Life Signs †Poem and Summary By Mahapatra Essay

LIFE SIGNS Violence the day dims. When I open and shut my mouth the darkness chokes inside. The sad light pushes against a bullock-cart-driver’s whip which rests in a corner of the corridor, safe from the black pressure of dragging ribs. a country total solar eclipse It was the drawn-out cry of day that left behind no echo, day that became meek as a frightened child. A banner of pale human skin fluttered on top of the temple of Jagannath the vase a monsoon day fable The fable at the beginning of the monsoon choes alone, like a bell ringing in a temple far from home. in the fields of desolate rice captive air of chandipur on sea lost children of America dead river life signs grandfather again one day walking by the river. — Jayant Mahapatra Summary of â€Å"Life Signs† â€Å"Life signs† is the title poem of the volume Life Signs. The father-son relationship has been explored quite extensively and intensively in Indian English poetry, by Ramanujan, Parthasarathy, Shiv. K. Kumar and others and â€Å"Father† poems have become even a sub-genre of Indian Poetry in English. Life Signs† captures the central preoccupation of Mahapatra’s poetry, the irrevocable influence of the Father (by extension, the hoary tradition of the land) and the anxiety of the son-persona (the modernist, rationalist, unbeliever poet, by extension) to be freed of it Structurally, the poem is â€Å"a loosely connected set of evocative signs rather than a system and discourse† and such a poem with shifting metaphors may challenge neat interpretation; yet it â€Å"can have a great power to convey a highly complex experience and can acquire haunting beauty† (G. N. Devy). â€Å"The Cows† can be read as a companion poem. 11. 1- 2: What’s in my†¦: a blunt statement of the son-persona’s in ability to â€Å"occupy† the beliefs of the father 11. 3-5: a sense of loss caused by separation between father and son described in terms of the flowing river; the image of flow may also imply the passage of a major category in Mahapatra’s vision. 11. – 10: an associative cluster of signs: â€Å"sun†, â€Å"kites† and â€Å"clouds† evoking the sense of agedness of the traditions, which haunts him. 1. 15: â€Å"the odour†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦: another image evoking the sense of decay 11. 19-20: â€Å"come to rest†: typical Mahapatran obscurities which are the interpreter’s despair: 11. 23- 24: a conflict between the traditional beliefs and the rationalist skepticism of those beliefs- 11. 23- 24: the sense of loss and a discovery of a strange wisdom.

Macbeth Paper on Evil Essay

Macbeth is a real tragedy written by William Shakespeare for what’s presented is a morally significant struggle, one that attempts to engage our sympathies and understanding. In this dark and powerful tragedy, Macbeth is a part of several murders, including the murder of King Duncan of Scotland. Macbeth performs these murders after he encounters the weird sisters and hears the prophecy that he will one day become the King of Scotland. But although Macbeth was the one that was directly involved in every murder, there are other influences that have an impact on his pursue for the crown of Scotland and could be responsible for the evil done in the play. When Lady Macbeth first hears about the prophecy of the witches, she immediately plans Duncan’s murder because of her ambition for her husband to become king. The weird sisters, also known as the three witches, initiates the murders because they prompt Macbeth to murder Duncan with their prophecies that Macbeth will one day become the King of Scotland. But ultimately, Macbeth is the villain of this tragedy in view of the fact that he is accountable for the murder of Duncan and also orders his subordinates to murder Banquo and the family of Macduff. Macbeth is most responsible for the evil done in the play owing to the fact that his killing of Duncan provokes the other murders and evil in the play. Although Lady Macbeth is a part of the murders that occur in Macbeth, she is not responsible for the evil done in the play. Lady Macbeth is a very cunning, manipulative character. When she hears about the witches’ prophecy of Macbeth becoming the future king of Scotland, she immediately demands Macbeth to murder Duncan so Macbeth could become king. Lady Macbeth successfully persuades him to kill Duncan by questioning his masculinity. Lady Macbeth puts the idea in Macbeth’s mind that he will be a coward if he does not commit the murder. After persuading him, Macbeth finally commits the murder. Therefore, Lady Macbeth is evil for she pressures Macbeth into killing Duncan. But, she is not responsible for the evil done in the play. Although she is a strong, significant figure in the murder of Duncan, she begins to change through the play as she starts to feel the guilt and remorse for persuading Macbeth to kill Duncan. She ultimately kills herself because she couldn’t manage the guilt and grief for her involvement in the murder and seeing her husband turn into an evil, uncontrollable villain. Therefore, she is not responsible for the evil done in the play because although she persuades Macbeth to kill Duncan, she later feels guilt for what she’s done. The three witches are also not responsible for the evil done in the play. In the beginning, the three witches tells Macbeth his prophesy that he will one day become the king of Scotland. When Lady Macbeth hears about the prophecy, all she thinks about is her husband becoming king. So, Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth to kill Duncan in order for Macbeth to become king as soon as possible. If the three witches never told Macbeth the prophesy of him becoming king, none of the murders would have happened. Therefore, without the witches, there would be no evil in the play. But, the three witches are not responsible for the evil done in the play because even though they incite Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s desire for king, it was Macbeth who ultimately decides to murder Duncan, which causes the rest of the evil done in the play. Macbeth is responsible for the evil done in the play. Macbeth is more evil than the other characters because he is the reason why all of the murders in the play occur. He murders Duncan because of his evil desire to become the king of Scotland as soon as possible. â€Å"Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.† (I, Scene 4, lines 57-58) This quote shows Macbeth’s great desire to become king and also shows how he is aware that his thoughts are evil. But, he does not do anything to keep himself away from these dark thoughts and he eventually commits the evil murder. The murder is certainly avoidable, but he let Lady Macbeth influence him. â€Å"This night’s great business†¦ sway and masterdom.† (I, Scene 5, Lines 80-82) This quote shows how Lady Macbeth has total control over Macbeth and how Macbeth put the power into Lady Macbeth’s hands. Macbeth could have told Lady Macbeth to stop her plans, but instead he gives all the power to her and eventually agrees with her. Therefore, the murder of Duncan is completely his fault because he lets Lady Macbeth influence him and commit the murder himself. Macbeth is also responsible for the other murders in the play because he hires three murderers to kill Banquo and orders his servants to kill Macduff’s family. Consequently, Macbeth is responsible for the evil done in the play because he involves himself in all of the murders in the play. Macbeth is accountable for the evil done in Macbeth because his murder of Duncan causes a chain reaction and brings about the rest of the evil in the play. Although Lady Macbeth has a notable influence on Macbeth to commit the murder of Duncan, it was ultimately his decision to kill Duncan and order the other murders. The Three Witches incites Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s desire for the throne of Scotland, but Macbeth’s decision to commit the murders ultimately brought darkness and fear onto Scotland. Macbeth is responsible for Duncan’s death, and that murder causes a chain reaction and incites the other murders. If he did not murder Duncan, there would not have been any evil in this play to start with. Ultimately, Macbeth compels to arise these evils, and it is his greed to blame. Macbeth is already known as a man of integrity for being appointed as the Thane of Cawdor, but his greed and avarice brings about the evil that he carries out. This relates to human nature because even if a man has everything to gratify his needs, his greed can demand for more, leading to trouble just like Macbeth. This demonstrates that if you only care about your own needs and always ask for more, you will be unsuccessful. As Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi once said, â€Å"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.† [Word Count: 1057]

What a first time homebuyer need to know about buying a home

One important and exciting life experience is purchasing a home. However, when it is the first time to buy a home, one is faced with a lot of decisions to be made, and at the same time has numerous questions which require to be answered. Thus, it is important that before one makes this important purchase, one should have basic knowledge regarding the processes of buying a home. This study paper provides some basic information for first time home buyers.The information provided will include prequalification and pre-approval, choosing a mortgage, mortgage tips and mortgage mistakes that a first time home buyer should avoid at all costs. The objective of this information is to create a better understanding of mortgage process for those first time home buyers. Approval: pre-qualification and pre-approval A lot of people use the phrases pre-qualification and pre-approval in an interchangeable manner. Though, both terms offer some suggestion of if or not a prospective home buyer can acquir e a mortgage for a particular amount, the two terms have a noteworthy variations between them.Consequently, it is vital that a prospective home buyer should understand them. (Sid, 2004) Mortgage pre-qualification Mortgage pre-qualification generally is a view by a lender about a borrower, which is given as a certificate or a letter, which states that the lender trusts that a prospective borrower is capable of qualifying to get a loan. The lender uses credit, income, employment, debt as well as asset which the prospective borrower provides as a basis of his view or trust.At times, the lender might through permission of the prospective borrower, obtain the credit report of the borrower. (Citydowninfor. com, 2007) Mortgage pre-approval On contra, pre-approval is a lot more thorough procedure. When using pre-approval the above information (Mortgage pre-qualification) is given, however, this information is then confirmed. Disclaimers found on a pre-approval form are usually subject to ad equate property evaluation and no substantial variations in the borrower’s monetary status.The pre-approval form may also indicate the kind of a loan and a specific rate and period a person is pre-approved to get. Whereas, a pre-approval is not an assurance for obtaining a loan, it gives the home buyer better chances of obtaining a loan than pre-qualification. (Citydowninfor. com, 2007) Choosing a Mortgage It is important that the prospective home buyer chooses the right mortgage. A mortgage is the loan a home buyer takes in order to finance his/her buying of the home. And it is repayable monthly.Mortgage rates are an important element which one has to evaluate before selecting the mortgage. When choosing a mortgage it is extremely vital that one chooses the best plan to fit well with his/her specific situation, this can be achieved through reaching. (Citydowninfor. com, 2007) The internet can offer the best source to carry out your research, which will include getting inform ation regarding mortgage process, available lenders, how much you can borrow, the price range and tax savings you can make which are connecting with owning a home.(Citydowninfor. com, 2007) Application for a mortgage In the past it took a lot of paperwork and time before one could know if he/she has been considered for a mortgage. However, currently, a lot of lenders have gone online and one can easily apply for a mortgage online. With the latest technology it is even possible to electronically sign your mortgage papers. Finding reputable mortgage banker It is important also that you chose a reputable mortgage banker when applying for your mortgage.Whether you decide to use a mortgage banker or credit unions or any other lenders, it is important that you chose a well reputed mortgage company. Given that, there are numerous mortgage firms, choosing a mortgage firm can be a tricky issue. Get recommendations from friends as well as friends. (Sid, 2004) Mortgage Tips The following mortg age tips will make you be able to control different aspects of house buying. If you put them in mind, then you will probably be capable of monitoring the home buying process. (Robert, 2003)

A letter to the editor of Wall Street Journal Assignment

A letter to the editor of Wall Street Journal - Assignment Example It can be argued that the next election will see a wide gender difference among the voters. Republicans have tried to come with measures to appeal to the female voters as the Democratic Party strives to take advanatge of the female vote by promoting economic policies that are more likely to favor women including equal pay protection and increasing the minimum wage. This is not the first time the Democrats have employed this strategy to campaign against the Republicans. I agree with the fact this is not simply about the social isssues but about the economic issues affecting the population. Furthermore, there is a clear diffrence in views on whether it is possible for individuals to succeed in the US. Most men agreed to the proposition that anyone could compared to 37 percent of women (Hook and Timiraos). A study conducted by the NBC Survey/new journal found that most women believe that the recession has not yet ended as compared to 43 percent of males (Hook and Timiraos). This explains why 70 percent of the women are of the view that increasing that minimum wage would result to an improvement in the economy (Hook and Timiraos). This letter confirms the facts stated in the paper on the disparities between the economic views between men and women and how it influences

Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 5

Research Paper - Essay Example Compassion fatigue refers to a stress condition which is characterised by gradual diminishing of compassion among care providers. The problem has been commonly diagnosed among individuals working directly with trauma victims from different societies. The condition is commonly characterised by hopelessness, negative attitude, constant anxiety and stress, and insomnia. This kind of stress becomes detrimental to the individuals both personally and professionally. Compassion fatigue results in individuals becoming less productive, and developing feelings of incompetence. As individuals involved in providing care to traumatised individuals, such feelings consequently cause the individuals to become cynical; hence reluctant in providing assistance (Slocum-Gori et al. 2013). The condition has commonly being referred as secondary traumatic stress (STS), because it results from an individual becoming stressed out of factors stressing others. Burnout refers to exhaustion which results from continued performance of work related responsibilities. The characteristics of burnout become visible following an individual’s continued long term exhaustion, which slowly makes the individual beginning diminishing interest in work. Burnout shows similar characteristics and effects like compassion fatigue and has been increasingly likened with compassion fatigue (Alkema et al. 2008). Psychologists have described compassion fatigues as a form of burnout experienced among caregivers, in facilities providing assistance to traumatised individuals. This research seeks to identify the various sources of compassion fatigue and burnout among individuals working within various organisations. These elements have continuous had detrimental effects on the individuals within the professional and personal perspectives. The article will seek to explore the causes and effects of these stress factors observed among individuals working within care

Ethical and moral dilemmas in regards Ebola Research Paper

Ethical and moral dilemmas in regards Ebola - Research Paper Example Here in this study ethical and moral dilemmas of the disease around the world will be analysed. The study will include research question or objective, methodology and findings and analysis. Research question is significantly important and an integral part of any research paper. Research question helps the researcher to build a whole research report. It poses lots of questions that other people care about. According to Bordage and Dawson, research question is one of the most important components of any research paper. It provides a clear picture about the research topic. Research question guides the research outcome. Without the help of research question a research paper cannot find the proper direction. Here in this case the research question is whether the world is facing ethical and moral dilemmas related with Ebola. According to Enemark & Selgelid, (2012), ethical and moral dilemmas are quite evident in the cases of various infectious diseases. They have stated that ethical and moral dilemmas are not new factors as far as the infectious diseases are concerned. It is an age old issue that the global fraternity is facing since long. The authors have categorically stated that nurses and doctors are also human being. They have the equal chances of being impacted by the infectious diseases. But on the other hand healing patients is the fundamental objective for the doctors and nurses. So there is a huge scope of ethical and moral dilemmas. According to them these kinds of ethical and moral dilemmas are common and automatic in nature. There is nothing astonishing into it. It is often being noticed that patients affected by the infectious diseases are generally being kept at the isolation chambers where entry and exists are restricted. The authors have stated that doctors and nurses take extra precaut ions before entering into those isolation chambers. But still there remains a sense of moral and ethical dilemma. Doctors and nurses feel

Change-oriented leadership trans formational and charismatic leaders Coursework

Change-oriented leadership trans formational and charismatic leaders - Coursework Example At the time of her appointment as Yahoo’s CEO, Marissa was five months pregnant. This did not deter her ability to deliver as a leader; in fact, it motivated her to work harder. She only took a two-week maternity leave and went on to build a nursery right next to her office, which meant no telecommuting and constant access to her new-born. Suffice it to say, Marissa gravitates towards a more situational management approach whereby she is more hands-on; a practice that is unorthodox for most CEOs. For example, she takes a more direct approach to hiring staff whereby she follows strict hiring policies, which entail conducting stringent achievement and educational background investigations (Weisberg, 2013). As evidenced by employee remarks and owners of the small companies that accepted mergers with Yahoo, Marissa Mayer is a charismatic leader. David Pogue, a former New York Times columnist cites Marissa’s charisma as one of the reasons why he accepted her offer to join the Yahoo editorial team. In addition, majority of owners of the companies acquired by Yahoo during Marissa’s tenure also cited her charisma as one of the major reasons for accepting acquisition offers. They agreed to sell their companies despite prior knowledge that their companies might face possible dissolution (Weisberg, 2013). Before Marissa took over as CEO, Yahoo had not released any noteworthy new products, which caused the company’s market share to plummet drastically. Since taking over, Marissa Mayer’s first year has been quite eventful. She commenced with the purchase of over twenty (20) small ICT based companies, a strategic decision driven by the need to diversify Yahoo’s product range. Her ability to recognize a problem, identify alternative solutions, and settling on the best alternative solution to the problem attests to Marissa’s exceptional transformational leadership traits. In addition, she did not let critical bystanders

Multiyear Plans and Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Multiyear Plans and Analysis - Essay Example We analyze data as revealed by the City of Charlottesville 2009, 2010 Financial Ratios and also carry out ratio analysis that helps us discover more information about the business (Gibson, 2012). We compare the City of Charlottesville’s 2009 and 2010 performance using relevant ratios. Liquidity measures, or short-term solvency measures -measure the ability of the city to meet its short-term debt obligations. These ratios majorly focus on current assets and current liabilities (Denise, 2013). The current ratio shows how many times the current liabilities are included with the current assets. Higher ratios are recommended. The city retained its current rate for the two years under study. The ratios are above one which is a good indication of the city’s ability to pay its short-term obligation. The working capital is the difference between a company’s current assets and its current liabilities. A higher amount is required as it shows the excess of assets after accounting for all liabilities. The city’s performance in 2010 is hence more preferred as compared to that of 2009. Long term solvency measures the city’s ability to meet its long-term debt obligations. Debt ratio indicates the ratio of total liabilities to total assets. A lower percentage is more preferred (Denise, 2013). In 2009, 39% of every dollar of the city’s asset was debt while the ratio was 38% in 2010. 2010 is hence more preferable to 2009. The profit margin indicates that the city is not generating income. Its expenditure is higher than its income. From a dollar in revenue the city is making 11 cents loss. The city’s management is hence not useful in converting the available assets into sales. They should hence come up with new policies of raising revenue that will help the adequately meet their expenses. Days payable ratio are the number of days it takes a city to pay their creditors. The longer the period, the better

Housekeeping and Mrs. Dalloway Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Housekeeping and Mrs. Dalloway - Essay Example Robinson’s first words are: â€Å"my name is Ruth. I grew up with my younger sister, Lucille, under the care of my grandmother, Mrs. Sylvia Foster, and when she died, of her sisters-in-law, Misses Lily and Nona Foster, and when they fled, of her daughter, Mrs. Sylvia Fisher† (Robinson, p. 3). The choice of introductory sentence is extremely telling as, apart from establishing this work as a female-centric narrative, it draws up a picture of a female-dominated world. Its blatant and explicit exclusion of reference to any males may be interpreted as a direct challenge to dominant patriarchal systems. Indeed, it is even reminiscent of the exclusively-male genealogies outlined in the Bible, starting with the Book of Genesis. Within the context of the stated, the opening line may be interpreted as the narrative’s own genesis, the genesis of a matriarchal, as opposed to patriarchal, world. Patriarchy versus matriarchy is carried through in the novel’s expression of the themes of grief and loss. The protagonist, Ruth, has evidently lost both mother and father but the loss of the father and his absence is passed over as inconsequential, while the loss of the mother gives the novel its impetus. Ruth is aware of the extent to which her mother’s loss has affected her and refers to the resultant grief as a â€Å"predatory thing,† a feeling which gnaws at her and deprives her of her very sense of self (p. 198). Her grandmother’s death, her â€Å"drowning in air† (p. 164) is recalled and with it her mother’s physical drowning; her abandonment by Misses Lily and Nona are told; and her sister’s departure/abandonment, cuts through her very soul like a knife but, never is her father’s death/abandonment/loss touched upon. This clearly indicates that the world of this novel is a solidly matriarchal one in which males are, if g ranted any place at all, marginalized, semi-invisible and

The 4 functions of management within the Department of Defense Assignment

The 4 functions of management within the Department of Defense - Assignment Example The three steps of planning involves setting out the goals which the organization plans to achieve , creating a plan for achieving these goals .Once the plan has been made the last function of planning is to decide how the limited resources need to be allocated in order to achieve the plan. (Richard L. Daft, 2010) The DoD is very complex in the terms of organizational structure. The planning for DoD is done at the top level of the country. The President along with the secretary of defense and the national security council determines the security needs of the country or in other word we can say that they set the goals which are to be achieved by DoD. Once the goals have to be set the plan for the execution of these goals is made by the commander in chief in consultation with senior military and intelligence officials. The allocation of resources in DoD is done by the U.S congress which controls the budget for the various plans. Various committees of both the houses examine the goals w hich have to be achieved and allocate the resources accordingly. Organizing Organizing means creating working relationships between the members of the organization to facilitate better working conditions which leads to achievement of goals. An organization structure is the outcome of this organizing activity. (Flamholtz, 1996) The structures are made to breakdown the goals into different components and assign it to individuals who can complete them. The organizational structure of the DoD is shown in the figure below – Apart from this broad level organizational structure presented above there are various agencies and departments which function under the defense secretary. (Kinnard, 1980) Leading Leading is very vital part in management. The leader determines direction, in which the employees have to move, helps them understand the roles that have to be played by them and motivates them to achieve their goals. Leader uses his power, influence and vision in order to motivate hi s employees and make them dedicated in achieving the goals that have been set. The goals made in the planning stage will never be realized without proper leaders. In DoD the functions of leader are performed by various persons. Leading is done at the top by the president who tries to motivate the nation and the whole department of defense on the general level as to why a particular war is necessary. He along with the joint chief of staff’s can motivate the soldiers only on a very broad level; the various officers who are in charge of the field units have to perform the function of leading at the ground level. They have to motivate the soldiers in their command to achieve the goals. Leading is the most complex function in DoD as it is entirely different from corporate leadership. Leadership in DoD means motivating your employees to even lay down their lives for the nation. That is why officers are trained thoroughly in order to inculcate leadership values in them. These values are very essential to win wars and to achieve the overall goals of the DoD. Controlling Controlling means evaluation. This evaluation may be mid-term or after a particular time period has elapsed. Controlling defines how well the organization is doing, how far it is from achieving the goals which have been set; any changes in the goals or resources needed to achieve the goals. Sometimes even the goals might be changed midway if they are considered to be too easy to achieve or very

Employer branding definition Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Employer branding definition - Assignment Example Employer branding that had begun as an innovative advertising medium for organisations has now become an essential part of organisational strategy. Ambler and Barrow (1996) define employer branding as the package of functional, economic and psychological benefits provided by employment and identified with the employing company (cited in Barrow & Moseley, 2005, p.xvi). Ambler and Barrow (1996) assert that employer branding helps in focusing on organisational priorities, increasing productivity, improving recr4uitment, retention and commitment. This discourse explores different factors that necessitate employer branding and its benefits. A valued employer brand is preferred to money in current economy. Employers establish credibility through branding by adopting a myriad of practices and approaches, which includes a component of alignment of organisational values with HR strategies like employee satisfaction, employee motivation, trust, innovation, improved performance etc. Besides edu cating potential employees of the organisation’s policies and establishing a good image, employer branding also aims at employee retention by adopting practices that educate employees of organisational goals and commitment towards employees. Employee retention is extremely important for organisations because of the time and costs invested in employees’ recruitment, training, and other facilities. It is also important to save employees from competitors that are constantly looking out to attract the best talent through money and/or other benefits. It is generally recognized that intellectual and human capital is the foundation of competitive advantage in the modern economy (Berthon Ewing & Hah, 2005, p.152). In this perspective, job sculpting has emerged as a path by which people are matched to the jobs thereby giving considerable significance to their deeply embedded life interests. This way, organisations provide opportunities to their employees to pursue career goals of their interest, a great way to retain people (Findlay, 2008). Technological advances are driving employers to continuously seek innovation and higher expertise in order to tackle the global and local competition. Globalization has resulted in substantial decrease in available skills in the local markets; this has strengthened the need for employee retention, which organisations are achieving through employer branding. A comprehensive program for employer branding is the total reward system in which HRM entails a wide competitive proposition as developed by Towers Perrin. This four-quadrant model comprises of transactional rewards and relational rewards. Transactional rewards are given to employees in relation to pay packages and benefits like pensions, holidays, healthcare etc (Armstrong & Brown, 2006). This is a comprehensive framework for implementing effective employer branding proposition that facilitates employee retention and also motivates employees through engagement, lea rning and development thereby enhancing employee commitment and organisational performance. Moroco and Uncles (2008) conducted a qualitative research to assess characteristics of successful and unsuccessful employer brands; this study identified certain HR metrics, employment experience, and alignment between HR and marketing as the core indicators for successful employer branding. HR metrics graded against industry standards or average determine success of employer brand include percentage of job offers accepted; number of applicants per role; average length of tenure; average staff turnover; and level of staff engagement. Considering employment as a product offered to employees, their experience with employment is dependent upon organisation’s culture, policies and processes. Further, marketing and HR functions play a significant role in providing the best employment experience through psychological contract between employees and the organisation. From HR perspective, emplo yer branding aids in job satisfaction, employee motivation, employee

Umaaraw Umuulan Kinakasal Ang Tikbalang Essay Example for Free

Umaaraw Umuulan Kinakasal Ang Tikbalang Essay Since our childhood days, we are very familiar with the Philippine folklore introduced to us by the Spanish friars namely: the tikbalang, aswang, mananaggal, kapre and the like. Who would have thought that these creatures are in fact friends of the animals commonly around us and act as guardians of Mother Earth? This brilliant idea spawned from a short story written by Gilda Cordero-Fernandez entitled The Magic Circle and amazingly performed by the Dulaang UP last December. Basically, the story revolves around Jepoy, a boy living in the forest with his banished mother Aling Barang, and his journey within the depths of the forest to attend a mysterious wedding of fabled creatures. Jepoy is accompanied by his dog Galis, which can walk upright and talk inside the forest. He is welcomed by Doà ±a Geronima, the leader of the magical creatures and Aling Pacqui, a dwarf and later on introduced to the kapre, Kap. I liked how the play was acted. Being a theater enthusiast, I also commended the beautiful set onstage and how they made colorful costumes out of recycled materials, especially Doà ±a Geronima’s. My favorite character was the humorous but kind Aling Pacquita. She was very funny and I find her walking on her knees tiresome but very effective in portraying her character as a dwarf. But they could have cut down on the miscellaneous actors, (except for the three heads). I found them disturbing sometimes. I didn’t like the use of sprayers to show rain. I guess I expected more. The lesson of the story is about saving the environment. The story reached the resolution later in the play. Before the play ends, Jepoy, the main character, finds him as a certain â€Å"chosen one† by the magical creatures and asks him to be their representative to help save the environment. Because of being just a poor boy, with no one but a hysterical mother to live with, he hesitated to accept their request. At that point on, the creatures along with the animals helped convince Jepoy that he can make a change no matter how small he may seem to be. He accepted the request after that. The lesson wasn’t just exposed due to the development of the story but also through the nonverbal cues that helped the audience understand it better. These nonverbal cues were present in all of the characters but Kap had the most distinguished one. He displayed a body motion known as an illustrator. His action, slow movements and frequent nodding of the head showed his sadness to the previous treatment of humans to him. He also displayed paralanguage where his voice was hoarse and frequently disturbed by wheezing and coughing showing how old and sickly he was. Lastly, the environmental factors when Kap was talking were very evident. The lighting, the sound and even the expressions of other creatures showed how they really need Jepoy’s help to save our environment. In conclusion, the play Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang Tikbalang is an effective and wonderful play that would renew our love for nature and respect it, too. The only thing left for us to do is help Jepoy in his task. Let’s show our love and appreciation for the mother that nurtures us all: Mother Earth.

Malcolm X Effect: African American Consciousness

Malcolm X Effect: African American Consciousness Change has come to America, were the famous words spoken by Barak Obama, the first African American President. No one in the 1960s would have ever thought that an African American president would be in office nor that an African American would be the highest earning woman in America. Many people tend to credit Martin Luther King (MLK) for such change, however their credit should go to Malcolm X. Malcolm X was an African American leader, orator and is now a cultural icon. During the time when Malcolm was alive, he had a lot of opposition. Mainly all sectors of white society opposed him, even some African Americans, as they felt that he was too radical, and differed to the peaceful measures of MLK. However, more recent historiography of Malcolm X is shifted towards a more biased and positive conception. This could be because it is African Americans who write the majority of the historiography of Malcolm X. Thus, suggesting that Malcolm X is a more popular topic and key figure to their heritage or it could be that White Historians do not want to admit past failures regarding race. This positive conception of Malcolm X is mirrored through the African American populists  [3]  . Magnus O. Basseys, Malcolm X and African American Self-Consciousness argues that Malcolm exposed the terrible psychological consequences of black self-hate and transformed African American self-consciousness by liberating African Americans and by challenging the oppressors longstanding claim of racial superiority  [4]  . The Majority of Revisionist Scholars including James Cone  [5]  support Basseys argument. Although Bruce Perrys  [6]  The life of a Man who changed Black America  [7]  gives a more critical account of Malcolm, by suggesting him to be a psycho historical basket case. This differs to the traditional anti-Malcolm bias, which normally depicts him as a violent man. This essay will examine how Malcolm X articulated the African American consciousness and the ways in which he affected them then and now. Whether a Violent man or psycho basket case, Malcolm certainly impacted the African American consciousness by imprinting it with not only their history, but also their dignity and a sense of new pride. To understand how Malcolm X changed the consciousness of Americans, one needs to understand Malcolm Little. His childhood, including his fathers lessons concerning black pride and self-reliance and his own experiences concerning race, played a significant role in Malcolms adult life  [8]  . Throughout Malcolms life, violence was a major theme. His mother was mixed raced, as a white man raped his grandmother and by the time he was thirteen, his house had been burnt down by the Klu Klux Klan, his father murdered  [9]  , and his mother was in a mental institution. Malcolm was separated from his brothers and sisters and sent to a series of foster homes. He went to numerous schools where he was the only African American in the class. Malcolm was brought up to be prepared to be something that was more suited for an African American  [10]  . He left school early and became involved with hustling and criminal activities. At this time in his life, Malcolm Little, too like other Af rican Americans tried to whiten himself. Malcolm painfully chemically straitened his hair and dated white women. His unlawful ways in New York and Boston ultimately landed him in prison in 1946 for robbery. Whilst in prison, Malcolm became a member of the Nation of Islam. From inside the prison Malcolm wrote letters to Elijah Muhammad, who was the leader of the Nation of Islam (NOI)  [11]  . Through this, Malcolm created his ideology of the white man is the devil. Once he left prison, in 1952, he became one of the Nations leaders and chief spokesmen. Looking back on his life, its clear to see there were many differing Malcolms: Victim, player, prisoner, hater, and anti-racist. As a result, Malcolm X is one of the most misunderstood leaders in history  [12]  . Like many other leaders, there is a turning point that opens the political and social space for a leader to come up through. Malcolms turning point was the Hinton Johnson incident  [13]  in1957. Malcolm proved throu gh this event his power to both white and black Americans. As one white policeman asserted, that is too much power for one man to have. However as Benjamin Goodman asserted, But it was that same power and presence which so impressed and frightened the police that also attracted me and thousands of other so called Negroes to Malcolm  [14]  . Malcolm created white fear and to black Americans, a leader to believe in. This one incident would change the lives of African Americans forever. Louis Lomaxs documentary titled The Hate that Hate Produced, broadcasted in 1959 that forced Malcolm to fame outside his religious circle. Representatives of the print media, radio, and television frequently asked him for comments on racial issues. This newfound status of a celebrity helped Malcolm to use his oration skills and put him into the public sphere for all African Americans to see. Thus Malcolm became the public face of the Nation of Islam for nearly twelve years and travelled across America to articulate African Americans. As Clasby asserts, thats is where his career sparked from. Malcolm attacked Christianity because he argued that religion had brainwashed Black People to accept their subordination to the dominant society. Malcolm claimed that Islam is the natural religion for African Americans  [15]  . However, it seems that in the beginning of Malcolms religious movement, he was trying to find himself and who he was while preaching his ideology of African Americans. Consequently, it was then a political rather then religious journey, as Malcolm preached about black equality and Black Nationalism. Although he did create a religious organization  [16]  . Malcolm left the NOI in March 1964, because he found out Elijah Muhammad had been deceiving him and Nation of Islam  [17]  . He then made a pilgrimage to Mecca. He spent much of the last year of his life in Africa, and the Middle East observing and practising being a Muslim. He met with political leaders and addressed many audiences. Malcolms main political platform was black equality and black supremacy. Many Historians  [18]  suggest that, for many, Malcolm serves as the fountainhead of modern Black Nationalism  [19]  , as he belonged to the Black Nationalism and Pan-Africanism movements. By avoiding white connections, Malcolm was able to articulate the support base mainly in the ghettos, preaching that African Americans should develop their own society. This included supporting community-based enterprises. Malcolm wanted to reject cooperating with European Americans until African Americans could achieve cooperation amongst themselves. Thus Malcolm has been called a black revolutionary. Although, upon his return from Mecca in 1964, Malcolm X abandoned his stance to racial separatism, as he demonstrated by agreeing to cooperate with integrationist civil rights groups. However, he was still in favour of Black Nationalism and advocated that black people in the U.S. be self-reliant  [20]  . Malcolm star ted to realize that he needed to accept and work with other races to get results. As Malcolm stated, In my recent travels into African countries and others, I was impressed by the importance of having a working unity among all peoples, black as well as white  [21]  . In 1964, Malcolm organized the Organization of Afro-American Unity, which was oriented toward freedom and liberation for black people and other repressed groups. However this new political philosophy was not welcomed very warmly by his supporters, and ultimately lead to his assassination on February 21 1965. To this day, his more radical viewpoints impacted African American Consciousness. Davis and Davenport agree, arguing that, exposure to Malcolm may alter feelings of political efficacy, political trust, interest in politics, and racial consciousness  [22]  . Malcolm felt that African Americans should not support the government because supporting the government meant you supported the white supremacy and those that repressed African Americans. Instead, Malcolm proposed Black economic leadership. For instance, black intelligence, black authority, and superiority. In other words, he ultimately understood capitalism to be as great an impediment to African American liberation as racism. As Rabaka argues, Malcolm X knew that it was not necessary for him to define himself as a communist, socialist, or Marxist  [23]  . Therefore, Harper carries much weight when he asserts, It should also be mentioned that the philosophy of Malcolm X was changing until his death  [24]  . This is supported by Rabakas argument asserting that, Malcolm Xs social and political thought, although consistently undergoing a radical process of change and development, as James Cone contended, provides us with a paradigm of the possibilities of an engaged African-cen tered radical politics and social theory a critical theory. Malcolm argued that he spoke the truth, and criticized Martin Luther King for his optimism of Civil Rights. He wanted change in attitudes whereas MLK wanted legislative change. Malcolm did not believe in the white man having any sympathy nor support, therefore he was the alternative side to MLK in the civil rights campaign. Malcolm did not support Martin Luther Kingss peaceful marches as he felt that it was a failure of Negro leadership and that it would never change white consciousness. Malcolm constantly ridiculed leader MLK  [25]  , as he declared that nonviolence was the philosophy of the fool. In response to Martin Luther Kings famous I Have a Dream speech, Malcolm retorted, While King was having a dream, the rest of us Negroes are having a nightmare.  [26]   Malcolm X believed in equality and that African Americans should have their right to defend themselves by any means necessary, if the constitution wouldnt protect them. It doesnt mean that I advocate violence, but at the same time, I am not against using violence in self-defence. I dont call it violence when its self-defence, I call it intelligence.  [27]   As Clasby noted, Resistance needs violence, violence breeds further resistance, and when the tensions within have reached a certain level, some men like Malcolm X, come to prefer victory to survival  [28]  . Thus Malcolms policy on violence gave him aggressive status in the movement, and would later influence the Black Panther Party. Malcolm was in favour of the civil rights movement as he felt it was not just a domestic issue. As Bassey contends, The philosophy was shaped by Noble Drew Alis Moorish-American Science Temple Movement, the Nation of Islam, and Malcolms critical reflection of the events in the World  [29]  . It is important to note what Perry argues that, Malcolm X fathered no legislation. He engineered no stunning Supreme Court victories or political campaigns. He scored no major electoral triumphs. Yet, because of the way in which he articulated his followers grievances and anger, the impact he had upon the body of politics was enormous. He mobilized black Americas dormant rage and put it to work politically  [30]  . Malcolm represented the deep-rooted racial feelings, and said what those were thinking but were too frighten to say. He was initially their voice. He felt their thoughts, their feelings. It is because of him that most African Americans see themselves with such pride today. No longer did they feel alone; they knew they had each other and that they were a collective  [31]  . As Rabaka asserts, he stressed to them that they could make heaven right here on this earth. Herein, perhaps, lies Malcolm Xs greatest contribution to Africana critical thought: his radical commitment to continually recommit himself to end domination and discrimination and bring into being human liberation by any means necessary!  [32]  . Malcolm created fear, and reversed the fear on to the White Supremacists. As Harper asserts, more than any other person Malcolm X was responsible for the new militancy that entered the movement in 1965  [33]  . Malcolm ultimately felt that it was the white man who had emasculated the blacks self-esteem, and took away their individuality. Although Malcolm was able to use this as a liberation tool. Rabaka agrees, arguing that to develop an effective Afro-American liberation movement, Malcolm X argued that African Americans needed to rethink their entire experience in the United States  [34]  . Therefore, they must look back to their heritage in Africa. As Bassey put it, his strategy was to urge black people to make a romantic identification with Africa. The African American consciousness that Malcolm articulated focused on the individuals relationship to the community and the their responsibility to that community, to respect and to defend its members.  [35]  Malcolm X embodied the African Americans through his words, through his preaching and speeches  [36]  . Education was a vital component to the articulation of African Americans. As Malcolm stated, Without education, youre not going anywhere in this world  [37]  . Malcolm wanted to educate African Americans about their history. For Malcolm, an understanding of the historical achievements of black people, as well as the origins and evolution of their oppression in recent centuries, was an essential weapon in the hands of those struggling for their liberation  [38]  . Goodman furthers this argument and suggests that what Malcolm told African Americans was a simple, profound truth; one that blacks needed (and still need) to hear. And no one said it as effectively as Malcolm X  [39]  . Malcolm made African Americans know about their heritage. Cone agrees, and argues that African-Americans who are proud to be black should thank Malcolm for creating the cultural space that lets us claim our African heritage  [40]  . In an Interview discussing his surname, Malcolm explained that during slavery, the Surname denotes that a slave was this persons property. Therfore arguing that he had no idea what his family name was. The only way well get freedom for ourselves is to identify ourselves with every oppressed people in the world. We are blood brothers to the people of Brazil, Venezuela, Haiti Cuba yes Cuba too.  [41]  Thus Malcolm changed his last name to X. Equally, it was the common practice in the NOI Therfore, Malcolm addressed the issue of identity to the extent that black/Negroe Americans should be called/and were African Americans. As Bassey asserted, Malcolm X took up the challenge of African American being, self-consciousness, and self-identity by arguing that blacks in America were African Americans  [42]  . This contrasted to Du Bois double-consciousness theory that described it as an essential part of being a Negro in America. Bassey continues to explain that this double-consciousn ess accepted negative definitions that even impacted how blacks in America viewed their physical selves. This viewpoint can be noticed in our young people today  [43]  as they are proud to be African Americans. Malcolms success in articulating the African American consciousness can be seen today, as many African Americans are proud of whom they are and strive for success. As Clasby stated, Today these people are emerging into history-politically, economically, and, of most importance, spiritually. They represent a new expression of human consciousness  [44]  . Through Malcolms strong belief in the Nation of Islam came this development, which led to the evolution of Malcolms perception of gender roles in our society. The leader has been considered to have more in common with a white man that of an African American women. Dyson agrees, suggesting These slights of black women reflected the demonology of the Nation of Islam, which not only viewed racism as an ill from outside its group, but argued that women were a lethal source of deception and seduction from within  [45]  . Controversially, Perry suggests that Malcolm was not as heterosexual as his Nation of Islam colleagues have always insisted  [46]  . This could therefore suggest why Malcolm saw women in such a negative light. Perry suggests that Malcolms insecurities and ambivalence towards women fit the archetype of a repressed gay man and point to latent homosexuality  [47]  . However, Bassey is more convincing, as she asserts that it was of the Nation of Islam that created these attitudes towards women, not Malcolm. Thus, After Malcolm had broken away from the Nation of Islam, performed the hajj and visited Africa, Malcolm showed even more respect for women  [48]  . Therefore the support of African American Women during the time when Malcolm was alive was not for his view on women itself, but was for his political beliefs. Thus, it was Malcolms ideology that affected their consciousness. It is hardly surprising that African Americans believed in Malcolm Xs ethos on Black Nationalism and equality. His audience would have grown up being discriminated for their colour of the skin. African Americans on a daily basis were exposed to discrimination and violence. During the 1960s, there was a growing dissatisfaction amongst African Americans for equality. When African Americans followed Martin Luther Kings peaceful methods, more violence followed. When Africans Americans tried to protest peacefully, for instance at the Birmingham riots in 1963, they were welcomed by militant policemen. Therefore as their peaceful methods did not work, they turned to Malcolm who provided an answer for a utopian future. It is ironic that originally the media highly opposed Malcolm X when he was alive. It was very easy to dismiss a violent black man, which the media portrayed. Now that he has been dead for 45 years, with the advantage of hindsight, the media now is one of his biggest supporters. For instance, Malcolm X, the 1992 biographical film directed by Spike Lee  [49]  , portrays Malcolm in an extremely positive light. Therefore, this is evidence to support the argument that Malcolm X has not only changed African American Consciousness but also White American Consciousness. With Denzel Washington being nominated for an Academy Award (which is considered as an extremely white conservative Ceremony) for Best Actor for his portrayl of Malcolm X, suggests that times have changed. The knowledge of that the film was critically acclaimed, suggests that people are now more open minded to change and accept the past and can admit doing wrong. Equally, it shows that there is a popular demand for nosta lgia for Malcolm, as their present consciousness is reflected through or sourced from him. Davis and Davenport examined the extent to which the film Malcolm X and its reinforcement in the media influenced political attitudes among African Americans. They found that individuals who saw the film and received reinforcement from a televised documentary became more racially conscious, more concerned about race relations, and more knowledgeable about Malcolm X the man  [50]  . However one can argue that Malcolm has been idealized, and turned into a mythic character. Clasby concurs and noted that, Malcolm was about to go from history to myth  [51]  . The filmic conveyance of Malcolm as a mythical icon is very important as it represents the legacy that African Americans want him to be portrayed as. Persuasively, as Clasby, Painter and Davis and Davenport argued, While each of these retellings invents a new narrative, neither the book nor the film is congruent with the life that Malc olm Little/Malcolm X lived, day by day, between 1925 and 1965  [52]  . Therfore the media is subjective. Thus, attitudinal changes are fundamental re-visions in political and social attitudes created by images in the media  [53]  . Malcolm X not only impacted the African American consciousness but also African consciousness. One key example can be seen in the final scene of Malcolm X, as it takes place in a classroom in Soweto Township in South Africa, with anti-apartheid activist and future South African President Nelson Mandela citing one of Malcolm Xs quotes. As Davis and Davenport asserts, Nelson Mandela, another symbol of race and manhood. The vision-still pan-African-raises hopes for another round of consciousness- rising among black nationalists  [54]  . Equally, with the numerous children of African descent, both in the United States and Africa, declaring, I am Malcolm X, suggests that Malcolms pride of Africa was being echoed. Malcolm gave Africans their confidence to fight, in literal terms, for their rights. Therefore he transformed their ideology for the better. However, it could be argued that his extremist views have had a negative impact in such countries as Zimbabwe, where his influence of v iolence and extreme ideology proves that peace is not possible, and so therefore creating more of a racial divide. Thus, if his voice resonates outside of America he surely must have been an influential man. As a non-black person, I cannot wholly relate to Malcolm X. My ancestors were not slaves, and by that were not deprived their rights in a foreign country. Despite of this, having been born in South Africa during the apartheid era, Malcolm Xs ideology has impacted my conscious. One could argue that he was very manipulative and charismatic, however all the issues he raised were true. All over Africa, civilians were taken from their country, in order to be slaves. They lived in the most unjust manner. This anger throughout the generations of families and centuries of hardship was undoubtedly going to build upà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦and the explosion/catalyst was Malcolm X. For instance, Were not Americans, were Africans who happen to be in America. We were kidnapped and brought here against our will from Africa. We didnt land on Plymouth Rock that rock landed on us.  [55]  As Cone asserts, All Americans owe Malcolm a great debt. He was not a racist, as many misguided observers have claimed. He was an uncompromising truth-teller whose love for his people empowered him to respect all human beings. I am for truth, he said, no matter who tells it. I am for justice no matter who is for or against it. I am a human being first and foremost, and as such I am for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.  [56]   Today Malcolm exists within the consciousness of most African Americans, even though some might not even know. Malcolm X was the American prototype of this developing consciousness  [57]  . Although it is mainly the young who see Malcolm as such an icon, as Davis and Davenport noted, it is necessary to examine more carefully what Malcolm X represents to different age groups among African Americans. To younger African Americans, Malcolm X is attractive in part because he was attractive to a younger generation when he was alive. To young African American adults, the rediscovery of Malcolm X represents the articulation of their anger, impatience, and discontent with mainstream culture. Identifying with the violence and hatred associated with Malcolm X becomes an expression of their own defiance and as well as their own toughness. Conversely, to older individuals, Malcolm X is not a rediscovery. For African Americans who experienced the civil rights movement, he represents the violen t and revolutionary antithesis to Martin Luther King and his creed of nonviolence and passivity  [58]  . Although, when compared to MLK, MLK did not give African Americans their identity, heritage and prideà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦it was Malcolm. Therefore as Horne convincingly notes, He is an integral part of the scaffolding that supports a contemporary African-American identity. His fascination with music and dance and nightclubs undergirded his bond with blacks. A significant development that is accelerating in Afro-America in the post-war era is cool or hip philosophy. It involves a manner, language, a mode of dress, and more  [59]  . Therefore, today, Malcolm exists within the consciousnesses of African Americans. The New York Post wrote after Malcolms assassination, even his sharpest critics recognized his brilliance-often wild, unpredictable and eccentric, but nevertheless possessing promise that must now remain unrealized.  [60]  This statement could not have been more wrong. With the advantage of hindsight, this essay has demonstrated that it is clear that Malcolm X transformed the consciousness of African Americans and that no area of the African-American community escaped Malcolms influence. Malcolm awaked Black America, and gave them their confidence to do what then was thought of as impossible. Although Malcolms ideology was never persistent, this in turn helped him to appeal to a much larger audience. As Cone asserts, Although dead for nearly 27 years, Malcolms influence in the African-American community is much greater today than during his lifetime  [61]  . Malcolms representation through the media, support his legacy and bring it to the attentions of the young African Ameri cans today and for the future generations of African Americans. Not only did Malcolm X impact African Americans but he also impacted Africans all over the world. Wherever Black people gather to talk about their struggle for justice, the ghost of Malcolms presence is there, reminding them of the strengths and weaknesses of their past and present efforts. The more Black people reflect on the meaning of Malc

Medieval Renaissance Middle Ages

Medieval Renaissance Middle Ages There are many differences in the beliefs and values between the Renaissance and the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages was a time of great suffering, including famine and widespread disease. The Renaissance, however, was a revival of art, learning, and literature. Their views of the purpose of life in the present world and mans place in the world were, perhaps, the greatest contrast. However, their views on politics, religion, and education were very different as well. The purpose of life and mans place in the world was viewed differently during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. During the Middle Ages, also known as The Age of Faith, mans purpose was to serve God. Looking upon life as a journey is prevalent during this era. The focus of life was on the afterlife, primarily because there were no guarantees in the present life. The life of highest value was the contemplative life, one devoted to God. The passive virtues such as compassion, suffering, and humility were highly regarded. God was the center of mans world during the Middle Ages. On the Great Chain of Being, man was below God and the angels and above the animals, plants, and inanimate objects. It is amazing how aspects of society can and will change so significantly over the course of a few hundred years. Between the times of the Medieval era and the Renaissance, one can note numerous significant changes, mainly those pertaining to religion and art, and specifically, drama. In Medieval times, people seemed to rely mainly on the church and God for their entertainment purposes; whereas during the Renaissance, the focus was more secular: humans and life on earth. In general, ideals and subjects evolved from unquestionable Church dogma (and therefore very safe subject matter) to ideas that focused on the questions of humanity (and therefore creating an unstable and unsettling universe.) The evolution from the Medieval dogma to the humanistic focus of the Renaissance is apparent through the dramatic texts of the time. Although these two eras differ in many other ways, the most illustrated differences deal with the realm of drama, starting with the Medieval Cycle dramas and culm inating in Shakespeares King Lear. Drama noticeably shifted from religious awe to classical reason between the Medieval era and the Renaissance. During the Middle Ages, drama aimed mainly at making advancements in the church. Thus, the Cycle Dramas or English Passion Plays performed with the permission and help of the church. The belief is that the church clergy probably wrote the short stories or playlets and then gave them to the Guilds for their performance in theaters. Although the appearance of the Cycle Dramas seems unimaginative and commonplace at a first glance, there are some striking innovations in terms of furthering a dramatic structure. This is the first time we see the use of a double plot in which the honored and revered story is compared to a similar situation but of a base (and most times, immoral) story. A perfect example of this is in The Second Shepards Play where Mak and Maks wife, Gill, imitate the glorious scene of Christs birth in the manger by putting the stolen lamb in a basket and pretending it is a baby. Almost every Cycle Drama has a similar structure, and the dramas that came after the Cycle Dramas continue to use this structure. We can see the double plot/sub plot structure becoming more and more significant and taking on more importance in plays such as Gorboduc, The Spanish Tragedy, most of Shakespeares works, and ultimately in King Lear. As the Medieval era ends and the Renaissance emerges we also see a shift in the attitude towards evil. Through the texts of the English Passion Plays we can see that the attitude is playful and comic when the subject matter is the Devil or something equally as wicked. The possibility of questioning religion, faith, and humanity has not yet entered the picture. As soon as the possibility emerges, the safe and secure world of absolutes is violently thrashed. We see the possibilities emerge in Everyman when Death comes before Everyman has a chance to redeem himself. We see it again with more force in Gorboduc when the King cannot restore his kingdom from his sons. Another great example is in Marlowes The Tragedy of Doctor Faustus where Faustus has the opportunity to redeem himself, but does not, and evil conquers all. We see the culmination of the destroyed safety of the Medieval world in Shakespeares plays including Hamlet, Macbeth, Richard III, and King Lear. Shakespeare especially do minates this subject matter because of historic events in his lifetime. Because of political strife between the Catholics and Protestants, and to avoid conflict, Queen Elizabeth forbid the subject matter of religion to enter into any play, and thus Shakespeare very craftily described worlds in his plays that related to religion, but had none as specific as Christianity. With these circumstances he was able to open the door to a type of thought not used since the Greek age. In his play, King Lear, Shakespeare describes a world in which the gods are just, and of our pleasant vice make instruments to plague us. In other words, the gods are just but cruel. And thus, dramatic focus had changed from the security of religious dogma in the Medieval era to a more humanistic, questioning and circumstantial view of the world in the Renaissance. The steadfast, secure world of the Medieval age was at an end. Then it all crashes down and you break your crown.. In King Lear, we see the evolution of thought from the Medieval to the Renaissance played out for us onstage. The safe, secure world of Britain we glimpse at the beginning (not unlike the Medieval world) is a hoax and King Lear is the largest proponent of it. Lear must go through the process of learning to see the truth of the world around him, a world that is full of questions and not so many answers-in other words, a Renaissance world. When King Lear gives up his kingdom to his daughters, he is quick to dismiss any truth not to his liking. He is convinced that the world is an absolute, that he has absolute power and that he will never lose it. He has no need to listen to anything but flattery. And it all goes downhill for King Lear because he gives his kingdom to his dishonest daughters Regan and Goneril who are willing to flatter through forked tongues. Lear, in a fit of rage, disowns his honest daughter Cordelia for telling him a plain truth. He loses everything, including his power, money, family, and life. King Lears reign ends because of his foolishness and his corrupt daughters deceit. His once mighty grip upon his kingdom is now nullified and hes just left with just a memory of his rule. People still regarded him the king, however he has no money and no power. In Act IV, Scene 6, we see Lear dressed in wild berries and donning a crown made from weeds Lear has begun to see clearly and still believes himself to be a King, but, more realistically, a King of nothing. Lears life ends tragically without any kind of redemption of the Medieval sense. We can see that Shakespeare has completely opened up the curtain to reveal a shaky and unstable world where there is no God and possibly no gods either to remedy the situation. A Medieval audience would not have been able to handle this collapse of religious structure, but the Renaissance was ready for it. Perhaps the greatest and most evident way in which the Medieval and Renaissance time periods differ is found in the opposing premises of philosophy, which we see through, its dramas. Again, the theme of progression from religious-oriented thoughts in the Middle Ages to the secular ideals of the Renaissance is evident in texts from Everymans spiritual journey to Christian redemption, through Lears possibly godless universe. The general view of people in the Middle Ages was that of putting faith in the church, with beliefs that there would be a reward in heaven for them at the end of their tired lives (Everyman). During the latter Renaissance, however, thoughts were more associated with living life on earth rather than the afterlife in heaven. The consequences of King Lears actions appear before death and there is no resolution to say whether or not Lear is relieved of his burden through death. New confidence in human abilities and thought was developed in drama, and there were many mo re inquiries pertaining to science and reason (Faustus), rather than religion as it was in the Middle Ages. Faustus is an interesting mix of a Renaissance man in a Medieval world and the collision that these two subjects make is astronomical. Also, philosophic developments during the Renaissance were made to be more practical and had more realistic applications to everyday life. The philosopher, Machiavelli, is an example of this, as he made attempts to find a balance between freedom and authority, something that was very useful in life and put no confidence in the church or God. He developed the idea that a corrupt society needs to find a strong leader(who is not necessarily moral) to govern so that the people can learn to be capable of self-government. This was a practical idea and applicable to everyday life although not necessarily a popular idea. He also developed the classic archetype of the Machiavel, which we see in almost every dramatic text from The Spanish Tragedy on. The ultimate changing theme as is evident in the dramatic literature during the progression from the Medieval to Renaissance eras was that of religious-based ideals to ideals that were humanistic and questioning in nature. People turned from putting all their faith in religion and the afterlife, and began focusing more specifically on problems concerning everyday life. As seen in the English Passion Plays and Everyman the focus of Medieval drama is specifically on biblical topics, especially redemption and the journey of a religious nature, whereas the texts of the Renaissance describe situations of governmental disputes, issues of pride, truthfulness, and many other humanistic attributes of life. The focus has clearly shifted from the religious to the secular.

Gang Violence And Substance Abuse Essay -- Drug Addiction Essays

Gangs in the United States are becoming more violent and deadly than ever. Thousand of people are dying each year from these ill-mannered thugs. In today's societies gang activity is an everyday occurrence whether it includes violence, drugs, death or any illegal activity in which they participate. The research that I have conducted will focus on how the selling of drugs by gangs members can lead to violence/death and how turf wars between rival gang can also lead to death. In recent years the selling of drugs has increased in the world of gang members. It is their primary economical way to acquire money to support themselves and their family. In doing so, they are destroying people's lives. Gang members will stop at nothing to sell their drugs for a profit, even if it means that they have to hurt or kill someone. They will sell drugs to anyone as long as they make their money. A gang member must have street knowledge and have the skill to protect themselves as well as their profit. This kind of activity is extremely dangerous to others, innocent bystanders and even the gang member themselves. There are many ways that this activity is dangerous. Gang members may front (give the customer some drugs in which they have a certain time to repay the cost of the drugs back) the drug to a customer whom they believe to be a loyal customer. This can be very deadly if the customer does not pay the gang member back. If the front is not repaid the gang member or the whole gang will come looking for the person who owes money. The gang members will hunt down and hurt or even go as far as kill the person the first chance they get if the person is found. If they can't find the person they will go the extra mile and threaten to kill someone in the person family. They want to make it known that a payment is due and soon. If a gang or a member is jacked (drugs stolen, usually at gunpoint)from another person, gang or junkie, it too is an automatic death sentence. Gangs are always strapped (armed) and ready for anything that might go wrong. Their number one priority is to preserve the drugs well being and to alleviate their quantity of drug to make a profit. If a person interferes with this process they are interfering with their business. That means they have to suffer the consequences that will follow from it. While a gang is in the process of selling drugs they must be ... ...ve no means of moving on to a better and much cleaner one. I wonder why that is? I believe that gangs affect human development. People are affected by their irresponsible actions. The ordinary people who want to live life to the fullest have a hard time doing so because gangs interrupt that cycle by their attitude and by their violent actions. People are scared of them and don't want to come into contact because they fear for their lives. They won't even pass through their neighborhood because they don't want any trouble. Businesses suffer because of gangs. They lose business and customers and as a result the business may have to close down. The neighborhood the gangs live in are worth nothing on the markets because they are all run down and in a neighborhood that is considered a bad section of town. There is no prosperity in selling the neighborhood because there is no one interested in buying it. The reason is because the fact that it is gang territory and that it is run down. Gangs affect many people and their lives and will continue to do so because I believe that they will always exist and they will never come to an end because people are sucked into this lifestyle every day.

Neural Networks in Investments Essay -- Computers Technology Investing

Neural Networks in Investments I. ABSTRACT Investment managers often find themselves overwhelmed with the large amount of data obtained from the financial markets. Most of the data available is numeric and noisy in nature, making the decision-making process harder. These decisions usually rely on the integration of statistical measures that attempt to compress much of the data and qualitative depictions such as graphs and bar charts with news events and other pertinent information. Investment decisions usually involve non-linear relationships among the various components of the data. Computers in general, are very adept at dealing with large amounts of numeric information. However, some algorithms are crucial in analyzing and combining disparate information that can impact security prices. Artificial Intelligence based methods uses clever algorithms and rules of thumb (heuristics) in the decision-making process. Neural Network and expert systems applications have been successfully deployed in the domain of Finance, and in the area of investment management. This paper discusses the basics and the theory behind neural networks and provides an introduction to an application area of neural networks in the domain of Finance. The application areas of Neural Networks discussed in the paper are corporate finance, financial institutions, and the professional investor. The purpose of the second paper will be to discuss the specifics of each of these applications. II. INTRODUCTION Neural network computing is an information processing method that was developed from research to make computers that could imitate the way people learned. The field initially grew from 1930s ideas about how biological systems like the human brain works... ...in of finance is essential for further development. V. REFERENCES 1. Deboeck Guido J., Trading on the Edge: Neural, Genetic, and Fuzzy Systems for Chaotic Financial Markets, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1994. 2. Trippi Robert R., Lee Jae K., State-of-the-Art Portfolio Selection Using Knowledge Based Systems to Enhance Investment Performance, Probus Publishing Company, 1992. 3. Refenes Paul, Neural Networks in the Capital Markets, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1995. 4. Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Artificial Intelligence Applications on Wall Street, April 19-22 1993, New York City. 5. Neural Network Resources on the World Wide Web, http://www.med-web.com/nnres/ 6. Neural Network Toolbox, http://www.mathworks.com/products/neuralnet/ 7. Neural Network WWW References, http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/sci/neural/www/www-catalogue.html

Economic and Social Factors that Affected the Slavery of the South Essay

Slavery had been one of the most controversial and important issues in the history of the United States. The distinction between the whites and the African American slaves could be rooted way back in the past events of the country even when the United States was still under the British rule. Because of this, the turn of events in the country is also related with slavery. The changes in the social and economic factors of the country greatly influenced the situation of slavery in the south. The desire for independence by the Americans has been the primary motivating factor that droved the social changes in the country. However, slavery was regarded as the biggest irony in America’s battle for freedom because their existence is a clear proof that the idea of liberty is more of a privilege rather than an inherent and equal right for all. This is proven by the fact that during the revolution, slavery was already considered as part of the old institution in America. Slavery was present in every colony and became the basis for the economy and social structure from Maryland southward. At the very least, 40 percent of Virginia’s population and at even higher numbers in Georgia and South Carolina had been slaves (Foner 230). Being the case, slavery created a huge impact in the south because their source of living and there very lifestyle have been dependent upon the work that slaves give. This is also the reason that the initiatives to abolish slavery greatly threatened the south. In 1840s, the expansion to the west played an important role as it moved slavery in the center of American politics. The depression that started in 1837 paved the way for the large migration of settlers in further west. The years between 1840 and 1845, about 5,000 emigrants traveled the 2,000 mile journey by wagon train to Oregon. The settlement of some Americans in Oregon perpetuated the southern attitude of patronizing slaves since some of them brought their slaves with them. Nevertheless, the settlement in Oregon is not the main reason for the emergence of the issue of slavery; rather the nation’s acquisition of Mexico caused it. The primary part of Mexico that was settled by a substantial number of Americans was Texas. This could be attributed from the fact that the Mexican government allowed Moses Austin, a farmer born in Connecticut, to permit the Americans to colonize it. In 1820, Austin received a large land grant, which he sells in small portions to Americans settlers. The issue of slavery arises because Mexico already abolished slavery. In April 1836, Sam Houston and his forces defeated the army of Santa Anna, which brought about the independence of Texas. The interest of the South was triggered by this event because they believed that including Texas in the Union and even dividing it to several states could increase their power in the Congress (Foner 465-466). The Compromise of 1850 was created in order to maintain peace within the Union. This helped the south in the sense that the compromise still allows the slavery and only abolished slave trade. The Compromise also left the white inhabitants in the territories of Mexico to decide whether they will continue with slavery or not. In the same manner, the Fugitive Slave Act also aided the south in capturing run-away slaves without the interference of local authorities. Southern leaders support measures that sent federal agents to states in the north in order to capture fugitives. It is also regarded that the Fugitive Slave Act is an example of how the government abided by the interests of the south (Foner 477-479). However, the Fugitive Slave Act also made many people especially from the North realize that this kind of law infringes upon the rights of the citizens as well as of the state. Being the case, this started the changes in the concept of state’s right. The leadership of Stephen A. Douglas helped the states to resolve its dispute regarding the issue of slavery. He hoped to solve the dispute among the northerners and southerners in Congress by applying the principle of popular sovereignty. Sovereignty would allow the local settlers of every state to vote whether they are in favor of slavery or not instead of the Congress. Douglas deemed that popular sovereignty symbolizes the idea of local self-government and it also created a middle ground between the North and South (Foner 479-480). The discussions above show that the underlying concern of the southern sector is to protect their interests. They were very keen in acquiring the necessary power in Congress in order for them to prevent the abolition of slavery, wherein they are greatly dependent upon in terms of their means of income and the overall development of their agricultural sector. Because of this, they are very vigilant of the social and economic changes that are happening in the country in order to make sure that their stakes and interests are safeguarded. Work Cited Foner, Eric. Give Me Liberty: An American History. New York: W. W. Norton and Company, 2007.

Long distance trade across Afro-Eurasia

Long distance trade really increased in Afro-Eurasia from 500c. e. to 1500c. e. Some of the reasons for the increase included the introduction of camels, transportation with boats, and transportation on the silk roads. Some of these trade routes were easier to transport stuff more efficiently, but they all were used. Firstly, camels were introduced in about 300c. e.. This was a big upgrade from the donkeys because camels could go up to ten days without drinking water. This made trade easier since camels could make the trek across the Sahara and didn’t need much in return as far as water goes.At one point there were up to 5,000 camels used in the transportation of goods across the Sahara. The camels made it so the Sahara was no longer a barrier for trade from north and south of the Sahara. Transportation over water took a major role in transporting goods. People were no longer just trading valuable goods because it was worth the trip, with boats they could haul a lot of cargo s o they could haul items for the middle and lower class. With boats they could haul enough cargo for mass markets and a bunch of different items such as wood and heavier things that camels or donkeys couldn’t carry.Most of the wood could be taken places by the Sahara where they couldn’t get trees to grow to build houses. Lastly, the silk road was a major part of trading because it wasn’t all about just the goods, they got a lot more other things from the different people trading with them. With the silk roads increasing, it allowed little villages to turn into bigger city/states that were mainly based on trade. They could make a lot of money from taxes by charging people that came on the roads through there city for passing.The silk roads were first mainly based off of silk coming out of China, plus gold and spices getting traded for the silk. Most of the goods being traded were of high value, since it was difficult going so far on foot so it had to be worth it i n the end. These topics are why the trade really increased from 500c. e. to 1500c. e. Some of these reasons were due to transportation with camels, transportation with boats, and transportation on the silk road and how all of these helped spring the trading routes in action. These allowed traders to trade more freely and carry more goods efficiently Long distance trade across Afro-Eurasia Long distance trade really increased in Afro-Eurasia from 500c.e. to 1500c.e. Some of the reasons for the increase included the introduction of camels, transportation with boats, and transportation on the silk roads. Some of these trade routes were easier to transport stuff more efficiently, but they all were used.Firstly, camels were introduced in about 300c.e.. This was a big upgrade from the donkeys because camels could go up to ten days without drinking water. This made trade easier since camels could make the trek across the Sahara and didn’t need much in return as far as water goes. At one point there were up to 5,000 camels used in the transportation of goods across the Sahara. The camels made it so the Sahara was no longer a barrier for trade from north and south of the Sahara.Transportation over water took a major role in transporting goods. People were no longer just trading valuable goods because it was worth the trip, with boats they could haul a lot of cargo so th ey could haul items for the middle and lower class. With boats they could haul enough cargo for mass markets and a bunch of different items such as wood and heavier things that camels or donkeys couldn’t carry. Most of the wood could be taken places by the Sahara where they couldn’t get trees to grow to build houses.Lastly, the silk road was a major part of trading because it wasn’t all about just the goods, they got a lot more other things from the different people trading with them. With the silk roads increasing, it allowed little villages to turn into bigger city/states that were mainly based on trade. They could make a lot of money from taxes by charging people that came on the roads through there city for passing. The silk roads were first mainly based off of silk coming out of China, plus gold and spices getting traded for the silk. Most of the goods being traded were of high value, since it was difficult going so far on foot so it had to be worth it in t he end.These topics are why the trade really increased from 500c.e. to 1500c.e. Some of these reasons were due to transportation with camels, transportation with boats, and transportation on the silk road and how all of these helped spring the trading routes in action. These allowed traders to trade more freely and carry more goods efficiently

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Skype

INTRODUCTION I. 1 Background People rely on technology for every aspects of their lives and technology gives a significant impact to people’s lives. Technology is constantly changing, growing, and of course forcing the world to change as well. For people nowadays, it’s hard to imagine life without technology and all of its luxuries that are provided from it. Some technology exists and causes lives of people to change and improve. Up until now, internet is still arguably the best and most widely used piece of modern technology.We can do anything with internet, and almost every aspect of our everyday lives is relying on internet, such as work, school, social relationships, and especially, communication. As a human being, communication is important for our lives, human have social needs to interact with other people, and after all, human cannot live alone. There are many ways of communicating besides face-to-face communication. Thanks to technology, people now can communic ate in many ways, and internet really plays a big role on this aspect. With internet, we can communicate through e-mails, instant messages, chat groups, voice calls, and even video calls.Video call has made communicating and travelling through the years a lot simpler and easier. The most widely used video chatting software is Skype. Skype is software that can make free video calls and we can physically see our family, friends and relatives via videos. Skype is not only for making video calls, but with Skype, we can also make voice calls, instant messaging, and file sharing, all free of charge. It is obvious that with the invention of Skype, people now can communicate through the distances and Skype makes us easier to communicate with each other.Until September 2011, Skype has 663 million registered users around the world. I. 2 Problem 1. What is Skype and what are its features? 2. How to operate Skype? 3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Skype? I. 3 Purposes The pu rposes of writing this paper is to know more about Skype and its features, how to operate on this software, and to know more about the advantages and disadvantages of using Skype. II. BODY II. 1 History and Background of Skype Generally, Skype is a voice-over-Internet Protocol service that allows users to communicate with peers through voice, video, and instant messaging over the Internet.Phone calls may be placed to recipients on the traditional telephone networks. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free of charge, while calls to landline telephones and mobile phones are charged through a debit-based user account system. Skype is also popular for its additional features, such as file transfer and videoconferencing. Unlike most VoIP services, Skype uses hybrid peer-to-peer and client–server system, and makes use of background processing on computers running Skype software.Originally, Skype was to be named â€Å"Peer-to-Peer†, but it was too long so it wa s shortened to â€Å"Skyper†. However, there were some domain names that named â€Å"Skyper† as well, so eventually the â€Å"r† was deleted and the founders took the name â€Å"Skype† for the software. Skype was discovered in 2003 by Janus Friis from Denmark and Niklas Zennstrom from Sweden. The software itself was developed by Estonians Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, and Jaan Tallinn, who together with Janus and Niklas were also behind the peer-to-peer file sharing software Kazaa.Finally, in August 2003, the first public beta version was released. Skype headquarters are located in Luxembourg, and most of Most of the development team and 44% of the overall employees of the division are situated in the offices of Tallinn and Tartu, Estonia. On 10 May 2011, Microsoft agreed to purchase Skype’s license for $8. 5 billion. The company was incorporated as a division of Microsoft, and on 13 October 2011, the purchase was finally completed. II. 2 Skype†™s Features II. 2. 1 Calls between Skype and Landline or Mobile Phone Numbers a. SkypeOutSkypeOut allows Skype users to call traditional phone numbers, including mobile phones, for a fee. However, SkypeOut doesn't support calls to toll-free or premium rate numbers, and SkypeOut in other countries. SkypeOut also doesn't support calling emergency numbers such as 1-1-2 in Europe or 911 in the United States. The quality of SkypeOut service is not guaranteed, broken connections, there are drop-outs and compression distortion are frequently observed by users. Since then, Support for the above toll free numbers in Canada has been effectively removed since January 2012. b. Caller ID for Outgoing CallsSkype has a feature that allows users to set the caller ID for outgoing calls to normal telephone numbers. There is a set-up verification that involves a SMS text messaging to a selected mobile phone number, then typing the verification code into a web form. It can only be used by owners of m obile phones, since most regular home and business cannot receive text messages. However, SMS messaging from Skype’s system has not been working correctly in various locals, and even though Skype maintains the problem and it has been corrected, it continues to be inoperative, recently in the United States and Canada. . Online Numbers A feature named Online Number (until 2010 named SkypeIn) allows Skype users to receive calls on their computers dialed from mobiles or landlines to a Skype-provided phone number. The number need not be in the same location as the user. Skype offers numbers in Australia, Chile, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.In Russia some third party companies, including SIP operators, provide direct numbers, redirecting calls to Skype. II. 2. 2 Subscriptio n Calling Calls Skype offers several monthly subscription calling plans that it calls unlimited. However, Skype limits these subscriptions to 10,000 minutes per month, 6 hours per day, and 50 telephone numbers per day. If one of these limits is exceeded, any additional calls are billed at regular rates and connection fees. II. 2. 3 Voicemail Skype Voicemail was released on March 10, 2005.This service allows callers to leave voicemail messages for Skype users who are offline. This is currently a service that users have to pay for, though several companies, provides a Skype voicemail service for free (However, these voicemail services only work when the program and the computer is online). Skype Voicemail had experienced numerous problems over the years and users complain that they never receive any voicemails. Moreover, the Online Number feature occasionally fails to record certain incoming calls on the program's history page II. 2. 4 Video Calling and Screen SharingSkype 2. 0 (and l ater) supports video calling for Skype-to-Skype calls between two parties on Microsoft Windows (DirectX 9. 0 or above required), Mac OS X, and Linux. Skype 3. 6 and later supports high definition video on Windows. Skype 3. 0. 0 on iOs allows iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users to call each other, as well as Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. Later on Skype 5. 0 support video calls via third party hardware. Skype can also be installed through Facebook Video Chat with Skype (a Facebook product), and screen sharing in Skype will be available for Skype Premium.II. 2. 5 SMS text messaging Skype users can send SMS text messages to mobile phone numbers. In the United States, China, and Taiwan, Skype uses a â€Å"generic, pre-defined number† as the sender ID. In other countries, the message can be set to appear coming from a verified mobile number, allowing recipients to reply, or else show the first 11 characters of the Skype username. However, as of March 2011, Skype users cannot receive SMS, despite a continuing series of requests and complaints. II. 3 How to Operate and Use Skype II. 3. 1 How to Download SkypeBefore you can register on Skype, all you need is to download the application software. Since the user used Windows OS, then the user will show you how to download Skype on Windows. What you’ll need before downloading Skype are: 1. A computer with a broadband internet connection, you can’t use dial up connections since it’s too slow. 2. Speakers and a microphone. Many computers will have these built in (especially laptops), and many webcams (see below) also have microphones built in. If you don’t have speakers and a microphone, you can buy it separately. 3. A webcam.This is a small camera that connects to your computer through a USB port, if it isn’t already built into your screen. A webcam isn’t that necessary if you’re not using video calls, but if you want to use this feature, then you definitely need a webc am. Step-by-Step of Downloading Skype 1. Go to the Skype. com home page. 2. Click ‘Get Skype’ in the bar at the top. A list of computer platforms will appear. Click the one that matches your computer (most likely ‘Windows’). 3. You can choose by signing up for Skype Premium, which will cost you (but allows group video calls), or Skype Free.If you have decided your option, then click Download Skype. 4. A page will appear where you can either sign in (if you’ve registered already) or input your information to create an account. You can also register your Skype with your Facebook account if you have one. There are also a number of boxes to fill in to create an account. a. To begin, fill in your first name and last name and your email address (and repeat it). These are all required. No one will be able to see your email address. b. Profile information.All of this will be available for anyone to see on Skype, except for your mobile number, which will be r estricted to your own contacts. c. You can choose to tell Skype how you intend to use its service by clicking one of the options in the drop-down menu. d. Skype Name Enter the name that you want your Skype friends to see and which you’ll use to log in to Skype. None of the 650 million users of Skype can have the same Skype name, and the system will automatically check to see if your name has been claimed by anyone else and, if it has, will suggest alternatives. e. Password Enter (and repeat) the password you’d like to use.It must consist of 6 to 20 characters and contain both letters and numbers. f. If you don’t want promotional emails from Skype, you can uptick the two boxes towards the bottom. g. The ‘captcha’ box: This is designed to make sure that you are you and not a naughty computer. Look at the text in the first box and then type it into the box below – in this case, ‘’. If you can’t read the text, click the Refres h button and you’ll be given another bit of text to copy. h. And finally, read the terms of use and privacy statement and, if you have no objections, click I agree – Continue. . You’ll be taken to a page headed ‘Thanks for choosing Skype’. Depending on your web browser, your download should start automatically or a window should appear asking you to confirm the download. In this instance, you should click OK. 6. Your browser should have downloaded the Skype install file on to your computer – to your desktop, to your ‘Downloads’ folder or to wherever you have chosen to send downloaded files. Go to the relevant place and double-click the file labelled Skypesetup or simply Skype. 7. A window will pop up asking you which language you wish to proceed in.You can also check the end user licence agreement, privacy statement and some basic options. When you’re ready, click I agree – next to move on. 8. A new window will open . This contains a progress bar that will fill up while the Skype program downloads and installs. Once it’s done, Skype will automatically start. 9. Another window opens in which you should sign in. If you already have a Skype account, enter your Skype name and password here. If not, click Create a new account. 10. You’ve now reached your Skype home page, which gives you two options: Find friends on Skype and Dial a number.