You Can be a Good Christian and Read Harry Potter :: Harry Potter Essays

You Can be a Good Christian and Read Harry Potter When my family and I bought tickets for the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, released shortly before Thanksgiving, my dad reminded me of one thing. â€Å"Just †¦don’t mention it to your relatives, when they come down for Thanksgiving,† he cautioned. â€Å"If your relatives say anything negative about Harry Potter, just try to be diplomatic. Don’t start a fight,† was my mother’s request. Harry Potter is a very sensitive issue to many people, especially now that a movie has been made, based on the first book – a movie that broke almost all US box office records as flocks of people came to watch it. The movie alone brought in just under one hundred million dollars in the first week (Brook). In addition, J.K. Rowling’s first four Harry Potter books (there are three more books planned in the series) have kept her on the bestseller list for the last four years. Each book has sold over a million copies (BBC News Online). As a reader and lover of the books, and a fan of the movie, I am naturally interested in the Harry Potter controversy, which centers on some individuals, notably in the Christian community, who are concerned that the Harry Potter books are spiritually dangerous to their children. Many have even gone so far as to claim that the books are inherently evil, and J.K. Rowling’s intent, in writing the books, was to desensitize, and furthermore attract children to the occult. But while some in the Christian community have sharply criticized the books, others have given them high praise, leaving many parents concerned and confused. The primary concern surrounding Harry Potter books seems to be that they are being marketed almost exclusively to children, yet present witchcraft throughout the story as an attractive, and even desirable thing (John Mark Ministries). The opposition to the books claim that this is causing a rise of interest in youth toward the occult, as well as opening our young people up to the influences of the Enemy (namely, Satan).

The Bear Minimum

Per your request, our group conducted research to determine whether costs or potential costs of the provisions of Big Bear Power’s lease of Goliath Co’s combustion turbine should be included in its minimum lease payments. We have provided a summary of the facts, our conclusion, the basis for our conclusion, and an analysis of possible alternatives to our conclusion as requested. Summary of the Facts Big Bear Power (the Company), a public utility company, is leasing a combustion turbine from Goliath Co. for a 10-year, non-cancelable term. The lease agreement was signed on December 15, 2004, and the company’s right to use the turbine starts on January 1, 2005. Big Bear Power has been financially strong for a number of years, has positive cash flow, and is in accordance with all of its debt covenants. The lease agreement contains three provisions, each of which has associated costs that may potentially need to be included in the calculation of minimum lease payments. The issue at hand is determining whether the costs in these provisions should, in fact, be included in minimum lease payments Conclusion Provision 1 Big Bear Power should not include the $500,000 negotiation fee in its minimum lease payments because, by definition, it is not an obligatory payment to be made toward the asset. On the other hand, the Company should include the $1 million legal fee in minimum lease payments since it is considered an initial direct cost made in connection with the leased property. Provision 2 The lease agreement includes a provision requiring a penalty payment if Big Bear’s bank declares it in default under its primary credit arrangement. This potential cost should be included in calculating minimum lease payments since a lack of predetermined criteria exists to determine default. Provision 3 The lease agreement stipulates Big Bear’s annual lease amount to be increased by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Because the lease payments depend on the index, it must be included in the calculation of the minimum lease payment at the inception of the lease agreement. Basis for Conclusion Provision 1 In the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840-10-25-5, minimum lease payments are â€Å"the payments that the lessee is obligated to make or can be required to make in connection with the leased property,† excluding contingent rentals, any guarantees of the lessor’s debt, and executory costs. Although negotiating fees incurred by Big Bear Power are not executory costs, the fees toward its external legal counsel are considered non-obligatory in nature and should be expensed. In contrast, legal fees paid by Big Bear Power on behalf of Goliath Co. an be categorized as initial direct costs under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 91. Being defined as such, they can be included in the general description of payments they are obligated to make in connection with the lease agreement. Provision 2 Big Bear Power is subject to default if there is a â€Å"material adverse change† in its financial cond ition. FASB ASC 840-10-25-14 provides guidance for default covenants relating to nonperformance and provides four conditions as follows: a. The default covenant provision is customary in leasing arrangements. b. The occurrence of the event of default is objectively determinable. c. Predefined criteria, related solely to the lessee and its operations, has been established for the determination of the event of default. d. It is reasonable to assume, based on the facts and circumstances that exist at lease inception, that the event of default will not occur. In applying this condition, it is expected that entities would consider recent trends in the lessee's operations. The Codification states that if the lease agreement fails to meet all of these conditions, Big Bear Power must include the penalty in its minimum lease payments. As already stated in the information provided, condition (a) is met. Upon further analysis, condition (b) and (d) are also met—Big Bear’s bank is an objective third-party that will determine an occurrence of default, and Big Bear Power is financially strong with remote likelihood of default. While the facts imply that â€Å"material adverse change† is a predefined criterion to determine default, it is our contention that the lack of definition in the documents is sufficient evidence to not fulfill the third condition. Furthermore, the absence of a definition implies a lack of objectivity within the criteria; the phrase â€Å"material adverse change† provides no verifiable benchmark to which Big Bear Power can be examined through its operations, as mandated by the condition. Consequently, Big Bear Power should add the maximum amount of the penalty to the minimum lease payments. Provision 3 According to FASB ASC 840-10-25-4, the portion of lease payments that depends on an index, such as the Consumer Price Index(CPI), should be included in calculating minimum lease payments at lease inception. Big Bear’s lease payments are contingent on increases in the CPI, therefore it must follow this rule. The lease agreement states that Big Bear will pay $1 million per year, and the lease amount will change at each year-end by the increase in the index rate. Only the most recent CPI increase at inception will be included in minimum lease payments. Future increases in the index will not be included as they are considered a contingent rental. Analysis of Alternatives Provision 1 Alternative A debate of Provision 1 suggests that Big Bear Power should not include the $1 million in legal fees toward minimum lease payments. Initial direct costs may be considered transactions separate from the lease itself with benefits being realized at the time of exchange (International Accounting Standards Board [IASB], 2009). Their recognition as assets would be erroneous under this premise, and instead would require an immediate expense to the income statement. Still, it remains our team’s recommendation that the $1 million legal fees be treated as described, in accordance with the FASB’s logic behind fees closely-tied to a lease agreement. Provision 2 Alternative It can be contended that the required penalty payment under a declaration of default should not be included in the minimum lease payments. As stated, FASB ASC 840-10-25-14 provides four conditions, which, if all fulfilled, would not include the penalty in minimum lease payments. Based on those facts provided, and regardless of the definition behind â€Å"material adverse change†, it is arguable that a sufficient criterion exists to determine default. Furthermore, the criterion is established by a third-party with no relation to Goliath Company. This would fulfill condition (c). Provision 3 Alternative Alternative treatment of this provision would adjust minimum lease payments annually after 2005 for the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index. For example, if the lease payment in 2005 is $1 million and the most recent CPI increases by 4%, the lease payment would increase to $1,040,000 in 2006, and $1,081,600 in 2007. The reasoning for this approach is to more accurately measure the lease agreement for financial reporting. However, this method is not in agreement with FASB ASC 840-10-25-4, which states a lease dependent on an index should only include the index existing at lease inception when calculating minimum lease payments. References Financial Accounting Standards Board. (n. d. ). Accounting standards codification. Norwalk, CT: Financial Accounting Standards Board. Retrieved February 8, 2010. International Accounting Standards Board. (2009). IASB staff paper: leases – initial direct costs. London, United Kingdom: International Accounting Standards Board. Retrieved February 8, 2010. The Bear Minimum Per your request, our group conducted research to determine whether costs or potential costs of the provisions of Big Bear Power’s lease of Goliath Co’s combustion turbine should be included in its minimum lease payments. We have provided a summary of the facts, our conclusion, the basis for our conclusion, and an analysis of possible alternatives to our conclusion as requested. Summary of the Facts Big Bear Power (the Company), a public utility company, is leasing a combustion turbine from Goliath Co. for a 10-year, non-cancelable term. The lease agreement was signed on December 15, 2004, and the company’s right to use the turbine starts on January 1, 2005. Big Bear Power has been financially strong for a number of years, has positive cash flow, and is in accordance with all of its debt covenants. The lease agreement contains three provisions, each of which has associated costs that may potentially need to be included in the calculation of minimum lease payments. The issue at hand is determining whether the costs in these provisions should, in fact, be included in minimum lease payments Conclusion Provision 1 Big Bear Power should not include the $500,000 negotiation fee in its minimum lease payments because, by definition, it is not an obligatory payment to be made toward the asset. On the other hand, the Company should include the $1 million legal fee in minimum lease payments since it is considered an initial direct cost made in connection with the leased property. Provision 2 The lease agreement includes a provision requiring a penalty payment if Big Bear’s bank declares it in default under its primary credit arrangement. This potential cost should be included in calculating minimum lease payments since a lack of predetermined criteria exists to determine default. Provision 3 The lease agreement stipulates Big Bear’s annual lease amount to be increased by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Because the lease payments depend on the index, it must be included in the calculation of the minimum lease payment at the inception of the lease agreement. Basis for Conclusion Provision 1 In the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840-10-25-5, minimum lease payments are â€Å"the payments that the lessee is obligated to make or can be required to make in connection with the leased property,† excluding contingent rentals, any guarantees of the lessor’s debt, and executory costs. Although negotiating fees incurred by Big Bear Power are not executory costs, the fees toward its external legal counsel are considered non-obligatory in nature and should be expensed. In contrast, legal fees paid by Big Bear Power on behalf of Goliath Co. an be categorized as initial direct costs under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 91. Being defined as such, they can be included in the general description of payments they are obligated to make in connection with the lease agreement. Provision 2 Big Bear Power is subject to default if there is a â€Å"material adverse change† in its financial cond ition. FASB ASC 840-10-25-14 provides guidance for default covenants relating to nonperformance and provides four conditions as follows: a. The default covenant provision is customary in leasing arrangements. b. The occurrence of the event of default is objectively determinable. c. Predefined criteria, related solely to the lessee and its operations, has been established for the determination of the event of default. d. It is reasonable to assume, based on the facts and circumstances that exist at lease inception, that the event of default will not occur. In applying this condition, it is expected that entities would consider recent trends in the lessee's operations. The Codification states that if the lease agreement fails to meet all of these conditions, Big Bear Power must include the penalty in its minimum lease payments. As already stated in the information provided, condition (a) is met. Upon further analysis, condition (b) and (d) are also met—Big Bear’s bank is an objective third-party that will determine an occurrence of default, and Big Bear Power is financially strong with remote likelihood of default. While the facts imply that â€Å"material adverse change† is a predefined criterion to determine default, it is our contention that the lack of definition in the documents is sufficient evidence to not fulfill the third condition. Furthermore, the absence of a definition implies a lack of objectivity within the criteria; the phrase â€Å"material adverse change† provides no verifiable benchmark to which Big Bear Power can be examined through its operations, as mandated by the condition. Consequently, Big Bear Power should add the maximum amount of the penalty to the minimum lease payments. Provision 3 According to FASB ASC 840-10-25-4, the portion of lease payments that depends on an index, such as the Consumer Price Index(CPI), should be included in calculating minimum lease payments at lease inception. Big Bear’s lease payments are contingent on increases in the CPI, therefore it must follow this rule. The lease agreement states that Big Bear will pay $1 million per year, and the lease amount will change at each year-end by the increase in the index rate. Only the most recent CPI increase at inception will be included in minimum lease payments. Future increases in the index will not be included as they are considered a contingent rental. Analysis of Alternatives Provision 1 Alternative A debate of Provision 1 suggests that Big Bear Power should not include the $1 million in legal fees toward minimum lease payments. Initial direct costs may be considered transactions separate from the lease itself with benefits being realized at the time of exchange (International Accounting Standards Board [IASB], 2009). Their recognition as assets would be erroneous under this premise, and instead would require an immediate expense to the income statement. Still, it remains our team’s recommendation that the $1 million legal fees be treated as described, in accordance with the FASB’s logic behind fees closely-tied to a lease agreement. Provision 2 Alternative It can be contended that the required penalty payment under a declaration of default should not be included in the minimum lease payments. As stated, FASB ASC 840-10-25-14 provides four conditions, which, if all fulfilled, would not include the penalty in minimum lease payments. Based on those facts provided, and regardless of the definition behind â€Å"material adverse change†, it is arguable that a sufficient criterion exists to determine default. Furthermore, the criterion is established by a third-party with no relation to Goliath Company. This would fulfill condition (c). Provision 3 Alternative Alternative treatment of this provision would adjust minimum lease payments annually after 2005 for the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index. For example, if the lease payment in 2005 is $1 million and the most recent CPI increases by 4%, the lease payment would increase to $1,040,000 in 2006, and $1,081,600 in 2007. The reasoning for this approach is to more accurately measure the lease agreement for financial reporting. However, this method is not in agreement with FASB ASC 840-10-25-4, which states a lease dependent on an index should only include the index existing at lease inception when calculating minimum lease payments. References Financial Accounting Standards Board. (n. d. ). Accounting standards codification. Norwalk, CT: Financial Accounting Standards Board. Retrieved February 8, 2010. International Accounting Standards Board. (2009). IASB staff paper: leases – initial direct costs. London, United Kingdom: International Accounting Standards Board. Retrieved February 8, 2010.

Mandatory Drug Testing for High School Athletes Essay

â€Å"A medical dictionary defines a drug as ‘any substance that when taken into the living organism may modify one or more of its functions’† (Newton 12). However, when speaking of drug testing for abuse a person is usually thinking about illegal drugs or drugs that can alter athletic performance in sporting events. Mandatory drug testing was not allowed in public schools until June 2002 when the Supreme Court allowed for public schools to do random drug testing (Carroll 23). This decision allowed for drug testing in all schools throughout the United States not just for athletes but also students who are in any activities within the school, for example clubs and competitive events (Carroll 23). Even though drug testing is now allowed by†¦show more content†¦This does not prevent them from exercising their right to the 4th and 14th amendments which refer to freedom from search and seizures. The Supreme Court has allowed for drug testing in all school s throughout the U.S. So in this school district they have just put in place an effective and easy way to prevent drugs within their school system, by putting in place mandatory drug testing for all students who want to participate in school activities (Scalia). Over the past couple of years drugs have grown within the younger generations. Nearly one in five teens have taken prescription medications to get â€Å"high,† according to a recent study by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America (Carroll 23). Most schools that put mandatory drug testing in place are schools that had, and still have, drug problems within their schools (Yamaguchi). These are few examples of mandatory drug testing in high schools athletics and why it is needed across the country. Mandatory drug testing for high school athletes should be required because it decreases drug use in schools. By having mandatory drug testing in schools the risk for youth becoming â€Å"addicted† to drugs is lowered. The risk for drugs within a school is lowered when there is mandatory drug testing for athletes because most drug problems within a school start with steroid use within certain sports in a high school. Steroids are used to helpShow MoreRelatedDrug Testing of H igh School Students1075 Words   |  5 PagesMandatory Drug Testing of High School Athletes Brandon had always wanted to play football for his high school team. He had always been one of the slowest and smallest boys in his grade. While in 8th grade, he was introduced to performance enhancing drugs. He was sold on the fact that they would make him stronger, faster, and maybe give him a shot to make the high school football team. During his first year of taking the performance enhancing drug, Brandon had increased strength and self-prideRead MoreDrug Testing for School Athletes966 Words   |  4 Pages Drug use in school athletics has become a substantial problem in today’s society. With the rising pressure to succeed and the high level intensity in athletics, it does not come to a surprise that so many student–athletes are giving in to drugs. Many schools that are faced with drug use are turning to mandatory drug tests for student-athletes; however mandatory drug tests are a violation of the Fourth Amendment, the Fifth Amendment and drug testing reverses the legal principle of innocentRead MoreDrug Testing Essay1328 Words   |  6 PagesEven though drug testing is very expensive, ALL high school’s athletes should be tested because drugs are bad for your health and very addictive. A simple drug test could save many lives. Many schools around deny the request to drug test their athletes for the simple conclusion that the cost of the testing would just be to expensive. I disagree whole heartedly on that because although it may be expensive, we could save so ma ny lives by requiring drug tests to play sports. Many students have loveRead MoreSport Enhancement Drugs1667 Words   |  7 Pagessports, it interests me why athletes feel like it’s ok or acceptable to take drugs to enhance their performance on the field of play. Athletes are always looking for ways to improve their skills on and off the field. With the use of steroids, athletes everywhere, not just â€Å"well-know† or â€Å"popular† athletes are putting their entire career on the line with steroid use. The use of steroids and other substances to enhance sports performance has risen to an all-time high over the last few years. SteroidsRead MoreEssay on Drug Testing in Public Colleges1946 Words   |  8 Pages Drug testing in public schools is an issue that the courts have had the main role in regulating. The legislative and executive branches don’t give much direction on this issue, which leaves it up to the courts to decide. The issue of public college drug testing is one that has not received much attention because no public college has implemented a drug testing program for students that were not athletes. Linn State Technical College (LSTC), a small college in rural Missouri, brokeRead MoreEssay about Media Sports: How did Baseball get Affected by Steroids?1246 Words   |  5 PagesAmerican League Most Valuable Player. Jose would eventually admit to using steroids in 1985 saying that he took them in the late 1980’s and the 1990’s (Steroids). He says steroids in baseball were as common as a cup of coffee during that time. Testing wasn’t mandated, but baseball added steroids to its banned-substance roster in 1991. Mark McGwire also admitted in 1999 that he took androstenedione or â€Å"andro,† an over the counter precursor to testerone that was later banned by the FDA. SenatorRead MoreEssay Drug Use in Sports2301 Words   |  10 PagesDrugs in sports can cost a player his or her scholarship(s) and more seriously, their lives. Everyday athletes that you may not think are doing anabolic steroids or the human growth hormone are the athletes who are the big users. 1. There are three major performance enhancing drugs that are used by the super star athletes: anabolic steroids, amphetamine, and the human growth hormone pills. 2. These performance enhancing are found in just about all fifty states and the problem is rapidly growing.Read MoreEssay on The Epidemic of Steroid Abuse in America1711 Words   |  7 PagesThe Epidemic of Steroid Abuse in America We as a people are preoccupied with the notion of greatness. Our role models are athletes, actors and actresses, and other figures in the public eye. Many of us often desire to be better off than our current state; to look better, to be in better shape, etc†¦ We compete with each other for jobs, for mates, for grades, for parking spots, and in sporting activities. This competitive nature is a way of life, especially in sporting activities, often learnedRead MoreRandom Drug Testing for Teenagers602 Words   |  2 Pagesgasoline, or nitrous oxide to get high for the first time in the last year(qtd â€Å"The Truth About Inhalants). 1 in 5 students use marijuana regularly, 18 percent of teenagers use tobacco products, 14 percent abuse prescription drugs(â€Å"Drug Facts†). To counter this, schools have began to adopt policies which require students who wish to join a club, play a sport, or do school activities to sign up for random drug tests. Its becoming very popular in middle schools, high schools, and colleges. Although manyRead MoreSteroid Use Among Teens : Should Or Should Not?1213 Words   |  5 Pagesmedical purpose,† mainly to produce more testosterone for normal development and sexual functioning (â€Å"Performance-Enhancing† 4). Nowadays, athletes and teens use steroids to enhance their performances and improve their looks. There were a lot of reports about how the dangers of steroid use affected physical and psychological health among teens, some solutions are testing and educating on steroid use. Primarily, many people believe that girls and boys want to adjust their physical appearance and to enhance

Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen Essay example

James Loewen wrote the book ?Lies My Teacher Told ME? to help the students of the United States become aware of their true history. This book attempts to show how and why American history has been taught the way it has without regard for the truth. Mr. Loewen had compared twelve different history textbooks they are: The Great Republic, The American Way, Land of Promise, Rise of the American Nation, Challenge of Freedom, American Adventures, Discovering American History, The American Tradition, Life and Liberty, The United States ? A History of the Republic, Triumph of the American Nation and The American Pageant. Loewen has argued his cases for Heroification, Euorcentrism and the first settlers, and Racism in our history. He has done†¦show more content†¦(Lies?22) Under his administration Wilson intervened in Latin America more often than at any other time in our history. He also led us into an ?Unknown War? (Robert Maddock) that not even one of the twelve textbooks Loewen r eviewed mentions. (Lies?24) Racial problems also plagued Wilson throughout his Presidency abusing power as Chief Executive he segregated the Federal Government. He appointed whites to offices that were traditionally reserved for black Americans. Also during his second term in office a wave of antiblack race riots swept the country and many blacks had lost their lives. Again these are only two examples amongst countless others which show how the textbooks do not show flaws in historical figures but heroifies them. Euorcentrism is a term that is used in this book to describe how history has been written with its influence mainly from Europe or a European perspective. This unfortunately bases the way history is written and taught for example, textbooks use Christopher Columbus and 1492 as the day the Americas were ?discovered? and by whom. Quite to the contrary the Vikings had landed in North America in approximately 1005 AD, but have been neglected when it comes to being given credit for the ?discovery?. (Lies?43) The real catcher to all of this is that the Americas had been inhabited during all of this by Native Indians who supposedly livedShow MoreRelated Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen Essay1948 Words   |  8 PagesLies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen High school history textbooks are seen, by students, as presenting the last word on American History. Rarely, if ever, do they question what their text tells them about our collective past. According to James W. Loewens Lies My Teacher Told Me, they should be. Loewen has spent considerable time and effort reviewing history texts that were written for high school students. In Lies, he has reviewed twenty texts and has compared them to the actualRead MoreEssay about Analysis in James W. Loewen ´s Lies My Teacher Told Me1225 Words   |  5 Pages James W. Loewen wrote the book â€Å"Lies My Teacher Told Me† to help students understand the past of the United States, and how it is effecting the present time. â€Å"Lies My Teacher Told Me† looks at 12 different American history textbooks, and points out the different lies, flaws, and sugar coated stories the textbooks present. Lowen explains how textbooks practice heroification, and how race and race relations ar e a major issue when it comes to American history. Among these topics, Lowen also shedsRead MoreEssay about Christopher Columbus: Hero or Villain?781 Words   |  4 Pagesall of our years that we are taught about world history, we are led to believe that Columbus was one of the greatest explorers of all time. In my mind there is no question about whether Christopher Columbus discovered America; of course he did, its Columbus! However, this is a highly debated issue and through writings by authors Jeffery Hart and James W. Loewen we will investigate the true importance of Columbus. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In the essay written by Jeffrey Hart entitled, â€Å"DiscoveringRead MoreEssay on Lies My Teacher Told Me Heroification821 Words   |  4 PagesAshley Walker Mr. Scott INTD 101-18: The Art of Seduction 29 September 2011 A False History James Loewen uses his piece Lies my Teacher Told Me to reveal the flaws in America’s mainstream textbooks. Loewen points out the fact that textbooks try to â€Å"indoctrinate blind patriotism† (Loewen 6) and â€Å"keep students in the dark about the nature of history† (Loewen 8). Almost every American textbook sells history using the â€Å"soft seduction† approach, as explained in Robert Greene’s book, The Art ofRead MoreSummary : Indoctrinate Blind Patriotism 1151 Words   |  5 PagesElizabeth Tolentino Dr. Andrea Johnson Loewen Paper 29 September 2014 Question 1: What is your interpretation of the statement on page six that includes, â€Å"†¦indoctrinate blind patriotism†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Answer 1: In Lies My Teacher Told Me, James W. Loewen asserts that American history texts are harmful to students because of nationalism and books that â€Å"†¦are often muddled by the conflicting desires to promote inquiry and to indoctrinate blind patriotism† (Loewen 6). Loewen argues that American history texts areRead More The Decline of Education: Social and Economic Inequality Essay1193 Words   |  5 Pages and therefore people would be back to the starting block positions of hard manual labor. However, according to James Loewen’s â€Å"The Land of Opportunity,† even the educational system is slipping, stating that when he asked questions like, â€Å"why are people poor?† he got woefully inadequate responses. In both â€Å"The Land of Opportunity† and â€Å"Lies My History Teacher Told Me,† both by Loewen, the root cause of most of the problems in schools and their lack of adequate education are the textbooks. TheRead MoreFood Assumptions: Everything the Food Industry Does Not Want Consumers to Know1051 Words   |  5 Pagesmessage that the book, Lies My Teacher Told Me, by James Loewen, delivers about how the public is deceived in regards to history. One specific food lie is how the Corn Refiners Association wants the public to believe that High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is the same as sugar and is perfectly healthy for consumption. As some research suggests, this is a faulty food assumption. Patriotic textbooks â€Å"leave out anything that might reflect badly upon [them]† (Loewen 5). Loewen argues that â€Å"if textbooksRead MoreEssay on Lies My Teacher Told Me910 Words   |  4 Pagesour past. This is where we get the misinterpretation of history. In chapter five of the book Lies My Teacher Told Me, these contradictions are brought into light and force us to look at them again. As I have learned in my history courses we can always question the accuracy of a story but we may never fully understand the truth. There have been three important times I have been through that have shaped my understanding of history today, specifically the part of history dealing with slavery and racismRead More The Hypocrisy of Teaching American History Essays630 Words   |  3 Pagesare the basic outline for American schools. In those subjects, where does history fit in? Some believe that teachers avoid history because of how corrupt America has been. James W. Loewen, author of L ies My Teacher Told Me, says, Parents may feel undermined when children get tools of information not available to adults and use them in ways that seem to threaten adult-held values. (Loewen 296.) The adults had to learn the same false history children are being taught today. By teaching children theRead More The Lies My Teacher Told Me and People’s History of the United States1462 Words   |  6 Pages either adding or subtracting certain details from the story. James Loewen, in The Lies My Teacher Told Me, reveals how much history has been changed by textbook writes so that students studying the textbooks can understand and connect to the information. In Howard Zinn’s, People’s History of the United States, the author recounts historical tales through the point of view of the common people. Mainstream media, as proven by Loewen and Zinn, often pollutes and dilutes history to make the information

Socrates One of the Most Important Figures in Western...

Socrates was one of the most influential thinkers in the West, even though he left no writings of himself, it was possible to reconstruct an accurate account of his life from the writings of his Greek students because he always engaged them. He was a man with a very strong conviction because he lived his life for the pursuit of knowledge, true wisdom, God’s will, and piety. Though he never wrote anything, his soul source of knowledge about him came from one of his students, Plato. Socrates was born in 469 B.C. in a village on the slopes of Mount Lycabettus, where his father was a sculptor and his mother a midwife. He soon became an apprentice and aid to his father and he continued it throughout a brief period of time until he†¦show more content†¦Aristophanes comedy â€Å"Clouds† had several passages about Socrates, they found him as the protagonist and his portrayal was very consistent as if Aristophanes never changed his mind about him. The play Clouds was pe rformed in Athens and it was one of the earliest noticed works about Socrates in 423 BCE. Socrates has been the subject of three comedies and though the comedy Clouds has been in questioned whether or not it was accurate or even justified within the liberal parameters of Athenian comedy. Clouds was about facing with legal action for non-payment debts that soon enrolled his son in the â€Å"thinkeria†, where he learns fighting skills and later on beats his father up during an argument. â€Å"Whatever Aristophanes’ motive could have been, the effect was the same. Socrates was ridiculed and exposed before the audience as a dangerous fool, and the persistence and magnitude of this effect can be appreciated by considering once more what the Plantonic Socrates says about Aristophanes in the Apology.† (Navia 50-51). Some contributions that Socrates made were traveling teachers who charged fees for educating young men and finding the scientific method.† He demonstrated that wrong doing results from ignorance and if a man lies, Socrates might have said, he does soShow MoreRelatedGreek And Classical Greek Philosophy997 Words   |  4 Pages Classical Greek Philosophy A philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, esp. when considered as an academic discipline. Greece was divided into several city-states, which ran separately and independent from each other. However, they shared commonalities, such as common ancestry, language, and festivals. Foreigners were all considered barbarians to the Greek. Greek Culture is reflected in today s Society in many ways. These ways include mathematicsRead MoreGreek Philosophy And The Greek Creation1593 Words   |  7 Pages The word â€Å"philosophy†, comes from the Ancient Greek word (Phileo), meaning â€Å"to love† or â€Å"to befriend† and (Sophia), meaning â€Å"wisdom†; making philosophy stand for â€Å"the love of wisdom†. Philosophy is about understanding the fundamental truths about ourselves, the world in which we live in, and our relationships to the world and amongst each other. It is the study of general problems connected with existence, values, language, and mind. Those who study philosophy (philosophers), engage in askingRead MoreThe Complicated Life of Socrates1183 Words   |  5 PagesSocrates was a classical Greek philosopher that was born in Athens, Greece around 470/469 BC. He served in the Athenian army and fought in many battles. When Socrates retired from fighting in the army, he began focusing on expressing his beliefs. 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Eating Fast Food May Cause Obesity Free Essays

Elizabeth Collins English 1302 March 27, 2013 Eating Fast Food May Cause Obesity Most American eat out daily and fast food is fried and high in calories, the bottom line is it’s all about choices. Making the decision to choose fried, baked or grilled food is a choice. Fast food, namely McDonald’s, tends to get a bad rap, McDonald’s got a bad rap because it is not only convenient but they made their food look attractive and desirable to kids. We will write a custom essay sample on Eating Fast Food May Cause Obesity or any similar topic only for you Order Now They placed those golden arches high in the air on the bright neon sign, and they put toys in their happy meals. While McDonald’s happy meals was not the most nutritious, now there are options as to what you can put in a kids happy meal. Statistics show that more than two-third of United States adults are obese: â€Å"Currently 58% of adults and 39% of children are classified as overweight or obese. † (4). Younger adults are less like to be obesity than adults at age sixty. In 1999-2000 obesity among boys increased from fourteen percent to eighteen point six percent in 2009-2010; there was no significance change among girls. In 1999-2000 obesity rate was 13. 8% and 15. % in 2009-2010. Then in 2007-2010 there was no change in general in obesity among boys and girls. Around 25% of children are overweight or obese. Most children that are obese in their childhood will be obese in their adult life. It is appropriate to say fast food may cause obesity. According to these statistics; this is because at most fast food restaurants you can up-size: medium, large, or super-size. Ordering oversized portions of servings may cause you to overeat. Although in the past McDonalds was blamed for a large part of obesity rate, McDonalds has made efforts to consciously make consumers more aware of what their food contains. It has also made more choices available, with much better nutritional value. In comparison, KFC chicken pot pies has 790 calories in them and wouldn’t this much soda be higher in calories. Much like big business where there’s a need; there’s an opportunity to make money, but many fast food restaurants are putting more healthier choices on their menu: For instance, Chipotle, my fit foods, Fuddruckers, 2nd even Luby’s. Studies have been done to show the effect of fast food on obesity. Americans may be prone to other behaviors that affect obesity when they eat fast food. It is a concern that fast food restaurants close to schools lead more children to obesity. To begin with, Data is computed to determine how many miles the fast food restaurants is within distance of the school. Knowingly there is a fast food restaurant in the area; if the restaurant is very close to the school, its questionable how so and that is a good way to recognize the effect of fast food on obesity. Next, the studies monitor a rich set of school and area individuality in their analysis. Finally, over a period of time, these studies will vary. Not long ago I was asked to look at a choice between making a hot dog using a hot dog bun or using regular bread. The actual content of the hot dog is pretty ordinary, but the biggest difference can be made when choosing to eat an actual bun versus using bread for better or worse? Some people say fast food does not cause obesity. They say fast food restaurants have food now with less calories and a menu to show how many calories in the serving you are eating, and that fast food restaurants has more than doubled, because more American say it convenient to eat out than the go home and cook. While in the reports on popular press have repeatedly suggested that fast food is slightly to blame for the rise of the obesity rate in the U. S, it’s hard to show a connection between fast food and obesity. As an American, you have the ability to make healthier choices, so do it. With all things considered, you just need to know what to order and watch the amount of calories you take in. On salads, try using Balsamic Vinaigrette instead of Ranch or Thousand Island. Consider picking grilled chicken over breaded. Maybe try eating a sandwich without any type of dressing, or just try exercising at least twice a week. Yes; fast food can cause obesity, but it’s all about the choices we make. Work Cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Jan. 2011. Web. 25 Mar. 2013. http://www. cdc. gov/nchs/about. htm. â€Å"How Is Fast Food Contributing to Obesity in America? † LIVESTRONG. COM. N. p. , n. d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013. http://www. livestrong. com/article/457854-how-is-fast-food-contributing-to-obesity-in-america/. â€Å"Obesity Facts. † Obesity Facts. N. p. , n. d. Web. 25 Mar. 2013. http://www. obesity-info. com/. â€Å"The National Bureau of Economic Research. † The National Bureau of Economic Research. N. p. , n. d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013. http://www. nber. org/. How to cite Eating Fast Food May Cause Obesity, Essays

Henry James Beast In The Jungle Essay Example For Students

Henry James Beast In The Jungle Essay If Only I Had KnownHenry James always managed to keep certain themes in his works similar. The one that usually stands out most is his literary battles between American and European customs. This is especially apparent in three of his other works, Daisy Miller: A Study, Roderick Hudson, and The Portrait Of A Lady. However, in his short story, The Beast In The Jungle, there is another theme that takes center stage. That theme is fate; moreover, the failure to control that fate. In The Beast In The Jungle, we are introduced to John Marcher, one of the main characters. Immediately afterwards, we meet May Bartram, someone he had met almost ten years prior in Naples, Italy, although he had accidentally thought it to be Rome. The two are getting along splendidly, in a flirtatious way, leaving the reader to wonder about the future of this would-be couple. However, it is then that we find out what eventually kills the hopes of any kind of romantic connection, as May recalls Johns special holdup:You said you had had from your earliest time, as the deepest thing within you, the sense of being kept for something rare and strange, possibly prodigious and terrible, that was sooner or later to happen to you, that you had in your bones the foreboding and the conviction of, and that would perhaps overwhelm you (TBITJ, 338). Marcher believes that he is fated to experience something but he is not sure what it is that he is waiting for. May probes deeper, possibly revealing something about herself and her desire for a connection, asking, Isnt what you describe perhaps but the expectationor at any rate the sense of danger, familiar to so many peopleof falling in love? (TBITJ, 339). He talks about a love that he had but that it was not this monumental thing that she talks of. She replies, saying, Then it hasnt been love (TBITJ, 338). This whole conversation has been one flirtatious period of time. However, it quickly turns back to the topic of his fate, cutting short any additional talk of love, possibly leading somewhere. This was a missed opportunity for the both of them because of his obsession with the mysterious destiny. The discussion ends with her promising to watch with him (TBITJ, 340). And yet, the reason that she will see him again is not to pursue any sort of normal relationship. It is simply the desire to be there when whatever happens to him occurs. Later on in the story, he meets up with her on her birthday, bringing with him a small trinket (TBITJ, 344). He calls it a customary offering, having known her now long enough to have established a hundred small traditions (TBITJ, 344). Clearly, they have had contact for an extended period of time and yet, Marcher stays at arms length from her, not willing to fall in love because of his supposed fate. They discuss some more about his situation and the guilt he feels for her, wondering if she is wasting her time watching over him. I sometimes ask myself if its quite fair. Fair I mean to have so involved andsince one may say itinterested you. I almost feel as if you hadnt really had time to do anything else (TBITJ, 344). She responds to his question with her own. Anything else but be interested? Ah what else does one ever want to be? (TBITJ, 344). They continue to talk and she drops another hint about what his actual fate might be, hoping that he will spot the bread crumbs:Of course on es fate is coming, of course it has come in its own form and its own way, all the while. Only, you know, the form and the way in your case were to have beenwell, something so exceptional and, as one may say, so particularly your own (TBITJ, 345). .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061 , .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061 .postImageUrl , .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061 , .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061:hover , .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061:visited , .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061:active { border:0!important; } .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061:active , .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061 .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u740e987f04a7928c56f35762618ba061:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: BLOOD AND BELONGING EssayUnfortunately, he misses them completely, and instead, says, You say were to have been as if in your heart you had begun to doubt (TBITJ, 345). While she is trying to say that, perhaps, the important event that he is waiting for has already occurred in the form of herself, he is still out in right field not realizing that the inning is over. He believes that what she is trying to say is that she now believes that nothing special will happen to him and makes the conclusion that, instead, she has just stopped believing in this mystical destiny. Another opportunity goes down the drain. In Chapter 3, they converse again, and he praises her, saying, how kind, how beautiful, you are to me! How shall I ever repay you? (TBITJ, 347). May Bertram finally realizes the nature of their relationship and she has her last grave pause, as if there might be a choice of ways (TBITJ, 347). She quickly chooses for him to continue as he is. This conversation leads to a relapse of their relationship as she wants to tell him that she knows something and that what she knows is bad (TBITJ, 347). Later on in the chapter, she acknowledges that she has a deep disorder of the blood (TBITJ, 348) and he immediately looses sight of the importance, saying to himself, What if she should have to die before knowing, before seeing? (TBITJ, 348). Clearly, he is focusing much too much on his destiny and is not even lifting his head up out of the jungle to make sure that he is not supposed to be meeting another animal instead. In Chapter 5, shortly before her death, she helps him to figure out the meaning of their lives. She tells him that your not being aware of it is the strangeness in the strangeness. Its the wonder of the wonder. It has touched you (TBITJ, 355). As always, he does not understand that the special thing that fate had in store for him was to change his life, and that his life had been changed by her company. By their meeting and forming a friendship, his life had changed. He had grown up with a friend who he had treasured, and even though fate might have had scheduled them to become more than just friends, the connection that the two had did impact his life. It is finally when he visits her grave that he comprehends what his life has become and what is should have been. He realizes that the beast was actually the person that he met for the second time back in the house in Weatherend at the beginning of the story. Henry James works have been known to have a certain autobiographical aspects to them. Looking at his life, one can see that he did not marry either and, just like in Daisy Miller: A Study and most of his other works, the main characters story does not end happily. Throughout the entire time of the story, and more-so his life, John Marcher felt that there was something that he should be waiting for to happen. Something that was spectacular or, instead, brought suffering, he did not have any measure of a clue. Yet he continued to wait for that beast to jump out from the jungle and spark an incident. But what he never understood until the end of the story was that, perhaps, the only beast to be springing forth from the jungle of his life was the pretty swan. Perhaps, the old saying is truly correct, Carpe Diem.