulled up he looked back and saw the two coroners tucking the little dog into the woman's body bag. Tommy got off the bus at a coffeehouse near Chinatown where he had seen guys in berets scribbling in notebooks and smoking French cigarettes. If you were looking for a place to sit and stare into the abyss for a while, always look for guys in berets smoking French cigarettes. They were like road signs: ââ¬Å"Existential Crisis, Next Right.â⬠And the incident with the body bag had put Tommy in the mood to contemplate the meaninglessness of life for a few minutes before he started hunting for an apartment. They had treated that poor woman like a piece of meat. People should have been crying and fainting and fighting over her will. It must be some sort of protection mechanism, more of that ability that city people had for ignoring suffering. He ordered a double mocha at the counter. A girl with magenta hair and three nose rings frothed it up while Tommy searched though a stack of used newspapers on the counter, separating the classified sections. When he paid the girl she caught him staring at her nose rings and smiled. ââ¬Å"Thought is death,â⬠she said, handing him the mocha. ââ¬Å"Have a nice day,â⬠Tommy said. He sat down and began flipping though the classifieds. As he read through the apartments for rent, the money in his pocket seemed to shrink. Here was the reason why people seemed so distracted. They were all worrying about making rent. An ad for a furnished loft caught his eye. He was a loft kind of guy. He imagined himself saying, ââ¬Å"No, I can't hang around, I've got to get back to the loft and write.â⬠And, ââ¬Å"Sorry, I left my wallet in the loft.â⬠And writing, ââ¬Å"Dear Mom, I've moved into a spacious loft in fashionable SOMA.â⬠Tommy put the paper down and turned to a beret guy at the next table who was reading a volume of Baudelaire and building up a drift of Disc Bleu butts in the ashtray. ââ¬Å"Excuse me,â⬠Tommy said, ââ¬Å"but I'm new in town. Where would I find fashionable SOMA?â⬠The beret guy looked irritated. ââ¬Å"South of Market,â⬠he said. Then he picked up his book and cigarettes and walked out of the cafe. ââ¬Å"Sorry,â⬠Tommy called after him. Maybe if I had asked him in Frenchâ⬠¦ Tommy unfolded the map Jody had left him and found Market Street, then a neighborhood marked ââ¬Å"SOMA.â⬠It wasn't far from where Jody had marked the Transamerica Pyramid. He folded up the map and tore the loft ad out of the classifieds. This was going to be easy. As he prepared to leave, he looked up to see an enormously fat man in a purple velvet robe enter the cafe carrying a leather sample case decorated with silver moons and stars. He sat at a table near Tommy, his bulk spilling over either side of the cane chair, and began removing things from the sample case. Tommy was captivated. The fat man's head was shaved and there was a pentagram tattooed on his scalp. He covered his table with a piece of black satin, then placed a crystal ball on a pedestal of brass dragons in the center. Next he unwrapped a deck of tarot cards from a purple silk scarf and placed them by the crystal ball. Last he removed a sign from the sample case and set it up on the table. It read: ââ¬Å"Madame Natasha. Palmistry, Tarot, Divination. Psychic Readings $5.00. All proceeds go to AIDS research.â⬠Madame Natasha was sitting with his back to Tommy. As Tommy stared at the pentagram tattoo, Madame Natasha turned to him. Tommy looked away quickly. ââ¬Å"I think you need a reading, young man,â⬠Madame Natasha said, his voice high and feminine. Tommy cleared his throat. ââ¬Å"I don't believe in that stuff. Thanks, though.â⬠Madame Natasha closed his eyes as if he were listening to a particularly moving passage of music. When he opened them again he said, ââ¬Å"You're new to the City. A little confused and a little scared. You're an artist of some kind, but you don't make your living that way. And you've recently turned down a proposal of marriage. Am I right?â⬠Tommy dug into his pocket, ââ¬Å"Five dollars?â⬠ââ¬Å"Have a seat,â⬠Madame Natasha said, waving him to a seat at his table. Tommy moved to the seat across from Madame and handed him a five-dollar bill. Madame Natasha picked up his tarot cards and began shuffling. His hands were tiny and delicate; his nails painted black. ââ¬Å"What shall we ask the cards today?â⬠Madame said. ââ¬Å"I've met this girl. I want to know more about her.â⬠Madame Natasha nodded solemnly and began laying the cards out on the table. ââ¬Å"I don't see a woman in your near future.â⬠ââ¬Å"Really?â⬠Madame pointed to a card on the right of the pattern he had laid out. ââ¬Å"No. You see the position of this card? This card rules your relationships.â⬠ââ¬Å"It says ââ¬ËDeath. ; ââ¬Å"That does not necessarily mean physical death. The Death card can be a card of renewal, signifying a change. I would say that you recently broke up with someone.â⬠ââ¬Å"Nope,â⬠Tommy said. He stared at the stylized picture of the skeleton with the scythe. It seemed to be laughing at him. ââ¬Å"Let's try again,â⬠Madame Natasha said. He gathered the cards, shuffled them, and began laying them out again. Tommy watched the spot where his relationship card would fall. Madame paused, then turned the card. Death. ââ¬Å"Well, well, what a co-in-kee-dink,â⬠Madame Natasha said. ââ¬Å"Try again,â⬠Tommy said. Again Madame shuffled, and again, when he laid down the relationship card, it was Death. ââ¬Å"What does it mean?â⬠Tommy asked. ââ¬Å"It could mean a lot of things, depending on your other suits.â⬠Madame waved to the other cards in the pattern. ââ¬Å"Then what does it mean with the other cards?â⬠ââ¬Å"Honestly?â⬠ââ¬Å"Of course. I want to know.â⬠ââ¬Å"You're fucked.â⬠ââ¬Å"What?â⬠ââ¬Å"As far as relationships?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yes.â⬠ââ¬Å"You're fucked.â⬠ââ¬Å"What about my writing career?â⬠Madame Natasha consulted the cards again, then, without looking up, said, ââ¬Å"Fucked.â⬠ââ¬Å"I am not. I'm not fucked.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yep. Fucked. It's in the cards. Sorry.â⬠ââ¬Å"I don't believe in this stuff,â⬠Tommy said. ââ¬Å"Nevertheless,â⬠Madame Natasha said. Tommy stood up. ââ¬Å"I have to go find an apartment.â⬠ââ¬Å"Do you want to consult the cards about your new home?â⬠ââ¬Å"No. I don't believe the cards.â⬠ââ¬Å"I could read your palm.â⬠ââ¬Å"Will it cost extra?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, it's included.â⬠ââ¬Å"Okay.â⬠Tommy held out his hand and Madame Natasha cradled it delicately. Tommy looked around to see if anyone was looking, tapped his foot as if he was in a hurry. ââ¬Å"Goodness, you masturbate a lot, don't you?â⬠A guy at a nearby table spit coffee all over his paperback Sartre and looked over. Tommy pulled his hand away. ââ¬Å"No!â⬠ââ¬Å"Now, now, don't lie. Madame Natasha knows.â⬠ââ¬Å"What's that got to do with an apartment?â⬠ââ¬Å"Just checking my accuracy. It's like zeroing out a polygraph.â⬠ââ¬Å"Not a lot,â⬠Tommy said. ââ¬Å"Then I'll have to adjust my reading. I would have rated you a wankmaster of the first degree. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Considering your relationship card, I'd say it's your only option.â⬠ââ¬Å"Well, you're wrong.â⬠ââ¬Å"As you wish. Let me see your palm again.â⬠Tommy surrendered his palm reluctantly. ââ¬Å"Oh, good news at last,â⬠Madame Natasha said. ââ¬Å"You will find an apartment.â⬠ââ¬Å"Good,â⬠Tommy said, pulling his hand back again. ââ¬Å"I've got to go.â⬠ââ¬Å"Don't you want to know about the rats?â⬠ââ¬Å"No.â⬠Tommy turned and headed toward the door. As he reached it he turned and said, ââ¬Å"I'm not fucked.â⬠The Sartre reader looked up from his book and said, ââ¬Å"We all are. We all are.ââ¬
Friday, November 8, 2019
Are You Ignoring Trends That Could Shake up Your Business
Are You Ignoring Trends That Could Shake up Your Business In this article, the writers focus on the changes that have been brought about by the emergence of digital technology. Principally, the authors articulate that marketing trends are an important part of marketing.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Are You Ignoring Trends That Could Shake up Your Business? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This, they say, is majorly based on the fact that they determine the best strategies for the marketers to take, and the returns that the marketers expect from their investments in marketing. For this reason, it is important for the people in the marketing section to know where the world is coming from and where it is going. In addition, they have to understand the basics of transparency, cost efficacy, good services, and staying at par with the current trends of marketing and sale of various products as well as services. Even more importantly, the authors articulate that most companies are appreciating the role played by the social media networking tools and they have either implemented marketing through the social media or are in the process of implementing. According to them, the social media networking also serves the non-profit organizations by engaging the public and general awareness of the activities of these organizations. Another important trend in the market is the need to aesthetically appeal to the public through products and services. If organizations are to progress; the authors recommend that companies should implement these new trends.Advertising Looking for essay on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Essentially, the paper serves to educate marketers in any given industry. In other words, every organization, both for profit and not for profit, has to make a decision on allocating the business budget to maximize returns and minimize risks and in order to do this, great consideration has to be made on the fitting marketing trends to use. This is very crucial since the world of business is highly dynamic thus necessitating the need to find apt ways of predicting and successfully operating various businesses. To support the importance of marketing trends, the authors provide many cases including global companies like Nokia which, reportedly, uses social media like Facebook and Twitter in marketing its products and services. Other cases like the one of Poppy Line of handbags, given by these authors, also provide a fitting example for the relevance of market trending. In summary, the authors state that the market is on the move always requiring that marketers both in the commercial sector and the not for profit sector to be quite informed of how analyze the trends. The opportunities that exist in the market are for those who learn very fast and act on the lesson that has been learned in making the difference. However, with these opportunities, o ne has to be cautious since they also have their own threats and wrong choices can be quite costly on the side of the organization.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Are You Ignoring Trends That Could Shake up Your Business? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As an advice to the readers, especially marketers who are the main targets of the articles, the authors say that the best thing for marketers to do is to test the major trends before they can commit their resources. Some strategies may work for some organizations and fail to work in others. Before committing to marketing through social media for instance, organizations have to understand on what attracts in their business. This is because there is a likelihood of only their customers responding to their offers as opposed to total strangers, because they already know the company and trust it based on their previous transactions with it.
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