Thursday, September 3, 2020

About Glenn Murcutt, an Australian Way of Architecture

About Glenn Murcutt, an Australian Way of Architecture Glenn Murcutt (brought into the world July 25, 1936) is ostensibly Australias most acclaimed engineer, in spite of the fact that he was conceived in England. He has impacted ages of working engineers and has won each significant design grant of the calling, including the 2002 Pritzker. However he stays dark to a considerable lot of his Australian compatriots, even as he is respected by engineers around the world. Murcutt is said to work alone, yet he opens his homestead to experts and understudies of design each year, giving expert classes and advancing his vision: Architects thinking locally acting internationally. Murcutt was conceived in London, England, however experienced childhood in the Morobe locale of Papua New Guinea and in Sydney, Australia, where he figured out how to esteem basic, crude design. From his dad, Murcutt took in the ways of thinking of Henry David Thoreau, who accepted that we should live just and in amicability with natures laws. Murcutts father, an independent man of numerous gifts, likewise acquainted him with the smoothed out innovator engineering of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Murcutts early work firmly reflects Mies van der Rohes beliefs. One of Murcutts most loved citations is an expression he frequently heard his dad state. The words, he accepts, are from Thoreau: â€Å"Since the majority of us spend our lives doing standard undertakings, the most significant thing is to complete them remarkably well.† Murcutt is additionally enamored with citing the Aboriginal proverb â€Å"Touch the earth lightly.† From 1956 to 1961, Murcutt contemplated design at the University of New South Wales. After graduation, Murcutt voyaged generally in 1962 and was dazzled by crafted by Jã ¸rn Utzon. On a later outing in 1973, he recalls the innovator 1932 Maison de Verre in Paris, France, as being compelling. He was roused by the Californian engineering of Richard Neutra and Craig Ellwood, and the fresh, simple work of Scandinavian planner Alvar Aalto. Be that as it may, Murcutts structures immediately took on an unmistakably Australian flavor. The Pritzker Prize-winning modeler Glenn Murcutt isn't a manufacturer of high rises. He doesnt plan terrific, conspicuous structures or utilize gaudy, sumptuous materials. Rather, the principled creator empties his inventiveness into littler tasks that let him work alone and structure affordable structures that will moderate vitality and mix with the earth. The entirety of his structures (generally rustic houses) are in Australia. Murcutt picks materials that can be created effectively and monetarily: glass, stone, block, concrete, and creased metal. He gives close consideration to the development of the sun, moon, and seasons, and structures his structures to blend with the development of light and wind. Huge numbers of Murcutts structures are not cooled. Looking like open verandas, Murchutts houses propose the straightforwardness of Farnsworth House of Mies van der Rohe, yet have the sober mindedness of a sheepherders cabin. Murcutt takes on scarcely any new undertakings yet is strongly dedicated to what he does, frequently going through numerous years working with his customers. On occasion he works together with his accomplice, planner Wendy Lewin. Glenn Murcutt is an ace teacher; Oz.e.tecture is the offical site of the Architecture Foundation Australia and the Glenn Murcutt Master Classes. Murcutt is pleased to be the dad of the Australian planner Nick Murcutt (1964â€2011), whose own firm with accomplice Rachel Neeson thrives as Neeson Murcutt Architects.â Murcutts Important Buildings The Marie Short House (1975) is one of Murcutts first homes to join present day Miesian style with Australian fleece shed common sense. With lookout windows that track the overhead sun and an aroused ridged steel rooftop, this extended farmhouse on braces exploits the earth without hurting it. The National Park Visitors Center at Kempsey (1982) and the Berowra Waters Inn (1983) are two of Murcutts early nonresidential undertakings, however he chipped away at these while sharpening his private structures. The Ball-Eastaway House (1983) was worked as a retreat for the specialists Sydney Ball and Lynne Eastaway. Settled in a parched timberland, the primary structure of the structure is upheld on steel segments and steel I-beams. By raising the house over the earth, Murcutt secured the dry soil and encompassing trees. The bended rooftop keeps dry leaves from choosing top. An outside fire dousing framework gives crisis security from timberland blasts. Planner Murcutt nicely positioned the windows and reflection decks to make a feeling of withdrawal while as yet giving grand perspectives on the Australian landscape.â The Magney House (1984) is regularly called Glenn Murcutts most popular house as it coordinates Murcutts components of capacity and plan. Otherwise called Bingie Farm, the design magnum opus is currently part of the Airbnb program. The Marika-Alderton House (1994) was worked for the Aboriginal craftsman Marmburra Wananumba Banduk Marika and her English spouse, Mark Alderton. The house was pre-assembled close to Sydney and sent to its area in the unforgiving Northern Territory of Australia. While being fabricated, Murcutt was additionally taking a shot at the Bowali Visitors Center at Kakadu National Park (1994), likewise in the Northern Territory, and the Simpson-Lee House (1994) situated close to Sydney. Glenn Murcutts later homes from the 21st century are regularly purchased and sold, to some degree like speculations or gatherers things. The Walsh House (2005) and the Donaldson House (2016) fall into this class, not that Murcutts care in configuration is ever decreased. The Australian Islamic Center (2016) close to Melbourne might be the last common articulation of a 80-year-old planner. Thinking minimal about mosque engineering, Murcutt considered, portrayed, and anticipated a long time before the advanced plan was endorsed and fabricated. The conventional minaret is gone, yet the direction toward Mecca remains. Brilliant housetop lights wash insides with shaded daylight, yet people have distinctive access to those insides. Like all of Glenn Murcutts work, this Australian mosque isn't the first, however it is engineering that-through a mindful, iterative procedure of configuration might be the best. I have consistently had confidence in the demonstration of revelation instead of inventiveness, Murcutt said in his 2002 Pritzker acknowledgment discourse. Any work that exists, or which can possibly exist, is identified with revelation. We don't make the work. I accept we, truth be told, are pioneers. Murcutts Pritzker Architecture Prize After learning of his Pritzker grant, Murcutt outlined for journalists, Life isn't tied in with amplifying everything, its about giving something back-like light, space, structure, tranquility, satisfaction. You need to give something back. For what reason did he become a Pritzker Laureate in 2002? In the expressions of the Pritzker jury: During a time fixated on superstar, the excitement of our starchitects, upheld by enormous staffs and bounteous advertising support, rules the features. As an all out contrast,â our laureate works in a one-individual office on the opposite side of the world...yet has a holding up rundown of customers, so purpose is he to give each extend his own best. He is a creative building specialist who is fit for turning his affectability to nature and to area into straightforward, absolutely legitimate, non-flashy masterpieces. Bravo! - J. Carter Brown, Pritzker Prize jury administrator Quick Facts: The Glenn Murcutt Library Contact This Earth Lightly: Glenn Murcutt in His Own Words. In a meeting with Philp Drew, Glenn Murcutt discusses his life and depicts how he built up the methods of reasoning that shape his engineering. This slight soft cover is certifiably not a sumptuous end table book, yet gives great knowledge into the deduction behind the structures. Glenn Murcutt: A Singular Architectural Practice. Murcutts structure theory introduced in his own words is joined with discourse from engineering editors Haig Beck and Jackie Cooper. Through idea portrays, working drawings, photos, and completed drawings, Murcutts thoughts are investigated top to bottom. Glenn Murcutt: Thinking Drawing/Working Drawing by Glenn Murcutt. The planners lone procedure is portrayed by the lone engineer himself. Glenn Murcutt: University of Washington Master Studios and Lectures. Murcutt has reliably led ace classes at his homestead in Australia, yet hes additionally been manufacturing a relationship with Seattle. This thin book by the University of Washington Press gave altered transcripts of discussions, talks, and studios. The Architecture of Glenn Murcutt. In an organization sufficiently enormous to show 13 of Murcutts best undertakings, this is the go-to book of photographs, representations, and portrayals that will acquaint any beginner with what the unflinching Glenn Murcutt is about. Sources Glenn Murcutt 2002 Pritzker Laureate Acceptance Speech, The Hyatt Foundation, PDF at pritzkerprize.com/locales/default/records/file_fields/field_files_inline/2002_Acceptance_Speech_0.pdfAustralian Architect Becomes the 2002 Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, The Hyatt Foundation, https://www.pritzkerprize.com/laureates/2002

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Allegheny College Admissions and Acceptance Criteria

Allegheny College Admissions and Acceptance Criteria Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, has particular confirmations, and in 2016 the acknowledgment rate was 68 percent. Most of conceded understudies have evaluations and SAT/ACT scores that are better than expected. The affirmation procedure is comprehensive, and the school takes a gander at subjective estimates, for example, your application exposition, letters of suggestion, meet, extracurricular exercises, and exhibited intrigue. They have a discretionary school meet that can be a factor in improving your odds of being acknowledged. Confirmations Data (2016) Allegheny College Acceptance Rate: 68%The school has test-discretionary confirmations, yet you can see commonplace SAT and ACT scores for conceded understudies in this GPA, SAT Score and ACT Score diagram for Allegheny College Top PA universities SAT score comparisonTop PA schools ACT score examination About Allegheny College Allegheny College is a private, residential,â liberal expressions collegeâ located in Meadville, Pennsylvania. The school was included as one of just 40 universities in Loren Popes well-regardedâ ​Colleges That Change Livesâ and different distributions have lauded Allegheny for its worth, the customized consideration understudies get and the quality of its senior capstone experience. All seniors finish and guard the senior comp. It was perceived as one of the best 25 human sciences schools in the U.S. by Washington Monthly. The school has a 10â to 1â student/staff ratioâ and a normal class size of 21 understudies at the early on level and 11 at the upper level. For its qualities in the aesthetic sciences and sciences, Allegheny College was granted a section of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. They commend their Unusual Combinations as they expect understudies to pick a significant and a minor. They accept that demonstrates their alumni to be individuals who can comprehend the 10,000 foot view. Enlistment (2016) All out Enrollment: 1,920â (all undergraduate)Gender Breakdown: 47â percent male/53 percent female97â percent full-time Costs (2016-17) Educational cost and Fees: $44,250Books: $1,000 (why so much?)Room and Board: $11,170Other Expenses: $2,500Total Cost: $58,920 Allegheny College Financial Aid (2015-16) Level of Students Receiving Aid: 99 percentPercentage of Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 99 percentLoans: 67 percentAverage Amount of AidGrants: $29,971Loans: $7,998 Most Popular Majors Science, Communication Studies, Economics, English, Environmental Science, History, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Political Science, Psychology Graduation and Retention Rates First Year Student Retention (full-time understudies): 83 percent4-Year Graduation Rate: 70 percent6-Year Graduation Rate: 76 percent Intercollegiate Athletic Programs: Mens Sports: Football, Swimming, Tennis, Basketball, Football, Track and Field, Baseball, Cross Country, SoccerWomens Sports: Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, Tennis, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, Track and Field Information Source National Center for Educational Statistics Allegheny and the Common Application Allegheny College utilizes the Common Application. These articles can help control you: Basic Application article tips and samplesShort answer tips and samplesSupplemental paper tips and tests

Saturday, August 22, 2020

The Gullah community in American slave history Essay

The Gullah people group in American slave history - Essay Example it tends to be said that the US slave exchange is viewed as one of the most scandalous and uncalled for demonstrations of commanding relocation. Such acts not just denied the casualties from carrying on with an existence of harmony and happiness in their own country, yet in addition brought about lost the way of life, language and above all their unique lifestyle. Disregarding this, the degree of misfortune in social and semantic roots has not been normal over all the dislodged networks from Africa in the United States. The Gullah individuals have to a huge degree had the option to carry on with a disengaged life when contrasted with their other African partners both as far as social personality and language. This paper, through audit of significant writing, attempts to uncover and how such a situation became. Simultaneously, the paper will follow the historical backdrop of the Gullah and different slaves on their excursion from Africa and how every one of these two gatherings resett led into their new (constrained) country. History of slave exchange the United States: It was during the mid fifteenth century that relocation of Africans as workers (fundamentally in ranches) in the United States until import of new slaves were restricted by an Act of Congress in 1808 (Curtis 298). All things being equal, imports were surreptitiously completed. Aside from this Whites could buy slaves from different proprietors and furthermore guarantee responsibility for offspring of slaves working for them. The thirteenth Amendment officially canceled bondage, despite the fact that their status as substandard proceeded until the twentieth century until the appearance of such extraordinary pioneers like Martin Luther King Jr. What is to be noted is that the nearness of Africans as slaves and afterward as free individuals in the United States began in the fifteenth century and proceeded to this date (a time of in excess of 500 years). Having for all intents and purposes no associati on at all with their African country, it is just normal that this gathering of outsiders started acclimatize the way of life of their received land and thus started losing their unique social and semantic personality. The following areas will examine the life of the normal Black individuals as slaves and later on as free African Americans and how these elements added to the social misfortunes referenced previously. It will likewise examine the novel status of the Gullah clan mulling over similar parameters applied to different Africans in the nation. The status of the African slaves: As referenced prior, slaves in Africa had no methods for keeping in touch with their own kin in their country and towns. Different elements included absence of education which was widespread and furthermore that they were not a durable gathering regarding language or socio-strict traditions (Klein 178). Slave exchange prospered on account of the absence of labor to work in American fields and later on i n business and homes. Slave proprietors didn't evidently think about this decent variety as they were just expectation on getting modest or free work. Therefore, regardless of whether there were gatherings of slaves from a solitary town or clan accessible, most slave proprietors didn't try to order them as such. Thus, each ranch, business or family unit had a lot of slaves that were outsiders as far as culture and language despite the fact that they originated from a similar mainland. Klein proceeds to include that this assorted variety of African culture present in a solitary spot before long prompted weakening of the way of life of people and clans. They had

A Study Of A Dionysiac Sarcophagus Essay free essay sample

, Research Paper In the Los Angeles County Art Museum A grown-up male kicks the bucket. He winds his way down into the black market to make the Bankss of the stream Acheron where he meets the ferryman Charon. He takes a coin from his oral depression to pay the cost over. On the contrary bank he is welcomed by a Maenad or conceivably Bacchus himself who offers him a cylix of vino. Drinking profound, the grown-up male is changed and restored from expire to a higher plane. Then again of populating an enduring dream in the black market he gets salvation from his God Dionysos, the Savior. In Roman magnificent occasions at that spot was an incredible recovery of the # 8220 ; Mystery # 8221 ; factions of Greece powered by the expectation of an actual existence after perish. In funerary dedications there can be seen the creeds of the confidence each piece great as how it sees the great beyond. Inside the Los Angeles County Art Museum stands such a vas made to facilitate this excursion to ever-enduring happy to the point bursting. A blessing from William Randolph Hearst, the piece is a stone coffin from the Severan time of the Roman imperium close to the terminal of the second century itemizing a radiation of Dionysos, the God of vino, and his followings. Such a radiation could be from Dionysos # 8217 ; s messianic excursions or from his triumphal come back from disseminating the vino faction. Initially in the tomb of a princely family unit in Rome, the stone casket was in ulterior occasions utilized as an estate proprietor for a blossom bed ( Matz, 3 ) . This # 8220 ; abuse # 8221 ; of the piece clarifies the hindrance of the marble which required broadened Restoration in the seventeenth century ( 4 ) . It is tub formed with measurements of 2.1 meters long and 1 meter wide, standing 0.6 meters from the land. The structure is like tubs utilized for stepping grapes which had spouts ornamented with lord of beastss # 8217 ; caputs to vent the vino ( 3 ) . Bing formed like a wine VAT makes the sarcopagi a transfor mative power in its ain right by emblematically transforming the individual interned inside into vino! passing on him closer to the God. Not at all like other stone caskets of the period the dorsum of this piece has non been left unhewn, yet then again a strigal type of repeating # 8220 ; S # 8221 ; structures has been cut, suggesting that the piece may hold remained in the focal point of the catacomb. Not at all like other progressively celebrated and rich Dionysiac stone caskets, for example, the Seasons stone coffins and the Triumph of Dionysos in Baltimore which depict explicit polar occasions in the mythos of Dionysos, this piece gives us then again a somewhat nonexclusive bit of Bacchic life ( Matz, 5 ) . The way and representation of the figures, of class, originate before the Roman imperium ; stone coffins of this sort were mass created in stores dependent on structures and drawings from Grecian craftsmans ( Alexander, 46 ) . Dionysos himself is in the inside keeping his staff, the thyrsos, in his left manus and pouring vino with his privilege while siting a panther, a hallowed vivify being firmly connected with the God ( Matz, 4 ) . Flanking him are two ruler of brutes caputs that speak to Dionysos # 8217 ; s endeavors to escape perish at the authorities of the colossuss by changing into a lord of monsters, among other invigorate creatures, which so lead to his expire and resulting metempsychosis ( Graves, 103-104 ) . To one side of Dionysos is Silenus, his mentor from his youth, keeping a vas in all probability loaded up with vino. The nearness of Silenus strengthens the faction # 8217 ; s confidence in imperishable youngster. Following to Silenus is a Maenad, or female raver, playing a woodwind above Pan the caprine creature God of the backwoods. Underneath Pan and the correct ruler of mammoths caput are two angels, one have oning a veil of Silenus while different backs back in dread ( Matz, 4 ) . On the left of Dionysos are two obscene person and another littler picture of Pan keeping a cup of vino. Further left is another Maenad, this one playing a tambourine, who is being trailed by a libertine. Beneath the left ruler of brutes caput there is another seraph, or putto, and a juvenile obscene person. Balancing the left side on the terminal is as yet another maenad followed by a reprobate. On the correct terminal there is a libertine, playing the cymbals, following a half exposed maenad. Finishing the piece, out of sight behind the central figures there are two childs ( an energize being Dionysos often changed into ) , another skillet and a little puma. Through taking a gander at the piece we can obtain some idea of what a gathering of the faction resembles for the followings. The example of the clique was completely casual when contrasted with love in the sanctuaries of the canonic Gods. Not at all like love of the Gods of the state-supported confidence, Bacchic celebrations removed topographic point from doorss far away from the jammed metropoliss in the forested areas which harkens back to antediluvian occasions before grown-up male assembled sanctuaries. At the point when they showed up in the wood, Dionysos gave them herbs, berries, and wild caprine creatures to eat and bounty to assimilate ( Hamilton, 57 ) . Wine of class was ever present at these gatherings to respect the vino God. Wine was a sacrosanct portrayal of the God himself ; guzzling vino liberated the amateur from the restrictions of natural issues to meet up with the God through joy which truly deciphered from the first Greek methods ‘outside the body’ ( Mcann, 128 ) . This individualistic natur e of Communion constantly rehearsed gave the devoted an inclination! of closeness with the God. The veil of Silenus on one of the putti is a gesture to the significance theater played in the faction. The best writers of Greece composed shows regarding Dionysos which were viewed as holy to the religion. The two comedies and catastrophes were performed, mirroring the twofold idea of the God and of vino itself ( Hamilton, 61 ) . Wine can invigorate grown-up male to elevated undertakings and happy skipping, be that as it may, it can other than transform him into a brute creature. Like the Egyptian God Osiris, Dionysos endured a savage perish by dismantling. Clique individuals would respect the God by hyper dismantling of bulls and now and again grievous work powers lease with authorities and dentitions which were so eaten up, emblematically taking Dionysos inside themselves. This terrible custom, joined by noisy music and the smashing of cymbals, was planned to actuate the reveler considerably further into an area of joy to achieve a discharge from the natural structure. These ceremonies of ceremony and Communion root from the legends environing Dionysos embodying his introduction to the world, life, expire, and metempsychosis of the God through the ever-enduring recovery of life in the common universe which give the devoted a guarantee of an imperishable being. Of extraordinary essentialness to the bookman is the window that stone coffins and other funerary commemorations surrender to the lives each piece great as lives following death of the practicians of the clique. In the occurrence of the Bacchic clique it is especially of import in that before the Romans turned out to be progressively detached to the developing pervasiveness of the religions of the second century little is known about their funerary examples because of the shroud of mystery environing the puzzler faction. Truth be told, the cultists were aggrieved by the Roman region confidence preceding the belief of the rediscovered cliques by the blue class as confirm by expanding figure of such stone caskets ( Lehman, 24,26 ) In using such stone coffins joining the representation of their religion and philosophies, the followings of the faction were guaranting themselves authentic assurance and a confidence appointed in the future. List of sources and Works Cited 1. Alexander, Christine. # 8220 ; A Roman Sarcophagus from Badminton House. # 8221 ; The Metropolitan Museum Bulletin, vol.14 ( October 1955 ) , pp. 39-47. 2. Graves, Robert. The Grecian Myths. Penguin Books, Maryland, ( 1955 ) 3. Greenhalgh, Michael. # 8220 ; Greek A ; Roman Cities of Western Turkey. # 8221 ; rubens.anu.edu.au/turkey/book/toc1.html ( WWW ) , individual. 8 ( 1996 ) 4. Hamilton, Edith. Folklore: Dateless Narratives of Gods And Heroes. New American Library, New York, 1969 5. Lehmann-Hartleben, Karl. Dionysiac Sarcophagi In Baltimore. Foundation of Fine Arts, New York University, 1942 6. Matz, Friedrich. # 8220 ; Rediscovered Dionysiac Sarcophagus. # 8221 ; The Los Angeles Museum of Art Bulletin, vol.8, figure 3 ( 1956 ) , pp.3-5. 7. McCann, Anna. # 8220 ; Two Fragments of Sarcophagi in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Exemplifying the Indian Triumph of Dionysus. # 8221 ; The Journal of the Walters Art Gallery, vol. 36 ( 1977 ) , pp.123-36 8.Thompson, Homer. # 8220 ; Dionysus among the Nymphs in Athens and Rome. # 8221 ; The Journal of the Walters Art Gallery, vol. 36 ( 1977 ) , pp. 73-84 34b

Friday, August 21, 2020

English Essays (1590 words) - Moby-Dick, Captain Ahab, Moby Dick

English Moby Dick By Herman Melville The Characters and Plot There are various characters in Moby Dick, yet just a couple of them have any effect on the story. A typical mariner named Ishmael is the storyteller. The book, in any case, centers around Captain Ahab, the one-legged authority of the whaling transport Pequod. Ahab has pledged to execute the immense whale Moby Dick, who removed his leg. Starbuck is the first mate of the Pequod. Queequeg, Tashtego, and Daggoo are the three harpooners. The story starts with Ishmael getting eager. He chooses to go out to the ocean on a whaling transport. In the port of New Bedford, he meets what's more, shares a live with a harpooner named Queequeg. Both of them become dear companions, and consent to transport out together. The day after they arrive at Nantucket, Ishmael starts looking for a whaling transport getting ready to leave harbor. Out of three boats prepared to leave, he picks the Pequod. The proprietors of the boat, Captains Peleg what's more, Bildad are eager to know about Queequeg from Ishmael and happily let him join the team. They are told the commander of the boat is named Ahab. Peleg and Bildad state that he is a decent man, but since of some weird disease, he is bound to his lodge. On Christmas day, and with Ahab still in his lodge, the Pequod sets sail in the Atlantic. As the climate heats up (a few months subsequent to leaving port), Ahab is at last observed at hand. The most odd thing about Ahab is his leg. Rather than fragile living creature and bone, he has a white ivory peg leg. As the weeks wear on, Ahab begins to get more amiable. At some point, he calls the group before him. He discloses to them that the sole strategic the Pequod is to execute Moby Dick. Moby Dick is a massive sperm whale with a screwy jaw and a disfigured brow. He has never been vanquished, and has assaulted and sunk whole ships. Ahab concedes he detests Moby Dick for removing his leg, and needs vengeance. The team consent to this test, and pledge to chase him down. The main who is not amped up for chasing down Moby Dick is first-mate Starbuck. For a long time, the Pequod cruises South, through the Atlantic, around the Cape of Good Hope (the southern tip of Africa), and into the Indian Ocean. En route, they execute and channel the spermaceti oil from each sperm whale they experience. Each time they meet another boat, Ahab starts the discussion with Hast seen the White Whale?. At last, in the wake of entering the Japanese ocean, the Pequod experiences a whaling transport named the Enderby. The Enderby's commander had simply as of late lost his arm to Moby Dick. Ahab turns out to be so energized at the news that he breaks his ivory leg. The boat's craftsman fabricates him a new one. When arriving at the waters around the equator, the Pequod meets another whaling transport, the Rachel. They had seen Moby Dick, and had become isolated from one of the whaling pontoons during the fight. Ahab won't assist them with searching for the missing men. Finally, Moby Dick is spotted by Ahab. In the primary day of battling, the whale is skewered commonly, yet escapes after crushing Ahab's pontoon. On the subsequent day, the whale is speared once more, yet at the same time get away. On the third day, Ahab's spear pierces the whale, however the rope gets him by the neck and Moby Dick hauls him to the base of the ocean. An irate Moby Dick smashes and sinks the Pequod. Just Ishmael endures, and he is saved by the Rachel. My Response Moby Dick was not the novel I anticipated. I was under the impression that it would be tied in with nautical and the whale Moby Dick. Moby Dick is an anecdote about Captain Ahab's fixation. There is very little in the anecdote about the retribution itself, pretty much Ahab's monomania. Out of 465 pages, just forty-two of them manage the real fight among Ahab and Moby Dick. The epic places almost no accentuation on real marine. Ishmael never at any point steps on a vessel until page seventy-four. In any event, when the transport at last leaves port, the notice of anything including cruising or on the other hand the life of mariners is kept to a flat out least. There is, nonetheless, a lot of accentuation is on whaling, the life systems of whales, and their conduct. The book broadly expounds depicting the whalers of Nantucket, and gives inside and out clarifications of the various kinds of whales, citing a few outside sources in the procedure. The storyteller makes reference to the great size of the sperm whale, and how

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Essay sample how the beehive looks like

Essay sample how the beehive looks like Bees are wonderful and extraordinary creatures that are far more complicated and intelligent than it is usually believed. Due to their close relationships with people, bees have been relatively well-researched compared to other insects. These are more than 20,000 species of bees living in different parts of this planet (Winston, 2014). Some of them are tiny and reach only 2 mm while others are quite impressive â€" up to 4 cm long. Bees are famous for making honey â€" a delicious and wholesome substance they create from pollen (Corrick, 2010). These social insects live in colonies with an intricate structure and a clear division of responsibilities. Research shows that there are soldiers, queens, breadwinners, and even babysitters in their beehives, which vividly demonstrates the complexity of their world. In the present essay, I attempt to explore what it is like in a beehive, how natural and human-made behaves differ, and how bees interact within these settings. Inside a Natural Beehive It is important to understand that different species of bees have different beehives. Naturally, describing all of them will take much time, so we will focus on the most common Western honeybees’ hives. A natural beehive is typically constructed in some hollow cavity that protects its inhabitants from the elements (Winston, 2014). It can be a hollow tree trunk, a cavity in a cliff, or even a rooftop or an attic. To build their houses, bees use the wax they produce with the help of glands located on their abdomens. They chew this wax until it gets soft enough to bond small pieces of it into one large hive (Corrick, 2010). Interestingly, bees building the hive (they are called workers) manage to maintain the favorable atmosphere to control the texture of this wax. Now that you know what is a beehive made out of, I intend to explain how it looks like inside and what functions it serves. The beehive is the kind of a honeycomb with uniquely-shaped hexagonal cells. These small constructions with a perfect form are used by bees to store honey, pollen, and nectar, as well as house larvae (Hirschmann, 2004). Since a beehive may contain up to 50,000 bees, it is critically important for these creatures to optimize this space. At this point, one needs to highlight that bees are talented mathematicians and engineers. They discovered that hexagon is an ideal shape to use their scarce resources wisely. Because bees need much honey to produce wax, they try to use as little of this substance as possible, so triangles and squares would be too “expensive” to construct (MyBeeLine, 2017). Besides, the hexagonal shape allows optimizing the use of space, which is crucial for such crowded places as hives. Inside a Honey Beehive: Human-Made Hives Human-made beehives, although being similar to the natural ones, have several peculiarities. Therefore, I would like to explain what’s it like inside a beehive made by people. Since the ancient times, people have tried to domesticate these useful insects and build houses for them, which consisted of unbaked clay and straw. However, these structures were not orderly enough, so bees had to create their own honeycombs, which were then destroyed by people to extract honey (Hive and Honey Apiary, 2017). Fortunately, modern beekeepers have developed more efficient methods of beehive construction that allow bees to live in comfortable conditions. Interestingly, while bees need only time and efforts to build their extraordinary houses, contemporary beekeepers wishing to have bees at home should possess many skills, knowledge, and materials at hand. To construct a simple beehive, one would need thick sheets of plywood, table saw, chop saw, hammer, nails, wood glue, jigsaw, and many other things (Pauli, 2016). The main feature of these constructions is that they have movable frames that facilitate the process of honey extraction. Due to this characteristic, the comb is easily left intact during the honey bee hive removal, but some beekeepers sell honey comb because is believed to have many vitamins. In general, although the external structure of the handmade beehive differs from that of the natural one, the internal setting remains almost the same as bees themselves adjust it to their needs. Interesting Facts about Bees I would also like to discuss some interesting honey bee hive facts that will tell you more about these extraordinary insects. Building such complicated hives requires much energy, so bees literally work themselves to death constructing them; some of them live no longer than six weeks (Reilly, 2013). Furthermore, it is a well-known fact that bees get used to performing a certain job and if they need to change it for some reason, their brain chemistry changes as well to respond to new requirements. Interestingly, it is also believed that the clear division of responsibilities resulted in bees having their distinct personalities and character, which is one of the reasons why people get so fascinated by these creatures (Reilly, 2013). The last thing to consider is how do honeybees communicate about the location of food resources? Research indicates that bees use hormones and special movements to interact, which work together as a unique language that humans have not yet fully unraveled. To summarize, one can see that bees are amazing insects with a complex social structure, division of responsibilities, language, and outstanding engineering skills. They are dedicated to their work and can cooperate effectively to construct uniquely-shaped hives, both in the natural and home environment. However, some things are still not fully explored about these creatures. It is not clear how do honeybees communicate about the location of food resources and how they decide what jobs they should take. Therefore, a beehive remains a mystery for humans, which is to be explored in the future.

Monday, June 22, 2020

Bank Al Habib - Free Essay Example

Executive Summary This write-up contains a review of the financial statements of four different banks across the globe. The basic purpose of this report is to link the information we obtain from books and lectures and class learning with the real practical world. The information in this write up is from the annual reports of the companies. The content of this write-up includes: History of the companies Basic Financial Statements Financial Assets Plant Intangible Assets Liabilities Statement of Cash flows Selected Companies BANK AL HABIB * Stock Exchange: o It is located on Karachi Stock Exchange. * Industry products: o It is included in Consumer Commercial Banking sector. And the products and services offered by the company are: Consumer banking: * Auto Loan * Home loan * Home buying * Home construction * Home Improvement Services: * Online Banking * Safe deposit lockers * ATM cards * Debit cards * Telebanking * E-funds transfer * Remittances * Life Insurance Investment: * Young saver account * PLS saving account * Maximize your profit * Income every month * Super saving account * Mahana Munafa account Agriculture loan Islamic Banking * Deposit schemes * Islamic financing Commercial Banking Home remittances * Incorporation: o It was incorporated in Karachi, on 15 October, 1991. * Parent Company: o DAWOOD HABIB GROUP, which is the sponsor of Bank AL Habib Limited, has a very long track record of banking which dates back to 1920s. They were among the founder members of Habib Bank Limitedwhich played a major role in meeting the financial and banking needs of Pakistan, and which was nationalized along with other Banks in Pakistan on December 31, 1973. Under the privatization policy of Government of Pakistan, the DAWOOD HABIB GROUP was granted permission to set up a commercial bank. Bank AL Habib was incorporated as a Public Limited Company in October 1991 and started banking operations in 1992. * Office address: o Head Office 126-C, Old Bahawalpur Road Multan Pakistan * Financial year: o The financial year of the company ends at December of that particular year. o So it closes adjusts its accounts at the end of December. * Financial Statement Principle used: o IAS ICICI * Stock Exchange: o It is located on Bombay Stock Exchange. * Industry products: o It is included in Personal, NRI and Business Banking sector. And the products and services offered by the company are: Personal banking: * Deposits * Loans * Cards * Investments * Insurance * Demat services * Online services * Wealth management NRI banking: * Money transfer * Bank accounts * Investments * Property solutions * Insurance * Loans Business Banking: * Corporate net banking * Cash Management * Trade services * FXonline * SME services * Online Taxes * Incorporation: o It was incorporated in Mumbai, in 1994. * Parent Company: o In1955, The World Bank, the Government of India and representatives of Indian industry formed ICICI Limited as a development finance institution to provide medium-term and long-term project financing to Indian businesses. ICICI was not a bank it could not take retail deposits and nor was it required to comply with Indian banking requirements for liquid reserves. ICICI borrowed funds from many multilateral agencies (such as the World Bank), often at concessional rates. It used these to make large corporate loans. o In, 1994 ICICI established Banking Corporation as a banking subsidiary, formerly Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India. Later, ICICI Banking Corporation was renamed as ICICI Bank Limited. ICICI founded a separate legal entity, ICICI Bank, to undertake normal banking operations taking deposits, credit cards, car loans etc. * Office address: o Landmark, Race Course Circle, Vadodara 390 007, Gujrat, India. * Financial year: o The financial year of the company ends at March. o So it closes adjusts its accounts at the end of March. * Financial Statement Principle used: o GAAP Bank of America * Stock Exchange: o It is located on New York Stock Exchange. * Industry products: o It is included in Personal Corporate Banking sector. And the products and services offered by the company are: Online services Checking savings Cards Insurance Specialized Banking Business banking Home buying, loans lines of credit Retirement Investments Wealth management Vehicle other loans International banking * Incorporation: o It was incorporated in 1929, in California. * Parent Company: o The Bank of Italy was founded in San Francisco in 1904. o In the late 1920s, President and founder of Bank of America, Los Angeles and Bank of Italy talked about a merger between the two entities. The Los Angeles based bank had exhibited strong growth throughout the 1920s, due in part to its success in developing an advanced branch banking system. The merger was completed in early 1929 and took the name Bank of America. * Office address: o 100 North Tryon Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28263 * Financial year: o The financial year of the company ends at December. o So it closes adjusts its accounts at the end of December. * Financial Statement Principle used: o GAAP HSBC * Stock Exchange: o It is located on London Stock Exchange. * Industry products: o It is included in Personal Corporate Banking sector. And the products and services offered by the company are: HSBC plus HSBC Premier Savings Investments Credit Cards Loans Mortgages Insurance International services * Incorporation: o It was incorporated in 1865, in Hong Kong. * Parent Company: o The HSBC Group is named after its founding member, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, which was established in 1865 to finance the growing trade between China and Europe. * Office address: o 8 Canada Square, London E14 5HQ * Financial year: o The financial year of the company ends at December. o So it closes adjusts its accounts at the end of December. * Financial Statement Principle used: o IFRS BANK AL HABIB * Presentation Format o IAS * Observation on Assets: o Total assets on 31st December, 2006: Rs. 1,14,99,80,37 o Total assets on 31st December, 2007: Rs. 1,41,23,42,74 o It shows that Bank Al Habib has an increase in Assets by Rs. 26236237 in one year. o This increase is mainly due to increase in Investments. * Observation on Liabilities: o Total Liabilities on 31st December, 2006: Rs. 1,08,47,56,45 o Total Liabilities on 31st December, 2007: Rs. 1,32,90,89,56 o It shows that Bank Al Habib has an increase in Liabilities by Rs. 24433311 in one year. o This increase is mainly due to increase in Deposits. * Observation on Equity: o Total Equity on 31st December, 2006: Rs. 6,52,23,92 o Total Equity on 31st December, 2007: Rs. 8,32,53,18 o It shows that Bank Al Habib has an increase in Equity by Rs. 1802926 in one year. o This increase is mainly due to increase in Reserves. * Revenue: o Rs. 6,21,86,73 * Expense: o Rs. 3,16,64,46 * Net Income: o Rs. 2,21,13,33 * Statement of Cash Flows: o Net cash flows from operating activities: Rs. 20,066,569 o Net cash flows from investing activities: Rs. 16,244,589 o Net cash flows from financing activities: Rs. (30,071) ICICI * Presentation Format o GAAP * Observation on Assets: o Total assets on 31st March, 2007: Rs. 3446.58 billion o Total assets on 31st March, 2008: Rs. 3997.95 billion o It shows that ICICI has an increase in Assets by 16% in one year. o This increase is mainly due to increase in Investments advances. * Observation on Liabilities: o Total Liabilities on 31st March, 2007: Rs. 894.84 billion o Total Liabilities on 31st March, 2008: Rs. 1085.43 billion o It shows that ICICI has an increase in Liabilities by 17% in one year. o This increase is mainly due to increase in Borrowings. * Observation on Equity: o Total Equity on 31st March, 2007: Rs. 2551734507 o Total Equity on 31st March, 2008: Rs. 2912512597 o It shows that ICICI has an increase in Equity by 12.3% in one year. o This increase is mainly due to increase in Reserves. * Revenue: o Rs. 395991 billion * Expense: o Rs. 354413 billion * Net Income: o Rs. 51560 billion * Statement of Cash Flows: o Net cash flows from operating activities: Rs. 116,311,534 o Net cash flows from investing activities: Rs. 175, 611, 149 o Net cash flows from financing activities: Rs. 299,648,227 Bank of America * Presentation Format o GAAP * Observation on Assets: o Total assets on 31st December, 2006: $ 1459737 million o Total assets on 31st December, 2007: $ 1715746 million o It shows that Bank of America has an increase in Assets by $ 256009 million in one year. o This increase is mainly due to increase in Loans Leases. * Observation on Liabilities: o Total Liabilities on 31st December, 2006: $ 1324465 million o Total Liabilities on 31st December, 2007: $ 1568943 million o It shows that Bank of America has an increase in Liabilities by $ 244478 million in one year. o This increase is mainly due to increase in Long term debt. * Observation on Equity: o Total Equity on 31st December, 2006: $ 135272 million o Total Equity on 31st December, 2007: $ 146803 million o It shows that Bank Al Habib has an increase in Equity by $ 11531 million in one year. o This increase is mainly due to increase in retained earnings. * Revenue: o $ 119.19 Billion * Expense: o $ 104.21 Billion * Net Income: o $ 14.98 Billion * Statement of Cash Flows: o Net cash flows from operating activities: $ 11,036 o Net cash flows from investing activities: $108,430 o Net cash flows from financing activities: $ 103,412 HSBC * Presentation Format o IFRS * Observation on Assets: o Total assets on 31st December, 2006: m 440760 o Total assets on 31st December, 2007: m 622280 o It shows that HSBC has an increase in Assets by m 181520 in one year. o This increase is mainly due to increase in Trading Assets of the company. * Observation on Liabilities: o Total Liabilities on 31st December, 2006: m 419822 o Total Liabilities on 31st December, 2007: m 597281 o It shows that HSBC has an increase in Liabilities by m 177459 in one year. o This increase is mainly due to increase in Trading Liabilities. * Observation on Equity: o Total Equity on 31st December, 2006: m 20938 o Total Equity on 31st December, 2007: m 24999 o It shows that HSBC has an increase in Equity by m 4061 in one year. o This increase is mainly due to increase in reserves. * Revenue: o US$ 146.50 billion * Expense: o US$ 127.4 billion * Net Income: o US$ 19.1 billion * Statement of Cash Flows: o Net cash flows from operating activities: m 30,330 o Net cash flows from investing activities: m 28,342 o Net cash flows from financing activities: m 134 BANK AL HABIB Accounts Receivable: * Murabaha receivable: 1,007,878,000 * Receivable from Benefit plan: 33,772,000 * Certificates of Investment : 300,000 * Repurchase agreement lendings (Reverse Repo) 3,812,429 * Total: 4,112,429 Note Receivable: * Receivable from SBP / Government of Pakistan: 5,675,000 * Lease rentals receivable: o Not later than one year: 200,632,000 o Later than one year but less than 5 years: 512,845,000 o Total: 713,477,000 ICICI Account Receivable: * Securitization, finance lease and hire purchase receivables: 105,551,409 * Receivables from : o Subsidiaries 3,351.7 o Associates/joint ventures/other related entities: 52.5 o Total: 3,404.2 Note Receivable: * Maturity buckets Loans their amounts: 1 to 14 days 299.9 15 to 28 days 857.4 29 days to 3 months 107.3 3 to 6 months 415.2 6 months to 1 year 207.4 1 to 3 years 243.4 3 to 5 years 808.1 Above 5 years 222.1 Bank of America Account Receivable: Receivables from subsidiaries: Bank holding companies and related subsidiaries 30,032 Nonbank companies and related subsidiaries 33,637 Note Receivable: Loans given: (includes $4,590 measured at fair value at December 31, 2007 and $115,285 and $24,632 pledged as collateral): 876,344 Interest: 14% per annum HSBC Account Receivable: Financial assets designated at fair value: 14,969 Loans and advances to banks: 60,764 Loans and advances to customers: 227,687 Receivables from non-current asset held for sale: 2 m Note Receivable: Finance Lease Receivables: Total future minimum payments m Unearned finance income m Present value m Lease receivables: no later than one year 729 (141) 588 later than one year and no later than five years 2,222 (493) 1,729 later than five years 3,502 (1,146) 2,356 6,453 (1.780) 4,673 Operating Lease Receivables: Equipment m Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases expiring: no later than one year 237 later than one year and no later than five years 670 later than five years 199 1,106 Interest: 13% per annum BANK AL HABIB Plant Assets Depreciation Cost/Revalued Amount Depreciation As at 1Jan,07 Additions/ (Deletions)/ Adjustments As at 31Dec,07 As at 1Jan,07 Additions/ (Deletions)/ Adjustments As at 31Dec,07 Book Value Rate of Depreciation % Rupees in 000 Owned Leasehold land 927,994 807,132 1,735,126 1,735,126 Buildings on leasehold land 1,733,661 689,148 2,408,706 121,957 80,923 201,130 2,207,576 2.00-6.67 Improvements to leasehold buildings 102,050 81,476 178,434 5,315 7,115 12,165 166,269 5 Furniture and fixtures 192,042 44,791 226,314 59,306 20,289 75,809 150,505 10 Vehicles 6,300 19,977 25,517 1,891 1,596 2,994 22,523 20 3,030,705 1,760,075 4,847,894 241,362 128,215 417,962 4,429,93 Disposal: Particulars Cost Book Value Sale Price Mode of Disposal Particulars of purchaser (Rupees in 000) Furniture and Fixtures 2,507 925 373 Auction Karachi Auction Mart, 7/C,Mai Kolachi Road, Karachi. Gain on disposal of operating fixed assets: 20,453 Intangible Assets: On balance sheet: Intangible Asset: 16490(2007) 8805(2006) Amortization: Cost Amortization As at 1Jan,07 Additions As at 31Dec,07 As at 1Jan,07 Charge As at 31Dec,07 Book Value Rate of Amortization % Rupees in 000 Computer software 69,069 22,193 91,262 60,264 14,508 74,772 16,490 50 ICICI Plant Assets Depreciation: 1) Building At cost as on March 31 of preceding year 20,496,202 Additions during the year 2,719,704 Deductions during the year (272,987) Depreciation to date (3,326,017) Net block 19,616,902 2) Furnitures, Fixtures Other Assets: At cost as on March 31 of preceding year 24,352,894 Additions during the year 5,588,730 Deductions during the year (603,577) Depreciation to date (15,836,691) Net block 13,501,356 3) Assets given on lease: At cost as on March 31 of preceding year 18,136,532 Additions during the year Deductions during the year (57,460) Depreciation to date, accumulated lease adjustment and provisions (10,108,355) Net block 7,970,717 Total Plant Assets 41,088,975 Depreciation Rate of Plant Assets: Asset Depreciation Rate Premises owned by the Bank 1.63% Improvements to leasehold premises 1.63% or over the lease period, whichever is higher ATMs 12.50% Plant and machinery like air conditioners, photo-copying machines, etc. 10.00% Computers 33.33% Card acceptance devices 12.50% Furniture and fixtures 15.00% Motor vehicles 20.00% Others (including Software and system development expenses) 25.00% Intangible Assets Amortization: Intangible asset includes Software acquired by the bank. The movement in software as on March 31, 2008 is given below: At cost as on March 31st of preceding year 3,216.4 Additions during the year 1,235.4 Deductions during the year. (3.0) AMORTIZATION to date (2,847.4) Net block 1,601.4 Bank of America Plant Asset Depreciation: Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recognized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated lives range up to 40 years for buildings, up to 12 years for furniture and equipment, and the shorter of lease term or estimated useful life for leasehold improvements. Premises Equipment 12408 Less: Accumulated Depreciation (1168) Premises Equipment: Net 11240 Intangible Asset Amortization: At December 31, 2007, intangible assets included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet consist of purchased credit card relationship intangibles, core deposit intangibles, affinity relationships, and other intangibles that are amortized on an accelerated or straight-line basis over anticipated periods of benefit of up to 15 years. Intangible Asset 11972 Less: Amortization (1676) Intangible Asset: Net 10296 HSBC Plant Asset Depreciation: Freehold land and Buildings m Long leasehold land and buildings m Short leasehold land and buildings m Equipment, fixtures and fittings m Equipment on operating leases m Total m Cost or fair value At 1 January 2007 966 362 275 2657 3004 7264 Additions at cost 104 3 84 321 66 578 Acquisition of subsidiaries 49 1 50 Fair value adjustments 13 13 Disposals (257) (320) (12) (135) (65) (789) Transfers 4 (1) 3 Exchange translation differences 55 4 69 128 Other changes (6) 2 (9) (13) At 31 December 2007 924 45 357 2903 3005 7234 Accumulated Depreciation At 1 January 2007 (97) (27) (150) (1656) (926) (2856) Depreciation charge for the year (22) (3) (22) (281) (100) (428) Disposals 48 15 8 76 58 205 Transfers (2) (2) Impairment losses recognized Impairment losses reversed 6 6 Exchange translation differences (4) (2) (39) (45) Other changes (6) (1) 12 5 At 31 December 2007 (75) (15) (169) (1888) (968) (3115) Net book value at 31 December 2007 849 30 188 1015 2037 4119 Intangible Asset Amortization: Trade Names m Internally generated software m Purchased Software m Customer Relationships m Other m Total m Cost At 1 January 2007 13 675 58 244 17 1007 Additions 103 15 4 122 Disposals (2) (2) Exchange translation differences 2 9 7 69 128 Other changes 1 (40) (10) (49) At 31 December 2007 15 788 78 204 12 1097 Accumulated Amortization At 1 January 2007 (5) (441) (38) (73) (1) (588) Amortization charge for the year (1) (75) (12) (19) (1) (108) Impairment charge for the year (1) (1) Disposals 3 3 Exchange translation differences (1) (9) (4) (14) Other changes 40 40 At 31 December 2007 (7) (526) (51) (52) (2) (638) Net book value at 31 December 2007 8 262 27 152 10 459 BANK AL HABIB Current Liabilities: Bills payable 2,394,482 Borrowings 9,826,525 Deposits and other accounts 114,818,855 Sub-ordinated loans 2,848,080 Liabilities against assets subject to finance lease 642,369 Deferred tax liabilities 559,646 Mark-up / return / interest payable in local currency 520,700 Mark-up / return / interest payable in foreign currencies 101,408 Accrued expenses 56,056 Advance payments 128,751 Taxation (Provision less payments) 43,951 Unclaimed dividends 18,569 Special exporters accounts in foreign currencies 37,046 Unearned income 10,299 Others 424,699 Long Term Liabilities: Borrowing from SBP under Long term financing for export Orientated Projects: 1,452,489 Leasing: Leases where the Bank assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Assets subject to finance lease are accounted for by recording the assets and related liability. These are stated at lower of fair value and the present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of lease less accumulated depreciation. Financial charges are allocated over the period of lease term so as to provide a constant periodic rate of financial charge on the outstanding liability. Depreciation is charged on the basis similar to the owned assets. Adjustment for Financial charges on leased assets: 85,613 Payments of lease obligations: (404,847) Net investment in finance lease In Pakistan: 639, 85 Cost/Revalued Amount Depreciation As at 1Jan,07 Additions/ (Deletions)/ Adjustments As at 31Dec,07 As at 1Jan,07 Additions/ (Deletions)/ Adjustments As at 31Dec,07 Book Value Rate of Depreciation % Rupees in 000 Owned Leasehold land 927,994 807,132 1,735,126 1,735,126 Buildings on leasehold land 1,733,661 689,148 2,408,706 121,957 80,923 201,130 2,207,576 2.00-6.67 Improvements to leasehold buildings 102,050 81,476 178,434 5,315 7,115 12,165 166,269 5 ICICI Current Liabilities: I. Bills payable 29,007,972 II. Inter-office adjustments (net) 4,293,542 III. Interest accrued 25,968,705 IV. Unsecured redeemable / perpetual debentures / bonds [Subordinated debt included in Tier I and Tier II Capital] 207,501,787 V. Others a) Security deposits from clients 15,197,638 b) Sundry creditors 74,101,312 c) Received for disbursements under special program 2,034,281 d) Provision for standard assets 14,550,250 e) Other liabilities 56,298,340 Long-Term Liabilities: Borrowings in India: 109,832,187 Borrowings outside India: 546,652,151 Leasing: Lease income decreased by 8.8% to Rs. 2.17 billion in fiscal 2008 from Rs. 2.38 billion in fiscal 2007 primarily due to decrease in leased assets to Rs. 7.97 billion at year-end fiscal 2008 compared to Rs. 10.03 billion at year-end fiscal 2007, since the Bank is not entering into new lease transactions. * Lease Income during 2008: 2.17 billion * Lease depreciation, net of lease equalization: 1.82 * Fixed Leased assets: 41.09 billion * Assets given on Lease: At cost as on March 31 of preceding year 18,136,532 Deductions during the year (57,460) Depreciation to date, accumulated lease adjustment and provisions (10,108,355) Net block 7,970,717 Bank of America Current Liabilities: Deposits in domestic offices: Noninterest-bearing 188,466 Interest-bearing 501,882 Deposits in foreign offices: Noninterest-bearing 3,761 Interest-bearing 111,068 Total deposits 805,177 Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase 221,435 Trading account liabilities 77,342 Derivative liabilities 22,423 Commercial paper and other short-term borrowings 191,089 Accrued expenses and other liabilities (includes $660 measured at fair value at December 31, 53,969 Long-Term Liabilities: Long-term debt: 197,508 Leasing: Leased Assets: 876,344 Allowance for leased assets: (11,588) Leased Assets, net of allowance: 864,756 HSBC Current Liabilities: Deposits by banks 48,786 Customer accounts 268,269 Items in the course of transmission to other banks 1,975 Trading liabilities 117,454 Financial liabilities designated at fair value 15,659 Derivatives 61,539 Debt securities in issue 50,921 Other liabilities 6,843 Current tax liabilities 467 Accruals and deferred income 6,509 Provisions 427 Deferred tax liabilities 302 Subordinated liabilities 5,205 Long Term Liabilities: Retirement benefit liabilities 674 Liabilities under insurance contracts issued 12,251 Leasing: The groups freehold and long leasehold properties were valued in 2007. The value of these properties was 284 million in excess of their carrying amount in the consolidated balance sheet. When the group is a lessor under finance leases the amounts due under the leases, after deduction of unearned charges, are included in Loans and advances to banks or Loans and advances to customers as appropriate. When the group is a lessee under finance leases the leased assets are capitalized and included in Property, plant and equipment and the corresponding liability to the lessor is included in Other liabilities. * Large Leasehold Land Buildings: 45 m * Short Leasehold Land Buildings: 357 m * Equipment on Operating Leases: 3005 m BANK AL HABIB Cash Flow from Operating Activities Profit before taxation 3,052,227 Dividend income (31,321) 3020906 Adjustments for: Depreciation 338,707 Amortisation 52,587 Provision against non-performing loans and advances 92,687 Provision for diminution in the value of investment 579 Gain on disposal of operating fixed assets (20,453) Financial charges on leased assets 85,613 Charge for compensated absences 54,102 603822 3624728 Decrease / (Increase) in Operating Assets: Lendings to financial institutions 2,466,371 Advances (8,521,106) Other assets (excluding advance taxation) (333,771) (6,388,506) Increase / (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities Bills Payable 1003869 Borrowings (962,029) Deposits 23,398,892 Other Liabilities 759,485 24,200,217 21,436,439 Income tax paid (1,369,870) Net cash flows from operating activities 20,066,569 Cash Flow from Investing Activities Net investments (14,290,756) Dividend received 31,919 Investments in operating fixed assets (2,014,156) Sale proceeds of property and equipment disposed-off 28,404 Net cash flows from investing activities (16,244,589) Cash Flow from Financing Activities Sub-ordinated loans 760,160 Payments of lease obligations (404,847) Dividend paid (388,505) Exchange differences on translation of net investment in foreign branch 3,121 Net cash flows from financing activities (30,071) Increase in cash and cash equivalents 3,791,909 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 10,579,333 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 14,371,242 Cash Payments for operating Expenses: Decrease / (Increase) in Operating Assets: Lendings to financial institutions 2,466,371 Advances (8,521,106) Other assets (excluding advance taxation) (333,771) (6,388,506) Increase / (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities Bills Payable 1003869 Borrowings (962,029) Deposits 23,398,892 Other Liabilities 759,485 24,200,217 Relationship between Statement of Cash flows Balance sheet: On balance sheet: Cash and balances with treasury banks 13,766,500 Balances with other banks 604,742 Total 14,371,242 On Statement of Cash flows; Increase in cash and cash equivalents 3,791,909 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 10,579,333 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 14,371,242 ICICI Cash flow from operating activities Net profit before taxes 50,560,977 Adjustments for: Depreciation and amortization 7,711,011 Net (appreciation) / depreciation on investments 10,279,608 Provision in respect of non-performing assets (including prudential provision on standard assets) 27,009,924 Provision for contingencies others 1,413,354 Income from subsidiaries, joint ventures and consolidated entities (12,783,599) (Profit) / Loss on sale of fixed assets (656,069) 83,535,206 Adjustments for: (Increase) / decrease in investments (25,015,908) (Increase) / decrease in advances (320,850,355) Increase / (decrease) in borrowings 43,122,293 Increase / (decrease) in deposits 126,079,339 (Increase) / decrease in other assets (27,149,533) Increase / (decrease) in other liabilities and provisions 22,330,716 (181,483,448) Refund / (payment) of direct taxes (18,363,292) Net cash generated from operating activities (116,311,534) Cash flow from investing activities Investments in subsidiaries and/or joint ventures (44,379,917) Income from subsidiaries, joint ventures and consolidated entities 12,783,799 Purchase of fixed assets (9,592,487) Proceeds from sale of fixed assets 1,064,035 (Purchase) / sale of held to maturity securities (135,486,579) Net cash generated from investing activities (175,611,149) Cash flow from financing activities Proceeds from issue of share capital (including ESOPs) net of issue expenses 197,897,060 Net proceeds / (repayment) of bonds (including subordinated debt) 112,316,167 Dividend and dividend tax paid (10,565,000) Net cash generated from financing activities 299,648,227 Effect of exchange fluctuation on translation reserve (890,065) Net cash and cash equivalents taken over from Sangli Bank Limited on amalgamation 2,362,563 Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 9,198,042 Cash and cash equivalents as at April 1 371,213,247 Cash and cash equivalents as at March 31 380,411,289 Relationship between Statement of Cash flows Balance sheet: On balance sheet: Cash and balances with Reserve Bank of India 293,775,337 Balances with other banks 86,635,952 Total 380,411,289 On Statement of Cash Flow: Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 9,198,042 Cash and cash equivalents as at April 1 371,213,247 Cash and cash equivalents as at March 31 380,411,289 Bank of America Operating activities Net income $ 14,982 Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Provision for credit losses 8,385 (Gains) losses on sales of debt securities (180) Depreciation and premises improvements amortization 1,168 Amortization of intangibles 1,676 Deferred income tax (benefit) expense (753) Net increase in trading and derivative instruments (8,108) Net increase in other assets (15,855) Net increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities 4,190 Other operating activities, net 5,531 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 11,036 Investing activities Net (increase) decrease in time deposits placed and other short-term investments 2,191 Net (increase) decrease in federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell 6,294 Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale debt securities 28,107 Proceeds from paydowns and maturities of available-for-sale debt securities 19,233 Purchases of available-for-sale debt securities (28,016) Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity debt securities 630 Purchases of held-to-maturity debt securities (314) Proceeds from sales of loans and leases 57,875 Other changes in loans and leases, net (177,665) Net purchases of premises and equipment (2,143) Proceeds from sales of foreclosed properties 104 (Acquisition) divestiture of business activities, net (19,816) Other investing activities, net 5,040 Net cash used in investing activities (108,480) Financing activities Net increase in deposits 45,368 Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (1,448) Net increase in commercial paper and other short-term borrowings 32,840 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 67,370 Retirement of long-term debt (28,942) Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock 1,558 Redemption of preferred stock (270) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,118 Common stock repurchased (3,790) Cash dividends paid (10,878) Excess tax benefits of share-based payments 254 Other financing activities, net (38) Net cash provided by financing activities 103,412 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 134 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 6,102 Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 36,429 Cash and cash equivalents at December 31 42,531 Relationship between Statement of Cash flows Balance sheet: On balance sheet: Cash Cash Equivalents 42531 On Statement of Cash Flows: Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 6,102 Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 36,429 Cash and cash equivalents at December 31 42,531 HSBC Cash flows from operating activities Profit before tax 4,081 Adjustments for: non-cash items included in profit before tax 2,023 change in operating assets (56,617) change in operating liabilities 83,551 elimination of exchange differences (1,792) net gain from investing activities (552) share of (profits)/ losses in associates and joint ventures (47) distributions from/ (to) associates 7 contributions paid for defined benefit pension schemes 548 tax paid (872) Net cash from operating activities 30,330 Cash flows used in investing activities Purchase of financial investments (71,980) Proceeds from the sale of financial investments 43,217 Purchase of property, plant and equipment (578) Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment 67 Purchase of goodwill and intangible assets (123) Net cash outflow from acquisition of and increase in stake of subsidiaries 9 Net cash outflow from acquisition of and increase in stake of associates (118) Proceeds from disposal of associates 982 Purchases of HSBC Holdings plc shares to satisfy share based payment transactions 182 Net cash used in investing activities (28,342) Cash flows used in financing activities Issue of share capital 1,510 Subordinated loan capital issued 59 Subordinated loan capital repaid 10 Dividends paid to shareholders (1,706) Dividends paid to minority interests (7) Net cash used in financing activities (134) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,854 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 46,721 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 2,660 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 51,235 Relationship between Statement of Cash flows Balance sheet: On balance sheet: Cash and balances at central banks 7,146 Items in the course of collection from other banks 2,434 Loans and advances to banks of one month or less 37,751 Treasury bills, other bills and certificates of deposit less than three months 5,879 Less: items in the course of transmission to other banks (1,975) Total cash and cash equivalents 51,235 On Statement of Cash Flows: Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,854 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 46,721 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 2,660 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 51,235 Annexure * https://www.bankalhabib.com/financialReport.php * https://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/71/71595/reports/2007_AR/index.html * https://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/about/financial-reports;jsessionid=0000FBt0LmZBzwcy4AXTKWr0BPP:12ntf1ep0 * https://www.icicibank.com/pfsuser/aboutus/investorelations/annualreport/icicibank/annualreport.htm * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_AL_Habib * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICICI * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_america * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HSBC * https://www.bankofamerica.com/index.jsp

Saturday, May 23, 2020

An Analysis Of Mike Norton Hits Spot On Beethoven s...

â€Å"Beethoven said that it’s better to hit the wrong note confidentially than hit the right note unconfidently. Never be afraid to be wrong or to embarrass yourself; we are all students in this life, and there is always something more to learn.† – Mike Norton. This quote by Mike Norton hits spot on Beethoven’s character and his person in general. Unlike other musicians of his time, Beethoven had several unique characteristics about his compositions. In his time, he was called a revolutionary. In his later years, Beethoven became deaf and could not always verbally show his emotion, he portrayed his feelings in his music. Although considering the matters of religion and thoroughbass cut and dry, his study of aesthetics was something that he could create something of his own. Throughout several of his Sonata’s and compositions, he holds a darker style of music that shocked and disturbed rather than calmed like the traditional music in the 18th centur y. Much like his appearance, his contemporaries perceived his compositions as wild, bizarre and crazy. The pieces were more complicated than pieces that were being written in that time period, and Beethoven claimed he was writing them for the future. In one of his final pieces, Piano Sonata, Op. 111, he â€Å"shows his radical approach to form and his revolutionary brilliance stands out in every movement of his five Late Quartets, simply the greatest body of music ever composed† (Woods). He went against the grain of the musical society in

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Mechanicals in A Midsummer Nights Dream by William...

Mechanicals in A Midsummer Nights Dream by William Shakespeare The mechanicals consist of Peter Quince (a carpenter), Snug (a joiner), Nick Bottom (a weaver), Francis Flute (a bellows-mender), Tom Snout (a tinker) and Robin Starveling (a tailor). We first come across the mechanicals as they stumble into the woods to rehearse their play, for the Royal Wedding of Helena and Demetrius, and, Hermia and Lysander. This is when we realise that they are not very intelligent or well spoken, You were best to call them generally. Bottom uses the wrong word, he means severally or individually instead of generally. Shakespeare uses the mechanicals to provide comedy in the play and to make†¦show more content†¦They also show their naivety by looking in the almanac to find out if the moon will shine on the night of their play, in the commentary it says that the Almanacs were noted for containing foolish astrological forecasts. When Bottom is turned into an ass and Titania falls in love with him, the fairies try to do everything they can to keep him happy. Bottom enjoys this and calls them monsieur and signoir as if he was talking to a superior. The way they prepare for the play isnt very professional; let not him that plays the lion pare his nails. For they shall hang out for theShow MoreRelatedA Midsummer Nights Dream Essay1482 Words   |  6 PagesA Midsummer Night’s Dream: by William Shakespeare William Shakespeare was born in April 1564. He had married at the age of eighteen to a twenty-six year old woman named Anne Hathaway in 1582. He had a daughter named Susanna and twins, Judith and Hamnet. Hamnet, his only son, died at age eleven. Shakespeare died in April 1616. Despite the fact that Shakespeare wrote some thirty-seven plays, owned part of his theatrical company, acted in plays, and retired a relatively wealthy man in the cityRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s A Midsummer Night s Dream1474 Words   |  6 Pagesinstance, one could look at the movies A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Shakespeare in Love. The latter follows the life of William Shakespeare himself, everything from his love affair with Viola de Lesseps to his creation of Romeo and Juliet. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is one of the most famous plays of Shakespeare’s, revolving around the tumultuous relationships of four lovers, aided, and sometimes thwarted by the mischief of fairies. Althou gh Shakespeare in Love outlines a few of the characteristicsRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s A Midsummer Night s Dream830 Words   |  4 PagesWilliam Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream weaves stories of social ranks in the commedia dell’arte and some of its easily recognized stock characters. Shakespeare uses commedia dell’arte characters in A Midsummer Night’s Dream to capture our imagination and amuse us. Commedia dell’arte includes three classes of characters in its performances. These characters are the vecchi, innamorati, and the zanni (McCarter.org). The vecchi are usually the nobility or masters. The vecchi in A MidsummerRead MoreWaning Of Shakespeare s A Midsummer Night s Dream1465 Words   |  6 PagesMoon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream Before the birth of William Shakespeare as a playwright, no craftsman could skillfully create a world composed of contradictions so shocking, yet profoundly insightful to the human condition. Shakespeare accomplishes the impossible by bringing many contradictory elements into his play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a comedy on the verge of tragedy. In this play, many of his characters allude to the moon through the use of repetitive metaphors. Shakespeare specificallyRead More William Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream Essay1591 Words   |  7 PagesWilliam Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream In William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, there are endless images of water and the moon. Both images lend themselves to a feeling of femininity and calm. In classical mythology, the image of water is often linked with Aphrodite, goddess of passion and love. Born of the foam of the sea, Aphrodite was revered as an unfaithful wife to her husband Hephaestus (Grant 36). This may have a direct coloration to the unfaithful nature of theRead MoreA Midsummer Night s Dream By William Shakespeare1456 Words   |  6 PagesBefore the birth of William Shakespeare as a playwright, no craftsman could skillfully create a world composed of contradictions so shocking, yet profoundly insightful to the human condition. Shakespeare accomplishes the impossible by bringing many contradictory elements into his play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a comedy on the verge of tragedy. In this play, many of his characters allude to the moon through the use of repetitive metaphor s. Shakespeare specifically compares the moon to time asRead MoreEssay about William Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream1283 Words   |  6 PagesWilliam Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream Shakespeare, in his A Midsummer Night’s Dream, uses his characters to cast a sense of derision over the use of the imagination. â€Å"The lunatic, the lover and the poet† are thrown together all on one line, and it is implied that the latter two are as crazy as the first. (Midsummer Night’s Dream, V.1.7) Despite this seeming scorn for plays and their ilk, Shakespeare is implementing a strong irony. Characters who scorn the imagination are no moreRead MoreShakespeare’s Use of Love Quarrels to Reach a Comedic Climax in A Midsummer Night’s Dream1668 Words   |  7 Pagescan be a great source of confusion and sorrow, but it is nevertheless probably the most powerful feeling a human being can experience. In Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lysander says that â€Å"the course of true love never did run smooth† (Shakespeare 1.1.134), which is seen in the quarrels between the couples throughout the play. Shakespeare makes use c hiefly of the fairies’ supernatural powers to settle the love conflicts and portrays the irrationality in love of the characters, thereby creatingRead MoreA Comparison of the Great Gatsby and the Virgin Suicides1553 Words   |  7 Pageslike a soldier, walk, talk and behave like a soldier ¡Ã‚ ¨. This was the acting style. „h It is believed that A Midsummer Nights was first performed between 1595 and 1596. In the Elizabethan era there was a huge demand for new entertainment and A Midsummer Nights Dream would have been produced immediately following the completion of the play. There is a myth that A Midsummer Nights Dream was first performed for a private audience after an actual wedding had taken place. The structure of the playRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s A Midsummer Night s Dream Essay2005 Words   |  9 PagesIn William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare crafts a play with three very different viewpoints that can be interpreted in many ways, some with obvious interpretations and other with much less obvious ones. Shakespeare also ends A midsummer Night’s Dream, with an apology that is just as less obvious as some of the play’s interpretation. Yet, If a person looks past the obvious interpretations of the play, one can begin to piece together the p ossible message, that mortals no matter

Cultural Prohibition of Food in Two Societies Free Essays

Many people of different cultures and religions define themselves not only by what their religious beliefs are but also by what food they eat and the different ways in which they prepare it (Campo 2009). Food is one important factor of everyday life that brings people together and links people to the natural and sacred worlds (Campo 2009). Since the beginning of time dietary practices have been incorporated into the religious practices of different people around the globe. We will write a custom essay sample on Cultural Prohibition of Food in Two Societies or any similar topic only for you Order Now Some religious sects abstain, or are forbidden from consuming certain food and drink. Others restrict food and drink in their holy days, while some associate dietary and food preparation practices with rituals of the faith (Waibel 2004). These dietary practices are known as the cultural prohibition of food. In this essay I will discuss the Islamic dietary laws and the Hindu dietary requirements that are practiced around the world. The Muslim cultural prohibition of food plays a very significant role in the lives of Muslims around the world . The Islamic dietary laws are a matter of both social custom and religion (Campo 2009). In Islamic dietary laws, foods are categorized into different groups. These groups include those that are lawful (HALAL), those that are forbidden (HARAM) and those that are pure (tahir, tayibb) and those that are impure (rajis, najis). These divisions of what foods are lawful-pure and what foods are forbidden-impure are based on the QURAN and HADITH, the Islamic sources of revelation (Campo 2009). The Quran instructs people to eat only lawful and good things from the earth and not to â€Å"follow in Satan’s footsteps† (Q 2:168). The most general statement in the Quran about food is one that was intended for â€Å"children of Adam†: â€Å"Eat and drink, but do not be wasteful, for god does not like wasteful people† (Q 7:31) (Campo 2009). It is clear from both of these verses that ethics plays a major role in the practicing of the Islamic dietary laws. The Quran also identifies specific foods that God has provided for people to eat. These include the following; dates, grapes, olives, pomegranates, grains and the flesh of domestic sheep, goats, cattle and camels (Q 6:99, 141-145; 80:25 -32) (Campo 2009). Muslims can only consume meat where the animal has been slaughtered or sacrificed in accordance to specific rules: â€Å"The name of God (BASMALA) must be invoked (Q 6:118, 121), and a deep incision with a sharp knife must be made across the throat. Most seafood can be eaten (Q 5:96; 16:14), as well as hunted animals as long as the name of God has been pronounced when the hunting weapon is discharged (Q 5:4)† (Campo 2009). The Quran also forbids believing Muslims from eating carrion (Meat from unsacrificed dead things), spilt blood, pork and food that has been offered to idols rather then God (Q 5:3; 6:145). Other forbidden food such as the flesh of predators (animals with fangs or talons) is also included in the HADITH. The Muslim jurists consider meat from an animal that has not been correctly slaughtered as carrion (inedible). This includes animals that have been beaten to death, strangled, killed by a fall, or gored to death (Q 5:3). Wine is also prohibited along with other intoxicating substances. All of these forbidden foods and substances are said to be impure and can prevent Muslims from fulfilling their religious duties unless removed or avoided. Sometimes exceptions can be made when the situation is dire (Campo 2009). Specific dietary rules can also apply when it comes to worshipping and other activities in Muslim life. Prayer, fasting during Ramadan, Almsgiving, and the Hajj all involve restrictions and procedures concerning food that people are meant to abide by (Campo 2009). The offering of food is considered an important act of charity, but the food that is offered cannot be forbidden. Rules of etiquette are also recommended for special occasions involving hospitality and feasting as well as ordinary meals (Campo 2009). Hindu dietary requirements, like those of the Islamic dietary laws play a major role into the lives of many Hindus around the world. According to Arjun Appadurai â€Å" The density, scope and taxonomic complexity of Hindu symbolic thought in regard to food is difficult to capture in a brief space† (Appadural 1981). A love of nature and the importance of living a simple, natural life are the basis of Hinduism, which is a faith that originated in India (ElGindy 2010). The Hindu faith promotes a vegetarian lifestyle and encompasses a number of health beliefs and dietary practices. These practices arise from the idea of living in harmony with nature and having mercy and respect for all of God’s creations (ElGindy 2010). Devout Hindu’s believe that all of God’s creations including both humans and animals are worthy of respect and compassion. Therefore Hinduism promotes a vegetarian lifestyle with avoidance of eating animal meat or flesh (ElGindy 2010). However some Hindu’s choose not to practice vegetarianism and may adhere to the Hindu dietary codes in different degrees of strictness. For example, some Hindu’s avoid eating beef and pork (which are strictly prohibited in the Hindu diet code, especially beef because cows occupy a special place in the Hindu religion), but will eat all other meats (ElGindy 2010). Hindu’s believe that food affects both the body and the mind and a proper diet is considered to be vital for spiritual development in Hinduism. The Hindu diet code divides food into three separate categories, based on the foods effect on the body and the temperament (ElGindy 2010). The first is known as Tamasic food. This is food that is leftover, stale, overripe, spoiled or other impure food, which is believed to produce negative emotions such as jealousy, anger and greed. The second is known as Rejasic food. This is food that is believed to produce strong emotional qualities, passions and restlessness in the mind. The food in this category includes eggs, meat, fish, garlic, onions, spices, hot peppers, pickles and other pungent spicy foods. The last is known as Satvic food. This is the most desirable food and is food that is non-irritating to the stomach and purifying to the mind. The foods in this category include fruits, nuts, whole grains and vegetables. These foods are believed to produce calmness and nobility (ElGindy 2010). Hindu’s believe that for true service to God, purity of food is necessary to maintain the desirable state of mind that leads to enlightenment† (ElGindy 2010). Food is consumed to achieve mind/body equilibrium and good pure food promotes a peaceful – non agitated-mind. â€Å"Sin or an agitated state of mind, prevents the journey to moksha (divine supreme knowledge, which leads to freedom from the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth† (ElGindy 2010). Religion is the major factor when it comes to the prohibition of food around the world. Both the Muslim culture and the Hindu culture promote Holiness and pure lives through the prohibition of certain foods. A question of ethics arises from the practicing of such laws in both cultures. They also promote kindness and charity among people. There are many similarities between the two cultures in both the way they live their lives and the way in which they consume food according to their dietary laws and requirements. One major similarity is that both cultures categorize foods into groups, with certain foods being classified as being either pure or impure. Another similarity then arises from this as there are similar foods that are classified as pure, good foods to eat in both societies ,for example fruits and grains. Both cultures have specific foods that are forbidden, such as, meat that has not been slaughtered in accordance with specific rules for Muslims and Stale, leftover, overripe and spoiled food for Hindu’s. The main similarity between the two cultures is that they both strive to live pure, spiritual lives through the practicing of their dietary laws. For both cultures, if they do not abide by their dietary laws they cannot live fulfilled religious lives. As well as many similarities between the two cultures of Muslim and Hindu, there are also a few differences between the way in which they live their lives and dietary laws that they follow. One of the main differences between them is that Muslims can eat meat, as long as the animal has been slaughtered in the correct way, whereas Hindu’s promote a vegetarian lifestyle because they believe that all of God’s creations are equal. Although some Hindu’s may choose to eat meat (apart from beef and pork), depending on the level of strictness in which they follow their dietary laws. Another difference is that Islamic dietary laws are a matter of social custom and religion. Special etiquette is required at social gatherings such as feasts, as well as ordinary meals, for example, â€Å"pronouncing the basmala, taking food and drink with the right hand and not reclining while eating† (Campo 2009). Another difference between Muslims and Hindus is that Hindus believe that food is good for both the body and the mind. They believe that certain foods can create different emotions when consumed. For example, they believe that impure food can make someone angry, jealous and greedy (ElGindy 2010). The cultural prohibition of food in both the Muslim society and the Hindu society is a very strong element in the religious lives of those who practice these faiths. Firstly I would like to point out that ethics appear to be a major influencer into the practicing of dietary laws and codes in these religions. This is because people of both religions strive to live a fulfilled spiritual life, which they cannot have if they eat foods, which are not considered as being pure. This brings me to my next point, which is, both Muslims and Hindu’s classify foods into groups based on whether the food is pure or impure. In both societies people want to eat pure food and avoid impure food so that they can live a pure life. Certain rituals and rules apply to both cultures when it comes to how food is prepared before it is consumed. Sometimes in both cultures exceptions can be made to these laws in dire circumstances. In conclusion the cultural prohibition of food in the Muslim society and the Hindu society helps people to reach religious equilibrium, which is something that all people who practice the faith strive to achieve. From the research that I have conducted into the study of the prohibition of food I have found that both the Muslim faith and the Hindu faith follow similar morals and belief systems and place significant importance on the key ideas of holiness, pure, impure, kindness, generosity, equality and charity. How to cite Cultural Prohibition of Food in Two Societies, Essays

Sleeping and Dreaming Essay Example For Students

Sleeping and Dreaming Essay Sleeping And DreamingDespite the large amount of time we spend asleep, surprisingly little is actually known about sleeping and dreaming. Much has been imagined, however. Over history, sleep has been conceived as the space of the soul, as a state of absence akin to death, as a virtual or alternate reality, and more recently, as a form of (sub)consciousness in which memories are built and erased. The significance attributed to dreams has varied widely as well. The Ancient Greeks had surprise dream encounters with their gods. Native Americans turned to their dreams for guidance in life. Shamans dreamed in order to gather information from the spirits. Sleep and dreams have defined eras, cultures, and individuals. Sigmund Freuds interpretation of dreams revolutionized twentieth-century thought. Historical archives record famous short sleepers and notable insomniacssome accounts reliable, some not. When Benjamin Franklin counseled, Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy , and wise, he was using sleep habits to symbolize his pragmatism. Important public policy issues have arisen in our modern 24-hour society, where it is crucial to weigh the value of sleep versus wakefulness. Scientific knowledge about sleep is currently insufficient to resolve the political and academic debates raging about how much and when people should sleep. These issues affect almost everybody, from the shift worker to the international traveler, from the physician to the policy maker, from the anthropologist to the student preparing for an exam. In 2004-2005, the Penn Humanities Forum will focus on the topic of Sleep and Dreams. Proposals are invited from researchers in all humanistic fields concerned with representations of sleep, metaphors used to describe sleep, and sleep as a metaphor in itself. In addition, we solicit applications from those who study dreams, visions, and nightmares in art or in life, and the approaches taken to their interpretation. We also welcome proposals about the effects of dreaming on the dreamer, and the resulting emotions, behaviors, and actions taken or foregone in response to dreams. In this Forum on Sleep and Dreams, we will see how the diversity of academic disciplines can help to answer important questions about sleep and dreamingquestions that may touch the basis of human intellect. The Forum is fortunate in having an expert on the psychophysiology of sleep and dreaming, Hans Van Dongen, as the Topic Director for 2004-2005. His knowledge of advances in biomedical sleep research (which is vibrant at Penn) will complement the Mellon Fellows cultural and historical perspectives on the subject arising from books, paintings, sculptures, movies, music, and other forms of culture. According to Professor Van Dongen, the functions of sleep and dreams are still largely unclear to scientists. Whereas artists and humanists have long been concerned with sleep and dream states, the sciences mostly ignored it until the discovery was made that there is brain activity during sleep. It has now been documented that sleep is a necessity for health, for well-being, for the ability to think clearlythat is, for the overall quality of wakefulness. While much is known about the neurobiological underpinnings of sleep and dreams, however, the reasons behind these processes are still a mystery, and the question what are sleeping and dreaming for? awaits definitive answers. Under the circumstances, humanists have much to offer, not only to each other but to science as well, for the understanding of this fundamental aspect of life. Myths and Facts about sleeping :1. Snoring is a common problem, especially among men, but it isnt harmful. Although snoring may be harmless for most people, it can be a symptom of a life threatening sleep disorder called sleep apnea, especially if it is accompanied by severe daytime sleepiness. Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing that prevent air from flowing into or out of a sleeping persons airways. People with sleep apnea awaken frequently during the night gasping for breath. The breathing pauses reduce blood oxygen levels, can strain the heart and cardiovascular system, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Snoring on a frequent or regular basis has been directly associated with hypertension. Obesity and a large neck can contribute to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can be treated; men and women who snore loudly, especially if pauses in the snoring are noted, should consult a physician. 2. You can cheat on the amount of sleep you get. Sleep experts say most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night for optimum performance, health and safety. When we dont get adequate sleep, we accumulate a sleep debt that can be difficult to pay back if it becomes too big. The resulting sleep deprivation has been linked to health problems such as obesity and high blood pressure, negative mood and behavior, decreased productivity, and safety issues in the home, on the job, and on the road. 3. Turning up the radio, opening the window, or turning on the air conditioner are effective ways to stay awake when driving. These aids are ineffective and can be dangerous to the person who is driving while feeling drowsy or sleepy. If youre feeling tired while driving, the best thing to do is to pull off the road in a safe rest area and take a nap for 15-45 minutes. Caffeinated beverages can help overcome drowsiness for a short period of time. However, it takes about 30 minutes before the effects are felt. The best prevention for drowsy driving is a good nights sleep the night before your trip. 4. Teens who fall asleep in class have bad habits and/or are lazy. According to sleep experts, teens need at least 8.5 9.25 hours of sleep each night, compared to an average of seven to nine hours each night for most adults. Their internal biological clocks also keep them awake later in the evening and keep them sleeping later in the morning. However, many schools begin classes early in the morning, when a teenagers body wants to be asleep. As a result, many teens come to school too sleepy to learn, through no fault of their own. 5. Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep. Difficulty falling asleep is but one of four symptoms generally associated with insomnia. The others include waking up too early and not being able to fall back asleep, frequent awakenings, and waking up feeling unrefreshed. Insomnia can be a symptom of a sleep disorder or other medical or psychological/psychiatric problem, and can often be treated. According to the National Sleep Foundations 2002 Sleep in America poll, 58 percent of adults in this country reported at least one symptom of insomnia in the past year. When insomnia symptoms occur more than a few times a week and impact a persons daytime functions, the symptoms should be discussed with a doctor or other health care provider. 6. Daytime sleepiness always means a person isnt getting enough sleep. Excessive daytime sleepiness is a condition in which an individual feels very drowsy during the day and has an urge to fall asleep when he/she should be fully alert and awake. The condition, which can occur even after getting enough nighttime sleep, can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or sleep disorder such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea. These problems can often be treated, and symptoms should be discussed with a physician. Daytime sleepiness can be dangerous and puts a person at risk for drowsy driving, injury, and illness and can impair mental abilities, emotions, and performance. 7. Health problems such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and depression are unrelated to the amount and quality of a persons sleep. Studies have found a relationship between the quantity and quality of ones sleep and many health problems. For example, insufficient sleep affects growth hormone secretion that is linked to obesity; as the amount of hormone secretion decreases, the chance for weight gain increases. Blood pressure usually falls during the sleep cycle, however, interrupted sleep can adversely affect this normal decline, leading to hypertension and cardiovascular problems. Research has also shown that insufficient sleep impairs the bodys ability to use insulin, which can lead to the onset of diabetes. More and more scientific studies are showing correlations between poor and insufficient sleep and disease. 8. The older you get, the fewer hours of sleep you need. Sleep experts recommend a range of seven to nine hours of sleep for the average adult. While sleep patterns change as we age, the amount of sleep we need generally does not. Older people may wake more frequently through the night and may actually get less nighttime sleep, but their sleep need is no less than younger adults. Because they may sleep less during the night, older people tend to sleep more during the day. Naps planned as part of a regular daily routine can be useful in promoting wakefulness after the person awakens. 9. During sleep, your brain rests. The body rests during sleep, however, the brain remains active, gets recharged, and still controls many body functions including breathing. When we sleep, we typically drift between two sleep states, REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM, in 90-minute cycles. Non-REM sleep has four stages with distinct features, ranging from stage one drowsiness, when one can be easily awakened, to deep sleep stages three and four, when awakenings are more difficult and where the most positive and restorative effects of sleep occur. However, even in the deepest non-REM sleep, our minds can still process information. REM sleep is an active sleep where dreams occur, breathing and heart rate increase and become irregular, muscles relax and eyes move back and forth under the eyelids. 10. If you wake up in the middle of the night, it is best to lie in bed, count sheep, or toss and turn until you eventually fall back asleep. Rap As Art EssayWaking up in the middle of the night and not being able to go back to sleep is a symptom of insomnia. Relaxing imagery or thoughts may help to induce sleep more than counting sheep, which some research suggests may be more distracting than relaxing. Whichever technique is used, most experts agree that if you do not fall back asleep within 15-20 minutes, you should get out of bed, go to another room and engage in a relaxing activity such as listening to music or reading. Return to bed when you feel sleepy. Avoid watching the clock. Dreaming and The Stages of Sleeping. One sleep cycle comprises of four stages and last for about 90-120 minutes. Dreams can occur in any of the four stages of sleep but the most vivid and memorable dreams occur in the last stage of sleep (also commonly referred to as REM sleep). The sleep cycle repeats itself about an average of four to five times per night, but may repeat as many as seven times. Thus, you can see how a person can have several different dreams in one night. Most people, however, only remember dreams that occur closer toward the morning when they are about to get up. But just because you cant remember those dreams does not mean that they never happened. Some people swear on the fact that they simply do not dream when in reality, they just dont remember their dreams. The Stages Of SleepSome text lists four stages of sleep, while others say there are five stages. Some consider the first five-ten minutes when you are falling asleep as a stage in the sleep cycle. We think that it is more of a transitional ph ase. While the other stages of sleep repeat themselves throughout the night, this phase of sleep does not. For this reason, we have excluded it as part of the sleep cycle. Stage 1: In this stage of sleep, your eyes move back and forth erratically. Often called REM sleep, this stage occurs at about 90-100 minutes after the onset of sleep. Your blood pressure rises and heart rate and respiration speeds up and becomes erratic. Your voluntary muscle are paralyzed. This stage may also be referred to as delta sleep and is the most restorative part of sleep. This is also where the majority of your dreaming occurs. Stage 2: You are entering into light sleep. This stage is characterized by Non-rapid eye movements (NREM), muscle relaxation and slowed heart rate. The body is preparing to enter into deep sleep. Stage 3 and 4: Also characterized by NREM, these two stages involves periods of deep sleep with Stage 4 being more intense than Stage 3. Your body temperature drops and muscles relaxes. You are completely asleep. These stages repeat themselves throughout a nights sleep . Here are some myths about dreaming. 1) Being chased or attackedMore than 80 percent of people dream theyre being pursued or attacked, although who or what is attacking or doing the pursing varies from place to place. These dreams are a natural response to life stress, Garfield says. The origin of this dream dates back to an era when humans fought off beasts or other tribal members to survive. The monsters of today more often are emotional beasts, she says fear, anxiety, anger, hatred and envy. Flip side: Being embraced or loved. These dreams also have early biological roots. Theyre driven by our genes to mate and produce children and include the sex dreams. Both men and women, its been documented in research, experience sexual arousal during REM sleep. These dreams can supply the desired missing elements in an unsatisfying marriage, or heighten during an intense love affair. 2) Being injured, ill or dyingOne myth about dreaming is that if you die in your dream, you die in life. Thats not true, of course, but dream dea ths do occur. They involve deaths of famous people, your parents or children, a lover and even yourself. Garfield believes that when you dream about an accidental death of any person, that persons death symbolizes something in you that is no longer functioning. One of the more common scenarios under this theme is of teeth falling out or crumbling. This might have a physical origin in people gritting or grinding teeth during sleep. Freud suggested that dreams of teeth falling out are related to fears of castration, but women have this dream as often as men, Garfield says. She believes the tooth troubles in dreams are related to anger, with a dreamer acting out the clenching of his teeth. Other psychologists believe the dream reflects anxiety about appearance and how others perceive you. Flip side: Being healed, born or reborn Rare, but good, this dream often accompanies a new start, a new job or first day of school. Sometimes dreaming of rebirth represents your hopes for a loved one who has died. 3) Car or other vehicle trouble Fairly common nightmare among all people and ages, whether or not the dreamers actually drive. Sometimes they have problems with an aircraft theyre flying. May occur when the dreamer feels events in waking life are out of control. Flip side: Vehicular pleasure When your time in a car or another vehicle is delightful. This can represent freedom, or moving in the direction of your choice. 4) House or property loss or damageIn these dreams, your house is damaged or destroyed by fire, water or other causes. These dreams may surface because you feel that some valuable aspect of waking life is at risk, she says. Dreams about losing a wallet, watch or cherished piece of jewelry, such as a wedding ring, also fall into this category. Meanings vary depending on what is lost or damaged. Biologically, they may reflect a basic need to defend your territory. Flip side: House or property improvement You may discover new rooms in your home or dream abou t repairs or improvements. These dreams may occur when you feel that some valuable aspect of waking life is improving. 5) Poor test or other poor performanceYouve probably dreamed of arriving for a test and found the exam has already started. Or you search fruitlessly for the room. This is a common nightmare and can occur years after youve faced the SAT. Garfield says it usually occurs when you feel you are somehow being tested in waking life. People continually face situations that challenge their capacity to perform well. This stems from the innate feeling that we need to achieve or compete. Some psychologists think the dreams can denote anxiety about sexual performance. Flip side: Great test or other fine performance This may occur when the dreamer feels that she is doing well in waking life. Not limited to exams, the dreamer may envision doing precise spins on the ice or catching a touchdown pass. Sometimes people master certain activities after theyve successfully performed the m in their dream. 6) Falling or drowning Falling is one of the most common nightmares among people of all ages, and may be a reflection of feeling insecure, helpless or of having no support or solid grounding. Some people may actually fall from their beds during this dream. Dreaming about drowning is less frequent, and often occurs when a person feels overwhelmed. Both scenarios involve life-or-death situations and can be traced to prehistoric origins. Garfield says that dreams of falling reflect a time when our ancestors took risks when climbing trees. Falling dreams of modern day often take place from high buildings, elevators and rooftops. Likewise, dreams of drowning go to our inborn need to breathe for survival. People often awake to escape the danger in the dreams. A persons age and medical circumstances can influence these dreams. Toddlers and young children, as well as older people, are prone to more falls in waking life. People with heart conditions that cause fluid buildup in the lungs or those with severe colds may dream of drowning. Flip side: Flying, swimming or dancing joyfully Have you had that feeling of zooming through the air, feeling free, unhindered? Flying often becomes a persons favorite dream. These can inspire the dreamer, lifting him to spiritual heights or filling him with creative notions. Pleasurable swimming may mean freely exploring your depths; dreams of dance may be a metaphor for moving freely through your life. 7) Being naked in public or inappropriately dressedThis is a common scenario that occurs at all ages, including with children. The dreams involve feelings of exposure and vulnerability, and often include an element of embarrassment or shame. Appearing partially nude is more common than being totally naked, Garfield says. Meanings vary depending on whether this occurs at school, at work, or on an open street, and depending on what part of the body is exposed. Wearing the wrong clothing also has various meanings. A bride being inappropriately dressed for her upcoming wedding, for example, could suggest second thoughts she has about the union. Flip side: Being well dressed Dreaming of being dapper or wearing a special outfit may suggest you feel good about your body or attractive, or feel good about your life. 8) Missing the boat or other transportYou rush to catch a departing bus, train, airplane or ship, only to have it leave without you. These leave you engulfed in an overwhelming feeling of frustration rather than fear. Garfield suggests that these dreams reflect feelings that you are missing out on something in waking life. Flip side: Pleasant travel Very infrequent dreams, but may arise when you feel content about how your life is going. 9) Machine or telephone malfunctionModerately common, and more frequent in women. These occur when you feel anxious about making an emotional connection or when you feel youre losing touch with someone. They can relate to mechanical difficulties with your body. Flip side: Smooth operation These usually occur when you feel there is an improvement in emotional connection. Garfield says many of the dreamers who participated in her study during bereavement reported dreams of clear connections with their deceased loved ones. Messages they received during the dreams helped them cope with their losses. 10) Natural or man-made disastersYoure confronted with overwhelming floods, tidal waves earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tornadoes, hurricanes, bombings or chemical warfare. These dreams may depict personal problems raging out of control. They can be among the most frightening dreams. People through the ages have sought to harness nature, which can help them survive but also destroy them. Flip side: Natural beauty, miracles or rituals Dreams of vibrant flowers, verdant hillsides or uplifting music can leave the dreamer rejuvenated. Color is intensified, with bright yellow-green most often mentioned by dreamers. This may illustrate new growth. Drea ms of natural beauty can inspire and invigorate. 11) Being lost or trappedIn these highly common dreams, youre lost and feeling desperate. You may be buried alive or locked in a cage. Or you dream of not being able to move; youre powerless to scream or breathe. These dreams may occur when you feel confusion or conflict about how to act in waking life. The images are influenced by biological roots and experience. Feeling trapped or paralyzed also mirrors what occurs to the large muscles of the body during normal REM sleep, when theyre paralyzed to prevent the body from acting out the dreams. Such dreams could reflect frustrations in waking life, such as feeling trapped in a relationship or a dead-end job. Flip side: Discovering new spaces You may open a door in your home to find a new room or find something new in the neighborhood. These dreams occur usually when you feel an aspect of your life if opening up. 12) Being menaced by the dead or a spiritYou feel you are being haunted or berated by someone who has died. There may be For example, there is evidence that we learn while we sleep. Experiments have associated intense periods of daytime learning with longer periods of sleep that night, and particularly with dreaming. People awakened repeatedly from their dreams dont retain much of what they learned the day before. We see changes in the brain that may be caused by sleep-related learning, Sutton said. He referred to studies done by him and others in which people sleep in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine that takes pictures of their brain activity. At the same time, electrodes on their scalp and eyelids record eye movements that indicate dreaming. You scan peoples brains before learning, then after sleep, Sutton explains. The images let you look at how the brain reorganizes itself. In other words, with the right technology it should be possible to see the brain learning. Suttons studies form part of a larger research effort in which computer models of the brain are tested by watching the brain at work, then using the resulting images to correct the models. We expect this technique will reveal not only what happens in our brains when we sleep and dream, but what brain abnormalities correlate with disorders such as Alzheimers disease, stroke, and depression. Sleep or Die No one knows all the purposes of sleeping and dreaming, although lack of sleep can be lethal. Sleep controls heat regulation and appetite. If youre cold and hungry, you wont dream much, if at all. Sleep-deprived rats do okay for a week or two, then their appetites increase dramatically. Even when they get all they want to eat, their weights decrease, their body temperatures become unstable, and they die. Humans deprived of sleep hallucinate and behave abnormally. Sleep rests the body but not the mind. MRI pictures show furious activity from the base of the brain to its wrinkled covering, the cortex, or thinking dome. One theory holds that this excitement involve s consolidation of information learned during the day. The process could include discarding what the brain considers junk mail, as well as making new connections between brain cells. Called unsupervised learning, the latter produces novel associations and thoughts. You often hear people say, It came to me in a dream. Sutton has watched the sleeping brains of about 15 people. During dreaming, he saw waves of activity starting in the brain stem, moving up through areas concerned with emotion and memory, then spreading over the cortex. Nerve cells in the brain stem drive sleeping and dreaming by altering the balance of chemicals used to send and receive messages in the brain. The changes quickly travel to other parts of your head. The amygdala, an almond-shaped gland responsible for emotion, goes ballistic during dreams, Sutton says. Nerve impulses also crackle in cerebral areas concerned with vision, memory, attention, and thought. All this activity is associated with anxiety, joy, an ger, sadness, guilt, eroticism, time distortion, bizarre scenes, sudden shifts in subject, and incongruities. Humans try to make sense of it all by constructing stories that string all these things together, albeit in wacky and weird ways. Sutton thinks such narratives may just be side effects of chemical changes that represent the real purposes of this nervous activity, such as learning and consolidating memories. Sleep deprivation impairs learning in humans and animals, Sutton says. Not just learning after sleep-lack, but before it. Rats make smarter moves when running a maze after a good nights sleep. In one series of experiments, people tried to identify the position of objects that they saw quickly displayed on a screen. Researchers thought this skill would be learned immediately by repetition. But, in fact, subjects did better after a restful sleep. To investigate this surprise finding further, the researchers trained people in a repetitive task in the evening before they went to sleep. They then awoke some of them every time sensors on their eyelids showed them to be dreaming. These people retained little. In contrast, other subjects awakened during nondreaming sleep improved overnight. How come? Studies by Sutton and others pin part of it on a powerful brain chemical called acetylcholine, which passes messages between brain cells. Acetylcholine promotes dreaming and has been implicated in memory consolidation during sleep. Allan Hobson, professor of psychiatry at the Medical School, found a substantial increase in the dreaming of cats when he injected the chemical into their brain stems. Sutton and Hobson built a computer model that mimics brain changes during sleep and dream. Such a dream machine guides experimenters to pressing questions that need to be answered. The experiments, in turn, feed back new knowledge into the electronic brain. Dreams To Diagnose Disease Research on the dreamy role of acetylcholine may lead to a better understanding of Alz heimers disease, which involves a disabling loss of memory and the ability to learn. Brain cells that produce this chemical are among the first to degenerate in Alzheimers victims. Michael Hasselmo, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, has built a computer model to simulate Alzheimers. Its learning and memory circuits change with variations in the availability of acetylcholine. Sutton thinks that by integrating computer models and experimental results on such senility-simulating circuits, it might be possible to see changes that would predict who will get Alzheimers. Theres also the hope that such understanding will lead to better treatments for the disease. Although such possibilities probably lie a long way in the future, they are not totally off-the-wall. Depression, for example, is linked with sleep disturbances. People suffering from it start to dream more quickly than those who do not. The difference is likely due to an imbalance in brain chemicals, includin g too much acetylcholine and too little adrenaline, Sutton explains. Antidepressant drugs are designed to correct the imbalance. Sutton believes that feedback between his brain machine and MRI pictures of the brain at work will provide more insight not only of depression and Alzheimers, but of stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other disorders that affect large areas of the brain. In one experiment, he and his colleagues looked at pictures of brains while their owners did simple motor tasks, such as tapping their fingers in simple and complex patterns. As expected, they saw activity in small networks of cells located in brain areas that control movements. Interestingly, the same type of brain arousal takes place whether people actually do finger tapping or only imagine it. What surprised Sutton most, however, was detection of remarkably similar activity in much larger networks spanning areas of the cortex dealing with both input from the senses and output signals to the muscles. Patter ns of activity in small, more primitive areas of the brain are recapitulated in larger, more advanced parts, Sutton says. This means that nature did not have to develop new rules of operation for different levels of the brain from small clusters of cells to large systems. In other words, as the brain evolved from a thimbleful of cells in a worms head to the billions of cells with trillions of connections in humans, many of the same principles of organization were retained. Those similarities make it infinitely easier to make computer models of the brain. We already have built models which allow us to understand what is going on more quickly, Sutton notes. Many types of mental illness may result from disorders of this organization. Understanding the details of what is happening will allow us to help real people with real suffering.