ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
One character in the film who is considered the most captivating of them is Grendel’s mother. She is a progeny of Cain who is remembered as the first killer. She is among the most intriguing characters in the entire motion picture, and she plays a significant role in the film. She does not have a name in the story although she is quite instrumental in molding the lives of other characters including Beowulf. She is one of the main antagonists in the plot, and she is directly involved in the lives of the main characters. She played a crucial role in almost all parts of the movie, and without her, the film would have been less compelling. This piece aims at showing that even the worst opponent or villain can play a vital role in the lives of people around him or her. The fact that humans cannot defeat her makes them think that she is immortal. However, Beowulf aims at changing this tale when he goes to kill her in her monster-filled lair, which is situated under the sea. She is not as strong as her son Grendel. However, she still manages to show how powerful she is and how well she can fight her adversaries. Beowulf does not find it easy when he goes to kill her. He knows that he has to use extraordinary skill and strength to be able to subdue and get to kill her. At one point in the film, she knows her strength and even attacks the mead hall Heorot. This happens just after she discovers who has killed her son and she starts searching for revenge. She has the rage of a mother who has been pushed to the brim by the threats accorded to her children. As everyone is aware, a mother can go to exceptional lengths to protect her children. Grendel’s mother is not different from other women, and she exposes this by her revengeful attack on the camp. Grendel’s mother is one of the most devious characters. She uses her womanly charms to lure Beowulf when he goes to her lair to kill her. This is depicted when she seduces Beowulf while being disguised as a beautiful woman. She even manages to seduce him and appeal to the emotions of the great Beowulf. Beowulf even goes to the extent of lying that he has managed to kill her, which is not true . With her seductive feminine form, she is able to convince Beowulf by offering him physical pleasures. She is quite astute, and she has used this method before with king Hrothgar. He also fell for her manipulative tricks, and they ended up with a son named Grendel. Even the ardent king Hrothgar is aware of her powers and prowess. She has extra senses that she uses to find out when an intruder is approaching, and she senses when Beowulf gets the intention to kill her. These senses are more like super powers, which she uses to her advantage. Grendel’s mother is not a weak character. She is obsessive with the idea to defeat
Introduction As a member of the jury sitting in on the trial of Montressor, I feel it is necessary for me to explain the reasons why the jury came to the conclusion it did. While the entire city has felt that Montressor was undeniably guilty of a horrendous crime, there were several elements of the case that made such a quick conclusion difficult. After hearing all of the facts and evidence with which we were presented by the estimable Edgar Allen Poe in his story of “The Cask of Amontillado”, it is hoped that the reader will gain a better understanding of just how we reached our verdict of guilty by reason of insanity. Main text According to the evidence, the murder of Fortunato was premeditated. The perpetrator, Montressor, confessed to having thought everything out beforehand, even down to ensuring no one in the streets might recognize who he was as he lured Fortunato back to his home as he covered his face with a carnival mask and wore a cloak to disguise his general shape. In addition, he had made clever arrangements to ensure all of his household servants would be away by the time he arrived with his ‘guest.’ “I had told them [the servants] that I should not return until the
Introduction Theories of collaborative learning have, for a number of years, lend credence on the manner in which learners operate within a group setting. Several empirical studies have been carried out to explore the role of collaborative learning in adult development (Dillenbourg et al., 1996, p. 1). According to Kiely, Sandmann and Truluck (2004), the number of adults enrolled for various degree programs has increase remarkably in the last three decades (p. 17). For instance, William Branson (facing compulsory retirement from the FBI) opted to pursue a master’s degree in counselling to help imprisoned adolescents he dealt with previously. Diane Johnson opted to seek certified credentials (after administering home-based schooling to her children) in order to provide elementary education to children. William and Diane are among a growing list of adults in pursuit of official degree programmes (Kiely, Sandmann & Truluck 2004, p. 17). According to the University Continuing Education Association, the number of individuals aged above 65 years in the US is projected to increase to 90 million in 2030. Many of these individuals have enrolled in adult degree programmes. According to a report by National Center for Education Statistics, 33 percent of the country’s postsecondary institutions introduced distant-learning courses between 1997 and 1998. In addition, Lewis et al. (1999) report that over 300 certificates and 1,200 degrees are offered by various learning institutions through distance learning. It is important to note that these courses and degree programmes have a unique appeal to adult learners because they are time-and-place independent. Therefore, this paper aims to explore strategies and theories for adult development and collaborative learning. Adult Learning Theory Kiely, Sandmann & Truluck (2004) assert that the theory of adult learning is exceptionally diverse and intricate matter (p. 18). In the last two decades, several adult educators have endeavoured to map (theoretically) the margins of adult learning theory in order to assist experts manoeuvre the subject more efficiently. For instance, Mackeracher (1996) analysed adult education via the vibrant and versatile lens of a kaleidoscope. Merriam (1988) portrays adult education as a web and suggests a six-part template to assist adult educators manoeuvre through various relevant areas, such as theories of adult education as well as traits of adult learners. In a more current study, Merriam (2001) defines adult education as an “ever-changing mosaic, where old pieces are rearranged and new pieces added” (p. 1). Furthermore, Merriam (2001) incorporates conventional theories of adult education that lend credence on traits of individual adult learners as well as learning processes. Merriam and Caffarella (1999) provide the most inclusive theoretical framework for exp
Introduction A consumption tax is a duty on goods and services spent by a household. It can be of direct forms like sales and value-added taxes or indirect forms like expenditure taxes. Frank consumption tax suggestion involves taxpayers summing up their total incomes on a return form and only Frank would offer saving exemptions from this taxable income thus leaving consumption as the taxation base. It also considers a large standard deduction thus cutting on nonluxury rents and foods (Frank, 2011). Strengths of progressive consumption tax First, it instills a savings culture in residents as they are mandated to open accounts for tax-exempt earnings. This discourages excessive consumption. In addition, consumption tax encourages the capital formation and work thereby increasing economic growth. Third, consumption taxes have a wider base, easier to implement as all consumption levels are taxed and it is considered a major revenue source for government and local authorities. Fourth, consumption taxes do not alter spending tradition, behavior patterns, and scarce resource allocation. It is based on the assumption that consumption is already taxed and so it does not matter which product is consumed. Fifth, consumption taxes increases productivity, capital stock, and the size of the economy which is directly related to its treatment of depreciation (Frank, 2011). Sixth, progressive consumption tax minimizes inequality in consumption spending. It also has an inverse implication on wealth inequality as the rich could take advantage of this savings exemption. Seventh, progressive consumption tax reduces the financial pressure on middle-level workers. These workers usually spend beyond their means to equate with their expensive neighborhoods. Finally, tax incentives may result in economic recession due to a reduction in consumption levels. However, residents would only profit from a provisional consumption tax cut if they spend immediately (Economic policy reforms: Going for growth, 2012). Weaknesses of progressive consumption tax First, the higher marginal tax rates dampen productive economic activities. For instance, a 100% marginal tax rate means that hard-working taxpayers are taxed more than lazy ones thus demoralizing workers lowering consumption (Frank, 2011). Secondly, consumption and sales taxes shift the tax burden to low-income groups. However, the ratio of tax commitment reduces as wealth increases, and citizens who consume all their earnings are taxed at 100 percent while savers and investors are taxed at a remaining balance (Cockfield, 2008; Frank, 2011). Third, consumption is directly proportional to long-run average income levels. Therefore any abrupt changes in the household income levels within a given year resul
The classes on California made me better understand the region and people who live here. I learned a lot about Californian culture and history and, more importantly, I am now able to talk and write about a variety of issues concerning California and the California dream. We managed to unveil numerous things through analysis of poems, plays, songs, and films. These works of art contain people’s ideas and thoughts which make up the entire culture of the region. These works help us understand how the culture developed and why people have these ideas and prejudice. In the first place, I would like to note that the class assignments we completed were really helpful for me as I learned how to express myself and, simultaneously, I found out about California and its dream so much. I would also like to add that the works we wrote were easy at first and became more difficult at the end of the course, which is a very effective way to learn. Notably, the course starts with definition of the California dream which is slightly different from what we call the American Dream. Californians dream about success earned within quite a short period of time and without hard work. Writing a work aimed at comparing two dreams helped me better understand Californians who have a particular view on the way of achieving success. This was not my first writing experience but the feedback I got was valuable as I saw mistakes I had made. The next assignment we were making was more sophisticated as we tried to extract peculiarities of Californian culture from songs. This work required additional attention and precision. I managed to find a variety of meanings in the song. Now, I pay more attention to the lyrics when I listen to songs. Interestingly, this attention opens up new horizons on a variety of issues. As for the Californian Dream, the songs I was considering showed how it may lead to the wrong direction. The songs tell the sto
There have always been crimes, and this part of the everyday life and criminal justice system will go nowhere. Despite numerous research projects in the area and various adjustments made to the area of criminal justice, punishment measures still remain to be perceived as one of the aspects of ethical dilemmas that have to be investigated by policy-makers (Chapman & Davis, 1978). The morality of punishing people for their actions will always be a topic that is worth discussion because, in the majority of the cases, no one has the ability to view the issue from a number of different perspectives. The relative level of subjectivity that is inherent in any given criminal justice system is one of the core limitations of punishment. In other words, innocent individuals may be punished for something they did not do, while the guilty ones may remain untouched according to the verdict that was reached in court. Retributivism is the core philosophical theory that is directly associated with criminal justice and fully supports punishment. This theory also validates the existence of punishment institutions and answers a number of other important questions. For the adepts of this theory, punishment is an inextricable part of the criminal justice process because criminals must (and deserve to) be punished. The meaning of “deserve” here revolves around the moral blameworthiness of the criminal, not the desire of a criminal justice system to punish someone merely for the record (Roh, 2003). The theory of retributivism justifies punishment because the wrongdoer has to experience the sanctions imposed by the government after they broke the law. Retributivists also believe that it is the duty of the government to punish criminals and not an authoritarian privilege. Even if the victims of these criminals wish mercy upon the latter, retributivism denies it. The theory that is different from what retributivism has to offer but still relies on some of its concepts is called the categorical imperative. The reason why this philosophical theory can be opposed to retributivism as a whole is the respect for humanity that is inherent in the categorical imperative concept (Chapman & Davis, 1978). Consequently, when it comes to punishing the offender, representatives of the criminal justice system are commonly able to evaluate the issue from different perspectives in order to come up with the least biased decision. The theory of categorical imperative is based on the concept of idea
Selecting a segment to target in a promotional message is a very important process in developing social marketing messages. This is crucial especially in developing a message that will suit the segment that is targeted. The segments usually have got similar or common characteristics such as beliefs, culture, social life and the products that they consume. It is imperative to segment these target audiences so that messages that are developed suit the target group that needs to change their behavior. Customized communications are specific and usually tailored to meet the characteristics of the group that is to be targeted. This is usually done to ensure that the message that is delivered reaches its intended audience hence the need for doing a segmentation of the population into groups with common characteristics. This is imperative particularly in spread of health messages such as in the case of the Health Promotion Division. The Health promotion Division has got three segments and the best segment has to be chosen so that the message delivery is successful. This is more effective than targeting the mass market as the Health Promotion Division will be able to cut down on promotional costs. The best target segment for the Health Promotion to target is the TGIF which is the largest group of all the three market segments. This group is a heavy user of tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs. The TGIF has got a tendency to go out on the weekends and have got a fun-loving orientation. This group usually has got a reckless behavior and most of them view work as a means to an end; they work the whole week so that they can use the money on the weekends for drinks and other drugs in clubs over the weekend. This group is usually characterized by youths of both the male and the female gender. Their lack of work ethic and indiscipline makes them have an “I don’t care” attitude and hence the lack in ambition. The group is mostly concentrated in Ontario and is largely from the middle class families. In my opinion this would be the best group for the Health Promotion Division to tailor their messages to. The Health Promotion Division should target the TGIF market segment because this is the largest of the three market segments. This is the best group to target because the Health Promotion Division will reach a wider market segment while at the same time delivering their message. This is important because the Health Promotion Division will be able to reach the highest number of the population in addition to the fact that the TGIF segment is the heaviest user of the illicit drugs and alcohol. By targeting this market, the Health Promotion Division will have reached a very large audience with their message and this will be effective in influencing the behaviors of the society at large. This is also the segment that is most affected by the drugs hence is the ideal group to target. Another major reason for the Health promotion Division to target the TGIF group is the cost implications. Targeting the TGIF group is relatively cost-effective for the Health Promotion Division unlike ta
Introduction The poem is written in an acute style and shrewd and skillful manner. The author introduces the readers from the very beginning to primeval horror and inborn prejudices. In the title, the fear for everything unknown and unexpected is put into the sounds of somebody, knocking at the door. The scene is laid in the parlor. The room is dark because the horrors are “vague”, and even flies are struck. A sense of horror The poem is rich in non-Christian allusions. They help to create a sense of horror, which is not usual for Christianity. The atmosphere of the poem gives an illusion of death, murder, and evil. The prejudices often build bounds in people’s minds; the threat is seen everywhere, even if it does not exist at all. Like in savage times, people are afraid of darkness and the unknown. No matter how civilized, people bear deep in their soul’s primitive instincts and fear in front of the future. Only faith gives hope for the better. Christian faith gives hope for future life after death and God’s justice. Haitian religion Voodoo The first allusion comes from the Haitian religion Voodoo. Among its main points is protection against evil witchcraft. Voodoo is also associated with zombies and voodoo dolls, the practice of sticking pins in them or nailing near the cemetery. In the public mind, it has much to do with cursing an individual. And in the poem “voodoo strangler” is sure to do harm and bring misfortune. He is unpredictable, like a zombie, and comes to torture. An old woman usually excites positive emotions, associated with grandmother and her warmness. The poem “old beggar woman” has “a witch’s cackle”. This cackle of a hungry, ominous grin, provokes a fear for life, which can be suckled off by this old witch. If she possesses some magical powers, she inflicts harm and damage. Of course, blaming somebody else for one’s misfortune is common for humans, but the character in the text is sure to bring bad luck not only because she looks like a witch, but she is knitting a shroud, used when somebody dies. The image of the witch is common in European culture. The old wicked witch from children’s fairy-tales has changed a misfortune pursuing people in adult age. A “squatting” Yogi The next allusion is a “squatting” Yogi. He sits in his usual posture, “crossed heart and navel”, and meditates a murder. Yogis are famous for sophisticated asanas (postures) and lithe bodies. Such terms as karma and yoga are known in the Christian world (Flood). Their meditating practice, called to bring to Nirvana, in this poem is associated with a horrible crime. He is sitting and meditating; nobody knows what he is meditating about. And for the author of the poem, it is highly probable, that he is planning a flagrant crime. Between many gods, goddesses and semi-gods Shiva occupies a special place (Dallapiccola). In the poem, he dances “twitching feasted legs”. It is a dance-making shiver wi
The chosen article addresses the problem of clothing waste and provides a detailed analysis of the issue and related factors. The study by Binotto and Payne (2017) shows how designers can reduce clothing waste by reusing and revitalizing fabrics and second-hand apparel. The article begins by presenting several perspectives on waste and wastefulness in the context of the fashion industry. The authors note that industrial and consumer rubbish can result in various environmental issues, such as pollution and degradation of resources (Binotto & Payne 2017). However, the article states that it is possible to resolve this issue by re-categorizing formerly deemed waste. Due to the specifics of the fashion industry and its purpose of creating an impression, designers can use rubbish to provoke thought and reflection in customers. Such an approach can help manufacturers to create unique pieces, use materials efficiently, and reduce production costs. The article supports the goal of taking action to combat climate change and its impacts. It is possible to reuse textiles at least nine times, which means that such a measure can reduce the need for manufacturing significantly (Paras & Pal 2018). However, currently, the idea that the new is better than the old is popular because such an approach is beneficial for the fashion industry (Binotto & Payne 2017). Designers establish trends and develop new styles to devalue the previous ones; they inevitably create clothing waste. The possible solution to this problem is reusing products and recycling the pieces unsuitable for resale. Binotto and Payne (2017) note that designers can use a minimum or zero-waste patternmaking as opposed to traditional pattern-cutting methods. Pre-consumer textile waste can be re-spun into new yarn or used for creating other materials. The study shows that some companies have started to utilize this strategy. For example, some clothing brands work with reclaimed fabrics, such as army snowsuits, military stock, and parachute silk, to create their collections (Binotto & Payne 2017). In addition, as an example of a zero-waste measure, manufacturers can use excess fabric for parts of clothing that are not visible from the outside, such as folds and tucks. Such an approach allows for not only eliminating the impact of the fashion industry on the environment but also for satisfying customers’ desire for newness. Binotto and Payne (2017) report that, in today’s world, designers may feel the need to conceal the reuse of materials to retain social acceptance and reduce clients’ rejection. However, it is vital not to avoid a zero-waste approach only because there is a lack of awareness about its benefits among the public. The article shows what strategies designers use to eliminate the impact of the fashion industry, as well as the shame associated with waste and the reuse of clothes. It provides various pi