Nut Grass and Bignay Bark Extracts as Effective Termite Killer Essay Example

Nut Grass and Bignay Bark Extracts as Effective Termite Killer Essay Termite is a common name for numerous species of social insects that can damage wooden structures such as furniture or houses. Of about 2000 known species, most are distributed in tropical countries and some inhabit the temperate regions of North and South America; two have become established in southern Europe. Termites are known also as white ants, a misnomer based on superficial similarities in the appearance and habits of these two insect groups. True ants belong to a more advanced insect order that includes also the bees and the wasps.Termites are relatively primitive; they have thick waists and soft bodies and undergo incomplete metamorphosis (see Insect: Metamorphosis). Nevertheless, they have developed remarkable patterns of social behavior that are almost as elaborate as those of the ants. To prevent damage by termites, building foundations should be built of materials other than wood. Because cracks may develop in such foundations and provide passageways to the wooden parts of the structure, the soil should be treated first with an insecticide to discourage termitic incursions.Control is obtained also by using wood treated with creosote or some other poisonous chemical. Because most worker termites cannot live without moisture, the termitaries should be exposed to dry air. Meanwhile, Nut Grass (Cyperus rotundus (coco-grass, purple nut sedge, red nut sedge) is a species of sedge (Cyperaceae) native to Africa, southern and central Europe (north to France and Austria), and southern Asia. Also, found throughout the Philippines; a common weed in gardens, lawns and wastelands. Cyperus rotundus is a perennial plant, that may reach a height of up to 40  cm.The names nut grass and nut sedge (shared with the related species Cyperus esculentus) are derived from its tubers, that somewhat resemble nuts, although botanically they have nothing to do with nuts. The root system of a young plant initially forms white, fleshy rhizomes. Some rhizomes grow upward in the soil, then form a bulb-like structure from which new shoots and roots grow, and from the new roots, new rhizomes grow. Other rhizomes grow horizontally or downward, and form dark reddish-brown tubers or chains of tubers. Plants like Nut Grass excrete essential oils and have been identified as significant organic insect repellents.Experts call such plants are Terpetenoids. On the other hand. Bignay (Antidesma bunius)  is a species of  fruit tree  in the  Phyllanthaceae. It is native to  Southeast Asia  and northern  Australia. Its common Philippine name and other names include  bignay,[1]  bugnay or bignai,  Chinese-laurel,[1]  Herbert River-cherry,[1]  Queensland-cherry,[1]  salamander-tree,[1]  wild cherry,[1]  and  currant tree. [1]  This is a variable plant which may be short and shrubby or tall and erect, approaching 30 meters in height. It has large oval shaped leathery evergreen leaves up to about 20 centimeters long and seven wide.They are a ttached to the twigs of the tree with short  petioles, creating a dense canopy. The species is  dioecious, with male and female flowers growing on separate trees. The flowers have a strong, somewhat unpleasant scent. The  staminate  flowers are arranged in small bunches and the  pistillate  flowers grow on long  racemes  which will become the long strands of fruit. The fruits are spherical and just under a centimeter wide, hanging singly or paired in long, heavy bunches. They are white when immature and gradually turn red, then black. Each bunch of fruits ripens unevenly, so the fruits in a bunch are all different colors.The skin of the fruit has red juice, while the white pulp has colorless juice. The fruit contains a light-colored stone. The fruit has a sour taste similar to that of the  cranberry  when immature, and a tart but sweet taste when ripe. This tree is cultivated across its native range and the fruits are most often used for making  jam. It is ofte n grown as a backyard fruit tree in  Java. (http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Antidesma_bunius) The bark is poisonous, containing a toxic alkaloid. Contains phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids. (http://www. stuartxchange. org/Bignay. html)Insecticides are agents of chemical or biological origin that control insects. Control may result from killing the insect or otherwise preventing it from engaging in behaviors deemed destructive. Insecticides may be natural or manmade and are applied to target pests in a myriad of formulations and delivery systems (sprays, baits, slow-release diffusion, etc. ). The science of biotechnology has, in recent years, even incorporated bacterial genes coding for insecticidal proteins into various crop plants that deal death to unsuspecting pests that feed on them. (http://ipmworld. umn. edu/chapters/ware. tm) The insecticidal properties of the two plants as well as their abundance in Aklan particularly in the municipalities of Albasan and I bajay have motivated the researches to conduct this investigatory project especially nowadays when termites are nuisance to schools, offices and households. B. Statement of the Problem 1. What is the level of effectiveness of using Nut Grass (Cyperus Rotundus) Extract and Bignay (Antidesma Bunius) Bark extracts as a Termite Killer? 2. Is there a significant difference in the effectiveness of Nut Grass extract and Bignay bark extract in terms of termites killed?C. Hypothesis Hypothesis 1: There is no significant difference in the effectiveness of the two samples (Nut Grass Extract and Bignay Bark Extract) in terms of termites killed. D. Significance of the Study The results of the study will be of value to the community and manufacturers to come up with an alternative that can be used for many applications as a cost-efficient material component and environment-friendly in terminating the termites. If the researchers are lead by the study, the outcomes will be implemented for the best of all. E.Scope and Limitations of the Study This study was limited on the determination of the effectiveness of Nut Grass (Cyperus rotundus) extract and Bignai (Antidesma Bunius Lenn. Spreng) Bark extract as a termite killer. It was studied and conducted at Kalibo Pilot Elementary School last July – August 2012. F. Definition of Terms For better understanding of the study, some relevant terms are given their definition. ALKALOIDS – Alkaline compound found in plants; a group of nitrogen – containing compounds that are physiologically active as poison or drugs. Microsoft Encarta Dictionary) CAROTENOIDS  are  tetraterpenoid  organic  pigments  that are naturally occurring in the  chloroplasts  and  chromoplasts  of plants and some other  photosynthetic  organisms  like  algae, some  bacteria, and some types of  fungus. Carotenoids can be synthesized fats and other basic organic metabolic building blocks by all these organisms. Carote noids generally cannot be manufactured by species in the  animal  kingdom (although one species of aphid is known to have acquired the genes  for synthesis of the carotenoid  torulene  from  fungi  by  horizontal gene transfer[1]).Animals obtain carotenoids in their diets, and may employ them in various ways in metabolism. (http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Carotenoid) EXTRACT – to withdraw (as juice) by physical or chemical process. Purified substance; a concentrated or purified substance obtained by first using a solvent to dissolve the substance when present in a mixture and then evaporating the solvent. An  extract  is a substance made by  extracting  a part of a  raw material, often by using a  solvent  such as  ethanol  or  water.Extracts may be sold as  tinctures  or in powder form. (Microsoft Encarta Dictionary) FLAVONOIDS – phenolic compounds naturally occurring compounds belonging to a large group that includes many plants pigments; have many beneficial effects in human diet as anti-oxidants, neutralizing free radicals which damage body tissue and lead to heart disease, strokes and cancer. (Microsoft Encarta Dictionary). ANTHOCYANINS  (also  anthocyans) are  water-soluble  vacuolar  pigments that may appear red, purple, or blue depending on the  pH.They belong to a parent class of molecules called  flavonoids  synthesized via the  phenylpropanoid  pathway; they are odorless and nearly flavorless, contributing to taste as a moderately  astringent  sensation. Anthocyanins occur in all  tissues  of higher plants, including  leaves,  stems,  roots,  flowers, and  fruits. Anthoxanthins  are their clear, white to yellow counterparts occurring in plants. Anthocyanins are derivatives of  anthocyanidins, which include pendant sugar (http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Anthocyanin) PESTICIDE is any substance or mixture of substances specifically intended to prevent, repel, destroy or lessen the effect of a pest.The term pesticides is technically a catch-all phrase that specifically means one of the following: insecticide, herbicide, fungicide or any other chemical substances used to control pests. Pests that pesticides fight or kill may include insects and insect-like organisms, unwanted plants, weeds, fungi, viruses or bacteria that cause plant diseases, mice and other vertebrate animals or any other pest that may attack plants, soil, trees, structures or people. (http://organic. about. com/od/organicdefinitionsop/g/Pesticide-Definition-Of-Pesticide. tm) PESTICIDE   are substances or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest. [1]  A pesticide may be a  chemical  substance, biological agent (such as a virus or bacterium), antimicrobial, disinfectant or device used against any  pest. Pests include  insects, plant  pathogens, weeds,  molluscs,  birds,  mammals,  fish, nematodes (r oundworms), and  microbes  that destroy property, spread disease or are a  vector  for disease or cause a nuisance. (Grolier’s Encyclopedia) Chapter II | REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Pharmacological activities of Nut GrassNutgrass is used to treat poor appetite, diarrhea, dysentery, fevers, parasites, gastritis, indigestion, and sluggish liver. It is said to tone the liver, spleen, and pancreas, and to treat malabsorption. Nutgrass can also be used to treat high blood pressure, bloody stool and urine, and vomiting blood, breast tumors, candida, colds, flu, and colic. It helps treat convulsions, moodiness and depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the pain and cramps associated with PMS, menopause, and heart palpitations. In India they use Nutgrass in hair and skin products as it stimulates sebaceous glands near the hair roots.The oil extracted from this plant is used in perfumery. A decoction of the roots and tubers is used as an antidote to any kind of poison. T he 5% nutgrass flatsedge extract can inhibit the isolated uteri of experimental animals by reducing their contractility and tension. Its volatile oil has a mild estrogen-like action. Its water decoction can reduce the tonicity of the intestinal canal and counter acetylcholine. The water solutions of its total alkaloid, glycosides, flavonoids and phenolic compounds have Cardiotonic and hypotensive effects.Alterative, Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antimalarial, Antimicrobial, Anti-pyretic, Astringent, Carminative, Demulcent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emmenagogueue, Emollient, Febrifuge, Hypoglycemic, Hypotensive, Immunostimulant, Nervine, Stimulant, Stomachic, Tonic, Vermifuge,Pungent, slightly bitter and slightly sweet in flavor, mild in nature, it is related to the liver, spleen and sanjiao (Three Warmers) channels. Stimulant, tonic, demulent, diuretic, anthelmintic, stomache, carminative, diaphoretic, astringent, emmenagogue and vermifuge. (http://www. mdidea. com/produ cts/proper/proper057paper. tml) Chemical Composition of Nut Grass Nut Grass leaves and roots contains: flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins and fatty oils (glycerides). (http://www. tropilab. com/nutgrass. html) This herb contains a volatile oil with b-pinene, cyperene, a-cyperone b-cyperone and a-cyperol as its main ingredients. It also contains alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids. (http://www. mdidea. com/products/proper/proper057paper. html) Pharmacological activities of Bignay The tree may be shrubby, 10 to 26 ft (3-8 m) high, or may reach up to 50 or even 100 ft (15-30 m). It has wide-spreading branches forming a dense crown.The evergreen, alternate leaves are oblong, pointed, 4 to 9 in (10-22. 5 cm) long, 2 to 3 in (5-7. 5 cm) wide, dark-green, glossy, leathery, with very short petioles. The tiny, odorous, reddish male and female flowers are produced on separate trees, the male in axillary or terminal spikes, the female in terminal racemes 3 to 8 in (7. 5-20 cm) long. The round or ovoid fruits, up to 1/3 in (8 mm) across, are borne in grapelike, pendent clusters (often paired) which are extremely showy because the berries ripen unevenly, the pale yellowish-green, white, bright-red and nearly black stages present at the same time.The skin is thin and tough but yields an abundance of bright-red juice which leaves a purple stain on fabrics, while the pulp, only 1/8 in (3 mm) thick is white with colorless juice. Whole fruits are very acid, much like cranberries, when unripe; are subacid, slightly sweet, when fully ripe. Some tasters detect a bitter principle or unpleasant aftertaste which is unnoticeable to others. There is a single, straw-colored stone, an irregular, flattened oval, ridged or fluted, very hard, 3/8 in (1 cm) long, 1/4 in (6 mm) wide. P. J.Wester mentions a very distinct and superior variety as reliably reported from the Mountain Province, Philippines. Origin and Distribution The bignay is native and common in the wild from the lower Himalayas i n India, Ceylon, and southeast Asia (but not Malaya) to the Philippines and northern Australia. It is an abundant and invasive species in the Philippines; occasionally cultivated in Malaya; grown in every village in Indonesia where the fruits are marketed in clusters. The United States Department of Agriculture received seeds from the Philippines in 1905 twice in 1913), and again in 1918).Quite a few trees have been planted in southern Florida in the past and the fruits were formerly appreciated as a source of juice for jelly, commercialized in a limited way, but are rarely so used today. There are specimens in experimental stations in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Honduras and Hawaii. Climate The tree is not strictly tropical for it has proved to be hardy up to central Florida. It thrives in Java from sea-level to 4,000 ft (1,200 m). It grows well and flowers but does not set fruit in Israel. Propagation Many seeds are non-viable in Florida, perhaps because of inadequate pollination.Since see dlings may turn out to be male, and female seedlings may not bear for a number of years, vegetative propagation is preferred. The tree is readily multiplied by cuttings, grafting or air-layering. The air-layers have borne fruit in 3 years after transplanting to the field. Ochse recommends grafting in the wet season because scions will remain dormant in dry weather. Most female trees will bear some fruit without the presence of a male because many of the flowers are perfect. Culture The trees should be spaced 40 to 45 ft (12-14 m) apart, each way.And one male tree should be planted for every 10 to 12 females to provide cross-pollination. Wind-protection is desirable when the trees are small. Otherwise they require very little cultural attention. Yield Yield varies greatly from tree to tree if they are grown from seed. A mature tree in Florida has produced 15 bushels of fruit in a season. One very old tree at the home of Dr. David Fairchild produced 22 bushels yielding 72 gals (273 li ters) of juice. Season In Indonesia, the trees flower in September and October and the fruits mature in February and March.The fruiting season is July to September in North Vietnam. In Florida it extends from late summer through fall and winter because some trees bloom much later than others. Pests and Diseases The tree is attacked by termites in Southeast Asia. In Florida, the leaves may be heavily attacked by mealybugs and by scale insects and sooty mold develops on their excretions. Here, also, the foliage is subject to green scurf and algal leaf spot caused by  Cephaleuros tirescens. Food Uses In Malaya, the fruits are eaten mostly by children. Indonesians cook the fruits with fish.Elsewhere the fruits (unripe and ripe together) are made into jam and jelly though the juice is difficult to jell and pectin must be added. Some cooks add lemon juice as well. If the extracted bignay juice is kept under refrigeration for a day or so, there will be a settling of somewhat astringent s ediment which can be discarded, thus improving the flavor. For several years, the richly-colored jelly was produced on a small commercial scale in southern Florida. The juice makes an excellent sirup and has been successfully fermented into wine and brandy.In Indonesia and the Philippines, the leaves are eaten raw or stewed with rice. They are often combined with other vegetables as flavoring. _____________________________________________________________________________Morton, J. 1987. Bignay. p. 210–212. In: Fruits of warm climates. Julia F. Morton, M Toxicity The bark contains a toxic alkaloid. The heavy fragrance of the flowers, especially the male, is very obnoxious to some individuals. Other Uses Bark:  The bark yields a strong fiber for rope and cordage. Wood:  The timber is reddish and hard.If soaked in water, it becomes heavy and, according to Drury, black as iron. It has been experimentally pulped for making cardboard. Medicinal Uses:  The leaves are sudorific and employed in treating snakebite, in Asia. | | Chemical Composition of Bignai (Antidesma Bunius) Phytochemicals / Flavonoids:  Analysis on Flavanoids Contents in Mao Luang Fruits of Fifteen Cultivars (Antidesma bunius), Grown in Northeast Thailand:  Study showed 15 cultivars to possess different amounts of flavonoids of catechin, proyanidins B1 and B2.Cytotoxicity:  (1) Biological Activity of Bignay [Antidesma bunius (L. ) Spreng] Crude Extract in Artemia salina: Study suggests that bignay possibly contains compounds with potential cytotoxic activity. The bark is poisonous, containing an toxic alkaloid. Contains phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids. (http://www. stuartxchange. org/Bignay. html) Pesticide application Pesticide application  refers to the practical way in which  pesticides, (including  herbicides,  fungicides,  insecticides, or  nematode  control agents) are delivered to their  biological targets  (e. . pest  organism,  crop   or other plant). Public concern about the use of pesticides has high-lighted the need to make this process as efficient as possible, in order to minimize their release into the environment and human exposure (including operators, bystanders and consumers of produce). (http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Pesticide_application). Application methods for household insecticides Pest management in the home begins with restricting the availability to insects of three vital commodities: shelter, water and food.If insects become a problem despite such measures, it may become necessary to control them using chemical methods,  targeting  the  active ingredient  to the particular pest. [11] Insecticide used for killing  pests—most often  insects, and  arachnids—primarily comes in an aerosol can, and is sprayed directly on the insect or its nest as a means of killing it. (http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Pesticide_application) Chapter III Methodology This chapter include s the following topics: materials used in the experimentation, and the processes involved in making the treatments, ethods of research, collection of data used and statistical treatment Materials Nut grass leaves, Bignay bark, water, mortar and pestle, blender, coffee grinder, strainer, measuring spoon, warm water, beaker, graduated cylinder, plastic sprays, containers, scissors, basin Procedures A. Gathering of Materials The nut grass leaves were taken from the hometown of one of the researchers, while the bignay bark was taken from the KPES school campus. Materials as well as the apparatuses were taken from the science laboratory, gathered and prepared by the researchers for the study. B. Preparation of TreatmentsA. 100 ml. bignay bark extract and 0 ml. nut grass extract B. 50 ml. bignay bark extract and 50 ml. nut grass extract C. 0 ml. bignay bark extract and 100 ml. nut grass extract C. Application of Treatments The experiment was conducted at the Kalibo Pilot Elementary School , Kalibo, Aklan. The researchers gathered the needed materials for the experiment. There were three replications for each treatment. It was applied and tested from July 2012 to August 2012 and recorded by the researchers and were subjected to statistical treatment. Flowchart Gathering of Materials| Preparation of TreatmentsApplication of Treatments Evaluation of Treatments D. Evaluation of Treatments The researchers evaluated the samples in every replication using the Scaling System Mean of Samples Died| | | Description| | | | | 7. 00 – 10. 00| | Very effective| 4. 00 – 6. 59| | Effective| 1. 00 – 3. 59| | Not effective | E . Research Design The research design used in the study was completely randomized design. This is for studying the effects of one primary factor without the need to take other  nuisance variables  into account. There were three samples replicated three times applied at random on the sample.Completely Randomized Design was appropriate for the study because it has three homogenous sample. F. Data Collection Technique Pure observation method was used as a data collecting tools. The researchers took charge of the application and observation of the termite killing during school days between July 2012 to August 2012 for the purpose of data gathering. The data gathered were subjected to statistical treatment. G. Statistical Tool Used The mean (or average) of a set of data values is the sum of all of the data values divided by the number of data values.The mean is useful for predicting future results when there are no extreme values in the data set. Standard deviation shows how much variation or dispersion exists from the average (mean, or expected value). A low standard deviation indicates that the data points tend to be very close to the mean, whereas high standard deviation indicates that the data points are spread out over a large range of values. The data were interpreted using the Statistical Package for Social Scienc es Software. (SPSS). Chapter IV PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA Table 1-ALevel of Effectiveness of Using Nut Grass (Cyperus Rotundus) Extract as a Termite Killer Treatment A Treatment (Level of Extract)| Replicates| Number of Samples Mortality| Total| Mean | SD| Descriptive Equivalent| | 1| 2| 3| 1| 2| 3| | | | | A| 10| 10| 10| 6| 6| 5| 17| 5. 66| 3. 01| Effective | Table 1-A shows the number of termites killed by using 100 ml. nut grass extract. Results show that treatment A with a mean result of 5. 66 signifies that it is an effective termite killer. Table 1-B Level of Effectiveness of Using Nut Grass (Cyperus Rotundus) Extract and Bignay (Antidesma Bunius) Bark Extracts as a Termite Killer Treatment BTreatment (Level of Extract)| Replicates| Number of Samples Mortality| Total| Mean | SD| Descriptive Equivalent| | 1| 2| 3| 1| 2| 3| | | | | B| 10| 10| 10| 5| 6| 7| 18| 6| 3. 05| Effective| Table 1-B shows the number of termites killed by 50 ml nut grass extract and 50 ml bignay bark extract. Results show that treatment B with a mean result of 6 is Effective as a termite killer. Table 1-C Level of Effectiveness of Using Bignay (Antidesma Bunius) Bark Extracts as a Termite Killer Treatment C Treatment (Level of Extract)| Replicates| Number of Samples Mortality| Total| Mean| SD| Descriptive Equivalent| | 1| 2| 3| 1| 2| 3| | | | |C| 10| 10| 10| 10| 8| 9| 27| 9| 1. 67| Very Effective| In Table 1 – C, a mean result of 5 shows the number of termites killed by treatment C. Results show that treatment C with 100 ml Bignay bark Extract is effective as a termite killer. Table 2 Difference in the Effectiveness of Nut Grass Extract and Bignay Bark Extract in Terms of Termites Killed Treatment| Mortality Rate| Mean Mortality| Verbal Description| | R1| R2| R3| | | A| 6| 6| 5| 6a| Effective| B| 5| 6| 7| 6a| Effective| C| 10| 8| 9| 9b| Very effective| *significant at 5% alpha level Table 2 shows the mortality rate of termites in each treatment.Treatmen t A with a mean mortality of 6a is effective as a termite killer. While, treatment B with a mean mortality rate of 6a is effective as a termite killer. On the other hand, treatment C with a mean mortality rate of 9b very effective as termite killer. Chapter V Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations This chapter presents the findings, summary of this investigatory project, the conclusions drawn based from the actual result and findings obtained, and some recommendations implied for further improvement of the study and researches done. SummaryThe study determined the insecticidal effect of cyperus rotundus extract and bignay (antidesma bunius) bark extracts as Termite Killer. Specifically, the study sought to answer the following questions; 1. What is the level of effectiveness of using Nut Grass (Cyperus Rotundus) Extract and Bignay (Antidesma Bunius) Bark extracts as a Termite Killer? 2. Is there a significant difference in the effectiveness of the two samples ( Nut Grass extract and Bignay bark extract) in terms of termites killed? The study was conducted between the months of July 2012 to August 2012.In the collection of data, the treatments were rated based on the scales provided as grouped according to the levels of nut grass extract and bignay bark extract. Findings: The following significance were noted: 1. The mean mortality of treatment A was 6a or Effective, while the mean mortality of treatment B was 6a or Effective on the other hand, the mean mortality of treatment C was 9b or Very Effective. 2. The mean result of all the treatments shows that all the treatments have the insecticidal effect. 3. Results show that treatments A, B, and C can be effectively used as termite killer Conclusions: It was concluded that: . The mean mortality of treatment A was 6a or Effective, while the mean mortality of treatment B was 6a or Effective on the other hand, the mean mortality of treatment C was 9b or Very Effective. 2. Nut Grass Extract and Bignay bark Extract can be effectively used as termite killer. 3. Nutgrass extract and bignay bark extract posses the insecticidal effect for termites. Recommendations: Based on the conclusions, the following recommendations are made: 1. Treatment A, B and C are all effective and can be used as a termite killer. 2. Future researchers should discover other ways of utilizing nut grass and bignay. 3.Information dissemination should be done to promote awareness of the new product. Bibliography / Interactive Materials: New World Encyclopedia. com Microsoft Encarta http://www. ciwmb. ca. gov/publications/plastics/43207003. pdf International Starch Institute http://www. foodreference. com/html/art-sweet-potato-yam. html http://www. freepatentsonline. com/5861461. html) http://www. experiment-resources. com/experimental research. html#ixzz2cIx66pVF (http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Antidesma_bunius) (http://www. stuartxchange. org/Bignay. html) (http://ipmworld. umn. edu/chapters/ware. htm (http://en. wikipedia . org/wiki/Anthocyanin)

Analysis for Jeep Grand Cherokee Essay Example

Analysis for Jeep Grand Cherokee Essay Example Analysis for Jeep Grand Cherokee Paper Analysis for Jeep Grand Cherokee Paper The advert denotes a jeep on rough terrain driving past a wooden shack. The scene is set in the countryside where nothing can be seen for miles. The writing takes up a small amount of the whole page, which shows the advertisers, want you to concentrate on the jeep rather then the text.  The anchor on the advert could be interpreted in different ways to the intended one. 8 on the Richter scale shows the jeep is powerful and can blow anything away. Richter scale is probably the keyword as it connotes ideas of power and strength. The wooden hut looks like it has been in an earthquake but in fact the advertisers wants to show you can drive it and feel commanding. At the bottom of the advert it tells you about the engine specification and the luxurious interior. The company wants to show off the best bits of the car. In the top left hand corner it has the company logo and the words THERES ONLY ONE. The advert works as a whole by placing the signifier for power (V8 Engine) next to the logo Jeep. This represents to consumers only this jeep will give you the ideas and hopefully persuade people to buy one. The caption will influence a consumer in their perception of the product: Jeep is a unique 44 manufacturer that upper class people may drive around town to do their errands or people who want to be powerful/commanding and use the car to its maximum limit. This suggests it is indexical. Earthquakes are associated with power/noise and the seismic rumble from under the bonnet makes people want to buy it. This signifies to most people, a meaning that it is a good, stylish car that will impress and everybody will want. The blurred background is also important because it connotes an impression of speed and immense power, which will help to sell the car. Furthermore the man in the car is not very young for a reason. The advert is designed, obviously, to target people who can afford the 30,000 jeep, and so the image of the middle aged man, who maybe has enough money to buy one, is important. The photography of the car is responsible for making the advert work as well. Although the blurred background is probably computer generated, the car is a photograph. The camera never lies, but here it has been chosen to capture the image when the wheel hubs are blurred with speed and the slight glinting off the bonnet and headlights adds to luxury ride ordinary people could be experiencing. In looking at the image of the iconic jeep, the advert denotes a car travelling on a long distance terrain in a natural setting, which signifies that the jeep is capable of handling rough terrain as well, a smooth ride. Also it is a realistic representation of the kinds of roads the car maybe travelling on and whatever it (or lack of it) throws at you. The juxtaposing of a dark sky and natural environment signifies a smoothness and air of mystery, further implying to the consumer that it is desirable. This is the same with the car, as it is a dark colour too. This dark/natural colour setting is predictably continued to the jeep itself, so that the consumer associates the values signified by the natural setting to the product. The picture of the jeep is on the left hand side where the sky is darker which suggests the car has just driven through the earthquake and survived. The advert is more likely aimed at men, who tend to be the main money earners and more interested in cars and also the representation of colour for males is usually dark, and for females, dark, which further implies it is aimed at men. The ideology at work here is significant: the car represents power and authority and consequently, men learn to aspire to such images. The advertisement makes the reader feel in control and make people buy the product at price.

An Analysis of Mark Sloukas Argument on the Lack of Humanities in American Education

An Analysis of Mark Slouka's Argument on the Lack of Humanities in American Education In â€Å"Dehumanized: When Math and Science Rule the School†, Mark Slouka addresses the lack of humanities in American education curriculum, in contrast to the overwhelming focus on math and science. For the educational system, this translates as an imbalanced approach to teaching students how to think creatively and authentically. â€Å"†¦the problem today is disequilibrium. Why is every Crisis in American Education cast as an economic threat and never a civic one?† (37) While Slouka certainly uses many rhetorical techniques throughout his article to criticize the focus on math and science in American education, this might be the most striking one. Why an education recovery automatically equals to an economy recovery? Why doesn’t the public see a progress in education as a progress in the student’s ability to think more creatively or to analyze problems more critically? Slouka suggests that we pay less attention on educational crisis as a ‘civic threat’ because: â€Å"we don’t have the language for it. Our focus is on the usual economic indicators. There are no corresponding â€Å"civic indicators,† no generally agreed-upon warning signs of political vulnerability, even though the inability of more than two thirds of our college graduates to read a text and draw rational inferences could be seen as the political equivalent of runaway inflation or soaring unemployment.† (37) As Slouka stated, economic crises are quantifiable, while civic crises are usually not and therefore, there is an underwhelming focus on humanities in the education system. By ‘civic indicators’, Slouka refers to the signs that help pointing out troubling issues that could impose disastrous consequences on the human values of the citizens in the country. In Slouka’s sense, civic indicators could also refer to the degree of democracy in the economy. Slouka argues that â€Å"Political freedom, whatever the market evangelists may tell us, is not an automatic by-product of a growing economy† (36) Through this claim, Slouka is trying to convey to us that a developed economy does not automatically result in high level of political liberation. Thus, in order to solve this issue, the politicians should place more importance on humanities in education and let the ‘human’ aspects of the students grow along with their quantitative skills that could potentially drive economic output. Humanities can help us achieve this middle-ground and enhance as well as liberate the student’s political standpoint because humanities, unlike math and science, teach us â€Å"not what to do but how to be.† (37) But aren’t there not enough warning signs of civic crisis out there, not enough to motivate the politicians and the governmental board of education to start gearing the country’s education system towards humanities? Several times in Dehumanized, Slouka points out concerning issues due to the lack of humanities in schools. He mentions Brent Staples, from New York Times, who claims that â€Å"the American education system is failing â€Å"to produce the fluent writers required by the new economy.† (34) The Education Commission of the States published a report saying that â€Å"state and local leaders are realizing that the arts and culture are vital to economic development† and several states have even â€Å"developed initiatives that address the connections between economic growth and the arts and the culture†. (36) Moreover, the embarrassingly low voter turnout in the recent years can also serve as a strong ‘civic indicator’ of the diminishing knowledge or focus the younger generations placed on the policies and programs that are adopted by the government. Too many members of society are ignorant to the significance of their involvement in the political arena. The lack of knowledge stems from the lack of information received in the educational process. It is in the area of the humanities that the individual gains an appreciation and understanding for their role as a citizen in a democracy. Even with all these reasons, the politicians still decided to turn a blind-eye on the importance of the humanities and continued on their quest to produce economically-beneficial worker-bees. American politicians are obsessed with maintaining America’s position as the world economic leader. Thus, they would not stop pushing the education curriculum towards math and science, because they are the subjects that have the most obvious potential in growing the economy. â€Å"Ah, Singapore. You’ll hear a good deal about Singapore if you listen to the chorus of concern over American education. If only we could be more like Singapore. If only our education system could be as efficient as Singapore’s.† (35) Slouka is annoyed by America’s unreasonable attitude in comparing its own education system to that of Singapore. Singapore’s education system is well-known for its heavy focus on math and science, in which Slouka views as â€Å"obsessive, exclusionary, altogether unhealthy.† (38) He uses a slightly mocking tone in the quoted paragraph above to imply that American should be focusing on improving its own in what he believes, broken – education system instead of trying to get ahead of the others. Slouka is convinced that the reason that the American education system overlooks the crucial role of humanities in developing the nation is not because of the shortage of civic indicators. However, even with plenty civic indicators, politicians are still much more attracted to quantifiable measures and the false pride that comes with America triumphing over another country’s economy. One would hope that the appreciation of the humanities and the corresponding civic indicators becomes a reality for more people. â€Å"The humanities, in short, are a superb delivery mechanism for what we might call democratic values. There is no better than I am aware of.† (37) Slouka believes that those who can grasp the concept and comprehend the condition of the nation by paying attention to the civic indicators and the humanities are people who are beginning to realize and truly understand the world around them. If American people are to ever fulfill their dreams of a true democracy, then it is imperative to break away from the hypnotic grip this capitalist system has upon us.

Magical Realism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Magical Realism - Essay Example Kate states that â€Å"Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Chopin par 1). The phrase afflicted with a heart trouble suggests that Mrs. Ballard had heart problems. From the story, Josephine (Mrs. Mallard sister) had to break the news in a manner that could not affect her sister. Mr. Mallard is said to have died in a railroad disaster. Kate writes â€Å"†¦newspaper office when the intelligence of the railroad disaster was received, with Brently Mallard’s name leading the list of â€Å"killed.† (Chopin 1). This message is conveyed to Mrs. Mallard by Richards (friend of Mrs. Mallard husband) through her sister Josephine. Richards takes time and confirms that Mr. Ballard is dead through a second telegram. Mrs. Ballard weeps for her husband in front of Josephine and Richards and immediately she goes into her room. The setting and the events that happen in the room can be described as living in the world of fantasies. Mrs. Ballard is cushioned into emotions that almost take her way before she is interrupted by her sister. She sees a thing coming to possess her and tries to fight it back but all in vain. It overwhelms her and she declares she is free. Free can have many meanings but at this instance, it is like Mrs. Ballard knew death was approaching her by the hour. To support this assertion, Kate states â€Å"She knew that she would weep again when she saw the kind, tender hands folded in death; the face that had never looked save with love upon her, fixed and gray and dead. †¦ of years to come that would belong to her absolutely† (Chopin 1). From this statement, Mrs. Ballard knew the hour of her death was approaching and she had foreseen what would happen and welcomes it with open arms. She even makes a prayer that life would be longer. Such a scenario explains clearly the fate o f Mrs. Ballard. Her room and the setting of the furniture and the window give some clue as

Geoffrey Chaucer Impact History Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Geoffrey Chaucer Impact History - Research Paper Example The present research has identified that the Canterbury tales started with the names of the people going to Canterbury for pilgrimage and moved on to the stories of each individual narrating the personal story during the journey. The writer had written the story of each pilgrim with much detail regarding their jobs, personal behavior and style of outfits having historical relevance and with the perspective of the community. It is because of the reason that Canterbury tales had become the most popular and greatest work of English writing that every historian must have read. The major reasons behind the popularity is the deep insight of the subject and the changes of fourteen century had been mentioned with perfection regarding religion, social aspects and gender differences. In 1343, Chaucer came into this world in Great Britain as a middle class family member but he spent his life in the ruling aristocratic home. During his lifetime he understood the difference and realities of the u pper class and middle class and their bonding with the lower class. This deep understanding made his mind clear and resulted in finesse in writing and clearly stated differences with perfection and amuse regarding social class. His writings also revealed the changes in society. Chaucer was a highly qualified writer although; this quality was not popular among the writers of that century belonging to a middle class. The Canterbury tales had the storyline of pilgrims on their way to their destiny. The story was initiated by the writer in 1387 and continued writing it till his death in 1400. However, the whole story was not fully complete, but there was tales in it with complete meaning and became the leading stories not for that century but for the entire centuries. In the starting of the Canterbury tales, the writer had expressed his views about the non acceptance of rules and regulations by new generation from the old ones. For example: in tale â€Å"general prologue†, the kn ight was explained as honest, accurate and noble and opposite to him was his son with the following of the footsteps of the father. The son was getting the same training as his father but he was more inclined towards arts like writing poetry and singing instead of showing valor and courage as his father. The whole writing showed the changes circumstances than the medieval period as mentioned by historians regarding the knighthood in a country. Chaucer story also mentioned the literature and poetry as the vital parts of the England’s society at that time period that revealed more about the knighthood changes. While the writer was writing over this story during that century, the knighthood was losing its charm and importance in the England. Representation of changing role of society The Canterbury tales did not only explain the changing of society’s role for the high and ruling class but also the change of ideas and controversies regarding the religion in fourteen centur y. The main idea of the Canterbury tales was to explain the pilgrims going on a pilgrimage. Thus, the main concept described the importance of religion in England at that time among the society. According to justice, pilgrimage is travel to the place of worship or tomb of saint by the Christians. The story based on the pilgrims belonged to the clergy. The latest writers can get the better understanding of the people working in the church at that time by reading the tales and can also get to know about the valuable items for the male and female members of clergy during fourteenth century. Religious perspective of Chaucer Chaucer’s described the character of the person in a much detailed and clear tone. In medieval period, parson was known to be as the best clergyman.

Hydrocephalus Disease Essay Example for Free

Hydrocephalus Disease Essay There are many birth defects being discovered all around the world. However, the birth defect I found to be most interesting was hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is one of the single most common birth defects and most people have never heard of it. What happens is, the brain is producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) normally and fluid is drained from the brain into the spinal canal and is reabsorbed by the body, keeping the amount in the brain balanced. But when normal drainage doesn’t occur, the brain produces too much CSF fluid to be able to drain normally which leads to the build-up of fluid in the ventricles of the brain and causes pressure and enlarging of the head. Hydrocephalic skulls can be found in ancient Egyptian medical literature from 2500 BC to 500 AD but was described more clearly by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates in the 4th century BC. Hydrocephalus may be caused by genetic defects or certain infections during pregnancy. If the mother has infections such as the chicken pox or mumps during pregnancy it makes the risk of the baby having hydrocephalus greater because the infection creates a blockage in the brain which doesn’t allow the CSF fluid to drain properly and when this happens it starts to put pressure on the brain causing the embryos head to enlarge. Some malformations of the brain may cause hydrocephalus such as spinal bifida and dandy-walker syndrome as well. Also it can occur when the ventricles produce too much CSF fluid or when the bloodstream cannot reabsorb the fluid that was produced. â€Å"Each year, 1 in 1,000 children are born and diagnosed with hydrocephalus.† This is fairly large number especially when the latest statistics reveal that a child is born in the U.S. every 8.1 seconds, meaning that a child is born with hydrocephalus every 135 minutes. Many cases of hydrocephalus are most likely detected in the utero or at birth as early as the first trimester. The doctors can somewhat tell whether or not the baby in the utero has hydrocephalus or not by doing multiple ultrasounds throughout the months but it may not show the obstruction precisely. There are limited studies available on the long-term prognosis of those with prenatal hydrocephalus. There aren’t any treatments to treat this birth defect while in the utero but there are some after birth. One of the treatments is called â€Å"Shunting†. Shunt procedures, involve surgically implanting one end of a catheter (flexible tube) into a ventricle of the brain and placing the other end in the abdominal cavity, chambers of the heart, or space around the lungs where fluid is drained and absorbed by the bloodstream. A valve in the shunt system regulates the flow to prevent over-draining and under-draining. This procedure can be quite dramatic because the head circumference can shrink as much a 7-8 centimeters in the first week. However, there are risks such as infection when performing this procedure. Infections occur in 5-10% of shunting operations. Hydrocephalic skulls can be found in ancient Egyptian medical literature from 2500 BC to 500 AD but was described more clearly by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates in the 4th century BC. Hydrocephalus cases were originally described by Hippocrates who believed that this disease was cause by an extra cerebral accumulation of water. Hydrocephalus and its side effects can cause many common side effects such as confusion, loss of vision, headaches, problems driving a car, and diabetes. â€Å"Approximately one third of patients who are treated for hydrocephalus will attain a normal intelligence level (i.e., a mean score of between 80 and 100 points on an IQ test) or higher. These patients are more apt to be self-sufficient and capable of leading a normal life.† Some people have success with the outcome of hydrocephalus and some do not. â€Å"A thorough neuropsychological examination can cost up to $2,000, particularly if the findings are reviewed with you afterwards.† It cost a lot of money just for an examination to be done. But when they are examining you they can help you develop strategies to maximize performance of various tasks and to help make you more conscious about the conditions and its effects. The long-term outlook for a child born with hydrocephalus depends on how serious the problem is and other associated abnormalities. Doctors recommend that children receive follow up care and evaluations to prevent infection and monitor the functions of the shunt. Normal pressure hydrocephalus was found to be significantly more seen in males. It can occur at any age group. With good, early treatment, a normal lifespan with few limitations can be reached. After surgery, trained medicals professionals monitor the patient. Headaches may start to disappear because of the release of pressure on the brain. People may improve quickly or it might take weeks or months to improve and in some patients little or no improvement is possible. The length of time that a person will stay at hospital depends on how fast they recover. Hydrocephalus is a common disease not many people know about and should take time to learn about. It can have some serious side effects if you don’t have it treated right away. There are limited treatments today to cure hydrocephalus but it doesn’t mean people aren’t trying to find more.

At Cooloola Essay -- English Literature Essays

At Cooloola At Cooloola is a lyrical poem written by a well recognized Australian poet, Judith Wright. This poem creatively describes a beautiful scene of nature. The poet uses highly descriptive language and a diverse range of poetic devices to engage the reader into imagining a picture of how peaceful and serene this exquisite the scenery is down by Lake Cooloola. Underlying the subject matter is the implied theme that the lake is under threat from â€Å"conquering people† who will not protect its â€Å"white shores of sand, plumreed and paperbark†. This poem reflects Judith Wright’s concern for our special and unique flora and fauna, how fortunate we are to have stunning scenery, how easily mankind can destroy it, and our need to appreciate it. This poem portrays the unfortunate incident that occurred at Lake Cooloola due to white settlement. This tragic poem captures the essence of the peaceful partnership the wildlife shares with the land. â€Å"Walking on clean sand among prints of bird and animal† This illustrates the tranquil scene before the massacre of the Aboriginal people took place. â€Å"The invader’s feet will tangle in nets there and his blood be thinned by fears† This quote from the poem found in stanza three describes how after many years of the invasion, white people started to feel sorry and remorseful for the impact which white settlement had on Aborigines. This relates to Judith Wright’s concern for the Aboriginal people and the land which human settl...

Human Resource Development Simulation Essay

Being a training director is not an easy job because, aside from dealing with different personalities who will under you for training, a training director has to make sure that such trainings will also benefit the company as a whole. In a situation wherein the CEO of the company is looking for tangible evidences that construe the organization’s training programs effectiveness, it is only but right to show him/her profound evidences of your efforts as the training officer. Before presenting to the CEO proofs of the effective implementation of the training programs and that such spending has not really gone to waste, I would like to utilize survey forms and evaluation of the performance appraisal of the employees who have gone to the training. The question now lies – why use survey and performance rating of employees who have gone training as gauge for a measurable return on investment (ROI)? SURVEYS – I find surveys as an effective tool for measuring the ROI because this will determine the familiarity of the products and services of the company among the populace. Even though people have not yet bought the company’s products nor avail its services, it is a nice thing already that the consumers know the existence of the company. Surveys will be implemented through scientific sampling of respondents in the community who will answer questionnaires that bear questions about the services and products of the company. If the results turn-out will reflect that majority of the respondents know the products and services of the company, then it means that the training programs, in a way, has contributed the company’s run. PERFORMANCE RATING OF THE TRAINEESAFTER THE TRAINING – A good performance training is the best evidence that the training is, indeed, very effective. A well-trained employee will contribute in the company’s ROI because aside that he/she will be a utility in the company, his/her knowledge can expand more; hence, he/she might project new ideas that can further enhance the functionality of the company.

A reflection of Odysseus and Modern Day Heroes Essay

Written about two thousand and seven hundred years earlier, the Odyssey is still influencing modern storytelling today. Odysseus, the legendary Greek king of Ithaca and protagonist of Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey was recognized as a great hero of his time. He was known for his defining qualities of superior strength and athleticism, sharp intellect, sensual ness, and a thirst for glory. These character traits are still being used to attribute modern day fictional heroes such as Neo, Captain Jack Sparrow, James Bond, and Spiderman. Accordingly, the heroic qualities of Odysseus can be still be seen in today’s modern day fictional heroes. Odysseus’s superior strength and athleticism resembles to modern day character of Neo in The Matrix. In the Odyssey, Penelope told the suitors that she would marry who ever was able to string Odysseus’s old bow and shoot it through twelve axe heads. Many suitors attempted this task but not a single one was even strong enough to string the bow. However, â€Å"Without any strain, Odysseus strung the great bow†¦ Taking the string and the head grooves he drew to the middle grip, and from the very chair where he sat, bending the bow before him, let the arrow fly, nor missed any axes from the first handle on, but the bronze-weighted arrow passed through all, and out the other end† (Homer, 319 – 320). Odysseus’s ability to string the incredibly stiff bow and to shoot it through twelve axe heads when not a single other suitor could do it depicts his sheer strength and athleticism. This ability is also apparent with Neo from the movie The Matrix. In the movie, Neo has the ability to freely manipulate the simulated reality of the Matrix. This skill, allows him to have superhuman strength and agility, and the ability to brush off attacks that would kill or disable a normal human being with relative ease. There is a particular scene that exemplifies this where Neo fights off about thirty agents with his bare hands. As depicted in the script written by the Wachowski Brothers, â€Å"Their attack is a devastating onslaught of speed and power closing in around Neo like a vise. But Neo is a mirage, slipping and flipping around them in a deadly counter attack, heaving agents in the air† (Wachowski Brother, 18). Neo’s superhuman strength and athleticism is comparable to Odysseus. Both characters are way stronger and quicker than the average warrior, which enables them to fight off exceptional opponents. Besides Brute strength, Odysseus shares many  other deeper qualities with modern day heroes. Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean shares Odysseus’s knack for quick thinking and cleverness. Odysseus demonstrates this trait when trying to escape from the Polyphemus’s cave by tricking Polyphemus into thinking that his name is Nobody. When Odysseus finally attacks the Cyclops and blinds him, Polyphemus cries for help saying, â€Å"‘Good Friends, Nobody is killing me by force or treachery.’ So then the others speaking in winged words gave him an answer: ‘If alone as you are none uses violence on you,'† (Homer, 147). Odysseus’s cleverness to say that his name is Nobody prevents the other Cyclopes from entering the cave and allows him escape with his men. Captain Jack Sparrow also possesses this same trait of cleverness. Sparrow is often out skilled in sword fighting by other characters so he resorts to using negotiation in order to distract his enemies or turn them against each other. Sparrow stated, â€Å"Why fight when you can negotiate? All one needs is the proper leverage† (Walt Disney Pictures). There is a scene that exemplifies this when a group of soldiers catch Sparrow trying to steal one of their ships. The Soldiers ask Sparrow, â€Å"What’s your business in Port Royal,? And no lies!† Sparrow answers, â€Å"I confess: I intend to commandeer one of these ships, pick up a crew in Tortuga, and go on the account, do a little honest pirating† (Walt Disney Pictures). Sparrow is so openly honest about his mischief that the soldiers don’t even believe him. This clever use of words and psychology help Sparrow escape from the Soldiers and eventually steal their ship. Both Sparrow and Odysseus use this type of sharp cunning intellect to get what they need. Odysseus also shares his trait of sensual ness to women with the modern day hero of James Bond. There were numerous occasions where Odysseus came across a beautiful woman and lived a luxurious life with her before continuing his journey home. Three such examples were Calypso, Nausicaa, and Circe. With Circe in particular, Circe turned all of Odysseus crew into swine, but he was able to resist her powers, which caused her to fall in love with him. Odysseus then decided to spend a year of luxury on her island as her lover. Odysseus said, â€Å"We sat there feasting on unlimited meat and sweet wine. But when the sun went down and the sacred darkness came over†¦ but I, mounting  the surpassingly beautiful bed of Circe, clasped her by the knees and entreated her† (Homer, 164). Odysseus enjoyed his luxurious life with Circe in an exotic land, but only to a point. Eventually, he decided to focus on the greater task at hand and return home to Ithaca. James Bond possesses this same trait of sensual ness towards women throughout all of the bond films. In just about every film, Bond comes across a beautiful female that he ends up spending an intimate time with before going off to save the world. In Casino Royal, Bond enters a relationship with Solange. Solange says to Bond, â€Å"What is it about bad men? You†¦ my husband. I had so many chances to be happy, so many nice guys. Why can’t nice guys be more like you?† Bond replies, â€Å"Because then they’d be bad.† Solange kissing him some more, â€Å"Mmmmm, yeah†¦!† (MGM). Bonds smoothness and intellect help him win over the hearts of numerous women just like Odysseus. However, both Bond and Odysseus never get too wrapped up in a relationship to forget what their greater goals are. Bond always moves on and saves the world and Odysseus always leaves his lover in order to return home to Ithaca. Both characters have a strong sense of sensual n ess towards females, but it never seems to distract them from their main goals. Lastly, a trait that may not be seen as positive is Odysseus’ lust for pride and glory, which is shared with the modern day hero, Spiderman. Like other Greek heroes, Odysseus longed to win kleos, which is glory won through great deeds. This kleos sometimes led Odysseus into taking pride in his own glorious acts when it wasn’t really necessary. After cleverly tricking the Polyphemus and escaping from his lair, Odysseus said, â€Å"Cyclops, if any mortal man ever asks you who it was that inflicted upon your eye this shameful blinding, tell him that you were blinded by Odysseus, sacker of cities† (150, Homer). Odysseus could not resist his thirst for glory after defeating the Cyclops and needed to reveal his name for the sake of his own pride. Peter Parker as Spiderman possesses this same quality. When Peter first learned of his new spider powers, he tried to use them to impress other people. He took pictures of himself fighting criminals and sent them to the newspa per for people to see. He wanted other people to see how amazing his powers were and to glorify him for them. According to the story synopsis, â€Å"At first, Peter decides to use these powers to make money to  impress Mary Jane. He appears in a wrestling match and, armed with his new spider strength, wins the match in record time† (Marvel, and Columbia Pictures). Peter used his powers to glorify his own image just like Odysseus. However, this trait between the two characters does not benefit them in any way, so why is it relevant between two heroes?The fact that both Odysseus and Spiderman had a strong sense of pride provided room in the stories for it to be overcome. This trait of pride had drastic consequences for both characters. Spiderman’s pride caused him to spend too much time on impressing other people when he could have been a hero. This prevented him from saving his uncle Ben from being murdered because he was preoccupied. Odysseus pride caused him to reveal his true identity to Poseidon, who in turn seeked vengeance on him. This lead to a great amount suffering that Odysseus had to endure on his journey home. However, both characters were able to overcome their pride to a certain degree by the end of the stories. Spiderman eventually learned that â€Å"with great power, comes great responsibility† and to use his powers to protect the city from evil and not for his own glory (Marvel, and Columbia Pictures). By the end of the epic, Odysseus seemed much more willing to temper pride with patience. When disguised as a beggar, he did not immediately react to the abuse he received from the suitors. Instead, he endured it until the trap was set for him to strike down on them. In a sense, the quality that was passed down from the Odyssey to modern day heroes is the ability to overcome pride and the glorified self. Many of today’s fictional heroes resemble the character traits of Odysseus. Odysseus’ brute strength and athleticism can be seen in Neo. His cleverness and quick thinking resemble Captain Jack Sparrow. His sensual ness towards women, but without losing sight of the greater goal is comparable to James Bond. And his pride and thirst for glory is shared with Spiderman and how both of them were able to suppress it. Overall, it’s remarkable that today’s characters still resemble such an ancient hero. Will our idea of what makes a hero ever change? Works Cited Elliot, Ted, Terry Roscio, and Walt Disney Pictures. â€Å"Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl Screenplay.† hundland.com. 3 Nov. 2008 . Homer. The Odyssey. 1967. Trans. Richard Lattimore. New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 2007. Marvel, and Columbia Pictures. â€Å"Spider-Man The Story.† Spider-Man Official site. 3 Nov. 2008 . Purvis, Neal, Robert Wade, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). â€Å"Casino Royale Script.† Script-O-Rama. 3 Nov. 2008 . Wachowski Brothers. â€Å"The Matrix Reloaded Screenplay.† horrorlair.com. 3 Nov. 2008 .

Frankenstein Essays (382 words) - Frankenstein, Free Essays

Frankenstein Essays (382 words) - Frankenstein, Free Essays Frankenstein This is an English book report on "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley Frankenstein The story of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is about a man who created something that messes with nature, and nature came back to mess with him because nature is more powerful than man. Victor Frankenstein was very interested in natural philosophy and chemistry and basically tried to play G-d by creating life. When he found the secret of activating dead flesh, he created a superhuman being composed of rotted corpses. What he did was considered unthinkable, and he was haunted by his own creation. When the monster escaped, Frankenstein knew that he had to deal with the consequences of what the monster might do. Frankenstein received a letter one day which informed him of his younger brother William's murder, and immediately suspected that he was responsible, for he was the creator of the hideous monster. A friend of the family named Justine Moritz was the "presumed" murderer, and Frankenstein was determined to prove her innocent. Circumstantial evidence, however, led the courts to believe Justine guilty, because found in her pocket was a photograph which had belonged to William. Justine had been put to death, and Frankenstein had yet to find his creation. Finally, upon their meeting, the monster confessed to his creator of what he had been through, how he was rejected by society, and finally, how he had come to kill William. When William had revealed his name to the monster, the monster immediately figured that by killing the young boy, he would have revenge on Frankenstein for giving him life. The monster did not understand the concept of right and wrong and he especially didn't mean to kill anybody. His expression of anger ended up being violent, even fatal to the victim, and it just worked out that he killed people. As the monster's story continued, he demanded of Frankenstein a female mate who he can be with until his end, and promised to live away from society. Frankenstein, meanwhile, tried to restore the monster's demented mind so he could live a normal life. Although at first Frankenstein agreed to create a friend for the monster, he changed his mind for fear that between the two of them, his life, as well as many others, would be in danger. The creature wanted revenge, and so everything important in Frankenstein's life ended up being destroyed, including his wife and best friend.

New Charter School Proposal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

New Charter School Proposal - Assignment Example However, henceforth first preference will be provided to students from its own school, the Mount Carmel High School. The Mount Carmel High School is being launched as a premium school with modern methods of learning. The school will engage its students in critical thinking, analysis, research and other resources that will markedly depart from the traditional pedagogy teaching alone. The school is open to students of all culture and beliefs without discrimination on the basis of race and religion. Learning by appropriate use of pedagogy, interactive technology, group discussions, and analysis will be encouraged. Students will also be encouraged to be involved in arts, music, and learning a foreign language. The learning curve with consist of the medium that engages the students’ interest from their early days in school. There will be extracurricular activities such as publishing of magazine, elocution, dance, an annual fair for the development of students’ mental faculties. Activities are aimed with the child’s all-round development in view. The school is expecting to start with the 6th grade with 80 students. This grade will be divided into four sections. So the teacher-students’ ratio will be not more than twenty students per teacher at any given time. The curriculum will consist of the key subjects, viz. language, mathematics, science, and social science. English will be the main language. Mathematics will comprise algebra and geometry. Students will have the options of studying the subjects through pedagogy, interactive technology or both. The options to study will be monitored regularly through appropriate tests. The students will be given enough time for learning and evaluations.

Homesexuality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Homesexuality - Essay Example n in the year 2006, the pension protection act gave protection to same sex couples and workers who choose to leave their retirement benefits to people who were not their spouses. As of September 2014, only 9 states have outlawed same sex marriages, and another 10 states that are awaiting court decisions. The other states (majority) have legalized gay marriages. Homosexuality was some time back branded as sexual deviancy. Sexual deviancy in this case is used to describe something abnormal. Hence homosexuality was branded as something abnormal and against the norms of the society. This is, however, is not the case anymore. As of the year 1960, homosexuality was illegal in all the American states. This has changed with time as only today 9 states have completely outlawed homosexuality. This shows that the society is embracing same sex marriages and not branding homosexuals as criminals or people who are mentally challenged. Therefore, I think that homosexuality is departing from