Sunday, April 26, 2020

Methods of Birth Control free essay sample

GSD/EST/OBA/11 METHODS OF BIRTH CONTROL INTRODUCTION 1. A sexually active woman that is fertile and capable of becoming pregnant needs to ask herself, â€Å"Do I want to become pregnant now? if her answer is No†, she must use at least a method of birth control. This is because over the years, events have shown that uncontrolled births have negative social economic impact on the population. Amongst the effects of uncontrolled births are unwanted children, overpopulation, increased maternal mortality, overcrowding, overstretched public utilities, reduced standard of living and the non-development in the rural areas. 2. Despite these facts, a section of the population still do not make use of these methods of birth control due to religious or moral believes. The awareness of birth control dates back to era of our great-grandmothers, when after childbirth they stopped sex with their husbands until the child is weaned. Information is key to liberation;[1] therefore, to reduce these negative impacts, the need to use the correct method of birth control arises. We will write a custom essay sample on Methods of Birth Control or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The use of appropriate birth control method allows individuals to plan their envisioned lives. It is against this background that I will be reviewing the methods of birth control practised in Nigeria. AIM 3. The aim of this presentation is to highlight birth control methods available to Nigerians. SCOPE 4. The presentation will cover the following: a. Methods of birth Control. b. Natural Methods of Birth Control. c. Artificial Methods of Birth Control. d. Consequences of Methods of Birth Control. Methods of Birth Control. 5. Birth control is an umbrella term for several practices or devices used to prevent fertilization or the interruption of  pregnancy  in a sexually active woman. [2] It could be in form of family planning, pregnancy prevention, fertility control, contraception or contragestion. Government policy or health related issues might demand the use of a birth control method. Different birth control method requires different actions by its users to accomplish desired result. The choice of method depends on the suitability to individual body chemistry or life style. 6. When the desire to use a birth control method arises, cost medical advice or compatibility with our bodies, most times helps to make a decision. Methods of birth control can be broadly grouped under: a. Natural Methods of Birth control. b. Artificial Methods of Birth Control. NATURAL METHODS OF BIRTH CONTROL 7. Natural methods of birth control are neither mechanical nor due to hormone manipulation but on observing some aspect of a womans body physiology in order to prevent fertilization. These methods require that a man and woman do not allow a woman’s egg or the sperm to come into contact by natural means. Natural Methods of birth control include: a. Total abstinence. b. Fertility awareness Method. c. Withdrawal. d. Breast feeding 8. Total Abstinence. Total Abstinence is a means of birth control were the parties voluntary refraining from sexual activity. Abstinence is the only contraceptive method that is 100% effective in the prevention of both pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. 9. Fertility Awareness Method (FAM). Fertility awareness methods are based on knowledge of a woman’s ovulation period. In order to use a FAM, it is necessary to watch for the signs and symptoms that indicate ovulation has occurred or is about to occur. FAM can be up to 90% effective if well observed and require a continuous and conscious commitment with considerable monitoring and self-control. [3] FAM Includes: a. Billings ovulation method b. Basal body temperature. 0. Withdrawal. Withdrawal involves the deliberate removal of the erect penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation. The main risk of withdrawal is that the man may not perform the manoeuvre correctly, or may not perform the withdrawal in a timely manner and the aim is defeated. 11. Breast feeding. Breastfeeding may delay the return to fertility for some women by suppressing ovulation. This is effective only when exclusive breastfeeding is being done and lasts up for up to six months after childbirth. ARTIFICIAL METHODS OF BIRTH CONTROL 12. This involves the use of external substance or material to prevent pregnancy. Success rate is relatively high compared to FAM. This method includes the following: a. Barrier method. b. Intrauterine Devices. c. Hormonal Contraceptive. d. Surgical Sterilization. 13. Barrier method. Barrier  method  involves physical blockage of the sperm from entering the uterus to unite with an egg. Barrier methods must be used with each act of sexual intercourse. They include: a. Male and female condoms. b. Diaphragm. c. Cervical Cap. d. Spermicides. 14. Intrauterine Device. The  intrauterine  device (IUD) is a small plastic device inserted into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs prevents pregnancies by interfering with the mobility of sperm and decreases the ability of a sperm to fertilize an egg or prevents implanting of a fertilized egg to the lining of the uterus. 15. Hormonal Contraceptive. Hormonal  contraceptives deliver doses of female sex hormones that alter a woman’s reproductive cycle in one or more ways. Available  only  on  prescription, hormonal contraceptives are extremely effective in preventing pregnancy, when used properly they include: a. Birth Control Pills. b. Hormonal Implant. c. Contraceptive Injection. d. Contraceptive Ring. e. Contraceptive Patch. 16. Surgical Sterilization. This involves surgical alteration of the human anatomy. There exist 3 types of surgical procedures: vasectomy for men, hysterectomy and tubal sterilization for women. Vasectomy is the cutting of the two vas deferens ducts that carry sperm from the testes to the penis and tiring the ends to prevent sperm from reaching the penis. In Tubal  sterilization, the fallopian tubes are either cut, tied, blocked, or sealed to prevent eggs descending from the ovaries to encounter sperm. Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and/or the ovaries. These procedures are permanent forms of birth control. CONSEQUENCES OF BIRTH CONTROL METHODS 17. There is always a chance of side effects when taking hormonal birth control. Certain Hormonal contraceptives may cause bloating, weight gain and increased risk of blood clots nausea, dizziness, mood swings, depression, irritability, breast tenderness, irregular and painful periods, amongst others. Emergency contraceptive pills may cause nausea, vomiting or ectopic pregnancy, and may affect the duration of the next menstrual cycle. The prolong use of hormonal contraceptives may alter the woman’s physiology cause secondary infertility by suppressing egg production. 8. Barrier methods have a risk of allergic reaction; persons sensitive to latex have to look for polyurethane or silicone barriers. Spermicides also have possible side effects of genital irritation, vaginal infection, or urinary tract infection. Male and female sterilization are permanent methods of birth control. Sterilization procedures are considered to have low risk and of little side effects, though some persons and organizations disagree. [4] A desire to have more children may occur and the couple will regret their decision. CONCLUSION 19. All methods of birth control are based on either preventing a mans sperm from fertilizing a womans egg or preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the womans womb and starting to grow. The control can be natural or artificial. New methods of birth control are being developed and tested all the time and what is appropriate for a couple at one point may change with time, cost and circumstances. Unfortunately, no birth control method, except abstinence, is considered to be 100% effective. [5] 20. Birth control methods help save women and their childrens lives and preserve their health by preventing untimely and unwanted. regnancies. It reduces womens exposure to the health risks of* childbirth and abortion and gives women, who are often the sole caregivers, more time to care for their children and themselves. Selecting a method is a personal decision that involves consideration of some factors, including convenience, reliability, side effects, and reversibility. The warnings and appeals on the need to space our children by using appropriate birth control method must be allowed to continue. OB ANIMASAHUN Jaji-Kaduna Lt Cdr Aug 11Student REFERENCES 1. CHILD SPACING: EFFECTS ON THE SOLDIERS STANDARD OF LIVING, LT COL CA HALIRU, 2003 2. MICROSOFT ENCARTA 2009. 3. WWW. AMERICANPREGNANCY. ORG/PREVENTINGPREGNANCY/FERTILITYAWARENESSNFP 4. EN. WIKIPEDIA. ORG/WIKI/BIRTH_CONTROL 5. WWW. OPTIONSFORSEXUALHEALTH. ORG 6. WWW. UNFPA. ORG 7. WWW. HEALTHTIPSCITY. COM 8. WWW. MEDICINENET. COM/VASECTOMY/PAGE2. HTM# EFFECTIVE 9. EMEDICINE. MEDSCAPE. COM/ARTICLE/258507-OVERVIEW [1] www. christianebeerlandt. com/Foreword [2] En. wikipedia. org/wiki/Birth_control [3] www. americanpregnancy. org/preventingpregnancy/fertilityawarenessNFP [4] http://www. medicinenet. com/vasectomy/page2. htm#effective [5] http://emedicine. medscape. com/article/258507-overview

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

A Show About Nothing Essays - Seinfeld, Cosmo Kramer, The Apartment

A Show About Nothing Essays - Seinfeld, Cosmo Kramer, The Apartment A Show About Nothing A Show About Nothing In the artcle, Is Seinfeld the Best Comedy Ever?, author Jay McInerney agrees with Seinfeld the best comedy on television. Seinfeld is a real life show. The behaviors of Jerry, Kramer, George and Elaine, the failed communication, and the everyday embassassment represent nothingness but a peculiar everyday life. These nothingnesses happen to all of us, but when it is put on TV, people will laugh at these. Besides, the author appreciates the fact that Seinfeld is a New York story but it is filmed in Los Angeles. The lumpy texture of life in the city, the random looniness of the street, the idioms and speech inflections of Manhattan, and the claustrophobia of New York apartment living in the show fascinates the New Yorker as it is so real and funny. Seinfeld takes those little nothings and combines them to create something realistic. Nothingness and reality give the author the reasons to believe that it is the best comedy ever. When people consider Seinfeld as a show about nothing. It could be humorous that nothingness can provide such an interesting topic for the comedies of life. In life people care about details and worry about trouble, the little nothings made are soon forgotten. Thus, these nothingnesses are actually fragments of out real life. Seinfeld gathers the nothingness into a show, and it spreads out the idea that everything in the show that actually happens all around us. For example, losing the car in a parking garage, working for an eccentric boss and coping with the trials and tribulations of dating, it is common for a lot of people. And these realities come into the nothingness of Seinfeld. In Seinfeld, the fabulous four characters George, Kramer, Elaine and Jerry share the nothingnesses which life have granted them. George cannot attract thr girl because of his limitiations as a short, bald, fat man. Kramer struggles with the fact that he has not achieved anything in his life yet.. Elaine worries her hold on to a good boyfriend and a good job for long. And Jerry, living with his nothing friends, as well as his own LEX Luthurs which seem to always abstract his plans to find his own Lois Lane and live the life of Superman. The four were cramped in small apartments of New York and live a life of nothingness. Besides, even the settings in Seinfeld for great adventures appear muchlike nothing. Seinfeld always takes place in Jerrys apartment. Jerry fears germs greatly so he keeps a neat apartment. From the apartment the four plan trips to the movies or coffee shops. The coffee shop is a place where Elaine, George, and Jerry converse. The movie house is a place where Jerry, George, and Elaine often go to watch movies together or bring dates. Jerry gets caught making out during Shindlers List. Elaine gets caught not like the English Patient. They always get into trouble at the movie theater. The settings of Seinfeld are simple in design, telling people that they are living in a common way. In conclusion, I agree with the description that Seinfeld is a show about nothing. However, the nothingness in the show actually represent reality. That is, Seinfels is a show about reality. George, Kramer, Elaine, and Jerry are not stereotyped, they have unique characters and they just represent the way that they live. The settings are simple and make people more easily to get connected with them. And the plot, it is about fragments of lives. It is a show about reality that it may happen around us. Seinfeld creates an identity that watching nothing can present laughter and humor to everyone. Besides, the gift of nothingness has transformed the lives of millions around the world.

Monday, March 2, 2020

Definition and Examples of Conceptual Blending

Definition and Examples of Conceptual Blending Conceptual blending refers to a set of cognitive operations for combining (or blending) words, images, and ideas in a network of mental spaces to create meaning. The theory of conceptual blending was brought to prominence by Gilles Fauconnier and Mark Turner in The Way We Think: Conceptual Blending and the Minds Hidden Complexities (Basic Books, 2002). Fauconnier and Turner define conceptual blending as a deep cognitive activity that makes new meanings out of old. Examples and Observations Conceptual Blending Theory assumes that meaning construction involves the selective integration or blending of conceptual elements and employs the theoretical construct of conceptual integration networks to account for this process. For example, the process of understanding the sentence In the end, VHS delivered a knock-out punch to Betamax would involve a basic network consisting of four mental spaces . . .. This includes two input spaces (one relating to boxing and another to the competition between rival video formats in the 1970s and 1980s). A generic space represents what is common to the two input spaces. Elements from the input spaces are mapped to each other and projected selectively into the blended space, to derive an integrated conceptualization where the video formats are seen as being engaged in a boxing match, which VHS eventually wins.Blending Theory can be seen as a development of Mental Space Theory, and it is also influenced by Conceptual Metaphor Theory. However, u nlike the latter, Blending Theory focuses specifically on the dynamic construction of meaning.(M. Lynne Murphy and Anu Koskela, Key Terms in Semantics. Continuum, 2010) To monitor public opinion, and to sway it, Time Warner had, in November, launched a campaign called Roll Over or Get Tough, which asked customers to visit a Web site of the same name and vote on whether Time Warner should give in to their demand for massive price increases or keep holding the line. Eight hundred thousand people had done so. (Ninety-five percent of them thought that Time Warner should Get Tough.)Mark Turner, a professor of cognitive science at Case Western Reserve, explained that Time Warner’s use of the forced-choice device was wise from the standpoint of behavioral economics. In order to make choices, people need their options narrowed in advance.Turner saw other cognitive precepts at work in the Roll Over campaign. He explained, The purpose of the ad is to try to get you off your duff and realize, Hey, the situation around me is changing, and I better take action. And the campaign’s militaristic echoes, You’re either with us or against us, inco rporated, Turner said, a technique called blending, in which a rhetorician exploits what is already in people’s minds. Everybody’s got terrorism on the brain, so if you can have a little hint of that issue in your advertising about cable service: great!, he said.(Lauren Collins, King Kong vs. Godzilla. The New Yorker, January 11, 2010) [B]lending theory can address the meaning of construction in metaphorical expressions that do not employ conventionalized mapping schemes. For example, the italicized portion of this excerpt from an interview with philosopher Daniel Dennet involves a metaphorical blend, Theres not a thing thats magical about the computer. One of the most brilliant things about a computer is that theres nothing up its sleeve, (Edge 94, November 19, 2001). The input domains here are Computers and Magicians, and the blend involves a hybrid model in which the computer is a magician. However, the connection between these two domains arises purely from the context of this example, as there is no conventional COMPUTERS ARE MAGICIANS mapping in English.(Seana Coulson, Conceptual Blending in Thought, Rhetoric, and Ideology. Cognitive Linguistics: Current Applications And Future Perspectives, ed. by Gitte Kristiansen, Michel Achard, Renà © Dirven, and Francisco J. Ruiz de Mendoza Ibà ±ez. Mouton de Gruyter, 2006) Blending Theory and Conceptual Metaphor Theory Similarly to conceptual metaphor theory, blending theory elucidates structural and regular principles of human cognition as well as pragmatic phenomena. However, there are also some noteworthy differences between the two theories. While blending theory has always been more oriented toward real-life examples, conceptual metaphor theory had to come of age before it was put to the test with data-driven approaches. A further difference between the two theories is that blending theory focuses more on the decoding of creative examples, whereas conceptual metaphor theory is well known for its interest in conventional examples and mappings, i.e. in what is stored in peoples minds. But again, the difference is one of degree and not an absolute one. Blending processes can be routinized and stored if their outcome proves to be useful on more than one occasion. And conceptual metaphor theory is able to explain and accommodate novel figurative linguistic expressions as long as they are compatible with the more general metaphorical makeup of the human mind. Another, perhaps somewhat less important difference lies in the fact that while from the start conceptual blending has pointed to the importance of metonymic construals and thinking for cognitive processes, the conceptual metaphor paradigm has long underestimated the role of metonymy.(Sandra Handl and Hans-Jà ¶rg Schmid, Introduction. Windows to the Mind: Metaphor, Metonymy, and Conceptual Blending. Mouton de Gruyter, 2011)

Saturday, February 15, 2020

Structure of an Organization of Bank of Canada Essay - 1

Structure of an Organization of Bank of Canada - Essay Example This paper illustrates that most of the organizations’ structure tends to be quite flexible and easy to manage for the day to day business. However, large organizations in majority of times become bureaucratic and tend not to be flexible enough in order to deal with the challenges of the contemporary day business. The most significant point to consider is that the structure of the organization needs to permit it to fulfill its objectives and also needs to ensure that the structure fits with the business environment in which it works. The range of organizational structures are the ‘entrepreneurial structures’, the ‘product-based structures’, the ‘function-based structures’, the ‘divisional structures’, the ‘matrix structures’, and the ‘holding company structures’. The bank is observed to present the financial services that are generally diversified in nature. The various business segments of the compa ny are wealth management, international banking, capital markets, Canadian banking and insurance. The chart presented below is the three-level organizational chart of Royal Bank of Canada. It can be stated that the board of RBC has an independent chairman. There are 16 directors who are associated with the organization independently and there are two executive directors. The term departmentalization can be understood as the process whereby the tasks are grouped into departments. Five basic methods of grouping the activities are followed; they are ‘departmentalization by-product, departmentalization by the process, departmentalization by customers, departmentalization by geographical regions and departmentalization by function’. In the organizational structure, it is the jobs that are the most significant factors. The primary managerial decision is job design in the organizing function. Those jobs are generally assigned to the individuals that consist of the objectives a s well as the specialized task of the organization. It is worth mentioning that the overall task of the organization cannot be assigned to a single person. For instance, the bank may consist of numerous individuals. However, it is not possible for the single individual to take the responsibility of the entire task. A few may take the responsibility of taking deposits while others may be assigned the task of the granting loans.

Sunday, February 2, 2020

The prof. wants me to devolop a teaching project in midwifery or any Assignment

The prof. wants me to devolop a teaching project in midwifery or any other medical feild - Assignment Example Midwifery model of delivery is considered safe, cost-effective and high quality in other countries apart from the USA where the medical model of delivery is more prevalent. Despite this, Amnesty International (2010) ranks the USA below 40 other developed countries in maternal health care. The maternal health care crisis in the USA is a result of many different factors. The most significant is the conflict of interest between obstetricians and midwives. This has contributed to the popular notion that hospitals are the only safe places for childbirths in the USA (Wagner, 2008). Conversely, extensive evidence reveals that women receiving midwifery care experience excellent infant and maternal outcomes, satisfaction and cost-effective care (Blanchette, 1995; Greulich et al., 1994; Jackson et al., 2003; MacDroman & Singh, 1998). Despite the fact that midwifery is imperative in streamlining the ailing maternal health system in the USA, it also faces some very serious challenges that require immediate intervention for it to be effective. These challenges according to Walker, Lannen and Rossie (2014) are: Physicians opposition, inadequate teaching and training methods, state and federal regulations, the publics’ lack of confidence in midwifery services, prevailing economic and political environment, not being recognized by third-party payers such as Medicaid, and conflicts among midwifery organizations. The shift towards effective midwifery practices should begin with the revision of the midwifery education programs. Some of the changes that the midwifery institutions can apply are to change the methods of teaching and training future generations of midwives. Teaching has to be made fun, interactive, exciting, engaging and educative. This can be achieved by radically changing the way students are taught and exploring other avenues such as: films, videos, crossword puzzles, creative arts, flipping, online discussions and many more. More importantly

Friday, January 24, 2020

Water Pollution Reduces Drinking Water Quality :: Drinking Water Quality

Issue Statement The contamination of public water wells in Monmouth and Ocean County can lead to negative long terms effects and put a major impact on the cost for water filtration. The accumulation of polluted water being produced in the area requires additional treatments making our county limited to our expenses. Discussion Many water wells in the state of New Jersey in addition to those in Monmouth and Ocean County have been susceptible to pollution. Some experts say, including the DEP commissioner, that the problem is not whether water coming out of your tap is safe. The real issue is the cost to put in addition treatments into the water therefore making it safe for every element where water is required and utilized. Though, updates have shown that drinking water itself is becoming unsafe and insecure for residents to consume as well. Several conditions play a part in the pollution of water through the state. Whether it’s storm runoffs, leaky storage tanks, or harmful waste dump sites, these all have an effect on the high bacteria levels in the water. Keeping the pollution to a minimal is not the easiest thing in the world to do. Pesticides, petroleum products, corrosive or ignitable toxins are some examples of hazardous materials that are found in water today. The major water pollutants are chemical, biological, or physical materials that degrade water quality. Residents in Brick Township, Lakewood, Jackson Millstone, Freehold Township, Howell and Wall are some of the many local areas that are affected. Those organizations that are responsible for replenishing the water such as the New Jersey American Water Co., Monmouth and Lakewood systems, United Water Toms River, Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority and New Jersey American's Mount Holly system will probably be required to face these challenges and obstacles with a different strategy compared to the previous procedures. Life threatening circumstances have occurred in the past that reminds us what could happen to our water supply if we do not maintain it. Situations like the Cuyahoga River on fire, or the Potomac River too dirty for swimming, or Lake Erie dying. Since these incidents have happened environmentalists have taken extreme measures to reduce the amount of pollution that is coming out of the power plants that are on the river and on Lake Erie. Public awareness and concern for controlling water pollution led to enactment of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life Essay

It is a fact that Benjamin Franklin was one of the only founding fathers to actively participate in all aspects of designing The United States of America. He was intricately involved in the Albany Plan of Union, the Declaration of Independence, the treaty of alliance with France, the peace treaty with England and the Constitution. His inventions included the flexible urinary catheter, bifocals, the lightning rod, Daylight Savings Time, and the United States Post Office. Franklin was a genius who was constantly thinking of a plan. This biography highlights his accomplishments, but also details the man behind the inventions and negotiations. It allows Benjamin Franklin to come off as a real person. It is written in a humble manner that allows the reader to respect Franklin for all aspects of his life, glamorous or not. Chapters One Through Three The first chapter of this biography discusses Benjamin Franklin’s arrival in Philadelphia at 17 years old. It also looks ahead briefly to an older Franklin and outlines his transformation through life. The chapter paints a friendly picture of Benjamin Franklin, outlining him as the â€Å"founding father who winks at us†. Isaacson clearly tries to get the reader to relate on a personal level to his subject. He wants to paint an open person with human faults, unlike some biographers who tend to place their subjects on pedestals. The author quickly lists some of Franklin’s accomplishments, but goes on to state that his biggest invention was the reinvention of himself. He states Franklin wanted nothing more than to create an America based on the values of the middle class citizens. The author successfully presents Benjamin Franklin in a humble and appealing manner, however it almost masks his great accomplishments at the same time. The author also highlights Franklin’s family history. He discusses Franklin’s great-grandfather Thomas Franklin and notes how he too was a rebel of some sort. Thomas Franklin kept an English Bible ties under a stool in his home when Queen Mary I outlawed them. The author does a fine job of outlining Benjamin Franklin’s heritage and his genetic ties to people who stand up for what they believe. The author goes on to state that all four generations of Franklins were similar to Thomas in that they were all likeable but they were also intelligent and non-conformists. They were all hard workers, and unlike many subjects of biographies, Benjamin Franklin was not born wealthy. The last part of this group discusses how after Franklin ran away, he moved to London to continue his training as a printer in 1724. Chapters Four Through Seven In 1726, Franklin returned to Philadelphia. He had saved enough money during his stay in London to begin his own business. He married Deborah Read in 1730, not completely out of love. The author goes into detail on how Franklin thought it was necessary to marry Read in order to give William a mother. Read was more than willing to take the job, and so they married. Isaacson goes into explanations on how Franklin’s business pursuits and personal life connect. He recalls facts such as Franklin’s successful acquisition of the Pennsylvania Gazette and his publishing of the annual Poor Richard: An Almanack. Personally, Franklin goes through years of births and deaths of those close to him. The births of William, Francis, and Sarah and the deaths of Francis, his mother Abiah and his father Josiah are also discussed. Some of the most interesting parts of the book are those where Franklin’s inventions and their history are discussed. It is interesting to realize that some of Franklin’s best ideas were not fabricated easily. Isaacson is true to history as he tells of Franklin’s successes and failures. This applies with Franklin’s inventions but also in his personal and political life. Isaacson also does Franklin justice by mentioning his great contributions as a citizen to the state of Pennsylvania. His participation in the organization of the fire department, police department, the public library, the post office, and what later became the University of Pennsylvania are noted as well. Franklin basically set up the complete plan of what a functional town should look like. Chapters Eight Through Eleven Benjamin Franklin spent several years traveling in London. He was a representative of the Pennsylvania Assembly. He was originally sent there to petition the king for tax levies. Isaacson does a nice job detailing the successes and failures of Franklin during this time. He shows the respect Franklin had as a negotiator and why he was sent on such important business. The book is true to life when Isaacson speaks of failures in Franklin’s career and personal life such as the ruin of his reputation for the Hutchinson Letters leak. Isaacson also is articulate in explaining the negotiations involving Franklin that ultimately ended the American War of Independence. The personal inclusion of the death of Franklin’s wife, whom he live apart from for the last eighteen years of their marriage, brings the story back to a more intimate level as well. Chapters Twelve Through Fifteen Isaacson makes sure the reader is aware of the impact Franklin had on the writing of the Declaration of Independence. The organization of America was one of Franklin’s most important achievements. The author does well in recording this meaningful accomplishment. Franklin traveled to France during this time in his life. The people of France came to love Franklin and respected him greatly. Isaacson showed no mercy in mentioning Franklin’s love of flirting with French women. He was a fantastic negotiator and Isaacson really attempts to capture the spell he had under the people of France as well as Louis XVI. He helped the French government draw up a treaty of commerce and defensive alliance. He was considered a hero there but he did not always feel like the hero he was thought to be. The author does a great job of pointing out Franklin’s confident times as well as times he was a bit insecure. Chapters Sixteen Through Eighteen Three years before his death, Franklin was elected president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery. Slavery was an issue that had come close to his heart and even in his final months of life, he signed a petition to call for the end of slavery. He spent the last year of his life bedridden and died in Philadelphia on April 17, at the age of 84. Isaacson does a great job capturing the reader at the end of the story. Reading about Franklin’s death is an emotional experience. Isaacson goes on to write more about Franklin’s legacy after his death. Overview It is clear that Isaacson set out to write a positive, but true biography. Although he does an adequate job of detailing even the most unpleasant aspect of Franklin’s life, you can tell within the first few chapters that he is on Franklin’s side. He develops a story of Franklin that appeals to the reader. Even after hearing what a less than average husband he was and his knack for self-promotion, the reader will most likely be forgiving due to the clever writing. By the end of the long book, the reader is a fan of Franklin’s as well. The book does tend to drag in certain areas however. The content is full of history and accomplishments but it does not completely draw in the reader fully. There are many chapters in which a non-committed reader may put the book for good. Overall however, it is a true depiction of the Benjamin Franklin, the greatest inventor, negotiator, and citizen America may ever see. Bibliography Isaacson, Walter. 2003. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. New York.