Betty Parris

The character Betty Parris plays an important role in the story of the Crucible. As one of the girls who danced in the forest she is part of the play’s central conflict. She is the cause of the townspeople blaming witchcraft in the first place and she is also part of the reason that most of the characters are killed by the end of the fourth act. Through her actions over the course of the play, Betty is shown to be fearful, easily-manipulated, and an attention-seeker. In the Crucible, one of Betty’s main characteristics is her fearfulness.When her father catches her in the woods, she immediately faints to avoid any punishment and continues to pretend to be in a coma for a while after. Abigail convinces Reverend Parris that â€Å"Betty was frightened and then she fainted† (pg. 833) but it seems like what really happened was she was clever enough to avoid being reprimanded. She is also fearful of Abigail. After Betty wakes up, Abigail tells her that Reverend Parris knows everything and this causes her to â€Å"springs off the bed, and rush across room to window† (pg. 837) because she is afraid of what might happen.She is harassed and struck by Abigail after talking about Abigail’s charm to kill Goody Proctor and this causes her to submit to Abigail’s demands that no one speaks of what she did in the forest. Her fear of Abigail leads to her joining Abigail and the other girls throughout the rest of the play even though she seems to resent them. Another main characteristic of Betty is her tendency to be easily-manipulated. As one of the members of the group of girls who danced in the woods, she becomes a part of Abigail’s web of lies and deceit.At first she resists Abigail until Abigail threatens to come to her â€Å"in the black of some terrible night† (pg. 837) if she says anything about the charm. After that, she follows Abigail and the rest of the girls as they condemn the people of the town as well as when they lie in the courthouse and pretend to see Mary’s spirit attacking them. She follows Abigail’s every action and mimics anything that she does. This lets her lead Betty to do horrible things to people just because Betty is unable to stand up to Abigail.In the Crucible, Betty is also shown to be an attention-seeker. As a younger girl, she has the natural need for people to pay attention to her. This need is further amplified by her lack of mother, which leaves her fewer people to entertain her. When she is thought to be unconscious, many people come from all over town to visit her. Among these people is Mercy Lewis who claims to have wanted â€Å"to see how Betty is† (pg. 836). This may be another reason that Betty joins Abigail and the other girls in their escapades.She just needs the attention that the townspeople give them for condemning all the witches. One thing that shows Betty’s attention-seeking is when the psalm can be heard outside of the bedr oom, Betty â€Å"claps her ear suddenly, and whines loudly† (pg. 839). This action convinces everyone that Betty cannot hear the Lord’s name and the others mark it as a sign of witchcraft. Another example of this trait is shown when all the other girls are shouting out names in Parris’ house. When Betty begins to convict people with them, she stands on top of her bed as she does it.Even though Abigail and the other girls are all doing the same thing, Betty still wants the attention and so to stand apart from the others she puts herself on a higher pedestal to be seen. Through her fainting in the woods, to her participation in Abigail’s convictions, Betty Parris is shown to be fearful, easily-manipulated, and an attention-seeker. Her role in the Crucible is an important one that drives the plot and is the cause for anyone thinking witchcraft is involved in the first place.

A Perspective of Leadership Through the Eyes of a Great Leader

Abraham Lincoln had a distinct way of elevating people. This is evident in one of his leadership techniques as pointed out by Donald Phillips in his book, Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times. This, he had done by recognizing his subordinates, his people as equals.More importantly, it is by not failing to remember that he, as a President acted not as a Chieftain but as representative of the people who elected him; and it is from this people, his power as Chief Executive emanated. In the same way, there are leaders who act based on the same principle as Abraham Lincoln. Take for example, Nelson Mandela.The latter’s leadership although may be viewed very differently from that of Lincoln is characterized by the similar principles in leadership as Lincoln’s. Like Lincoln who is a master of active passivity, Mandela offered only passive resistance against efforts that put the Blacks in the position of permanent servility (Brink, 1998).Like Lincoln who preached vi sions, in his case, through the Gettysburg Address, Mandela preached visions as a mode of getting across ideas that would set forth the movement towards his objectives. According to him, â€Å"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.† (Brink, 1998). Also, like Lincoln, Mandela showed integrity even with his failures which he considered not as such but as blessings which â€Å"enhance rather than diminish his personality (Brink, 1998).†1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In your opinion, what were Lincoln`s most important attributes or traits?It is not proper to say that Abraham Lincoln had a most important l eadership attribute for it is only when his traits are seen as a whole that his leadership can be qualified. Saying that one trait is more important than the other means elevating one and subordinating the rest. Surely, it is not only just one or a few leadership attributes which can carry or distinguish Lincoln as a leader from the others.According to Donald Phillips (1992), â€Å"’During his four years as president, Abraham Lincoln spent most of his time among the troops.’ He visited key individuals in government, members of Congress, toured hospitals to visit the wounded, etc. He was a natural wanderer. As a lawyer, he went out to discover the facts first hand.†Still, it cannot be said, for example that Lincoln’s consideration of â€Å"getting out of the office and circulating among the troops† distinguished him over the others because there were leaders who valued such in their leadership too. Princess Diana was considered as a prime figure dur ing her days because she showed empathy to the people and in Phillips’ words, she ‘got out’ in public to experience the people first hand and not only through the eyes of third observers.The same goes with Pope John Paul II who was renowned for his frequent tours among Catholic nations. He was not the Pope who sat down his Papal Chair as he observed the world through his accolades. He went out, shook hands, waved and hugged the people whom he led in faith. Both leaders value â€Å"reaching out to their people† as prime necessity in effective leadership.Having said this, it is the combination of Lincoln’s leadership traits that made him a distinguished him from the others. It is the right amounts of humility, foresight, patience, tact and eloquence that made him one of the supreme leaders not only in the history of the United States but in the history of the world.

The role of nuclear medicine and other imaging modalities in Article - 1

The role of nuclear medicine and other imaging modalities in hyperthyrodism - Article Example In clinical practice different hyperthyroid conditions such as Graves’ disease, hyperthyroid goiter, and other conditions such as toxic multinodular or nodular goitre need assessment of activity of the gland. In this review, contemporary literature has been reviewed to update current knowledge on this topic. This assignment reveals that radionuclide imaging is an important diagnostic modality in the workup of hyperthyroid disorders, but despite that, in some cases the diagnostic yield is better with ultrasonography or PET scanning. In some cases, combined use of these imaging investigations pinpoints the diagnosis in a more suitable manner. Review of these articles and the knowledge apparent may be used to frame a guideline of advice regarding imaging practice in this area. The thyroid gland produces two hormones, namely, thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These are known to play important physiological roles in the human body. Anatomically, the thyroid gland is located in the neck, in front of the trachea. It comprises of two lobes, right and left, connected by a narrow bridge of thyroid tissue, known as isthmus. It is a very highly vascular organ. The normal adult thyroid gland consists of follicles lined by thyroid follicular cells that contain large amount of thyroglobulin. This serves as the protein precursor of the thyroid hormones (Broome, 2006). Endocrinologically, increased need for thyroid hormone leads to a signal pathway mediated by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) leading to release of active hormone from a bound state with thyroglobulin to a free state, eventually being secreted into the blood stream. When there is hypersecretion of thyroid hormones due to any cause, the condition is known as hyperthyroidism. Usually hyperthyroidis m is indicated by an elevated level of TSH. Therefore, in clinical practice the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is made by finding an abnormally elevated TSH level which

Critically review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Critically review - Essay Example Moreover, their access to recent and new technology is limited. In many occasions only the elites of particular under-developed countries have access to technological. The rest of the country is confined to living in of abject poverty by living lives without the vital necessities like purified water, proper shelter and clothing (James, 2001:148). Therefore, if the developing nations would exploit the advantages offered by information technology (IT) by being integrated in the global economy, they would also be conversant with the many characteristics together with the resulting impulses they would propagate. This is because IT alters the way global competition is carried out and locational behavior of the multinational corporations. Since competition is a continuous technological revolution, it requires new principles and concepts that are beyond those offered by traditional national comparative advantage. As a result, the information industry has led to technological transformations and growth of the whole economies. In addition, competition is characterized by fast technological changes, intense global competition, and uncertainties. Consequently, these characteristics need that; you know the anticipation of the core capabilities, continuous technological learning, exact timing of entry into the market, and finally developing of the supporting institutions (James: 2001:148-9) According to James (2001:149-150) the pattern of globalization in the Third world countries has shown that it has led to the deterioration of foreign trade. This is because the overall ratio of trade to GDP n the past decade has been on the rise for the developing countries.. The Third World countries that are seeking to enter the global market now have already been left behind. The huge amounts of cash flow and general capital are required to establish a true presence in the global market; as a result many Third World nations have not yet generated the necessary capital and domestic con ditions so as to be strong competitors in the current world of neoliberal trade. Moreover, globalization is partly due to the factors that are unrelated changes in technology and IT in particular. As result, the most important of these factors is the liberal approach to both international trade and foreign investment that adopted in many countries, both developed as well as the developing. Developing nations have not been able to fully reap the potential benefits that are available through globalization. As a result this has left them much less subjected to the downsides of globalization like sweatshops and pollution According to Craig, David and Porter (2004:45-7) assert that international trade levels have been depending on costs of transport but also on the communication costs between the sellers and the buyers in the different countries In fact, the two distinct mechanisms through which globalization is being driven by a reduction in costs of communication. The more obvious mech anism is that because of the technologies like the digital switching, fax machines and Internet. Therefore, information about the already traded goods can be passed on between the countries more cheaply than it was hitherto possible. This manifests among other ways, the growth of electronic commerce between various businesses, digital goods delivery and the retail sale of

Evaluating the Effects of Regulatory Agencies on the LIMS ( Laboratory Essay

Evaluating the Effects of Regulatory Agencies on the LIMS ( Laboratory Information Management System ) - Essay Example tion, meets the standards set, notably CMS Regulations Part 493 Sub-part K, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), and OSE Manual of Policies and Procedures (MAPP) 6700.2. In terms of information security, both agencies will be expecting to be satisfied that the requirements of CMS Regulations Part 170, regarding Information Security, have been met. In practice, Part 170 simply reflects ICT industry standard practice, so providing that the laboratory meets these industry standards, both agencies will be satisfied. In areas specifically involving pathology, a given LIMS implementation will also need to be approved by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). CAP regulators will expect that the LIMS implementation will meet their approval in four key areas: discipline, equipment manufacturer, specimen type and method of analysis. CAP inspections must be regarded as additional to the CMS and OSE inspections and compliance defined below. When examining the exchange of electronic health data, the Federal Regulators will be looking for the use of logical observation identifiers names and codes (LOINC) naming conventions. In order to facilitate the exchange of electronic clinical data between the LIMS being examined and other LIMS implementations, the Regulators will be checking for the use of systematized nomenclature of medicine clinical terms (SNOMED), as defined for specific U.S. applications by the CMS, FDA and, where relevant, CAP. All LIMS Implementations must meet the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Regulations Part 493 Subpart K - Quality System for Nonwaived Testing. This means each LIMS implementation must include as a minimum the following. Establishing and following policies and procedures for monitoring, assessing, and, when indicated, correcting problems identified in the general laboratory systems requirements specified in CMS Regulations Part 493 Subpart K that apply to the laboratory in

How is the quality of life in Houston, Texas Annotated Bibliography

How is the quality of life in Houston, Texas - Annotated Bibliography Example Houston has a wide range of entertainment joints with quality of products. The products have subsidized prizes through sponsorship by major industries. The city has cultural events that promotes the residents and promote quality health by providing information on the pandemic diseases and how to handle the diseases. It also promotes women and children health care through the social events within the city. The inclusion on entertainments and sports within the city promote unity and a harmonious living that creates an atmosphere of love among the residents. Houston is a city with family atmosphere to behold. The article gives a statistical overview of the Houston indicating a population of 6.2 million. It also gives reveals that Houston has major industries that deal with energy, aerospace and defense and Bioscience. This is clear indicator of Houston being the best place for doing business. The statistics reveal a 6.4% unemployment rate, 3.8% job growth and 5% above the natural average on cost of living. Despite the percentage in unemployment rate, the statistics reveal a growing rate in people indulging in business hence self-employment becomes a key indicator for good life in Houston. Houston economy has a broad industrial base with several sectors including health care. The only city that is home to more big companies than Houston is New York City. Houston is also home to the world’s largest concentration of health care and research institutions known as Texas Medical Center and NASA’s Johnson Space Center, which has mission control center. The port of Houston is ranked as the first in the U S in international waterborne tonnage handling. Houston has a reward of life in diverse and affordable real estate. The real estate available varies from a modern loft downtown to a traditional single –family home in the woodlands. The greater part of

Benefits of Hodges University Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Benefits of Hodges University - Essay Example Communication can be defined as the process of transmitting ideas verbally, nonverbally, and through the use of technology. Communication is very important, particularly for those who are aspiring to build a career in the field of education. In the course of my studies at the University, I learned the ways and significance of organizing thoughts. Communication must involve description, examples, reasons, and/or research to support assertions. Otherwise, the audience may be misled, which can be extremely dangerous in the teaching profession. Appropriate sentence structure and word selection are crucial since these linguistic skills would ultimately help me to express my ideas and interpretations. Also, the training imparted on using the software tools, electronic media, etc. would help me to increase interactivity during communication, especially while delivering a speech or writing an essay.Critical thinking involves thoughtful judgment, reflective decision making, application of rea sons, and drawing conclusions. Analysis and logic are the pillars of critical thinking. The University curriculum provided me with crucial articulation skills and knowledge in search strategies. It also helped me to learn how to interpret and analyze relationships, concepts, and facts on the basis of evidence and data. I learned how to clarify that whether I support, oppose, or remain neutral regarding a topic or belief. Also, I learned how to consider different viewpoints in the course of eliminating contradictions.

Evaluation of Business Globalisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Evaluation of Business Globalisation - Essay Example This approach supported business to expand operations and gain high profit margins. Globalizing process has affected work organization, business, socio-cultural resources, natural environment and economics. There are four different aspects of globalization identified by International Monetary Fund such as trade and transactions, people movement and migration, knowledge dissemination, and investment and capital movements. In this study some examples shall be portrayed to provide a clear understanding about advantages and disadvantages of globalization. Globalization of business refers to shifting of operations from one region to wide array of geographical regions. The impact of globalization in relation to business environment is divided into broad categories like product globalization and market globalization. Product globalization can be stated as service or product sourcing from other countries in order to gain competitive advantage. Price differences across the globe enables a company to gain long term advantage. The cost of production also reduces due to such globalization of business and in turn low prices are charged from customers. Market globalization refers to barrier decline in terms of selling products or services to other countries apart from home country. Companies are able to operate internationally due to emergence of globalization. Business strategies and marketing programs are designed by companies taken into consideration other cultures. Multinational firms should be able to understand the trend of developing na tions, mainly strategies adopted by government to redefine policies and interests. Globalization brings forth risks for companies and firms need to manage it appropriately (Doku and Oppong, 2011). This trend has benefited business operations since market opportunities can be explored of a wider segment, along with achieving competitive advantage in global market place. Technological advancements

Did Attorney Evans Bump Her Head on the Glass Ceiling Case Study

Did Attorney Evans Bump Her Head on the Glass Ceiling - Case Study Example When working together though, both men and women tend to portray certain behaviors and they tend to even identify with them. According to (Powell, 48), women demonstrate emotional behaviors and an extended level of care and concern for their families and children. From the case, for example, women attorneys always complained that they were not allowed enough family time and it was becoming a bother to them. Due to the notion that is held by people that women are weaker, they try to prove themselves stronger and can end up working round the clock so as to achieve the recognition they always long for. This can make the women be possessive and always fight for equality in the group. On the other hand, behave to be stronger both emotionally and physically but they can bear less stress as compared to women. Men also tend to care for the women in the group emotionally and will always be willing to support them at least in a normal working environment. In an organization, the contribution of every member is as important and in a working group, both men and women have different strengths that can be helpful to the general success of the organization. To begin with, women are good organizers and are always sensitive to the current ideas that come up in the organization and affect each worker in one way or another. This means that women can come up with the ideas that can work towards the improvement of the workers' welfare hence motivating them to work towards the general good of the company. Men, on the other hand, can be good in idea generation and can always be there for their partners at work if need be.

A Proposal to Research the Liquid Remains After Resomation Essay Example for Free

A Proposal to Research the Liquid Remains After Resomation Essay Resomation is an alternative to cremation that helps the funeral industry and cuts down mercury emissions. The new technique of disposing a corpse is still not welcomed into potential clients mind frame do to the lack of information on the left over liquid once resomation is completed. I propose more research to be done on the liquid left behind and that the data collected to be shared with the general public. The research will be conducted within two years and six months with the result being a press release of our findings. I am asking for 1,388,800 dollars to fund this research and two years and six months to complete the project. With our findings clientele will be more aware of resomation and the components of the liquid that remains after completion. Introduction Cremation accounts for 34.34 percent of all corpse disposal in the United States in 2006 and is expected to rise to 58.85 percent by 2025 (CANA, 2008). Unfortunately, in the process of cremation, there are considerable amounts of mercury emissions into the atmosphere. Approximately 320 pounds of mercury is released by U.S. crematoriums each year (Reindl, 2008). Because of the high levels of mercury dispersed by U.S. crematoriums it is necessary for more research to be done on resomation as an alternative to cremation. This document is proposing more research to be done on resomation’s environmental aspects after the resomation process. This proposal will include the following information. The background on cremation, mercury and resomation will be covered, followed by my qualifications and project description. Background Since the 1870’s cremation has been a means of disposing a human body in the United States. However, cremation only accounted for 5 percent of all dispositions until 1972 when the market started to gain popularity (Davis and Mates, Page 102). As stated in the introduction, in 2006 cremation accounted for 34.34 percent of all dispositions and is expected to increase to 58.85 percent by 2025 (CANA, 2008). With the interest in cremation growing, so is the concern of mercury emissions due to the dental fillings of the deceased during cremation. The dental work has been accounting for approximately 320 pounds of mercury into the atmosphere. The amount of mercury emitted is estimated to rise even higher as more families are choosing cremation (Reindle, 2008). There are many questions regarding how to handle the mercury situation respectfully, safely and environmentally. Resomation is a new technique being used in 6 states in the U.S.(ABC News, 2011). The new process is beneficial to the funeral industry because of its fuel efficiency (Resomation LTD). This new technique can help the funeral industry make more profit along with reducing mercury emissions, that is if potential consumers choose resomation. Resomation still sets potential consumers ill at ease. The potential clientele are still hesitant to use the new method of disposition because of the liquids leftover after the process is finished (NYTimes). Some fear that the liquids are harmful for the environment because there have been few studies on the topic. The problem is potential clientele are reluctant to use resomation for fear that the liquid could be detrimental to the environment and to themselves (TIME). Research needs to be done so that there is more information for the general public about resomation. With this information available potential consumers will choose resomation over cremation. Qualifications I am a junior in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at Oregon state University, majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Biology. I have taken several classes related to chemical compounds, environmental studies and the human body. These courses will aid me in gathering research along with other scientists on my team. Leadership and organization are traits I posses and have shown in my previous work experiences. In my experience as a funeral directors assistant I was able to converse with families about the reasons they decided to not choose resomation. From my conversations with them I found that the overall concern was due to the liquefying process. Because of this experience in my life I feel like I can understand the concern of the general public. Project Description The purpose of this proposal is to conduct research revolving around the remaining liquid after the resomation process is completed. The results found in the research will give us information on whether the remaining liquid is environmentally safe or unsafe. Objectives In our research I will achieve the following goals: * Determine the exact chemical makeup of the remaining liquid left after resomation has taken place. * Determine if the liquid is environmentally safe. * Complete a press release on the findings. Methodology My plan for achieving the goals discussed in the previous section is by testing the liquid of donated human corpses after resomation has taken place. We plan on using 150 donated corpses to conduct the research study. Once the bodies have been resomated we will collect five samples of the liquid remains to be tested later on in the study. Testing the liquid will be done by using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. Mass spectrometry is a technique used for separating and identifying molecules based on mass. This technique will help determine the molecules in the liquid and will be able to identify if any of the deceased DNA is present (Genetics, 2003). Nuclear magnetic resonance is used to determine the structure of new natural and synthetic compounds, the purity of send compounds and its chemical reaction with the other compounds in the solution (Medical Discoveries, 1997). These two tools are able to determine chemical structures so that an accurate description of the liquids makeup can be found. With these instruments at hand we can determine the chemical compounds of the liquid down to its basic chemical elements. Once we have the chemical make-up of the liquid, we will begin to start looking at their reactions to the environment and if it is harmful. When it is determined that the material contained in the liquid is harmful or not harmful, we will begin work on a journal article that states our findings. After the journal article is finished we will create a press release so that our findings can be made known to the media. To respect the families of those who donated their bodies, we wish to return the ashes to them. This will not be a great cost to the project for it is just sending the remains to their family’s homes. Evaluation Tracking the experiments progress will be done by having the scientists and graduate students participating in the study keep journals of their progress each day. This way of tracking will help determine if we are moving at a slower or faster pace than what we are scheduled. Check points throughout the study will also be a way to evaluate our progress. An example of a check point would be to have all the samples of the remaining liquid collected by October of 2012. These check points will help the study stay on track and also give us small goals to achieve throughout the process. Determining if the project is successful or unsuccessful relies on if we can determine the chemicals present in the liquid. The success is not necessarily determined by if the liquids are environmentally safe. Whether our findings say it safe or unsafe we will be learning more about resomation which is a success because little is known about the process. Schedule The set schedule for the entire project is two years and six months, starting January of 2012. I will need seven months to find a location for the project to take place and for the equipment to be installed. Also within those seven months I intend to employ six graduate students and three scientists to work alongside me. After the completion of the seven months we will begin on the process of disposing of the donated bodies and taking samples of the remaining liquid. The course of disposing of the 150 human bodies will be given three months for completion, October of 2012. After all the samples are collected we will begin on using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance to determine the chemical compounds of the liquid. This part of the study must be completed by March of 2013. Once the data is collect from the samples we will need two months to determine if the compounds are environmentally friendly, May 2013. By the June of 2013 we will begin work on a journal article and have it completed by July of 2014. After the article is finished we will have a press release on our findings. The press release should be completed by August of 2014 and sent into the public. Budget The budget for this project is broken down as follows. * 400,000 dollars for a resomation chamber (Resomation Ltd.) * 68,800 dollars for a mass spectrometer (Labx) * 20,000 dollars for a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (Labx) * 800,000 dollars for employment of workers * 150,000 dollars for facility coverage for two years and six months * 100,000 for lab equipment I need 1,388,800 dollars to complete this project. I will need 538,800 dollars immediately to begin purchasing the equipment and securing a location. The rest of the 850,000 can be given in increments throughout the course of the project. Conclusion More research needs to be done on resomation so that more information is available to potential clientele. With this research I plan to determine the exact chemical makeup of the remaining liquid left after resomation has taken place and its environmental risks. After the project is complete, a press release will be created to inform the general public of our findings. With this association’s involvement in our research we can increase the use of resomation by the potential clientele. Resomation will financially benefit the funeral industry overtime more so than cremation (Rindle, 2008). The process of resomation is more cost effective for the funeral industry than cremation because it uses fewer resources, such as fuel. Not only does resomation help this association, but it also helps cut down on mercury emissions caused by cremation. With your financing of my project, potential clientele will begin to choose resomation over cremation. This new process will be benefitting both the National Funeral Directors Association and the environment. Works Cited Aquamation, a Form of Cremation: Better for the Environment? TIME. Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews TIME.com. Web. 02 Dec. 2011. http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2022206,00.html. About CANA. Cremation Association of North America (CANA). Cremation Association of North America, 2000. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. http://www.cremationassociation.org/?page=AboutCANA. Davies, Douglas James., and Lewis H. Mates. CANA. Encyclopedia of Cremation. Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 2005. Print. Klotz, Irene. Resomation Green Alternative to Cremation or Burial After Funeral, to Be Offered in Florida ABC News. ABCNews.com: Daily News, Breaking News and Video Broadcasts ABC News. Web. 02 Dec. 2011. http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/resomation-green-alternative-cremation-burial-funeral-offered-florida/story?id=14457825. Konigsberg, Ruth Davis. Resomation NYTimes.com. The New York Times Breaking News, World News Multimedia. 13 Dec. 2009. Web. 02 Dec. 2 011. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9504E1DD1E39F930A25751C1A96F9C8B63. NMR Systems, New and Used NMR Spectrometers For Sale. LabX New and Used Laboratory Equipment For Sale, Auctions, Wanted. Web. 02 Dec. 2011. http://www.labx.com/v2/newad.cfm?catid=18. Reindl, John. Summary of References on Mercury Emissions from Crematoria. Tech. 2008. Web. 7 Nov. 2011. http://www.ejnet.org/crematoria/reindl.pdf. Robinson, Richard. Mass Spectrometry. Genetics. 2003. Encyclopedia.com. 2 Dec. 2011 http://www.encyclopedia.com. The Resomation Process. Resomation Home. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. http://www.resomation.com/index_files/Page347.htm. X-ray Crystallography. Medical Discoveries. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 2 Dec. 2011 http://www.encyclopedia.com. Bibliography About CANA. Cremation Association of North America (CANA). Cremation Association of North America, 2000. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. http://www.cremationassociation.org/?page=AboutCANA. Age Data. Census Bureau Home Page. 2010. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/age/general-age.html. Ashes to Ashes: Comparative Law regarding Survivors Disputes concerning Cremation and Cremated Remains. Oregon State University Libraries. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. http://mw8xt6bj7r.search.serialssolutions.com/?ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004. Aquamation, a Form of Cremation: Better for the Environment? TIME. Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews TIME.com. Web. 02 Dec. 2011. http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2022206,00.html. Davies, Douglas James., and Lewis H. Mates. CANA. Encyclopedia of Cremation. Aldershot, England: Ashgate, 2005. Print. Exit Strategies; Green Funerals. The Economist (US) 18 Sept. 2010. Print. Klotz, Irene. Resomation Green Alterna tive to Cremation or Burial After Funeral, to Be Offered in Florida ABC News. ABCNews.com: Daily News, Breaking News and Video Broadcasts ABC News. Web. 02 Dec. 2011. http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/resomation-green-alternative-cremation-burial-funeral-offered-florida/story?id=14457825.

Critical Analysis Of Ted Hughes The Wind English Literature Essay

Critical Analysis Of Ted Hughes The Wind English Literature Essay Ted Hughes wrote his poem The Wind in 1966, like many of his works it is a poem largely focussed on nature. In particular, this poem represents the violence in the natural world and leaves the reader feeling somewhat disturbed by its imagery and the meaning that it may imply. In The Wind Ted Hughes is describing a storm, through the strength of the imagery that he creates, he gives a sense that the weather is alive and therefore the storm has a personality of its own. There is a large contrast between the weather and the people sheltering in the house in The Wind, this contrast passes the perhaps larger message that Hughes is trying to portray. The people seem defenceless and small in comparison to the force of The Wind and moreover the natural world. That being said, The Wind is centrally a poem about relationships; the relationship between people and the natural world. The poem begins with the disturbing metaphor This house has been far out at sea all night, giving the impression that the house is like a boat lost at sea. After the initial storm, the feeling of destruction continues Rang like some fine green goblet this immediately gives the impression that the storm is alive, and leaves the reader picturing it as monstrous. The people Now deep in chairs appear fragile in comparison to this force and grip their hearts conveying the image that they are frightened of the natural world. Moreover, the metaphors describing The woods crashing through darkness, the booming hills gives the idea that even the house has been attacked all night, as if by powerful waves of this metaphorical sea on which it is forcefully being sailed through. The personification on The woods crashing and winds stampeding also continues the imagery that the woods and winds are alive and have a personality. The later, That any second would shatter it portrays the idea that the ho use is threatened by nature, and therefore the people cannot defend themselves from its powerful force. This idea is further enforced by the people seeing the window tremble to come in in the sense that the house wants to surrender to the storm, and therefore the nature is a force far more powerful than humans, this sets the image of the wind being like a giant in comparison to the people. Furthermore, the disturbing imagery becomes more apparent when even the dawn does not bring peace and the storm continues Till day rose. Personification on the word rose here also gives the feeling that nature is alive, as though it is getting out of bed. The further use of alliteration of wind wielded echoes the sound of the wind, and the simile of it Flexing like the lens of a mad eye carries on the continuing personification that wind has a personality; the wind is wild as though it is mad. The idea of the wind being angry is again highlighted Through the brunt wind that dented, giving the image that it is a threat to the narrator and could destroy them. Even the hills are no match for the wind as The tent of the hills drummed and strained its guyrope, this description of the hills being like a tent makes them appear weak, having the potential to be blown away by the strength of this storm. Hughes continues to personify the surroundings with The fields quivering, the skyline a gri mace, making a stronger sense of fear as if the wind is a monster in which the world cannot take on. The ongoing idea that the wind is alive is extended once again when The wind flung a magpie away making the imagery become more disturbing, in the sense that the wind intentionally threw the bird and therefore its personality becomes even more evil. The Wind is structured in six stanzas of four line couplets; each stanza continues the personification of the wind being alive. However, with every stanza we read this theme becomes more apparent through the use of strong imagery, and therefore more disturbing as the poem unfolds. Although this poem appears to be centrally about the relationship between people and the natural world being portrayed as negative, Hughes also uses a metaphor of the people watching the fire blazing, And feel the roots of the house move, in this instance the people are clinging to natural things, perhaps in an attempt to save themselves from the force. Furthermore, the fact that the people are using the house and fire as comfort from the wind could convey the idea that the world is being brought together under the power of the storm. Ted Hughes was married to the American poet Sylvia Plath, Sylvia gassed herself in her kitchen following his affair with another woman.. [1]. Hughes confessed that Plaths death was complicated and inevitable, she had been on that track most of her life.[2]. That being said, The Wind has been described as an extended metaphor about Hughes relationship with his wife [3] if she was on that track most of her life, then the weakness of the people and the house could in fact represent her lack of emotional stability. In this sense, the recurrence of the colour green could represent envy or jealousy that may have been existent in their relationship. Moreover the fragility of the hills, the house and the windows could be a metaphor for how fragile their relationship was. This idea continues with the theme of nature, however, in this case it would refer more to human nature. Ted Hughes The Wind uses a lot of strong imagery and through its continuous personification of the wind being alive we become more disturbed by the nature of the storm in the poem. This poem appears on surface to be a description of the violence of the natural world and its relationship with humans. However if we look into its meaning in more depth, although we will never fully know this without verification from the poet himself, The Wind could in fact be a metaphor for the relationship between Hughes and his late wife Plath. Like nature cannot be altered, human nature cannot be prevented.

Essay --

Introduction Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods that are derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Genetically modified organisms (GMOS) are defined as organisms in which the genetic material i.e. DNA has been altered in a way that doesn’t occur naturally. Genetically modified foods or genetically modified organisms are most commonly referred to crop plants that are made for human and or animal consumption using molecular biology techniques. When these plants are modified they are done in the laboratory to enhance traits that are desirable , for example, improving the nutritional content of foods and increased resistance to herbicides. When developing genetically modified plants, one or more genes are usually added to the plants genome in the lab, the plant can then be tested for other desirable traits like the delayed ripening of tomatoes which in turn is helpful for the transportation and storage of tomatoes. GM foods are produced for many reasons, the main one being the advantages to the producer or to the customer. Initially the objective of developing plants using GM organisms was to improve the protection of crops. Currently the crops that are in the market are mainly aimed at increasing the level of protection given to crops by introducing resistance against plant disease that can be cause by insects or viruses or herbicides. What is food security? The World food summit have defined food security as existing â€Å"when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.† The concept of food security is defined as when both the economic and physical access to foods that meet the people’s needs and for fill their dietary needs. In many developing cou... ...pesticides. As discussed earlier, the use of less pesticides can have a big positive impact on human health. There is a chance when using GM foods to be able to increase the nutritional value of a food as I discussed earlier with â€Å"golden† rice. This is a big step for developing countries as rice is their main staple diet, so in being able to enhance the rice with the appropriate nutrients that they will need in everyday life is a big advantage. In relation to food security, GM foods have the possibilities to enhance food sustainability. However, there are a number of issues that will still need to be discussed if GM labelling becomes mandatory such as; who will be responsible for educating the public about GM food labels. The biggest issue will be educating the public with correct information without damaging the public trust and causing fear of GM food products.

Stephen Cranes The Open Boat Essay -- Stephen Crane Open Boat Essays

Stephen Crane's The Open Boat Humanity often tends to see itself as being somehow important in the grand scheme of the Universe. We speak of 'fate' as if we were put here for some reason, or purpose. We have our religions, which often serve as an engine to drive our lives and as a means to give meaning to them. But why do we think of ourselves in such a superior fashion? Do we really matter at all? Would the Universe stop if we were suddenly taken away? In his short story, 'The Open Boat,' Stephen Crane shows us a Universe totally unconcerned with the affairs of humankind; it is an indifferent Universe in which Man has to struggle to survive. The characters in the story come face to face with this indifference and are nearly overcome by Nature's lack of concern. They survive only through persistence and cooperation. All we have, Crane asserts, in our constant struggle for survival, is 'stubborn pride--and each other.' The story opens with four men, known simply as the captain, the oiler, the correspondent, and the cook, stranded in the ocean in a small boat. Crane's descriptions in these opening scenes show right away the antagonism of the men and the sea and nature's lack of concern for their tragedy: 'The birds sat comfortably in groups, and they were envied by some in the dingey, for the wrath of the sea was no more to them than it was to a covey of prairie chickens a thousand miles inland.'(2) The men are in a desperate situation, but nature continues in its way...

Essay --

Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whatever the party shall have not been thoroughly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to the jurisdiction. This is the 13th amendment. Now we may ask ourselves as a country, what does this mean for us? Well to me, this is probably the most powerful thing that I've ever heard. This is just deeper than words on a paper, this, this text right here is the reason why I am able to stand here and talk to you today. January 31, 1865, a day and what's a beautiful piece of work was created. 1856, Dreed Scott v. Sandford a case in which an enslaved African American wrote a petition to the Supreme Court asking for his freedom. Did he win? Of course not, its 1856. The Supreme Court ruled against him as well as saying that the Bill of Rights did not apply to African Americans. Let me read to you what the Constitution has to say about racism and segregation. â€Å"_____________† Oh thats right, it doesn’t. Until 1865, people who were not straight white males were not considered to be human beings. â€Å"Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it.† Abraham Lincoln 1858. A wise man, with wise words explaining that no man nor woman created by â€Å"THE CREATOR† should deny freedom to a person or persons because we would not want to have our freedom to be denied by others. African-Americans as well as many other nonwhite Americans did not have the rights to vote in wrongful aggression of slavery, and have many other opportunities and careers such as the whites. To be seen as American and not as interfere work to be uses labor. It is important to learn these things, because we can know a... ...something greater than we think it is. We, as a community must stop with the verbal abuse, to not only to the African Americans, but to any of us that may be different from ourselves. Stop the vulgar comments and â€Å"wisecracks† in which we think that is funny is really a dull unsharpened arrow piercing the heart of an innocent human being just like yourself. Can I ask you something? Do we make jokes about Holocaust? Do we make violent slurs about 9/11? So why should racism be treated any differently? The only way to end this, is one person at a time. Looking at themselves and making an obligation to their heart saying that no longer will I exploit the insurreties of an individual. No longer will I put myself and my selfish desires over other’s feelings and emotions. Are we ready to grow and mature as a nation as a community, as a civilization? Or, maybe its just me.

Tyler Perry’s the Family That Preys

This is a good family movie that can show the viewer’s how some people prey on one another. This movie reminded me of the times my brother and I didn’t get along. It shows how different families are and how they treat one another. Sadly this movie also shows how family members can be so cold blooded. This movie duplicates real life situations where innocent People get hurt, family loyalty gets divided and couples end up in divorce. This movie is centered on two main couples and a few supporting characters. Chris & Andrea This couple is different than most in many ways. Andrea, the wife character is all about money and power and thinks only about herself. Chris is a hard working husband who works as a construction worker for Cartwright inc. the same company his wife works for. Chris and Andrea were right out of college when they married. As time goes on, you can see that neither Chris nor Andrea lived their life for the lord, both allowed themselves to become too busy to go to church. Chris still hung onto his morals remaining a faithful husband and a loving father. However Andrea, unlike Chris was flirting from the day they got married with Mr. Cartwright who became their boss. During the four years of their marriage she was getting large bonuses for carrying on an affair with Mr. Cartwright. These three characters obviously live without God and do things of a secular nature in their life. I think Chris and Andrea could have had a blessed marriage and a good life had they let God lead them. Andrea behind her husband Chris’s back is hiding the money that Mr. Cartwright has been giving her over the years. Chris while at the bank one day finds out that his wife Andrea has a separate account with 286. 00. 00. This is example is a lesson on trust within a marriage. This couple is shown to be the opposite of Chris and Andrea. Ben and Pam are loving and close, they work on their marriage and communicate and often talk about â€Å"GOD†. They have traditional values and both work hard for their money and the things they have. Ben, like Chris is a hard working construction employee for the Cartwright’s. Ben’s wife Pam work for her mother Alice at the family business, a place called â€Å"a  wing and a prayer diner. Pam is a good supportive wife to Ben and she works hard and has great respect for her mother. Pam is a faithful devoted wife to her husband Ben. They have problems of their own, both work long hours laboring hard with little pay but, they trust in the Lord to solve their problems and see them through. Their marriage and their life shows they have deep faith and are grateful for what blessing they have, and you can see that they are satisfied. Alice & Charlotte These are the two mothers of the movie. Alice is the mother of two daughters â€Å"Pam†, â€Å"Andrea†. At one point you see Alice and Pam talking to Andrea when Chris confronts her about the money in the account and he learns of her affair with William Cartwright, her mother and sister try to explain that nothing good can come out of hurting others. Andrea believes that because of her affair William loves her and will leave his wife and choose a life with her. Her mother Alice warns her that he won’t leave his wife and wonders out loud where she went so wrong with Andrea. Charlotte, who is mostly called Mrs. Cartwright, is the mother of William Cartwright, the son that is having the affair with Andrea. Alice tries to live right and goes to church and choir practice and carries her Bible with her everywhere she goes. Through the movie Alice and her daughter Pam are shown helping out this down and out man whose name is Nick. They provide him with clean clothes, free meals and a place to wash up. When asked by her daughter why they do this for this man, Alice reminds her daughter Pam â€Å"You Never When You Might Be Entertaining an Angel†. Charlotte, Mrs. Cartwright finds out she has a problem that the doctor tell her about. The doctors tell her she had early onset â€Å"Alzheimer’s†. Without sharing her health information she asks Alice to take a trip across the United States heading west. She buys a 1959 Cadillac to drive on the trip. She wants to feel alive and have fun before the Alzheimer’s sets in. They travel through many states during their trip. While it’s her turn to drive Alice stops by a river and encourages Charlotte to get saved by being baptized in a river. Charlotte stops by a bar and has fun drinking and dancing, but Alice being a Christian doesn’t want anything to do with that stuff. The trip ends when Charlotte has an episode and Alice learns she has Alzheimer’s and wants to go home. While away Charlotte’s son William tries to stab his mother in the back and retire her early from her own company. This is a sad example of power and money being a priority more than family love and loyalty. William is definitely controlled by the secular world. Charlotte has a surprise her friend Alice has been buying stock from Nick, who although is now going through a rough time once was a stock investor for Cartwright’s inc. and William fired him. Nick, Pam and Alice attend a board meeting, the very same one William is using to try and retire his own mother. Alice announces that with Nick and Alice’s share she has again controlling interest and fires her back stabbing son William. Pam learns at this meeting in a round- about way that her mother Alice who is hard working isn’t poor but actually a millionaire. It sadly shows Charlotte near the end of the movie taking her medication out of the bathroom cabinet and we gather that she takes an overdose as the movie shows Alice crying and it goes to Charlotte’s funeral. Alice being a true friend she toughs it out and sings at her friend’s funeral a song about â€Å"if given a chance to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance. † This movie brought a lot of stuff to my attention that had gone on in my family growing up. Alice had two daughters that didn’t see eye to eye on anything. It made me stop and think about how my brother and I were with our mother. This movie held so much feeling in it offering the viewer a wide range of emotions. I think if more families would sit together and watch many of Tyler Perry’s movies they would get a great deal of family value out of them. Not only does Tyler Perry make movies for entertainment and enjoyment he can take a viewer to the heart of the real issue. I have watched a lot of Tyler’s movies but this hits home for me because it uses things like â€Å"Secular Humanism†, â€Å"Suffering†, and turning your back on a loved one like a evil person. I could pick up on many of the world’s issues today, in this movie. This movie meant so much to me personally I had to share it with my family. I stopped to think about the suffering some families go through in life trying to get ahead and how sometimes it’s because they step on one another to do it, like William trying to retire his mother behind her back. What happened to the old days when people like Alice and Pam were raised to do for those less fortunate than you, even if they might be your own family. When did the world become so self centered, selfish and uncaring of humanity like Andrea. I really relate to what Alice shared with her daughter Pam, â€Å"you never know when you could be entertaining an Angel. It might be a stranger or it could even be a member of your family, you should be respectful and considerate of all people. I wish more of the families today could go back to the time when families really cared for each other. More and more of today’s family members help one another only to expect something in return or they use it against you. It hurts when I look at what has happened to familyâ₠¬â„¢s values today. In many families kids have no respect for their parents, brother and Sisters fight sometimes carrying it on for years. I see how people today don’t care about feelings or what will happen to the other person. People of today are all about getting that almighty dollar, they let their lives and attitudes be obsessed with money. Many people, like some of the characters in this movie think that the more money you have the more power you will have. Andrea in this movie was snooty and acted as if she was so much better than her sister or her mother, William assumed that because Charlotte was his mother and he was her son that he would one day be the leader of her company like she owed the position to him. If more people would read and live by the â€Å"Bible† families would have less trouble than they have. God and prayer have to be the foundation for a family to be and remain close, loving and respectful of each other. Those that choose to live for God think and act more righteously, out of their love and respect for God comes love and respect for others. I was raised very old fashioned where families were families and you cared, loved, and watched out for each other. I have seen a lot people say that they are helping their family are there staying with them.

An Analysis of “1984” by Orson Welles Essay

Back during the time of World War II, paranoia swept across the globe. Hitler, brainwashing thousands of people into fighting for him, nearly defeated all who opposed him. Had he succeeded in his mission, a fascist government system would have formed, greatly inhibiting the rights and privileges of the general populace. George Orwell wrote 1984 to demonstrate the horror this system would bring. Using setting, characters, and conflict, Orwell uses this book to portray the theme of raw, unrefined humanity, and its ability to rise above a corrupt and confining evil of an enemy. Orwell distorts the idea of Utopia, an ideal society where human beings live a perfect existence, and creates a fictional setting in which life is extremely bad from oppression, deprivation of rights, and terror. Fear is used as a tool for manipulating and controlling individuals, and nearly every positive feeling is squelched. The world is divided into three political countries: Oceania, Eastasia, and Eurasia. Each of these states is ruled by a totalitarian government and is constantly warring on multiple fronts. Using the terrifying atmosphere of the archaic world, Orwell creates the illusion that Winston has nowhere to escape the oppression. Winston is forced to live within his present circumstances; able to change where he lives, yet unable to change how he lives. Oceania’s political structure contained three segments: the ruling class, the educated workers, and the working class. Orwell, being a socialist, realized that with class distinctions came class struggle. The ruling class, consisting of the wealthy and powerful, was only two percent of the population. In Hitler’s Germany, the very few people who were considered part of the ruling class had a more luxurious lifestyle that the masses, yet in this nation, as in 1984, revolt was inevitable. The conflict between Winston and O’Brien is another way Orwell shows how a society can try to brainwash a person into believing the impossible. For instance, O’Brien wants Winston to believe that two plus two is five, going  against all the laws of mathematics Winston has studied all his life. O’Brien is one of the top leaders in the Inner Party, and may even be part of a hive that creates the idea of Big Brother. When O’Brien reveals himself as a representative of the Party and all of its contradictions and cruelty, Winston discards all feelings of friendship and suddenly becomes his enemy. This action directly relates to the theme in how if humanity is confronted with evil, every ounce of effort will be used to resist. Doublethink, the ability to hold two opposing ideas in someone’s mind at the same time, is forced into Winston by O’Brien, only confusing him further. If only Winston had accepted the doctrines of the Party, his life would have been spared. Instead, Winston is murdered because of his individuality, ensuring the inability to spread his idealistic views to the public, hungry for freedom and escape from oppression. Winston Churchill was the exalted leader of England during World War II. One must consider why Orwell gives the name â€Å"Winston Smith† to his main character. The name Winston stands for the individuality, uniqueness, and greatness of the character, while Smith stands for the regularity of such a person. In the failing governmental system in 1984, even the greatest person can be shoved aside and told to work in a menial job, negating all hope of ever reaching his full potential. Because Winston is so common, so real, it is easy to identify with him and to imagine being in his shoes. Winston embodies the values of a civilized society: peace, freedom, democracy, love, and decency. When Winston is killed, these things are destroyed with him. He represents the struggle between good and evil, and there is no mistaking where the lines are drawn. A Totalitarian government does not permit these characteristics in their citizens, therefore insisting upon Winston’s death. George Orwell wrote about 1984 in 1948, and the ideals he introduced can still be applied in the present. Although Winston dies at the end, Orwell is trying to show the stubbornness of human nature. We cannot forget that above all, individuality must be expressed, or the common man will have no reason, or desire, to live.

History of Africa

The Birthplace of humanity All people are most likely to be descendents of beings who lived in Africa millions of years ago. Fossils and genetic evidence suggest that both humans and the forest dwelling great apes descended from a common ape like ancestor who lived in Africa 5 to ten million years ago. The earliest known hominids to which humans belong were the australopithecines, which emerged about four million years ago. Recently scientists have found Homo habilis fossils in the Caucasus region of southern Europe. A more advanced human, Homo erectus, spread even farther from Africa. According to a multiregional model, model human evolved throughout Africa. Africa provides a comprehensive and contiguous time line of human development going back at least 7 million years. Africa gave humanity the use of fire a million and half to two million years ago. It is the home of the first tools, astronomy, jewelry, fishing, mathematics, crops, art, use of pigments, cutting and other pointed instruments and animal domestication. In short Africa gave the world human civilization. This is 1st importance to me because you must know where you originated from before anything else. It is important to understand that African Americans were all born in Africa before they were forced to move from their homeland. The slave trade in Africa While some slaves shipped to Europe and America had previously been African slaves, many enslaved had been innocent bystanders. It was not uncommon for the Europeans to hide and wait for an African to come along, and then kidnap him. The retrieval of slaves was also obtained through Africans convicted of a crime. It was also likely for Africans of a tribe to be captured by an enemy tribe as a prisoner of war and then exchanged for goods. This lasted from the 15th to the 19th century, devastating the lives of at least ten to twenty million Africans. All forced into foreign enslavement, exported in exchange for imported goods. This is known as the slave trade. During their voyage slaves were governed by a system of fear, torture, and brutalization. This type of system was enforced by the crew in order to contain the slaves who were desperate, afraid, and would usurp any opportunity to regain their freedom by overthrowing the crew in order to obtain control of the ship. In Africa, before they were forced aboard the slavers, once they were captured, the slaves were tied together to prevent escape. After the right amounts of slaves were kidnapped, they would then be taken to slave factories in which their state and quality of health would be examined. The measure of their strength and well-being analyzed. If the slave happened to fail this examination, he would be set free and would not have to endure the horror aboard the slavers. The horror of hundreds upon hundreds of slaves packed tightly together. The torridness of the climate enclosed within a hold in which one slave crowded upon another could barely move resulting in an unyielding amount of perspiration amongst the slaves. The air becoming unsuitable, for breathing, from a number of abhorrent odors, causing the death of many. The slave trade is the 2nd most important because here we learned how the Africans were captured from their homeland and forced to become slaves. The Middle Passage The first slave ship was built in Massachusetts, 1637. In which the ships, also known as slavers, would sail from America to West Africa in exchange for goods. The Europeans also took a great part in the transportation of African slaves across the Atlantic and once the adequate number of slaves were acquired aboard a slaver they would set out for sail anywhere from five weeks to three months, heading back to America or Europe where many slaves would be sold at a slave auction to the highest bidder. This process is recognized as the Middle Passage. Slaves had to endure many injustices, such as; suffocation, brutalization, fear, rape, and hopelessness among others. There was also disease: smallpox, scurvy, dysentery, and more. These diseases often spreading from slaves to the crew, killing a myriad of people. Along this journey many slaves found themselves in a state of fixed-melancholy. As they saw there was no longer a reason to live. At this point some slaves would jump off the ship and remain under water, until they killed themselves. Others would starve themselves to death. This causing the captain to resort to drastic measures, for fear of losing his valuable cargo. The slaves who chose to starve themselves would be force-fed or tortured, if not both. Africans would often be forced to eat with what is called a speculum orum, a device which held the mouth open. They could not even escape enslavement through death. The Africans that remained healthy were put on display at public auctions and examined in a ridiculous and humiliating manner. A buyer might lick the African's chin to determine the ge of the slave, or taste his sweat to decipher if he was healthy. Once they were purchased, who was to say they would receive a kind owner. If Americans and Europeans had used such a harsh manner to obtain slaves, it was probably nearly impossible for slaves to believe that once they were in America or Europe that there would be an improvement. The Middle passage to me is the 3rd important because we learned how Africans were treated and their living conditions du ring the transportation to be sold as slaves. Plantation Slavery Seasoning When African Slaves reached the Americas, the slave ship crews prepared them for sale by washing, shaving all their body hair, and rubbing them with palm oil to disguise sores and wounds caused by conditions on board. They were trained not to resist having all parts of their bodies examined—especially their reproductive organs, and sometimes were allotted a little rum to liven their spirits. The Slaves’ New World â€Å"Ordeal†Ã¢â‚¬â€called Seasoning—was for the purpose of increasing their sale price. Once Slaves had gone through the Seasoning process this meant that, among other things, they had survived the first attack of New World diseases and were molded into productive Slaves by means of having been hardened to a strange climate; to the immunities of diseases, and to the indescribable severity of toil as plantation Slaves. Seasoning was similar to a prolonged and inhumane way of â€Å"breaking† horses. The Seasoning process began on the auction block—a terribly frightening process. Once sold, despite having been branded with the traders mark in Africa, the new owner branded them with his mark. Then the Slaves were taken to the worse of locations as, for example, to plantations at rivers’ edges where there were swarms of mosquitoes, parasites, and other new environmental challenges. Seasoning consisted of brutal methods of physical and psychological conditioning—so brutal, in fact, that 7% to 50% of the Slaves are estimated to have died within their one to seven years of the Seasoning period. Actually, the average life expectancy for an imported Slave was only seven years. Many died in the first few weeks or months from dysentery, malnutrition, several types of worm infections, change of diet and climate, and the White man’s diseases. One reason is that the Slaves were terribly weakened by the trauma of the Middle Passage voyage and the addition of exposure to diseases, inadequate nutrition, bad water, work exhaustion from being unaccustomed to the â€Å"sunrise-to-sunset gang labor,† and cruelty were simply overwhelming. Immediately, new owners and their overseers obliterated the identities of their newly acquired Slaves by breaking their wills and by severing any bonds with their African past. Such occurred while the Slaves were being forced to adapt to new and horrendous working and living conditions; to learn a new language; and to adopt new customs. The 4th important aspects of slavery I believe was â€Å"seasoning† where Africans were brainwashed to forgetting where they came from Africans were forced to except the new life that was ahead of them. As seen in â€Å"Roots†) Declaration of Independence The Declaration of Independence is a famous document for many reasons. It declared the colonies independence from Great Britain. It stated basic rights and liberties for Americans. The French used the ideals behind the Declaration as a model for their own revolution in 1789. As time went by, the ideals behind â€Å"all men are created equal† grew in importance. Northern states us ed them to free slaves in their states. Abraham Lincoln used equal rights to justify the war against slavery. In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. tood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C†¦ In his famous speech he repeated the ideals of the Declaration â€Å"that all men are created equal. † The Declaration failed to address slaves. While it was the culture of the time for men (and ONLY men) to be involved in politics, slavery was a different issue. Jefferson and the founding fathers left slavery out because they knew they needed the support of the South. While the North didn't really care (at this point, they were not morally against it, but not for it either) Southern life was based on the institution of slavery. So to avoid the drama of slavery (which we saw what happened in 1861) they left out slavery. It's not right, but it allowed all 13 colonies to support the Declaration, and this was tremendously important because the colonies needed to put up a united front against Britain. Last but not least was the declaration of Independence that created every man equal this was the trick that most African Americans fell for they thought that this applied to them but it didn’t because African Americans were not considered equal to whites so they remained slaves. History of Africa By the end of the course/unit the learner should be able to: I) Explain why Africa is the cradle of humankind. II) Describe the origin and development of Agriculture, mining and manufacturing. Ill) Discuss rise and fall of early civilizations of Egypt, More and Exam. V) Describe the emergence and spread of Bantu, Clutches and Entities v) Explain the growth of local and regional trade. V') Discuss the economic contacts with the outside world vii) Discuss the coming and impact of Islam and Christianity in Africa viii) Discuss decentralized and centralized states in Africa. Content I) Early Man in Africa. ) The origin and development of Agriculture Where it originated from How it spread to Africa Theories of diffusion, evolution, innovation Importance of Agricultural Revolution In Africa â€Å"l) Orally and development of Iron Technology The theories and myths that surround origin and spread of Iron technology. Effects of Iron Technology on Africa v) The rise and fall of early civiliza tions of Egypt, More and Exam v) Emergence and spread of Bantu, Cushiest and Milestones VI) Growth of Local and regional trade vii) Economic contacts with the outside world Slave Trade in West Africa Abolitionist processConsequences of Slave Trade The coming of Islam and Christianity In Africa x) Development of political systems: Decentralized and centralized states Course Evaluation Course evaluation will be in two parts: continuous assessment and the final assignment constituting 30 marks. The final examination will account for 70% of the total marks. As part of the learning process, a lot of seriousness is attached to class attendance and contribution. REFERENCES Crystal D. (1981). The Ancient Egyptians. London: E. Arnold. Davidson Basil (1973).The Growth of African Civilization: East and Central Africa in the Late 19th Century. London: Longing. Gaff Hoses (1985). A History of Africa. London: Zed Books. July Robert W. (1992). A History of the Ancient People. Nairobi: East Educati onal Publishers. Matthias A. Gut and Simon Kinkajou (1991). An Introduction to African African History. Nairobi: Nairobi University Press. General History of Africa II: Ancient Mozart G. (1990). Civilization of Africa. London: Heinlein Kenya. Got B. A. (deed. ). (1992). General History of Africa V: Africa from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century. Oxford: Henchman.Indies C. (1990). Themes in World History: Book 1. Nairobi: Longing Kenya. Potts M. J. (1971). Makers of Civilization: Book 1. London: Rodney W. (1972). How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. Dark-SE- Tanzania Publishing House. 1. 0 The Origin of Man in Africa Africa is the cradle of humankind salaam: The question of the origin of humans is pertinent not only in Africa but in the world all over. It is therefore important to answer this question before analyzing the history of Africa. Charles Darwin (1809-1882), an Englishman, made a scientific trip in 1831 to South America and the Pacific Islands.In this expedition, he spent time to study rocks and other geographical features. Consequently, he published his theories on evolution in 1859 in a book entitled: The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. Darning's theory states that all living things evolved over millions of years from simple living cells to complex plants and animals. Scientific evidence supports Darning's theory which states that man was originally a primate but gradually evolved over years from his ape-like ancestors. Archaeological evidence in particular, points to Africa as being the possible cradle of humankind.Many archaeological sites have been discovered in Africa. This confirms that early hominids were living in the area even before the earth movements that led to the formation of the Rift Valley. Dust and lava covered places where man lived. The location of these remains formed major archaeological sites in EAI. Some of the important archaeological sites in Africa include Rushing Island, Fort Tehran near Jericho, Ukraini ans, Gambles Cave, Largesse, Harry Hills near Nassau, Negro River Caves and Kankakee. The oldest remains found in Kenya were those of thyrotrophic Africans.These were discovered at Rushing Island in L. Victoria. The creature was named Proconsul and looked like a chimpanzee; had long teeth and had a smooth forehead. In 1961, the remains of Snappishness were discovered at Fort Tehran near Jericho by Dry. Louis Leaky and his wife Mary. The fossil remains were dated between 15-12 million years old. Other similar remains have since been found at Samba's Hills, Lake Barring and Lake Turban Basins. Snappishness is believed to have been closer to man in several aspects.He had 32 teeth and his canines were smaller than earlier hominids. He had a brain size of ICC, massive Jaws, weighed between 18-keg and occasionally on two legs. Other important remains found in Africa are those of Astrophysicists / Conjurations [Southern Ape which lived between 1 – 7 million years ago. The remains we re found at L. Turban in 1969 after having been discovered earlier tatting in Botswana in 1924 and Latvia Gorge in 1959. Astrophysicists walked on two legs; was hairy, short and strong about 1. Meters, had low forehead and deep- set eyes, had brain capacity of 450-ICC, had sharp vision, had massive Jaws with large molars and smaller canines and made and used tools referred to as Lowdown tools. Recent findings near Jenny's Marionette River near Lake Turban and Lordliest near L. Magic indicate that hominids such as Homo habits (1. 8 and . 5 million years ago) and Homo erects (1. 8 million to 350 000 years ago) are possible direct ancestors of modern Homo sapiens, and lived in Kenya in the Pre- Neolithic epoch.During excavations at Lake Turban in 1984, paleontologist's Richard Leaky assisted by Kamala Kim discovered the Turban boy, a 1. 6-million- year-old fossil belonging to Homo erects. Homo erects means the upright man and was believed to have a bigger brain (775-check) than homo ha bits (500-ICC). They had a more advanced speech, about Ft tall, had discovered and used fire, were omnivorous and made more advanced tools called Caecilian tools. Remains of Homo sapiens which mean thinking or intelligent man have been found near L.Turban, Kankakee and L. Victoria. He about Ft tall, brain capacity of 1000-check, small teeth with a steep and well-rounded forehead, was a fisherman, religious and made refined tools called microfilms. This overwhelming evidence goes a long way to prove that Africa was inhabited by early man. It should also be noted that more evidence concerning early man continues to be unearthed with time. 2. 0 The origin and development of Agriculture and Agricultural Revolution 2. 1 Introduction Agriculture is the cultivation of crops and taming of animals.Knowing how to cultivate food and tame animals seems to have been a long history of human cultural adaptation of probably trial and error which finally made man to control his environment. Agricult ural revolution on the other hand was the change from dependence on hunting and gathering of eatable fruits and roots as well as fishing to domestication of animals and cultivation of food. The development of Agriculture initiated one of the most important revolutions in human history. It led to major changes in man's relationship with his environment and in his social, economic and lattice organization and behavior. . 2 Theories of Origin and development of Agriculture For a long time, Resurrection scholars recounted the origins of Agriculture from a whose claim is that Africa had no single site where agriculture originated but Africans got the knowledge through interaction with the so called Hammiest of the Near East, in Mesopotamia to be precise. It was through such interaction that the knowledge came to Egypt through the Nile Valley, and then it spread to the rest of Africa. This Diffusion Theory seems to be true because some products seem not to have been domesticated in Africa .For example, we are certain and sure of chicken. Also it is certain that cattle, south of the Sahara, came from outside; either from Libya, North Africa or Asia Minor. Archaeological evidence and their radio-carbon dates have also unequivocally established an early start of cereal farming in the Middle East. At the same time, the advantages of farming in supporting complex civilizations argued that the seemingly less efficient hunter-gatherer societies were quicker to take advantage of a more efficient food producing economy than more efficient hunter-gatherer societies.It appeared; therefore that Agriculture had been invented during a short interval at a single point from which it spread quickly and widely across the world. Increasingly, this concept of rapid revolutionary change has come into question. To begin with, there were many crops and agricultural methods that clearly did not have a Middle-East origin. In Africa hoe and digging-stick cultivation has always predominated wh ile the use of mounds and ridges remains characteristic of wetter regions. Many African crops have also been identified.For example, the cereal Theft and the banana like Onset in Ethiopia or the West African millet known as Font. Conceivably, the methods of cultivation of sorghum and millet might have spread from the Middle East via Egypt, but this hardly takes into account the techniques for growing rice or yams, both indigenous of the regions below the Sahara, both raised by methods far removed from those of the Middle East. Due to inadequate evidence to support the above contention and new discoveries that some products were indigenous to Africa while others were not, watered down the Diffusion Theory.Since the end of World War 2, much light has been thrown on the origin of Agriculture in various parts of the world including North and South America, South East Asia and also the African contributions in the history of Agriculture. Advocates of this new revelation are referred to a s Evolutionist theorists or Independent Developed Theorists. According to Evolutionist or Independent Developed Theory, agriculture developed independently in different parts of the world particularly along river valleys. Independent developed theorists have suggested various centers which they belief were the cradle of Agriculture.There are probably 4 centers of early plant and animal domestication. Such centers yielded different varieties of plants and animals. It is important to examine such areas and he factors that make such scholars to observe that they are original places for the origin of Agriculture. The Near East The area is hypothesized by a wide range of archaeologists and botanists as the centre of some domesticated animals and plants. These areas cover South West Iran, parts of Iraq, Turkey and around rivers Tigris and Euphrates. They are believed to be homeland of wheat, barley, sheep, pigs and cattle.This centre is generally considered to be the oldest centre of agri cultural development in the world; it occurred as early as 9000 SC. South East Stats argued that the area allowed for the invention of agriculture because it had favorable conditions such as plenty of water mass that allowed populations to do fishing which in turn allowed them time to invent domestication and cultivation. Domesticated animals such as pigs, fowls, geese and duck are argued to have been the first wild animals to be domesticated. The author also argues that this was the first area to domesticate yams and taro (a starchy root plant).He further argues that yams found their way into Africa through East African coastal trade while crops like bananas came in from here and were taken to Began and later to the West African regions. The New World This centre lies between Mexico and Peru and here the American Indian population developed maize and potatoes. Africa The scholar who first proposed this region was a Russian agronomist, N. L. Pavlov. Various regions of Africa have be en proposed in this argument. 1. West Africa The most important plant remains discovered here were those of yams and palm oil.In this region a different type of yam called Discover yam and which was widespread in the region had no counterpart in any other part of the world. Hence scholars have concluded that West African region is the cradle of Discover yam. Also here is West African millet known as font which is not found anywhere else in the world. 2. Mauritania In this centre, there was found a special type of millet which has never been found in any other part of the world like the Discover yam in West Africa. Scholars have also concluded that such a variety of millet was first domesticated in this area. . Ethiopia In this centre, there was found a cereal Theft and the banana like Onset in Ethiopia which were different from other types found in other areas. Also Voile carried out his research from 1952 to 1965 and concluded that Ethiopia seem to have been the anomaly of sorghum, wheat, barley and coffee. His conclusions have been challenged by scholars like Elizabeth Scheming and Philips D. W. Who have argued against Ethiopia being the cradle of these crops. They insist that the conditions in Ethiopia are not favorable for plants like Barley and wheat. 2. Spread of Agriculture in Africa Most scholars maintain that there are three main phases of agricultural spread in Africa. In the First Phase they argue cereal agriculture was developed in the Lower Nile Valley and the Fumy Depression. The diffusion from the Near East (about 5000 o BBC) of wheat and barley eventually resulted in Africans population explosion. Probably less than 20, 000 hunters and gatherers could have occupied the Lower Nile area before the introduction of Agriculture; but about BBC the labor force for pyramid building alone exceeded 100, 000.Today Egypt is still one of the densely populated areas in the world. Population growth was accompanied by widespread arbitration and the development of more elaborate forms of social, economic and political organization. Populations spread slowly through Africa, north and south of the Sahara and up to the Nile Valley as far south as modern Khartoum. It is generally understood that the Sahara was capable of supporting both Agriculture and pastoralist until approximately BBC, the time that the desert conditions had become firmly established.Some feel that interactions between Negroes populations innovations flowing in both directions. The Second Phase advocates that agriculture was developed in the Satanic Belt (from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ethiopians Highlands). This important agricultural knowledge is generally felt to have come from Egypt, although the implementation of these ideas depended upon the domestication f suitable drought resistant cereals of the Savannah like sorghum, millet and rice. These developments resulted in a second but much slower build-up population in black Africa.Much of this development was confined t o the Satanic Belt hemmed in on the north by the progressively drying Sahara and on the south by the equatorial forests where Savannah crops were unsuitable. The Nile swamps probably prevented direct spread to the East African grasslands but some crops began to appear after 1000 BC in various locations from present day Kenya south to Zambia and southern Angola. This was most likely the result of the spread of Ethiopians forms of millet and sorghum. These pockets of agricultural settlements were to play an important role in Bantu migrations.The more humid regions of Africa (Congo Basin, Guiana Coast, Great Lakes Region and parts of the Zambia Valley) were to remain mainly hunting and gathering areas, with perhaps some form of cultivation based on yams and palm oil until the beginning of the Christian era. Compared to the other African Savannah, there has been generally lack of indigenous food plants in the African Rain Forests. The settlements of the rain forests over the past 2000 y ears had therefore depended to a greater extent on the introduction of food crops from outside.The third phase was the Bantu migrations and spread of Agriculture to the humid areas of Africa. This was very significant because it led to the present spread of distribution of population in Africa. This spread of Agriculture to the more humid regions has been linked to a combination of three factors, namely: introduction of South East Asian crops in Africa, the growth of iron technology and the migration of the Bantu speaking peoples who occupy nearly all of Africa south of the Equator. 4 The Impact of Agricultural Revolution The revolution was one of the most significant steps in human history for it changed man's life tremendously. As some people became pastoralist, looking after sheep, goats, cattle and camels, the majority took up mixed farming with wide range of social, economic and political implications. To begin with, rearing animals and cultivation of crops freed man from relia nce on the environment as adequate food was produced usually with surplus to be stored.Secondly, scientific knowledge increased. As knowledge on domestication increased, hybrid plants and livestock ere developed. In many cases entirely new crops were developed from the wild species. Thirdly, methods of cultivation were improved. In the beginning, digging sticks were used but later ploughs were devised. Inadequate rainfall did not seriously affect production, especially in areas near permanent water courses since irrigation was practiced. Fourthly, high food supplies freed many people from farming to other activities.There was division of labor as other members of society worked in pottery; basketry; black-smiths and other related crafts as well as other professions like medicine and administration. Fifthly, forests were destroyed as more land was brought under cultivation. Sixthly, trade developed as people exchanged life since cultivation required patience before planted crops were harvested. Since unnecessary migrations and movements were minimized and diets improved, it was now possible to localize the supply of food. Another social impact was population explosion.The increase in population which was as a result of improved food security and health. This in turn led to population movements from their earlier settled areas. Furthermore, there was development of religion. Man perceived that there were there forces that determined the yields from the farm such as the sun and rain and started worshipping such phenomena. In the political sphere, government was developed as the population grew so as to have effective control of the increased population and avoid serious problems.Laws were thus instituted and enacted and self appointed or acclaimed rulers enforced them. Eventually kingdoms and empires with defined spheres of influence were established. 2. 5 Conclusion It was the Agricultural revolution and use of Iron technology that made the early settlers in Afr ica to master their environment and prompted successful migration to ewe and unknown lands. In any case, the history of agricultural revolution and Iron technology generally referred to as the Neolithic Revolution, show that Africa had its own development and was not isolated from the rest of the world.Africa was not a dark continent. 3. 0 Origin and Development of Iron Technology 3. 1 Introduction When dealing with the introduction of Iron technology and agriculture, we always come across the term ‘Neolithic' which is used in two versions to fit our purposes. First, it means the technological advance whereby the experts try to reconstruct how pottery, stone and metals, especially iron were made. Secondly, its meaning turns out to be economic and here experts try to reconstruct the agricultural aspects of human life entailing rearing of animals and cultivation of crops.In brief, ‘Neolithic Revolution' deals with technological and agricultural developments which are two d istinct aspects of human life. This topic focuses on the history of Iron technology in Africa. Although technology in Africa started with the science of making stone tools which went through various phases through space and time, our topic will harp on metallurgy and iron technology to be specific for the major fact that it was the one hat considerably altered human life to a degree unknown before.This Archaeological evidence abounds to suggest that Africans from about 1st C AD worked on various metals and also exploited various minerals to meet their needs. It is important to note that Africa is one of the richest continents in the world in terms of mineral resources. Of these minerals, the ones mined in the earliest times are iron, copper, tin, gold and salt. In this topic we will examine the origin and development of Iron and other metals like copper. 3. 2 Iron Technology There once existed a widespread belief that iron technology diffused into Africa from outside Africa.More spe cifically it was believed that the Turks of Anatolia were the first iron users as early as 2000 BC. The information available reveals that the making of iron tools was secret to the Turks and it remained their monopoly. For reasons unknown by historians, this knowledge of iron working leaked to the Hitters (Syria) of the Middle East, probably about 1500 BC. From this region it landed into Africa, through Egypt. The Hitters are said to have moved with the technology to Egypt down the Nile Valley up to More.Another school of thought states the Cushiest More got he knowledge from the Hitters after conquering them. Whichever the case, More became the most important transmission centre of iron technology first to Exam, then to other regions in East and Central Africa. More Kingdom thrived between BBC to BBC. Records have it that the people of More had made iron working their art and occupation. A. H. Sauce, the archaeologist who was associated with the discovery of More in 1911, said tha t More produced quantities of iron and that place came to be nicknamed ‘The Birmingham of Africa. About BBC, this knowledge is claimed to have diffused to ‘Nook in Central Nigeria. Out of that, other archaeologists have linked Bantu knowledge about iron technology with Nook. Another related argument on the spread of iron technology stated that West Africa may also have received its iron technology from Cartage through the Sahara or the Atlantic coastal region. Then it is argued that the Bantu speaking people migrated with the technology to Central and Southern Africa. Azalea (1993:174), in A Modern Economic History of Africa Volvo. Dismisses the explanation of the diffusion trail since it was constructed on thin evidence and speculation. The diffusion explanation was guided y the racist notion that Africa or more precisely the part that Europeans call Black Africa was too primitive for independent technological innovation and development. Indeed as some research by archa eologists and historians has shown, iron technology was invented independently in Africa. Other scholars however still argue that iron technology and metallurgy in general were introduced in Africa from external sources.Yet this latter group ignores the fact that technology is not an immutable idea to be conceived, bred and transmitted whole from the outside world to Africa without the Africans also injecting their own value to it. Certainly, technology is a continuous process of innovation and change spawned by complex interaction between iron production techniques and economic, cultural, social, political and environmental transformations. The belief that Egyptians were introduced to the use of iron by the Assyrian or the Greeks has been challenged.More and Exam have been dethroned as centers of the diffusion to the rest of Africa. Available data for the beginning of smelting from several centers in West, Central and East Africa show that the knowledge of iron working was known in these centers between the contemporary with or even earlier than More. For example, in the West Africa region iron working sites have yielded earlier dates in several centers. Evidence for this has been obtained from rock art painting, Arabic sources and from iron implements discovered from excavated sites.Evidence from Joss plateau in Northern Nigeria, which has been categorized as the â€Å"Nook culture† has shown that iron was in regular use by at least the third century BC. Here various types of terracotta have been found. Other early evidence of iron working in West Africa region have been found at Trauma and Born in Nigeria, Do Dimmit in Niger, Dobra in Ghana and Assonance Valley in Senegal. In the East Africa region, the centers include Startup in Tanzania. There was also iron working evidence in the Congo basin and at Machine in Zambia areas of Central Africa.South Africa evidence indicates that iron working was practiced around the 3rd 0 4th century AD. In excavatio n at some of the working at Determination indicated regular iron operations. One of the vexing issues concerning the spread of iron technology in Africa has been its relation to the migration of the Bantu. The argument has been that the Bantu people have been responsible for the spread of this technology from their West Africa homeland to other regions of Eastern and southern Africa.Their movement has been traced by archaeologists through a special type of pottery which is dimple based and (Urea ware) which is associated with the Bantu. However as Azalea (Ibid) argues, there was no direct correlation between the dispersal of Bantu languages and Iron Age technology. Azalea and indeed other historians, archaeologists and linguists have demonstrated that Iron Age culture in East Africa communities preceded those communities closer to the Bantu homeland. Linguistic studies have not shown that stems relating to metallurgy in the various Bantu languages are not all derived from a common p roto-Bantu, nor are they different from those in non Bantu language. Probably, the expansion of the Bantu speakers from their homeland in south-eastern Nigeria started much earlier than once thought, some 2000-arrears B. C. Before the advent of iron working in West, Central or East Africa. Therefore the earliest Bantu speakers in these areas did not produce iron. Azalea's argument however does not water down the fact that the Bantu were responsible for the spread of Iron technology. Instead of arguing to water down this fact she evades it and start pointing out that there were pockets of iron smelting in different parts of Africa.Just as there is a big difference in manufacturing a good and marketing it, there is also a very big difference between inventing technology and spreading it and that was what Azalea had forgotten in her argument. This loophole was filled by historians Oliver Roland and linguists like Malcolm Guthrie and Joseph Greenberg who suggested and showed iron techno logy led to the migration of the Bantu who spread southwards and were able to conquer the Czarina Forest and defeat the original inhabitants they passed through and settled.Using the TTS-TTS-free corridors, iron workers and agriculturalists reached Zambia ND southwards towards Tanganyika from either north or north-west with their cattle Gradually, iron age communities pushed southwards in small groups reaching the Zambia by the early centuries of the Christian era, settling in Mishandled in the 4th C and crossing the Limp some time later. However archaeologists say that Stone Age hunter-gatherers lived peacefully with the iron technology farmers until made many of the later to abandon their natural way of life and turn on food production.By early 19th century most African peoples were able to produce their own iron or obtain it from neighboring communities through trade. Iron production was a complex, skill, lengthy and labor intensive process. It involved prospecting, mining, smelt ing and forging. Iron ore was available in virtually all part of the continent. Iron ore deposits were found by means of outcrops and were extracted through either alluvial or shallow mining. Smelting was done in furnaces using charcoal fuel, after which the iron was forged in workshops.Many products were made including tools, utensils and Jewelry. The most important tools manufactured were hoes, sickles, razors, knives, daggers, rings, wire and weapons such as spear, assesses, arrow-heads and battle axes. The position of iron producers varied among many Africa societies. In some they were respected while in others they were despised. By early 19th C Africa was sufficient in iron needs. But toward the end of the century, imports had become dominant in some part of the continent. Three explanation account for this: 1 .African iron industries declined because of competition from Europeans products. 2. There were ecological factors that hampered iron production. For example charcoal sh ortage caused by deforestation affected their production. 3. The role of labor organization and distribution affected the production. Whereas production was increasingly becoming more costly. Europeans imports, though of low quality and often less relevant for local uses were much cheaper, substituting of local with imported therefore became the order of the day. 3. The Impact of Iron Technology on African Societies It led to the development of agriculture as a result of better iron tools. For instance agriculture was practiced in most areas of Sub-Sahara Africa especially after the introduction of iron tools and implements. It led to sedentary life. Iron tools and equipments which allowed the clearance of wooded areas of Africa made most societies to settle down. Therefore the phase of nomadic way of life was replaced with sedentary life characterized by villages and even larger social units.Although it is difficult to ascertain the social structures involved, it is likely that ove r most of Africa, there existed relatively small villages consisting of one or more lineage groups with wider affinities based on clan relationship. Trade flourished. Regional and international trade developed as people exchanged metal items like iron tools with other items. Trade transformed most African economies from ones which were largely parasitic on the immediate environment to ones which were in control food reduction and exchange through trade.It is also important to note that trade took another dimension with the advent of metals. Copper and gold were in demand by various communities in the South, North, East and West. There is evidence that suggest that trade was more expanded and various trading networks were developed. Arab evidence has alluded to the existence of trade in metals across the Sahara from the earliest times. Constructions and building works emerged. Metals were used to construct bridges and reinforcement of buildings like pyramids, temples and houses. With the advent of metallurgy, especially iron technology,