Erotic elements in The Brothers Menaechmus Essay

Erotic elements in The Brothers Menaechmus - Essay Example There is a homoerotic and incestuous undertone to the union of the brothers at the end of the play that contributes to the production of humor. This paper shall seek to analyse these aspects of the play and why these can or cannot be used in a modern play. Erotic elements in The Brothers Menaechmus The erotic elements in The Brothers Menaechmus contribute greatly to the comedy that is an intrinsic part of the play. The presence of a wife and a mistress and the confusion that ensues is something that is a stock situation that is used for humor in many plays. Plautus combines this with the presence of the twin brothers who look exactly like each other to create situations that are not only funny but also educative and subversive of contemporary ideas of appearances and reality. Subversion occurs at another level, where the homoerotic element is hinted at. However, it is not developed fully and is turned into another occasion for laughter and the production of comedy. The name Erotium i n itself lends itself to suggestive explanations that produce situations that are worthy of laughter to an audience that heard the dialogues in the original Latin that the play was written in. The recourse that Menaechmus takes is that of taking refuge in the arms of his mistress. His wife remains an insignificant character as opposed to the prostitute. His wife is not even provided with a name in most translations.

Limitations of Intelligence assessment Essay Example for Free

Limitations of Intelligence assessment Essay Intelligence is defined as the ability for abstract thinking . It is the ability of an individual to act in a purposeful manner and think rationally as well as interact with the environment in an effective way. Some have also said that intelligence is whatever the intelligence tests assess which is usually dependent on the preferences of the test developer. According to Piaget, Intelligence is an equilibrium state towards which successive adaptatations of cognitive and sensorimotor patterns as well as accomodatory and assimilatory interactions between organism and environment tend towards (Flynn, 2007). Limitations of Intelligence assessment An intelligence assessment test does not show what an individual can do in specific areas and does not assess specific conditions such as dyslexia. A person with dyslexia may still have high intelligence quotient. An intelligence quotient score can be deceptive in that people with same IQ can have very different intellectual abilities. Furthermore, an IQ test does not measure raw intelligence or any absolute, inherent or innate ability. The IQ test is just a relative index of intelligence assessment which only compares one person’s performance with another of his own age (Flynn, 2007). Strengths of Intelligence assessment The strength lies in its purpose which can be educational, medical, research and vocational. In terms of vocation, IQ tests are used for vocational guidance as different vocations call for different aptitudes . In research IQ test are used to study mental growth as mental ability develop sequentially from birth onwards and so intelligence assessment can be used to see direction of individual and group curve it is also used in research to indicate the extent of differences of IQs among children of same calendar age and this will imply the need to provide materials at the different levels of difficulty. In medicine, IQ assessment is used to characterize the degree of mental retardation so as to evolve adequate management strategies. In education, it is used to identify gifted children and for homogenous grouping of children for educational effectiveness.

Composites Used In Aircraft Structure Engineering Essay

Composites Used In Aircraft Structure Engineering Essay This report explores the uses of composites in modern aircrafts and investigates the technical effects of applying composites to aircrafts. In addition, this report also evaluates the future usage of composites in aerospace industry. Background Composites are defined as engineered materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties those remain separate and distinct on a macroscopic level within the finished structure. (Definition, 2010) The American Heritage Dictionary (Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 1981) comes close, with a complex material, such as wood or fiber glass, in which two or more complementary substances, especially metals, ceramics, glasses, and polymers, combine to produce some structural or functional properties not present in any individual component. The problem with even a good definition, of course, is that it is all encompassing, so that every material in the universe could in some sense be defined as a composite. (Composites Manufacturing, 2006) Composites are first introduced after crash cases of aircrafts due to metal fatigue in the 1950s. And since then the use of composites in aircrafts increases exponentially over time. Method of Investigation Information is obtained online in the form of e-books, news articles and industrial reports. Furthermore, relevant book from SP library had been used in this report. Scope of Investigation This report explores the history of composites. Besides, this report also explores the types of composites used in aircraft structure, for example carbon fiber, fiberglass and Kevlarà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ aramid, as well as fabrication of the carbon fiber. Furthermore, this report discusses the technical effects and applications of composites in aircraft structure. Composites in the future such as self-repairing composites and shape memory composites are also discussed in this report. History of Composites Composites were introduced in the 1950s and 1960s, fiber-reinforced plastic, was introduced to substitute the usage of duralumin in the structure of aircrafts. Before composites were introduced, primary structure of aircrafts was made largely of aluminum alloy. Duralumin, a type of aluminum alloy, was widely used in aircrafts primary structure due to its high strength to weight ratio and good toughness. Furthermore, good corrosion resistance of duralumin makes it so suitable to be used under harsh condition. However, in 1950s, a fully loaded De Havilland Comet jet airliner crashed due to metal fatigue. This gave rise to demand of materials suitable for aircrafts primary structure with high fatigue resistance. English scientist, Norman de Bruline, was the first to propose the use of composite materials in aircrafts structures. Then, more and more composites were introduced to suit certain requirement of properties of aircrafts structure. Modern fibers, such as carbon-reinforced fibers, Kevlarà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ aramid, glass-reinforced fibers and boron fibers, are the stiffest and strongest materials known. (Composites Manufacturing, 2006) Modern Composites Composites are well known for their favorable properties such as high strength to weight ratio, high stiffness, very high stress level, high fatigue resistance and good corrosion resistance. Some of the widely used composites in aircraft structures will be discussed below. In common, all composites are made of relatively weak bonding of lamination of materials. Hence, core in composite laminate is introduced to increase the laminates stiffness by effectively thickening it with a low-density core material. This can provide a dramatic increase in stiffness for very little additional weight, where lightweight implication is so crucial for aircraft structure. For example, application of honeycomb core provides stronger impact resistance to composite laminates. With its hollow cells, it provides good energy absorption and sound dampening effect to the laminates. Types There are many types of composites currently used in aircraft structure. However, in this part only carbon fiber, fiberglass and Kevlarà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ aramid will be discussed. Carbon Fiber Carbon or graphite fiber is basically fiber that contains more than 90% of carbon. Carbon fibers are ideal for lightweight reinforcement, as well as high strength, high stiffness application in aircrafts structure, due to its unique combinations of properties. High-performance carbon fibers are available in a range of properties, product forms, and prices. Most of the Carbon Fibers are made from organic polymers, with chains of carbons connected to each other, such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN). (Composites Manufacturing, 2006) Fiberglass Fiberglass is a reinforcing material that is widely used in aircraft structure. More than 70% of the reinforcement of thermosetting resins is made of fiberglass. In general, the longer the fibers, the greater the strength of the fibers is. And continuous fibers are the strongest amongst all. Glass does not burn, and at high temperature glass retains its mechanical properties, up to 50 per cent of its strength at 700 °F. Furthermore, glass has excellent moisture resistance compared to metals. Thus, it is suitable for application on aircraft structures. Lime-alumina-borosilicate glass, or E glass, was the first glass developed specifically for continuous fibers production. It is designed for electrical applications, with its good adaptability and high effectiveness in processes and products, ranging from decorative to structural applications in aircrafts. (Composites Manufacturing, 2006) Kevlarà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ Aramid Kevlarà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ aramid, introduced commercially in the 1970s, is an aromatic long-chain polyamide polymer produced by spinning using standard textile techniques. It was introduced to replace steel in racing tires. Kevlarà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ aramid is well known for its high tensile strength, low density and good impact resistance with about half the stiffness of graphite structure. These properties offer a better choice for materials used in aircraft structures. For example, Kevlarà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ 49 aramid fiber is widely used as reinforcement for plastic composites in aerospace, marine, automotive, and other industrial applications. (Composites Manufacturing, 2006) Fabrication In general, the reinforcing and matrix materials are combined, compacted and processed to undergo a melding event. In this part, fabrication of carbon fiber will be discussed in details. Figure 1 below illustrates the brief process of fabrication of carbon fiber, from its precursor form to the fiber. Figure 1 Fabrication Of Carbon Fiber (Flow Chart, 2010) Firstly, acrylonitrile, CH2CHCN, a chemical compound derived from propylene and ammonia, is mixed with another plastic in powder form, and is then reacted with a catalyst in a solution polymerization process. In results, a polymer is formed. After that, the polymer is put under spinning process to form the internal atomic structure of the fiber. This process is done by heating up the mixture and pump through tiny jets into a chamber where the solvents evaporate. The polymer is then washed and stretched to align the molecules within the fiber. This complete process is called stretching. The final product after this process is known as precursor. Next, the fibers will undergo oxidation process. The fibers are heated in air to about 200 to 300 °C for 30 to 120 minutes, to convert the linear atomic bonding to ladder bonding. This is to prepare a more thermally stable bonding of fibers. After the fibers are stabilized, they are heated again to 1000 to 3000 °C for several minutes in a furnace. This has to be done in inert environment to prevent fibers from burning with presence of oxygen gas. As the fibers are heated, they start to lose their carbon atoms as well as non-carbon atoms while the remaining carbon atoms will form a tightly bonded carbon crystals that are aligned almost parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fibers. This process is known as carbonization. In some processes, two furnaces are operating in two different temperatures to provide a better control of heating rate. Lastly, the fibers will undergo surface treatments such as oxidation to provide better bonding properties, coating to protect fibers from external damage. (Composites Manufacturing, 2006) Technical Effects Generally, composites are superior in fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance, and high strength-to-weight ratio. These properties give composite aircrafts better fuel efficiency as well as better load capacity, as compared to the metal alloy counterparts. In addition, composites design offers lower maintenance cost compared to that of metal alloy design. Composite parts are manufactured as a whole, compared to metal parts are manufactured in the form of sheet metals and are connected by means of fasteners, the former greatly reduce maintenance cost by simplifying maintenance procedure. Figure 2 below shows the fuselage barrel section being manufactured in one piece, without the needs of fasteners. Figure 2 Boeing 787 DreamLiner Fuselage (Composites Material, 2004) However, composites are not as almighty as they have been told. For instance, most composite materials are poor in electric conductivity and such, causing them to be more susceptible to damage due to lightning strikes. Compared to metal alloy airframes, composite counterparts require extra procedure in order to take care of the electric charge from the lightning as well as static charge from friction when flying. Furthermore, unlike metals, composites break without sign or physical warning. Compared to aluminum alloy, composites do not bend when subjected to impact but break once they fail to withstand the load. Applications Composites are currently used widely in aerospace industry. Primary structures, for example fuselage, wings, ailerons, flaps, empennage, are made of composites in modern aircrafts. For example, composites contributed 50 per cent to the weight of Boeing 787 DreamLiner, whilst almost 100 per cent of the fuselage skin and wings surface are composites. Figure 3 below illustrates the usage of composites in Boeing 787 as compared to that in Boeing 777, has increased significantly. Figure 3 Goodbye Metal Planes (Goodbye Metal Plane, 2005) Secondary structures such as pressure bulkheads, floor beams, and landing gear door are also made of composites. Furthermore, composites are also used in interior. Composites In The Future Self-Repairing Composites Self-repairing composites are composites that are able to repair cracks on the aircrafts as they happen. Figure 4 below illustrates the fundamental of self-repairing composites. By designing a network of glass rods filled with resin, it is possible to stop the crack from propagating and repair the aerodynamics characteristic of the aircraft when crack happen in flight. Figure 4 Self Healing Artificial Skin (Self Repairing, 2007) However, there are limitations in self-repairing composites, for example, the supply of the resin in the network. A system with vascular network has to be developed to resupply the resin so that self-repairing composites serve their purpose from time to time. Shape Memory Composites Shape memory composites are composites that retain one or two shapes after being cold-worked. Figure 5 illustrates how shape memory composites retain shapes after being subjected to heat. Figure 5 Shape Memory (Shape Memory, 2007) This is highly useful in aircrafts design as it means the aerodynamics of the aircrafts can now be controlled according to whether maneuverability or stability is needed. Conclusion Composites are currently used as a better material used in aircraft primary structures, substituting aluminum alloy that had been used for decades. Due to composites superiority in corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, and weight saving, it is expected that incoming models of aircrafts will use composites extensively. Application of composites in modern aircrafts once again proves that composites are more reliable than metal alloys in airworthiness. However, further development of composites should be done to overcome weaknesses found currently to further improve the safety of aircrafts.

The Character of Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale in Nathaniel Hawthornes Scarle

The Character of Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, provides us with intricate characters to analyze and evaluate.   Hawthorne carefully constructs his characters, giving them each different emotions, values, physical attributes, and thus creating different souls.   One sees character development throughout the book, until at the end, one is left with an image of a seemingly "real" person.   One of Hawthorne's carefully constructed characters is, Arthur Dimmesdale.   With Arthur, one sees how sin changes him dramatically, causing in him moral conflicts.   Dimmesdale is continually trying to see who he is.         Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the beginning of Hawthorne's novel, we are introduced to Hester Prynne, who has been condemned for adultery.   Through this sin, she has a child named Pearl.   The bigger controversy though, is who is Hester's "partner in crime."   But for seven years, Hester does not reveal it to anyone, not even her husband, Roger Prynne, who comes to town the day she is brought up on the scaffold.   Prynne is not happy about finding his wife convicted of being an adulteress.   He feels that the other guilty party should be up on the scaffold with her.   His deep want to find the guilty party, leads him to disguise his identity, and he becomes, Roger Chillingworth.   Hester agrees to keep his secret.   The novel takes us through the seven years that Hester keeps quiet.   A reader of the novel finds out early that Arthur Dimmesdale is the man Hester is trying to protect.         Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One notices, that even in the beginning, there is deep inner conflict affecting Dimmesdale.... ...ter of Dimmesdale is excellently constructed through the actions and words that Hawthorne writes.       Works Cited and Consulted Brodhead, Richard H., "New and Old Tales: The Scarlet Letter," Modern Critical Views Nathaniel Hawthorne, New York, Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. Dibble, Terry J., Cliff Notes on The Scarlet Letter, Lincoln, Cliff Notes, Inc., 1988. Fogle, Richard Harter, "The Scarlet Letter," Hawthorne's Fiction The Light and The Dark, Norman, University of Oklahoma Press, 1975. Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York: St. Martins, 1991. Matthiessen, F.O., "The Scarlet Letter," Critics on Hawthorne, Readings in Literary Criticism: 16, Coral Gables, University of Miami Press, 1972. Matthiessen, F.O., Twentieth Century Interpretations of The Scarlet Letter, Englewood Cliffs, Prentice-Halls Inc., 1968. The Character of Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale in Nathaniel Hawthorne's Scarle The Character of Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, provides us with intricate characters to analyze and evaluate.   Hawthorne carefully constructs his characters, giving them each different emotions, values, physical attributes, and thus creating different souls.   One sees character development throughout the book, until at the end, one is left with an image of a seemingly "real" person.   One of Hawthorne's carefully constructed characters is, Arthur Dimmesdale.   With Arthur, one sees how sin changes him dramatically, causing in him moral conflicts.   Dimmesdale is continually trying to see who he is.         Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the beginning of Hawthorne's novel, we are introduced to Hester Prynne, who has been condemned for adultery.   Through this sin, she has a child named Pearl.   The bigger controversy though, is who is Hester's "partner in crime."   But for seven years, Hester does not reveal it to anyone, not even her husband, Roger Prynne, who comes to town the day she is brought up on the scaffold.   Prynne is not happy about finding his wife convicted of being an adulteress.   He feels that the other guilty party should be up on the scaffold with her.   His deep want to find the guilty party, leads him to disguise his identity, and he becomes, Roger Chillingworth.   Hester agrees to keep his secret.   The novel takes us through the seven years that Hester keeps quiet.   A reader of the novel finds out early that Arthur Dimmesdale is the man Hester is trying to protect.         Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One notices, that even in the beginning, there is deep inner conflict affecting Dimmesdale.... ...ter of Dimmesdale is excellently constructed through the actions and words that Hawthorne writes.       Works Cited and Consulted Brodhead, Richard H., "New and Old Tales: The Scarlet Letter," Modern Critical Views Nathaniel Hawthorne, New York, Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. Dibble, Terry J., Cliff Notes on The Scarlet Letter, Lincoln, Cliff Notes, Inc., 1988. Fogle, Richard Harter, "The Scarlet Letter," Hawthorne's Fiction The Light and The Dark, Norman, University of Oklahoma Press, 1975. Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York: St. Martins, 1991. Matthiessen, F.O., "The Scarlet Letter," Critics on Hawthorne, Readings in Literary Criticism: 16, Coral Gables, University of Miami Press, 1972. Matthiessen, F.O., Twentieth Century Interpretations of The Scarlet Letter, Englewood Cliffs, Prentice-Halls Inc., 1968.

Superstition

This paper aims to explore the theme superstition as a form of uncanny mysterious happening that have been witnessed and continue to be witnessed in everyday of our lives. The expression ‘superstition' is sometimes taken to be a simply mean an insult, which is, therefore, not vulnerable to objective meaning and it undoubtedly can be used in this manner. However, when for instance we think through some occurrences that everyone would undoubtedly agree to call superstitious, making doves appear from nowhere, changing clothes to money, waving introvert magpies, saying ‘break a leg', blowing on cards or dice before playing and rolling them, putting on a lucky t-shirt to a baseball match, we shall realize that in fact, they epitomize rather a close and easily clear group. In the above case, the superstition explicitly or implicitly affirms a particular causative connection without comprehending any explanation of it workings. A candidate at an examination, who fails to express confidence because ‘it would bring a misfortune' does not know of the ways by which, the curse would take effect. Someone strolling at night and make a wish on a shooting star cannot tell who or what might hear his or her wish and make it come true. An entrepreneur who once made a bad fortune when there were thorn flowers in the room and who now rejects to have the same in his or her house has no philosophy as to why he or she thinks the thorn flowers are unfortunate, these are just but a few examples to go by. Many people fear the word when they hear someone affiliate with it because they think that it's a source of evil work. Indeed, if by any explanation there were evidences, the word ‘superstition' would no longer seem particularly applicable.Introduction Superstition has had a significant influence in the lives of people probably since the beginning of the world. For centuries, human being have clung to the practices as well as, believes encompassing the uncanny phenomena. The superstitious traditions have continued ever since time immemorial even after pieces of evidence being produced by the work of science to explain what was in the past considered supernatural. Superstitious rituals dating back in the middle ages are still witnessed in practice today. However, the kind of things in superstition like hitting on wood or having a horse shoe hanged at the door did not emanate just like that. They were taken with great significance and were presupposed to have various consequences. Superstition, ad is denoted by the dictionary, thesaurus and oxford, is â€Å"excessively, credulous belief and reverence for the supernatural.† The belief was in no other time greater and excessive as in the middle age period's where a simple blow on your face could send you to unknown destination, a simple sneeze could take someone's life, and witches used broomsticks to fly around at night as well as conjuring spells were done by Jewish sorcerers. The mysterious circumstances in those ancient periods, were put forth by the imaginations of our descendants. In these times, before science had its roots, simple happening were described as mysterious and supernatural. For instance, a simple shadow cast, probably at midnight during moonlight would be considered as a person's reflection of their soul. Sounds at night were considered to be from ghosts and genies and this instilled lots of fear to the generation of the time. There was the personification of natural phenomena in those days. The purpose of this paper is to discover the roots of the uncanny superstition, the beneficial use of it if any to people, the consequences and instances, why was it used and who were using it, the power of the this preternatural phenomenal, the various beliefs among others. The roots of superstitionSuperstition as far as we are concerned is said to have been there from the beginning of mankind. Theories have been put forward to explain this unnatural phenomenon. Firstly, it is thought that superstition comes when a person's desire is beyond their ability in what is called the implorative desire or mind. For instance, if a person is in dire need of a car or money and he or she has no means of obtaining it but then hears of an available psychic or witch somewhere who could make it possible for them to get what they wanted without any struggles. This will eventually drive him or her to the psychic or the witch due to the strong desire and need. Secondly, a fearful mind is also said to be a root of superstition. For instance, a family that has experience consecutive death of their relatives would have some form of fear that would drive them to seek some wizard's intervention for why has it been that there has been the same cause of death for all the relative of theirs. More stories such as this of repetitious and mysterious causes often results into some form of superstition. As human beings, each and every one of us has their own fears as well as wishes. If the two happen to exist then it eventually and likely to lead to superstition unless there is some form of holy intervention in a person. No matter how a person may appear educated, if the mind is filled with a fear and wishes that are beyond their abilities then definitely they would become superstitious. It is natural that part of humans is filled with fear and greed, therefore, on their search for satisfaction and peace people tend to be reliant on their dark side, the superstitious power. The law of Cause and EffectThis is consider to be the law of truth as well as natural concept that people do rarely think about. It is human nature that human beings always want to have the consequence that are disproportionate with the source like craving for something big outside their reach. Absence of self-confidence, uncontrollable wishes, as well as, worries are all what will make people become superstitious. People ought to understand that it's their deeds that cause all effect whether successful or not, rich or poor, either bad or good. Also they should understand no effect is coincidental, from nowhere, it takes diligence and clear mind to achieve. If we make good deeds then the end result is good if we make our deeds bad then there would be no good at the end of it all and such leads to superstitious being. The superstition explicitly or implicitly affirms a particular causative connection without comprehending any explanation of it workings. A candidate at an examination, who fails to express confidence because ‘it would bring a misfortune' does not know of the ways by which, the curse would take effect. It is worth noting that all things in life whether nice or wicked are not merely existent but comes from a cause that we made before (Kim 641-658). Therefore, there is need for good causes in all our endeavors. The law of â€Å"cause and effect† varies from the current to the future life hence is not just an ordinary discipline of study. The big emphasis is that we should proudly as well as, courageously, accept the consequences of our deeds whether they are good or bad without any form of grief, fear or worries because they are what we have sown from the beginning. If we make the cause then even the effect is our end result as well and we should learnt to be responsible of our own self. There is the aim to remain bright and thoughtful while making decision which is the cause so as we prepare for the best effects later that would be easy to accept. By understanding and making believe in the law of cause as well as, effect, we take control of our cause for the upcoming effect. We also make sure that we remain so thoughtful and smart while making our decisions. We are also encourage to keep our greed and fear thought in control as well, for us to be responsible for our deeds.Our superstitious MindA lot of people can attest to have always had their lives threatened at some by the scare warning they were used to hear people say. Things like try as much to avoid encounters with black cats at night, don't go under those sheds of trees or cabins at during late hours, every 13th day coinciding with Friday is a bad lack and so forth. Well, the fact is many believed this to be true and had really avoided such encounters and locked themselves in their houses just to make sure s uch myth are not part of their happenstances. It is said that, these beliefs could happen too those who really and truly believe them to be true and the same is not the case for those who takes them as a mere scare (Vyse 467). However, some of these myth posed a positive effect to the people because they help to shape their behaviors, this is to say, and not all of these superstitious were negative. It was a way to make the mind believe on the wrongs to be avoided and the rights to be done. Nevertheless, there are so many cultures around the world that have hold on to these beliefs to date. Are there certain things that make people to hold on to these beliefs? If yes, how do they perceive them? Are they really things they should hold on? And so forth. There are so many questions that would need answers that would be difficult to find, if we tried get into this and dig deeply. There are several and various extents of superstitions in the world we live in, that we keep hearing of. In this extent, superstitions themselves can be from the smallest actions like people in a casino using simple trick to win money, and other actions that people certainly do to make them avoid back lack and increase their chances of getting what they want, to some big forms like disappearing from sight of audiences. So whether, trying to win, or wearing a lucky scarf and getting out of sight, all these can be considered to be superstitious things because they can never be performed by a normal human being. Being mindful of what we do is a good way to avoiding unwanted consequences in future. A good human being, is one who learns from their past mistakes to make their future a better one than where they are from. The cause and effect is very helpful subject to understand and make good out of it.Three Doors to Freedom from Superstitious MindsHow can we teach ourselves to be free from thought that might be superstitious? Here are better ways to make our intentions right. First we need to understand the doors to our freedom. The emptiness is the first, having no desires is the second and the last is formlessness. Anyone who grasps these situations will have the intelligence see the real truth about every aspect in human existences. These contain no arrangements because they are comprised of combination of various casual features. Based on cause all beings are called â€Å"hollowness† because of their illusory nature. If they have physical systems, then there is no blending. People ought to try and discover the actual form in the make-up. The professional have specified that it compromises of four components, air, the earth, and fire, as well as, water. Therefore, missing either of them, would degenerate the body. And when either of them is the controlling or in other words, the dominant portion, our bodies become functionless. Another issue would be how they can be in line when there is a considerable amount of conflict between them? We therefore got the obligation balance them by having the right foods. Which of the considerations is the overriding in our heads? (Patil 411). It is the beliefs that we hold that give rise to either desirable or the undesirable natures that affect how we involve ourselves in the ways that are not permissive. The three doors emphasized by the theory is the one good way that when observed would allow us to avoid all the thing that pre-occupy of heads with dirty stuffs which shifts our rightful thinking. The way we carry our burdens in our mind, by this is to mean the things that distract us in our everyday life determines how we release them back out to other people. A mind that keeps on wishing without coordinating the body to work hard will always have superstitious thoughts to fulfill the wishes. All said and done, the next thing that can influence our thought to be evil are the people we keep around us. If we have friends who keep suggesting negative motives like stealing, fighting, causing chaos then we would always be driven to the dark side of thoughts. We therefore have to be very mindful of the close people we have because we never know there intentions towards us.Just as earlier mentioned, the big emphasis is that we should proudly as well as, courageously, accept the consequences of our deeds whether they are good or bad without any form of grief, fear or worries because they are what we have sown from the beginning. If we make the cause then even the effect is our end result as well and we should learnt to be responsible of our own selfThe Power of SuperstitionThe phenomenon has been seen to cause more harm than good. Magician who have taken the upfront to using superstition are very capable of doing dangerous stuffs that are very destructive. For instance, we see them in our television performing scary of event that leave us holding our mouths. Imagine if such a person decides to go bad, what harm they would be capable of. aSuperstition in Julius CaesarIn some ancient days, superstition was a significant perception in the Roman times, as it was the fueling force in uncountable actions of the people at the time. To them it was considered a historical believe. The phenomenon was seen as a strengthening factor with their gods. This is well brought up by a play by Shakespeare called Julius Caesar, named after the great ruler of the Romans at the time. Superstition is used in the play repeatedly to foreshadow the death of the ruler by his friend Brutus who eventually as well, kills himself due to conscious guilt. Shakespeare expresses the awareness that many people tried to get the better of what the future held, such as ill-fated events, by being superstitious. This is exceptionally prominent in Julius Caesar, as it effects the day to day regular daily life of the Roman citizens. From ghosts to half-naked and thonged men, nearly every individual had to deal with the uncanny, a mission that many seemed to take as life changing. In Julius Caesar, superstitious motives within the characters change their choices concerning life, revenge, and death (Beckett 17).This was a time in Roman when sex was a glorification and unfertile women would sought help to be able to procreate while, the fertile ones sought more children by use of superstition. We see from the story that Caesar is approached by an old man by the name of Soothsayer who warns him of his coming death by â€Å"the ides of March,† through foretelling but Caesar ignores that by saying he is a dreamer and just as foretold, he is stubbed to death with among them being Brutus, close friend to him. Being a good friend to Caesar, Brutus was blindly lured by Cassius to plot to kill him which they did. Later on, a ghost of Caesar appears to Brutus assuring him that they would meet. Due to this form of superstition, Brutus thought he was meant to die and he took his own life as a result. All This are all instances of superstitions at the time. It also shows how significantly superstition changed the actions of the characters together with how it affected their lives (Chibnall & McFarlane 252).Superstition as a Survival MechanismAs long as superstition is regarded to be involving dark magic and mysterious power it has been of benefit to others mostly in the ancient days where it was used for protection and security to guard against possible enemies. As depicted in various movies and films today, the same was the case though not as exaggerated as such. A lot of people use some ritual emulate to help them do better in what they are working on. They feel that it gives them a boost to motivate them and increase their confidences. Personal superstitious way of thinking is another mechanisms people use to think in some manner that prepares someone to get defense from displeasure, heartbreaks and disappointment. In this regard, the old traditions and cultures use superstitious powers to guard their communities from attack. Possible attackers may never locate their allies in their attempt for an attack also, the same was use by witches to escape when they become hunted down. They would either disappear or make their enemies lose track of them by somehow using their black magic on them and as a result they would be safe. However, due to human nature, some of this was used in the wrong way like making people suffer for no good reason. Also some would use their so called â€Å"super powers† to steal from other without having being notice thereby causing loss of property. Those who have been said to use the phenomenon as a means to survive have also been using it to influence factors to their benefit. If for instance, a bank is demanding payment from such people and they don't have any cash to settle out the loans, they would use paper and make these look like real money then give it to the former who might not even notice. This is just to emphasize that magic and superstition go hand in hand and whatever reason it is used for then there can never be the right form of it because it has had more bad than goodConclusionIn conclusion, this phenomenon called superstition is an influence that is destructive in our society, which, has twisted many people who are worried and nervous, lack of self-confidence, and have a dull thoughts as well as, evil mind. To wish for a healthy society, we can't accept superstition. We have a duty to spread and share the good teachings about self-confidence, of self-emancipation as well as, clarification. So how can we be superstitious? Though, there are many people who will suggest their groups to seek God's interventions when they have problems of any nature. It doesn't matter how many problems there are, there will always be a better way to solve them all.

Is Learning How To Speak Spanish Worth It Professor Ramos Blog

Is Learning How To Speak Spanish Worth It I was put into dual immersion when I was five years old. Dual immersion is a program in school where you learn Spanish and English at the same time. I remember not knowing a word of Spanish but having to take a test to see if I qualified. My parents put me in this program because they felt that it would benefit me more in the future. They always told me that theres a lot more opportunities when it comes to knowing a second language. In this program, from kindergarten to 5th grade, for the most part we were spoke to in Spanish, the only time we ever spoke English is if we absolutely needed to. Leaning Spanish was really difficult for me because not a single person in my family knew how to speak it. I had literally nobody to help me with my homework whether it was to translate something or even my math because that was also in Spanish. I was adopted when I was four years old into a family that was all white, but thats a story for another time. They never really realized how them not knowing how to speak Spanish effected me. My whole life ive always been told that school comes first no matter what. Everyday after school my mom would always say, â€Å"Vyla you better get your homework done first.† That meant no video games, no playing with friends, not even doing my chores. My parents were very strict and made sure to push me to my limits when it came to academics. I remember countless nights sitting at the table for hours trying to finish my homework. Looking back at those times I realize that doing my homework without any help at such a young age benefitted me because it help me retain everything better. Elementary school was critical because thats when you learn literally everything so during this time I always asked my teachers as many questions possible. I struggled a lot with remembering certain words and not knowing how to use the tenses correctly. My favorite teacher was from 1st grade, her name was Ms. Aja. She was so nice to me and made sure to give me all the help I needed. She always had crazy hair that was different colors and she loved to give out candy, she made the learning environment fun. I can honestly say that she probably had the biggest effect on me because she was always there for me and made sure I was understanding everything she was teaching. I enjoyed dual immersion so much, I created unbreakable bonds with teachers and friendships that will last a lifetime. I have friends that Ive Known for more than eight years now all because I met them through this program. Its such a special thing when you share a learning experience with multiple people just like you. I remember having to overcome so many obstacles like presenting in front of the Spanish speaking school board and being scared out of my mind. In all honesty it made things better knowing I had classmates going through the same things, trying to impress the same people. Learning a new language takes a lot of dedication and interest, but over time you develop a passion for it. Being completely fluent in Spanish by the time I was in middle school was convenient because now instead of learning in Spanish in one classroom all day, I was learning English in multiple classrooms throughout the day. With that being said I began to realize that my family not knowing how to speak Spanish was going to be an issue again. Since all my classes were now in English I wasnt using my ability to speak Spanish anymore like I was in elementary school. Speaking from experience, the saying, â€Å"If you dont use it, you lose it† is completely true without a doubt. Therefore when I graduated to high school and had to take Spanish again to meet certain requirements, I was beyond rusty. Being fresh out of high school, going to college and getting a job is something that many people do, to me it was a necessity. I was so excited filling out applications and being able to say im bilingual on them. Something that blows my mind is that even though both teachers and my parents told me opportunities would come, I didnt think much of it until something happened to me recently. Not too long ago I got hired on the spot at subway, and it wasnt until after the interview that my boss told me he was for sure going to hire me all because I knew how to speak Spanish. When he told me that, my face lit up with the biggest smile on it, ive never been more proud and so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn Spanish. With that being said, my journey with learning Spanish definitely had its ups and downs but at the end of the day had, and will continue to have a great outcome with nothing but possibilities. I feel blessed being able to learn a different language because it made me see things in different perspectives and became a part of me that ill be able to take wherever I go.   Ã‚  Ã‚