Essay Sample on Animal Testing Solutions and Resolutions

Essay Sample on Animal Testing Solutions and Resolutions Introduction Today as I trot through the forests of my homelands, I feel free knowing that my life is free from torture. For me, there will be no new products tested on my body or any body of any organism. My life is safe now from all manufacturers and scientists. My life is no longer open for testing. Although this may be true for my generation and me in the year 2050, it unfortunately was not for my ancestors. Long ago, I was walking through the forests of my homelands. It was a cold morning; so I wasn’t really worried about many predators, just something to eat. As I foraged, I began to sense something. My left ear turned 40 degrees to try and catch a sound to help me find out where and what it was I was hearing. Was it a predator or just a rabbit foraging like myself? I wasn’t sure, so I forgot about food for a little while and started to fear for my life. Little did I know that my life wasn’t going to end with a quick bullet through the heart like other rabbits. I began to walk away from my foraging site; slowly, then faster and faster. Still not sure of what had made me so paranoid, I began to run. But as I jolted off, a net fell on me, preventing my escape. I began to frantically flop on the ground like a fish on the bank of a pond on a hot summer day. I finally gave up as I heard a human chuckle at me and mock my futile attempts at escape. My muscles ached and started to cramp because of the strain put on them from my useless attempts to shimmy away from the net I was so entangled in now. As the end of the net was grabbed, I was dragged off; I did not fight because I knew it was useless now. The bed of the truck felt cold on my skin where my fur had been folded because of the tightness of the net against me. Still in shock because of the capture, I just laid there in a daze, staring blankly into the gray sky. When the truck stopped, the human came around and grabbed the net with me in it and went into a building. The man took me in another room. There were bright lights in the room which seemed focused on a long metallic table. I was tossed onto it, and the metallic surface reminded of me of the lonely ride in the back on the truck. A man with a long, light colored coat came over to me, observed me and said, â€Å"Thanks Charlie, this rabbit will do just fine for the tests.† Part of my fur was shaved off, then a man rubbed some kind of liquid like substance on me. It burned badly, but I could do nothing to tell him. I could not squirm, I was tied down and all I could do was lie there with the unbearable pain hoping it would end soon. It did, I fell asleep and did not wake up for what seemed a very long time, along with the other animals in that laboratory. These tests are still being performed today, keeping the issue of new product testing alive. The history and background, the players and their positions, and possible resolutions and solutions, must all be explored in fully researching this issue. History and Background Throughout the history of biological testing, no subject has caused more debate than product testing. The issue of testing products on living things dates back near the 17th century (All 1). Around then, a philosopher named Rene Descartes stated that, â€Å"Animals are not able to reason and therefore do not feel pain and suffering,† (All 1). During the same time period another famous philosopher by the name of Jeremy Bentham strongly disagreed with Descartes statements on animals. Bentham’s belief on the issue of animal testing was that living creatures are able to suffer and enjoy and their ability or inability to reason is immaterial to the issue of the treatment of animals. Bentham’s philosophy was, â€Å"The question is not, can they reason, nor can they talk, but can they suffer?†(All 1) The animal testing of cosmetics began in the early 1930’s in response to a lady using Lash Lure mascara on her eyelashes (All 1). First, the woman experienced a burning sensation in her eyes. Soon after this, she suffered blindness and in due course died (All 1). The moral dispute for using living things in experiments and testing pivots on the idea that animals are inferior to humans because they are not as intellectual as human beings and are incapable of reasoning (Animal Experimentation 1). Some people believe that this conclusion has a defect in that if we were to follow it, testing could begin on the mentally disabled or on children (Animal Experimentation 1). As human beings, we do not base value or give rights to people based on their intellectuality (Animal Experimentation 1). We give rights to people based upon empathetic knowledge that not doing so could cause undue pain, harm and suffering. Morally, we have a responsibility as humans to acknowledge the potential harm we cause to living creatures and should attempt to end their suffering. The scientific side of this issue is a result of a century’s work in using living creatures for medical studies in the search for cures and treatments of illnesses. Over the years the number of scientists who are finding animal testing to be obsolete and inaccurate has been rising steadily (Animal Experimentation 1). Scientists question the ability to accurately test and apply knowledge gained by animal testing to humans. Humans do have some of the same qualities and characteristics as those creatures used in laboratories, but the dissimilarities are very considerable (Animal Experimentation 2). For example chimpanzees, although known for being closely related to humans because they have 99 percent of the same genetics, are not vulnerable to some diseases including AIDS. In addition, they do not react similarly to humans when taking a drug or experiencing a medical procedure (Animal Experimentation 2). Because of this, some humans have suffered greatly, died, or even suffered from a disease that has gone undiscovered (Animal Experimentation 2). One example of this is with cigarettes. When experimented on using a variety of living creatures, scientists were led to believe that cigarettes did not cause cancer; therefore cigarette boxes went unlabeled with no cancer-causing label for many years (Animal Experimentation 2). In testing new products on animals to conclude the safety of the product, there are two primary methods; the LD50 (lethal dose) test and the Draize skin and eye irritancy tests (Protest 1). For more than 600 years these test methods have set the standard for safety with new products. The LD50 test procedures were invented in 1927 by J.W. Trevan. These tests were used to verify the potency of digitalis extracts, diphtheria antitoxin, and insulin and were used to determine proper dosages of certain drugs to obtain specified results for certain illnesses (Protest 1-2). The LD50 test method is composed of a group of animals that are given the same substance, the number of times administered is not specified, and are observed until 50 percent of the animals in the test group have died. Observing the test animals till death occurred was to determine lethal doses of the substances. The substance is administered in a number of ways. The test group is either force-fed or placed in a gas chamber to test products for inhalation safety, or the substance is applied to the epidermis (Protest 1). The testing can potentially cause paralysis, severe distress together with convulsions, shock, and blood loss through the nostrils, mouth or anus. Within 5 years of the invention of th e LD50 tests, the tests received major criticism on ethical and scientific grounds (Protest 2). Despite the major criticism, tests continued because of the straightforwardness of the tests and the solid numbers that were quickly observed. The straightforwardness of the tests comes from the idea if the test animal(s) is dead, don’t use the product, and if the test animal(s) is alive it is safe to use. The other primary animal test method to determine safety is the Draize test, named after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientist John Draize (Protest 3). During the early 1940’s, the FDA assigned Draize and other scientists to develop a testing method to determine skin and eye irritancy; a rabbit or species of rodent was usually used (Protest 2). During the eye irritancy test, a substance was placed into the eye of the test animal and observation was done for up to seven days (Protest 2-3). Observers looked for signs of opacity, ulceration, redness, swelling, hemorrhage, and discharge in differing intervals (Protest 2). Just as the LD50 test received major criticism, so did the Draize test. Just like the LD50 test, the Draize test continued because of the straightforwardness of its procedures and its ability to produce raw numbers quickly (Protest 3). A major company that used both tests was Revlon, which stopped in 1990 because of animal rights campaigns (Protest 3). Tod ay, the Draize and LD 50 tests are diminishing due to the use of the in vitro test method known as Eytex. Eytex measures eye and skin irritancy using a vegetable protein from jack beans (Animal Testing 1). Although some companies may still use the Draize and LD 50 tests, they are now becoming the minority. Players and Positions The issue of new product testing seems to be only two-sided. People either support product testing on living things or oppose it. Either way, each player has a solid reason for his/her position. Scientists and physicians are where most people look for solid numbers, for example if the test group lived or died, and factual information. Most researchers and scientists publicly speak out against tests or experiments done on animals stating their position by saying they are â€Å"outdated studies† (Drug 1). The tests are considered outdated because they have been used since the 17th century (All 1). In addition scientists speak out against these tests because of the inaccuracy of the results when compared to humans. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) believe that, â€Å"Human reactions to drugs cannot be predicted by tests on animals because different species (and even individuals within the same species) react differently to drugs. Britain’s health department estimates that only one in four toxic side affects that occur in animals can actually occur in humans,† (Drug 1). Even though the species used for the experiments are very similar to hu mans, the results can still vary greatly (Animal 2). For example, penicillin would not be available today if it had been tested on guinea pigs, a common test animal, because penicillin kills guinea pigs (Drug 1). Another example is morphine. Morphine would not be available if it had been tested on cats, goats, or horses because although it is a depressant to humans, to such animals it is a stimulant (Drug 1). Difficulties occur when trying to relate data gained from animal tests to human beings, and these difficulties have caused multiple problems over the years (Animal 2). Animal rights activists and groups, such as PETA, support most scientists and physicians and share their position, but activists add a new dimension to the issue. Activists believe that product testing on animals should stop, not just due to inaccuracy of results but also because of the raw cruelty. With such test methods as the Lethal Dose 50 (LD 50) and Draize irritancy test that involve substances forcefully placed on. A professional organization called American for Medical Progress Educational Foundation (AMPEF) has documented evidence supporting the testing of new medicinal products and procedures on animals and how beneficial and vital it has been to the human race. An example benefit would be polio. If it had not been for the tests done on animals with the polio vaccine, polio would still kill or cripple thousands of unvaccinated humans this year and years to come (Without 1). In addition, millions of American’s diabetics who need insulin would not have insulin, and would be dead without the tests performed on animals to come up with insulin for diabetics (Without 1). Similarly without the testing of chemotherapy on animals, 70 percent of the children that suffer from lymphocytic leukemia would die (Without 1). Over a million people who live in this nation would go blind in at least one eye because successful cataract surgery would not exist (Animal 1). Rehabilitation techniques would not be available for thousands who suffer disability from strokes or head and spinal cord injuries. Bone marrow and corneal transplants would not have been developed if not for the tests done on animals. Progresses in cardiology such as, coronary blood flow, coronary bypass methods and high blood pressure medication are another result of animal tests. The use of AZT to prevent HIV transmission from mother to newborn is another example of a medical advancement from animal testing. Such vaccines for smallpox, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, lyme disease, hepatitis B and chicken pox have been available because of tests preformed on animals (Without 1). Over 80 medicines originally developed for humans after being tested ended up being used to treat animals instead of humans, medicines including anesthetics, painkillers, and animal tranquilizers, which means animal testing can benefit both animals and humans (Animal Research 1). Other medications, procedures, or medical breakthroughs that resulted on tests done on animals and ended up being regularly used for treatment are skin grafts for wounds, organ or tissue transplantation methods, treatment for parasites, orthopedic surgeries, and for all pet-lovers the prevention of heartworms (Without 1). Millions of farm animals and pets are now safe from anthrax, distemper, canine parvorvirus, feline leukemia, and rabies thanks to researching on animals. With benefits for both for the animals and the humans, AMPEF makes a strong statement for the testing of products on animals. Another activist that would like animal testing to continue is the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) (NABR 1). They believe, â€Å"Virtually every major medical adcance of the last century has depended upon research with animal,† (NABR 1). An impressive figure, in favor of their argument, is that 70% of American’s supports the necessary use of animals is research (NABR 1). Another figure put out by the United Sates Department of Agriculture (USDA), stated that 1,267,828 animals are used in biomedical research in 1997 (NABR 2). These animals include cats, dogs, non-human primates, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and other animals (NABR 2). One of the major concerns animal rights activist groups have with testing on animals is the pain that is endured during testing. However, research done by the USDA proves that 92 percent of the tests done was not painful to the animals involved (NABR 2). Also, in over 50 percent of the cases involving animal testing, the animals were not subjected to any painful procedures (NABR 2). Solutions and Resolutions The scientists, researchers, and activists see only one way to solve the problem that they have with product testing on living things; it is to end product testing as soon as possible. But professional organizations like Americans for Medical Progress Educational Program (AMPEF) do not see why these tests must be stopped because of the benefits humans and some animals receive. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the John Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) have developed many solutions to the issue of product testing and have developed a program for students called CAATalyst (CAATalyst 1). CAATalyst was developed to teach students and their teachers about concepts to alternatives of animal testing. CAAT has worked with scientists for over two decades to find new test methods to replace the use of animals for laboratory experiments, to reduce the quantity of animals tested, and to refine indispensable tests to stop pain and distress on both humans and animals (Untitled 1). CAAT supports companies or scientists trying to change their ways by supplying grants for scientists developing methods that do not include animals, workshops that talk about alternative test methods, and books, newsletters, and other publications (Untitled 1). CAAT defines alternative tests by, â€Å"The three R’s – reduction, refinement, and replacement,† (CAATalyst 1). A reduction alternative is a test that uses fewer animals (CAATalyst 1). A refinement alternative is a test that improves the well-being of animals being used for testing (CAATalyst 1). A replacement alternative is a test that uses an in-vitro or computer method instead of a whole animal (CAATalyst 2).† By law, companies must test some of their products on animals to insure the safety of consumers. A group of companies, in response to the concerns of people, donated one million dollars to fund a center dedicated to in- vitro, or literally meaning â€Å"in glass†, and other alternative test methods rather than testing on animals to insure safety of thousands of animals (CAATalyst 2). A 2000 animal rights activist newsletter called â€Å"All for Animals† listed some alternatives to animal tests. Much of the tests involve the in-vitro test method which actually means â€Å"in glass† (Animal Testing 1). The in-vitro test contradicts the in-vivo test methods, which actually means â€Å"whole animal† (Animal Testing 1). In-vitro tests have prospered because of the progress in tissue culture techniques and many other analytical methods (Animal Testing 1). Such tests are the Eytex, Skintex, EpiPack, neutral red bioassay, testskin, TOPKAT, Ames test, and the Agarose diffusion method (Animal Testing 1). The Eytex test is a test that measures eye irritancy by means of a protein alteration system; it has replaced the Draize eye irritancy test in some laboratories (Animal Testing 1). The Skintex test is a test that uses pumpkin rind to imitate the reaction of the human skin to a foreign substance (Animal Testing 1). The Skintex and Eytex tests methods can accurately test and measure up to 5,000 substances (Animal Testing 1). The EpiPack test method uses cloned human skin tissue to measure the potential harmfulness of a substance. Cloning is a relatively new procedure, which makes cloned human tissue difficult to find. The TOPKAT test uses computer software which measures toxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and teratonogenicity (Animal Testing 1). The effectiveness of such alternatives is not yet known, but such big companies as Avon an d Estee Lauder use these alternative test methods (Animal Testing 1). Those that are in favor of animal testing have only one solution; that is to continue with current practices without interference from activist groups or protestors. Such groups as AMPEF and NABR continue to lay bare the advances made possible by animal testing. Conclusion The history of new product testing has deep roots on both sides of the issue. Philosophers began arguing over the moral issue of testing on animals in the 17th century, and the actually animal testing dates as far back as anyone can remember (All 1). But with tests as gruesome as the LD 50 and Draize irritancy the opposition’s argument is understandable (All 1). Although the LD 50 and Draize tests were after the times of the arguing philosophers such as Bentham and Descartes, I’m sure test methods were not less gruesome even further back in time for the philosophers’ generations. Although the tests improved as far as the welfare for the animals is concerned, the amount of criticizism did not lessen. Instead more and more animal rights activist groups grew rapidly around the world, making product testing the issue it is today. Such groups as PETA, ASPCA, All For Animals, and several Anti-Vivisection Societies around the world speak against companies that have tested on animals for many years. Those groups oppose testing on animals because of the raw cruelty of it; and I concur; there is nothing classy about watching a rabbit’s eyes hemorrhage (Eye 1). However, major progress in the field of medicine, including diagnoses, medications, and treatments for diseases such as polio, measles, and smallpox have been developed as a result of animal testing. These diseases are among many known to have killed millions of people. Today we have vaccines that have nearly wiped out these diseases and other dreadful diseases because of animal testing (Without 1). The alternatives to product testing on animals seem to be more update usage in-vitro methods and computer software rather than just dropping some substance into or onto a living, breathing creature (Animal Testing 1). As the researcher of this project,I find myself supporting the testing of new products on animals, simply because of the medical advances that have resulted from these tests (Without 1). Testing using computer software may give results on a new product more efficiently than testing on animals, but by saving a few animals we may have killed millions of humans. In testing on a computer that cannot react like a living creature, we may miss the opportunity to develop a cure for cancer, HIV, or AIDS. Although my point may be exaggerated with the cure for cancer, HIV, and AIDS, such major medical breakthroughs have occurred because of the tests done on animals (Without 1). I do not enjoy hearing or researching about killing and torturing animals, but I will not stand in the way of medical advancements for the human race. We have cloned a sheep, although this is not the only option to make up for the ones killed in order to save millions upon millions of human lives. Currently, there is no definite solution to the issue of new product testing. Companies continue to test on animals. Due to the major advances, without animal testing these would not be possible (NABR 1). However, animal rights activist groups such as PETA and newsletters such as â€Å"All for Animals† will not stop with their protests until animal testing is completely obliterated. 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Business Law Written Assignment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Business Law Written Assignment - Research Paper Example An offer Is made with respect to the monetary value and a counter offer is made in return to the offer. The present facts of the case pertains to a minor entering into a contract, since any person below the age of 18years is a minor and cannot take part in a contract. Since Ty is below the age of 18 years, Roes are entitled to disaffirm Ty’s â€Å"agreement† to sell the Van-Damm artwork to Rem, obtaining the artwork back from Rem. According to the commercial lease code, every lease document has to be in signing since it is a document of contract and therefore to invoke any legal action such document must be in written format. Rem cannot invoke his rights of lease until and unless his lease is signed with the parties. Without having signed the lease agreement, he has not become party to such contract and therefore it cannot be ascertained whether he considered entering into the contract or not. The clause to terminate the document is not improper and does not curtail the rights of the individual. Every individual is given a right to exit the contract which is mentioned within the terms of the contract and such right is part and parcel of the existing structure of the contract. No, Rem would not win as there is no written agreement which has been signed between the parties. Since there is no written agreement between the parties it would be impossible to ascertain whether such a contract existed, and therefore it is impossible for Rem to prove such a fact before the court of law. If Rem were to sue Ms. Relief to enforce the terms of the Commercial Lease document (Exhibit â€Å"A†, attached) to allow Rem to lease the Beverly Hills space for his Van-Damm exhibition, would Rem

Channels for Specific Audinece Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Channels for Specific Audinece - Essay Example In addition, 33.1% of all households were composed of individuals living alone, of which 6.2% was someone 65 years of age or older. The average household size in Raleigh was 2.30 persons, and the average family size was 2.97 persons. Raleighs population in 2000 was evenly distributed with 20.9% below the age of 18, 15.9% aged 18 to 24, 36.6% from 25 to 44, and 18.4% from 45 to 64. An estimated 8.3% of the population was 65 years of age or older, and the median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.0 males; for every 100 females aged 18 or older, there were 96.6 males aged 18 or older.† (http://www.wikipedia.com). 1. Renters. There are no specific data about the population profile of renters. According to statistics renters have less annual income than home owners. The media chosen for renters are newspapers and more specifically the â€Å" News & Observer† which is the largest daily newspaper of Raleigh, â€Å"Carolina† which is a monthly newspaper distributed for free so it can reach a large audience and â€Å"Triangle Tribune† in order to reach the Afro-American community. The internet will also be used as media channel for renters and more specifically it will be the New Raleigh which focuses on night life, restaurants etc. TV will be also included and more specifically the WUNC-TV because it shows the popular EastEnders comedy on Sunday nights – a day that most people stay at home because Monday is a working day. 2. Women who are owners of small business. The restaurant will use newspapers for reaching this target group and more specifically all the free newspapers like Independent Weekly, Carolina Journal and The Slammer. Free newspapers have the advantage that they are distributed to areas where lots of people gather i.e. subways etc. The Slammer has the advantage that is available at local

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example for Free

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Everyone else got to decide what would become of their lives, while she was now going to have everything decided for her. While Kim tells her story, she makes several statements that key on the readers’ emotions and get us to take her side. Kim uses good imagery when she tells about her village being burned down and her clothes scorched off. She says â€Å"I saw an airplane getting lower and then four bombs falling down. I saw fire everywhere around me. Then I saw fire over my body, especially on my left arm. My clothes had been burned off by the fire. Anyone who could imagine this happening to a nine year old wouldn’t be able to help feeling sorry for this person. To make matters for the little girl worse, she was then forced to become a poster child for the Vietnamese government to show the rest of the world. Kim’s freedom to become what she wanted was taken from her. While telling her story, she does a very good job using these rhetorical pathos to make the reader feel sorry for her and take her side. In the story, â€Å"Untold Stories of Kindness†, an American soldier tells about the brutal reality of war. He explains that even though you may not agree with the reason for the fight or even know the truth behind the war, if you are a soldier, you have to do your job and continue fighting. He hits on the point that people want to help each other even in times of war and despair. He says that if everyone will just accept people who are different, the world will be a more peaceful place. His idea that people always want to help each other is supported by an example of a time he remembers people helping each other during his campaign in the Iraq war. After one particular fire fight that lasted nearly eight hours, Iraqi civilians helped the American soldiers clear the streets of wounded men and try to aid their injuries. People would also care for children, rebuild hospitals and schools, and feed the poor. The author of this essay uses strong imagery to make the reader have emotion towards his story. He tells about the time when insurgents detonated several car bombs killing over a hundred people. The number of people killed in this incident helps to emphasize the reality of all the people who dying in this war. He says â€Å"Cars were covered in blood as if they’d been hit with a paint sprayer. † This makes the reader try to imagine what he had to see and tries to make the reader feel the same emotions he has toward the situation. The rhetorical pathos used here are very similar to the pathos used by Kim in her story. Both of these essays made good points support the logic behind the statements and opinions in their stories. They also used good details and imagery so the audience could picture some of the things they had to see. The imagery in these stories tried to make the readers feel emotional and take the authors’ sides.

Hydroelectricity is an Efficient Way to Power the World Essay -- Water

Abstract With nonrenewable energy sources such as fossil fuels being quickly depleted as humans require more energy in the daily lives of modern society, renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly popular. For example, many energy sources such as wind power, solar power, and water power are being used throughout the world. Among these, hydroelectricity, the harnessing of energy from moving water and one form of renewable energy, is an efficient, economical, and nonpolluting alternative to fossil fuels with the potential to provide a larger percentage of world energy in the future. Introduction Hydroelectric energy is generated from moving water and is currently the largest source of renewable energy in the world. (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2005) As shown in Figure 1, small and large hydroelectric energy together constituted over 63% of all renewable energy used worldwide in 2005. Small hydroelectric plants usually encompass plants that generate up to 10 megawatts of power, while large hydroelectric plants can generate thousands of megawatts. (Global Status Report, 2006) http://e67ti2w9ws71al8xmnhsozd3.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/files/2011/07/renewable-energy-sources-us-eia-2010-jk.jpg Figure 1: Hydroelectricity compared to Other Renewable Energy Sources Since the Greeks used water wheels over two thousand years ago, humans have been using movement of water to create energy. (U.S. Department of Energy, 2005) The development of the water turbine began with French engineer Bernard Forest de Bï ¿ ½lidor in the 1700?s, and the first hydroelectric power plant in the world was built in Wisconsin in 1882. (U.S. Department of Energy, 2005) This power plant was based on a combination of a water turbine and an electric ... ....ren21.net/globalstatusreport/download/RE_GSR_2006_Update.pdf Hydroelectricity: Definition and Much More from Answers.com. (2006, June 6) Retrieved July 29, 2007, from http://www.answers.com/topic/hydroelectricity?cat=technology Pimental, D et al. (2002). Renewable Energy: Current and Potential Issues. BioScience, 50(2), 1111-1119. Retrieved July 22,2007, from http://arec.oregonstate.edu/jaeger/energy/Renewable%20energy%20article%20pimental.pdf Union of Concerned Scientists. (2005, August 25) Renewable Energy Basics. Hydroelectricity 10 Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/renewable_energy_basics/ U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (2005, August 30). Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program: Hydropower Technologies. Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www1.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/hydro_history.html Hydroelectricity is an Efficient Way to Power the World Essay -- Water Abstract With nonrenewable energy sources such as fossil fuels being quickly depleted as humans require more energy in the daily lives of modern society, renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly popular. For example, many energy sources such as wind power, solar power, and water power are being used throughout the world. Among these, hydroelectricity, the harnessing of energy from moving water and one form of renewable energy, is an efficient, economical, and nonpolluting alternative to fossil fuels with the potential to provide a larger percentage of world energy in the future. Introduction Hydroelectric energy is generated from moving water and is currently the largest source of renewable energy in the world. (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2005) As shown in Figure 1, small and large hydroelectric energy together constituted over 63% of all renewable energy used worldwide in 2005. Small hydroelectric plants usually encompass plants that generate up to 10 megawatts of power, while large hydroelectric plants can generate thousands of megawatts. (Global Status Report, 2006) http://e67ti2w9ws71al8xmnhsozd3.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/files/2011/07/renewable-energy-sources-us-eia-2010-jk.jpg Figure 1: Hydroelectricity compared to Other Renewable Energy Sources Since the Greeks used water wheels over two thousand years ago, humans have been using movement of water to create energy. (U.S. Department of Energy, 2005) The development of the water turbine began with French engineer Bernard Forest de Bï ¿ ½lidor in the 1700?s, and the first hydroelectric power plant in the world was built in Wisconsin in 1882. (U.S. Department of Energy, 2005) This power plant was based on a combination of a water turbine and an electric ... ....ren21.net/globalstatusreport/download/RE_GSR_2006_Update.pdf Hydroelectricity: Definition and Much More from Answers.com. (2006, June 6) Retrieved July 29, 2007, from http://www.answers.com/topic/hydroelectricity?cat=technology Pimental, D et al. (2002). Renewable Energy: Current and Potential Issues. BioScience, 50(2), 1111-1119. Retrieved July 22,2007, from http://arec.oregonstate.edu/jaeger/energy/Renewable%20energy%20article%20pimental.pdf Union of Concerned Scientists. (2005, August 25) Renewable Energy Basics. Hydroelectricity 10 Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/renewable_energy_basics/ U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (2005, August 30). Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program: Hydropower Technologies. Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www1.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/hydro_history.html

Beloved Essay

Sethe has a very complicated relationship with herself. Sethe is the character that is not able to forget the trauma of the times when she was a slave and fearing that her children might not fall into the same fate, prefers to even kill them. The central theme is that Sethe is in search of her own identity and Morrison also tries to show the cruelty and disturbing consequences of slavery that existed even after they were not slaves. The ex-slaves also feel inferior to the white people and when Denver walks out of her home to find a job and finally she finds her identity. Sethe is lacking this throughout and keeps herself isolated and only plays the role of a mother. ‘Those white things have taken all I had dreamed’, she said, ‘and broke my heartstrings too. There is no bad luck in the world but white folks. ’ (Beloved, Chapter 9, Page 89) Sethe kills her baby girl so that she is not physically, spiritually or emotionally oppressed by the masters or whites of that time. Sethe suffers the guilt of her this particular act and when the first time ghost of Beloved comes in her house she gets extremely terrified and wants it to go away at any cost. But the second time, Sethe allows Beloved’s ghost to destroy her house and digests her anger at even the cost of her relationships just because she thinks that this way she can calm down her daughter’s ghost. Beloved seems to be interested in Sethe and she listens to her and this satisfies Sethe too. Sethe has faced the dark and gloomy days of slavery and the whole life she tries to protect her children from getting into that life. Sethe’s unique interactions with Beloved, her incarnated daughter reveals a completely different picture. She struggles with herself and her emotions and most of the time she is lonely. She trusts very few people and has cut herself socially, especially from the black people. She identifies herself as a different person in different stages of her life. Sethe’s relationship with Beloved takes a different shape and helps her recover from the physical and mental trauma of slavery. The use of symbolism and allusions refer only to the confused and suffered state of mind of Sethe. Beloved has many grievances and thinks that her mother abandoned her whereas Sethe is unable to explain her daughter why it was better to die that to live in such traumatic situations. At these stages Sethe seems to be helpless and becomes more and more self-centered. She feels sometimes that she had no right to kill her daughter but the love and respect she had for her children forced her to do so. Her dreams for her children and their future were definitely not to live like slaves and she did what the moment forced her mind to do. Her motherly emotions are different from a general mother and she is seen very much possessive about her children too. She says, â€Å"[A]nybody white could take your whole self for anything that came to mind. Not just work, kill or maim you, but dirty you. Dirty you so bad you couldn’t like yourself anymore. And though she and others lived through and got over it, she could never let it happen to her own. The best things she was, was her children. Whites might dirty her al, right, but not her best thing, her beautiful, magical best thing – the part of her that was clean. † (Beloved, Chapter 26, Page 251) The novel in fact is Sethe’s memories in a shattered way and one has to collect them and understand and this makes the identification of relationships of Sethe with her two daughter all the more difficult.

Oedipus and Antigone - 2785 Words

Truth in the Eyes of Justice Greek theater encompassed many aspects that reflected the moral values and ideals of society. Their customs were tightly woven into the scripts of plays. Antigone and Oedipus the King, two renowned works of the Greek playwright Sophocles, explore these values through a plot thick with corruption, virtue, and determination. These plays reveal the burdens two Theban kings, Oedipus and Creon, as their lies and poor judgment corrode the integrity of their city, their families and themselves. Possessing a strong faith in their respective gods, the characters of these Greek plays are often led astray as they try to escape the twisted hand of fate, further warping their perception of reality. As their vain†¦show more content†¦When the blind prophet tells him that his decision will destroy him, he agrees to diverge from his original decree. However, he finds it too late for†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"dreadful is the mysterious power of fate, there is no deliverance from it by wealth or by war, by fenced city, or dark, sea-beaten ships† (Sophocles 138). Creon’s defiance leaves his family in ruins. His own son, Haemon, tries to kill him for taking the life of his bride. Unable to kill Creon, Haemon turns his sword upon himself. Creon’s wife, Eurydice, then kills herself unable to bear the loss of her son. Creon’s refusal to be a just leader destroys him completely, showing man’s inability to escape from their atrocious acts. There is little difference between roles of fate and karma. Fate dooms from the beginning and karma acts as the hand of justice delivering a fate fit for their crimes. In desperation, the people of Greece turned to the gods for salvation. The gods offer strict rules and morals to which the characters of Oedipus the King and Antigone adhere. The people of ancient Greece allow the gods to govern many aspects of their lives. Their fate, destiny, and the right to rule fall into the hands of their gods. All problems or questions are presented to the gods in prayer and answered through an oracle or prophet. Their wisdom is nearly absolute and their decrees are the unwritten law. Sophocles develops his characters toShow MoreRelatedOedipus The King And Antigone1264 Words   |  6 Pagestragic plays: Oedipus the King and Antigone. The end of Oedipus the King was the beginning of Antigone. Oedipus the King is one of the strongest tragic Drama as it tells a serious story which evokes fear and pity through incidents that put sympathetic characters in threat and Oedipus the tragic protagonist (the king) who suffer more than he deserved. Although, Antigone resemble Oedipus the King in many faces such as it is a tragic Drama, also it has two tragic protagonists, Antigone and Creon. BothRead MoreOedipus The King And Antigone948 Words   |  4 Pageswill eludes us in works such as Oedipus the King and Antigone. Oedipus, Creon, Antigone, and Tiresias are characters in these epics whose lives represented the battle of truth and wisdom. Oedipus attempted to escape the prophecy in which he killed his own father and married his mother. He hastily discovered his past while trying to cure his city, and his efforts to change his fate fail when the prophecy is realized. His daughter Antigone wanted revenge after Oedipus’ death. Creon would not bury herRead MoreOedipus The King And Antigone1909 Words   |  8 Pagestragedies, Oedipus the King and Antigone. The plays are written in a series falling into the same setting. Oedipus and Creon both deal with being rulers in contrasting styles and we can see their true characteristics when stressful situations arise during their respective reigns. Oedipus is portr ayed as a strong, yet fair ruler to his citizens. However, when Creon obtains power soon after, he embodies conflicting ideals and looks to serve his personal ego. Unlike Creon from Sophocles’ Antigone, OedipusRead MoreOedipus Rex Vs. Antigone1417 Words   |  6 PagesDaniel Nierenberg Comparative Essay 11-20-01 Oedipus Rex Antigone It is only natural that an author use similar vessels of literature, such as figurative language, literary devices, and elements in his/her work. It is even more apparent between works that are connected by character, time, and theme. Sophocles did this when he wrote Oedipus Rex and Antigone. When comparing the two pieces, it becomes evident that very similar vessels connected these very different plays. Sophocles uses aRead MoreComparing Creon, Antigone, And Oedipus1318 Words   |  6 Pagesdetermination; however, success is discarded by personal gain. Creon, Antigone, and Oedipus have different personalities and roles, but they also share similarities. Oedipus and Creon were two different types of rulers where the transition into power had effected them and had an infringement of prophecies. While Antigone was never in a leadership role all three show acts of pride she has some similarities with Creon and Oedipus in the fight within oneself. The pride allows civil laws to be createdRead MoreComparing Oedipus The King And Antigone1311 Words   |  6 Pagesanalyzing both Oedipus the King and Antigone, Oedipus and Antigone are very alike in ways. When reading these plays, the mind is wired to compare how the protagonists are alike, and contrast how they are different. Antigone and Oedipus are idolized by the people, but the legacy of Oedipus seems to have been altered due to the fac t that he has experienced bad past family relationships; therefore as Gale explains, â€Å"Antigone hangs herself. Creon’s son Haemon, who was in love with Antigone, commits suicideRead MoreAnalysis Of Oedipus The King And Antigone1170 Words   |  5 Pagesever- changing world. In civilizations such as Athens, women were looked down upon and this battle to leave behind tradition proved to be almost if not fatal. Sophocles Oedipus the King and Antigone exemplify three distinct female Athenian characters who approach this battle with different fronts. Through analysis of Ismene, Antigone and Jocasta’s distinct characters, the reader better understands how Sophocles uses a feminine voice to break away from the tradition discerned in Athenian life to advocateRead MoreCorruption In Oedipus The King And Antigone988 Words   |  4 Pages In Sophocles’ Oedipus The King and Antigone, Sophocles used two tragic stories to explore issues and themes involving that can b e interpreted in several ways depending on the readers understanding of the play and the main theme in focus. From a personal view point, themes such as corruption, injustice, civil disobedience and power drunkenness were explored rampantly by Sophocles to further dramatize a story that conveys so much messages. The ancient Greeks are well recognized for gifting the modernRead MoreAntigone, By Sophocles, The King And Oedipus1465 Words   |  6 Pagesplays: Oedipus the King, Oedipus of Colonus and Antigone. Oedipus the King and Oedipus of Colonus were written in a very male-focused manner. Throughout these plays, Sophocles’ main characters and main plots are written around Oedipus, Creon, Polynices, Tiresias, Theseus and very few spotlight is given to the female figures such as Jocasta, Antigone, Ismene, and Euridice. After Oedipus the King and Oedipus Colonus, Antigone comes into play in a protagonist role. Sophocles’ play, Antigone, representsRead MoreSummary Of Oedipus, Antigone And Polphocles1707 Words   |  7 PagesOedipus, Antigone’s father, had four children: Antigone, Ismene, Eteocles and Polynices. After Oedipus’ death, the two sons were meant to share the rulership of their town, Thebes, alternating between the two of them, starting with the elder, Et eocles. He then refused to pass the power on to his brother, who consequentially gathered foreign forces and launched an attack on his brother and the city, in which the brothers killed each other. Creon, Antigone’s uncle, immediately became king and ordered