The Life of Billy Pilgrim in Vonneguts Slaughterhouse-Five or The Chil

The Life of Billy Pilgrim in Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five or The Children's Crusade      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Marked by two world wars and the anxiety that accompanies humanity's knowledge of the ability to destroy itself, the Twentieth Century has produced literature that attempts to depict the plight of the modern man living in a modern waste land. If this sounds dismal and bleak, it is. And that is precisely why the dark humor of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. shines through our post-modern age. The devastating bombing of Dresden, Germany at the close of World War II is the subject of Vonnegut's most highly acclaimed work, Slaughterhouse-Five or The Children's Crusade: A Duty Dance with Death. Vonnegut's experience as an American POW in Dresden fuels the narrative that unconventionally defines his generation through the life and death of Billy Pilgrim. The survival of Billy Pilgrim at Dresden and his re-entry to the shell-shocked world reveal a modern day journey of the anti-hero. Vonnegut's unusual style and black satire provide a refreshing backdrop for a vehement anti-war theme and enhance his adept ability to depict the face of humanity complete with all of its beauty and blemishes. Likewise, Vonnegut adds his own philosophy concerning time, our place in it, and connection (or disconnection) to it and one other. Perhaps the most crucial step in understanding this intriguing work is to start with its title, which holds the key to Vonnegut's most prevailing theme.    Vonnegut addresses the writing of his work about the bombing of Dresden in the first chapter, detailing the stress he felt when faced with such a laborious task. The carnage of Dresden does not haunt those who were not there. The combined efforts of the A... ...dons the glimmer of hope that accompanies the fact that life has its moments of grandeur. He encourages the modern reader to escape the question "why me" and urges us to embrace a philosophy that consistently reminds us that even in the midst of the most cruel (and the most celebrated) events, humanity retains all of its virtue and vice. So it goes. Vonnegut allows us to laugh out loud, despite the tragedies of war and the anxiety of the post-modern world. His picture of the modern man is simultaneously dismal and hopeful. His unique style, satiric overview and astute ability to capture the multiple faces of mankind, properly place him in the realm of the most accomplished authors of the Twentieth Century.    Works Cited Vonnegut, Kurt Jr. Slaughterhouse-Five or The Children's Crusade: A duty Dance with Death. New York; Random House, 1969.   

Charging Sales Tax on Internet Purchases

Charging Sales Tax on Internet Purchases Internet purchases should not have sales tax because internet shopping is supposed to be convenient for the consumer. After doing some research online I came to an article called the Incidental Economist. After reading I too had to agree that your average home eBay seller and other individual small business whose profit is less than 10,000 dollars a year should not have to do the states job of pursuing a sales tax.Was not the sales tax already paid when the Reseller first bought the product? I feel it should be his or her own profit if they are selling things that once belonged to them or in order for the seller to acquire the product in the first place it had to be bought. I feel that this is another way for the state to capitalize on a double taxing loophole. On the other hand, there is a down-side to this. With technology evolving, more consumers are turning to the internet for the ease of shopping, bill paying, and other amenities.Imposing a sales tax could improve the economy of a state by using the money from the tax to mend roads, fund schools, and implement programs in the community. The state should be responsible for making sure that sales tax is enforced not the small business seller. The state should have some program that monitors transactions on the web to enforce such a law that would make paying sales tax hard to avoid. I also feel that this sales tax should be imposed on large retailers only.Your average homeowner who wants to get rid of a few things by selling them online should not be responsible for charging sales tax. To me this is very similar to charging sales tax at a yard sale; it just is not going to happen. Works Cited Stim, Richard. Sales Tax on the Internet – Free Legal Information – Nolo. 2010. 2010 . The Incidental Economist. The â€Å"Amazon Law†: Sales Tax on Internet Purchases. October 2009. October 2010 .

Meet the Florida Office of Drug Control

Have you ever pondered on the question, â€Å"who is responsible for monitoring drug trends in Florida? † The Florida office of Drug Control was established to address the current issue of drug abuse in the state. The major goal was to ‘protect our youth from substance abuse. ’ The collaboration of this institution with the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Education, Department of Children and Families, Prevention Coalitions, and Treatment Providers has enabled a prevention strategy to be successfully developed. The latest trends in this field have been used.The three strategic approaches which should be used are Prevention, Treatment and Law Enforcement. There is nothing better than preventing youth from the troubles of substance abuse. With the help of key stake holders, a strategic approach has been used to prevent youth from trying illegal substances. There are six key elements in the prevention of substance abuse: individuals, family, friends, sch ool, community and the society. The second approach used is treatment. There are many individuals who are already addicted. Fortunately, there are ways to get addicts out of their bad habits.Many treatments have been proven to be very effective to help overcome this difficult way of life. Partnership with treatment centers has increased treatment availability for those who need it. The Office of Drug Control’s main priority is to decrease the supply and demand for illegal substances in Florida State. With the help of Law enforcement department the drug issue is easily addressed. The Office of Drug Control has been involved in some initiatives, which include Florida Gang Reduction Strategy, and Methamphetamine. The Florida Gang Reduction Strategy is a program to discourage our youth from joining criminal gangs.These gangs not only introduce teenagers to the world of drugs but also encourage them to get involved in criminal acts. Gang members put themselves in life threatening situations. They also create misery for ordinary citizens. By implementing the prevention program, Florida’s youth will be able to reject all gang activities. They will not be motivated to join after being approached by cult leaders. This strategy also attempts to stop the decreasing number of gangs by giving them an option to leave the gang and change themselves in an effective rehabilitation process.The Office of Drug Control has taken positive steps to improve the quality of living for Florida’s youth. In collaboration with the key government departments and members of the society, they have been able to point out the areas that need to be targeted, to make Florida a drug free state. Stay informed about the newest drug trends this office has been able to pin point. Get information on prescription drugs and much more. For more information about the Office of Drug Control visit www. flgov. com/drugcontrol/.

An Analysis of Othello by William Shakespeare Essay

In the play â€Å"Othello† by William Shakespeare Iago plays the master manipulator and manages to deceive many of the other characters especially Othello and Cassio. It can be said that his motives are based solely on his insecurities due to the fact his goal in the play was to ruin Othello’s life. He does this by using psychological manipulation on Othello’s thoughts and makes him believe that Cassio and Desdemona are fond of each other. Which basically means that he targets anyone that brings out his insecurities, which gives him a reason to lash out and kill or harm these people, to make himself feel better. In the beginning of the play Iago makes it seem as if his hatred towards Othello is because he has made Cassio his lieutenant. As the play goes on you later realize that Iago’s hatred extends even more. â€Å"I hate the Moor, and it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets, he has done my office: I know not if’t be true, but I, for mere suspicion in that kind, will do as if for surety.†. There seems to be some rumors about Othello and Iago’s wife Emilia, the rumors are that Othello and Emilia have slept together. In the quote above he states that he doesn’t care if the rumors are true and that he is going to proceed with his plan as if they are true. Throughout the play Iago constantly reminds himself of why he’s targeting Othello. â€Å"I do suspect the lusty Moor, Hath leap’d into my seat: the thought whereof, Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards; And nothing can or shall content my soul, till I am even’d with him, wife for wife.† His hatred towards Cassio is more directed. Iago hates Cassio because he has gotten the position of lieutenant even with his lack of experience in the field as he is a more tactical creating strategies person. â€Å"More than a spinster, unless the bookish theoric†. Iago basically states that Cassio’s lack of manliness add to his hatred towards him. Each person in the play get manipulated in a way that only suits them. For example Roderigo is â€Å"blinded by his love for Desdemona, and is prepared to do anything to win her heat† this give Iago the advantage to take his weakness and use it against him. As innocent as Iago’s words seem Othello lets Iago’s manipulative words counteract with his thinking and this is where you could say he has officially planted the seed making sure he has  Othello’s ear. As Othello asks for proof Iago is once again able to manipulate Othello by making him hide and hear a conversation Iago has with Cassio. â€Å"Now will I question Cassio of Bianca, A housewife that by selling her desires, Buys herself bread and clothes. It is a creature, that dotes on Cassio, as ’tis the strumpet’s plague, To beguile many and be beguiled by one. He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain, From the excess of laughter. Here he comes.† Iago says this once Othello withdraws and once Cassio corners him starts discussing Bianca but allows Othello to believe they are discussing Desdemona. He whispers so Othello would not hear him and by doing that he agitates Othello and that causes him to be delusional. As mentioned before Cassio is also manipulated by Iago. The first way in which Cassio is deceived is when he get pressured into drinking and then starting a fight which consequently ruins Cassio’s reputation.† If I can fasten but one cup upon him, with that which he hath drunk tonight already, He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense, as my young mistress’ dog. Now my sick fool Roderigo, Whom love hath turned almost the wrong side out, To Desdemona hath tonight caroused, Potations pottle-deep, and he’s to watch. Three lads of Cyprus, noble swelling spirits, That hold their honors in a wary distance, The very elements of this warlike isle, Have I tonight flustered with flowing cups, And they watch too. Now ’mongst this flock of drunkards, Am I to put our Cassio in some action, That may offend the isle.† This is Iago’s soliloquy where he actually reveals his manipulative side. At first, Iago told Cassio he should drink on behalf of Othello although he knew that he did not want to and was not capable of it. Iago has manipulated Cassio to do something unethical. Othello and Cassio both get exploited by Iago because they both find honest, good friend and have a hard time judging character. Iago acts like he truly cares about Othello by giving him warning signs about Cassio. Iago also fools Cassio into thinking he cares whether he has a good time or not. Another way Iago manipulates Cassio is when he plants the handkerchief in Cassio’s chambers. â€Å"I know not neither, I found it in my chamber. I like the work well. Ere it be demanded, As like enough it will, I would have it copied. Take it and do ’t, and leave me for this time.†. Cassio says this when he gives it to Bianca. Cassio has no idea as to how the handkerchief got into his room. Iago left it there to set him up and make it seem as if he is having an affair with Desdemona. Iago exploits Cassio’s limited  knowledge since Cassio did not know that the handkerchief belong to Desdemona. In both scenarios Iago manipulates Othello and Iago by sugar coating the truth from them. Iago does feel better after manipulating the characters in the story this is shown throughout the story as Iago manipulates and controls every other character so well that they seem like puppets that he controls. At the end of the play, Iago’s manipulation has left a trail of destruction that has killed Othello and Cassio, as well others and has destroyed the lives of many who remain. The motivations and ideas Iago has are very deceptive and cunning, and his ability to influence is very amazing. Iago’s actions define of a man who will stop at nothing until he exacts revenge on everyone who he feels has threaten him in one way or another. Shakespeare has presented Iago as a kind and noble soldier he has also been known as honest Iago, this showing that everyone is not as what they seem on the outside. Already knowing that Iago has a hatred for his superior Othello and now Cassio â€Å"Thou told’st me thou didst hold him in thy hate,† Said Roderigo. â€Å"D espise me if I do not,† Iago replies. This during the opening scenes in the play. Iago fools Othello by providing â€Å"ocular† proof but didn’t allow him to listen or understand properly. As for Cassio, he used his friendship to plant the handkerchief. Both Othello and Cassio are naà ¯ve have a hard time judging character, are too proud to believe that someone is fooling them and their limited knowledge as to what was going on around them allows Iago to Successfully in the end manipulate the mind of Othello and sent him insane and left Cassio in a situation that he didn’t belong in. Othello and Cassio were both victims of Iago’s manipulation due to the fact that they had something Iago did not. Bibliography William, S. (01.22.14). Othello. Great Britain. Oxford University. Jonathan, L. (28.01.2010). How does Iago manipulate different characters in order to achieve his aims? Othello. Retrieved (02.27.2014), from http://www.markedbyteachers.com/as-and-a-level/english/how-does-iago-manipula te-different-characters-in-order-to-achieve-his-aims.html The Theme of Deception in William Shakespeare’s Othello. Retrieved (02.27.2014), from https://sites.google.com/site/thethemeofdeception/home Joshua, A. (2013). Protestant epistemology and Othello’s consciousness. Retrieved (03.01.14), from Gale Academic One File.

Service Quality, Employee Engagement and Customer Loyalty Developing Essay

Service Quality, Employee Engagement and Customer Loyalty Developing the Business Managers Relationship Ladder - Essay Example The organisation's decision-makers choose the sales staff and revenue measurements of activities that the organisation will use to meet the customers' requirements, and the conclusion is the perception of the customer. The organisation's decision makers also choose performance measurement systems to monitor and assess how well the organisation meets customers' requirements and the organisation's broader objectives that led to choosing the target set of customers. Customer-validated performance measures reflect customer requirements and help employees manage the value chain's processes and activities by concentrating their attention on improving what matters to the customer (Frazer-Robinson 1997). For the purposes of this study, quality customer service is a multi-stage measurement. This is defined by the customer's expected service level on dimensions of reliability, timeliness, responsiveness and competence from the company's perspective at the time of encounter, before the staff performed the required service for the customer (Stoneman 2001). In short, this is expediting service for the customer. Furthermore, the employee understanding of customer expectations about the sales person's experience, media skills and creative skills as well as how the sales person acknowledges the service quality (Stoneman 2001). The relationship quality is the perceived service level on the above dimensions of the customer and sales person relationship (Stone man 2001). Therefore, customer satisfaction is a focal point in this research as a cumulative, abstract affective construct that describes the total client's experience with the staff and is measured by the satisfaction with service quality expertise, skills performance and overall satisfaction with agency performance (Frazer-Robinson 1997). This will further assist in developing the ultimate goal to directly influence sales performance of service managers and consequently increase performance, but most importantly because sales are the main focus of the company direction (McCormick 2005). Therefore, it becomes important to describe the constructs between sales staff, service quality and customer service, but also to understand the commitments of the employee's towards customer service (McCormick 2005). This research project aims to improve employee engagement by improving customer satisfaction and retention through the development of a relationship ladder that describes the service manager's environment. Describing the employee's engagement in customer service through qualitative methods described later will do this. Utilising employee engagement theories to examine employee engagement in customer service and increase customer retention is a profitable and promoted method of development (Deloitte 2005). Employees who deal directly with customers are

Critically analyse the current health promotion activities associated Essay

Critically analyse the current health promotion activities associated with this sexual health - Essay Example For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled† (Technical Consultation on Sexual Health in January 2002). Reproductive and sexual health and well-being are vital if people are to have a safe, responsible, and satisfying sexual lives. Good sexual health is important to both individuals and society. It is, therefore, important to have the right support and services to promote good sexual health. Sexual health requires a positive approach to human sexuality and understanding of the intricate factors that shape human sexual behaviour (Fogel 1990). These factors affect whether the expression of sexuality leads to sexual health and well-being or to sexual behaviours that put people at risk or make them vulnerable to sexual and reproductive ill-health. Health programme managers, policy-makers and care providers, need to understand and promote the potentially positive role sexuality can play in people’s lives and to build health services that can promote sexually healthy societies. The level of concern related to sexual health among health care professionals, the Government and the public is presently high. This has been as a result of growing rates of infection, the arrival of the HIV epidemic in the 1980s, confirmation of heightened risk taking and often inadequate control of infections. Common conditions now include Chlamydia, non-specific urethritis and wart virus infections, but almost all sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are becoming more common (Stokes 1997). The frequency of visits to branches of genitourinary medicine (GUM) in England has doubled over the last decade and now stands at over a million a year, see figure 1 below. Diagnoses of genital Chlamydia also virtually doubled up during the 1990s, with a major marked increase in men and women aged less than 20. Current surveys of women

Effects of divorce on the mother - child relationship Term Paper

Effects of divorce on the mother - child relationship - Term Paper Example However, another striking finding is that it is possible to look at the effect of divorce on a more positive perspective such that mothers may actually develop certain strategies that would help them cope with the present situation, allowing them to experience a better relationship with their children. Introduction With the growing rates of divorce all over the world, it seems that the ceremony of marriage has lost its essence. Celebrities changing spouses almost as frequently as they change clothes become a part of everyday entertainment. In a highly liberated society, it does not come as a surprise when a couple separates even after years of marriage – in fact, it is almost anticipated. Several reasons have been identified, most of which, centered on the desire for freedom. As such, it appears as though freedom has become more valuable than love and stability. Indeed, in this modernized, less conservative world, marriage being a life-long commitment is already passe. However , it seems that many have overlooked the fact that more than just a ceremony, marriage is an institution which serves as a foundation of the family; hence, divorce not only breaks the marital bond but the family as well. The effect of divorce on children has become the focus of attention especially since their social and psychological development, in line with the socio-cultural learning theory of Vygotsky, is determined largely by their relationship with their parents, who serve as guides that shape their identity. When children grow up in the presence of both parents, they acquire traits and develop social skills that would equip them as they interact outside the home. As such, when a parent has to leave after divorce, the foundation is destabilized; thus, affecting the way that children interact with others. Nevertheless, perhaps, the most affected relationship in children’s life after divorce is that with their mother since most often than not, children are left in the cu stody of the mother after the couple separated. For this reason, many studies have been conducted on knowing the effects of divorce in mother-child relationship. These researches explored various facets of the relationship being influenced by the separation. Summary of Related Articles I. Brenner, J & Hyde, J. (2006). Parental divorce and mother-child interaction. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 45(3), 93-108. The study was conducted due to the predominance of researches which only focused on the negative effects of divorce in the interaction of mother and child, without adequate consideration of the perspectives of both individuals. Brenner & Hyde (2006) attempted to assess the behavior of both mother and child after divorce but unlike other studies on this matter they analyzed using a positive perspective. The previous research that led to their study is that of Gately and Schwebel, whose findings indicate that children of divorced parents actually improve in terms of maturity, c onfidence, empathy and sexual identity. This research gave them the idea that it is possible that divorce may be beneficial to mother-child relationship. Moreover, the researchers also utilize the concept of Vygotsky which serve as the theoretical framework in the analysis of results. The study made use of quasi-experimental design consisting of two groups of subjects: intact and broken families. The subjects consist of one hundred sixty pairs of