Trainspotting: A Novel By Irvine Welsh Essay -- essays research papers

Trainspotting: A Novel By Irvine Welsh Trainspotting is a captivating story of the random events that occur during a critical time in a group of Scottish junkies' lives. Irvine Welsh illustrates the confusion, anger and turmoil many heroin addicts are subjected to and what happens once they try to quit. The story is centered around Mark Renton, an ordinary twenty-two year old who was raised by a loving mother and father. He has two brothers: one was catatonic and the other was an overachiever. Through court-mandated therapy he was told he envied his parents and resented his older brother. This was what contributed to Rents (what his friends call him) starting to use heroin. Bit by bit the reader is introduced to Rents' friends, cousins, friends' of friends, parents, friends' parents, the list goes on. Anyone with relevance to the life of Mark Renton, the reader meets sooner or later. Everyone in Rents' life is messed up or gets that way somehow. His friend Begbie, for example, is an unhappy little man. He feels he has to make himself seem tough by surrounding himself with "friends" who do nothing but boost his ego by letting Begbie put them down. Aside from being on and off heroin, his good friend Danny Murphy, or Spud (as everyone calls him) is a habitual thief. His friend Simone is nicknamed Sick Boy for good reasons. When he is high he hears voices in his head willing him to do evil things. He likes t...

What Is Civil Religion and How Does It Affect Christians

Abstract: What is civil religion and how does it affect Christians? That is the question that this paper will examine. This paper identifies what civil religion is and how it has evolved over the years. In the Literature Review, this paper examines and summarizes the different sources’ opinions and definitions of civil religion. It also discusses how politicians do not actually use the term â€Å"civil religion,† but imply it in their speeches. This paper discusses the themes of civil religion and how various authors predict that this may become a universalized religion. Then it ill discuss all four authors’ different conclusions on civil religion and how they think that civil religion will affect America and religion. The paper concludes by looking into the future and explaining how civil religion does and might affect Christians. Introduction: Robert Bellah defines civil religion as â€Å"the public religious dimension that plays a crucial role in the developm ent of American institutions that is expressed in a set of beliefs, symbols, and rituals†(228). The term â€Å"civil religion† was first coined in the 8th chapter of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s book The Social Contract (1762).For Rousseau, civil religion was simply a form of social cement, providing the state with sacred authority to help unify itself. Rousseau’s simple outline of the principles of civil religion is: (1) Deity, (2) life to come, (3) the reward of virtue and the punishment of vice, and (4) the exclusion of religious intolerance (252). Rousseau believed that this group of religious beliefs is universal and that the government has a right to sustain it. He also said that individuals’ religious opinions are outside the bounds of the government (252-253). History has made many different references to forms of civil religion, ut the main study done by Robert Bellah and Martin Marty took place in the 1960s and 1970s. They studied civil religio n as a cultural phenomenon in an attempt to identify the principles of civil religion. In the United States, civil religion is commonly referred to as â€Å"Judeo-Christian tradition,† intended to include several monotheisms that are practiced in the United States (Wikipedia). While looking into civil religion, we will see different scholarly arguments and the affect it may have on Christianity.Summaries: In researching civil religion, I found many books and essays that give definitions and iews on civil religion. Robert Bellah is the main voice of this movement and has written many articles on this topic. In the article â€Å"Civil Religion in America† by Robert Bellah, civil religion is defined as â€Å"the public religious dimension that plays a crucial role in the development of American institutions that is expressed in a set of beliefs, symbols, and rituals†(228). Bellah claims that civil religion has its own seriousness and integrity and that it requires the same care in understanding as any other religion does (225). In his article, Bellah tells us where the idea of ivil religion comes from. He claims that the Declaration of Independence has four references to God, and that the founding fathers’ words and acts are what shaped the form and tone of civil religion today (231-232). He continues with the description of civil religion today. Bellah argues that civil religion at its best is a genuine apprehension of universal and transcendent religious reality as seen through the experience of the American people (238).He predicts that American civil religion may become a part of a new civil religion of the world. The difference eing that instead of it being drawn from Biblical traditions, it would be drawn from religious, non-biblical traditions (245). Later Bellah wrote â€Å"American Civil Religion in the 1970s† in response to the criticism he had received from his previous article â€Å"Civil Religion in America. † He begins with claiming the rights to the term â€Å"civil religion†. He claims that although there are many references to â€Å"civil religion† in previous years, he is the one who coined the term (255). There is some disagreement on this claim. Some agree with Bellah, but others argue that Jean-Jacques Rousseau coined the erm in his book The Social Contract. Although Rousseau might have coined the term, Bellah’s and his definitions of civil religion have some differences. While Rouseau saw it as a form of social cement that provided the state with sacred authority to help unify itself, Bellah views it as a public religious element that is vital to the maturation of American institutions. Rousseaus’s definition is simpler, because the year in which he defined civil religion, allowed a simpler definition. Bellah says that the distinction between civil religion and public theology is a major ontribution to the discussion of civil religion (258). Bellah f urther claims that a variety of public theologies is a guarantee to the honesty of civil religion (259). He suggests that American civil religion is a current reality and one that we will probably grapple with in the future (264). Bellah does not think that American civil religion is dying, but it is rather pointing to the fact that some linkage between religion, morality, and politics seems to exist (270). He closes by stating that â€Å"the crisis in the civil religion is deepening even more rapidly than I had expected† (272).In â€Å"Civil Religion and America’s Inclusive Faith,† Barry Hankins seeks to give us a better understanding of what civil religion is, its evolution into what it is today, and its role in politics. Hankins claims that most American presidents â€Å"have integrated religion into their political speeches† and that scholars have labeled this integration â€Å"civil religion. † He defines civil religion as the blending of reli gion and patriotism to the point that it is impossible to separate them from another. Hankins says that this occurs when either politicians discuss eligion or when pastors discuss political or national affairs. He continues with how in a country like the United States, civil religion can potentially fail if it excludes too many people; therefore, it needs to be an inclusive faith. Hankins claims that in the evolution of American civil religion, it has employed five themes consistently: the first theme is the â€Å"chosen nation theme†, second is â€Å"civic millennialism†, third is the theme that there must be â€Å"a form of religious consensus or common thread that binds people together religiously†, fourth theme is a â€Å"fusion of iblical beliefs with a deistic notion of God that is very general†, and fifth is the theme of â€Å"historical authentication. †Hankins continues with the discussion on how different presidents have employed civil re ligion and its themes throughout the years. He ends with the claim that the form of civil religion that best fits the description in his essay is a priestly or pastoral civil religion (Hankins). Hankins and Bellah discuss the different presidents who have mentioned civil religion in passing. Though the presidents may not have used the term â€Å"civil religion,† these writers ssert that it was implied. They use quotes from these presidents for the benefit of their own argument. Those presidents are John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, George W. Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Bellah and Hankins claim that because of their attempt to integrate politics and religion, and their vague references to God, these men unconsciously advocated civil religion (Hankins). The interesting thing about Hankins is that he does not limit civil religion to politicians, but rather includes pastors in his discussion as well.Hankins tells us that th e definition of the integration of civil religion is when either politicians mention religion or when pastors mention political or national affairs (Hankins). The Pew Forum panel discussed the topic of â€Å"God Bless America: Reflections on Civil Religion after September 11. † There are seven participants in this discussion panel, who are: Peter Berkowitz, Derek Davis, Amber Khan, Richard John Neuhaus, Clarence Newsome, Manjit Singh, and Melissa Rogers. As the moderator of the panel, Melissa Rogers begins by giving us a brief overview of the term â€Å"civil religion. She says that most people identify the term â€Å"civil religion† with the work of Robert Bellah, who says that civil religion in America is an understanding of the American experience in light of ultimate or universal reality. The panel continues with the different participants’ views and thoughts on civil religion. Civil religion is described as a confused subject, with the confusion starting a t the very term itself and that, for the most part, it is all about meaning. The panel continues on to claim that civil religion becomes extremely broad and very generic in its expression.At the end of the discussion, the panel claimed that with civil religion â€Å"we are making a distinction between discovery of certain political values and systems as distinct from the moral justification (Pew Forum Panel). One may agree with this statement, while others may not. Those who don’t agree may argue that while there needs to be a separation between â€Å"church and state†, there also needs to be a connection. If we did not have a form of connection between the political and religious realm, we would not have the religious freedom that we enjoy today; because if the politicians did not elieve in God, they would not care if we had or did not have religious freedoms. In â€Å"Bellah’s Civil Religion,† Robert Stauffer begins by giving us a summary of Robert Bel lah’s essay â€Å"Civil religion in America†. Then Stauffer proceeds to discuss some of the problems that he sees in Bellah’s work. Stauffer does not cover Bellah’s historical rendition, but rather assumes that American historians will deal with it and leaves the task to them (392). He claims that Bellah’s work is styled in a Durkheimian perspective. Stauffer is also concerned with Bellah’s verdict of our current American condition.He says that Bellah moves too fast from the judgment of corporate hegemony, worry over the cult of success, and the disregard for those who are reduced to penury, to the presumption that America is portrayed by a widespread despair and sense of direction. Stauffer concludes by claiming that Bellah’s evolving opinions about civil religion serve as an inspiration to scholars of religion and society (393). Stauffer also states that while he is grateful to Bellah for his contribution in this area, he is worried that Bellah’s growing stature might prevent us from questioning and criticizing his assumptions, claims, and hopes 394). Literature Review: As civil religion has evolved over the years, there are different trends and themes in its patterns. We read Hankins’ claim that civil religion has employed five themes consistently through the years, and that he is worried that civil religion could potentially fail. He claims that this will happen if American civil religion excludes too many people. Hankins says that civil religion needs to be an all inclusive faith. In Bellah’s first article on this topic, he predicts American civil religion may become a part of a new civil religion of the world. Then a couple of ears later, Bellah wrote another article entitled â€Å"American Civil Religion in the 1970s. † In this article, he suggests that American civil religion is a current reality and one that we will continue to deal with in the future.Then Bellah decides that there is some linkage between religion, morality, and politics that exist and are needed. At this point, Stauffer steps into the scene. He finds irony in the fact that much of the criticism of civil religion, implicitly of Bellah’s work, has centered on the success of maintaining commitment to the social order, the success of utilitarian ulture in the United States, and the divisiveness that comes from the imposing new, holistic systems of belief. Stauffer argues that in a society with revolutionary origins, this problem of civil meaning will be both primary and repetitive. The Pew Forum panel concludes their discussion by stating that civil religion is a confused subject – the confusion starting at the very term itself – and by claiming that it becomes extremely broad and generic in its expression.Hankins claims that civil religion can come in the form of priestly or pastoral religion, because oliticians have used it to soothe and comfort American people in ti mes of distress. Bellah concludes both of his articles by mentioning what he calls the â€Å"third crisis†. The â€Å"third crisis† is the attainment of some kind of viable coherent world order that would ensue from the universalizing of civil religion. Looking towards the future of civil religion, we ask, â€Å"what does civil religion mean for Christians and how does it affect us? † Civil religion acknowledges that there is a God, but does not make any mention to Heaven. With civil religion, we realize that there is a God and that any different beliefs, symbols, and rituals go with each religion. But that is as far as it goes.There is no faith or spiritual things. Faith requires a belief in God and in Heaven. It requires us to put our trust fully in Christ and go beyond the term â€Å"religion† to a relationship with Him. The Bible says in Hebrews 11:6, â€Å"But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. † Faith is believing. Civil religion is not believing, but rather is admitting that there is a â€Å"higher power† ver us. While we need a form of civil religion to allow us to mingle with people of different religious beliefs, as Christians we need to be wary of civil religion. We need to be vigilant in our endeavors to not allow civil religion to become the â€Å"main stream† of religious beliefs.If it become the â€Å"main stream†, it will become the unified religion of the world and faith in Christ will be lost. Civil religion is unsustainable because it is trying to be pluralistic. This pluralism seeks to unify all religions (muslim, hindu, catholic, protestant, baptist, mormon, etc) into one, ut this is not possible without the different religions giving up their differences. In giving up these differences in the various religions, we would give up our faith in God, our belief in Heav en, and in everything that distinguishes us from other religions. This would be a negative affect on Christians, because we are to be the â€Å"light of the world† and the â€Å"salt of the earth† as God calls us to be. If we give these up for civil religion, we will no longer be what God has told us to be. Yes, we need to have some religious understandings amongst all religions, but we need to be cautious as Christians to not lose our faith in Christ.Future Directions: In the future, I believe that civil religion is going to begin posing major problems for Christians. As of now, not many Evangelicals have said anything on the topic of civil religion beyond identifying it, but soon they are going to need to. Beliefs and faith are beginning to be pushed out of the picture and the more universal civil religion is stepping in. We can see it happening throughout the country as more laws are being instituted that reduce our religious freedoms. Though the term â€Å"civil r eligion† is not usually used by lawmakers and the government, it is implied and is a danger to Christians.I believe that within a few years, civil religion is going to become the norm and we are going to lose our religious freedoms as a push to a universalized religion is made. I also believe that we are going see more articles on this topic, and that Evangelicals are going to become involved in trying to stop this â€Å"third crisis† in America. Works Cited Bellah, Robert. â€Å"Civil Religion in America. † D? dalus, Journal of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences 96. 1 (1967): 1-21. Print. Berkowitz, Peter, et al. â€Å"God Bless America: Reflections on Civil Religion after September 11. † The Pew Forum .Washington, DC. 6 Feb. 2002. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. Web. 15 Apr. 2012. . â€Å"Civil Religion. † Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. , n. d. Web. 20 Feb. 2003. . Hankins, Barry. â€Å"Civil Religion and America’s I nclusive Faith. † Liberty Magazine Jan. 2004: n. pag. Liberty Magazine. Web. 15 Apr. 2012. . Rousseau, Jean Jacques. The Social Contract: And, the First and Second Discourses. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2002. Print. Stauffer, Robert E. â€Å"Bellah’s Civil Religion. † Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 14. 4 (1975): 390-395. JSTOR. Web. 19 Apr. 2012.

Animal Farm Theme - 2655 Words

Theme Analysis The theme of Animal Farm is not difficult to understand. Orwell intended to criticize the communist regime he saw sweeping through Russia and spreading to Europe and even the United States. Though he agreed with many Marxist principles, Orwell was unable to accept the communist interpretation of socialism because he saw many similarities between the communist governments and the previous czarist regimes in old Russia. Communism, he thought, was inherently hypocritical.In his self-proclaimed â€Å"fairy-story,† Orwell uses his allegorical farm to symbolize the communist system. Though the original intention of overthrowing Mr. Jones (who represents the Czars), is not inherently evil in itself, Napoleon’s subsequent adoption of†¦show more content†¦Ridicule was really the only tactic they had left after being scared to death of the Soviet powers after World War II. The real action in the chapter is when Jones and his men try to recapture the farm. Napoleon and his pig allies had long expected this to happen, so they plan a very extensive defense strategy. When the Jones crew attacks, they were gored, kicked, bitten, and trampled on. So many of the men die, thus concluding the Battle of the Cowshed. Chapter 5 Orwells fifth chapter is an action-packed tale of two animals who leave the farm. First Mollie, who never was too fond of the whole idea of revolution since it meant she wouldnt have any more sugar lumps, is seen talking to a neighbor man and letting him stroke her nose. When confronted by Clover, she denies it, then runs away forever. None of the other animals ever mentioned Mollie again. Chapter 6 Orwell mostly uses chapter 6 as a series of foreshadows. The first involves, of course, Napoleon. This time hes beginning to trade with the neighboring farmers, Foxwood and Pinchfield. The necessity comes from materials only humans can make. But the picture-perfect world the animals imagined had no conflicts like this. I mean, who could have imagined that Boxer might need new horseshoes? Well, ok maybe the animals were being naive. Anyway, Napoleon decides that he will conduct trade with the outside world. But some of the animals think that maybe this was once forbidden. Soon the animals have more reason to beShow MoreRelatedEssay about Themes in Animal Farm by George Orwell617 Words   |  3 PagesThere are several themes in Animal Farm, some including: Leadership and corruption, control of naà ¯ve working class, lies and deception, and dreams and hopes. The main themes in Animal Farm leadership and corruption. Animal Farm portrays the history of the Russian Revolution by retelling the development of communism. In the novel, by overthrowing Mr. Jones, the animals give the power to the pigs who take complete control of the farm. The struggle for superiority between Leon Trotsky, a Russian revolutionaryRead MoreThe Comparison of Themes Between Lord of the Flies and Animal Farm 2291 Words   |  10 Pag esThe Comparison of Themes between Lord of the Flies and Animal Farm The author of Animal Farm, Orwell, tells a story of a farmyard tragedy and the deadly lives of a group of animals. Due to the disappearance of humans, Napoleon abuses his power and gradually transforms into a human. Orwell also used animals to clarify that humans are corrupted due to power. The author of Lord of the Flies, Golding, shows a similar story where it is about life and death situation for a group of lost boys on a islandRead MoreThemes Presented through the Characters in George Orwells Animal Farm786 Words   |  4 PagesAnimal farm is a novel written by George Orwell, in August 1945. It is a very important work of fictional political satire, and educates the reader about the history of a revolution that went horribly wrong, a savage attack on Stalin. Orwell reveals many themes throughout the novel and uses his characters to convey them. Orwell uses an effective combination of human traits with animal’s characteristics that provide the main charm of the characters of animal farm. They are distinct charactersRead MoreHow Does Orwell Explore the Theme of Education in Animal Farm?1413 Words   |  6 PagesHow Does Orwell Explore The Theme Of Education In Animal Farm? ‘All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others’. George Orwell writes this toward the end of his highly acclaimed allegory, Animal Farm. From this single statement we can tell quite a bit about Orwell’s views on education which he puts across strongly throughout the novel. A message I see that this statement portrays is that everyone has the right to an education but some people were getting a better education thanRead More Theme of Power Corruption in Animal Farm, by George Orwell Essay1787 Words   |  8 Pageshistory, such as World War II and proven by the actions of Napoleon in the allegory, Animal Farm, by George Orwell. As Lord Acton said â€Å"Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.† In history what was viewed as a villain or wrong doer is never the same as the perception. A leader does not begin wanting to do wrong, they start with the best intentions, but power is a tricky thing, showcased in Animal Farm as Utopian ideals but with failed practices. Most new societies that have a UtopianRead MoreExploring The Theme of Facism in Animal Farm, Nineteen-Eighty-Four, Yertle the Turtle, and Dictator1393 Words   |  6 Pagesand censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism. Fascism also occurs in our literature such as the great pieces Animal Farm and Nineteen-Eighty-Four by Orwell, Yertle the Turtle by Seuss and Dictator by Kessler. These pieces will now be deeply explored so we can find out what English literature tells us about fascism. Animal Farm is a novella by George Orwell based upon the rise of Stalin and Russian Revolution and references heavily to authoritarianism, fascism and dictatorshipsRead MoreTheme Of Ignorance In Animal Farm1329 Words   |  6 PagesThe saying ignorance is bliss is not always very accurate. The book Animal Farm by George Orwell is an allegory for a real historical event – the Russian Revolution. It demonstrates how peoples ignorance can be the cause of their social and political oppression and how the knowledge of others ignorance can lead to power, which ultimately corrupts those who possess it. These themes are portrayed through the characters and in real life. Social oppression is when one group of people dominate oneRead MoreAnimal Farm Theme Essay1112 Words   |  5 PagesMy theme for the story Animal Farm by Greg Orwell is how power can lead to corruption and dictatorship/oppression. I chose this theme because it is very prominent throughout the story. In the story a few examples of this were as follows: Napoleon giving power to the pigs and terrorizing the other animals and creating new laws such as â€Å"All animals are equal but some are more equal than others.† which displays how the pigs are oppressing the animals by carrying whips around to intimidate them, workingRead MoreMajor Themes In Animal Farm821 Words   |  4 Pagesthe follow through when purposing a new one. Old Major never gave them any direction to what they should do after the rebellion and the big question became: â€Å"What should we do now?† 2) a) When reading Animal Farm, you see some major themes, such as the inevitability of class struggle. The lower animals comprise of the working class, and while most know that there isn’t something right with the leadership, they don’t say anything, which is probably why the utopia never worked. It showed that those inRead MoreTheme Of Power Corrupts In Animal Farm1232 Words   |  5 Pagescancer. A theme that would fit this scenario and the book, â€Å"Animal Farm,† by George Orwell would be: Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This theme would fit this book because the main character Napoleon, an animal of the Manor Farm, gets so much power that he uses it negatively towards others, but pretty beneficially for himself, by depending on the labor of the animals, just for his own beneficiaries. This happens in the tough time period of 1917 through 1945 on the farm. What happens

The Difference Between Deflagration and Detonation

Combustion (burning) is a process by which energy is released. Deflagration and detonation are two ways energy may be released. If the combustion process propagates outward at subsonic speeds (slower than the speed of sound), its a deflagration. If the explosion moves outward at supersonic speeds (faster than the speed of sound), its a detonation. While the action of deflagration is to push the air in front it, objects do not explode because the rate of combustion is relatively slow. Because the action of detonation is so rapid, however, detonations result in shattering or pulverizing objects in their path. Deflagration The definition of deflagration, according  to the Collins English Dictionary is a fire in which a flame travels rapidly, but at subsonic speed, through a gas.  Deflagration  is an explosion in which the speed of burning is lower than the speed of sound in the surroundings. Everyday fire and most controlled explosions are examples of deflagration. The flame propagation velocity is less than 100 meters per second (usually much lower), and the overpressure is less than 0.5 bar. Because it is controllable, deflagration can be harnessed to do work. Examples of deflagrations include: internal combustion engine (used in any vehicle that uses fossil fuels such as gasoline, oil, or diesel fuel)gas stove (fueled with natural gas)fireworks and other pyrotechnicsgunpowder in a firearm Deflagration burns outward radially and requires fuel to spread. Thus, for example, a wildfire starts with a single spark and then expands in a circular pattern if there is fuel available. If there is no fuel, the fire simply burns out. The speed at which deflagration moves depends upon the quality of the available fuel. Detonation The word detonation means to thunder down, or explode. When a decomposition reaction or combination reaction releases a lot of energy in a very short span of time, an explosion may occur.  A detonation is a dramatic, often destructive, form of an explosion. It is characterized by a supersonic exothermic front (in excess of 100 m/s up to 2000 m/s) and significant overpressure (up to 20 bars). The front drives a shockwave ahead of it. Although technically a form of oxidation reaction, a detonation doesnt require combination with oxygen. Unstable molecules release considerable energy when they split and recombine into new forms. Examples of chemicals that produce detonations include any high explosives, such as: TNT (trinitrotoluene)nitroglycerinedynamitepicric acidC4 Detonations, of course, can be used in explosive weapons such as nuclear bombs. They are also (in a much more controlled manner) used in mining, road construction, and the destruction of buildings or structures.   Deflagration to Detonation Transition In some situations, a subsonic flame may accelerate into a supersonic flame. This deflagration to detonation is difficult to predict but occurs most often when eddy currents or other turbulence are present in the flames. This can happen if the fire is partially confined or obstructed. Such events have occurred in industrial sites where extremely combustible gasses have escaped, and when ordinary deflagration fires encounter explosive materials.

My Views On Architecture And Architecture - 1535 Words

Modern Architecture Architecture is the foundation for how we live and shows expression of how we think. It returns our moulding of the world in order to inhabit it and the geometry of what we build is far from neutral. I chose to explore and research Longford Cinema which is located in the Greater Manchester suburb of Stretford. This astonishing building lies on the junction of Chester Road and Edge Lane, opposite Streford Mall. Designed by the architect Henry Elder. Longford Cinema is an astonishing Art Deco, modernist architecture. In this writing I will look at the building in detail and the architect behind the building’s design. Furthermore I will express my views on modernist architecture. Henry Elder, of Roberts, Wood and Elder of Manchester, the architect behind the design of Longford Cinema. Built with a narrow red brick with faience tiled facade, with the roof concealed by tall brick wall, Art Deco style. The auditorium is set-back, with a long foyer passage leading to Chester Road entrance and a shorter link to the secondary entrance on Edge Lane, surrounded by contemporary buildings. Henry Elder designed the Chester entrance to resemble a cash register, which was intended to symbolise the business aspect of show business. This makes the building one of the most visually and interesting landmarks of the town of Stretford. With stepped convex surface curving upwards and backwards then attached but advance rib rising with less curvature designed to carryShow MoreRelatedThe Most Important Influence On An Scholarly Work1318 Words   |  6 Pagesimportant influence on my decision to pursue scholarly work has been my professors. Several professors at Rice helped me ref ine my interests and focus my life goals, and since coming to Harvard the faculty have provided me with renewed motivation and a model for innovative scholarship. Both as an undergraduate double-majoring in architecture and civil engineering, and now as a graduate student dually enrolled in History of Science and History of Architecture Urban Planning programs, my education has allowedRead MoreMy View Using Online Train Tickets Buying1352 Words   |  6 PagesExecutive Summary: In my view using online train tickets buying is very good, and also provides quicker service to the customers, which is easily accessible to the public. As an enterprise architect (EA) I would implement this advanced buying or booking system but we should keep it safer. Through a detailed research there would be many number of advantages and disadvantages of this system. We can know the availability and buying of the tickets online. By implementing this system it reduces the publicRead MoreArchitecture Vs. Buildings Architecture Essay884 Words   |  4 PagesArchitecture vs. Buildings When I read the book Seven Lamps of Architecture, John Ruskin opened my mind to the idea that a â€Å"building does not become architecture merely by the stability of what it erects†. Architecture is more than just a mere building. â€Å"Architecture is the art which so disposes and adorns the edifices raised by man, for whatsoever uses, that the sight of them may contribute to his mental health, power, and pleasure.† (John Ruskin) Even though all architectures is buildings notRead MoreDifference Between Eastern and Western Architecture1510 Words   |  7 Pagesgreat pleasure to me. It really broadens my mind and enlarges my vision. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the School of Foreign Languages of Hainan University to give me such a good chance to know more about â€Å"Situational Context and Text Coherence† and many linguists who have made great effort on those themes related to my topic, so that I can show some of my humble views. I would especially like to give my heartiest thanks to Mrs B, my supervisor, who devotes herself to enlighteningRead MoreThe Rosenbaum House Is A Single Family House Built For Stanley And Mildred Rosenbaum Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright1085 Words   |  5 Pagesand homes. Wright envisioned a type of architecture for the working class; something instinctive yet simple. He is perhaps one of the most influential U.S architects of the twentieth century. Having designed at least 700 completed works, one could say Wright was an exceptionally intelligent or creative man ahead of his time. His designs have been both incredibly functional and impactful to twentieth century architecture. Wight’s response to modern architecture and modern engineering is through an embraceRead More Post Modernism and Architecture Essay1181 Words   |  5 PagesPost Modernism and Architecture If one were to walk around and casually ask five people what post modernism was they would probably get five different answers or none at all. It is one of those indefinable academic terms that applies to many different fields of study. Most people seem to understand what it means individually but few agree collectively. To make matters even more complicated, it is often used in discussions about deconstruction. To some Post Modernism is an excuseRead MoreCreating Bigger Space For A Smaller Space1197 Words   |  5 Pagesextension. As the population grows while land not shrinking, it certainly raises concerns from the experts in the field of architecture. We need more space. As we all know technologies are getting better and better every year, we now have some more innovative buildings than before, but it is always good to have conserve the old buildings. In this case, that’s when extension architecture can serve its purpose. The Great Court in British Museum orig inally designed by Robert Smirke for example, was once aRead MoreDeconstruction Architecture and Digital Technology Essay1419 Words   |  6 Pagesbut also to the visual arts and architecture. The approach of deconstruction in architecture is to get architects to think of things in a new way, to view architecture in bits and pieces. Also to develop buildings which show how differently from traditional architectural conventions buildings can be built without losing their utility and still complying with the fundamental laws of physics. Especially in 1988, when deconstruction was first promoted in architecture. Different architects of differentRead More Deconstruction in Architecture Essay1408 Words   |  6 PagesDeconstruction in Architecture Deconstruction is first developed by the French philosopher Jacques Derrida. The definition for deconstruction is not easy to understand, and Derrida and his interpreters actually intend it to be difficult. It was first meant a method of interpretation and analysis of a text or a speech. He introduced the concept of deconstruction in connection with his linguistic philosophy and grammatology. When deconstruct a text or a speech, it is to draw out conflicting logicsRead MoreCurrent Issues Of Museums And Galleries Journal1265 Words   |  6 Pagespurpose of this journal is to document my journey through the module. I intend as well to show how the texts have influenced my viewpoints, and contributed to my understanding of museums and visitors attitudes – mainly relating to the locations of our visits. Furthermore, I wanted to capture my musings and key passages from some of the books on the reading list, and alternate writings I discovered along the way. A lot of the issues raised in these texts have affected my way of thinking; not only for this

Response Writing free essay sample

â€Å"The Cove† – a documentary film by Louie Psihoyos The Oscar winning documentary film â€Å"The Cove†, directed by Louie Psihoyos, exposes the annual massacre of 23,000 small cetaceans in the National Park Taiji, Japan. Even though the trade of dolphins whether using them alive for entertainment purposes is unethical and selling their toxic meat is dangerous for the health, the Japanese authorities are supporting it with all possible means. The Japanese government is not only preventing any publicity about the dolphin slaughter, but it is also bribing the International Whaling Committee, which is supposed to control the trade of cetaceans and protect the rights of the marine mammals. Consequently, the crew of volunteers led by the ex-dolphin trainer and current animal rights activist Ric O’Barry is prevented from legally filming the fisher men at Taiji. Armed† with sophisticated technology, the volunteers risk their safety, and despite the fishermen harassing them, and the police following them one step behind, successfully document the brutal killing of the dolphins. We will write a custom essay sample on Response Writing or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Every single scene in the documentary â€Å"The Cove† is overwhelming. One after the other the facts about the dolphin slaughter add up to a truth which is difficult to accept. A wide range of human arrogance, cruelty, and irresponsibility flourishes in this beautiful, almost magic National Park in Japan. Throughout the film, I felt angry, sad, feeling sorry for the helpless dolphins until the scene where the director shows the actual killing taking place. The scenes were so disturbing: the water colored bright red from the dolphin’s blood, the dolphins, dying slowly and painfully, the fishermen walking over them. I wanted to run out, to close my eyes. However, at this moment I felt sorry, but this time for myself. How hypocritical am I to feel disturbed by the cruelty of the fishermen, when tonight I am going to sit down on the table and enjoy a beef steak as if everything was alright. Is not the cow that I am serving to my family also raised without humanity, and then killed with a cruelty with electricity or with a bolt pistol? Most importantly, I am sponsoring this. How conveniently and easy is to forget what stands behind the products I buy. When I buy something, am not just contributing, but catually causing this industry to exist. The words of Rick O’Barry about himself facing the truth about keeping dolphins captive still sound in my head: â€Å"†¦as ignorant as I could be, for as long as I could be. The movie shows just a fraction of the monster that we keep in our closet. It is not just about the dolphin massacre in Taiji, it is about the fact that from all the 7 billion people on earth there is several people, who are desperately struggling, trying to find a way to stop it. The film ends with Ric O’Barry, standing alone on a plaza, with a monitor projecting the killing of dolphins in Taiji, hundreds of people pass by, just few stop to ask. This image is like burned in my mind and I hope that it will remind me next time not to conveniently forget.

The Wrestling Phenomenon Essays - WWE Hall Of Fame,

The Wrestling Phenomenon I would just like to start out and say that I don't think that watching wrestling on television is worth while. I can't understand how millions of people sit around their living rooms watching a bunch of muscle-bound wanna be jocks play fight and talk *censored*. IT'S NOT REAL! What else do I have to say? The wrestlers and the officials admit it. The couch potatoes that watch this garbage are drawn in by the story of all things. You see, there is an ongoing saga behind every pseudo-body slam. None of it is real though, none of the trash talking, partnerships, or the fighting is real. Even so, people still are addicted to it. Wrestling today is bigger than it has ever been before. It is constantly ranked first on the Neilson Ratings (along with 2nd, 3rd, and so on until 7th). So, my question is, why is this phony wrestling so popular? Professional wrestling is one of the many worthless products of the 1980's. It had it's time in the spotlight in the mid to late 80's with super-stars like Hulk Hogan and Andr? The Giant. Then faded along with eight tracks and wine coolers. The difference, wrestlers along with the officials swore that every move was real. Every time Hulk Hogan fake-punched his opponent while simotaniously stomping his foot on the floor to create the illusion that he actually hit him, was supposed to be real. As the 90's rolled in wrestling took a bout of silence. For an instant I thought that people had found the same thing that I had, a remote control, and changed the channel. We aren't that lucky though because it is back, WWF and WCW are more popular than ever. The WCW and the WWF are not offiliated though. The WCW consists of has been super stars like Hulk Hogan, now known as Hollywood Hogan, and Rick Flair. On the other hand the WWF hasa new fresh redneck blood like Stone Cold Steve Austin and h is archival Kane. Only the WWF gives drug tests to it's participants, which is funny because all the old has beens have had a history of steroid use then quit, but now they are as ripped as they have ever been... hmmm sounds fishy. Most of the wrestling fan base watches the WWF, the fans say that it has a better story line and more appealing characters. While the WCW just has old burnouts who are hooked on steroids and can't write a simple script. At a time when Jerry Springer's ratings are at an all time high, it does not surprise me that people may occasionally tune into something like pro-wrestling, but week after week just seems like too much. According to Time.com, ...about 34 million people watch wrestling every week.(Time, 1999) People who watch television these days want to see violence, they want to see controversy and conflict. The ironic thing is that the WWF and the WCW boast about themselves being non-violent and a family oriented program because all the wrestling is staged. However, according to Entertainment Weekly, ...in 50 episodes of WWF RAW is War on the USA network featured 42 instances of simulated drug or alcohol use or possession; 1,658 instances of wrestlers grabbing or pointing to their crotches... (EW, 1999) now, how family oriented is talking about drugs while grabbing your crotch? They buy into this nighttime soap opera of a sport, knowing that it is actually just like any other action-adventure wit h little plot of conflict and resolution. Of a two hour program, only about a half an hour is devoted to actual wrestling matches. You must wade through the countless trash talking, advertisements, and amateur fights before you finally get to a main event which will, of course have the outcome predetermined by the participants. Now the WWF and the WCW are everywhere, there is tons of merchandise from shirts to video games, and they are all over the Internet. The official sight of the WWF (WWF.com) has had a traffic increase of 300 percent just since April 1998.(cnn.com) Each sight is about the same, they give the latest news and profile a select few wrestlers. The obvious rivalry between