Abstract
The paper explains that Mark Twain's novel tells an engaging and humorous saga that is fascinating for the vitality, humanity and complexity of the characters. The writer posits that the book has been written for adults as well as children. The paper discusses how the book uses gentle, sometimes scathing, barbs that the author tosses deftly at the society around him. The writer explains that Mark Twain takes on hypocrisy, prejudice, bad taste, shallow thinking and ludicrous behavior. The paper shows that his criticism of religion, education and hysteria are reiterated throughout the book. In conclusion, the writer posits that Twain's sense of humor saves the work from being a diatribe and gives it resonance and relevance that remain undiminished.

From the Paper
"While Twain is the first to credit moral behavior, he separates it continually and effectively from organized religion in many ways throughout the book. The notion of death, rebirth and redemption which form the bedrock of Christianity (and most religions and mythologies in history) is repeatedly, though gently, lampooned in the various "deaths" and subsequent rebirths of Huck. He fakes his own death, he disappears and others think he is dead, he takes on false identities and each time he is "reborn" either as a new identity or as a wiser version of himself. Huck's aversion to "sivilization" can be seen to be symbolic of the author's attitude toward religion in its organized forms. The condemnation of religious ethics as practiced in the society inhabited by Huck and Jim reaches a height with the two women, Widow Douglas and Miss Watson, who are fervent believers, even to the extent of believing that black slaves should be baptized. Huck skewers her religious notions when she tells him that he can get whatever he wants by praying. He prayed for fish hooks several times but never got them. "One day I asked Miss Watson to try for me, but she said I was a fool." (ch. 3)"

Tags:widow, douglas, jim, miss, watson

Abstract
The paper examines Geoffrey Chaucer's views on the vhurch in his day as depicted in his,"Canterbury Tales" which, although being a massive influence on daily life, was fairly corrupt and inefficient. It looks at how the narrator gently satirises the neglectful Monk, but saves his sharpest barbs for the greedy, lecherous and selfishly amoral Friar.

From the Paper
"If it can be strongly argued that Chaucer does not dislike the monk, the friar is the opposite. Chaucer reserves his most biting satire for the friar, who comes next in the three ecclesiastical figures in the Prologue. This is due to the fact that, unlike the monk, the friar's corruption harms others, and he abuses larger responsibilities in a greedier and more thoughtless way. Chaucer highlights the friar's selfish greed, self-serving superficiality and lechery, leaving me with a very dim view of his character and deeds. The friar's greed is shown in lines 223-224: "he was an esy man to yeve penaunce,/Ther as he wiste to have a good pitaunce", as he would sell absolutions to people very readily to get gifts and money."

Tags:ages, church, english, middle

Abstract
This paper details a fox's unfortunate encounter with a porcupine, using this meeting as the basis for a discussion concerning anti-predation, learning, and homing. The porcupine's use of barbed quills to inflict damage is also examined.

From the Paper
"The specific category of anti-predator behavior primarily employed by the porcupine is morphological or physical by use of its barbed quills. If a predator such as the fox attacks, it places its snout between its forelegs and presents its rear to the enemy. The quills can become deadly once embedded in other animals' flesh. Not only do they inflict painful wounds but they also work into the skin and may even cause death if they puncture vital organs or if the wounds become infected. Porcupine quills embedded..."

Tags:predation, homing, quills, anti-predation, homing

Abstract
This paper describes the electronic defense weapon known as the Taser and how it works. The writer explains the guidelines prepared by the International Association of Police for recommended Taser use, which also include recommendations for educating the community about Taser technology and its use as an alternative to deadly force. The paper relates that, in the absence of specific legislation on Taser policy, Taser use currently depends on the individual agency. The paper then discusses a case where use of the Taser was abused. The author concludes that Taser death is, in the majority of cases, not the cause of death, but instead may be blamed upon the officer with the Taser or the department that has failed to train its police force in the proper use of the Taser. This paper includes a figure.

Outline:
Background
Departmental Safety Precautions
Appropriate and Inappropriate Use of Tasers
Operational Procedures for Taser Use
Education of Public About Taser Deaths
Safety of Taser Use in Case Study Reports
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"The OLR Research Report relates operational procedures to include that officers should: (1) Issue warnings before activating an electronic defense weapon (unless doing so would endanger another person); (2) When applicable, alert other officers at an incident scene of their intent to activate a weapon; (3) Use brightly colored weapons (e. g. , yellow) thereby reducing the risk of escalating force and decreasing the possibility that a secondary unit mistakes the weapon for a firearm; (4) Carry the weapon on their weak support side to avoid accidentally drawing or firing their sidearm; (5) Set their weapons in the "probe mode" as the primary option, and use "stun mode" as a secondary option; and (6) Use the weapon for one standard cycle and stop to evaluate the situation."

Tags:non-compliance, aggression, use-of-force, strategy, barbs, accountability, neuromuscular, emergency

Abstract
The paper discusses the postmodern aspects of Thomas Pynchon's "The Crying of Lot 49." The paper discusses how Pynchon blends unreality, parody, inner consciousness and a sense of humor into the novel. The paper portrays how human emotions and values are detached and unreal in this work. The paper looks at Pynchon's views and shows how his unreal characters demonstrate little hope or regard for humanity.

From the Paper
"Pynchon conceptualizes reality differently throughout the novel, but there is a common thread of unreality and fantasy woven throughout it as well. The plot is convoluted and difficult to follow, the situations Oedipa often finds herself in are ludicrous at best, and the ending is a dramatic drop-off that leaves the reader hanging. Reality is skewed in this novel, and that is one of the main concepts in postmodernist writing, as well."

Tags:reality, fantasy, Oedipa, parody, humor, barbs