Drugs and Its Effects

A drug is a substance which has a discernible physiological effect when taken into the body. These chemicals change the functions of the central nervous system (CNS), providing temporary relief from mental, physical and social problems. Usage of a drug over a period of time often results in dependence and tolerance of the drug. The user experiences physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when attempts are made to quit the drug. Tolerance refers to the increased ability of the body to tolerate the drug without ill effects. Due to drugs having the capacity to enhance performance, they are often used recreationally and abused. This leads to addiction which can potentially destroy lives. Drugs which alter behavior could be categorized as stimulants, hallucinogens and depressants. Stimulants are a class of drug which can alter the way in which someone behaves by stimulating the central nervous systems. In other words, they increase the activity of the brain resulting in increased alertness physical activity, productivity, endurance and motivation. Stimulants include amphetamines, called ‘uppers’, cocaine and nicotine. Users usually find relaxation and rest impossible and tend to have no appetite. Moreover, side effects may include muscle spasms, chest pain, nausea, and blurred vision due to an overworked heart and the subsequent high blood pressure. During World War II, stimulants were extensively used by soldiers to maintain alertness. By then, various forms of the drug were readily available such as methamphetamine. Today however, due to its side effects and addictive properties, possession and usage have been made illegal and doctor prescriptions have been significantly reduced. Hallucinogens are a class of drugs which cause an alteration in perception, thought, or mood. Examples of hallucinogens drugs include marijuana, magic mushrooms and cannabis. These drugs distort sensory perception by interfering with the activity of acetylcholine, norepinaphrine, or serotonin. Hallucinogenic drugs are among the oldest known group of drugs used for their ability to alter human perception and mood. Effects of hallucinogens include perceptual distortion, increased heart rate, nausea, weaknesses and hearing, touching and seeing things that don’t exist. The effects of hallucinogens take place within half an hour and last for several hours. Depressants are a group of drugs which temporarily diminish the function or activity of a specific part of the body or mind. Depressants are described as psychoactive drugs that slow down one’s Central Nervous System (CNS), thus they are referred to as â€Å"downers†. These types of drugs are used as prescribed medication as well as illicit substances and can be dangerous. Depressants include alcohol, barbiturates and tranquillizers. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are the two major categories of depressants used as medicine. Benzodiazepines that are commonly used such as Diazepam (Valium) and Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) were developed as a safe alternative to barbiturates to treat insomnia and anxiety but are now a major category of abused drugs. The prolonged use of these drugs can result in tolerance. In addition, the sudden withdrawal from these drugs by habitual users may result in physical withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, nausea, headaches, weakness and blood pressure drops. This may consequently lead to a coma and or death. Drugs which alter behavior could be categorized as stimulants, hallucinogens and depressants. The use of each type of drug results in an alteration of the Central Nervous System. Stimulants tend to affect the Central Nervous System by stimulating ones brain hence altering ones behavior. Hallucinogens are known to distort one’s senses by causing changes in perception, thought, and emotion. On the other hand, depressants have the opposite effect of stimulants. Depressants tend to temporarily slow down the function or activity of a particular part of the mind or body. Although some types of these drugs are acquired legally, they are often abused.

Indian Civilization Essay

Civilization is the greatest achievement in the history of human beings. While defining the term civilization, Philip Atkinson says, â€Å"Civilization is a community that dominates all other communities by violence. †[1] The things which are essential to make a civilization are cities, governments, armies, and communal achievements like subjugations and inventions. The civilization started from the formation of the cities. And most of the ancient civilization flourished in the bank of rivers. E. g. Egyptian Civilization which was flourished in the bank of Nile River while Indian civilization prospered in the bank of Ganga River and the Saptasindhu (The land of seven rivers) region. In ancient world the different civilizations developed. Among them some major and noteworthy civilizations were the Egyptian Civilization, Greek Civilization, Persian Civilization and the Indian Civilization. Indian civilization during the Later Vedic Period is explained in this paper through intuitive, rational, and empirical means India is regarded as the cradle of civilization. Civilization started here in this land very long time ago. About 3000 B. C. , the civilization shaped in India. This civilization is supposed to be one of the world’s first great civilizations. We can find innumerable amazing things which are the proof of the immensity of this civilization from all perspectives such as literature, art, architecture, science mathematics and astrology. Indian civilization has given a platform to many scientific discoveries. Here in our paper we are considering the specific period for our research and that is Vedic Period which started in 1500 B. C. After the ruin of Harappan cities Indian subcontinent experienced a new civilization. This new culture was brought in India by the Aryans. Aryans came from central Asia through Khaibar Khind and settled in the region of seven rivers which was known as Saptasindhu. And after that they started settling in Ganges valley which was known as Aryavarta. This particular era is called Vedic period because in this age the religious and philosophical hymns called Veda were composed by the Aryan people. The Vedas composed by Aryans were basically in Sanskrit language. The Vedas were of four types, first is Rigveda which is the oldest hymns The other three are Sam Veda, Yajurveda, and Athharva Veda. These three Vedas basically laid a strong foundation to Hindu religion and the Hindu doctrines. Rigveda is the mythical text which includes the knowledge in its abstract imagery of what the clairvoyant had realized. Yajurveda is the Vedas of ritual which consisted of 1975 verse mantras. It has divided into forty chapters. Samveda is the veda of song or music while Atharva Veda is the Veda of Chants. The Vedic period is also divided into two different eras, Early Vedic period and Later Vedic Period. Later Vedic period started in around 1000B. C. to 600 B. C. This age is also known as the Epic age because the one of the greatest epics from the world were composed during this era. They are Ramayana and Mahabharata. Ramayana was written by sage Valmiki while Mahabharata was composed by Sage Vyas. Intuitive Theatre, Music and Drama in Vedic Period: Aryans created Samveda to fulfill their deep predilections and flair for art. The different Gods were worshipped during different times of the days and nights. The Brahmanas who supposed to be the highest topmost Varnas were responsible for teaching the art and literature. The religion and music were associated with each other and the artist was supposed to give up all worldly pleasures and comforts and devote himself fully to his art. The women basically were expert in fine art than performing arts. Indian Classical dances also flourished in the same period. â€Å"Along with the progress in music, the arts of choreography and theater were also in vogue. According to the Linga Puraana, a major disciple of Shivaa named Nandikeshwara wrote a treatise on the subject of dancing called Nritya- Darpan. (Nritya means dance and darpan means mirror). †[2] In Vedic period the music would be highly esteemed place in every family. Vocal Music, dance, and instrumental music would be performed in strict rhythm. Vedic period was prosperous from all point of views. In music theatre and drama also this civilization had given remarkable contribution. The major book written on classical music dance and drama was by sage Bharata which then became popular as â€Å"Natyashastra. † It is the major dramatic theory of Sanskrit drama. This book has given the proper rules of writing, performing dance, music, and theatre. The exact period of Natyashastra is unknown but it is predicted that it was written in 200B. C. to 200A. D. Vedic Architecture: There was a strong background of science behind every Vedic Architecture. Vedic Architecture was known as â€Å"Vastu Shastra. † Basically the buildings built in ancient India were based on the scientific parameters. While describing about the Architecture in India Swami B. G. Narasingha in his article â€Å"Vastu Shastra and Sacred Architecture† states, â€Å"Throughout the world it’s hard to find a place where sacred architecture is as developed a science as is that found in India. India’s ancient temples and palaces are certainly among the finest ever built. From the Taj Mahal, the seventh wonder of the world, to the Pagodas of Tamil Nadu, from the Himalayan hill shrines to the great temple at Jagannatha Puri, India is a veritable treasure-house of sacred architecture. In fact there are more existing examples of sacred architecture in India than in all other countries of the world combined. † [3] Empirical Vedic mathematics: In Vedic period, the major mathematicians like Aryabhatta, Brahmagupta, and Bhaskara II who contributed in achieving the outstanding progress in mathematics. The Indian mathematics was well advanced and the scholars of mathematics studied basically decimal number system, zero, and negative numbers, arithmetic and algebra. â€Å"There was a gap of a few hundred years between Vedic period and the first millennium A. D. when the works of some major Indian astronomer-mathematicians like Aryabhatta, Brahmagupta, Shridhara and Bhaskara I and II appeared. †[4] The Vedic mathematics was basically composed in Sanskrit language which used to be the official language of Aryans. The mathematical works consisted of the section of sutras. In these sutras the mathematical problems were stated into verses so that it would be possible for the students to understand them quickly. The special characteristic of Vedic mathematics is that though the bulky texts they were they were preserved by generation through oral tradition. The people in those days used to learn it and thus by learning the sutras and all other mathematical concepts they preserved the mathematics and handed over it to the next generation. It is really an amazing characteristic of Indian culture. â€Å"truly remarkable achievements of the Indian pandits who have preserved enormously bulky texts orally for millennia. †[5]

Bloodlines Chapter Twelve

We tried to tell him that Tamara was killed by Strigoi, but he won’t believe it. He doesn’t want to. He can’t take revenge on a Strigoi. They’re immortal. Invincible. But some human vampire hunter? Somehow, in his head, that’s something he can go after. And if he can’t, then he can focus his energy on how the guardians won’t go after these nonexistent vampire hunters.† I just barely heard Eddie mutter, â€Å"Strigoi aren’t that invincible.† In the rearview mirror, I saw Jill’s face filled with compassion. She was seated between Lee and Eddie. â€Å"Even if it’s a fantasy, maybe it’s better this way,† she suggested. â€Å"It gives him comfort. I mean, kind of. Having something tangible to hate is what gets him through. Otherwise he’d just give in to despair. He’s not hurting anyone with his theories. I think he’s sweet.† She caught her breath in that way she did when she’d said a whole lot all at once. My eyes were back on the road, but I could swear Lee was smiling. â€Å"That’s nice of you,† he told her. â€Å"I know he likes having you around. Turn right up here.† That was to me. Lee had been giving me directions ever since we left Clarence’s. We were just outside of Palm Springs proper, nearing the very impressive-looking Desert Gods Golf Course and Resort. Further guidance from him led us to the Mega-Fun Mini-Golf Center, which was adjacent to the resort. I searched for a parking spot and heard Jill gasp when she caught sight of the golf course’s crowning glory. There, in the center of a cluster of gaudily decorated putting greens, was a huge fake mountain with an artificial waterfall spouting from its top. â€Å"A waterfall!† she exclaimed. â€Å"It’s amazing.† â€Å"Well,† said Lee, â€Å"I wouldn’t go that far. It’s made of water that’s been pumped over and over and has God only knows what in it. I mean, I wouldn’t try to drink or swim in it.† Before I even had the car to a stop, Adrian was out the door, lighting a cigarette. We’d gotten in an argument on the way over, despite me telling him three times that Latte was a strictly no-smoking car. The rest of us soon got out as well, and I wondered what I’d signed up for here as we strolled toward the entrance. â€Å"I’ve actually never been mini-golfing,† I remarked. Lee came to a halt and stared. â€Å"Never?† â€Å"Never.† â€Å"How does that happen?† asked Adrian. â€Å"How is it possible that you’ve never played mini-golf?† â€Å"I had kind of an unusual childhood,† I said at last. Even Eddie looked incredulous. â€Å"You? I was practically raised at an isolated school in the middle of nowhere Montana, and even I’ve played mini-golf.† Saying I was homeschooled was no excuse this time, so I just let it go. Really, it just came down to having a childhood more focused on chemical equations than on fun and recreation. Once we started playing, I soon got the hang of it. My first few attempts were pretty bad, but I soon understood the weight of the club and how the angles on each course could be maneuvered. From there, it was pretty simple to calculate distance and force to make accurate shots. â€Å"Unbelievable. If you’d been playing since you were a child, you’d be a pro by now,† Eddie told me as I knocked my ball into a gaping dragon’s mouth. The ball rolled out the back, down a tube, bounced off a wall, and into the hole. â€Å"How’d you do that?† I shrugged. â€Å"It’s simple geometry. You’re not that bad either,† I pointed out, watching him make his shot. â€Å"How do you do it?† â€Å"I just line it up and putt.† â€Å"Very scientific.† â€Å"I just rely on natural talent,† said Adrian, strolling up to the start of the Dragon’s Lair. â€Å"When you have such a wealth of it to draw from, the danger comes from having too much.† â€Å"That makes no sense whatsoever,† said Eddie. Adrian’s response was to pause and take out a silver flask from his inner coat pocket. He unscrewed it and took a quick drink before leaning in to line up his shot. â€Å"What was that?† I exclaimed. â€Å"You can’t have alcohol out here.† â€Å"You heard Jailbait earlier,† he countered. â€Å"It’s the weekend.† He lined up his ball and shot. The ball went directly for the dragon’s eye, bounced off it, and shot back toward Adrian. It rolled and came to a stop at his feet, nearly where it had started. â€Å"Natural talent, huh?† asked Eddie. I leaned forward. â€Å"I think you broke the dragon’s eye.† â€Å"Just like Keith,† said Adrian. â€Å"I figured you’d appreciate that, Sage.† I gave him a sharp look, wondering if there was any hidden meaning behind that. Mostly, Adrian seemed amused by his own wit. Eddie mistook my expression. â€Å"That was inappropriate,† he told Adrian. â€Å"Sorry, Dad.† Adrian shot again and managed not to maim any statues this time. A couple more shots, and he sank the ball. â€Å"There we go. Three.† â€Å"Four,† said Eddie and I in unison. Adrian looked at us incredulously. â€Å"It was three.† â€Å"You’re forgetting about your first one,† I said. â€Å"The one where you blinded the dragon.† â€Å"That was just the warm-up,† Adrian argued. He put on a smile I think he hoped would charm me. â€Å"Come on, Sage. You understand how my mind works. You said I was brilliant, remember?† Eddie glanced at me in surprise. â€Å"You did?† â€Å"No! I never said that.† Adrian’s smile was infuriating. â€Å"Stop telling people that.† Since I was in charge of the scorecard, his play was logged as four, despite his many further protests. I started to move forward, but Eddie held out a hand to stop me, his hazel eyes gazing over my shoulder. â€Å"Hold up,† he said. â€Å"We need to wait for Jill and Lee.† I followed his gaze. The two of them had been in deep conversation since we arrived, so much so that they’d slowed and lagged behind the rest of us. Even during his bantering with Adrian and me, Eddie had continually checked on her – and our surroundings. It was kind of amazing the way he could multitask. Thus far, Jill and Lee had only been one hole behind us. Now it was nearly two, and that was too far for Eddie to keep her in his sight. So, we waited while the oblivious couple meandered their way toward the Dragon’s Lair. Adrian took another drink from his flask and shook his head in awe. â€Å"You had nothing to worry about, Sage. She went right for him.† â€Å"No thanks to you,† I snapped. â€Å"I can’t believe you told her every detail of my visit that night. She was so mad at me for interfering behind her back with you, Lee, and Micah.† â€Å"I hardly told her anything,† argued Adrian. â€Å"I just told her to stay away from that human guy.† Eddie glanced between our faces. â€Å"Micah?† I shifted uncomfortably. Eddie didn’t know about how I’d gone proactive. â€Å"Remember when I wanted you to say something to him? And you wouldn’t?† I proceeded to tell him how I’d then sought out Adrian’s help and found out about Lee’s interest in Jill. Eddie was aghast. â€Å"How could you not tell me any of this?† he demanded. â€Å"Well,† I said, wondering if everything I did was going to result in the wrath of a Moroi or dhampir, â€Å"it didn’t involve you.† â€Å"Jill’s safety does! If some guy likes her, I need to know.† Adrian chuckled. â€Å"Should Sage have passed you a note in class?† â€Å"Lee’s fine,† I said. â€Å"He obviously adores her, and it’s not like she’ll ever be alone with him.† â€Å"We don’t know for sure that he’s fine,† said Eddie. â€Å"Whereas Micah’s a hundred percent okay? Did you do a background check or something?† I asked. â€Å"No,† said Eddie, looking embarrassed. â€Å"I just know. It’s a feeling I get about him. There’s no problem with him spending time with Jill.† â€Å"Except that he’s human.† â€Å"They wouldn’t have gotten serious.† â€Å"You don’t know that.† â€Å"Enough, you two,† interrupted Adrian. Jill and Lee had finally reached the start of the Dragon’s Lair, meaning we could move on. Adrian lowered his voice. â€Å"Your argument’s useless. I mean, look at them. That human boy doesn’t enter into it.† I looked. Adrian was right. Jill and Lee were clearly enthralled with each other. Some guilty part of me wondered if I should be a doing a better job of looking out for Jill. I was so relieved that she was interested in a Moroi that I hadn’t stopped to wonder if she should even be dating anyone. Was fifteen old enough? I hadn’t dated at fifteen. I’d actually, well, never dated. â€Å"There is an age difference between them,† I admitted, more to myself. Adrian scoffed. â€Å"Believe me, I’ve seen age differences. Theirs is nothing.† He walked off, and a few moments later, Eddie and I went to join him. Eddie maintained his simultaneous vigil of Jill, but this time, I got the impression the danger he was watching out for was right beside her. Adrian’s laughter rang out ahead of us. â€Å"Sage!† he called. â€Å"You have got to see this.† Eddie and I reached the next green and stared in astonishment. Then I burst out laughing. We had reached Dracula’s Castle. A huge, multi-towered black castle guarded the hole some distance away. A tunnel was cut out through the center of it with a narrow bridge meant for the ball to go over. If the ball fell off the sides before getting through the castle, it was returned back to the starting point. An animatronic Count Dracula stood off to the castle’s side. He was pure white, with red eyes, pointed ears, and slicked-back hair. He jerkily kept raising his arms to show off a batlike cape. Nearby, a speaker blasted eerie organ music. I couldn’t stop laughing. Adrian and Eddie looked at me as though they’d never seen me before. â€Å"I don’t think I’ve ever heard her laugh,† Eddie told him. â€Å"Certainly not the reaction I was expecting,† mused Adrian. â€Å"I’d been counting on abject terror, judging from past Alchemist behavior. I didn’t think you liked vampires.† Still grinning, I watched Dracula raise his cape up and down. â€Å"This isn’t a vampire. Not a real one. And that’s what makes it so funny. It’s pure Hollywood camp. Real vampires are terrifying and unnatural. This? This is hilarious.† It was clear from their expressions that neither really understood why this would appeal to my sense of humor so much. Adrian did, however, offer to take a picture with my cell phone when I asked him. I posed by Dracula and put on a big smile. Adrian managed to snap the shot just as Dracula was raising his cape. When I viewed the picture, I was pleased to see it had come out perfectly. Even my hair looked good. Adrian gave the picture a nod of approval before handing me the phone. â€Å"Okay, even I can admit that’s pretty cute.† I found myself overanalyzing the comment. What had he meant in saying even he could admit it? That I was cute for a human? Or that I had just met some kind of Adrian hot-girl criteria? Moments later, I had to forcibly stop thinking about it. Let it go, Sydney. It’s a compliment. Accept it. We played through the rest of the course, finally finishing off with the waterfall itself. That was a particularly challenging hole, and I took my time lining up the shot – not that I needed to. I was beating everyone pretty handily. Eddie was the only one who came close. It was clear Jill and Lee didn’t even have their attention on the game, and as for Adrian and his natural talent†¦ well, they were very solidly in last place. Eddie, Adrian, and I were still ahead of the other two, so we waited for them by the waterfall. Jill practically ran to it when she had the chance, gazing up at it with enchanted eyes. â€Å"Oh,† she breathed. â€Å"This is wonderful. I haven’t seen this much water in days.† â€Å"Remember what I said about the toxicity,† teased Lee. But it was clear he found her reaction endearing. As I glanced at the other two guys, I saw that they shared the same feelings. Well, not exactly the same. Adrian’s affection was clearly brotherly. Eddie’s? It was hard to read, kind of a mix of the other two. Maybe it was a kind of guardian fondness. Jill made a gesture to the waterfall, and suddenly, part of it broke off from the tumbling cascade. The chunk of water shaped itself into a braid, then twisted high into the air, making spirals before shattering into a million drops that misted over us all. I had been staring wide-eyed and frozen, but those drops hitting me shocked me awake. â€Å"Jill,† I said in a voice I barely recognized as my own. â€Å"Don’t do that again.† Jill, eyes bright, barely spared me a glance as she made another piece of water dance in the air. â€Å"No one’s around to see, Sydney.† That wasn’t what had me so upset. That wasn’t what filled me with so much panic that I could barely breathe. The world was doing that thing where it started to spin, and I worried I was going to faint. Stark, cold fear ran through me, fear at the unknown. The unnatural. The laws of my world had just been broken. This was vampire magic, something foreign and inaccessible to humans – inaccessible because it was forbidden, something no mortal was meant to delve into. I had only once seen magic used, when two spirit users had turned on each other, and I never wanted to see it again. One had forced the plants of the earth to do her bidding while the other telekinetically hurled objects meant to kill. It had been terrifying, and even though I hadn’t been the target, I’d felt trapped and overwhelmed in the f ace of such otherworldly power. It was a reminder that these weren’t fun, easy people to hang out with. These were creatures wholly different from me. â€Å"Stop it,† I said, feeling the panic rise. I was afraid of the magic, afraid it would touch me, afraid of what it might do to me. â€Å"Don’t do it anymore!† Jill didn’t even hear me. She grinned at Lee. â€Å"You’re air, right? Can you create fog over the water?† Lee stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked away. â€Å"Ah, well, it’s probably not a good idea. I mean, we’re in public†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Come on,† she pleaded. â€Å"It won’t take any effort for you at all.† He actually appeared nervous. â€Å"Nah, not right now.† â€Å"Not you too.† She laughed. Above her and in front of her, that demon water was still spinning, spinning, spinning†¦ â€Å"Jill,† said Adrian, a harsher note in his voice than I’d ever heard before. In fact, I couldn’t recall him ever addressing her by her actual name. â€Å"Stop.† It was all he said, but it was like a wave of something went through Jill. She flinched, and the water spirals disappeared, falling away in droplets. â€Å"Fine,† she said, looking confused. There was a moment of awkwardness, and then Eddie said, â€Å"We should hurry. We’re going to be pushing curfew.† Lee and Jill set out to make their shots and soon were laughing and flirting again. Eddie continued watching them in his concerned way. Only Adrian paid any attention to me. He was the only one who really understood what had happened, I realized. His green eyes studied me, with no trace of their usual bitter humor. I wasn’t fooled, though. I knew there had to be some witty quip coming, mocking my reaction. â€Å"Are you okay?† he asked quietly. â€Å"I’m fine,† I said, turning from him. I didn’t want him to see my face. He’d already seen too much, seen my fear. I didn’t want any of them to know how afraid of them I was. I heard him take a few steps toward me. â€Å"Sage – â€Å" â€Å"Leave me alone,† I snapped back. I hurried off toward the course’s exit, certain he wouldn’t follow me. I was right. I waited for them to finish the game, using the alone time to calm myself down. By the time they caught up to me, I was fairly certain I had wiped most of the emotions from my face. Adrian still watched me with concern, which I didn’t like, but at least he didn’t say anything else about my breakdown. Surprising to no one, the final score showed that I had won and Adrian had lost. Lee had come in third, which seemed to trouble him. â€Å"I used to be a lot better,† he muttered, frowning. â€Å"I used to be perfect at this game.† Considering he’d spent most of the time paying attention to Jill, I thought third was a pretty respectable performance. I dropped him and Adrian off first and then just barely got Eddie, Jill, and me back to Amberwood on time. I was more or less back to normal by then, not that anyone would’ve noticed. Jill was floating on a cloud as we went into our dorm room, talking nonstop about Lee. â€Å"I had no idea he’d traveled so much! He’s maybe been more places than you, Sydney. He keeps telling me that he’ll take me to all of them, that we’ll spend the rest of our lives traveling and doing whatever we want. And he’s taking all sorts of classes in college because he’s not sure what he wants to major in. Well, not all sorts this semester. He’s got a light schedule so that he can spend more time with his father. And that’s good for me. For us, I mean.† I stifled a yawn and nodded wearily. â€Å"That’s great.† She paused from where she’d been searching her dresser for pajamas. â€Å"I’m sorry, by the way.† I froze. I didn’t want an apology for the magic. I didn’t even want to remember it had happened. â€Å"For yelling at you the other night,† she continued. â€Å"You didn’t set me up with Lee. I should never have accused you of interfering. He really has liked me all along, and, well†¦ he’s really great.† I let out the breath I’d been holding and attempted a weak smile. â€Å"I’m glad you’re happy.† She returned cheerfully to her tasks and to talking about Lee until I left to go down to the bathroom. Before brushing my teeth, I stood in front of the sink and washed my hands and arms over and over, scrubbing as hard as I could to wash away the magical drops of water I swore I could still feel on my skin. Bloodlines Chapter Twelve We tried to tell him that Tamara was killed by Strigoi, but he won’t believe it. He doesn’t want to. He can’t take revenge on a Strigoi. They’re immortal. Invincible. But some human vampire hunter? Somehow, in his head, that’s something he can go after. And if he can’t, then he can focus his energy on how the guardians won’t go after these nonexistent vampire hunters.† I just barely heard Eddie mutter, â€Å"Strigoi aren’t that invincible.† In the rearview mirror, I saw Jill’s face filled with compassion. She was seated between Lee and Eddie. â€Å"Even if it’s a fantasy, maybe it’s better this way,† she suggested. â€Å"It gives him comfort. I mean, kind of. Having something tangible to hate is what gets him through. Otherwise he’d just give in to despair. He’s not hurting anyone with his theories. I think he’s sweet.† She caught her breath in that way she did when she’d said a whole lot all at once. My eyes were back on the road, but I could swear Lee was smiling. â€Å"That’s nice of you,† he told her. â€Å"I know he likes having you around. Turn right up here.† That was to me. Lee had been giving me directions ever since we left Clarence’s. We were just outside of Palm Springs proper, nearing the very impressive-looking Desert Gods Golf Course and Resort. Further guidance from him led us to the Mega-Fun Mini-Golf Center, which was adjacent to the resort. I searched for a parking spot and heard Jill gasp when she caught sight of the golf course’s crowning glory. There, in the center of a cluster of gaudily decorated putting greens, was a huge fake mountain with an artificial waterfall spouting from its top. â€Å"A waterfall!† she exclaimed. â€Å"It’s amazing.† â€Å"Well,† said Lee, â€Å"I wouldn’t go that far. It’s made of water that’s been pumped over and over and has God only knows what in it. I mean, I wouldn’t try to drink or swim in it.† Before I even had the car to a stop, Adrian was out the door, lighting a cigarette. We’d gotten in an argument on the way over, despite me telling him three times that Latte was a strictly no-smoking car. The rest of us soon got out as well, and I wondered what I’d signed up for here as we strolled toward the entrance. â€Å"I’ve actually never been mini-golfing,† I remarked. Lee came to a halt and stared. â€Å"Never?† â€Å"Never.† â€Å"How does that happen?† asked Adrian. â€Å"How is it possible that you’ve never played mini-golf?† â€Å"I had kind of an unusual childhood,† I said at last. Even Eddie looked incredulous. â€Å"You? I was practically raised at an isolated school in the middle of nowhere Montana, and even I’ve played mini-golf.† Saying I was homeschooled was no excuse this time, so I just let it go. Really, it just came down to having a childhood more focused on chemical equations than on fun and recreation. Once we started playing, I soon got the hang of it. My first few attempts were pretty bad, but I soon understood the weight of the club and how the angles on each course could be maneuvered. From there, it was pretty simple to calculate distance and force to make accurate shots. â€Å"Unbelievable. If you’d been playing since you were a child, you’d be a pro by now,† Eddie told me as I knocked my ball into a gaping dragon’s mouth. The ball rolled out the back, down a tube, bounced off a wall, and into the hole. â€Å"How’d you do that?† I shrugged. â€Å"It’s simple geometry. You’re not that bad either,† I pointed out, watching him make his shot. â€Å"How do you do it?† â€Å"I just line it up and putt.† â€Å"Very scientific.† â€Å"I just rely on natural talent,† said Adrian, strolling up to the start of the Dragon’s Lair. â€Å"When you have such a wealth of it to draw from, the danger comes from having too much.† â€Å"That makes no sense whatsoever,† said Eddie. Adrian’s response was to pause and take out a silver flask from his inner coat pocket. He unscrewed it and took a quick drink before leaning in to line up his shot. â€Å"What was that?† I exclaimed. â€Å"You can’t have alcohol out here.† â€Å"You heard Jailbait earlier,† he countered. â€Å"It’s the weekend.† He lined up his ball and shot. The ball went directly for the dragon’s eye, bounced off it, and shot back toward Adrian. It rolled and came to a stop at his feet, nearly where it had started. â€Å"Natural talent, huh?† asked Eddie. I leaned forward. â€Å"I think you broke the dragon’s eye.† â€Å"Just like Keith,† said Adrian. â€Å"I figured you’d appreciate that, Sage.† I gave him a sharp look, wondering if there was any hidden meaning behind that. Mostly, Adrian seemed amused by his own wit. Eddie mistook my expression. â€Å"That was inappropriate,† he told Adrian. â€Å"Sorry, Dad.† Adrian shot again and managed not to maim any statues this time. A couple more shots, and he sank the ball. â€Å"There we go. Three.† â€Å"Four,† said Eddie and I in unison. Adrian looked at us incredulously. â€Å"It was three.† â€Å"You’re forgetting about your first one,† I said. â€Å"The one where you blinded the dragon.† â€Å"That was just the warm-up,† Adrian argued. He put on a smile I think he hoped would charm me. â€Å"Come on, Sage. You understand how my mind works. You said I was brilliant, remember?† Eddie glanced at me in surprise. â€Å"You did?† â€Å"No! I never said that.† Adrian’s smile was infuriating. â€Å"Stop telling people that.† Since I was in charge of the scorecard, his play was logged as four, despite his many further protests. I started to move forward, but Eddie held out a hand to stop me, his hazel eyes gazing over my shoulder. â€Å"Hold up,† he said. â€Å"We need to wait for Jill and Lee.† I followed his gaze. The two of them had been in deep conversation since we arrived, so much so that they’d slowed and lagged behind the rest of us. Even during his bantering with Adrian and me, Eddie had continually checked on her – and our surroundings. It was kind of amazing the way he could multitask. Thus far, Jill and Lee had only been one hole behind us. Now it was nearly two, and that was too far for Eddie to keep her in his sight. So, we waited while the oblivious couple meandered their way toward the Dragon’s Lair. Adrian took another drink from his flask and shook his head in awe. â€Å"You had nothing to worry about, Sage. She went right for him.† â€Å"No thanks to you,† I snapped. â€Å"I can’t believe you told her every detail of my visit that night. She was so mad at me for interfering behind her back with you, Lee, and Micah.† â€Å"I hardly told her anything,† argued Adrian. â€Å"I just told her to stay away from that human guy.† Eddie glanced between our faces. â€Å"Micah?† I shifted uncomfortably. Eddie didn’t know about how I’d gone proactive. â€Å"Remember when I wanted you to say something to him? And you wouldn’t?† I proceeded to tell him how I’d then sought out Adrian’s help and found out about Lee’s interest in Jill. Eddie was aghast. â€Å"How could you not tell me any of this?† he demanded. â€Å"Well,† I said, wondering if everything I did was going to result in the wrath of a Moroi or dhampir, â€Å"it didn’t involve you.† â€Å"Jill’s safety does! If some guy likes her, I need to know.† Adrian chuckled. â€Å"Should Sage have passed you a note in class?† â€Å"Lee’s fine,† I said. â€Å"He obviously adores her, and it’s not like she’ll ever be alone with him.† â€Å"We don’t know for sure that he’s fine,† said Eddie. â€Å"Whereas Micah’s a hundred percent okay? Did you do a background check or something?† I asked. â€Å"No,† said Eddie, looking embarrassed. â€Å"I just know. It’s a feeling I get about him. There’s no problem with him spending time with Jill.† â€Å"Except that he’s human.† â€Å"They wouldn’t have gotten serious.† â€Å"You don’t know that.† â€Å"Enough, you two,† interrupted Adrian. Jill and Lee had finally reached the start of the Dragon’s Lair, meaning we could move on. Adrian lowered his voice. â€Å"Your argument’s useless. I mean, look at them. That human boy doesn’t enter into it.† I looked. Adrian was right. Jill and Lee were clearly enthralled with each other. Some guilty part of me wondered if I should be a doing a better job of looking out for Jill. I was so relieved that she was interested in a Moroi that I hadn’t stopped to wonder if she should even be dating anyone. Was fifteen old enough? I hadn’t dated at fifteen. I’d actually, well, never dated. â€Å"There is an age difference between them,† I admitted, more to myself. Adrian scoffed. â€Å"Believe me, I’ve seen age differences. Theirs is nothing.† He walked off, and a few moments later, Eddie and I went to join him. Eddie maintained his simultaneous vigil of Jill, but this time, I got the impression the danger he was watching out for was right beside her. Adrian’s laughter rang out ahead of us. â€Å"Sage!† he called. â€Å"You have got to see this.† Eddie and I reached the next green and stared in astonishment. Then I burst out laughing. We had reached Dracula’s Castle. A huge, multi-towered black castle guarded the hole some distance away. A tunnel was cut out through the center of it with a narrow bridge meant for the ball to go over. If the ball fell off the sides before getting through the castle, it was returned back to the starting point. An animatronic Count Dracula stood off to the castle’s side. He was pure white, with red eyes, pointed ears, and slicked-back hair. He jerkily kept raising his arms to show off a batlike cape. Nearby, a speaker blasted eerie organ music. I couldn’t stop laughing. Adrian and Eddie looked at me as though they’d never seen me before. â€Å"I don’t think I’ve ever heard her laugh,† Eddie told him. â€Å"Certainly not the reaction I was expecting,† mused Adrian. â€Å"I’d been counting on abject terror, judging from past Alchemist behavior. I didn’t think you liked vampires.† Still grinning, I watched Dracula raise his cape up and down. â€Å"This isn’t a vampire. Not a real one. And that’s what makes it so funny. It’s pure Hollywood camp. Real vampires are terrifying and unnatural. This? This is hilarious.† It was clear from their expressions that neither really understood why this would appeal to my sense of humor so much. Adrian did, however, offer to take a picture with my cell phone when I asked him. I posed by Dracula and put on a big smile. Adrian managed to snap the shot just as Dracula was raising his cape. When I viewed the picture, I was pleased to see it had come out perfectly. Even my hair looked good. Adrian gave the picture a nod of approval before handing me the phone. â€Å"Okay, even I can admit that’s pretty cute.† I found myself overanalyzing the comment. What had he meant in saying even he could admit it? That I was cute for a human? Or that I had just met some kind of Adrian hot-girl criteria? Moments later, I had to forcibly stop thinking about it. Let it go, Sydney. It’s a compliment. Accept it. We played through the rest of the course, finally finishing off with the waterfall itself. That was a particularly challenging hole, and I took my time lining up the shot – not that I needed to. I was beating everyone pretty handily. Eddie was the only one who came close. It was clear Jill and Lee didn’t even have their attention on the game, and as for Adrian and his natural talent†¦ well, they were very solidly in last place. Eddie, Adrian, and I were still ahead of the other two, so we waited for them by the waterfall. Jill practically ran to it when she had the chance, gazing up at it with enchanted eyes. â€Å"Oh,† she breathed. â€Å"This is wonderful. I haven’t seen this much water in days.† â€Å"Remember what I said about the toxicity,† teased Lee. But it was clear he found her reaction endearing. As I glanced at the other two guys, I saw that they shared the same feelings. Well, not exactly the same. Adrian’s affection was clearly brotherly. Eddie’s? It was hard to read, kind of a mix of the other two. Maybe it was a kind of guardian fondness. Jill made a gesture to the waterfall, and suddenly, part of it broke off from the tumbling cascade. The chunk of water shaped itself into a braid, then twisted high into the air, making spirals before shattering into a million drops that misted over us all. I had been staring wide-eyed and frozen, but those drops hitting me shocked me awake. â€Å"Jill,† I said in a voice I barely recognized as my own. â€Å"Don’t do that again.† Jill, eyes bright, barely spared me a glance as she made another piece of water dance in the air. â€Å"No one’s around to see, Sydney.† That wasn’t what had me so upset. That wasn’t what filled me with so much panic that I could barely breathe. The world was doing that thing where it started to spin, and I worried I was going to faint. Stark, cold fear ran through me, fear at the unknown. The unnatural. The laws of my world had just been broken. This was vampire magic, something foreign and inaccessible to humans – inaccessible because it was forbidden, something no mortal was meant to delve into. I had only once seen magic used, when two spirit users had turned on each other, and I never wanted to see it again. One had forced the plants of the earth to do her bidding while the other telekinetically hurled objects meant to kill. It had been terrifying, and even though I hadn’t been the target, I’d felt trapped and overwhelmed in the f ace of such otherworldly power. It was a reminder that these weren’t fun, easy people to hang out with. These were creatures wholly different from me. â€Å"Stop it,† I said, feeling the panic rise. I was afraid of the magic, afraid it would touch me, afraid of what it might do to me. â€Å"Don’t do it anymore!† Jill didn’t even hear me. She grinned at Lee. â€Å"You’re air, right? Can you create fog over the water?† Lee stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked away. â€Å"Ah, well, it’s probably not a good idea. I mean, we’re in public†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Come on,† she pleaded. â€Å"It won’t take any effort for you at all.† He actually appeared nervous. â€Å"Nah, not right now.† â€Å"Not you too.† She laughed. Above her and in front of her, that demon water was still spinning, spinning, spinning†¦ â€Å"Jill,† said Adrian, a harsher note in his voice than I’d ever heard before. In fact, I couldn’t recall him ever addressing her by her actual name. â€Å"Stop.† It was all he said, but it was like a wave of something went through Jill. She flinched, and the water spirals disappeared, falling away in droplets. â€Å"Fine,† she said, looking confused. There was a moment of awkwardness, and then Eddie said, â€Å"We should hurry. We’re going to be pushing curfew.† Lee and Jill set out to make their shots and soon were laughing and flirting again. Eddie continued watching them in his concerned way. Only Adrian paid any attention to me. He was the only one who really understood what had happened, I realized. His green eyes studied me, with no trace of their usual bitter humor. I wasn’t fooled, though. I knew there had to be some witty quip coming, mocking my reaction. â€Å"Are you okay?† he asked quietly. â€Å"I’m fine,† I said, turning from him. I didn’t want him to see my face. He’d already seen too much, seen my fear. I didn’t want any of them to know how afraid of them I was. I heard him take a few steps toward me. â€Å"Sage – â€Å" â€Å"Leave me alone,† I snapped back. I hurried off toward the course’s exit, certain he wouldn’t follow me. I was right. I waited for them to finish the game, using the alone time to calm myself down. By the time they caught up to me, I was fairly certain I had wiped most of the emotions from my face. Adrian still watched me with concern, which I didn’t like, but at least he didn’t say anything else about my breakdown. Surprising to no one, the final score showed that I had won and Adrian had lost. Lee had come in third, which seemed to trouble him. â€Å"I used to be a lot better,† he muttered, frowning. â€Å"I used to be perfect at this game.† Considering he’d spent most of the time paying attention to Jill, I thought third was a pretty respectable performance. I dropped him and Adrian off first and then just barely got Eddie, Jill, and me back to Amberwood on time. I was more or less back to normal by then, not that anyone would’ve noticed. Jill was floating on a cloud as we went into our dorm room, talking nonstop about Lee. â€Å"I had no idea he’d traveled so much! He’s maybe been more places than you, Sydney. He keeps telling me that he’ll take me to all of them, that we’ll spend the rest of our lives traveling and doing whatever we want. And he’s taking all sorts of classes in college because he’s not sure what he wants to major in. Well, not all sorts this semester. He’s got a light schedule so that he can spend more time with his father. And that’s good for me. For us, I mean.† I stifled a yawn and nodded wearily. â€Å"That’s great.† She paused from where she’d been searching her dresser for pajamas. â€Å"I’m sorry, by the way.† I froze. I didn’t want an apology for the magic. I didn’t even want to remember it had happened. â€Å"For yelling at you the other night,† she continued. â€Å"You didn’t set me up with Lee. I should never have accused you of interfering. He really has liked me all along, and, well†¦ he’s really great.† I let out the breath I’d been holding and attempted a weak smile. â€Å"I’m glad you’re happy.† She returned cheerfully to her tasks and to talking about Lee until I left to go down to the bathroom. Before brushing my teeth, I stood in front of the sink and washed my hands and arms over and over, scrubbing as hard as I could to wash away the magical drops of water I swore I could still feel on my skin.

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If one is stranded in the arctic, all vegetation is edible with the exception of mushrooms. Deer is probably the best meat to have in the, wilder- ness though it may be hard to hunt without the proper equipment. When hunting and eating remember fat is a very important part of survival. Blood gives one the nutrition ne need and it can be added into sups and other foods, and is easy to find on most evergreens. A good source of heat and energy is Spruce tea. Spruce tea is easy to make, all one need is spruce needles and hot water. When eating plants, it is 1 2 important to know what plants one are eating to avoid further discomfort. There are certain plants that can kill you within hours. Water is very important especially when in tropical or dry places. Be sure to bring plenty of containers to gather water in. A normal human can only go a few days without water in a dry or tropical place where sweating can lead to dehydration. When looking for drinking water, look for signs of animals (McNab 58). The tracks of animals means the water is relatively safe to drink. A good way to gather water during rain without the proper supplies is to tie a rag or shirt around a branch and let it absorb the water then drink from the shirt (McNab 62). If at sea it is important to remember that salt water does more bad than good so do not drink it. If in an arctic environment, do not eat snow it lowers ones body temperature and costs ones in the long run. Our intake of water should much exceed our output of water. This is important to remember to avoid ehydration. To keep healthy and avoid parasites, always boil water first, if possible. There are a few easy ways to catch animals to eat. A death pit is a large hole in the ground with large or small spears at the bottom. Covered with sticks and brush, it is a hard fall for any animal who crosses over. A great way to catch fish is to find a stream with fish and put rocks or a net in the stream so when the fish swim with the current they are trapped on one side by the rocks or net and the other side by the current. Fish hooks and spears are also easy to make and make fishing a lot easier. Theses are a few hints and pointers so finding and hunting food and water will not be as hard as one would think thought. Warmth is more vital in some places than others. Even though in tropical climates the nights can be very cold and any little thing can help survive. There are a few little 3 things that people can know and use when supplies are running low. Making fire is easy if you have the right supplies if not there are ways to do it. This is the most common way of making a fire with nothing but a knife and what one can find in the woods. First find a stick about a foot high and another stick a little longer. Use a shoe-lace or any thin vine to attach to the longer stick to make it look like a bow. Then try to find a small rock with a notch in the middle. Next find a flat piece of dry wood for the board. Carve a hole in the middle of the board using the knife, but not all the way through. Make the hole big enough to fit the end of the shorter stick into. Have a tray and a bundle of tinder ready to light and a pile of wood for the fire. First loop the string around the center of the first bow and place the shorter bow in the socket of the board. Put the rock on top of the stick and begin to turn the stick with the bow. Add pressure to the socket and speed ones bowing until one has begin to see smoke and ash. Stop and knock the embers into the tray. Then transfer ember into ones nest of kindling and hold the nest tightly and begin to blow until fire. Then place into pile of bigger tinder and continue adding fuel. There is a lot of fuel for fire in the woods. Obviously dry wood is plentiful in the woods most of the time. If in the arctic moss, roots and lichen are also sources of fuel. A general rule of thumb is when gathering wood for a fire gather what one think is enough then triple that. If in an oceanic environment, driftwood makes great fuel. When carrying frail tinder, use a bottle or wallet to keep it dry and safe. Unless one is building a fire to be seen don’t build it too big and waste fuel. Remember to build a fire on a log or rock and not just on plain earth. Patience is important when lighting a fire one may not get it on the first try. Do not waste energy and body heat making a fire in cold weather unless it is absolutely necessary. There are ways to keep warm using things other than fire. Feathers can be used to 4 insulate. Fur and skin can also act as isolation. Oil can be gathered from animal fat to be used as water repellant. When in a cold environment watch for frostnip it is the first sign of frostbite. Be sure to control you sweating because it leads to hypothermia. If these steps are taken you just may survive. The last thing to consider is a shelter. Many think a shelter is hard to make because of the lake of supplies one would have available if stranded in the wilderness. The truth is there are some very easy and effective ones that can be made with little or no supplies at all. When one stranded, first make a shelter because when it is dark it is too late. The easiest is a lean-to. It consists of one diagonal stick five to six feet ong resting on two smaller sticks maybe two and a half forming an A-frame. On this can be laid on palm branches or any kind of covering that can be found n that specific environment. Remember when choosing a spot for a shelter choose one clear of debris and as conspicuous as possible. Also be sure to not choose a place that in the event of a flood will fill with water. A tree shelter is ideal incase of swamp or wetlands. Avoid place where there could be falling rocks or snow. Evergreen boughs can be fashioned to make a mattress. Caves are ideal when trying to escape rain and wind (Angier 128). Make sure ou make a shelter close to where you can get food and water. The mail objective when finding a place to sleep is not comfort but survival. (Angier 135). When choosing a site try to stay away form bushes that will contain troublesome insects. Take advantage of natural made shelter to save precious time and energy. After a long hike or in the morning are not ideal time to make a shelter because fatigue clouds ones judgment. In a emergency keep in a car or boat to avoid the elements. Smaller shelters keep you warmer and take less time to build. If in a arctic environment don’t build snow houses or igloos 5 hey are too complicated architecturally . If in a area with sufficiently deep snow dig a hole to use as a shelter. Be sure to build the snow shelter at the right angle to avoid snow being blown in by the wind. These are some easy ways to build and get the best out of your shelter. If you remember some of the tips and instructions you will do a better job of not just surviving, but thriving in the wilderness. This is to prove that surviving in the wilderness is a lot easier than one might think. It is easier than you think. if you have some simple knowledge and most importantly the will to survive you just might survive the wilderness.

Care Of People With Learning Disabilities

Care Of People With Learning Disabilities Regardless of the above mentioned fact, a large majority of the population, in the UK continues to suffer from blatant neglect in terms of receiving quality health care. Although there are various services offered by the government at various levels to ensure proper care of patients, the more psychological and moral aspects of care for the soul and dignity in health care are usually ignored. This paper, aims to probe the various issues related to the element of dignity as it pertains to provision of health care of people suffering from learning disabilities, and explores the range of services available to them, at various stages of life, from birth till death. People with Learning Disabilities are one of the most Vulnerable groups in the society (Department of Health 2001). It is estimate that there are over 800,000 people in the UK aged over 20 years who have a learning disabilities and this number could be rise by 14 percent to 900,000 by 2021 (Department of Health 2005a). Dignity in care has become an important policy thrust for the people with learning disability and its a fairly recent trend for governments to feel that it is their role to enlighten people how to do their job rather than just set broad guidelines/policy parameters for the Health and social service (Wainwright. 2008) Meaning and Definition of the terms and Concepts used: The terms and / or concepts which are frequently used throughout this study, such as Dignity, Learning Disability, and Disenfranchised Death, are explained in the following section: The term Dignity is defined as: Dignity is concerned with how people feel, think and behave in relation to the worth or value of themselves and others. To treat someone with dignity is to treat them as being of worth, in a way that is respectful of them as valued individuals (RCN, 2008). Dignity in care consists of numerous overlapping phases which pertaining to respect, privacy, independence and self-esteem. The impermanent sense of dignity used as a guide which based on standard dictionary definition. At state, quality or manner worthy of esteem or respect ; and self-respect. Dignity in care, therefore, means the kind of care, in any setting, which supports and promotes, and does not undermine, a persons self-respect regardless of any difference. (A desk research report prepared for the Department of Health 2009): Learning Disability: In the UK in 1995 there was a ground swell of opinion and referred to as mentally handicapped their families and those who worked with them, brought about a change in terminology from mental handicapped to learning disability(M.Brown-2003). Learning disability includes the presence of: A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence), with a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning); and a condition which started before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development (Scottish Executive, 2010). Disenfranchised Death: Disenfranchised death is death that is not openly acknowledged with the dying person, where the dying person is socially excluded from the process of dying and deliberately excluded from the decision making processesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Read, 2006: 96) However, reviewing different context of learning disability care reveals a variety of ways in which the term has been defined several times (Department of Health 2001a, Gates 2003,Grant et al 2005, O Hara Sperlinger 1997). Within the United Kingdà Ã‚ ¾m leà Ã‚ °rning diц¢Ãƒ Ã‚ °bility iц¢ the term uц¢ed when referring tà Ã‚ ¾ Ñâ‚ ¬eà Ã‚ ¾Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬le with Ñ Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾gnitive imÑâ‚ ¬Ãƒ Ã‚ °irment. à Ã‚ rà Ã‚ ¾und the wà Ã‚ ¾rld termц¢ inÑ lude intelleÑ tuà Ã‚ °l diц¢Ãƒ Ã‚ °bility, develà Ã‚ ¾Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬mentà Ã‚ °l diц¢Ãƒ Ã‚ °bility, mentà Ã‚ °l hà Ã‚ °ndiÑ Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬ à Ã‚ °nd mentà Ã‚ °l retà Ã‚ °rdà Ã‚ °tià Ã‚ ¾n. à Ã‚  leà Ã‚ °rning diц¢Ãƒ Ã‚ °bility iц¢ à Ã‚ ° life-là Ã‚ ¾ng Ñ Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾nditià Ã‚ ¾n thà Ã‚ °t uц¢uà Ã‚ °lly beginц¢ à Ã‚ ¾n à Ã‚ ¾r à Ã‚ °rà Ã‚ ¾und the time à Ã‚ ¾f birth à Ã‚ °nd reц¢ultц¢ in à Ã‚ ° reduÑ ed à Ã‚ °bility tà Ã‚ ¾ underц¢tà Ã‚ °nd new à Ã‚ °nd Ñ Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾mÑâ‚ ¬lex infà Ã‚ ¾rmà Ã‚ °tià Ã‚ ¾n à Ã‚ °nd Ñ Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬e indeÑâ‚ ¬endently. Research Question: The basic research question this paper tries to address is: Dignity in health care for people with learning disabilities (LD): Fact or a Farce? Through this question an attempt is made to: Examine the range of services currently provided to people with learning disabilities. Whether such services are in conformity with the overall objectives set by the government. Whether there exists any discrimination or prejudice between people with learning disabilities and the normal public in providing such services. Whether the claims made by the government concerning equality and fair treatment of such people hold true. The answers to the above questions, as provided through the literature review will help in determining whether dignity in care for people with learning disabilities is a fact or a farce. Aims and Objectives: The main aim of this study is to explore the issues related to dignity as it pertains to health care of people suffering from learning disabilities. The objectives include: To explore the range of challenges faced and problems encountered by people suffering from learning disabilities Assess the quality of health care services available to them Investigate the need for a comprehensive and an all-encompassing health care policy for such people To understand and compare the type of services offered and available to them To explore the role of carers, health care institutions and other support services in enhancing their status and ensuring their well-being. Ethics: The concept of ethics has evolved recently from the modest definition of the term that of conventional ethics, to its gradual transformation into various branches and sub-types such as bio ethics, ethics related to human rights and to the more recent, health policy ethics. Ethics in terms of health care refers to the equitable and fair distribution of resources, benefits and services among the people, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic background or the kind of illness they are suffering with. Equity in treatment of illnesses, hence, is an inevitable and inseparable part of health care ethics. On account of growing concerns regarding the inequitable treatment given to people with learning disabilities the initiatives related to providing adequate and good quality health care have gained momentum. Activists worldwide, campaigning for the cause of provision of adequate health care facilities for people with various disabilities, have actively pushed for dignity in health care, especially towards people with learning disabilities. They have demanded a thorough review of policies and principles of health care to ensure dignity of such people. (Morrison, 2008). As the civilization confidently strides towards a new millennium, there is likely to be a rise in group of supporters campaigning for and advocating ethics in health care with a special stress on protecting and defending human dignity. Such a cause which is advocated by academic scholars, researchers, human right groups and activists alike, must, hence be taken up seriously and appropriate policies are developed at the local, regional as well as national levels to ensure compliance (Fulford et al, 2002). Ethics in general and in health care in particular, has undergone a major transformation from a concept which was initially confined to protecting the interests of an individual to a full-fledged social concern. Hence it is inevitable for the health care institutions to take such a matter into consideration while developing strategies and implementing health care policies, which involves people with learning and other developmental disabilities. Project Methods/Methodology: For the purpose of this study, phenomenological research methodology is chosen, whereby observations are made on the basis of data collected from trusted government websites such as the NHS, published research reports, medical journals, books as well as magazines and newspapers. In order to accomplish the research objectives, an attempt was made to explore, analyze and seek information related to qualitative studies which aimed at: Assessing the plight of people suffering from learning disabilities. The perception of such people towards the health care facilities made available by the government. The existence of various services and its effectiveness and addressing the key issues and challenges faced by such people. The need for trained carers and the knowledge which they must possess in order to be able to deal with such people, in a better and efficient manner. The various obstacles which may be encountered while dealing with patients suffering from learning disabilities right from detection to end-of-life care, etc among others. This research is based on the phenomenological research methodology, which takes into consideration the perspectives of other researchers, and research reports published by government departments comprising of first hand information and accounts of people suffering from learning disabilities. According to Dilthey, (in Rapport, 2004): The quest to understand more and better is essentially a qualitative pursuit that requires an experience-near language. It starts with experiences we already understand and expands and deepens these understandings into broader and different contexts through dialogue with otherness. Such understanding proceeds by a mode of analysis in which meaning arises out of relating parts to whole (Pp. 80) Literature review helps in assessing, analyzing and interpreting various studies conducted by scholars, and researchers with regard to the topic under study and helps in justifying and substantiating the research hypothesis. Literature reviews help in summarizing the various perspectives presented by the researchers with regard to the given topic and lend more credibility to the subject being discussed. According to Burns and Grove (2005): Literature review is an organized written presentation of what has been published on a topic by scholars. The purpose of the review is to convey to the reader what is currently known regarding the topic of interest (Pp.93). Literature Review: People with learning disabilities are often excluded within society also have little control over their own lives, and were more likely than others to have bad things happening in their lives (Joint Committee on Human Rights, 2008). People with learning disabilities, and particularly older ones, are among those groups of people who are faced with various barriers, such as access to good quality health care and equality in opportunities and health care services available to them, which add to their woes by making it all the more difficult to cope with their disability (Jenkins, 2005; Frey, 2006). People with learning disabilities comprise of a highly vulnerable section of the society and have limited access to health care facilities / services offered to them. Hence they are often faced with obstacles and challenges while copying with grave situations such as loss and bereavement of loved ones, personal illness, death etc (Elliott, 1995). which in turn tends to aggravate their situati on and increase their dependence on the society which includes their friends, family and loved ones as well as the community in general. They are known to have been ignored persistently in terms of providing services in the need of personal illness, death, and other challenging life situations, thus increasing their vulnerability all the more. One of the most common characteristics observed in case of people with learning disabilities, on the basis of various studies, is their inability to communicate effectively. Although some of them can communicate their thoughts, feelings, fears and emotions effortless, a majority of them find it difficult to communicate accurately, in a meaningful manner. Such a drawback, often leads to further serious complications, such as detection of any major health problems, thus putting their lives at risk (Gates, 2007; Great Britain: Joint Committee on Human Rights Report, 2008). According to Tuffrey-Wijne (2003), one of the most effective means of accurate medical assessment is appropriate and effortless communication and any irregularity in communicating issues related to ones health often, invariably leads to disastrous results, which affects the health of the individual in question, and leads to incorrect and undesirable outcomes. The outcome of ineffective communication and inability to communicate ones health problems is even more lethal in case of people with learning disabilities. According to Tuffrey-Wijne (1997) any inefficiency on the part of the individual suffering from learning disability, to communicate their health problems, may lead to a late diagnosis which further leads to an incorrect prognosis, and ultimately ends in untimely death of the individuals concerned. Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS 1998) showed that 48% of people with learning disabilities have impairment in one sensory domain and 18% are doubly impaired. Most s ignificant issues are eating problem, nutrition, sleeping, respiratory function problems, foot care, skin conditions, pressure sores, bowel problems and gear disease (J.OHaraA.Sperlinger, 1997). Improved access to health care services for people with learning disabilities is a step ahead in ensuring their well being. Good quality physical and mental care services can go a long way in ensuring their long term safety. Furthermore increased commitment on the part of the carers and other health care service providers is probably one of the fastest and cheapest ways to ensure their better health. One of the most important and crucial elements of health care services is offering end-of-life care services to people with learning disabilities. Communication, with respect to people with learning disabilities, is not restricted to the mere transfer of thoughts to the other person/s but in fact, it includes the ability that other person, to whom the information is being communicated, to accurately interpret the thoughts being conveyed, respond promptly on the information made available to them, and ensure follow up. Such a form of reciprocal communication is an extremely important and fundamental survival tool, for people with learning disabilities. According to Kerr et al (1996) available statistics have indicated that as many as 50% of the people suffering from learning disability suffer from some form of communication impairment, which includes difficulties in cognition, hearing, language, speech or social interaction (Ambalu, 1997). This is a matter of grave concern for the care givers as well as the government health care institutions which are involved in providing health care services to people with disabilities. Another equally critical aspect, which is generally observed with regard to the people with learning disabilities, is the negative perception about such people among the common public, which in turn further gives rise to an equally negative reaction from people with learning disabilities which arises from the feeling that they are being negatively viewed (Gates, 2007). According to Thornton (1996), Lindop and Read (2000) and Read (2006) the major reasons behind such negative perception of people with learning disabilities is the lack of adequate knowledge as well as lack of professional experience which invariably leads to negative attitudes among people towards those with learning disabilities. According to Mencap (2004) such factors may further culminate into professional incongruity and prejudicial treatment, thereby further hampering their mental and physical well-being ultimately leading to institutional discrimination and poor health care for such people. Create awareness and b uild up interpersonal relationships with people with learning disabilities, consideration needs to be given to how to maintain relationships, using everyday opportunities to engage in valued conversation. Often, as carers, main interaction with people is associated with personal care (Ambalu in OHara Sperlinger1997). The government White Paper Valuing people: A new strategy for Learning Disability for the 21st Century (Department of Health 2001a) clearly set the agenda for us, in offering appropriate and effective support people with learning disabilities in their everyday lives. Critical Commentary: Learning Disability is a label. People with learning disability are people first. The British Institute of Learning Disabilities, 2010 Thus it is imperative that such people receive utmost care and quality health care services which, if not better, at par with the facilities and services enjoyed by the rest of the population, regardless of their mental / physical health. People, regardless of their backgrounds i.e. race, ethnicity, gender, age, or socio-economic backgrounds they belong to, have an equal and just right to have access to quality health care services, and the denial of such a basic right, is the denial of human rights. It has been observed, on the basis of the above research, that people suffering from learning disabilities are often victims of negative public perception and lack of professionalism displayed by the carers, which forces this group to succumb to their illnesses, which often goes undetected. Such disenfranchised deaths, are common among people with learning disability (Read, 2006) and hence requires active steps to be taken on the national level. In order to eliminate and / reduce the occurrence of such disenfranchised deaths among people with learning disabilities; it is necessary and extremely important for the general population to treat such people with dignity, and respect. They deserve an equal right to be treated as adults and equal citizens. Such a policy entails implementation of creative health care strategies specifically aimed at people with learning disability, as well as active participation and cooperation on the part of the carers, in order to ensure effective communication, which in turn, as observed from the above research, ensures better understanding of the problems faced by them, a prompt analysis and diagnosis and an effective treatment. Conclusion: Dignity in care is a very critical element of health care, and considering the fact that people with learning disabilities are amongst the largely socially disqualified and hence highly vulnerable, groups in the UK it requires immediate attention at both institutional as well as national level. People suffering from learning disabilities are socially ignored, and often are subject to prejudicial treatment, partly owing to lack of awareness and more so, on account of the lack of availability of opportunities. They rarely have proper employment and have little or no control over the carers who are appointed for looking after their well-being. Moreover their concerns are barely discussed on a wider platform. This situation is grave and calls for immediate change and positive reforms. People with learning disabilities are equally respectable members of the society and they need to be treated with dignity and care which they deserve. Concerns such as unemployment, proper health care, education, housing, social security, etc should be addressed by the government in association with the local councils and ensure its proper access to the people with in dire need of such services. Proper implementation of well designed policies and measures and synchronized co-ordination of all members of the community can go a long way in securing the well being of such people. It can be difficult at times, and extremely challenging but such positive practice by the health care service providers and carers alike can pave way for better networking, collaborative working and interdisciplinary support, thus ensuring their health and safety in the long run (BILD,2010).. It is imperative that the government and the leading health care institutions champion this cause, and instigate, lead and encourage such good practice initiatives by providing professional and well trained carers for people with learning disabilities. Hence gaining trust and building relationship over a period of time are important consideration not only establishing and maintaining relationships, but also in thinking about ending (I. Peate D. Fearns 2006). In conclusion, strict guidelines and policies are not enough at times, and it needs a collaborative effort on all fronts to strive to provide better care to people with learning disabilities.

Books are not Dying :: Free Essay Writer

Books are not Dying If people were asked to define the importance of the books they would probably state that books are dead or will be dead soon. In â€Å"books a dying are? don’t believe it†, Anne Proulx expressed her views books. She suggests â€Å"every other week someone says that books are dead or dying†. By analyzing which will focused on a meaning, a form and the style of the essay well reveal that books are not on the way to extinction. Through out the essay â€Å"books a dying art†, the author developed the thesis extremely well, so the reader could grasp the meaning of the essay. First, the thesis opens the introduction; it’s stated every clearly (par1), that every other day people says that books are dying, it compares with new technology. In similar manner, when television was invented people thought that the radio will diminished. The body of the essay consist nine paragraphs. The first paragraph of the body talks about people thinks â€Å"disappearance of books†(par2). As well as in our society no one reads book any more. In the second paragraph of the body, people are confused in â€Å"clouded direction of culture† (par3). Furthermore, the co-operations want to buy publishers because the books are becoming more interesting; also, books are coming in different languages. Mainly, the society has change, many years the books weren’t traveling anywhere, today for instant books a re found everywhere they are moving. For example, books are moving into hotel, motel, etc. Later in the paragraph the author Proulx talks about â€Å"electronic highway†(par6) is taking over the world. Although computers are taking over but people are not going to â€Å"sit down and read a novel on a twitchy little screen†(par6). In addiction, the books are the identification of the man & women â€Å"not software†. In my view, today in our society books are not disappearance; computer will never take over the books. In order to understand the thesis and the topic of an essay the text has to have some structure. In addiction, the essay has to have standard structure; the form helps readers understand the important of the topic. The essay â€Å"books a dying art?† falls in to formal category the author uses third person pronoun. Also, the source of the evident is historical â€Å"many year ago one could find only single title in black book†(par5). This quote refers to the Bible, in the past only book mote room could find is Bible, but thing has change now.

Comparing Immorality in The Rise of Silas Lapham and The Octopus Essay

Motivation of Immorality in The Rise of Silas Lapham and The Octopus      Ã‚  Ã‚   In both William Dean Howells' The Rise of Silas Lapham and The Octopus by Frank Norris, a character is faced with the moral issues involved with operating his business. Howells' character, Silas Lapham (The Colonel) and Norris' Magnus Derrick are both desirous to have a prominent position in their respective societies, but are in the precarious situation of having to deploy immoral methods to achieve this coveted stature during the course of harder times. Each man has aspirations to be powerful, prestigious, famous, and/or wealthy. In combination with their lack of humility for their lofty position in society and their over ambitious definition of success, both are caused great distress on the path and during the fight to reach this egotistic plateau. The image created through their business venture became the primary tool to evaluate their own personal vision of success, and in doing so, the two men's morals and values became tainted, family relations were hurt and even devastated, in addition to creating social debacles that caused incredible harm to many others.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Silas' background consisted of poverty, hardships, and hard work. He acquired his own wealth and that opened doors that were unknown to him or his family. The Colonel's background and attributes led him into an awkward situation of always attempting to appear in society as something that he is not. He is a common, vulgar man, doing his best to appear sophisticated, educated, and knowledgeable, when, in fact, it is only his wealth that connects him to the upper class. His incredible wealth places within him the motivation and false sense of obligation to conform to the tastes and pre... ... or power or fame. The path to attain these goals is often filled with corruption, heartless doings, and unsympathetic forces. To see past material possessions and to crush one's ego and its self-centeredness should be sought. To accept one's lot in life and attempt to not control forces outside of one's power or nature should be admired. Being concerned with one's family as a primary responsibility and acting accordingly should be hailed an accomplishment. To face an evil force sweeping into one's reality and being able to hold onto one's morals and values in spite of it, an achievement.   Works Cited Howells, William Dean. The Rise of Silas Lapham. New York: Signet Classic, 1983.. Marx, Karl. "The Alienation of Labor." Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844. Richard Hooker, 1996: 1-9. Norris, Frank. The Octopus. New York: Penguin Books, 1986.

Impact of the Media on Society :: Television Media TV Essays

Impact of the Media on Society   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Media technologies are becoming an important aspect of today’s society. Each and every day, people interact with media of many different forms. Media is commonly defined as being a channel of communication. Radio, newspapers, and television are all examples of media. It is impossible to assume that media is made up of completely unbiased information and that the media companies do not impose their own control upon the information being supplied to media users. Since many people use media very frequently, it is obvious to assume that it has affects on people. According to the text book Media Now, "media effects are changes in knowledge, attitude, or behavior that result from exposure to the mass media," (386). This leaves us with many unanswered questions about media and its influences. This paper will look at how the effects of media are determined and explore the main affects on today’s society - violence, prejudice, and sexual b ehavior.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In order to understand how media can affect society or individuals, it is first necessary to look at different approaches that can be taken to analyze the media. According to the book Media Now, there are two main approaches that are used: the deductive approach and the inductive approach. The deductive approach is when a social scientist first comes up with theories or predictions through systematic observations of the media, and then uses the results of their research to support the theory or prove it false. An inductive approach is slightly opposite because this method looks first at peoples interactions with media and with each other, and then creates theories from the real-life situational research. The inductive approach tends to be used more frequently because its theories are based off real instances. Another difference in the ways to approach researching the effects of media is how some social scientists are interested in quantitative information while others are more interested in qualitative information. Quantitative information is when the desired results are as many as possible, while qualitative information is when the desired results are made up of the best, most useful information. All of these approaches and methods of research influence how social scientists determine the ways that media effects society and individuals. The kinds of studies done by these social scientists create detailed profiles of media and its content, and identify trends overtime. For example, one study found that exposure to alcohol advertising and television programming has been shown to be associated with positive beliefs about drinking and alcohol consumption (Austin 2).