An essay commenting on the musical Bouncers by John Gober. Comments on the drama, effects and touching comedy.

An essay commenting on the musical Bouncers by John Gober. Comments on the drama, effects and touching comedy. JOHN GODBER'S "BOUNCERS" - SCRIPTED ASSESMENTBouncers - an ensemble by John Godber portrays lager-swilling lads, lipsticked, lacquered girls, all gyrating to the pulse of the dance floor; whilst out in the freezing cold skulk the ever watchful, ever ready, ever observant yet brutish bouncers - Lucky Eric, Jud, Les and Ralph. And so begins the journey into the secrets of a Friday night.John Godber along with "Bouncers" also wrote the acclaimed play "teechers". Two plays which require the actors to perform a variety of age, sex and stances; exploring the stage space with minimal props. Bouncers, set within the 1980s, explore themes such as stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination. Godber undermines this seriousness with comments such as "Lucky Eddie's first speech" or a chorus of "social comment". Beneath the comedy however, lies some very serious "social comment", not so much the voiced comment but the impression of the desperately empty lives of all the characters, male and female, bouncers and clubbers.English: Ralph Roister Doister, main character of ...Both plays are similar to each other, not just in staging but also in textual context.A favourable character throughout "Bouncers" was the character Les, also know as Kev and Cheryl. Kev I would describe as a stereotypical lad, not that bright with a fondness for lager. Les, a man of very little words and as for Cheryl, a clich ©d ditzy northern lass with a good heart.Each character was interesting in their own rightThe whole cast came across as very enthusiastic and portrayed a variety of ideas.The opening "Bouncers" introduced the lads and the girls, which smoothly ran into the opening scene at the hairdressers.With each character I saw a certain item that the audience could associate with. For example as Cheryl her top would be tied up, however as a bouncer...

Dreams essays

Dreams essays We all have dreams. They are our hopes and aspirations. We all dreams of something, whether it be growing up to be rich and famous, marrying that one person of our dreams, or anything else we wish to accomplish. Dreams are the pleasant images that pass through our mind during slumber. The bottom line is we all have dreams and one day we hope to accomplish them For the most part people believe the cliche that dreams do come true. Obviously everyone wants their dreams to come true, because we have this impression that dreams are supposed to be these wonderful and magical visions. When we have a bad dream, we give it a totally different name, we call it a nightmare. When we have a good dream, we do not have a separate name for that. So this gives dreams a positive connotation. Most people are fine with this, and do not think anything of it. The etymology of the word actually means something quite different. The word dream originates from a German word, which actually means to deceive or delude. It also has to do with ghost or apparition. Somewhere along the way the word changed from something that had negative connotation to a more peaceful and happy word. I do not believe that the phrase dream should keep its positive association with out having some negative side. What I find very strange is, the meaning of the German word that dream derives from is not found in any English dictionary today. It can only be found when searching for the etymology of the word. So dream used to have a semi-negative connotation and now it is very positive. I believe that the meaning of the word dream should not have been changed. It makes sense, dreams are something that are delusions. In reality most dreams do not come true. Yet we are raised to believe if you want it bad enough it will come. In my opinion that is bullshit. Ive had many realistic dreams, and worked hard at them, but most of the time nothing com ...

Four Questions 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Four Questions 2 - Assignment Example Essentially, it is these social coalitions that modify and determine the state ‘preferences’ or rather foreign policy in global politics at any moment in time. Political institutions form the basic channels through which these social interests of both individuals and civil society groups find their way into the political realm. The second basic assumption of liberalism is that the interdependence among of state preferences influence state behavior. Unlike realists who insists on constancy of preferences, liberalists hold that the state preferences are dynamic in nature and they play a critical role in influencing the world politics. The variations in state policy and behavior is a function of exact distribution of preferences and nature of the ‘stakes’ in consideration. States, as argued out by liberals, align their behavior to the exact nature of these preferences (compatible or conflictual) and their scope. A â€Å"social purpose† is a pre-requisite for any state to pay any attention to international matters, let alone trigger conflict, initiate cooperation, or consider any other crucial foreign policy undertaking. In the absence of this interdependence among the objectives of different states, a rational state will not engage in any international relations, hence exist as an isolated and autarkic entity. Basically, liberalists argue that conflictual goals promote political disputes whereas convergence of underlying preference form a platform for peaceful cooperation. Burchill (2009) describes liberalism as an optimistic approach to international relations that advocates for freedom, human rights, free market capitalism, and constitutionalism. Liberalists hold the fundamental belief that peace and freedom are the basic questions of domestic and international order. The recent trends in world politics has seen increased calls for nations to cooperate with international bodies for the mutual interest of global peace. In another example, United States has been undertaking solitary interventional actions in world affairs. However, with the advent of modern liberalism, calls to cooperate with multinational bodies such as NATO in conducting interventional plans has been on the increased. This is based evidenced in the recent French Military intervention in Mali and the NATO intervention in Libya. Liberalists advocate for the adherence to human rights and free market capitalism. China and U.S. offer examples of how liberalists’ perspectives of free trade is gradually permeating the international markets. China has recently expanded its market to the developing world especially in Africa. Most of its products are sold in these nations in exchange of other natural resources and agricultural produce. United States has equally expanded its trade across the globe. Nonetheless, China has come under sharp criticism from other players in the global economy for their engagements in activities that are thought to hinder free trade. WTO other nations continuously urge China to embrace the spirit of free and fair cooperation in trade. SECTION 2 Question A:. Identify and discuss at least three social, economic, and/or environmental activities of the UN and other intergovernmental organizations. Do you agree that each of these activities should fall under the realm of an organization such as the UN? Why or why not? Through international bodies such as International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, the United Nations plays a critical role in ensuring

(Book Proposal) Neurotheology in Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

(Book Proposal) Neurotheology in Review - Essay Example Its primary objectives are to establish comprehensive, interdisciplinary approaches to understand beliefs and to explain, interpret and predict the influences of beliefs to thought, feeling, behavior and experience. The purpose of this volume is to provide scope and definition to the new discipline of Neurotheology. Current scholarship in Neurotheology offers perspectives from Darwinian evolution and neuroscience (studies in frontal, parietal lobes and temporal lobe epilepsy), neuropsychology, genetics, cognitive science, cellular biology, chemistry, physics, mindfulness, electromagnetic field effects, and varying perspectives from psychology like conditioning, attachment and learning theories. Other perspectives on science and beliefs are developing from neuroeconomics, neuropolitics, and neuroethics while other fields of science need greater inclusion like astronomy, ecology, engineering, geology, linguistics and mathematics. Neurotheology acknowledges the complexity and diversity of human beliefs by providing a broad conceptual framework to encompass beliefs whether mystical or religious, economic or environmental, political or social, or some other. Each dimension of beliefs affords critical, creative study of the science(s), beliefs and/or belief systems involved. Both the science and beliefs intersect through a four-fold methodology that provides the basis to unpack the complexity of their relationship and intimate the relationship’s influence to human thought, feeling, behavior and experience. The proposed book â€Å"Neurotheology† attempts to summarize the complexities of this science to provide a general understanding of what neurotheology is and investigate some of the diversity of disciplines to which it is applicable. The book is primarily intended for college students but will serve also as an introductory text for anyone interested in learning more about

Health Organization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Health Organization - Essay Example The healthy centre has been in existence since 1965 despite the numerous challenges that it faces. Saint Anthony centre for diabetes handles various cases that are related to nutrition, obesity, and metabolism. In addition, the hospital handles chronic conditions that affect diabetes patients. This paper will therefore analyse the marketing strategies of Saint Anthony’s hospital. The marketing mix (4 Ps) is one of the most common tools used to explain marketing phenomenon. The 4 Ps of marketing are products, place, price and promotion. The main product that the centre offers is treatment of diabetes and related complications. This is done through medication, or putting the patients (clients) on diet programs. The hospital also offers counselling services to patients with chronic conditions or those who are suffering from depression because of their ailments. Other products that the hospital offers are testing kits that are used by patients to test the level of sugars in their blood. Unlike other health organizations, saint Anthony diabetes centre offer comprehensive services to its customers. The hospital not only treats the medical condition by giving its patients control and regulation medications, but it offers counselling service to its patient. This is a critical aspect, since diabetes is a chronic disease that leaves its patients exposed to psychological depressions. The hospital has also enabled its patient to be able to monitor their health condition using the blood-sugar level test kits. This enables patients to monitor their health condition constantly without going to the health centre. Finally, the hospital offers its services in both English and Spanish. This has enabled the hospital to serve a wide range of customers. Saint Anthony serves its patient through its main centre in Chicago and other affiliated centres and clinics that are found in other major cities. In addition, the hospital has outreach programs that targets corporate and scho ols. Through the outreach programs, the hospital offers education on healthy nutrition and the significance of physical exercise. Price is a critical factor that affects the sustainability of business. The price of the products also determines the class of customers that a business attracts. The centre has compressive price strategies that cater for all its customers. The government and other organizations that are concerned with diabetes subsidize treatment for diabetic patients. Promotion involves informing the customers about the products offered by the business. The hospital markets its products through the media and field practice. Outreach programs in schools and corporate are some of the strategies that the hospital use to market its products. The centre mainly promote its services and products through partnership with schools and corporate. Relationship with these marketing partners is based on the special requirement of each of the marketing centres. For instance, a corpora te has requirements and expectations that are different from those of schools. In addition, the marketing collaborates benefits from the partnerships and the services offered by the centre. Affiliate schools use the partnership as a platform to promote healthy behaviours among their students. For instance, drug abuse and poor eating habits promote chronic conditions such as depression and cancer. These factors are also known to promote diabetes. Thus, schools consider this partnership as an opportunity to educate their students on healthy lifestyles. Similarly, the partnership benefits both the hospital and the corporate. Most professionals are faced with the challenge of balancing their professional life and social life leading to health complications. Corporate have the responsibility of ensuring that

The Connection Between Homelessness And Social Issues Social Work Essay

The Connection Between Homelessness And Social Issues Social Work Essay Essay Question What is the connection between homelessness, unemployment, drug use and mental illnesses in Australian society today? Unfortunately, in Australian society today, it is assumed that all Australians have access to a safe and secure environment, and are able to seek and gain employment; however this is not always the case for many Australians, with these social detriments being exacerbated by mental health issues and alcohol and drug abuse. However, in saying this not everyone that experiences one or more of these detriments necessarily experiences another. Alternatively, evidence has shown that there is an obvious link between each of these social and health detriments of health, with each intricately leading to another. This essay will discuss the intricate links between homelessness, unemployment, drug use and mental illness in todays society. On any given night in Australia it is estimated that over 100,000 people are homeless and living without essential human rights. (MHCA, 2009. p.5) While the reasons for peoples homelessness are varying, the abuse of alcohol, drugs and other harmful substances can exacerbate the situation and lead to further problems. The use of harmful substances by many homeless people is often seen as functional, this meaning that the use of these substances is helping them cope with their situation, and provide them with a sense of belonging in the Australian street culture. While many of the homeless people may start using soft drugs , this often opens the gateway to harder substances to which they can come completely reliant upon. The prevalence of heroin use in the homeless community is ten times higher than the general Australian community. (Australian National Council on Drugs, 2008) (Johnson Chamberlin, 2008, p.347) Australias homeless population, exhibit higher rates of emotional and physical health issues, anxiety, poor nutrition and difficulties in maintaining relationships (Lady Bowen Trust). 1 in 200 Australians in todays society dont have access to adequate housing and employment. It is estimated that 75 percent of this homeless population is suffering from some kind of mental illness, (MHCA, 2009, p.5) and that at least forty three percent engaged in substance abuse. (Johnson Chamberlin, 2008, p.347) A safe and secure environment is essential to physical and mental health. Mental health symptoms can often be worsened by unstable housing and social isolation. Homelessness significantly affects a persons ability to successfully maintain employment and relationships. When referring to mental illness, generally speaking it is an illness that has some kind of influence and effect on how a person, thinks, feels and acts. (MHCA, 2009, p.10) These can include mental health issues such as depression, anxiety personality disorders, schizophrenia and stress disorders. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness of varying degrees at some point in their lives. (MHCA, 2009, p.10) Although the exact cause of many mental illnesses are unknown, along with biological factors it is believed that environmental factors, stressful and abusing situations, substance or drug abuse and negative thought patterns all contribute to a persons mental health. Domestic violence, mental health, unemployment and substance abuse are among the leading causes of homelessness in Australia, along with critical shortages of affordable housing. However it is important to note that there are many contributing factors to a person becoming homeless such as family breakdown, sexual assault, gambling, mental illness, financial difficulties and social isolisation and broader social processes. (Homelessness Australia, 2010) Having a mental illness reduces a persons quality of life; the symptoms can make it difficult for individuals to cope with the daily demands of work and home life. In some cases this can lead to people becoming socially isolated, and even losing their jobs. This loss of employment often means people are no longer able to afford housing and a lack of social support can mean these people may become homeless. The unemployed are also less likely to receive medical treatment for symptoms of mental illness. If they do seek treatment of these illnesses they then face the problems of being able to pay for expensive prescriptions. (www.informahealthcare.com) The current economic climate has also placed increased stress on individuals and there has been a spike in Medicare claims for mental health consultations due to unemployment (Dragon, 2009). Studies have shown that homeless people have a higher prevalence of mental illness and substance abuse, with a Melbourne study showing 30 percent of homeless people surveyed had mental health issues and 43 percent suffered substance abuse issues. (MHCA, 2009, p.14) Substance abuse is also linked to homelessness, unemployment and mental illness, as substance abuse can take hold and damage a persons quality of life. Substance abuse begins to interfere with a individuals work and social life and this commonly leads to the destruction of relationships and loss of employment. Rather than this slide from positive relationships and employment being instant, many people tend to slide into homelessness as a result of their substance abuse. As they begin to come more dependent on these substances the transition becomes more rapid. ((Johnson Chamberlin, 2008, p.348) Having a mental illness can increase a persons likelihood of abusing drugs, which may in the short term make the symptoms of their mental illness feel better, while other peoples drug use can trigger the symptoms of mental illness. (MHCA, 2009, p.22) The link can also be made in terms of unemployment and homelessness, if a person is unemployed they can experience financial difficulties that can result in being homeless, alternatively if a person is homeless it becomes difficult to gain employment and break the cycle. The relationship between homelessness and substance abuse is well researched and documented; there is debate however on the direction of this relationship, and whether substance abuse is the cause or consequence of an individual becoming homeless. The focus of substance abuse as a consequence of homelessness is the social adaption model. Entering into homelessness often exposes individuals to a subculture where substance abuse is accepted and common place. This model also identifies that many people start to abuse substances as a method of coping with their situation, which can often be very stressful, uncertain and traumatic. (Johnson Chamberlin, 2008, p.343) Johnson and Chamberlain (2008, p.350) report that thirty four percent of individuals have engaged in substance abuse before becoming homeless, while sixty six percent first start abusing substances after becoming homeless.es as they struggle to pay for their addiction. Loss of employment then leads individuals looking for alternative income which can often lead to bad loans and illegal behaviours. (Johnson Chamberlin, 2008, p.p347-350) The social selection approach focuses on substance abuse as a cause of homelessness rather than a consequence. Substance abuse can be a leading factor into homelessness, as when a person becomes addicted to harmful substances they tend to start self damaging behaviours which affect social and work relationships. As their substance abuse increases, this often leads to financial difficulties and destruction of social networks. Psychological trauma and post traumatic stress disorder have been found to be contributing factors for many of the homeless population. There is no specific way in which each of these social detriments of health contributes to each other. For example, mental health issues may contribute or lead to people becoming homeless, while for others their mental health issues may be a result of being homeless or compounded by it. (MHCA, 2009, p.22) The homeless population can face discrimination when trying to find and apply for housing, especially when they have experienced a mental illness. (DHA, 2005) Many landlords are something about having people with a mental illness in their accommodation, due to the negative stigma that is attached with mental illness. Having a mental illness or past substance abuse problem can also follow a person and impact upon their lives even after they have overcome these issues. As in todays society many jobs and housing applications require police, credit and background checks. (MHCA, 2009, p.18) Webster (2007) reports that drug abusers with mental illnesses are likely to experience high rates of employment difficulties. Stating that individuals with mental illnesses have fewer work-related skills, poor interpersonal skills, impulse control and poor time management, therefore having less success in the workforce than individuals without mental illness and substance abuse issues. (Webster et al., 2007) Webster (2007) also reports that employment is a key factor in breaking the cycle of drug abuse, as employment occupies time, increases self esteem, promotes a sense of belonging and responsibility and provides structure. (Webster et al., 2007) In Australian society a quarter of the homeless population are children aged between 12 and 18, as these children age and mature they are at a higher risk of unemployment and being stuck in a vicious cycle of homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse and mental illness. (Graham, 2010, p.24) Children are more likely to face unemployment if they are from low socioeconomic status, left school early leading to low literacy and numeracy skills, are indigenous, live with one or more unemployed person, or live in remote areas. (Graham, 2010, p.20) A longitudinal study of Australian youth with mental health issues found that they did not suffer from mental health issues prior to unemployment. This shows the importance of employment and the effect that unemployment can have. (Graham, 2010, p.23) In 1991, Fischer Breakey developed three pathways into homelessness. The first being social selection which involves a breakdown in the capacity for living independently due to mental illness. The second pathway details socioeconomic adversity in which a person experiences unemployment, low levels of education and declining income. The third pathway described involves the inability to develop socially normative roles and support systems. (Kim Ford, 2010, p.40) The sociological imagination uses a sociological approach to analysing issues such as homelessness, substance abuse, unemployment and mental illness. This approach analyses associations of public issues and personal problems by looking at the Historical, structural, critical and cultural factors which contribute to a person experiencing issues such as homelessness. A better understanding of the causes can be found and thus leading to a better understanding of how to return to normal societal function and reducing the risk of relapse into past behaviours. . (Germov, 2009, p.7). The amount of structure and agency an individual holds in situations of homelessness, drug abuse, unemployment and mental illness is also important to note. The structure agency debate explores the amount of control a individual has over their behaviour and how much influence the social structure to which they belong plays. (Germov, 2009, p.7). Children that have grown up in an environment which is socioeconomically disadvantaged, high levels of drug abuse and unemployment, and poor work ethic, are more likely to follow in this pattern than children that have been brought up in higher socioeconomic conditions and have been instilled with a strong work ethic. Sue is 17 years of age and has been living away from home for two years, having left her family home due to conflict and violence with parents and physical assault between siblings. In the past two years Sue has lived a typically transient lifestyle, residing in crisis accommodation, various boarding arrangements and in an accommodation program to assist young people who are homeless and in need of specialist support. Sue has lived independently in a small unit as well as with a number of friends in their accommodation and in squats. Over the past two years Sue has engaged in self-harming behaviour and been violent and aggressive towards peers, herself and family, which has on occasion resulted in cautions from the legal system. Sue has also engaged in petty theft, auto-theft and break and enters, all resulting in legal cautions. Sue uses alcohol, marijuana and amphetamines and has been diagnosed with depression resulting in anti-depressants being prescribed (Mission Australia, 2005). In December 2008, the Australian Government released a White Paper on Homelessness: The Road Home: A National Approach to Reducing Homelessness. This paper recognises that maintaining the current approach to homelessness will see the homeless population of Australia significantly increase in the coming years. The paper takes a holistic view and aims to find solutions in address the varying needs of the homeless population, for example employment needs, education and training, health and social support. This report has three main initiative areas. They are to ensure that services intervene early to stop people becoming homeless, making services more connected and responsive across a range of areas not limited to housing, such as health and economic and social participation and strategies to assist people who become homeless to move quickly through the crisis system to stable housing, and providing the support they need so that they do not re-enter homelessness. Through the implementat ion on many straggles under these initiatives and 1.2 billion dollars in funding the Australian Government aims to have a fifty percent reduction in homelessness by 2020. (MHCA, 2009, pp.12-13) Todays society has negative stigma and labelling associated with homelessness. Due to this attributes, the skills they poses, their personality, past achievements are often disregarded and overrun by the fact they are homeless. (Mission Australia, 2005) As homelessness is not a social norm, it can be seen is deviant behaviour. With the rise of the medical model of health, importance is placed on the individual receiving treatment in order to restore health and conformity. (Roach Anleu, 2010, pp.242-260) Under the therapeutic model deviant individuals which can include the homeless, mentally ill, drug and alcohol abusers and those experiencing adjustment problems require psychiatric intervention, with little emphasis in the social and environmental conditions that contribute to these issues. (Roach Anleu, 2010, pp.242-260) Homelessness, unemployment, drug use and mental illness are all intricately connected in todays society. These social determinants of health all coexist and can each weigh largely upon another. These linkages can lead to a viscous cycle which can be hard to break. Conclusion What was discussed Reaffirm argument http://www.health.qld.gov.au/research_information/social_determinants.asp

Urban Legend of Ghostly Dreams :: Urban Legends

Ghostly Dreams of Owners Passed The following ghost story was told to me by a friend when I had a small group of friends over to my house in Massachusetts during spring break. He is a 20-year-old white male. The story was told at night after we had finished watching the show Lost on television, so the atmosphere was a little bit tense. It did not simply come up in context; I prompted all of my friends to tell any ghost stories or urban legends that they knew. I wrote the story down a few hours later after my friends left. This is as close to the story he told as I could remember at that time: My friend’s house is wicked old. Built in the 1700s, there’s a lot of really old stuff there. It may have been involved in the Underground Railroad. It has secret passageways and windows for servants to look in and talk to their masters. They originally lived in Springfield, Mass. and he [his friend’s Dad] knew the two people in the house in Agawam, Massachusetts previously. When he found out it was going on the market he decided to go buy it. Before they managed to complete the sale one of the two ladies died. And the other lady either died or left. At least one of them died in a room in the house. So after that they still decided to take the house. There were a few times when he tried to find things. And one time in particular he was looking for a ladder. He looked everywhere around the house including inside, outside, and in the shed. That night he had a dream and the dead previous owner came to him in the dream and told him to look in the shed aga in. The next day when he looked in the shed, the ladder was sitting right directly in the middle of it just like she had said in his dream. There was no way he could have missed it the day before. This happened on a couple different occasions with other items as well. As he told the story he used small hand motions to emphasize main points of the story and he paused after important points to allow the information to sink in; he did not sound nervous while telling the story, but he did try to convey a spooky atmosphere in an attempt to scare the audience.