Article Analysis - Gun Control :: Constituton Bill Rights Right To Bear Arms

Article Analysis - Gun Control The article, Taking Aim at Gun Control by Daniel D. Polsby and Dennis Brennen was written October 30, 1995 for the Heartland Executive Summary. The article deals with current gun control issues, and uses both statistical information, and emotional ideology to convince you of the authors’ opinion. The article is broken down into five sub topics, that are each supported by statistical information. In the first sub topic the main heading claims, "There is no relationship between the number of privately owned guns and the amount of violent crime in the United States." It is then supported with the statistics that gun ownership has increased by forty-five percent, and the homicide rate fell by ten percent. The article also quotes various studies taken from criminologists, such as Gary Kleck and E. Britt Patterson. The authors tend to begin their argument with factual information. They then use that information to cultivate their emotional argument. This can be seen in each of the sub topics. The first three topics, "There is no relationship between the number of privately owned guns and the amount of violent crimes in the United States," "There is no relationship between gun control laws and violent crime," and "Data from the City of Chicago cast further doubt on the effectiveness of gun control laws," use studies and statistics to prove their point. The last two sub topics, "Why do gun control laws fail?" and "What do we do about crime and violence?", offer the authors’ emotional argument. This is the section of the article where the true opinion of the two authors is seen. They sum up their beliefs, with what they consider to be a better solution to improving society without gun control. They suggest that by educating the public on proper gun safety and handling, fewer people would be hurt. It is also their belief that by making guns more accessible to responsible citizens, criminals would be less likely to commit acts of violence. They speculate that an armed society would be able to prevent criminals from perpetrating a crime before it is even committed.

Divine intervention dealing with Greek myths Essay

Divine intervention is a feature of ancient Greek literature. One is amazed and even dumbfounded by the magical myths so frequently referred to. In Greek literature, the gods play an immense role in the lives and fates of the mortal dwellers of the earth. As one examines the gods throughout the myths and epic poems of the Greeks, one recieves a strong impression that the gods â€Å"play† with and manipulate mortals and each other. One goddess who exemplifies this is the great goddess Athena. This daughter of Zeus impacted everyone that she came across. The character Athena is â€Å"splashed† over Greek works. However, there are specific pieces of Greek literature that tell a great deal about this fiery goddess. This is not a passive goddess. This is an active, involved goddess who, in both the Iliad and the Odyssey, assumes divine leadership and challenges even Zeus himself. In The Odyssey and other Greek myths, Athena is an essential character and contributes many elem ents of her complex mythological personality to Greek writing. Athena is one of the most important goddesses in Greek mythology. In Roman mythology she became identified with the goddess Minerva. Also known as Pallas Athena. Athena sprang full-grown and armored from the forehead of the god Zeus and was his favorite child. He entrusted her with his shield, adorned with the hideous head of Medusa the Gorgon, his buckler, and his principal weapon, the thunderbolt. A virgin goddess, she was called Parthenos (â€Å"the maiden†). Her major temple, the Parthenon, was in Athens, which, according to legend, became hers as a result of her gift of the olive tree to the Athenian people. Athena was primarily the goddess of the Greek cities, of industry and the arts, and, in later mythology, of wisdom; she was also goddess of war. Athena was the strongest supporter, among the gods, of the Greek side in the Trojan War. After the fall of Troy, however, the Greeks failed to respect the sanctity of an altar to Athena at which the Trojan prophet Cassandra sought shelter. As punishment, storms sent by the god of the sea, Poseidon, at Athena’s request destroyed most of the Greek ships returning from Troy. Athena was also a patron of the agricultural arts and of the crafts of women, especially spinning and weaving. Among her gifts to man were the inventions of the plow and the flute and the arts of taming animals, building ships, and making shoes. She was often associated with birds, especially the owl. Through an explanation of Athena’s distinct  personality, her relationships are more easily understood The names and titles associated with this mythical goddess reflect her role as a person of action and leadership. Athena, also spelled Athene, is said to be the goddess of wisdom, battle and war, and certian crafts. Athena is frequently known as â€Å"Pallas† or â€Å"Pallas Athena.† According to Sawyer, Athena took on the extra name to commemorate the death of her friend, Pallas. She had accidentally killed Pallas while they were practicing spears. To show her deep grief, Athena added this name to all of her distinguishing titles. In the Odyssey Athena is given the title â€Å"Hope of Soliders† because she is so active in war (416). Athena, the patron of the city of Athens, is commonly linked with the subject of war. She is always depicted in armor and is said to be the keeper of Zeus’s shield, the Aegis, and his helmet (Sawyer). Athena was even born wearing armor. There are several different versions of the birth story of Athena. However, they all are basically similar. Zeus was supposedly in love with Metis, the Titaniss of wisdom, who was to have Zeus’s baby. Zeus had heard that any baby that Metis had would be greater than the father. So, Zeus turned Metis into a fly and swallowed her. After some time, Zeus developed a sharp headache and asked Hephaesios, the blacksmith god, to split his head open with an axe. When he did, Athena â€Å"popped out† fully grown and fully armed (Sawyer). The fully grown woman carried many names during her life, although they did not change the way she thought or acted. Mortals recognized Athena’s active role as an influence and intercessor with others. This is what made Athena so â€Å"popular† with the Greek people. In the Odyssey by Homer, Athena has an incredible relationship with Odysseus. After reading the epic poem, one can witness the very complete, very extensive bond she develops with not only Odysseus but with the other characters as well. At the opening of the book, Athena begs her father Zeus to allow her to aid Odysseus, so he can go home to his family (Odyssey 1-2). She says,†My own heart is broken for Odysseus† (Odyssey 3). Athena goes as far as enhancing his appearance so that Princess Nausikaa will be sure to help him reach home (Odyssey 105). Once Odysseus reaches the city that Nausikaa leads him to, Athena â€Å"pours a sea fog† around him to protect him, and she takes on  the form of a small girl in order to show him the way to the palace (Odyssey 111-112). Once Athena leads Odysseus home to Ithaka, she disguises herself as a sheperd boy and makes conversation with her beloved Odysseus (Odyssey 238). However, she eventually transforms herself into her natural state and says: Two of a kind, we are, contrivers, both. Of all the men alive you are the best in plots and story telling. My own fame is for wisdom among the gods – deceptions too. Would even you have guessed that I am Pallas Athena, daughter of Zeus, I that am always with you in times od trial, a shield to you in battle† (Odyssey 240). Athena demonstrates throughout the Odyssey and in her relationship with Odysseus that she is a goddess of action just as Odysseus is a man of action. She states, â€Å"I am here again to counsel with you† (Odyssey 240). It is Athena who plots and plans the fall of the suitors in Odysseus’ house. To follow her plan, Athena disguises Odysseus into a beggar and leads him to the swineherd, a faithful servant. There they unite with Telemakhos, Odysseus’ son, to carry out the plot of doom (Odyssey Books 13 and 14). Once they go to the palace, the goddess of war and her followers destroy and cast revenge upon the suitors of Penelope. Athena flaunts her warlike qualities creating battle in which her â€Å"side† was undoubtedly the victor (Odyssey Book 22). Throught the mist of confusion and blood, Athena makes sure to keep Odysseus and Telemakhos safe. The goddess even â€Å"held the night† so that Odysseus and Penelope could have longer to get reacquainted . Homer comments that â€Å"she held Dawn’s horses† (437). Athena demonstrates her role as an active leader in her protection of Telemakhos. In the beginning of the epic poem, the Odyssey, she â€Å"flies† to him in the shape of Mentes, a Taphian captian, to talk to him and urge him to look for his father, Odysseus. While with him, she sits, drinks, dines, and carries on conversation (Odyssey 415). Later, she also takes on Mentor’s figure to talk to him. At the end of the Odyssey, the war goddess enhances Laertes’ looks for his reunion with his son Odysseus (Odyssey Book 24). In the final scene, she takes up the form of Mentor once more to bring peace to the bickering people (Odyssey 460). It is elementary to see how intensly Athena makes contact with mortals  by just few examples. Other gods and goddesses are involved in these works, but none are so explicit and immense as the deeds of Athena. From reading the Odyssey, one can begin to form an image of Athena’s relationships with her peers, the other gods and goddessess of ancient Greece. Through the interactions between this goddess and other supreme beings, one can witnessAthena’s beliefs that she is superior to the other. Athena assumes leadership by taking action, making decisions, and intervening for good and evil. In the Odyssey, Athena begs Zeus to allow her to give Odysseus aid on his passage home, against the efforts and wishes of Poseidon, the Sea god (Odyssey 4). One can see that Athena does what she thinks gives the best result, even if she is faced with stiff opposition from her peers. The goddess Athena is definitely a dominant figure, accepting no authority except perhaps Zeus. When thinking of this outstanding goddess, one thinks of her relationships and extensive contact with many mortals. The Greeks favored her because she was a woman goddess of rare quality. Women were never protrayed with the masculine characteristics of Athena, such as her need for dominance and passion for war. This makes her more appealing and puts her in a class above all the rest. By reading both the Ilaid and the Odyssey, one can recieve a clear, precise view of Athena.

Group Speech

Today we would like to talk you about finding a more a healthier you. First I will start off with discussing the physical fitness aspect. (Khrys) Next I will be discussing the basic guidelines for eating healthy. (Corey) Thirdly, I shall discuss how to reduce and cope with everyday stress. (Derek) Lastly, I will explain to you the affects that drugs have on your well being. Body First (Ken)Everyone wants a nice body. As men we want to look like those bodybuilders with the veins sticking out and biceps as big as a basketball.And women, they dream of having the perfect hourglass figure like the models in Victoria’s Secret commercials. Pretty much its those who seem to live at the gym. 1. Edward Laskowski from mayo clinic in Rochester Minn. says, â€Å"A lot of people lives start with, 1) you get a bit fat, 2) start to hate the way you look, 3) hit the gym with vengeance, 4) start to look noticeably better, 5) loose motivation and stop working out for a few weeks, and last start all over again. As shown many feel that exercising makes them tired. For most people the feeling of sweat and fatigue is just not natural.Though it is proven that exercising boosts your energy level. Exercising and increasing the heart rate helps carry vital nutrients and oxygen to tissues in the body. 1. Cardio workouts help increase your heart rate. The increase in rate helps blood flow throughout your body carrying oxygen to the muscles being used. 2. Iron is what forms many proteins and enzymes in the body for proper functioning and maintaining a healthy body. Iron is what binds with hemoglobin’s, which is a protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.With all this in mind the body should feel fatigue after exercising. Working out in the morning has best results for daily function. Through the day you will wake up, resulting at the end of the day you will feel tired when it is time to sleep. Also since you have a much deeper sleep, the fallowing day you shall be more focused on what you need to be doing. A. Strength training is a very important aspect. And yes even for women. Ladies don’t worry it is impossible for you to build like a man without using steroids. As a beginner, first off, learn proper technique.Once you have taught the muscles how to properly support weight other than your own body, keep it light and keep it tight. This will help prevent injury from occurring. 1. Start with a single amount of repetitions. You don’t need to be like the body builder at the gym. Do a set 10-12, at the end of the last 2 or 3 you should be struggling. 2. Start slow and with the basics. Stick to squats, dead lifts, bench, pull-ups, sit-ups etc. till you have strengthened yourself. Last and most importantly, rest. The body needs rest and as well plenty of water.When working out the body breaks down muscle fibers leaving you sore sometimes the next day. Next (Khrys)The food and the physical activity we c hoose, will affect our health, and how we feel today, tomorrow, and hopefully in the future. Most of us here today might be eating enough food, but not all of us are eating the correct foods, therefore depriving our body of the vital nutrients we need to stay healthy. A great example of this is in a documentary called â€Å"Supersize Me†. This movie shows the affects of eating breakfast lunch and dinner at McDonalds for thirty consecutive days.Not Good. According to the Department of Health and Human Services the average American diet is too high in calories, sugars, fats, cholesterol, sodium, animal protein, and alcohol, and too low in complex carbs, dietary fiber, fruit’s, vegetables, and water. The key to feeling better today and healthier for tomorrow starts with a good eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low fat milk and milk products. Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. And is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.There is also a correct number of calories you should eat each day, this number depends upon your age, activity level, and whether or not you’re trying to gain, maintain, or lose weight. You can calculate your number on www. healthierus. gov/dietaryguidlines. With healthier eating habits, you can reduce the risks of many chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain cancers, and increase your chances for a longer more enjoyable life. Thirdly (Corey)In a recent study by the associated press. out of 10 students say they endure stress often and 1 out of 5 students say they deal with it most or all of the time. So it affects us some how or another. Either you or your friends. If not dealt with in the right way stress can lead to more stress and can lead to more unhealthy choices. People we all have problems its how you deal with it that makes it stressful or just another problem. From helpguide. org I have ways to help reduce stress. First identify the sources of stress. Guys this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Some say start a stress journal.Second look at how you cope with the stress. There's the unhealthy way of dealing with stress. Like smoking, drinking to much, overeating or under eating. Then learning how to deal with it the healthy way. Thirdly avoiding unnecessary stress if there someone who gives you stress how about spending less time with him or her. College can be stressful so you don’t need any extra stress. 4th if something can’t be change like having a child to deal with try altering the situation. Like expressing your feelings instead of bottling them up, being more assertive and being open and willing to compromise.If asking someone to change their behavior be willing to do the same. 5th adapt to the stressor if there something you cant changed like a boss. Then try to focus on the positive. Adjust your standards trying to do everything perfe ct is a set up for more stress. 6th Accept the things you can't change. Some stress is just clearly unavoidable like deaths of a love one you cant change that. Sharing your feelings is huge. Learn to forgive bottling up emotions about what someone did to you or someone else does more harm then good.Its like the saying drinking poison and hoping the other guy dies. 7th Make time for fun and relaxation. There healthy ways to do this. Like going for a walk, spend time in nature, Call a good friend, reading a book, watch a comedy. Laughter is a cure people for stress. Lastly is adopt a healthy Lifestyle like exercise regularly, eating a healthy diet, Reduce caffeine and sugar, avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. And Lastly (Derek)Drugs (the effects of drugs on your body, more specifically, the most common drug in use†¦ ) Caffeine Increases energy/concentrationCaffeine was put on rat neurons in vitro (suspended in water) and was found that dendrites would grow, and then retract wh en the neurons got used to the caffeine. Relieves indigestion, stress and hyperactive disorders May aggravate illnesses and disorders causing bone loss over time, temporary hardening of arterial walls (atherosclerosis) undue chemical stress on the brain [wikipedia] Causes low energy and apathy between uses, and of course is addictive, as well as carries the side effects of: anxiousness excitability restlessness dizziness rritability inability to concentrate gastrointestinal (GI) aches headaches that don't seem to go away trouble sleeping weight gain higher risk for diabetes Alternatives Mate (to wean you off) contains a little over half the caffeine of coffee, but in a slightly different form, called mateine. has been shown to lessen the tendency towards obesity induced by a high-fat diet. LDL-cholesterol reduction (that's the bad kind) Uses in treating heart disease contains antioxidants which are good for nearly everything B-vitamins (if you want to quit completely) nergy good for skin and and nucleic acid production (cell regeneration) We have the affects of drugs In conclusion we discussed four key aspects to finding a healthier you first we covered the physical aspect, Next we discussed the basic guide to eating healthier; Thirdly we explained how to cope with daily stress and Lastly we indulged in the effects drugs have on our well being. We hope you all gained something good from our speech, thank you for your time.Work Cited1) â€Å"1 in 5 undergrads is constantly stressed†msn. com[http://www. msnbc. sn. com/id/23693229] The associated press 2008 2) Smith Melinda, Jaffe-Gil Ellen, and Segal Robert â€Å"Stress Management how to reduce, prevent, and cope with stress† Help guide, October 2010. http://helpguide. org? mental? stress_management_relief_coping. htm3) U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. gov4) U. S. Department of Agriculture. gov5) Health. gov/dietaryguidlines/dya2005/document/pdf/brochure. pdf6) Editor. â€Å"10 Reaso ns to Work Out That Have Nothing to Do With a Sexy Body. † PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement. Pick the Brain, Apr. -May 2009. Web. 20 Nov. 2010. .7) â€Å"What Does Iron Do? † A 2 Z of Health and Beauty. Web. 20 Nov. 2010. .8) â€Å"Cardiovascular Disease Statistics† American Heart Association. Web. 20 Nov. 2010. Caffeine's Effects on Health. (n. d. ). Go Ask Alice!. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from www. goaskalice. columbia. edu/1485. html Ellis-Christensen, T. , ; ed. O. Wallace (n. d. ). What are the Negative Effects of Caffeine?. WiseGEEK. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from www. wisegeek. com/what-are-the-negative-effects-of-caffeine. tm Positive and Negative Effects of Caffeine. (n. d. ). HubPages. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from www. hubpages. com/hub/Positive-and-Negative-Effects-of-Caffeine Caffeine. (n. d. ). Wikipedia, the Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from en. wikipedia. org/wiki/caffeine Yerba Mate. (n. d. ). Wikiped ia, the Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Yerba_mate B-Vitamins. (n. d. ). Wikipedia, the Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from en. wikipedia. org/wiki/B-vitamins