Organized Crime and Kentucky Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Organized Crime and Kentucky - Research Paper Example Furthermore, the influences that such organized criminal gangs have had on the Commonwealth of Kentucky is both profound and impactful. This can be seen during the early 1960s with George Ratterman and his Committee of 500 attempted to rid the city of Newport, Kentucky of gambling enterprises that, in the eyes of many members of society, were both illegal and morally corrupting2. This truth was also reflected in the vice present during the middle 1980s when an organized group of police officers from Lexington, Kentucky known as the â€Å"Company† was actually found to be operating their very own drug cartel from within the Lexington Police Department3. The preceding two events, and others similar, demonstrate just how significant a role organized crime has played in the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This paper will work to examine the role that organized crime has played in the historical development of Kentucky. It was do this by conducting a careful examination of the various political influences that have allowed organized crime to flourish across the Commonwealth, and will explore the very culture existent in Kentucky that allowed such criminal activities to continue largely unchecked for decades4. Finally, the paper will conclude by looking at various ways that the Commonwealth of Kentucky has shifted its focus and perspective towards organized over time. When considering organized in the United States, one often hears a discussion centered around the crime families of New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. In fact, much is known about the organized criminal elements throughout history in these major cities. We can trace their development and origin, and arrive at various sociological theories to explain away their existence. Less is understood, however, about the reality that organized crime has also flourished

Energy Drinks Research Essay Example for Free

Energy Drinks Research Essay Many energy drinks are found in the market and many people are consuming them without knowing the bad effects on their health, having the misconception that they help in enhancing and boosting the body energy. Ingredients: Other than the caffeine and carbohydrates energy drinks contain: B vitamins: Energy drinks contain B vitamins that exceed the daily-recommended amounts. Gingko: German pharmacological studies suggest that this herb increases blood flow to the brain and may be effective in treating depression and short-term memory loss. Guarana: An herbal stimulant popular in Brazil. The reason guarana is so stimulating is that it contains two to three times the caffeine of coffee. Carnitine: A compound generally found in animal foods thats theorized to enhance fat burning and improve endurance performance. Mechanism: Energy drinks cause many things that include: Insomnia and alertness: Most energy drinks contain caffeine and herbal stimulants that stimulate the central nervous system, giving a sense of alertness. This stimulation can cause a person who is sleepy to wake up. However, it can also prevent a person desiring to sleep from dozing off. In addition, the caffeine in energy drinks blocks the effects of adenosine, a chemical in the brain involved in sleep. This in turn activates neurons in the brain as though there were an emergency, often preventing sleep and causing insomnia. Increased heart rate: When caffeine blocks adenosine and the neurons are activated, the pituitary gland releases adrenaline. This hormone makes the heart beat faster and consuming the large dosage of caffeine found in energy drinks can lead to high blood pressure and heart palpitations. Increased blood sugar: When adrenaline is released into the system, this causes the liver to release extra sugar in to the bloodstream for energy. In addition, energy drinks contain high amounts of sugar, which can be digested easily and also used as a quick source of energy. When consumed, the body experiences a sugar high then often crashes. The sugar enters the bloodstream, provides a blast of energy and when the sugar is burned up, 30 to 45 minutes later, the body usually experiences a sugar crash. At this time feelings of dizziness, slowed reflexes and decreased performance may occur. Dehydration: Caffeine is a diuretic or a substance, which causes urination. The caffeine in energy drinks causes the kidneys to move extra fluid into the urine, which can lead to dehydration if done while sweating during exercise. The high levels of sugar in energy drinks slow the absorption of water that dilutes the sugar in the bloodstream, enhancing dehydration. Also, consuming a drink with a high sugar concentration before an athletic performance can cause gastric distress and diarrhea, resulting in dehydration. Energy: Most energy drinks contain large amounts of caffeine, which can provide a temporary energy boost. Some energy drinks contain sugar and other substances. The boost is short-lived, however, and may be accompanied by other problems. Side Effects: Energy drinks can cause inflammation in the stomach; bleeding and ulcerations in the duodenum. While consuming energy drinks alone will not damage your liver immediately, prolonged consumption of certain ingredients in popular energy drinks may have ill long-term effects on your liver. For example, many energy drinks contain herbal concentrate products like kava kava or taurine. An overabundance of either of these herbal supplements can lead to liver damage or liver failure. For example, consuming large amounts of taurine may lead to complications in individuals with type-2 diabetes. Caffeine and Guarana affect the adenosine receptors in the brain. Caffeine also cause dopamine to be released in greater amounts which makes you feel more alert and energetic and happy though it does not provide any energy. Resources: http://www. deseretnews. com/article/635202412/What-ingredients-do-energy-drinks-have. html? pg=all http://www. ehow. com/about_5256218_do-energy-drinks-affect-body. html Books: The Nutrition Bible, by Jean Anderson.

Animal Farm as a Fable Essay -- Animal Farm

Animal Farm as a Fable Traditional fables are moral stories that usually feature animals. Aesop's Fables, which are probably the most well known, tell tales about animals that have clearly human characteristics, like the sly fox, the patient crow and the selfish dog. Since Aesop's stories have been told for over 2,500 years, they are clearly a form well suited to telling a universal truth in a way that is accessible to children and memorable for adults. In writing Animal Farm, Orwell wanted to express a particular set of ideas about revolutions - ideas that he thought were more or less universal. The success of the book since its publication would seem to indicate that he had the right idea. The plot of Animal Farm is clearly based on the events of the Russian Revolution. Old Major's ideas about animalism correspond to those of Karl Marx, and the way in which they are taken up and put into action represents the activities of Leon Trotsky (Snowball) and a combination of Lenin and Stalin (Napoleon). The haphazard nature of the rebellion closely parallels the opportunistic response to events that brought the Bolsheviks to power in 1917, and the history of the farm roughly follows events in European history up to the Second World War. The fact that we are still reading Animal Farm long after these events have passed into history again suggests something of Orwell's achievement. The fable format allowed Orwell to reduce complicated events to a level that almost anyone could understand - the workings of the Russian Politburo or of the NKVD (the secret police) are complex matters but the story of Squealer and Napoleon's trained dogs is much more accessible. Similarly, the lives an... ...such as when he speaks of Squealer, "who had unaccountably been absent during the fighting." Again, young readers are likely to enjoy this kind of statement where the real meaning is only slightly below the surface. Fables are meant to have a moral, and the moral of Animal Farm is that all revolutions fail in the end. Orwell could have written a long essay expressing such ideas but it is doubtful that many people would now be reading it. The success of Animal Farm is that it tells the sad tale of a group of creatures we care about, and how their hopes and dreams were dashed. Beyond the surface story, however, is the message that for ordinary people revolutions simply change one set of rulers for another. It is a depressing message but people are prepared to listen to it because it is told in a simple and entertaining way like all the best fables.

Threatening Forces

Threatening forces are every where we look in life. Almost anything could be considered a threat in today s society. The poem by James Joyce, I hear an Army Charging Upon the Land, contains evidence of a threatening force. The threatening force in this poem is punk rock kids at a punk rock show. Threatening forces are very apparent in this poem. A prime example of one is when he says Arrogant, in black armor. He is talking about kids in leather jackets. It is there way of proving they are punk and it looks threatening. Seeing people in leather jackets is scary, especially when society has trained us to think that black is a sign of. We have been trained to think that anything that stands out is scary and people in black leather jackets stick out like a sore thumb. Obviously, when James Joyce says in black armor, it is a threatening force of punk rock. Punk rock is a very firm theme of this poem that is supposed to be menacing. This is established when it says, Clanging, Clanging upon the heart as upon an anvil. This is saying how he feels that the chains that the kids wear are frightening. He feels that the sound of their chains dangling together is intimidating. When people who wear chains run the often make a loud noise and if you wear more than one, which most people do, it makes an extremely loud noise which can be demoralizing. Clearly, the sound of the chains clanging together is a threatening sound. The people who listen to punk rock music are a reoccurring theme of peril. The threatening force of punk rock is extravagant when James Joyce says; They come out of the sea and run shouting by the shore. This is talking about them after a concert and how they are rowdy. Them coming out of the sea is when they come out of the mosh pit, out of the sea of people. After this they are often rowdy with the little energy they have left over. They are talking loudly because their hearing was just blasted by the loud music. People who are in a really good mood and acting a bit rowdy are often seemed to be dangerous especially if they are yelling. Evidently, punks after a concert are considered a threatening force to society. The poem, I Hear an Army Charging Upon the Land, is about the threat that punk rock supposedly puts on our society. Society is chained to its belief that anything different is threatening. Even though most of these people are not the least bit scary. It is hard to believe that, when the leaders of society, like the police, are always blaming the problem of on these types of people. Is punk rock really a threatening force in society or just a way that we have been brain washed to fear change and difference?

Nari Gandhi

NARI GANDHI TROPHY 2011 â€Å"Inspired by Yesterday Aspired for Tomorrow† PREMISE: India simultaneously lives in three time zones. Moorings from the past and aspirations for tomorrow coexist today to create the present. In India therefore history is not a fossilised past but rather a continuum of the tradition. History lives on as tradition. A land of long history and deep traditions, its architectural landscape has innumerable edifices that have transcended time to remain timeless even after centuries and millennia.They have sustained the rigour of place and people over time. This has been so due to consistent process of adaptation over changed time and circumstance. Continuum of core traditional ethos along with adaptation of the new dimensions of the changed times. Their survival over time is in itself the proof of its acceptance and appropriateness over changed time and circumstance. These examples are the worthy resources to learn from them about their Spatiality (quality of timelessness), Sustainability (resource management) as well as plurality (Sociocultural appropriateness).Why is it that architecture of yester year continues to inspire awe, even at times after functional obsolescence (i. e. step wells)? What are the spatial qualities that render them awe inspiring and experientially engaging across time? What makes them environmentally sustainable to remain energy efficient for climate comforts? What have been their constructional strategies to optimise on material resources? What are the design attributes that render them socio-culturally appropriate?Can we not learn from such time tested architecture and apply their principles of timeless aesthetics, environmental sustainability, constructional efficiency or functional plurality to the contemporary architecture. To interpret and apply the essence of traditional wisdom with their due adaptations for times to come. TASK: ? Select a contemporary architectural design project from past three decad es (after 1980A. D. which adequately demonstrates that it is inspired from the architecture of the past and aspires for the needs of the future. The design must aptly demonstrate what aspects of architectural design from traditional/ ancient/ classical Indian architecture are identified, understood, interpreted and how have they been applied/translated in the contemporary architecture with necessary transformations. National Association of Students of Architecture 54th Annual NASA Convention Nari Gandhi Trophy 2011 NARI GANDHI TROPHY 2011 ?The analysis must identify and highlight at least two of the four dimensions (Spatiality, Sustainability, Socio-cultural appropriability and Structural efficiency) that have inspired from architecture of the past and have been re interpreted in the present design. Architecture is a sum total of design decisions about Sitting and location; form and massing, scale and proportion; space organisation and movement; Choice of space making elements; mate rial and construction techniques; as well as surface finishes and embellishments.Please analyse the chosen architectural project in sufficient depth to include references to most of above mentioned design decisions. The selected architectural project must be a campus (at least two or more buildings on a plot) and not a single building, in order to offer design potential concerning organisational attributes between built masses and inter relationship between the built and the un built. ? ? SPECIFICATIONS: Panel: One 8’ x 4’ panel in landscape format will be provided for display.No part of the presentation shall spill out the 8’ x 4’ panel.. †¢ Presentation: Maximum number of sheets not to exceed 15 A1 This can either be in single panel format or part panel format †¢ Single panel This mode of presentation requires the entire 8’ x 4’ panel to be covered which would be considered equivalent to 6 A1 sheets. The remaining 9 A1 sheets may be overlaid on the panel. The Shape and size of the overlays on the single panel shall be left to the discretion of the participants. Part Panel o This presentation is possible in two forms either covering 2/3rd of the panel or 1/3rd o A 2/3rd panel would be considered equivalent to 4 A1 sheets, along with which a maximum of 11 A1 sheets in a calendar and / or overlay format is allowed. o A 1/3 rd panel would be considered equivalent to 2 A1 sheets, along with which a maximum of 13 A1 sheets in a calendar and / or overlay format is allowed. National Association of Students of Architecture 54th Annual NASA Convention Nari Gandhi Trophy 2011 NARI GANDHI TROPHY 2011 Each overlay (does not require a logo) would be considered as one A1 sheet irrespective of the size not exceeding A1. (The overlay must be cut from an A1 sheet). †¢ All individual sheets and panels shall have NASA logo as per NASA logo guidelines in proper specification should feature on right hand bottom corner. â₠¬ ¢ Scale model are not allowed, however Photos of the model may be used in the presentation sheet †¢ 2 copies of the CD containing the soft copy of the entire report along with the A. V. Presentation must be submitted.One of these is for the N. I. D. C. archives and the other for the use of the college in A. V. Presentation. The 2nd CD will be returned to the respective college. 1st CD must contain name of the college. †¢ Two identical copies of a Report (hard bound) not exceeding 20 A4 pages that give an entire overview of the project should accompany the submission. The report should feature the NASA logo appropriately on the cover page and on each page of the report. Both copies should contain the college code and name of the project on the cover.However, only one copy should have the name of the College featured. AUDIO – VISUAL PRESENTATION: – Jury members shall shortlist the colleges for A. V. presentation. Time given for the short listed entries shall not exceed l0 minutes. No college shall reveal its identity in any manner either in sheets, reports or the presentation. – 2 copies of the CD containing the soft copy (editable and non editable) of the entire report, sheets and the A. V. Presentation must be submitted. One of these is for the N. I. D. C. archives and the other for the use of the college in A.V. Presentation. Both CDs should contain the college code and only one should mention the name of the college. – In AV Presentation, NASA logo as per NASA logo guidelines is mandatory. Note: The identity/name of the participating college should NOT feature in any way on any of the Report, Presentation sheets/AV presentation. All colleges are requested to adhere to the mentioned specifications, failing which the entry will be disqualified. National Association of Students of Architecture 54th Annual NASA Convention Nari Gandhi Trophy 2011

Nathan Bedford Forrest - Biography Notes essays

Nathan Bedford Forrest - Biography Notes essays Nathan Bedford Forrest was a businessman, a slave owner, a Confederate general, and the first grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. Forrest is most known for his leadership and courage during the Civil War. Although some of Forrests ideals may be considered absurd, he was a man with the utmost potential. Many have seen him as a war hero as he guided his battalion across an array of battles and skirmishes across both the Union and Confederate states. He was also accused of committing a rather controversial war crime. Today, many people still see him as a hero and a symbol of courage despite his political and social views (Davidson). One attribute that Nathan Bedford Forrest, Ambrose Burnside, Johnny Clem, and Kady Brownell had in common, was bravery. During his service, Forrest led his cavalrymen to what appeared to be certain death. He and his men were almost always successful in their endeavors. Forrest had commanded in some of the war's greatest battles such as the battle of Shiloh, Sacramento, and Fort Donelson. At one time, Forrest found himself surrounded by Union forces yet somehow managed to make his way through the carnage. During his fight to escape the Union forces, he was shot in the side by a rifle, tossing him up in the air. He then snatched up a Union soldier and used him for protection against further gunfire. Once he was in the clear, he dumped the Union soldier (Davidson). Forrest was born on July 13, 1821, in Chapel Hill, Tennessee. He was born to North Carolina-born parents. The living conditions he grew up in were unsatisfactory as he and his family were very poor. Forrest didnt receive any formal education but learned important backwoods skills such as hunting, fishing, and survival. Unfortunately, when Forrest was only 16, his father, William Forrest, passed away. Soon after his fathers death, Forrest moved to Mississippi to work for his uncle, Jonathan Forrest. They worked in a tailor shop in H...

Naive and Naivety

Naive and Naivety Naive and Naivety Naive and Naivety By Maeve Maddox A reader asks about the use of the word naivety: I recently read this in a copy of Nature: â€Å"They challenge the naivety of the idea that science, proceeding openly and aloof from its sociopolitical environment, reaches incontrovertible truths by unassailable reason.† I do not recall ever seeing that use before. Pronunciation note naive [nye-EEV] naivety [nye-EEV-uh-tee] The adjective naive is a badly assimilated French borrowing. Ever since it entered the language as naà ¯ve in the seventeenth century, it never has managed to look like an English word, and it presents many English speakers with difficulty in pronunciation and spelling. No longer spelled with the two dots over the i, naive originally meant â€Å"natural and unaffected, artless, or innocent.† Additional meanings that have attached to the word are â€Å"showing a lack of experience, judgment, or wisdom; credulous, gullible.† The earliest citation for the noun naivety in the OED is dated 1709, but the word doesn’t show much life on the Ngram Viewer before the 1960s. In current usage, some political writers seem to use naive and naivety as euphemisms for ignorant and ignorance. Naivety is frequently used with the verb expose, as if to imply that being naive is something best concealed. Sports writers are fond of the words as well, but I’ve yet to figure out exactly what they mean by them. My best guess is overconfident or, perhaps, ill-advised. To me, naivety implies a belief in the good intentions of others. A judge handing down a sentence in the case of two people who stole from a ninety-year-old couple used the word in this sense: They allowed you access [to their home] in innocence and naivety andwere repaid by you in taking the only items of value which were on open display.- The Telegraph. Naive is an appropriate and neutral adjective to describe the innocence and inexperience of a young person. When applied to politicians and business leaders, it takes on a connotation of reproach, even contempt. Here is a random sampling of naive and naivety as used on the Web: Exposed: Ron Paul’s Foreign Policy Ignorance and Naivety Is Stuart Lancaster just a  naive coach  taking another high-risk gamble?   Manchester City Pay Heavy Price for First-Leg Naivety vs. Barcelona Is Social Media making Young People Naà ¯ve and Unhappy? (Some writers still use the dots.) For decades, senior executives have used  naivety  as an excuse when customer data has been stolen.   Was [Chamberlain] just hopelessly naive about Hitler’s Germany and too embroiled in domestic agendasto handle the run-up to war? Both naive and naivety are useful words to convey trusting innocence or idealistic expectations. It seems a shame to use them as insults. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:20 Types and Forms of Humor40 Synonyms for â€Å"Different†55 "House" Idioms

Launching our Reedsy Project Protection

Launching our Reedsy Project Protection Launching our Reedsy Project Protection Establishing a safe place for authors and publishersOur goal with Reedsy since the very beginning has been to create a safe place for authors and publishers to work seamlessly with the best publishing talent. We envisioned a place where they could be certain that every single collaboration would be a success.Although our careful curation process has helped bring about this reality, we wanted to make it more official. That’s why we just released our Reedsy Project Protection  policy, contained within our Terms of Use.  Here is an excerpt:Service Provider Reedsy account should be suspended or terminated for breaching the Terms of Use.Furthermore, both clients (authors, publishers) and service providers (editors, designers, marketers, ghostwriters, etc.) are bound by the  Mandatory Terms  of their  Service Contracts on Reedsy. These relate to the client materials, IP rights, payments, warranties, cancellation periods, confidentiality and data protection. More about it i n section 5. of our Terms of Use.A unique value propositionOf course, we're not the only services company in the publishing industry to offer similar protection and guarantees on projects. A lot of places will claim they have "satisfaction" or "money-back guarantees". What is really powerful about ours, though, is that it applies to a marketplace  - a network of very different individuals. Whoever the author or publisher chooses to work with on Reedsy, we protect their project. You don’t just get safety, you get safety and choice. Why is choice important? If you’re an author, we believe that one of the most crucial steps in your career is finding the right editor. We encourage authors to contact more than one editor on our marketplace, because doing so increases your chances of finding someone with a communication style you understand, someone you really connect with.If you’re a publisher, you will have to work on different books, from different authors, and often across different genres. Because of this, you will likely need different professionals and skill-sets to meet the editorial needs across your list. Reedsy provides you with a wide range of accessible talent and â€Å"insures† your collaboration with every single one of them.Now that you know why we’re doing this, let’s explain why we can.It’s all about curationWe have had over 1,500 collaborations  on the Reedsy platform so far, and only in 1% of the cases have we  had to step in and mediate, or issue a refund as a third party.There is a very simple reason for that: we put in a lot of  work to vet every single professional who applies to our marketplace, and only accept around 2% of applicants. Moreover, once they’re â€Å"in†, we monitor their response rates and activity on the marketplace to make sure they keep up to our standards of responsiveness and professionalism.It’s actually very easy for us to tell you â€Å"you won’t be disappointed† and put our money where our mouth is, because we know our professionals. We’ve hand-picked them ourselves, we know they do a good job.Let us prove it to you. And as always, let us know in the comments if you have any questions.

Anti-politics Sentiments; Analytical and Policy Response Essay

Anti-politics Sentiments; Analytical and Policy Response - Essay Example The concept of political systems was built on the premise of public involvement and participation. The public trades power for protection of their rights. However, the political class over the years has increasingly alienated the electorate from participating in decisions that affect their lives. This has caused the rise of anti-political sentiments and gradual decline of citizenship. The political class has continuously accrued benefits at the expense of the people they claim to represent. To eliminate the rise of anti-political sentiments, the nationalism sentiments must be promoted through equitable distribution of resources. Self-serving politicians have caused the populace to develop a strong dislike for politics. The low political interest and anti-political sentiments can be overcome through intentional steps understand the needs of ordinary people. Therefore, politicians should take time to discuss with their policies with the public even when they are occupying powerful posi tions. It is recommended that politicians make policies through consultative processes. Structured decision making processes ease tension and reduce anti-political sentiments.... People are losing confidence in the democratically established institution. Clearly, the rise of anti-political sentiments should be a major point of concern. The purpose of essay is to discuss the rise of anti-politics sentiments and the potential impacts on governments. People and democracy In many parts of the world, people have been developing disenchantment from politics. The persistence in alienation has been increasing. According to Hansard -Audit of political involvement-, the start of the 21st century assessment indicated the desire of the British people to have meaningful and significant improvement in the government and political systems. Over six out of ten Britons had little or no faith in the political systems. An increasing number of people have lost confidence on the political system. This has been clearly seen through the desire to have an overhaul of the electoral system. The focus has been to make a system that is inclusive and reflective of the needs and desires o f the people. Political participation by citizens is a multidimensional issue. Main argument The rise of anti-political sentiments has been stirred by poor governance and insensitivity from the leadership. There is a dire need to develop policy that encourages inclusiveness and political equity (Hogan 2007: 9). There are calls to increase and develop the political capacity of the citizens and to establish new politics that respect with concerns of the citizens. Globalization has redefined participation. Therefore, there is a crucial need to rethink the political membership and participation (Zittel and Fuchs, 2006: 15). The virtual platform has become an important tool for citizens to express outright resentment to politicians and in extreme cases

Should Art Galleries or Museums or Heritage Sites Avoid Controversy or Essay

Should Art Galleries or Museums or Heritage Sites Avoid Controversy or Not - Essay Example Museums should steer clear of controversies. Controversies contribute to unnecessarily unfavorable images of the museum. The museums display artifacts representing different civilizations and cultures. Some quarters criticise the items displayed in the museum’s shelves. Controversies may unexpectedly appear. Individuals have different interpretations of the works of art. For a priest, nude painting is not an acceptable art alternative. The nude painting creates a vivid picture that the artist used a naked female model to finish the artwork. Museums should avoid controversies. Controversies trigger an unfavorable museum image. The word controversy equates to conflict. A conflict occurs when different sides have opposing views. Conflicts may lead to court cases. In other situations, a conflict creates animosity between the disagreeing parties. The news reports of controversies will not be good on the image of the affected museums. The above Rosetta Stone artifact is one example of a museum controversy. The controversy creates an unfavorable image that Our British Museum stole the Egyptian artifacts. In the controversy between the British Museum and Egypt, Egypt demands that the British Museum should return the Egypt artifacts. Egypt claims that Egypt is the owner of the artifacts displayed in the British Museum. This claim creates an impression on the public that the British Museum holds stolen property. Consequently, Egypt bombards the news outlets with statements that damage the reputation of the British Museum.   Further, the controversy states Egypt wants the Rosetta Stone returned to Egypt. However, our British Museum refuses to comply with Egypt’s demand. Similarly, Egypt insists that the Neues Museum should return Nefertiti’s Bust. The Neues Museum is located in Berlin, Germany.  

Critical Thinking Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Critical Thinking - Assignment Example This paper analyses whether Nancy Cantor, who were once a Syracuse University chancellor, used critical thinking in a piece of work that she wrote in reply to the filing of affirmative action cases with U.S. Supreme Court. Cantor is rational and objective. Her argument does not portray emotional or subjective perceptions. Cantor developed her argument on justifiable reasons. In her first sentence, she recognizes the existence of collective fears, sins, and stereotypes between races. In the fourth paragraph, Cantor points out that race, is an essential aspect of life in America. The existence of Asian-American, Hispanics, Native Americans, Whites, African –Americans, and Native Americans in American society, support the view of Cantor. Students thus have historical and cultural experiences associated to their races. Cantor recognizes the existence of inequality and the need to factor in the issue of inequality in College admissions. Cantor is honest in her argument. She does not argue for a particular race. According to her, the decision of Justice Lewis F. Powell, urged the educator to create a truthfully integrated community of learners. Even though, the decision was aimed at helping students of color, Cantor looks at it as a benefit to the different races in Americans. Cantor sees the use of race-consciousness as way to build a positive society. According to her, the recognition of race as a factor in America would help solve the mistake made by racially segregated public districts schools that failed to recognize American history and possible impacts of race. In this way, Cantor recognizes the weight and extent of evidence and thus shows her use of judgment. Cantor’s consideration of President Bush’s argument shows her open-mindedness. The former president had earlier labeled the use of affirmative action program at the University of Michigan a quote system. Cantor responded by claiming that all students

Prepared case analysis of a single case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Prepared analysis of a single - Case Study Example The increased size of the company has been one of the components that have created the company’s strong competitive platform. However, the sales of the season were below the expectations. The company made substantial losses due to the low returns. The management reacted to the situation by selling 15 stores to raise some cash. The management of the company has provided both income statement and the statement of financial position to assist in assessing the actual problem faced by the organization. Based on the company’s income statement, the net sales have steadily been increasing since the year 2006 to the most current year 2011. Similar trend applies to the earnings before interest and tax and the net income. However, as at the end of 2011, both earnings before interest and tax and the net income for the company sharply decreased to a negative figure. In the year 2010, the EBIT stood at $ 312 millions, but dropped to $ -9 million. Similarly, the net income during the financial period 2010 was $ 189 million but dropped to $ -49 million. Surprisingly, the net sales of the year2010 and 2011 were $ 3,314 million and $ 3,351 million, indicating an increase in the figure between the two periods. Therefore, the main questions in the case study are as follows: first, what seems to be the problem with the Hobby Horse company? Second, are any issues to be addressed revealed by the company’s financial statement? In order to answer the second question and probably find some leads to address the second, the following financial ratios have been conducted for a four year period (2008-2011): gearing ratios, profitability ratios, and liquidity ratios for Debt/equity - ratio indicates the proportion of fixed charge capital in the capital structure of a firm. Concerning Hobby Horse Company, the ratios from 2008 to 2011 are 0.6195, 0.4958, 0.2193 and 0.349 respectively. The ratio interpretation for the

Master of Business Administration in Marketing Essay - 1

Master of Business Administration in Marketing - Essay Example The business plan for the Post-Rock band, WhyOceans, is the result of extensive research via the internet, library and personal communication with a variety of individuals. With thorough research of the music industry, specifically the Post-Rock genre, Mr. Tommy Chu was able to develop a business plan supporting the promotion of WhyOceans. This business plan focuses on a plan for each of the areas supporting this promotion including marketing, management, technical and financial, to draw some booking agencies or record company managers. These people are able to book the band’s performances and create album sales throughout Macau and begin to spread the music to mainland China. This business plan will show that the band will become successful. Each year, its sales and revenue are planned increases that are an indication of the band’s success. WhyOceans consists of 6 members based in Macau. Their music combines rock and psychedelic elements and falls into the â€Å"Post-Rock† genre, with roots stretching back to the early days of the Pink Floyd. Post-Rock music is currently an expanding genre. WhyOceans will create a unique stylized image for itself that will help with promotion. WhyOceans’ songs are catchy, melodic and unique. That is the first selling point for the band. None of WhyOceans’ songs sound the same, and while they are stylistically similar there are noticeable differences. WhyOceans will employ an integrated mix of low-cost, highly effective tools and tactics for getting its message out to its growing audience. The band will target Post-Rock music listeners that geographically reside in China including Mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The age range of the target market is twenty to fifty years old. WhyOceans will the band will sell CDs and other merchandise through performances, which will consist of festivals and events at other places. The band will also sell records through record stores, and online stores. WhyOceans

Prepared case analysis of a single case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Prepared analysis of a single - Case Study Example The increased size of the company has been one of the components that have created the company’s strong competitive platform. However, the sales of the season were below the expectations. The company made substantial losses due to the low returns. The management reacted to the situation by selling 15 stores to raise some cash. The management of the company has provided both income statement and the statement of financial position to assist in assessing the actual problem faced by the organization. Based on the company’s income statement, the net sales have steadily been increasing since the year 2006 to the most current year 2011. Similar trend applies to the earnings before interest and tax and the net income. However, as at the end of 2011, both earnings before interest and tax and the net income for the company sharply decreased to a negative figure. In the year 2010, the EBIT stood at $ 312 millions, but dropped to $ -9 million. Similarly, the net income during the financial period 2010 was $ 189 million but dropped to $ -49 million. Surprisingly, the net sales of the year2010 and 2011 were $ 3,314 million and $ 3,351 million, indicating an increase in the figure between the two periods. Therefore, the main questions in the case study are as follows: first, what seems to be the problem with the Hobby Horse company? Second, are any issues to be addressed revealed by the company’s financial statement? In order to answer the second question and probably find some leads to address the second, the following financial ratios have been conducted for a four year period (2008-2011): gearing ratios, profitability ratios, and liquidity ratios for Debt/equity - ratio indicates the proportion of fixed charge capital in the capital structure of a firm. Concerning Hobby Horse Company, the ratios from 2008 to 2011 are 0.6195, 0.4958, 0.2193 and 0.349 respectively. The ratio interpretation for the

Macbook Pro Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Macbook Pro - Essay Example Flash is the most fastest and reliable storage technology and it provides the capability and the much needed power to the different models, particularly the compact 13-inch and the super slim 15-inch models. Users can rely on the flash architecture since it is reliable, durable and battery efficient. Those who love games, Mac book pro has the latest Intel processors and next generation graphics which are built for speed and clear vision. With the Mac book pro, individuals can be able to easily find, share and organize their own personal information (Miser, 2012). Regulations and policies for the Mac book pro range can be categorized into legislation, company and government. The company that manufactures the Mac book pro computers, Apple (Linzmayer, 2004), has its own rules and regulation are to be agreed on by those in need of using the product. Personal information of any person purchasing the Mac book pro is collected as it helps identify the buyer, or contact the owner in case of an issue. Personal information collected includes; ‘name’, ‘mailing addresses, ‘phone number’, ‘email addresses, and ‘credit card information’ (Miser, 2012). In America, the social security number may be collected, but this can be in the case where one is setting up a wireless account (Miser, 2012). Government policies and legislations have standards that are set and they regulate the manufacturing of the Mac book pros’, distribution, marketing and the use of the Mac book pro. Different countries have diff erent regulations for the use and distribution of the Mac book pro. Importation and exportation is regulated and there is certain authority that the government is granted in order to regulate such. There is no specific age group who are allowed to use the Mac book pro, though there are specific acts and rules to regulate and monitor its use (Miser, 2012). The Mac book pro consists of various models, with some having a tapered design which has a

Factors Making Small Communities in Pakistan More Vulnerable to Disasters Essay Example for Free

Factors Making Small Communities in Pakistan More Vulnerable to Disasters Essay There is no single definition or explanation of a disaster, as a matter of fact in this modern age of science and technology one could predict the time and place and estimate the damage when a disaster would hit a certain area however only an estimate could be made about the outcome of the dreadful event still all the disasters could not be forecasted. This prediction also has difference in opinion when it comes to interpret the disaster; economists may measure it by calculating the loss of assets, health workers might talk of diseases that might spread after the event, political view might be setting institutions to deal with the event and social view might involve the effects on the society. Pakistan has been at risk to many natural and manmade disasters in the past. History states various events when cyclones, flooding, drought, landslides and earth quakes have hit the country. The country is also believed to be one of the most flood prone terrains in South Asia. The floods of 1950, 1992 and 1998 and 2011 have taken various lives and made severe damage to property and assets. Pakistan is also located at seismically active zone making the area vulnerable to extreme consequences. This vulnerability was proven on October 2005 when an earthquake measuring 7. 6 on the rector scale had hit 9 districts in Kheyber Pakhtunkhuwa and Azad Jammu Kashmir killing over 72,000 people and destroying over 4,00,000 houses. Pakistan being an agriculture based country also has fear of droughts. The droughts of 2002 had cost an estimated amount of 2. 5 billion $. Pakistan does not have a lot of reported cyclone hit incidents to stat yet till now roughly fourteen cyclones have been recorded since 1971-2012 which also had damages in a notable amount. When a disaster strikes some area it does not spare any in its way but the most prone and effected people are the ones who belong to small communities. Their segregation and exclusion in to small communities might be due to the false and holistic systems present in our social circles bases on ethnic, religious or class based values in the current society. Further on these segregated segments are marked as poor or minorities. However these small communities are most vulnerable when a disaster strikes. The level of their vulnerability increases in the post disaster scenario. There are many factors behind the vulnerability which have horrific outcomes for these small communities as a result. I would like to discuss on a few factors which in my view point are the important factors and causes of the increased vulnerability of these small communities. Poverty is one of the most fundamental causes which results in increased level of vulnerability of small communities. Their lack of access to resources leads to the lack of capacity in dealing with a disaster. An estimate made in 2005 states that around 22. 6% of the total population lives under the poverty line in the country, further on 40% of the total urban population lives in slums. The economic situation in the country is not very stable and due to this inflation is widespread in the country leading to income volatility. In circumstances where poverty is present in the society at such a high scale, it gets difficult to make ends meet, fighting against a disaster is a question that does not even comes in to the context. Poor construction practices also result in the increase in the vulnerability of the small communities. Due to poverty still in many villages people build their houses out of mud. This is not a strong structure. At the time of a disastrous event such structures can prove not to be very resistant. Similarly in urban areas as mentioned above a large number of people live in slums which are again not a very resilient structure in case of disasters. There are no proper code and conducts devised by the government authorities to tackle with this issue. Such conditions increase the vulnerability of the small groups present in Pakistan. Weak early warning system is a problem present in many developing countries. Pakistan being a developing country also has this problem where due to the lack of resources and technology many disasters cannot be predicted on time. Due to this it gets hard to estimate the damage level and the intensity of the disaster beforehand. It also gets hard to make a relief plan or mitigation strategies to minimize the effects of the disaster. Remoteness and isolation is another factor which is caused by the cultural and social barriers due to which majority of the small communities are effected as they are segregated and isolated from the society. Remoteness can be taken in to two different means one is the social exclusion factor the other can be the nature of their inhabitant area which might geographically be landlocked by nature. In either ways their isolation can be a factor that can lead small communities in to a more vulnerable situation. Infrastructure can also play a role in increasing the vulnerability of small communities. If we take the area of Southern Punjab as in example the area consists of the rural side of the country and agriculture is their main source of employment, the place also has a history of floods related disasters in the past. Due to lack of proper roads etc it might get hard for people to evacuate even if the disaster as been predicted beforehand. The people from strong communities have means of transportation by which they can get to safety with ease on the other hand the poor and small communities don’t get a chance to evacuate from the danger zone. Awareness programs and education about strategies to counter disasters is a phenomenon which is not present in the current society. The floods of 2012 could be held in account as evidence of this acquisition as many of the rural poor were displaced as majority of their assets were destroyed and many lives lost. If people were given proper education about strategies to deal with the disaster as it was an area with high risk the amount of loss might have been reduced. Lack of community participation is also an important factor as due to exclusion, factions are produced in the society due to barriers they do not tend to interact with the weaker segments of the society. Their lack of communication and participation creates a divide and due to which the vulnerability is increased in the smaller communities at the time of crisis. Limited capacity and coordination between various governmental and nongovernmental agencies. This might occur due to the meager means of resistance available or mismanagement on behalf of the agencies. Corruption also has a role to play in this situation where the rights of the small communities are usurped by the larger or more power full factions of the society. This corruption could give rise to mistrust between the state and non state actors trying to fight against the disaster. As they don’t unite therefore their power is also diminished. Religious/Ethnic biases can also lead to disasters as small minorities are at stake. Due to quarrels and other means of violence threat to their assets and lives increases their vulnerability. Similarly in civil conflicts the small and less powerful communities are the ones which are at the high risk level due to their openness to danger. Rapid Urbanization as societies become more and more modern day by day the process of urbanization also increases. In search of reaching to an industrial society as it brings more and more recourses to increase the level and quality of life it also brings along some negative aspects out of which greed is most prominent. Today man has become so greedy that it does not care that what effects his voyage to success might have on others. Rapid Industrialization is also having its negative effects on the environment which will eventually lead to severe consequences as global warming. At the same time rapid urbanization means the extinction of forests and other natural resources. As majority of the small communities cannot afford to live at the core hence the are pushed to the outer circle of the area where there might be a non availability of basic necessities of lives leading to various epidemics for example due to lack of sanitation facilities or making them live in to disaster prone areas due to deforestation leading to earth quakes, landslides and floods. To conclude I would state that the above mentioned factors are some of many which evolve in our social system. What so ever is the cause of the disaster event either it is manmade, natural in nature it is the small communities which are affected the most. Social, political, armed conflicts, hazards all in total increase the vulnerability of small communities. Steps are to be taken in to account to eradicate this in justice from our society as this may lead to social unrest or may have even more bizarre outcomes on the community as a whole.

Pathogenesis and Course of AIDS

Pathogenesis and Course of AIDS Title: Give a detailed account of the pathogenesis and course of AIDS. Undergraduate Degree Level Essay 2,500 words   The study of HIV / AIDS is a vast topic and the literature on the subject fills many volumes. In this essay therefore we propose to take an overview of some of the most current views and developments in the field with particular emphasis on the pathophysiology of HIV / AIDS In 1997 the World Health Organisation gave the assessment that since HIV / AIDS had been recognised, over 11.7 million people had died of the condition world wide and at the time of publication 30 million more were thought to be infected with 16.000 new infections occurring daily. Current predictions estimate that at the current rate of infection 55 million will have died by 2010. (Greek R et al 2002) Perhaps the most worrying of all of these gargantuan statistics was the fact that of the 30 million infected, 27 million were thought to be unaware of their condition. Quite apart form the devastation the disease causes on a personal basis, the vast majority of those infected are young adults which has enormous implications for the social structure of their communities. (Graham B S 1998) Pathophysiology of the condition As we have implied earlier, the volume of work relating to the pathophysiology of HIV / AIDS is enormous, in this essay we therefore intend to â€Å"cherry-pick† a number of selected topics and discuss them in some detail. The implications of genetics in both the acquisition of HIV and the subsequent development of AIDS is a rapidly expanding field. The interaction between virus and host is a multifaceted and extremely complex one. From the point of infection onwards there is usually a significant HIV viraemia even though in the early stages, the patient may be completely asymptomatic. It is known that the degree of virus replication is directly related to the degree of T-cell depletion and equally correlates with progression of the disease process. It would therefore appear that HIV induces symptomatic disease process by replicating in, and subsequently destroying, CD4 and T-cells thereby weakening the immune system. (Stilianakis NI et al 1997), .Different hosts and indeed different genotypes of hosts (see on) have differing patterns of disease expression. CD4 and T-cell levels are rapidly diminished in the early stages of the disease but are not restored by effective anti-viral therapy if given later in the disease. (Littman D R 1998) One area of obvious interest is in those who appear to survive with HIV for a longer than average time before it progresses to AIDS. A study by Dean (M et al 1995) proved to be seminal in this area, with a prospective study of nearly 2,000 men. The authors considered the status of CCR5 genotype and its relation to the likelihood of disease progression. The paper is both long an detailed, but provides a strong evidence base for further research (Berwick D 2005). In essence, the main findings of the paper were that most people have two normal alleles for the CCR5 gene, but 1 in 7 has one mutant allele (technically 32bp deletion), which means that they still have one normal allele (heterozygous genotype). 1 in 100 have two mutant alleles. The rates of mutation are highly racially specific ranging from 11% in Caucasians to The significant finding in the study was that none of the 1,300 HIV +ve people in the study had the homozygous mutation, 15% of the HIV +ve had the heterozygous genotype, so the heterozygous genotype clearly does not protect against infection, but the significant difference is that the average transition time from HIV to AIDS for the homozygous man was 10 years whereas the average transition time for the heterozygous genotype was 13 years. Possibly even more significant is the fact that of the 17 people in the entry cohort who were homozygous for the mutation and in the high risk of infection group, none of them had contracted HIV. It would therefore appear that the CCR5 mutation plays some critical role early in the primary stages of HIV infection since it appears that HIV infection can be blocked if a functioning version of this receptor is not present. During the later stages of the infection it would appear that other co-receptors (the CXCR4 has been implicated) can take over the role as the properties of the virus evolve within the host. (McMichael A 1998). On this basis some authors have suggested a classification taxonomy that differentiates HIV virus sub-types on the basis of their CCR5 receptor affinity. (Berger E A et al 1998). It would appear that the viruses eventually evolve into the R5X4 (in this classification) type which allows them to eventually produce the full blown AIDS syndrome. The absence of one working CCR5 allele simply retards the evolutionary progress. (Chan DC et al 1998), This is in congruity with other pathophysiological observations. For example, it is already known that the influenza virus enhances the CXCR4 dependent HIV infection. It is thought that the pathway of influenza infection activates the CD4 and T- lymphocytes which, in turn utilise the CXCR4 co-receptors on the cell. This activation would therefore appear to increase the potential number of HIV target cells in an individual which would clearly accelerate viral spreading. (AIDS RU 1998). In the same way, syphilis is known to be an active agent in increasing CCR5 expression and is also known to be a strong predisposing factor for the overall HIV risk whereas it does not induce CXCR4 (Lafeuillade A et al 1997), From our considerations thus far it is clear that the pathophysiology of the HIV infection revolves around the build up (replication) of the HIV virus in the CD4 and T-cells. This is not an immediate process as new T-cells are being produced (albeit from a progressively dwindling stock) of non-infected bone marrow stem cells. (Greek R et al 2002) Why are there a number of specific AIDS-defining diseases? This is a vast area in its own right. The presence of HIV in a T-cell does not immediately destroy the cell, but alters its function. Each T cell has a number of receptor areas determined by the V region of the receptor gene, and these determine the subclass (and specificity) of the T-cell itself . Each sub-type has specific receptor sequences that allow it to recognise a broad spectrum of histocompatibility complexes. (Hecht F M et al 1998) The HIV presence alters the expression of the V site region and thereby allows certain pathogens to be sub-optimally challenged (Connors M et al 1997). It is the nature of HIV infection that specific colonies (or sub-types) of CD4 T-cells are depleted before others are altered. This translates clinically into the situation where certain pathogens ( viz. Pneumocystis carinii, Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, and cytomegalovirus. ) can be present, virtually unchallenged even though the T-cell population may be apparently quite active. Typically the reservoir of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes may remain skewed despite the overall apparent adequacy of circulating T-cells. (Nosik M N et al 2002), Alongside this altered state of immunity a number of other immune-related phenomenon can be seen including some types of autoimmunity and AIDS-related malignancies including squamous cell carcinoma of skin, testicular cancer, myeloma, Hodgkins disease. Some investigators have recently demonstrated a statistically very significant relationship between a profound immunodeficiency state (with marked CD4 depletion) and the development of a non-Hodgkins lymphoma, presumably by a similar mechanism. (Voulgaropoulou et al. 1999) Aggressive anti-viral therapy has been partially successful in reducing the frequency of malignancies such as Kaposis sarcoma and B cell lymphomas. Study of these progressive â€Å"blind spots† in the T-cell’s response mechanisms suggest that a diversity of the T-cell receptor V genes can be re-established in patients with an undetectable viraemia for longer than a six month period, which is strongly suggestive of the fact that regeneration of uninfected (or immuno-protected) naà ¯ve precursors is possible with aggressive therapy. (Connors M et al 1997), There is an overall increase in the incidence of AIDS-related malignancies. This is not thought to be due to any new or progressive evolution of the HIV virus, but mainly due to the development of new and more effective antiretroviral therapies together with more efficient prophylaxis for opportunistic infections which is allowing the HIV / AIDS patient to survive for longer in the immunodeficient state. Treatment We do not intend to present any detail relating to specific treatments for HIV / AIDS but will make a few general comments. A current pressing question for clinicians is â€Å"can antiretroviral therapy ever be safely stopped?† The current generations of protease inhibitors that are combined with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are capable of reducing viraemia to undetectable levels. (Jordan R et al 2002), Clinical experience suggests that as soon as treatment is stopped, viraemia tends to rapidly recur at pre-treatment levels. This strongly suggests an ability of the HIV to enter a latent phase or to remain in immunoprivilleged sites (such as the testes and central nervous system). Like most retro-viruses, the HIV has the ability to integrate its DNA into the host genome even though it may remain transcriptionally dormant and thereby avoid cellular detection and apoptosis until it enters its replication cycle (Wei X et al 1995), It is difficult to draw specific conclusions from a presentation such as this as the overriding impression that one gets from any examination of the literature on the subject is both the speed and the diversity of the research that is currently being undertaken world-wide. There appear to be two main thrusts as far as research is concerned. One is the development of new antiretroviral and immunoactive therapeutic measures to try to combat the pathophysiology of the disease process itself, the other is the search for a vaccine which would ultimately be the â€Å"holy grail† in this particular pandemic. (Malegapuru W et al 2002) One of the main stumbling blocks as far as vaccine development is concerned is the difficulty in targeting the antigenicity of the frequently changing immunological profile of the HIV. (Musey L et al 1997). Considerable interest has been shown in the persistently sero-negative partners of sero-positive patients who have been frequently found to have a specific ability to produce interleukin 2 from peripheral mononuclear cells together with the detectable presence of HIV specific IgA in mucosal secretions. (Mazzoli S et al 1997), Many vaccine research projects are currently exploring the avenue of designing vaccines which have the potential to stimulate and produce HIV-specific CD8 cytotoxic T-cell responses to the HIV. Initial primate studies suggest that prevention of infection at a mucosal site (as opposed to parenteral infection) is actually possible as mucosal infection is relatively inefficient and only a small number of HIV virons are likely to be involved. (Matano T et al 1998). Phase one clinical trials have been undertaken in this regard already but with disappointing results as the immunogenic responses that have been engendered are 5-10 times lower than those produced by HIV infection with a comparatively short half-life. (Mugerwa R D et al 2002). There are a number of approaches with recombinant viral entities of various types which have also met with limited success Currently it would appear that vaccine candidates can manage to induce CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses with killing activity across different strains which can last a significant length of time, but they are yet unable to induce neutralising antibody with activity against typical transmitted HIV virus. (Lenzer J 2003) References AIDS RU 1998 AIDS research updates. Science 1998; 280: 1856-1894 Berger E A et al 1998 Nature 391:240, 1998 Berwick D 2005 Broadening the view of evidence-based medicine Qual. Saf. Health Care, Oct 2005; 14: 315 316. Chan DC, Kim PS. 1998 HIV entry and its inhibition. Cell 1998; 93: 681-684 Connors M, Kovacs J, Krevat S, Gea-Banacloche JC, Sneller MC, Flanigan M, et al. 1997 HIV infection induces changes in CD4+ T-cell phenotype and depletions within the CD4+ T-cell repertoire that are not immediately restored by antiviral or immune-based therapies. Nature Med 1997; 3: 533-540 Dean M. et al 1996 Science 273:1857, 1996 Finzi D, Siliciano RF. 1998 Viral dynamics in HIV-1 infection. Cell 1998; 93: 665-671 Graham B S 1998 Science, medicine, and the future: Infection with HIV-1 BMJ, Nov 1998; 317: 1297 1301 Greek R, Pandora Pound, and Nancy L Haigwood 2002 Animal studies and HIV research BMJ, Jan 2002; 324: 236 ; Hecht FM, Grant RM, Petropoulos CJ, Dillon B, Chesney MA, Tian H, et al. 1998 Sexual transmission of an HIV-1 variant resistant to multiple reverse-transcriptase and protease inhibitors. N Engl J Med 1998; 339: 307-311 Jordan R, Lisa Gold, Carole Cummins, and Chris Hyde 2002 Systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence for increasing numbers of drugs in antiretroviral combination therapy BMJ, Mar 2002; 324: 757 ; Lafeuillade A, Poggi C, Tamalet C, Profizi N. 1997 Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 dynamics in different lymphoid tissue compartments. J Infect Dis 1997; 175: 804-806. Lenzer J 2003 Claim that smallpox vaccine protects against HIV is premature, say critics BMJ, Sep 2003; 327: 699 ; Littman D R 1998 Chemokine receptors: keys to AIDS pathogenesis? Cell 1998 May 29;93(5):677-80. Malegapuru W, Makgoba, Nandipha Solomon, and Timothy Johan Paul Tucker 2002 Science, medicine, and the future: The search for an HIV vaccine BMJ, Jan 2002; 324: 211 213 ; Matano T, Shibata R, Siemon C, Connors M, Lane HC, Martin MA. 1998 Administration of an anti-CD8 monoclonal antibody interferes with the clearance of chimeric simian/human immunodeficiency virus during primary infections of rhesus macaques. J Virol 1998; 72: 164-169 Mazzoli S, Trabattoni D, Lo Caputo S, Piconi S, Ble C, Meacci F, et al.1997 HIV-specific mucosal and cellular immunity in HIV-seronegative partners of HIV-seropositive individuals. Nature Med 1997; 3: 1250-1257 McMichael A. 1998 T cell responses and viral escape. Cell 1998; 93: 673-676 Mugerwa R D, Pontiano Kaleebu, Peter Mugyenyi, Edward Katongole-Mbidde, David L Hom, Rose Byaruhanga, Robert A Salata, and Jerrold J Ellner 2002 First trial of the HIV-1 vaccine in Africa: Ugandan experience BMJ, Jan 2002; 324: 226 229 ; Musey L, Hughes J, Schacker T, Shea T, Corey L, McElrath MJ. 1997 Cytotoxic-T-cell responses, viral load, and disease progression in early human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. N Engl J Med 1997; 337: 1267-1274 Nosik M N, Matsevich G R 2002 HIV-1 chemokine receptors and their role in the pathogenesis of AIDS Vopr Virusol. 2002 Jan-Feb;47(1):4-8. Stilianakis NI, Dietz K, and Schenzle D, 1997, Analysis of a model for the pathogenesis of AIDS Mathematical Biosciences, 145, 27-46 Voulgaropoulou et al. 1999 Distinct Human Immunodeficiency Virus Strains in the Bone Marrow Are Associated with the Development of Thrombocytopenia, J Virol 1999 Apr;73(4):3497-504 Wei X, Ghosh SK, Taylor ME, Johnson VA, Emini EA, Deutsch P, et al.1995 Viral dynamics in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. Nature 1995; 373: 117-122 ############################################################# 17.3.06 PDG Word count 2,514

Andrew Jackson Essay -- American History, Politics

Andrew Jackson rose from humble beginnings to become the seventh President of the United States in 1828. Jackson’s rise in popularity and power coincided with the prevailing rise of democracy in America. While President Jackson was one of the most influential presidents in history he remains one of the most controversial. During Jackson’s administration he supported the will of the people, however he neglected the minority and abused his power as president. President Andrew Jackson was appropriately designated as the â€Å"People’s President† as he personifies America’s conflicted history of democracy. There were a number of social and economic changes occurring in the Union in the 1800s that produced the ideal environment for Andrew Jackson’s rise to power. The new market economy was â€Å"producing a more stratified, unequal society, at the same time the nations politics were becoming more democratic.† (Davidson p.207) The Panic of 1819 led to America’s first major depression. (Davidson p.201) Many Americans believed that the depression was caused by the policies and corruption in the federal government and the national bank. In turn, Americans called for equal opportunity and â€Å"agreed that one primary objective of government was to safeguard opportunity.† (Davidson p.207) Thus the new market economy and call for equal opportunity led to increased democracy and voter participation. The 1824 election only fueled the public suspicions of government corruption further. The House of Representatives had decided the 1824 election since no candidate had a majority in the Electoral College, despite Jackson having won the popular vote. When Henry Clay, Speaker of the House of Representatives used his political influence and declare... ...the timing of his presidency, the increase of democracy and his beliefs that were shared by the American peoples that elevated him to the â€Å"People’s President.† One could argue that Jackson did not deserve the title because he failed to serve â€Å"all people†. America exists because of the sacrifices by all the people, the Native Americans, the African slaves; the European white settler all played a significant part to the development of the nation. During the Jackson administration discrimination against blacks and Indian deepened and increased. The numbers of slaves grew and the Indians were forced from their lands, again. All these actions by Jackson in reflection are horrific crimes against humanity but they also contributed to developing the nation, as it exists today. History has shaped America, we can not change the past we can hopefully learn from it.

God-forsaken areas Essay

What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had in the field – such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities – and what you have gained from your involvement I am an international student and I have been exposed to a variety of cultures. I am from Hong Kong but I came to study in the United States. My other dealings exposed me to other unique cultures. The US also has a diverse set of students which further gave me exposure to different cultural backgrounds. This exposure to unique cultures developed my interest in global studies. This is also one of the main reasons why I have chosen to pursue global studies as my intended major. Since I am an international student, I have realized that globalization is important as it would make the entire world seem like a single country. I believe globalization will benefit everyone. When I was rendering community service with the AGS, I realized that with globalization, we could reach out to more people in God-forsaken areas. Poor countries that do not have an abundant supply of necessary resources will have greater access to the international market. Poor countries in Africa and Asia can be aided by prosperous countries in other parts of the world. This is possible with globalization. Globalization would also help to improve relationships between countries and therefore improve the global economy. I want to study the effects of globalization as it has different social, industrial, economic, political, financial, as well as cultural implications. I believe those who oppose globalization are afraid of change. Much of the world is afraid of change but change is not always bad. Usually, it is for the better. Let us say, a poor African country is in need of food while another more prosperous European country is in need of raw materials. With free trade because of globalization, these two countries can open their markets to each other without having to pay additional taxes. This is better for their people. The African country can trade food for raw materials. In this kind of setting, there is mutual relationship between the two countries, thus, this is good globalization. Globalization would also lead to better flow of information and this is already manifested in the Internet, which is considered as a tool for globalization. The Internet creates a singular cyber world that is overflowing with information. I strongly believe that globalization will pave the way for the world to be more successful. I want to further understand the implications of globalization. Globalization may be good in my own view but there are still some things about it that I do not understand. Pursuing global studies will allow me to understand this in a brighter concept. It would also allow me to identify the negative effects of globalization. I know that globalization has negative sides since a lot since a lot of people are against it. I would like to possess the knowledge to help identify and even eliminate the negative effects of globalization. I believe I can greatly aid the society this way. Prompt #2: Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud, and how does it relate to the person you are? As a student, I experiences some hard times because of several personal circumstances. But what I am very proud of is that I always made progress after such trying times. I was just 18 when I came to Los Angeles to study and because I had to make certain adjustments, particularly because the language used as a medium instruction was different since I am from Hong Kong. On my first semester, I received a D on my Economics class. I was not satisfied so I worked harder. I retook the subject the following semester and my hard work paid off as I received an A for my grade. All this I did because of careful planning. In my Anthropology class, I received a W mark as I was unable to religiously follow my schedule as I was diagnosed with kidney infection. I had to make regular visits to the doctor and the pain sometimes made me unable to attend class. Now that I am better, I plan to retake this subject in the winter. And with nothing else in my way, I can handle it to the best of my abilities and I am confident that I will get an excellent mark because I am determined. Also, even as I have experiences some hard times, I still maintain a very good GPA of 3. 75. I always tend to excel in my studies and even as I experience some trying times, I have always made an effort to recuperate. My undying resolve coupled with careful planning is an aspect that I believe contributes greatly to my success. I believe that this same aspect will allow me to be successful in any path that I take. When I fail a task, I always try again and I always do my best to achieve the best results. This has not failed me yet. Whenever, I put my mind to it, I always achieve great things. Of course, this does not only mean that one needs to be determined to be successful. One needs to carefully plan everything to pave the way for success. Planning is critical. It is important to develop this skill even as a student as one can surely make use of this very effective skill in his/her professional career. Planning allowed me to balance between my studies and my other dealings. Academics are important but one must remember that studying is not just about academics. I have always been involved in extra-curricular activities. This way, I can enjoy student life and not treat it as a burden like many students do. Also, one must carefully plan and develop study habits since this is important for a student. For me, this is important so that I will have enough time to attend to other matters aside from academics. I always try to sneak in some form of leisure like going out with friends or just relaxing. When faced with a problem, I analyze everything carefully in order that I could make an informed decision. Every decision that I make is an informed decision. This is the person that I am; I never let anything get out of hand through careful planning. And with my undying resolve, there is nothing that I could not accomplish.

Managment Diversity

?WORKPLACE DIVERSITY Introduction In modern times, diversity management has been brought to the forefront of organisational issues due to factors such as globalisation and the emerging cultural and individual differences that emerge as a result of this diverse world. The purpose of this paper will be to explore the topic of diversity as it relates to the workplace by discussing perspectives from union groups and HRM practitioners and to investigate the barriers to workplace diversity. Through the discussion, the advantages of diversity will be discussed with an emphasis on the implications for the HR function of the organisation. Overview Workplace diversity relates to the presence of differences among members of the workforce (D’Netto & Sohal, 1999). By creating a diverse workforce organisations are able to tap the ideas, creativity, and potential contributions inherent in a diverse workforce (Aghazadeh, 2004). Diversity in the workplace includes culture, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, physical abilities, social class, age, socio-economic status, and religion (Sadri & Tran, 2002). These individual characteristics shape an individual’s perception about their environment and how they communicate (Kramar, 1998). Organisations can approach diversity is three differing ways: affirmative action, valuing diversity and managing diversity. Affirmative action attempts to monitor and control diversity in an organisation and in doing so senior management can affect the hiring and promotion of individuals (Sadri & Tran, 2002. ) An organisation assumes new individuals or groups will adapt to the norms of the organisation, and will not resist due to fears of reverse discrimination (Sadri and Tran, 2002). Valuing diversity can allow an organisation can focus of the benefits of the differences, therefore developing an environment where all individuals are valued and accepted (Sadri & Tran, 2002). Those members who feel valued to their organisation tend to be harder working, more involved and innovative (Agahazadeh, 2004). Valuing Diversity can affect employees’ attitudes positively, however resistance can be experienced due to a fear of change and individuals discomfort with differences (Sadri & Tran, 2002. ) Finally, managing diversity is when organisations build pecific skills and create policies which obtain the best values of each employee, which will create new ways of working together (Sadri & Tran, 2002). It will provide an opportunity for organisations to manage a workforce which emphasises both organisational and individual performance, whilst still acknowledging individual needs (Kramar, 1998). Although diversity has always existed in organisations, individuals tend to repress their diversity in order to conform to the norms of the organisation and fit into the stereotype of the typical employee (Kramar, 1998). Mismanagement of diversity as a result of unfavourable treatment can inhibit employees working abilities and motivation, which can lead to a lowered job performance (Aghazadeh, 2004). If an environment works well for employees, diversity will work against the organisation, hence the lack of an enabling environment (Kramar, 1998). These fundamental components of workplace diversity can be further viewed through the varying perspectives of union groups, HRM professionals and organisations. PERSPECTIVES AND RATIONALES ON WORKPLACE DIVERSITY From a union perspective Historically the role of unions concentrated mainly on the fight for higher wages, shorter hours and better working conditions. However in recent years a shift has occurred to fighting rights for a diverse workforce (Barrile & Cameron, 2004). Management aims to maximise the contribution of all staff to work towards organisational objectives through forming guiding teams for diversity, training to improve languages and celebrating success. Unions however, implement diversity differently (Barrile & Cameron, 2004). A feminine approach to leadership has been undertaken to broaden a diverse representation. For instance, under the management of CEO Brian Schwartz, Ernst & Young Australia has doubled the number of female partners to ten per cent, made changes to a ‘blokey’ culture and introduced a women’s leadership forum, among other initiatives (Robbins, Bergmann, Coulter & Stagg, 2006). Women union leaders tie diversity in leadership to long-term union survival, articularly in light of the impact that diversity has on organising successes and increased visibility of unions to potential female members. Most of these leaders expressed a â€Å"sense of urgency† about the need to advance women and saw continuing barriers that prevented women from entering and remaining in top positions (Mellor et al. , 2003). To overcome such barriers implementations such as commitment to advancing women in the work force and supporting internal structures to activate women have been undertaken by union’s worldwide (Melcher, Eichstedt, Eriksen, Clawson, 1992). Unions have officially recognised caucuses or other groups that permit people of different colour, including women, to discuss issues of concern within their union as well as in the larger workplace and community (Mellor et al. , 2003). Unions have provided mentoring and leadership training programs. Efforts undertaken by unions to foster diversity have resulted visible changes at all levels of leadership. The remaining task is to make those changes bigger and more permanent. The fact that there is more to do does not mean there is failure; it simply means reinforcing longstanding labour movement commitments to dignity, justice and equal opportunity for all working people (Melcher, Eichstedt, Eriksen, Clawson, 1992). Building on the rationale provided by different union groups, HR practitioners also recognise the importance of promoting a diverse workplace and recognise the impact on business goals. From an HRM perspective There are many HRM perspectives that relate to diversity management in organisations. Most of these HRM perspectives lead towards the contention that a successful diversity management policy can lead to a more competitive, functional organisation. In light of the perspectives and rationales discussed in the HRM literature, there a range of implications for HR managers concerning diversity in the workplace. Management of diversity relates to equal employment opportunity, but effective diversity management goes beyond the basic requirements of an equal opportunity workplace (Barrile & Cameron, 2004). It is important for HR to determine an effective diversity management policy to be able to encourage a more iverse workplace. The most important job for senior HR managers is to consider how diversity will benefit the organisation and how to define its role in the context of the organisation (Kreitz, 2008). An organisation’s diversity policy should aim to establish an heterogeneous workforce that is able to work to its full capacity in an environment where no member, or for that matter group of members, have an advantage or disadvantage based on their individual differences (Torres & Bruxelles, 1992, as cited in D’Netto & Sohal, 1999). In exercising their role, HR managers must constantly apply the principles of diversity in order to maximise and sustain the benefits of a diverse workforce. This means HR managers need to be able to link recruitment, selection, development and retention policies to the overall diversity policy of the organisation (Yakura, 1996). Furthermore, the aforementioned should be carried out with a direct link to the overall business goals, the various shifts in the labour market as well as the more contemporary effects of globalisation (Cunningham & Green, 2007). There are three initiatives that an organisation should utilise to increase the efficiency of its diversity policy. Firstly, there is a need for HR, when recruiting, to increase the representation in the workplace of historically excluded groups (Conrad & Linnehan, 1995). Secondly, the diverse workforce needs to have the necessary empowerment to influence, or at least have input to organisational decision making (Cunningham & Green, 2007). More strategic implications for diversity management exist that recognise the emergence of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM). Such implications include building diversity strategies into an overall future success plan, integrating diversity practices with senior management practices and encouraging career development opportunities for all employees (Cunningham & Green, 2007). Ultimately, managing diversity should promote competitive edge in the organisation by recruiting the most appropriate people for the job regardless of their perceived differences (D’Netto & Sohal, 1999). From an organisational perspective: ANZ and Westpac ANZ Bank has responded to the common trends of the Australian workforce with programs to attract and retain a diverse environment that reflects their customer base (ANZ, 2008). An organisation is focused on creating an inclusive culture where all employees are able to contribute, as they believe that diversity and inclusion are essential for high business performance (ANZ, 2008). By managing diversity within the organisation, ANZ is provided with the best talent and a wide variety of experience to achieve success within a global workforce. Similarly, Westpac is determined to enable a diverse workforce that reflects their customers (Westpac, 2008). Westpac has created a culture that understands values and utilises the differences within people, where people can achieve success without encountering bias or being harassed because of gender, race or disability (Westpac, 2008). Both organisations have made efforts to create a diverse working environment through varying HRM practices. For example, HRM within ANZ created the â€Å"My Difference† survey which surveyed more than 13, 500 employees (ANZ, 2008). Within this survey, HR is able to develop a demographic snapshot of the workforce and gather feedback on how their employees perceive diversity and inclusion within the organisation. ANZ also founded the Diversity Council, which introduces policies and sponsors events to create a more inclusive culture (ANZ, 2008). The council attempts to increase awareness by supporting events like International Women’s’ Day and Disability Awareness Week (ANZ, 2008). HR in both organisations has implemented a range of human resource strategies. Disability awareness, plans in both companies outline strategies to increase support and inclusion for customers and staff of the organisation, which include premises being wheelchair accessible (Westpac, 2008; ANZ, 2008). Westpac is also partnered with Disability Works Australia to recruit people with disability to remain a balanced environment (Westpac, 2008). Secondly, to promote age balance, mature age employees are offered flexible working conditions to suit their changing lifestyle (ANZ, 2008). Culturally both banks have planned to help indigenous Australians improve their wellbeing and money management skills. ANZ celebrates cultural diversity by holding â€Å"Annual Cultural Week† (ANZ, 2008). Westpac reflects different cultures by employing members who are able to speak different languages to better understand the customers (Westpac, 2008). To promote flexibility, Westpac has different job designs for individuals’ circumstances, including versatile working hours, job sharing abilities, the ability to work from home, to have career breaks and paid parental leave and affordable childcare at work (Westpac, 2008). On a wider rganisational level, ANZ and Westpac both face a number of popular trends that continue to change the Australian workforce. These include the Australian population becoming increasingly more ethically diverse with 23% of the population born overseas (ANZ, 2008). The population is also ageing and is predicted that in 43 years around 25% of Australia’s population will be aged 65 year or older and the number of women in the workforce has increased from 40% in 1979 to 53% in 2004 (ANZ, 2008). Based upon the actions taken by ANZ and Westpac in this regard, organisations are recognising the benefits of a diverse workplace. The strategies by both companies to increase the representation of women in the workforce, as well as increasing the representation of diverse others, corresponds with the views of both union and non-governmental organisations as well as the perspectives provided through the HRM literature. BARRIERS TO WORKPLACE DIVERSITY Diversity within an organisation can be difficult and expensive to accomplish. Substantial barriers exist in both overcoming laws related to workplace diversity, the actual process of implementing it within an organisation and also the internal characteristics of the individual. The current legislation related to workplace diversity essentially creates an environment in which employers cannot recruit purely on the basis of a desired attribute. The main acts concerned are the Racial Discrimination Act (1975), the Sex Discrimination Act (1984), the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act (1984), the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act (1991), the Disability Discrimination Act (1991) and the Workplace Relations Act (1996) (Williams, 2001. These laws essentially shape a scenario for employees where if a desired attribute is sought after, the job must be made appealing to that particular group of people without impairing the opportunity for any other group to obtain the position under the requirements of the legislation. An example of this is Westpac’s initiative to entice more women into their workforce by implementing training programs relating to gender differences in communication and career progression (Westpac, 2008 . ) However, once a company like Westpac overcomes these hurdles, there are still many practical ssues that need to be addressed on an organisational level. If a diversity program is unlikely to be profitable it will not be implemented (Bilimoria, Joy, & Liang, 2008). The monetary benefits (such as new customers, better culture and strategic advantage) involved in implementing such diversity need to outweigh the costs (gaining diversity at the expense of skill) involved in pursuing it. The HR department within the organisation has a difficult task in convincing senior management that a diversity program can be beneficial to the organisation (D’Netto & Sohal, 1999). The argument often provided by senior management against workplace diversity is that it is disruptive to productivity and causes imbalance in the workplace (D’Netto & Sohal, 1999). As a result, the HR function need to be able to present the many advantages of diversity, and provide strong strategic reasoning to ensure that an effective diversity management is implemented. An organisation may also have barriers imbedded in their practices, culture and policies (Bilimoria, Joy, & Liang, 2008). Resolving these issues has benefits for both the legality of the operating of the organisation and the multiplicity of their workforce. If senior management participated in only male orientated social events, such as attending the football, it may alienate women who generally may not participate in such events. Policy can also break both legality and potential for diversity by enforcing requirements such as 10 years continual service to an organisation in order to receive promotion into senior management. This continual service factor discriminates against women who are likely to have children, as it will exclude many from the opportunity to obtain the job. However, it is the individual differences within each person that provide the biggest challenge to achieving diversity. Individual differences amongst people are a major hurdle to workplace diversity, as most people feel comfortable when working in homogeneous groups (Kreitz, 2008). The presence of diverse others places employees outside of their comfort zone and makes people resist embracing the presence of others. Furthermore, research by Kreitz (2008) shows that humans, and organisations as well, are in nature highly resistant to change, further complicating the successful implementation of diversity. Another individual, and highly problematic, barrier to diversity is the language barrier that exists to culturally diverse others. This prevents, and in some cases discourages, the full integration of cultural differences within organisations (Kreitz, 2008). Diversity is clearly beneficial to the organisation. Managing diversity should involve utilising the cultural differences in people’s skills and embracing the diverse range of ideas and skills that exist in a diverse workplace in order to ultimately give the organisation a competitive edge. Benefits to diversity clearly outweigh the costs and evident advantages to workplace diversity are supported by various union groups and HRM practitioners. In order to be successful, diversity must be implemented within a strict legal framework and overcome hurdles relating to the practices and policies of organisations, as well as internal, individual barriers. REFERENCES Aghazadeh, SM 2004, ‘Managing workforce diversity as an essential resource for improving organizational performance’, International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 3, no. 6, pp. 1-6 ANZ 2008, viewed 10 September , 2008, http://www. anz. com Australian Bureau of Statistics 2008, viewed 10 September, 2008, http://www. abs. gov. au Barrile, S & Cameron, T 2004, Business Management: Corporate management, people and change. Macmillan Education, Melbourne, VIC. Bilimoria, D, Joy, S, & Liang, X 2008, ‘Breaking barriers and creating inclusiveness: Lessons of organizational transf ormation to advance women faculty in academic science and engineering’, Human Resource Management, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 423-441 Cox Jr. T & Blake, S 1991, ‘Managing cultural diversity: implications for organizational competitiveness’. Academy of Management Executive , vol. 5, no. 3,pp. 45-56. Cunningham, DD & Green, D 2007, ‘Diversity as a Competitive Strategy in the Workplace’ Journal of Practical Consulting, vol. 1, no. 2, pp 51-55. D’Netto, B & Sohal, A 1999, ‘Human resources practices and workforce diversity: an empirical assessment’, International Journal of Manpower, vol. 20, no. 8, pp. 530-547. Konrad, A & Linnehan, F 1995, ‘Formalized human resource management tructures: Coordinating equal opportunity or concealing organizational practices’, Academy of Management Journal, No. 38, pp 787 – 820. Kramar, R 1998, ‘Managing diversity: beyond affirmative action in Australia’, Women in Management R eview, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 1-11 Kreitz, PA 2008, ‘Best Practices for Managing Organisational Diversity’ The Journal of Academic Librarianship, vol. 34, no. 2, pp 101-120. Mellor, Steven, Kath, Lisa, Bulger, Carrie, 2003: Bilingualism: Relationships with Willingness to Participate in Union Activities, Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 25 (1): 95-109 Melcher, D. Eichstedt, J. , Eriksen, S. , Clawson, D. , (1992): Women’s Participation in Local Union Leadership: The Massachusetts Experience, Industrial and Labor Relations Review, 45, 267-280 Lepadatu, D &Thompson, T, 2008, viewed 15 September, 2008, http://www. allacademic. com//meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/0/2/2/8/6/pages22860/p22860-1. php Robbins, S, Bergman, R, Stagg, I and Coutler, M 2006, Management, 4th edn, Pearsons Education Australia, NSW. Sadri, G & Tran, H 2002, ‘Managing your diverse workforce through improved communication’, Journal of Management Development, vol. 21, no. , pp. 227-237 Westpac, 2008, viewed 10 September, 2008, http://www. westpac. com. au Westpac. (2008). Diversity and women in management. Viewed 21 September, 2008, http://www. westpac. com. au/Internet/Publish. nsf/content/WICREMCS+Diversity+and+women+in+management Williams, H. (2001). Guidelines on Workplace Diversity. Viewed September 20, 2008,http://www. apsc. gov. au/publications01/diversityguidelines. pdf   Yakura, E 1996, ‘EEO law and managing diversity’, in E Kossek & S Lobel (ed. ), Managing Diversity: Human Resource Strategies for Transforming the Workplace, pp 25 – 30

Piers Plowman

Elyssa-Beth Bender British Literature Dr. Zeiger 14 March 2013 William Langland: Piers Plowman The life of William Langland is a mystery. There is very little known about the man who wrote the Middle English, alliterative poem known as Piers Plowman. I did gather that he was born in the West Midlands around 1330 and may have died in 1386 (William Langland). Though much not can be found on Langland’s life, one can infer that he had many different life experiences in which he may drawn from to write Piers Plowman (Calabrese 123).Whether one looks at the elegant trial of Lady Meed at the King’s court, to impoverished life lived on Piers Plowman’s half-acre. Also the narrator in Piers Plowman seems to indicate that Langland may have been exposed to a higher education (Calabrese 123). There are three different versions of Piers Plowman, known as the A-text, the B-text, and the C-text The A-text is the earliest and shortest of the three versions and is about 2,400 line s long (Greenblatt 297). The B-text is an revision of the A-text in which the original 2,400 lines are still there but turned into a 4,000 line piece of work.During my reading of the B-Text, I found that it was more poetic in its form (Greenblatt 297). What I also found was that the C-text was almost a full revision of the B-Text with not much more added. The A-text seemed to be written in 1370 while the B-text. The C-text may have been written in 1381 during the â€Å"Peasants Revolt of 1382† (William Langland). The opening lines let the reader know what to expect: a man named Will on a religious quest that is set in a dream-like, vision state. He wakes up in Field Full of Folk in the opening scene.It is quite obvious to the reader that Will is a very righteous man as he is described to be wearing â€Å"shroudes as [he] a sheep were, / In habite as an heremite unholy of werkes. † (line 124). This indicates that Will is in clothes made of sheepskin, a symbolic meaning to The Lamb (Calabrese 4). However, it could also make the reader conclude that he may also be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The uncertainty is loathsome. The reader might think, â€Å"Is he good or evil? Will he hurt or help? † (Calabrese 124).The phrase, â€Å"unholy of werkes† seems like Will could be evil, but by the end of the poem, we see that it meant that spiritually Will was only just a child and needed to mature. In continuation with this idea, in the prologue of Piers Plowman, Will is born metaphorically into his vision and faith. In the first passus, Will is confronted by a female named, Holy Church and becomes quickly engaged in learning how to be a good Christian (line 153). Holy Church represents a holy and pure church that is uncorrupted by man (Daegman 274).She is vital for teaching Will the basics of Christianity. I found that her presence was the best way to teach Will the holy and pure way to be a Christian untouched by the corrupt hands of man . She also teaches Will that the body and soul are in constant struggle for power. Holy Church explains that Will must find the balance between physical self and spiritual self lead by the soul; what may be good for one may not be good for the other(line 209). Will must learn at this point what moderation is. Moderation is a vital step of self-control and awareness in Piers Plowman.Will is now faced with a few new characters named, Kynde Wit, who tells him the way of common sense; Reason, who tells him what reason and moderation mean; and Truth expects Will he must be truthful in speech, work, and intent of the heart and soul (700-1235). Before Will could fully comprehend what Truth meant, he need to find out what truth is not: falsity or the character â€Å"Falseness†. After meeting with these characters Will had learned everything they could instill upon him. However, since Will is in a dream-like, vision state, he fears that he will not have the capability to make the righ t decision with his own free will.In his early education with Holy Church, she fails to explain what Falseness means for Will. However in the story of Lady Meed, concept is explained (line 1456- 1729), Lady Meed seems to be the bastard daughter of Falseness and about to be wed to Fals Fikel-tonge (line 1464). â€Å"Whore of Babylon in Revelation,† she is described as, with her magnificent scarlett, silk robes (1468). Lady Meed represents the corruptive influence of money, bribery, prostitution, and is found in every aspect of society. In this story of Lady Meed, she represents good use of money.However, since Lady Meed can be used by anyone, she often falls into the wrong hands and used for corrupt purposes. Lady Meed’s marriage to Fals Fikel-tonge is ceased by Theology, who pursues that the King is the one who should decide whom Lady Meed marries (1475). In the royal court, Lady Meed and her follower voyage off to London at the expense of men of legal authority. The K ing calls upon Conscience for his advice. At this point he swears he will have nothing to do with the evil, wickedness of Lady Mead and her fate is left to the courts (1509). With the advice of Concscience, the King decides to find out what kind of person Lady Mead is.The King decides that the best thing for Lady Mead was to marry Conscience to know where the line is drawn between right and wrong (1534). Though the King’s intentions were in good reason, Lady Mead was known to be easily corrupted. The King believed Conscience was the perfect mate to control Lady Mead and make her submissive to his good morals. However, Conscience explained to the King that this would not be possible because though his morals were pure and righteous, he would soon eventually be consumed by the power of Lady Mead (1547). Since Lady Mead can be easily used by anyone, she os quickly corrupted by those around her.She is accused of corrupting the pardoners who forgive the sins of the common (not of the clergy) people. As we recall back to Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, Pardoners of this time were very ill-willed men who would only accept money and power to pardon the sins of people. This corruption is said to be the work by the hands of Lady Mead. In this part of Piers Plowman, It is the responsibility of the character Penance to steer Will away from the ill-will and corruption of Lady Mead’s influence on the pardoners’ business (1609). Before a marriage with Conscience, Lady Mead discusses her character.While she shows him all the wonderful aspects of her existence, Conscience reminds her of her malevolent ways (1613). It is clear to the King that Conscience is right, however the King is blinded by Lady Mead’s conveyed character of good will. At this point, the King orders Conscience to give her a kiss on the forehead, which is to signify there to be peace between the two characters (1645). However, Conscience would not give her a kiss of peace unless Reason was summoned to asses the pros and cons, essentially, of the situation (1647-49) . The King, a benevolent creature, decides to honor the request of Conscience and summon Reason.The King decides to bring Wrong to the court to defend Lady Mead and convince the King his ways are correct (1664-1672). He believes he should be allowed to bribe his way out of the charges of rape, murder, and theft. Reason snaps back at this and urges for hard punishment to be inflicted on Wrong. The King, swept up by all these testimonies, decides in favor of Reason and Conscience, whom were selected to be his counselors. Wrong is punished and the King’s eyes are now open to Lady Mead’s benevolent aspects. He is no longer naive. At this point, the King’s court has flourished since Conscience and Reason became his advisors.Holy Church explains to Will that Conscience and Reason are two things that every person has within them on some level. She also explains that th e King is not a character that is based on royal heritage. The King is a being that represents the challenges that every common man faces (Burrow 318). Explained even further in an article by J. A Burrow every man faces the challenges of Right and Wrong, and often seeks to find Conscience and Reason in their lives. At this point, the scene fades into the Field Full of Folk once again as Will wakes up and then falls asleep shortly after.Next, Will is confronted with the character of Reason who fashions the wardrobe of a clergymen. He urges Will to repent (2573). After urging Will to confess his sins, he brings out the Seven Deadly Sins. This section of the story where Reason speaks to each of the seven and teaches Will that if he lives with The Seven Deadly Sins in his life, he will never find salvation. The next section starts with the Will waking up briefly from the vision and reflecting on his experience so far. However, our dreamer, Will quickly falls back into his dream. In this next part of his holy vision quest, he enters upon the Feast of Patience ( 2798-2906).Seven people attend the Feast, Conscience, Clergy and his wife, Scripture, Patience, Will, and The Master of Divinity. The food was simple and elegant which was to show will what penance means (Burrow 319). Later in the poem,Will is though of as a fool (3015-3016). At this point of Will still being a foolish man, he is intorduced to Anima, who tells Will the importance of putting into action all that he has learned (3025-3120). Anima prepares Will for a vision of the Tree of Charity. In a vision conveyed to Will by Piers Plowman himself, a tree is an image of fallen humanity.Piers Plowman is said to be represented as Jesus (Burrow 320). There are three kinds of fruit: human souls of wedlock, widowhood, and virginity, and it is supported by three planks. The three planks have been explained to will as the Holy Trinity (Greenblatt 399). However the Tree being threatened by Covetise, who is the Fiend of Flesh. The tree represents the tree that bore the fruit of knowledge, much like the fruit referenced in Genesis. The tree contains knowledge that is not to be consumed by man. However, in this section of Piers Plowman, The Devil is pursuing Covetise to extract fruit from the tree for evil intentions.Toward the end of the poem, Will goes to mass on Easter Sunday and, during the middle of mass, falls asleep and dreams of Piers Plowman. Piers is identified this time as the eucharistic host at the moment of consecration during the Mass when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ (Greenblatt 399). The mystery of the Body and blood of Christ is mysterious to Will as he cannot understand at what point these common items become holy. The answer is conveyed appearance of Piers before the people. Will turns to Conscience for an explanation of the mystery.Conscience recalls the life of Jesus by explaining the sacrament. The miracle at Cana involves the changing of water int o wine, a type of wine turning into blood in the Eucharist. Thus, the Three Lives are put into the perspective of the ministry of Christ, and the message is clear: it is impossible to do well, do better, and do best without divine grace, and this grace is available to all through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and penance(Burrow 380) . If Dowel is the sacramental wine, Dobet is the eucharistic bread, as it is paralleled to the miracle of the loaves and fishes (Greenblatt 399).That Piers is granted the power of binding and unbinding sins reflects back upon the early association of Piers and the Good Priest (Daegman 7) . Piers is a variation of Peter, suggesting the apostle and first pope. Piers remains behind after the Ascension, and it is to him that Grace gives the four evangelists and the four church leaders (3321-3364). Piers is known to be Jesus Christ whom is a part of the eternal, divine Church. Noticeably, the forces of Pride wait to attack until Piers until he has featured once more at the end of Piers Plowman. By the end of the poem there are no good clergy. (Daegman 8).The Barn of Unity that Grace tells Piers to build is another image of the whole Christian community (3433-3457). However, since the Tree of Charity is under constant threat, so is the Barn of Unity. Covetise and Pride try to confuse Conscience with their so that he can not tell the difference between a Christian and a dark worshipper. Conscience advises the Christians to leave the area to find safely form the the malevolent qualities (3458-3465). Events turn dark for Will and is in need of consulting Need. It can be a humbling factor, but it can also be a convenient excuse for doing what one wants to do rather than what one ought to do.Will falls asleep after being reproached by Need and dreams of the coming of Antichrist. Conscience consults Kynde, Old Age, and Death. Though Will has become an old man, he manages to keep somewhat in good humor. His appearance has changed dra matically. He has become bald, deaf, toothless, and a bit incompetent due to his old age. During this last part of Piers Plowman, Will is confronted by the inevitable character named Death (3502- 3696). As Will’s time is coming to an end, he begs Kynde for him to spare him. Kynde advises Will learn what love is (3757) . This could be compared to what Holy Church told Will in the first section.Though Piers Plowman is a lengthy alliterative poem, it ends considerably curtly. Conscience vows to undertake another quest, this time to find Piers Plowman, and he calls upon Grace for help. Then the Dreamer simply wakes up and that is the end. I found that the ending lines of the poem had no emotion to it. I was not able to feel if Will felt like his total experience was positive or negative. Will’s attitude does seem to show the slightest bit of positivity as he learns to find what it means to be a Christian and learns the value of good morals. Piers Plowman is a series of jou rneys in a dream-like vision in search for answers.The narrator named Will goes from one higher authority to another. However, as the quests move along, the main point of the journey changes. The quest was originally to find how a Christian is expected to live, however, as time goes on it becomes about finding a way to do the best and be the best one can be (Daegman 273). When the poem finishes, Will is faced with yet another quest. this indicates to the reader that a Christian’s search for salvation is eternal (Daegman 273). Works Cited Burrow, J. A. The Ending Lines in Piers Plowman. Notes & Querles (2012). vol. 59 Issue 3, p 316-400. Academic Search Complete.Web. 9 Feb. 2013. Calabrese, Michael. Piers Plowman: A Parallel-Text Edition of The A,B,C, And Z Versions. Journal of English & Germanic Philogy. (2012): vol. 35 issue 12 127-130. Academic Search Complete. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. Deagman, Rachel. The Formations of Forgiveness in Piers Plowman. Journal of Medieval & Early Mo dern Studies (2010). vol. 40 issue 2 p. 273-97. Academic Search Complete. Web. 12 Feb. 2013. â€Å"William Langland† Encyclopedia Britannica. Britannica Online Web. 27 Feb, 2013 Greenblatt, Stepehn. â€Å"William Langland:Piers Plowman† The Norton Anthology English Literature vol. A. New York 397- 408. Piers Plowman Elyssa-Beth Bender British Literature Dr. Zeiger 14 March 2013 William Langland: Piers Plowman The life of William Langland is a mystery. There is very little known about the man who wrote the Middle English, alliterative poem known as Piers Plowman. I did gather that he was born in the West Midlands around 1330 and may have died in 1386 (William Langland). Though much not can be found on Langland’s life, one can infer that he had many different life experiences in which he may drawn from to write Piers Plowman (Calabrese 123).Whether one looks at the elegant trial of Lady Meed at the King’s court, to impoverished life lived on Piers Plowman’s half-acre. Also the narrator in Piers Plowman seems to indicate that Langland may have been exposed to a higher education (Calabrese 123). There are three different versions of Piers Plowman, known as the A-text, the B-text, and the C-text The A-text is the earliest and shortest of the three versions and is about 2,400 line s long (Greenblatt 297). The B-text is an revision of the A-text in which the original 2,400 lines are still there but turned into a 4,000 line piece of work.During my reading of the B-Text, I found that it was more poetic in its form (Greenblatt 297). What I also found was that the C-text was almost a full revision of the B-Text with not much more added. The A-text seemed to be written in 1370 while the B-text. The C-text may have been written in 1381 during the â€Å"Peasants Revolt of 1382† (William Langland). The opening lines let the reader know what to expect: a man named Will on a religious quest that is set in a dream-like, vision state. He wakes up in Field Full of Folk in the opening scene.It is quite obvious to the reader that Will is a very righteous man as he is described to be wearing â€Å"shroudes as [he] a sheep were, / In habite as an heremite unholy of werkes. † (line 124). This indicates that Will is in clothes made of sheepskin, a symbolic meaning to The Lamb (Calabrese 4). However, it could also make the reader conclude that he may also be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The uncertainty is loathsome. The reader might think, â€Å"Is he good or evil? Will he hurt or help? † (Calabrese 124).The phrase, â€Å"unholy of werkes† seems like Will could be evil, but by the end of the poem, we see that it meant that spiritually Will was only just a child and needed to mature. In continuation with this idea, in the prologue of Piers Plowman, Will is born metaphorically into his vision and faith. In the first passus, Will is confronted by a female named, Holy Church and becomes quickly engaged in learning how to be a good Christian (line 153). Holy Church represents a holy and pure church that is uncorrupted by man (Daegman 274).She is vital for teaching Will the basics of Christianity. I found that her presence was the best way to teach Will the holy and pure way to be a Christian untouched by the corrupt hands of man . She also teaches Will that the body and soul are in constant struggle for power. Holy Church explains that Will must find the balance between physical self and spiritual self lead by the soul; what may be good for one may not be good for the other(line 209). Will must learn at this point what moderation is. Moderation is a vital step of self-control and awareness in Piers Plowman.Will is now faced with a few new characters named, Kynde Wit, who tells him the way of common sense; Reason, who tells him what reason and moderation mean; and Truth expects Will he must be truthful in speech, work, and intent of the heart and soul (700-1235). Before Will could fully comprehend what Truth meant, he need to find out what truth is not: falsity or the character â€Å"Falseness†. After meeting with these characters Will had learned everything they could instill upon him. However, since Will is in a dream-like, vision state, he fears that he will not have the capability to make the righ t decision with his own free will.In his early education with Holy Church, she fails to explain what Falseness means for Will. However in the story of Lady Meed, concept is explained (line 1456- 1729), Lady Meed seems to be the bastard daughter of Falseness and about to be wed to Fals Fikel-tonge (line 1464). â€Å"Whore of Babylon in Revelation,† she is described as, with her magnificent scarlett, silk robes (1468). Lady Meed represents the corruptive influence of money, bribery, prostitution, and is found in every aspect of society. In this story of Lady Meed, she represents good use of money.However, since Lady Meed can be used by anyone, she often falls into the wrong hands and used for corrupt purposes. Lady Meed’s marriage to Fals Fikel-tonge is ceased by Theology, who pursues that the King is the one who should decide whom Lady Meed marries (1475). In the royal court, Lady Meed and her follower voyage off to London at the expense of men of legal authority. The K ing calls upon Conscience for his advice. At this point he swears he will have nothing to do with the evil, wickedness of Lady Mead and her fate is left to the courts (1509). With the advice of Concscience, the King decides to find out what kind of person Lady Mead is.The King decides that the best thing for Lady Mead was to marry Conscience to know where the line is drawn between right and wrong (1534). Though the King’s intentions were in good reason, Lady Mead was known to be easily corrupted. The King believed Conscience was the perfect mate to control Lady Mead and make her submissive to his good morals. However, Conscience explained to the King that this would not be possible because though his morals were pure and righteous, he would soon eventually be consumed by the power of Lady Mead (1547). Since Lady Mead can be easily used by anyone, she os quickly corrupted by those around her.She is accused of corrupting the pardoners who forgive the sins of the common (not of the clergy) people. As we recall back to Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, Pardoners of this time were very ill-willed men who would only accept money and power to pardon the sins of people. This corruption is said to be the work by the hands of Lady Mead. In this part of Piers Plowman, It is the responsibility of the character Penance to steer Will away from the ill-will and corruption of Lady Mead’s influence on the pardoners’ business (1609). Before a marriage with Conscience, Lady Mead discusses her character.While she shows him all the wonderful aspects of her existence, Conscience reminds her of her malevolent ways (1613). It is clear to the King that Conscience is right, however the King is blinded by Lady Mead’s conveyed character of good will. At this point, the King orders Conscience to give her a kiss on the forehead, which is to signify there to be peace between the two characters (1645). However, Conscience would not give her a kiss of peace unless Reason was summoned to asses the pros and cons, essentially, of the situation (1647-49) . The King, a benevolent creature, decides to honor the request of Conscience and summon Reason.The King decides to bring Wrong to the court to defend Lady Mead and convince the King his ways are correct (1664-1672). He believes he should be allowed to bribe his way out of the charges of rape, murder, and theft. Reason snaps back at this and urges for hard punishment to be inflicted on Wrong. The King, swept up by all these testimonies, decides in favor of Reason and Conscience, whom were selected to be his counselors. Wrong is punished and the King’s eyes are now open to Lady Mead’s benevolent aspects. He is no longer naive. At this point, the King’s court has flourished since Conscience and Reason became his advisors.Holy Church explains to Will that Conscience and Reason are two things that every person has within them on some level. She also explains that th e King is not a character that is based on royal heritage. The King is a being that represents the challenges that every common man faces (Burrow 318). Explained even further in an article by J. A Burrow every man faces the challenges of Right and Wrong, and often seeks to find Conscience and Reason in their lives. At this point, the scene fades into the Field Full of Folk once again as Will wakes up and then falls asleep shortly after.Next, Will is confronted with the character of Reason who fashions the wardrobe of a clergymen. He urges Will to repent (2573). After urging Will to confess his sins, he brings out the Seven Deadly Sins. This section of the story where Reason speaks to each of the seven and teaches Will that if he lives with The Seven Deadly Sins in his life, he will never find salvation. The next section starts with the Will waking up briefly from the vision and reflecting on his experience so far. However, our dreamer, Will quickly falls back into his dream. In this next part of his holy vision quest, he enters upon the Feast of Patience ( 2798-2906).Seven people attend the Feast, Conscience, Clergy and his wife, Scripture, Patience, Will, and The Master of Divinity. The food was simple and elegant which was to show will what penance means (Burrow 319). Later in the poem,Will is though of as a fool (3015-3016). At this point of Will still being a foolish man, he is intorduced to Anima, who tells Will the importance of putting into action all that he has learned (3025-3120). Anima prepares Will for a vision of the Tree of Charity. In a vision conveyed to Will by Piers Plowman himself, a tree is an image of fallen humanity.Piers Plowman is said to be represented as Jesus (Burrow 320). There are three kinds of fruit: human souls of wedlock, widowhood, and virginity, and it is supported by three planks. The three planks have been explained to will as the Holy Trinity (Greenblatt 399). However the Tree being threatened by Covetise, who is the Fiend of Flesh. The tree represents the tree that bore the fruit of knowledge, much like the fruit referenced in Genesis. The tree contains knowledge that is not to be consumed by man. However, in this section of Piers Plowman, The Devil is pursuing Covetise to extract fruit from the tree for evil intentions.Toward the end of the poem, Will goes to mass on Easter Sunday and, during the middle of mass, falls asleep and dreams of Piers Plowman. Piers is identified this time as the eucharistic host at the moment of consecration during the Mass when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ (Greenblatt 399). The mystery of the Body and blood of Christ is mysterious to Will as he cannot understand at what point these common items become holy. The answer is conveyed appearance of Piers before the people. Will turns to Conscience for an explanation of the mystery.Conscience recalls the life of Jesus by explaining the sacrament. The miracle at Cana involves the changing of water int o wine, a type of wine turning into blood in the Eucharist. Thus, the Three Lives are put into the perspective of the ministry of Christ, and the message is clear: it is impossible to do well, do better, and do best without divine grace, and this grace is available to all through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and penance(Burrow 380) . If Dowel is the sacramental wine, Dobet is the eucharistic bread, as it is paralleled to the miracle of the loaves and fishes (Greenblatt 399).That Piers is granted the power of binding and unbinding sins reflects back upon the early association of Piers and the Good Priest (Daegman 7) . Piers is a variation of Peter, suggesting the apostle and first pope. Piers remains behind after the Ascension, and it is to him that Grace gives the four evangelists and the four church leaders (3321-3364). Piers is known to be Jesus Christ whom is a part of the eternal, divine Church. Noticeably, the forces of Pride wait to attack until Piers until he has featured once more at the end of Piers Plowman. By the end of the poem there are no good clergy. (Daegman 8).The Barn of Unity that Grace tells Piers to build is another image of the whole Christian community (3433-3457). However, since the Tree of Charity is under constant threat, so is the Barn of Unity. Covetise and Pride try to confuse Conscience with their so that he can not tell the difference between a Christian and a dark worshipper. Conscience advises the Christians to leave the area to find safely form the the malevolent qualities (3458-3465). Events turn dark for Will and is in need of consulting Need. It can be a humbling factor, but it can also be a convenient excuse for doing what one wants to do rather than what one ought to do.Will falls asleep after being reproached by Need and dreams of the coming of Antichrist. Conscience consults Kynde, Old Age, and Death. Though Will has become an old man, he manages to keep somewhat in good humor. His appearance has changed dra matically. He has become bald, deaf, toothless, and a bit incompetent due to his old age. During this last part of Piers Plowman, Will is confronted by the inevitable character named Death (3502- 3696). As Will’s time is coming to an end, he begs Kynde for him to spare him. Kynde advises Will learn what love is (3757) . This could be compared to what Holy Church told Will in the first section.Though Piers Plowman is a lengthy alliterative poem, it ends considerably curtly. Conscience vows to undertake another quest, this time to find Piers Plowman, and he calls upon Grace for help. Then the Dreamer simply wakes up and that is the end. I found that the ending lines of the poem had no emotion to it. I was not able to feel if Will felt like his total experience was positive or negative. Will’s attitude does seem to show the slightest bit of positivity as he learns to find what it means to be a Christian and learns the value of good morals. Piers Plowman is a series of jou rneys in a dream-like vision in search for answers.The narrator named Will goes from one higher authority to another. However, as the quests move along, the main point of the journey changes. The quest was originally to find how a Christian is expected to live, however, as time goes on it becomes about finding a way to do the best and be the best one can be (Daegman 273). When the poem finishes, Will is faced with yet another quest. this indicates to the reader that a Christian’s search for salvation is eternal (Daegman 273). Works Cited Burrow, J. A. The Ending Lines in Piers Plowman. Notes & Querles (2012). vol. 59 Issue 3, p 316-400. Academic Search Complete.Web. 9 Feb. 2013. Calabrese, Michael. Piers Plowman: A Parallel-Text Edition of The A,B,C, And Z Versions. Journal of English & Germanic Philogy. (2012): vol. 35 issue 12 127-130. Academic Search Complete. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. Deagman, Rachel. The Formations of Forgiveness in Piers Plowman. Journal of Medieval & Early Mo dern Studies (2010). vol. 40 issue 2 p. 273-97. Academic Search Complete. Web. 12 Feb. 2013. â€Å"William Langland† Encyclopedia Britannica. Britannica Online Web. 27 Feb, 2013 Greenblatt, Stepehn. â€Å"William Langland:Piers Plowman† The Norton Anthology English Literature vol. A. New York 397- 408.