Friday, March 20, 2020

Angel of History essays

Angel of History essays History, according to Websters Dictionary, can be defined as, A chronological record of events, as of the life or development of a people or institution, often including an explanation of or commentary on those events. We must remember, however, that even though history is in the past, it is not inert. It is not dead. The past does, and continues to, have an effect on the present. Through the different articles we read, Sloukas Hitlers Couch, Millhausers The Barnum Museum, and James E. Youngs At Memorys Edge: After Images of the Holocaust in Contemporary Art and Architecture, one can see the relationship that the past has with our present day life and visa versa. Sloukas Hitlers Couch, tells of Hitlers final days. With the American and Russian armies moving swiftly towards Berlin, the fate of the Third Reich was in serious jeopardy. As Russian artillery shells fell upon Berlin, Goebbels, Hitlers Propaganda Minister, would read to Hitler the History of Frederick the Great. Within this reading Hitler found hope for Germany, Sensing a promise, an omen of redemption in Carlyes description of Fredericks deliverance...just as Prussia had been saved...by the death of the Czarina so the Third Reich would survive her harshest trails....A few days later Goebbels had his miracle, his Czarina... Franklin Roosevelt was dead (Slouka, p.54). Upon the news reaching the German Supreme Command a minister said, This, was the Angel of History! We felt its wings flutter through the room (Slouka, p. 54). Now, there is no real definition for what the Angel of History is. It could, however, be a metaphor, of how the past repeats itself in some aspects. The Angel c ould be the collector of history, and when important events happen they are collected as one might say by the Angel. ...

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Hand Sanitizers vs. Soap and Water

Hand Sanitizers vs. Soap and Water Antibacterial hand sanitizers are marketed to the public as an effective way to wash ones hands when traditional soap and water are not available. These waterless products are particularly popular with parents of small children. Manufacturers of hand sanitizers claim that the sanitizers kill 99.9 percent of germs. Since you naturally use hand sanitizers to cleanse your hands, the assumption is that 99.9 percent of harmful germs are killed by the sanitizers. Research studies suggest that this is not the case. How Do Hand Sanitizers Work? Hand sanitizers work by stripping away the outer layer of oil on the skin. This usually prevents bacteria present in the body from coming to the surface of the hand. However, these bacteria that are normally present in the body are generally not the kinds of bacteria that will make us sick. In a review of the research, Barbara Almanza, an associate professor at Purdue University who teaches safe sanitation practices to workers, came to an interesting conclusion. She notes that the research shows that hand sanitizers do not significantly reduce the number of bacteria on the hand and in some cases may potentially increase the amount of bacteria. So the question arises, how can the manufacturers make the 99.9 percent claim? How Can Manufacturers Make the 99.9 Percent Claim? The manufacturers of the products test the products on bacteria-tainted inanimate surfaces, hence they are able to derive the claims of 99.9 percent of bacteria killed. If the products were fully tested on hands, there would no doubt be different results. Since there is inherent complexity in the human hand, testing hands would definitely be more difficult. Using surfaces with controlled variables is an easier way to obtain some type of consistency in the results. But, as we are all aware, everyday life is not as consistent. Hand Sanitizer vs. Hand Soap and Water Interestingly enough, the Food and Drug Administration, in regards to regulations concerning proper procedures for food services, recommends that hand sanitizers not be used in place of hand soap and water but only as an adjunct. Likewise, Almanza recommends that to properly sanitize the hands, soap and water should be used during hand washing. A hand sanitizer can not and should not take the place of proper cleansing procedures with soap and water. Hand sanitizers can be a useful alternative when the option of using soap and water is not available. An alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol should be used to ensure that germs are killed. Since hand sanitizers dont remove dirt and oils on hands, it is best to wipe your hands with a towel or napkin before applying the sanitizer. What About Antibacterial Soaps? Research on the use of consumer antibacterial soaps has shown that plain soaps are just as effective as antibacterial soaps in reducing bacteria related illnesses. In fact, using consumer antibacterial soap products may increase bacterial resistance to antibiotics in some bacteria. These conclusions only apply to consumer antibacterial soaps and not to those used in hospitals or other clinical areas. Other studies suggest that ultra-clean environments and the persistent use of antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers may inhibit proper immune system development in children. This is because inflammatory systems require greater exposure to common germs for proper development. In September 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the marketing of over-the-counter antibacterial products that contain several ingredients including triclosan and triclocarban. Triclosan in antibacterial soaps and other products has been linked to the development of certain diseases. More on Hand Sanitizers vs. Soap and Water Hand Sanitizers No Substitute for Soap and Water - Purdue NewsTop Five Reasons to Wash Your Hands