Degradation, dehumanization, instrumentalization, humiliation, and nonrecognition - these concepts point to ways in which we understand human beings to be violated in their dignity. Violations of human dignity are brought about by concrete practices and conditions; some commonly acknowledged, such as torture and rape, and others more contested, such as poverty and exclusion. This volume collates reflections on such concepts and a range of practices, deepening our understanding of human dignity and its violation, bringing to the surface interrelationships and commonalities, and pointing to the values that are thereby shown to be in danger. In presenting a streamlined discussion from a negative perspective, complemented by conclusions for a positive account of human dignity, the book is at once a contribution to the body of literature on what dignity is and how it should be protected as well as constituting an alternative, fresh and focused perspective relevant to this significant recurring debate. As the concept of human dignity itself crosses disciplinary boundaries, this is mirrored in the unique range of perspectives brought by the book's European and American contributors - in philosophy and ethics, law, human rights, literature, cultural studies and interdisciplinary research. This volume will be of interest to social and moral philosophers, legal and human rights theorists, practitioners and students.

Although scholars have shown longstanding interest in the boundaries of interpretation of the right not to be subjected to torture and other prohibited harm, the existing body of work does not sufficiently reflect the significance of the interpretive scope of degrading treatment. This book argues that the degrading treatment element of the right is a crucial site of analysis, in itself and for understanding the parameters of the right as a whole. It addresses how, methodologically, the scope of meaning and application of the right not to be subjected to degrading treatment should best be identified and considers the implications thereof. It systematically examines the diverse aspects of degrading treatment's scope, from foundations of legal interpretation to the drivers of humiliation. It draws on wide-ranging literature and extensive analysis of more than 1,500 judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, which has pioneered the right's interpretive growth. The book aims to explore how the interpretive possibilities, and limits, of the right not to be subjected to degrading treatment turn upon the axes of human dignity and state responsibility, and aims to show how this right's protection can be achieved as well as limited through processes of interpretation. Dignity, Degrading Treatment and Torture in Human Rights Law provides interpreters with analytical tools to advance the application of the right not to be subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in international, regional and domestic human rights law. It will appeal to all who have an interest in understanding the right's meaning, development, and potential scope of application, as well as those with an interest in methodologies of human rights interpretation.

Although scholars have shown longstanding interest in the boundaries of interpretation of the right not to be subjected to torture and other prohibited harm, the existing body of work does not sufficiently reflect the significance of the interpretive scope of degrading treatment. This book argues that the degrading treatment element of the right is a crucial site of analysis, in itself and for understanding the parameters of the right as a whole. It addresses how, methodologically, the scope of meaning and application of the right not to be subjected to degrading treatment should best be identified and considers the implications thereof. It systematically examines the diverse aspects of degrading treatment's scope, from foundations of legal interpretation to the drivers of humiliation. It draws on wide-ranging literature and extensive analysis of more than 1,500 judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, which has pioneered the right's interpretive growth. The book aims to explore how the interpretive possibilities, and limits, of the right not to be subjected to degrading treatment turn upon the axes of human dignity and state responsibility, and aims to show how this right's protection can be achieved as well as limited through processes of interpretation. Dignity, Degrading Treatment and Torture in Human Rights Law provides interpreters with analytical tools to advance the application of the right not to be subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in international, regional and domestic human rights law. It will appeal to all who have an interest in understanding the right's meaning, development, and potential scope of application, as well as those with an interest in methodologies of human rights interpretation.

The past twenty years have seen major advances in open-heart surgery. What was once considered a death sentence is now often curable. This is especially true with valve-repair and replacement surgeries. As caregiver for a heart patient, you face unique challenges. You must be friend, confidant, patient advocate, spiritual advisor, and nurse to your patient, all the while trying to keep your own life together. Heartfelt chronicles sixteen years of the author's life with her husband Blake as they struggle through his first major arrhythmia, to mitral-valve repair surgery, and onto recovery. Through Webster's personal insights and common-sense advice, you'll learn how to: Take Care of Your Patient: Find the right medical team, Research hospitals, Track down affordable health insurance, Establish an exercise program, Provide nursing care, Weigh medical options, Manage medications, Cook heart-healthy cuisine and handle dietary restrictions, Provide emotional support, Oversee recovery after surgery. Take Care of Yourself: Keep a journal, Enlist help, Handle stress, Exercise, Deal with depression, Maintain routines, Make time for yourself, Seek creative outlets, Eat healthy, Find a spiritual path.

Greener Living Today: Forty Ways to A Greener Lifestyle, offers practical tips about moving your life into greener pastures. Take a walk through specific areas of your home with an environmentally friendly eye and discover better options for choosing cleaning products and appliances. Find lists of toxin-free health and beauty items. Discover creative ideas with which to conserve energy, water resources and more. Consider green pet care products, environmentally sound lawn and yard care, laundry tips, organic clothing sources and better food choices to move your entire family into greener living. Outside the home, Greener Living Today offers advice on getting around the world and your workplace in eco-friendly ways. From hybrid automobiles and alternative fuels, to general and office recycling options, eco-tourism, carbon credits and even green funerals, this resource has alternatives for safely reducing your human footprint. You can make simple, powerful choices from the beginning of life to its end, with every step along the way caring for your family and the earth.

Balanced on the Edge of the Crowd- a personal memoir that captures every aspect of the 1970s through the eyes of an insecure and reckless girl, who at eighteen flees a psychologically abusive childhood home. Her story begins with a hitchhiked journey from New York City to Los Angeles, with a young boy she barely knows. What follows is a path of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Elaine moves from Los Angeles to California's Central Valley where she meets her second husband, Blake Webster, who whisks her off on a six-month honeymoon through most of the Western United States and Canada. They do a stint in Spokane Washington and ultimately take a job in Mays Landing New Jersey-becoming the last couple to manage Sunshine Nudist Park- before it's permanently closed by Hamilton Township authorities. Social nudity is a significant part of the book. Yet, the more raucous scenes deal with the sex, music and counter-cultures for which the decade is famous. The comedic scenes, along with their unique characters are interspersed with moments of insight and triumph over depression.

All adopted racing greyhounds find life as a household pet a radically new experience. If a dog has behavioral problems, the transition is even more challenging, both for the animal and the new family. This book offers insights and commonsense advice for those who have adopted, or are considering adopting, a fearful, shy, or aggressive dog. The author's greyhound, Jesse, initially hid his behavioral aberrations. Soon it became apparent that Jesse suffered from Fear Aggressive tendencies and Separation Anxiety. He required special handling and training by someone willing and able to complete the rescue. Elaine Webster shows how she and her husband Blake helped Jesse become a loving addition to their home. This is their story, and it could be yours.