The Dangers of Concussions in US Sports Essay Example for Free

The Dangers of Concussions in US Sports Essay Concussions in Sports Given the potential for life threatening brain injuries or career ending head shots, concussions have become a growing problem in sports around the world. A phrase all too common in sports today is, he got his bell rung. This is, of course, referring to a big hit or gruesome body check sustained in a football or hockey game. Currently, there is a lack of suitable evidence to support the recommendations for the management of traumatic cerebralor brain injuries. Recognizing and managing the effects of concussions is especially important to those involved in the health care of athletes (Sports Related Concussions). Head injuries are inherent risks that can occur in any sport, not just football and hockey. The question is, how can we prevent these grim and life threatening injuries from happening? I believe neurocognitive research and on the field testing are among the most vital ways to manage concussions as well as benefit the health care of athletes. Background: In the United States, you have a 19% chance of suffering a concussion while playing a contact sport; moreover, over 300,000 sports related concussions occur annually. Among college football players, 34% have reported at least one serious head injury during their career; additionally, 20% of these injured athletes have sustained multiple head traumas. Concussions often cause significant and sustained neuropsychological impairments in information-processing speed, problem solving, planning, and memory, and these impairments are worse with multiple concussions (Sports Related Concussions). Definition: The brain is made of soft tissue cushioned by spinal fluid, and is encased in the hard, protective skull. When a person gets a head injury, the brain moves around inside the skull and bangs against it. This can lead to bruising of the brain, tearing of blood vessels, and injury to the nerves (Quinn). A concussion of the brain results in transient loss of consciousness or memory in many cases (Dictionary.com). NeurocognitiveTesting: Concussions and brain injuries are among the most difficult to identify. Very few athletes actually lose consciousness, which is one of the most common symptoms. Many athletes are simply fervent to return to the field, which could cause even more harm. Returning to play too soon after a brain injury or concussion, may lead to serious life-threatening complications. A computerized neurocognitive test, combined with a thorough medical exam, may better assist a trained physician with the return-to-play decision (Computerized). One particular evaluation tool, the ImPACT test, has become renowned among all professional sports teams. Developed by Dr. Joseph Maroon, a Pittsburgh Steeler neurosurgeon, the ImPACT test utilizes a twenty minute quiz involving words, pictures, and colors. Medical doctors analyze the results and compare them to a baseline test taken in the beginning of the athletes season (Yahoo Sports). With the increase of attention to sports related head injuries, doctors are seeing more and more tests and products that claim to identify or prevent head injuries. According to Dr. Lovell, mouthpieces, ear pieces, and helmets are great for research purposes, but they cant tell if someone has been injured or if they should be playing (Yahoo Sports). On-Field or Sideline Evaluation: When an athlete is suspected of having a concussion, one of the best ways to detect a serious head injuryis through the evaluation of symptoms, neurocognitive functioning, and balance immediately after the injury occurs. The National Athletic Trainers Association suggests a checklist such as, the Graded Symptom Checklist, should be used when evaluatinga head injury. By checking off symptoms and watching the athlete over a period of 72 hours, you can greatly reduce any chance of reoccurrence. Another suggested method of evaluation is the Standardized Assessment of Concussion Exam; this test utilizes four graded sections, which include: orientation, immediate memory, concentration, and delayed recall. This 30 point test can be completed in about five minutes and is easily given right on the side line during a game. Another test, the Balance Error Scoring System, can easily be performed by a trainer of coach. The athlete stands in three different positions and is timed for 20 seconds each; ultimately, the less coordination the player shows, the higher the risk of a concussion is evident (kch.illinois.edu). How do Concussions occur? Concussions can happen in any sport, at any time. They can occur during drills in practice, as well as in games. In fact, injuries during practice can be just as serious as those that happen during a game. Although more prevalent in contact sports, they may result from a fall, or when a moving object strikes a persons head. A blow that twists the head is more likely to result in loss of consciousness (Familydoctor.org). Mechanism of Injury: Studies show the most common mechanism of a concussion is when an athlete is moving at a high rate of speed and collides with another object (Quinn). Immediately, the brain shifts inside the skull and strikes the bony surfaces. A direct impact to an athletes head causes shock waves to pass through the skull to the brain. This violent impact creates acceleration which may lead to shear, tensile and compression forces. On average, three to five percent of all sport and recreational injuries are head injuries (Quinn), Signs and Symptoms: The signs of a concussion do not always immediately appear. Headache, amnesia, and confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, and fatigue are the most common symptoms of concussions. In addition, the duration of time that symptoms are present is often indefinable, and depends on the extent of the injury (Mayoclinic.com). Even a minor blow to the head can result in a concussion; if left untreated, it can result in a life-threatening complication (Internationalbrain.org). Sidney Crosby, a National Hockey League super star for the Pittsburgh Penguins, is currently not playing this post season after a concussion he sustained on New Years Day. Unfortunately, he was cleared to play the very next game, and suffered another blow to the head. Sidney was symptom free after the first hit, and apparently, he did not show signs of concussions until the second hit. Had Crosby been given a better on-ice evaluation, he would not have been cleared to play, and could have evaded the second concussion all together. Additionally, the problem is just as prevalent in the National Football League. At the University of North Carolinas Center for the Study of Retired Athletes, studies of brain injuries were performed on more than 2,500 former N.F.L. players. These studies found that cognitive impairment, Alzheimers-like symptoms and depression rose proportionately with the number of concussions the former athletes had sustained (Quinn). N.F.L. player, Andre Waters committed suicide in November 2004, and an explanation for his death has remainedunknown for years. He left a suicide note stating he would like to leave his brain for science to further study the effects of concussions. A Pittsburgh neuropathologist, Dr. Bennet Omaluh, was given permission to perform such tests. The doctor concluded that Mr. Waters had sustained brain damage from playing football, and said this led to his depression and death. The doctor determined that Mr. Waterss brain tissue had degenerated into that of an 85 year-old man with similar characteristics as those of early stage Alzheimers victims. Dr. Omalu said he believed that the damage was caused by successive concussions (neurosurgery.pitt.edu). I believe there needs to be congressional help in combating this difficult issue of athletic concussions. Wearing a good quality helmet, a mouthpiece, and strengthening the neck muscles can help prevent concussions; however, much responsibility lies on the doctors, coaches, and surrounding medical staff. Also, although athletes may be eager to return to play, they need to be honest with the examiner, telling him or her exactly how they feel (EHow.com). On the field baseline neurocognitive test may be our best hope for the time being, that is, until more research on concussions and the equipment players use can be conducted.

Comparison of the Olive Oil companies

Comparison of the Olive Oil companies The number of the companies that are managing to go internationally is raising every day. Organizations benefit from the globalisation because now there are much more opportunities to expand internationally and enter new markets. As the world is becoming more and more connected most of the companies are getting excited with the idea of increasing their market share in other countries (Root, 1994). There are a lot of countries which are trying to participate in the global industry of the olive oil and are attempting to produce and export this golden liquid. The main players in this marketing field are the countries which are located in the Mediterranean sea, such as Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal (Appendix A1). Countries with no traditional backgrounds such as America, Tunisia and Australia are getting also competitive. The competition firstly started with Spain and Italy being the leaders of the market. Globally, the olive oil industry is regulated by three main bodies (Olive oil council, EU, World trade organization) that support and help them controlling the trade of olive oil and ensure the high quality. According to internationaloliveoil 2009, Spain is the main producer of olive oil (Appendix A). Due to overcapacity in the market the European Commission has increased the standards of olive oils quality. A strategy called Olive Oil Quality was introduced in order to make possible a better distinction of high and low quality (Appendix A2). Valceschini, (1999) stated that the aims of this strategy was to certify the quality in order to meet different customer demands. Spanish olive oil market According to Mintel (2009) in 2008 the sales of olive oil fall 2.5% expecting the rates to reach 1.896 million for 2009. The sector has been having difficult times because of fall in unit prices caused by heavy olive harvest, overstocking, falling export decline in demand mainly in countries where olive oil is considered a premium product. As there is almost no innovation, the competition is concentrated mostly on price, which diverse the consumer choice. The economic crisis is forcing the companies to concentrate more on quality, brands diversifications, and products that are more affordable. The model of Spanish olive oil industry is based on family own businesses and this condition has little chances to bring any innovation and promotion changes to the olive oil sector. Nowadays the companies have put a lot of efforts on promotion and the quality of the olive oil which must fill all the European standard as far as olive oil is concerned (Mintel 2009) PETROLIVA Established in Spain in the middle of 19th century is one of the main dominant players that operate successfully in the olive oil market. Initially the firm was involved in buying and selling small amounts of olive oil. Having a successful history of 70 years, now Petroliva, a family owned company, is one of the most famous companies in its industry. The product list of the company includes several types of oil, such as: extra virgin olive oil and sunflower oil. Petrolivas products are currently used all over the world by millions of people and its products are present in twelve countries of Europe, Asia and America. A high percentage of its revenue is derives from its export activities. Having developed efficient distribution channels worldwide the company now seeks to grow more entering also other countries. Of high importance is the fact that companys customers include big companies such as restaurants and hotels. Its main target now is to enter the developed UK market. Spain and UK are members of the European Union, which makes the trade between them even easier. Having built a strong brand image in its home market and in other countries Petroliva has all the necessary qualities to expand even more (notes from case study) (Appendix B). P.E.S.T analysis The PEST analysis is a functional tool which helps the company in scanning the market (either development or market decrease), understand the market situation, points the possibilities and the guidance for a business.(Chapman, 2006). In order to enter the UK market, a PEST analysis is needed for Petroliva to evaluate the market conditions. Political Factors The UK presently is a steady and prolific environment for making business. Being part of organizations like the EU, NATO, United Nations, WTO, G8, and OECD means that its performance is connected with these organizations. Great Britain is a region of the worlds biggest trading entity. UK is a stable country meaning that the government is balanced and there are not political risk .In UK there are many regulations about the csr system, building many market regulations for exporting companies.UK laws on retailers are not so strict if we take into consideration that there are supermarkets that operates 24 hours. Due to the fact that UK is part of EU makes it easier for Spanish companies to enter its market and comply with the existing regulations (Economy watch, 2010). Economic Factors According to Economy watch (2010) the British economy is the 2nd largest in Europe and the 5th in the world with GDP of 2,789 million US $. The UK economy is still trying to recover from one of the worst recession ever. The higher volume sales of olive oil are caused by the tendency of cooking at home due to that recession. It is positive for Petroliva the fact that the British pound now is weaker and there is not a big difference between two currencies. So the exchange rate is not going to have high impact on the price of the product. The British pound currency is quite stable making the export less risky. Comparing to other countries the taxation and the entry barriers are not high for entrepreneurs in UK (Economy watch, 2010). Looking the food market in UK we can see that the spreadable oils, the fats and the olive oil are expected to be the fastest growing sectors. Values sales in 2009 are estimated to grow at a rate of 8% (Mintel 2009) Social Factors The UK has the best international reputation for being a working country and possesses the most skillful workforce in Europe. The country is the most international in Europe, with a lot of cultures, many religions, leading the customers to be open for new products (e.g. olive oil).The UK citizens are environmental friendly, so Petroliva must be friendly to the environment (e.g. must do recycling and have waste collaboration devices.). British people are changing their eating habits because they have realised the health benefits that are associated with Mediterranean food and the ingredients that make that food (e.g. olive oil). When it comes to the standards of living the private consumption is approximately 26 million euro, meaning that the market is big and the customers are rich. (Answers, 2010). (Appendix C) Technological Factors The UK is ranked in the 6th place in the world for the high technology used by manufacturers. Improvements in new technologies and UK online services may help Petroliva in the marketing and promotion of its products. The country is technological developed meaning that there are plenty of information for companies to exploit in order to make their supplying channels. Benefiting from the new technology there must be an enduring development from the companies in the UK in order to be more competitive (Innovate UK, 2010). Moreover, to meet the UK quality control requirements companies must multiply the needs for technological equipments. Petroliva should choose to enter the UK market because: There is a huge base of potential customers. There is an increasing demand for olive oil. The British are changing their eating habits. Within the EU there are not barriers, and the UK government rules are not strict. UK has one of the highest GDP in EU and the country is getting out of the recession which should impact the level of consumption spending. PORTERS FIVE FORCE ANALYSIS According to Porter (2008) there are five forces that direct every company and affect the strength, the direction of the competition and the profits of a company. These forces are: The bargaining power of the buyers. The ability that customers have to force down the prices. In commodity market customers are price conscious making them able to decrease the prices as there are also other choices. To have power the company should provide to them packages of excellent quality, logical price and use its environmental image in order to create loyalty between customers and company (Lee, D.Y. 2000)(Appendix D) The bargaining power of the suppliers. The ability of the suppliers to increase the delivery price/time of the products. Most of the problems in this field come from the wrong agreements between firms and supplying companies. Having a good contract with the suppliers and making sure that the agreement benefits both supplier and company, the competition will slow down. (Jones P et al, 2005)(Appendix E) Rivalry among existing competitors. The competition in the UK olive oil market is fierce with main players companies from countries such as Italy, Spain and Greece. According to Haymarket business (2003) the UK market leaders are Filippo Berio and Carapelli (Appendix F, G). Both of them have Italian backgrounds and share a big percentage of the olive oil market in the UK (Appendix G1). (See figure 2). Threat of new entrants. Countries with no traditional background such as America, Africa, Asia, Syria and Turkey are trying to enter the market making the competition even more difficult. Having a strong brand image and high quality Petroliva may avoid threats that come from new entrants. Threat of substitutes. Nowadays more and more technologically advanced materials are used in order to find which olive oil possible choice is more environmental and cheap. The supermarkets promote in an active manner their own-label products (Vegetable oils, Sunflower oils, Tesco oil, Asda oil) making it difficult for the consumers to chose between the low cost products and quality products. This variety of oils can confuse the British customers because they are not aware of the differences between the oils and the olive oil health benefits (the Independent, 2009). MODES OF ENTRY When a company has made the decision to go into a foreign market, there is a big question of choosing the best way to enter the market. Companies can use exporting, licensing, joint venture or WOS (new wholly owned subsidiary) in order to enter a new market (Ireland et al, 2007) Exporting This strategy is the easiest way to enter a new market. According to this mode products are produced in the domestic market and then are transferred to the foreign target market. There are two stages in this category: Direct export- The exporter deals with every aspect of the procedure. (agents, distributors, foreign retailers) Indirect export- this method does not require large amounts for marketing investment, but the company loses the control. (piggyback marketing, franchising, contract manufacturing) (Kotler Keller, 2006, p 674 675) Licensing The licensing mode is an arrangement between the importing company and the domestic company. The lifetime of the contract is small and aims in the utilization of licensors industrial assets (Kotler Keller, 2006, p 676) Joint venture This manner of operation is the less risky mode of entering a market because there is an arrangement with the hosting company for sharing equity and the business command (Kotler Keller, 2006, p 676-677) WOS (new Wholly Owned Subsidiary) According to Ireland et al (2007) this entry mode is referring to firms that want to fully own the facilities of their production. In this mode company has the overall control but it is costly and also it has higher risks.(Ireland et al, 2007, p. 228). According to Woodcock et al, (1994) in the entering process at a foreign market a company must identify three attributes: The recourse commitment that is required. (The company is a SME, and there is no need of risks and big investments) The company control amount (Petroliva is already present in many markets, meaning that company wants the total control in UK) Technology risk ( Having the best quality and the right managerial control, it is not difficult for petroliva to adjust) (Woodcock et al, 1994) PETROLIVAS MODE OF ENTRY IN UK Taking into consideration the modes of entry the less expensive and risky way to enter the market is by exporting. According to Ireland et al (2007), exporting does not demand the products to be produced in the objective-target country (Ireland et al, 2007). It is better for Petroliva to use the direct exporting mode because there will be no investment in the UK for production facilities. Petroliva is already present in many markets through exporting its products. Therefore, we can draw the conclusion that the company has high experience and has established its channels and created distributorships to export its products. In this mode Petroliva can have control over the entire export transaction. This way of direct-exporting will also be the best way for Petroliva to obtain maximum profits and the economic growth will be long termed. Company should make contracts with distributors who will carry the product and then supply them to retailers or dealers. Furthermore, Petroliva may sell as well at foreign retailers and then the retailers will make the connection with the customers. Being a SME company, Petroliva cannot use other modes of entry because the competition is high and the company must avoid risky moves in the market. Companys benefits for applying the direct exporting mode of entry in UK are: Entry very fast in the UK market. Increase the company/product scale using facilities that already exist. Reduce the investments in the UK. Overall control from the company. Minimize the risk with competitors or government rules. The importing policies are very liberal making the transporting easier. (Quickmba, 2010) ENTRY STRATEGY-POSITIONING According to Ireland at al (2007) an appropriate and interesting position for a company is the situation that allows the firm to hold competitive advantage over its competitors (Ireland et al, 2007) There are three generic strategies for a company: Cost leadership. The company focus on obtaining a low cost competitive position compared to rival companies. Focus strategy. This category is a set of actions which are used to make products for a particular target group. Differentiation strategy. The company focuses on the creation of a unique product of high quality and features to build a strong brand image. (Ireland et al, 2007). PETROLIVAS STRATEGY (Differentiation) Entering the UK market with a cost leadership strategy may be a mistake because Petrolivas oil quality is excellent and there is no need to drop off the quality in order to offer lower prices. The focus strategy is not appropriate for Petroliva because olive oil can be used by all the social ranks and ages. Petroliva targets almost all the groups of customers and regions in UK that seek for a product of high quality so focusing on specific groups is not necessary. Implementing a differentiation strategy is the most suitable for Petroliva because the company has an excellent quality of oil. A different product of high quality with a unique design-image will benefit the company when entering UK. To figure out why a company will stand out from its competitors in Uk market it should be answered the question why customers will choose to buy its products? The reason that customer will choose to buy Petrolivas product is because it is going to offer them olive oil of high quality at reasona ble price. This strategys aims are to offer to the customers a unique product with excellent features. Petroliva should emphasize on its unique product features (size, design, quality, package and health benefits) in order to increase sales and gain market share. By pursuing this strategy the company will have as a main goal to meet customers specific needs. Entering the UK for the first time, it will be difficult for the company to focus only on supplying companies. Therefore, Petroliva should consider both B2B (business to business) and B2C (business to consumer) ways. Company can implement the differentiation strategy by applying the Marketing Mix concept which is commonly used by International Businesses which are implementing an International Marketing Strategy (Bennett, A. 1997). According to Armstrong Kotler (2003) the key factors of the marketing mix are: price, product, place and promotion. These key factors have a target of influencing the buyers decision (Armstrong Kotler, 2003 p. 17). To differentiate its products I suggest the below features that Petrolivas products should have. Product Bottle size: To differentiate from existing companies in UK an emphasis in the bottle should be given because it is an important element that influences the sales. Petroliva should focus in the category of 125ml and 250ml because these sizes offer to customers two benefits: firstly to introduce Petrolivas products to them and secondly to inspire them to try and experience its olive oil. (Appendix H1) Package: PET bottle is the best solution for the company. Being cheap and environmental friendly this kind of bottle will benefit company in its costs and also will attract customers (envis-icpe.com, 2010). (Appendix H2) Price According to Griffin and Pustay (2007) pricing policies are very important because they affect the success of the firm. Petroliva should try to find the best possible price after making a research in UK prices and also calculating the costs that the olive oil has from its production until delivering to the customer. In this way company can find a price that attracts customers and also offers good margins to the company. Place The best combination of communication channels, retailers and the perfect distributors it is needed in this category (Griffin and Pustay, 2007). The product will be distributed at the most profitable supermarkets, small and big retail shops, and gift shops. The retailers below are the best choice to sell its products. Promotion For the promotion stage Petroliva should use three marketing approaches. Television Internet Print The best promotion ways to reach faster market response are: Billboard advertising of Petrolivas product in UK ( creates curiosity to the customers) Cooking magazines- Cooking lifestyle magazines Supermarket magazines Sponsoring( Food TV, Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson) Websites Cooking Lifestyle TV programs. Offer gifts (cups, cooking accessories). (Appendix H3) Cavusgil et al (2008) CONCLUSION (Appendix I) Taking into consideration the above analysis from my point of view the best way for Petroliva to enter the UK market is by exporting (direct) and by using a differentiation strategy. Petroliva is a small company and there are a lot of risks if the company chooses other options in order to enter the market. The benefits of direct exporting for Petroliva will be to minimize the needed investment in UK, to enter the market fast and to minimize government/rival risks. Moreover, knowing that the competition in UK market is fierce in this industry, it is better for the company to choose a differentiation strategy in order to attract customers by offering them a product of better quality. Following the strategies, practices and processes that I suggested above in this paper the company will have the most possible success entering this market. A new different product of high quality at a reasonable price has all the potential to have great success in a new market where customers are price co nscious and also want the best possible quality (Appendix I).

EUROPEAN DISEASES Essay -- essays research papers fc

The greatest adversary to the natives in the Americas was not the swords or guns of the invaders. It was the devastation brought by deadly diseases infecting an unsuspecting population that had no immunity to such diseases. The Europeans were said to be thoroughly diseased by the time Columbus set sail on his first voyage (Cowley, 1991). Through the domestication of such animals as pigs, horses, sheep, and cattle, the Europeans exposed themselves to a vast array of pathogens which continued to be spread through wars, explorations, and city-building. Thus any European who crossed the Atlantic was immune to such diseases as measles and smallpox because of battling them as a child. The original inhabitants traveled to the New World in groups of a couple hundred each. Because microbes such as the ones that cause measles and smallpox need populations of several million to survive, the original populations were unaffected by the deadly diseases. However, by the time Columbus arrived, the major Indian groups of Aztecs, Incas, and Mayas had built their populations up enough to sustain mass epidemics. Evidence shows that these populations suffered from such diseases as syphilis, tuberculosis, a few intestinal parasites, and some types of flu, but not the diseases that had been infecting the Old World for centuries. Thus when the Europeans arrived bringing diseases such as smallpox, measles, whooping cough, etc. the natives were immunologically defenseless (Cowley, 1991). It is believed that 40 million to 50 million people inhabited the New World before the arrival of Columbus and the Europeans, and that most of them died within a few decades. For example, Mexico's population fell from about 30 million in 1519 to 3 million in 1588. The other South and Central American countries as well as the Caribbean islands suffered the same devastation (Cowley, 1991). Mass epidemics were virtually unknown in the New World prior to the invasion of the Europeans. Aside from their lack of immunity to the pathogens, another factor in the rapid spread of the diseases could have been the weariness of the Indian populations. Due to their recent conquest and oppression by the Spaniards, the Indians were probably too tired to fight the infections. One thing that must be noted is that contrary to popular belief, infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, etc. are not desig... ...o be like syphilis in that it was haunting isolated populations before becoming global. And just as syphilis was carried globally by ships; jet planes and world-wide social changes have brought AIDS out of isolation. Like smallpox and other infectious diseases in the 16th century and AIDS in the 20th century, what new disease will hit and destroy unsuspecting populations? BIBLIOGRAPHY Cowley, Geoffrey. "The Great Disease Migration." Newsweek (Special Issue, Fall/Winter 1991) pp. 54-56 Crosby, Alfred W. Jr. The Columbian Exchange: Biological and Cultural Consequences of 1492, Westport: Greenwood Press, 1972 Assignment: Write a short review of this paper for class on Friday. In addition, overwhelming historical evidence suggests that the greatest rates of morbidity and death from infection are associated with the introduction of new diseases from one region of the world to another by processes associated with civilized transport of goods at speeds and over distances outside the range of movements common to hunting and gathering groups. (excerpt from book of same title: pp. 131-141) Cohen, M. Health and the Rise of Civilization. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1989.

Romantic Contradiction in the Poetry of John Donne Essay -- Poetry Poe

Romantic Contradiction in the Poetry of John Donne John Donne's poem "Elegy 19: To His Mistress Going to Bed" is closely related to "The Sun Rising" in its treatment of love, lust, and togetherness. Both discuss and argue different stances on the same topics, but are united by their language and development. The structure of "Elegy 19" and use of poetic techniques relate it directly and indirectly to "The Sun Rising". In "Elegy 19", there are forty-eight lines of adoration of the mistress of the title; this poem is full of reverence, veneration, and respect for the female form. In passages such as Your gown going off, such beauteous state reveals As when from flowery meads th' hill's shadow steals or perhaps Full nakedness! All joys are due to thee. As souls unbodied unclothed must be, To taste whole joys. Gems which you women use Are like Atalanta's balls, cast in men's views Donne clearly has a high and lofty image of the human female form. Yet this deification is undermined by the lusty, bawdy qualities of the poem. For example, when Donne reaches the conclusion of the poem he does not summarize his mistress' physical beauty, but instead promises sexual adventure. This is seen in the final three lines, Here is no penance, much less innocence. To teach thee, I am naked first; why then What need'st thou have more covering than a man? which clearly negates (or at least portrays negatively) the earlier, more romantic aspects of the poem. Other words have double meanings, which furthers the bawdy aspects of the poem, making seemingly innocuous passages into ribald declarations. Examples of double usage of words include "labor", which means both ‘get to work s... ...mplies sexual activity. Indeed, despite its romantic qualities, invoking the bed the lovers share as the center of the sun's orbits has a clear sensual tinge; it is as if the sexual activity of the lovers is the center of the world, for what else is a bed the symbol of, if not consummation of love? So in these two Donne poems, "Elegy 19" and "The Sun Rising", various poetic structures are used to create a split atmosphere of both romantic love and sexual love, which coexist within the fabric of the poetry. Donne skillfully uses such forms as direct address, indirect address, both stanzaic forms conventional and unconventional, and adept language manipulation to convey two messages simultaneously, and in doing so he paints an accurate portrait of the reality of love: that there is always a mix of romantic and sexual sentiments in the relationships between lovers.

Guns in the home :: essays research papers fc

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Statistics on the National Safe Kids Campaign Website reveals that â€Å"Americans possess nearly 200 million firearms, including 65 million handguns. Approximately one-third of families with children (representing more than 22 million children in 11 million homes) keep at least one gun in the home. Gun owners keep firearms in the home for hunting and recreation (60 percent) or for protection and crime prevention (40 percent)†. Although 40 percent seems to be on the minority, households with guns are at higher risk of homicide, and there are few beneficial effects of gun ownership; as a result, alternative methods for crime prevention and protection should be adopted.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The most startling examples of these risks usually involve children. Children are very curious and will stop at nothing to discover new ideas. When they play, it is normal for them to move about and find bits and pieces around the house. This innocent, normal behavior becomes dangerous when children start finding guns hidden or lying around. A typical story was told by the Physicians for Social Responsibility, an organization working together for nuclear disarmament, (PSR) when â€Å"three-year-old Billy Higgins sat in the corner of his parent’s bedroom, trembling and confused, a gun having just gone off in his hand. His 2 year old sister, Anne Marie, lay motionless on her back, a small hole in her chest. While playing with his sister, Billy had found his father’s loaded handgun in a bedroom drawer. The father, John Higgins, never dreamed his small children were capable of finding or using his gun. He was wrong. And his daughter died†. ( "Billy Higgins†) Obviously, John Higgins thought that he had his gun only accessible to himself, and even if his kids found it, they would not be able to shoot it. However, the National Safe Kids Campaign website shows that â€Å"Children as young as age 3 are strong enough to pull the trigger of many of the handguns available in the United States†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Not only are children at risk but also adults. A study by Arthur Kellerman shows that â€Å"the risk of homicide in the home is three times greater in households with guns.†(2) He implies that guns stored in the home are more often used to kill a familiar person than an intruder. Gun owners do not always know who they’re shooting when they pull the trigger, often the victim of this shooting is a family member.

Roles of the Greek Gods in the Odyssey of Homer

Throughout the epic of The Odyssey of Homer, Odysseus, the main protagonist, receives help, and is frowned upon by the gods. There are many gods, and goddesses who play significant roles in Odysseus’ journey back to his homeland of Ithaca. Athena, the gray-eyed goddess, or the daughter of Zeus, is the most predominant goddess in the epic. One of Athena’s roles is to act as a guardian towards Telemachus. In the beginning, Athena travels to Ithaca in the guise of Mentes, and states to Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, â€Å"I’m Mentes, son of wise Anchialus; the Taphian, tenacious oarsmen are the people I rule†¦.For bright Odysseus has not died upon this Earth: he is alive somewhere, delayed upon an island set among vast waves, held by harsh savages against his will†, (Homer, and Mandelbaum, p. 9-10). Athena is stating that Odysseus, Telemachus’ father is alive, and later on tells Telemachus to â€Å"asks the lord of Ithaca to gather here tomorr ow; then speak to all, and let the gods be witnesses. Command the suitors to scatter, each on his own way†¦Find the fittest ship and, with a crew of twenty oarsmen, seek some word of your long-absent father- for a mortal may have heard word of him†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Homer, and Mandelbaum, p. 2-13). Athena is influencing Telemachus to demand that the suitors leave Odysseus’ halls and that he should set sail in search of word of his father. After Odysseus’ arrival back to Ithaca, Telemachus, who is still in Sparta, is urged to return home by Athena, â€Å"Telemachus, don’t wander from your house too long when you have left behind your wealth, with men so arrogant within your gates†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Homer, and Mandelbaum, p. 295). After hearing the words of Athena, Telemachus chose to return home to Ithaca.Athena also acts as Odysseus’ guardian during his journey home, and even after he had reached his homeland. When Odysseus washes upon the shores of Scheria , he is met by Nausicaa, the daughter of the king of the Phaeacians, who takes him to her father’s halls. Upon departure for town, Athena sent a thick cloud of mist to surround Odysseus to protect him from the Phaeacians. Also, when Odysseus arrives back in his homeland of Ithaca after 11 years of absence, he is transformed into an elderly man by Athena to disguise himself so none of the Ithacans would recognize Odysseus.But during the slaughter of the suitors, Athena reveals Odysseus’ true body, and also makes him look more youthful. Athena, in the guise of Mentor, assists Odysseus, Telemachus, and Eumaes by diverting the arrows, and spears thrown by the suitors during the slaughter. In the end, Athena persuades Odysseus to not resort to violence towards the suitors family members and friend. In the end, Athena’s main role throughout the epic was to act a guardian, and as a guide to both Telemachus, and Odysseus.Zeus, the ruler of all the gods, goddesses, and e verything else, and is the most superior and powerful god out of all. During the epic, Zeus uses his powers to help Odysseus, and also uses them to hinder him. On Odysseus’ journey back home to Ithaca, before he was stranded on Calypso’s isle, he and his crew came upon the land of Thrinacia, the land of Helios. Odysseus and his crew were warned by Circe not to slaughter one single beast, but ignoring Circe’s advice, Odysseus’ crew slaughtered, and prepared the beasts of Thrinacia.This is where Zeus is a hindrance towards Odysseus. Lampetie, a nymph, upon witnessing the slaughter of Helios’s animals, rushed to inform Helios what had occurred. Helios, now infuriated, cried to Zeus, â€Å"You, father Zeus, and all the other blessed and deathless gods-you now must take revenge: destroy the comrades of Laertes’ son, Odysseus; in their insolence they killed the herds that I beheld with such delight†¦If they’re not made to pay a penalt y to match their sin, I shall descend to Hades and shine among the dead† (Homer, and Mandelbaum, p. 249).When Zeus heard this, he sent a dark storm cloud over Odysseus’ ship and Zeus sent a single lightning bolt down to the ship, sparing Odysseus, but killing all of his crew. Odysseus floated on the keel of his ship for ten days until the gods cast him upon Calypso’s coast. But then it was Zeus who sent Hermes, the messenger god, to Ogygia, Calypso’s isle, to release Odysseus. If Zeus wouldn’t have sent the storm cloud that destroyed Odysseus’ ship, Homer wouldn’t have been able to write an epic based on his journey home after being stranded on Calypso’s isle for ten years.That is an example of home Zeus’ role in the epic is extremely important. Poseidon, the god of the sea, also called the â€Å"earth-shaker†, only inflicts harm to Odysseus during his journey home due to an incident on Odysseus’ first trek home to Ithaca. Odysseus and his crew were sailing home from a victory at Troy when they came across the mountaintop home of Polyphemus the Cyclops, Poseidon’s son. Polyphemus trapped Odysseus and his crew, and devoured most of them. To escape Odysseus threw a spear into the eye of the Cyclops, thus blinding him.The next time the blinded Cyclops drove his herds of animals out into the fields, Odysseus and the remainder of his crew snuck out of Polyphemus’ mountaintop home on the bellies of the sheep, and escaped back to their ship. As they were escaping Polyphemus cursed Odysseus and his crew, â€Å"Listen, Poseidon, dark-haired lord who clasps the earth hard fast, if I’m indeed your son and you declare yourself my father, then don’t let this ravager of towns, Odysseus, Laertes son, who lives in Ithaca, return to his own land.But if his fate let him see his dear ones once again and reach his sturdy home, his native land, then let him struggle back- a bat tered man, with all his comrades lost, and on a ship of strangers. In his house, let him meet grief† (Homer, and Mandelbaum, p. 186). Throughout the epic, Poseidon does everything in his power to bring hardship upon Odysseus and his crew. Hermes, the messenger god, and the guide for the souls on their way to Hades, is a minor god in the epic. Hermes is the god in which Zeus sends to Calypso to demand her to free Odysseus.Hermes also appears in the end of the epic when he is leading the shades of the slaughtered suitors to Hades. All in all, the gods and goddesses in The Odyssey of Homer played extremely important roles in the epic. Athena, the most important, acted as a guardian to Telemachus and Odysseus, Zeus was the ruler of all, and changed the way the epic may have turned out, Poseidon inflicted pain, and suffering to Odysseus, and his crew throughout their journey, and Hermes was the messenger. Without the gods, and goddesses in this epic, events throughout the epic may have turned out differently.

The Marvels of Intellect and Creativity

Several ideas and images sprang to our mind when the name Leonardo da Vinci is mentioned. Most people associate it with famous artworks such as Mona Lisa and The Last Supper while some equate the name to the scholastic concept of the Renaissance man. Numerous accounts demonstrated Leonardo’s contribution in the field of arts and sciences, thus his name become an archetype of a genius. He fascinated the world with his advanced ideas and creative imaginations; moreover, he provided his successors with knowledge and guidelines through his discoveries and achievements. Through his intellect and creativity, Leonardo da Vinci portrayed a significant role in the evolution of modern civilizations. Leonardo da Vinci was born at the dawn of the Renaissance period. The 14th to 16th century was an interesting borderline of the Dark Ages and the Enlightenment Period that inspired Leonardo’s curiosity and observation. The Italian society in his youth was characterized by people with enthusiastic interest in learning and humanism. The concept of humanism during the Renaissance was described by Alfred Burns as â€Å"the growing self-awareness expressed in new styles in art and architecture and in the search for the vanishing intellectual treasures of an idealized classical age† (197). The promotion of humanism and self-awareness brought questions and disagreement in various aspects of society. On the other hand, the pursuance for art and architecture was supported and financed by art patrons, thus ingenious artists were recognized during the Italian Renaissance. One of the recognized advocates of art during the Italian Renaissance was Lorenzo de Medici, who became famous for making Florence a â€Å"community of pleasure† (Taylor 25). Leonardo’s interest in the arts was favored by his time for he was given the opportunity to work with the greatest artists of his era. He worked as an apprentice for Verrocchio and later on he was admitted to be a part of the Guild of Painters (Brown and Rankin 212). His early artworks were commissioned by patrons belonging to religious groups; therefore, it basically consisted of religious icons and commemorative art pieces. The early part of Leonardo’s professional life was spent in Milan, where he worked in the court of Ludovico, duke of Milan. There, he gained extensive experiences and technical skills in designing for the court’s lavish events and occasions. Rachel Taylor used to describe that â€Å"when the wave of Renaissance was crescent in Italy, the powers were five – Florence, Naples, Venice, Rome and Milan – all jealous and splendid† (99). Therefore the city’s excellence also marked Leonardo’s preeminence. During his stay in the court of the duke, he documented his learning and experiences in the field of architecture and engineering by compiling writings and detailed drawings of his designs and ideas. The so-called compilations, which are also referred to as the notebooks and manuscripts, reflected his inquisitive attitude towards the governing principles of matter and knowledge. Aside from Leonardo’s court duties, two of his significant art pieces, the Horse and the Last Supper, were also completed during his stay in the court of Milan. At the fall of the Duke’s power over Milan, Leonardo found his way back to Florence. Not long after this, he worked for Cesare Borgia, a political figure in Italy, as a military architect and engineer (Brown and Rankin 212). Taylor suggested in her book that Cesare’s policies implicated death and violence (350), thus Leonardo considered his return to Florence to work for other patrons. Upon his arrival, he was commissioned to paint the Battle of Anghiari and later on he started working on the famous Mona Lisa. Subsequently, he again visited Milan to work for the French king and according to Brown and Rankin, it was â€Å"a period when he influenced Milanese painting even more than during his early residence there† (212). He moved to Rome and stayed in the Vatican to work for the Pope and later on, he spent his time traveling to various places in Italy. He settled in France, where he spent his last days â€Å"attended by loving friends and at peace, in his chateau of Cloux, near Amboise† (Brown and Rankin 212). The grandeur of Leonardo’s time witnessed the complex transition of the Western civilization. The notion of enlightenment favored and nurtured the formation of Leonardo’s genius, and in return, he endorsed the acknowledgement for man’s potential and power of reason. Various fields of knowledge that benefited from his achievements would include the realms of art, engineering, architecture, mathematics, physics, optics, human anatomy, ornithology and aerodynamics. The Renaissance and its distinguished figures changed and influenced the culture that was formed and influenced by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The society’s classic approach of simply approving or rejecting developing doctrines and customs evolved into a modernistic method that involved analysis and critical thinking. The Enlightenment Period, together with the fame of Humanism, paved the way to scientific revolution. The intellectual reformation is considered as one of the significant events in our history for it influenced and provoked the â€Å"general mind to be more and more preoccupied with the larger problems beyond, which the new knowledge has brought fully into view† (Kidd 1). The transformation was a progressive step to a higher form of learning that encompassed the political, social, economic and religious principles of Western civilization. The propagation of self awareness and modern thinking brought positive and negative changes in the economic and social aspects of the Western civilization. The recognition of artists and notable scholars, as depicted by the fame of Leonardo da Vinci, influenced the flow of trade and commerce. In European countries like Italy, cities such as Florence, Milan and Naples flourished. On the other hand, the method of tax collection was implemented to supervise the increase in trade goods. Movements that aimed for learning and education produced interesting theories and assumptions that motivated man’s quest for truth and expansion of his horizons. The Age of Enlightenment recognized critical thinkers who became famous for contemplating and debating about avant-garde ideas (Hudson 21). Scholars and critical thinkers guided and initiated modern discoveries, inventions and innovations that improved the economy of the Western world. Moreover, political and religious controversies also emerged at the advent of scientific and critical thinking. In Europe, several ranks of power emerged in the form of monarchs, spiritual leaders, merchants and tradesmen, scholars and artisans. The period of enlightenment and the succeeding years depicted a sweeping portrayal of political and religious reformation. The concept of religion was separated from politics because of the humanist principle, which differentiate the distinct boundary between human and divine control. Humanist beliefs and principles intensified but were not universally accepted; therefore it was attacked by counter-arguments that justify the role of idealistic and religious attitudes towards politics. These contrasting views and beliefs about politics and its religious connections were highlighted in the works and theories of several Renaissance philosophers. The Age of Enlightenment introduced several Renaissance Men, who individually imparted significant marvels of intellect and creativity. And as stated by William Hudson, it was as if â€Å"their lives opened itself out to them in all its vast and varied possibilities and they were eager to enter into their great heritage† (7). There are several names from the Renaissance Age that surfaced in the course of evolution and transition of the Western civilization, but the fame of Leonardo da Vinci soared higher than the other for he exhibited exceptional qualities and eccentric fancies. The interesting and unique fusion of excellence in two exclusive areas of knowledge – the arts and sciences, was depicted by his accomplishments as a rational scientist and mystical artist. Leonardo’s paintings and art contributions were highly popular but it is interesting to note that â€Å"there only remain six of his authentic paintings, and two of them were unfinished† (qtd. in Brown and Rankin 211). His study of perspective, examination of proportion and analysis of light and shade were fundamentals of innovative and modern arts. Sketches and details of his fascinating interests were accounted in several of his notebooks entrusted at various European libraries and museums. Some of his notes reflected the complex and controversial topic of dissection, which enlightened basic issues concerning human anatomy. He declared various assertions in human proportion, one of these was his citation that â€Å"the span of a man’s outstretched arms is also equal to his height† (qtd in MacCurdy 217). He delved into unacceptable domains of his time by studying human cadavers in order to understand the unknown; moreover, his philosophy and skepticism reflected the rise of scientific thinking from the unexplained. Scientific observations of his surroundings were recorded together with his theoretical assertions and it anchored the essentials for the study of Botany and Geology. His technical experiences in the field of engineering and physics, together with the application of scientific principles contributed to the development of Western technology. Some of these contributions included his experiences in building war engines, works specializing with hydraulics, and discoveries of possible energy sources. He also provided avant-garde theories in mathematics that foretell the discoveries of modern researchers (Brown and Rankin 211). Leonardo portrayed in his manuscripts an intense fervor for aviation, which was primarily influenced by apparent observation of birds. He documented several notes containing his interest with flight and he called it the â€Å"Treatise on Birds† (qtd. in MacCurdy 211), which he divided into four parts. He continued on studying birds consequently influencing the birth of Ornithology; and at the same time, he persisted on propagating ideas about the flying machine thus providing rough beginnings for Aerodynamics. The quest for knowledge in a creative approach delineates Leonardo da Vinci in a civilization situated between the borderline of savagery and enlightenment. His accomplishments in understanding and in attempting to understand the unknown through scientific approach enhanced the basic political and cultural principles influencing a society. His triumph was earned through the synthesis of intellect and creativity, which encompassed the multiplicity of human civilization. Works Cited Brown, Alice V., and William Rankin. A Short History of Italian Painting. London: J.M.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dent & Sons, 1914. Burns, Alfred. The Power of the Written Word: The Role of Literacy in the History of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Western Civilization. New York: Peter Lang, 1989. Hudson, William H. The Story of Renaissance. London: Casell, 1912. Kidd, Benjamin. The Principles of Western Civilization. New York: Macmillan Company,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1902. MacCurdy, Edward. The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci (Volume 1). New York:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Reynal & Hitchcock, 1938. Taylor, Rachel A. Leonardo the Florentine: A Study in Personality. London: Richards   Ã‚  Ã‚   Press, 1927.