Characteristics of gases
Gases are fluids, which means they flow. They are able to flow because they are relatively far apart and therefore are able to move past each other freely. Gases also have a low density and much of the volume occupied by a gas is empty space. Another property of gases are that they are highly compressible. What this means, is you can force gas molecules to move closer together by reducing the about of volume the gas molecules have to move around. This increases the pressure because the molecules are being forced to occupy a smaller space but want to reach equilibrium with the surrounding environment. Lastly, gases completely fill a container. Gas particles are constantly moving around and do not settle, allowing a gas to expand and fill the entire volume of a container.
Pressure is the amount of force exerted per unit area of surface. The unit of force in SI units in pressure is the newton. One newton is the force that gives an acceleration of 1 m/s^2 to the object whose mass is 1 kg (1 newton = 1kg x 1 m/s^2 = 1N). The SI unit of pressure is the pascal, Pa, which is the force of one newton applied over an area of one square meter (1 Pa = 1 N/1 m^2).
According to the kinetic-molecular theory, the behavior of physical systems depends on the combined actions of the molecules constituting the system. Explained, this means that the gas particles are in consistent rapid, random motion. The theory also states that the particles of a gas are very far apart relative to their size. This idea explains the fluidity and compressibility of gases. Gas particles collide with each other and with the walls of their container. The kinetic-molecular theory states that the pressure exerted by a gas is a result of collisions of the molecules against the walls of the container. Also, the theory considers collisions of gas particles to be perfectly elastic and the total energy of the system remains constant. Gas temperature is also proportional to average kinetic energy. Heat increases the energy of random motion of a gas, but not all molecules are traveling at the same speed. As a result of multiple collisions, the molecules have a range of speeds.
The Gas Laws
Boyle's law is the law that states that for a fixed amount of gas at a constant temperature, the volume of the gas increases as the pressure of the gas decreases and the volume of the gas decreases as the pressure of the gas increases. The mathematical expression for this law is PV = k, where P = The pressure exerted by the gas, V = Total volume occupied by the gas, and k is the outcome. If the temperature and the number of particles are not changes, the PV product remains the same, and the mathematical expression is P1V1 = P2V2 (numbers are subscripts).
Example: A given sample of gas occupies 500 mL at 1.25 atm. The pressure is increased to 2.25 atm, while the temperature remains the same. What is the new volume of the gas?
(1) The initial volume and pressure and the final pressure are given. Determine the final volume.
P1 = 1.25 atm V1 = 500 mL
P2 = 2.25 atm V2 = ?
(2) Place the known quantities into the correct places in the equation relating pressure and volume.
P1V1 = P2V2
(1.25 atm)(500 mL) = (2.25 atm) V2
(3) Calculate.
V2 = (1.25 atm)(500 mL) / 2.25 atm = 277.78 mL
(4) Verify your results. The pressure was almost doubled. So the new volume should be approximately one-half the initial volume. The answer is therefore reasonable.
Charles's Law is the law that states that for a fixed amount of gas at a constant pressure, the volume of the gas increases as the temperature of the gas increases and the volume of the gas decreases as the temperature of the gas decreases. This shows the direct relationship between temperature and volume. The mathematical expression for this is V/T = k, where V is the total volume occupied by the gas, T is the temperature in kelvins of the gas, and k is the outcome. IF all other conditions are kept constant, V/T will remain the same. Therefore, Charles's law can be also expressed as V1/T1 = V2/T2.
Example: A balloon inflated to 1000 mL at 24 degrees Celsius. It is immersed in a dry-ice bath at -125 degrees Celsius. What is the volume, assuming the pressure remains constant?
(1) The initial volume and temperature and the final temperature are given.
V1 = 1000 mL T1 = 24C
V2 = ? T2 = -125C
(2) Convert the temperatures from degrees Celsius to kelvins.
T1 = 24C + 273 = 294 K T2 = -125C + 273 = 148 K
V1/T1 = V2/T2
1000mL/194K = V2/148K
(3) Calculate
V2 = (1000 mL)(148 K) / 294 K = 503.40 mL
(4) Verify your results. Charles's law tells you that volume decreases as temperature decreases. The temperature decreases by about one half, and according the the calculation, so did the volume. The answer is therefore reasonable.
Gay-Lussac's law is the law that the pressure of a gas at a constant volume is directly proportional to the absolute temperature. The mathematical expression for this lae is P = kT, where P = Pressure exerted by the gas, k is the outcome, and T = Temperature in kelvins of the gas. The equation can be rearranged to the following form: P/T = k. At a constant volume, the following equation applies: P1/T1 = P2/T2.
Example: A aerosol can containing gas at 163 kPa and 20 degrees Celsius is heated to 59 degrees Celsius. Calculate the pressure in the heated can.
(1) The initial pressure and temperature and the final temperature are given. Determine the final pressure.
P1 = 163 kPa T1 = 20C
P2 = ? T2 = 59C
(2) Convert the temperatures from degrees Celsius to kelvins:
T1 = 20C + 273 = 293K T2 = 59C + 273 = 332K
P1/T1 = P2/T2
163 kPa/293K = P2/332K
(3) Calculate
P2 = (163 kPa)(332 K)/293 K = 184.70 kPa
(4) Verify your results. The temperature of the gas increases by about 13%, the the pressure should increase by the same proportion. The answer is therefore reasonable.
Avogardo's law is the law that states that equal volumes of gases at the same temperature and pressure contain equal numbers of molecules. Avogardo's law is important in determining the formulas of chemical compounds because it allows for scientists to find the volume of 1 mol of an gas at STP.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Main Character Analysis - The Scarlet Letter
Hester Prynne:
PHYSIOLOGY:
Sex: Female
Age: Hester is a “Young woman”. (50)
Height and Weight: “The young woman was tall, with a figure of perfect elegance on a large scale” (50)
Posture: Hester had natural and radiant beauty.“She had dark and abundant hair…[Hester] has the impressiveness belonging to a marked brow and deep black eyes” (50) However, after she was condemned by the scarlet letter, she sought not to show it. “Hester sought not to acquire anything beyond a subsistence of the plainest and most ascetic description, for herself…Her own dress was the coarsest materials and the most somber hue” (77) She was pale and wore a “formal cap that confined her hair” (182)
Clothes: Hester made rich clothing for many people of high class, and even made exquisite clothing for Pearl, however, “Her own dress was the coarsest materials and the most somber hue” (77) adorned with the Scarlet Letter.
Defects -physical and/or mental: Hester does not have any physical or mental defects per se. but she does not allow herself to experience pleasures, and most likely suffers from extreme depression. “Hester never put forward even the humblest title to share in the world’s privileges” (145)
Heredity, Ethnicity: English
SOCIOLOGY:
Class: Hester is a commoner who worked as a seamstress to provide for herself and her child.
Occupation: Hester was a skilled seamstress. “Her needlework was seen on the ruff of the Governor; Military men wore in on their scarfs, and the minister on his band…There was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labor as Hester Prynne could supply.” (76)
Education: ?
Home Life/Family: Hester Prynne has a daughter, Pearl. They live together “On the outskirts of the town…but not in close vicinity to any other habitation…[where] there was a small thatched cottage” (74)
Religion: Puritan
Standing in Community: Hester is scornfully looked down upon, and is made a living example of sin. “She will be a living sermon against sin, until the ignominious letter be engraved upon her tombstone. “ (59). Later, however, because “Hester’s nature showed itself warm and rich…many people refused to interpret the scarlet A by its original signification. They said that it meant Able; so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman’s strength.” (146)
Political Ambitions: ?
Amusements/Hobbies/Interests: It is said in the novel that “Women derive a pleasure, incomprehensible to the other sex, from the delicate toil of a needle. To Hester Prynne it might have been a mode of expressing, and therefore soothing, the passion of her life.” (77)
PSYCHOLOGY:
Moral Standards: She believes that the scarlet letter is all-powerful (until the moment she discards in the woods while with Dimmesdale) and believes that the only way she can find righteousness is by constant penance.
Personal Ambitions:”Hester bestowed all her superfluous means in charity...She employed in making coarse garments for the poor” (77)
Frustrations: Pearl constantly gives attention to Hester’s scarlet letter and is described as fluttery and in constant movement. This makes Hester wonder whether or not Pearl is a child of the “black man”.
Temperament: Hester is not normally temperamental, but does become angry and troubled with Pearl at moments. “‘Child, what art thou?’ cried the mother”
Attitude toward Life: She believes that the world is righteous and that she must endure her sin for as long as she lives to gain salvation.
Conflicts: Hester is tormented by the scarlet letter and the community in which she lives. The scarlet letter is only a symbol, yet she readily gives it the power it needs to torment her. She also does not ask for anything from anyone (such as for Dimmesdale to also repent his sin). Pearl constantly acts in ways that torment Hester as well.
Dimmesdale:
PHYSIOLOGY:
Sex: Male
Age: Although age is not specified, he is considered young amongst the people, and could be considered to be the age of Hester
Height / Weight: ?
Posture: Throughout the novel, Dimmesdale becomes sick, often clenching onto his heart. He is looked up to and respected as being “wise beyond his years” (61), however his guilt of being Hester’s fellow adulterer causes him to become ill. He is often physically depressed due to his secret. “He looked haggard and feeble” (170)
Clothes: Dimmesdale wore clothes of a clergyman.
Defects -physical and/or mental: Dimmesdale was physically ill for much of the novel, but the cause of his illness could be perceived as a mental (or spiritual in the Puritan sense). “A bodily disease...may, after all, be a symptom of some ailment in the spiritual part.” (124)
Heredity/Ethnicity: English
SOCIOLOGY:
Class: Minister
Occupation: Reverend/Clergyman/Minister
Education: Dimmesdale “came from one of the great English universities.” (62)
Home Life/Family: For the longest duration of the novel, he becomes good friends with Chillingworth and they live together as he tries to assess Dimmesdale’s illness.
Religion: Puritan
Standing in Community: Dimmesdale is often described as a gift from heaven. “The godly youth!...The saint on earth!” (131).He is highly respected and even when he tries to confess his sin, the community “heard it all, and did but reverence him the more” (131).
Political Ambitions: ?
Amusements/Hobbies/Interests: He enjoyed talking to Chillingworth because Chillingworth had “an intellectual cultivation of no moderate depth or scope; together with a range and freedom of ideas that he would have vainly looked for among the members of his own profession.” (112) He might have liked to walk as well. Him and Chillingworth “Took long walks on the sea-shore, or in the forest” (112)
PSYCHOLOGY:
Moral Standards: Dimmesdale has high moral standards, however, he refuses to publically repent his sin, and instead does it in the confinement of his home by whipping himself.
Personal Ambitions: Although his soul is black with sin, when given the chance to leave Providence, he mutters “Lost as my own soul is, I would still do what I may for other human souls!” (178) Dimmesdale has an ambition to do what good he can to save others’ souls from becoming tainted as his is.
Frustrations: He becomes lightly frustrated when Chillingworth tries to get to the root of his illness, where he would then use earthly medicines to cure him. Dimmesdale, however, knows that no earthly medicine would cure him, and thus refuses to share his sinful secret. He is also frustrated with his own inability to publically confess and repent his sin.
Temperament: Dimmesdale becomes pale and nervous around Pearl and Hester. “The sensitive clergyman shrunk with nervous dread” (122)
Attitude toward Life: After 7 years of mental anguish and guilt, Dimmesdale seems to give up on his life and his health. Although he allows Chillingworth to try to find the source of his illness he knows that Chillingworth can do nothing, unless he has “medicine for the soul”. (124)
Conflicts: Due to Dimmesdales guilt, he physically torments himself by whipping himself. He is also in mental anguish because he wants to be free of his secretive sin, yet cannot find the strength to do so. “Had I one friend-or where it my worst enemy!-to whom, when sickened with the praises of all other men, I could daily betake myself, and be known as the vilest of all sinner, methinks my soul might keep itself alive thereby.” (173)
Chillingworth
PHYSIOLOGY:
Sex: Male
Age: Chillingworth’s age is not mentioned, however, he is most likely a few years older than Hester. It can be inferred he is much older than Hester when he says “What had I to do with youth and beauty like thine own!” (69) But can also be just a few years older by her quote“[He] could hardly be termed aged” (56)
Height / Weight: ?
Posture: One of his shoulders rose higher than the other, and he wore “a strange disarray of civilizes and savage costume” (56) He was cleanly and had good hygiene.
Clothes: He wore “a strange disarray of civilizes and savage costume” (56)
Defects : He has a physical defect, “One of [Dimmesdale’s] should rose higher than the other.” (57) Also he is throughout the novel a symbol of evil and has devoted his life to get revenge on his wife’s fellow adulterer. “The unhappy man had made the very principle of his life to consist in the pursuit and systematic exercise and revenge; and when…that evil principle was left with no further material to support it,” (232) he died.
Heredity/Ethnicity: English
SOCIOLOGY:
Class: ?
Occupation: Physician/Doctor
Education: Doctor of Physics from a German university (110);
Home Life/Family: Lives with Dimmesdale for most of the novel.
Religion: ?
Standing in Community: The community at first believed that Chilling worth was a gift from heaven, sent to cure Dimmesdale. “Heaven had wrought an absolute miracle, by transporting an eminent Doctor of Physic,, from a German university.” (110) Later, however, they believed he was the Black Man who was causing Dimmesdale even more pain and suffering.
Political Ambitions: ?
Amusements/Hobbies/Interests: He enjoyed talking philosophically with Dimmesdale, as well as experimenting with herbs and finding the root cause of illnesses.
PSYCHOLOGY:
Moral Standards: None, however, at the end of the book, he leaves a large inheritance to Hester and Pearl, leaving the reader to believe that in his last moments he come to the sense that what he became was immoral, and thus tried repent it.
Personal Ambitions: Throughout the novels entirety, Chillingworths main ambition was to find Hester’s fellow adulterer, and have his revenge.
Frustrations: He becomes frustrated that he trusted Hester to be alone at providence without committing adultery. He is also frustrated when he cannot get Dimmesdale to confess his adultery to him.
Temperament: ?
Attitude toward Life: He is miserable, but lets his misery transform into hate and revenge. For the 7 years he spent at providence he did nothing but try to expose Hester’s fellow adulterer. After Dimmesdale was exposed, he was left lifeless, with no purpose in life. “He positively withered up, shriveled away, and almost vanished from mortal sight.” (232)
Conflicts: He cannot let go of his hate and want of revenge against Dimmesdale.
PHYSIOLOGY:
Sex: Female
Age: Hester is a “Young woman”. (50)
Height and Weight: “The young woman was tall, with a figure of perfect elegance on a large scale” (50)
Posture: Hester had natural and radiant beauty.“She had dark and abundant hair…[Hester] has the impressiveness belonging to a marked brow and deep black eyes” (50) However, after she was condemned by the scarlet letter, she sought not to show it. “Hester sought not to acquire anything beyond a subsistence of the plainest and most ascetic description, for herself…Her own dress was the coarsest materials and the most somber hue” (77) She was pale and wore a “formal cap that confined her hair” (182)
Clothes: Hester made rich clothing for many people of high class, and even made exquisite clothing for Pearl, however, “Her own dress was the coarsest materials and the most somber hue” (77) adorned with the Scarlet Letter.
Defects -physical and/or mental: Hester does not have any physical or mental defects per se. but she does not allow herself to experience pleasures, and most likely suffers from extreme depression. “Hester never put forward even the humblest title to share in the world’s privileges” (145)
Heredity, Ethnicity: English
SOCIOLOGY:
Class: Hester is a commoner who worked as a seamstress to provide for herself and her child.
Occupation: Hester was a skilled seamstress. “Her needlework was seen on the ruff of the Governor; Military men wore in on their scarfs, and the minister on his band…There was a frequent and characteristic demand for such labor as Hester Prynne could supply.” (76)
Education: ?
Home Life/Family: Hester Prynne has a daughter, Pearl. They live together “On the outskirts of the town…but not in close vicinity to any other habitation…[where] there was a small thatched cottage” (74)
Religion: Puritan
Standing in Community: Hester is scornfully looked down upon, and is made a living example of sin. “She will be a living sermon against sin, until the ignominious letter be engraved upon her tombstone. “ (59). Later, however, because “Hester’s nature showed itself warm and rich…many people refused to interpret the scarlet A by its original signification. They said that it meant Able; so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman’s strength.” (146)
Political Ambitions: ?
Amusements/Hobbies/Interests: It is said in the novel that “Women derive a pleasure, incomprehensible to the other sex, from the delicate toil of a needle. To Hester Prynne it might have been a mode of expressing, and therefore soothing, the passion of her life.” (77)
PSYCHOLOGY:
Moral Standards: She believes that the scarlet letter is all-powerful (until the moment she discards in the woods while with Dimmesdale) and believes that the only way she can find righteousness is by constant penance.
Personal Ambitions:”Hester bestowed all her superfluous means in charity...She employed in making coarse garments for the poor” (77)
Frustrations: Pearl constantly gives attention to Hester’s scarlet letter and is described as fluttery and in constant movement. This makes Hester wonder whether or not Pearl is a child of the “black man”.
Temperament: Hester is not normally temperamental, but does become angry and troubled with Pearl at moments. “‘Child, what art thou?’ cried the mother”
Attitude toward Life: She believes that the world is righteous and that she must endure her sin for as long as she lives to gain salvation.
Conflicts: Hester is tormented by the scarlet letter and the community in which she lives. The scarlet letter is only a symbol, yet she readily gives it the power it needs to torment her. She also does not ask for anything from anyone (such as for Dimmesdale to also repent his sin). Pearl constantly acts in ways that torment Hester as well.
Dimmesdale:
PHYSIOLOGY:
Sex: Male
Age: Although age is not specified, he is considered young amongst the people, and could be considered to be the age of Hester
Height / Weight: ?
Posture: Throughout the novel, Dimmesdale becomes sick, often clenching onto his heart. He is looked up to and respected as being “wise beyond his years” (61), however his guilt of being Hester’s fellow adulterer causes him to become ill. He is often physically depressed due to his secret. “He looked haggard and feeble” (170)
Clothes: Dimmesdale wore clothes of a clergyman.
Defects -physical and/or mental: Dimmesdale was physically ill for much of the novel, but the cause of his illness could be perceived as a mental (or spiritual in the Puritan sense). “A bodily disease...may, after all, be a symptom of some ailment in the spiritual part.” (124)
Heredity/Ethnicity: English
SOCIOLOGY:
Class: Minister
Occupation: Reverend/Clergyman/Minister
Education: Dimmesdale “came from one of the great English universities.” (62)
Home Life/Family: For the longest duration of the novel, he becomes good friends with Chillingworth and they live together as he tries to assess Dimmesdale’s illness.
Religion: Puritan
Standing in Community: Dimmesdale is often described as a gift from heaven. “The godly youth!...The saint on earth!” (131).He is highly respected and even when he tries to confess his sin, the community “heard it all, and did but reverence him the more” (131).
Political Ambitions: ?
Amusements/Hobbies/Interests: He enjoyed talking to Chillingworth because Chillingworth had “an intellectual cultivation of no moderate depth or scope; together with a range and freedom of ideas that he would have vainly looked for among the members of his own profession.” (112) He might have liked to walk as well. Him and Chillingworth “Took long walks on the sea-shore, or in the forest” (112)
PSYCHOLOGY:
Moral Standards: Dimmesdale has high moral standards, however, he refuses to publically repent his sin, and instead does it in the confinement of his home by whipping himself.
Personal Ambitions: Although his soul is black with sin, when given the chance to leave Providence, he mutters “Lost as my own soul is, I would still do what I may for other human souls!” (178) Dimmesdale has an ambition to do what good he can to save others’ souls from becoming tainted as his is.
Frustrations: He becomes lightly frustrated when Chillingworth tries to get to the root of his illness, where he would then use earthly medicines to cure him. Dimmesdale, however, knows that no earthly medicine would cure him, and thus refuses to share his sinful secret. He is also frustrated with his own inability to publically confess and repent his sin.
Temperament: Dimmesdale becomes pale and nervous around Pearl and Hester. “The sensitive clergyman shrunk with nervous dread” (122)
Attitude toward Life: After 7 years of mental anguish and guilt, Dimmesdale seems to give up on his life and his health. Although he allows Chillingworth to try to find the source of his illness he knows that Chillingworth can do nothing, unless he has “medicine for the soul”. (124)
Conflicts: Due to Dimmesdales guilt, he physically torments himself by whipping himself. He is also in mental anguish because he wants to be free of his secretive sin, yet cannot find the strength to do so. “Had I one friend-or where it my worst enemy!-to whom, when sickened with the praises of all other men, I could daily betake myself, and be known as the vilest of all sinner, methinks my soul might keep itself alive thereby.” (173)
Chillingworth
PHYSIOLOGY:
Sex: Male
Age: Chillingworth’s age is not mentioned, however, he is most likely a few years older than Hester. It can be inferred he is much older than Hester when he says “What had I to do with youth and beauty like thine own!” (69) But can also be just a few years older by her quote“[He] could hardly be termed aged” (56)
Height / Weight: ?
Posture: One of his shoulders rose higher than the other, and he wore “a strange disarray of civilizes and savage costume” (56) He was cleanly and had good hygiene.
Clothes: He wore “a strange disarray of civilizes and savage costume” (56)
Defects : He has a physical defect, “One of [Dimmesdale’s] should rose higher than the other.” (57) Also he is throughout the novel a symbol of evil and has devoted his life to get revenge on his wife’s fellow adulterer. “The unhappy man had made the very principle of his life to consist in the pursuit and systematic exercise and revenge; and when…that evil principle was left with no further material to support it,” (232) he died.
Heredity/Ethnicity: English
SOCIOLOGY:
Class: ?
Occupation: Physician/Doctor
Education: Doctor of Physics from a German university (110);
Home Life/Family: Lives with Dimmesdale for most of the novel.
Religion: ?
Standing in Community: The community at first believed that Chilling worth was a gift from heaven, sent to cure Dimmesdale. “Heaven had wrought an absolute miracle, by transporting an eminent Doctor of Physic,, from a German university.” (110) Later, however, they believed he was the Black Man who was causing Dimmesdale even more pain and suffering.
Political Ambitions: ?
Amusements/Hobbies/Interests: He enjoyed talking philosophically with Dimmesdale, as well as experimenting with herbs and finding the root cause of illnesses.
PSYCHOLOGY:
Moral Standards: None, however, at the end of the book, he leaves a large inheritance to Hester and Pearl, leaving the reader to believe that in his last moments he come to the sense that what he became was immoral, and thus tried repent it.
Personal Ambitions: Throughout the novels entirety, Chillingworths main ambition was to find Hester’s fellow adulterer, and have his revenge.
Frustrations: He becomes frustrated that he trusted Hester to be alone at providence without committing adultery. He is also frustrated when he cannot get Dimmesdale to confess his adultery to him.
Temperament: ?
Attitude toward Life: He is miserable, but lets his misery transform into hate and revenge. For the 7 years he spent at providence he did nothing but try to expose Hester’s fellow adulterer. After Dimmesdale was exposed, he was left lifeless, with no purpose in life. “He positively withered up, shriveled away, and almost vanished from mortal sight.” (232)
Conflicts: He cannot let go of his hate and want of revenge against Dimmesdale.
Mettle - Personal Challenge Essay
Throughout my life, I have had many challenges to conquer. Some were substantial, most were minuscule. Nevertheless, what irks me is that I failed to learn from these challenges. Were they challenges that everybody faced? Were they challenges at all? I did not battle a dragon nor did I save a village. I did not change in any way. My life was flourishing, but it had no meaning, no greater purpose. I was looking, scavenging, for a reason to be someone that means something. I wanted to find my place in the world. Little did I know that I would find this hidden meaning flowing through my veins and giving me life, again. Blood.
I am in 10th grade when I start experiencing my young-life crisis. The day I realize my calling is almost like every other day. The only difference is the mass school publicized blood drive. The blood bus stops at my school. I have all the necessary forms signed. But I am skeptical about donating. I am horrified by needles, let alone needles that slowly take a part of you. I almost surrender to my fears, but I force myself in. I am so nervous that my body starts to react, in the form of a 99.4 body temperature. The donor nurse asks me if I am feeling okay. I have a last chance to get out alive. I nervously answer “yes”, and explain that I’m nervous. Later, I am feeling well, and slowly advance to the long inviting seats to donate. The nurse brings the necessary tools, including the needle, which is bigger than I could ever have expected. My mind races, but as she leaves to make some final preparations, I read a nearby poster. “Every pint can save three lives”. The tension in my veins slowly subsides. A feeling of happiness, wellbeing, creeps over me. It’s as if the reality of my situation has faded, and the result of my actions is all I can think about. Three lives saved, by the action of one individual. The nurse administers the needle, and I start donating. My fear turns into my motivation. My mettle was tested and I have come up triumphant. I finish donating and return to class.
This experience has made me more appreciative and optimistic for my life and my well being. I have since donated four times, and have gotten more involved in community service. I feel a better self confidence knowing that the things I am doing are realistically changing the lives of others. I also try to get as many of my friends as possible into donating. I constantly look back and thank myself for taking that brave first step; if it wasn’t for donating, I don’t think I would be the person I am today.
I am in 10th grade when I start experiencing my young-life crisis. The day I realize my calling is almost like every other day. The only difference is the mass school publicized blood drive. The blood bus stops at my school. I have all the necessary forms signed. But I am skeptical about donating. I am horrified by needles, let alone needles that slowly take a part of you. I almost surrender to my fears, but I force myself in. I am so nervous that my body starts to react, in the form of a 99.4 body temperature. The donor nurse asks me if I am feeling okay. I have a last chance to get out alive. I nervously answer “yes”, and explain that I’m nervous. Later, I am feeling well, and slowly advance to the long inviting seats to donate. The nurse brings the necessary tools, including the needle, which is bigger than I could ever have expected. My mind races, but as she leaves to make some final preparations, I read a nearby poster. “Every pint can save three lives”. The tension in my veins slowly subsides. A feeling of happiness, wellbeing, creeps over me. It’s as if the reality of my situation has faded, and the result of my actions is all I can think about. Three lives saved, by the action of one individual. The nurse administers the needle, and I start donating. My fear turns into my motivation. My mettle was tested and I have come up triumphant. I finish donating and return to class.
This experience has made me more appreciative and optimistic for my life and my well being. I have since donated four times, and have gotten more involved in community service. I feel a better self confidence knowing that the things I am doing are realistically changing the lives of others. I also try to get as many of my friends as possible into donating. I constantly look back and thank myself for taking that brave first step; if it wasn’t for donating, I don’t think I would be the person I am today.
Narrative Essay - Personal Experience
Every now and then I would win $5 on a scratch off, Nothing deemed amazing among the presents left under my tree. And with the taste of Christmas in the air and the semi-sweet smell of peppermint candy-canes traveling through my lungs, money could not be found present in my mind. 4 years ago, however, I could not find myself paying attention to my gifts. Received annually from my grandparents were scratch-off lottery tickets, something that was rarely in my hands and inspired hope for being that lucky winner. Past experiences told me not to hold my breath, but in fact, by the time I scratched it clean I could not breathe. Printed in All gold, I read and re-read it frantically. I had just won $10,000.
My blood pumped, mind raced, and heart seemed to be trying to escape its rib chamber. Surrounded by my family I felt it hard to conceal my excitement any longer. In a burst of impulse I made my winning ticket known to the rest of the room. The ticket passed around the room as their facial muscles molded into the characteristics of disbelief. I half couldn’t believe it myself but slowly as the moments passed by the winning ticket was set in stone in my mind. After traveling through the room and back to me I grabbed it and hurried to my room. The well known peppermint scent and handfuls of gifts that still left unopened seemed to disappear from my thoughts altogether. I started making a list of things I would buy, saving no amount to save. A new bike, a go-kart, games, anything I could think of. My list must have been 10 pages long by the time I finished. But in my frenzy I again became aware of my other presents, and the people who generously got them for me. I headed back into my living room without my list of things I wanted to buy right away; I didn’t want to hurt loved ones feelings with a list of things I wanted but did not receive. I opened the remainder of my gifts, among them was a new Playstation2, one of the highest ranking gifts on my newly made list. Although I had what was necessary to get it on my own, my eyes glimmered when the wrapping paper left the box to expose my prize. With this alone my Christmas would have been complete, and so it was. At last it was the time of the day when I would call my grandparents to wish them a merry Christmas and thank them for their gifts. As soon as I was handed the phone I explained what had happened. With a few chuckles from them along with an echo of laughter across the room, I was told to read the back. I read out loud “To redeem: Fill out claim form provided by the Tooth Fairy and send to Santa Clause: 777 Christmas Lane, The North Pole.” As a cry of hysterical laugh accumulated I found myself confused. Then coming into a harsh realization I smirked then laughed along. I would have never guessed that my grandparents could pull a trick so horrible yet hilarious. Although my hopes were high, the trick came with no real consequence. My Christmas was complete, filled with laughter, the perfect gift, family, and the semi-sweet smell of peppermint candy-canes.
My blood pumped, mind raced, and heart seemed to be trying to escape its rib chamber. Surrounded by my family I felt it hard to conceal my excitement any longer. In a burst of impulse I made my winning ticket known to the rest of the room. The ticket passed around the room as their facial muscles molded into the characteristics of disbelief. I half couldn’t believe it myself but slowly as the moments passed by the winning ticket was set in stone in my mind. After traveling through the room and back to me I grabbed it and hurried to my room. The well known peppermint scent and handfuls of gifts that still left unopened seemed to disappear from my thoughts altogether. I started making a list of things I would buy, saving no amount to save. A new bike, a go-kart, games, anything I could think of. My list must have been 10 pages long by the time I finished. But in my frenzy I again became aware of my other presents, and the people who generously got them for me. I headed back into my living room without my list of things I wanted to buy right away; I didn’t want to hurt loved ones feelings with a list of things I wanted but did not receive. I opened the remainder of my gifts, among them was a new Playstation2, one of the highest ranking gifts on my newly made list. Although I had what was necessary to get it on my own, my eyes glimmered when the wrapping paper left the box to expose my prize. With this alone my Christmas would have been complete, and so it was. At last it was the time of the day when I would call my grandparents to wish them a merry Christmas and thank them for their gifts. As soon as I was handed the phone I explained what had happened. With a few chuckles from them along with an echo of laughter across the room, I was told to read the back. I read out loud “To redeem: Fill out claim form provided by the Tooth Fairy and send to Santa Clause: 777 Christmas Lane, The North Pole.” As a cry of hysterical laugh accumulated I found myself confused. Then coming into a harsh realization I smirked then laughed along. I would have never guessed that my grandparents could pull a trick so horrible yet hilarious. Although my hopes were high, the trick came with no real consequence. My Christmas was complete, filled with laughter, the perfect gift, family, and the semi-sweet smell of peppermint candy-canes.
Of Mice and Men Essay
In a country of promised wealth and happiness, we dream big. But in a time of great depression, dreams were being ripped and shredded in the hands of fate. In Of Mice and Men, a novel by John Steinbeck, George and Lennie face this truth devastatingly.
George’s dream, widely shared and easily classified as the American Dream, is to own a piece of land with Lennie. He yearned for it as something that would protect, sustain, and house them. “ ‘Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family…They ain’t got nothing to look ahead to’…’With us it’s not like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us.’ “ (13-14) However his dream “dries up” (Hughes) slowly as Lennie’s tendency of causing trouble becomes serious. His fate becomes lined with painful death or life in prison. While telling him the story if “How its gonna’ be”, George mercifully kills Lennie by a shot in the back of the head, ending his own dream but letting Lennie spiritually accomplish his. George’s dream cannot be realized because of Lennie. Lennie’s child-like tendencies but monster-like features progresses them into complications, leaving them jobless and unable to make money. “(1)You saw the fields laid bare and wasted,(2)And weary winter coming fast,(3) And cozy here beneath the blast, (4)You thought to dwell,(5) Till crash! The cruel plough past (6)Out through your cell.” (Burns) George and Lennie can be symbolically connected to the mouse in this verse of To A Mouse. In stanza 1, the fields laid bare and wasted is a foreshadow to the destruction of the mouse’s home. This can be compared to Curley’s wife, who George knew was going to be trouble. Stanzas 2-4 relates to George and Lennie’s decision to stay at the ranch anyways because they needed the money. And the last stanzas 5-6 can depict the consequences of their actions, which leads to lennie’s death, and George’s spiritual death due to a lost dream.
Lennie’s dream is to be able to tend to the rabbits and be with George, as promised by George. But “The best laid schemes of mice and men Go often askew, And leaves un nothing but grief and pain, For promised joy” (Burns) Lennie’s dream “explodes” (Hughes) into a irreversible catastrophe when he kills Curley’s wife. As Slim explained “You hadda, George. I swear you hadda.” (107) Lennie’s dream, as well as life could not be spared.
Together, George and Lennie dreamt big, but could not control the spine-chilling twists of fate that they encountered. Lennie could not have planned on killing Curley’s wife and George could not have planned on killing Lennie. While trying to fight for obtaining their dream, their schemes of making their dream come true went askew, as they soon realized that all they could plan for is for their plans to go wrong.
George’s dream, widely shared and easily classified as the American Dream, is to own a piece of land with Lennie. He yearned for it as something that would protect, sustain, and house them. “ ‘Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family…They ain’t got nothing to look ahead to’…’With us it’s not like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us.’ “ (13-14) However his dream “dries up” (Hughes) slowly as Lennie’s tendency of causing trouble becomes serious. His fate becomes lined with painful death or life in prison. While telling him the story if “How its gonna’ be”, George mercifully kills Lennie by a shot in the back of the head, ending his own dream but letting Lennie spiritually accomplish his. George’s dream cannot be realized because of Lennie. Lennie’s child-like tendencies but monster-like features progresses them into complications, leaving them jobless and unable to make money. “(1)You saw the fields laid bare and wasted,(2)And weary winter coming fast,(3) And cozy here beneath the blast, (4)You thought to dwell,(5) Till crash! The cruel plough past (6)Out through your cell.” (Burns) George and Lennie can be symbolically connected to the mouse in this verse of To A Mouse. In stanza 1, the fields laid bare and wasted is a foreshadow to the destruction of the mouse’s home. This can be compared to Curley’s wife, who George knew was going to be trouble. Stanzas 2-4 relates to George and Lennie’s decision to stay at the ranch anyways because they needed the money. And the last stanzas 5-6 can depict the consequences of their actions, which leads to lennie’s death, and George’s spiritual death due to a lost dream.
Lennie’s dream is to be able to tend to the rabbits and be with George, as promised by George. But “The best laid schemes of mice and men Go often askew, And leaves un nothing but grief and pain, For promised joy” (Burns) Lennie’s dream “explodes” (Hughes) into a irreversible catastrophe when he kills Curley’s wife. As Slim explained “You hadda, George. I swear you hadda.” (107) Lennie’s dream, as well as life could not be spared.
Together, George and Lennie dreamt big, but could not control the spine-chilling twists of fate that they encountered. Lennie could not have planned on killing Curley’s wife and George could not have planned on killing Lennie. While trying to fight for obtaining their dream, their schemes of making their dream come true went askew, as they soon realized that all they could plan for is for their plans to go wrong.
To Kill A Mockingbird Essay
In a small southern town, small boys may grow up shooting tin cans to blue jays. But they must learn never to kill a mockingbird, whether it be bird or man. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee the title refers to the killing of the innocent. This supports the theme of the novel which is that human nature is capable of the good and the ugly. These extremes, along with the people who just sit and watch make up the crises of what is “right” that plagues Maycomb. The author uses the title of the novel to represent it as a whole throughout the story.
It is a sin to kill a mockingbird. This phrase is emphasized throughout the novel and holds the structure of the theme with a sturdy grip. “Atticus said to Jem one day, ‘I’d rather you shoot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you’ll go after the birds. Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird’” (90) Miss Maudie later stresses the importance when she tells scout “‘Mockingbirds don’t do anything but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up peoples gardens, they don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do anything but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.’” (90) The mockingbirds are guilty of no crime to any man or woman, live in tranquility with the rest of the world, and represent a symbol of innocence.
Tom Robinson was a hard working, subtle, and kind man. He meant no harm and often went out of his way to help miss Ewell. Symbolically he sung for her, only to fall prey to misfortune, and in return Mr. Ewell sought to kill him. Soon, convicted guilty, Tom was spiritually wounded. Looking for a last chance at freedom, he tried to escape his fate. Tom ran for his life, and was soon shot. But his death did not come without remorse. “Mr. Underwood simply figured it was a sin to kill cripples, be they standing, sitting, or escaping. He likened Tom’s death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds by hunters and children…” (241) Tom Robinson was a mockingbird, and was senselessly killed.
Arthur Radley, otherwise known as Boo, lived a lonesome life. Deprived of his innocence when he was a young boy, he grew up in solitude. He gained the characteristics of shyness as well as a fear of people. When he saves the lives of Jem and Scout his unstoppable consequence of action was the death of Mr. Ewell. Trying to make things clear with Scout Atticus tried to explain:
‘‘’Mr. Ewell fell on his knife. Can you possibly understand?’
Atticus looked like he needed cheering up. I (Scout) ran to him and hugged him and kissed him with all my might. ‘Yes sir, I understand.’ I reassured him. ‘Mr. Tate was right.’
Atticus disengaged himself and looked at me. ‘what do you mean?’
‘Well, it’d be sort of like shooting a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?”
Scout understands that for Boo, honoring him or ending him to court would put the spotlight on Boo. Boo strongly dislikes being in public and so the attention would figuratively kill him. To force him to endure his strongest feat after saving the lives of two children would be the equivalent of killing a mockingbird.
Throughout the novel, there is a clash of the good and the evil. And although it kills an innocent man, leaves another man dead, and causes havoc amount the people of Maycomb, a lesson is learned. Jem and Scout understand the wrongfulness of harming someone who is innocent, and it is safe to say, Jem and Scout will never take aim, to kill a mockingbird.
It is a sin to kill a mockingbird. This phrase is emphasized throughout the novel and holds the structure of the theme with a sturdy grip. “Atticus said to Jem one day, ‘I’d rather you shoot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you’ll go after the birds. Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird’” (90) Miss Maudie later stresses the importance when she tells scout “‘Mockingbirds don’t do anything but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up peoples gardens, they don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do anything but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.’” (90) The mockingbirds are guilty of no crime to any man or woman, live in tranquility with the rest of the world, and represent a symbol of innocence.
Tom Robinson was a hard working, subtle, and kind man. He meant no harm and often went out of his way to help miss Ewell. Symbolically he sung for her, only to fall prey to misfortune, and in return Mr. Ewell sought to kill him. Soon, convicted guilty, Tom was spiritually wounded. Looking for a last chance at freedom, he tried to escape his fate. Tom ran for his life, and was soon shot. But his death did not come without remorse. “Mr. Underwood simply figured it was a sin to kill cripples, be they standing, sitting, or escaping. He likened Tom’s death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds by hunters and children…” (241) Tom Robinson was a mockingbird, and was senselessly killed.
Arthur Radley, otherwise known as Boo, lived a lonesome life. Deprived of his innocence when he was a young boy, he grew up in solitude. He gained the characteristics of shyness as well as a fear of people. When he saves the lives of Jem and Scout his unstoppable consequence of action was the death of Mr. Ewell. Trying to make things clear with Scout Atticus tried to explain:
‘‘’Mr. Ewell fell on his knife. Can you possibly understand?’
Atticus looked like he needed cheering up. I (Scout) ran to him and hugged him and kissed him with all my might. ‘Yes sir, I understand.’ I reassured him. ‘Mr. Tate was right.’
Atticus disengaged himself and looked at me. ‘what do you mean?’
‘Well, it’d be sort of like shooting a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?”
Scout understands that for Boo, honoring him or ending him to court would put the spotlight on Boo. Boo strongly dislikes being in public and so the attention would figuratively kill him. To force him to endure his strongest feat after saving the lives of two children would be the equivalent of killing a mockingbird.
Throughout the novel, there is a clash of the good and the evil. And although it kills an innocent man, leaves another man dead, and causes havoc amount the people of Maycomb, a lesson is learned. Jem and Scout understand the wrongfulness of harming someone who is innocent, and it is safe to say, Jem and Scout will never take aim, to kill a mockingbird.
Brave New World Essay
Throughout the dystopian novel Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, the author reveals his true feelings about the application of science and technology in the future. He uses ironic dialogue and descriptions to convey the feeling that if we rely and rest our weight as a people in technology and science that we will soon lose ourselves. The Brave New World is set as a perfect society. It points toward what society is capable of, including controlling society through technology. It produces a futuristic vision in what could be real one day. Throughout the novel the author uses John (The Savage), and Bernard, as well as Hemholtz as a vehicle to express his true point of view, and uses other characters’ ironic dialect throughout the novel to enhance it.
As the novel begins Aldous uses irony first to reveal his contrasting feelings towards this “perfect society”. In the hatchery and conditioning center a student, serving as a vehicle for the reader as well as for the author to express confusion in the act of creating below-par embryos, asks “But why do you want to keep the embryo below par?” (14) Later, with the view point to contrast the author and reader it is said “But in Epsilons,”…”We don’t need human intelligence.” (15) Using technology to make humans into man-machines is seen immoral and serves as the first noticed flaw in this utopian society.
Slowly gaining insight into the depth of the dystopia, the use of technology to control is apparent. Through hypnopaedia, or sleep-teaching, children were taught unconsciously which was soon as set stone in their minds. As Lenina remarks “‘I’m glad I’m not an Epsilon,’” (74) The author, expressing through Henry, replys “‘And if you were an Epsilon,’…’your conditioning would have made you no less thankful that you weren’t a Beta or an Alpha.’” (74) He is challenging what is being taught and understood as matter-of-fact. The author believes that such sleep-teachings, although seemingly successful through the course of the novel, are unorthodox.
Soma is referenced to throughout the novel. Within a conversation with John Mustapha explains: ‘”And if ever, by some unlucky chance, anything unpleasant should somehow happen, why, there’s always soma to give you a holiday from the facts…And there’s always soma to calm your anger, to reconcile you to your enemies, to make you patiend and long-suffering…Christianity without tears --- that’s what soma is.’” He tries to show that soma solves unpleasant emotions that lead to conflict, that it allows for everyone to have inner peace, and makes the connection of soma to religion. John, expressing the author states, “’…the tears are necessary’” (238) and that ‘”Its too easy.’” (238) He believe that the soma , and artificial religion, makes like superficial, and spiritually meaningless. The author reveals that in the future the application of science towards drug use could become reality. He believes that using mind altering drugs such as soma to escape reality would be a world without hardships that may be overcome to produce success in the face of sacrifice.
Aldous Huxley wrote Brave New World as a warning to all its readers.“…---you seem to have paid a fairly high price for your happiness” (230) He understood the advances in technology and science that could persist to create a happier world, but a superficial world in return. Brave New World helps to reflect what technology and scientific breakthroughs are capable of, and helps to understand the destruction that follows in pursuit of creating a utopia.
As the novel begins Aldous uses irony first to reveal his contrasting feelings towards this “perfect society”. In the hatchery and conditioning center a student, serving as a vehicle for the reader as well as for the author to express confusion in the act of creating below-par embryos, asks “But why do you want to keep the embryo below par?” (14) Later, with the view point to contrast the author and reader it is said “But in Epsilons,”…”We don’t need human intelligence.” (15) Using technology to make humans into man-machines is seen immoral and serves as the first noticed flaw in this utopian society.
Slowly gaining insight into the depth of the dystopia, the use of technology to control is apparent. Through hypnopaedia, or sleep-teaching, children were taught unconsciously which was soon as set stone in their minds. As Lenina remarks “‘I’m glad I’m not an Epsilon,’” (74) The author, expressing through Henry, replys “‘And if you were an Epsilon,’…’your conditioning would have made you no less thankful that you weren’t a Beta or an Alpha.’” (74) He is challenging what is being taught and understood as matter-of-fact. The author believes that such sleep-teachings, although seemingly successful through the course of the novel, are unorthodox.
Soma is referenced to throughout the novel. Within a conversation with John Mustapha explains: ‘”And if ever, by some unlucky chance, anything unpleasant should somehow happen, why, there’s always soma to give you a holiday from the facts…And there’s always soma to calm your anger, to reconcile you to your enemies, to make you patiend and long-suffering…Christianity without tears --- that’s what soma is.’” He tries to show that soma solves unpleasant emotions that lead to conflict, that it allows for everyone to have inner peace, and makes the connection of soma to religion. John, expressing the author states, “’…the tears are necessary’” (238) and that ‘”Its too easy.’” (238) He believe that the soma , and artificial religion, makes like superficial, and spiritually meaningless. The author reveals that in the future the application of science towards drug use could become reality. He believes that using mind altering drugs such as soma to escape reality would be a world without hardships that may be overcome to produce success in the face of sacrifice.
Aldous Huxley wrote Brave New World as a warning to all its readers.“…---you seem to have paid a fairly high price for your happiness” (230) He understood the advances in technology and science that could persist to create a happier world, but a superficial world in return. Brave New World helps to reflect what technology and scientific breakthroughs are capable of, and helps to understand the destruction that follows in pursuit of creating a utopia.
PC Vs. Mac Compare and Contrast Essay
While browsing from store to store in search of an ideal computer for an ideal price many may ponder their choices. It could be impossible to tell why some cost more than others while they look exactly the same. But before you can choose the computer you want it is important to know how they are similar and different. One of the biggest choices you must make is weather to choose a Mac or a Windows PC.
Windows’ PCs are used mostly for office work and thrive when used for spreadsheets, graphs, and formal documents. Windows is also the majority of computers owned which means more downloadable content and games are available. Completely customizable, it is easy to do anything you want to your computer. And at an affordable price, Windows PCs cost about half as much as Macs. There are always cons to pros however, and Windows has many. Windows fails to meet the needs of users who want to create media or many other creative pieces. Viruses plague Windows, and its unlimited customizability enables the average person to easily make a mistake that will destroy the computer. Bulky and unappealing, Windows PCs are a hassle to assemble and take much effort to move.
Macs are more media based and thrive with music, movies, and animation. They are more personal and allow you to customize your computer to your lifestyle. Macs preinstalled software, such as garageband and iMovie for example, are great for creating music and video. Macs tend to rarely accumulate viruses or crash, making it a pleasurable computer to own. Lastly, a simple piece of technology, Macs are easy to work with and are relatively small compared to PCs. Macs have its fair share of cons as well. With pricy units and not as many units owned as Windows PCs the Mac seems to have no downloadable applications for its user. And although the appearance may be customizable Macs cannot be physically altered to the user’s specifications.
These Computers have many differences, but also share similarities. Macs and Windows PCs both run Microsoft Office 2008, and newer Macs can run Windows or Apple software at the user’s choice. Both come preinstalled with Games and Help/Support files. And both can run the basic necessities of the average user such as Internet Explorer, iTunes, and instant messaging programs.
So when it comes time for the everyday person to buy a computer it he/she should not ponder what computer they want, but what they want in a computer. For those who need something for formal pieces of work for a cheap price, Windows is the computer for you. However, if you want the experience of computing without frustration, something that is simple to work with, and something that can bring out the most in your creativity, the Mac is for you.
Windows’ PCs are used mostly for office work and thrive when used for spreadsheets, graphs, and formal documents. Windows is also the majority of computers owned which means more downloadable content and games are available. Completely customizable, it is easy to do anything you want to your computer. And at an affordable price, Windows PCs cost about half as much as Macs. There are always cons to pros however, and Windows has many. Windows fails to meet the needs of users who want to create media or many other creative pieces. Viruses plague Windows, and its unlimited customizability enables the average person to easily make a mistake that will destroy the computer. Bulky and unappealing, Windows PCs are a hassle to assemble and take much effort to move.
Macs are more media based and thrive with music, movies, and animation. They are more personal and allow you to customize your computer to your lifestyle. Macs preinstalled software, such as garageband and iMovie for example, are great for creating music and video. Macs tend to rarely accumulate viruses or crash, making it a pleasurable computer to own. Lastly, a simple piece of technology, Macs are easy to work with and are relatively small compared to PCs. Macs have its fair share of cons as well. With pricy units and not as many units owned as Windows PCs the Mac seems to have no downloadable applications for its user. And although the appearance may be customizable Macs cannot be physically altered to the user’s specifications.
These Computers have many differences, but also share similarities. Macs and Windows PCs both run Microsoft Office 2008, and newer Macs can run Windows or Apple software at the user’s choice. Both come preinstalled with Games and Help/Support files. And both can run the basic necessities of the average user such as Internet Explorer, iTunes, and instant messaging programs.
So when it comes time for the everyday person to buy a computer it he/she should not ponder what computer they want, but what they want in a computer. For those who need something for formal pieces of work for a cheap price, Windows is the computer for you. However, if you want the experience of computing without frustration, something that is simple to work with, and something that can bring out the most in your creativity, the Mac is for you.
All About Hinduism
Hinduism, or Sanātana Dharma, is the main religion of India. Hinduism is said to be the ‘oldest living major tradition’. Hinduism is the worlds 3rd largest religion and has approximately a billion followers, which is about 13 percent of the worlds population. Hinduism is extraordinarily different from most other religions in many ways. Unlike most religions, Hinduism has no single founder and no single sacred text. Rather, it developed out of the different religions that were inhabiting India. Although it has not been completely proven, it is widely accepted that the overlapping beliefs started when the Aryans brought the beliefs and gods of the Indus Valley people. “Later, other people brought other gods, beliefs, and practices. As a result, Hinduism became one of the world’s most complex religions, with countless gods and goddesses and many forms of worship side by side.” (Prentice Hall 76-78). Hindu beliefs can be very different but most share some basic concepts . “Hindu beliefs vary widely, with concepts of God and/or gods ranging from Panentheism, pantheism, monotheism, polytheism, and atheism with Vishnu and Shiva being the most popular deities. Other notable characteristics include a belief in reincarnation and karma, as well as personal duty, or dharma” (Wikipedia). In Hinduism, every being has a atman. Atman is a persons inner light, or essentially their soul. The Hindu goal of life is to become in union with their atman, to achieve moksha, or spiritual enlightenment. To do this, a individual must rid themselves of selfishness. This might not be possible in one life time, so many Hindus believe in reincarnation, or the rebirth of the soul in another bodily form. Karma refers to all the actions of a person’s life that affect his/her fate in the next life. In Hinduism, all forms of existence is ranked. By having good karma, you are more likely to move closer to moksha if you are a human. If you are an animal, plant, or object, you may move up a step in existence. However, if you have bad karma, you may also move down in existence. Hindus who do not follow the Hindu text may be born into suffering. In Indian art, this endless cycle of death and rebirth is symbolized by the image of the wheel. To escape this wheel or cycle, Hinduism stresses dharma, or religious and moral duties. “By obeying one’s dharma, a person acquires a merit for the next life” (Prentice Hall 76-78). A principle of Hinduism called ahimsa is also followed. Ahimsa is nonviolence. To Hindus, all people and things are a form of brahman and should be treated kindly Lastly, Hindus usually follow sacred texts. The sacred texts, like christian texts, where written down by different people at different times. These scriptures came from visions Hindus had. For centuries the scripts were transmitted orally until they were later written down. “They are divided into Sruti (’revealed’) and Smriti (’remembered’). These scriptures discuss theology ,philosophy, and mythology, and provide information on the practice of dharma” (Wikipedia).
Hinduism has many symbols and has a lot of symbolism. “Many acts of worship, such as puja, are symbolic, a form of visualisation in which worshipers simulate activities normally performed on higher planes of existence. Thus the scope of symbolism is broad and includes physical acts such as offering pranam (obeisances) with folded hands. Such physical gestures tend to induce the appropriate mood and awareness within the practitioner. Many symbols are considered auspicious, embodying the notion of inner purity. Sacred emblems are displayed in the home or temple to invoke good fortune.” (Hinduism.iskcon.com) The most famous and important symbol, the symbol of Aum, pronounced “Om” or called pranava, stands for the universe. Aum is believed to be an influence of everything. Other important symbols are hands in prayer, the lotus, the conch shell, and the trident. Kalasha, a coconut circled by mango leaves on a pot is also important, as well as the cow, lotus feet, and a dipa, or sacred lamp.
The theory of creation in Hinduism is much different than the theories of creation in many other religions. In Hinduism, the universe contains several worlds, or dimensions. “With its cyclical notion of time, Hinduism teaches that the material world is created not once but repeatedly, time and time again. Additionally, this universe is considered to be one of many, all enclosed “like innumerable bubbles floating in space.” Within this universe, there are three main regions: the heavenly planets, the earthly realm and the lower worlds. Scripture goes into some detail as to the nature of these regions and their respective inhabitants.
Hinduism is therefore not predominantly earth-centered, and puts much emphasis on other “planes of existence” – various material abodes and the spiritual realm itself. This is reflected in Hindu stories and specifically through the concept of lila (divine pastime).These lilas take place in the spiritual world and are replicated at sacred locations on earth. There is no one simple account of creation, and there are many detailed and inter-related stories. Central is the narration of the sacrifice of the primal being (purusha), found in the Rig Veda. On the metaphysical level, the universe is created from sound (vak). Sound corresponds to ether, the subtlest of the five material elements. According to such sankhya philosophy, the elements develop progressively from subtle to gross. The atman, more subtle than any matter, generates his own successive material bodies. This world and its creatures are here to facilitate the soul’s self-centered desires, and ultimately to enable his return to the spiritual world.” (Hinduism.iskcon.com)
In Hinduism, there are several life fulfilling paths that can be taken. These paths are called yoga’s and they create a persons spiritual path. The three paths consist of Karma-yoga, Jnana-yoga, Astanga-yoga, and bhakti-yoga. Karma-yoga is the attempt to release ones self from any selfish self fulfilling action and dedicate ones life to their gods. This devotion to the gods and the heavens ensures the translation from life onto the next world. Jnana-yoga relates closely to key aspects of Buddhism. In Jnana-yoga, the main goals of life is to gain knowledge through seclusion, study, and using spiritual senses. Hindus who practice Jnana-yoga are to rid themselves of desires, similar to Siddhartha. Astanga-yoga is a meditative yoga. It’s main point is to try to leave the material world, and focus on the spiritual center or inner god. The last of the yogas, Bhakti-yoga is actually a combination of all the previous yogas. This all-in-one yoga is usually the yoga chosen by Hindus to reach spiritual fulfilment. It includes godly worship as in Karma-yoga, as well as the spiritual self development seen in Jnana-yoga. Through meditative spiritual reasoning it also involves Astanga-yoga. This full variety of worship allows a follower to find spiritual needs of one yoga without sacrificing the others.
The Indian caste system has been used for thousands of years. “To Hindus, people in different castes were different species of beings” (Prentice Hall 86-87). The most important caste was the Harappa, which were the ruling kings. Then followed the Brahmans, or the teachers and priests. After them were the Kshatriyas, or rulers and warriors. Following the Kshatriyas were the Vaisyas, or farmers and merchants. Almost last is the Sudras, or artisans and workers. And Last is the untouchables. “For the lowest-ranked outcastes, or “Untouchables,” life was harsh and restricted. To them fell “impure” jobs such as digging graves, cleaning streets, or turning animal hides into leather. Other castes feared that contact with and Untouchable could spread pollution. Untouchables have to live apart. They even had to sound a wooden clapper to warn of their approach.” (Prentice Hall 86-87) And although discrimination against India’s lowest Hindu castes is technically illegal, millions of Untouchables are victims of violence of they forget their place.
Hinduism is a religion that continues to grow, spread, and diversify. It has many aspects that made it a interesting and fulfilling religion to follow. It also shows great differences in beliefs and punishments than other religions, which make it relatively hard to compare to another religion. Its a way of life in which the goal, similar to Buddhism, is full of spiritual self-awareness and Tradition. Hinduism is enriched with culture and history which is cherished, practiced, and celebrated; This makes it a colorful and amazing religion, keeping its uniqueness and gaining popularity among outsiders. To conclude, it is the oldest living tradition, and I believe it will continue to grow, and may surpass Christianity and Islam over the next century.
Works Cited:
http://hinduism.iskcon.com/
http://hinduism.iskcon.com/concepts/112.htm
http://hinduism.iskcon.com/lifestyle/806.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism
Prentice Hall 76-78 “World History, Connections To Today”
2005 by Pearson Education, Inc.
The Renaissance Weapons and Warfare.
The renaissance was a historic age for the advancement of the technologies of weapons and warfare. Weapons were advancing rapidly and continuously. This increase in technology also led to the advancement of defense mechanisms, which were crucial to fighting off the opposing army. These advancements in technology led to increased warfare among cities. Battles with hand weapons were once dominant, however, the most common warfare during this time is the castle siegecraft and defense. The discovery of gunpowder is what started the revolution of siegecraft and defense. With gunpowder, the first cannon was made, which set the footing for all future siegecraft weapons. “The era commonly known as ‘Early Modern Warfare’ began during the middle of the fifteenth century and lasted until the end of the eighteenth century. The widespread use of gunpowder along with the weapons designed to use it, changed the methods of warfare dramatically.” (2)
The Middle Ages were extremely violent. The fight for control of natural resources, control over lands, and dominance ravaged the renaissance. “The quest for wealth and power was driven by the violent culture of the European countries.” (3) Castles were the central region of a cities power. There were many invasions and the need for weaponry and men to fight for the city grew. The weapons supplied to salaried knights were high. This led to a need of more income, and led lords to send knights out to invade others, fueling the war-circle. Lords were expected to provide soldiers who were trained in a variety of Middle Ages weapons. The Medieval era was a time of war and land disputes. This brought about many wars which could only be won with brute force and carnage by the use of deadly weapons. However horrible the killing of thousands in the name of war seems, the creation of the weapons renaissance knights had is very important to the weapons we have today. The Middle Ages have brought many of the weapons we see today to our society. Not only weapons have done this however. Other technological advances, including those for defense as well, have been rooted from the middle ages.
Some Medieval hand weapons included Axes, Maces, Partisans, military forks, and the flail. These weapons were usually created with sharp edges throughout the weapons so that if any part of the weapon made contact with the enemy it would cause severe damage, or even instant death. This was important because the army who could slay the other army more precisely, within a shorter period of time, would most likely win the battle. These weapons were generally used on head-to-head combat, however, there were other weapons, such as the spear, that would be thrown.
Siegecraft and defense is a offense/defense term. Siegecraft is the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack. Defense is the military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies. The first use of siegecraft and defense came with the invention of a great renaissance weapon, the siege cannon. Siege cannons, a large artillery gun utilizing gunpowder, were first used in Europe to attack castles. These powerful machines were capable of blasting through castle’s walls, and thus, the use of great walls for primary defense halted. This later led to an advancement in the walls that were used in defense. Slopping walls were created. These walls were created at a slope, decreasing the force that would result from a head-on collision. “These slopping walls would deflect the cannon shots and allow the primary defense mechanism, the wall itself, to remain intact.” (1) The great slopping walls protected the defenders from attack by cannon. “The new design also included the building of “bastions”. A bastion projects out from the main wall of a fortification and is situated at the corners of straight walls. The bastion allows the defenders to cover different angles and to cover adjacent bastions with protective fire. Bastions provide covering fire, often from multiple angles. The need for cover fire at differing angles led to the design of the “star” shaped fortress.” (4) However, other common siege tactics were harder to combat. Several of these were mining, artillery bombardment, siege towers, and catapults. Mining involved building a passageway under the defense’s wall. The attackers usually could not successfully penetrate the defense by traveling through a small underground hole, so they dug until they were directly under the wall, and filled to tunnel with heavy explosives. They then proceeded to detonate the explosives and bring the wall down. Artillery bombardment is “Using everything thing imaginable to go over the wall of the fortress or castle and inflict harm.” (1) This was mostly used to inflict damage on the buildings and surroundings of the city, slowly dwindling it. The catapult was a weapon used to “hurl a projectile a long distance” (1) and usually used to project weapons over the wall. It was usually used with large boulders, which would easily smash what it hit upon landing. One of the most ingenious siege weapons was the siege tower. It was used to “protect the attackers as they approached the walls of the fortress or castle.” (1) They were built at the height or higher than the wall. Archers would then attack the city and lay a plank to trespass into the city. However, the siege tower could not be used if the castles walls had a surrounding moat, and entering the defending city was not always possible due to defending archers.
The defending castle also had special ways of defending itself. As mentioned, archers on top of the walls could target and shoot the opposing army much easier and at a much broader range. These archers were also more safe due to the cover the wall provided. Archers were the defense’s greatest defense against attempts to enter the city over the wall. Gatehouses, the entrance to the caste, was the castle’s weakest point. However, the gatehouse was heavily guarded, strongly fortified, and was usually set with traps that would kill intruders. The most common portrayal of a castles defense is a moat. “Moats surrounding castles protected them from siege towers and battering rams, war machines that were only effective when wheeled to the wall. It also made digging tunnels underneath the wall far more challenging. To get across a moat, the attacking army sometimes filled the moat with rocks and soil or built portable wooden bridges.” (2)
In the case that the defenders are able to successfully defend themselves from all intrusions, without a proper offense, the defending city would still fall. The attackers, if not able to penetrate the defenders defense, would blockade the city, forcing them to surrender due to a lack of the supplies needed. This method of defeating the defender was not greatly popular among attackers due to the time it took to force the defending city to surrender.
The advances in technology paired with the the constant rate of the same advances going obsolete led to a constant, infinite amount of new technologies replacing old ones. This then, over time, leads to an increase in knowledge about weapons and warfare which has contributed much to our history and knowledge.“In the Middle Ages their weapons were much different than the weapons we have today such as; battle axes, longbows, bows, crossbows, war hammers and swords.” (3) In our world today we have a myriad of weapons. They come in all shape and sizes; assault rifles, pistol, shotguns, missile and grenade launcher, and grenades. Each and every one of those weapons have helped in wars to save our country, but these would have never came about if it weren’t for the earlier inventions of the Medieval people. The warfare that was used in the Middle Ages was fought around power bases which were the great castles. In those times, the knights had different types of weapons including massive and deadly siege weapons. The advancement over time has led to the superior weaponry we have today, and they may have their pros and cons but overall they have altered the battlefields and helped set treaties, build relationships, and benefit resolution among nations. Weapons and warfare of the renaissance effectively changed our world, and many nations came to adopt these weapons and war tactics, as well as build on them and create new technologies based on them. This shared history, makes us all similar, and in many ways, citizens of the world.
SOURCES
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lostempires/trebuchet/race.html (1)
http://www.all-about-renaissance-faires.com/warfare/siege_tactics.htm (2)
http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/middle-ages-weapons.htm (3)
http://www.all-about-renaissance-faires.com/warfare/siege_defense.htm (4)
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