Thomas Pynchons Mason & Dixon and Gravitys Rainbow :: Mason Dixon

Thomas Pynchon's Mason & Dixon and Gravity's Rainbow ....."Snow-Balls have flown their Arcs..." These words begin the wondrous passage that introduces us to the world of Thomas Pynchon's latest masterpiece, Mason & Dixon. In an obvious parody of "A screaming comes across the sky," the opening of Gravity's Rainbow, Pynchon sets the mood and pace for the rest of the novel. In contrast to the mindless pleasures, hopeless desperation, and ubiquitous death that dominate virtually every page of his apocalyptic earlier work, this novel begins with a joyful snowball fight between children on the streets of eighteenth-century Philadelphia. Indeed, the rest of the novel generally maintains this playful and happy tone. Unlike the sexually disturbed and socially displaced isolates that make up Pynchon's cast of prior heroes (or more aptly "anti-heroes"), the book focuses on the relationship of two normal men, Jeremiah Dixon and Charles Mason, who form an incredible bond of friendship. Needless to say, this has lead critics to wonder precisely what has happened to Pynchon in the last twenty years. Has marriage softened the author? Is this a "kinder, gentler" Pynchon for the nineties? To some extent, the fact that critics are still scrambling to explain the extreme differences between his previous work and Mason & Dixon may explain the relative paucity of literary criticism available on the new book to date. .....I would like to take a small first step towards a better understanding of Mason & Dixon by considering Pynchon's conception of history, a theme which is crucial to both it and Gravity's Rainbow. In spite of all the differences, Mason & Dixon remains a scathing indictment of conventional history as true to Pynchon as any of his other works. Furthermore, beyond setting the mood and providing self-parody, the opening is the first of many passages which both link the book to Gravity's Rainbow, and suggest that beneath the happy surface of the novel lie omens of a bleak future. In this context, Mason & Dixon can be read as a meditation on the era in which the technology, philosophy, politics, and economics that plague the twentieth century were just being conceived. For Pynchon, modern history has a destructive trajectory like that of a rocket, a path that begins around the time Mason and Dixon are working on their line, and ends in the nightmarish world of Gravity's Rainbow. .....Despite the fact that most of Pynchon's views remain a matter of constant debate in literary circles, scholars of Gravity's Rainbow seem to agree that Pynchon views history with a harshly skeptical postmodern eye. Thomas Pynchon's Mason & Dixon and Gravity's Rainbow :: Mason Dixon Thomas Pynchon's Mason & Dixon and Gravity's Rainbow ....."Snow-Balls have flown their Arcs..." These words begin the wondrous passage that introduces us to the world of Thomas Pynchon's latest masterpiece, Mason & Dixon. In an obvious parody of "A screaming comes across the sky," the opening of Gravity's Rainbow, Pynchon sets the mood and pace for the rest of the novel. In contrast to the mindless pleasures, hopeless desperation, and ubiquitous death that dominate virtually every page of his apocalyptic earlier work, this novel begins with a joyful snowball fight between children on the streets of eighteenth-century Philadelphia. Indeed, the rest of the novel generally maintains this playful and happy tone. Unlike the sexually disturbed and socially displaced isolates that make up Pynchon's cast of prior heroes (or more aptly "anti-heroes"), the book focuses on the relationship of two normal men, Jeremiah Dixon and Charles Mason, who form an incredible bond of friendship. Needless to say, this has lead critics to wonder precisely what has happened to Pynchon in the last twenty years. Has marriage softened the author? Is this a "kinder, gentler" Pynchon for the nineties? To some extent, the fact that critics are still scrambling to explain the extreme differences between his previous work and Mason & Dixon may explain the relative paucity of literary criticism available on the new book to date. .....I would like to take a small first step towards a better understanding of Mason & Dixon by considering Pynchon's conception of history, a theme which is crucial to both it and Gravity's Rainbow. In spite of all the differences, Mason & Dixon remains a scathing indictment of conventional history as true to Pynchon as any of his other works. Furthermore, beyond setting the mood and providing self-parody, the opening is the first of many passages which both link the book to Gravity's Rainbow, and suggest that beneath the happy surface of the novel lie omens of a bleak future. In this context, Mason & Dixon can be read as a meditation on the era in which the technology, philosophy, politics, and economics that plague the twentieth century were just being conceived. For Pynchon, modern history has a destructive trajectory like that of a rocket, a path that begins around the time Mason and Dixon are working on their line, and ends in the nightmarish world of Gravity's Rainbow. .....Despite the fact that most of Pynchon's views remain a matter of constant debate in literary circles, scholars of Gravity's Rainbow seem to agree that Pynchon views history with a harshly skeptical postmodern eye.

Communication Case Study Essay

1. Which barriers to listening described in Chapter 3 might make it difficult for Mark and Kate to hear one another’s perspectives when they meet to discuss the situation? Listening is very important in communication. This is the key to effective communication. Listening effectively is one’s ability to fully understand and interpret messages sent by the speaker. In Mark and Kate’s situation, there are listening barriers that prevent and make it difficult for them to fully understand one another. In Kate and Mark’s situation, and many other people’s situation, psychological barriers are the most common. Emotions became a distraction to listen what the speaker has to say. Just when Mark is calling her attention about doing the job right, Kate already started to put up her guard and defended herself. Most people, including myself, get anxious when we hear criticisms about ourselves. There are many things that are already playing inside our mind about the situation. This makes it difficult to listen to what the other speaker has to say. We tend to be close-minded in situations like that. In addition, under the psychological barriers is the egocentrism. The book says, â€Å"your own ideas are more important or valuable that those of others.† Kate mentioned the situation about her ideas being shot down. She believes that her ideas or suggestions are not as important as the other members of the team. If we believe that our ideas and suggestions are not appreciated well like others, we tend to not listen anymore because we feel like whatever we do, it will not be treated the same as others. On the other hand, Mark needs to carefully listen to what Kate has to say. Since he already listened to what the other members of the team said, he also needs to understand why Kate acts the way she is acting. I believe in Mark’s situation, an environmental barrier is present. I am not sure if the influence of other people is under this category. Mark became so focused about his own observations of Kate’s actions and what the team was saying about her. If he is only to focus on what he had observed and what other said, it will be a huge problem and understanding each other will be too difficult for them. 2. Consider the listening styles discussed in Chapter 3. Present evidence that indicates each person’s styles, and then describe how this knowledge might have created a different communication outcome for Kate and Mark. Kate is a critical listener. In this particular scenario, she became exaggeratedly overreactions on Mark’s message. If only Mark and Kate are relational and analytical listeners, a better situation and outcome of the meeting could’ve been in place. For example, if Kate is an analytical listener, she will be more concerned about fully understanding the message before making a judgment. She could’ve seen the situation like Mark must have been concerned about her and wants her to become better at the job. Instead of taking it in a bad way, she could’ve seen the feedback as a room for improvement on her performance. On the other hand, Kate could really be an analytical listener. She might have just over analyzed the situation that worsens her interpretation of the information conveyed by Mark. Yet, if Kate become more professional about it, she should clarify the message she received with Mark instead of making her own conclusions and interpretations. This is one problem when we tend to just hear not listen. In addition, if Mark will be a relational listener, he will be nonjudgmental about what Kate was saying. He will be able to further help and understand her with the situation. He also must understand where Kate is coming from. Instead of firing her, he can offer her some support and resolve the issues arising within the team. The issue must not only be addressed just between Kate and Mark. It must be resolved together with the whole team. This is to eliminate any other future similar issues. They all need to listen not just hear so they can properly communicate. If they are effective listeners, ideas of each members of the team will be evaluated in the s ame importance as the others.

Sop for Informationsecurity

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Name: Degree sought: Information Security and Computer Forensics (ISCF) My decision to pursue Post Graduate study in the United Kingdom is underscored by my desire to be a part of the post graduate program at your institution. This university offers the flexibility needed for such a vast rapidly changing field. The facilities and the faculty at the university are par excellent. Information Technology is an industry that has changed our lives. In a very short period it has changed the way we have looked at the things since centuries. It is one industry that is going to shape our future for centuries to come. So doing a masters degree in Information Security and Computer Forensics (ISCF) is next logical step in my career. My interest in Information Security blossomed during my Graduation where Computer Science was my major subject. Right since the beginning of my undergraduate study Information Systems and Security is a subject that has fascinated me a lot. The subjects I have studied at my graduation level include Computer Science, Statistics and Mathematics. This laid strong foundation for my course in Computer Science. My undergraduate studies already focus on the Information processing and security and also statistical analysis of data which are extensively used in Information processing. After this I have joined level 1 course of M. I. T (Master of Information Technology) which was a joint program organized by B. M. Birla Science Centre (India) and University of Udine (Italy). During Level 1 of Masters degree, my interest for Information Security got even more boost with subjects like Advanced Computer Networks, Computer Security and Management Information Systems and I was awestruck by the vastness of Information Security and how far we can use this features to secure our data and also safeguarding our networks. All this gave me a strong desire to do a full fledge masters degree in Information Security and Computer Networks and the course offered by your university in Information Security and Computer Forensics (ISCF) will be an ideal course for me to become master in the area which I have been fascinated since long years. For the past months I have done a certification in Computer Networks from Zoom Technologies. This short sting has given me invaluable practical experience in various Computer Networks. During this time I have come across several professionals. Most of them working in different areas of communications and information technology. Interactions with them have made me realize how rewardful it will be doing a masters and later PhD in this area. My discussion with them convinced me that specializing in Information Systems and Security will suit me very well. It has given me the confidence to pursue a Masters degree and also kindled a desire to do research in this area. After proper examining contents of the course in Information Security and Computer Forensics (ISCF) provided by the University I am very much convinced that this course would give me a cutting edge in the area of Information Security and Computer Forensics and a lifetime opportunity of doing a research. It is strong belief in my family that the UK education system has the best to offer in the whole world. If I can get an opportunity to be a part of that intellectual stimulating environment, I am sure my talents will be put to optimal use. With all the educational background and qualifications I have, I hope University will consider me for pursuing Masters Degree. Yours sincerely,

Research Paper on Facebook

Research Paper on Facebook Research paper on How Facebook, a social networking site, affects the quality of adult relationships: Introduction There are many places where one can choose to go to so as can observe things that interest them. Communication is an essential aspect in life, without it, life cannot function well. Lately, most people have been taken over by social websites for interaction, such as twitter and Facebook. Adults also stay abreast in this matter as they are using it to establish and form relationships. Adults, who want to find love, mostly use the latter and those in need of expanding their businesses and careers. The locations, which I chose, were Starbucks, a friend’s house and ‘the spot’ that is hookah lounge. This are places where many people go to and as well as them being conducive for facebooking. Day 1-Starbucks It is on the 12th day of October, in the year 2011, that I set out to go and observe the effects that Facebook has had on the adult population. According to research, over eighty percent of American adults consume coffee and Starbucks is where they obtain their favorite brew. At around seven thirty, I set out to star bucks, which is located at the city center. It is strategically positioned and this means that many adults on their way to work have to pass by. Currently, Facebook is the most popular social site in the world and it attracts even adults, who would be busy with other things. Starbucks is especially full since it is a cold morning and everyone is in dire need of coffee, which has been freshly brewed. Upon entering Starbucks, the smell of coffee is eminent and people are lined up as they wait to be served. Others are seated as they sip on their favorite brand of coffee. For the second time in a different setting, I notice that people are on Facebook. I see a familiar face and it is my friend and she has come to get coffee, before going to work. Upon seeing her Blackberry, I notice that she is on Facebook. She tells me that it is through the social networks that she keeps in touch with her other friends. This is because she hardly ever finds time to see them physically. Facebook has taken over peoples’ lives and it is controlling how they communicate. Day 1- Friends house Later on, during the day, at two in the afternoon, I head to my friends house, in order to use her laptop for my assignment. Upon arriving, there is blaring hip-hop music and my friend greets me as she welcomes me into her study area. I notice that most of her attention is on the mobile phone that she is using. While we talk, she is constantly communicating with people and I assume that she is texting. As I sit and do my work using her laptop, she laughs out loudly and tells me about the comment made by her friend on Facebook. Yet another incident whereby, people are communicating through Facebook is presented before me. She tells me that she finds it hard to call her friends as it is expensive, and she is used to the social website. From her reaction, it seems that Facebook is extremely vital to her and prefers it, than having physical contact with other people. As she carries on with her duties around the house, I notice that she is constantly multitasking because her phone is always held by her. I over hear her talking to her mother who is scolding her for not being attentive and diligent in her duties. Furthermore, her mother blames it on her obsession with Facebook. These observations are becoming extremely common in the two scenes, which I have visited. Day 2- Hookah lounge ‘The spot’ The following day I go to the hookah lounge at five in the evening. This is the time when many people have just come from work and want to get a drink. The crowd here is mostly young adults and they are seated in small groups, as they talk about their daily experiences in life. The background music is soothing and this creates a conducive atmosphere for some love birds seated at the corner of the lounge. Despite being on date, a certain couple is often interrupted as the male, keeps on checking his phone. From the gestures he is making, he seems to be irritating his date but he does not seem to notice this. After a few minutes, the female leaves, and the male does not seem bothered. Relationships are being destroyed by Facebook and this issue should be addressed. Day 2- Starbucks I choose to go back to Starbucks at seven in the evening, as this time is helpful for further observation. People who do not take alcohol and prefer a calmer environment choose to go to Starbucks. I seat next to a young man who is working on his laptop. It seems that he is busy working on a project, but after a closer look, he is on Facebook chatting. On a normal evening, the young man could be with his friends or family, but he chooses to sit alone and chat. I think that this is extremely unhealthy and unsocial. I then head out to go home and cannot avoid seeing as people leave their places of work and most of them are busy with their phones. The latter range from I -phones, to Blackberries and even other brands, which are not known. There is noise coming from almost every direction, such as the hooting taxis, street vendors and the people who are catching after their work places. Constant use of mobile phones is the most unique thing taking place. It seems that the mobile phone is the most common form of communication in this generation. Conclusion According to what I have observed, relationships, which adults have, are becoming virtual. Mobile phones are not being used for traditional communication, but rather for the purpose of Facebook communication. The number of adults who are in Facebook is alarming and this might cause problems in the future. It is vital that people are made aware about the negative impacts of using Facebook excessively. Relationships are being destroyed by Facebook and its users do not seem to notice this. If given another chance, I would like to try this observation in another setting such as a school, hospital or an office. I think the results will be the same, because so long one has access to the internet, they cannot resist from using Facebook. I would like to know if people are aware that they are obsessed with Facebook, which has taken over their lives.

Unknown Chemical Lab

Unknown Chemical Lab Kenneth Porlaris Period 2 Ms. Buckly Finding the Unknown Chemical Purpose: The purpose of this lab on the third day was to find the uknown chemical by doing expriements to figure out what is the unknown chemical.Background: There are numerous organic chemical groups. The ones we are studying are, Nucleic Acids, Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Beginning with carbohydrates, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are elements of molecules in this specific group. The molecules link together makes different types of carbohydrates. Some types are polysaccharide, monosaccharide, and disaccharide. The elements that are found in the molecules of Nucleic Acids are hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, nitrogen, and oxygen. Nucleic acdis have two froms, RNA and DNA. RNA is a nucleic acid that froms a copy of DNA for use for making proteins. DNA is an organic genetic code that has instructions used to form all of an organism's enzymes and to structure the protein.Benedict CumberbatchElements that are found in Lipids are hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon. Lipids are very important for proper functioning of the organism insulation, also known as energy storage and protective skin. An example of this would be glycerol. Proteins contains carbons, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen. The molecules provide tissues and organs to transport the metabolism through the cells. Its very important for transporting oxygen to the blood stream. It makes up practically all our body, such as finger nails, and hair. One of the tests was the Iodine test, which tests for polysaccharides.If the chemical were a polysaccharide it would then turn into a dark purpleor black color. Another test was the Benedict's test which tests formonosaccharide, which should turn the chemical into a tangerine, reddishcolor. The third test is the Biurette test, which tests for proteins whetherit's a positive protein or negative protein. The last test...

Teaching Conversational Skills Tips and Strategies

Teaching Conversational Skills Tips and Strategies Teaching conversational skills can be challenging as not only English skills are required. English students who excel in conversation tend to be those with self-motivated, outgoing personalities. However, students who feel they lack this skill are often shy when it comes to conversation. In other words, personality traits that dominate in everyday life tend to appear in the classroom as well. As English teachers, its our job to help students improve their conversational skills, but often teaching is not really the answer. The Challenge Generally speaking, most English learners feel that they need more conversation practice. Grammar, writing and other skills are all very important, but, for most students, conversation is the most important. Unfortunately, teaching conversational skills is much more challenging than teaching grammar  as the focus is not on accuracy, but on production. When employing role-plays, debates, topic discussions, etc., some students are often timid in expressing their viewpoints. This seems due to a number of reasons: Students dont have an opinion on the subject.Students have an opinion but are worried about what the other students might say or think.Students have an opinion but dont feel they can say exactly what they mean.Students begin giving their opinion but want to state it in the same eloquent manner that they are capable of in their native language.Other, more actively participating students, feel confident in their opinions and express them eloquently making the less confident students more timid. Pragmatically, conversation lessons and exercises should first focus on building skills by eliminating some of the barriers that might be in the way of production. Here are some suggestions to help free up students in conversation. Point out that its not necessary to always speak the truth in class. In fact, not worrying about exactly what happened can help free up students.Create lesson plans that focus on functional skills such as asking for permission, disagreeing, etc. rather than open-ended lessons that students might find vague.Set micro-tasks such as the use of specific verbs, idioms, etc. within overall speaking tasks.  Use tasks such as information gathering or problem-solving activities that encourage students to communicate in English in order to complete the tasks. Here is a closer look at some of these ideas: Focus on Function   Its important to help students become familiar with language functions rather than focusing on a grammar-based approach when developing lessons to help with conversational skills. Start off simple with functions such as: Asking permission, stating an opinion, ordering food in a restaurant, etc.   Explore grammar issues by asking what linguistic formulas should be used to achieve the desired results. For example, if you are comparing two sides of an argument which forms might be helpful (comparative, superlative, would rather, etc). Use formulas to encourage correct usage such as: How / What about Verb Ing for making suggestions - How about taking a trip to San Diego?Would you mind Verb Ing for making requests -  Would you mind giving me a hand?Would you rather Verb or Verb  for asking for preferences -  Would you rather take the train or drive? Expand this approach slowly by asking students to create short role plays using cue cards. Once students become comfortable with target structures and representing differing points of view, classes can move onto more elaborated exercises such as debates and group decision-making activities.   Assign Points of View Ask students to take on a specific viewpoint. Sometimes, its a good idea to ask students to try to state opinions that they dont necessarily share. Having been assigned roles, opinions, and points of view that they do not necessarily share, students are freed from having to express their own opinions. Therefore, they can focus on expressing themselves well in English. In this way, students tend to concentrate more on production skills, and less on factual content. They also are less likely to insist on literal translations from their mother tongue. This approach bears fruit especially when debating opposing points of view. By representing opposing points of view, students imaginations are activated by trying to focus on all the various points that an  opposing  stand on any given issue may take. As students inherently do not agree with the view they represent, they are freed from having to invest emotionally in the statements  they make. More importantly, from a pragmatic point of view, students tend to focus more on correct function and structure when they do not become too emotionally involved in what they are saying. Of course, this is not to say that students should not express their own opinions. After all, when students go out into the real world they will want to say what they mean. However, taking out the personal investment factor can help students first become more confident in using English. Once this confidence is gained, students - especially timid students - will be more self-assured when expressing their own points of view. Focus on Tasks Focusing on tasks is quite similar to focusing on function. In this case, students are given specific tasks they must complete in order to do well. Here are some suggestions on tasks that can help students practice their conversational skills: Create student surveys to gather information.Teamwork activities such as treasure hunts.Board games.Build something - group activities such as a science project or presentations allow everyone to join in the fun. Quick Review Decide whether the following statements are true or false. Its a good idea to have students report their experiences truthfully and in great detail.General conversational activities are best for more advanced students while beginner should focus on functions.Assigning a point of view helps students focus on linguistic accuracy rather than stating exactly what they believe.Problem-solving teamwork  tasks should be avoided as they are not realistic.Outgoing students tend to be better at conversational skills. Answers False - Students shouldnt have to worry about telling the exact truth because they might not have the vocabulary.True - Advanced students have the linguistic skills to deal with broader issues.True - Assigning a point of view can help free up students to focus on form rather than on content.  False - Problem solving requires teamwork and conversational ability.True - Motivated outgoing students tend to allow themselves to make mistakes and thus speak more freely.

Occupational Health and Safety College Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Occupational Health and Safety College - Essay Example The paper highlights possible legal ‘loopholes’ which culpable ‘officers’ may exploit to evade personal prosecution, and it concludes by making some recommendations on what additional reforms may be introduced to augment the effectiveness of the bill. For purposes of this discussion, the five main objectives of the Model Bill can be further condensed into only three key outcomes. Firstly, the bill seeks to establish a harmonised and nationwide framework for defining O H & S criteria in Australia, and to continually strengthen this framework through regular education and training. Secondly, the bill seeks to identify all stakeholders involved in the implementation of O H & S regulations, and to specify the duties and obligations of these stakeholders. Finally, the bill seeks to clarify the enforcement measures provided by the bill and to specify the penalties imposed on organisations or individuals who shirk their O H & S responsibilities. The Model Bill distinguishes between two broad categories of ‘officers’. One category comprises of public officers working for regulatory bodies such as government departments or local authorities. As stated in the bill: â€Å"A person who makes, or participates in making, decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the business or undertaking of a Government department, public authority or local authority is taken to be an officer of the Crown†¦Ã¢â‚¬  " (S. 244). As further stated in the appendix of the bill, "A jurisdiction will need to include local provisions to ensure that appropriate arrangements are made for the appointment as an inspector or a person who is an inspector under a