My Philosophy Essays - , Term Papers, Research Papers

My Philosophy My Philosophy ?You can only appreciate things that are fun after you work hard to achieve them.? Fortune Cookie, 2000 My philosophy of life is that if you work hard enough, you will achieve the things you want. In other words, ?Practice makes perfect.? The feeling that you get from having fun is great, but it is important to work hard to achieve this ?fun? thing. The feeling of having fun is irrelevant if hard work was not involved in achieving it. An example to illustrate this point is when someone begins a new sport. At first, you will be bad at the sport and will have a great deal of difficulty, but with hard work and a great deal of practice, improvement will become possible. I can relate this to my personal experiences with ice hockey. I had never played before this past October and had only skated four times in my life. From October until the season ended in March, I practiced every Monday and Wednesday. I felt that I was working very hard at getting better and by March, I could actually perform adequately and no longer embarrassed myself every time I go on the ice. I felt very good about my achievement in this sport. Another example of feeling a sense of satisfaction from hard work happened from my last biology exam. I studied more than I had ever studied for a biology test before. Many hours of review were put into this particular unit of study. I studied both at home and in support class. The final product of all this effort was a 99 percent on my test. Never before did I do this well on any test. The feeling I had when Mrs. Wysocki handed me back my test was fantastic. I felt a true sense of achievement because of all the time and effort I put into studying. My third and final example of feeling a sense of satisfaction from hard work happened last year in baseball. I wasn't the fastest kid on the team, or the longest hitter, and I didn't have an exceptionally strong throwing arm, but I had a lot of heart and luck. I worked hard every practice (like in hockey), and I started to improve all my skills. By the end of the season I was a pretty well rounded ballplayer, and I became the best outfielder on my team (I had 5 sliding catches, and 4 diving catches). Since my team pulled together so well, we made it to the playoffs. The first team that we played was amazing; they were undefeated in the regular season. We played a long hard fought game, and we went into extra innings. The other team scored two runs, and then since we were the home team we got a chance to bat. I was the fifth batter up, a man on first and third, and with two outs and two strikes against me (imagine the pressure), the pitch was perfect and I hammered it into deep center . I ran the fastest that I have ever ran before, men on first and third scored, so my coach gave me the stop sign (like I'd listen), but kept on running. The outfielder threw it to the cut off man, who then threw it home to the catcher. It was just me and the catcher now (just imagine what my coach must've been thinking during this). I ran full speed and delivered an enormous body check to the catcher, which caused the ball to fly out of his mitt, and then the ump shouted ?SAFE!!!? My whole team ran onto the field and picked me up at home plate, I was so proud. I'm not sure but until this day, I think that my dad was so proud that his eyes were filled with tears of joy. In my mind, my philosophy couldn't be more true. If you work hard and practice a lot, you'll get better at something, and then you have a lot of fun doing it.

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Introduction Franz Kafka, a world famous writer, was brought up in a family, where the dictatorship of the father prevented the family from having natural warm relationships. Maybe this factor allowed the author learn from the childhood that the relationships between people, together with the moral values, are often neglected, while the materialistic views have always been topical.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is one of the key issues fairly depicted by Franz Kafka in his story â€Å"The Metamorphosis†, the bright example of modernism story highlighting realistic problems concerning traditional values perverted by the surrounding society. Having described an outcast in his family, the writer shows alienation of a person with his or her traditional values and views in the cruel today’s society which is, day by day, losing its impor tant human values, caring only of material values, oppressing distinctive and extraordinary individualities and spreading gregarious way of behavior. Human values lost by the society Within several thousand years each generation have been creating and passing down their assumptions, moral and values considered to be conventional and humane, which were held both by families and by societies. Family values have been transferred into common values of community and society, but still their essence stayed and still stays the same as it was at the very beginning. However, the present society has quite perverse understanding of values, and today a reverse process can be traced – society influences family and dictates its own values to it. Such loss of traditional humane values like empathy, love, respect, loyalty, and honesty has affected Franz Kafka who illustrated the metamorphosis or transformation of customary values on the example of the family of the Samsas. â€Å"The story p resents the reader with the metaphor for a human existence in which spiritual reflection and interpersonal communication have been sacrificed for the sake of materialistic efficiency† (Die Verwandlung 1915: 1). Indeed, showing the main character Gregor Samsa, who has found himself transformed â€Å"into a gigantic insect† physically (Kafka, 29), however, stayed human mentally, Kafka outlines his ability to preserve and keep humane values despite the fact of being an insect and having ugly appearance which is not accepted by his family, or society (in broader understanding).Advertising Looking for essay on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More His sincere genuine feelings towards his family contradict their cruelty and careless behavior towards him, a suffering insect. Hence the main character impersonates traditional values which are lost by his family and society, in general. One of the most important values such as empathy is not inherent in our life any more, as Kafka shows. The family of Gregor-insect is not able to accept him as he is – with â€Å"his domelike brown belly† and â€Å"numerous legs, which were pitifully thin compared to the rest of his bulk† (Kafka, 32). Practically, the same happens in the society which is not willing to accept anything or anybody extraordinary and distinctive. In order to illustrate this issue more brightly, the writer uses a great paradox in his story. The mentioned family feels no empathy for miserable Gregor, who really needs it, while the latter sympathizes his family, who do not require his sympathy at all. During his whole life Gregor Samsa has been working hard for the family, caring about them more than about himself, trying to give them the best he could, nevertheless he meet no giving back. Consequently, his idle care, love without answer and excessive empathy for his family turned him into helpl ess insect. The only hope of the main character is loyalty of his sister Grete who has been always kind and caring towards Gregor, however, she also betrays him. Hence his hopes have been broken and loyalty has been lost. This illustration was used by Kafka to depict community’s assumptions neglecting loyalty when it becomes of no use. It is shown that Grete was loyal to Gregor until he had â€Å"the firm intention of sending her to the Conservatory† (Kafka, 44) and had decent work where he could earn money to provide her with respectable life. However, she changed her attitude drastically as soon as Gregor suffered transformation and became helpless and indigent. Thus, it is ironic that insect continues to possess the feeling of loyalty till its last days while people of the surrounding society have forgotten about it. Moreover, such significant value as honesty is also lacking since all people’s relationships are built on intrigues and pretence, what is highli ghted in the story on the example of surface relationships between the main character and his family. Neither family nor Gregor himself were honest in their lives – the family was pretending to love and care about Gregor all their life until metamorphosis changed him, and Gregor, in his turn, was pretending to be satisfied by everything including his way of living. Equally, honesty is ignored by communities and forgotten in the surrounding society in which success is achieved by deceitful means and self-interested measures, but not honesty.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Speaking about the greatest value of true love in Kafka’s story, it seems to be replaced by selfishness and egoistic love. Gregor’s parents seem to love him until he is a bread maker in his family, has respectable position in the society and socially acceptable a ppearance, thus it appears that love depends on outer factors. Contrary, this value does not require any attractive appearance, but is of inside ground. The loss of love, especially inside the family, is a typical burning issue of modern society, thus Kafka depicts the main character of the story as lonely young man suffering from lack of any love. All in all, on the sample of the family described in the story, Franz Kafka created an imagery of ill cruel society which is losing the most important traditional human moral values which have been passed down from generation to generation. That’s why the problems which take place in the family of Gregor Samsa concern not only family life, but each surrounding community and the whole society. Material values versus moral values Having analyzed the loss of customary human values referring to moral in Kafka’s story, it is necessary to contrast assumption of the society which has material values as a ground. In the story contra st of moral and material values is represented by insect having moral and family having material values. It is an irony that an insect possesses humane moral values, however, surrounding society, in the person of Samsa’s family, has lost them and has only material concerns. Franz Kafka has chosen such a harsh transformation of imposing Gregor’s appearance into an ugly insect for the purpose of highlighting the role of appearance and social position as the most important material values in the society. To illustrate, family is merely shocked by the altered appearance of the son and brother, on his physical state; contrary, no member of the family pays attention at his emotional state and feelings, nobody notices that he stayed human inside. After turning into insect Gregor is alienated by the family since his appearance became not like society used to see. This is his appearance and exterior that bothers the family to have decent life and be respected in the society. It is obvious that surrounding society, analogically to Gregor’s family, does not care of any moral and personal emotions; the only concern of the surrounding community or society is outward forms and material values. Furthermore, the writer shows an urgent conflict between moral and material values by illustrating Gregor’s behavior as an instance. On the one hand, the main character feels empathy for his parents and sister who stayed without money and have to work in order to survive, and he feels even shame at that. His worrying has very complicated emotional ground and makes him depressed each day more and more. On the other hand, feeling empathy and shame Gregor’s thoughts are only of material conditions and welfare of the family.Advertising Looking for essay on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More He concerns about material values like his family does; thus there is an evident trace of surrounding society’s influence. However, at the end of the story the writer presents the resolution of this conflict – Gregor dies because of shame and lack of moral values, but not due to lack of some material things and conveniences. Thus Kafka stresses on a significant role of true moral values and their predominance rather than transitory material values, which are widely dictated by the surrounding society therefore. Oppression of distinctive individuality Everything that differs usually faces harsh reaction and deprecation, every extraordinary person revokes criticism and non-acceptance, unusual people are oppressed and even suppressed by the society. Alike, Gregor Samsa faces aversion and moral oppression by the surrounding people after his transformation into an ugly huge insect, what is out of the common and not acceptable by the surrounding society at all. Describing ho w much the family is not willing to accept Gregor because of his appearance, the writer rigidly illustrates society’s not willingness to accept individuals who differ from others. Though Gregor had only his appearance changed, but mentally he stayed the same, nevertheless surrounding people alienate from him. This imagery shows how society avoids unusual and non-standard personalities isolating and exiling them, making them outcasts among people. Moreover, depicting Gregor’s metamorphosis the writer shows his social alienation not only because of his altered appearance, but also because of his inner world which differs from the rest of society. Despite the fact that the surrounding human society lost the values, Gregor-insect managed to preserve them and stays an individual distinctive from the others. In addition, Kafka draws an individual, who is completely helpless in the society. It is ironic that a person is lonely among persons; as a matter of fact, it is not an exception even in our present society. The person is alienated until he or she differs from the rest of society. In this story, therefore the writer shows a try to accept the values which are dictated by the society. Numerous tries of Gregor-insect to get out of his bed are his tries to live in new body and image, what can be interpreted as a try to accept the values dictated by the society. However, at the end of the story Gregor dies, he was not able to live as an insect, thus Kafka means the failure to join the surrounding society and highlights that Gregor-insect stayed an individual person despite his appearance. The fact that Gregor dies in the body of insect and no transformation happens shows us a clear position of the writer who does not accept the society as it is. It is better to die as an insect, however with values and being unusual, than to leave as a human having no values but possessing socially acceptable appearance and decent position in the surrounding society. Gr egarious behavior in the society Despite the fact that any society has being formed by each separate individual, it is evident that the surrounding society dictates its principles and values. In â€Å"The Metamorphosis† Kafka shows how Gregor’s parents dictate him their own rules and values showing their gregarious behavior. As Karl Marx noted on the story, â€Å"Once Gregor loses his cash value to his parents, well, then he ceases to be of interest to them† (Marx, 1). In addition, the parents completely comply with the rules of their flock i.e. surrounding society as their unwillingness to see socially non-acceptable appearance of insect shows. In other words, they try to stay in their flock with their own assumptions and not to allow others to separate and differ from them. Such behavior can be explained by the fact that after separation from the flock, one differs from the rest and receives more freedom. Analogically, Gregor has been separated from his family because of his altered appearance, though he obtained subconsciously desirable freedom. However, his freedom does not satisfy the surrounding family and society in whole. It is known that society keeps people in flock and wants them to behave like sheep of this flock for the reason that in such a way it is much easier to rule them. Once separate and behaving in other way, society isolates that person, what actually can be seen in the analyzed story. The family makes Gregor to be outcast and isolates him in his room since he behaves in the manner contradicting to socially acceptable one. The main concern of the characters is to look like the others, like a flock, but not the inner world of the person whose feelings and emotional experience are of no interest. A bright instant of the gregarious way of behavior is shown by Gregor’s sister Grete. Analyzing her behavior towards her brother within the course of the action in the story, it is clearly seen that she was greatly influ enced by the flock, which is her family in this case. At the very beginning Grete was trying to be individual person with her own views and values, she helped her brother and loved him. However, day by day she begins to avoid Gregor more and more, and consequently, alienates completely from him under the influence of her parents and society. Thus being an individual with values Grete gradually joins the flock and changes her way of behavior. She is not interested in her brother any more; she has no love, empathy and respect; she gradually turns into sheep following its flock and losing its personal values. Conclusion Making up a conclusion, it should be highlighted that the story which has been analyzed is a bright example of Kafka’s way to depict urgent social issues which amaze with their compelling arguments and up-to-dateness. By means of detailed illustration of Gregor’s life and his family, the writer wants us to recognize our cruel society in the image of the fa mily, to see the values which are being lost by the society and to realize possible consequences. Thus, Kafka has successfully outlined importance of moral values which gradually weakens under the pressure of the surrounding community or society which tries to impose gregarious way of life to all individualities. Die Verwandlung 1915. Encyclopedia of German Literature. London: Routledge, 2000. Credo Reference. Web. Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. New York: Crown, 2003. Marx, Karl. â€Å"On Franz Kafkas Metamorphosis†. University of Liverpool. 11 June 2010. http://johnstoniatexts.x10host.com/lectures/marxonkafkalecture.htm

The Task of Living a Sustainable Lifestyle is the Responsibility of Essay

The Task of Living a Sustainable Lifestyle is the Responsibility of the Individual, not Governments, Corporations or NGOs - Essay Example Having defined the basic concept of sustainable living, let’s now plunge deeper into the matter, giving special importance to the concept of carbon footprint. â€Å"A carbon footprint is a term used to describe a person's, family's, or company's impact on the environment around them† (Audet 2012, para.1). It involves the measurement of CO2 that we release in the atmosphere through our routine activities on daily basis. This CO2 is one of the greenhouse gases that are causing global warming. When we say that the task of living a sustainable lifestyle is the responsibility of the individual, we mean by this that it is the responsibility of every individual to be aware of his carbon footprint (Cambridgeshire Horizons 2011), and every person should take steps to minimize his carbon footprint (Amberlinks 2012, para.1-2), in order to make the environment go green (Blue 2012, para.1). Hence, it is not the responsibility of governments and NGOs to reduce people’s carbon footprints. When an individual is aware of this fact, he will make informed decisions to lesson down his negative impact on the environment. To make such decisions, the individual must first be aware of what impact his presence on the earth is creating on the environment. ... They must use one resource on multi-functional basis, like using one thing for many purposes. They must be able to fulfill their needs in more than one ways. They must use the productivity of the system to fulfill the requirements of other parts of the system. They must reproduce things in a way that is not destructive to nature. They must be resilient in their needs. When they have used their required resources, they should give the surplus to those who are in need of them. These are some of the ethical principles that must be considered when individuals carry out their responsibility of achieving a sustainable lifestyle. Potential attainment also requires that individuals carry out measures that reduce their impact on the system. It is known that, â€Å"The average American family of 2 generates about 41,500 lbs of emissions per year† (Audet 2012, para.3). This calculation has been done by web page calculators that calculate carbon footprints. By knowing this calculation, on e can make educated decisions about how to minimize his negative impact. Another thing that we can do in this context is making changes in energy efficiency. These changes are inexpensive, and thus convenient. For example, if we lower down the thermostat by two degrees in winters, and make it go up by two degrees in summers, we â€Å"can save as much as 2,000 lbs of carbon emissions and add up to nearly $100.00 a year in savings† (Audet 2012, para.4). We can also use energy savers that save lots of money and reduce the emission of CO2 in the atmosphere. These little changes that we can bring to the energy efficiency can guarantee our sustainable living. Other important changes that individuals can bring to their lifestyle, and that minimize carbon footprint are: bringing changes in diet;

Sermon Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sermon Report - Essay Example It has been written in verse four that in one body there are many members, and thus all these different members must be in harmony with each other to serve the body. The body as per the Scripture refers to Christ. Paul goes further to bid the people to be sober in their judgment. He urges them never to think so highly of themselves. However, he also encourages them not also to think so lowly of themselves. It is true to note that too much humility is vanity. In the book of Galatians, it has been written that whomever thinks he is what he is not, only deceives himself. Therefore, we must strike a balance between the two extreme ends and accord to ourselves what we deserve. The sermon is an accurate reflection on real life scenarios. It is human nature to point fingers at all other people except one person. We do not even realize that as we point one finger towards our neighbors, the other three fingers always point back at as. People love to be praised and adored for what they are not. Others think so highly of themselves. With power and riches, they portray themselves in a manner that befits a god. However, other who are so beaten by the harsh realities of their lives always think so lowly of themselves. Apostle Paul advises against the two extremes and explains that everyone should use their sober judgment. The diversity and difference between of different walks of life are striking. Everyone is different in their unique way. Despite the nature of all individuals, people still have to unite to achieve the set objectives. Everyone must do what they can and contribute to the welfare of the society. We must exercise a certain degree of patience and understanding. Our actions must show maturity and the ability to forgive one another. It is our sole responsibility to learn how to get along with one another. By so doing, we all serve the church in our small different ways and

(Environment and Health) A Report on a topical issue pertaining to the Essay

(Environment and Health) A Report on a topical issue pertaining to the encironment that identifies the public health significance of the issue and the extent - Essay Example Ground Level Ozone that has a chemical structure known as O3, is a pollutant formed with particular compounds in the presence of sunlight. The general formula for this reaction is as follows: VOCs + NOx + Sunlight = Ozone. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. These are ingredients that are commonly used in homes, in the form of fuels, cleaning, disinfecting, paints, varnishes, wax, cosmetic, degreasing, etc. Some of these are relatively safe, while some are quite toxic. Though there are many manmade sources of VOCs, there are many natural sources too, such as trees (CAQF Fact Sheet two, 2007). The next constituent in the equation is NOx, which stands for nitrogen oxide gases. This is a general term that is used to refer to a group of highly reactive gases. All these gases contain nitrogen and oxygen in differing quantities. Main sources of NOx include automobiles, electric utilities, as well as commercial, industrial and residential sources that use fuels (Cornwall County Council, 2007). With these two ingredients reacting in the presence of sunlight and hot weather conditions, ground level ozone forms. When this forms, cloud cover and wind direction are affected. Also low wind speeds result1. Lung damage experie Ground Level Ozone Impact on Public Health: Ground Level Ozone is known to: aggravate asthma irritate your respiratory system reduce lung function inflame and damage cells that line your lungs aggravate chronic lung diseases cause permanent lung damage (Jonson et al, 2000, 14562-14573) Lung damage experienced through Ground Level Ozone may occur without any detectable signs. Individuals living in regions that frequently have high levels of ozone tend to experience diminishing symptoms. However, while the symptoms may diminish, the damaging effects continue. Efforts to combat this have included awareness of Ground Level Ozone peak hours. People are advised to simply stay indoors at these hours, regardless of you not feeling any symptoms (Jonson et al, 2000, 14562-14573). Past Measures to Reduce the Impact of Ground Level Ozone: Efforts have been made to determine what levels of Ground Level Ozone are harmful for people in general. There are standards established that are generally accepted. However, they are not specific. One main reason why this is so is due to the fact that different people are known to react differently to Ground Level Ozone. It is said that a lot of this behavior is influenced by age and genetics2. Another effort to help people keep themselves safe during Ground Level Ozone peaks includes the development of an AQI [Air Quality Index]. This index is scales the levels, and indicates the levels through color codes. This makes it easy for the common man to understand when Ground Ozone Level is reaching damaging levels (Jonson et al, 2001, 526-536). With stations for real-time measuring Ground Level Ozone in different areas, it can be asserted that the data collected is quite accurate. This information is collected and compiled to produce animations and maps that allow the common man to understand the exact status of the Ground Level Ozone. However, it can be argued that with this data, it is difficult to determine areas that do not have a Ground Level Ozon

The Moon Landing Conspiracy Theory

The Moon Landing Conspiracy Theory Bill Kaysing predicted in 1959 the chances of getting a man to the moon and back was very low due to the radiation and micro meters that may harm any human being. Were two years later president J. F. Kennedy made his renowned speech saying that he will assign the USA with lots of recourses of landing a man on the moon before the decade was over .which was never done before and although impossible at the time the project was so fascinating that everyone was talking about it out and everyone was waiting for the moment that rocket will take off from earth to the unknown planet, the moon. Eight years later Apollo 11 took off to the moon carrying three people and came back safely .so.neil Armstrong and his crew won the race against Russia .a lot of very persuasive evidence has been discovered and the people have doubted that America did send a man to the moon, and that was when the Apollo hoax was born. There are three sources of evidence for this hoax: Photographic, video, and scientific . Wide Spread Conspiracy In this hoax picture that contractors, NASA tells everyone about the moon landing conspiracy and pays them for their services that their not giving. Nasa makes an announcement to the public telling them that their making rocket parts. Then at the primary day of work they tell everybody in the factory that they are not really making rocket parts and that if they cooperate they will be set for life. Employees that do not comply are threatened from NASA officials. The advantage to this is type of conspiracy that no real equipment has to be made, except for a rocket to go up and a Lander to come down. If we sent six spacecrafts to the moon in ten years, then why in thirty years with so many technological advances why didnt they go back to the moon not even once? NASA argues that there was a funds cut .for the first ten years this can be explained after the Apollo missions, because of the buildup of nuclear weapons would have cost money that could have been taken away from NASA. But what happened during the other twenty years? Some groups say that the risks were too high to validate another moon landing, but the risk was there the first time and it will always be there. A chance is that the technology available is still not enough for mankind to go to the moon, because we didnt go to the moon in the first place. Photographic Evidence Moon landing photographs are the main argument for the Apollo conspiracy believers, as there are hundreds of moon photographs that have mistakes on them, for example different shadow directions. Because of these mistakes the photos are believed fake by the conspiracy followers. Those people explain why create fake photos of something that really happened? One of the most constant arguments is that the moon landing photos and videos are faked is simply that there are no stars in the sky which is impossible. Although scientists explain this phenomenon, arguing that the cameras used by the Apollo mission had manual light filters, which is similar to a persons eye pupil, The Sun reflects off of the moons surface and the white suits of the astronauts. Making both remarkably bright, unlike the stars which are very far and so very dim .The cameras on the Apollo mission are put on a bright setting, so the moon and the astronauts are visible but the stars are not visible because of the flood of light from both the moon and astronauts even though there is an explanation for no stars, there are many other photos that look like they have multiple light sources shining on the surroundings, casting shadows in different directions even though the sun is the only light source available on the moon , which the same scientists failed to explain .The conspiracy believers quarrel that the only possible way several light sources could be shining on the ‘set, is if these photos and videos were taken i n a movie studio in Hollywood. One of the biggest anomalies that appear on the Moon shots are the way in which shadows seem to be cast in totally different directions, even though the objects making the shadows are a mere few feet apart. An exampleof this is in one of the pictures where the shadow of the Lander is pointing east while the rocks which are a few meters away are pointing south-east. The conspirasitsts say that in order for this to happen they had to use more then one light source a trick producers use tohighlight certain areas while shooting a movie . Another picture shows two astronauts with one of the astronauts shadows bent .scientists say that angled shadows come from one long artificial light work this explanation could work, as movie lights do cause this effect. Although this has to do with ones own opinion but the conspiracy theorists explanation could work. Another example is the picture of Earth taken from the Apollo 11 when it was 130,000 miles away. This was the very first view ever taken of Earth on the mission and in the picture the window frame appears on the left of the shot which seems very strange as one would want to come as close as he can so one can get the best shot and also to eliminate any light reflections .but Buzz Aldrin, one of the astronauts on the mission and the one who took the shot , took it when he was standing far away from the window also the camera is not put to infinity to get the closest shot possible. Furthermore According to nasa ,crosshairs were built inside the cameras that would help the astronauts calculate distances on the moon .having said that those crosshairs should be present on all the footage Furthermore on all Apollo footage there should be cross hairs present on the film Incidentally, Jan Lundberg, executive vice president and head of discovery research at Astra Zeneca has stated that the only way that one could calculate the distance in the shot using the crosshairs would be if one had two cameras set up to take a stereo picture. Moreover all of the crosshairs have disappeared from the film. This is impossible unless the film has been tampered with. Other than that all the crosshairs should be not hidden behind any item and should be completely observable in all shots. The only explanation is that NASA has either erased out certain objects in the film or added the objects over the crosshairs. Scientific evidence As a matter of fact the great variation in temperature that the films would have had to go through during the Apollo mission ranges between-180F degrees in the shade to an incredible -200F degree. As seen in some shots the astronauts move between the shadows of the rocks then into full sunlight definitely the film would have corroded under such circumstances. If the films used on that mission had such characteristics why isnt Kodak selling them today in the markets? Some of the lighting on the footage is very doubtful. One of the pictures shows the astronaut in complete shadow because the sun is behind him, although the whole astronaut is caught in vivid light The video cameras used on the mission were specially fitted with night lenses to enhance the lack of light because the reflectivity of light is very low on the moon that light does not reflect onto the rocks on the ground. Having said that how can still camera take photos so bright and clear that one can see all the details on aldrins suit and on the lunar Lander. This is only possible if the artificial lighting is used or it has been added to the photos, although NASA confirmed that absolutely no artificial light was used .how is it possible to have no artificial light and yet the pictures are so bright that even aldrins boot protector is lit up. Dr. David groves that works for quantech image processing has studied these shots and using the focal length of the camera and he was able to get hold of the boot aldrin was wearing and using these tools he was able to find the exact point at which the artificial light was used. Next comes the picture that shows neil Armstrong at landing site in the reflector of his visor. The stange thing about this photo is that the crosshair that is supposed to be in the middle appears at the bottom near aldrins right leg. How is that possible if the cameras where attached to the chest of the cameraman? A fact that is provable due to the reflection of the camera man in the visor. All this evidence suggests that man did not go to the moon and that all the films and pictures are fake because man would have to stay near the earths magnetic field for safety. But why would NASA fake and the US fake the moon landing? NASA Motives There are many theories concerning the motives of the USA government to the stage the moon landing .some of these are war prestige, monetary gain and they also used it as a distraction. It was a very important for the us government to win the race against the soviet union and they also used this incident to distract the world from the Vietnam war ,so missions were cancelled and so the united states took the chance and ceased its partaking in the Vietnam war. According to Bill Kaysing successful landings on the moon was calculated to be 0.017% which ensures that the chance of getting a man to the moon is almost impossible .30 billion was collected and paid off to people as a motivation for their silence . at that time moon landing was impossible and still is impossible, but o fulfill president kennedys promise the only solution was to make the world believe they landed on the moon when they actually did not .another reason NASA was forced to fake the moon landing to protect its image in front of the world and save itself from the embarrassment and their fear of national cautious. Did Man go to the Moon? It is a controversial issue, considering how absurd the question might first seem. Despite the loads of evidence available that prove that the moon landing was faked ,there is still a doubt about the whole issue

Plato Essay example -- essays research papers

The great philosopher, Plato, wrote two specific dialogues; the book Timaeus and the book Critias. Plato was a professional teacher who valued intelligence immensely. Plato founded the first Philosophical Academy in Athens in the early fourth century BC. He devoted his life to philosophy and the teachings of his friend Socrates. Plato learned from Socrates and passed on his knowledge to his students. After his friend's sudden death, Plato became dissatisfied with the government in Athens. He filtered away from his family and lived his dream of researching and teaching philosophy. Plato focused on many philosophical aspects and wrote numerous dialogues. In the book Timaeus, Plato spoke of the beginning of the world and the creation of living creatures. Plato believed the human body and soul were created with precise, divine planning.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the book Timaeus, Plato described the Father of the universe as a very masterful being and a divine planner of the human body. Plato revealed that the Father told the other Gods to create mortal figures of them. Plato recalled the words of God, â€Å"There are three kinds of mortal creature yet uncreated, and unless they are created the world will be imperfect, as it will not have in it every kind of living creature which it must have if it is to be perfect† (57). The Father of the universe is very precise in the way the beings are created. He tells his Gods to use the mixture from the soul of the world to create the ...

History of Pueblo Revolt Essay

â€Å"Every piece of written history starts when somebody becomes curious and asks questions.†[1] In Weber’s compilation he gathers several of these curious peoples works and binds their writings together to form a sort of continued discussion. Arguing from different sources and coming from different backgrounds, they indubitably arrive at different conclusions. From Garner to Gutià ©rrez and from Chà ¡vez to Knaut, they all are part of a continued dialogue on what that caused the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. By addressing the readings as a sum instead of individual accounts, one can gain a more detailed view. While some poke holes in others theories, most of the time, the writers simply offer different perspectives. The vast range of the arguments speak to the difficulty of the topic. Examining an event (or series of events, as the case may be) 300 years ago is an arduous task, but trying to determine causation of such events is even more cumbersome. Typically numerous factors exist and to give these factors any sort of rankings requires a fair bit of perspiration on the part of the researcher. This essay will attempt to evaluate this eclectic mix of commentaries to sift out the strong arguments from the weak. In 1598, when Juan de Oà ±ate arrived in northern New Mexico with a small group of colonists to Pueblo country, Spain demanded payment of tribute and the friars demanded allegiance of religion. For over 80 years Spanish lived with Pueblo before the revolt – multiple generations.[2] As Knaut points out, that as â€Å"colonists were isolated from the south in a land where indigenous inhabitants numbered in the tens of thousands†, meaning there was plenty of contact between the two groups.[3] Within that time families intermarried, and a large mestizo population arose, creating an intersection in the Venn diagram of early New Mexico. What Knaut argues in Acculturation and Miscegenation is not necessarily as hard as the others to prove who or what caused the revolt, but rather works in earnest to present what he sees as the creation of a mixed culture, with syncretism occurring on both sides. Perhaps in this essay more questions that answers are created†¦ why after 82 years of living together would the Pueblos revolt? Garner has a more direct answer to this question. He, unlike Knaut, does not spend as much time underlining the syncretism that occurs, but spends more time examining the relationship between Pueblo and Franciscan, and reigning in the perhaps unfair harshness of previous works in relation to the government. Garner believed that drought, famine and Apache raids caused the revolt, shedding the competing notions that religious incompatibility or having a suitable leader as primary causes.[4] The two arguments in the proceeding articles before Garner – that religion was the primary cause – fall flat from Garner’s lens. In one instance, he cites the friction between Father Isidro Ordonez and Governor Pedro de Peralta as a result of the governments unfair treatment of the Indian. Peralta eventually decides to have Ordonez arrested, but the colonists (or ecomenderos) proceed to abandon the governor.[5] Garner goes on that governors of early New Mexico are interpreted in a negative light primarily because â€Å"documents are strongly biased against them.†[6] He explains that the reason that these documents are so biased is because of the natural tension between the writers of these records, the Franciscans, and those whom they wrote about, the governors.[7] Garner continues to impress that the Franciscans were the friend to the Indian and foe to the governor. He cites Scholes who states, â€Å"the religious and economic motives of empire were anta gonistic if not essentially incompatible.† Having earlier established a different relationship structure than what was typically seen, (a shift from the Hispanic-Pueblo dichotomy to a more complex relationship of priest-Indian-mestizo-colonist-governor) Garner then moves on to the crux of the issue – the cause of the revolt. â€Å"The kind of peace that had been pervading New Mexico was contingent upon relative prosperity,† writes Garner. The Spanish had used their organizational skills to create surpluses in the Pueblo economy – but the famine of 1670 was so implacable it essentially collapsed the system. The drought of the 1660s – the precursor to the famine – was so severe it caused â€Å"Indians and Spanish alike to eat hides and straps,† as written by Fray Francisco de Ayeta in an account to the King. In the face of such an oppressive environment, Indians naturally began to question why Spanish controlled their food source. This, coupled with a new emphasis on nativism, turned up the heat and brought the already tense situation to a simmer. This movement towards nativism perhaps may have been a reaction to Indian culture sprouting up in both mestizo and Spanish life. Garner continues on this thread noting that Governor Lopez de Mendizabal was forced to â€Å"crack down on Pueblo religious and cultural activity.† While syncretism among the Pueblos was tolerable, among the Spanish it was viewed as inexcusable. These two factors were the foci of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680.[8] In contrast, the setting that Bowden and Gutià ©rrez attempt to construct in their essays is a religious clash, one that, while not noticeable immediately, was exacerbated by the droughts and famine. After introducing the essay, Bowden then discusses the similarities of the Pueblo religion, and then highlights some of the missteps the Franciscans took in their interactions and, most of all, the conversion process. First they insisted that the Pueblos should learn Spanish, and â€Å"almost without exception,† failed to make any attempt to learn native language. Also, they instituted mandatory mass attendance for all Indians – but strangely not all Spaniards. On top of this, leaders who continued practicing the previous traditions were whipped or executed.[9] (27-28) Bowden raises a number of valid points – the Franciscans do not appear to be the same persons that protested against the injustices to the Pueblos by the Governor Peralta. Rather, they seem to be creators of an oppressive environment that was quite insensitive to the Pueblo people. However, if you note Bowden’s sources, he cites textbooks for his long diatribe. Garner, in contrast, relies heavier on topic specific articles written by respected names such as France V. Scholes and Jack D. Forbes. While Bowden’s sources are legitimate, he seems to be using information that is more generalized, and not as focused on the relevant issues. Gutià ©rrez points to â€Å"loss of authority† among the Franciscans as the central reason for the revolt.[10] He notes that this gradual loss of power began in 1640s. Because of the uncertainty and unease that followed, the Friars pushed for more drastic measure to balance out this loss of power – a crackdown on syncretism and an emphasis on martyrdom. But the connections that Gutià ©rrez makes are weak; he points to the loss of power in the 1640s, but does not cite any kind of example to support his point until 1655.[11] In addition, most of examples of this â€Å"loss of authority† do not come until the mid 1660s and the early 1670s in the midst of drought, quarreling among Spaniards and attacks by Athapascan raiders. And Gutià ©rrez’ examples of Franciscan brutality arise, interestingly enough, around the time that Garner points to heavy handed response by the Spanish to combat syncretism. Gutià ©rrez’ illustrations seem to support Garner’s idea of the Indians being â€Å"like children in a new world and entrapped in the struggle between the Franciscans and Hispanic community.†[12] Angà ©lico Chà ¡vez provides yet another take on the Pueblo Revolt. While Gutià ©rrez, Garner and Bowden all spend considerable time on relations, Chà ¡vez – as his title Pohà ©-yemo’s Representative and the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 – puts much more emphasis on establishing a new leader as a primary cause of the Pueblo revolt. Chà ¡vez seems to avoid tackling the revolt squarely (like Knaut) partly because he devotes most of his time supporting his argument for Domingo Naranjo as the leader (arguably 21 of the 24 pages). Despite Chà ¡vez lengthy narrative supporting Domingo Naranjo, the black leader with yellow eyes, many scholars reject this notion, because it seems to runs counter to what most sources suggest. Historian Stefanie Beninato agrees that Naranjo was a leader, but â€Å"one of several† as â€Å"the concept of a single leader is not viable in the theocratic social structure of the Pueblo world.†[13] Garner too, while recognizing Popà © as instrumental, rejects the idea that he was a â€Å"unique Indian leader,† but rather he arose out of necessity, as opposed to the creation of necessity.[14] While, many critique Chà ¡vez’ uncommon interpretation, it reminds one to reexamine the mestizo and mulatto population in New Mexico. Naranjo, real or not, represents the truth that the black/white Pueblo/Hispanic definition was increasingly blurred in the years leading up to the revolt, and an entirely different culture had emerged. Pohà ©-yemo had multiple windows in to this culture of multiplicity. Garner’s essay seems to be built around the most logic because his essay points to lack of basic necessities as the true cause of the revolt. When there is enough food and prosperity people get along. When there is a shortage, it pushes groups to exceptional measures. Rarely has a revolt occurred without certain factors mitigating access to peoples’ basic needs. Garner also spends ample time with the battle itself, and provides plenty of evidence of to why it was a success; particularly because of the cultural coexistence with the Spanish. Garner is not without flaw – he fails to address certain issues, notably that of the presence of a larger mestizo culture. While he acknowledges it somewhat, he seems more preoccupied with the Franciscan-ecomedero versus government dynamic. This oversight, however excusable, provides good reason for holding onto multiple sources while dissecting historical events such as these. In the absence of primary documents, the importance of rigorous scholarship is especially crucial. To hold the works of these â€Å"curious† scholars together stresses the value for careful thought and due diligence.

Cross-Species Virus Transmission Essays

Cross-Species Virus Transmission Essays Cross-Species Virus Transmission Essay Cross-Species Virus Transmission Essay Harmonizing to the article supported by the American Society of Microbiology, viruses have one time once more been doing a splash in footings of giving rise to new diseases through their ability of host shift. SARS, Ebola febrility and Influenza are a few illustrations in which viruses have underwent transmittal from wildlife hosts onto human hosts. Furthermore, it was reported that when the HIV/AIDS virus crossed the species barrier from archpriest to human about 70 old ages ago, a major menace arose for a great sum of people were infected and still go on to be infected today. As outlined by the writers, there are three specific phases in which viral diseases emerge and successfully exchange from giver host into recipient host. Therefore, this article focuses upon and analyze the variables that affect the success rate of emerging viral diseases by the manner they influence the three phases antecedently noted. The diverseness of these variables which affect the mechanism of host exch anging consist of environmental and demographic barriers, host barriers, bing host scopes, and viral development in footings of transmittal, recombination, reassortment and viral intermediates. In order for host shift to be successful, there has to be interaction between the virus and the possible new hosts. However, if contact between the two is either prevented or limited, so the likeliness of transportation is weakened. This barrier is discernible in the HIV virus, which prior to its planetary outgrowth was transferred to worlds several times with small success because of the limited interaction between Primatess and homo. However, one time Primatess were able to come into contact with a big adequate human population, transmittal became successful and the effects can be viewed today for infections still arise. Figure 2 in the article shows the transportation of viruses into human host populations with small or no transmittal along with the occasional viruses that are able to emerge and do epidemics. Based upon findings, assorted demographic factors and human behaviours such as going, endovenous drug usage, sexual patterns and contacts, farming patterns, and agricultural enlargement addition viral host shift and advance the outgrowth of new diseases. As confirmed by the writers, human trade and travel forms were able to distribute insect vectors of viruses and viral pathogens such as SARS while migratory birds transporting the Influenza A virus were able to cross across a broad scope of populations. In add-on, ecological alterations brought upon by human actions have impacted the outgrowth of the Nipah virus in Malaysia. For illustration, chiropterans are considered to be the reservoirs of the Nipah virus, and therefore when people decided to works fruit groves around pig farms, the chiropterans became attracted to the groves and caused a spillover which infected the hogs. In bend, people working with the septic hogs became exposed to the virus and this caused an addition in carnal virus transmittal. Host barriers are the 2nd variable examined in the article and proven to impact the mechanism of host shift. In order for transmittal to be a possibility, a virus has to be able to infect cells of a new host. Yet, this procedure can be delayed at assorted degrees such as receptor binding, entry into the cell, genome reproduction or cistron look. Based on these multiple host barriers, the virus would hold to undergo alterations to be able to get the better of everything therefore increasing the trouble of transmittal. Besides this article states that unconditioned antiviral responses from host cells and apolipoprotein B-editing catalytic polypeptide proteins ( APOBEC ) further impede the hazard of infection by barricading infection to subsequent cells. In analyzing evolutionary relatedness, species that are closely related to one another have an increased likeliness of viral host shift as viewed between Pan troglodytess and worlds, therefore ensuing in the constitution of HIV. On the other manus, due to relatedness, certain restrictions based on cross-immunity to related pathogens and innate immune oppositions to related viral groups arise. Another facet to host barriers is the physical entry of the virus into the cell. Upon entry there are host glycans or lectins which bind to the virus particles to forestall infection. Besides, deficiency of neuraminidase proteins, used in the procedure of emersion, do viral inactivation which farther AIDSs in the bar of transmittal and outgrowth. Because viruses are specific to their appropriate host, they are besides specific to the assorted receptors in which they bind to the host cell. For illustration, the HIV virus binds specifically to CD4 host receptors whereas avian viruses recognize sialic acids found on host cells. Aside from receptor binding, there are besides intracellular limitations which decrease viral transmittal. For illustration, interferon responses are found to be host specific and therefore more likely to protect cells against viruses. This can be observed by alpha and beta interferons which restrict the murine norovirus from come ining the host cell. The writer further examined the host ranges of viruses and whether or non they were a factor in host shift. It was conjectured that preexisting host ranges influence the ability of a virus to be established in a new host. Viruss were classified as either Renaissance man, infecting many different hosts, or specializer, infecting merely a few related hosts. The outlook was that Renaissance man viruses would demo a greater likeliness of switching to extra hosts whereas specialist viruses would be more inclined to limitations of host shift. However, looking at the informations in Table 1, it became evident that both Renaissance man and specializer viruses have transmitted successfully into new hosts therefore decreasing the overall generalisation antecedently made. The last variable under reappraisal for impacting the mechanism of host shift is the viral evolutionary mechanisms which consist of viral fittingness tradeoffs, manners of virus transmittal, recombination and reassortment and viral intermediates. It has been speculated in the article that cross-species transmittal is more common in quickly germinating viruses. This means the greater the rate of fluctuation, the more likely a virus is able to accommodate to a new host and undergo transmittal. Because RNA viruses lack proofreading mechanisms and incorporate big viral populations, they are more likely to undergo development and transmit within a new host. Yet, there is grounds that some RNA viruses have developed host specialisation and that rates of fluctuation of DNA viruses should non be underestimated in comparing to RNA viruses. Because viruses are able to undergo assorted mutants, this increases their ability to infect new hosts but in the long tally reduces their fittingness in t he giver host. By detecting Figures 2 and 3 in the article, this is deemed fitness tradeoff. However, non all mutants cause a decrease in fitness tradeoff for there are a few advantageous 1s that increase fittingness. Besides, when merely a few adaptative mutants are required between giver host and receiver host, transmittal becomes more efficient. Equally far as outgrowth and successful host transportation are concerned, the manners of virus transmittal cause restrictions. For illustration, if viruses are non able to last between giver, receiver and or vector hosts, so outgrowth becomes a challenge. Furthermore, different tracts of transmittal either by droplet spread, sexual vaccination and or fecal-oral represent challenges in suiting assorted hosts. Recombination and reassortment brand viruses more susceptible to familial alterations that are good in the long tally. In comparing RNA and DNA viruses, the possibility of recombination varies but in detecting the retrovirus HIV, the re is a high rate of recombination which may correlate to its effectual outgrowth. Figure 5 examines possible functions of recombination in the HIV virus every bit good as its beginning from other Primatess. Another illustration of a recombination virus can be viewed in SARS CoV which most likely arose from a combination of a CoV virus and another chiropteran virus before infecting human hosts. Once a virus has been able to exchange to a new host, it farther uses recombination and reassortment in the procedure of version. Last, there have been instances in which viral intermediates with lower fittingness were required in the procedure of successful transmittal. Aside from viruses accommodating to their new hosts they besides have to optimise their strength in the host cells at the same clip hedging any immune responses. By being able to observe viruses that do non distribute expeditiously, there would be a greater opportunity of commanding epidemic eruptions. Reading through this scientific diary, the chief intent of the article is to show the audience with information on how viruses are able to traverse species and convey approximately new epidemic diseases. The writers largely define the barriers that a virus has to get the better of in order to obtain successful transmittal and overall outgrowth by forming the information into assorted subheadings. For illustration, in the subdivision Environmental and Demographic Barriers to Host Switching, the writers compare human actions such as travel or trade and associate these to viral host shift and the potency for infection. In the following subdivision, they focus on the host and the barriers that the virus has to get the better of in order to give rise to efficient transmittal. Basically the virus has to be able to come in into possible host cells and in making so has to adhere to receptors and so either blend or undergo endocytosis. However, host cells have assorted mechanisms by which the y are able to halt a virus from distributing and doing farther infections. Following, there is a treatment about the relationship between the host scope of a virus and whether or non it is a factor in finding the likeliness of host shift. The writers province that regardless of the host scope of a virus, both Renaissance man and specializer viruses have been successful in transmittal into a new host. Last, the writers examine mutants and versions of viruses in response to their ability to emerge and do diseases. These last few paragraphs see what occurs one time a virus has entered into a host cell and its ability to keep entry by undergoing advantageous mutants or farther accommodating to the receiver hosts. The article ends with a basic sum-up or overview of all the information presented earlier with the mentality of being able to command future epidemic diseases. Upon reading this diary article, the manner of authorship is instead complex in certain subdivisions which would suppr ess the audience from to the full understanding the stuff. Besides, there look to be no major experiments or trials conducted by the writers for the diary article merely contains basic information and referenced informations. Further, in rather a few subdivisions, the writers use phrases such as, poorly understood and we know comparatively little in discoursing the information. This would most likely make the audience disbelieving as to the writers competency and apprehension of the information being presented. In add-on, while showing their information, the writers chiefly focus on few specific viruses such as HIV, SARS and Influenza. What about the remainder? Are other viruses less prone to host shift or traversing barriers? These facets need to be addressed so that the audience is non able to chew over and do generalisations. Last, no solution is stated as to the bar of future epidemics from the possibility of viral host shift. The lone statements made in the diary consisted of being able to better understand the information presented and the complexnesss that follow this subject. Overall, this article should merely be used as background information in helping old cognition on the subject. The writers accomplish the undertaking of supplying the audience with information, but the manner and the presentation should hold been executed otherwise.

The eNotes Blog Education Testing123

Education Testing123 Does more equal better?   When it concerns students essay scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SATs), that may well be the case. Milo Beckman, a fourteen-year-old student at Stuyvesant High School in New York conducted a study among his peers after becoming frustrated with the scores he received on the exam. Beckman took the exam twice, and to his surprise, discovered that his second test scored higher than the first, although he deemed the first attempt to be superior in quality. The second essay he wrote was considerably longer, but not, in the students opinion, as well written. Beckman then polled 115 students who had taken the exam in his school, asking them to count the number of words they had written. The students who wrote lengthier essays almost always received a higher score, despite the quality of the content. Beckmans results were confirmed by MIT professor Les Pereleman. (Read the full story as first reported by Elisabeth Leamy of ABCs Good Morning America here.) In other testing news, it is not just students who are being graded. Increasingly, teachers are being held accountable for the performance of their students. Houston, Texas is the latest city to announce that teachers jobs will no longer rely solely on evaluations by their principals. Until this year, 99% of teachers received satisfactory performance scores based on personal reviews. However, now student test scores will play a much greater role in deciding who is hired and fired.

Design management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Design management - Essay Example We, as a team, wanted to focus on environment issues through our promotional campaign. At the same time few of the team members wanted to attract young generations through ‘style’. Nokia did not link up with the environment so we dropped that one. It was hard to decide between the remaining two so we thought of coming up with an exciting new concept. A joint venture of adidas and vespa i.e. vespa hybrid scooters equipped with adidas accessories (helmets, gloves, covers of accelerator and brake controls etc.). Adidas had dedicated a small area at the adidas store for the display of new vespa hybrid vehicles. The idea incorporates both the environment friendly qualities of vespa hybrid scooters and the style of adidas in it. In the promotional campaign, we had to highlight the attributes of both the products and somehow link up the two. The next step was to devise a strategy to introduce the product to the customers and grab their attention. The idea was to start off with a few punch lines that can serve as teasers for the people that enter the Oxford Street where the adidas store is located. Businessdictionary.com states (n.d.) that ‘purpose of teasers is to arouse widespread attention, and build excitement and expectations through consumer curiosity. For teaser ads to succeed, they must be widely publicized’. Along with the teasers, two or more printed ads were also to be displayed along the walkways. The printed ads would have stylish images of vespa scooters with drivers wearing adidas accessories highlighted using proper colour schemes. We also decided to put up video ads at a place in the street which was easily visible to all the visitors roaming around in Oxford Street. With these advertisements in place, visitors would be attracted towards the adidas store to have a look at this new product on display. Within the store, the posters will tell the visitors that new hybrid vespa scooters consume 20% less fuel and

A comparison and analysis of poems from William Carlos Williams Essay

A comparison and analysis of poems from William Carlos Williams - Essay Example â€Å"His major difference with Pound (apart from Williamss acutely responsive and realistic presentations of women and his revulsion against fascism; see especially Paterson III-V) lay in his desire to create a specifically American poetics based on the rhythms and colorations of American speech, thought, and experience.†1 His topics frequently center around the middle class women and men he treated as a part of his medical profession and his plain language often had people of his time misunderstanding the artistry behind his words. However, it is in this colloquialism that he is able to capture the voice of the nation, â€Å"its multiracial and immigrant streams of speech and behaviour, its violence and exuberance, its ignorance of its own general and regional history. †¦ It is presented as a search for the elements of a ‘common language’: a shared cultural and historical awareness to counteract the fragmentation of American society.†2 This effort to capture the voice of the ‘common’ American as well as to present the images that are most important to the country’s identity can be traced through such poems as â€Å"Spring and All,† â€Å"The Red Wheelbarrow† and â€Å"To Elsie.† At the opening of his second book of poems, Spring and All, Williams includes a poem that remained untitled in his original version but that has come to be known by the same name as the volume in which it first appeared. â€Å"Spring and All† focuses upon the more or less invisible processes that are occurring as spring approaches the land, making a connection between this movement and the movement that can be found within the mind of an engaged reader. He begins trying to establish that engagement with his very first line, â€Å"By the road to the contagious hospital.†3 The unusual combination of words startles us into paying attention. A contagious hospital is at once deadly and life-giving, potentially fatal and