Sarah Goode Entrepreneur and Inventor

Sarah Goode was the first African-American woman to receive a U.S. patent. Patent #322,177 was issued on July 14, 1885, for a folding cabinet bed. Goode was the owner of a Chicago furniture store.   Early Years Goode was born Sarah Elisabeth Jacobs in 1855 in  Toledo, Ohio. She was the second of seven children of Oliver and Harriet Jacobs. Oliver Jacobs, a native of  Indiana  was a carpenter. Sarah Goode  was born into slavery and received her freedom at the end of the Civil War. Goode then moved to Chicago and eventually became an entrepreneur. Along with her husband Archibald, a carpenter, she owned a furniture store. The couple had  six children, of whom three would live to adulthood. Archibald described himself as a stair builder and as an  upholsterer. The Folding Cabinet Bed Many of Goodes customers, who were mostly working-class, lived in small apartments and didnt have much space for furniture, including beds. So the  idea for her invention came out of the necessity of the times. Many of her customers complained of not having enough room to store things much less to add furniture. Goode invented a folding cabinet bed which helped people who lived in tight housing to utilize their space efficiently. When the bed was folded up, it looked like a  desk, with room for storage.  At night, the desk would be unfolded to become a bed. It was fully functioning both as a bed and as a desk. The desk had ample space for storage and was fully functioning as any conventional desk would be. This meant that people could be able to have a  full-length  bed in their houses without necessarily squeezing their home space; at night they would have a comfortable bed to sleep on, while during the day they would fold up that bed and have a fully functioning desk. This meant that they no longer had to squeeze their living environment. When Goode received a patent for the folding cabinet bed in  1885 she became the first African-American woman to ever get a United States Patent. This was not only  a great feat  for the African-Americans as far as innovation and inventively is concerned, but it was a great  feat  for women in general and more specifically to African-American women. Her idea filled a void in the lives of many, it was practical and many people appreciated it. She opened up the  door for many African-American women to come after her and get a patent for their inventions. Sarah Goode died in Chicago in 1905 and is buried in  Graceland Cemetery.

Animal Testing The Best Option For Medical Progress Essay

Most arguments in favor of the use of animal testing for scientific use lead to the benefits it has for humans. Animal research has contributed to virtually every major medical advancement - for both human and veterinary health. From antibiotics to blood transfusion, from dialysis to organ transplantation, from vaccinations to chemotherapy, surgery and joint replacement, virtually every current treatment, cure and restraint of disease is based on understanding attained through research with lab animals. For example, dogs and fish were used for the development of insulin, which is now able to help control diabetes. The House of Lords Select Committee, the Parliamentary Animal Procedures Committee and the independent Nuffield Council on Bioethics all agreed that testing on animals is a scientifically sound method, has developed great results and is important for future advances (Pro-Test). Animal testing is viewed as the best option for medical progress, since it has had much success i n the past. Robert Koch, a Nobel prize winner, conducted experiments on animals and stated, â€Å"Think you’re in the running for a future Nobel prize in medicine? You may want to consider using animals in your studies†¦ More than two-thirds of all nobel prizes in medicine have been awarded for discoveries that involved animal research† (Hayhurst 21). Animal testing was essential in the development of many life-saving surgical procedures that were once unimaginable. With the medical advances throughShow MoreRelatedThe Horror that is Animal Testing 970 Words   |  4 Pages do you know what animals have gone through to get it on the shelves? It is something we’ll never have to imagine going through, so why should animals? Animal testing is not necessary. Animals simply don’t have a choice if they want to be experimentd on. What makes me angry, is there are alternative methods to testing, so animals don’t need to suffer. Animals have to endure terrible pain, fear, and loneliness, which is cruel and mean on our part. The pros and cons to testing don’t even out. ClearyRead MorePros And Cons Of Animal Testing905 Words   |  4 PagesAnimal testing has been the target of animal cruelty groups since the beginning of its existence, but the benefits it provides, humans and animals far greater than the type of method that is used to get the results. Scientists Karl Landsteiner’s success in finding a cure to polio is an example of how the benefits of animal testing helped better future human lives. In his experiments he discovered that Polio viruses had three variations, meaning that they would have to produce a product that couldRead MoreAnimal Testing Essay1194 Words   |  5 PagesUsing helpless animals for the benefit of human beings goes back thousands of years. A common theme has been present: the use of these animals has been necessary for survival. Of late, these essential sacrifices have metamorphosed into yield-less speculations. Animal testing is wrong based on these premises: there are available alternatives to direct testing on live animals, the results acquired rom the tests are inaccurate and repetitive, and ultimately it is speciesism, which is comparable to racismRead More The Benefits of Xenotransplantation Essay1535 Words   |  7 PagesThe Benefits of Xenot ransplantation New technology has opened many doors of opportunity for advancements in medical science. Not even in our wildest dreams would we have imagined a world where animal organs could be safely transplanted into humans. A few years ago, this process called xenotransplantation, was completed for the very first time. The only dilemma critics had with the process involved the chances of infection and organ rejection from the patient. Through experimentation and advancesRead MoreAnimal Experimentation Should Be Stopped1389 Words   |  6 Pages Each year there are more than 100 million animals used for experimentation in the United States (Experiments on Animals: Overview). These animals are subjected to appalling conditions during the research period. They are locked up in cramped quarters, denied basic rights, and forced into agonizing experimentation; often times with little prevail, for the benefit of humans. Animal experimentation should be stopped because not only is it morally wrong, but also the results are typically inaccurateRead MoreIs Animals For Medical Research Necessary?1736 Words   |  7 PagesIs using animals in medical research necessary? Some people would say yes, others would say no... but who s right? No matter what one thinks or believes this question still remains, yet to be answered. At first this question seems like its answer lies within ones opinion and only that, but if you look closer there is a lot more to it than opinion. Feeling sorry for the animals is definitely where it starts for people who don t agree with animal testing; but that s not where it ends. ScientistsRead MoreClinical Trials And The Medical Field1407 Words   |  6 PagesClinical trials are research processes that test the safety and effectiveness of various medical treatments using ethical means (â€Å"What are Clinical Trials†). They are performed to discover new, effective, and practical cures for many conditions including cancers. Whenever a new possible drug or potential cure is introduced into the medical field, it enters the clinical process in order to be analyzed and assessed for possible flaws and to maximize effectiveness. Clinical trials are essential to developmentRead MoreAnimal Testing Should Be Banned2359 Words   |  10 Pages Animals Save Human Lives Mahatma Gandhi, preeminent leader of Indian independence movement, once said that â€Å"the greatness of nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.† In the light of it, animals rights have been dealing for a long time in means of morality. It is not a surprise that animals are engaged many parts of human as animals have been live with human from the beginning. Beyond whether animal testing is right or wrong, animal testing should beRead MoreH1N11606 Words   |  7 Pagesenvironmental samples that cause threats to the public’s health. Has a filling between 51-75% in laboratory IDHS policy-making as it assumes all risks of human testing, animals, and the environment to determine pesticides, pollutants and all the dangers to which humanity is exposed through routine testing. For the assessment of progress, there have not yet been developed exercises and tests to check the capacity of the laboratory, but these critical activity requirements still work. QuantitativeRead MoreThe Pros and Cons of Animal Testing2973 Words   |  12 Pagescabinet has been tested on an animal at one point or another. A government funded corporation called the Food and Drug Administration, abbreviated as the FDA, is in charge of making sure that all drugs, cosmetics, biological products, and more are efficient, secure, and safe for human usage. The FDA will not allow any drug to be released or sold to the human population if it has not first been tested on animals. In fact, when a drug is first created it is tested on animals before humans are even allowed

OMD GEESE Essay Example For Students

OMD GEESE Essay Running Head: OMD GEESEORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENTGEESE GROUP #97Anita ClarkOMD #97Dr. Betsy SummerfieldOctober 14, 1999Lessons about teamwork can be learned from geese. As each goose flaps its wings it createsuplift for the birds that follow. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds greater flying range than if each bird flew alone. When a goose falls out of formation, it immediately feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it. When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position. While flying in formation, geese honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. When a goose gets sick or wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. They launch out with another formation or catch up with the flo ck (Lessons on Teamwork from Geese, 1999). Bluefield College has a unique flock of geese that meet every Thursday night in the Science building on the second floor in room # 222. These particular geese honk in every class and are attempting to become a team. OMD #97 members are a prime example of how group intervention can be transformed into a team. Team building creates a culture that enables communication, trust and commitment. Critical skills for team success are factors such as communication and appreciating differences. Communication and appreciating differencesWhen a group of people becomes truly effective and perform to their potential, each one should possess a built-in confidence for each other. Understanding how goals can be served by a group effort is important. During transition from a group to a team, communication skills need to be developed. Talking and listening are crucial forms of communication. The weakness in our group is not talking. Our geese honk about homewo rk, papers and tests. They fall out of formation when they do not listen or try to understand what is occurring and become upset when questioned about their presentations. The group is affected when particular members: engage in distractions (writing, reading, leafing through books, slamming book covers, zipping and unzipping notebooks); verbally attack personalities; do not participate in team decisions; do not take the process seriously; and offer putdowns at every opportunity. These actions weaken the team. Listening of others ideas and opinions are beneficial to learning and growth. Open communication helps a team to nurture and build self-awareness for individual team members. Many of the team members have opened his or her lines of communication and begun progress toward the team goals. Learning to communicate and appreciating team members are continuous struggles for everyone. Group members are not aware they are interdependent on each others skills, capabilities and have a u nique arrangement of gifts, talents and resources (LOTFG, 1999). If these members had any goose sense, they would realize by staying in team formation, they can learn from one another. When team members share common goals, they reach their destination quicker by traveling on the momentum of one another. Working together within the team has a large impact on performance. Improving relationships between members enables the team to achieve their goals. Each member has their own strength and weaknesses but it is up to the team to develop the positive traits and transform the negatives traits into positive ones. Attempting to understand the strengths and qualities of each group member takes time and patience. Questioning other members about their values, beliefs and projects also encourage team growth. It is important for all team members to have a voice in what is accomplished each week. Everyone has unique contributions to the team and members should acknowledge that diversity is valuable. Diversity helps to make a team strong and flexible (Teamworks Module, 1999). Variety in OMD #97 is portrayed through skills of a secretary, clerk, safety manager, block builder, physical therapist, purchasing agent, two self-employed workers and two bankers. We are different, yet similar in our goals and objectives. Effective teams build on the experience of others and challenge members to change their behaviors. Groups often have a difficult time acknowledging and resolving conflicts. The better the relations among group members, the greater the pressure to avoid or minimize conflict. Personality conflicts are apparent in our geese. Certain members want to be in control and not work as a group. They only care about voicing their ideas and beliefs. Some struggle to be unbeatable and criticize others for having better grades. Grades are a big factor in this class and they should not be. Everyone should help one another instead of trying to outdo the other. Even the lead goose in formation rotates back into the V and gives another goose a chance to be in charge. In OMD #97, several members do not want to give up the lead. The goals of the group should be building on one another instead of working against each other. Interaction within the team gives everyone a chance to voice his or her opinions. Differences of opinion often create opportunities for the group to make sure that nothing important has been overlooked. Appropriate behavior for team members is allowing a number of different people to have a voice in what is accomplished. It is also important to respect a fellow team member in what they have to say. Respect and trust are effective types of communication vital to team building; without these forms, a team is neither strong nor effective. Geese communicate, interact and know that by traveling together, they reach their destination. .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6 , .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6 .postImageUrl , .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6 , .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6:hover , .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6:visited , .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6:active { border:0!important; } .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6:active , .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6 .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u843437cfe3a1105368d00e3a08f544d6:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Nutrition and You EssayConclusionOne of the keys to building effective teams is to understand the strengths, skills, and motivations each individual brings to the team. Successful teams are interdependent and recognize joint contributions of team members will generate better solutions than individual contributions could. Group members committed to common goals need to understand their team members positions. An effective team is one that accepts the strengths and weaknesses of its members and seeks to capitalize on each members strengths. It takes ownership of the project and sees that each members ideas are accepted into the process. OMD #97 has changed from a group to a team but continuously needs work on team building skills. The group was progressing as a team, but one squawky gander has become a nuisance. It is apparent that this bird is out of formation and is not willing to accept help to get back on track. Several solutions to this problem are to overlook the squawk or address the issues. The goose solution would be to help the gander catch up with the flock. The consensus of the team is to shoot the bird and get it over with. ReferencesLessons on Teamwork from Geese, 1999. Available http://www.tpa.org/geese.htm. Teamworks Module, 1999. Preparing to Join a Team, 1999. Available: http://www.vta.spcomm.uiuc.edu/TBG/tbgt1-ov.html. Teamworks Module, 1999. Team Building. Available http://www.vta.spcomm.uicu.edu/TBG/tbg-ov.html. Social Issues

My Something free essay sample

Essay Question #4: According to Henry David Thoreau, â€Å"One is not born into the world to do everything, but to do something.† What is your something? It was the first game I ever played in. I remember sitting on the side lines, staring at my teammates as they began to warm up before the championship game. I wished I could be out there with them, but I knew I wasn’t good enough yet. The game started with a volley and we won first serve. My team served it up and managed to win the first game. You could feel the intensity of the game; fill the room as you watched the game in progress. Then the second game comes, we needed to win it but luck just wasn’t on our side. So it all came down to the third game. We were three points down and my coach blows his whistle for a sub. We will write a custom essay sample on My Something or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page My coach looks at me and says, â€Å"Sofia, you’re in.† I looked around to see if it was really me he was talking to. I got up and traded places with one of the starting seniors. It was my serve, and all I had to do was get my serve over to get the ball in motion. I served it over and played as if it was second nature to me. My team ended up winning the championship game and a first place trophy. Over the years I have come to realize that volleyball is â€Å"my something†. Ever since I stepped onto that volleyball court, back in the sixth grade, I felt my whole life change. As I began to really learn and understand the sport, my skills began to grow. With my enhanced skills came this confidence in myself that I never knew I had. I transformed from that insecure child to a mature and confident teenager. Volleyball has made me who I am today: a strong young woman, ready to endure whatever new things life throws my way. My Something free essay sample It was on a sizzling summer’s day when third grader, Jayla, and I were having a conversation as we swung on the swings on the playground of the Boys and Girls Club. â€Å"I bet I can swing faster than you!† Jayla teased. â€Å"We’ll see about that,† I said as we both started to swing ourselves rapidly up into the warm air. I started to run out of breath as I tried to catch up to Jayla who was a couple inches above me, but the heat took its toll on my body and my legs started to swing less swiftly. Jayla started to chant, â€Å"I win!† with the biggest smile on her face as she swung to the highest point one could reach, while I was gently swinging back to earth’s surface. My feet touched the ground and I said with a laugh, â€Å"Only because I let you!† Jayla laughed as she began to stop her momentum and was reunited with the ground. We will write a custom essay sample on My Something or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page â€Å"My sister and I always used to have races like that,† Jayla said with her smile dimming down. â€Å"But now she never pays attention to me anymore†¦not really anyone at home does. This is the only place where I feel wanted, play, and meet fun people like you,† she said. â€Å"Good, I’m glad! I’ll race you to the water fountain!† I said. Together, we raced to get some ice cold water and Jayla was declared the winner. Why would Jayla, within an hour of just meeting her, confide in me as if I had known her for years? Was it some sort of sign from above? All I know is that because of Jayla, I am meant to influence children’s lives. I may have lost the races Jayla and I played on that sizzling summer’s day, but I left knowing I had a new friend and with the key that revealed my vocation; two of the greatest winnings one could ever obtain.

Essential Requisites of Contract free essay sample

The contract, in such a case, is presumed to have been entered into in the place where the offer was made. Consent with respect to contracts, it is the agreement of the will of one contracting party with that of another or others, upon the object and terms of the contract. Offer a proposal made by one party to another to enter into a contract. It is more than an expression of desire or hope. It is really a promise to act or to refrain from acting on condition that the terms thereof are accepted by the person (offeree) to whom it is made.Acceptance manifestation by the offeree of his assent to the terms of the offer. Without acceptance, there can be no meeting of the minds between the parties. Acceptance being absolute means that it â€Å"must in every respect meet and correspond with the terms and condition of the offer, plain and unconditional. We will write a custom essay sample on Essential Requisites of Contract or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page † Examples: Mar asked Vic this question: â€Å"Do you agree to buy my Honda car, model 1998 for P280,000? † Vic replied, â€Å"Yes, I agree. † Here the offer of Mar to sell the car to Vic is certain and the acceptance of Vic to buy the car is absolute, plain and unconditional. Suppose Vic instead of agreeing to pay Mar P280,000 proposed to pay P230,000 to Mar. Was there a valid acceptance? Sam told Art at a restaurant in Manila, â€Å"I will sell my house and lot at 1054 Basilio, Sampaloc Manila for P1. 2M. Art answered: â€Å"I will give my decision in 3 days. † In 3 days Art’s letter of unconditional acceptance was received by Sam. This was on October 3, 2002. When was the contract perfected? Article 1320. An acceptance may be express or implied. An express acceptance may be oral or written.An implied acceptance is one that is inferred from act or conduct. It has been held that where a person accepts the services of another, whether solicited or not, he has the obligation to pay the reasonable value of the services thus rendered upon the implied contract of lease of service unless it is shown that the service was rendered gratuitously or without any expectation that he would pay for the same. Article 1321. The person making the offer may fix the time, place, and the manner of acceptance, all of which must be complied with.Example: Carl offers to sell his specific lot to Sam for P1M, payable in check upon the execution of deed of sale; he specified that the acceptance should be by mail not later than the end of next month. Sam must send his acceptance not later than the end of next month, addressed to Carl at a specified address. The time, place and manner of acceptance have been specified in the offer. To constitute a valid acceptance Sam must comply with the terms of the offer. Article 1322. An offer made through an agent is accepted from the time acceptance is communicated to him. Article 1323.An offer becomes ineffective upon the death, civil interdiction, insanity, or insolvency of either party before acceptance is conveyed. Article 1324. When the offerer has allowed the offeree a certain period to accept, the offer may be withdrawn at any time before acceptance by communicating such withdrawal, except when the option is founded upon a consideration, as something paid or promised. Example: Sandejas offered to sell his ricefield to Soriano for P1M. In the offer, Sandejas gives Soriano a period of 5 days within which to accept or reject the offer, otherwise Sandejas shall be free to look for another buyer.Under the circumstances, Sandejas may, before the expiration of 5 days (option period), withdraw his offer provided that there had been no previous acceptance made by Soriano. Supposing that Soriano gives Sandejas P200,000 in consideration of which the option period is granted to Soriano, may Sandejas withdraw before the lapse of 5 days? Before notice of acceptance, the offer may be revoked, and the revocation will have the effect of preventing the perfection of the contract, although it may not be known by the acceptant unless revocation is not permitted because of an option period upon consideration.

Book Review of R.J. Palacios Wonder

Book Review of R.J. Palacio's 'Wonder' Wonder, R.J. Palacios debut novel, was written for children 8 to 12 years old, but its message defies genres. Published in 2012, its anti-bullying, pro-acceptance message will resonate with teenagers and even adults as well. Style Some books are action-packed, compelling the reader to turn the page to find out what happens next. Other books are compelling because they invite readers to engage with characters who are real, who come alive off the page, and who pull the reader into their story. Wonder is the latter kind of book. In fact, very little action happens within its pages, and yet readers will find themselves deeply affected by the story. Summary August Pullman (Auggie to his friends) is not an ordinary 10-year-old boy. He feels like one  and has the interests of one, but his face is not ordinary at all. In fact, its the type of face that scares kids and makes people stare. Auggie is pretty good natured about it all. This is the way he is, after all, and while he doesn’t like that people stare, there’s not much he can do about it. Because his face has required many reconstructive surgeries, Auggie has been homeschooled. But there are no more surgeries to be done for a while, and now August’s parents think it’s time that he goes to mainstream school, beginning with fifth grade in the fall. The idea of this terrifies Auggie; he knows how people react to seeing him, and he wonders if he will be able to fit in at school at all. He bravely gives it a go, but finds that it’s much like he expected. Many of the children laugh at him behind his back, and someone has started a game called the Plague, in which people â€Å"catch† a â€Å"disease† if they touch Auggie. One boy, Julian, leads the bullying attacks. He’s the sort of kid whom adults find charming, but in reality, he is quite mean to anyone not in his circle of friends. Auggie does make two close friends: Summer, a girl who actually likes Auggie for who he is, and Jack. Jack started out as Auggie’s â€Å"assigned† friend, and when Auggie finds this out, he and Jack have a falling out. However, they patch things up at Christmas, after Jack gets suspended for hitting Julian for badmouthing Auggie. This leads to a â€Å"war, with the popular boys against Auggie and Jack. While nothing more than mean words, in the form of notes in the lockers, fly between the two camps, the tension between them lasts until the spring. Then theres a confrontation between a group of older boys from a different school and Auggie and Jack at a sleep-away camp. They are hopelessly outnumbered until a group of boys who were formerly against Auggie and Jack help defend them from the bullies. In the end, Auggie has a successful year at school, and even makes the Honor Roll. In addition, the school gives him an award for courage, which he doesnt understand, musing, â€Å"If they want to give me a medal for being me, I’ll take it.† (p. 306) He sees himself as ordinary, and in the face of everything else, he really is just that: an ordinary kid. Review It‘s the straightforward, non-sentimental manner in which Palacio approaches her topic that makes this such an excellent book. Auggie might have an extraordinary face, but hes a regular kid, and that makes him relatable, in spite of his challenges. Palacio also shifts her point of view, telling the story through the eyes of characters other than Auggie. This allows the reader to get to know characters like Auggies sister, Via, who talks about the way her brother takes over the family’s life. However, some of the other viewpoints- especially of Via’s friends- feel somewhat unnecessary and bog down the middle of the book. The power of the book likes in how Palacio creates such a normal, relatable character from a boy living with such an extraordinary physical affliction. Even though Wonder is recommended for children ages 8 through 12, the books themes of identity, bullying, and acceptance make it interesting reading for a wide audience as well. About R.J. Palacio An art director by profession, R. J. Palacio first thought of the idea for Wonder when she and her children were on vacation. While there, they saw a young girl who had a condition similar to Auggie’s. Her children reacted badly, which got Palacio thinking about the girl and what she goes through on a daily basis. Palacio also thought about how she could have better taught her children to respond to situations like this. The book inspired Random House to start an anti-bullying campaign, called Choose Kind, with a site where people can share their experiences and sign a pledge to stamp out bullying. There you can also download an excellent Educator Guide for Wonder to use at home, or with a community grouop. Companion Book Auggie Me: Three Wonder Stories, also by R. J. Palacio, is a 320-page collection of three stories, each told from the point of view of one of three characters from Wonder: the bully Julian, Auggie’s oldest friend, Christopher, and his new friend, Charlotte. The stories take place prior to Auggie’s attending school and during his first year there. This book is neither a prequel nor a sequel to Wonder- in fact, Palacio has made it clear that she does not plan to ever write either. Instead, this book is meant as a companion for those who have already read Wonder and want to extend the experience by learning more about Auggies impact on the people around him.

Exploring the major Sociological theme of Suicide Essay

Exploring the major Sociological theme of Suicide - Essay Example In the Lettres Persanes he speaks of "the misery of the human condition". Speaking of the suicide of Brutus and Cassius, this is what Montesquieu writes: In France, the end of the eighteenth century had seen the beginning of a shift from a moral discourse on suicide to a growing concern with suicide rates. By 1842, Quetelet was investigating the extent to which moral phenomena of suicide could be said to resemble physical phenomena, his answer being that large numbers served to cancel out individual peculiarities and to reveal the institutional and general features of society in the figure of the 'social man', a fictitious being conforming to the median results of statistical analysis. In France, Bertillon's statistical experimentation inspired Durkheim's later adoption of replicative analysis. By the 1850s, French social commentators linked industrialization and the expansion of urban, commercial life to the development of 'gosme' and 'odieux individualisme', both defined in terms Durkheim later applied to anomie, as consequences of moral paralysis. On one hand, pathological individualism was taken to be at the root of social disord er, apathy and exploitation; on both sides of the political spectrum, there was talk of a 'general malaise', of the possibility of social dissolution, and of a 'national decadence', one sign of which was taken to be a falling birth rate and it is interesting to note, as Lukes does, that Durkheim authored a paper on birth rates and suicide in 1888. There was a felt sense that the decline of those traditional moral controls associated with pre-revolutionary social formations had left a vacuum. If one were anticlerical, this vacuum was to be filled by a new, secular morality, answerable in the abstract to reason and in practice to a science of normalcy or health. If one were a Catholic traditionalist, it would be addressed by a revival of Christian moral education and the social authority of the Church. On the other hand, social anarchy, and political anarchism, was likened to forms of 'hysteria' arising from excessive individualism on one hand and the formation of 'crowds' on the other. The mass popularity of romantic literature was blamed for a degenerate aestheticism leading to a suicide 'mania' escorting the types designated social conditions affecting suicide rates, not motivations for individual acts. But it is worth noting that Durkheim's more specific images of the types of suicide are often couched in subjectively