Abstract This paper looks at the effect that the printing press had in the spread of art and culture through the eyes of Walter Benjamin in Samuel Weber's essay, "Art, Aura and the Work of Walter Benjamin." Whereas Benjamin felt that mass reproduction was bad for the art world, he argues that the invention of the printing press allowed books to be read all over the world thereby changing the uniqueness of each painting. This paper also takes a look at the Mona Lisa, and explains that the ability to reproduce it is a positive thing, that, even though it's "aura," is no longer unique, many more people are now able to experience art.
From the Paper "With the invention of the printing press, however, books could be manufactured quickly and cheaply, and were available to great number of people. Two people living hundreds of miles apart could read the same book and find the same words, the same illustrations on the same page. However, the printing press also took something away from books - the originality and artistry that the monks had poured into each unique volume. Walter Benjamin would say that the aura of the monks' volumes was withering away, while the aura of the mass reproduced books was flourishing."
Abstract Chocolate, a popular and coveted food world over, is often referred to as the food of the gods. This description is not surprising considering that a number of delightful sensations are associated with chocolate. Indeed, chocolate is perceived as a delightful treat, a comfort food, an aphrodisiac, a sensuous experience, a romantic gift, an energizer and a mood enhancer. It is the objective of this paper to explore and discuss the factors that explain the multifaceted aura around chocolates, beginning with an analysis of its history.
Outline
I. Chocolate, often called the food of the gods, has always enjoyed a multifaceted aura.
II. History
a. Origins as a Mesoamerican beverage
b. Expensive European import
c. Symbol of wealth and social status
III. Production and Marketing
a. Cultivation of cocoa beans
b. Production process
c. Marketing
IV. Chocolate as an aphrodisiac
a. Myth and legends
b. Ingredients
i. Scientific evidence
ii. Psychological effects
V. Types of chocolate
a. Occasions for usage
b. Forms of usage
c. Types
VI. Health and Nutritional properties
VII. Summary
From the Paper "However, it appears that the Maya and the Aztecs nevertheless placed a great deal of value on their bitter chocolate beverage, as evidenced by the importance of the role the drink played in their religious and social life. For instance, although chocolate was a favorite beverage of Maya royalty, the common people could consume the drink only on special occasions. The Aztecs went many steps further in turning chocolate into an elitist product, decreeing that only privileged people such as rulers, priests, decorated soldiers, and honored merchants could partake of the brew (Kerr, 2002)."
Abstract This paper asserts that Fuentes used his writing as an opportunity to create and re-create the social reality of the lives of the people of Mexico as they shaped and continue to influence the development and history of their country. In order to establish this thesis more fully, the following works of Fuentes are examined: "Aura" (1965), "The Buried Mirror: Reflections on Spain and the New World" (1992), and "The Years with Laura Diaz" (2000). Initially, an overview is provided of Fuentes' thoughts on writing and his use of writing in documenting the lives of Mexicans and the history of Mexico, his homeland. This is followed by a discussion of Fuentes' works as each illustrates his efforts to construct and re-construction Mexico's reality through the lives of her people.
From the Paper "Through his writing, Fuentes has assumed a commitment for insuring that his readers as well as himself take responsibility for reconceptualizing the manner in which they perceive both the past and present of Mexico. His desire to accomplish this task is clearly documented by Fuentes himself when he provided the following description of the role of Latin America within history: "To restore some kind of tragic consciousness ...to make the United States understand that memory counts--that there is history, and that it does not renew itself every 24 hours when Dan Rather appears on the set" (as cited in Lippard, 1990, p. 6). As is evidenced within this statement, Fuentes presents a challenge to himself as a writer as well as to his readers to recognize that the social construction of reality that may be presented to us in the world around us may not be an accurate representation of reality and history as it truly exists."
Abstract In this article, the writer points out that upon beginning this research into the socio-historical issues of online learning, the writer felt that it was a great boon to society. However, with time and study the writer has come to feel that online learning only heightens an already serious trend. The writer maintains that just as Walter Benjamin argues that actors have auras that are necessary to their performance on the stage, and just as physical art pieces have auras which create a "ritual" surrounding themselves, the writer has come to believe that traditional pedagogues and schools of higher education maintain a certain aura of presence which cannot be reproduced digitally and which is therefore lost in the online learning environment. The writer concludes that the non-academic social and psychological effects of distance learning have not been adequately studied so far, but it is the writer's belief that distance learning takes away the sacred aura from learning and, in so doing, passes on to the student only the shell and form of an education rather than its true substance.
From the Paper "Perhaps because advanced education became so widely available, it began to be increasingly required of all people, even those whose line of work did not actually require specialized college training. For example, working as a secretary or salesperson in no way requires college training, but many positions require a degree (regardless of the area of specialization in the degree) before applying, as if to prove that one is at all capable of serious effort and success. No doubt the expectation of adult learning has grown with the increased demand for college graduates in the work field, and vice versa. Yet in many cases, continued education is not pursued for the sake of learning itself, but for the sake of qualifying for positions."
"In the traditional educational setting, deep bonds are forged between teachers and students. The position of a sensei, a teacher, or a mentor has been an extremely sacred one in many traditions. Bonds were forged between teachers and their students that were expected to be not just academic but also personal and, in some cases, life long."
Abstract This paper analyzes Lord Byron's poem "She Walk's in Beauty", which combines images of darkness and light to create a unique internal and external aura. The paper maintains that this aura surrounds the beautiful woman who he describes in his poem. Each one of Byron's three stanzas describes a natural, a physical and a spiritual aura which surround the woman. Byron uses images from the natural, physical and spiritual world to describe the emotions he has towards this particular woman, represented in images of both light and darkness. The paper concludes that, through his poem, Byron has combined the beauty of the natural world, the physical body and the spiritual being to create a timeless expression of love and admiration.
From the Paper "Byron's first stanza concentrates on the natural beauty of the woman who he encounters. "She walks in beauty, like the night/ Of cloudless climes and starry skies" (Ln.1-2) .Byron has immediately introduced us to a woman whose beauty is that equal to the beauty of nature. Her beauty is represented by the darkness of night. The image of night creates an aura that surrounds her. Byron is describing how beautiful he feels the night is and that this woman represents that beauty of night within her own aura. Nature is both day and night, both dark and light. In the first stanza the images of day light and dark night both represent the woman. The lines "All that's best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes," (Ln. 3-4) represent the combination of day and night within the woman. She is a combination of the best of the day and the best of the night. Her combination of dark and bright creates, "that tender night Which heaven to gaudy day denies" (Ln.5-6). She is not the overpowering "gaudy," brightness of day. She's the perfect combination of light and dark. Not even heaven bestows this beautiful light on the day. She is a pure, natural and heavenly creature on earth."
Abstract This paper argues the case of democracy being the natural environment for capitalism. It first points out that, though they are associated to each other by convention, democracy, in theory, is anathema to the capitalist, due to the fact that the bourgeoisie capitalist class is always a tiny minority. The writer then demonstrates that democracy is not majority rule, but only that it establishes an aura of majority rule. The paper then goes on to argue that this aura is the crucial aspect, because through it the tendencies towards revolution are averted. The writer notes that in comparison, socialism and fascism are imperfect milieus for dealing with revolution, and then shows how modern history has proved the supremacy of democracy as the nurturer of capitalism.
From the Paper "Capitalism is invariably associated with democracy. Schumpeter describes this as a coincidence - the outcome of the historical circumstance in which capitalism evolved. He argues that capitalism functions under various totalitarian regimes around the world where free elections are never held, therefore it cannot be held that democracy is a requisite to capitalism. Against this thesis, this essay argues that both democracy and capitalism must go hand in hand, and tries to explain away the exemptions as not isolated economies, but rather erected on the success of the central model of Western democratic capitalism."
Abstract This paper explains that Energy Medicine is based on the concept that there is an energy system operating within the human body, and the manipulation of this energy system can assist in maintaining physical health. The author says that there is a correlation between quantum physics and energy medicine: the belief that matter and energy are the same thing and because of this whatever is good or bad for one part of the body is equally good or bad for any other part of the body. The paper presents in detail the various modalities of Energy Medicine. The author includes writings of experts such as Gary Zucav.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Defining Quantum Theory
Quantum Physics? relation to Energy Medicine
What is Energy Medicine
Types of Energy Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine
Magnetic Therapy
Bioenergetic Fields (Acupuncture)
Auras and Discharges
Quantum Mechanics
The Assemblage Point
Advantages and Disadvantages of Energy Medicine
Which Mind-Body-Spirit Modalities Best Relate to Harmonizing Total Well-Being
Conclusion
From the Paper "Energy Medicine is based on the concept that there is an energy system that operates within the human body. It is believed that the manipulation of this energy system can assist in the area of physical health. Supporters of energy medicine hold that energy and matter is the same thing; and if energy and matter are the same thing than every part of the body is connected to the other parts of the body. Energy medicine dictates that the mind, body and spirit are interconnected and thus if one part is effected all the parts are effected. This is very different from traditional medicine, which believes that the body is a collection of parts and that the mind and body are separate. "
Abstract In the short story "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love" by Raymond Carver, the discussion of love and the nature and relationships of the four characters reflect the same issues, the same ideas and the same difficulties. The paper shows that the discussion has the aura of something that is repeated over and over, as if these four talk about love often. They clearly know one another very well and know all about each other's loves, past and present, yet they still talk about them and their feelings endlessly, as if doing so enables them to understand those feelings and themselves. The paper examines the interaction in dialogue and relationships between the four characters, Mel, Terri, Nick and Laura.
From the Paper "The central question raised is what constitutes love, and this is raised in terms of how certain actions and behaviors might claim to be love but really cannot be. That, at least, is Mel's point of view when Terri talks about the man she lived with before: "Terri said the man she lived with before she lived with Mel loved her so much he tried to kill her" (256). Mel takes umbrage at this characterization: "That's not love, and you know it" (256). Terri's description of what the man did to her is especially brutal, but all the while the man continued saying that he loved her even as he beat her and dragged her around the room. Underlying this talk is a certain tension between Mel and Terri that emerges in what they say about each other and what they think about this former boyfriend. Terri is indulgent with him and also understands that love may take some odd forms, while Mel pretends that love has only one definition and one manifestation, though he himself shows that this is not the case."
Abstract This paper argues that the U.S. Department of Defense and other branches of the federal government capitalized on the fear of another terrorist attack, by erecting a series of security measures since September 11. The most notable of these is the USA PATRIOT Act (HR-3162), passed in October of 2001 which stands for ?Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism.? The paper explains that the USA PATRIOT Act permits wiretapping without judicial orders, deportation of legal residents of the United States based on suspicion, secret searches of citizens? offices and homes and measures. The paper argues that many of the permissible acts included in the USA PATRIOT Act are discriminatory and that there is nothing "patriotic" about violating Fourth Amendment rights or stripping ordinary citizens from their basic civil liberties. The paper shows that these bills and laws offer a lot of power to the FBI, the police and to other governmental bodies. millions of Americans are still willingly surrendering their personal rights and freedoms in favor of a false sense of security. Finally, the paper argues that the aura of paranoia that currently pervades the United States fuels the fascist-like measures supported by Attorney General Ashcroft, measures which have far-reaching implications for American citizens.
From the Paper "The problem with this approach is that the civil rights of American citizens, legal residents, and visitors is violated. Most Americans would be willing to undergo enhanced security checks at airports. In fact, Gore Vidal, in his article ?The New War on Freedom,? cites a CNN/Times poll conducted a few days after the terrorist attacks of September 11 which showed that 74% of people believe ?it would be necessary for Americans to give up some of their personal freedoms,? (Vidal). However, in the wake of the terrorist attacks, the federal government was able to sneak the USA PATRIOT act by Congress and the American people. Without protest, Americans are giving up their power to law enforcement agencies, under the assumption that some loss of freedom is necessary."
Tags: death, penalty, Muslim, Department, of, Justice, INS
Abstract This paper examines the book "Thanks to my Mother," by Schoschana Rabinovici, the story of one girl and her mother's survival of the Holocaust. Specifically it contains a critical review of the book, including a summary of the contents, a comparison to other studies from the class and a reaction to the reading. It looks at how what singles this story out from other Holocaust survival stories is the simple language the author uses to tell her story and the aura of hope that surrounds it. It discusses how it is a story of survival in its basest form. It shows how Susie's mother is undeniably wise and quick to understand their plight. She does just about anything necessary to shelter Susie, from lying about them being mother and daughter, to lying about Susie's age and sheltering her from the prying eyes of the Nazis so they would not discover she was just a child.
From the Paper "In 1943, Susie and her family leave the Vilnius ghetto; the entire ghetto is being liquidated. Most of her family is exterminated as soon as they leave the ghetto, but Susie and her mother make it out alive, and are sent to the concentration camp called "Kaiserwald." Incredibly, the concentration camp was a resort before the war. "Before the war Kaiserwald had been a holiday resort. Well-to-do families rented cottages and passed the warm-weather days here. There had been all kinds of colorful flowers here, wide lawns, rivers and beaches, and wonderful walking paths in the forests" (118). When the Jews arrived, the resort was gone, but they felt they had " left the worst behind us "(101), but they would soon discover this was of course not the case. They meet the "blitz maidens," SS women who wear "black, shiny boots" (102), and carry whips, which they use often. Four women have to sleep in one bed, and the food is barely edible. The days blend together into hours spent standing at roll call at 5 a.m. in any type of weather, to grueling hard labor building railroads, also in any weather, from rain to snow and wind."
Tags: vilnius, ghetto, concentration, camp, nazis, holocaust
Abstract This paper discusses how, in the short story "Ethan Brand" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the main character has lost his contact with humanity and has become more like a walking ghost than a human being. It explains how he interacts with other characters, but this fact primarily illuminates the humanity of the other characters and the lack of it in Ethan Brand. The story has the aura of a dream, and Ethan in his way slips out of life, which after that is more like a dream than a life for him.
From the Paper "Ethan himself has the aura of a walking myth, for everyone knows the story of how he left to find the Unpardonable Sin. He has not only found it but in a sense has become it, and in the end, he decays overnight as if he had died long ago. He had indeed, for his unpardonable sin was to cease being human and to try to be something above human, something that could use human beings as an experiment for his own ends.
The story has the aura of a dream. It takes place all in one night, is associated with the darkness, has elements of the fantastic, and promises something beyond the norm while raising as many questions for those who observe it as it answers. In Hawthorne, a dream is as likely to take place in waking moments as in sleeping, and often it is difficult for his characters to know the difference."
Abstract All forms of life have an end. Tolstoy gave us a wholly unsympathetic character in the form of Ivan Ilyich. Ivan Ilych is embarrassed that someone should see him is his condition, "but just through this most unpleasant matter, Ivan Ilych obtained comfort." Ivan Ilych is "touched" by Gerasim's unconditional caring, but it never occurs to him that he should act the same way. Even in Ivan Ilych's death, Gerasim is at task. Ivan Ilych is dead, yet Gerasim feels compelled to maintain his aura of dignity to the last.
Abstract This paper examines how most fairy tales told to young children follow a similar story line and how not all of the traditional tales have an aura of joy encircling the fair heroine. It discusses how Charles Perrault's "Bluebeard" is the stuff of nightmares and looks at two modern horror films, "The Cell" and "From Hell", that use traits from the story. It shows how themes include serial killings, a psychotic killer, secretive places of torment, and a final victim that arranges her own escape.
From the Paper "Another recent film that also uses traits from Perrault's "Bluebeard" is the 2001 release, ?From Hell.? Set in London during the Victorian age, the plot centers on a detective trying to solve the serial murders of the infamous Jack the Ripper. A group of female friends, cleverly called ?the unfortunates,? are being murdered one by one, and each time the killer takes one of her internal organs with him. At first, police don?t think much of one of the town's prostitutes getting murdered, but when each girl in this group of friends becomes a victim and the officials find their corpses with body parts missing, detectives look for a motive. They point out that this killing ?is methodical. The butchering is irrational, yet meticulous and deliberate, altogether a different breed of killer.? "
Abstract This paper explains the equation that caused the explosion of the 1960s was a simple one. "Consumerism + cold war + denial = conformity". The paper gives details about two leaders of the 1960s movement for change, Abbie Hoffman and Janis Joplin, each of whom contributed to the social protest mindset of the 1960s in a different way and became symbols of importance to the counterculture. The paper states that, if it were not for the 1960s, blacks might still be forced to the back of the bus, women would still be expected to stay home and not have career ambitions, and Viet Nam might still be going on.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What Came before the Storm
Social Protests
Compliments and Contrary Effects
Abbie Hoffman and Janis Joplin
Conclusion
From the Paper "The social protests began at various stages. The south had them erupting because of the segregation that was still an accepted practice in that area. Other parts of the nation had them because of the Viet Nam conflict and all that it represented by way of government lies and the loss of innocent lives. Innocence was destroyed during this era, as the younger generation pulled back the curtain of the Wizard and saw that it was only a man dressed as the American government. Once the untruths became evident, the grass root movement to change the nation took hold and social protest became a way of life for the American people."
Abstract This paper explains how, through clever juxtaposition and contrast, Dickey emphasizes the youth and energy of the two main characters. The junkyard setting not only contributes to the other-worldly aura of the poem by setting it far apart from day-to-day life, but also shows the pain of aging when juxtaposed so roughly with the youth of the two main characters.
From the Paper ""Cherrylog Road" by James Dickey is a poem that delivers more than just its combination of components. Just like entering a room that gives off a certain aura or vibe so does the poem "Cherrylog Road" creates its own unique world that stretches farther than its blend of ingredients.
These ingredients are simple. The setting: a Southern junkyard full of overgrown, deteriorating cars. The characters and era: a young boy and girl trysting in a junkyard, sometime in the 1930's or 40?s. So the setting, the characters, and the time are relatively unambiguous. But the world created in "Cherrylog Road" is not."
