St. Augustine On Death Essays - Amillennialism, Augustine Of Hippo

St. Augustine On Death Death is a very natural occurrence in life, and everyone experiences death differently, but yet in the same way. When Augustine was a young boy his father died, and he makes a small account of this in the Confessions. Later on in life, he loses a dear friend, and his loving mother. With time, he mentally matures and death affects Augustine differently each time. The death of his father was merely mentioned in the Confessions, while the death of Monica, his mother, was an elaborate detailed account of the time of her death. The death of his close friend, when Augustine was a child made him realize that life is temporal. Growing up, Augustine was not very close to his father. He confided in his mother and leaned towards her Christian beliefs. Patricius, Augustine's father, was a pagan, but later became a catechumen. Patricius did not pressure Augustine about following his mother's beliefs, and gave him the freedom to do so. When Augustine was a child, he was subjected to the verbal abuse his father laid on Monica. His father was also not faithful, and this left a lasting scaring impression on Augustine. Patricius never hit Monica, and she realized that other wives were being beaten, so she accepted the verbal abuse. Patricius was proud of his son's accomplishments, and was admired by all for the sacrifices Patricius made for Augustine. Patricius was considered"generous," but then was also very "hot-tempered." In the Confessions, Augustine only makes note of his father's death, and one reason may be that Augustine was not happy with the way Patricius treated his loving and ever-forgiving mother. Shortly after Patricius' death, Augustine deals with death once more, with his childhood friend. In the Confessions, Augustine tells of a close friend he had as a child growing up. They both went to school together, and enjoyed each other's company. "...I had come to have a friend who because of our shared interests was very close. He was my age, and we shared the flowering of youth. As a boy he had grown up with me, and had gone to school together and played with one another..." Augustine and this unnamed friend knew each other for a short time, yet Augustine felt that he was losing someone he had known all his life. "You [God] took the man from this life when our friendship had scarcely completed a year. It had been sweet to me beyond all sweetnesses of life that I had experienced." The unnamed friend came down a bad fever, and he was baptized while he was unconscious. Augustine felt as if this baptismal sacrament would have no affect on him and he would carry all the sins of his childhood. The unnamed friend did awake from his unconscious state and Augustine and the friend had a minor conflict over a joke Augustine made over the friend's baptism. The friend did not find it a laughing matter, but they did resolve the conflict. Augustine left for a few days and while he was gone, his friend passed away. Augustine explains that he was stricken with grief from the death of his friend, that made him want to leave his hometown. Everything made him think of his friend, and he was always looking for him. Augustine was constantly weeping and was a wreck. "My home became a torture to me; my father's house a strange world of unhappiness; all that I shared with him was transformed into a cruel torment. My eyes looked for him everywhere, and he was not there. I hated everything because they did not have him...I had become to myself a vast problem..." Augustine explains that during this time of sorrow, he did not look towards God for help, and was too wrapped up in the misery of the death of his friend. One thought he had was that he was angered by the fact people in general do not realize that they are on this earth for a short time, and they do not understand the temporality of life. "What madness not to understand how to love human beings with the awareness of human condition!" With this sorrow, Augustine moves from Thagaste to Carthage. The third death Augustine had to confront in his life was that of his mother's, which ends the biographical accounts in Augustine's life. During days of Augustine's childhood, Monica felt as if he was the "son of tears." He turned away from Catholicism, and became a Manichean. Monica greatly disapproved of

Aristotle and Oedipus essays

Aristotle and Oedipus essays Oedipus is a prime example of a tragidy, according to Aristotles definition in the poetics. Aristotles Poetics is considered the first work of literary criticism in our tradition. The couple of pages in the book mainly describe tragedy from Aristotles point of view. He defines tragedy as being an imitation of an action that is a whole and complete in itself and of a certain magnitude. Aristotle also points out terms such as catharsis, which can be said that is the purification of ones soul. He argues in his Poetics that catharsis is achieved through emotions of pity or fear, which is created in the audience as they witness the tragedy of a character who suffers unjustly, but is not entirely innocent. Then he moves on to describing the main elements of tragedy. Such elements are: plot, character, language, thought, spectacle, and melody. Then he classifies these in three parts, the media, the manner and the objects. The language and melody constitute the media, in which they effect the imitation. Then there is the spectacle, which is the manner, and the remaining three, the plot, character and thought are the objects that are imitated. Aristotle considers the plot to be the most important of these elements. He describes the plot as not being a unity revolving around one man. Instead, he states that many things happen to one man, which may not always go together, to form a unity. At the same time, he says that among the actions that a character performs there are many that may be irrelevant to one another, but yet they form a unified action. Aristotle continues depicting the plot categorizing it in two manners: simple and complex. In a simple plot, a change of fortune takes place without a reversal or recognition. In contrast, in a complex plot, the change of fortune involves recognition or a reversal or both. T...

Charles Dickenss Biography

Charles Dickens's Biography â€Å"Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.† quote by one of the most influential author of English Victorian era, English novelist, Charles Dickens, who wrote numerous highly acclaimed novels. Dickens lived a life filled with happiness and sadness and everything in between. He left such amazing work which is the finest part of Victorian Era literature. Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England. His full name was Charles John Huffam Dickens. He was the second child of John and Elizabeth Dickens. As a child he always liked to put on plays in a family kitchen, and singing songs, standing on the table in the local pub. After that, John and Elizabeth moved to London. And the family moves there. John was a congenial man, he got into big debt. Charles Dickens started going to school at the age 9. His father was sent to prison because of bad debt. After that, Charles had to work in Warrens blacking factory and endured appalling conditions as well as loneliness and despair. This was a factory that handled blacking, or shoe polish. The conditions were really bad. Meanwhile, his family was sent to Marshalsea, to live near his father’s prison, and Charles was left alone. After three years, Dickens was sent back to school but his working experience was never forgotten and that experienced inspired the writing of two well-known novels, â€Å"David Copperfield† and â€Å"Great Expectations†. His father was able to pay the debt. Things turned around again, Dickens at the age of fifteen had to leave school again because he had to work in an office. In the following year, he became a freelance reporter and stenographer at the law courts of London. By 1832 he was a reported for two magazines. Dickens believed that writings can play a big role in fixing the problems of the world. Dickens became a journalist and began with the journals The Mirror of Parliament and The True Sun. After that, he became a journalist for The Morning Chronicle. He published his first book in 1836, â€Å"Sketches by Boz†. In April 1836, he married Catherine Hogarth who edited Sketches by Boz. In the same month, Dickens published â€Å"Pickwick Papers† whi ch was really successful. Catherine and Charles had 10 children. In 1836 Dickens began to publish The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club. This method of writing was really popular in the Victorian Era. After this, he began publishing â€Å"Oliver Twist†. He was also now editor of Bentleys Miscellany, a new monthly magazine. He continued publishing his novel in his later magazines, Household Words, and All the Year Round. Olive Twist kind of expressed Dickens life because this book is about a boy, an orphan, in London. Overall Dickens’s career was really successful but not in his first decade when he published work like Nicholas Nickleby (1838–1839), The Old Curiosity Shop (1840–1841), and Barnaby Rudge (1841). Dickens was also famous in America. He went on a five-month lecture tour of the United States. He spoke out strongly against slavery and in support of other reforms. When he returned from the United States he wrote the book â€Å"American Notes†, a book that criticizes American life as being culturally backward and materialistic. He also wrote another novel, Martin Chuzzlewit, which was about a hero finding that survival on the American frontiers is more difficult than in England. He also wrote, â€Å"A Christmas Carol and The Chimes†. Later on, he went abroad to Italy. Italy’s beauty inspired him to write â€Å"Pictures from Italy†. He also started to publish installments of â€Å"Dombey and Son†. Its full title was â€Å"Dealings with the Firm of Dombey and Son†. This completed the novel and boosted Dickens success. Dickens next novel was â€Å"David Copperfield†. This is an autobiographical novel fictionalized elements of Dickenss c hildhood, his father was an inspiration for the character of Mr. Micawber, his pursuit of a journalism career and his love life. This was Dickens favorite book. In 1850, he began a new magazine, Household Words. His editorials and articles touched upon English politics, social institutions, and family life. The 1850s were a gloomy time for Dickens. In 1851, he lost his father and one daughter within 1 week. After e few years, he fell in love with an actress so he separated from his wife. In response to his sadness, Dickens’s next novels were called his â€Å"dark† novels. These novels are considered the greatest triumphs of the art of fiction. He wrote the â€Å"Bleak House† which is considered to have the most complicated plot of any English novel, the narrative created a relation of all segments of English society. He wrote other novels such as â€Å"Hard Times† and â€Å"Little Dorrit†. Some consider the â€Å"Bleak House† to be the best novel he has written and others consider â€Å"Little Dorrit† since it portrays the conditions of England as he saw it and the conflict between the world’s harshness and all of these were expressed in a really impressive artistic form. In 1859 Dickens published a historical novel, A Tale of Two Cities, which was about the French Revolution. Dickens also published seventeen articles which later on appeared as a book entitled â€Å"The Uncommercial Traveller†. Next, he wrote â€Å"Great Expectations† which is sometimes also considered as his best work. It is a story of a young mans moral development from childhood to adult life. His last finished work was â€Å"Our Mutual Friend† which is about how he viewed London. Before death, Dickens started writing â€Å"The Mystery of Edwin Drood†, but he never finished it. For several years Dickens was sick. He had a railroad accident in 1865 from which he never recovered entirely. Dickens died of a fatal stroke on June 9, 1870.

Ethnographic interview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Ethnographic interview - Essay Example They gradually increased the tenure of engagement in these locations and the twentieth century saw the rise of long-term fieldwork with participant observation. According to Whyte, â€Å" When the researcher is living for an extended period in the community he is studying, his personal life is inextricably mixed with his research. A real explanation of how the research was one necessarily involves a rather personal account of how the researcher lived during the period of his study. This account of living in the community may help also to explain the process of analysis of the data†¦ the actual evolution of research ideas does not take place in accord with the formal statements we read on research methods. The ideas grow in part out of our immersion in the data and out of the whole process of living.† (1955, 279) While the above excerpt explains the process of ethnographic research, it also implies some underlying strengths as well as weaknesses of the process. The most evident and likely of all the risks is the idea of ‘going native’ and this would depend on the degree of involvement of the ethnographer with the surroundings. (Schutt, 2006 307) Ethnography helps in developing a user interface where the most important goal is to look at the system from the user’s viewpoint. This method helps in satisfying the needs of the end-user. Thus this method helps in a strong and effective assessment of the unspoken needs of the user. An ethnographer is supposed to accomplish all the tasks and understand all the relationships that integrate to form the job of the user. There is more scope and opportunity for an extensive research since it requires an unstructured form of data collection. The user can carry out his job and communicate even outside the official instructions  or job description. Sometimes when the real end user is not accessible, the ethnographer, owing to the high degree of understanding required in fieldwork, can act like the end-user

Influence of Nostalgia on the Concept of Ideal World Essay

Influence of Nostalgia on the Concept of Ideal World - Essay Example To present an influence of Nostalgia on the concept of Ideal World it is very important to have a comprehensive understanding of the word Nostalgia. Nostalgia refers to the sweet memories which an individual would want to relive all over again. The Nostalgic concept in Paradise lost is based around the lives of Adam and Eve.. Eve was the first to eat the forbidden fruit and Adam committed a bigger sin by following in the footsteps of Eve. When they quarreled over small things they realized that things had changed after the consumption of the forbidden fruit. God decides to expel Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. Adam then goes on an expedition with an angel to know how the world is like. He finds suffering in the world and becomes nostalgic to the moments he spent with Eve in the Garden of Eden. "To satisfy the sharp desire I had Of tasting those fair apples, I resolv'd Not to defer; hunger and thirst at once Powerful persuaders, quicken'd at the scent Of that alluring fruit, urg ed me so keen." (Browse Authors, 21 October 2008). The quote goes to show the implications of the actions taken by Adam, in spite of the warning he chose to taste the forbidden fruit. As a result of the same, he was expelled from the Garden of Eden where he experienced all the comforts and luxuries.

Othello Coursework Essay Example for Free

Othello Coursework Essay Othello is one of Shakespeare’s tragedies but also a love story of two lovers. Shakespeare’s tragic heroes always had at least one main flaw, which contributed to their downfall. In Othello’s case it was jealousy; when he was told Desdemona was having an affair. Other themes the play deals with includes hatred, racism, betrayal and discrimination. Although Othello is the main protagonist in the play, however, in many ways Iago seems to be the dominant character. Iago is presented in complete contrast to Othello, and is the villain of the play. Othello is a respected high-ranking general whereas Iago is a lower status and referred to as in his ‘ancient’ or his ‘ensign’. Many critics often describe Iago as the narrator of ‘Othello’; a fascinating character who is the main focus of the play. Many critics also see Iago as an intriguing character as he can be unpredictable. At the beginning of the play, it is Iago and Roderigo who are the first on stage, not Othello. If one were to form an opinion of Othello from this discussion, it would not be a favourable one. The audience is made aware of Iago’s hatred of Othello because Othello promoted Cassio instead of him and his belief that Othello slept with his wife. Furthermore Roderigo is jealous of the fact that Othello has taken Desdemona as his wife. In Act 2 Scene 3 of Othello, Iago is presented as the puppeteer, constantly manipulating everyone around him. Critics have argued about Iago’s motives for wanting to hurt others but in this scene he comes across as cruel and malicious. The scene is set in a castle and opens with Iago trying to get Cassio drunk. Iago motivated by his lust for power is attempting to dispose Cassio of his position as a lieutenant. Knowing that Cassio cannot handle his liquor it would be more likely he would fight if he’s drunk and that would make him look bad in Othello’s eyes. The opening scene presents us with a brief exchange of Cassio and Iago controversial analysis on Desdemona. In the dialogue, Cassio remarks are polite and complimentary to Desdemona stating she is ‘exquisite lady’, ‘fresh’, ‘delicate creature’, ‘modest’ and ‘perfection’. Iago on the other hand has a contrasting view compared to Cassio. Iago suggests that Desdemona is ‘full of game’ and ‘sport’ and that there is ‘provocation’ in her eye suggests both characters have different views on women. Iago’s low opinion of Desdemona only deepens his misogynist view and his hate for women because of the control Desdemona has over Othello. This can portrays his jealousy because Desdemona is an extremely attractive character with a higher noble status than his wife, giving him a reason to hate Othello. Iago has the opportunity to consider his plans in his soliloquy when Cassio leaves to invite some friends for a drink. One way we can tell the presentation of Iago as a character in Act 2 Scene 3 is through his soliloquies. It reveals Iago’s true character and intention to get Cassio drunk so that he loses control and becomes quarrelsome to get into a fight with Roderigo, ‘Am I to put our Cassio in some action’. His skills of persuasions show his power to manipulate people into trusting him to cover his act of being an ‘honest’ friend that adds to the presentation of his character. Iago’s clever perspective to observer this from a person allows the audience insight into various schemes or secrets to his motives that other characters are blind to. Furthermore, Iago’s understanding and manipulating the weakness of those around him make him a powerful and compelling figure that Shakespeare have portray in this scene. Cassio who has been left in a position of responsibility by Othello will shame himself as a lieutenant and loose his position as part of Iago’s plan that will gain him power for his talent of understanding and manipulating people’s weaknesses, ‘If consequences do but approve my dream’. Iago states he is willing to take on revenge on anyone that gets in his way of achieving Othello’s downfall. The end result would make up for what he lost on his way and enjoys the pain and damage he causes which he ‘approves’. The first soliloquy in this act shows us how narrow-minded Iago is and lacks emotions or feelings towards the people around him or himself. W. H Auden describes Iago as a â€Å"Practical joker of a peculiar appalling kind. † W. H attempts to portray Iago as a more humane character than he really is. Loyalty, love, friendship and guilt are all emotions that make us human. Iago misunderstands this concept of feelings, which leads him to his downfall. Shakespeare presents Iago with loss of emotional connections in his character show the tragedy of how isolated Iago is. Shortly after Roderigo raises the alarm under Iago’s instructions, Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to present Iago’s actions as he pretends to be the peacemaker. Othello aroused from his sleep ask ‘honest Iago’ for an explanation of the disturbance. Without being disloyal to Othello or to Cassio, he ironically follows Montano’s advice upon his honour as a solider to tell the truth of his version of the night’s events. While trying to save Cassio by making excuses for him, Iago endures that Othello will have no other option than to remove him as his position for causing a shameful public display. The irony of Iago’s account, we known that Iago constantly tries to underplay Cassio’s part in the fight, ‘I had rather ha’ this tongue cut from my mouth, Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio. ’ With subtle additions such as, ‘And Cassio high in oaths, which till tonight / I ne’er might see before’ and ‘ but men are men, the best sometimes forget’ reveals that Cassio has disgraced himself to befit a high ranking officer. Cassio sacked from his lieutenant position, Iago pretends to be a true friend by advising Cassio to seek help from Desdemona to gain his position back. ‘This broken joint between you and her husband entreat her to splinter’. Shakespeare cleverly portrays Iago as an evil mastermind who appears to aid Cassio, instead manipulating the situation in order to make it appear to Othello that Desdemona has emotions for Cassio when she pleads for his job. This sequence allows us to see Iago’s manipulative nature in a continuous flow; from the way he has made others see him to the revelation of his true self. The way he’s portrayed, we are amazed by his mastery of switching facades or identities without a trace of guilt. Iago when speaking with Montano, questions Cassio integrity and his position as a Lieutenant. Iago manages to suggest his support and concern for his comrade while at the same time, destroying his credibility and honour. He mentions to Montano that Cassio is a ‘solider fit to stand by Caesar’ as 2nd in command but his drinking habits matches his ‘virtue’ and implies he drinks every night. Iago’s apparent concerns furthers as he criticises Othello’s judgement for trusting Cassio to be his lieutenant shows his jealousy to be overshadowed and therefore lost his ‘social class’’ that he lacks of. His hatred dominates him just like he dominates all the other characters. Iago seems to master all the emotions that might affect his facade and never shows a trace of nervousness that intensify the power he has over the characters in the play and his ability to control the situation to his will. Furthermore when Iago protests to Montano that he is reluctant to highlight Cassio’s problems to Othello, as he ‘loves’ Cassio and would not wish him any harm. The irony of this situation is the fact that once Montano suggest it would be an ‘honest action’ to inform Othello, Iago declines. This is the only time we see Iago is speechless and to make him look more trustworthy, he implies that his allegiance is to a higher kind of ‘honesty’.

Letter to Complain to the Creator of the Simpsons Matt Groening :: essays research papers

To Matt Groening (Creator of the Simpsons), I am writing to you regarding a particularly concerning episode of the Simpsons. I am a big fan of the simpsons and have enjoyed watching it for years, and until this day have never had to complain about it. I am shocked, furious and appalled about the way you, in the episode blood feud, represented the elderly in a very stereotypical way, the use of inappropriate language, the showing of death also the disgusting display of nudity. I am aware that many people find these things funny, you may well be one of them, but I am not, neither are the hundreds and thousands of parents who have had to punish their children because they have imitated the simpsons and consequently hurt themselves or some other innocent person. Firstly I would like to inform you, because you obviously you do not already know, that in our modern society it is up to us to teach our children respect for the elderly, it is already hard enough with out you showing the elderly to be cruel, greedy and in homers fathers case boring. I understand that a lot of characters are stereotypical in your show to make it funny, but I advise you in future to make the characters less offending. Secondly the amount of unnecessary violence is not funny, Is not attracting more viewers and is not good for children to see. It is teaching children :?if some body annoys me I can only make the situation better by strangling him or her.? Thirdly I must express my concern for the sickening display of nudity. I must say Mr.Burns?s bottom is not a very pleasant sight. I would appreciate it if you thought long and hard if this high level of nudity is necessary. my forth point I would like you to take into consideration is the scene which shows Mr.

Blue Remembered Hills by Dennis Potter

This term we studied a play, originally written for television, called Blue Remembered Hills by Dennis Potter. It is described as a â€Å"deceptively simple tale†, the reason for this is that although the plot appears to show the events of seven West-Country seven year olds on a summer afternoon during the Second World War it holds a completely different underlying meaning. Over the course of the play the children play and fight as seven year olds do. However Dennis Potter insisted that the seven year olds be played by adults. His reason for this was that he wanted his audience to realise the true realities of childhood are not â€Å"transparent with innocence†, which he said himself. He didn't want the audience to react to two girls playing with doll with an indulgent â€Å"ah!† he did not want people to see the adorable and seemingly innocent side to childhood. From his own experiences he understood that he had some of the same feelings that he once had a child. He recalls that when walking alone in the â€Å"wrong parts† of New York he felt â€Å"almost exactly the same fear that I had felt four decades earlier† when he had been â€Å"waylaid by one particular bully in the high hedge lanes†. He says that he â€Å"did not want these, or any other, emotions to be distanced by the presence of young limbs, fresh eyes. And falsetto voices†. He wanted his audience to be able to feel some sort of resemblance between their own feelings and those of the characters in the play and these emotions were not all innocent ones. Another reason he chose adults was because he wanted his audience to see how children really played, as they subtly alter their behaviour when they are being watched by adults. After reading the play carefully we then discussed the themes of Blue Remembered Hills: Death Games War Limitations of Childhood Happiness Loss of Fear Innocence Bullying Friendship Child Abuse We then narrowed these down into four main themes Innocence Guilt Bullying War We then performed a still image on each of these four themes. My group had to perform the themes bullying and guilt. Preparing and carrying out these still images helped us capture the emotions and reactions of the characters involved. BULLYING GUILT BULLYING: Levels were very important in this still image as they helped show the different status of each character. With this in mind, we decided to have one character on a lower level than the others. This character was kneeling down curled up, whilst the other was standing in a tall and confident way towering over him/her. This made it obvious to the audience who was in control of the situation. Also the positioning of the characters was important. We wanted to show how the one being bullied wanted to create distance but that the other wanted to dominate the situation. We did this by having the one being bullied shrinking away shielding their face. To show how the character in charge was bullying the other they were pointing and laughing whilst they had a slightly angry expression on their face. GUILT: I found this still image harder to create. We decided to have one character accusing another, whilst the accused character being the centre of attention so as to show they were guilty. Again we found levels very important. To emphasise who in the still image was guilty we had this character on a higher level whilst looking slightly scared and anxious. We did this by having this character biting their nails to show anxiety and standing with hunched shoulders as if to hide their guilt. The other character had an angry expression to show their mood. This character stood a good distance from the other as if they were trying to exclude the accused character. After having narrowed down the many themes into four main themes, we were able to use the still images to understand the emotions of the characters. We were able to explore deeper into how children the age of seven would have reacted and behaved in these situations. This helped us greatly when we did work off text. Another way in which we explored the play was with role-play. During one of our first lessons our teacher told us to play tag, something that seven year olds would do. At first we felt awkward but soon we were all running around the room. When we stopped playing we discussed how we had felt. * Even though it had been a long since playing tag I found it very invigorating. * Whilst playing I never stopped to think about whether I was tired or not, but once I stopped playing I realised I was very out of breathe. * I was surprised at how much energy I had and how I continued to feel energised even after I had stopped playing. * I also noticed how whilst we were playing, there had been no boundaries between any of the students and that we didn't care if the person we were chasing or running away from was a boy or a girl or if they were our friend or not. We then discussed the similarities between our behaviour whilst playing tag and the behaviour of seven year olds. I realised that without any preparation we had already imitated the behaviour of children. I realised how all the actions feelings I had whilst playing tag I had already had when I was seven years of age (this reminded me of Dennis Potter's Quote which I included in the first paragraph). I noticed that many of the things I did when role playing, were things that a seven year old would do as well. For example, how I never stopped running or moving even when I was tired and out of breathe.

Business law case study Essay

This essay will discuss the Case study by firstly identifying four elements of contract, then justifying duties of Mr. Martin with applying the principles of pre-existing contractual duties. Finally a discussion about part payment of debt and promissory estoppel will be explained. Likewise, this essay will evaluate the knowledge of common law and agency relationship. QUESTION 1 a) Four essential elements of a contract should be Offer, Acceptance, Intention to create legal relations and Consideration. Firstly, offer, according to Adams(2012), is a full and clear statement of the terms†(p79) send to a party(the offeree) by another party(the offeror). Otherwise there could be a misunderstanding of an invitation to treat or negotiation which are similar statements. If an offer intends to be legally binding, acceptance, by which the offerees can show their agreement of all the terms of the offer, is needed. Acceptance needs to be valid and informing the offeror, while the terms should as same as the previous ones. Another element, i.e. consideration, aims to make sure the promise made is of value. As defined by Jones (2011), the consideration needs to give benefits to the one, who is suffering a loss at the same time. Last but not least, while making an agreement to be legally enforceable, intention to create legal relations is important. While judging whether it is a binding contract or not, the situation to make this contract needs to be considered, in other words, according to Adams(2012), contract made in a domestic or social environment will not be legally bound. Otherwise, if parties are willing to do a commercial agreement, it will be regard as legally bound(Jones, 2011). b) Mr. Martin need to pay the  £750 due to two reasons, based on three cases existed as judicial precedents, which are Stilk v Myrick(1809), Hartley v Ponsonby(1857) and Williams v Roffey bros(1990)One perspective is that there is an additional value within the new contract, though Mr. Martin and Bob the builder were being under a pre-existing contract. Hold that the old contract is not over, due to the other aspect of reason, Mr. martin needs to pay the extra money in order to avoid the loss. These afore-mentioned two points will be justified by cases. Stilk v Myrick(1809) indicates that a  captain promised the seamen extra money if they did successfully return back home. The court finally hold that the captain is not duty to pay the extra money because the old contract is existed as there is not of additional value. While Harley v Ponsonby(1857) was held that the captain needs to pay the extra money, though the situation is similar, because the court consider there is extra value added to the new contract, whilst the old contract is discharged. There are some similarities among these two cases and Mr. Martin’ s case. Mr. Martin also have an existed contract as both parties are agreed to terms of the contract, but comparing to Stilk’s case, Bob the builder suggest a sub-contract with consider an additional value, which is the value of Martin’s seafood. Meantime, because of the bad weather and sick crews, Marin need to pay extra money to ensure this additional value is secured, however, this does not means the old contract is over because the contract can be fulfilled though it may probably be expiry, as Martin has to pay extra  £750 in spite of the payment of the previous contract. On the other hand, in Williams v Rpffey bros, the claimant consider the loss of defendant if the task is not finished on time, so the defendant do have to pay the claimant the extra money as promised. In this case, Bob the builder consider the benefit of Martin so that they suggest the sub-contractor. As Mr. Marin accepted Bob’s counter offer and Bob help him avoid the loss of an amount of seafood. According to the precedent of Williams’ case, since new value to considered, Mr. Martin should pay the extra  £750. To be concluded, by referring to pre-existing duties, Mr. Martin is obliged to pay the extra  £750. c) Mr. Martin needs to pay the full  £750, as he violates the rule of part payment of debts. When consider the part payment of debt, it is necessary to concern the rule in Pinnel’s Case(1602), by which illustrated that part payment is not a sufficient consideration. Because debtors obtains a benefit with giving nothing of value to the creditors. In Marin’s case, Bob agreed to accept a lower payment( £350) in full settlement despite of any excuse Mr. Marin has used. Obviously, Mr. Martin got a benefit of  £400, whereas Bob gained nothing. Therefore, Mr. Marin provided no consideration in this case, because being sympathizing Martin’s bankrupt cannot gain more value for Bob. Since two parties failed to achieve benefits of two sides, the promise of  Bob is not binding. As a result, Martin has to pay the full  £750 as a legal duty. Apart from that, with regard of the classical High Trees House Case(1947), the principle of promissory estoppel by held that the claimants can acquire the arrears after the end of the war because they have the capacity of claiming the recover the previous price before the war started. However, they are prevented to take back the amount of arrears failed to pay because of their previous promise. In High Tress House Case, the promise was make on a real situation where two parties would consider their benefits therefore achieve benefits of both sides. Specifically, the defendants get the right of lease whilst the claimants obtained a number of profits. While in Martin’s case, no matter whether Mr. Martin have difficulties in his financial situation or not, there is still no consideration for Bob the builder, although Mr. Martin do have a benefit of saving  £400. Since there is no consideration exist, Bob is not obliged to obey the rule of promissory estoppel. To be summarised, by discussing the part payment of debt and promissory estoppel, it is responsible for Mr. Martin to pay the full  £750. As Promissory estoppel is on the doctrine of equality. QUESTION 2 According to PPP(n.d.), the common law is the law comprises the custom and judicial precedents of the courts. First feature of common law is that it is not codified, making it is not coming from the comprehensive legislation which is created through Parliament. Apart from EU enforceable law, common law depends on the distributed courts, in where legislative decisions are made. In other words, common law is the certain law made by judges. The decisions have been made in similar cases would become precedents, which mainly compose the common law. These precedents will be collected and recorded as historical documents or files over time. When coming up a new case, these precedents would be applied in the decision, which means precedents make future decision legally bound. Hierarchy has to be referred to when talking about the precedent, whereas not every precedent will be used in judging a new case. The precedent made in a higher court can be applied in a lower court, otherwise it will not be applicable. For example, a judicial decision, i.e. precedent, already made in court of appeal should be applicable in high court or county court, but a decision made in county  court should not obliged to follow for high court. On the other hand, the courts can overturn the decisions of those in same level. Last but not least, the common law make contract more freedom, which means there are few regulations to restrict contracts. Basically, everything could be acceptable even if there is extremely forbidden by law(Adams, 2012 and Jones, 2011). QUESTION 3 According to Adams(2012) and Jones(2011), the relationships between agency and principal are fiduciary ones. Basically, agents do not have legal right to payment unless the principal authorise the right. Generally payment must not be due until the agent have fulfilled the expected result of principal, otherwise, payment can not be used among any certain process on the relationship. However, agent can be regularly paid when agreement express willingness of both sides. Another right of agent is to claim indemnity if there is any expenses incurred when agent conduct the authority, no matter the agent is gratuitous or not. On the other hand, agents do have duty to possess reasonable care and skill, moreover, an agent with professional or trade skill is expected to preserve the skills as conducting a trade or profession. Then, a contractual agent must carry out the agreed tasks and the whole process of achieving the result should follow the principal’s orders. Therefore, an agent needs to perform his duties himself. The performance of the duties cannot be delegated to any third party. Likewise, the agent is required to be accountable for any profits arising from the performance of the duties and to record the benefits of exercises of authority. Besides, an agent has duty to avoid the possibility of being conflict of interest without principal’s permit, though agent must not sell his own property or shares to principal. Last but not least, an agent not only cannot take any form of bribe, but also cannot make secret profit, whereby the principal can dismiss the agent and make the contract voidable for fraud. In conclusion, case study has been discussed by applying the related law knowledge in terms of consideration of contract particularly. Therefore, basic explanation of common law and, duties and rights within agency relationship are demonstrated. Bibliography Adams, A (2012), Law for business students(7th ed), London: Pearson Education Limited. Public private partnership(n.d.), Key features of common law or civil law systems, Available at: http://ppp.worldbank.org/public-private-partnership/legislation-regulation/framework-assessment/legal-systems/common-vs-civil-law. (Assessed 22 February 2014) Jones, L (2011), Introduction to Business Law, New York: Oxford University Press. Central London Property Trust v High Trees House (1947) KB 130, 44, 53, 110, 119, 595 Hartley v Ponsonby(1875) 7 EL BL 872, 106 Pinnel’s Case (1602) 5 Co Rep 117, 108, 109, 117, 595 Stilk v Myrick (1809) 2 Camp 317, 106, 107, 589 Williams v Roffey Bros (1990) 1 ALL ER 512 CA, 107-109, 118, 119

Spices Kill Some Bacteria and Have Other Benefits

Spices Kill Some Bacteria and Have Other Benefits In the hopes of finding ways to control pathogens in food, researchers have discovered that spices kill bacteria. Several studies have indicated that common spices, such as garlic, clove, and cinnamon, may be particularly effective against certain strains of E. coli bacteria. Spices Kill Bacteria In a Kansas State University study, scientists tested more than 23 spices in three scenarios: an artificial laboratory medium,  uncooked hamburger meat, and uncooked salami. Initial results indicated that clove had the highest inhibitory effect on the E. coli in the hamburger while garlic had the highest inhibitory effect in the laboratory medium. But what about taste? Scientists admitted that finding the right mix between the taste of the food and the amounts of spices necessary to inhibit the pathogens was problematic. The amounts of the spices used ranged from a low of one percent to a high of ten percent. Researchers hope to further study these interactions and perhaps develop recommendations for spice  levels both for manufacturers and consumers. Scientists also cautioned that the use of spices is not a substitute for the proper handling of food. While the spices used were able to greatly curtail the amounts of E. coli in the meat products, they did not eliminate the pathogen entirely, thus the necessity of proper cooking methods. Meats should be cooked to approximately 160 degrees Fahrenheit and until the juices run clear. Counters and other items that come in contact with uncooked meat should be thoroughly washed, preferably with soap, hot water, and a light bleach solution. Cinnamon Kills Bacteria Cinnamon is such a flavorful and seemingly innocuous spice. Who would ever think that it could be deadly? Researchers at Kansas State University have also discovered that cinnamon kills Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria. In the studies, apple juice samples were tainted with approximately one million E. coli O157:H7 bacteria. About a teaspoon of cinnamon was added and the concoction was left to stand for three days. When researchers tested the juice samples it was discovered that 99.5 percent of the bacteria had been destroyed. It was also discovered that if common preservatives such as sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate were added to the mixture, the levels of remaining bacteria were almost undetectable. Researchers believe that these studies demonstrate that cinnamon can be effectively used to control bacteria in unpasteurized juices and may one day replace preservatives in foods. They are hopeful that cinnamon may be as effective in controlling other pathogens that cause food-borne illness such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. Previous studies have shown that cinnamon can also control microbes in meat. It is most effective, however, against pathogens in liquids. In liquids, the pathogens cannot be absorbed by fats (as they are in meat) and thus are easier to destroy. Currently, the best way to protect against E. coli infection is to take preventative measures. This includes avoiding both unpasteurized juices and milk, cooking raw meats to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and washing your hands after handling raw meat. Spices and Other Health Benefits Adding certain spices to your food can also have positive metabolic benefits. Spices such as rosemary, oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, cloves, garlic powder, and paprika increase antioxidant activity in the blood and decrease insulin response. In addition, Penn State researchers found that adding these types of spices to meals high in fat decreases triglyceride response by about 30 percent. High triglyceride levels are associated with heart disease. In the study, the researchers compared the effects of eating high-fat foods with spices added to that of high-fat foods without spices. The group that consumed the spicy food had lower insulin and triglyceride responses to their meal. Along with the positive health benefits of consuming the meals with spices, the participants reported no negative gastrointestinal problems. The researchers contend that antioxidant spices like the ones in the study could be used to reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been linked to the development of chronic disease such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. For additional information, see: Cinnamon Is Lethal Weapon Against E. Coli O157:H7Antioxidant Spices Reduce Negative Effects of High-Fat Meal

A Moment That Changed My Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 7

A Moment That Changed My Life - Essay Example Some may be extraordinary events or moments while others may be ordinary situations that all over a sudden have a great impact on how you perceive life. About seven years ago, I almost lost both my brother, Raphael and my best friend Sonia. Call it a double tragedy. This was one of the most devastating moments in my life, and I still remember the events of that fateful day, seven solid years after it happened, like it was just yesterday. My life was completely changed.It was that chilly January afternoon that my little brother, my best friend and I decided to take a trip to the beach to have our dry suit certification for underwater ice diving after we completing a long tiresome but enjoyable training. Little did we know of the events that were later to unfold. We had everything ready, we went through preparations as usual and had our gear packed as we embarked on our trip. My uncle Joseph, who had been with us throughout our training sessions, had already gone ahead of us and was al ready at the beach waiting for us. Our parents had instructed him to take care of us while at the beach.At the beach, there were about nine or ten other people who were also eager to get the event started. We teamed up with my uncle, who was working with the instructors in giving us all the information we needed to get started. We quickly changed into our gears ready to dive into the cold water. In pairs, we began jumping in to the water as the instructor and my uncle watched carefully. My turn came and I dived in with my brother.  While in the water, Sonia left her partner and came to swim with my brother and I. We went deep to the level that we had been instructed. At this time, the air in our tanks was almost ending and we started swimming upwards looking for a way out for fresh air. I signaled my brother and Sonia to go first while I followed them up.  

Implications of the 2012 US elections for the policy making bodies in Essay

Implications of the 2012 US elections for the policy making bodies in the US federal government - Essay Example Furthermore, the analysis will seek to at least minimally explain to what extent the election results have impressed upon the shareholders (inclusive of the President and legislators) of the need to either seek compromise or push single-mindedly towards a highly partisan solution to each and every issue that may face them in the coming years leading up to the next election. As a means to understand this, the key changes that have been effected before and after the November 2012 election will be analyzed. Due to the intrinsically liked nature of the way that the Electoral College and the popular vote within a given state or region is linked, the two have a way of tracking with one another; albeit representing two somewhat different variants (Brown 419). For instance, the 2012 presidential election saw Mr. Romney accrue around 47% of the popular vote and carry 23 states whereas President Obama obtained 51% of the vote and carried 27 states. This of course translated to a victory for Pr esident Obama and the subsequent plurality of Electoral College votes that propelled him to re-election. Naturally, as compared to the two other forms of election results which will herein be discussed, the election for president does not have the same level of nuance. For instance, the overall total number of states won is not important; overall victory of course is. Unlike the Senate or the House of Representatives where an increasing number of seats gives another party a proportionate increase in the power it yields within such a chamber, the victory of the president is less nuanced. In this way, the overall nature of whether the president won in a landslide or won election by a very small margin matters little for the direction that the given president might chose to pursue policy goals and implementation within his term. Of course this is not to say that a first term president will not be mindful of the extent to which he experiences broad based support; quite the contrary. Rat her, it is merely meant to serve as an indication that the presidential election is a much different type of election than those which take place to make up the two houses of legislature. With respect to the Senate, a great deal of change was not incorporated as a result of the election results of 2012. For instance, the 2012 elections incrementally bettered the Democratic position in the Senate by increasing their majority by two seats (53 as compared to 51 previously), it did not provide a fundamental shift in power such as would allow either party to approach issues from a primarily different method of action. Conversely, the result of the US House of Representatives was somewhat different than the result that has thus far been discussed in the Senate. Compared to the last election, the Republicans lost 8 seats to settle at 234 whereas the Democrats of course picked up these 8 seats to settle their total at 201. This of course combined to ensure that the Republican party still ma intained a majority within the House; however, it is of course not a super majority or one that can be used in concert with the Democratically controlled Senate to affect any real level of partisan goals. With respect to the overall policy implications that the aforementioned situation is likely to entail, it will necessarily be a divergence from