Analyzing A Speech Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers

Analyzing A Speech Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers Ms. E. Hanzsek EN111 Writing For Research 09/15/2015 Analyzing A Speech I HAVE A DREAM Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The most powerful portion of this whole speech for me, was the very last portion. It clearly states When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" The reason why I feel that this is the most powerful portion is simply because I believe that every person of race or creed or place of living should be able to have the same rights. Should be able to practice their religion without fear. We live and breathe all the same, we live in the United States of America. We are all considered Americans, therefore we should all be able to reap the benefits of living in this great nation. Do I believe it would stand today? In all honesty, I believe it would be a little bit of both yes and no. Not everywhere do whites and blacks have the same rights, not everywhere do whites see blacks the same as them. Although we have come a long way from how it was back then. We have children of all creed, race and color within the same classroom, receiving the same education, playing together outside the classroom.

The Crimes of Suzanne Basso

The Crimes of Suzanne Basso Suzanne Basso and five co-defendants, including her son, kidnapped a 59-year-old mentally disabled man, Louis Buddy Musso, then tortured and murdered him so that they could collect on his life insurance money. Basso was identified as the ringleader of the group and instigated the others to torture their captive. An Unidentified Body On August 26, 1998, a jogger discovered the body in Galena Park, Texas. Based on the observations of the police, when they arrived at the scene, they determined that the victim had been killed elsewhere, and then dumped on the embankment. He showed severe injuries, yet his clothing was clean. There was no identification found on the body. In an effort to identify the victim, investigators reviewed missing person files and learned that a woman by the name of Suzanne Basso had recently filed a report. When a detective went to her apartment to see if the victim found in Galena Park was the same person that Basso had reported as missing, he was met at the door by Bassos son, 23-year-old James OMalley. Basso was not at home, but returned shortly after the detective arrived. While the detective talked to Basso, he noticed that there were bloody sheets and clothing on a makeshift bed on the floor of the living room. He asked her about it and she explained that the bed belonged to the man she had reported as missing, but she did not explain the blood. She and her son James then accompanied the investigator to the morgue to view the body of the victim. They identified the body as   Louis Musso, the man she had filed a police report as a missing person., The detective noticed that, while Basso appeared to be hysterical on viewing the body, her son James showed no emotion when he saw the horrific condition of the body of their murdered friend. Quick Confession Having identified the body, mother and son accompanied the detective to the police station to complete the report. Within minutes after the detective began talking to OMalley he confessed that he, his mother and four others- Bernice Ahrens, 54, her son, Craig Ahrens, 25, her daughter, Hope Ahrens, 22, and her daughters boyfriend, Terence Singleton, 27, all participated in beating Buddy Musso to death. OMalley told investigators that his mother was the one that planned the murder and spearheaded the others to kill Musso by administering brutal beatings over a period of five days. He said that he was terrified of his mother, so he did as she instructed. He also admitted to dunking Musso four or five times in a bathtub filled with household cleaning products and bleach. Basso poured alcohol over his head while OMalley scrubbed him bloody with a wire brush. It remained unclear if Musso was dead or in the process of dying during the chemical bath. OMalley also provided information about where the group had ditched evidence of the murder. Investigators found   items that were used to clean up the murder scene that included bloodstained clothes worn by Musso at the time of his death, plastic gloves, bloodstained towels, and used razors. Wooed to His Death According to court records, Musso had been widowed in 1980 and had a son. Through the years he became mentally disabled and had the intelligence of a 7-year-old child, but had learned to live independently. He was living in an assisted living home in Cliffside Park, New Jersey and had a part-time job at ShopRite. He also attended church where he had a strong network of friends who cared about his welfare. Police discovered that, two months after the death of her live-in boyfriend, Suzanne Basso, who was living in Texas, met Buddy Musso at a church fair while she was on a trip to New Jersey. Suzanne and Buddy kept up a long-distance relationship for a year. Basso finally convinced Musso to move away from his family and friends to Jacinto City, Texas, on the promise that the two would marry. In mid-June 1998, wearing a new cowboy hat he had purchased for the occasion, he packed up his few belongings, said goodbye to his friends, and left New Jersey to be with his lady love. He was brutally murdered 10 weeks and two days later. Evidence On September 9, investigators searched Bassos Jacinto City small cluttered home. Within the mess, they found a life insurance policy on Buddy Musso with a base payout of $15,000 and a clause that increased the policy to $65,000 if his death was judged a violent crime. The detectives also found Mussos Last Will and Testament. He had left his property and his life insurance benefits to Basso. His Will also read that no one else was to get a cent. James OMalley, Terrence Singleton, and Bernice Ahrens signed as witnesses. They would all assist in his murder. The detectives found a   hard copy of Musso’s Will written in 1997, but the more recent copy of his Will on a computer was dated August 13, 1998, just 12 days before Musso would be murdered. Bank statements were found showing that Basso had been cashing Mussos Social Security checks. Further documents indicated that Basso had   tried unsuccessfully to arrange to take over the management of Mussos monthly Social Security income. It appeared as if someone had fought the request, possibly Mussos niece who was close to him, or his trusted friend Al Becker, who had been handling his benefits for 20 years. There was also a copy of a restraining order forbidding Mussos relatives or friends from making contact with him. More Confessions Each of the six perpetrators confessed to different degrees of involvement in Mussos murder and the attempted cover-up afterwards. They also all admitted to ignoring Mussos cries for help. In a written statement, Basso stated that she knew that her son and several friends beat and abused Musso for at least a full day before his death, and that she also beat Musso. She confessed to driving a car belonging to Bernice Ahrens, with Musso’s body in the trunk, to the site where O’Malley, Singleton, and Craig Ahrens dumped the body and then to a dumpster where the others disposed of additional incriminating evidence. Bernice Ahrens and Craig Aherns admitted to hitting Musso, but said Basso was the one pushing them to do it. Bernice told the police, (Basso) said we had to make a pact, that we cant say anything about what happened. She said if we get mad at each other we cant say anything. Terence Singleton confessed to hitting and kicking Musso, but pointed the finger at Basso and her son James as responsible for administering the final blows that caused his death. Hope Ahrens’ statement was the most odd, not so much in reference to what she said, but because of her actions. According to the police, Hope said that she was unable to read or write and demanded a meal before giving her statement. After scarfing down a TV dinner, she told police that she hit Musso twice with a wooden bird after he broke her Mickey Mouse ornament and because he wanted her and her mother to die. When he asked her to stop hitting him, she stopped. She also pointed most of the blame to Basso and OMalley, who, corroborating statements by Bernice and Craig Aherns, who had administered the final blows that caused his death. When the police attempted to read her statement back to her, she brushed it off and asked for another TV dinner. Lost Opportunities Not long after Musso moved to Texas, his friend Al Becker tried to contact him to check on his welfare, but Suzanne Basso refused to put Musso on the phone. Concerned, Becker contacted different Texas agencies requesting that they conduct a welfare check on Musso, but his requests   were never answered. A week before the murder, a neighbor saw Musso and noticed that he had a black eye, bruises and bloody cuts on his face. He asked Musso if he wanted him to call for an ambulance or the police, but Musso only said, You call anybody, and shell just beat me up again.   The neighbor did not make the call. On August 22, just days before the murder, a Houston police officer responded to a call of an assault going on near Jacinto City. Arriving on the scene, he found Musso being led around by James OMalley, and Terence Singleton in what the officer described as a military-style run. The officer noted that both of Musso eyes were blackened. When questioned, Musso said three Mexicans had beat him up. He also said he did not want to run anymore. The officer drove the three men to Terrence Singletons apartment where he met Suzanne Basso who said she was Mussos legal guardian. Basso reprimanded the two young men and comforted Musso. Assuming Musso was in safe hands, the officer left. Later, a note found in a pair of Mussos pants was addressed to a friend in New Jersey.   You must get ... down here and get me out of here, the note read. I want to come back to New Jersey soon. Apparently Musso never had a chance to mail the letter. Five Days of Hell The abuse that Masso endured prior to his death was detailed in courtroom testimony. After arriving in Houston, Basso immediately began treating Musso as a slave. He was assigned a long list of chores and would receive a beating if he failed to move quickly enough or complete the list. On August 21-25, 1998, Musso was denied food, water or a toilet and was forced to sit on his knees on a mat on the floor with his hands on the back of his neck for long periods of time. When he urinated on himself, he was beaten by Basso or kicked by her son James. He was subjected to violent beatings administered by Craig Ahrens and Terence Singleton. He was abused by Bernice and Hope Ahrens. The beating included being hit multiple times with a belt, baseball bats, punched with closed fists, kicked, and struck with other objects that were around the apartment. As a result of the beatings, Musso died on the evening of August 25. In a seven-page autopsy report, numerous injuries on Mussos body were cataloged. They included 17 cuts to his head, 28 cuts to the rest of his body, cigarette burns, 14 broken ribs, two dislocated vertebrae, a broken nose, a fractured skull, and a fractured bone in his neck. There was evidence that blunt force trauma extended from the bottom of his feet to his upper torso, including his genitals, eyes and ears. His body has been soaked in bleach and pine cleaner and his body was scrubbed with a wire brush. The Trials The six members of the group were charged with capital murder, but the prosecutors only sought the death penalty for Basso. James OMalley and Terence Singleton were convicted of capital murder and given life sentences.Bernice and her son Craig Ahrens were convicted of capital murder. Bernice received an 80-year prison sentence and Craig received a 60-year sentence. Hope Ahrens trial ended in hung jury. She worked out a plea deal and was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to murder and agreeing to testify against Basso. Suzanne Bassos Trial Performance By the time Basso went to trial 11 months after her arrest, she had dropped from 300 pounds to 140 pounds. She showed up in a wheelchair which she said was a result of being partially paralyzed after receiving a beating from her jailers. Her lawyer later said it was due to a chronic degenerative condition. She mimicked the voice of a little-girl, saying she had regressed to her childhood. She also claimed she was blind. She lied about her life story which included tales that she was a triplet and that she was having an affair with Nelson Rockefeller. She would later admit it was all a lie. She was granted a competency hearing and the court-appointed psychiatrist who interviewed her testified that she was a fake. The judge ruled that she was competent to stand trial. Each day that Basso appeared in court she looked disheveled and would often grumble to herself during testimony or squeal and wail if she heard something that she did not like. Hope Ahrens Testimony Along with the evidence found by investigators, the testimony given by Hope Ahrens was likely the most damaging.   Hope Ahrens testified that Basso and O’Malley brought Musso to the Ahrens apartment and that he had two black eyes, which he claimed he got when some Mexicans beat him up. After arriving at the apartment, Basso ordered Musso to stay on a red and blue mat. Sometimes she had him on his hands and knees, and sometimes just on his knees. At some point during the weekend, Basso and O’Malley began beating Musso. Basso slapped him, and O’Malley kicked him repeatedly while wearing steel-toed combat boots. Hope Ahrens also testified that Basso hit Musso on the back with a baseball bat, hit him with a belt, and a vacuum cleaner, and jumped on him. Testimony was given that Basso weighed about 300 pounds at the time that she jumped repeatedly onto Musso while it was obvious that he was suffering from pain. When Basso went to work, she instructed O’Malley to watch the others and make sure they did not leave the apartment or use the phone. Each time that Musso tried to get off the mat, O’Malley beat and kicked at him. After Musso sustained injuries from the beating, O’Malley took him into the bathroom and bathed him with bleach, Comet and Pine Sol, using a wire brush to scrub Musso’s skin. At some point, Musso asked Basso to call an ambulance for him, but she refused. Ahrens testified that Musso was moving very slowly and was clearly in pain from the beatings. Verdict The jury found Basso guilty of capital murder for murdering Musso during the course of kidnapping or attempting to kidnap him, and for remuneration or the promise of remuneration in the form of insurance proceeds. During the sentencing phase, Bassos daughter, Christianna Hardy, testified that during her childhood Suzanne had subjected her to sexual, mental, physical and emotional abuse. Suzanne Basso was sentenced to death. Profile of Suzanne Basso Basso was born on May 15, 1954, in Schenectady, New York to parents John and Florence Burns. She had seven brothers and sisters. Few real facts are known about her life because she often lied. What is known is that she married a Marine, James Peek, in the early 1970s and that they had two children, a girl (Christianna) and a boy (James). In 1982 Peek was convicted of molesting his daughter, but the family later reunited. They changed their name to OReilly and moved to Houston. Carmine Basso In 1993 Suzanne and a man named Carmine Basso became romantically involved. Carmine owned a company called Latin Security and Investigations Corp. At some point he moved into Bassos apartment, even though her husband, James Peek, was still living there. She never divorced Peek, but referred to Carmine as her husband and began using Basso as her last name. Peek eventually moved out of the home. On October 22, 1995, Suzanne placed a bizarre quarter-page engagement announcement in the Houston Chronicle. It announced that the bride, whose name was listed as Suzanne Margaret Anne Cassandra Lynn Theresa Marie Mary Veronica Sue Burns-Standlinslowsk   was engaged to Carmine Joseph John Basso. The announcement claimed the bride was an heiress to a Nova Scotia oil fortune, educated at Saint Annes Institute in Yorkshire, England and had been an accomplished gymnast and at one time even a nun. Carmine Basso was reported to have received a Congressional Medal of Honor for his duty in the Vietnam War. The ad was retracted three days later by the newspaper due to â€Å"possible inaccuracies.† The $1,372 fee for the ad had gone unpaid. Basso sent Carmines mother a letter claiming that she had given birth to twin girls. She included a picture, which the mother later said was obviously a picture of a child looking into a mirror. On May 27, 1997, Basso called the Houston police, claiming that she was in New Jersey, and asked that they check on her husband in Texas. She had not heard from him for a week. Going to his office, police found Carmines body. They also found several trash cans filled with feces and urine. There was no restroom in the office. According to the autopsy, Carmine, age 47, was malnourished and died from erosion of the esophagus due to the regurgitation of stomach acid. The medical examiner reported that there was a strong smell of ammonia on the body. It was listed that he died from natural causes. Execution On February 5, 2014, Suzanne Basso was executed by lethal injection at the Huntsville Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. She declined to make a final statement.

Environmental and Offender Profiling Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Environmental and Offender Profiling - Essay Example A combination of scientific disciplines and techniques are used in environmental profiling - e.g. pedology, biology, sedimentology, and geography. (Wiltshire, n.d.) Thus, all the scientific disciplines that compliment (or that are used in) environmental science are of use in environmental profiling. The use of chemistry to analyse soil particles in a laboratory for example, can give clues to the source of soil found at a crime scene and can be useful material evidence in solving crimes. Through the use of biological know how for example, soils from a crime scene may provide materials like insects, amoebae, parasitic worm eggs, and "aquatic organisms like Ostracods and Foraminifera". (Wiltshire, n.d. para. 2.1.2) Certain microscopic plants like diatoms and dinoflagellates may also be found in soil deposited unawares by an offender at a crime scene. These microscopic flora and fauna may not be widespread in location and would thus be only present in restricted areas. An analysis of such material could point investigators to the possible location of an offender. Wiltshire (n.d.) provides a non-exhaustive inventory of materials that can be useful in environmental profiling. ... (para. 3.2) Apart from use such valuable material in building environmental profiles of the crime scene, they also serve as very important evidential material in the building of a case against an offender in the criminal justice system. It must however be noted that very knowledgeable offenders can use some of these otherwise valuable materials as decoys. An intentional depositing of flora and fauna by an offender can easily sway the direction of the investigation to a wrong target, if the investigators 'bite the offender's bait'. Also, in situations where an offender is very 'skilful' in the conduct of crime, very little material may be left behind and this may not be very useful for building an environmental profile for the investigation. Environmental profiling thus to some extent, depends on the offender's level of incompetence. The more knowledgeable an offender is concerning forensic techniques of evidence collection, the less likely he/she is to leave enough material behind. The next segment of the essay considers the various forms of offender profiling. Though offender/criminal profiling has been popularly attributed to the Behavioural Science Unit (BSU) of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in the U.S., its use predates the founding of the FBI itself. Petherick (n.d.) states that the first recorded example of offender profiling in the contemporary sense was conducted in the 1880s by Dr. Thomas Bond, in his analysis of the corpse of Mary Kelly, who was the last victim of 'Jack the Ripper'. Bond wrote that: "the corner sheet to the right of the woman's head was much cut and saturated with blood, indicating that the face may have been covered with a sheet

J.R.R.Tolkien and the Concept of Medievalism Essay

J.R.R.Tolkien and the Concept of Medievalism - Essay Example Both Bilbo and Gandalf are perfect examples of knights inserted into the context of Tolkien’s tales. They function as the bringers of salvation, the hint of light amidst the darkness. Their skills and their strong devotion and compassion for those who need them make them the â€Å"knight in shining armour† as what most fairytales depict. Chivalry is the main concept which makes The Hobbit a medieval piece. Adventurism is another key concept why The Hobbit is medieval in its traits. The primary setting of the story is based upon the elvish and the dwarvish realms of Middle Earth. The characters embark on a journey based on the geographical settings of Tolkien’s imagined world thus, their quest causes the build-up of the story’s adrenaline which creates an exciting pace where the protagonists combat mythical creatures and monsters, especially in their hurdle with Smaug – the dragon in the Misty Mountains. Along the way, Gandalf the Grey discovers his sword, Glamdring, and Bilbo finds the One Ring in an accidental skirmish with the goblins. From what is shown above, the setting of the story gives way to the medieval aspect of The Hobbit. Like most medieval stories, heroes embark on tiresome quests and encounter hurdles of unfathomable danger which, in the end, the hero gives justice to his own skill and reputation. The notion of adventure and the setting of the story are partners which make a good medieval story. Indeed, The Hobbit clearly lives up to medievalism because the characters exhibit chivalry in their quest amongst the dangerous mountains of Middle Earth. Amongst all of Tolkien’s fantasy works, it is the Lord of the Rings trilogy that solidifies the medieval influence in his fiction. The clarity if chivalry is dominant within every character of the trilogy. One perfect example of a chivalrous character is Aragorn, the king of Gondor.

Travel planning Essay Example for Free

Travel planning Essay Two flights from Belfast to Paris (Charles De Gaulle) Flying with Easyjet Belfast Intl to Paris Charles de Gaulle flight 6723; Private taxi transfer from airport to hotel. This fabulous hotel is in the Saint Germain region which is close to the Latin Quarter. Whisky Bar, Small garden, Terrace. Â  A select and refined atmosphere in the great tradition of the Englishs clubs. The austere Haussmannian faiade gives way inside to a warm universe where the copper reflections of the bar mingle with the lustre of fine wood panelling and the rich leather of Chesterfield armchairs. An ideal ambiance for intimate conversations. Here as in each of the rooms, every detail contributes to provide a sense of relaxation and well-being. The colonial-inspired decor of the 59 rooms and suites, including exotic hangings and wood paneling, varies depending on the floor The rooms feature parquet floors and provide exceptional comfort and calm. An elegant footbridge connects a winter garden with a terrace perfect for beautiful days. On the top floor, you can admire the Pantheon under the glass roof. During the evening, the Bridge Bar offers you a wide selection of cocktails and cigars in a refined atmosphere. In the Latin Quarter, the Left Banks spirit of social protest still abounds. Here, students continue to redefine the world in the classrooms of the Sorbonne, in the streets, in the bistrots, and in the intellectual fare offered in the many bookshops. Up the hill, the Pantheon holds the remains of their prestigious ancestors (Dumas, Balzac, Hugo ). Ten minutes by foot, the Pantheon or Notre-Dame de Paris are readily accessible.

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Edouard Manet, often considered one of the founders of modern art, certainly challenged the norm and incited thought through his paintings and sketches. His works challenged social norms and were critical of politics. As we look at his art today it is hard to see how his work is controversial. The images within his paintings that seem little more than after thought, would have shocked and appalled people of the mid 19th century. However, with a little more knowledge pertaining to the meaning of the imagery, and how it would be perceived at the time, it is a wonder that Manet died of natural causes rather than riot or execution. He deliberately used images from famous paintings and applied them in ways that would either draw parallels to the original work or contradict it completely. Manet also used techniques to involve his audience in the painting, essentially extending the work beyond the canvas. The Execution of Emperor Maximilian is no exception to any of these rules. It is crucial to understand the brief history of the event depicted in Manet’s painting The Execution of Emperor ...

Work has been a driving force for all of the people living in the society today

Work has been a driving force for all of the people living in the society today. They devote most of their lives working, and they justify this act as something that they have to do in order to live. Some people associate working with earning money, but doesn’t end with only that. There are a lot more reasons why people work, and it can be rooted to the people’s needs, not the money, but the things that could be derived from what you earn. Meaningful work is a work with a purpose, not of monetary compensation, but with a deeper reason, either for the fulfillment of a person’s interest or for the welfare of other people (Samuel, 2007). Some consider working as something they need to do; something that could earn them what they need in order to fulfill their wishes. But for me, the concept of work is a lot different than how others perceive it. For me, work is the realization of my efforts in my younger years. I am studying so that I can be able to work with my field of expertise; thus I’ll be able to exercise my talents to the fullest. If I will be able to do what I think I can do best, then I’m sure all my efforts will be rewarded by a good payment, and when I am earning a good deal of money, then I could live a life that is free of financial problems. Well, it depends on the people’s perceptions; their view on something could be a manifestation of their perspective in life (Young, 2007). I am a person who takes things positively. For me, working is not a burden that we have to carry all throughout our lives. It is true that if a person doesn’t work, he will eventually suffer, especially if he is living on his own, and is not blesses with a wealthy family. But working shouldn’t hinder you from enjoying your life. I think of work as a way to practice the things that I can do best, and it doesn’t limit you to a single work alone. You can do various things, as long as you put your heart into it. It is only a matter of thinking that classifies work as a burden. Reasons why people work Working is also a way to express what you feel to your loved ones. Working for the sake of another person is a manifestation of love. When you work, you are able to afford things that are essential for their happiness. Working also entails responsibility. You hold yourself responsible in providing the basic needs of a person whom you dedicate your work to; your loved ones and family members. You seek to provide the basic necessities in life, like food, shelter and clothing through working and earning money to buy these things (â€Å"Why Do People Work?† 2004). Working also entails social responsibility. I treat work as an obligation to the society. You are wasting your talents if you don’t work, and it means you are a waste of the society. Working also brings out the abilities of a person, and with those abilities, the society is able to produce quality outputs; art masterpieces like paintings and sculptures are the work of brilliant minds of the past, and they have worked their way in order to produce it. Working doesn’t only mean being able to produce an output. You need to put your heart into it, so that the output you create is really a product of hard work. Meaningful working entails a sense of responsibility from the person itself, and that they should treat every opportunity to work as an opportunity to show the people his talents; he should treat everything he does as a masterpiece and give all his effort into it. The product of a meaningful work is a meaningful output. References: â€Å"Why Do People Work?†Ã‚   2004.   Why do people work? April 12 2007. . Samuel, Alexandra. â€Å"Meaningful Work†.   2007. April 12 2007. . Young, Susan. â€Å"Meaningful Work†.   2007. April 12 2007. .   

A Study of The Two Marriage Proposals that Elizabeth Declines: Romance Versus Security Essay

Romance Versus Security. â€Å"It is universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.† These are the words of Jane Austen, and like many people of her time, she believed very much in the importance of finding a wealthy husband for young women. Jane Austen’s novel reflects the importance of marriage to many people around 1775. Although events such as the industrial revolution were sweeping the country, these were ignored and the life of a few middle class families in a country village were depicted. Marriage at this time was a way of securing a happy livelihood and relative happiness; love was not really a factor, marriage was a source of financial security. Being more of a convenience than a romantic affair. However this was beginning to become a factor as traditions slowly changed around this period. Still many women married to their advantage; there was still a very rigid class system although a new middle class was beginning to emerge. The alternative was life as a governess, which was not one of great social status. Jane Austen believed that marriage was â€Å"The only honourable provision for well educated young woman of small fortune.† This wasn’t a romantic union; it was a contract. A character that does value the importance of marriage for her daughters is Mrs. Bennet. † The business of her life was to get her daughters married.† This is because her current home, Longbourn estate, is entailed to a cousin Mr. Collins. This means when Mr. Bennet dies Mr. Collins is heir and the Bennet sisters would either have to rely on the hospitality of their male relative or become a governess. This soon becomes apparent to Mrs. Bennet and she sees it as imperative that her daughters are married off. In Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth Bennet receives two proposals of marriage the first from her cousin the bumbling Mr. Collins. The Bennet family had received a letter prior to his arrival; the impression put across is that Mr. Collins is long winded and all over a bit of a fool. This letter prepares the family and the reader for the arrival of a pompous egotist. Mrs. Bennet is excited about his arrival, as it is clear he is passing on marital business, causing great interest among the sisters and above all Mrs. Bennet. At the Netherfield ball he makes a complete show of himself as he lacks decorum and etiquette. His inability to dance is a cause of amusement to the characters and the reader. â€Å"The first two dances, however, brought a return of distress; solemn, apologising instead of intending.† He unwittingly introduces himself to Darcy and recieves a cold reception Whilst joining in the festivities, it becomes clear that Collins greatly admires Lady Catherine De Bourgh, his groveling adorations add to his foolery. He continues to examine every inch of the house comparing it directly to Rosings, in a very rude manner. Just as Collins tedious absurdness reaches its height, Elizabeth begins to fall for Wickham’s charms and stories of hate against Darcy and Collins proposal is unexpected and very unwelcome. Mr. Collins proposal to Elizabeth is a model of comical wit, and cannot be taken seriously, the very way he approaches the matter is ridiculous. â€Å"My reasons for marrying are†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Not romantically orientated at all, it is hardly going to win any woman’s heart, least of all Elizabeth’s. He breaks down his reasons, numbering them. And although Collins is sincere, the element of comedy is never lost as he is excessively formal and at great length tries to explain his reason, which is clearly unnecessary. â€Å"†¦Made Elizabeth so near laughing.† The sheer length reflects Collins long winded nature. He even manages to mention Lady Catherine De Bourgh. As he draws to the end of his speech Collins does attempt a little romance, but all in vain: â€Å"†¦The most animated language of the violence of my affections†. Elizabeth becomes a little alarmed and rightly so, as Collins thinks it impossible for her to refuse. â€Å"†¦You are too hasty, sir.† But Collins won’t brook a refusal and continues with his stilted speech until Elizabeth has had enough and forcefully rejects him. Mr. Collins assumes this is the usual behaviour of young woman and that Elizabeth is simply being coy. His ignorance adds to the comedy. It takes 5 firm rejections before he seems to accept her answer. This refusal was very brave of Elizabeth .So much so that it may even be considered foolhardy. She cannot be guaranteed another proposal of marriage. Leaving her future hanging in the balance. Mrs. Bennet is understandably distressed when she hears of Elizabeth’s decision. Mr. Bennet is more relieved. One can hardly see Elizabeth married to a character like Collins. Her intelligence would be stifled. Elizabeth shows spirit and a fiery independence. But she does risk a lot by turning Collins down. However, someone who felt they couldn’t afford to risk no other proposal was Charlotte Lucas. She sees their marriage as a practicality, she needs her home comforts and the security Collins provides. She is already 27 years old and in need of a stable future. This is a direct example of how romance is only beginning to creep into marriage. It is obvious to Elizabeth that there was no romance in Collin’s proposal as he almost instantly moves on and his â€Å"affections† change. When Darcy proposes, it seems unlikely that Elizabeth would dare refuse a second suitor. But as much as Elizabeth couldn’t stand Collins, she despises Darcy. This prejudice is fuelled from a remark Darcy made at the Netherfield ball, â€Å"She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me.† This sparks a great dislike that continues to grow as the book progresses, by the time Darcy decides to propose, Elizabeth has been told by Wickham of his dealings with him and the interference of Bingley and Jane. Like Collins, Darcy is the last person Elizabeth would like to marry at the moment in time. Apart from the prejudice the timing is very off and she is already very agitated. Her prejudice and his pride combine to make the most incompatible two characters, however he is unaware. And in the same way that Collins lacked romance, Darcy’s opening line is hardly a compliment, â€Å"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed.† Darcy goes on to describe her inferiority and low connections. Despite this rather confident approach, the proposal is flawed from the start. He proceeds to insult her and her true feelings are soon revealed. † I have every reason in the world to think ill of you.† Despite Darcy’s obvious feelings, Elizabeth makes her long standing dislike quite plain. When Elizabeth confronts him about the Wickham incident he doesn’t deny involvement but replies in a sarcastic manner, â€Å"Yes, his misfortunes have been great indeed.† By the time Darcy leaves Elizabeth is reeling, she can’t believe his feelings. Astonishment leads to anger, as he showed no sign of denying his involvements with the break up of Jane and Mr. Bingley. To turn down one marriage proposal was risky but to do so again must have been foolish, most women would have thrown themselves at Darcy’s feet. He is a wealthy handsome young suitor. However Elizabeth cannot be married to some one she despises. She makes it perfectly clear to Darcy that however he had proposed she wouldn’t have accepted, â€Å"†¦You could not have made me the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it.† There is a rather ironic link that both men that propose are the only two men on earth Elizabeth wouldn’t dream of marrying. This is a great show of strength and courage. With a mother such as Mrs. Bennet it would be difficult to find any one who would be happy to take on such a family connection and Darcy makes it clear that to marry Elizabeth would be a â€Å"degradation† but nothing will deter him. The two marriage proposals are very different and very different outcomes; whether Elizabeth was foolhardy to decline two or not is debatable, but it is true to say she shows great independence considering her financial insecurity and social status. In turning down these proposals, was she ruining her chances of ever having a decent future?

Music Appreciation Renissance Era essays

Music Appreciation Renissance Era essays During the Middle Ages music really came alive. It was the first time that music was recorded and written down. Music first became notated in Northern Italy. A major part of music is the instruments. There are seven classifications of instruments, they are : Strings, Brass, Percussion, Woodwinds, Keyboard, Electronics, and Voice. The most powerful of them all is Voice. After the year 1100, instruments were the most common in church. The organ, a keyboard instrument , was one of the most popular. Sound has four classifications, they are : volume, pitch, tone, and duration. It also has a Dynamics scale written in Italian to help indicate. Pianissimo (pp) meaning very soft, Piano (p) meaning soft, mezzo piano (mp) meaning moderately soft, mezzo forte (mf) meaning moderately loud, forte (f) meaning loud, and fortissimo (ff) meaning very loud. There are three elements of music. Those elements are : Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm. Melody is a series of single tones that add up to a recogniz able whole. Harmony is how chords are constructed and how they follow each other. Rhythm is an ordered flow of music through time, also said to be the pattern of duration of notes and silences in music. There are several techniques that create musical form, they are : repetition, contrast, and variation. Music has different textures that help define the way something is heard. Monophonic is a single unaccompanied melodic line. Like a cappella, which means vocal music- voices alone without instrumental accompaniment . Then there is Polyphonic which is a simultaneous, of two or more melodic lines of relatively equal interest. It adds dimension. Finally there is Homophonic which is to hear one main melody accompanied by chords. The attention is focused on the melody. The general name that is given to music performed outside of the church is called secular. Music that is performed inside of the church is called ...

If You Dont Know Jack, Youre a Jackwagon

If You Dont Know Jack, Youre a Jackwagon If You Don’t Know Jack, You’re a Jackwagon If You Don’t Know Jack, You’re a Jackwagon By Mark Nichol A recent news article prompted me to research the use of jack as a catch-all term: Apparently, a pair of pot smugglers ignored the sensible admonition â€Å"Don’t get high on your own supply† and, in a state of THC-fueled paranoia, called 911 to complain that while transporting their precious cargo, they were being harassed by undercover police officers in nearby vehicles. The caller referred to the alleged persecutors- probably just fellow motorists perturbed by the unsteady hand of the man at the wheel- as â€Å"jackwagons.† All usages of jack in English, it turns out, derive from the proper name Jack, a variant of the common names John (from English, but ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, also the source of the name Jonathan) and Jacques (the latter of which, from France, is the origin of the word jacket). The ubiquity of these names in medieval England resulted in its use as a general term of address for the common man. (In Middle English, it was spelled various ways with an e at the end and pronounced â€Å"Jackie,† hence the diminutive form of the nickname.) The Scots equivalent, Jock, was the origin of the word jockey, used to describe someone who rides or drives a horse in a race or, by extension, operates a vehicle or a tool (as in â€Å"disk jockey,† the origin of the entertainment term DJ, also spelled deejay). To jockey, on the analogy of a jockey’s riding strategy, is to maneuver or negotiate for advantage. From the usage of Jack as a generic name stems such terms as lumberjack for a worker who cuts trees down and steeplejack for someone specializing in working on tall structures, jack-of-all-trades, referring to a person who is skilled at multiple types of jobs or tasks, and jack-o’-lantern (â€Å"jack-of-the-lantern,† originally synonymous with will-o’-the-wisp) and jack-in-the-box, the name for a toy and a carved pumpkin lit from within respectively, as well as â€Å"Jack Frost† as a personification of wintry cold and â€Å"Jack the Ripper† as a nickname for a notorious serial killer in Victorian London. (Jack-in-the-box was originally slang for a con man who switched out a full box for an empty one, and it acquired numerous other senses, too.) The name also became associated with sailors in the designation â€Å"Jack Tar,† thanks to the fact that men of the sea generally had a scent of tar about them. Fictional characters given the Everyman appellation in tales and nursery rhymes include the heroes in â€Å"Jack and the Beanstalk† and â€Å"Jack the Giant Killer† and personages in â€Å"Jack Sprat† and â€Å"Jack and Jill.† Jack was also applied to the lowest-ranking face cards in a deck of playing cards (which is the origin of jackpot, meaning â€Å"a prize,† and hence jack, a slang term for money) and to various small objects, including flags (as in â€Å"Union Jack†) and the game of jacks and its playing pieces. The sense of â€Å"small† is also responsible for the retort â€Å"You don’t know jack shit† (or just â€Å"jack†). It also appears in the name of animals and plants, including the jackass, or male donkey, the jackrabbit (a hare named for its long ears, suggestive of a donkey’s), and the jackdaw, a relative of the crow, plus the jack oak and jack pine trees, as well as the jack-in-the-pulpit plant. Jackanapes, from the nickname given to an upstart English nobleman, derives from â€Å"Jack of Naples,† a contemporary slang term for a monkey that came to refer to an impudent person. The cheese variety Monterey Jack was named after its first commercial producer, David Jack, who lived near Monterey, California. The noun jack, referring to various mechanisms, including a device for hoisting or raising a heavy object, and the verb form jack and the verb phrase â€Å"jack up† derive from the fact that the machines did the work of a common laborer. Jackhammer and jackknife, as well as the term bootjack, for a device used for removing boots, stem from this usage as well. (However, jackboot, referring both to a boot worn by cavalry soldiers and a later marching boot worn by German and Soviet military personnel- hence the word’s subsequent association with totalitarian oppression, although jackboots have been worn by soldiers of democratic nations as well- is unrelated: The cavalry jackboot was originally fortified with chain mail, and an Old French word for that material is jaque.) So, how did we get to the insult jackwagon, popularized in a television commercial featuring actor and former drill sergeant R. Lee Ermey? As a less offensive alternative to jackass as a derogatory label, it may derive from a nickname for the chuck wagon (chuck comes from a slang word for food), a vehicle carrying cooking implements and supplies for a cattle drive or a wagon train, or for any of one of several other types of wagons that might bring up the rear of a procession of other vehicles. The seemingly lowly status of the trailing wagon, literally left in the dust of what came before it, presumably came to be associated with a person of low character or intelligence. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Types of RhymeYay, Hooray, Woo-hoo and Other AcclamationsWhat Is the Meaning of "Hack?"

The European Union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The European Union - Essay Example This was in the 1920s and the name of the organization was Patt-European Union. However, real integration in Europe was achieved through the European Economic Community (EEC). The vision of this organization was â€Å"broad enough to achieve real integration across a wide range of policy issues† (â€Å"The political landscape,† 209). The European Economic Community was the pioneer of today`s European Union. It was established by six western European nations; Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands France, Italy, and West Germany, (â€Å"The political landscape,† 209). A major step was taken towards the building of the nations in 1992, with the treaty of European Union also referred to as the Maastricht treaty, signed at an intergovernmental conference that was held in Dutch (â€Å"The political landscape,† 211). This treaty was ratified in 1993, and provided for the continued deepening of cooperation among member nations in different areas, and cooperation into three forms referred to as the pillar of the union. These are the European Community, the common foreign and security policy, and the cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs (â€Å"The political landscape,† 212). The European Union is an umbrella that stands over these three constituent pillar organizations. In 1990, the European Union removed all trade barriers allowing free movement of people. During these years, the European Union had an integrative development to have a single currency. This began when Maastricht treaty set a timetable at was set to achieve monetary union. The second step was the establishment of the European monetary institution that was to strengthen the coordination of the monetary policies of the member states. Nevertheless, Denmark rejected the idea of a single currency and feared that the adoption of the Euro would steer unacceptable erosion of the Danish political sovereignty (â€Å"The political landscape,† 212). Sweden took a go slow approach, hoping to join