Role Of Music In Sonnys Blues

Role Of Music In Sonnys Blues The story Sonnys Blues is written by James Baldwin in 1846 and raises the problem of the misconception between two brothers. Their conflict grounded on the problem of racial discrimination in the African-American society. Influenced by the oppression, both bothers developed different views on life, which served as a problem for their common understanding. The narrator has adjusted to the white society still feeling the pressure, but not willing to change it. On the contrary to his brother, Sonny tries to find the way out and to state himself a worthy person of approval and respect. Sonny tries to avoid his pain and sufferings with the immersion into Jazz music, resided to his race. Describing Sonnys lifeline from his brothers perspective, depicting a fair representation of Sonnys relationship with music, and evaluating the authors method for creating a specific frame of mind in readers, it will be possible to create a holistic picture of Sonnys struggle on the way to salvation. The knowledge of Sonnys life comes only through the narrator. The only one evident point in Sonnys character is his hope that he can become a musician. His close minded brother, who seems to be the strict father for Sonny, rather than his supporting brother, expresses his disapproval of Sonnys wish. Suffer the consequences of his criticism Sonny agrees to live with Isabels family, only because they have a piano at home. Even though everybody admits that Sonny was at that piano playing for his life (p.101), nobody really hears and understands him. When he realizes that his efforts to create something from his music failed and he could not meet the expectations of the family, sadness devours him and he runs away. Later in the story, the brother narrates that Sonny starts to use drugs. Next, police arrests him for it and send to prison. Sonny kicks his drug habit and returns to live with his brother. After so many years and events influenced his life, he still continues to develop himse lf as a musician. As a matter of a fact, music plays a very significant role throughout the whole story written by James Baldwin. Basically, it is possible to notice how Sonny is dedicated to music and to jazz in particular. Additionally, the role of music is irreplaceable in defining and describing the major characters, as well as the culture of Harlem as a whole. Seeing Sonnys eternal eagerness to music, it is reasonable to assume that music is the only drug for Sonny, his only way of expressing his hopes and dulling his pain, incomparable even to his drug addiction. Sonnys devotion to Jazz is even able to change the upstanding mind of his brother by the end of the story. Comparing to his brother, who is afraid of the disorder and cannot face pain and uncertainty of the way Sonny lives, Sonny has a radically different perception of the world. Due to Sonnys artistic nature, tenacity and willing to struggle, his brother finally begins to understand not only the value of jazz and blues music, but also himself and his relationship with Sonny. In the club he starts to appreciate Sonny in a way he never did, as a real musician (p.107). Rather than trying to make Sonny fit into his world, he is now in Sonnys world. Or, rather: his kingdom. Here it was not even a question that his veins bore royal blood (p.107). The name of the story is Sonnys Blues, which contradicts with the genre of music, which Sonny is dedicated to. Sonny finds his strengths and motivation in jazz music. Basically, this music genre is based on informal order and format, which gives the musicians a lot of space for genuine expression of their souls. On the other hand, the actual name of the story seems to reflect Sonnys story of life. As a fact, blues is a music genre, which mostly expresses melancholic feelings, as well as it is infused with deep sadness and tragedy. Consequently, by naming the story Sonnys Blues the author defines Sonnys life with a genre, which is full of grief and sorrow, disappointments and frustration. The method which the author uses to frame the flow of the story is very representative, and leads the readers to a specific atmosphere and directs them towards a specific frame of mind. Creating a complete representation of Sonnys struggle on the way to salvation, it was essential to unfold the major aspects of Sonnys story and to describe his relationships with music and its meaning in Sonnys life. Additionally, by analyzing the name of the story it was possible to assemble the right atmosphere the author was trying to create for the readers. Thus, the author has chosen music, for it is communal function to tell the stories of a community of people. Music evokes feelings in performers and in listeners, helping them to cure from the failure in their lives or to at least feel comfortable in the company of others who are similarly afflicted.

Life on the planet Essay

Water is a vital element for the survival of life on the planet. In human beings, water comprises fifty to seventy percent of an adult’s body weight. In humans the abstinence from water results in death in a few days. Water is lost from the human body loses due to urination, sweating and respiration. The body’s water content has to be maintained by regular intake of water and people who fail to consume sufficient water become dehydrated. They develop headaches, tiredness and loss of concentration. Persistent dehydration results in serious health problems such as constipation and gall bladder stones (Hicks, 2005). The human body gets water from water in the pure form and beverages, solid foods such as fruits and vegetables and through the chemical processes in the body. According to the British Dietetic Association, an average adult must consume at least two and half liters of water per day. Of this, nearly two liters should be through beverages. During summer the intake of water has to be increased. Physical activities also require the consumption of more water. It is the major ingredient of all juices and carbonated drinks contain sixty five percent, diluted squashes eighty six percent and fruit juices ninety percent water. However, drinking plain water is the most effective means of compensating for depleted body fluids (Hicks, 2005). Water is the chief element of human body and its essential nutrient. In fact, a human being can survive without food for a considerable period of time but cannot survive for more than a week without water. Water is essential for breathing as it bedews oxygen and supplies it to every cell in the body. Water makes the skin more shiny and supple. It controls the body temperature and discards toxins and other waste material from the body. It distributes important nutrients throughout the body and helps in removing waste materials from the kidneys and the large intestine. The digestive mechanism is enhanced by water and it is essential for the development and maintenance of good muscle tone. It protects and cushions vital organs and acts like a lubricant for the joints by contributing to the special fluids which protect bones from friction and erosion. Water increases the activity of the brain and improves mental quickness in reflex responses (Dr. Susan Kleiner Ph. D. ). Water is a vital nutrient which contributes to every function of the body. It acts as a vehicle in transporting essential nutrients to the cells and waste material out of them. Water is necessary for the functions of digestion, absorption, circulation and excretion and for the absorption of water – soluble vitamins. It is essential for regulating the body temperature (Functions of Water in the Human Body). The water in saliva allows foods to slide smoothly down the esophagus and the watery fluids dissolve enzymes, hormones and coenzymes. Water acts as a solvent for waste materials like urea, carbon dioxide and other electrolytes in the body. It plays a major role in Hydrolysis in which water molecules divide into hydrogen H+ and hydroxyl OH- ions. This chemical process forms the basis for the reaction of substances in the human body. For instance, sucrose is hydrolyzed into fructose and glucose. Moreover, water serves as a catalyst in intercellular reactions and maintains the electrolyte balance in the body (Water in the Body). Insufficient water results in dehydration, formation of kidney stones and particularly in women, urinary tract infections. Its scarcity affects physical and mental performance and the function of the salivary glands. Dehydration causes kidney function disorders, harmful changes in hormonal levels, chronic illness and limited mobility (Dehydration). Electrolytes are obtained from food and are absorbed in the intestines. The kidneys maintain the required electrolyte levels in the body. These electrolyte levels are affected by diseases and dehydration. Potassium, the chief cation in the intracellular fluid, plays an important role in activating enzymes and processing and retaining carbohydrates. It acts as medium for transmitting nerve impulses to the heart and skeletal muscles. Its deficiency leads to major health problems. Its depletion is caused by the use of diuretics like thiazides that are used in the treatment of hypertension and heart ailments, excessive perspiration, repeated enemas, trauma, diabetes, diseases of the intestinal tract and disease of the kidney due to the use of tetracycline and excessive intake of licorice. The loss of potassium causes weak pulse, faint heart sounds, low blood pressure and fatigue. Loss of large amounts of potassium results in death (Hecht, 1986). Magnesium is another electrolyte that is present in the intracellular fluid. It helps in muscle contraction, nerve transmission and acts as catalyst for enzymes. Deficiency of magnesium results from an improper diet, diarrhea, steatorrhea, alcoholism, diabetes, pancreatitis, damage of kidneys and diuretics. Functional disorder of kidneys raises the magnesium levels of the body and persons with kidney ailments have to avoid laxatives and antacids, which contain magnesium. This is due to the fact that excessive levels of magnesium lead to depressed reflexes, paralysis of muscles and decreased respiration (Hecht, 1986). Sodium is another important cation in the extracellular fluids, whose main function is to maintain the body’s fluid balances. Low sodium body levels result from dehydration, sweating, the use of diuretics and diarrhea, which result in muscular weakness, anxiety and convulsions. Inadequate water intake and malfunction of the kidneys increases the sodium concentration. Depletion of sodium levels in the body result in dry mucous membranes, flushed skin, rise in body temperature, dry eyes and un – sated thirst (Hecht, 1986). Chloride is the major anion of the extracellular fluid. It is important for muscle contraction, balancing the fluid levels in the cells and maintaining the acid – base balance of extracellular fluid. In order to prevent the accumulation of bicarbonate, there should be a sufficient supply of chloride ions (Hecht, 1986). Calcium is present in the extracellular fluid and is important for nerve impulse transmission, contraction of muscles and the clotting of blood. It mainly exists in the body in the non – ionized state in the bones and the teeth. Pancreatitis, chronic kidney disorders and the surgical removal of the parathyroid tissue decrease the ionized calcium levels. Insufficient calcium levels cause abdominal and muscle cramps, tingling of the finger tips, numbness and overactive reflexes. Excessive calcium levels in the body cause a significant loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, kidney stones and body pains (Hecht, 1986). Alcohol induces water loss by suppressing the production of the anti – diuretic hormone vasopressin, which works on kidneys to concentrate urine by increasing the reabsorption of water and electrolytes into the body. Suppression of this hormone results in the increased loss of body fluid through urination leading to dehydration. Alcohol – induced loss of water also results in the loss of magnesium, potassium, calcium and zinc, which are essential for maintaining the fluid balance of the body and muscular activity. Researchers in the UK studied the effect of alcohol on hydration and electrolyte balance after exercise – induced dehydration. They found that the volume of urine produced in the consequent six hours of rehydration had increased on par with the intake of alcohol. However, the rate of increase of the blood plasma during rehydration was considerably slower (Hamilton). Coffee and tea are rich in caffeine or trimethyl xanthine. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. It blocks the binding of adenosine with the nerve cells, which enhances nerve activity and leads to the release of epinephrine. It also increases the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The ergogenic properties of caffeine promote lesser muscle activity by reducing glycogen thereby allowing more calcium into muscle cells, which would enhance the power of muscle activity. Caffeine is a diuretic and in higher doses results in heavy water loss through urination. It also increases the blood flow to the kidneys and reduces the reabsorption of sodium by the body (Hamilton). Dehydration is prevented by drinking eight glasses of water per day and abstaining from caffeinated drinks and alcoholic beverages. The common cause of dehydration is due to the loss of fluids from body as a result of gastrointestinal ailments, diarrhea and vomiting. In order to compensate for the lost fluids large amounts of water and fruit juices have to be consumed. Wearing loose fitting clothes keeps the body cool and prevents sweating. Those who participate in sports, have to drink water and fruit juices at regular intervals. Moreover, people should avoid the consumption of coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages, because they act like diuretics (Gavin, 2006). In the absence of adequate hydration, true health remains a chimera. The minimum daily intake of water has been stated to be half as many ounces as there are pounds in one’s body weight. The reason for this is that in order to function properly and optimally, every organ in the body requires water to a major extent. A human being’s body consists mostly of water and in its absence life is not possible. References Dehydration. (n. d. ). Retrieved June 30, 2007, from http://www. betterhealth. vic. gov. au/bhcv2/bhcarticles. nsf/pages/Water_a_vital_nutrient? open Dr. Susan Kleiner Ph. D. , R. (n. d. ). Health & Hydration . Retrieved June 30, 2007, from http://www. calistogawater. com/health/ Functions of Water in the Human Body. (n. d. ). Retrieved June 30, 2007, from http://www. resultsproject. net/water_functions. html Gavin, M. L. (2006, January). Dehydration. Retrieved June 30, 2007, from http://www. kidshealth. org/teen/safety/first_aid/dehydration. html Hamilton, A. (n. d. ). Caffeine dehydration : Caffeine and alcohol – just how dehydrating are they? Retrieved June 30, 2007, from http://www. pponline. co. uk/encyc/caffeine-dehydration. htm Hecht, A. (1986, January 1). ELECTROLYTES. Retrieved June 30, 2007, from Electrolytes; the charge in the body’s power system. : http://www. encyclopedia. com/doc/1G1-4293240. html Hicks, R. (2005, September). Why do we need water? Retrieved June 30, 2007, from bbc. co. uk: http://www. bbc. co. uk/health/healthy_living/nutrition/drinks_water. shtml Water in the Body. (n. d. ). Retrieved June 30, 2007, from http://www. dehlgroup. com/wbody. html

The Firearm Owners Protection Act - 2632 Words

A large part of America’s identity is rooted in gun ownership. From the Revolutionary War to modern day, a significant number of Americans own firearms for hunting, sporting, and self-defense. While the Supreme Court ruled in Heller v. D.C. that the Second Amendment guarantees citizens the right to privately own firearms, whether that right is open to regulation or not has been hotly debated. Major pieces of legislation such as the National Firearms Act of 1934, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993), the Firearm Owners Protection Act (1986), and the Federal Assault Weapons Ban (1994) have regulated firearms in the United States. However, even though there are national laws that regulate ownership of firearms, the individual state laws differ greatly. The division of authority between the national and state governments has produced significant differences in firearm regulations. There are laws at the national level regarding firearms. These laws apply across the boa rd to every state. For example, in 1986, the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act banned the possession or transport of fully automatic weapons, also known as machine guns, made after May 19, 1986 (National Firearms Act). Another national gun law was the Assault Weapons Ban of 1994 (expired in 2004), which banned certain semi-automatic firearms if they had multiple of certain features such as: a collapsable stock, a pistol grip, a flash suppressor, a detachable magazine, etc.. It also banned magazines thatShow MoreRelatedDo More Gun Laws Lower Crime Rate?1796 Words   |  8 Pagesrate?† I chose to do this topic because it is indeed near and dear to my heart. I come from a family of gun owners and because of that I proudly support the 2nd Amendment of the United States Constitution. I also live in a city that is greatly affected by gun violence. Chicago is one of the most violent areas in the country with gun violence and living in such a city and being a gun owner makes me t hink. Chicago has one of the strictest gun laws, plus a high gun violence and murder rate. CoincidenceRead MoreEssay on America Needs Stricter Gun Control Laws1530 Words   |  7 Pagesamong a lot of other things weather we agree with their input or not. There were serveral different gun control acts put in place, following after the second amendment, for gun control. In 1871, the National Rifle Association was founded. This union was formed to â€Å"promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis†. Nearly 63 years later, in 1934, the National Firearms Act was established. This was created because there was a lot of lawlessness and rise of gangster culture. President FranklinRead MoreThe Matter Of Gun Control1816 Words   |  8 Pagesprohibit a person from possessing firearms, also regulations to prevent these persons from possessing firearms. 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FromRead MoreThe Firearm Owner s Privacy Act1035 Words   |  5 Pagesthe four provisions of the Firearm Owner’s Privacy Act is an unconstitutional abridgment of the First Amendment. The record-keeping provision, anti-harassment provision, and the inquiry provisions are in clear violation of the First Amendment as they are content-based regulations of speech that fail strict scrutiny. However, the anti-discrimination provision of the law is constitutional as it does not regulate free speech. Syllabus: The Firearm Owner’s Privacy Act contains four provisions. Read MoreGun Regulations: Gun Laws Have Changed Dramatically1207 Words   |  5 Pages From the dawn of the United States the government has created laws regulating firearm ownership. These regulations address everyone from gun sellers to owners and are constantly changing. In 1791, The Bill of Rights of the Constitution was ratified to ensure the protection of the American people’s rights. 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The act went into effect on October 22, 1968.The Gun Control Act was passed imposing stricter licensing and regulation on the firearms industry, establishes new categories of firearms offenses, and prohibits the sale of firearms and ammunition to felons and certain other prohibited persons.( Gun Control Act 1) This act helped to b etter regulate the sale and transportation of a gun to better to lessenRead MoreGun Control And The Rights Of A Free State1632 Words   |  7 Pagesacquire a firearm, and the rate of crime associated with a firearms across the country. In the 1930s there were several factors that attributed to the push for stricter gun control laws. It was with the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt that the government’s role in gun control increased. The National Firearms Act was created in 1934 with aims to cripple gangsters in their efforts to acquire machine guns, and called for handgun registration with US citizens. Later, in 1938, The Federal Firearms Act

Book Report I Wan Na Be Written By Dennis Rodman

Alex Jasso Psychology 2301 Professor Ray Saenz October 16, 2016 Book Report I.Bad As I Wanna Be written by Dennis Rodman with Tim Keown II.Dennis Rodman, Shirley Rodman, Debra Rodman, Kim Rodman, Lorita Westbrook, Sheldon Steele, Anicka Bakes, Alexis Rodman, Bryne Rich, Detroit Pistons 86-89, San Antonio Spurs 93-95, Chicago Bulls 95-99 III.Trenton New Jersey, Oak Cliff in Dallas Texas, Gainesville Texas, Durant Oklahoma, Detroit Michigan, San Antonio Texas, Chicago Illinois. IV.Dennis Rodman struggles with being himself with rising fame and money when he becomes a NBA player. Dennis eventually deals with his own attempted suicide where he â€Å"killed the Dennis Rodman that had tried to conform to what everybody wanted him to be.† He assumes almost a new identity with a â€Å"bad boy† image reflecting his attitude of not caring what people thought or said about him on or off the court. V.Dennis Rodman was born in 1961 in New Jersey, he was the first child of 3 in a very unstable household. His father Philander was in the military and abandoned the family very soonafter the birth of his youngest sister. Dennis Rodman now says that he has The Rodman family then moved to the Dallas area where she struggled to stay employed and support the family. Dennis wasn’t exactly a star athlete growing up as his size wasn’t put on until after high school. He played football and basketball growing up but at 5’6, he eventually quit both sports in high school because he wasn’t getting