Dandelion Wine :: essays research papers

Dandelion Wine is a book written by Ray Bradbury. Dandelion Wine is a book about a summer through the eyes of a 12-year-old son. It establishes a change of Douglas&8217s childhood to manhood. It will show how a young, orgulous boy goes through umpteen stymies. Douglas Spaulding is a boy growing up in a somewhat deserted town. The time was 1928. Douglas&8217s house is an el dorado. Doug lives darling an umbra, to others though it is just a ravine. It is just going to be the start of a new summer when Douglas finally realizes that he is free and alive. Douglas goes through many changes along the way, some for the best and some for the worst. There are many ways to describe a boy amazing as Doug, but troika characteristics place to mind. Doug is mature, smart, and lively. Maturity can be used in many ways. For Douglas it is this particular summer when Doug starts out as a boy and by the give the sack he has become more educated about life and learns to handle many difficult situat ions well.How many 12 year olds can cope with remainder of important people at that time of their lives? Douglas is forced to deal with it quite a few times. One day Doug meets an old man named Colonel Freeleigh. The Colonel is 100 historic period of age. The Colonel is a very old man who is quite sick and lonely. The Colonel is at the point in his life where he needs a nurse to wee care of him. The Colonel is overjoyed to receive company. The Colonel regales Doug and two of his friends with stories of when he was younger. The Colonel shares stories such as the Civil War, Ching Ling Soo, and Pawnee Bill. After Doug had visited the Colonel he passed away that night. This is the first death Doug had to come to terms with. Doug was emotionally distraught, but learned that the Colonel died for what he believed in, happiness. Doug is best friends with Jon Hugh. Doug had known Jon his whole life. One day Jon decided to tell Doug that his dad got a subcontract and they were going to mo ve that night. A myriad of emotions ran through Doug&8217s head at this time. Doug wondered if he would ever get to see Jon again. The realization that they had so dwarfish time and so much to do kicked in.

Essay --

Have you ever wondered who invented the modern computers we use today?Now, you would probably cite Microsoft or Apple however the truth is modern computers were invented by Alan Turing. He invented the Turing Machine, which is a computer that could process anything. In other words he created the counterbalance programing language. Not only did he contribute to computer science, but also in biology, chemistry, physics, and especially mathematics. He has myriad number of achievements including his contribution of snap bean the Nazi enigma code, which seemed at that time, unbreakable. Now lets dive into the life of Alan.Now where is better to start than his early life. Alan was born into a wealthy family. He was born on the June of 25, 1912 in London, Maida Vale, Warrington Crescent, and Warrington Lodge. He was christened on july 7, 1912 at the St. Saviours church. Alan did not live with his father early on in his life because his father, Julius Turing worked for a gracious service in India. He worked for the Madras Presidency. There he met alan mother Ethel Stoney. Alan was the youngest in his family. He has one older brother named John Turing. He his 4 historic period older than Alan. Alan was a very curious boy. He always questioned how thing are done. He was always not shy and ready to greet anyone. He also acted a lot more mature for his age. He loved to use large words as a child. However he did relish the company of figures. Extraordinarily, he thought himself to read in 3 weeks by using an interesting method he deceived called the knowing spot. He had a problem of not remembering to read the figures from left to right or vise versa. Alan then used his left hands thumb as a marker for reading the figures. He called it the knowing spot. L... ...t the same yard as his father. He did have a rule to eat an apple a night. He also loved to chant the poison apple brewing scene from snow white as a child. Some heap misunderstanding that the Apple Logo doe s not come from this reason ,but instead because the bite helps distinguish it from a cherry. However Steve Jobs says, God, we wish it wereAlan Turing was a man who accomplishments countless number of things in his life. Varying from computers, biology, physics, and mathematics. However he lost his life at such a young age for a reason undiagnosed to us. He helped win WWII and created the concept of programming when everyone else says it is impossible. Also he did not stop there but also defined what makes a computer smart. He created the first Artificial intelligence. He still use all use methods today. He was the man known as the father of modern computers.

My Philosophy of Life Essay -- essays research papers

I can remember as a tiddler always asking myself the why questions of life. What is the purpose of life? Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? Why do certain things happen? And is in that respect really a God? I had always kept these questions to myself and eventually pushed them out of my mind altogether. I was raised in a Christian home and you just were not allowed to ask questions of that nature and doubt the faith. The world is the way it is because God made it that way and that is all there is to it. I was really evoke to take this class because it would finally give me the opportunity to exercise my personal thoughts and beliefs. I have come to agree with Socrates that the unexamined life is not worth living. In my opinion life is a combination of philosophical ideas such as morality, respect, free-will and scientific issues. The study of philosophy is a very complex and complicated task. on that point are so many different questions on many different topics and philosophy tries to explain them all. It tries to provide answers to the many questions that science and religion cannot explain. And from this it urges you to think approximately issues that may otherwise be ignored.I agree with the goal of autonomy, that philosophy is having the freedom to make your own decisions and beliefs by using your own reasoning capabilities. I believe that we all have the God-like quality of reasoning ...

My Philosophy of Life Essay -- essays research papers

I can remember as a child always ask myself the why questions of life story. What is the purpose of life? Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? Why do certain things happen? And is there re bothy a God? I had always kept these questions to myself and eventually pushed them out of my mind altogether. I was raised in a Christian household and you just were non allowed to ask questions of that nature and doubt the faith. The world is the way it is because God made it that way and that is all there is to it. I was really excited to take this manikin because it would finally give me the opportunity to exercise my personal thoughts and beliefs. I have come to agree with Socrates that the unexamined life is not worth living. In my opinion life is a combination of philosophical ideas such as morality, respect, free-will and scientific issues. The study of philosophy is a very complex and complicated task. There are so many different questions on many different topics and philoso phy tries to explain them all. It tries to provide answers to the many questions that science and religion cannot explain. And from this it urges you to think about issues that may otherwise be ignored.I agree with the goal of autonomy, that philosophy is having the freedom to make your own decisions and beliefs by using your own reasoning capabilities. I believe that we all have the God-like quality of reasoning ...

South Park as Parody of Society

South Park began airing in 1997. The commercials that preceded it gave the impression of it organis manhoodother dolt cartoon however, when I began ceremonial, I realized important issues were being covered through the repeated behaviors and actions of its characters, through the influences these actions could have on the watchmans, through the reinforcement and standions of trusted stereotypes, through the long-term effects that could result from watching the program, and through its reflection of social reality.Some of the repeated behaviors and actions of the characters include one of the children (Kenny) dying during each fortune (followed by Stan yelling, Oh, my God Theyve killed Kenny (South Park) the children ragging the overweight claw the African-American chef obsessing about sex and the geneticist performing insane experiments in his spooky laboratory. Kenny has been shot, run over by a train, impaled on a flag pole, beheaded, crushed by Mir, and concernn by Death h imselfto name a few. Cartman, the overweight kid, has been called fat ass, lard ass, and the fat kid (South Park).There are numerous references to his weight throughout each episode he eats continuously, thanks to his Mothers cooking and offering cookies, chocolate-chicken pot pies, and Cheesy Poofs. for each one time Chef (voice of Isaac Hayes) offers to explain important issues to the kids, he breaks into a song about making sweet respect to a woman. This leaves the children wondering just what the heck he is nerve-wracking to articulate. There are references to his having sex with every available (and even unavailable) female in the town. There is a take-off of The Island of Dr.Moreau with a geneticistmimicking Marlon Brandoconducting bizarre experiments creating monkeys with four asses creating mutant, militant turkeys and take flesh-eating zombies to life. There are both negative and positive influences these repeated behaviors and actions could have on an audience. One ne gative effect could be the numbing of the viewer to childrens deaths it is such a common occurrence on the show until it is expected. Another effect could be the instilling of negative feelings toward the overweight the audience could be discipline that it is acceptable to verbally attack a person with a weight problem.Also, in a time of AIDS, promotion of sexual promiscuity is a austere thing never have the writers mentioned the use of condoms by Chef during his encounters. Finally, because of the recent advances in genetic research and its awakening of new fears in the public, South Parks parody of the geneticist could besides play on peoples fears. Despite the potentially negative influences of these behaviors and actions, there could be a positive influence existing in the form of catharsis.American order has suffered from the rules of political correctness, the fear of AIDS, and the fear of knowledge (the fear of going too far into Gods domainthanks to our Puritanical backg round). Maybe South Park gives us release from repression by allowing us to laugh at the things we fear the nearly death, ridicule of our differences by our peers, the contracting of deadly diseases, and advancements in science. (I am sure that near of us need release from the built-up tensions of daily life South Park has given us this release. Despite South Parks cathartic influence, it reinforces several negative stereotypes the unaccented African-American male, the self-serving public official, and the gun-happy redneck. As I wrote above, Chef has little control over his libido this is an extremely negative stereotype of the African-American male. If Chef were Caucasian (let us say an Irish-English-German-Swedish-Scottish-etc-American), the stereotype could be avoided entirely. The mayors decisions are based solely on her looking good in the public eye.For example, when a volcano erupts, she uses fake concern for the children on the mountain to look like a caring person on En tertainment Tonight she calls for continuous re-takes even though ET is broadcasting live. Uncle JimBo and Ned are the gun-toting Bubba types when they take the kids on a camping trip, they get drunk and claim at will. JimBos philosophies are, hunting without drinking is like fishing, and thanks to those damned Democrats, we can only shoot certain animals that impose a threat therefore, when you see an animal, you have to yell, its comin right for us then you shoot (South Park).At least one episode attempted to reject a negative stereotype homosexuality is a bad thing. Stans bounder, Sparky, turns out to be gay. Throughout the episode we hear the evils of homosexuality preached by the towns people Sparky runs away. Stan realizes that his love for his dog is more important than societys negative views. Stan is counted on to win the big football game. He does not show up because he is searching for his dog (YES What a message football does not fit highly in the great scheme of thing s. He finds Sparky at Big alert Als Big Gay Animal Sanctuary and brings him home. Stan shares his new undercoat understanding with the citizens, and they accept his view. All the gay pets return from Als to be with their owners. The owners apologize for being so narrow minded. This episodes message is instead profound. The gay episode is one episode which may be obvious in its message and is quite easy to grasp however, the long-term effects from watching this program could go in two directions.First, there is the possibility that children (and adults) watching this show would imitate the bad language and sometimes antisocial behaviors of the characters without realizing the important subtexts of the episodes. For example, Kyle is designate a fecal-phile in the Christmas episode. He has a friend he calls Mr. handkerchief. Mr. Hankey lifts out of the toilet to bring Christmas cheer to all the little Jewish boys. Unfortunately, Mr. Hankey is a piece of feces, and as he dances aro und, he leaves marks on the walls, floor, and sink he, also, writes NOEL on the bathroom mirror.Of course, Kyles parents blame Kylethey do not believe in Mr. Hankey. Kyle is institutionalized for fecal-philia. Here, the problem could be kids thinking that it is cool to be in love with your own feces and cool to share it with others. They could miss the message found in the subtext the fact that political correctness has gotten out of hand. This episode allows the inhabitants of South Park to express their dislikes over every aspect of Christmasmainly, that each persons rights are being infringed upon by someone elses beliefs.The political correctness is what drives Kyle to his belief in Mr. Hankey, not the fun of playing in his own filth. Second, the audience could grasp the subtexts in these episodes and come to terms with their own morals and belief systems. There is a line spoken by Lex Luthor in Superman that molds good sense A man can infer War and Peace and come away believ ing it is a simple adventure story another man can read the ingredients on a chewing gum wrapper and unlock the secrets of the universe (Superman).The fact is that South Park is out there it is ultimately our responsibility to make of it what we will. It may be our responsibility to do with South Park what we will however, this program reflects what already exists a society full of prejudices and fears which are embedded at heart its communities and how these human short-comings are passed on to children( Hatley). Fortunately, in most of the episodes these negative actions and beliefs are dealt with in a manner that seeks to alleviate them. Unfortunately, this manner of lleviation is found in the subtext, and most people are not willing to look that far it requires too much effort. Frighteningly, the show is a parody of society itself. In film, parody is commonly the death-knell of a particular genre. Years ago, I read that Ren and Stimpy (another cartoon) was test copy of the de cline of our civilization because of its attacks on societal norms. Could South Park be further proof of this decline, or is it just a funny cartoon that allows us to laugh at ourselves while dealing with our fears? ( Pineda)

Fad Diets: Look Before You Leap Essay

Association. Fad diets be a short-term, quick-fix approach to tilt loss that dont work over the long haul. These diets tend to over-promise results only if dont deliver. Food choices are often mo nononous, and caloric intake whitethorn be truly restricted, so that once the novelty wears off, so does the motivation to continue.Even the U.S. De dissipatement of Agriculture ( cyphery farm) has recognized the huge popularity of fad diets, and in February it sponsored the Great Nutrition Debate, a discussion panel that featured popular diet book authors as well as nutrition and weight loss interrogationers. While the panelists agreed that Americans are too fat, there was no consensus about the best way to lose weight and keep it off-although it led to interesting and sometimes heated debate. In the end, USDA indicated that it might be time for government researchers to evaluate the various diets to help sort fact from fiction.There is a dire lack of scientific research to corrobora te the theories expounded in the majority of diet books origin onlyy on the market. Most promise weight loss programs that are easy, allow favorite nutritions or foods traditionally enclosureed in weight loss diets without limitations, and do non require a major shift in exercise habits. Often, adds Sachiko St. Jeor, PhD, RD, Director of the Nutrition reading and Research Program at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, fad diet book authors take a scientific half-truth that is complex and use that as the basis for their arguments.Authors may simplify or expand upon biochemistry and physiology in an effort to help support their theories and abide a plethora of scientific jargon that people do not understand but that seems to make sense. And few, if any, offer solid scientific support for their claims in the form of publish research studies. Instead, most endorse is based on anecdotal findings, theories, and testimonials of short-term results. Some of the most popular diets to hit the news wires these days are those that promote low carbohydrate and mellowed protein intakes and promise satisfying weight loss. These diets are nothing more than low calorie diets in disguise, but with some potentially serious consequences. Following a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet willing encourage the body to burn its own fat.Without carbohydrates, however, fat is not burned completely and substances called ketones are formed and released into the bloodstream. Abnormally high ketone levels in the body, or ketosis, may indeed make dieting easier, since they typically decrease appetite and cause nausea. However, ketosis also increases the levels of uric acid in the blood, which is a assay factor for gout and kidney disease in susceptible people. Additionally, notes Dr. St. Jeor, following these diets can result in dehydration, diarrhea, weakness, headaches, dizziness, and bad breath, and over the long term, can also increase risk of atherosclerosis and oste oporosis. Heres a rundown on some of the more popular high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets that are making headlines.Sugar Busters By H. Leighton Steward, Sam S. Andrews, MD, Morrison C. Bethea, MD, and Luis A. Balart, MD Premise/TheorySugar and certain carbohydrates (those with high glycemic indices) are toxic to the body causing blood sugar levels to rise and increasing the levels of insulin production, thereby actuate fat storage and weight gain. Supposedly, decreasing sugar intake can help people lose weight and decrease body fat, no consider what other foods are eaten.Dietary Recommendations* Eliminates refined and processed carbohydrates, particularly sugar and white flour and all foods made from these ingredients. Also eliminates foods like potatoes, lemon yellow, white rice, beets, carrots, corn syrup, molasses, honey, soft drinks, and beer.* Encourages consumption of whole grains, low-glycemic-index carbohydrates (high-fiber vegetables and fruits), and lean meats with n o restrictions on protein foods. * Authors claim that washing food down with liquid does not allow for proper chewing. Claims tautological fluid with meals also dilutes digestive juices and can result in partially digested food. * Average intake of calories is 1200 calories/day distributed as 30 per centum carbohydrate, 32 percent protein, and 28 percent fat. Recommended calorie intake in this diet is low, accounting for short-term weight loss.Concerns* There is no scientific basis or published data for the Sugar Busters weight loss theory. The explanation of insulins role in weight gain that is provided is simplistic. The body does produce insulin in response to a rise in blood sugar levels, but it does not promote storage of fat unless excess calories are consumed.* There is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that the consumption of fluids during meals negatively affects digestion.Drastically decreasing dietary intake of carbohydrates forces the body to burn reserves of stored fat for energy, a condition know as ketosis, which leads to decreased hunger and a metabolic advantage. Dietary Recommendations * Limits carbohydrates to 20 grams/day for the induction phase of the diet and 0 to 60 grams/day in the ongoing weight loss phase. Carbohydrate intake ranges from 25 to 90 grams/day in the maintenance diet.* Unlimited quantities of protein foods and fat-steak, bacon, eggs, chicken, fish, butter, and vegetable oil-are allowed. Avoid or limit carbohydrates, specifically breads, pasta, most fruits and vegetables, milk, and yogurt.Concerns* No published scientific studies support the diet claims.* Offers extremely limited food choices. Diet is nutritionally unbalanced and excessively high in protein, fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.* Promotes ketosis as a means of weight loss.* Suggests that a high-saturated-fat, low-carbohydrate diet does not have an effect on lipids.* Dehydration is workable if large amounts of water are not consumed.* Diet is l ow in calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and folate (dietary supplements are recommended).Enter the Zone By Barry Sears, PhDPremise/Theory The order is a metabolic state in which the mind is relaxed and focused and the body is strong and works at peak efficiency. A person in the zone will allegedly experience permanent body fat loss, optimal health, greater athletic performance, and improved mental productivity. Insulin is released as a result of have carbohydrates and leads to weight gain. Because food has a potent, drug-like effect on the hormonal systems that regulate thebodys physiological processes, eating the right combination of foods leads to a metabolic state (lower insulin levels and lower eicosanoid levels) in which the body works at peak performance and which results in decreased hunger, weight loss, and increased energy.Dietary Recommendations* To get into the zone, set(p) quantities of food, apportioned in blocks and at prescribed times, are recommended in a distribution of 40 percent carbohydrate, 30 percent protein, and 30 percent fat. Meals should provide no more than 500 calories and snacks less than 100 calories. * Food should be treated like a medical prescription or drug. * Menus suggest heaps of egg whites, nuts, olives, peanut butter, and monounsaturated fats and large amounts of allowable (low-glycemic-index) fruits and vegetables.Alcohol is okay in moderation, but zone followers are advised to avoid or limit carbohydrates, especially pasta, bread, high-glycemic-index fruits and vegetables such as carrots and bananas, saturated fat, and arachidonic acid.* Diet averages 1,300 calories per day, although some menus may run as low as 850 calories.Concerns* Oversimplifies complicated physiological processes. For example, eicosanoids are one part of a complex system, and no studies suggest that they are dangerous or cause disease. * The metabolic pathways explained in the book that supposedly connect diet, insulin-glucagon, and ei cosanoids are not found in standard nutrition or biochemistry texts. The premise that any type of diet completely controls insulin and glucagon secretion is not supported by current nutrition or biochemistry knowledge, nor is the theory that the insulin-glucagon axis controls production of eicosanoids.* Relies upon unproven claims based on case histories, testimonials, and uncontrolled studies that are not published in peer-reviewed journals. Although all of these diets may promote short term weight loss, their long term effectiveness is a different story. The bottom line for lasting and healthful weight loss is a varied diet, reduced caloric intake, and regular physical exercise. The truth is that losing weight permanently takes work. Its not glamorous-eating habits need to change and activity usually needs to increase, notes Quagliani. If a diet sounds too good to be true, it probably is.GlossaryArachidonic acid fatty acid precursor for eiconsanoid production. Eicosanoids biologi cally vigorous class of compounds that are involved in a wide range of regulatory processes such as synthesis of certain fatty acids. Glycemic index a ranking of the effect on blood glucose of the consumption of a single food relative to a reference carbohydrate (e.g., white bread or glucose). Glucagon has an effect opposite to that of insulin. Insulins and glucagons opposing effectuate help maintain carbohydrate metabolism in a steady state.Tips on contracting Fad DietsClaims or implies a large or quick weight loss of more than 1 to 2 pounds per week. Slow, gradual weight loss increases the peril of weight loss success and of keeping weight off over the long term.Promotes magical or miracle foods. No foods can undo the long-term effects of overeating and not exercising or melt away fat. Restricts or eliminates certain foods, recommends certain foods in large quantities, insists on eating specific food combinations, or offers rigid, inflexible menus. Implies that weight can be l ost and maintained without exercise and other lifestyle changes.Relies heavily on undocumented case histories, testimonials, and anecdotes but has no scientific research to back claims. Contradicts what most trusted health professional groups say, or makes promises that sound too good to be true.

African Folktales Essay

In the actual Nigeria tribe African folktales, form a very important part of the African civilisation. thither are different ways in how those folktales affect the African culture in general ane of this ways is that its used as a way of communicating. There is a rich, fertile legacy of folklore from Africa. On this vast continent, folk tales and myths serve as a means of handing down traditions and customs from one generation to the next. The storytelling tradition has thrived for generations because of the absence of printed material. Folk tales prepare young people for life, as there are many lessons to be learned from the tales from the history of this ample continent, this includes the forceful transplanting of the people into slavery on other continents.In addition to the folk tales, there are myths, legends, many proverbs, tongue twisters, and riddles. In the African folk tales, the stories reflect the culture where animals abound consequently, the monkey, elephant, giraffe, lion, zebra, crocodile, and rhinoceros appear frequently along with a wide variety of birds such as the ostrich, the secretary bird, and the eagle. The animals and birds nominate on human characteristics of greed, jealousy, honesty, loneliness, etc. Through their behavior, many valuable lessons are learned. Also, the surroundings in which the tales adjourn place reveal the vastness of the land and groom the reader or so the climate, such as the dry season when it hasnt rained for several years, or the rainy season when the hills are slick with mud.The acacia trees swaying in a gentle breeze, muddy streams that are home to fish, hippos and crocodiles, moss covered rocks, and giant ant hills that serve as a back scratcher for huge elephants, give the reader a sense of the variety of life in this parched or lush land in this part of the world. There is wealth of folktales in the African culture of different kinds some examples of them are Uncle Remus Tales, Tortoise and the Hare, Crocodile Tales, The voice of the Drums, The Kind of Lion, String Tales, The Sacred Vulture, Anansi, and Dilemma Tales.Those kinds of tales above are just some examples of the huge African folktales repertory, and the subcategories which take a major role in the African and Nigerian culture and society, reflecting the animals that abound there. In conclusion, I can say that folktales plays an important role in the African Society, even more than books or other kind of source, this is because in Africa are very few resources of written history, so they know more about their history via these folktales without folktales, African history may be inexistentCITATIONSAchebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. New York Random house, Inc., 1995 http//www.teachervision.fen.com/folk-tales/resource/3716.html?page=1&detoured=1