The importance of the quest in Homer's Odyssey and Dante's The Inferno Essay

The importance of the quest in Homer's Odyssey and Dante's The Inferno - Essay Example The damned souls populate the chasm, which Dante classifies under Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics, and thus becomes an amalgamation of Grecian hellish myth and a testimony to Aquinas' appropriation of Christian sensibility in Aristotle's Ethics. Virgil guides Dante through the nine concentric circles of Hell., diving into deeper and graver sins, unrepentant, and culminating into absolute evil, as represented by Satan. The journey begins from the Dark wood, and into the Limbo. It is more of a pagan, unbaptised and a coarse yet virtuous crowd like Homer, Horace, Ovid and Lucan (Canto IV), who only repent their seperation from god. In Canto V, one of the seven cardinal sins appear, which is sin under lust. Inhabited by the adultress Francesca, who proclaims to justify her irresistible attraction to Paolo, in a way that evokes the ideology of the immoral Thirteenth century Italian love sonnets, that challenged the power of love beyond anything. The third realm is possessed by Cerbereus, amonster from greek mythology, but attributed with montrous humanity by Dante, who guards the gluttons. The journey also evokes the political tensions of contemporary Florence and the complexity of the whole Guelf-Ghibelline conflict and Florent ine politics that reached its crest in 1300 (ironically the fictional date chosen by Dante for his Inferno). Hatred for papacy, and the belief that Rome is predestined to be the seat of Empire, disillutions the poet about factionalism (symbolically Florence is shown to be divided by the Arno river of the Hell in Inferno) and party politics and makes him search out a way for Salvation through his poem. The political condition of Florence is mouthed by the sinner Ciacco in Canto VI, in the third realm. IN Canto VII, with the beginning of the fourth circle, Dante sees Pluto stationed, a place damned for the avaricious and the prodigal. In a sysiphean way, the group ofmiserly and the wasteful squanderers push weights against each other and start allover again when it smashes on any of the sides. It is a psychological drama represented by the futility that awaits all materials things that we pursue in life. Entering the land of the sloths, thepoet and Virgil cross Styx with the ferryman, Phlegyas, when tey meet the fury of Filippo Argenti, and denied entry by the fallen angels of the city of Dis, and meeting the hellish monsters and the wrath of the furies are granted entrance due to Heaven's intervention. Thesixth circle burns with consuming flames to torture the heretics. Here he meets the famous Ghibelline Farinata delgi Uberti, who was seen as a heretic for potensial opposition against the political lrole of the papacy. Excluded from any form of amnesty and pardon he is damned. This part seeks to voice the poets contest with his own fears about sin against the papacy. The violent, like those commited against people and property,theirown self i.e. suicice and that against God, nature and the art i.e. blasphemers, sodomites and the usurers are punished in the seventh circle, and guarded by

Chilean miners Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Chilean miners - Research Paper Example Firstly, the mode of communicating the message about this horrifying incident must be face-to-face as after receiving this news, the families of the victims would need instant physical support and care. Furthermore, in order for the families to stay strong and not lose hope, the news must be broken to them in a manner that helps them in reassuring their selves that nothing terrible is going to happen. For this, it is highly significant for the news breaker(s) to paraphrase their message considering the expected response from the family members after getting the news i.e. the message must include what the rescue workers are capable of doing in order to help the trapped men. Moreover, it is also very important for the people who are going to deliver the message to have patience and to be available as much as possible for the families. It is essential because as soon as the family members will receive this news, they will come up with a variety of questions regarding the safety and well being of their loved ones who are trapped underground and they will be looking forward to the people involved in this matter (the company authorities, rescue workers, the government of Chile, etc.) for all their questions to be heard and answered properly. Many a times when such incidents happen, it has been observed that the people who are responsible for providing endless support to the family members of the victims try to escape from the situation only so that they will not have to answer each and every question that is being asked and also because they have a fear of being accused to be responsible for the incident. Unfortunately, such acts contribute in worsening the already awful state of the victims’ families as all they need during such hard times is to have people around them to cater their worrisome anticipations, such behavior should be strictly avoided. Furthermore, it is also necessary to enlighten the family members regarding the facilities such as drilling narr ow holes up to the level through which air, food, fluorescent lights with timers, games, and other helpful necessities can be supplied down to the trapped men along with exchange of messages (â€Å"Trapped in a Chilean Mine†, 2010) in order to help them survive inside the darkness; which the rescue workers are able to competently provide as this will be helpful in bringing and strengthening the hope in the hearts of families. Moreover, keeping the families up to date with the progress of rescue work is another vital factor to be kept in mind but care should be taken in order to steer clear of giving any kind of false hopes as these would only make the loss, if any, more unbearable to the families at the end. Another important measure to be taken is that of providing professional help of psychologists to the families who are going through this difficult time. It is important for keeping them in healthy mental states (â€Å"Trapped Chilean Miners†, 2010) so that they can learn different coping strategies to survive in this stressful time and also can prepare themselves to accept and deal with whatever is hidden for them in the near future. An added help to cater the needs of the suffering family members would be that of telling them the real stories of successful survivors of similar incidents. What would be the potential needs of the company’s employees when receiving a message about this incident? As in the case of breaking the news to the family members of the trapped men, it would be better if the employees of the company are also given the message about this incident face-to-face instead of using any other mode of communication. It is important because while giving out such sensitive messages, it is always better for the person giving the message to be able to observe the reactions (both verbal and non-verbal) of the message receivers in order to be able to modify the tone and delivery

HR Strategy of Barclays Bank

HR Strategy of Barclays Bank Identify the organisations overall HR strategy and goals Specifically, Barclays outlined the core objectives of its overall HR strategy in its online job portal: To ensure that our people programmes are aligned with the Barclays Commercial Bank business strategy. To train and retain, as well as acquire the best talent in the market. To make Barclays the employer of choice for people in the industry and ensure those already with us will have no intention of leaving. To ensure we have the right people, in the right jobs, doing the right work. (Barclays Bank) From the objectives strategy, one sees that the overall Human Resources strategy of Barclays Bank is guided by two fundamental factors: First, the HR strategy is about governance directed at managing the sheer number and diversity of its employees so that they all function and work according to and towards achieving the organizations business objectives. This is particularly important because Barclays employs more than 123,000 people across the globe (Barclays 2009), covering a wide variety of subsidiaries. Secondly, the HR strategy is, certainly, aimed at attracting, developing and retaining the best people available. In regard to employee development and training in the context of the first dimension to Barclays overall HR strategy the people management a formal learning process has been developed and put in place by the banks human resources managers. The aim here is to instill the behaviors and values seen as pivotal in achieving corporate goals. This HR programme involves basic training in how teams work together, personality profiling, and preferred learning styles. (Ostroff 1999, p. 122) According to Mike Ockenden, a former managing director at Barclays, HR is trying to create a spirit that says we are all one group of people working together towards the customer imperative. (Ostroff, p. 122) In addition, numerous other trainings are continually developed ranging from mentoring programmes, training on new technologies, operational methodologies, courses on team-work, to communication efficiency modules. When it comes to the objective to attract, train and retain the best people, specific programs and initiatives have been introduced. Our people, according to the organization, are the foundation of Barclays success. Its as simple as that. We want the most talented, whatever their style, personality, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. (Barclays 2009) Indeed, the organization implements a policy of diversity and equality in the workplace. Furthermore, the Barclays corporate culture resembles democratized structure: nobody has a private office, nor are there executive parking spaces; employees sit in the same size chairs behind the same size desks; titles are forbidden, and employees use first names when they address one another. (Ostroff, p. 121) This culture creates a conducive environment for innovation and that it promotes and maintains a system that values everyones contribution. Barclays maintains: We promote an inclusive culture where colleagues of all backgrounds are respected and the different perspectives and fresh ideas they can bring to the business are valued. (Barclays 2009) Barclays have also experimented with competency-based pay systems which were expected to provide clarity about how employees can add value through their respective roles in the organization and motivation to perform better. (Holbeche 2009, p. 148) The company boasts of offering one of the highest salary schemes in the industry. The benefits package is consisted of: 1. Financial reward such as competitive salary, discretionary bonuses and recognition schemes wherein employees could receive performance-based gifts and expensive perks; 2) discounts in privileges on Barclays financial services and Barclays shares; 3) health, well-being and retirement benefits. At Barclays, employees also have the option to have flexible work schedules such as part-time work, compressed working week, job-sharing and a nine day fortnight, among others. Then, the organization has also set up a corporate social responsibility policy that aims to boost employee morale and made them proud to work for the company. This policy is contained in the companys sustainability strategy which focuses on three areas: helping address social issues, investing in community initiatives, and volunteerism. In assessing whether Barclays overall human resources strategy and objectives, one needs to look at the statistics. According to Ostroff: The company is meeting its goal of increasing national market share by at least one percentage point each year. This figure represents approximately an 18 percent increase in revenues and a 20 percent increase in profits What is more, Barclays is beating the competition by spending less. (p. 119) Barclays has achieved many of its successes partly because it was able to develop and implement a sound HR strategy and objectives, which are characterized by excellent people management.

Not Just a Number: Critical Numeracy for Adults :: Numeracy Mathematics Education Essays

Not Just a Number: Critical Numeracy for Adults "It is difficult to understand why so many people must struggle with concepts that are actually simpler than most of the ideas they deal with every day. It is far easier to calculate a percentage than it is to drive a car." (Dewdney 1993, p. 1) To many people, the words "math" and "simple" do not belong in the same sentence. Math has such an aura of difficulty around it that even people who are quite competent in other areas of life are not ashamed to admit they can't "do" math. Innumeracy is more socially acceptable and tolerated than illiteracy (Dewdney 1993; Withnall 1995). Rather than discussing specific ways to teach math to adults, this Digest looks at emerging perspectives on numeracy and their social, cultural, and political implications as a context for new ways of thinking about adult numeracy instruction. What Is Numeracy? Numeracy involves the functional, social, and cultural dimensions of mathematics. Numeracy is the type of math skills needed to function in everyday life, in the home, workplace, and community (Withnall 1995). Although not always recognized as such, math is used in many everyday situations-cooking, shopping, crafts, financial transactions, traveling, using VCRs and microwave ovens, interpreting information in the media, taking medications. Different people need different sets of math skills, and their numeracy needs change in response to changes in life circumstances, such as buying a car or house or learning a new hobby (Gal 1993; Withnall 1995). Like literacy, numeracy "is not a fixed entity to be earned and possessed once and for all" (Steen 1990, p. 214), nor a skill one either has or doesn't have. Instead, people's skills are situated along a continuum of different purposes for and levels of accomplishment with numbers. Beyond daily living skills, numeracy is now being defined as knowledge that empowers citizens for life in their particular society (Bishop et al. 1993). Thus, numeracy has economic, social, and political consequences for individuals, organizations, and society. Low levels of numeracy limit access to education, training, and jobs; on the job, it can hinder performance and productivity. Lack of numeracy skills can cause overdependence on experts and professionals and uncritical acceptance of charlatans and the claims of pseudoscience (Dewdney 1993). Inability to interpret numerical information can be costly financially; it can limit full citizen participation and make people vulnerable to political or economic manipulation.

The Three Layers of the Skin

  The skin serves as protection to our body by keeping the right temperature for it to be able to perform its task the accurate way (Encarta, 2007). Furthermore, it also protects the immune system, consequently guarding us from different sicknesses (Encarta, 2007). This paper entitled, â€Å"The Three Layers of the Skin† intends to reintroduce the epidermis, dermis, as well as, the subcutaneous tissue which are the three layers of the skin (Encarta, 2007). In addition to that, it also aims to state the functions of the aforementioned.The skin is composed of three layers. The first one is technically referred to as the epidermis, which is the skin located at the outermost layer (Encarta, 2007). The aforementioned layer, in turn, has layers as well, namely: 1) stratum corneum, which is composed of dead, flat skin cells that shed approximately every fourteen days; 2) stratum licidum; 3) stratum granulosum; 4) stratum spinosum; and 5) stratum basale, which are column-like in sha pe, wherein cells break up and drives the cells into the upper layers, and when they do, they turn flat and die (Encarta, 2007). Furthermore, in this first layer, one can discover the three types of specialized cells including: 1) â€Å"Melanocyte†, which brings into being the pigment technically known as the melanin; 2) â€Å"Langerhans’ cell, which guards the skin’s immune system; and 3) â€Å"Merkel’s cell† (Encarta, 2007).The second one is known as the dermis which is made up of three types of tissue including: 1) collagen; 2) elastic tissue; 3) reticular fibers (Encarta, 2007). The dermis has two layers as well, namely: 1) the papillary layer, which is located on top and that which is composed of a thin arrangement of collagen fibers; and 2) the reticular layer, which is located at the bottom and that which is made up of thick collagen fibers put together in a parallel manner (Encarta, 2007).Moreover, in this second layer, one can discover th e specialized dermal cells, including: 1) hair follicles, which are located along with the â€Å"pili muscle† and that which joins each follicle; 2) â€Å"sebaceous oil glands† & â€Å"apocrine scent glands†, which are related with the follicle; 3) eccrine (sweat) glands; 4) blood vessels & nerves, which convey feelings of itch, pain, as well as, temperature; and 5) Meissner’s & Vater-Pacini corpuscles, which convey the feelings of pressure and touch (Encarta, 2007). The last layer is known as the â€Å"subcutaneous tissue†, which is made up of connective and fat tissues that accommodates blood vessels, as well as, nerves (Encarta, 2007). The subcutaneous tissue actually plays a large role in the control of the skin’s temperature (Encarta, 2007).ReferenceEncarta (2007). Skin. Retrieved May 30, 2007 fromhttp://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761569048/Skin.html

History of Feminism in the 1990’s

Overall, the rights and status of women have improved considerably in the last century; however, gender equality has recently been threatened within the last decade. Blatantly sexist laws and practices are slowly being eliminated while social perceptions of â€Å"women's roles† continue to stagnate and even degrade back to traditional ideals. It is these social perceptions that challenge the evolution of women as equal on all levels. In this study, I will argue that subtle and blatant sexism continues to exist throughout educational, economic, professional and legal arenas. Women who carefully follow their expected roles may never recognize sexism as an oppressive force in their life. I find many parallels between women's experiences in the nineties with Betty Friedan's, in her essay: The Way We Were – 1949. She dealt with a society that expected women to fulfill certain roles. Those roles completely disregarded the needs of educated and motivated business women and scientific women. Actually, the subtle message that society gave was that the educated woman was actually selfish and evil. I remember in particular the searing effect on me, who once intended to be a psychologist, of a tory in McCall's in December 1949 called â€Å"A Weekend with Daddy. † A little girl who lives a lonely life with her mother, divorced, an intellectual know-it-all psychologist, goes to the country to spend a weekend with her father and his new wife, who is wholesome, happy, and a good cook and gardener. And there is love and laughter and growing flowers and hot clams and a gourmet cheese omelet and square dancing, and she doesn't want to go home. But, pitying her poor mother typing away all by herself in the lonesome apartment, she keeps her guilty secret that from now on she will e living for the moments when she can escape to that dream home in the country where they know â€Å"what life is all about. † (See Endnote #1) I have often consulted my grandparents about their experiences, and I find their historical perspective enlightening. My grandmother was pregnant with her third child in 1949. Her work experience included: interior design and modeling women's clothes for the Sears catalog. I asked her to read the Friedan essay and let me know if she felt as moved as I was, and to share with me her experiences of sexism. Her immediate reaction was to point out that â€Å"Betty Friedan was a college educated woman and she had certain goals that never interested me. † My grandmother, though growing up during a time when women had few social rights, said she didn't experience oppressive sexism in her life. However, when she describes her life accomplishments, I feel she has spent most of her life fulfilling the expected roles of women instead of pursuing goals that were mostly reserved for men. Unknowingly, her life was controlled by traditional, sexist values prevalent in her time and still prevalent in the nineties. Twenty-four years after the above article from McCall's magazine was written, the Supreme Court decided whether women should have a right to an abortion in Roe v. Wade (410 U. S. 113 (1973)). I believe the decision was made in favor of women's rights mostly because the court made a progressive decision to consider the woman as a human who may be motivated by other things in life than just being a mother. Justice Blackmun delivered the following opinion: Maternity, or additional offspring, may force upon the woman a distressful life and future. Psychological harm may be imminent. Mental and physical health may be taxed by child care. There is also a distress, for all concerned, associated with the unwanted child, and there is the problem of bringing a child into a family already unable, psychologically and otherwise, to care for it. In other cases, as in this one, the additional difficulties and continuing stigma of unwed motherhood I feel the court decision of Roe v. Wade would not have been made in 1949. Even in 1973, it was a progressive decision. The problem of abortion has existed for the entire history of this country (and eyond), but had never been addressed because discussing these issues was not socially acceptable. A culture of not discussing issues that have a profound impact on women is a culture that The right of abortion became a major issue. Before 1970, about a million abortions were done every year, of which only about ten thousand were legal. Perhaps a third of the women having illegal abortions – mostly poor people – had to be hospitalized for complications. How many thousands died as a result of these illegal abortions no one really knows. But the illegalization of abortion clearly orked against the poor, for the rich could manage either to have their baby or to have their abortion under safe conditions. (See Endnote #3) A critic of the women's movement would quickly remind us that women have a right to decline marriage and sex, and pursue their individual interests. However, I would argue that the social pressure women must endure if they do not conform to their expected role is unfair. The problem goes beyond social conformity and crosses into government intervention (or lack thereof). The 1980's saw the pendulum swing against the women's movement. Violent acts against women who sought abortions became common and the government was unsympathetic to the victims. There are parallels between the Southern Black's civil rights movement and the women's movement: Blacks have long been accustomed to the white government being unsympathetic to violent acts against them. During the civil rights movement, legal action seemed only to come when a white civil rights activist was killed. Women are facing similar disregard presently, and their movement is truly one A national campaign by the National Organization of Women began on 2 March 1984, demanding hat the US Justice Department investigate anti-abortion terrorism. On 1 August federal authorities finally agreed to begin to monitor the violence. However, Federal Bureau of Investigation director, William Webster, declared that he saw no evidence of â€Å"terrorism. Only on 3 January 1985, in a pro-forma statement, did the President criticize the series of bombings as â€Å"violent anarchist acts† but he still refused to term them â€Å"terrorism. † Reagan deferred to Moral Majoritarian Jerry Falwell's subsequent campaign to have fifteen million Americans wear â€Å"armbands† on 22 January 1985, â€Å"one or every legal abortion† since 1973. Falwell's anti-abortion outburst epitomized Reaganism's orientation: â€Å"We can no longer passively and quietly wait for the Supreme Court to change their mind or for Congress to pass a law. † Extremism on the right was no vice, moderation no virtue. Or, as Hitler explained in Mein Kamph, â€Å"The very first essential for success is a perpetually constant and regular employment of violence. † (See Endnote #4) This mentality continued on through 1989 during the Webster v. Reproductive Health Services (109 S. Ct. 3040 (1989)) case. The Reagan Administration had urged the Supreme Court to use this case as the basis for overturning Roe v. Wade. † (See Endnote #5) It is disturbing that the slow gains achieved by the women's movement are so volatile and endangered when conservative administrations gain a majority in government. To put the problem into perspective: a woman's right to have an abortion in this country did not come until 1973. Less than two decades later, the president of the United States is pushing to take that right away. It seems blatant that society is bent on putting women in their places. From the above examples, it appears American culture prefers women as non-professional, non-intellectual, homemakers and mothers. This mentality is not easily resolved, because it is introduced at a young age. Alice Brooks experienced inequality on the basis of her race and her sex. In her autobiography, A Dream Deferred, she recalls the reaction of her father when she brought up the idea of college to him: I found a scholarship for veterans' children and asked my father to sign and furnish proof that he was a veteran. He refused and told me that I was only going to get married and have babies. I needed to stay home and help my mother with her kids. My brother needed college to support a family. Not only was I not going to get any help, I was also tagged as selfish because I wanted to This is another example of women being labeled as selfish for wanting the same opportunities as men. Alice Brooks is a very courageous woman; seemingly able to overcome any oppression she may encounter. During her presentation to our class, she said that â€Å"women who succeed in male dominated fields are never mediocre – they are extraordinary achievers. † Her insight encapsulates uch of the subtle sexism that exists today. I feel that no one can truly be equal in a society when only the â€Å"extraordinary achievers† are allowed to succeed out of their expected social role. This attitude of rising blatant and subtle attacks on women's civil rights is further exemplified in recent reactions to affirmative action plans. These plans have been devised to try to give women and minorities an opportunity to participate in traditionally white male dominated areas. However, we see the same trends in legal action for the use of affirmative action plans as we saw in the 980's backlash against the Roe v. Wade decision. A few interesting points were presented in the case, Johnson v. Transportation Agency, Santa Clara (480 U. S. 616 (1987)). Mr. Paul E. Johnson filed suit against the Santa Clara County Transportation Agency when he was denied a promotion, feeling the company's affirmative action plan denied him of his civil rights. Some interesting facts were presented in this case: Specifically, 9 of the 10 Para-Professionals and 110 of the 145 Office and Clerical Workers were women. By contrast, women were only 2 of the 28 Officials and Administrators, 5 of the 58 Professionals, 12 of the 124 Technicians, none of the Skilled Crafts Workers, and 1 – who was Joyce – of the 110 Road Maintenance Workers. The above statistics show women have been considerably underrepresented at the Santa Clara County Transportation Agency. These numbers are not uncommon and are found throughout business. It is interesting to note the current popular perception is that affirmative action precludes white males from finding employment with companies that implement these plans. The truth is in the numbers, however. The fact that Mr. Johnson felt he was denied his civil rights because an equally qualified woman was given a promotion, instead of him, is just a small window into the subtle sexism that exists today. Most critics of affirmative action do not consider the grossly unequal numbers of men in management and professional positions. Secondly, it never seems an issue of debate that a woman may have had no other previous life opportunities in these male dominated areas. I do not intend to argue that affirmative action is good or bad, but only wish to point out that the current backlash against these programs is heavily rooted in sexism and racism. Often blatant violence or unfair acts against a group of people will cause that group to pull together and empower themselves against their oppressors. The women's movement has made large steps to eliminate many of these blatantly sexist acts in the last century. Now the real difficulty is upon us: subtle acts of sexism and the degrading social roles of women in today's conservative culture. Alice Brooks so eloquently described her experiences with inequality, stating, â€Å"the worse pain came from those little things people said or did to me. † As these â€Å"little things† accumulate in the experience of a oung woman, she increasingly finds herself powerless in her relationships, employment, economics, and society in general. The female child has as many goals as the male child, but statistically she is unable to realize these goals because of the obstacles that society sets in front of her. Society and media attempt to create an illusion that women have every right that men enjoy. However, women will never be equal until the day female scientists, intellectuals, professionals, military leaders, and politicians are just as accepted and encouraged to participate in all of society's arenas as males.

Edgar Varese essays

Edgar Varese essays Edgard Varese was born in Paris and studied composition there. He came to the United States at the age of thirty-two. He is considered an American composer. In most of his works, he used the spelling Edgar, but later used the French spelling Edgard. Varese was one of the most original composers. He was not satisfied with traditional instruments or the tempered scale of twelve equal half steps to the octave. He thought of his music as structures in sound. He did not think there was a need for the human performer. Varese had the idea that the music should not be changed from its intended message. He thought that by people playing sheet music, the music was slightly deformed from its original version. He figured that to do this, the composers score would be transferred to an electric machine. From then on, anyone would be able to press a button to play the music exactly as the composer had written it. To Varese, music is spatial. He thought of musical sounds as masses in space. In his playing he would no longer use the old conception of melody or interplay of melodies. In Vareses music, there are sustained sounds, sliding sounds, and certain favorite percussion sounds. ...