Lucid Dreaming Essays (1051 words) - Dream, Lucid Dreams

Lucid Dreaming Ever have the feeling where you don't really know if you are dreaming or awake? That feeling of conscious awaking in you dreams where you are able to control yourself, your movements, and your wishes. This can be defined as lucid dreams. Roughly one-third of our lives we spend on sleeping, and significant amount of this time is spent on dreaming. So why not enjoy our dreams by controlling them, instead of letting dreams controlling us. The term "lucid", came from Frederik Van Eeden in 1913, he used it to define the sense of mental clarity. The definition of lucid dreaming is nothing more than becoming aware that you are dreaming, while you are dreaming. There are different levels of control among people where you are able to control your lucid dreams. A low-level lucid dream is one where you know you're dreaming, but that's it. In experiencing a higher level of lucid dream, you have the power to control, influence, and react to various events and contents of the dream. For those who have mastered the state of lucidity, the benefits are enormous. It gives a person a chance to experience adventures unsurpassed in everyday life, like that vacation on the moon. You can literally do anything you wish; the only limits are the limits bound my your imagination. Having the ability to tap to our unconscious, and subconscious mind, it also gives us a valuable insight into our daily lives. "By learning to make the best of the worst situation imaginable, you can overcome nightmare's and fears in the waking world" Gackenback/Bosveld 1989) There are several techniques for inducing a lucid dream, and the Lucidity Institute, Inc., founded in 1987 by lucid dreaming researcher Dr. Stephen LaBerge to support research on lucid dreams and to help people learn to use them to enhance their lives. This has created special devices to assist people in achieving lucid dreams. Inducing lucid dreams takes concentration, effort, and time. Some people have been able to have lucid dreams on the very first night of attempting to do so, however it may take others up to weeks. This varies greatly from person to person. It seems, as people who remember their dreams with greater ease tend to find it easier to have lucid dreams when compared to those who remember only a few every month (LaBerge). Many people seem to confront with the chance to learn of lucid dreaming asking themselves, "Why would I want to lucid dream?" The most common use of lucid dream is for those who have achieved the skill for pure fun and adventure. Unlike reality the laws of physics or even the rules of government do not restrict you. There is no need to be afraid of social consequences, because they are non-existent. You can fly, glide, touch, taste, whatever your heart desires. The limits are limitless. "Entertainment is not the only use of lucid dreaming, because of the strong link between the mind and body during dreams, there is evidence to suggest that dreams can be used for mental and physical healing" (Ziesing). Many have failed trying to induce lucid dreams, yet often people start having a lucid dream after giving up. So do not push to have one, trying too hard would only end up in frustration. After one has accomplished with the task of inducing lucid dreams to the max, reality testing is the assurance, and a constant question. Whether or not what one is experiencing is indeed reality, several times a day one may ask him/her self, "Am I dreaming?" The answer to that question might surprise the inducer of lucid dreams in time (Van de Castle 42). Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD) is a technique developed by Dr. Stephen Laberge, and is used by him to induce lucid dreams at will during his study. The steps to lucid dreaming via MILD are to set you mind to awaken from dreams and recall them as completely as possible. After one has recalled it, concentrating single-mindedly on its intention to remember to realize that he/she was only dreaming. One may say, "Next time I'm dreaming, I want to remember I'm dreaming." By trying to really put this really in your mind and

The Chemistry of Cyanide Poisoning and Why it Kills

The Chemistry of Cyanide Poisoning and Why it Kills Murder mysteries and spy novels often feature cyanide as a fast-acting poison, but you can be exposed to this toxin from everyday chemicals and even common foods. Have you ever wondered how cyanide poisons and kills people, how much it takes before its toxic, and whether there is a cure? Heres what you need to know. What Is Cyanide? The term cyanide refers to any chemical containing a carbon-nitrogen (CN) bond. Many substances contain cyanide, but not all of them are deadly poisons. Sodium cyanide (NaCN), potassium cyanide (KCN), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and cyanogen chloride (CNCl) are lethal, but thousands of compounds called nitriles contain the cyanide group yet arent as toxic. In fact, you can find cyanide in nitriles used as pharmaceuticals, such as  citalopram (Celexa) and  cimetidine (Tagamet). Nitriles arent as dangerous because they dont readily release the CN- ion, which is the group that acts as a metabolic poison. How Cyanide Poisons In a nutshell, cyanide prevents cells from using oxygen to make energy molecules. The cyanide ion, CN-, binds to the iron atom in cytochrome C oxidase in the mitochondria of cells. It acts as an irreversible enzyme inhibitor, preventing cytochrome C oxidase from doing its job, which is to transport electrons to oxygen in the electron transport chain of aerobic cellular respiration. Without the ability to use oxygen, mitochondria cant produce the energy carrier adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Tissues that require this form of energy, such as heart muscle cells and nerve cells, quickly expend all their energy and start to die. When a large enough number of critical cells die, you die. Exposure to Cyanide Cyanide can be used as a poison or chemical warfare agent, but most people are exposed to it unintentionally. Some ways to be exposed to cyanide include: Eating  cassava, lima beans, yucca, bamboo shoots, sorghum,  or almondsEating apple seeds, cherry stones, apricot pits, or peach pitsSmoking cigarettesBurning plasticBurning coalInhaling smoke from a house fireIngesting  acetonitrile-based products are used to remove artificial nailsDrinking water, eating food, touching soil, or inhaling air that has been contaminatedExposure to rodenticide or other cyanide-containing pesticides Cyanide in fruits and vegetables is in the form of cyanogenic glycosides (cyanoglycosides). Sugars attach to these compounds through the process of glycosylation, forming free hydrogen cyanide. Many industrial processes involve compounds that contain cyanide or can react with water or air to produce it. Paper, textile, photochemical, plastics, mining, and metallurgy industries all may deal with cyanide. Some people report an odor of bitter almonds associated with cyanide, but not all toxic compounds produce the scent and not all people can smell it. Cyanide gas is less dense than air, so it will rise. Symptoms of Cyanide Poisoning Inhaling a high dose of cyanide gas rapidly causes unconsciousness and often death. Lower doses may be survivable, especially if immediate aid is provided. The symptoms of cyanide poisoning are similar to those displayed by other conditions or exposure to any of a number of chemicals, so dont assume cyanide is the cause. In any event, do remove yourself from the cause of exposure and seek immediate medical attention. Immediate Symptoms HeadacheDizzinessWeaknessConfusionFatigueLack of coordination Symptoms From Larger Doses or Longer Exposure Low blood pressureUnconsciousnessConvulsionsSlow heart rateLung damageRespiratory failureComa Death from poisoning usually results from respiratory or heart failure. A person exposed to cyanide may have cherry-red skin from high oxygen levels or a dark or blue coloring, from Prussian blue (iron binding to the cyanide ion). Also, skin and body fluids may give off an odor of almonds. How Much Cyanide Is Lethal? How much cyanide is too much depends on the route of exposure, the dose, and duration of exposure. Inhaled cyanide presents a greater risk than ingested cyanide. Skin contact is not as much of a concern (unless the cyanide has been mixed with DMSO), except touching the compound could lead to accidentally swallowing some of it. As a rough estimate, since lethal dose depends on the exact compound and several other factors, about half a gram of ingested cyanide will kill a 160-pound  adult. Unconsciousness, followed by death, could occur within several seconds of inhaling a high dose of cyanide, but lower doses and ingested cyanide may allow a few hours to a couple of days for treatment. Emergency medical attention is critical. Is there a Treatment for Cyanide Poisoning? Because its a relatively common toxin in the environment, the body can detoxify a small amount of cyanide. For example, you can eat the seeds of an apple or withstand cyanide from cigarette smoke without dying. When cyanide is used as a poison or a chemical weapon, treatment depends on the dose. A high dose of inhaled cyanide is lethal too quickly for any treatment to take effect. Initial first aid for inhaled cyanide requires getting the victim to fresh air. Ingested cyanide or lower doses of inhaled cyanide may be countered by administering antidotes that detoxify cyanide or bind to it. For example, natural vitamin B12,  hydroxocobalamin, reacts with cyanide to form  cyanocobalamin, which is excreted in urine. Inhalation of amyl nitrite may aid breathing in victims of cyanide and also carbon monoxide poisoning, although few first aid kits contain these ampules anymore. Depending on the conditions, complete recovery may be possible, although paralysis, liver damage, kidney damage, and hypothyroidism are possible.

Taxonomy of Learning Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Taxonomy of Learning - Research Paper Example Benjamin as a committee chairperson, wanted to improve the level of understanding in students so as to deepen their understanding of the subject matter. Anderson has various believes in relation to excellence in a real life situation. Anderson’s argument and interpretation on intelligence of excellence is based on the Triarchic Theory on Intelligence. This theory entails three types of knowledge sub-sections that are; creative, analytical and practical knowledge and skills. All these sub-section of intelligence, have their basic roles to play. Creative part of the intelligence offers or creates room for acquiring and learning new things. This enables one to venture into various activities that need a lot of understanding and wise decisions. The analytical part of intelligence is used in planning, monitoring and evaluating the performance level of different tasks. This makes one to arrive at wise and ideal decisions that can help in making or enhancing academic success. Practic al sub-section of intelligence is used in performing to various tasks. This gives one the potentiality to apprehend positively to their duties and responsibilities. Generally, intelligence can be linked to education in which all the qualities and sub-sections of intelligence are needed for a student to successfully accomplish their set goals and objectives in life. The goal of education is always based on promoting high level of thinking and the ability to interpret information. Education in this case should always major on individual strengths as they think or find more ideal or genuine ways of curbing their weaknesses through the implication of all the three sub-sections of intelligence. Some bits of efforts to enhance the successful implementation process successfully should also accompany the three sub-sections of intelligence. Intelligence as a basic factor of education should be handled with a lot of care. This cannot be handled physically but by the kind of actions involved i n the school management system (National Association of Secondary School Principals, 2007). Learning institutions should also provide a conducive environment that can support the learning process so as to favor the comfort of scholars. This can really contribute in boosting the performance level of various institutions. There are also some of the things a part from intelligence instillation that various scholars and principals should know as far as the learning process is concerned. All the learning facilities should be availed to scholars so as to enable them have good reference and practical items that can enable them to understand their various subjects of study. Though the curriculum involved in the education systems of various institution in the world are effective There are still some little problems that tend to interfere with the whole thing. Some of these things are mainly centered on the quality of services received by the scholars. The school management system should ensu re that all its staff members perform their duties and responsibilities to perfection. On the other hand, scholars are also supposed to apprehend positively to some of the rules and regulations of the school (Woollaccot, 2009). The strategic position of the school should also be considered so as to enhance a conducive position that can support learning process. The school or learning institution should be position or built in places free from excess noise