Literary theory and literary criticism are interpretive tools that help us think more deeply and insightfully about the literature that we read. Over time, different schools of literary criticism have developed, each with its own approaches to the act of reading. (Sparksnotes, n. pag.)

Literary Criticism and literary theory

There was a time when literary criticism and literary theory seemed two different and almost unrelated things. Criticism was about the actual meaning of a poem, a novel, or a play, while theory seemed alien to what the study of literature was really about because its generalizations could never do justice to individual texts. In the last thirty years, however, criticism and theory have moved closer and closer to each other. In fact, for many contemporary critics and theorists criticism and theory cannot be separated at all. They would argue that when we interpret a text we always do so from a theoretical perspective, whether we are aware of it or not, and they would also argue that theory cannot do without interpretation. (Bertens, P 3)

Richard Rorty speaks of a new, mixed genre that began in the nineteenth century: ‘Beginning in the days of Goethe and Macaulay and Carlyle and Emerson, a new kind of writing has developed which is neither the evaluation of the relative merits of literary productions, nor intellectual history, nor moral philosophy, nor social prophecy, but all of these mingled together in a new genre.’ The most convenient designation of this miscellaneous genre is simply the nickname theory, which has come to designate works that succeed in challenging and reorienting thinking in fields other than those to which they apparently belong. (Culler, n. pag.)

‘A theory must be more than a hypothesis: can’t be obvious; it involves complex relations of a systematic kind among a number of factors; and it is not easily confirmed or disproved. As a result, theory is intimidating. One of the most dismaying features of theory today is that it is endless. It is not something that you could ever master, not a particular group of texts you could learn so as to ‘know theory’, writings from outside the field of literary studies have been taken up by people in literary studies because their analyses of language, or mind, or history, or culture, offer new and persuasive accounts of textual and cultural matters. Theory in this sense is not a set of methods for literary study but an unbounded group of writings about everything under the sun. (Culler, n.pag.)

Impact of Literary criticism on literary studies.

Theory has enormously enriched and invigorated the study of literary works, as literature is an institution that lives by exposing and criticizing its own limits, by testing what will happen if one writes differently’.

However, literary studies itself has never been unified around a single conception of what it was doing, traditional or otherwise; and since the advent of theory, literary studies has been an especially contentious and contested discipline, where all kinds of projects, treating both literary and non-literary works, compete for attention. (Culler, n.pag.)

Theory is often an argumentative critique of common-sense notions, and further, an attempt to show that what we take for granted as ‘common sense’ is in fact a historical construction, a particular theory that has come to seem so natural to us that we don’t even see it as a theory. (Culler, n.pag.)

What are commonly seen as ‘schools’ of literary criticism or theoretical ‘approaches’ to literature are, from the point of view of hermeneutics, dispositions to give particular kinds of answers to the question of what a work is ultimately ‘about’: ‘the class struggle’ (Marxism), ‘the possibility of unifying experience’ (the New Criticism), ‘Oedipal conflict’ (psychoanalysis), ‘the containment of subversive energies’ (new historicism), ‘the asymmetry of gender relations’ (feminism), ‘the self-deconstructive nature of the text’ (deconstruction), ‘the occlusion of imperialism’ (post-colonial theory), ‘the heterosexual matrix’ (gay and lesbian studies). (Culler, n.pag.)

The theoretical discourses named in parentheses are not primarily modes of interpretation: they are accounts of what they take to be particularly important to culture and society. Many of these theories include accounts of the functioning of literature or of discourse generally, and so partake of the project of poetics; but as versions of hermeneutics they give rise to particular types of interpretation in which texts are mapped into a target language. What is important in the game of interpretation is not the answer you come up with. What’s important is how you get there, what you do with the details of the text in relating them to your answer. (Culler, n.pag.)

Now even at that time, when the nature of the literariness of literature was a question that every good theorist had to address, it was clear that in some sense theory was displacing the literary—clear, at least to all those who attacked theory, accusing it of foreswearing literary values and undermining the prestige or the special character of literature.

The special status of literature as privileged object of study was in an important sense undermined, but the effect of this sort of study was to locate a “literariness” in cultural objects of all sorts and thus to retain a certain centrality of the literary.

Uses of  literary theory

The nature of theory is to undo, through a contesting of premises and assumptions, what you thought you knew, so the effects of theory are not predictable. You have not become master, but neither are you where you were before. You reflect on your reading in new ways. You have different questions to ask and a better sense of the implications of the questions you put to works you read.

Only a theory which locates literary criticism — and literature—as part of a socially rooted and hence socially regulated system of communication makes possible an understanding of its historically structured relationships. (Hohendahl, n.pag.)

The institution of literary study depends on the twin facts that (1) such arguments are never settled, and (2) arguments have to be made about how particular scenes or combinations of lines support any particular hypothesis. You can’t make a work mean just anything: it resists, and you have to labour to convince others of the pertinence of your reading. For the conduct of such arguments, a key question is what determines meaning which texts are mapped into a target language.

Conclusion

What is important in the game of interpretation is not the answer you come up with – as my parodies show, some versions of the answer become, by definition, predictable. What’s important is how you get there, what you do with the details of the text in relating them to your answer.

Works Cited

‘Literary Theory and Criticism’.  Sparksnotes.con , Section 6. 2011. N.p, n.dWeb. 14 July 2011.

Bertens, Hans, ‘Preface’,Literary Theory: The Basics; 2001, preceding p1, 2p,  UNITED States, Taylor & Francis Ltd / Books (2008)Web. 2 July 2011

Culler, J. Literary Theory:‘A Very Short Introduction’. London: Oxford University Press. 2007. Web. 12 July 2011

Culler, Jonathan; Butler, Judith; Guillory, John;  Thomas, Kendall. ‘What’s Left of Theory?’, 2000, p273-292, 12p. (Book Chapter) web. 10 July 2011.

Hohendahl, Peter Uwe. ‘Literary Criticism’. New German Critique, West Germany, Duke University Press, n.d. Winter76 Issue 7, p3, 18p. Web. 14 July 2011

English has now become an accepted form of communication in any country. The dependence of the world on computers has been the main reason for the sudden climb in the language’s significance.
It is very important, therefore, for a journalist to be fluent in English, because of his or her daily interaction with the general population. Using good English in print media makes it easier for the editor, gives more status to the journalist, and ensures less errors in the final product. A journalist with a expansive vocabulary and a flair for the language is definitely more qualified and makes a good first impression. Moreover, his or her writing is thought-provoking and interesting to read, leaving no room for misunderstandings or unintentional double meanings. The average Indian reads very little on a daily basis, and newspapers can therefore, make a lasting impression on the way the entire country writes.

In broadcast media, since there is no or very little editing on the basis of language, the journalist needs to s peak English fluently, a clear and even-paced tone is required for the best communication. These journalists have a larger responsibility, as television is an important part of many people’s lives, including the illiterate majority in our country.

A journalist is seen as a role model for many, and they hold in their hands, the power to . improve and maintain the already existing standard of english in their country, and change the way the world sees them.

http://kawaks.retrogames.com (for download and download information)

Information about this game simulator…

Kawaks has been one of the emulators of choice for newer games such as Metal Slug 3. This emulator supports both Neo-Geo and Capcom (CPS1/2) games. This can probably be considered the ePSXe of arcade emus; some configurating must be done prior to actual gaming, but once that’s out of the way, the playing can begin!

Kawaks (known as WinKawaks) is an emulator that allows to play games as: The Punisher, The King of Dragons, Street Fighter 2, Pang, Final Fight, Captain Commando, X-Men VS. Street Fighter, Cadillacs and Dinosaurs, Mega Man, Dungeons and Dragons, Puzzle Bobble, Metal Slug, etc.

The list of games is large and you will find all the games that you played when a kid.

Kawaks can configure in a high quality video and sound. You may enjoy the excellent graphics. You can also reduce the graphics and sound quality, to play with power computers.

Kawaks can save the match at any time and applied tricks to the game. Resides you can play in net with your friends to still enjoy more than the games that Kawaks emulates.

Right from the time, in 1997, if I recall correctly, the “computer” entered our home, we thought of only one thing…games. The internet, which was painfully slow, only entered our lives in 2000, and did not spark much interest. The memory of a C-D, called ‘Z Zone games’ still remains fresh in my head, along with the traumatic day we lost it. I remember with horror the sound of the C-D, breaking with a sharp crack as I sat on it.

However, on with the purpose of this blog entry…to publicize this awesome emulator, which allows me to play ‘fighting games’, termed so casually at that time. Along with these “fighting” games, we also had The Lion King game (and leveled up with the help of passwords, as I could never pass level two, still can’t btw!), The Garfield game, and a few others blurred by either sheer lack of interest or the cruel impact of time.

Right. Since these “fighting” games have been mentioned so many times (let’s call them FG from now on), let me elaborate for those who have no idea what I am talking about…though, it’s a shame, because, why else are you reading this? It’s those arcade games, the ones where you pick a character, and play against another one. Sometimes, you need to choose only one character versus another (one on one), like in games like Double Dragon and Samurai Shodown, but the more fun games, in my opinion are a team of three to four predetermined characters (though, if this, too was random. It would be more fun) to which you choose the same amount of characters, and fight against, as seen in all The King of Fighters series. Sometimes, there is a ‘striker’, seen in the Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon series, which appears WHEN SUMMONED UP TO 3 times and performs a specific move. The striker is optional in most cases for the player’s side.

Every FG has a high kick, low kick, low punch, high punch, like in Mortal Kombat, along with the movements front (to move forward), back (to block), up (to jump) and down (to duck). A combination of kicks and punches, coupled with the movement keys, enable players to perform ‘special moves’, possible sometimes in the beginning of the fight, and some only when ‘powered up’ completely. The music, an important aspect of all these games, intensifies as the final fight or the deciding round begins. The players all have signature moves, which are mostly performed along with words in Japanese. Every time a player begins a fight, they must say or do something, and they have predetermined victory and defeat reactions, as well, which speaks volumes about their character, apart from their clothes, actions and ‘gloats’ at the end of the game. For example, Athena, the pop star from the King of Fighters, or KoF will greet the other player with “here I go” in Japanese, (I watch too much anime, yes) and will die with a scream, and win with a giggle. Goro, from Double Dragon will mumble and rub his large stomach, whereas some players, who have a special relation in the anime (watch Fatal Fury, there are two parts) like Mai and Andy, will throw kisses and children at the other player. Sometimes, the gloating changes according to this, too. In the game SNK VS CAPCOM, dialogues are different as per every character.

Some things all these games have in common (separate NEO-Geo and Capcom)

1, Players like Andy, Mai, Joe, Terry, Blue Mary, Athena, Kim, Benimaru, Kensou, etc. are a major part of the story line in the anime, and feature in most games, like KoF, Crouching Tiger, Street Fighter, CAPCOM vs. SNK, etc.

2. There are always three rounds a match. A series, where 4 to 3 players need to be selected, these ‘matches can range from 3 matches (where 1 player defeats all 3 players) to up to 11 matches (3 into 4 minus 1)

3. Most FGs follow a story line.

4. Difficulty increases as the CPU players are defeated.

5. Women can range from 5 percent to 30 percent. I prefer playing with the women, who value speed and agility to brute strength and one move wins. I prefer to prance around and dodge attacks rather than attack only. This is why Mai, Blue Mary, Mature and Vice are my favorite players. Other female players include Yuri, Shermie, Athena, Leona, Mary Lee, Whip, Chunli, Hinako, Angel, Vanessa, Malin (Fal rom KoF)

6. Life is determined by a bar on the top. The CPU Player players on the right side and your player plays on the left

7. If you lose a game, you get options to make it easier to win the next fight. Standard options include reducing difficulty level, giving less life to the CPU Player, improving Stamina, keeping life maximum after the previous fight.

8. These games are very hard, however. It takes patience and skill to finish. After the third round, things get next to impossible. The game ends with a superhuman player playing against your player/s, which requires you to constantly lose.

9. These games were not made to play at home, but in an Arcade, where obsessed players would keep dropping in coins to continue game play/ if the player aced the game easily, he or she would lose interest. Therefore, these games are meant to be unbeatable.

10. The tag team matches allow you to switch between players, like Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter

11. In the marvel and capcom characters, you can also choose things like fighting style and speed of playing

So, having ‘briefed’ you about this topic, here is my rating of the games I posess from Winkawaks

WHEW. That was more work than I thought I’d be. Hoping it helped.

The center is dedicated to the memory of  the late Amita M. Cadabam , daughter of Smt and Sri. C. A. Mannar Krishna Shetty .

The place is located on the southern outer fringes  of  Bangalore city at the address –

Cadabam’s Home for Mentally Disabled Trust ( Regd.)

Gulkamale Village , Near Kaggalipura ,

Post : Taralu , 17th Mile , Kanakapura Road , Bangalore – 560062 , INDIA.

Phone : 080 – 28432841 / 843 / 844/ 867 / 985 / 986.

Fax: 080 – 2843 2840 E-mail : cadabams@bgl.vsnl.net.in

Vision

To set up a “Home Away from Home” offering solace to the suffering individual and family alike, where the atmosphere would be of a large extended family in which the residents would get the comfort, security, love and kindness of the family, with psychosocial Rehabilitation Programmes and medical care administered by experts in respective areas.

Not content with the achievements, Cadabam’S vision is to renew the hopes of its residents, and their family members, re-kindle their life, and bring back its residents to social mainstream and integration with their families, “Towards Excellence” being its motto.

Mission

“To respond to the needs of families requiring long or Short term Residential Care and Psycho social Rehabilitation Service for their wards suffering from mental disability of varying degrees and Types.”

Services provided

• Dignified community living in a well designed and equipped campus
• Regular Psychiatric and general medical intervention
• Counselling and Psychosocial rehabilitation activities

Charitable Trust

CADABAM’S charitable trust was established in the year 2003 to make psychosocial rehabilitation affordable and accessible. It has conceived health care, education and community service as its 3 main focus areas for functioning. in its many endeavours ARPITHA stands out stretching hands of help to those needy people who would require quality mental health care that is affordable and reliable.

Experience has shown that even by keeping CADABAM’S AMITHA affordable to middle class it had become unaffordable for some sections. Responding to their needs CADABAMS’ started ARPITHA a 70 bedded rehabilitation centre in which 24 beds has been set apart for providing free treatment and rehabilitation to really poor and destitute for one year under certain conditions.

Administration

Psycho social rehabilitation at CADABAM’S group of centres has range of multi component programmes like Pharmacological management, living and social skill training, psychological support to resident and his carers (family), vocational guidance, recreational activities and Supported education.

Patients on admission are evaluated by a psychiatrist and a counsellor (professional with psychology back ground) considering various factors like the illness expected recovery and expectation of the family therapeutic interventions are planned. Counsellors regularly interact with residents (patients) and a psychiatrist evaluates at regular intervals.

The general health of the resident is also given due importance. CADABAM’S has a full time doctor managing and co-coordinating the clinical services with visiting professor of medicine for quality physical healthcare. The team of nurses will ensure that the residents get the prescribed medication, also nurse will attend to the resident in case of simple illnesses at CADABAM’S. The Centre also has an Ambulance to commute and transport patients to hospitals where the need for either specialist consultation or for admission arises.

Investigations advised and those required to be done on regular basis are carried out with local laboratories and diagnostic centres. CADABAM’S also has understanding with hospitals and tertiary care centre to ensure emergency medical help in case of emergency.

Admission Procedure

The patients are accepted for short/long term residential care and rehabilitation/de addiction based on the recommendations of the psychiatrist, who has been treating him/her, with the consent of the family and the person needing such care. Request for admission should be made by the parents / guardian / person concerned in the prescribed application form, obtainable from the office of the Administrator. On receipt of completed application from, the Admission committee will review the request. On approval of the committee the patient will be admitted as short or long term resident as the case may be, after fulfilling the other terms and conditions stipulated by the CADABAM’S. A thorough psychological and physical check-up of the patient is done at the time of admission.

Mental Health Scenario

Mental illnesses are the most devastating and disabling of the diseases, affecting the mankind, giving it’s victims and their families a life of suffering, trauma and travail. They totally destroy the victims personally, sap his capacity to lead a normal family and social life, and drive him to a life of isolation from the family and society.

Nearly one percent of Humanity is suffering from this malady, of which nearly 20% would become chronic. In the context of our country it means nearly one crore of our people are victims of different forms of Mental illness and of whom 20 Lakhs are likely to become chronic. For this formidably stupendous number the facility available for their treatment and rehabilitation is deplorably poor and does not touch even the fringe of the problem.

Often the victims’ entire personality becomes shattered due to dysfunctioning of their mental faculty. They drift from social mainstream, remain castigated from immediate neighbourhood, as well as the society at large. What they need is not just medical intervention but a multiple therapeutic approach to bring them back even to a semblance of normal functionality. They require along with psychiatric treatment a scientifically planned and organized counselling and Rehabilitation Programme,

While the illness affects the individual, the families, who are the chief caregivers, suffer equally because of lack of skills to handle critical situations, inadequate knowledge of the nature of illness, dismally poor facilities to treat the illness. Particularly in mofussil centres and villages, and also unfortunately the social stigma attached to the illness.

DSM IV Criteria for Panic Schizophrenia

Diagnostic Criteria for Schizophrenia

A. Characteristic symptoms: Two (or more) of the following, each present for a significant portion of time during a 1-month period (or less if successfully treated):

• delusions
• hallucinations
• disorganized speech (e.g., frequent derailment or incoherence)
• grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
• negative symptoms, i.e., affective flattening, alogia, or avolition

Note: Only one Criterion A symptom is required if delusions are bizarre or hallucinations consist of a voice keeping up a running commentary on the person’s behavior or thoughts, or two or more voices conversing with each other.

B. Social/occupational dysfunction: For a significant portion of the time since the onset of the disturbance, one or more major areas of functioning such as work, interpersonal relations, or self-care are markedly below the level achieved prior to the onset (or when the onset is in childhood or adolescence, failure to achieve expected level of interpersonal, academic, or occupational achievement).

C. Duration: Continuous signs of the disturbance persist for at least 6 months. This 6-month period must include at least 1 month of symptoms (or less if successfully treated) that meet Criterion A (i.e., active-phase symptoms) and may include periods of prodromal or residual symptoms. During these prodromal or residual periods, the signs of the disturbance may be manifested by only negative symptoms or two or more symptoms listed in Criterion A present in an attenuated form (e.g., odd beliefs, unusual perceptual experiences).

D. Schizoaffective and Mood Disorder exclusion: Schizoaffective Disorder and Mood Disorder With Psychotic Features have been ruled out because either (1) no Major Depressive Episode, Manic Episode, or Mixed Episode have occurred concurrently with the active-phase symptoms; or (2) if mood episodes have occurred during active-phase symptoms, their total duration has been brief relative to the duration of the active and residual periods.

E. Substance/general medical condition exclusion: The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.

F. Relationship to a Pervasive Developmental Disorder: If there is a history of Autistic Disorder or another Pervasive Developmental Disorder, the additional diagnosis of Schizophrenia is made only if prominent delusions or hallucinations are also present for at least a month (or less if successfully treated).

Subtypes

1. Paranoid Type

A type of Schizophrenia in which the following criteria are met:

• Preoccupation with one or more delusions or frequent auditory hallucinations.
• None of the following is prominent: disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, or flat or inappropriate affect.

2. Catatonic Type

A type of Schizophrenia in which the clinical picture is dominated by at least two of the following:

• motoric immobility as evidenced by catalepsy (including waxy flexibility) or stupor
• excessive motor activity (that is apparently purposeless and not influenced by external stimuli)
• extreme negativism (an apparently motiveless resistance to all instructions or maintenance of a rigid posture against attempts to be moved) or mutism
• peculiarities of voluntary movement as evidenced by posturing (voluntary assumption of inappropriate or bizarre postures),
• stereotyped movements, prominent mannerisms, or prominent grimacing
• echolalia or echopraxia

3. Disorganized Type: A type of Schizophrenia in which the following criteria are met:

* All of the following are prominent:

• disorganized speech
• disorganized behavior
• flat or inappropriate affect
• The criteria are not met for Catatonic Type.

4. Undifferentiated Type

A type of Schizophrenia in which symptoms that meet Criterion A are present, but the criteria are not met for the Paranoid, Disorganized, or Catatonic Type.

5. Residual Type

A type of Schizophrenia in which the following criteria are met:

• Absence of prominent delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior.
• There is continuing evidence of the disturbance, as indicated by the presence of negative symptoms or two or more symptoms listed in Criterion A for Schizophrenia, present in an attenuated form (e.g., odd beliefs, unusual perceptual experiences).

Associated features

• Learning Problem
• Hypoactivity
• Psychosis
• Euphoric Mood
• Depressed Mood
• Somatic or Sexual Dysfunction
• Hyperactivity
• Guilt or Obsession
• Sexually Deviant Behavior
• Odd/Eccentric or Suspicious Personality
• Anxious or Fearful or Dependent Personality
• Dramatic or Erratic or Antisocial Personality

MSE –Mental Status Examination

Patient’ s Name : “ANONYMOUS SUBJECT”

A Gujarati Muslim, aged 50, “ANONYMOUS SUBJECT” seemed cold and distant at first when we met her. She told us to go away, but later, when we didn’t leave, she opened up and began to talk to us.

Physical Appearance: “ANONYMOUS SUBJECT” was interested in her appearance, though the nurses told us she had poor personal hygiene. She wore bangles and anklets, and told us where she had got them from, or who had given it. She also commented on my personal appearance. Her hair was grey, she seemed quite old, and said she was tired. The entire time we talked to her, she lay in a horizontal position on her bed.

Speech: “ANONYMOUS SUBJECT” took time to answer questions, and her answers were sometimes slurred. She spoke slowly, but speech as a whole was normal.

Thought Process: She took some time to answer the questions, and her thoughts were random, and didn’t connect to what she was saying before.

Perception: “ANONYMOUS SUBJECT” had some distortions in thinking. Every family member held some unusual and unbelievable posts. He father was a teacher in a school for all subjects, husband owned a pen business, her mother a chemical company, one son was a beautician, the other an engineer and doctor. She had various degrees, in MBA and Science. It was clear she was either making it up, or thought so actually.

Insight : On asking “ANONYMOUS SUBJECT” why she was here, she was silent for a long time, so we continued to ask her random questions. We the repeated the first question, to which she said that heR son had left for UK, and left her here. She clearly did not have knowledge of her condition. She probably thought Cadabams was an old age home.

Bibliography

http://www.cadabams.org/index.html

http://counsellingresource.com/distress/schizophrenia/dsm/schizophrenia.html

In the beginning, the couples are shown as a happy, upper middle class family, who were once poor. The husbands have good jobs and have devoted, playful and affectionate wives. The sacrificial role of women, their parental obligations and the unreliability of appearances are brought out. Aditi’s and Nora’s primary struggles, however, are against the selfish, stifling, and oppressive attitudes of their husbands, Shrikanth and Torvald, and of the society that they represent. When a women is married, she becomes her “husband’s wife” and loses her own identity. The concept of a “trophy wife” too, is examined. The women seems to be a mere accessory of a man, used to exert his masculinity to people and fulfill his sexual desires. We see instance of this, when Aditi states that  Shrikanth has raped her several times, and also when Torvald makes advances on Nora, despite her disinterest. Lastly, the poem reads “That marriage is a huge punishment” and leads to loss of freedom, like divide and rule policy the British used on India.

Dynamics between Man and women in the relationship are explored. Both Shrikanth and Torvald embrace the belief that a man’s role in marriage is to protect and guide his wife. They are always very conscious of other people’s perceptions of them and of their standing in the community. Shrikanth’s initial denial of giving a divorce to Aditi was only due to social pressures. Torvald explanation for rejecting Nora’s request that Krogstad be kept on at the office—that retaining Krogstad would make him “a laughing stock before the entire staff” Torvald further demonstrates his deep need for society’s respect in his reaction to Nora’s deception. Although he says that Nora has ruined his happiness and will not be allowed to raise the children, he insists that she remain in the house, as does Shrikanth, because his chief concern is saving “the appearance” of their household.Men are seen to be heavily involved In business matters, whereas the women seem idle. Many instances like Shrikanth’s frequent business trips, and Helmer’s obsession with work and the way he chooses to read letters instead of to be with wife show that they would always choose business over their wives. Women are shown as dominated by husbands, that is, they are emotionally dependent, sexually exploited, and economically dependent. All financial responsibility is shown to be lying only with the men, rather than the women, Shrikanth denied his wife’s involvement in any profession, even music and Nora seems to be unemployed in the eyes of Helmer. The power relations are seen even more clearly, when initially, the husbands gain knowledge of their wife’s secret, and say and do things that hurt the women. Torvald tells Nora she has ruin his happiness, whereas Shrikanth slaps Aditi and walks away.  Children used to try to keep the families together. Though the identity of Anikieth is the reason for Aditi to leave, before she had a child, ironically, it was given as a solution to maintain the marriage.for example, when Aditi is lonely, she suggests having a child to Shrikanth. “if I had a child, it would be different” she says. Also when she complains about loneliness to her sister, she too, suggests the solution… to have a child as soon as possible.

The two women have made one imperative mistake, which they keep secret from their men. In the case of Aditi, it is the fact that her loneliness, owing Shrikanth’s continuious absence drove her to have an extra marital affair. In the case of Nora, she illegally borrows money for the trip that she and her husband took to Italy, and forges her father’s signature on the documents. Those both these ‘crimes’ are illegal, the two women still expect the men to forgive them. When this doesn’t happen, the women decide to leave their household inthe end. They are at first terrified to reveal these ‘crimes’ but, when compelled to do so, voluntarily come out and confess them.

The influence of another man, too is seen in the play and moviethrough Malhar and Rank, both who are coincidently dying, and desire to leave everything to the women they love, that is, Aditi and Nora. The confesion of this love shocks both women, and they declare confidently their love for their husbands, those these men are more understanding and loving than Torvard or Shrikanth.

Both the movie and play have the presence of strong supporting women characters, who somehow allow them to break free. These women, too have had bad experiences with men. Meghna, a divorcee with two children, broke up with her husband when he had an affair, and feels no regret about it, since he is a man. In Astitva, Meghna and Revati support Aditi throughout her ordeal, and motivate her to bring changes in her life like they did. •  Meghna uses term like “self centred and pompous” and Male chauvinist Pig” for Shrikanth’s, which can also be used for Helmer. Aditi’s sister helps her through the ordeal of having an illegitimate childIn the Doll’s House, Mrs. Linde is a widow, whose husband left her with no money or children, leaving her life empty and meaningless.

In the end, when the women leave their husbands, they do so without taking anything from them, though they are offered social and economic support. This shows their complete rejection of male dependency and the desire to strive for complete independence and go on a journey of self discovery. A twinge of regret is seen from both men as their wives leave them, both due to societal disapproval and well as emotional dependence. Both women give a landmark speech, declaring openly how they feel, emotions that have been suppressed for years. This landmark speech and the confession of the crime is done in Astitva with friends and family involved, making it a social problem, whereas in Doll’s House, Nora’s realization that Torvald is devoted not to her but to the idea of her as someone who depends on him; her decision to abandon him to find independence is done only wirth Helmer present, making it a personal issue. Also, there are more difference that can be seen in the role of children. Aditi gets rejected by her son, and the identity of her son is what breaks the marriage, whereas Helmer tells Nora to ‘think of the children’ when she decides to leave him, thus using the children as a reason to sustain the marriage. The three—that is, the poem, movie and play, end with the message that marriages are full of ambiguity, and questions the importance and the need for a person to get married. It also shows how the identity of a women is lost in the marriage The poem, which reads: “My ‘husband’ is my boss who never grants me leave even when I need it most” which shows that a women is never free to choose or go anywhere without permission of her husband and what society says “But, he’s a man, a ‘maharaja’ so what could he be missing?” Shows how society expects a woman and man to be.

End notes

MARRIAGE

saavitri (1949 – 1991)

(AMdhra jyOti vaara patrika  #March 23, 1984#)

Summary of The Doll’s House

The story starts on Christmas eve.  Nora makes preparation for Christmas.  While she eats macaroons, Dr. Rank and Mrs. Linde enters.  Rank goes to speak with Torvald while Linde speaks with Nora.  Linde explains that her husband has died and that she needs to find a job.  Nora agrees to ask her husband to give Linde a job at the bank.  Nora tells her about borrowing money to pay for the trip to Italy for her and her husband.  She explains that Torvald doesn’t know that she paid for it.  Rank leaves the study and begins to speak with Nora and Linde.  He complains about the moral corruption in society.  Krogstad arrives and goes to the study to talk to Torvald about keeping his job.  A few minutes later, he leaves and Rank comments that Krogstad is one of the most morally corrupt people in the world.  Rank and Linde leaves and Krogstad reenters.  He tells Nora to ask her husband to keep Krogstad, or else he will reveal Nora’s crime of forgery.  Krogstad leaves and when Torvald reenters, Nora asks him not to fire Krogstad.  Torvald says that he must fire him because of his dishonesty and because he gave Krogstad’s job to Linde.  Torvald returns to his study.  The Nurse, Anne-Marie, enters and gives Nora her ball gown.  Anne-Marie explains that she had to leave her children to take the job taking care of Nora.  Anne-Marie leaves.  Linde returns and begins to help Nora with stitching up her dress.  They talk for a while about Dr. Rank.  Torvald enters and Linde leaves to the nursery.  Nora asks Torvald again not to fire Krogstad and Torvald refuses.  He gives Krogstad’s pink slip to the maid to be mailed to Krogstad.  Torvald leaves to his study.  Rank enters and tells Nora about his worsening illness.  They talk and flirt for a while.  Rank tells Nora that he loves her.  Nora said that she never loved Rank and only had fun with him.  Rank leaves to the study and Krogstad enters.  He is angry about his dismissal and leaves a letter to Torvald explaining Nora’s entire crime in the letter box.  Nora is frightened.  Nora tells Linde about the matter and Linde assures her that she will talk to Krogstad and set things straight.  Linde leaves after Krogstad and Rank and Torvald enter from the study.  They help Nora practice the tarantella.  After practice, Rank and Torvald exists.  Linde enters and tells Nora that Krogstad left town, but she left a note for him.  Nora tells her that she’s waiting for a miracle to happen.  That night, during the dance, Linde talks to Krogstad in Helmer’s apartment.  She explains to him that she left him for money, but that she still loves him.  They get back together and Krogstad decides to forget about the whole matter of Nora’s borrowing money.  However, Linde asks Krogstad not to ask for his letter back since she thinks Torvald needs to know of it.  Both leave and Torvald and Nora enter from the dance.  Torvald checks his letter box and finds some letters and two Business cards from Dr. Rank with black crosses on them.  Nora explains that they mean that Rank is announcing his death.  After the bad news, Torvald enters his study and Nora prepares to leave.  However, before she can get out the door, she is stopped by Torvald who read Krogstad’s letter.  He is angry and disavows his love for Nora.  The maid comes with a letter.  Torvald read the letter which is from Krogstad.  It says that he forgives Nora of her crime and will not reveal it.  Torvald burns the letter along with the IOU that came with it.  He is happy and tells Nora that everything will return to normal.  Nora changes and returns to talk with Helmer.  She tells him that they don’t understand each other and she leaves him.

Bibliography

Doll’s House: http://summarycentral.tripod.com/adollshouse.ht

Dacoits : http://rksanka.tripod.com/telugu/streevada.html

DEFINITION OF SELF-MUTILATION
Several definitions of this phenomenon exist. In fact, researchers and mental health
professionals have not agreed upon one term to identify the behavior. Self-harm,
self-injury, and self-mutilation are often used interchangeably.

Some researchers have categorized self-mutilation as a form of self-injury. Self-injury is
characterized as any sort of self-harm that involves inflicting injury or pain on one’s own
body. In addition to self-mutilation, examples of self-injury include: hair pulling, picking
the skin, excessive or dangerous use of mind-altering substances such as alcohol, and
eating disorders. Favazza and Rosenthal (1993) identify pathological self-mutilation as the deliberate alteration or destruction of body tissue without conscious suicidal intent.
Self-mutilating behavior does exist within a variety of populations. For the purpose of
accurate identification, three different types of self-mutilation have been identified:
1) superficial or moderate; 2) stereotypic; and 3) major. Superficial or moderate
self-mutilation is seen in individuals diagnosed with personality disorders (i.e. borderline
personality disorder).
Additionally, self-injurious behavior may be divided into two dimensions: nondissociative
and dissociative. Self-mutilative behavior often stems from events that occur in the first six years of a child’s development.

Nondissociative self-mutilators usually experience a childhood in which they are
required to provide nurturing and support for parents or caretakers. If a child
experiences this reversal of dependence during formative years, that child perceives
that she can only feel anger toward self, but never toward others. This child experiences
rage, but cannot express that rage toward anyone but him or herself. Consequently,
self-mutilation will later be used as a means to express anger.

Dissociative self-mutilation occurs when a child feels a lack of warmth or caring, or
cruelty by parents or caretakers. A child in this situation feels disconnected in his/her
relationships with parents and significant others. Disconnection leads to a sense of
“mental disintegration.” In this case, self-mutilative behavior serves to center the person
(Levenkron, 1998, p. 48).

REASONS FOR SELF-MUTILATING BEHAVIOR
Individuals who self-injure often have suffered sexual, emotional, or physical abuse from
someone with whom a significant connection has been established such as a parent or
sibling. This often results in the literal or symbolic loss or disruption of the relationship.
The behavior of superficial self-mutilation has been described as an attempt to escape
from intolerable or painful feelings relating to the trauma of abuse.
The person who self-harms often has difficulty experiencing feelings of anxiety, anger,
or sadness. Consequently, cutting or disfiguring the skin serves as a coping
mechanism. The injury is intended to assist the individual in dissociating from immediate
tension (Stanley, Gameroff, Michaelson & Mann, 2001).

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO SELF-MUTILATE
Self-mutilating behavior has been studied in a variety of racial, chronological, ethnic,
gender, and socioeconomic populations. However, the phenomenon appears most
commonly associated with middle to upper class adolescent girls or young women.
People who participate in self-injurious behavior are usually likeable, intelligent, and
functional. At times of high stress, these individuals often report an inability to think, the
presence of unexpressable rage, and a sense of powerlessness. An additional
characteristic identified by researchers and therapists is the inability to verbally express
feelings.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS OF
SELF-MUTILATION

Suicide
Stanley et al., (2001) report that approximately 55%-85% of self-mutilators have made
at least one attempt at suicide. Although suicide and self-mutilation appear to possess
the same intended goal of pain relief, the respective desired outcomes of each of these
behaviors is not entirely similar.
Attention-seeking behavior
Levenkron (1998) reports that individuals who self-mutilate are often accused of “trying
to gain attention.” Although self-mutilation may be considered a means of
communicating feelings, cutting and other self-harming behavior tends to be committed
in privacy.
Dangerousness to others
Another reported misconception is that those individuals who commit self-harm are a
danger to others. Although self-mutilation has been identified as a characteristic of
individuals suffering from a variety of diagnosed pathology, most of these individuals are
functional and pose no threat to the safety of other persons.
TREATMENT OF THE INDIVIDUAL WHO SELF-MUTILATES
Methods employed to treat those persons who self-mutilate range on a continuum from
successful to ineffective. Those treatment methods that have shown effectiveness in
working with this population include: art therapy, activity therapy, individual counseling,
and support groups. An important skill of the professional working with a self-harming
individual is the ability to look at wounds without grimacing or passing judgment
(Levenkron, 1998). A setting that promotes the healthy expression of emotions, and
counselor patience and willingness to examine wounds is the common bond among
these progressive interventions (Levenkron, 1998; Zila & Kiselica, 2001).

CONCLUSION
Research shows that self-mutilation has been in existence far longer than the
understanding and accurate conceptualization of the phenomenon. Therapeutic
interventions have improved substantially over the past two decades. However, further
study is imperative to insure that those who practice the behavior continue to receive
effective care.

Article Summary
Self-mutilation is common in borderline personality disorder, but this pattern of behavior does not usually carry suicidal intent. Instead, it serves other functions, including regulation of dysphoric affect, communication of distress, expression of emotions, and coping with dissociative states. Multiple causal factors, including biological, psychological, and social risks, influence thresholds for self-mutilation. Management of this behavior can be informed by understanding its psychological functions. This review made use of both MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases, identifying all English articles between 1980 and 2004. This review will focus on the pattern seen in BPD: repetitive, nonlethal self-injury without intent to die.
Self-mutilation began to be discussed in the psychiatric literature only several decades ago, in a series of clinical reports and reviews 8–13 that described patients who repeatedly, but superficially, cut their wrists.it occurs in serious psychopathology, most particularly mental retardation, schizophrenia, and personality disorders,14–16 and it is especially common in BPD.1
Although self-injury often lacks suicidal intent, it can perform other psychological functions, several of which have been suggested in the BPD literature. The first (and most often discussed) is that self-injury can provide relief  from negative mood states. Since self-mutilation tends to reduce dysphoria resulting from stressful life events, it can become a habitual method of dealing with psychological distress, reduce distress , communicate distress and obtain care . express emotions in a symbolic fashion. derives from its connection with dissociative phenomena.

FUNCTIONS OF SELF-MUTILATION IN BPD
Descriptor  for self-mutilation. Provides psychological functions provide relief from negative mood states. Since self-mutilation tends to reduce dysphoria resulting from stressful life events, it can become a habitual method of dealing with psychological distress in such cases the behavior comes to function like an addiction; distraction is another mechanism by which self mutilation can reduce distress in BPD physical injury tends to refocus the patient’s attention away from mental pain to physical pain. used to communicate distress and obtain care from other people—significant others as well as therapists, express emotions in a symbolic fashion, describe cutting as a self-punishment related to guilty feelings or as a way of expressing anger that cannot be communicate, it derives from its connectionwith dissociative phenomena. BPD patients may experience dissociation as dysphoric or may be in a dissociated state when they cut. BPD has been shown to have a strong associationwith multiple comorbidities, affective instability and impulsivity
Self-mutilation in BPD is associated with a history of abuse in childhood, could be due to social environment—in particular, from learning (through imitation) of behaviors observed in other patients or in the media
If one of the primary functions of self-injury is to reduce dysphoria, then therapy needs to identify the causes of that dysphoria and to help patients find better ways of dealing with emotions
TREATMENT :
Linehan’s dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which is specifically designed to target parasuicidal behaviors by improving emotion regulation, Controlled trials in several settings have shown that self-mutilation in BPD can be reduced by DBT within a year of treatment, yielding results significantly better than treatment as usual. While other forms of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have been proposed for BPD, they have not yet been subjected to empirical testing. In a randomized controlled trial psychodynamically oriented outpatient therapy other methods used are “mentalization-based treatment” (MBT), designed to reduce impulsive behaviors in BPD by increasing self-observation, have been encouraging.selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), mood stabilizers, and naltrexone

Abstracts

Title: Reported childhood onset of self-mutilation among borderline patients.
Authors: Zanarini MC; Frankenburg FR; Ridolfi ME; Jager-Hyman S; Hennen J; Gunderson JG
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the percentage of borderline patients who first engaged in self-mutilation as children and to compare the parameters of their self-harm to those of borderline patients who first harmed themselves at an older age. Two hundred and ninety inpatients meeting both Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines (DIB-R; Zanarini, Gunderson, Frankenburg, & Chauncey, 1989) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed. ref.) (DSM-III-R; APA, 1987) criteria for borderline personality disorder were interviewed about their history of self-mutilation. Of the 91% with a history of self mutilation, 32.8% reported first harming themselves as children (12 years of age or younger), 30.2% as adolescents (13-17 years of age), and 37% as adults (18 or older). Using logistic regression analyses and controlling for baseline age, it was found that those with a childhood onset reported more episodes of self-harm, a longer duration of self-harm, and a greater number of methods of self-harm than either those with an adolescent or adult onset to their self-mutilation. The results of this study suggest that a sizable minority of borderline patients first engage in self-harm as children and that the course of their self-mutilation may be particularly malignant.

Title: Clozapine reduces severe self-mutilation and aggression in psychotic patients with borderline personality disorder.
Author(s): Chengappa KN; Ebeling T; Kang JS; Levine J; Parepally HAbstract:
Abstract:  The  seven subjects, all white women with a mean age of 37 years were selected for careful chart audits. All subjects carried DSM-III-R or DSM-IV borderline personality disorder diagnoses and an Axis I disorder diagnosis. These subjects had been admitted to 2 state psychiatric hospitals owing to severe self-mutilation and/or violence and subsequently treated with clozapine. After clozapine treatment, there were statistically significant reductions in incidents of self-mutilation (restraint), seclusion, the use of p.r.n. antianxiety medications, and injuries to staff and peers. It is thus concluded that clozapine deserves careful consideration for a controlled study in patients with borderline personality disorder and psychoses, especially if the clinical issues include severe self-mutilation, aggression, and violence.

Title: Clinical correlates of self-mutilation in borderline personality disorder.
Author(s): Dulit RA; Fyer MR; Leon AC; Brodsky BS; Frances AJ
Abstract: Among 124 consecutively admitted inpatients with borderline personality disorder, there were 62 who did not mutilate themselves, 23 who mutilated themselves infrequently (fewer than five lifetime events), and 39 who mutilated themselves frequently (five or more lifetime events); each received ratings on numerous measures of psychopathology.
The results found that compared to nonmutilators, frequent mutilators were significantly more likely to be in outpatient treatment at the time of admission and had more weeks of prior outpatient and inpatient treatment; they were also more likely to receive comorbid diagnoses of current major depression, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. Frequent mutilators had significantly higher group means on the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, were more likely to have attempted suicide, and were more likely to have attempted suicide more often than both infrequent mutilators and nonmutilators. The adjusted odds ratios from logistic regression analyses demonstrated that major depression, bulimia nervosa, number of prior suicide attempts, and acute suicidal ideation were each associated with greater risk of frequent mutilation. CONCLUSIONS: Borderline patients who frequently mutilate themselves may represent a subgroup of especially high utilizers of psychiatric treatment who are at particularly high risk for suicidal behavior and for comorbid major depression and eating disorders. Clinicians should consider aggressive treatment of comorbid axis I disorders and careful assessment of suicide risk in these patients.

Title: Professional attitudes towards deliberate self-harm in patients with borderline personality disorder.
Author(s): Commons Treloar AJ; Lewis AJ
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to assess the attitudes of mental health and emergency medicine clinicians towards patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. A purpose-designed questionnaire and an assessment tool to quantify attitudinal levels were used to collect demographic information and assess the attitudes of 140 mental health and emergency medicine practitioners across two Australian health services and a New Zealand health service. Statistically and clinically significant differences were found between emergency medical staff and mental health clinicians in their attitudes towards working with borderline personality disorder. The strongest predictor of attitudes was whether the clinician worked in emergency medicine or mental health. This was followed by years of experience and specific training in personality disorders as significant predictors of attitudes to self-harm. The implications of these findings for the professional training of clinicians in the management and treatment of borderline personality disorder patients are discussed.

References

Introduction
Simpson, Chris  (2001-12-00). Self-Mutilation. ERIC/CASS Digest. 1-4, ERIC Digests, http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2sql/content_storage_01/0000019b/80/1a/26/aa.pdf ERIC

Articles
Paris J (2005). Understanding self-mutilation in borderline personality disorder. Harvard Review Of Psychiatry [Harv Rev Psychiatry] 2005 May-Jun; Vol. 13 (3), pp. 179-85. 16020029, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cmedm&AN=16020029&site=ehost-live                                                                                                                 MEDLINE

Abstracts
[Zanarini MC; Frankenburg FR; Ridolfi ME; Jager-Hyman S; Hennen J; Gunderson JG (2006) Reported childhood onset of self-mutilation among borderline patients. [Journal of Personality Disorders (J PERS DISORD), 2006 Feb; 20(1): 9-15 (26 ref) 2009285665. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=c8h&AN=2009285665&site=ehost-live, CINAHL with Full Text
Chengappa KN; Ebeling T; Kang JS; Levine J; Parepally H (1999), Clozapine reduces severe self-mutilation and aggression in psychotic patients with borderline personality disorder. The Journal Of Clinical Psychiatry [J Clin Psychiatry] 1999 Jul; Vol. 60 (7), pp. 477-84. 10453803Database: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cmedm&AN=10453803&site=ehost-live, MEDLINE

Dulit RA; Fyer MR; Leon AC; Brodsky BS; Frances (1994) Clinical correlates of self-mutilation in borderline personality disorder.The American Journal Of Psychiatry [Am J Psychiatry] 1994 Sep; Vol. 151 (9), pp. 1305-11.8067485 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cmedm&AN=8067485&site=ehost-live, MEDLINE

Commons Treloar AJ; Lewis AJ (2008) Professional attitudes towards deliberate self-harm in patients with borderline personality disorder. The Australian And New Zealand Journal Of Psychiatry [Aust N Z J Psychiatry] 2008 Jul; Vol. 42 (7), pp. 578-84. 18612861 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cmedm&AN=18612861&site=ehost-live, MEDLINE

The Consistency of the Test can be defined as “the reliability or agreement of factor scores overtime.” reliability is based on two factors. a) Dependability, which measures the test’s reliability over a short period of time. and b) stability which measures the test’s reliability over a long period of time Several tests were conducted over several samples of population to verify the credibility of the 16 PF Scale. these tests, ranging from a two week period, to a 4 year period, noted the coefficient correlation between the subject’s initial scores and scores after a given time period. the correlation coefficient was seen to be high in most cases, showing that the test had a good consistency.

Validity of the test

The validity of a test is generally defined as its capacity to measure what it claims to measure. since the 16 PF Scale was designed to measure personality, the evidence of the validity of the test lies in the fact that the individual’s score on all 16 factors truly reflects the individual’s personality. The validity of the scale lies in 10 successive factor analysis on different samples, verifying the existence and natural structure of the 16 personality factors and has been cross validated based on different samples of the adult population. The questions asked in the test have been found to be appropriate to measure personality factors, as these factors represent research analysis. However, we can always question how valid a test that measures personality can be. the test is one easy to administer and score, which measures the complicated concept of personality. personality is measured in the test by a wide range of personality factors or traits, broadly classified. The M.D. or Motivational Distortion score acts like a lie detector, which identifies whether the subject is consciously or unconsciously distorting his or her answers. The test could be wrapped up with the following lines. “at the end of the day, the test does not give a concrete view on the personality of the subject, as the experimenter and subject are as confused about the subject’s personality, as they were before its administration and the only realizable information received through he test is the tendency of the subject to distort his results through the M.D. Scale”

Tuesday, December 9, 2009

At high noon a large spaceship floated gently down out of a blue sky to land on the front lawn of the Parliament of India.

At high noon a large spaceship floated gently down out of a blue sky to land on the front lawn of the Parliament of India. It rested motionless for the next five hours while the Parliament hummed with activity. The Prime Minister was evacuated and then the military moved in with troops, tanks and helicopters. Stealth fighters roared overhead. Both Congress and the BJP called emergency sessions as a frightened world held its breath.

A small door opened in the side of the craft and a human-like creature stepped out.

At exactly 5:00 p.m., a small door opened in the side of the craft and a human-like creature stepped out.

As beings go, it wasn’t that alarming. About three feet tall, it had a large head atop a small body with two spindly legs.

As beings go, it wasn’t that alarming. About three feet tall, it had a large head atop a small body with two spindly legs. And there were feather-like appendages growing from its head as well as from what could have been a tail if it were a bird. But it moved like a human and wore a one-piece uniform of a gold metallic material that sparkled in the sun. Walking to the nearest soldier, it stopped short, its two unnaturally large eyes blinking twice. Then in perfect English with a high-pitched voice, it said, “Take me to your esteemed leader.”

Standing before the Prime Minister of the India, who was seated at his desk in the oval office

After much military and political dismay, the request was granted. Standing before the Prime Minister of the India, who was seated at his desk in the oval office surrounded by half a dozen secret agents, the little being bowed. “Prime Minister and Chief Commander, I humbly come to you as ambassador facilitator for an ancient and distinguished race. Please realize that you’re dealing with beings of such power that their purpose must be friendly or you’d have already been destroyed in my humble estimation.”

It paused to scratch the base of a head feather. “I myself am Inchu. My kind are respected throughout the universe as the finest of translators. I must tell you that the Xyxplys ship has been moored at the edge of your solar system for a year now while I’ve been studying your languages and customs on their behalf. I know all there is to know about all of you, in my humble opinion.”

The Prime Minister smiled halfheartedly, “Should I find that comforting?”

Inchu brightened, “Of course. Because I’m thorough I rarely make mistakes.” He shrugged. “I’ll admit to a few, but none that wasn’t rectified. I’m sorry to inform you that yours is not the only species I considered for contact on this planet. There are some others more appealing, but yours is the most intelligent. And yours is also the only species believing themselves in charge.”

The Prime Minister’s eyebrows lifted at such a statement.

Inchu continued, “For purposes of decorum, tomorrow I will teach you about the Xyxplys.” His top feathers suddenly stiffened. “Be forewarned. Although highly evolved intellectually, the Xyxplys are emotionally fragile and quick to perceive imaginary insults if decorum isn’t carefully followed. They’re quirky that way–easily offended. And if you offend them you will not reap the benefits they can bestow.”

“Fair enough” the Prime Minister agreed, but his expression was one of puzzlement.

The conversation was over.

DAY TWO

Wednesday, December 10^th, 2009

Inchu was already there. Without anyone noticing, he had left the spaceship, slipped through a ring of military, a mob of reporters and Parliament of India

The next day two soldiers were sent to escort Inchu back to the Parliament of India, but he wasn’t on the spaceship. Instead, when the Prime Minister with his staff and secret agents arrived at the meeting room, Inchu was already there. Without anyone noticing, he had left the spaceship, slipped through a ring of military, a mob of reporters and Parliament of India staff to find the secured meeting room no one had told him about the day before. It unnerved the Prime Minister and particularly his secret agents.

Standing at the back of the room Inchu waited for everyone to get settled. Then he abruptly began, “The first thing to do when introduced…is to bow. Some of your human cultures already practice that formality. And the second thing after bowing… is to do nothing.” He paused for emphasis. “It’s best, Sir Prime Minister, to allow me to do all the talking, particularly in the beginning. The Xyxplys themselves rarely speak because words to them are sacred. They believe that by saying less, what is said increases in value. So speaking only at the end of a conversation is a sign of respect. Of course, in my humble opinion, that makes for very short conversations.” It was hard to tell if Inchu was joking so no one laughed.

The alien continued. “The Xyxplys find it difficult dealing with other cultures, so they take great care to insulate themselves. In addition to being their translator I serve as a filter to shield their refined sensibilities–but still I must be accurate and complete. Not an easy job, in my humble opinion. The Xyxplys are emotional, you see. Despite all their sophistication, they just want to be loved and they can’t handle rejection. I think you humans can appreciate that.” He watched as one of the staff arose and walked to a table at the side of the room pouring himself a cup of tea.

“What’s that?”

“What’s that?”

“The Prime Minister smiled.”It’s tea, a common beverage. And there’s also barfis. Would you like some?”

Then he grabbed several barfis.

Inchu’s top feathers twitched excitedly. “Certainly.” He stepped quickly across the room and to everyone’s surprise gulped down a whole carafe of hot tea. Then he grabbed several barfis. Returning to the front of the room, he noisily smacked his lips. Powdered sugar from the barfis had somehow ended up on his chin. It was a comical sight that everyone politely ignored.

“That was tasty,” he said “Ah… could I have more tea?”

“Sir, there’s no more tea,” said one of the agents addressing the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister waved his hand. “Well then, please get another carafe. It’ll only take a minute.”

The agent left the room. Through the door, which had not fully closed, squeezed a short, rotund Basset Hound. It went immediately to the Prime Minister wagging its tail while casting side-glances at Inchu.

Inchu was quite interested, particularly when Blackie left the Prime Minister to approach him, her tail still wagging.

“Hi there, Blackie,” the Prime Minister gently stroked the dog’s back. “Inchu, this is my dog. She just had puppies four weeks ago. What do you think of her?”

Inchu was quite interested, particularly when Blackie left the Prime Minister to approach him, her tail still wagging. He bent over so that his face was almost level with the dog’s and she licked the sugar off his chin. His head feathers danced wildly. “I like her,” he said and then made a noise somewhere between a bark and a whine. It startled everyone in the room, but Blackie woofed in response.

Suddenly, the agent with the tea appeared. “Here’s the tea, Sir.”

At that point Blackie was let out of the room. Inchu drank more tea, after which he continued instructing the Prime Minister.

Rolling his eyes, the little alien continued.

That’s what I learned from your television and radio signals.

“Unfortunately, your culture values things more than words. That’s what I learned from your television and radio signals. For example, when a commercial says a car has a soul, where does that leave a man? In order to add value to a thing, you’ve stolen a word meant only for living beings and devalued it. And in devaluing that word you’ve devalued yourselves. The Xyxplys would never understand and it’s better that they not know about it. In my humble opinion.”

Your world’s libraries are filled with books and are an endless resource for poetry and great writings. Human beings are capable of deep thought and intense emotions and some have a desire to define them.

Inchu patted a tail feather. “On the other hand, your world’s libraries are filled with books and are an endless resource for poetry and great writings. Human beings are capable of deep thought and intense emotions and some have a desire to define them. It is these writings that will appeal to the Xyxplys and they will reward you beyond imagination. As long as they remain on this planet they will bestow gifts, so it’s to your benefit to please them. That’s all I can say.”

He bowed and the meeting was abruptly over.

DAY THREE

December 11^th, 2009

The introduction of the Xyxplys was set for noon. Although it was an unusually overcast day, that hadn’t stopped a huge crowd from forming. At two minutes to 12:00 the Prime Minister and four secret agents walked slowly up the red carpet and stopped 20 feet from the craft.

With the opening of a large door, a strange green mist emanated from the craft. Then a long and gently sloped ramp slid out upon which Inchu exited. The murmuring crowd hushed as three figures emerged from behind him. The figures were nearly seven feet tall, rather thin, and covered entirely in grey-green flowing robes and hoods.

With the opening of a large door, a strange green mist emanated from the craft. Then a long and gently sloped ramp slid out upon which Inchu exited. The murmuring crowd hushed as three figures emerged from behind him. The figures were nearly seven feet tall, rather thin, and covered entirely in grey-green flowing robes and hoods. More than anything they resembled Gregorian monks, but it was how they moved that was startling. Although there was not a breath of wind, their robes rippled fluidly and they appeared to pour across the 20 feet coming to rest alongside Inchu and in front of the Prime Minister and the agents.

Inchu’s high voice spoke into the multitude of microphones set up by reporters and it sounded over the PA system. “Members of planet earth, I am pleased to introduce you to the Xyxplys. And, they in turn are very pleased to meet you.” As he said this, the three beings bowed deeply as did the Prime Minister and his agents.

.” Withdrawing something from a hidden pocket, Inchu handed it to the Prime Minister.

Inchu continued, “Supreme Commander, Prime Minister of the India and all citizens of earth, I am pleased to inform you on behalf of the Xyxplys that today they would like you to accept this gift that they offer you without reservation.” Withdrawing something from a hidden pocket, Inchu handed it to the Prime Minister.

Accepting the object, which fit into the palm of his hand, the Prime Minister bowed again. “Thank you.”

Seeing the three Xyxplys nodding from beneath their hoods, Inchu added, “The Xyxplys thank you, too.”

The crowd roared their approval and the first meeting was over.

DAYS FOUR – TWENTY

December 12^th, 2009

When the gift was examined, scientists were astounded.

When the gift was examined, scientists were astounded. The Prime Minister had been handed a container that turned out to hold bacteria from a distant planet. Specifically in humans, it resulted in good health was miraculous and the closest thing to a youth elixir that humanity had ever experienced. Furthermore, the bacteria were easily reproduced.

It was an ambitious project requiring scholars of every religion and the United Nations was appointed to coordinate it.

The Prime Minister wished to reciprocate with a gift of equal value and at Inchu’s recommendation commissioned a compendium of sacred writings to be compiled in their original languages. Inchu assured him that as a gift, this would be a delightful surprise for the Xyxplys. It was an ambitious project requiring scholars of every religion and the United Nations was appointed to coordinate it. All nations agreed that no amount of money or effort should be spared to have the gift ready for the next meeting with the Xyxplys.

Mankind became like children at Christmas.

Inchu hadn’t anticipated the effect the Xyxplys would have on their hosts. Mankind became like children at Christmas. While the Xyxplys’s gift of health was reproduced en mass, that was just the beginning.

Everything had to be Xyxplys-related. To accommodate the demand, manufacturers broke all records (nearly those of physics) to get out a plethora of products.

Everything had to be Xyxplys-related. To accommodate the demand, manufacturers broke all records (nearly those of physics) to get out a plethora of products. Overnight Gregorian monk’s garb became the fashion craze, Commercials advertising Xyxplys products had but one theme, life was better with Xyxplys whether you wore Xyxplys clothes or sat on Xyxplys furniture.

The irony was not lost on Inchu who watched commercialism turn the Xyxplys, a race of beings who loved the nonmaterial, into the biggest name brand of all time.

DAY TWENTY-ONE

December 13^th, 2009

When the Prime Minister and his staff appeared at the spaceship on Monday noon it was before a vastly different-looking crowd.

When the Prime Minister and his staff appeared at the spaceship on Monday noon it was before a vastly different-looking crowd. This day, upon exiting the craft, the three Xyxplys did not immediately bow. Although their faces couldn’t be seen, it appeared that from beneath the cowls they were turning their heads to examine the crowd. Watching them, Inchu’s head feathers stiffened noticeably and he frowned.

This time it was the Prime Minister who came bearing a gift. The Prime Minister proudly offered the huge book heavy with gold leafing that one of the Xyxplys gingerly accepted, grasping it with long fingers while the other two Xyxplys stretched forward for a closer look. Their grey-green robes cast a greenish hue over the book.

The Prime Minister proudly offered the huge book heavy with gold leafing

“Please accept this gift from mankind,” said the Prime Minister, his voice trembling. “Over 300 of our finest scholars assembled it from our sacred writings.”

Translating, Inchu looked pleased.

Caught up in the moment and almost as an afterthought, the Prime Minister added, “Millions were spent. With its parchment and gold leafing, it’s the most expensive book ever created.”

Inchu’s head feathers quivered the moment the Prime Minister said the most expensive book ever created. He didn’t look pleased. He stopped translating and stared at the Prime Minister. “Ah, Sir Prime Minister, in my humble opinion…” he interrupted, but his warning went unheeded.

“Go on. Tell them,” the Prime Minister urged and Inchu complied.

The reaction was immediate. Shoving the book back at the Prime Minister, which he almost dropped, the three Xyxplys, murmuring bubbling-clicking noises, whipped about and swept back up into the spaceship faster than anybody thought they could move. Inchu followed as closely behind as his spindly legs allowed. Pausing at the ship’s doorway he turned and shrugged as though apologizing just before the metal door slammed shut with a thud.

The Prime Minister and crowd, indeed the whole nation and all of earth were stunned. They felt like children awakening Christmas morning to discover that their presents had been stolen.

The Prime Minister and crowd, indeed the whole nation and all of earth were stunned. They felt like children awakening Christmas morning to discover that their presents had been stolen.

There was no further contact with the Xyxplys although vigorous attempts were made using a PA system as well as radio and television waves and banging on the spaceship doors

There was no further contact with the Xyxplys although vigorous attempts were made using a PA system as well as radio and television waves and banging on the spaceship doors. Now nobody anywhere talked about anything except the Xyxplys and why they had so abruptly left the gathering. Earth commiserated.

THE END

For a brief introduction, here are a few lines i picked up from Wikipedia.

Dating sims (or dating simulations) are a video game subgenre of simulation games, usually Japanese, with romantic elements. They are also sometimes put under the category of neoromance. The most common objective of dating sims is to date, usually choosing from among several characters, and to achieve a romantic relationship. The term dating sim is also often used as a synonym for the visual novel genre. In a typical dating sim, the player controls a male avatar surrounded by female characters. The gameplay involves conversing with a selection of girls, attempting to increase their internal “love meter” through correct choices of dialogue. While bishōjo games make up the bulk of dating sims, other types of games exist. Games where the player character is female and potential objects of affection are male are known as GxB or otome games. There are many variations on this theme: high-school romances are the most common, but a dating sim may also take place in a fantasy setting and involve such challenges as defending one’s girl from monsters.

For girls

http://silentreaper.deviantart.com/art/Death-Note-Flash-Game-97847424

http://candid-ishida.deviantart.com/art/Kitsune-Date-Adventure-22757983

http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs46/f/2009/222/e/c/Noru_Cafe_by_Pacthesis.swf

http://pacthesis.deviantart.com/art/Anime-Sim-Date-2-5-108011888

http://yavmamemo.deviantart.com/art/My-Sunshine-A-Summer-Romance-145525169

http://arlequinne.deviantart.com/art/Autumn-Snow-DS-game-v-2-0-110417211

http://anthrobecc.deviantart.com/art/Dating-Rpg-135705571

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/208375

http://www.java-gaming.com/game/3542/Festival_Days_Sim_Date/

http://www.dressupgirly.com/play/351/other-age-dating-sim-for-girls.html

http://nummyz.com/dating-sim-academy.html

http://mostplays.com/play/Love_Dating_Sim_Xtras_6594

http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs49/f/2009/222/3/6/Anime_Sim_Date_2_0_by_Pacthesis.swf

http://nummyz.com/dynasty-lovers-dating-sim.html

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/390578

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/237305

For boys

http://www.hurongames.com/node/324/play

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/68502

http://pacthesis.deviantart.com/art/Anime-Sim-Date-1-0-91406624

http://pacthesis.deviantart.com/art/Anime-Sim-Date-0-0-97424253

http://www.newgrounds.com/collection/datingsims.html

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/270982

http://www.java-gaming.com/game/2239/Galaxy_Angel_Date_Sim/

Links to Dating Sims

http://dating.lovetoknow.com/Free_Dating_Sim_Games

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/464886

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/425304

http://www.java-gaming.com/c/Dating_and_Sim/

http://www.actionflash.com/directory_sim_dates_p2.php

Opinion on Dating Sims

http://www.astahost.com/info.php/dating-sims_t10099.html

http://www.encyclopediadramatica.com/Dating_sim

“Absolutely, in cattle class out of solidarity with all our holy cows!”
Tharoor made it clear that it was only the airlines he was referring to, for herding them in like cattle. He later admitted that it sounded worse in Malayalam, especially out of context. “I shouldn’t assume people will appreciate humour.” he tweeted.
Though the internet has been out there for a long time, it has never been so popular. Ever since social networking sites hit the internet, it has never been the same. Thousands of people began to create profiles on orkut, myspace, hi5, facebook, and recently—Twitter.
If the whole world could share every random thought as soon as it stuck them, to everyone in the world, at anytime, anyplace, anywhere, what would it be like? The concept is hard to digest, but Twitter has made this mindboggling concept a reality. Twitter is being increasingly employed for breaking news, updates on politics, sports, entertainment and events around the world.
Twitter gaining recognition in July 2009, for Ashton Kutcher getting his one millionth followers, having beaten an account owned by CNN for the milestone and the recent surge in celebrities like Oprah, Barrack Obama, Britney Spears and Taylor Swift. Growing interest in Twitter in India has seen a corresponding change in the number of profiles of Bollywood stars on Twitter like Aishwarya Rai, Sonam Kapoor, Mallika Sherawat, Priyanka Chopra, A. R. Rahman, Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Bipasha Basu, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Karan Johar have joined the rat-race, and find themselves craving for more ’followers’ in order to establish their status in society and compare themselves with their colleagues and rivals. Narendra Modi, S.M Krishna and Capt. Gopinath are the few politicians in India on Twitter, who hope that their continuous tweets will keep their image fresh in the minds of the voters, especially during the elections.
Every citizen has the right to speak his mind. So why not a politician? There are two sides of this issue. Twitter has created a direct, uncorrupted and constant link between the big stars and the common man. Before, it was the media who gave information to the public about these stars. Now the stars themselves can convey their message to the people free of cost and with no distortion. Therefore, the media can no longer solely dictate what information the public can access. The internet is responsible for this change.
But when the politician is blogging with his name and reputation declared openly, he must consciously set some boundaries for himself. For example, when Shashi Tharoor made the cattle cow remark, he should have consciously kept in mind his party and his status as Minister of State for External Affairs. If a common man was to make this statement on Twitter, or even one worse than that, the media would simply ignore it, unless it started a protest or was referred to the media by someone in power. But Tharoor’s tweet was flaunted across every television screen, debated on, analyzed to the core and discussed fervently by every media channel when it was discovered. The ‘cattle class’ is an internationally popular slang for the standard class or the economy class, not a new word invented by Tharoor.
Tharoor made one mistake a celebrity must never make—he forgot. He forgot that he was a public figure, and the response he was giving to Kanchan Gupta was accessible to thousands of probing eyes, including those of news-hungry journalists. You can’t really blame the media for taking a story when it is handed to them. He forgot that the country he belonged to could be offended by anything, especially if it referred to Hinduism in any way. He forgot that he was not President Obama, India is not the US and the Congress is not the Democratic Party. The Congress, to save face had to take action, or at least pretend to do so against this ‘outrageous’ statement.
Shashi Tharoor has 1,64,548 followers. This means that his tweet gave him the fame he has now. His name will forever be associated with the tweet. One has to wonder, could this have been a planned action, and not one where he simply ‘over-estimated’ the humour of his fellow Indians? Apart from bringing himself fame, his tweet also brought to light the Congress’ austerity drive, something which he was clearly against and would benefit from the publicizing of. We will never know.
To sum up, politicians must realize that though they have the freedom of speech like we do, it comes with the setback of being taken seriously, sometimes too seriously by the media, and in turn, by us. The proof of this lies in today’s tabloids, held together by Amitabh Bachan’s persistent itch or Rakhi Sawanth’s recent temper tantrum (most probably just a publicity stunt) If Amir Khan declares on a tweet that he is thinking of visiting Bangalore, he better be saying “unless I absolutely can’t, I will be visiting Bangalore” because after his fans read this, they will start preparing for his arrival immediately. Similarly, if Ram Gopal Varma tweeted about how ‘handsome’ Shah Rukh Khan looked with his six pack abs in Om Shanthi Om, he would immediately be tagged a homosexual, be surrounded by journalist, and Hindutva group would call him ‘anti-Indian’ or someone who was destroying Indian culture. Protests would be held by self proclaimed ‘men of god’. Countless debates would be held on television about the rationality of such a comment and the corresponding reaction to it. And people would watch. The bottom line is—celebrities need to create boundaries for themselves when they go online, just as they do offline—on press conferences, interviews, sound bites and quotes to the public.