Why so many people return to college later in life Essay

Why so many people return to college later in life - Essay Example The cost of it is just too much for an average family to afford, and although student loans are available in most of the western countries, many still find it costly and therefore opt to not pursue college at all. Scholarship grants, on the other hand, are also available in most countries, but the stringent rules often discourage applicants. Besides, not everyone interested to avail are able to pass the qualifying examinations. Aside from the financial limitations which hinder many from pursuing college education, there have been other and very varied reasons. Some who have been lucky to have landed good-paying jobs reason that they are already earning good in their jobs and therefore feel that they do not anymore need a college degree to earn. There are also those whose main reason is that they are tied up to family obligations such as raising a child or caring for sick relative. Other reasons include personal fears, insecurities, or just plain excuses to avoid going to college. To mention a few of them: perceived incapability to cope with college life; indecisiveness as to what they want to do with their lives; or even perceived inferiority for having only average grades which they believe are not admissible in college. There are million other reasons why many go through life without college education. And while there are those who eventually find the happiness and contentment they seek in life even without college education, there are also many who wish to or are really working on going back to college later in life. It is interesting to understand why many people would want to or actually are going back to college later in life - to the stressful, fast-paced, mind-grueling life that so many among the younger generations would want so much to avoid. Why do people in their forties, fifties even sixties would add stress to their otherwise laid-back, stress-free lives? Most common reason why people go back to college later in life is

The effects of war on a soldier Essay Example for Free

The effects of war on a soldier Essay War will never be pretty or fun. It will always be gruesome and will cause the loss of many lives. Everyone grieves over those lives that were lost, but what about the people that live? What about the people that are in the military hospitals who are now amputees? How about the ones that have psychological problems? What about those who have physical and mental issues? People are often not informed of this. One type of a mental disease is known as PTSD, there is a cause, effects, and treatment to this often carried war disease. Through out history, war has been defined as a state of open, armed, often-prolonged conflict. We have fought in these many wars over such things as oil or different beliefs. A good example would be the World War 1. Most wars the men where young, ranging from ages of eighteen to twenty-six. These are the men that got these two terrible disorders. These are where the most terrible psychological issue occurred, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The two terrific disorders PTSD and Shell Shock, may have some similar symptoms, but have completely different effects and long-term issues. PTSD results from exposure to an overwhelmingly stressful event or series of events, such as war, rape, or abuse. It is a normal response by normal people to an abnormal situation. The traumatic events that lead to PTSD are typically so extraordinary or severe that they would distress almost anyone. These events are usually sudden. A good example of how a person would get this disorder from war would be seeing your friend being killed, being in the trenches too long, and possibly the constant artillery bombings. This entire trauma that they experience will have a dramatic effect. The amygdale, a structure in the brain, is part of the limbic system that is involved in the expression of emotion, especially fear, increased heart rate and blood pressure, the startle response, and emotional memory. It is said that with long-term exposure to these traumatic experiences your brain functions are changed or altered. The area of the brain that releases chemicals to cope with stress releases chemicals like opiates. Since the subject is repeatedly exposed to this trauma, this part of the brain goes  into overdrive and keeps producing these chemicals even when it may not need them. These chemicals are suspected of causing some of the symptoms of PTSD. Dissociative states, flashbacks, intrusive emotions and memories, nightmares and night terrors avoiding emotions, relationships, responsibility for others, and avoiding situations that are reminiscent of the traumatic event often occur. Exaggerated startle reaction , explosive outbursts, Irritability, panic symptoms, and sleep disturbance also occur. These are all the symptoms of PTSD. As you can see, there are vast amount of signals or signs that people exhibit who have PTSD. Men who have PSTD caused by war, have showed more of the hyper arousal and intrusive symptoms. The reason is that you read all the time about how war veterans have flash back and how they are startled very easily. There are many types of treatments along with drugs they can take to help cope with this disorder, one being psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is used to help the victim confront these painful memories to which the memories will no longer affect the way they live. There are certain steps within this process where the therapist walks the victim through the trauma and help he/she understand the feelings. Another type of treatment is EMDR, is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Supposedly, stimulating rapid eye movement helps the victim cope and process the traumatic event. This is usually added into psychotherapy, it is rarely used alone. Along with these two treatments a lot of pharmaceutical agents are used to help the victim cope. For example, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety agents can be used. Overall, PTSD is somewhat treatable but most likely the victims are going to lapse into another psychological disorder.

Skin Diseases Affect On Peoples Health

Skin Diseases Affect On Peoples Health In modern society, more and more people are attacked by a variety of diseases. In medicine, relevant skin diseases seriously affect peoples health. As one of the common diseases, skin diseases such as leprosy, scabies, fungal disease, bacterial skin infections appear frequently. With the form, structure and functions changing, skin (including hair and armor) is influenced by external and internal factors, which produce the pathological process, and the corresponding produce all sorts of clinical successively performance. This is the cause of skin diseases. They have a high incidence of dermatitis, but relatively the symptoms are not serious, they often do not affect health, but a few heavier are even life-threatening. As a typical kind of skin diseases, photodermatoses are among the most common skin disorders in the world. Some of them acquired a particular importance in some regions because of their high frequency, severity, and also beÂÂ ­cause of their different diagnostic and therapeutic apÂÂ ­proaches. Photo medicine is a rapidly developing subspeÂÂ ­cialty of dermatology concerned with skin diseases caused by radiation in the UV and visible spectra. Initiation or exacerbation of a rash after sun exposure that occurs in typical light-exÂÂ ­posed areas is features that point toward a sunÂÂ ­light-induced condition. The diagnosis of photosenÂÂ ­sitive conditions may be difficult, and the use of investigations such as light, patch, and photopatch testing may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. [1] Background and history With the development of modern medicine, every Teaching Hospital Department is in treatÂÂ ­ment development dilemmas. For becoming involved in a new therapy, they still need to promise to be at the speculative stage. In the early 1990s, the problem about whether to actively become involved in the development of PDT for skin cancers was discussed by the Photobiology Unit within the Department of Dermatology in Dundee. As a new invest significant reÂÂ ­sources, its so difficult for PDT to have a fairly certain outcome. By 1998, with the position changed and enough good quality data existed, treatment outcomes justiÂÂ ­fied become involved in the development of both PDT and photodiagnosis (PD) for pre-malignant and malignant skin lesions. From a clinical reÂÂ ­search and therapeutic point of view, the skin has two huge advantages. Firstly, it can be easily exÂÂ ­amined with the naked eye, and secondly, it is the most accessible organ for investigation, biopsy an d treatment. Although PDT firmly has its roots at the beginning of the last century, it is only over the last 15 years that it has gained considerate popularity as a topical treatment of great promise for the treatment of skin cancers.[2] In 1900 a German medical student Oscar Raab famously reported the concept of cell-induced death subsequent to light interacting with chemicals. In subsequent experÂÂ ­iments he demonstrated that this effect was greater that with alcidine red alone, light alone or alcidine red exposed to light and then added to the paramecium. He postulated that in vitro toxicity occurred as a result of fluorescence caused by the transfer of energy from the light to the chemÂÂ ­ical. Professor von Tappeiner soon after predicted the future of fluorescent substances in medicine. In 1904 von Tappeiner and Jodlbauer identified that oxyÂÂ ­gen was integral component in photosensitisation reactions and termed the phrase photodynamic action in 1907. Since its incidental discovery in 1900 photodynamic therÂÂ ­apy (PDT) and all aspects relating to it from mechanism of action, differing photosensitisers through to clinically based applications have been studied. Three components are required for PDT to occur; a photosensitiser, oxygen and a light source. [3] The Photobiology Unit (photobiology = the study of tight on living systems) has the purpose in Scotland of diagnosing tight sensitive skin disease (the photodermatoses) and the development of new forms of tight therapy (phototherapy). This Centre, which has been in existence since 1973, has always combined clinical skills (photodermatology) with a strong scientific base (photophysics) and laboratory biology (photobiology). This combination of applied science and clinical service in the same unit has proÂÂ ­vided exciting research opportunities. Applied photo physics, through the Medical Physics Department, has dedicated members of staff whose only rote is optical physics. The necessary expertise in tight de-tivery and measurement is essential for predictable PDT and PD. Basic knowledge of sun and the skin Nm 254 290 320 360 X-rays UVC UVB UVA Visible light Figure 1 the place of ultraviolet radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum Figure 1 illustrates the relationship between ultraviolet radiation and the other types of non-ionizing radiation, such su natural light an infra-red radiation. It will be seen that ultraviolet radiation from the sun is divided into three different wavelengths-UVA, UVB, and UVC. The UVA waves are the longest and the UVC the shortest. At present, UVC is prevented from reaching the earths surface by the ozone layer, and is not therefore a natural hazard. There is, however, concern that the loss of the protective layer of ozone above the earths atmosphere will continue, and that in future more UVB might reach the earth. The main ultraviolet component of travel of natural that does each the earths surface is UVB. This penetrates the epidermis and reaches the more superficial layer of the dermisthe papillary dermis. UVA is also present in sunlight and ,in the early spring, a high proportion of natural sunlight in countries at latitudes 50 degrees or more north of south of the equator is composed of UVA. As the summer develops the proportion of UVA falls. UVA is the main, but not the only, wavelength found in the long tubes in UVA sunbeds. The effects of UVA go deeper into the skin than those of UVB. A very simple rule of thumb is that chronic over-exposure to UVB causes wrinkles, chronic over-exposure UVA causes saggi ng, and chronic over-exposure to both increases the risk of developing skin cancer. One of the important points of difference between UVB and UVA exposure is that acute over-exposure to UVB causes the redness and soreness recognized as sunburn. This is maximal 12-24 hours after the exposure has taken place, and is a useful warning that the skin should be protected for a few days until the redness has disappeared. The chemicals in sun-screens that protect against UVA and UVB can be divided into those that absorb ultraviolet radiation and those that reflect it away. The absorbing chemicals include para-aminobenzoic acid-PAMA- cinnamates, and salicylates, which protect against UVB alone. Benzophenones protect against both UVB and UVA and are also chemical sun-screeners.[4] Photosensitivity The skin is our main defense against light, and in particular against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sometimes the skin reacts abnormally to light by becoming inflamed. This is called photosensitivity. There are many causes of photosensitivity. Some of the most important are below: Acute parts like Sunburn Xeroderma pigmentosum, Porphyria, Solar urticaria, Pellagra, and Photosensitivity disorders like Polymorphic light eruption, Juvenile spring eruption, Hydroa vacciniforme, actinic prurigo. Disorders exacerbated by light include Drug reactions, Lupus erythematosus, Rosacea Dariers disease Eczema (including actinic dermatitis and photo contact dermatitis Psoriasis Lichen planus. These reactions are either a direct toxic effect of light, or have an immunological component, either provoked by light alone or in conjunction with something else such as a drug. Diagnosis and treatment of common causes of photosensitivity The acute effects of sun on the skin are all too familiar. They are caused largely by medium wavelength UV radiation (UVB), but the dose required producing sunburn depends on: (1)An individuals skin type (2)The intensity of the radiation (greatest near the equator and around midday) (3)The length of exposure to UVB Mild sunburn causes erythema: more severe damage leads to extensive blistering and epidermal boss. Treatment makes little difference to the acute changes, but symptomatic relief can be obtained with soothing lotions, such as calamine. These include avoiding the midday sun, seeking shade, wearing appropriate clothing and eyewear, and using sunscreens, this is more important for those with skin type I and II than for those with a more radiation skin. There are several special examples which are listed and explained: (1) Porphyria: Some forms of porphyria are associated with photosensitivity. In a European child the most common is erythropoietic protoporphyria, whereas an adult presenting for the first time probably has porphyria cutanea tarda. The latter is often associated with alcoholic liver disease. Screening tests involve blood ,urine and stool samples and are best undertaken in a specialist setting. (2)Solar Urticaria: Rarely, exposure to light leads to urticarial weals. (3)Pellagra: In western societies, nicotinic acid deficiency is seen most commonly in alcoholics. It presents a triad of changes: Diarrhoea Dementia Dermatitis, which is light sensitive. (4)Polymorphic light eruption This is perhaps the most important, and certainly the commonest of the primary photosensitivity disorders. Patients often refer to their skin changes asprickly heat, but true prickly heat (or miliaria rubra)is quite different. Polymorphic light eruption presents a day or two after sun exposure, with changes on light exposed areas, for example the forearms, legs the V of the neck and the face. The lesions are itchy and morphologically variable (hence polymorphic). There may be papules, plaques, and blisters of areas resembling eczema. They increase in intensity over a week or so before subsiding. Treatment with topical steroids provides some relief, but some patients require systemic steroids to control an acute attack. Prevention is a better approach. Unfortunately, sunscreens are often not effective, but pre-season PUVA works well and can last for a whole summer. An alternative is the use of antimalarial medication (notably hydroxychloroquine) taken during sunny periods, or while abroad. A variety of polymorphic light eruption occurs almost exclusively in boys. Clusters of small blisters appear on the topes of the ears, especially in early spring. The condition settles spontaneously with age. Clinics in Photodermatosis Actinic Prurigo Actinic prurigo (AP) is a dermatosis that belongs to the group of idiopathic photodermatoses. Many names have been given to it, such as: solar dermatitis, GuaÂÂ ­temalan cutaneous syndrome, solar prurigo, light-sensitive eruption in American Indians,familial actinic prurigo, polymorphous light eruption, (prurigo type) solar prurigo of high plateaus, and hereditary polyÂÂ ­morphic light eruption of American Indians; howÂÂ ­ever, it is the term actinic prurigo, coined by Lon-dono11 in 1968, which is preferred and used by most authors today. Actinic prurigo is a chronic photodermatosis that has frequently been confused with polymorphic light erupÂÂ ­tion (PLE). However, there are now enough clinical, histologic, epidemiological, and immunogenetic data to suggest that they are two different diseases. AP begins in the first decade of life usually around ages 4 to 5, affects females more than males (ratio 2:1). The lesions are symmetrical in the sun-exposed areas of the face (eyebrows, dorsum of the nose, malar reÂÂ ­gions, upper and lower lips), V-area of the neck, dor-sum of hands and forearms. The primary lesions are erythematous papules although excoriaÂÂ ­tions, crusts, and lichenified plaques are commonly seen. Pruritus is a rule and usually very intense. One of the clinical features which distinguish this disease from PLE is the absence of vesicles as primary lesions in AP. Of course, whenever a secondary dermatosis such as eczema, impetigo, or contact dermatitis ensues, vesiÂÂ ­cles may be seen. Two other differences between AP and PLE are lip and conjunctival affection in AP. CheiÂÂ ­litis of actinic prurigo affects 84% of patients. AlÂÂ ­though lesions are usually seen in both lips, the lower one being more exposed to sun rays is affected first an d more intensely; severe cases show edema, crusts, fisÂÂ ­sures, shallow ulcerations, and hyperpigmentation, while in mild cases only dry lips with scaling may be found. Atopic dermatitis with photosensitivity where the key findings are a familial incidence, an early infancy onset, the presence of xerosis, the sparing of the tip of the nose, and a good response to topical cortico-steroids and emollients. Chronic actinic dermatitis which is quite infrequent, starts much later in life has a reduced UVB minimal erythema dose induction, and/or positive photo-patch testing. Persistent light reactors and actinic reticuloid show histologically dense lymphocytic inÂÂ ­filtrates, which especially in the latter may resemble true lymphomas. [5] Phytophotodermatitis Phytophotodermatitis is a very common skin disease in some countries. It is an acute phototoxic reaction where a substance containing psoralens comes in conÂÂ ­tact with the skin which is then exposed to UVA light. The clinical picture is that of sunburn ranging from mild erythema to severe blistering; it is usually accomÂÂ ­panied by stinging or burning sensations. A residual hyperpigmented macule is the final stage of the disease and usually persists for weeks to months; some dark-skinned individuals (skin types IV to VI) may only present with this hyperpigmentation without any preÂÂ ­vious signs or symptoms of sunburn. The most common phototoxic compounds are the furocoumarins which contained in a wide variety of plants, especially of the Umbelliferae, Rutaceae, and Moracea families. Commonly occurring photosensitizÂÂ ­ing plants include citrus fruits such as limes and orÂÂ ­anges, figs, and many vegetables such as celery, parsÂÂ ­nip, parsley, carrots, and dill32; furocoumarins in lime pulp are 13 to 182 times less concentrated than those in the peel. Treatment is only symptomatic. Topical corticoste-roids help alleviate the burning sensations but do not seem to improve skin healing. Sunscreen use helps the resolution of the hyperpigmentation, and is the most important prophylactic measure for high-risk people. Melasma Melasma (chloasma) is characterized by light or dark brown hyperchromic macules with undefined borders, affecting mainly and symmetrically, the sunlight-exÂÂ ­posed areas of the face. Melasma predominates in women, although it also affects men and has been reÂÂ ­lated to sunlight exposure as well as hormonal, racial, and hereditary factors. Melanocytes are well known to be stimulated by estrogen and other sex-related hormones. Pregnancy and the ingestion of oral contraceptives can produce or exacerbate melasma, with an increase of melanogenesis and the presence of large melanocytes. Facial melano-cytes appear to be especially sensitive to hormonal inÂÂ ­fluences but sunlight is always necessary for melasma to occur. Melasma has been reported to have a greater inciÂÂ ­dence in tan or dark-skinned persons, especially in skin types III, IV, and V, but also depends, as stated before, on sunlight exposure (including UVA and visiÂÂ ­ble light). Piquero-Martin has observed that pigment dispoÂÂ ­sition (as seen with woods light), tends to occur more superficially in lighter skins and deeper in darker skins, the latter being more difficult to treat and eradicate. In some dark-skinned patients with clinically evident melasma, under woods light, the hyperpigmentation disappears. Apparently, this can be related to melanic pigment located deep in the dermis. Differential diagnoses include Rhiel melanosis, Ashy dermatosis, Addison disease, pigmented lichen planus, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Many treatment modalities have been used, such as mercury compounds, vitamin C, tretinoin, topical steÂÂ ­roids, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, and hydroquinone. Pytiriasis Alba Pytiriasis alba is a chronic asymptomatic dermatosis of unknown ethiology, characterized by hypochromic macules, 1 to 5 cm in diameter, covered by a very fine scale, with an ill-defined and occasionally hyperpig-mented border. The macules are mainly located on the sun-exposed areas of the face (malar areas, forehead, around the nasal and moth orifices) and extremities. The cause of this dermatosis is unknown, but many factors have been attributed to it. The main cause is sunlight exposure on a tan or dark skin, and it has been described as a reactive dermatosis to a distant staphy-loccocal or streptoccocal upper respiratory tract infection. The lesions have been attributed to postinflamma-tory hypopigmentation, with a decrease in melanosome number and size, low keratinocyte melanin uptake, and light refraction from a hyperkeratotic and parakeratotic stratum corneum. The histopathology shows an epiÂÂ ­dermis with hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis, acantho-sis, and mild spongiosis. In the papillary dermis, vaso-dilation and mild perivascular inflammatory infiltrate and occasional pigment incontinence can be seen. Sunlight radiation (UVA, UVB, and visible light) in atopic patients with tan or dark skin are the most commonly affected. Treatment of pytiriasis alba must include sunlight protection, sun filters, low potency corticosteroids with a topical antibiotic (mupirocin, vioform). If an upper respiratory tract infection is detected, specific treatment should be given. Pellagra Also named Gaspar Casals disease, pellagra is a nutriÂÂ ­tional disorder due to nicotinic acid deficiency, a B complex vitamin. Niacin is a nonessential vitamin and can be synthesized from the aminoacid tryptophan via the kynurenine pathway. It is mainly expressed on the skin, gastrointestinal and central nervous system. Pellagra is a bilateral and symÂÂ ­metrical dermatosis affecting sun-exposed areas. The avitaminosis can be caused by drugs, such as isoniazid, 6-mercaptopurine, 5-fluouracil, and chloram-fenicol. Phenytoin and sodium valproate51 have also been related to nicotinamide deficiency. Clinical findings in pellagra include dermatitis, diarÂÂ ­rhea, and dementia (the 3Ds). Pellagra is characterized by a intense red, scaly and hyperpigmented plaques on areas exposed to sun, heat, friction, or pressure. The lesions can be edematous with a burning sensation and occasional vesicules and des-quamation. In chronic lesions, the skin is thickened, hyperpig-mented with a dark brown hue. A typical finding is Casals necklace, a scaling collarette around the neck which extends down toward the sternum. Flexural fold may be macerated, and on seborrheic areas, follicular hyperkeratotic plugs are freÂÂ ­quently present. Frequently, angular cheilitis, glossitis with papillary atrophy with a tender beefy red tongue, and esophagitis are seen. Manifestations in adÂÂ ­vanced disease cases are vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss with secondary anemia or amenorrea. CenÂÂ ­tral nervous system symptoms include irritability, headaches, insomnia, amnesia, and anxiety. Later on, patients develop tremor, movement disorders, numbÂÂ ­ness, encephalopathy, paralysis, and psycosis.[5] PDT in dermatology Photodynamic therapy (PDT) harnesses the power of light and oxygen to enact biologic change. In its infancy, the use of PDT in the treatment of dermatologic disease was limited due to the prolonged and pronounced photosensitivity resulting from systemic photosensitizing agents. HowÂÂ ­ever, in the early 1990s Kennedy and Pottier described the use of topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to create endogÂÂ ­enous protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) from which came a limited, localized, photodynamic response. With this development, many of the early limitations of PDT were alleviated, and the treatment became much more convenient. Early application focused primarily on the treatment of dysplastic and neoplastic disease; however, during the past few years, the versatility of PDT has been more fully realized, and it is now also being used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory and infectious processes. The effectiveness of PDT depends on the photosensitizer used, its ability to selectively penetrate diseased tissue, and the duration of application; the activating light source, its ability to penetrate to the desired target, and its duration of exposure; and the type of target cells and their oxygenation status. To be effective, the damage resulting from PDT must surpass cellular repair mechanisms, a feature referred to as the minimum photodynamic dose. [6] Summary According to the lecture the Professor Moseley gave us and the materials I get from relative books and papers. We can know that the photodermatology is a huge branch of skin disease. First I give the introduction and a review of background and history, it can clear explain what is photodermatology especially photodermatosis in clinic use. Next I focus on Photosensitivity, PDT in dermatology and Clinics in Photodermatosis, which explain different parts of the whole photodermatology. In Clinics of photodermatosis, there are many kinds of photodermatosis listed and illustrated, including the principles, treatment and prevention. As new to dermatology, PDT is an effective therapy to cure dermatosis by penetrating diseased tissue.

Fly Away Peter by David Malouf :: Fly Away Peter David Malouf

`Fly Away Peter' by David Malouf is a powerful war story in which the author has used contrasting settings and strong symbolism to clearly portray his own ideas and opinions of war, and further the readers understanding of the text. Jim is an innocent young man, living on the coast of Queensland. In this peaceful town, everybody is happy and at peace with themselves and with nature. The people enjoy the simple pleasures of life - nature, birds, and friendly neighbourly conversations. Their days are filled with peaceful walks in the bush, bird watching and fishing. Jim and his friends especially enjoy the serenity of the sanctuary and the wonders of nature that it holds. When the war breaks out, this tranquil little town seems like the last place on earth that could produce a team of vicious, violent soldiers. Soon we see Jim thrown into a completely contrasting `world', full of violence and fighting, and the strong dissimilarity between his hometown and this new war-stricken country is emphasised. The fact that the original setting is so diversely opposite to that if the war setting, the harsh reality of the horror of war is demonstrated. The birds show symbolism in more than one way throughout the text. As the soldiers are travelling from all over the world to fight for their countries in the war, the birds are similarly migrating for the change of seasons. The birds however, will all be returning, and many of the soldiers will never return home again. This is a very powerful message, which helps the reader to understand the loss and sorrow that is experienced through war. Even when Jim is in this awful war-stricken place, one thing that he can still find comfort in, and which reminds him of his peaceful home is the birds, which are everywhere, still living their lives unaffected by mans war. This shows how nature is unaltered by mans cruel antics against other man, and how life and nature must, and will go on through all circumstances. The symbol of earth also shows significant symbolism in different parts of the text. When Jim is dying, and begins to hallucinate, the action he sees of men digging in the earth represents the fact that Jim feels like he is finally escaping the war - which in one way, he is - and going home. This helps the reader to understand how passionately Jim wants to be out of the war and back at home, how many of the soldiers would have felt during the war.

Psychology Articles Essay

1. Glazer, H. R., Clark, M. D., & Stein, D. S. (2004). The Impact of Hippotherapy on Grieving Children. Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing 6(3), 171-175. This article is a study on the effects of hippotherapy or therapeutic riding on grieving children affected by the death of a family member. The topic focuses on the grieving of children specifically because of the observation that their bereavement often coincides with issues relating to their natural growth and development. Thus, sometimes it is difficult to ascertain whether a child’s reaction should be properly classified as growth or grief (Glazer, Clark & Stein, 2004). In order to add substantial information on the literature on children’s bereavement, the authors conducted a study that would determine how a 6-week hippotherapy program would work on grieving children. They sought to determine how stakeholders, such as the parents, children, and adult volunteer would perceive the program (Glazer, Clark & Stein, 2004). The study involved a 6-week program where selected children with ages 4 to 14 stayed at the Buckeye Ranch for sessions that taught them how to ride horses. Each session ended with the children telling the things they learned for that session. The parents and adult volunteers were also asked to reflect on their perception of the therapeutic riding session. The authors found positive results from the study, consisting of increased confidence, self-esteem, and trust among the children. The children also gained communication skills as a result of the study. Finally, both guardians and parents found the riding therapy as a positive experience. Thus, they concluded that riding therapy is a good way for finding expression of grief. 2. Andrews, C. R. & Marotta, S. A. (2005). Spirituality and Coping Among Grieving Children: A Preliminary Study. Counseling and Values 50, 38-50. This article describes grief as a â€Å"natural part of human experience.† The authors of this paper, however, note that literature on grieving mostly focus on adults’ coping mechanisms. Particularly, literature on adult bereavement focuses on religious practices and spiritual beliefs as effective coping mechanisms. Therefore, the authors aimed to extrapolate from such literature and attempt to apply major themes among grieving children (Andrews & Marotta, 2005). The authors completed a sample size of 6 children between the ages of 4 and 9, coming from various institutions. All participants experienced death within the family in the past 18 months before the period of the study. Parents’ consent was secured from each participant. During the 3-month study period, children, parents, and main caregivers were given semistructured interviews. Such interviews led to qualitative data. There were also check-in sessions conducted every month. The study utilized a phenomenological approach so that specific aspect so f bereavement could surface (Andrews & Marotta, 2005). The authors found that children’s grief are not necessarily similar to that of adults’. Children grieve repeatedly as they go from one developmental stage to the next. Certain objects or mechanisms were also found to have been effective in dealing with the grief of children, such as puppets, games, bibliotherapy, and drawings. They also note that certain spiritual aspects like linking objects and connection through metaphorical play may play a huge role in comforting grieving children (Andrews & Marotta, 2005). 3. Abeles, N., Victor, T. L. & Delano-Wood, L. (2004). The Impact of an Older Adult’s Death on the Family. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice 35(3), 234-239. This article reviews extant literature on issues of death and dying. Specifically, it is concerned with the impact on the death of an older member of a family to surviving members, particularly on surviving adult children. It also aims to derive implications for treatment based on the study (Abeles, Victor & Delano-Wood, 2004). The methodology involved a simple review of literature, both on theoretical and empirical levels, on the topic of death and bereavement. Based on such literature review, the authors suggested individual or play therapy, psychoeducation, and different interventions as treatment options for grief. The authors likewise concluded that each individual may cope with loss or death of a family members in different ways. Some may not undergo the usual stages of grief. Thus, understanding of various coping mechanisms could also help surviving family members in dealing with grief (Abeles, Victor & Delano-Wood, 2004). 4. Ens, C. & Bond, J. B. (2007). Death Anxiety in Adolescents: The Contributions of Bereavement and Religiosity. Baywood Publishing Co., Inc., 169-184. This article aims to determine possible relationships between religiosity, bereavement, and death anxiety levels of adolescents. This is done to achieve greater understanding of adolescents, who face difficult challenges during bereavement (Ens & Bond, 2007). The authors conducted a study with 226 adolescents as participants. These participants have ages ranging from 11 to 18 and come from rural and urban private schools. Both the parents and student participants gave written consent before participating in the study. The authors formulated one questionnaire that consisted of several scales that measure bereavement, religiosity, and death anxiety. This questionnaire was administered to participants and the data was analyzed (Ens & Bond, 2007). The data showed a strong correlation between death and grief due to death in the family. Consequently, the authors concluded, â€Å"grief due to bereavement was the only factor found to independently contribute death anxiety for adolescents.† Finally, the authors found weak relationship between death anxiety and personal religiosity (Ens & Bond, 2007). 5. Papadatou, D., Metallinou, O., Hatzichristou, C. & Pavlidi, L. (2002). Supporting the bereaved child: teacher’s perceptions and experiences in Greece. Mortality 7(3), 324-339. This article reports a national survey conducted by the authors, aimed at determining how Greek teachers perceived bereaved children. More specifically, this study aimed to analyze experiences of children who grieved the death of a relative and a classmate. These aims result from the belief that grief is affected by the level of support received by bereaved children (Papadatou, Metallinou, Hatzichristou & Pavlidi, 2002). The authors selected participating population by applying a specific criterion on a list of Greek schools provided by the Ministry of Education, National Statistical Service. The authors handed out 3,500 questionnaires among Greek educators, and data was gathered from the responses (Papadatou, Metallinou, Hatzichristou & Pavlidi, 2002). The national survey resulted in several important findings. For one, it appears that Greek educators feel that the experience of death in the family or classmate negatively affect the performance of a bereaved child in school. Moreover, educators who had more years in experience as teachers had more opportunity to observe grieving children and the effect of bereavement on them. Finally, most educators appeared comfortable talking to bereaved students and cooperate with their family to help them cope with their loss (Papadatou, Metallinou, Hatzichristou & Pavlidi, 2002). 6. Charkow, W. B. Inviting Children to Grieve. Professional School Counseling. This article discusses the importance of grieving for children who have experienced death in the family. It reviews literature and shows how society and families often shield children from the fact of death. This paper aims to establish the importance of grieving for children by showing how shielding children affects them (Charkow). The article basically reviews literature on death and the responses to its experience. These factors affect how the loss of a person through death could be traumatic to a child. For example, the relationship of the child with the deceased is a relevant factor to consider. Through the study of extant literature on bereavement, the author laid down several implications for stakeholders, such as parents, teachers, and counselors. The author concludes that being up front with children about the realities of death would lead them to cope properly through understanding and grieving appropriately. 7. Cohen, J., Goodman, R. F., Brown, E. J. & Mannarino, A. (2004). Treatment of Childhood Traumatic Grief: Contributing to a Newly Emerging Condition in the Wake of Community Trauma. Treatment of Childhood Traumatic Grief After 9/11, 213-216. This article is a response to the events of the 9/11 attack in New York City, which resulted in the death of many parents. The authors report that more than 10,000 children lost parents and loved ones on that fateful day. Hence, the authors’ concern about childhood traumatic grief (Cohen, Goodman, Brown & Mannarino, 2004). This article basically reviews extant literature on childhood traumatic grief, particularly those relating to treatment interventions and psychotherapeutic approaches to childhood traumatic grief (Cohen, Goodman, Brown & Mannarino, 2004). After reviewing literature on interventions to childhood traumatic grief, such as client-centered therapy, the authors discussed various factors that affect the assessment and treatment of the condition. Finally, the authors provided suggestions for future directions, particularly since the literature on childhood traumatic grief is still in its infancy (Cohen, Goodman, Brown & Mannarino, 2004). 8. Crenshaw, D. A. (2005). Clinical Tools to Facilitate Treatment of Childhood Traumatic Grief. OMEGA 51(3), 239-255. This article aims to describe strategies and techniques that address childhood traumatic grief in order to how clinicians how to address youth experiencing such condition. These strategies use themes such as abandonment and attachment (Crenshaw, 2005). This article’s methodology consisted mainly in reviewing and describing various techniques and strategies used in dealing with grieving children. The authors then analyzed how such techniques helped children with their bereavement (Crenshaw, 2005). The strategies described in this article illustrate how themes such as facing unknown dangers and leaving behind loved ones and family help children cope with loss and address unresolved issues (Crenshaw, 2005). References Abeles, N., Victor, T. L. & Delano-Wood, L. (2004). The Impact of an Older Adult’s Death on the Family. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice 35(3), 234-239. Andrews, C. R. & Marotta, S. A. (2005). Spirituality and Coping Among Grieving Children: A Preliminary Study. Counseling and Values 50, 38-50. Charkow, W. B. Inviting Children to Grieve. Professional School Counseling. Crenshaw, D. A. (2005). Clinical Tools to Facilitate Treatment of Childhood Traumatic Grief. OMEGA 51(3), 239-255. Cohen, J., Goodman, R. F., Brown, E. J. & Mannarino, A. (2004). Treatment of Childhood Traumatic Grief: Contributing to a Newly Emerging Condition in the Wake of Community Trauma. Treatment of Childhood Traumatic Grief After 9/11, 213-216. Ens, C. & Bond, J. B. (2007). Death Anxiety in Adolescents: The Contributions of Bereavement and Religiosity. Baywood Publishing Co., Inc., 169-184. Glazer, H. R., Clark, M. D., & Stein, D. S. (2004). The Impact of Hippotherapy on Grieving Children. Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing 6(3), 171-175. Papadatou, D., Metallinou, O., Hatzichristou, C. & Pavlidi, L. (2002). Supporting the bereaved child: tracher’s perceptions and experiences in Greece. Mortality 7(3), 324-339.

In what ways does the presentation of Polonius contribute to the play Hamlet? Essay

‘Hamlet’ By William Shakespeare Question: In what ways does the presentation of Polonius contribute to the play Hamlet? Answer: Polonius, counsellor to the King, father of Ophelia and Laertes (and although there is no evidence, it is possible that he held a position at court under Hamlet’s father, the old King), seems to have a close and developed relationship with the Royal family and knows a lot about the family history and background in detail. With the audience knowing this, Shakespeare can use Polonius as a weapon against Claudius in order to protect himself or to blackmail the King. He is a man who is trusted by Claudius, the King of Denmark who tells Laertes, Polonius’ son, that his father is incalculably important to Denmark, † The head is not more native to the heart, The hand is more instrumental to the mouth, Than is the throne of Denmark to thy father. † (Act 1 Scene 2- Lines 47-49) Here, the audience would most probably be double-minded and slightly confused. This is because; this quote could have a double meaning. It could be that Claudius wants to get rid of Polonius but finds difflculty in doing so as he is a faithful servant towards himself, the King. Polonius could be an â€Å"instrumental† devise for Claudius for those critical times. We soon learn that Polonius is an over-protective father who only wants to protect his children from society and has a strong authority over his son and daughter. This is learnt when Claudius calls to Laertes: â€Å"Have you your father’s leave? What says Polonius? † (Act 1 Scene 2- Line 57) More evidence of Polonius’ fatherhood is reflected in Act 1 Scene 3, when Laertes is talking to Ophelia before he is about to leave for France. Polonius enters the scene giving lecture-like advice to Laertes about factors to engage in and factors not to engage in. † Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar. † (Act 1 Scene 3-Line 61) He does not trust his son, which is why Polonius calls on Reynaldo â€Å"to make inquire of his behaviour. † Not only this, but he gives long-winded advise to Ophelia without considering her feelings by playing with his words, and accusing Ophelia of not being able to make her own sensible decisions. â€Å"You speak like a green girl† (Act 1 Scene 3-Line 101) Polonius’ playing with words does not stop here; he uses plays on words to make himself seem intelligent, while the king and queen are not impressed at all. When he realizes that his ‘artificial intelligence’ is not working, he comes up with his â€Å"lovesick† plan (to spy on Hamlet and use Ophelia). Polonius does not only ‘educate’ his children for their own benefits but also to his advantage. He uses them, Ophelia in particular, to promote his career leading to Claudius to be proud when it is revealed that Ophelia is carrying out her father’s dirty work for him without knowing, which reveals the degree of Polonius’ craftiness. Polonius’ job is his priority (this is reflected when he uses Ophelia to maintain his head high in front of the King) and it is shown in the play that he is capable of going to extreme measures just in order to satisfy all and to keep his head high. I think he wants all too much to impress the king and queen, which explain his silly â€Å"talking in circles. † For example, when he says, â€Å"Give first admittance to th’ambassadors; My news shall be the fruit to that great feast. † (Act 2 Scene 2-Lines 51-52) Shakespeare uses a character like Polonius in this play to complement the whole play. Polonius’ ironical jokes make the audience laugh and balances out the play against the tense and important scenes in the play, HAMLET † Do you see yonder cloud that’s almost in shape of a camel? † POLONIUS † By th’mass, and ’tis like a camel indeed. HAMLET † Methinks it is like a weasel. POLONIUS † It is backed like a weasel. HAMLET † Or like a whale? POLONIUS † Very like a whale. (Act 3 Scene 2-Lines 339-344) In act 3 scene 2, when Polonius is told to fetch Hamlet, Hamlet plays with his words towards Polonius and makes him say anything that he, Hamlet chooses. Polonius is made to say that he sees imaginary shapes, which Hamlet suggests, are in the clouds.

What factors made a person better at estimating the size of an angle or the length of a line Essays

What factors made a person better at estimating the size of an angle or the length of a line Essays What factors made a person better at estimating the size of an angle or the length of a line Essay What factors made a person better at estimating the size of an angle or the length of a line Essay From this data we made a hypothesis on what factors made a person better at estimating the size of an angle or the length of a line. My hypothesis was that year 10 pupils would be better at estimating both the size of angles and the length of lines than the adults and the year 7 children but adults answers will be closer to the mean on average. To prove this I would have to use the information in the spreadsheet .I first found the mean of angle 1 ,angle2 ,line 1 and line 2 in all of the sample of year ten all of the sample of year seven and all of the sample of the adults because using this I could find the average percentage error of each group because I felt this was essential in trying to prove the hypothesis I made earlier .The means for each were as displayed in the table below:Year 10Year 7AdultsAngle157.7665.4251.25Angle 2142.72141.04147.05Line 13.874.553.6275Line 214.5214.6112.7325At the moment when I produced the data it didnt interpret the data into what I wanted to know but I could find using the spreadsheet so first decided to find the percentage error of each group again using the calculation shown in the preliminary testing this was(difference between original and average estimates / actual size/length)* 100But first we thought that in the data there may be rogue results these are called outliers and are values that do not follow the data in a reasonable trend and so can be eliminated using a certain formula that creates upper and lower fences and if values fall outside of these two fences they can be classed as outliers and will be dismissed from the data . To implement this formula we need to find the upper and lower quartiles of the data, so by using Microsoft excel this data was found. The formula to find upper and lower fences to eliminate outliers is as follows:Lower Fence = Lower quartile 1.5 * inter quartile rangeUpper Fence = Upper quartile + 1.5 * inter quartile rangeFrom this we gained our upper and lower fences which wereYear 10Upper FenceLower fenceAngle 173.537.5Angle 2190110Line 15.51.625Line 222.37.7Then we did the same for year 7Year 7Upper FenceLower fenceAngle 192.532.5Angle 220585Line 17.251.25Line 219.57.5And for the adultsAdultsUpper FenceLower fenceAngle 16533Angle 2188.75110.75Line 15.51.625Line 26.87517.675With this data we deleted rogue values which amounted only to three.So now we can find the percentage error without worrying about rogue values influencing what could be a vital difference.Year 10 (%)Year 7 (%)Adults (%)Angle 17.218.96.8Angle 27.99.035.12Line 14.6232Line 216.1716.881.9This gives us an idea of to which group is better at estimating the sizes of angles and the lengths of lines but to see this in another way we can use box plots which are very useful for comparing sets of data from different groups within a certain population. The length of the whiskers can give an indication of how the data is skewed, either positively or negatively. Also the true value can b e marked on to compare each of the medians to each other. By looking at the box plots , more specifically where the quartiles are marked we can see whether people tended to over estimate or under estimate. If the median is inclined slightly towards the upper quartile then people in that group under estimated more often than not and vice versa.So here are some box plots that compare all the age groups at both angles and lines.From this we see that the adults mean value is closer to the actual value of both angle 1 and angle 2 plus both the values of lines 1 and 2 ,this provides even more evidence to suggest against my hypothesis that years 10 pupils have a better ability at estimating both angles and lines because we have seen this through a percentage error and several box plot diagrams that we gained from using the averages from different groups but to prove my second statement in the prediction that adults estimates would be closer to their mean answer, which effectively means tha t adults made similar estimates to each other than the year 10 and 7 pupils , I need to use a statistical device called standard deviation this measures the spread of values from the mean, the bigger the value the more the answers are spread from the mean.Angle 1Angle 2Line 1Line 2Year 1011200.952.5Year 715301.53Adults1019.512.4We see the adults standard deviation figure being the smallest for three out of the four categories which proves one of my hypothesis statements correct but the other wrong this is because It was more of a guess than a prediction.Over all the taking all statistical methods used I came to the conclusion that adults were actually better at estimating both angles but it was interesting to see that the adults guesses had a small deviation from the mean (standard deviation) . The year 10 pupils by my calculations were second best ,their percentage errors were either very close to the adults in two out of four cases or dramatically a field from the other angle and line like the other two cases but their was a link between the angle and the line that were quite a bit out from the adult counterparts they were both the larger angles and lines using this information this could of provided another route of investigation to follow but then their was a factor preventing this being time and also looking at the year 7 data they were exactly the opposite to year ten pupils , where as they tended to be further out on the larger values of angle 2 and line 2 ,year 7 tended to be further out on the smaller sets of angle 1 and line 1 so their could have been a connection between this data and their ages or maybe gender but time did not permit us to investigate these fields.If I could reiterate the experiment I would make a more detailed hypothesis inducing me to analyse all possible fields that could of affected a persons ability to estimate the size of angles and lengths of lines an example of this is gender or intelligence but the field that I investigate d which was age came out to me with a very clear result , this was that on average the older you are the better you are at estimating the size of an angle and the length of a line ,but we must take into account that we used a random sample of 25% from each group this meant that we could of missed some peoples estimates that could of affected or swayed the results to a different conclusion this could be important. This means the concluding statement may not actually be correct if further investigated with more detail and with more age groups such as year 8 , 9 and 11 but is still correct for the investigation we carried out.

Turn Over Rate For The Texas Retail Industry

Turn Over Rate For The Texas Retail Industry Describe HypothesisThe Texas economy relies on the retail industry is a vibrant part of the Texas economy. The Texas retail turnover rate has also affected the economy through seasonal employment. The turnover rate is important as companies spend a tremendous amount of money training new employees. The mean turnover rate for the Texas retail industry is 13%. The null hypothesis is the turnover rate for the Texas retail industry is 13%. The alternate hypothesis is the turnover rate is not equal to 13%.Formulation of Numerical and Verbal HypothesisHo: ÂŽÂ ¼ = 13 %H1: ÂŽÂ ¼  ¢Ã‚‰ 13 %Level of significance, a=.01The null hypothesis is the mean is not different from 13%, but equals to 13%. The alternate hypothesis is the mean is not equal to 13%. The level of significance is .01, which is the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis. The level of significance, which is alpha, equals .01.English: Galton Box (demonstrates normal distribut...Performance of the Five-Step Hypoth esis TestThe first step in hypothesis testing is to establish the null (Ho) and the alternate hypothesis (H1). The hypothesis that the group affirms is that there is average turnover rate of 13% in the Texas retail industry. The null hypothesis is the population mean is 13%. The alternate hypothesis is ‚“The mean is different from 13% or the mean is not 13%. Both hypotheses are written:Ho: ÂŽÂ ¼ = 13 %H1: ÂŽÂ ¼  ¢Ã‚‰ 13 %This is a two-tailed test because the group thought that a one-tailed test was not needed. The group also thought there was no need to state a direction, which would then make a one-tailed the most appropriate testing method. The next measure is to select a significance level. There is not one level of significance that can be applied to all tests. Most often, the .05 level is selected for consumer...

Characters from Opposite Sides of the World in Two Kinds by Any Tan

Likewise, my parents were born in a culture opposite to the one I brought up. My father grew up in a rural village in Eastern Europe and my mother grew up in Central America. Like Jing - Mei, I have an impact on my daily life. This seems to have not changed at all from Americans. I think that it is easy to connect with the environment of Jingmei's family, whether it is through the existence of multiple languages ​​in the family, or through eccentric observation of parent's behavior. Two views in Amy Tan's short story Amy Tan shares her mother's attempt to control her daughter's hopes and dreams in her short stories Two Types and learns more about their relationship In order to use my daughter 's point of view. This girl is talking about her story that she grew up as a young woman and grew up with a family immigrated from China. - Tennessee Williams 'drama Glass Zoo and Amy Tan' s short Two has set four control themes through contact with the children. Amanda of William Amanda is the mother of overwhelming, delusive southern beauty. Laura who finds her little daughter's daughter is a suitable husband and decides her creativity, but how should his son Tom behave in his life? Amy Tan's two kinds and Julius Leicester's spear are two short stories showing the stress theme between the hero and the internal conflict related to their identity. Most people feel stressed in life, especially if they need a lot of stress. Some people are strong, please do not pressure. On the other hand, some people are in trouble, others have their own identities defined by others. There are many social forces that affect people. - The two mother-daughter relationships are not similar. After reading Alice Walker's everyday use and Amy Tan's two kinds, I noticed that these two stories have the same theme: mother-daughter relationship. These two stories show different cultures, generations and parenting methods. The two mothers behave differently, but eventually they are drive n by the same desire.

Clinical supervision Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Clinical supervision - Essay Example afterwards, in order to analyze it"(Goldhammer 1969)Four years after Goldhammer outlined his model for clinical supervision, Cogan did an analysis of Goldhammer's work and with the assistance of supervisors of teachers at Harvard University, Cogan adopted his own Clinical Supervision model, albeit it has three more steps than the pioneering model, the minor variance in the number of steps does not water down or conflict in concept. Cogan, however, does exhibit some flexibility as he offers, "certain phases may be omitted or altered, or new procedures instituted, depending upon the successful development of the working relationship between the supervisor and the teacher"(Cogan 1973 10-12). The fact that an allowance is kept alive for the possible retrofitting of a model, is an extremely salient point; because one might not always be successful in keeping the practice and theory diversities at a minimum, therefore adjustment might be necessary in both the model and its presentation.A third model was designed by Acheson & Gall (1987), this model possesses only three steps; planning conference; observation and feedback conference. The Peer Assistance and Review states that, "The clinical Supervision concept is intended to be a cyclic process. This implies that the supervision process is not a one time "drop in" event, but rather, the teacher and the supervisor will work together through a series of cycles to enhance the teachers abilities"(PAR) Anderson & Krajewsk i(1993 pp 175-176), are working on a similar flexible plane as Cogan as they maintain, "teachers are not compelled to follow a sequential order, "they can cut them to suit the situations in which they find...Goldhammer (1969) defines the term ‘clinical’ as, â€Å"it is meant to imply supervision up close† That is the supervisor actually observes the teacher in the classroom, collects data on the observation, and uses the data for analysis following the observation†Goldhammer believed that the supervisory process is prime to embody an aire of open communication and trust between the teacher and his/her consulting teacher. The most basic element in the process is how the teacher feels about their personal level of capabilities. There has been an evolutionary explosion in the area of Clinical supervision in the past ten years. We have come to see the practice of development of cognitive coaching, peer coaching, and action research. Either one of these three processes can work in accord with either of the three clinical supervision models mention herein. If either of the processes is applied individually, as in the case of cognitive coaching; wherein Cos ta and Garmston (1994) , describes as, â€Å"a non-judgmental set of practices built around a planning conference, lesson observation, and a reflective follow-up conference†(Costa & Garmston). These processes breakdown a group of basic assumptions, guidelines, and skills which can work in all contact with other teachers, learners, and the parents. It follows, that when all three of these processes are super imposed over the various steps of either of the three models mentioned, it is a given that we are then reckoning with a major positive shift in the learning environment.

Human computer interaction (user interface ) Coursework

Human computer interaction (user interface ) - Coursework Example Reference: Chapman, Callum. "Common Elements Used in Interface Button Design."Â  Web Designer Dept. (2011): 4. Web. 20 Dec. 2011. . TYPOGRAPHY The fonts and typefaces are important elements of the user interface. It should be in proportionate with the design or else it will just look like a clutter. I learned that it should draw attention to the content taking in consideration its size, lines and shade. The overall appearance of the font is in conjunction with its readability which is highly essential for the end-user. Moreover, the amount of text in a given space should be kept to a minimum. The relationship of the font color and background is equally vital in achieving high contrast content which further adds to the readability degree of the content. Lastly, I also learned that appropriate spacing and the presence of empty fields are techniques to achieve visual relief, in this way; the viewer will not be distracted from the focal contents. Reference: Genkin, Namie . "Importance o f Great Web Typography."Onextrapixel. (2010): 1-4. Web. 20 Dec. 2011. ... I also learned that combinations with positive polarity such as the use of dark text on a light background are notably effective. This is particularly important when dealing with visually-impaired users. Reference: Hall, R. and Hanna, P. (2004), The Impact of Web Page Text-Background Color Combinations on Readability, Retention, Aesthetics, and Behavioral Intention, Behaviour & Information Technology, forthcoming VIRTUAL KEYBOARD DESIGN Inputting is the concomitant interaction the user performs. It should be simple despite the complexities of the keyboard’s overall features. In the case of virtual keyboards, wherein industrial design is left out in place of a touch interface, the tactile response time should be fast enough to let the user focus on inputting end and not worrying whether the characters has already been displayed. It is fairly important that the on-screen keyboard should be able to interact with the fingers and not merely by using the stylus. It is a fact that th e best pointing tool is our finger; the keyboard’s design should be able to accommodate the multitasking capability of a human hand. The spacing of each character should be accurately be considered to avoid erroneous inputting. Reference: Xiaojun, Bi, Barton Smith, and Zhai Shumin. "Multilingual Touchscreen Keyboard Design and Optimization."DGP. (2010): 1-34. Web. 20 Dec. 2011. . I learned that in an on-screen keyboard, screen clarity and size are important elements. The spacing between characters avoids unintended inputs. In line with this, the user should be able to perceive that

Andy Warhol Life Facts Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Andy Warhol Life Facts - Research Paper Example The paper "Andy Warhol Life Facts" analyzes the life and art of Andy Warhol. Warhol studied elementary at Holmes Elementary School and later on took free art classes at Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh. He attended high school at Schenley High School after which in 1945, he studied pictorial design at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. In 1949, he graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts. He then moved to New York and started a career as a commercial artist. It was also during this time that he dropped the â€Å"a† in Warhola and became Andy Warhol. After a year in New York, Warhol was hired as commercial artist for various famous brands such as Columbia Records, Glamour magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, NBC, Tiffany & Co. and Vogue. His style as a commercial artist includes the use of his original blotted line technique and rubber stamps. He became one of the most popular commercial artists in the 1950s, winning several awards. It was in 1961 that Warhol introduced the concept of â€Å"pop art†. These were paintings that were focused on mass-produced commercial goods. One of his most popular works is the painting of the Campbell soup cans which he exhibited in 1962. Some of his other famous pop paintings are the Coca-cola bottles, vacuum cleaners and hamburgers. Warhol expressed his reason for painting these products, â€Å"I wanted to paint nothing. I was looking for something that was the essence of nothing, and that was it†. Warhol also painted portraits of famous celebrities with vibrant and dazzling colors.

Making Choices English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Making Choices English - Essay Example Here I am happy with him and make the most of every moment as I have made perfect choices of time without chances for regrets. In this new life, it is still a lot of hard work that makes me cope up with the conditions and requirements of the city life. The culture and trendy life styles of American people inspires me a lot to work out plans for the betterment of my life here. My early life itself had taught me enough lessons to choose wisely and that may be the reason why I manage to live better; and that may be the reason why I chose to come to America and get married to the man I loved. I know the fact that for many people, life teaches lessons of life with severe experimental exposure to hard and bitter experiences. As you complete one of your courses of your studies, you feel potentially able to handle the situations related to the subject. However, there is another thing you will love to learn either for excellence or for mere enthusiasm. The process of choosing something goes o n everlasting as long as we are to live on, yet some of them are very important in our life. I may case, the choice to live in America is the most important one I have taken so far. There was a time when I feared the dreads of migrating to a new country in search of opportunities to support my studies and find a job to happily move on my life. From the conservatory life I used to live in my community, it was always a dream to live in this land of opportunities. Most of my classmates preferred to study in the Philippines itself who did not think beyond their limitations to travel abroad. Sometimes I felt I should follow their path and continue my higher studies there and settle my life doing some job locally obtained. As I remember those day now, and when I compare my present life with the past days, I remember the quote â€Å"I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference† from the famous poem ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost. It was a ll very important for me to take one way from those left before me; and I chose the rare one – travel beyond the seas in search of a beautiful life. The confidence of a moment I had brought me up until this day; and I am sure, I have made the correct choice as I have a happy life now with all the grace of the job I do now alongside my studies. It was a tough choice, of course, since I was confused as the poet says, â€Å"Oh, I marked the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads to way I doubted If I should ever come back† (Frost). Every beginner feels puzzled at a condition when he needs to take a path to move on and the confusion remains dreadful till certain point of consistency. In my personal experience, I had no option other than to choose a job to earn the bread; therefore, I decided to I am proud to say I have fallen out well and met the challenges of my life which I would have had if I had continued to live in my home country. When it comes to my job an d the management of time I need to apply for maintaining the smoothness of the family life, I really need to work hard. Meeting the needs of a happy life in America demands much of you sweat; most of the time, you forget your hunger in the rush for punctuality, but it is rewarding to be busy in a city. The basic element of living in a city far away from your homeland with a different culture is always associated with our meritorious effort for excellence at work field. One will have to ignore values and self-made principles to some extend

Omnivore's Delemma (Industrial Corn) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Omnivore's Delemma (Industrial Corn) - Essay Example Omnivore's Delemma (Industrial Corn) In 2010 alone, the United States spent $337 billion on the import of crude oil (Shenk, 2011), the U.S. being the largest consumer of oil, using 25.4% of the world’s oil production (Parry & Darmstadter, 2003). However, corn ethanol represents only 1.3% of the total fuel being used in the country for motor vehicles (Pimentel, 2009). Given the facts, it becomes obvious that the production and use of corn could actually help stabilize the economy, rather than being a burden on it. The production of corn being cheaper than the import of oil for the purpose of motor vehicle fuel, it would be prudent to focus on the former than the later. This, combined with the less emission of greenhouse gases, as already discussed, would not only reduce the cost of environmental protection, but would also result in a greener society. Corn and its products are the most demanded consumer product in the food market, either for direct consumption or for indirect consumption due to their use as ingredi ents in other food products. It can be argued that corn is a balanced and a complete diet source, since it offers proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and roughage, and corn oil itself is low in fats, so is often substituted for animal fats and oils. It has already been established that other protein sources like meat present a lot of health hazards, which have not been associated with the use of corn (Biello, 2008). Pollan makes an especial comparison between the cultivation of corn and grass in his book, and glaringly leans in favor of the grass-growers (2006). It could be pointed out that whereas grass itself has limited uses, and cannot be consumed as a food product, being cultivated for the sole purpose of animal feed, corn, on the other hand, has multiple and multi-dimensional purposes, and its cultivation not only provides with a food product, but also other industrial chemicals and products. Therefore, it is only wise to invest on a crop that can cater to a much larg er marker and has a much wider scope and potential. The huge demand of corn reflects on the social mindset and the prevalent lifestyle. To propose a radical and almost completely agonist lifestyle without this essential food ingredient would be to propose a revolution. Pollan might be safe in theory, but his opinions cannot be so readily implemented in reality. Therefore, a compromise could be proposed in which alternate food options are presented along with corn and its products for those customers who subscribe to Pollan’s opinions. This would mean that the market would cater to the popular demand while also taking care of the consumers who want a change. Pollan challenges the

Andy Warhol Life Facts Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Andy Warhol Life Facts - Research Paper Example The paper "Andy Warhol Life Facts" analyzes the life and art of Andy Warhol. Warhol studied elementary at Holmes Elementary School and later on took free art classes at Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh. He attended high school at Schenley High School after which in 1945, he studied pictorial design at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. In 1949, he graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts. He then moved to New York and started a career as a commercial artist. It was also during this time that he dropped the â€Å"a† in Warhola and became Andy Warhol. After a year in New York, Warhol was hired as commercial artist for various famous brands such as Columbia Records, Glamour magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, NBC, Tiffany & Co. and Vogue. His style as a commercial artist includes the use of his original blotted line technique and rubber stamps. He became one of the most popular commercial artists in the 1950s, winning several awards. It was in 1961 that Warhol introduced the concept of â€Å"pop art†. These were paintings that were focused on mass-produced commercial goods. One of his most popular works is the painting of the Campbell soup cans which he exhibited in 1962. Some of his other famous pop paintings are the Coca-cola bottles, vacuum cleaners and hamburgers. Warhol expressed his reason for painting these products, â€Å"I wanted to paint nothing. I was looking for something that was the essence of nothing, and that was it†. Warhol also painted portraits of famous celebrities with vibrant and dazzling colors.

Omnivore's Delemma (Industrial Corn) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Omnivore's Delemma (Industrial Corn) - Essay Example Omnivore's Delemma (Industrial Corn) In 2010 alone, the United States spent $337 billion on the import of crude oil (Shenk, 2011), the U.S. being the largest consumer of oil, using 25.4% of the world’s oil production (Parry & Darmstadter, 2003). However, corn ethanol represents only 1.3% of the total fuel being used in the country for motor vehicles (Pimentel, 2009). Given the facts, it becomes obvious that the production and use of corn could actually help stabilize the economy, rather than being a burden on it. The production of corn being cheaper than the import of oil for the purpose of motor vehicle fuel, it would be prudent to focus on the former than the later. This, combined with the less emission of greenhouse gases, as already discussed, would not only reduce the cost of environmental protection, but would also result in a greener society. Corn and its products are the most demanded consumer product in the food market, either for direct consumption or for indirect consumption due to their use as ingredi ents in other food products. It can be argued that corn is a balanced and a complete diet source, since it offers proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and roughage, and corn oil itself is low in fats, so is often substituted for animal fats and oils. It has already been established that other protein sources like meat present a lot of health hazards, which have not been associated with the use of corn (Biello, 2008). Pollan makes an especial comparison between the cultivation of corn and grass in his book, and glaringly leans in favor of the grass-growers (2006). It could be pointed out that whereas grass itself has limited uses, and cannot be consumed as a food product, being cultivated for the sole purpose of animal feed, corn, on the other hand, has multiple and multi-dimensional purposes, and its cultivation not only provides with a food product, but also other industrial chemicals and products. Therefore, it is only wise to invest on a crop that can cater to a much larg er marker and has a much wider scope and potential. The huge demand of corn reflects on the social mindset and the prevalent lifestyle. To propose a radical and almost completely agonist lifestyle without this essential food ingredient would be to propose a revolution. Pollan might be safe in theory, but his opinions cannot be so readily implemented in reality. Therefore, a compromise could be proposed in which alternate food options are presented along with corn and its products for those customers who subscribe to Pollan’s opinions. This would mean that the market would cater to the popular demand while also taking care of the consumers who want a change. Pollan challenges the

The poets of Vultures and Two Scavengers in a Truck, Two Beautiful People in a Mercedes Essay Example for Free

The poets of Vultures and Two Scavengers in a Truck, Two Beautiful People in a Mercedes Essay In these two poems, Achebe and Ferlinghetti question human nature and the way we think of it as virtuous and moral. In Vultures Achebe argues that evil is innate in humans and is very much more widespread than the tiny good that is in our nature. He uses two vultures and the Commandant of a Nazi Death Camp to powerfully describe evil in nature, but contrasts this with love contained in it. Ferlinghetti, however, also links cruelty to modern society, and further argues that this cruelty, causing the rift between people, is present in even a free society such as Americas. He focuses on one instant of time where two pairs of people of totally different classes are connected by the whole fabrication of society, of injustice and inequality, while stopping next to each other at a red light. Although the poems are similar in the issues that they tackle, it is apparent that the poets argue them in different ways. In this essay I shall explore the, often differing, ways in which the poets discuss these issues. In Vultures, Achebe starts the poem in a dull and deathly mood to outline the grim and evil atmosphere of his poem. This is interpreted by the reader to imply that evil is present everywhere, as the place that the poem is set in is full of evil. In the greynessa vulture perching high on broken bone of a dead tree These lines set the scene for the rest of the poem, and because they so inherently remind the reader of death, the reader immediately feels the poem will be grim. This has been used because of this, as Achebe, in his argument, wants to remind us that evil is ever-present. As death brings about the feeling of evil and suffering, these opening lines are effective at introducing and outlining the argument. Broken bone being used to describe the branches of the tree is particularly effective, because it reminds the reader of pain and suffering. The dead tree is also used, and as these two describe where the vulture is perching, this further associates the vulture with death, adding to the fact that it is a vulture and so feeds on rotting carcasses. The dullness is brought about by the word greyness. This suggests that the dawn is not beautiful or colourful, but is bland and unemotional. The colour grey makes the reader imagine a scene which is almost akin to a black and white photograph of a scene a dull, slow atmosphere that is reminiscent of death. The atmosphere of the poem, set in the beginning, therefore, outlines the theme of evil that is in this poem. The whole context of the poem is symbolising evil, and this overall suggests that evil is ever-present. This is part of Achebes argument. Ferlinghetti, however, starts the poem differently. The start of Two Scavengers in a Truck, Two Beautiful People in a Mercedes (hereafter to be referred to as Two Scavengers) is more upbeat and optimistic. This is ironical, and therefore implies that the happiness in society is not true. At the stoplight waiting for the light nine a.m. downtown San Francisco At the beginning, a relaxed and happy atmosphere is created by Ferlinghetti. The word downtown creates a relaxed atmosphere. This is made even more so because waiting for the light is an ordinary thing to do. However, this is deeply ironical, because the title of the poem is more serious and shows clear and immediate contrasts Scavengers are far away from Beautiful People and a Truck is very different and much less luxurious than a Mercedes. The use of Scavengers in the title also implies that the poem is serious. Therefore the reader, having read the title before the beginning of the poem, is meant to see this, and see that this happiness is unreal. Ferlinghetti, by doing this, suggests that although some wealthier people in the society have nothing to worry about, many people are unhappy and are succumbed, just as observers are, that life in his society is wonderful and easy. By letting the reader deduce this, Ferlinghetti makes his argument more personal, and includes the reader as the observer of his society. This integrates him/her more into the poem, thus making the introduction to his argument about inequality and cruelty more effective. Ferlinghetti then goes on to describe the ease of the lifestyle of the wealthier couple, contrasting it with the intense hard work of the garbage men. This shows that there are always two sides, and for the people that enjoy life many people suffer, and the suffering always exists. The young blond woman so casually coifed on the way to his architects office And the two scavengers up since four a.m. grungy from their route The words used to describe the wealthier couple suggest that they are much more relaxed and that life is easier for them. Casually coifed especially suggests that the woman is relaxed. The alliteration is used so that the phrase flows easily. This represents the life of the wealthy couple it is described to be easy and pleasant. However, this is in total contrast to the garbage men. The fact that they have been up since four a.m. suggests that their work is hard and physically demanding as few jobs require the workers to wake up at 4 a.m. Grungy also suggests that their work is demanding but also dirty. These, overall, show how the garbage men suffer so much but do not get rewarded nearly as much as man in the wealthy couple, who is on the way to his architects office. The word his suggests that he is the boss and is in control. This contrasts to the garbage men, who are described as scavengers. As scavengers feed off the leftovers and detritus of other animals, this suggests that these garbage men only have what other people leave behind and kick down to them. These contrasts clearly show how Ferlinghetti argues that society is cruel, and especially to the people that work so hard for it. Cruelty is omnipresent. Achebe also uses contrasts to show contrasts in human nature. Where Ferlinghetti links theses to society, Achebe links these contrasts to basic natural instincts. In Vultures there are contrasts between love and evil. Although the mating vultures perform actions which are disgusting and vile, they still show love and care for each other. feathers inclined affectionately to hers. Yesterday they picked The eyes of a swollen corpse The statement of love is mentioned before the detailed descriptions of the actions of the vultures. This implies that their love takes precedence, and that it is what the vultures themselves are thinking about rather than what they did to the carcass. The eating of the carcass is described explicitly and in full detail by Achebe. By this he is showing the disgusting horrid behaviour and instincts of the vultures. He describes how the picked the eyes of a swollen corpse. This is particularly powerful as the verb picking does not bear any resemblance to humans eating. This phrase (picking the eyes) makes the reader think of cruel and inhumane forms of torture, and therefore makes this image even more disturbing, even though the animal is dead. Furthermore, animals dead bodies are usually referred to as carcasses, however, by using corpse Achebe has related this more to humans further depicting the cruel and horrible nature of the vultures, making it more personal and even more disgusting to the reader. By directly contrasting the image of love and affection to one of the most repulsive sights imaginable, Achebe gives one point of his argument, that in all evil there is love. Contrarily, though, by using powerful imagery, it is evident that the nature of the vultures will not be forgotten by the reader, and it will not be merely overridden by their love. After that, however, Vultures describes cruelty in humans, which is more intense, as vultures always feed on carcasses. Achebe uses a figure that is almost synonymous with evil the Commandant at a Nazi Death Camp to show this contrast between love and evil. However, this also shows more clearly how much more evil there is than love. Thus the Commandant at Belsen Camp going home for the day with fumes of human roast clinging rebelliouslyand pick up a chocolate for his tender offspring The image used is just as repulsive as that of the vultures. The word roast makes the reader think of food, and this especially makes the image repulsive, as the reader is shocked at how this evil figure cam live with this. It does make the reader think of cannibalistic behaviour, as roast is used after many other meats. Because human roast is used the reader would think it is ordinary for it to be called this and is therefore furthermore horrified. Tender offspring suggests that they are just meat, like the people that were killed by the Commandant. The word tender in this context is furthermore repulsive, because it is used after human roast and makes the reader imagine it is being used in this context. However, as offspring is used to describe the children of animals, this is also a reference back to the vultures. This suggests that even a humans behaviour is animalistic and it is in his nature, even though he may be seen as evil. Most readers would find that the Commandant at Belsen is more evil than the vultures, as vultures always feed off carcasses. However, this link back to animals, with offspring makes the reader question whether all creation is purely evil, regardless of what species there are and how much love they have for something else. This further implies that evil is always predominant over other characteristics such as love. This is another one of Achebes points in his argument that suggests that human nature, and the nature of all creation, is predominantly built upon cruelty. With this contrast, showing a loving family man, Achebe indirectly asks the reader whether they think his evil is redeemable, and therefore if they would forgive the Commandant at Belsen because of his love for his child(ren). Because of the obvious answer of no, it makes the reader feel that there is a lot more evil in him than good, and this can be said for the entire world. This poem, and especially lines 30-40, also reflects the state of affairs within the world. As it implies that Nazism is synonymous with evil, it gives Nazism a real place in literature. Therefore the mention of Nazism is in context with this poem, and Achebe has carefully chosen to include this to express the horrors of the Nazi regime. This is a point for his argument in this poem, but also a tribute to (the victims of) Nazism. It makes the evil of it have an eternal place, which will not be forgotten. This is an example of which literature is affected by affairs in the real world. It therefore furthermore makes the reader agree with Achebes argument, as it is supported by major events in the real world. In Two Scavengers, there is also a reference to death and sacrifice. One of the garbage men is compared to Quasimodo, from the Hunchback of Notre Dame, also because of his hunched back. and hunched back looking down like some gargoyle Quasimodo In these lines, the older garbage man is compared to Quasimodo, as he has a hunched back. However there is also another meaning to this at a deeper level. Quasimodo sacrificed himself to save the beautiful image of Paris. The reference to Quasimodo here also therefore suggests that these garbage men are sacrificing themselves in order to preserve the beautiful image of America that they all aspire to be in, but cannot. The fact that they are watching the couple is highlighted by the fact that he is looking down. The comparison to Quasimodo suggests the moral superiority of the garbage men, as they are facing the cruelty of society that is rarely reported and that people in general do not care about, unless they are suffering themselves. This is similar to Quasimodo. Also, the fact that he is also compared to a gargoyle suggests that these people are also the one that care for society, working physically harder and not getting rewarded as much as the people whom they aspire to be. The watching over them is not only a direct reference to the height difference between the truck and the Mercedes, however, and this suggests that they are part of the people looking after the society, integral to it. Because of this, as they are suffering, and being cruelly and unequally treated, Ferlinghetti argues that these morally wrong values are not just present, but a large integral part of the whole society. At the end of their poems, both poets conclude with statements that show cruelty is always going to be part of humans and society. Vultures end with an open conclusion which asks the reader to decide, however it is clear that one conclusion is stronger. Praise bounteousthat grants even an ogre a tiny glow-worm tenderness encapsulated in icy caverns of a cruel heart or else despair for in the very germ of that kindred love is lodged the perpetuity of evil. After presenting his argument, Achebe gives the reader a choice to be glad and praise bounteous the love that does exist. However, the first statement shows that love is mostly tiny and encapsulated in icy caverns. This is a particularly powerful phrase because it suggests that love is only small and is surrounded by all of the evil in the world. However, the poem does give the reader a choice, and the other statement is that all of humanity should be concerned and frightened at how the relatively small love in the world is nothing in the face of the infinite evil in human nature. In the very germ means in the smallest seed, and in the heart of. This implies that all of love is just a small part of evil which makes up most of the world. The word perpetuity, which is also used in science and mathematics emphasises the effect that evil is constant and never ends. Overall, in this poem, the second conclusion is by far the stronger, as more powerful words like kindred (close to the blood, essential). It is evident that Achebe wants us to leave the poem knowing that even if people have love in their hearts, they cannot stop committing evil. We must despair at the fact that our world is filled with so much evil and cruelty, and how in human nature the love that exists is overwhelmed by the evil within. The very fact that we should be scared of the never-ending evil shows how stronger the second statement is. In Two Scavengers, Ferlinghetti ends by mocking the American dream, and by using his previous link of cruelty to society, using these examples, he finishes by showing the variation in society. as if they were watching some odorless TV ad in which everything is always possible as if anything at all were possible between them across the small gulf in the high seas of this democracy The American dream is what the American society aspires of its citizens. According to the constitution, Any American can become president. However, Ferlinghetti concludes his argument strongly disagreeing with this statement, and persuades the reader to do the same. The reference to the odourless TV ad shows how much advertising has affected the American people, that they were thinking like the advertisement in their real lives. The word odourless suggests that it is fake, plastic. This is the American dream. The TV ad is an illusion from reality. This directly relates how the American dream is just an illusion. Nothing is odourless. Also Ferlinghetti has used irony for entertainment to engage the reader further as the garbage mens jobs are the direct opposite of odourless. The line after in the extract is more powerful than the first, and shows how the American dream is really a dream. It is sarcastic as if anything at all were possible suggests that they did, for that instant, go into the illusion that it was possible to become what they aspired to be. However Ferlinghetti mocks this and therefore highly criticizes the American dream and the motives of the American Constitution it was lying to the people. The small gulf is also a pun, as it means the physical distance between the four people, but also the large gap in class and wealth between the two pairs of people a gulf is geographically very large. The high seas suggests that it is happening everywhere, as the oceans are very large and cover many areas. This further strengthens the effect of the class gap and also fits in with the entertaining line the small gulf. The last line is also highly critical, as it asks why people are not equal if they are meant to be in the democracy. This line also refers to this as being a problem across the whole of America and the whole society, which further strengthens the argument that all the people are not equal. It strongly and ironically suggests that the democracy is unfair and unjust. These are related to cruelty, as the people of America, Ferlinghetti believes, are being treated cruelly, being wrongly told, and believing that they are all equal, when Ferlinghetti sees clearly that they are not. People are told that they are free in a democracy, but Ferlinghetti, in this poem, argues that this is far from the case. Ferlinghetti and Achebe explore issues within their cultures, and link them to different examples. However, analytically, while their use of language and techniques may not be similar, it must not be forgotten that these poems remind us, and depict, the worst and most scarring side of Mans character, and remind us how misguided and flawed our judgements on ourselves can be. What we must learn from them is that we cannot think ourselves above creation if we show the same repulsive habits as vultures, however slight these may be. Ferlinghetti and Achebe argue that unless we totally conquer the evil and cruelty so centrally bound within us and change the society we have built around them, we cannot call ourselves more than any other being.

The Harmful Effects Of Coal Mining Environmental Sciences Essay

The Harmful Effects Of Coal Mining Environmental Sciences Essay Coal mining particularly surface mining requires large areas of land to be temporary disturbed. It causes and number of harmful effects. This raises environmental and human challenges, including, the impact of its activities on the neighboring community, impacts on biodiversity, water and air pollution. Trees, plants, and topsoil are cleared from coal mining areas, destroying forests and wildlife habitat, encouraging soil erosion and floods, and stirring up dust pollution that can cause respiratory problems in local communities. Underground mining, including an intensive method known as long wall mining, leaves behind empty underground spaces which can collapse and cause the land above to sink. Known as subsidence, this process can cause serious structural damage to homes, buildings, and roads when the land collapses beneath them. This destructive mining method destroys habitat, eliminates forests, and damages local property. The government estimates that if this mining continues unabated Appalachia it will destroy 1.4 million acres of land by 2020. Coal mining and coal preparation both stir up small dust and coal particles, which combine with other chemicals in the air and can cause serious and potentially fatal respiratory problems like black lung. About 75 percent of all local shipments in the U.S. are made via railroads, which are one of the nations largest sources of soot and smog pollution. Both soot and Fig. 1. A cartoon shows the environmental effects of coal mining (Joel Pett). smog can cause health problems, including respiratory problems and increased risk of asthma attacks. Coal-laden railcars and trucks also cause soot pollution when coal dust blows off into the surrounding air. Coal mining releases about 26 percent of all energy-related methane emissions in the U.S. each year. Methane is a global warning gas more than 20 times as potent as carbon dioxide, and is released from surrounding rocks when coal is mined, as well as during coal preparation and transportation. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, methane has a global warming potential 21 times greater than that of carbon dioxide on a 100 year time line. While burning coal in power plants is most harmful to air quality, due to the emission of dangerous gases, the process of mining can release pockets of hazardous gases. These gases may pose a threat to coal miners as well as a source of air pollution. This due to the relaxation of pressure and fracturing of the strata during mining activity, which gives rise to serious safety concerns for the coal miners if not managed properly. The buildup of pressure in the strata can lead to explosions during or after the mining process if prevention methods, such as methane draining are not taken. A common source of acid mine drainage is abandoned mines that fill with water that becomes acidic and mixes with heavy metals and minerals. When this toxic water leaks out, it combines with groundwater and streams, causing water pollution, damaging soils, and harming humans and animals. For example, in Pennsylvania alone acid mine drainage has polluted more than 3,000 miles of streams and ground waters, which affects all four major river basins on the state. Coal preparation uses large quantities of water and chemicals to separate impurities from mined coal, washing away the wastes in a sludge known as slurry. Up to 90 million gallons of slurry are produced every year in the U.S. In 2000, a 72-acre slurry impoundment in Martin County, KY breached, spilling 250 million gallons of water and 31 million gallons of local wastes into the local watershed-over twenty times the amount of oil spilled when the Exxon Valdez ran aground. Mountaintop removal mining involves literally blowing the t ops off mountains to reach thin seams of coal. Then, to minimize waste disposal costs, mining companies dump millions of tons of waste rock into the valleys and streams below, causing permanent damage to the ecosystem and landscape. This destructive practice has damaged or destroyed approximately 1,200 miles of streams, disrupted drinking water supplies, and flooded communities. Black lung is a group of respiratory disease in coal miners that can cause serious lung disease and death. About 12,000 miners died from black lung in the U.S. in the ten-year period ending in 2002. Symptoms include coughing, spitting up black material, shortness of breath, and eventual hardening and scarring of the lungs. Although some of the symptoms can be alleviated, there is no known cure for black lung and reversal of the symptoms. Like all occupational diseases, black lung is man-made and can be prevented. In fact, the U.S. Congress ordered black lung to be eradicated from the coal industry in 1969. Today, it is estimated that former coal miners each year die an agonizing death in often isolated rural communities, away from the spotlight of publicity. Those who are falling ill and dying are not just the coal miners. Everyone who lives near the mines or processing plants or transportation centers is affected by chronic socioeconomics weakness that takes a tool on longevity and health. Residents of coal- mining communities have long complained of impaired health. This study substantiates their claims. Those residents are at an increased risk of developing chronic heart, lung and kidney diseases (Michael Hendryx). Coal mining can destroy sources of local revenue, including losses from tourism and recreation, such as the estimated $67 million lost annually in Pennsylvania from sport fishing because of streams too polluted from acid mine drainage. Coal mining can also damage homes and decrease property value, making it hard for people to sell their houses and move. Coal mining has been a decreasing source of jobs over the last two decades and is still considered to be one of the most dangerous jobs in America. Estimates of mining production and working coal miners show that between 1985 and 2005 mining production in the U.S. increased 22 percent, while the number of coal miners decreased by about 55 percent. The average income of coal miners has also been on the decline, dropping 20 percent over the same period. In 1952, Alabama became the first state to provide compensation for coal workers pneumoconiosis. A few years later, Virginia recognized the disease as compensable, but pressures were exe rted the following year and the amendment was repealed. Pennsylvania enacted legislation effective on December 1, 1965, and Virginia again amended its compensation law in 1968. Late in 1968, a number of miners organized the West Virginia Black Lung Association, which successfully led a campaign to introduce a bill in the 1969 session of the West Virginia legislature making coal workers pneumoconiosis a compensable disease. The compensation bill was quickly made a major issue by the Black Lung Association and militant miners in February when the legislation ran into opposition from the coal-operator-dominated legislature. Most of the 40,000 miners in West Virginia walked out of the mines, and large number of them marched on the state capitol in Charleston demanding passage of the bill. This was one of the largest and longest strikes ever on the single issue of occupational health.