Why Lithium Batteries Catch Fire

Why Lithium Batteries Catch Fire Lithium batteries are compact, lightweight batteries that hold considerable charge and fare well under constant discharge-recharge conditions. The batteries are found everywhere  -   in laptop computers, cameras, cell phones, and electric cars. Although accidents are rare, those that do occur may be spectacular, resulting in an explosion or fire. In order to understand why these batteries catch fire and how to minimize the risk of an accident, it helps to understand how the batteries function. How Lithium Batteries Work A lithium battery consists of two electrodes separated by an electrolyte. Typically, the batteries  transfer electrical charge from a lithium metal cathode  through an electrolyte consisting of an organic solvent containing lithium salts over to a carbon anode. The specifics depend on the battery, but lithium-ion batteries usually contain a metal coil and a flammable lithium-ion fluid. Tiny metal fragments float in the liquid. The contents of the battery are under pressure, so if a metal fragment punctures a partition that keeps the components separate or the battery is punctured, the lithium reacts with water in the air vigorously, generating high heat and sometimes producing a fire. Why Lithium Batteries Catch Fire or Explode Lithium batteries are made to deliver high output with minimal weight. Battery components are designed to be lightweight, which translates into thin partitions between cells and a thin outer covering. The partitions or coating are fairly fragile, so they can be punctured. If the battery is damaged, a short occurs. This spark can ignite the highly reactive lithium. Another possibility is that the battery can heat to the point of thermal runaway. Here, the heat of the contents exerts pressure on the battery, potentially producing an explosion. Minimize the Risk of Lithium Battery Fire The risk of fire or explosion increases if the battery is exposed to hot conditions or the battery or internal component is compromised. You can lessen the risk of an accident in several ways: Avoid storing at high temperatures. Dont keep batteries in hot vehicles. Dont allow a blanket to cover your laptop. Dont keep your cell phone in a warm pocket.  You get the idea.Avoid keeping all your items containing lithium-ion batteries together. When you travel, especially on a plane, youll have all your electronic items in one bag. This is unavoidable because the batteries have to be in your carry-on but usually, you can keep some space between battery-containing items. Although having lithium-ion batteries in close proximity does not increase the risk of a fire, if there is an accident, the other batteries can catch fire and make the situation worse.Avoid overcharging your batteries. These batteries do not suffer memory effect as badly as other types of rechargeable batteries, so they can be discharged and recharged many times nearly back to their original charge. However, they do not fare well if they are completely drained before recharging or are over-charged. Car chargers are notorious for overcharging batteries. Using any charger other than the one intended for the battery can increase the risk of damage.

Text Organization Guide for English Learners

Text Organization Guide for English Learners Text organization refers to how a text is organized to help readers follow and understand the information presented. There are a number of standard forms that help text organization when writing. This text organization guide will help you logically guide your readers through your text. Text Organization: Referring to Ideas Already Presented Pronouns and determiners are used to refer to ideas, points or opinions that you have previously introduced, or will immediately introduce. Here is a quick review of pronouns and determiners with examples. Pronouns Remember that ideas, opinions, and arguments are considered objects in English which take object pronouns. it / it / its - singularthey / them / their - plural Examples: Its importance can not be underestimated.It now becomes clear that their role in production is vital.The government has given it ample consideration but rejected its validity. Determiners this / that - singularthese / those - plural This is key: Children need to be encouraged in order to succeed.Jefferson referred to those as unnecessary complications. Make sure that pronouns and determiners are clearly defined either before, or immediately after their introduction in order to avoid confusion. Examples: The need for economic growth is vital to any society. Without it, societies become defensive and ... (it refers to need for economic growth)These are vital for any job: interest, skills, manners... (these refers to interest, skills, manners) Text Organization: Providing Additional Information A number of forms are used to provide additional information in text organization. These forms are used at the beginning of a sentence to link text to the previous sentence: In addition to X, ...As well as X, ... Examples: In addition to these resources, we will require a further investment of ...As well as his difficulties in childhood, his continuing poverty as a young adult caused many problems. These phrases can be used in the middle of a sentence or a phrase to provide additional information in your text organization: alsoas well as Examples: Our commitment to the cause, as well as our financial resources, will make this possible.There was also time considerations to take into account. Sentence Structure: Not only...but also The sentence structure Not only clause, but also clause is also used to provide additional information and emphasize the later point in your argument: Examples: Not only does he bring experience and expertise to the company, but he also has an outstanding reputation.Not only are the students improving scores, but they are also having more fun. NOTE: Remember that sentences beginning with Not only ... use inverted structure (Not only do they do...) Text Organization: Introducing a Number of Points Its common to use phrases to signify the fact that you will be making different points in your text. The simplest way to indicate that you will be touching on a number of different points is to use sequencers. The appearance of sequencers indicates that there are points to follow or that precede your sentence. For more information on sequencers, continue on to the section on sequencing your ideas for text organization. There are also some set phrases that point to the fact that there are a number of points to follow. Here are the most common: There are a number of ways / means / manners ...The first point to make is ...Lets begin with the assumption that / the idea that / the fact that ... Examples: There are a number of ways we can approach this problem. First, ...Lets begin with the assumption that all of our courses are necessary for our students. Other phrases are used to indicate that one phrase is related to another in an additional sense. These phrases are common in text organization: For one thing ...and another thing / and for another ...besides that ...and besides Examples: For one thing he doesnt even believe what hes saying...., and another thing is that our resources cant begin to meet the demand. Text Organization: Contrasting Information There are a number of ways to contrast information in text organization. In most cases, two clauses are used: one with the most important information, as well as a clause introduced with a word or phrase showing contrast. The most common of these are although, though, even though, but, yet and despite, in spite of. Although, Even Though, Though Notice how though, even though or although show a situation which is contrary to the main clause to express conflicting information. Even though, though and although are synonymous. Use a comma after beginning a sentence with although, even though, though. No comma is required if you finish the sentence with although, even though, though. Examples: Even though it was expensive, he bought the car.Though he loves doughnuts, he has given them up for his diet.Although his course was difficult, he passed with the highest marks. Whereas, While Whereas and while show clauses in direct opposition to each other. Notice that you should always use a comma with whereas and while. Examples: Whereas you have lots of time to do your homework, I have very little time indeed.Mary is rich, while I am poor. Whereas, While But and yet provide contrary information that is often unexpected. Notice that you should always use a comma with but and yet. Examples: He spends a lot of time on his computer, yet his grades are very high.The research pointed to a specific cause, but the results painted a very different picture. Text Organization: Showing Logical Connections and Relations Logical consequences and results are shown by beginning sentences with linking language indicating a connection to the previous sentence (or sentences). The most common of these include as a result, accordingly, thus, hence, consequently. Examples: As a result, all funding will be suspended until further review.Consequently, the most important elements combine to provide a rich tapestry effect. Text Organization: Sequencing Your Ideas In order to help your audience understand, you need to link ideas together in your text organization. One of the most important ways to link ideas is to sequence them. Sequencing refers to the order in which events happened. These are some of the most common ways to sequence in writing: Beginning: Firstly,First of all,To start off with,Initially, Examples: Firstly, I began my education in London.First of all, I opened the cupboard.To start off with, we decided our destination was New York.Initially, I thought it was a bad idea, ... Continuing: Then,After that,Next,As soon as / When full clause,... but thenImmediately, Examples: Then, I started to get worried.After that, we knew that there would be no problem!Next, we decided on our strategy.As soon as we arrived, we unpacked our bags.We were sure everything was ready, but then we discovered some unexpected problems.Immediately, I telephoned my friend Tom. Interruptions / New Elements to the Story: Suddenly,Unexpectedly, Examples: Suddenly, a child burst into the room with a note for Ms. Smith.Unexpectedly, the people in the room didnt agree with the mayor. Events Occurring at the Same Time While / As full clauseDuring noun (noun clause) Examples: While we were getting ready for the trip, Jennifer was making the reservations at the travel agents.During the meeting, Jack came over and asked me a few questions. Ending: Finally,In the end,Eventually,Lastly, Examples: Finally, I flew to London for my meeting with Jack.In the end, he decided to postpone the project.Eventually, we became tired and returned home.Lastly, we felt we had had enough and went home.

MHE509 Module 2 - Case, Planning for Emergencies -- NIMS; Hazard and Essay

MHE509 Module 2 - Case, Planning for Emergencies -- NIMS; Hazard and Vulnerability Analysis - Essay Example In other words, the pattern of human environmental intervention is directly related to this growing frequency of small to medium scale disasters. The threat we face due to our own conditioning of our environment is to our very existence on this planet. The occurrences of hurricanes and floods along the west coast and the greenhouse effect are testimony to this. 2) Goals are defined when there are viable chances of achieving them. It is by all means a good thing to identify the risk posed in highly vulnerable regions among social groups with low institutional capacity for disaster management. But the issues involved are too deep and enmeshed to be resolved easily. The main reason for the ‘low institutional capacity’ is related to low incomes and being unskilled. Most people residing in the highly vulnerable regions or in close proximity to them, tend to be from social groups in which people are poor, unknowledgeable about the risks, and untrained to cope with any disasters. Their homes too are often poorly constructed and unlikely to be insured. The attachment to the place means that even after a disaster has occurred, they are unlikely to relocate elsewhere. Thus, any strategy to minimize this risk will need to address a host of related needs to do with raising awareness, education programs, social and medical training, giving financial assistance, implementing economic policies and establishing health and social welfare projects. 3) Mitigation should definitely be the primary component of disaster plans because if the measures are taken appropriately they can not only lead to minimizing the risk of a disaster but may even prevent a disaster from occurring. This does not mean that a naturally occurring disaster can be prevented but that we could save ourselves from a calamity. Being successful at preventing a disaster from occurring is better than having to deal with the after

Analyzing current Fallacies; Peer Counseling on Writing Assignment

Analyzing current Fallacies; Peer Counseling on Writing - Assignment Example This is a situation whereby when one is associated with somebody or is used to someone, he is thought to be like that person and embraces his ideology. â€Å"People think that epilepsy is divine simply because they dont have any idea what causes epilepsy. But I believe that someday we will understand what causes epilepsy, and at that moment, we will cease to believe that its divine. And so it is with everything in the universe† This is a superstitious argument and thus fallacious based on ignorance. I am not confident with this example. â€Å"We have reached a point today where labor-saving devices are good only when they do not throw the worker out of his job.† This is fallacious based on the lack of understanding or misconception. I am confident with this example of fallacy. â€Å"I had become too accustomed to the pseudo-Left new style, whereby if your opponent thought he had identified your lowest possible motive, he was quite certain that he had isolated the only real one. This vulgar method, which is now the norm and the standard in much non-Left journalism as well, is designed to have the effect of making any noisy moron into a master analyst.† This is ad-hominem arguments and thus fallacious. I am not confident with this example. â€Å"Psychobabble attempts to redefine the entire English language just to make a correct statement incorrect. Psychology is the study of why someone would try to do this.† This is a self-justification and thus tagged fallacious. I am confident with this example of fallacy. The following is an example of the fallacy of association; ‘The Republicans are big on this, as when they recently tried to make Barack Obama out to be an extremist because he is associated with Jeremiah Wright and Bill Ayers. If a person knows somebody with extreme views, the implication goes, then that person must be an extremist as well (www.emagill.com/rants/eblog114a.html). Rupert Murdoch: â€Å"Maybe most Moslems [are] peaceful,

Theatre Of The Absurd And The Homecoming English Literature Essay

Theatre Of The Absurd And The Homecoming English Literature Essay Firstly, to substantially answer the question above, it is indeed imperative to present a definition of absurdist theatre by which to draw comparisons from, to successfully evaluate Harold Pinters The Homecoming as a representative example. It should initially be brought to the attention of the reader that absurdist theatre in effect does not present a typical definition or strict rules or guidelines from which to conform, for example, a piece of play script to. However, there is an interpretation that has been most famously noted by Martin Esslin in his Theatre of the Absurd, from which he puts this term into some context of understanding, influenced from the French philosopher Albert Camus, in his Myth of Sisyphus, written in 1942. (Culik 2000). For example, Esslin in his Theatre of the Absurd comments on the use of the word Absurd describing its original meaning as out of harmony in a musical context. (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10) However, he hones in on Camus use of the word, which is used in the understanding of absurdist theatre that has a completely different notion behind it. For example, Ionesco defines this notion as, Absurd is that which is devoid of purpose Cut off from his religious, metaphysical, and transcende ntal roots, man is lost; all his actions become senseless, absurd, useless. (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10) Thus, the most central theme to Absurdist Theatre is awareness of this lack of purpose in all we do [and how this] produces a state of metaphysical anguish. (Ray 2005) Furthermore, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the Theatre of the Absurd; the term essentially coined by Martin Esslin in his critical work, as mentioned above; defines the understanding that The Theatre of the Absurd strives to express its sense of senselessness of the human condition and the inadequacy of the rational approach by the open abandonment of rational devices and discursive thought. (OED 2010) Esslin continues to comment, in his study of Theatre of the Absurd, on the disorientating quality of [the] plays (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10) that are commonly grouped into the genre of absurd, and how so many established criticshave condemned the [absurdist plays] for [their] lack of plot, development, characterisation, suspense or plain common sense. (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10) Specifically Esslin uses Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot as an example to demonstrate that those in society that are unsophisticated enough t o come to the theatre without any preconceived notions and ready-made expectations (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10) about a performance were thus able to look past the nonsense or mystification (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10) of these types of plays and find meaning and understanding in them, rather than their seemingly impertinent and outrageous imposture (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10). In terms of language, the Theatre of the Absurd, tends toward[s] a radical devaluation of language (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10), in other words reducing the value of language that logically, plays are so heavily reliant on. However, this is not to say that language is completely disregarded, because in fact it is not, its function is more poignantly used to contradict the action of the character voicing the lines. In terms of its historical context, Theatre of the Absurd has emanated from the avant-garde movements in art from the period of the 1920s 30s, originating from Paris. Yet, probably more central to its rise was the traumatic horror experienced from World War II. Furthermore, around this time the beginning of the loss of religious significance and dependence in peoples lives highlighted the opposite of purpose and meaning to life, alongside the resonating realisation of the uncertainty of life. As a consequence the Theatre of the Absurd aimed to present an anti- theatre, to reflect as the world was beginning to tear apart, with its morals, conventions and values, so too must theatre evolve out of its traditionalism and become surreal, illogical, conflictless and plotless. (Culik 2000). On first appearances Pinters The Homecoming, seems to fit the theory of the Theatre of the Absurd. It initially presents the reader with an absurd setting, whereby the back wall has been removed. The stage action is juxtaposed against the ridiculous language that seems to be discursive the character Max, seems to pass aimlessly between subject after subject. It almost satirises how language is the key to communication. However, the dialogue seems ridiculous with the stage action contradicting the words that are said by the characters. For example, Max says to Lenny: Dont you talk to me like that. Im warning you (Worthen 2004 p. 764) the understanding of the language implies Max aggressive attitude and embodiment, yet the stage action suggest a complete juxtaposition (He sits in large arm chair) (Worthen 2004 p. 764). Furthermore, the absurd dialogue exchanged by the principle protagonist Max seems to be shocking and the ability to comprehend impossible, thus adhering to the illogical sense instilled in absurdist language. He talks about his wife in a negative and oppressive tone, it made me sick just to look at her rotten stinking face, she wasnt such a bad bitch. (Worthen 2004 p.764) Lennys reaction seems to be completely oblivious to his fathers statement about his mother. Instead of the words he hears, its as if he hears irritating noise being expelled from Maxs mouth and wants him to be quiet. To add to the absurdity of the two characters we are presented with Max talks about himself in a manner that is bizarre, your lousy filthy father (Worthen 2004 p.764). The expression of this senselessness and repetitive discursive trend throughout the whole play creates an incomprehensible illusion that understandably baffles its audiences and readers. More so, in terms of language, the play adheres to the illogical trend absurdist theatre expresses, through the representation of the characters Teddy and Ruth. They are married, yet Teddy is not fazed in the slightest as his brothers start to have sexual relations with his wife. For example, Lenny says to Joey in front of Teddy, You didnt get all the way and youve had her up there for two hours! (Worthen 2004 p782). This ludicrous behaviour stimulates an even more baffling realisation for readers and audiences, as they begin to understand the senselessness of the human condition that Absurdist theatre seeks to express. Furthermore, the incomprehensible expression of language strengthens even more so towards the end of the play. This is where we see the family, excluding Teddy; gravitate towards Teddys wife Ruth, wanting her to stay in the household. Their objective for her is to turn her into a whore. This may be an act to replace the previous matriarch of the family, Jessie, who wa s both a mother and a whore. Teddys distinct separation from the meaning of the dialogue depicts the open abandonment of rational devices, as he decides that it is okay to leave his wife there. However, in opposition to the statement above, it is easy to see that Pinters The homecoming does reflect the trends of Absurdist theatre, yet something more new and exciting is emerging that does not just restrict itself to this category/genre. For example, throughout the play we can see the heavy mix of influence from the realist and absurdist genres that dominate the majority of the play. This juxtaposition reflected in the setting, exposes side by side everyday domesticity with a subtle undercurrent of animalistic violence (Gin 2008). Francis Grin, in his book Pinters Stage, A New Genre argues that if you read Pinters play without the already existent framework (Gin 2008) of realist and absurdist theatre, then you will discover the text for what it truly is, an entirely new kind of dramaturgy (Gin 2008). Gin continues to argue that Pinters play needs to be looked through an independent framework (Gin 2008)to discover the unique Pinteresque style of theatre e (Gin 2008). In addition Gins unique insight into this genre, and more specifically Pinters The Homecoming, allows a more comprehensive understanding to be gained from the seemingly incomprehensible read. For example, Gin clearly sees that Pinter creates a rhythm and tempo (Gin 2008) which mimics the strange patterns of real life dialogue, but allow[ing] the terrorto hit home as the spectator fills the Pinteresque pause with their own subjective imagination. (Gin 2008). It is true that the play is fragmented with what seems to be a burdenful amount of pauses. This in itself does not constitute the play being placed into an absurdist category, but more so into Pinters very own category. As (Bradshaw 2004) states, The characters speech, hesitations, and pauses reveal not only their own alienation and the difficulties they have in communicating but also the many layers of meaning that can be contained in even the most innocuous statements. (Bradshaw 2004) Theatre Critic Molly Flatt, also has an inspiring perspective on Pinters play that suggests there is much more to the play than just containing it to two genres of theatre form (absurdist/realist). She describes it as a dark, funny and recognizable portrait of 1970s masculinity (Flatt 2008) until another character Teddy the prodigal son (Flatt 2008) returns with his wife Ruth, whom disrupts the stage action from awkward to disconcertingly bizarre. (Flatt 2008) Indeed this is reflective of the theatre of the absurd with its naturalistic setting and dialogue (Flatt 2008) infused with the undercurrent of dim, bleak [domestic] horror (Flatt 2008). However its surrealism allows us to [capture] what is great and wacky and wrong and sincere that we understand what is human. (Flatt 2008) As Pinter himself states that there are many truths that seek to challenge, recoil, reflect, ignore, tease each other [and so on] (Flatt 2008) yet we never truly hold truth in our hands for more than a momen t. (Flatt 2008) In conclusion I think that it is clear Pinter is heavily influenced by the avant-garde and absurdist movements, yet his brilliance in making such weird and wonderful plays does not just lie in these genres, but in something that he has truly made unique and as Gin comments completely created an entirely new dramaturgy. Yes it is clear to see the influences of surrealism, realism and absurdist theatre in his work, especially in The Homecoming, but to what extent it is a representative example of Absurdist Theatre, would be to oversimplify Pinters work. Therefore, after studying the text it would be indecent not to acknowledge the influence of absurdist theatre, but also not to acknowledge Pinters the homecoming is ambivalent in [its] plot, presentation of characterbut [are also] works of undeniable power and originality. (Bradshaw 2004).

Internet Gambling Essay

The technoculture related topic that I am going to explore is the phenomenon of Internet gambling. With the emergence and explosion of gambling on television such as the World Series of Poker of ESPN or The World Poker Tour on the Travel Channel, online gaming has quickly become a major player in the technoculture of contemporary society. I feel it is important to explore this issue because of American society’s fascination and obsession with gambling. Gambling can and has become a very serious and damaging activity to many people in this country. According to CNN. com, studies have shown that people who gamble on the Internet tend to have more serious addictions than people who wager through more traditional venues. Through my research, I hope to further explore why Internet gambling has the potential to be more dangerous than traditional casinos and how younger generations of Americans and the government are responding to this ever-growing phenomenon. Literature Review The research I discovered on Internet gambling is fairly recent and comprehensive. Since online gaming is a reasonably new trend, the material written on the matter was rather current. Furthermore, there was a substantial amount of information within these three sources. It was evident that the three authors conducted high-quality research, and it showed with the use of graphs, charts, and case studies. Also, the three sources had a very similar outlook on the present and future situation of online gaming. With that being said, given that online gaming is at the peak of its existence, it is imperative that further exploration and examination within the subject be carried out. Because of the instant access one has to a gambling venue and the privacy factor of the Internet, online gaming has become a risky undertaking for many. According to David Schwartz (2003), â€Å"Internet gambling presents new problems for individuals and society† (p. 214). Instead of driving to an actual physical casino, problem gamblers can enjoy betting in the comforts of their own home. At home, they are not monitored by other gamblers and/or casino personnel which results in the ability to set their own limit. The Internet also allows the gambler to maintain a level of privacy not found in real casinos. If there are no friends or family around to supervise, then the gambler can engage in irresponsible betting without any time constraints. Finally, unlike real casinos, Internet casinos are readily available at the click of a button. If an online gaming organization will not accept one’s money, one can bet that there are thousands of others that will be happy to take one’s funds. The demographics of gambling are interesting to investigate within the subject. According to Rachel Volberg (2001), â€Å"adults ages 18 to 29 are substantially more likely than older adults to have gambled privately† (p. 34). Young adults are also more likely to gamble for excitement compared to older adults (Volberg, 2001). This is not a difficult concept to grasp. Normally, young adults have a less appreciative concept of money because they do not have as great of a responsibility as older people in regards to providing for family, paying bills, and spending money on expenses that are traditionally not familiar to a younger person. Furthermore, young people are usually unsupervised, especially in the collegiate demographic. Without the approval from mommy and daddy, young adults all across America are enjoying the financial freedom to do whatever they want with the money they have. In addition, according to Thomas Barker and Marjie Britz (2000), â€Å"many college students have deep pockets ? Mom and Dad’s† (p. 139). With this new found autonomy and fiscal assistance from parents, college kids are engaging in online gaming for fun and excitement. However, if left untreated and unsupervised, the fun and excitement can soon turn into a dangerous addiction with serious consequences and ramifications. With the possibility of Internet gambling becoming a serious problem, the government has been asked to step in and legislate the situation. According to Volberg (2001), â€Å"The fact that Internet gambling is conducted in a networked, data-intensive environment offers opportunities for regulation and oversight in several critical areas, including licensure, testing for game integrity and site security, auditing and oversight, taxation, and consumer protection† (p 97). Basically, Volberg is supporting a regulatory system that will be able to monitor the activities not only of the individual gambler, but of the gambling website as well. If the government actually does get involved, certain problems can be remedied. For example, every transaction made by a player can be closely followed and tracked. If a player indicates behaviors that suggest irresponsible decision-making, the player can be flagged and possibly suspended from a gambling website. However, all in all, Internet gambling will most likely always have its problems. Just like alcohols are with minors, people will get their hands on something they probably should not be touching. Internet gambling is an intensifying activity in American culture. With all the limitless possibility and endless potential of the Internet, online gaming will continue to be a major player in the world of technoculture and the information society. Nevertheless, what is important within this public sphere is to be able to responsibly deal with the world of Internet casinos. We need to come to a positive middle ground between the two sides of the spectrum; the fun and excitement of gambling and the spiraling addiction. Current Trends Like anything in life, when you create stimulus you are going to yield a response. In regards to online gaming, the stimulus that was created was the buzz generated by the constant bombardment of gambling programs on television. ESPN annually televises The World Series of Poker during the summer in which thousands of people descend upon Las Vegas to gamble in all types of events including poker, blackjack, craps, etc†¦ Many times they tell the story of some â€Å"average Joe† who enters a tournament and eventually ends up winning thousands of dollars. This false sense of hope has grabbed millions of Americans into thinking that they too, have the ability to win a substantial amount of money. The response to this stimulus has been the emergence of online casinos. However, instead of people winning money, crime has actually been the fallout of this risky behavior. According to ABCnews. com (2006), a Lehigh University student by the name of Greg Hogan Jr. attempted to rob a local bank in order to pay off his gambling debts. He was eventually caught and pleaded guilty to the offense and now faces up to three years in jail. During his interview with Good Morning America, Mr. Hogan blamed his addiction to online gambling websites for his setback, and cautioned the American public to the dangerous power of Internet gaming. In addition to his story, according to ABCnews. com (2006), â€Å"2. 9 million Americans between the ages of fourteen and twenty-two gamble with cards online at least once a week, and fifty percent of male college students and twenty-six percent of female college students gamble on cards at least once a month. † To combat this growing epidemic, the House of Representatives took a proactive stance on the matter by passing legislation that would make it illegal to use credit cards on gambling websites and make it significantly more difficult to access these sites. Whether it gets passed by the Senate and the Executive Branch is another matter, however, at least the government is recognizing the problem sooner rather than later. In conjunction with this theory of crime, many Internet scammers have found opportunity within this growing trend. An article on ABCnews. com (2006) describes an elaborate scheme where bookies took sports bets through an Internet gambling site. The insecurity of the website allowed these thieves to launder millions of dollars and corrupt the free enterprise system of the Internet gaming business. Fortunately, these criminals were caught. Nevertheless, it makes you wonder how frequent this sort of thing exists in the online world. Some have argued, nonetheless, that Internet gambling has its benefits. According to Tom W. Bell (1998), the inclusion of the Internet has fostered competition to a business that has long enjoyed the sanctuary of restraining licensing practices. Rather than having to fly out to isolated casinos in Vegas or Atlantic City, you can enjoy the experience of gambling in the comforts of your own home. Bell (1998) also supports the belief that gambling in your home allows an individual to escape the traps found in real, physical casinos. A person does not have to be surrounded in a windowless structure while being harassed by cocktail waitresses carrying a tray of free booze. Because of online gaming, the business world has more free enterprise and has given the individual a sense of security not found in traditional locales. In terms of my own personal experience, I actually signed up to one of these gambling websites to investigate how they attract and seize the public. The website was www. gambling. com and in order to register, all I had to give them was a current e-mail address. I found it sort of comforting to know that they pledged that they would not pass any of my information on to any other company and/or website because I did not want my stagweb to become flooded with junkmail from these websites. Immediately after becoming a member, I was granted 400 Ludos. I had no clue as to what Ludos were, but after some probing, I discovered that they were basically a form of Internet currency. For every twenty five Ludos, I received a dollar. That equals sixteen dollars. But, here’s the catch. For me to actually receive the Ludos and use them to gamble, I would have to give them my credit card information and pay a montly fee which was actually just about as expensive as the Ludos themselves. Brilliant. Moreover, the website contained links in which I could learn how to play games by reading tutorials, and then, actually play those games. I conducted a little experiment of my own to see how many times I won during one of the games. Out of twenty-five spins on one of the slot machines, I ended up winning sixteen times. That is a sixty-four percent average of winning. Now, anyone who understands anything about gambling knows that the absolute best percentage of winning is fifty percent. However, most of the games are not even close to that percentage. My suspicion leads me to believe that these websites give a false sense of hope to their members. If they succeed in tempting people to try these games, and these games yield a winning percentage better than fifty percent, more often than not, someone is going to believe that they actually have a great chance of making money. It actually is a genius scheme to lure in the public. Make them believe. Once they have accomplished that, these websites have them right where they want them. Conclusions The effects of online gaming are now becoming more clear and transparent to technoculture and the information society. It is apparent that online gaming has become a microcosm of the digital divide that exists within society. According to one of our readings during the semester written by Oscar H. Gandy, Jr. (2002), the differences that make up the digital divide are more than just social constructions. The actual construction is molded due to the new systems of communication that have surfaced within the last twenty years. In relation to online gaming, Internet gaming websites are now competing to display the flashiest, most hypertextual sites in order to attract customers. Due to this competition, better bandwidth and enhanced software will result, thus highlighting the digital divide. Data mining and this notion of surveillance has also entered the conversation regarding online gaming. Because an individual has to present private information about one’s self on a website to facilitate gambling, the possibility of gambling website selling personal information in return for financial gain is a distinct possibility. As aforementioned, the site I visited before pledged that they did not engage in data mining. Yet, this seems to suggest that other sites do exercise this right which effectively gives companies useful information about yourself. Moreover, whenever someone uses the Internet, especially in a situation where one willingly submits personal information such as credit card and phone numbers, the possibility of third party surveillance is always present. It really conveys the authentic risks one undertakes when participating in the latest innovation. Another theory that online gaming illustrates is the constant tension between structure and agency. The government represents structure. As a stable entity, it looks to control the path of Internet gambling by establishing rules and regulations in hopes of creating some order. Internet gambling, on the other hand, is the perfect example of agency. Gambling, in and of itself, is the exact definition of what agency represents: the ability of uncertainty and chaos to influence the parameters through which we live. However, as much as these two concepts seem unrelated, there is an interdependence that spurs the creation of new technologies, not only in the world of online gaming, but throughout the technological landscape. Annotated List of Relevant URLS 1. http://www. playwinningpoker. com/resources/sites2. html : This website is a resource for gamblers.It allows the user to learn new games, find new games, and contact certain people involved with gambling. 2. http://www. gambling. com/best/online-gambling-sites. htm : This website directs users to the best gambling websites on the Internet. It has a list on the left hand side with about sixty different links to other gambling sites. 3. http://www. out-law. com/page-6655 : This website is about illegal activities on the Internet. It contains a few articles on illegal mishaps that have occurred through Internet gambling websites. 4. http://www. becker-posner-blog.com/archives/2006/08/on_internet_gam. html : Blog that contains articles about Internet gambling. Website constructed by Gary Becker and Richard Posner. 5. http://www. cardplayer. com/blog/entry/179 : Blog that is pro-Internet gambling. Players write their feelings on why they think Internet casinos are fun and exciting. 6. http://www. istoppedgambling. com/ : Website founded to help people with gambling problems. Includes personal stories, how-to instructions, and negative articles about gambling. 7. http://www. nomoregambling. com/ : Website founded to help people with Internet gambling problems. Has a hotline and other medias to help combat irresponsible Internet betting. Works Cited Barker, Thomas & Britz, Marjie (2000). Jokers Wild: Legalized Gambling in the Twenty-first Century. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc. Schwartz G. , David (2003). Suburban Xanadu: The Casino Resort on the Las Vegas Strip and Beyond. New York, NY: Taylor and Francis Books, Inc. Volberg A. , Rachel (2001). When the Chips Are Down: Problem Gambling in America. New York, NY: The Century Foundation, Inc. http://www. cato. org/testimony/ct-tb052198. html.

The Yellow Wallpaper, By William Faulkner - 921 Words

In a struggle to retain what they believe is tangible, two very different, yet so analogous women are introduced in the diverse domains produced by two authors. The first, Charlotte Gilman’s â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper,† where the narrator is a woman from an upper middle class upbringing who’s taken to a house by her husband for their summer vacation where she begins to feel confined and the later, William Faulkner’s â€Å"A Rose for Emily,† where Emily is the daughter of an influential man who does become confined to her house after her father passes away. Although their stories are written by two very different people, the women share an eerie resemblance as they begin to fall into an insanity driven by fixation. To explore and understand these connections, one must look into themes and symbolisms to further magnify the foundation of their stories. The initial similarity between both women is their state of being alone in love. After all, the narra tor in â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† finds no comfort in her husband, although she attempts to convince herself that he loves her, she also finds herself wishing him away stating â€Å"I am glad my case is not serious!† as it would lead John to stay all night with her confining her even more that she already feels that she is (958). Alternately, the reason Emily from â€Å"A Rose for Emily† is left alone in her house is due to the fact that her sweetheart had abandoned her after her father had died, which contributed to her state of isolation (715). ItShow MoreRelatedWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily And The Yellow Wallpaper1721 Words   |  7 Pagesfamily’s descent is traced back through the male’s line. Although patriarchy can still be found in today’s day and age, it is a subject that is argued about often. Both William Faulkner and Charlotte Perkins Gilman address this issue in both their stories â€Å"A Rose for Emily† and â₠¬Å"The Yellow Wallpaper†, respectively. William Faulkner gives a depiction that Emily needed the feeling of control, whether that is being controlled or by controlling someone, which may not be the case. Whereas Charlotte PerkinsRead MoreThe, The Yellow Wallpaper, And Mississippi Native William Faulkner s `` A Rose For Emily ``869 Words   |  4 Pages If we choose to neglect and become unaware with reality we may become delusional to the point of becoming insane. Feminist Charlotte Gilman’s (1860-1935) â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† and Mississippi native William Faulkner’s (1897-1962) â€Å"A Rose for Emily† both contain extreme delusional characters (â€Å"Charlotte Perkins Gilman†, â€Å"William Faulkner†). These characters lose touch with the real world and slowly begin to exhibit madness. Although both characters are unable to grasp reality, they both expressRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper, And William Faulkner s A Rose For Emily1340 Words   |  6 Pagesinternal struggle women goes through are Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper,† and William Faulkner’s â€Å"A Rose for Emily.† The two protagonist from these short stories, the unnamed narrator and Emily, display symptoms of â€Å"hysteria† because they experience conflicts between their individual desires and social influences that either repress their feelings or displace their feelings. The unnamed narrator in â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† symbolizes the majority of women by showing what they endured inRead MoreAnalysis of A Rose for Emily, by William Faulkner and The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman2621 Words   |  11 Pages In the short stories â€Å"A Rose for Emily† written by William Faulkner and â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper†Ã¢â‚¬  written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the protagonists experience mental illness, loneliness, feelings of being in control of their lives, and feelings of being insane. Both main characters struggle against male domination and control. The two stories take place in the late 1800’s - early 1900’s, a time where men’s place in society was superior to that of women. Each story was written from a differentRead MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily And Charlotte Perkins Gilman s The Yellow Wallpaper890 Words   |  4 Pageswomen cannot have their autonomy. In William Faulknerâ€⠄¢s A Rose for Emily and Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper, both of them are elaborating the women under patriarchy either father or husband, moreover, revealing the tragedy form under this authority. In A Rose for Emily, Faulkner depicts a young woman that was rigorous controlled by her father. After her father’s demise, she was still manipulated by this invisible power. In The Yellow Wallpaper, Gilman portrays a woman who was keptRead MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily And Charlotte Perkins Gilman s The Yellow Wallpaper1466 Words   |  6 PagesThe women in William Faulkner’s A Rose for Emily and Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper are troubled protagonists that have been neglected, isolated, and pushed to the point of insanity. There are many contributing factors to their decent into psychosis. Both women have lost their ability to function in society due to their obsessive behavior and the controlling men in their liv es. Although both stories have similarities, there are also differences in their paths that have led toRead MoreMale Dominance in Both Books, The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner837 Words   |  4 PagesMale dominance is something that is showed in both stories â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† and â€Å"A Rose for Emily†. Both the women in these stories feel they can’t be complete without a dominant male role in their life or that it was forced upon them. However, they both find a way out of this over powering rule through insanity, as some people see it. In the time the stories were based and written, women were not supposed to be sophisticated or intelligent, and were over taken by their emotions. The men believedRead MoreIsolation in â€Å"a Rose for Emily† and â€Å"the Yellow Wallpaper†1222 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"A Rose for Emily† by William Faulkner and â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper † by Charlotte Perkins Gilman are two well written short stories that entail both similarities and differences. Both short stories were written in the late 1800’s early 1900’s and depict the era when women were viewed less important than men. The protagonist in each story is a woman, who is confined in solitary due to the men in their lives. The narrator in â€Å"A Rose for Emily† is the mutual voice of the townspeople of Jefferson, whileRead MoreUses of the Conventions of the Gothic Story in The Yellow Wallpaper and A Rose for Emily1467 Words   |  6 PagesGothic story was an extremely popular form of literature, and it has been a major genre since then. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner are both Gothic horror stories consisting madness and suspense. The Gothic horror story carries particular conventions in its setting, theme, point of view, and characterisation. Both Gilman and Faulkner follow the conventions of the Gothic horror story to create feelings of gloom, mystery, and suspense thatRead MoreShort Story Comparison1241 Words   |  5 PagesScales 1! Katrina Scales David Miles ENC-1102 16 July 2015 A Yellow Rose It is likely that after reading short stories The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner, any sensible reader will feel disturbed in at least the slightest. Both texts contain neurotic women of unsound mind who have deathly obsessions. At first glance, these stories do not seem to have much in common; they have been written through opposite perspectives, one neglects to be chronological