Abstract This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the comedienne and talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres, and her candid exposure of her homosexuality. Specifically, it discusses DeGeneres and how her life has influenced the gay and lesbian community within the entertainment world.
From the Paper "Ellen DeGeneres was born on January 26, 1958, in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, and spent much of her young life in the suburbs of New Orleans. She has a brother, Vance, who is four years older than she is, and grew up in a Christian Scientist family. Ellen spent her high school years in Atlanta, Texas, after her mother and father divorced and her mother moved to Atlanta. She seems to have been good at some athletics, such as tennis, and a bit heavyset. When she graduated from high school, she moved back to New Orleans and began working at a series of jobs like oyster shucking and running errands for a law firm. Her first job in comedy was as the emcee for a local club called "Clyde's Corner." She began her stand up comedy career at clubs in New Orleans, and entered the "Funniest Person in New Orleans" contest, which led to her winning the "Funniest Person in America" contest in 1982. She moved to San Francisco in 1983 to capitalize on her "Funniest Person" title, and then moved on to Los Angeles in 1986, where she worked such notable venues as The Improv."
Abstract The paper discusses Swift's utilization of satire in "A Modest Proposal" when depicting the themes of moral degeneration and social stagnation. The paper shows how eighteenth century English society, as reflected in "A Modest Proposal," experienced a period of moral degeneration and social stagnation as a result of the society's strict adherence to the imposed mores and traditions of the Christian clergy. The paper discusses Swift's belief that religion has become the catalyst that helped proliferate the culture of hypocrisy. The paper conveys how the humorous yet critical mood and tone in "A Modest Proposal" allows Swift to achieve an effective satire.
From the Paper "In this essay, Swift utilizes satire as a method and style through which he was able to criticize English society, centering on the issues of moral degeneration and social stagnation among its people, despite the dominance and prevalence of religion (specifically Christianity) in the society. These two prevalent themes are reflected in the essay through the resolution-problem-resolution order, wherein Swift offers his "proposal," then discusses the benefits of the proposal in detail, eventually returning to his proposal to reiterate his point and criticisms of English society."
This paper discusses the medical disorder, Parkinson's disease, a slowly progressive, degenerative disease of the nervous system, characterized by tremors, slowness of voluntary movements, and increased muscle rigidity.
Abstract This paper explains that the immediate cause of Parkinson's disease is related to the degeneration of brain cells in the area of the substantia nigra; damage to this area leads to the cluster of symptoms known as Parkinsonism. The author points out that symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary greatly between one patient and another, but the classic tremor associated with PD is referred to as "pill-rolling tremor" in which the movement resembles rolling a pill between the thumb and forefinger. The paper concludes that the prognosis for Parkinson's disease, for which there is no cure despite medical treatment, is not very encouraging because symptoms only worsen over time and become less responsive to drug therapies.
From the Paper "The substantia nigra, or "black substance," is one of the principal movement control centers in the brain. The dopamine released by nerve cells of the substantia nigra stimulates another brain region, the corpus striatum. Without sufficient amounts of dopamine, the corpus striatum cannot control its targets, and so on down the line. Ultimately, the movement patterns of walking, writing, reaching for objects, and other basic programs cannot operate properly, and the symptoms of parkinsonism are the result."
Abstract This paper examines the causes of various types of blindness such as macular degeneration, river blindness and stargardt disease. It also discusses various ways of overcoming some forms of blindness with treatments such as medication, silicon retinas and bionic eyes.
From the Paper "The most common of all forms of retinitis pigmentosa is a gradual degeneration of the rods and cones, which are known as rod-cone dystrophy, usually beginning with night blindness. Night blindness is like the experience normally sighted individuals encounter when entering a dark movie theatre on a bright and sunny day. Unfortunately, people with the disease cannot adjust well to dark and dimly lit environments. Patients tend to experience a ring of central vision loss in their mid- margin with small islands of vision in their very far margin."
Tags: retina, macular, degeneration, river, stargardt
Abstract The writer of this paper contends and explains the manner in which Blake's poem highlights the issues of poverty and the abusive nature of manual labor, which was prevalent in 19th century England. This paper delves into the social conditions that existed during the time Blake's poem was written. This paper discusses and analyzes the plot of the poem which depicts a modernist perspective while reflecting the objective reality of human society as Blake had observed it first-hand. This paper focuses on Blake's portrayal of the lives of chimney sweepers while illustrating the themes of alienation and moral degeneration as an an honest and true description of the suffering that existed in that particular era.
From the Paper "Noticeably, Blake's depiction of the lives of chimney sweepers and illustrating the themes of alienation and moral degeneration was an honest and real description of what suffering, poverty, and death was like to humanity of the 19th century. Death, once a feared state for society, became an acceptable escape for poor and underprivileged people like the poem's chimney sweepers. Equating death as 'heaven's gift,' signified by the presence of an "angel who had a bright key" meant that society had passed a period in history wherein what was considered before as immoral became acceptable. However, Blake also presented an alternative to those who have not met their deaths, and it was to accept reality and live life as it is, a modernist's solution to a rapidly modernizing society."
Tags: literature, literary, poetry, review, analysis, theme, 19th, century
A comparison of the strategies for navigating ontological difficulty in Patrocinio Scheickart's "Reading Ourselves: Toward a Feminist Theory of Reading" and Louis Marin's "Disneyland: A Degenerate Utopia."
Abstract This paper examines ontological difficulty and compares the strategies for navigating ontological difficulty in Patrocinio Scheickart's "Reading Ourselves: Toward a Feminist Theory of Reading" and Louis Marin's "Disneyland: A Degenerate Utopia." The paper concludes that ontological difficulty is indeed a broken link between text and meaning, but one that is a necessary step toward better-informed interpretation.
From the Paper "This comparison of Schweickart and Marin's strategies for navigating ontological difficulty provides several insights into the nature of the concept. Firstly, both critics find that in order to transcend ontological difficulty, one must draw attention to the social and historical context of the text, be it patriarchy or capitalism. Ignoring the context on a text forfeits the reader's power of understanding, and allows ontological difficulty to flourish. Secondly, the broken link between text and meaning provides the critic with a useful starting point. For Schweickart, such misunderstanding led to her exploration of the female reading experience, and an avenue by which this link can be reinstated through the informed reading taking control of the textual experience. What was once a one-way conversation is transformed into an enlightened dialogue. For Marin, the very lack of the possibility of this dialogue provides clues to the hidden purpose of the text, wherein authorial power has been abused. Where the reader is given no autonomy and there is no opportunity for a range of reading experiences, the text becomes ideology. We may conclude that ontological difficulty is indeed a broken link between text and meaning, but one that is a necessary step toward better-informed interpretation."
Abstract Joseph Conrad takes a traditional view of the social structure in his short novel "Heart of Darkness". The paper discusses how the character of Marlow, who often represents the author, makes a journey from civilization into the darkest part of Africa to bring back a man named Kurtz who has gone into the interior and shed his civilized exterior to degenerate into the primitive. The paper shows that for Conrad, the individual always possesses within himself the possibility of the primitive, though in civilized society there is a framework of control that gives the individual a way to escape from that state. Kurtz has degenerated into the uncivilized state, a danger for all men as they travel far from their home and encounter the temptations of the uncivilized. The paper explains that women, in Conrad's view, are the protectors of the social order, as is the woman who has asked Marlow to find Kurtz and to whom Marlow lies so he will not have to reveal the nature of Kurtz's fate. Women are barely represented at all in much of Conrad's fiction, and in "Heart of Darkness" the civilized woman remains behind as the protector of order and as the embodiment of civilization for the male who goes into the heart of darkness.
From the Paper "Even though Marlow does not fall as Kurtz does, Kurtz and Marlow are similar men, though Kurtz has abandoned his civilized veneer while Marlow only fears for the safety of his own. The moral collapse of Kurtz is an object lesson to Marlow both as an individual and as a representative of civilized society, and Marlow fulfills his functions in both terms when he refuses to tell Kurtz's fiancJe, called the Intended, the truth about Kurtz's life and death. This is the secondary framework for Heart of Darkness. In this second framework, Kurtz's fiance is the woman who asks Marlow to go to the jungle to find out what has happened to Kurtz. Imagery of light and dark is used to contrast ideas in the work, and the scenes with the Intended fit this pattern. Throughout the novel, darkness is used as a background for the journey, as a background for the journey, and it also is meant to refer to the deepest and most hidden aspects of the human soul. The Intended, on the other hand, is presented in a room bright and white, and she contrasts with the darkness of the journey and of Marlow's own soul, now revealed to him. By lying, though, he shows that he has not escaped from civilization and that his soul is not as dark as he might fear."
Abstract This paper begins by exploring the three distinct themes or influences from Darwin that shaped the course of the works, "Dorian Gray", by Oscar Wilde, and "Dracula", by Bram Stoker. First, the theme of ambivalence toward religion is discussed. Next, the paper discusses the theme concerning the overwhelming fear of monsters hidden within our own genetic code. The paper then examines the last theme of degeneration and entropy. In addition, the issue of racism and how it arose from this fear of degeneration is looked at, as well as how the sexual abuse of African women was justified because of these racist views. Furthermore, cannibalism as a form of sexual lust is discussed and related to the notion of devolution. Finally, the paper compares and contrasts how all of these themes are expressed in both novels.
From the Paper "At the fin de siecle, a great confusion settled over the intellectual communities. Darwin's theories of natural selection had radically altered the scope of society and the popular imagination since the Origin of Species was released in 1858. By the end of the century, however, scientific criticism of the theory had combined with an increased popular paranoia regarding its logical (and less than logical) consequences. Specifically, the idea that we had evolved from the animals began to develop into a fear that we might retrace our steps and descend once more into bestiality. Fear of intrinsic degeneration and the beast within was heightened by its symbolic merger with a sort of imperial self-doubt, as the poets and prophets of the era increasingly foresaw coming changes to the British Empire and a waning of national power. The basic foundations of the British world were crumbling, though they still appeared outwardly bulwarked."
Abstract This paper embarks on an examination of the theories of Marxism and argues that a specific engagement with "The Communist Manifesto" should prove to be fruitful in fulfilling this task. It points out that the theories of Marxism were based on the notion that the degeneration of capitalism would contribute to its eventual downfall, however the antithesis of degeneration has occurred. Hence, one could argue that the theories of Marxism carry no more relevance in an age of global capitalism. Despite this, this paper goes on to contend that to leave ones analysis at this would make it incomplete. One needs to go below the surface and back to "The Communist Manifesto" where amongst the passages one will find Marx and Engels anticipating and providing a vivid account of the global capitalism the world is now experiencing and a number of examples to support this are cited. Further evidence is cited which explains the reasons why the proletariat have not revolted. It concludes by noting that countless changes have occurred in the world since "The Communist Manifesto" was written which may well have led to a decline in the "fashion" and significance of Marxist theories.
From the Paper "Central to Marx's views on the capitalist system lies his notion of "surplus value" which is the difference between the value of capital at the start of the capitalist production process and the additional value of commodities, which are produced. Surplus value only occurs in capitalist societies. The critical point that Marx makes is that the bourgeoisie or the minority of individuals appropriate surplus value or profit, which is in reality, produced by the rest of society namely the proletariat. Someone else reaps the product of their labour, they have invested their time and efforts in it, yet it is taken away from them. The profits of capitalist depend on the exploitation of the worker."
Abstract This paper compares aspects of Plato" Republic" and More's "Utopia", including political systems, economic systems, societal responsibilities and communications. The author also discusses the pros and cons of each Utopia.
Each utopia has fundamental ways to keep society from
degenerating. Their economic system, communications,
societal responsibilities, and political systems show how
they try to do this.
Communications: Each utopia has a different stance on
communicating with the outside world.
Societal Responsibility: Each utopia provides a different
way to produce the desired effect of having each
member of society provided for.
Political System: Leaders of each utopia are chosen
through different means.
Most attractive aspects of each utopia.
Least attractive aspects of each utopia.
From the Paper "People complain most about economics, their ability to communicate, their responsibilities to society, and who is leading them. Both Plato and More attempt to solve the problems within these categories. They create societies in which these problems, according to them, are solved, so that the societies will run smoothly, and the citizens will remain happy. The two authors create differing societies; societies that are easy to compare and contrast as to their usefulness. Each society, because they do differ, contain both attractions to it, as well as things that would disenfranchise citizens."
A brief history of the discovery and early treatment of this disease followed by an in depth analysis at the molecular level, ending with a summary of treatments and the future of research.
1,345 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 45.95
Abstract This paper details the various issues and describes the research surrounding Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a disease that affects children, primarily males and is characterized by the degeneration of muscular tissue. The essay discusses symptoms, causes, molecular and cellular defects, how symptoms are derived from cellular defects and possible treatments. The sections covering the molecular aspects of this disease are in depth and scientifically explicit.
From the Paper "Muscular Dystrophy is a debilitating disorder that is characterized by degeneration of muscle tissue. One of the most common forms of this disorder and one that is particularly severe is Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This disease affects a far greater number of males, approximately 1 out of every 3 500 born, than females (Cooper 1997). The cellular defects associated with DMD are well understood; however, there is still some speculation over the actions that take place at the molecular level. The treatment available for DMD patients is very limited. However, there has been promising research done with stem cells, antibiotics and gene therapies that offer new hope for sufferers of DMD. Many of these studies have been done on mdx mice, an animal model for DMD that possesses the same genetic defect as humans who suffer with the disease (Agrawal et al. 1999). These studies offer a new ray of hope, not only for those suffering with DMD, but also for people who suffer from various types of muscular degenerative diseases."
Abstract The following paper discusses why radio journalism has been adversely affected somewhat by the advent of new technology in the field of communication. The writer also comments on the changing definition of what radio journalism encompasses. This paper endeavours to explore what these factors and trends are that have led to the degeneration of radio journalism, as well as what the future of radio journalism might entail.
From the Paper ?Prior to conducting this undertaking, a brief timeline of events needs to be given in order to understand the degeneration of radio journalism through the gradual descent in popularity of its chief vehicle. In 1873, Maxwell publishes the theory of radio waves, which leads to the broadcast of voice and music in the U.S. in 1906. This development is capitalized on when DeForest starts broadcasting radio music on a regular basis in 1907. In 1909, the first broadcast talk was held and the topic was on women's right to vote. In 1912, the U.S. government passes a law to regulate radio stations (http://www.ibiblio.org/jpurnalism/jhistory/, 7). In the 1920s, radio starts to compete with print media, such as newspapers and magazines (Emery, Emery & Roberts, 1996, 5). In the 1930s, the golden age of radio begins. However, by 1948, the general population start demanding television (http://www.ibiblio.org/jpurnalism/jhistory/, 8-10), and the golden age of radio ends as it starts to compete with television, and then later other technological inventions in communication and entertainment, for a share in the consumer market.?
Abstract This paper gives an insight into Marx's ideas as expressed in the "Communist Manifesto". It argues that although Marx's idea of equality among people sounded desirable; in theory it was abused by the likes of Lenin and Stalin. The communist idea works against a person's natural desire to succeed. History has shown that most communist countries have failed to prosper economically. When the people have no personal investment in their labor, then their productivity steadily declines which eventually leads to complete degeneration of the economy.
From the Paper "In "The Communist Manifesto", Karl Marx addresses members of the bourgeoisie and proletariat classes. The latter he rallies to action while to the first he prophesies their inevitable fall from power. he begins by establishing the fact that society has always been arranged into varying systems of social order. Because of a rise in industry, a wealthy class he refers to as the bourgeoisie have come to dominate society. Since its ascent to power, it has completely destroyed the former social classes, who then lose their identity and become mere drones serving an unsympathetic system."
Tags: communism, russia, bourgeoisie, liberty, religion, stalin, lenin, hitler
Abstract A paper which shows how the people actively involved with the gay rights movement may be highly organized and their objectives legitimate, but they are still considered a threat to traditional family values and "normal" sexual lives of other citizens. The paper discusses how the discovery of the deadly disease AIDS was yet another severe setback for the Gay rights movements, as the disease came to be linked to the gays, so much so, that AIDS was termed as a gay disease. Although the movement for the rights of gays has had its share of successes and failures, it has yet to see the movement converted into state legislation. The paper discusses sexual orientation, the HIV factor and the creation of resource centers and movements.
From the Paper "One of the achievements in this field was the creation of a resource center called the Office of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual (GLB) Student Support Services, with private funding, by the Indiana University Bloomington. It's principle objective was to serve the community of the university, with detailed information and resources on gays, lesbians, and bisexual issues, as well as offering information, support and referral for lesbian, gays and bisexual individuals. This center also refers students who have been harassed because of their sexual orientation to their GLB Anti-Harassment Team, which then assists the affected individuals, by finding a solution to their situation, and documents the incidents to ward off any future harassment. The benefits which have been highlighted by the opening up of resources centers such as stated above, is the creation of a support culture, which successfully helps those in need and guidance. [4]"
Tags: non-heterosexual, gays, lesbians, Anti-Harassment, Team, Censorship, GLAAD, Ellen, DeGeneres
From the Paper "Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a relatively uncommon disorder, it has been the focus of considerable scientific scrutiny. First described by Charcot in 1869, the condition involves degeneration and loss of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. Although different forms of the disease have been described, a definitive pathologic mechanism has yet to be delineated. Various synonyms for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) include Lou Gehrig's disease, Charcot disease, and motor neuron disease (Rowland, 1995, pp. 1251-1252). The disorder is caused by non-specific degenerative changes of the bulbar and spinal motor neurons and their corresponding cortico-spinal tracts. Moreover, other neuronal systems may become progressively..."
