George Robert Twelves Hewes essays

George Robert Twelves Hewes essays George Hewes was born in Boston in 1742 but moved to New York when he was eight. Born into a poor family with his dad dying of a stroke at a very young age, his mom was the sole benefactor of the house. From the beginning, it was clear that he was destined to be established into a low social class for he didnt have anything going for him. He wasnt' tall nor big so the only job he could do was to make shoes. Later when he would want to fight in the war, he could not because his physical statue. He was put into the shoemakin business by his mom beause she felt he wasn't capable of doin anything else. No one else in his family had done anything other than trading or jobs of such kind. This made Hewes seem to have a strong or dominant personality. "He was what Bostonians called 'saucy'; he was always in Dutch (575)." He mother was very controlling of him which would later effect the way he responded to authority. "Abigail Hewes must have been desperate to control George." This statement refers to how Abigail would punish George very heavily for the littlest things. Young interprets this as a way to keep her son in line or restrain him from straying from the family. As George Hewes got older, more Americans were rebelling against Britain's ruling. Britain began to tax the cities' more on things that seemed unnecessary to the people. Hewes still was a shoemaker as an adult male so that didnt help him move up into a higher social class. According to Young, "Between 1768 and 1775, the shoemaker became a citizen-an active participant in the events that led to the Revolution, an angry, assertive man who won recognition as a patriot (585)." This quote states much about Hewes personality. Throughout his life, many people tried to step on and take advantage of him, but this did not get him down. No matter how people treated him, he still gave them respect and would not act hastily or in spite. In one instance...

Cubic Feet to Cubic Inches Conversion

Cubic Feet to Cubic Inches Conversion Converting cubic feet  to cubic inches  is a common English units conversion  problem. Here is the conversion factor and a worked example. Conversion Factor 1 cubic foot   1728 cubic inches 1 cubic inch 0.000578704 cubic feet Simple Example Convert 3.5 cubic feet into cubic inches.  When using a conversion factor, be sure the unit you are changing from gets canceled out. You can multiply by the conversion factor: 3.5 cubic feet x 1728 cubic inches per cubic foot 6048 cubic inches Worked Example You measure a box and find it is 2 foot  long, 1 foot  high, and 0.5 feet deep. The first step is to calculate the volume in cubic feet.  The volume of the box is length x width x height so the volume of the box is: 2 x 1 x 0.5   volume in cubic feet 1 cubic foot Now, to convert this to cubic inches, you know there are 1728 cubic inches in 1 cubic foot: 1 cubic foot x (1728 cubic inches / 1 cubic foot) volume in cubic inches 1 cubic foot x 1728 cubic inches/foot   volume in cubic inches 1728 cubic inches

Interview Wardrobe Mistakes That Will Cost You the Job

Interview Wardrobe Mistakes That Will Cost You the Job I remember one nerve-wracking moment in a recent interview I went on. I was wearing a perfectly appropriate dress, with a tidy tailored but still feminine vibe. But I accidentally took off my sweater with my raincoat, and realized as I reached for my folder of resumes that I was now wearing short sleeves, which wouldn’t have been a big deal†¦ except for the tattoo I’d recently gotten on the inside of my bicep. Fortunately, it was for a college-level teaching job where they valued my professional abilities and enthusiasm as much as my presentation; in a more conservative venue, it might have been a deal breaker. Now, it’s also true that I probably wouldn’t want to work anywhere that wouldn’t hire me because of my artwork or my jewelry, but that’s easier said than accepted when you need a job to live and, you know, eat.That being said, here are 5 interview wardrobe mistakes that will cost you the job:1.You forget to cover up any tattoos or body artA wardrobe misstep shows a lack of judgment to a prospective employer. You want to show your personality, but in measured, deliberate ways. Even though I’m not embarrassed about my tattoos (they’re colorful and fun, like me!), I went into the interview expecting to not to reveal them, and I was flustered when I accidentally uncovered them. Know your outfit well enough that it can’t surprise you!2. Your  interview wardrobe  isn’t industry appropriateWhile covering my tattoos up wasn’t a mandatory gesture in the kind of teaching job I was interviewing for, in another job it might have been. On the other hand, the tailored dress I wore might have been too stuffy or formal for a more creative and casual environment.On another recent job interview, I was over-dressed and it rebounded on me in more ways than one- the office was a zillion degrees and there was only so far I could push my sleeves up! Prepare for interviews the way you prepare for the Pacific Northwest. Light layers, coordinated colors.3.  Your interview wardrobe reveals too much skinAvoid anything that’s distractingly short, ill-fitting, or tight. An interview is not the time to squeeze into your aspirational pants or the dress the dry cleaners shrunk that you’re still in mourning for. Get a second opinion from a friend in the know, whenever you’re in doubt. If I’d asked around, my colleagues elsewhere in publishing could have told me that dark slacks and a blazer would have been more appropriate than my erstwhile suit look.4.  You put your outfit together the morning of the interviewPractice ahead of time- try on your outfit a few days in advance! Make sure everything is  pressed, clean, tucked in, and that your shoes match. Know how to get your briefcase or your folder open easily.And stay calm! You’re still you, no matter what you wear- just put your best foot (and sleeve) forward.

Civil Rights of a Fetus - Law, Philosophy and Religion

Civil Rights of a Fetus - Law, Philosophy and Religion The Roe majority ruling of 1973 holds that the government has a legitimate interest in protecting potential human life, but that this does not become a compelling state interestoverriding the womans Fourteenth Amendment right to privacy, and her subsequent right to terminate her pregnancyuntil the point of viability, then assessed at 24 weeks. The Supreme Court did not state that viability is or is not when a fetus becomes a person; just that this is the earliest point at which it can be proven that the fetus has the capacity to have a meaningful life as a person. The Planned Parenthood v. Casey Standard In the Casey ruling of 1992, the Court scaled back the viability standard from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. Casey also holds that the state may protect its profound interest in potential life so long as it does not do so in a way that has the intent or effect of posing an undue burden on the womans right to terminate a pregnancy prior to viability. In Gonzales v. Carhart (2007), the Supreme Court held that a ban on live intact DX (partial birth) abortions does not violate this standard. In Fetal Homicide Statutes Laws that treat the murder of a pregnant woman as a double murder arguably affirm fetal rights in a statutory manner. Because the attacker has no right to terminate the womans pregnancy against her will, it could be argued that the states interest in protecting potential life is unrestricted in cases of fetal homicide. The Supreme Court has not ruled on the matter of whether fetal homicide, on its own, may constitute grounds for capital punishment. Under International Law The only treaty that specifically grants rights to fetuses is the American Convention on Human Rights of 1969, signed by 24 Latin American countries, which states that human beings have rights beginning at the moment of conception. The United States is not a signatory to this treaty. The treaty does not require that signatories ban abortion, according to the most recent binding interpretation. In Philosophy Most philosophies of natural rights would hold that fetuses have rights when they become sentient or self-aware, which presumes a neurophysiological definition of personhood. Self-awareness as we generally understand it would require substantial neocortical development, which seems to occur at or near week 23. In the premodern era, self-awareness was most often presumed to occur at quickening, which generally takes place around the 20th week of pregnancy. In Religion Religious traditions holding that personhood rests in the presence of a non-physical soul differ with respect to the question of when the soul is implanted. Some traditions hold that this occurs at the moment of conception, but most hold that this occurs much later in the pregnancy, at or near quickening. Religious traditions that do not include belief in a soul do not generally tend to define fetal personhood in explicit terms. The Future of Fetal Rights The conundrum posed by abortion rests in the tension between a womans right to terminate her pregnancy and the potential rights of the potential human being. Medical technologies currently under development, such as fetal transplantation and artificial wombs, could one day eliminate this tension, deprecating abortion in favor of procedures that terminate the pregnancy without harming the fetus.

Criminal law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Criminal law - Essay Example (Lord Diplock in R v Miller)2 The actus reus and mens rea need to coincide, however the requirement is interpreted broadly. (Fagan v. Commissioner of Police3) In certain circumstances omissions can count as sufficient actus reus. One of the situation is where the conduct of the defendant created a situation of danger. (R v. Miller)4 The acts of Dot attract s.1(1) the actus reus of which requires a person destroying or damaging any property which belongs to another. The actus reus must be voluntary. (Woolmington v. DPP)5 The destruction or damage of the property must impair the value or usefulness of the property. (A v R)6. Such destruction or damaged must be without lawful excuse that is there is no honest belief on the part of the defendant that the owner consented to such destruction or damage. (Denton)7 In the current situation the actus reus of Dot was by way of an omission as he was the one who created the situation of danger. The next element in actus reus is that he of destruction or damage, clearly the fire had led to damage being caused to the shed. Clearly Dot did not have any lawful excuse to cause such destruction as he merely wanted such destruction so as to further the value of his property. Dot acquired the intention of such destruction when he refrained to constrain the damage by letting the fire to grow and destruct the shed and therefore the mens rea of the offence would be proved. (Cunliffe v Goodman)9 Since the elements of actus reus and mens rea are proved it is pertinent to point to s.1(3) which states that destruction by fire would be charged as arson which, if proved, carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Furthermore such an offence is to be treated separately from criminal damage.(R v. Booth)10. It is clear that the destruction caused was by fire and therefore Dot would be charged under arson. He clearly does not have any defence to

Frida Kahlo - Surrealist Artist Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Frida Kahlo - Surrealist Artist - Essay Example The essay "Frida Kahlo - Surrealist Artist" states the Frida Kahlo and her art. Rather than restricting her art, though, this confinement helped encouraged her art as it was one of the few things she could do from her bed. This perhaps also led to her willingness to experiment with artistic forms, breaking out of the traditional forms as can be seen in several of her self-portraits, such as â€Å"The Two Fridas† and â€Å"The Broken Column.† Kahlo’s work displays a desperate struggle to find balance between the past and the present, the self and the social expectations, particularly in her 1939 self-portrait â€Å"The Two Fridas.† For Kahlo, this division is represented through a dual image that relates back to Kahlo’s childhood while she was recovering from polio. â€Å"During that time, she created an imaginary friend who would later be reflected in a painting called ‘The Two Fridas.’ Explaining the painting in her diary she wrote, à ¢â‚¬ËœI experienced intensely an imaginary friendship with a little girl more or less the same age as me I followed her in all her movements and while she danced, I told her my secret problems†. This relationship becomes a means of expressing the two sides of Kahlo at the time of her divorce from Diego. One Frida is dressed in European clothing, indicating that this is the actual European half of Frida gained from her father. Her symbolic torn bodice indicate the rejected side of her just as her hand holds a surgical instrument intended to help stop the flow of blood.

Theory of change and growth paper, combined with the movie Essay

Theory of change and growth paper, combined with the movie - Essay Example This theory of change and growth is based within an eclectic mix of theories from different paradigms within psychology. The theory works on the idea that cognitive change and emotional growth and understanding, along side support and motivation from an empathetic and compassionate therapist and the involvement of the client’s partner and immediate family members, will create an environment where the client can heal, and move past their problems or difficulties. It is an integration of the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy, emotion focused therapy, and structural family therapy. For the client to be able to effectively move away from their personal and family problems and to understand the problems, its causes and effects, they must firstly be able to admit to the problem in the first place. Denial is not possible if therapy is to be successful. The eclectic theory first focuses on the client, using a theory based in cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to an effective treatment for many disorders, including depression, panic disorders, alcoholism and substance abuse (Wakefield, Williams, Yost & Patterson, 1996). Changing behaviour is a complex psychological process. For change to occur therapy and its preceding theory must give the client the ability to become who they really are, and not what they think they are. The therapy needs to enable the client to understand how their cognitive beliefs of themselves and their world, affect their reactions to situations and events. Cognitive behavioural therapy suggests that you can change how you think or change cognitive processing, which in turn will change what you do - or your behavior. Within an eclectic theory of change, if the therapist firstly helps the client to start to change their cognitive malfunctions, thereby changing their sense of self, by taking the client from the emotional

Bio for award recommendation Annotated Bibliography

Bio for award recommendation - Annotated Bibliography Example Besides providing support on an online platform, I also provide support on a tier one level to basic operating programs that include, the radio communication systems, radar tracking systems and personnel tracking systems. In addition to the provision of these operational systems, I am tasked with the provision of written documentation such as maintenance reports, engineering surveys and memoranda to give an analysis on services performed and planned. My work engagements across the globe have enabled me to acquire the necessary skills to give support on a tier one level basis to every single programme in the operation center. Due to my extensive travelling, I have become well versed in the Foreign Affairs Manual and Handbook to smoothen my stay in Iraq. During my time in the military, I was conditioned to be able to withstand high pressure while multitasking in my area of specialty. This has enabled me to be an efficient and focused worker. My time at the Department of Defense has conditioned me to work in physically demanding situations. This has been handy in maintaining and developing preventive measures for systems that I have been assigned. On an almost daily basis, I am involved in drafting written reports and recommendations regarding activity reports and personnel programs. Therefore, I maintain knowledge on base products installed at an expert level while striving to improve and sustain the ongoing technical security controls. I have installed many technical systems such as telecommunications, cabling, electrical and power. Additionally, I have in the past developed and installed CCTV systems for both analogue and digital features, automated control systems, and other life safety programs. Additional duties at the embassy that form part of my accomplishments include-troubleshooting video and fiber problems, installing cameras and smart boards (in and outside the embassy) to secure the safety of the personnel and its property, providing onsite

The Big Race Essay Example for Free

The Big Race Essay The character I like best is Mrs. Wakefield because she always support her children . Sheteaches them the good things to do . She gives them a tender loving care everyday . She assure thattheir children have a good health and keep away from illness. Conflict or Problem: The conflict or problem in the story is to find a wheels for their soap-box derby cars. Another one is the strategy that they will use in the contest to beat the other contestants so that theywill win. Most Interesting Part of Story: The most interesting part of story is when the race was started. The distance betweeneach cars are too near . Ken is first while Jessica is third during the race . Todd second during therace has a problem,one of his wheel rolled off . Jessica overtake with Todd’s car . A few secondslater Jessica overtake with Ken’s car . At last Jessica won in the race. Summary: One morning in class,the twins’ teacher ,Mrs. Otis ,made a special announcement . TheSweet Valley Elem. School has decided to sponsor a soap-box derby . It’s kind of race . Each person who enters builds his or her own car . Soap-box cars don’t have engines,though, so races arealways downhill . It was after school that day . The Wakefields were in the lumber store buyingwoods and other materials for their soap-box cars . After dinner Mr. Wakefields helped the twinsclear out a space in the garage and got out tools to start building. It was Sunday and the twins were still trying to find wheels for their cars . The twinsask their mom where can they find wheels . The next day after school,Mrs. Wakefield,the twins,andsteven went to junkyard . Elizabeth and Jessica found a wheels for their cars . After they boughtwheels,they hurry up to go home,to attach wheels to the poles and put it into the soap-box cars. OneThursday morning ,Mrs. Otis announce the route for the derby . It’s marked in red on this map of Secca Lake . That afternoon ,Mrs. wakefield and the twins loaded both cars into the van . They will go at Secca Lake for practice runs . Everyone’s taking turns on the hill. When it was her turn, Jessica was flying down the hill . Then suddenly –BANG! One side of her car fell off . Then the other side . Jessica’s car was broken into many pieces. On Saturday morning,the day of big race . The cars are lined up . the first race was begun . Jessica came in sixth while Ken came in first . The final race was begun . Jessica got off to agreat start ,but Ken and Todd still were ahead of her . Then about half away down the hill ,one of the Todd’s wheels rolled off . Jessica steered around todd’s car and missed him by an inch . Asecond later Jessica and Ken were lined up . Seconds later Jessica zipped across the finished line infirst place. Moral Lesson: Don’t loose hope in a contest or race ,it is just only a challenge of God . Alwaysthink positive that you can beat all the contestants and you will be the winner.

The Farmers Almanac Essay Example for Free

The Farmers Almanac Essay Since the earliest memories in my grandparent’s farm in rural West Virginia, I have had a fascination for nature and our place in it. I remember with crystal clarity, the trip to the barn with my grandmother. She picked out a chicken, marched behind the barn and unceremoniously, without a warning, chopped off its head right before my eyes. As I screamed in terror watching the creature run headless and bleeding, my grandmother simply asked me to â€Å"hush and get some potatoes out of the basket from inside the barn. † As I moved toward the doorway, the chicken appeared to be running after me until it suddenly dropped dead in its last convulsion. That day on my grandparent’s farm was the first event of awareness I had of the harsh realities of life. I was three years old and inquisitive about everything on the farm. Although it was just a few miles from my own home, it felt as though one-stepped back in time when we visited, which we did frequently. With no running water, no indoor plumbing, no telephone and almost entire sustenance from the farm itself, it was a fantasyland. Although I had grown up in the 60’s and 70’s, it could have been the 30s due to our location in rural West Virginia. Life moved at a snail’s pace there. We were in greater touch with nature and the affinity with the earth was innate. Life was about learning to survive in a natural way. We never discussed politics, literature or history, at least not in a global sense. In my life, I have seen my father read just a single book The Farmers Almanac. As I was developing my own interest in literature, I recall asking him why The Almanac was the only book he read, and his response was simple and to the point, which was always his style. â€Å"Everything you need to know about everything important is in this book Kelly Lea†, he exclaimed with a gentle urgency. This has been a constant in my relationship with my father. â€Å"You think too much, it’s not that complicated. † Certainly, as I watch my children, I find myself thinking the same. I have learnt to utilize my hands and gain a sense of accomplishment from manual labor, from my father. Summers were spent building tree houses and working in the garden. Although I preferred working outdoors, my mother felt it was imperative that I learn to cook and develop my skills in home economics. My childhood could be taken right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. We actually had a swimming hole and caught lightning bugs in a Kerr canning jar with holes punched through the top with a nail. Impromptu kickball games in the parking lot of the local lumberyard were infamous for heated debates followed by slow walks home along the railroad tracks for supper. Some of the enlightening lessons of life I learnt as a child were from my father. There were several years on and off when we suffered financial hardship. It was during one of those years that our county had record rains and flooding. We had little money to spend for unavoidable home improvements to secure us from the elements. My parents were worried about the integrity of our roof. In the neighborhood, some homes were being constructed on property that had belonged to my grandparents. As they grew older, the taxes had absentmindedly not been paid. It was auctioned off for a bargain price without prior notification, while my father was gathering the funds to pay off the debt. The workers had hastily left the building supplies outside, covered by a mere sheet of construction plastic. Several of my father’s acquaintances at work had â€Å"helped themselves† to the supplies and encouraged my father to do the same. Trying to even the score, his fellow factory workers felt the developer was only getting what was coming to him. One evening we drove by the site and my father parked the family truck and stared at the sight. My mother was frightened. She thought he was contemplating stealing from there. My father looked at her and said, â€Å"You know better, that’s not something I would do. I just wanted to see the land again before they chopped it up and got rid of our trees. † We got by without the supplies in a very leaky house but I remember feeling a sense of pride and comfort, with the knowledge that my father was a good and righteous man who would never compromise his values. Another defining moment transpired when I was a pre-teen. That incident has greatly affected my outlook on life, as I navigate my children through their natural world. I come from a family of hunters. All of the men as well as a few of the women, myself included, have had the experience of tracking wildlife on a blistery cold winter day. This is a ritual of passage for boys in particular. My brother had been hunting for several years and my father thought he had instilled in him a respect for the wildlife, the woods and his weapon. My brother was obsessed with hunting and shot a rabbit one day purely for the thrill of it. This was absolutely forbidden in our house. My father was a strong believer of living a needs-based life. He shot only what we would eat and this never included rabbits. After watching my brother skin the animal, my father boiled the carcass and forced my brother to consume every bite. To the best of my knowledge, my brother has never hunted for the sport of it, again. Whenever I hear a person protesting against hunting, I draw their attention to the ghastly practice of factory farming as opposed to hunting in the wilderness. My father’s philosophy of respect for nature as well as his intolerance of nature-abuse has remained a corner stone in my own life and hopefully, that of my children as well. Our neighbors were from Greece and Italy as well as Eastern Europe. They had come to work in the mines and factories as young men and women. My friends were often embarrassed by their cultural differences as compared to Americanized families. As a child I would listen to their grandparents speak their native tongue and delight in their sustained holiday traditions. I imagined what these distant countries would be like as I leafed through the family atlas that my mother had purchased at the grocery store with her philately books. As a young teen, I had begun asking questions regarding my family. An aunt and uncle had raised my mother and her siblings after they were abandoned by their father following their mother’s death. My mother has never recovered from the desertion. My father was raised by his violent, abusive, alcoholic parent. My victimized mother has never had a taste of alcohol out of fear of the addiction that claimed an older brother’s life. My parents were teenagers when they had met. After a brief period of courtship, they had married. They had vowed to become each other’s family and committed to not letting the ghosts of their past haunt their future. Unfortunately, this is not something one can absolutely control. My mother has suffered from depression for years, yet she refuses to seek help. She has spent so much of her life reflecting on her past. Both my parents had stopped growing as individuals when they found one another. Their knowledge is limited to what is necessary to sustain them as they have for decades. Fortunately, I knew my grandparents as different people and I adored my now sober, ‘Born Again’ Christian grandfather. I â€Å"grew up† in the church, with him by my side. Mine was an idyllic childhood, completely ignorant of the fact that we were poor. I had everything I wanted and was gifted with a vivid imagination, a true blessing for a child of limited means. It was not until high school that life changed. I have found in my many years of self-discovery, that at the age of 17 my life had taken a major turn. The fallout of which, I am still recovering from. I was smart, pretty and outgoing, the Trifecta for small town teenage girls. With a blue-collar worker father and a housewife mother, I suddenly realized this too would be my fate. My college counselor told me that I really didn’t need to go to college; cute girls usually wasted their time in higher education because we normally just got married. It was at this time that I began an intimate relationship with a teacher and coach in my high school. After several months, it ended and I was sent into a downward spin that, I believe, had drastically changed my life. I now understood my mother’s abandonment issues. I nearly failed out of school, unable to cope with the pressure. I realize now that I was suffering from major depression for years without any sort of treatment. I spent my twenties trying to duplicate my relationship. I had outgrown my parents by now and felt the only way to continue living was to stop trying to duplicate what I envisioned to be my life story and start another one. I moved to Europe after being spotted by a modeling scout and started a career in the most glamorous and destructive environment a young woman could be exposed to in the 1980’s. Finally, I stopped thinking about my lover of five years past. Determined to change my attitude, I delved into the glamorous world of travel and adventure. I seldom stayed anywhere longer than a few months. My calendar was booked with exciting trips to some of the worlds most exotic and intoxicating locations. However, my world came to a crashing halt when I was brutally attacked on a first date by a man I had just met in Italy. My experience of the world had not prepared me for such an assault to my psyche. The physical wounds were quick to heal but I became fearful and uncomfortable in a world that I had previously relished. I now know that I had become clinically depressed following the attack. Although I continued to work and travel, my focus had changed. I wanted a family, my own family, very badly. Perhaps it is because I had been â€Å"groomed† and expected to follow that path for my entire life or perhaps I was trying to find love that would heal my wounds of abandonment and assault. Whatever may be the case, I met the man that would most influence my life, in 1987. A year later, we got married. Sometimes change is slow and passive, while at other times it is aggressive and shocking. My move to California and into the world of my new husband and his family was cold and judgmental. By then, I was expecting our first child. As previously mentioned, I was raised as a Protestant and although I had not attended services regularly, my faith was still very much a part of my identity. Soon I was expected to convert to Judaism, and raise our family in a culture which I had no experience or identification with. My husband’s domineering nature and narcissism alienated my old friends and soon we were socializing only with those of the Jewish faith and in a certain economic bracket. My previous life was eclectic, colorful and inclusive. As the years passed, I felt my authentic self diminish and take on the role of a Jewish doctor’s wife from Beverly Hills. My soul felt suffocated and isolated. I had all of the material wealth and yet, I felt deprived. I compared my husband to a middle schooler wanting to sit at the popular table and willing to compromise principles and values for any glimpse into the world of the Hollywood elite. The people we called friends were ruthless and shallow and I isolated myself more as the years passed. Occasionally, there was a bankruptcy or divorce and the vultures would descend on the poor soul that was unlucky enough to ________. My husband would ridicule me saying I only had children so I would have someone to play with. Children are honest and open and show unconditional love. Something I was starving for from my husband. Few things are more delicate than society. The West Los Angeles elite were accustomed to disposing off people like a previous year’s handbag and the choice was easy. To whom they shall be loyal depends directly on who they could most likely benefit from. My decision to finally divorce was excruciating because I was now the mother of three. I was really the only parent my children knew. My husband’s work and social calendar spared him little time to be a hands-on parent. My older son, 11 years old at the time, suffers from learning disabilities and raising him as his mother, teacher, and therapist, among other things, required my full attention. I knew the children would suffer as a consequence of what my husband considered a betrayal. The truth is that, for the first time in over 12 years, I was not betraying myself. The price I have paid is high. Due to a pre-nuptial agreement, I was nearly bankrupt after paying the attorney fees and have watched my children traverse from a life of wealth and privilege with their father to a modest lifestyle when with me in a shared custody arrangement. His, my ex-husband’s, vow to drive me to the streets had nearly materialized. A consistently litigious divorce had buried me underneath a wall of debt. Every person I knew through my husband has turned his/ her back on me, which has proved to be a gift. I have rekindled old relationships that have enriched and fortified me. Over the several years since my divorce, I have watched with pride and exuberance, as my children have met and conquered their own challenges. Divorce is ugly and very painful but I have forced myself and my children to not let it define their identity. I have gained tremendous perspective and wisdom as a result of my relationships and parenting three children, particularly my special-needs son. I have emotionally and physically returned to that place I loved as a child. To feed my curiosity of nature and travel, I spend my time diving, kayaking, traveling†¦ and discovering new adventures with my new husband who shares these same traits.

Western Expansion Essay -- United States History Historical Essays

The Westward Expansion Introduction The Westward Expansion has often been regarded as the central theme of American history, down to the end of the19th century and as the main factor in the shaping of American history. As Frederick Jackson Turner says, the greatest force or influence in shaping American democracy and society had been that there was so much free land in America and this profoundly affected American society. Motives After the revolution, the winning of independence opened up the Western country and was hence followed by a steady flow of settlers to the Mississippi valley. By 1840, 10 new western states had been added to the Federal union. The frontier line ran through Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas on the western side of the river. All parts of the valley except Wisconsin and Minnesota were well populated. Thus a whole new section had been colonized with lasting effects on the American institutions, ideals and ways of living. The far west was the land of high mountains, deserts, strange rock formations, br illiant colors and immense distance. Fur trade with Europe had now become a lucrative business and the fur traders became the pathfinders for the settlers. Migration was now possible by the discovery of paths over which ox-driven carts could be driven through seeking mountains and across the western desert. People wanted to move away from the overcrowded cities and this led to the migration into the uninhabited lands. Increased transportation like roads, railroads and canals and their construction created a demand for cheap labor making it easier for people to get jobs now, in contrast with the cities where there was unemployment. The pioneer movement for 70 years after the revolution roughly represented the form of 3 parallel streams, flowing westwards from New England, Virginia and South Carolina. The first pioneer groups tended to move directly westward. Thus the new Englanders migrated into western New York and along the shores of the great lakes, Virginians into Kentucky and th en into Missouri and the South Carolinians and Georgians into the gulf territories. Throughout the settlement of the Mississippi valley, most pioneers did not travel long distances and as a territory had been occupied, families would move into the adjacent one. There were boom periods of great activity, during which million acres of land were sold, alternated ... ...or wider opportunities. Even the safety valve theory has an element of truth when applied to ambitious young men of the professional class who had a better chance of making it big much quicker in the West than in the East. Without the open frontier, moreover, there would have been a much larger migration of young people from the farms to the cities; thus the frontier helped indirectly to check the exploitation of the working class by preventing it from expanding too rapidly. The Westward Expansion also weakened state and regional loyalties and promoted national unity due to its inherent mobility. Most westerners thought of themselves primarily as Americans, and wanted strong national government with broad powers for developing transportation and promoting the general welfare. The most significant feature of the Westward Expansion was that the pioneers took with them the essential institutions of their civilization. Thus we must look upon the Westward Expansion as one of the facto rs in the shaping of the American civilization but not the only one. AKSHARA PRADHAN Roll No. 385 Tute. Grp.- Tuesday, 1st Pd. Bibliography the history of the united states of america -H.B.Parkes

Suicide :: essays research papers

Nobody chooses to be born but we all have the option to take our own life. Teenagers face many problems in today's society. Depression, gangs and drugs are all negative pressures on adolescents. Suicide,( a very serious issue) seems to come up more and more often. "I am depressed, ashamed of my looks, I have no friends†¦nothing," a troubled teenager would say, "Killing myself is the only solution." Is it? According to statistics, "suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people 15 to 25 years of age, following unintentional injuries and homicide". Across the country, psychologists are treating the "suicidal teenager" with counseling and even medication. Family and friends are also very supportive. But who is to say if one should live or die. When we are born we live until we die, but when is that? When you get run over by a car? Drown? Executed, or when you kill yourself? Society tends to put a lot of pressure onto those people with mental and physical disabilities. Making them feel like something is seriously wrong. Some people believe that being homosexual is wrong and all gays should be wiped of the face of the earth. Why do they believe this? Because in the way that they were raised their environment taught them that being gay is wrong. In our society today anything said or done can be easily expressed incorrectly and therefore misunderstood. There is always someone that is going to dissect and analysis each and everything someone says or does. Leaving people hopelessly misinterpreted. There is no truth in what people say the only truth is whatever you want to believe. Some people may believe that an effective way to make a statement is by committing suicide. Born only to die. What is life? Is it going to school, getting a good job, making lots of money or committing suicide? It depends on what your values and morals are. We are all going to die eventually, but it doesn't have to be now. If problems appear there is always a solution, it is your option what to do about it and killing yourself should not be an option. No one has the right to say self-murder is wrong, it may be stupid but if you select to kill yourself it is you that decides what life is. I have had a few friends who have seriously considered ending their life.

Double Entry Journal for Chocolat (Joanne Harris) Chapters 15-18

Harris uses this metaphor â€Å"the dandelions are spreading their bitter leaves†¦ soon they will be in bloom,† to represent the gypsies and how their presence will cause chaos in Reynaud’s town. I find Harris’s metaphor interesting because it does truly relate to the gypsies. In our current society, dandelions are branded as a leaching weed. It is often exterminated from gardens because it robs other plants and grasses’ nutrient and water and are eyesores. What many people do not know is that, dandelions are beneficial weeds.They protect from pest and also provide minerals and nutrients unique to dandelions into the soil. Not only are they beneficial to the soil and other plants, dandelions can be eaten and are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Reynaud views the gypsies as bad for his town because he believes gypsies are thieves and do harm to others. When in reality, the gypsies have done no harm, paid for all their expenses and would help introduc e new, diverse skills and tools to the town. Much like what a dandelion does.A central theme of the book is tolerance, and this quote specifically points out Reynaud’s tolerance (or lack) of the gypsies. The gypsies stick out like an eyesore among the townsfolks in Lanquet and are often view as foreigners, just like dandelions on a grass field. Harris describes the Tannes river as â€Å"swollen. † Swollen, defined by thedictionary. com, means â€Å"expanded by or as if by internal pressure. † The internal pressure that makes the town’s river, the river that is the essence and allows for existent for Lanquet, swollen, is the lack of tolerance of people with other religions and backgrounds.This stunts the town’s growth because the town narrow-minded and judgemental to new ideas. quote: â€Å"Crinkly cellophane paper wraps it like a covering of ice. Running past and winding into the valley, a river of blue silk ribbon, upon which a cluster of housebo ats sits quiet and unreflecting. And below, a procession of chocolate figures, cats, dogs, rabbits, some with raisin eyes, pink marzipan ears, tails made of licorice-whips, with sugar flowers between their teeth . . . And mice. On every available surface, mice. Running up the sides of the hill, nestling in corners, even on the riverboats.Pink and white sugar coconut mice, chocolate mice of all colors, variegated mice marbled through with truffle and maraschino cream, delicately tinted mice, sugar-dappled frosted mice. And standing above them, the Pied Piper resplendent in his red and yellow, a barley-sugar flute in one hand, his hat in the other† (Harris 104-105) In this passage, Vianne is describing the new store front display she is creating. Harris uses the simile in â€Å"crinkly cellophane paper wraps it like a covering of ice† to aid to the overall imagery of the piece.Harris is extremely descriptive and uses sensory imagery by using words like, â€Å"crinkly cel lophane,† â€Å"silk ribbon,† and when she describes the types of candy and chocolate used. Both the sensory imagery and simile makes the reader feel like they are there watching Vianne make the display and help the reader connect to the story. I find it ironic how Vianne uses chocolate mice to represent people. Because, in the beginning of chapter 13, Reynauld says, â€Å"I poison the rats that infest the sacristy and gnaw at the vestments there†¦Ã‚  should i not also poison the pigeon that disrupts my service? † when describing to monpere about that troubles of the town. When Harris writes from Reynauld’s point of view, the gypsies are seen as rats, while when she writes from Vianne’s point of view, the gypsies are seen as mice.When comparing rats to mice, a rat automatically conjures up an image of something that will cause trouble while a mouse is a little innocent creature. This all leads back to the central theme of tolerance. Vianne uses chocolate mice to represent the people of the town and specifically, â€Å"And mice†¦Ã‚  nestling in corners, even on the riverboats,† is the direct quote that shows that some of the chocolate mice she made represent the gypsies too.Vianne sees the gypsies as not only as humans but she understands the uniqueness of each human and benefits of diversity when she makes mice of different composition of chocolates in the quote, â€Å"chocolate mice of all colors. † While on the opposite end of the spectrum, Reynaud has exterminated the â€Å"rats† and plans on trying to do so again. Reynaud is not accepting of the gypsies and will not give them a chance to prove that the gypsy stereotype is false which proves his lack of tolerance. Double Entry Journal for Chocolat (Joanne Harris) Chapters 15-18 Harris uses this metaphor â€Å"the dandelions are spreading their bitter leaves†¦ soon they will be in bloom,† to represent the gypsies and how their presence will cause chaos in Reynaud’s town. I find Harris’s metaphor interesting because it does truly relate to the gypsies. In our current society, dandelions are branded as a leaching weed. It is often exterminated from gardens because it robs other plants and grasses’ nutrient and water and are eyesores. What many people do not know is that, dandelions are beneficial weeds. They protect from pest and also provide minerals and nutrients unique to dandelions into the soil. Not only are they beneficial to the soil and other plants, dandelions can be eaten and are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.Reynaud views the gypsies as bad for his town because he believes gypsies are thieves and do harm to others. When in reality, the gypsies have done no harm, paid for all their expenses and would help introduc e new, diverse skills and tools to the town. Much like what a dandelion does. A central theme of the book is tolerance, and this quote specifically points out Reynaud’s tolerance (or lack) of the gypsies.The gypsies stick out like an eyesore among the townsfolks in Lanquet and are often view as foreigners, just like dandelions on a grass field. Harris describes the Tannes river as â€Å"swollen.† Swollen, defined by thedictionary.com, means â€Å"expanded by or as if by internal pressure.† The internal pressure that makes the town’s river, the river that is the essence and allows for existent for Lanquet, swollen, is the lack of tolerance of people with other religions and backgrounds. This stunts the town’s growth because the town narrow-minded and judgemental to new ideas. quote:â€Å"Crinkly cellophane paper wraps it like a covering of ice. Running past and winding into the valley, a river of blue silk ribbon, upon which a cluster of houseboats sits quiet and unreflecting. And below, a procession of chocolate figures, cats, dogs, rabbits, some with raisin eyes, pink marzipan  ears, tails made of licorice-whips, with sugar flowers between their teeth . . . And mice. On every available surface, mice. Running up the sides of the hill, nestling in corners, even on the riverboats. Pink and white sugar coconut mice, chocolate mice of all colors, variegated mice marbled through with truffle and maraschino cream, delicately tinted mice, sugar-dappled frosted mice. And standing above them, the Pied Piper resplendent in his red and yellow, a barley-sugar flute in one hand, his hat in the other† (Harris 104-105)In this passage, Vianne is describing the new store front display she is creating. Harris uses the simile in â€Å"crinkly cellophane paper wraps it like a covering of ice† to aid to the overall imagery of the piece. Harris is extremely descriptive and uses sensory imagery by using words like, â€Å"crinkly ce llophane,† â€Å"silk ribbon,† and when she describes the types of candy and chocolate used. Both the sensory imagery and simile makes the reader feel like they are there watching Vianne make the display and help the reader connect to the story.I find it ironic how Vianne uses chocolate mice to represent people. Because, in the beginning of chapter 13, Reynauld says, â€Å"I poison the rats that infest the sacristy and gnaw at the vestments there†¦ should i not also poison the pigeon that disrupts my service?† when describing to monpere about that troubles of the town. When Harris writes from Reynauld’s point of view, the gypsies are seen as rats, while when she writes from Vianne’s point of view, the gypsies are seen as mice. When comparing rats to mice, a rat automatically conjures up an image of something that will cause trouble while a mouse is a little innocent creature. This all leads back to the central theme of tolerance.Vianne uses cho colate mice to represent the people of the town and specifically, â€Å"And mice†¦ nestling in corners, even on the riverboats,† is the direct quote that shows that some of the chocolate mice she made represent the gypsies too. Vianne sees the gypsies as not only as humans but she understands the uniqueness of each human and benefits of diversity when she makes mice of different composition of chocolates in the quote, â€Å"chocolate mice of all colors.† While on the opposite end of the spectrum, Reynaud has exterminated the â€Å"rats† and plans on trying to do so again. Reynaud is not accepting of the gypsies and will not give them a chance to prove that the gypsy  stereotype is false which proves his lack of tolerance.

Charging Sales Tax on Internet Purchases

Charging Sales Tax on Internet Purchases Internet purchases should not have sales tax because internet shopping is supposed to be convenient for the consumer. After doing some research online I came to an article called the Incidental Economist. After reading I too had to agree that your average home eBay seller and other individual small business whose profit is less than 10,000 dollars a year should not have to do the states job of pursuing a sales tax.Was not the sales tax already paid when the Reseller first bought the product? I feel it should be his or her own profit if they are selling things that once belonged to them or in order for the seller to acquire the product in the first place it had to be bought. I feel that this is another way for the state to capitalize on a double taxing loophole. On the other hand, there is a down-side to this. With technology evolving, more consumers are turning to the internet for the ease of shopping, bill paying, and other amenities.Imposing a sales tax could improve the economy of a state by using the money from the tax to mend roads, fund schools, and implement programs in the community. The state should be responsible for making sure that sales tax is enforced not the small business seller. The state should have some program that monitors transactions on the web to enforce such a law that would make paying sales tax hard to avoid. I also feel that this sales tax should be imposed on large retailers only.Your average homeowner who wants to get rid of a few things by selling them online should not be responsible for charging sales tax. To me this is very similar to charging sales tax at a yard sale; it just is not going to happen. Works Cited Stim, Richard. Sales Tax on the Internet – Free Legal Information – Nolo. 2010. 2010 . The Incidental Economist. The â€Å"Amazon Law†: Sales Tax on Internet Purchases. October 2009. October 2010 .

Early Education and Maria Montessori Essay

In 1870, Maria Mostessori was born in Chiaravalle, Ancona province in Italy. In 1896 she became the first female physician in her country after graduation at the University of Rome. She represented her country in two women’s conferences, in Berlin (1896) and London (1900). Her clinical observations during her medical practice served as bases for her analyses of children’s behaviour. This has persuaded her to return to the university and pursue psychology and philosophy. In 1904, she became a professor of anthropology at the University of Rome. Thus, she made a paradigm shift from physiological aspect of man to mind (â€Å"Maria Montessori: A brief Biography,† n. d. ). In 1906, she relinquished her medical and teaching professions to establish Casa dei Bambini, or â€Å"Children’s House† wherein she nurtured the 60 children of working parents in San Lorenzo, Rome. In her institution, she made scientific observations on the children’s spontaneous learning process and eventually developed her methods of educating young minds. Her findings moulded her to be an advocate of educational reform in teaching principles and methodologies, and teacher training programs (â€Å"Maria Montessori: A brief Biography,† n. d. ). Alexander Graham Bell and his wife, together with other colleagues such as Thomas Edison and Helen Keller, founded the Montessori Educational Association at Washington DC in 1913 in the same year when Maria Montessori visited the United Sates. During the Panama-Pacific International Exhibition in San Francisco in 1915, Maria Montessori amused the world with her â€Å"glass house† school room. She also trained teachers and graced the gatherings of both the National Education Association and the International Kindergarten Union during this second U. S. visit. In addition, in 1917, the Spanish government invited her to grace the opening of a research institute and started her series of teacher training programs in London in 1919 (â€Å"Maria Montessori: A brief Biography,† n. d. ). Maria Montessori became a government inspector in Italy in 1922, however, forced to leave her country in 1934 because of her opposition to Mussolini’s fascism. During the Spanish Civil War in 1936, she was rescued by a British cruiser in Barcelona, Spain. She also graced the opening of the Montessori Training Centre in Laren, Netherlands in 1938 and started a series of teacher training programs in India in 1939. Together with her son Mario, she continuously trained educators in India amidst the World War II in 1940. Then, she founded the Montessori Centre in London in 1947. In her pursuit of educational reform, she was nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for three consecutive years (1949-1951). In 1952, Maria Montessori passed away in Noordwijk, Holland but through her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) she founded in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 1929, the fruits of her works have been treasured in the field of education (â€Å"Maria Montessori: A brief Biography,† n. d. ). The Montessori Method Maria Montessori began practice her professional work in the field of psychiatry by visiting children who were believed to be mentally deficient in asylums. She observed how children in the asylums crawl on the floor, grab for crumbs of bread, chase and fight with each other. She reasoned out that children acted in this way because this is their only means to relieve their boredom for being locked up in a naive room. This mental deficiency according to her was pedagogical in nature. She also affirmed that these â€Å"feeble-minded† tagged children only lack experience but are capable of learning just like other normal children. Then, she avowed her educational theory in 1907 by combining the methods of sages in medicine, education, and anthropology. Her new method, both experimental and miraculous in nature, enhanced the scientific qualities of education and created teachers as social engineers. Her Casa dei Bambini in Rome has served as laboratory in asserting her theories. She led in teaching children in a worst environment and trained her teachers in moulding young minds. The Casa dei Bambini has trained children to learn on their own by doing learning exercise without adults’ assistance. As a result, her pedagogical theories and methods have transformed the unruly children into refined individuals. Children learned not only writing and reading but also self respect (Flaherty, n. d. ). Didactic Materials In the Casa dei Bambini, Maria Montessori observed the children’s lack of interest in toys and drawing materials but on didactic materials. She thought that those children were already disgusted of toys with a single function, thus, they have much interest in materials which can be manipulated. She interpreted this as the children’s willingness to solve problems by trial and error gaining joy at they successfully finish the task (Flaherty, n. d. ). Learning by Doing Maria Montessori believed that the school is a place for learning cognitive skills and self-reliance. She focused on learning skills that can be practically applied. These skills should be learned by the through self-exploration. To facilitate the learning process, she designed the classrooms conducive for learning. Each room has a set of learning materials designed for the children’s age level such as small tables and chairs, low washstands, and nook for other materials including pets (Flaherty, n. d. ). Stages of Learning Maria Montessori established the notion that the combination of sensory observation, repetition, and teacher guidance should direct learning in order to for the child to understand completely the sequence of the learning activity (Flaherty, n. d. ). Hence, for her education of the senses is important before the education of the intellect. For instance, if children have runny nose they could not appreciate different smells and if their hands are filthy they will fail to identify different textures. Thus, achievement and maintenance of cleanliness promote not only motor activity but also learning cognitive skills. In addition, she emphasized that children are intrinsically motivated by the learning activity and not by any external reward (â€Å"Maria Montessori: The Woman and the Method,† n. d. ). Thus, the selection and design of any learning activity is crucial in propelling children for further learning. The Teachers According to Maria Montessori, teachers should treat children with the highest regard. They must understand children through observation and analysis (â€Å"Maria Montessori: The Woman and the Method,† n. d. ). By this means, teachers can cater to the needs of every child. She suggested that some teachers should live within the school to effectively manage the activities of the institution. They should be open-minded, ready to participate to all undertakings of the school, and must willing to adopt special methods. Moreover, there should be technical and visiting teachers who will give lesson based on their field of proficiency or craftsmanship. This will help children to learn things that are practically useful in everyday living, thus, training them for independence (Flaherty, n. d. ). Montessori’s Contributions Maria Montessori pioneered in the psychology of early childhood education. The materials and design of her Casa dei Bambini such as small and child-sized tables, chairs and washstands, and her didactic materials became a model of the present childhood education in a lot of countries. Her pedagogical principle, education of the senses before the education of the intellect, has gained a wide acceptance because this paved not only for the sensori-motor skills development but also for the development of the cognitive skills (â€Å"Maria Montessori: The Woman and the Method,† n. d. ). Hein (2008) discussed the tenets of Montessori’s concept of early education that became the backbone of the present early childhood education. Maria Montessori believed that education should cater to the needs of every child. Since children are fascinated by the beauty of nature, they should not be virtual prisoners in a classroom. Instead, nature must be used as their learning environment where real objects are used in every learning activity. In the Montessori system, children should actively engage in every learning activity at their own pace. The teacher should not be autocratic and must not force learners for a non-interesting lesson. Limitations of the Montessori Method Modern educators through the contemporary researches in educational psychology have seen some limitations of the pedagogical practices of Maria Montessori. First, her method does not really give opportunity for â€Å"learning to learn† (â€Å"Maria Montessori: The Woman and the Method,† n. d. ). Modern educators describe Montessori’s learning tasks as rigid, compartmentalized, and an end-state reached once it is done. This means that when the child has correctly done the activity, learning stops. In the real world, children need capabilities to create and adapt to their changing environment. Thus, they should not only train with compartmentalized activities. Second, her method is a method of perfection (â€Å"Maria Montessori: The Woman and the Method,† n. d. ). One the child has correctly reached the end of the task, learning has already done. This will not develop creativity and innovation in the child for the didactic materials’ design limit the creative freedom (â€Å"Maria Montessori: The Woman and the Method,† n. d. ). Hence, the method will not pave for the development of multiple intelligences. Moreover, her method is limited in scope and flexibility (â€Å"Maria Montessori: The Woman and the Method,† n. d. ). There is a single way to correctly accomplish the task on didactic materials, thus, limited the child’s initiative to use the materials in his own way. If a child has manipulated the materials of his own way, the teacher encourages him to continue working until such time that he completed it based on pre-determined parameters. This impedes the development of genuine inner initiative, creativity, and individuality (â€Å"Maria Montessori: The Woman and the Method,† n. d. ). Recent findings have proven that Montessori’s Method is merely just a cost-effective and highly efficient way in the preparation of children for formal learning (â€Å"Maria Montessori: The Woman and the Method,† n. d. ). No matter what the recent researches in the field of educational psychology revealed against Montessori’s Method, it is still a fact that Maria Montessori made a great educational reform in the early childhood education. She pioneered in the advocacy of child-centred learning process, development of the sensori-motor and cognitive skills through her â€Å"education of the senses before education of the intellect† dogma, and training children for self-reliance by giving learning experiences with practical applications and using the nature as learning environment. Nonetheless, she proposed the roles of teachers in the educative process as non-autocratic. The educator should observe and analyze the nature of the learners, create learning environment and learning materials that support and encourage further learning, and must cater to the needs, interest, and ability of every child. Some of the Montessori’s principles that are still ubiquitous in the contemporary teaching methods are: nature, science, observation based; respect for individual differences; community of learners; care of self and environment; time and space to practice and perfect; the three-period lessons (introduction/demonstration, practice/assimilation, independent expression); control of error; peer learning and teaching; and isolation of learning objective (â€Å"Maria Montessori: The Woman and the Method,† n. d. ). References Flaherty, T. (n. d. ). Maria Montessori. Retrieved October 24, 2008, from http://www. webster. edu/~woolflm/montessori. html Hein, S. (2008). Notes From the Work of Maria Montessori. Retrieved October 24, 2008, from http://eqi. org/maria. htm#Introduction%20and%20Summary Maria Montessori: A Brief Biography. (n. d. ). North American Montessori Teachers’ Association. Retrieved October 24, 2008, from http://www. montessori-namta. org/NAMTA/geninfo/mmbio. html Maria Montessori: The Woman and The Method. (n. d. ) The Swaraj Foundation. Retrieved October 24, 2008, from http://www. swaraj. org/shikshantar/montessori. html

The Black Man and Langston Hughes

The term identity is defined by Webster’s dictionary as being â€Å"the state or fact of remaining the same one or ones, as under varying aspects or conditions† however in exploring the concept of Identity in black literature, we can find no definite explanation or definition. We can try to accept that it has been rooted in social situations that are generally more discriminatory, such the institution of slavery. In some way shape or form, the average or normal African American is confronted with the question of where do I fit in amongst the white society? The problem with African American Identity has many dimensions, such as community, class, and color. The reality of the African American is one that is inescapable in America. Color which is inherent in the concept of self, manifest in race consciousness. This is extremely significant because an African American establishes his identity with other individuals, known or unknown, on the basis of a similarity of color and features, that allowing the individual to be included in groups membership, â€Å"the subject of his self identity. After the African Americans began to search for their identity looking through heritage, tradition, and folk traditions. Langston Hughes to me has been nourishing the black sensibility and inspiring it to create Afro American literation and transforming it into a â€Å"literature of struggle. † The poetry of Langston Hughes has the theme of â€Å" I, too sing America† He made extraordinary contributions to American literature and has came t o be regarded as a leading voice in the Renaissance of the arts in the 1920’s. Hughes growing up asked the same question to himself of who he was, his lack of identity in society, which put a large impact on his mind and soul and made him a poet of the blacks. Hughes developed a distinct movement of â€Å"negritude† which may be regarded as the soul of the Renaissance. Rising from the consciousness of his skin color and passing through various stages of identification with people and territory of Africa, and finally grounding it in the American Past. Negritude â€Å"in the poetry of Hughes evolves into a definite and enduring concept expressive of definite vision. He Hughes doesn’t suffer from what W. E. B Dubois terms as a double consciousness. â€Å"Two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings, two warring ideals in one dark body. † Search for identity seems to be a vital aspect in the work of Langston Hughes. The identity of an American black citizen was denied to him and there was a loss of identity which a modern man living in the 20th century experiences. The Black people of America are American, the African and Black Americans are at the same time. Africa which is thought to be homeland for blacks, was dealt with by Langston Hughes, who missed the natural beauty of Africa and dreaded being caged in the mayhem of civilization. He searched his roots back in Africa. Primitivism had already become a fascinating alternative for people for people not interested in the 2nd industrial revolution. It gave new meaning of going back to the roots and ones identity. The poem â€Å"The Negro Speaks of Rivers† is an example of the of the urge and need of the Negro to go back to his own land to find ethnic connections. The poet says: I've known rivers: I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins. In the poems entirety the rivers symbolize the glorious past, which have been flowing since humanities inception. So the African who has known rivers cannot be rootless or without past. Hughes also established a definite identity between the Blacks of America and the continent of Africa which he states in his poem called â€Å"Negro† I am a Negro: Black as the night is black, Black like the depths of my Africa. I've been a slave: I've been a worker: I've been a singer: All the way from Africa to Georgia I carried my sorrow songs. It was not easy to just up and go back to Africa. It became the dreamland for the poet, a country in which he could escape into when he finds life difficult to cope with. The poet to me seemed widely aware of misery, frustration, and isolation which to him is something that other blacks are facing. This epiphany of his leans him to the universal significance and appeal to the poets treatment of black life in America. His retreat into African is not a romantic escape from realities of life, but it provides a point of view to look at the realities of the life of black people in America. To say the blacks were treated horribly by white Americans is an understatement, they were compared to beasts and were treated accordingly. The black man was lynched, maimed and burnt, while the black woman was raped and desecrated. Lynching of the black on the charge of raping a white woman was one of the most commonplace events. Fear to the race and hatred, for the black was a common behavior of the white masses. The treatments to the blacks becomes evident in the following lines of â€Å"I, too sing America† I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Hence the stanza shows that the black worker doesn't find any place in the heart of the whites. He is sent to the background by the company bosses who are indifferent towards the blacks. The African American feels lonely in the northern city where there are large The Negro feels lonesome in the northern city where there are a large number of people, yet he still feels lost in the Poem â€Å"One† he relates his profound sense of isolation Lonely As a bottle of licker On a table All by itself. The whites don’t permit the political freedom to the blacks. Blacks are deprived of their basic necessities of life. They don’t have a proper place to live in. Their miserable condition is shown in the poem â€Å"Vagabond† Who have nowhere To eat. No place to sleep, The tearless Who cannot Weep. In this the blacks are alien on their own land. The blacks want a chance to eek out a decent living and have equal rights across America. Langston Hughes says â€Å"undemocratic doings take place in the shadow of the world’s greatest democracy† The blacks have no right to participate in the political affairs. Langston Hughes poetry is also preoccupied with the social problems faced by the blacks. Man is called a social animal. Blacks are not given the equal place in the society. The poet shows this inequality in the poem â€Å"Merry Go Round† the social whites have no sympathy even for a young black child. He has to sit in a segregated section. Hughes writes: Colored child at carnival: Where is the Jim Crowe section On this merry-go-round, Mister, cause I want to ride? Down South where I come from White and colored Can't sit side by side. Thus the merry go round is a metaphor for America. It is a kind of Satire on the American Society which we know as a free Society. A clear picture of the exploitation of the blacks is presented that cultural, social, and psychological space has been denied to them. Hughes never forgetting the images he has seen growing up, he has grown up shell shocked. He can clearly make out the contradiction of principles, for America was a democracy, but for the Negroes, America was fighting for a free and equal world. One where Jim Crow was eradicated, however he understands that the flame of freedom can not be extinguished by lynching and imprisoning blacks. From all this it become evident that Langston Hughes deals with the racial discrimination, lack of identity in the society and lack of freedom for the blacks. His aim and ultimate effect of his poetry is raising awareness and strengthening of the black people in their struggle for freedom in America. He was proud of his Afro-American legacy and tradition. He forcefully projects the theme of identity in his poems. He not only inspires the black to make it to the top but more than that he evokes a vision of a just society. works sited Georgene Seward, Psychotherapy and Culture Conflict (New York: Ronald Press, 1956), p. 129. Arthur A. Schaumburg's â€Å"The Negro Digs up his Past†, in Alain Locke's The New Negro, pp. 931-37. Jay Saunders Redding, To Make a poet Black (Washington:McGrath, 1969), p. 3. James A. Emanuel, Langston Hughes (New Haven: College and University Press, 1967), pp. 148-162. W. E. B. DuBois, The Souls of Black Folk (New York: New American Library, 1969), p. 45. Langston Hughes, â€Å"The Negro Speaks of Rivers. † Selected Poems (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1979), p. 4. Langston Hughes, â€Å"Negro. † Selected Poems (New York:Alfred A. Knopf, 1979), p. 8. Langston Hughes, â€Å"I, too, Sing America. † Selected Poems (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1979), p. 275. Langston Hughes, â€Å"One. † Selected Poems (New York:Alfred A. Knopf, 1979), p. 92. Langston Hughes, â€Å"Vagabonds. † Selected Poems (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1979), p. 91. Langston Hughes, â€Å"The Big Sea† The Collected Works of Langston Hughes ( New YorkJoseph Mclauren, 1979) Volume 13 P 165 Langston Hughes, â€Å"Merry-Go-Round. † Selected Poems (NewYork: Alfred A. Knopf, 1979), p. 194.

New York Immigration essays

New York Immigration essays Immigration is an event that has been occurring in New York since the 1624 when the Dutch West India Company assembled thirty families from Holland to established a settlement that became known as New Netherland. Many immigrants came to our nation looking for opportunities that their country could not provide for them. The prospect of political and religious liberty, as well as opportunities for economic advancement brought millions of immigrants to America. Through the years, immigration has played a key role in the New Yorks economic, political and social development in both positive and negative ways. During the colonial era most immigrants came from northern European countries. Their numbers declined with the onset of the Revolutionary War during the 1770s, but immigration picked up strongly again during the 1840s and 1850s. Between 1840 and 1860, the New York received its first great wave of immigrants. In Europe as a whole, famine, poor harvests, rising populations and political unrest caused an estimated five million people to leave their homelands each year. In Ireland, blight attacked the potato crop, and upwards of 750,000 people starved to death. Many of the survivors emigrated. The failure of the German Confederations Revolution of 1848-49 led many of its people to emigrate. Many settled in New York City, where the population increased from 200,000 residents in 1830 to 515,000 in 1850. By 1860, New York was home to over one million residents. More than half of the citys population at that time were immigrants and their American-born children. The masses of immigrants were overwhelming. By 1887, it became obvious that Castle Garden (immigrant receiving station) was too small to process the large numbers of immigrants pouring into the New York. The Castle Garden was so small that criminals were simply hanging out at the receiving station to rob the immigrants inside, instead of wai...

The Use of Persuasive Appeals

The Use of Persuasive Appeals Standing in the check-out line, I glanced at the rows of gum to my right. Instantly, my tongue slid across my front teeth. Had I forgotten to brush? Automatically, it seemed, my right hand closed over a package of Dentyne, and an echo rumbled in my head: Nine out of ten doctors recommend†¦When it comes to persuasion, our advertisers truly deliver the goods. A solid ad hits its audience, grabs their attention, hooks and lands it- in thirty-seconds flat. So, while we might find many advertising approaches to be annoying, we must admit that they do work. They draw, in fact, upon two thousand years of sound rhetorical theory. So, using them for support when creating our own persuasive messages can be extremely effective.In the fifth century B.C., Aristotle wrote his three-volume Poetics, providing advice to those preparing to argue cases in Greeces courts. His second volume still serves as a striking study of human nature in which the philosopher outlines three basic types of appeal s which can be used to motivate and persuade audiences. Aristotle labeled these persuasive appeals ethos, logos, and pathos. Marketing experts still apply them to their work, and writers charged with the task of creating persuasive messages can benefit from their use as well.EthosToday, we think of ethical practices as being right, just and true; and we think of ethical people as being of good character. Thus, using ethos or ethical appeals means relying on character or personhood as a means of persuasion. Using ethical appeals involves providing testimony from people that we admire, respect or like. Effective ethical appeals involve endorsement by quoting:Celebrities - people we admire and emulate because of their talent or fameExperts or authorities – people we respect because of their knowledge or positionsOur friends and neighbors – the people we like because they are just like usLogosLogical appeals are rooted in reason and proof. Using logos involves providing an audience with reasons for adopting a proposed attitude, belief, value or practice. Those reasons are then supported with evidence drawn from facts and figures, studies and statistics.PathosEmotional appeals are rooted in feeling. Emotional appeals tap our capacities for laughter and tears. Thus, using pathos involves providing illustrations and examples of peoples experiences as recounted in real life or literature.When we understand Aristotles basic appeals, it is easy to spot examples of their use in our media and apply them to our own persuasive messages. A word of caution, though, is important here. When advertisers use these appeals, they tend to use them exclusively. In a single print item or thirty-second spot, an advertiser will probably use only one type of appeal. In longer messages, though, the exclusive use of any one type can actually boomerang or backfire. When a writer seems to endlessly quote others, an audience begins to wonder if he or she has anything of his or h er own to provide. Audiences generally have to work to fully grasp the meaning of statistics or scientific data; thus, their overuse can have a numbing effect.And, finally, too much emotion can result in maudlin or melodramatic messages that end up putting audiences at bay. The classical Greek principle of moderation and balance in all things is a wise one to follow when it comes to persuasion.So, when it comes time to place supporting material in your persuasive messages, look for a healthy balance of testimony, evidence, and illustration. After all, nine out of ten doctors recommend a balanced diet.

SCHAFER Surname Meaning and Family History

SCHAFER Surname Meaning and Family History The Schfer surname and its variations such as Schaefer come from the Middle High German schà ¦fà ¦re, meaning shepherd, a derivative of schaf, meaning sheep.  See SCHAFFER for another possible origin. Schfer / Schaefer  is the 11th most common German surname. Surname Origin: German, Jewish Alternate Surname Spellings:  SCHAEFER, SCHAF, SCHAAP, SCHAEFFER, SHAVER, SCHEFFER, SCHAFFER Famous People With the SCHAFER  / SCHAEFER Surname Arnold  Schfer  - German historianWill Schaefer  - American composerPierre Schaeffer -  French composer, writer, broadcaster, and engineerEdward Albert Sharpey-Shafer (born  Edward Albert Schfer) - English physiologistTim Shafer - American computer game designer Where Is the SCHÄFER Surname Most Common? According to surname distribution from Forebears, the  Schfer surname is most common in Germany, ranking as the countrys 72nd most common surname. The alternate spelling of Shaefer is even more common, coming in at 57th.  WorldNames PublicProfiler, which combines data on the surname under the Shaefer spelling (the   umlaut converts to ae),  indicates the surname is very prevalent throughout Germany, especially the southern half of the country in states such as Hessen,  Saarland, Rheinland-Pfalz, Baden Wà ¼rttemberg and  Nordrhein-Westfalen. Surname maps from Verwandt.de indicate the  Schfer last name is most common in western Germany, especially in the counties or cities of Berlin, Lahn-Dill-Kreis,  Kà ¶ln,  Gießen,  Rhein-Neckar-Kreis, Siegen-Wittgenstein, Main-Kinzig-Kreis, Mayen-Koblenz, Frankfurt am Main and Wetteraukreis. Genealogy Resources for the Surname SCHÄFER Meanings of Common German SurnamesUncover the meaning of your German last name with this free guide to the meanings and origins of common German surnames. Schafer  Family Crest - Its Not What You ThinkContrary to what you may hear, there is no such thing as a Schafer  family crest or coat of arms for the Schaefer surname.  Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families, and may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male-line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted. Schaffer  DNA  Surname ProjectIndividuals with the Schaffer  surname, and variations such as Schaefer, Schaeffer, Schafer, Schaffler, Shafer, Shaffer, Shaver and Sheaffer, are invited to participate in this group DNA project in an attempt to learn more about Schaffer family origins. The website includes information on the project, the research done to date, and instructions on how to participate. SCHAFER  Family Genealogy ForumThis free message board is focused on descendants of Schafer  ancestors around the world. FamilySearch - SCHAFER  GenealogyExplore over 3.7  million results from digitized  historical records and lineage-linked family trees related to the Schafer surname on this free website hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. SCHAFER  Surname Mailing ListFree mailing list for researchers of the Schafer  surname and its variations includes subscription details and searchable archives of past messages. DistantCousin.com - SCHAFER  Genealogy Family HistoryExplore free databases and genealogy links for the last name Schafer. GeneaNet - Schafer  RecordsGeneaNet includes archival records, family trees, and other resources for individuals with the Schafer  surname, with a concentration on records and families from France and other European countries. The Schafer  Genealogy and Family Tree PageBrowse genealogy records and links to genealogical and historical records for individuals with the Schafer  surname from the website of Genealogy Today. References: Surname Meanings Origins Cottle, Basil.  Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967.Dorward, David.  Scottish Surnames. Collins Celtic (Pocket edition), 1998.Fucilla, Joseph.  Our Italian Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 2003.Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges.  A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989.Hanks, Patrick.  Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003.Reaney, P.H.  A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997.Smith, Elsdon C.  American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997.

The 13 Best Places to Visit in Paris

The 13 Best Places to Visit in Paris SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips You only need a glimpse to know what they are: the barest outline of the Eiffel Tower or a few flying buttresses of Notre Dame are usually enough to identify the most famous Paris attractions. Located in one of the best known and most visited cities in the world, Paris’ top sites are, in fact, so popular and so heavily visited that touring the city can sometimes feel like pushing through a sea of tourists as you each struggle to complete the same sightseeing checklist. It shouldn't feel this way! Paris is a huge city filled with diverse sights, some better known than others. It’s not difficult to step off the tourist trail and find yourself in authentic Paris, surrounded by native Parisians and visiting places that don’t have their images plastered on every dish towel and ashtray filling the tourist shops. However, a desire to see a more unique and realistic view of Paris doesn’t mean you should skip the main attractions. It would be an odd (and likely disappointing) itinerary that didn’t include the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. The key is to find a balance between the popular attractions that define our image of Paris and the lesser-known sights that let you see another side of the city and get a better idea of what Paris is like for locals. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of the top 13 Paris attractions and organized them into four categories: architecture, museums, churches, and parks. Together, these categories make up much of our popular vision of Paris. For each category, the best-known sight (or sights) is listed first, followed by two lesser-known but equally enjoyable options. At the end of the guide, I’ve included a three-day itinerary you can follow on your visit to Paris, along with ways to customize it to your particular interests. This itinerary will introduce you to off-the-radar places rarely visited by tourists as well as give insider tips and guidelines for visiting some of the most popular Paris attractions. The Top 13 Places to Visit in Paris Architecture Eiffel Tower Arc de Triomphe Palais Garnier Museums Louvre Musà ©e d’Orsay Musà ©e Rodin Musà ©e du quai Branly Churches Notre Dame Cathedral Sacrà ©-Coeur Basilica St Denis Basilica Parks Luxembourg Gardens Cimetiere de Pere Lachaise Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Here's a map of 12 of the 13 locations (St. Denis is to the north). You can also view the map online. Architecture Best Known: The Eiffel Tower The worldwide symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is about as â€Å"must-see† as an attraction can get. It hasn't always been so popular though. There’s a legend that famed French writer Guy de Maupassant hated the Eiffel Tower so intensely that every day he’d eat lunch under it because it was the only place in the city where he couldn’t see it. These days it’s quite easy to wander around many parts of Paris without catching a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, so you should try to make your first sight of it memorable. One of the grandest views is at the Trocadà ©ro Metro stop. While there are stops that are closer to the tower, none can match the view of the Eiffel Tower suddenly springing into existence and filling most of the skyline as you step out of the station. The best times for viewing the Eiffel Tower are early in the morning, before most tourists and vendors have gotten up, and at night, when the tower lights up every hour, on the hour. For five minutes the Eiffel Tower is transformed into a sparkling structure that looks almost as if it has been covered with a fine piece of glittery lace. It’s also possible to go up the Eiffel Tower. Eiffel Tower tickets are very popular so, if you choose to do this, be sure to reserve your tickets at least several days ahead of time (particularly in the summer) to avoid long lines. There are three different levels you can stop at, with most people finding the middle level to offer the best photo opportunities. The Eiffel Tower also has two restaurants, Le 58 Tour Eiffel and Le Jules Verne Restaurant. If you're interested in dining at one of them, book several weeks in advance to ensure you get a spot. Arc de Triomphe Another symbol of the city, the Arc de Triomphe is located at the western end of Paris’ most famous street, the Champs-Elysà ©es. Built in honor of those who fought in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the Arc de Triomphe also contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from WWI and an eternal flame in remembrance of those who died in both World Wars. While most people are content to simply take a picture of the Arc de Triomphe and continue on with their shopping (or window shopping) along the Champs-Elysà ©es, this site is in fact my pick for the best attraction in Paris to ascend to the top of. It’s much more popular to travel up the Eiffel Tower, but going to the top of the Arc de Triomphe is cheaper, far less crowded (no need for advance tickets), and, above all, it gives you a better view of Paris. This is because your view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe will include the Eiffel Tower anchoring Paris’ skyline which, as Monsieur Maupassant knew, the view from the Eiffel Tower does not. Palais Garnier Located near two of Paris’ major department stores, the Palais Garnier is a historic opera house and one of the loveliest buildings in Paris. It’s also one of the most famous opera houses in the world and was the setting for the novel and musical Phantom of the Opera. The best way to visit is during one of its evening performances (there are actually more ballet performances here than opera these days) when you can mingle with the hoi polloi of Paris. However, even people with no interest in attending a show will enjoy seeing the building’s opulent interior which is practically dripping with chandeliers and gold leaf. Highlights include the grand staircase, Grand Foyer, Salon de la Lune, and the Auditorium, with its vibrant ceiling painting by Marc Chagall. This architectural sight is a nice contrast to some of Paris’ better known buildings, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, since its interior is the main draw. The Palais Garnier can be visited daily by self-guided tours which allow access to each of the aforementioned sights as well as a small museum. Museums Best Known #1: The Louvre Not only the most visited museum in the world, the Louvre is also the largest, with over 35,000 objects on display, a thought that excites some but causes others to shudder at the idea of shuffling past miles of oil paintings. The trick to the Louvre is to use its size to your advantage; it’s collection is so vast that there’s truly something here to interest everyone. Hit the top attractions first: Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Venus de Milo are the three most popular pieces to view. Then, struggle free of the crowds and head to whichever galleries strike your fancy. It’s helpful to review a map of the museum beforehand and arrive at the Louvre museum with a game plan. There are as many paintings as you could ever want to see, and, if you’re interested in something different, there are also galleries devoted to Islamic art, recreations of Napoleon’s apartments, sculpture gardens, and more. You may find the Louvre quieter if you visit right when it opens or in the afternoons (particularly Wednesday when it’s open until 10pm), but, more often than not, there will be a line to purchase Louvre tickets and crowding around the main attractions. Particularly around the Mona Lisa, it’s best to just give in and accept the selfie sticks, then escape to a quieter part of the museum. Best Known #2: Musà ©e d’Orsay A shade less well-known than the Louvre, the Musà ©e d’Orsay is often the preferred museum of travelers who visit both. A main reason for this is because the Musà ©e d’Orsay is often seen as far less overwhelming than the Louvre: its lines are typically much shorter, its galleries less crowded, and it has roughly 4,000 works on display compared to the Louvre’s 35,000. Both museums have top-notch buildings, but people who prefer contemporary architecture may be more drawn to the Musà ©e d’Orsay’s setting in an old railway station. While the Musà ©e d’Orsay doesn’t have any pieces as famous as the Mona Lisa, it houses the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist pieces in the world, including Monet’s Blue Water Lilies, Renoir’s Montmartre, and Van Gogh’s Church at Auvers. Impressionist pieces are often very popular with visitors due to their bright colors and open composition, and if you are interested in this style of art, you may want to consider visiting the Musà ©e d’Orsay in place of, or in addition to, the Louvre. Musà ©e Rodin Image source: Vincius Pinheiro/Flickr The Musà ©e Rodin is the museum for people who hate museums or are burnt out from museums. It features pieces by Auguste Rodin, one of the world’s most famous sculptures, known for the realism and emotion in his works. The majority of pieces are showcased in the attractive mansion Rodin used to live and work in, but the highlight is the adjacent sculpture garden. Here, visitors can wander through manicured gardens with some of Rodin’s most famous pieces, including The Thinker and The Gates of Hell, lining the paths and tucked into grassy alcoves. Visitors can also take a rest or read the newspaper in one of the chairs situated next to the pond at the edge of garden. Wandering through the museum gardens on a sunny day is one of the most enjoyable ways I know to get a dose of art and culture. It’s possible to visit just the gardens, and, at 4 euros, it’s also one of the best deals in Paris. Musà ©e du quai Branly Image source: Julien Texier/Flickr The Musà ©e du quai Branly is the place to visit for people interested in international art or those who can’t handle looking at one more Renaissance-era painting. Situated close to the Eiffel Tower, the first thing you’ll notice about this museum is the lush vertical gardens covering its outer walls. They’re the first sign that this museum prides itself on its individuality. Inside are art and cultural objects from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. This is one of Paris’ newest museums, opened in 2006, and it makes good use of technological advances and interactive displays. Cutting through the middle of the museum is a winding sculptural â€Å"river’† with interactive panels, meant to connect the different exhibits and guide visitors through the museum. Even people not normally interested in the sort of objects the Musà ©e du quai Branly displays may enjoy visiting if they need a quiet refuge from the Eiffel Tower. There are no individual rooms and few displays to read, so the museum seems airier and less intimidating than most. Musà ©e du quai Branly is also open later than almost all other museums in Paris (until either 7pm or 9pm each night), so it also makes a good option if you’re wondering what to do in Paris at night. Churches Best Known: Notre Dame Cathedral Visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, with its flying buttresses and rose stained-glass windows, is one of the top things to do in Paris, and practically everyone who visits the city makes it to this Gothic masterpiece. There is almost always a line snaking out the doors, but since admission is free and there is no checkpoint to pass, it moves quite quickly, so don’t be daunted. If you’d like to avoid the crowds anyway, try arriving early in the morning, before 10:00am. You can also visit the bell towers (for a fee), but the wait is often several hours due to the limited number of people allowed up at a time. If you’re interested in doing this, try to get in line before doors open at 10:00am to reduce waiting time. Notre Dame is located on the ÃŽle de la Cità ©, a small island in the middle of the Seine River and the historical center of Paris. In addition to Notre Dame, there are two other Medieval buildings on the island which you can visit: the Sainte-Chapelle church and the Conciergerie prison, where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution in 1793. Sacrà ©-Coeur Basilica Despite its relative youth (it was only completed in 1914), Sacrà ©-Coeur is a popular Parisian attraction, though not as highly visited as Notre Dame. Its attractive onion domes look straight out of the Byzantine, but there are a few clues that show Sacre-Coeur’s true age. Once inside, see if you can spot the anachronistic-looking painting of businessmen hidden amongst all the religious figures in the ceiling mural. They were added in recognition of some of the Basilica’s most important donors. Sacre-Coeur was built on the highest point in the city, and reaching the top (either by taking a funicular or climbing a few hundred steps) offers fantastic views of Paris. Surrounding Sacre-Coeur is Montmartre, one of Paris’ most interesting and popular neighborhoods. There are tourists here, but there are also art studios, bistros, and cobblestone streets leading to traditional walled gardens. It’s a great place to feel the bohemian vibe of a bygone Paris. St. Denis Basilica This is the church to visit for people interested in history (or royals or over-the-top tombs). Located just outside the city limits, in a northern suburb, St. Denis Basilica is an easy 20-minute ride on line 13 from the city center. While hardly noticed by tourists, it is here that 43 kings and 32 queens of France, including Marie Antoinette, are buried. The site has been used as a burial place since Roman times, and nearly every French king between the 10th and 18th centuries came to rest here. The building itself is also important. Completed in 1144, it’s often considered the world’s first Gothic church. Parks Best Known: Luxembourg Gardens The wonderful thing about the Luxembourg Gardens is that they are hugely appealing to tourists yet not at all a tourist attraction. These gardens are well-loved and well-frequented by the citizens of Paris, and many Parisians spent their childhood afternoons launching toy sailboats into the ponds or playing games on the lawn. No matter when you visit, even at the height of tourist season in July and August, you can be sure that a fair percentage of the other people enjoying the Luxembourg Gardens are native Parisians, which is not true of many of Paris’ other top attractions. After a day of rushing from one attraction to another, come to these gardens to see how Paris relaxes and join in on the (in)action. Stroll through the gardens, play a game of tennis, admire the fountains, or just pull up a chair (there always seems to be vacant ones) and let the afternoon drift by. Pà ¨re-Lachaise Cemetery Pà ¨re-Lachaise is, in fact, a cemetery rather than just a park, but it includes many walking paths as well as sitting areas within its confines. And this isn’t just any cemetery; Pà ¨re-Lachaise is the place to be buried in Paris. It’s the largest cemetery within the city, with an estimated one million people buried here. Hundreds of famous names, both Parisians and foreigners, have made this their final resting place, and demand is so high for space that plots are often purchased only for 10, 30, or 50 years, to be exhumed when the â€Å"lease† is up and moved to another area. Some of the most famous people to be buried in Pà ¨re-Lachaise include writer Oscar Wilde, singer Edith Piaf, composer Frà ©dà ©ric Chopin, and, most visited of all, American rocker Jim Morrison. Morrison’s grave is, in fact, so popular that it has been fenced off and a guard posted nearby to prevent fans from doing illicit activities near (and on) his grave. Pà ¨re-Lachaise can often feel like a maze with gravestones planted every which way, and finding a particular grave can be challenging. It helps to purchase a map at any of the shops flanking the cemetery before you plunge in. Additionally, the cemetery has been divided into different numbered sections to help you find your way, and there are signs at the main entrances that list where the most famous graves can be found. The catacombs are typically the attraction tourists visit when they want to come face-to-face with death in Paris, but I find them to often be hurried and overly touristic. As an alternative, I recommend Pà ¨re-Lachaise. There are no visible bones to gawk at, but it’s free to visit, you can wander at your own pace, and you’ll likely get a better sense of Paris’ history, the changes the city went through, and the luminaries who made this place their home. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Image source: Ard Hesselink/Flickr For those who like their parks a little wilder (and a lot less populated), Buttes-Chaumont is the place for you. Located in the 19th arrondissement, this park contains the standard flower beds, walking paths, and areas for play. In addition to all that, Buttes-Chaumont also has a collection of waterfalls, cliffs, and grottoes. This spot was formerly a quarry, which accounts for the steep changes in height throughout the park. If you want a bit of a workout, follow the suspension bridges across the artificial lake to the rocky island situated in the middle. Here, you can travel the steep stairway to the island’s highest point, where a miniature Temple to Sybil (a copy of a famous Roman temple) is hidden among the trees. The bustle of Paris may as well be a world away. The Best 3-Day Itinerary for Paris Attractions Three days is a great amount of time to get a taste for the City of Light. Following this itinerary will ensure you hit all the major Paris attractions without getting burned out: you'll hit all of the must-see locations, but there's plenty of flexibility to customize the itinerary to your particular interests and energy level. Day 1 Start your trip on Paris’ most famous street, the Champs-Elysà ©es. At the end stands the Arc de Triomphe. Buy a ticket to climb a few hundred stairs to the top where you can survey the city you’re about to explore. After you’ve gotten glimpse of the Eiffel Tower from afar, it’s time to visit it up close. Take the Metro to the Trocadà ©ro stop where you can choose to go to the top of the tower or simply admire it from the ground. After visiting the Eiffel Tower, visit the Musà ©e du Quai Branly or the Musà ©e de Rodin. After the sun goes down, you can watch the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower easily from either museum. The Musà ©e de Rodin has great views of the Eiffel Tower from the gardens, while the tower is just a short walk from the Musà ©e du Quai Branly. Day 2 On day two, arrive at the Louvre about 30 minutes before doors open at 9am to reduce the chances of crowds and long lines. Once inside, you’re free to spend as much time as you’d like surveying its vast collection. In the afternoon, get some fresh air by wandering the Ile de la Cità © and Notre Dame. Ile de la Cità © and the neighboring Latin Quarter on the left bank of the Seine River are some of the most attractive and historical parts of Paris, so spend some time enjoying the sites. Afterwards, the Luxembourg Gardens are close to the Latin Quarter for a picnic dinner and relaxation, or you could stop by a museum you didn’t get to visit the first day. Day 3 For the third morning, visit either the Musà ©e D’Orsay, or, if you want a smaller and quicker attraction (or just aren’t interested in any more museums), take a self-guided tour of the Palais Garnier. Both are great examples of the beauty of Parisian architecture. Spend the afternoon around the Montmartre area of Paris and visit the Sacrà © Coeur. This is a great area to have lunch and soak in the artistic, bohemian vibe in one of the many small cafes lining the streets. You then have a couple of choices for what to do next. If you want to keep the church theme going, catch a train to the St. Denis Basilica and check out its Gothic architecture and historical tombs. Or, if you’d prefer the graves you visit to be a bit more recent, take a walk through Pà ¨re-Lachaise Cemetery. Finally, if all you’re looking to do is relax, head over to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and enjoy the natural setting.