Review of Stearns’ Fat History: Bodies and Beauty in the Modern West :: essays research papers

Wow, I mean, your sister, she’s so fat that when she wears a yellow raincoat, people shout out, â€Å"Taxi!† Your brother, gosh, he’s so fat that his driver’s license says, â€Å"Picture continued on the other side!† About your mother, well, she’s so fat that when she walks in front of the television, you miss out on three commercials! I’m tellin’ ya! Fat!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Those humorous one-liners are just a few of the many out there. In the United States today, we are obviously obsessed with weight, but how did this cultural craze with heaviness start? When and why, even? Are we the only ones? Peter N. Stearns is a Carnegie Mellon history professor and dean, and in his book Fat History: Bodies and Beauty in the Modern West, he explores and compares the weight-consciousness over the past century in both the United States (arguably the most obese Western country today) and France (arguably the slimmest); he also attempts at explaining why such contrariety exists between these two countries, despite both being heavily infatuated with body and beauty. It is Stearns’ stance that this modern struggle against fat is actually very deeply rooted within our American culture, and dieting and rampant hostility toward the obese continue to become one of the underlying themes in our society today. He also notes the differences in attitud es toward the obese in both countries. He does not really believe that the French approach to obesity could so readily be adopted in the United States, but possibly recognizing a different attitude may help to later reshape the views and opinions that have been formed this past century in our society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With respect to the United States, Stearns reveals that before the 1890s plumpness was healthy and in fact preferred over frailness; full-figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s were linked to successful motherhood and were indeed quite fashionable. In the decade just before 1900, however, as we became more sedentary, fashion changed, and dress sizes became standardized, greater attention was drawn toward the more oddly shaped bodies, possibly creating a new public concern for body weight, especially for women. Fat-controlling devices like â€Å"reducing corsets†, dieting gimmicks such as Kissiengen water, and other advertisements for products to help against weight also began to spread during this time period. Morality even came into play, as obese individuals were seen to not only be lazy and weak but also on their way toward what one may call â€Å"fat hell†. Review of Stearns’ Fat History: Bodies and Beauty in the Modern West :: essays research papers Wow, I mean, your sister, she’s so fat that when she wears a yellow raincoat, people shout out, â€Å"Taxi!† Your brother, gosh, he’s so fat that his driver’s license says, â€Å"Picture continued on the other side!† About your mother, well, she’s so fat that when she walks in front of the television, you miss out on three commercials! I’m tellin’ ya! Fat!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Those humorous one-liners are just a few of the many out there. In the United States today, we are obviously obsessed with weight, but how did this cultural craze with heaviness start? When and why, even? Are we the only ones? Peter N. Stearns is a Carnegie Mellon history professor and dean, and in his book Fat History: Bodies and Beauty in the Modern West, he explores and compares the weight-consciousness over the past century in both the United States (arguably the most obese Western country today) and France (arguably the slimmest); he also attempts at explaining why such contrariety exists between these two countries, despite both being heavily infatuated with body and beauty. It is Stearns’ stance that this modern struggle against fat is actually very deeply rooted within our American culture, and dieting and rampant hostility toward the obese continue to become one of the underlying themes in our society today. He also notes the differences in attitud es toward the obese in both countries. He does not really believe that the French approach to obesity could so readily be adopted in the United States, but possibly recognizing a different attitude may help to later reshape the views and opinions that have been formed this past century in our society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With respect to the United States, Stearns reveals that before the 1890s plumpness was healthy and in fact preferred over frailness; full-figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s were linked to successful motherhood and were indeed quite fashionable. In the decade just before 1900, however, as we became more sedentary, fashion changed, and dress sizes became standardized, greater attention was drawn toward the more oddly shaped bodies, possibly creating a new public concern for body weight, especially for women. Fat-controlling devices like â€Å"reducing corsets†, dieting gimmicks such as Kissiengen water, and other advertisements for products to help against weight also began to spread during this time period. Morality even came into play, as obese individuals were seen to not only be lazy and weak but also on their way toward what one may call â€Å"fat hell†.

Merchant of Venice Essay Outline Essay

I. INTRODUCTION: A. Is Shylock a man â€Å"more sinned against than sinning,† or does he take his revenge too far in the pursuit of his pound of flesh? B. The wrongs against Shylock climax in the courtroom scene. He has lost his ducats, daughter, and now his religion. C. Thesis: The absolute epitome of selfishness can be described from within Shylock’s character; that selfishness is what prevents any would-be sympathizers from being able to fully commit themselves to Shylock’s case. II. BODY PARAGRAPH 1: A. Topic Sentence: Being the antagonist and villain throughout the play Shylock must be the antithesis to the general characteristics of the protagonist and supporting cast. B. Shylock was a Jew, a not very admirable quality during the late 16th century in Venice. C. â€Å"Shylock, albeit I neither lend nor borrow/ by taking nor by giving of excess† (Act 1, Scene 3, Lines 61-62) D. He is a usurer, something that Antonia literally despises and spits upon. E. This shows the hypocrisy of Antonio’s actions F. The daughter of his, Jessica, wishes to be free of him while he cloisters her and denies her liberties in order to keep her for himself. G. Shylocks character is what fuels him, but the treatment he has had to endure has affected the way the reacts to people. III. BODY PARAGRAPH II: * A. Transition/Topic Sentence: The power Shylock has to be a constant obstacle is abused often and with no guilt, he is fueled from only the intense urge of revenge. * B. The bond, from which Antonio is tied to, has no loophole from the pound of flesh, even when Bassanio wishes to not be tied to it. * C. â€Å"You’ll ask me, why I rather choose to have/ A weight of carrion flesh than to receive/ Three thousand ducats. I’ll not answer that,/ but say it is my humour†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Act IV, Scene I, lines 40-43) D.Shylock will not allow a counteroffer to his pound of flesh, even though it was offered threefold. * E. Shylock is a direct obstacle to Lancelet’s happiness and has kept him for too long. * G. Having to go live in the ghetto has given Shylock a home where he can nurture his despisement of Christians. IV. BODY PARAGRAPH III: * A. Transition/Opening   * Sentence: Anti-Semitism debates are a central theme, and the hypocrisies that stem from it are defined in Shylocks views of Christians. * B. He is portrayed as more consumed by the fear his ducats are gone than his own daughter. * C. â€Å"My daughter, O my ducats, O my daughter!/ Fled with a Christian! O my Christian ducats!† (Act II, Scene 8, lines 15-16) * D. â€Å"If you wrong us,/ shall we not revenge?/ If we are like you in the rest,/ we will resemble you in that†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Act III, Scene I, Lines 54-62) * E. When he is taunted by Solania and Salerio he points out the differences between Jews and Christians and claims that the evil he has been taught he will execute even better. * F. He does not believe that they can co exist and refuses to dine with them or pray with them, only conduct business. * G. â€Å"I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Act I, Scene III, lines 32-34) V. BODY PARAGRAPH IV: * A. Transition/Opening Sentence: The entire court scene is the showcase of how all the wrongs committed upon Shylocks Jewish soul will now come back to haunt his wrongdoer. * B. tries to bargain himself out of his punishment even when he has lost * C. â€Å"Shall I not barely have my principal?† (Act IV, Scene1, lines 356) VI. CONCLUSION: * * A. In determining whether or not it is right to sympathize with the plight of Shylock, it is necessary to forgive him for his revenge. But why is he forgiven when he could not forgive Antonio; for if he had then the character of Shylock would not be in question. * B. Reconfirmed Thesis: In his refusal of mercy and forgiveness, Shylock sets himself up for failure, and fails without grace leaving as a broken man without money, religion, or his precious ducats. * C. The debate of the humanness of Shylock has withstood the hardy hands of time because of his relatableness as a villain. It is harder to hate the villain when you have reasons to hate the hero.

Modern Relationships

The advancement of technology does not only change man’s way of doing things but also it changes some aspects of his personal life. One of these aspects is in the area of  Ã‚   building relationships.   According to Maslow, one of man’s basic needs is belongingness and love. He stated that man basically wants to find someone whom he can love and be loved.   Relationships add meaning to his life and gave him a sense of purpose ( Maslow, 1954). With the discovery of the internet, that purpose is going to be fulfilled in a new way. The quest for a mate had always been a complicated procedure for most. Some have list of qualities and requirements that they want to find in someone while others do not know what they are looking for. All they know and hoped for is that there is someone for them out there in the world. Whoever comes along they always hoped he will be the special one but unfortunately they are not always right the first time. And so the quest continues. One way that modern man had taken advantage of for the quest is using the internet.   What is interesting about the World Wide Web is that it provided modern man the chance to meet different people from different culture and religious background. With the use of   his fingers , he can easily   meet someone from anywhere in the world   at any time. It is because anybody can connect to any chatrooms or websites that advertises various individuals looking for someone to love. Others may be skeptical about this idea simply because you actually do not know the real person behind the face. And many (mostly conservative ones) would suspect that no lasting relationships can ever be established from internet dating. They feel that everyone was just out there to fool or take advantage of somebody. They also reasoned that if it is hard to make a relationship work with someone you personally know for years how much harder will it be if you commit to a relationship with someone you only know in the internet. And how more complicated will it be if that person came from another country and practicing another religion! While the above argument may have some truth in it, internet dating continues to become a popular means of modern man to find someone to love. Their reasons may vary. Others find communicating in the internet easier. Communication had always been a problem of any relationships. Some people just cannot express themselves to those who already know them for years. They cannot relate their disappointments, frustrations and broken dreams for fear of rejection or betrayal. So they pretended to be strong and able to conquer the world while in reality they are on the verge of collapsing.   But the internet had provided them a different scenario. In there they find people who do not know them and therefore had no basis to judge. And since the other person is so far away in the world to do them any harm, they freely began to talk about themselves and later they realized that they were accepted for who they were. They do not need to wear a mask. And because of that they were willing to take the relationship to the next level. Another reason why people go for internet dating is because they find it challenging to do so. They are mostly adventurous individuals who are curios to learn about other cultures and religion. They do not fear these differences because they have the capacity to accept people’s differences from their own. For example modern America is a place of diverse nationalities, and most Americans had been an eyewitness of successful relationships between two people of diverse culture and religion. They figure that if they possessed a heart of understanding and acceptance any relationship can work. It really does not matter much where a person comes from as long as he is willing to make the necessary adjustment to make a relationship last as it should. In other words, there are cases that modern relationships between different cultures do not work not because of their differences in beliefs and customs but because of their innate negative characters. If they marry a person of their own culture and religion, their relationship will still not work because basically they are the problem. Another reason why people choose internet dating is because it helped them not to get too physically involved. Some good relationships fail initially because the physical involvement gets in the way of knowing the real person apart from the physical self. People who hade made sexual relationships before and were guilty about it find internet dating a welcome change. And they find that they do not have to be totally committed to have a relationship. All they want is to have someone willing to talk to. But of course, as I have stated before things just happens that change their minds and before long they find themselves loving someone from across the globe. The internet can also be the means for lovers to stay in contact when the other had to leave for another place for some reason. In the past, relationships failed because after the lover left, he lost touch with the other that was left behind.   Telephone long distance charges are very costly. At first there may be many calls but later on only few calls are made in a year     and then eventually it stopped. Then one of them realizes that the other had found a new love. But modern technology is trying to change all that. The internet provided convenient access for constant communication between lovers. Through it they can promptly and continuously catch up with each other’s lives. Communication no long becomes a barrier for their long distance relationships. The only thing that can really break their relationship now is if they really wanted to in the first place. Most people would never see themselves finding someone through the internet. They may utilize the net for an already formed relationship outside the internet (like the above example where one lover had to go away for some place) but to really find someone in the net is next to impossible for them. People who do this are usually very careful in life, they are afraid to make mistakes and for them it is a mistake to find someone in the net. But times had changed. In reality, there are many sensible people in the net. Decent modern men and women now take part in internet dating.   Their rule of thumb is to  Ã‚   use their head, be smart and stay away from suspicious people. It is true that many get fooled in the internet. But it is because they ignored the warning signs. People who do nasty things in the net and who request to see some private parts are not to be trusted. They do not possess any self-respect and will most likely make a mate’s life miserable. People that can be trusted are those who communicate respectfully and talk about wholesome matters.   But still in spite of that, a person should be watchful who he/she is talking or committing to. Even with the modern way of building relationships, using the head and lots of prayers are still the best means of finding the right person. Reference Maslow, Abraham H. (1954). Motivation and Personality. New York: Harper and Row Publishers, Incorporated   

Modern Macroeconomic Models Example

Modern Macroeconomic Models Example Modern Macroeconomic Models – Coursework Example MACROECONOMIC MODELS Introduction There are various types of macroeconomic models. The first one is the simple theoretical models that include neoclassical growth theory, Solow model, Keynesian macroeconomics, Mundell – Flemming and IS-LM Model. They use various diagrams that help explain equations with different variables (Fisher, 2011, p. 210). Most of the models are not dynamic but static. Most of the equations use aggregates such as total employment or GDP, and they do not use concrete variables in the economy. The models are not useful for policy evaluation, testing and forecasting quantitatively.Empirical forecasting macro models describe how various macroeconomic variables relate to each other. They went further to explain the different variables and how they related. As a result, more equations relating the different quantities were formed which were lengthy and found their application in computers as it would be tedious for an individual to work out the equations. The selection of the variable followed the economic theory, and most of the variables in the equation were based on the empirical viewpoints. Empirical macroeconomic models hold the view that raising inflation would help in decreasing unemployment. Wharton model is an example of an empirical model that has been used in the United Kingdom and the United States. Lucas analyzed the model in that it based its evaluation on previous information and not on the current data.Macroeconomic models include dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models (DSGE). The models use the various agents in the economies that include governments, firms, and households while focusing on the budget constraint, technology and preferences in particular countries Balke et al., 2012, p. 2). The model focuses on the prices affecting the various variables both at present and in future. It focuses on demand and supply taking into consideration their prices and the various factors influencing the markets. The new Keyn esian and business cycle model have arisen due to the various improvements using the agents. The DSGE models help in determining economic policy and social welfare impact.Another category of macroeconomic models is the Agent-based computational macroeconomic models (ACE). The model focuses on various agents. The model concentrates on splitting the different macroeconomic aggregates relationships into particular macroeconomic agent decisions. The macroeconomic model can analyze the totals by using computer simulations. The models provide strategies.The tax rebates would help more people spend more since most of them may not have the disposable income now. The people will tend to spend more because it is a consumerist society. The increased spending would help stimulate the economy as a result and would contribute to creating more employment opportunities thus reducing unemployment. The spending will thus assist the economy in that three will be more circulation of money and spending. Paying debts would mean that there would be minimal spending, and this would not assist the economy very much. The economy grows due to healthy spending, and it enables reduce unemployment. Reduced spending increases unemployment which affects the economic negatively.ReferencesFisher, P. (2011). Rational expectations in macroeconomic models. Dordrecht: Springer.Balke, N. S., Canova, F., Milani, F., & Wynne, M. A. (2012). DSGE models in macroeconomics: Estimation, evaluation, and new developments. Bingley, U.K: Emerald.

Tips for Telephoning Native English Speakers

Tips for Telephoning Native English Speakers Have you ever had problems understanding native English speakers on the telephone? If so, you are not alone. All English learners have difficulties understanding people on the telephone. This is for a number of reasons: People speak too quicklyPeople dont pronounce the words wellThere are technical problems with the telephonesYou cant see the person you are speaking withIts difficult for people to repeat information This article focuses on the first and last problems listed above. Follow these tips to help you get native speakers of English to slow down! Immediately ask the person to speak slowly.When taking note of a name or important information, repeat each piece of information as the person speaks.  This is an especially effective tool. By repeating each important piece of information or each number or letter as the spell or give you a telephone number you automatically slow the speaker down.Do not say you have understood if you have not. Ask the person to repeat until you have understood.  Remember that the other person needs to make himself/herself understood and it is in his/her interest to make sure that you have understood. If you ask a person to explain more than twice, he will usually slow down.If the person does not slow down, begin speaking your own language!  A sentence or two of another language spoken quickly will remind the person that he is fortunate because he doesnt need to speak a different language to communicate. Used carefully, this exercise in humbling the other speaker can be very effective. Just be su re to use it with colleagues and not with a boss! More Telephone English Telephone English: Dialogue and Appropriate VocabularyTelephone English: Leaving a Message on an Answering MachinePractical Exercises: Exercises to Improve Your Telephoning SkillsRole Plays: Role Play Dialogue Cues to Practice Telephoning with FriendsBusiness Telephone ConversationsTeaching Telephone English: Lesson Plan

Case Study 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Case Study 2 - Assignment Example This can be achieved through advertising an attribute of the brand in the form of a campaign. According to the case study, Cingular used Virtual Laguna Beach in order to promote the aspect of communication. This aspect acted a form of promotion which comprised of information from diverse social events. Through these interactions, the users received bonus rewards including VoIP access, cell phone animation and skins for instant-messaging players. On the other hand, Pepsi increased their in-world skills through publishing an in-world ‘zine that offers new areas in the world. This has enabled users to rack up MTV dollars for the Pepsi-branded items and other in-world purchases (Klaassen, 2007). Lastly, Secret extended its campaign through virtual booths whereby avatars aired some of their secrets for a chance to win a virtual cash prize. This case study also highlights that this scheme does not have a business model. However, the MTV network has a plan to charge for its integration into Virtual Laguna Beach. This case study also reveals brand interaction should entail a reward especially in the virtual world (Klaassen, 2007). This is because most visitors in Virtual Laguna Beach are usually exposed to these brands hence; they interact voluntarily just like in the real world. The second case study talks about the Bank of America. In most financial services that are provided all over the world, online banking is considered as a major breakthrough in the innovation sector. In 2005, the Bank of America came up with a different and radical product which broke the paradigm. Scholars assert that the online banking service concept is used to solve some of the contemporary banking issues. For example, it enables consumers to open new accounts. This concept operates in a peculiar manner such that when a consumer buys anything using the BoFA Visa Debit Card, the bank usually rounds off the figure to the nearest buck and

Reserch proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Reserch proposal - Essay Example nt interventions of ecommerce over the traditional modes of business has further enhanced credibility of businesses and opened further ways into the international market. Moreover, it has opened windows for the organization to serve to the world class clients and develop their international client base (Ahmed & Ibrahim, 2011). In this context, the paper elaborates on the development that has been incorporated by Tesco Plc in order to attain the desired degree of competitive advantages, with the advent of aggressive e-commerce trends, introduced into the global market. The introduction of ecommerce has inflicted challenges among the different modes of businesses. Contextually, Maniam & et. al. (2012) states ecommerce to have introduced a new phenomenon that involves the reduction of capital investment and in turn, developed abilities of the businesses to provide services to the international clients. Eid (2011) accordingly states that the explosion of technology and the incorporation of the virtual market have enhanced the need of ecommerce into the market. In agreement, Teece (2010) commented on the long-range business planning that ecommerce has been providing to the businesses. The traditional balance of global economy has changed and has created a separate balance between the traditional relationship of the suppliers and the consumers (Maniam & et. al., 2012; Teece, 2010). According to Hasan & Harris (2009), the different modes of incorporating of technology have in turn influenced the development of the market and have further, triggered chan ges within the economy. Creation of value has been a sole requirement of the present generation (Hasan & Harris, 2009). Murphy & Narkiewicz (2010), with the inclination of technology and different value creation will be possible and would enhance ability of the market to provide quality services. It is in this context that Ndyali (2013) stated about different steps that are taken by the ecommerce business, which have in