Surviving A Nuclear Attack Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Surviving A Nuclear Attack - Essay Example The very first assumption to take is that the individuals concerned are at least five miles away from the point of attack or explosion. This is because there is just no possible survival possible for anyone who is closer than the above mentioned distance. The second assumption is that the people are aware of the political scenario of the world including the current affairs. This is because, if the people are not updated regarding their surroundings, chances are that they will not following most of the steps shown below. The second assumption will be catered to afterwards. However unlikely this may sound, but people must make some prior arrangements for a nuclear attack (Bruno, 2010). This rational may not sound logical without the above mentioned assumption. This step is only possible if the government takes strong initiatives when the international environment is viable for a nuclear attack (Evans, 1980).The government must educate the people about the effects of the nuclear reactions and the radioactivity, thus ensuring that the people are planning ahead about a possible attack. The logic is that when the people will be warned and informed about the danger and the level of threat, then only the people can and will think about planning for their survival. Once it is clear that the people are planning for the survival techniques then the next step originates, which is, what are the measures? The answer to this question will give the details about the primary topic. The first part of the planning requires the people to make some basic changes to the structure of their houses. It should be clear that the surviving techniques apply only to those who have survived the initial explosion as mentioned earlier. The best advice for anyone is to stay in his or her house because an open space is the last place to be in a nuclear attack (Roberts). Now, when it is clear that people do need to make changes to their buildings, the

How does work Guide the Development of the Self Essay Example for Free

How does work Guide the Development of the Self Essay In man’s existence today, various concepts exist which if learnt and adhered to, can change the very quality of life itself. This is admirably conveyed by Emerson in his essay on self reliance and also deduced from chapters seven and eleven of Thoreau’s book on Walden. In chapter seven, the author narrates the story of an impoverished farmer who toils on his farm from sunrise to sunset, while in chapter 11, Thoreau dwells on the qualities of the inner person. After reading these essays, one is convinced that the most important attribute in life is that which is gained from knowledge of our true being as intended by the creator. Beginning with Emerson’s work, self trust is shown to be the key to self reliance because man’s true nature is that which is within him. We are all individuals in the eyes of providence, each with our own place which we must learn to accept and respect. It is only when we exercise self trust in the abilities given to us, that we will be able to improve as human beings. The author goes on to say that when we cultivate a respect for ourselves, we reject that which is external and which we spend every waking moment looking for. What is important is not the acquisition of material wealth, but rather, internal spiritual wealth. It is only when we place our faith in GOD, who is the most trustworthy and sits in our heart, that we gain self trust. He then works through our hands and predominates our beings. When you are in conformity, this undercuts your self reliance because it scatters your forces, and the real you cannot be detected. You tend to do things as everybody does. It is therefore important to be your own individual and your uniqueness will be evident. Consistency, on the other hand, enslaves us to our pasts because we are constantly judging our present with 2 tandards from the past. We fear to be contradicted by our peers and are therefore less and less self reliant. Self reliance is evident from the bean field chapter of Thoreau because the farmer was rewarded for his hard work with a harvest of twelve bushels. He did not have the benefit of modern farm implements or labor, yet he loved his work and was rewarded for it. This is a demonstration of self reliance born out of necessity. Instead of discouragement at the prospect of toil, the farmer confronted the ordeal happily and with spiritual calm. Additionally, he gained much more than money. He earned the respect of his neighbors, confidence and experience from his work. John Fields is another impoverished farmer who has a wife and a family to feed. Unfortunately, he is in a situation where survival dictates that he works for a wage as someone’s employee. For this very reason, he cannot be self reliant. Additionally, in order to change his lifestyle, he faces the prospect of being unable to afford the necessities of everyday life, for example, tea, coffee, meat and clothes. He also seems unable to find the time to contemplate his spiritual wellbeing which may help him look at his life afresh. However, the concepts conveyed by Thoreau’s higher laws can prove invaluable to him. One of them is that, â€Å"Man flows to GOD when the channel of purity is open†. This means that Fields must seek GOD who will give him an inner calm. This will enable him to identify that for which he is best suited to do and treat himself with respect. Additionally, he will be able to find that which identifies him as an individual, thereby helping him to excel. The kind of wealth that is described in Emerson’s â€Å"wealth† essay is very foreign to John Field’s understanding. According to Emerson, wealth is the application of mind to nature. This requires that one draws a benefit from the labors of the greatest numbers of men, and also do what his creator intended him to do. Unfortunately, Fields is a laborer who is employed on a wage. He does not even understand the concept of business, let alone begin to fathom how he can employ others. Additionally, he may be in the wrong career and needs to re-evaluate it if he is to enjoy the fruits of a better lifestyle. When Frederick Douglas goes to the north, he discovers that work, unlike in the south, is done with pride and actually creates wealth without the need for slave labor. It also dawns on him that freedom of the mind is the perfect breeding ground for economic progress, which he sees in even former slaves. Additionally, with a free mind comes the possibility of improving the intellect through reading. The common thread running through these readings is that the mind and spirit come first before the body. Nature can only be conquered by the spirit and the best way to enrich the spirit is by accepting that GOD has a purpose for each and every one of us. He has given us individual qualities which we must strive to nurture. We must recognize these qualities and use them according to his will. If we do not see the advantage within our hearts, then we will, as individuals, continue to move in a crowd, and our uniqueness will not help us or humanity. Wealth is first and foremost, that of the heart and spirit.

assisted suicide :: essays research papers

Assisted Suicide In 1997, Oregon became the only state allowing legal physician-assisted suicide (PAS). Although physician-assisted suicide has been legal in Oregon for four years, it remains highly controversial. PAS is when a doctor prescribes their patient to medication which would kill them. Patients must pass certain requirements in order to request a prescription for lethal medication. The patient must be 18 years or older, a resident of Oregon, able to make health care decisions, and diagnosed with a terminal illness that would lead to death within six months. After meeting these requirements patients are able to request a prescription for lethal medication from a licensed Oregon physician. To receive a prescription for lethal medication, the following steps must be completed: †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The patient must make two oral requests to their physician, separated by at least 15 days. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The patient must provide a written request to their physician, signed with two witnesses present. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The doctor who prescribes the patient and another physician must confirm the diagnosis and prognosis. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If either physician believes the patient's judgment is impaired by a psychiatric or psychological disorder, the patient must take a psychological examination. †¢Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The physician must inform the patient of alternatives to assisted suicide. Such as comfort care, hospital care, and pain management. During 1998, 1999 and 2000, approximately 16, 27, and 27 patients used PAS. Patients who died by PAS were more educated than other Oregonians who did not choose to commit suicide and had similar illnesses. All the medications prescribed are barbiturates. A physician or anyone else can not directly administer medication to end another's life. In 2001, 44 doctors prescribed 33 patients to a medication that would end their life. In comparison, 39 prescriptions were written in 2000, 33 in 1999 and 24 in 1998. Although the number of prescriptions written for physician-assisted suicide has increased in the past four years, the number of ill patients taking lethal medication has stayed small with less than 1/10 of one percent of Oregonians dying by physician-assisted suicide.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The reason I picked this topic is because I thought it was very interesting and also very controversial. I find it very interesting that Oregon is the only state that has physician-assisted suicide. I feel very strongly that if a person was in so much pain where they wanted to commit suicide, then it should be allowed. I also agree with the requirements a patient has to meet before being granted the prescription.

Racial Tensions in South Africa Essay -- Racial Relations, Racism

History of South Africa South Africa has large varieties ethnic backgrounds; unfortunately for them none of them are allowed their chance to shine because of the cloud of racism that has over shadowed their history. Like the United States, South African countries are built for the success of whites before any other ethnicity. This can be found in the countries politics and economics alike. For over 300 years this racism has occurred. Around the 1940’s South Africans have coined a policy for this racism, â€Å"apartheid†. In English apartheid can be translated to â€Å"Apart-hood†. (2) This will be touched about in more detail later. Like the United States, South Africa has had to deal with centuries of racism, the problem being that South Africans racism doesn’t seem to be depleting as fast as other countries in the same situation. The first sign of â€Å"civilization† to take place in South Africa began in the mid 1600’s when the Dutch East India Company formed a cape colony. (3) It wasn’t long before the colonists were in need of workers to help farm their rapidly expanding settlement. So like many countries of their time, they went with the route of slavery. Naturally the best candidates for this position were natives to South Africa. Slaves weren’t a necessity, but they were very convenient for the newly settled Dutch (2). The Dutch continued to govern South Africa until the English took over in the 18th century. Fast-forward to the 20th century where racism is just as relevant as ever, and in 1910 new laws have been passed regarding segregation. These laws in 1910 â€Å"expanded racial segregation† (2). A big part of the new law was that whites were now able to seize land owned by black farmers. Also around this time the gov... ...dignity’ required adhering to a code of social and gender behavior appropriate to a ruling race. There was a moral base for antagonism towards blacks: 'It is Nature's deep-seated provision for racial integrity. It is the voice of evolutionary experience speaking within US Similarly, John L. Weston of Brandfort, wrote approvingly of vigilante justice in the US South. He wrote of white Southerners he had known who were highly intelligent, respectable, sympathetic and reasonable, yet who became demented when a "Black Peril" (Plaatje, 1982) case occurred within their reach. This, he argued, was a healthy and virtuous reaction; it is the very capacity of the white man's mind for good that causes this uncontrollable indignation'. He predicted that lynch law will sooner or later be introduced here as it has been in the USA unless heroic steps are taken without much delay.

The novel Huck Finn takes a strange approach to dealing with money

The novel Huck Finn takes a strange approach to dealing with money. It's not a work that simply promotes a trite theme prevalent among other great novels: Money is not important in this life as some intangible matters (freedom, morality, etc. ) and that wealth has nothing to do with how happy one's life is. Mark Twain did not place a character that could serve as an avatar of social prominence, wealth, and misery despite achieving the two (e. g. Estella in Great Expectations). Most of the people in Huck Finn are either dirt poor or middle class townspeople. Nonetheless, money still has a starring role in the novel, for a character's relationship to money and how far he would go to become rich determines what kind of person he is. Huck Finn proved that money has never made a person happy and it never will, for there is nothing about the nature of money that can bring one joy. The more one has, the more one wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it creates one. The main characters in the book are â€Å"have-nots†. But they can be further divided into categories based upon the extent to which they value money: People like the Duke and the Dauphin have created a vacuum inside themselves, an bottomless pit that all the riches in the world couldn't fill. In stark contrast to the two is Huckleberry Finn, who knows that it takes more than money to make a man rich. Huck Finn â€Å"can't stand† hypocrisy, greed and â€Å"sivilz'ation†. Twain seems to suggest that the uncivilized way of life is better: he draws upon the ideas of Rousseau in his belief that civilization corrupts, rather than improves human beings. Huck has had very little contact with society, and Twain implies that it is this lack of â€Å"civilizing† that has allowed him to remain so free of greed. The Watson sisters are considered by the people of their town to be upstanding citizens, yet they had few qualms about auctioning Jim off. Huck was much poorer than the Watsons were, but no matter how badly he needed money, he would never consider selling Jim, or turning him in for the reward. In addition, during the Wilks sisters incident, he had several chances just to grab the loot and leave. If he was of mediocre morality, he might leave some of the money for the girls before running off to the territories, never to be heard from again. However, as we know, Huck, instead of making himself wealthier, puts his own life at risk to save the girls. Altruistic actions like those aforementioned are what sets Huck apart from the archetypal â€Å"good guy†. He is so far removed from human nature's desire to do what's best for oneself that he seems almost unrealistic. Nevertheless, perhaps that is Twain's way of illustrating how wonderful a boy could be without society's corrupting influence: Huck's upbringing (or lack thereof) has led him to the conclusion that money is a luxury, rather than a necessity. He is one of the few characters in the book who is truly rich–he has everything that money can't buy, and he knows the value of those things. Huck is obviously the hero of the story, and displays no sing of covetousness whatsoever. However, there are other characters in the novel who are far better people than the Duke and the Dauphin, but are still not as free of corruption as Huck, who serves as an the epitome of magnanimity. Two of these less-than-perfect characters are the Widow, and her sister, Miss Watson. The Watson sisters were certainly kind to take in a loutish waif; doing so could not have contributed to the serenity of their household, nor could it have helped their financial situation. However, their image as compassionate, charitable old ladies is marred when Miss Watson decided to sell Jim down to New Orleans, and the widow agreed to let her. Since they had no reservations about tearing a man from his family for a few hundred dollars, they are obviously not the â€Å"good Christians† that they proclaim to be at heart. However, the sisters were partially redeemed when Miss Watson set Jim free in her will: one would have a hard time imagining such and action coming from the Duke or the Dauphin. Therefore, the Watson sisters are several tiers above them, and can be regarded as examples of the typical person, who is basically good at the core, but who cannot perceive and amend the ethical shortcomings of a defective society. Another person in the novel who is rather fond of money, but has a good heart despite his desire for capital, is Jim. He exhibited something akin to avarice when, near the beginning of the novel, he asked Huck to pay his hairball a quarter in order for it to reveal Huck's future. This covetousness reappears when Jim arrives on Huck's island, and talks of nothing but money for several days. However, Jim's greed is quite different from the pure, sickening type exhibited by the Duke and the Dauphin. Jim sees money as equivalent to freedom: with money, he can buy his own freedom and that of his family. Money also would allow him to live like a white person, thus raising his status in the society. In short, Jim does not want money for money's sake; rather, he sees capital as a way to correct the injustices thrust upon him by society. Therefore, throughout the novel, Jim constantly tries to get money, whereas Huck takes an fairly apathetic attitude towards the subject. In stark contrast to both the innately moral Huck Finn and the â€Å"civilized† people of the time stand the Duke and the Dauphin. They are not your average con men: they are beneath than the worst rascals, for they will stop at nothing to obtain money. They are utterly shameless, and possess none of the honor and mercy that God supposedly granted all human beings at birth. When they produced the Royal Nonesuch show and used the weaknesses of â€Å"small town America† to rake in money, it was a low thing to do, but the scam didn't hurt anyone significantly. When the King convinced a devout religious community to take up a collection for him so that he could go back to the Indian ocean to â€Å"turn pirates into the true path†, the prank is more ignominious than the last because he played the faith of gracious people. But truly ignoble is the way in which the Duke and the Dauphin posed as the uncles of the Wilks sisters and almost made off with the entire fortune without leaving a cent for their â€Å"nieces†. Only with Huck's intervenence were the â€Å"sweet girls† saved from the amoral swindlers. This time, the Duke and the Dauphin really proved themselves avaricious and heartless, perhaps almost sub-human. From their former scams, they already had enough of money for a comfortable lifestyle, so they could not even use necessity as an excuse to bilk the Wilks. Also, this last scandal truly hurt people, and had it been successfully pulled of, the girls would have been bereft not only financially, but emotionally as well. Not yet mentioned is their selling of Jim after failing to run off with the Wilks' fortune, which was particularly disgusting not only because they were betraying a companion, but also because Jim wasn't their â€Å"property† to peddle in the first place. All of these incidents prove that once a man has devoted himself to the pursuit of money, he will have destroyed his heart. He will no longer be capable of enjoying life, for he will have lost all respect for all of humanity, which includes himself. Even if the Duke and the Dauphin had become rich, they could never be happy for they cannot enjoy any of the things that make life worth living (e. g. love, friendship, etc. ). All in all, the simplest moral of the book may be that money corrupts. People like the Duke and the Dauphin have become possessed by their desire for money. The void hole inside of them was carved out by their voracity and it has replaced their heart, soul and character. Like a black hole, it sucks in everything that enters, yet can never be full. Therefore, despite their success at trickery, the Duke and the Dauphin will never be as truly rich of a person as Huck Finn is. When the pair of swindlers are tarred, feathered and driven from town â€Å"astraddle of a rail†, the readers realizes that the pursuit of money cannot lead one to a good end. The theme of money was threaded throughout the novel not only to convey a moral to its audience, but also to highlight the differences between the characters: it revealed how deeply the root of all evil had taken root in each man's heart.

Artistic Influence Essay essays

Artistic Influence Essay essays I have numerous artistic influences that date back to when I was a child. My mothers family is so creative and crafty; I remember my aunt would always think of little projects for us kids to get our hands messy. My mother always encouraged me in everything that I did and do even if it was the worst thing that she had ever saw, she still found some good in it. My father was in a band, I would always be in the garage while they practiced and I would sit with him and listen to records of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and other old artists. I always loved to draw when I was younger, even though I am not that great of an artist now. Whenever I need some inspiration, I like to go to the beach, to the park, or just simply to lie on my mothers bed. I like the beach because there is always something happening there always so many people but at the same time the ocean is so calming. I always have to take a deep breath in order to take in how vast the ocean really is, its a beautiful place to collect yourself. The park is also a great place to lay and relax, or play on the playground; I enjoy observing people running around at the park. People watching anywhere can inspire tons of ideas for so many different projects. My mothers bedroom is so quiet and peaceful, I can go to her closet and look through old family picture albums while lying my head down comfortably on the bed. My mother to me symbolizes everything comforting, just a picture of her brings a smile to my face. I enjoy listening to a range of different styles of music. The music that I most listen to is Drum and Bass or Jungle, it is always linked to the rave scene because that is the only place that it used to be played. I dont think that this music is as appreciated as other types of music because of its roots, but I enjoy hearing it because it can be really upbeat sometimes and a minute later it can totally break and slow down. It usua...

Json and the Argonauts Essays

Json and the Argonauts Essays Json and the Argonauts Essay Json and the Argonauts Essay Jason, the son of Aeson, was the leader of the Argonauts and the husband of Medea. Because of a prophecy that Jason would someday do him harm, King Pelias of Iolcos sent Jason on a seemingly impossible quest to bring the Golden Fleece back from distant Colchis. For the quest, Jason assembled a crew of heroes from all over Greece; Argos built for the heroes the largest ship ever constructed, the Argo. On the voyage to Colchis, in addition to other adventures, Jason and his crew of Argonauts became the first humans to pass through the Symplegades (the Clashing Rocks); they also freed Phineus from the curse of the Harpies. When they arrived at Colchis, King Aeetes demanded that Jason accomplish a series of tasks to get the Golden Fleece: he must yoke a team of fierce, fire-breathing oxen and plow a field with them; then he must sow the teeth of a dragon in the field, and deal with the warlike armored men who sprouted from these seeds; finally, he must brave the sleepless dragon who guarded the Fleece. Jason accomplished all these tasks with the help of Medea, Aeetes daughter, who had fallen in love with him. After obtaining the Golden Fleece, Jason and Medea fled from Colchis, pursued by King Aeetes men. On their voyage back to Iolcos, they encountered the perils of Scylla and Charybdis and the isle of the Sirens as well as Talos the bronze guardian of Crete. In Iolcos, Medea contrived the murder of King Pelias, after which she and Jason fled to Corinth. In Corinth, after many years of marriage, Jason finally deserted Medea to marry King Creons daughter; Medea wreaked a terrible vengeance, killing the bride and Creon, and even murdering her own children. She then escaped, leaving Jason to mourn his losses. Jason was killed years later when he was struck on the head by a timber from the Argo. JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS Jason was the son of the rightful king of Iolcus, Aeson. However, his uncle Pelias (Aeson’s half brother) had taken the throne unlawfully when Jason was a newborn. Determined to keep their new baby safe, Jason’s mother and father sent him away to Mt. Pelion. There, he lived with Chiron the Centaur, who taught him about plants, hunting, and art. But Jason was determined to one day return to his home and did so after his 20th birthday. Jason arrived in Iolcus looking like a brave warrior, dressed in a tiger skin and holding a spear in each hand, but he wore no sandal on his left foot. When his uncle Pelias saw him, he remembered that he had been warned by an oracle not to trust a man with one sandal. Jason bravely told Pelias that he was Aeson’s son and that he had returned to reclaim the throne from him. Jason bravely demanded the throne from his uncle, and here, the myth has two different versions. As with much of ancient mythology, the stories change slightly from source to source, but the meaning, general idea and moral remain the same. One version says that Pelias pretended he would give up the throne if Jason went to Colchis and brought back the Golden Fleece. The other version says that the goddess Hera appeared to Jason and told him that he must set out on a great quest to find the Golden Fleece and return it to the kingdom of Hellenica. If he did, the people and the armies of Greece would see him as a true hero of the gods, and follow him to take back his throne. The Golden Fleece was the fleece of a divine ram which had carried Phrixus from Orchomenos to Colchis a generation before. The fleece was given by Aeetes, king of Colchis, to Ares, and now hung from a tree that was guarded night and day by a dragon. The dragon would become only one of the many perils Jason and his crew would encounter. Regardless of which version of the story is given, the great journey that Jason needed to embark upon remained the same. He had to sail far beyond the realm of the Greeks into unknown dangers and great adventures. Jason, determined to win back the throne, agreed to the challenge. Word went throughout Greece that Jason was looking for a crew with whom to sail and find the famous Golden Fleece. Although the journey was known to be very dangerous, the chance of possibly finding the mythical fleece was very exciting to the bravest heroes of Greece. Many well-known heroes were eager to take the risk. It is said that Jason held great games at the base of Mount Olympus in which all the heroes of Greece came to compete for a place on his ship. Jason asked Argos for his help. Advised by the Goddess Athena, he built a ship with fifty oars called the Argo to take Jason and his selected crew to Colchis. As the story goes, the ship was built with wood from Mt. Pelion, where Jason was raised. Athena cut a beam for it from the oak at Dodona which belonged to her father, the great god Zeus. She gave the beam the power of speech and prophecy. Thanks to the help of the gods, the Argo was the strongest and fastest ship in all the land. From the name of the ship, Argo, came the name of its crew, the Argonauts. Jason, along with 48 brave men and one brave woman, Atalanta of Calydon, embarked upon the great mission. Among those chosen were many famous mythological Grecians including sons of Greek gods: Acastus, son of King Pelias; Peleus the Myrmidon, the father of the great Achilles; Heracles, known now as Hercules, of Tiryns, the strongest man to ever live who later became a Greek god himself; Echion, son of Hermes; Idmon the Argive, Apollos son; Periclymenus of Pylus, the son of Poseidon; and, Argos the Thespian, the builder of the ship. It is said that â€Å"Never before or since was so brave a ships company gathered together. † The Argonauts traveled together for years reaching lands farther than any Greek had before them, and in the process, experiencing great dangersfrom rocks that crashed like symbols to singing sirens, from fierce storms, to an angry dragon. They also met many great figures along the way, including the god Triton. Jason even finds love with the beautiful but dreadful Medea. But despite the dangers, temptations, and uncertainties of their journey, as true heroes, they continued on their mission.