Part Five Chapter X

X Gavin was wearing sunglasses against the glare of the morning sun, but that was no disguise: Samantha Mollison was sure to recognize his car. When he caught sight of her, striding along the pavement alone with her hands in her pockets and her head down, Gavin made a sharp left turn, and instead of continuing along the road to Mary's, crossed the old stone bridge, and parked up a side lane on the other side of the river. He did not want Samantha to see him parking outside Mary's house. It did not matter on work days, when he wore a suit and carried a briefcase; it had not mattered before he had admitted to himself what he felt about Mary, but it mattered now. In any case, the morning was glorious and a walk bought him time. Still keeping my options open, he thought, as he crossed the bridge on foot. There was a small boy sitting by himself on a bench, eating sweets, below him. I don't have to say anything †¦ I'll play it by ear †¦ But his palms were wet. The thought of Gaia telling the Fairbrother twins that he was in love with their mother had haunted him all through a restless night. Mary seemed pleased to see him. ‘Where's your car?' she asked, peering over his shoulder. ‘Parked it down by the river,' he said. ‘Lovely morning. I fancied a walk, and then it occurred to me that I could mow the lawn if you – ‘ ‘Oh, Graham did it for me,' she said, ‘but that's so sweet of you. Come in and have a coffee.' She chatted as she moved around the kitchen. She was wearing old cut-off jeans and a T-shirt; they showed how thin she was, but her hair was shiny again, the way he usually thought of it. He could see the twin girls, lying out on the freshly mown lawn on a blanket, both with headphones in, listening to their iPods. ‘How are you?' Mary asked, sitting down beside him. He could not think why she sounded so concerned; then he remembered that he had found time to tell her, yesterday, during his brief visit, that he and Kay had split up. ‘I'm OK,' he said. ‘Probably for the best.' She smiled and patted his arm. ‘I heard last night,' he said, his mouth a little dry, ‘that you might be moving.' ‘News travels fast in Pagford,' she said. ‘It's just an idea. Theresa wants me to move back to Liverpool.' ‘And how do the kids feel about that?' ‘Well, I'd wait for the girls and Fergus to do their exams in June. Declan's not so much of a problem. I mean, none of us wants to leave †¦' She melted into tears in front of him, but he was so happy that he reached out to touch her delicate wrist. ‘Of course you don't †¦' ‘†¦ Barry's grave.' ‘Ah,' said Gavin, his happiness snuffed out like a candle. Mary wiped her streaming eyes on the back of her hand. Gavin found her a little morbid. His family cremated their dead. Barry's burial had only been the second he had ever attended, and he had hated everything about it. Gavin saw a grave purely as a marker for the place where a corpse was decomposing; a nasty thought, yet people took it into their heads to visit and bring flowers, as though it might yet recover. She had got up to get tissues. Outside on the lawn, the twins had switched to sharing a set of headphones, their heads bobbing up and down in time to the same song. ‘So Miles got Barry's seat,' she said. ‘I could hear the celebrations all the way up here last night.' ‘Well, it was Howard's †¦ yeah, that's right,' said Gavin. ‘And Pagford's nearly rid of the Fields,' she said. ‘Yeah, looks like it.' ‘And now Miles is on the council, it'll be easier to close Bellchapel,' she said. Gavin always had to remind himself what Bellchapel was; he had no interest in these issues at all. ‘Yeah, I suppose so.' ‘So everything Barry wanted is finished,' she said. Her tears had dried up, and the patches of high angry colour had returned to her cheeks. ‘I know,' he said. ‘It's really sad.' ‘I don't know,' she said, still flushed and angry. ‘Why should Pagford pick up the bills for the Fields? Barry only ever saw one side of it. He thought everyone in the Fields was like him. He thought Krystal Weedon was like him, but she wasn't. It never occurred to him that people in the Fields might be happy where they are.' ‘Yeah,' said Gavin, overjoyed that she disagreed with Barry, and feeling as if the shadow of his grave had lifted from between them, ‘I know what you mean. From all I've heard about Krystal Weedon – ‘ ‘She got more of his time and his attention than his own daughters,' said Mary. ‘And she never even gave a penny for his wreath. The girls told me. The whole rowing team chipped in, except Krystal. And she didn't come to his funeral, even, after all he'd done for her.' ‘Yeah, well, that shows – ‘ ‘I'm sorry, but I can't stop thinking about it all,' she said frenetically. ‘I can't stop thinking that he'd still want me to worry about bloody Krystal Weedon. I can't get past it. All the last day of his life, and he had a headache and he didn't do anything about it, writing that bloody article!' ‘I know,' said Gavin. ‘I know. I think,' he said, with a sense of putting his foot tentatively on an old rope bridge, ‘it's a bloke thing. Miles is the same. Samantha didn't want him to stand for the council, but he went ahead anyway. You know, some men really like a bit of power – ‘ ‘Barry wasn't in it for power,' said Mary, and Gavin hastily retreated. ‘No, no, Barry wasn't. He was in it for – ‘ ‘He couldn't help himself,' she said. ‘He thought everyone was like him, that if you gave them a hand they'd start bettering themselves.' ‘Yeah,' said Gavin, ‘but the point is, there are other people who could use a hand – people at home †¦' ‘Well, exactly!' said Mary, dissolving yet again into tears. ‘Mary,' said Gavin, leaving his chair, moving to her side (on the rope bridge now, with a sense of mingled panic and anticipation), ‘look †¦ it's really early †¦ I mean, it's far too soon †¦ but you'll meet someone else.' ‘At forty,' sobbed Mary, ‘with four children †¦' ‘Plenty of men,' he began, but that was no good; he would rather she did not think she had too many options. ‘The right man,' he corrected himself, ‘won't care that you've got kids. Anyway, they're such nice kids †¦ anyone would be glad to take them on.' ‘Oh, Gavin, you're so sweet,' she said, dabbing her eyes again. He put his arm around her, and she did not shrug it off. They stood without speaking while she blew her nose, and then he felt her tense to move away, and he said, ‘Mary †¦' ‘What?' ‘I've got to – Mary, I think I'm in love with you.' He knew for a few seconds the glorious pride of the skydiver who pushes off firm floor into limitless space. Then she pulled away. ‘Gavin. I – ‘ ‘I'm sorry,' he said, observing with alarm her repulsed expression. ‘I wanted you to hear it from me. I told Kay that's why I wanted to split up, and I was scared you'd hear it from someone else. I wouldn't have said anything for months. Years,' he added, trying to bring back her smile and the mood in which she found him sweet. But Mary was shaking her head, arms folded over her thin chest. ‘Gavin, I never, ever – ‘ ‘Forget I said anything,' he said foolishly. ‘Let's just forget it.' ‘I thought you understood,' she said. He gathered that he should have known that she was encased in the invisible armour of grief, and that it ought to have protected her. ‘I do understand,' he lied. ‘I wouldn't have told you, only – ‘ ‘Barry always said you fancied me,' said Mary. ‘I didn't,' he said frantically. ‘Gavin, I think you're such a nice man,' she said breathlessly. ‘But I don't – I mean, even if – ‘ ‘No,' he said loudly, trying to drown her out. ‘I understand. Listen, I'm going to go.' ‘There's no need †¦' But he almost hated her now. He had heard what she was trying to say: even if I weren't grieving for my husband, I wouldn't want you. His visit had been so brief that when Mary, slightly shaky, poured away his coffee it was still hot.

Abnormal Psychology Background and Perspective Essay

A lot of the human behavior and mental process could be explained by psychology. This course allowed me to view abnormal psychology in a bit of a different light. I was able to apply the information learned while relating it psychopathology. Taking this course has further improved my understanding of mental disorders/illnesses. I have also learned different treatment and many perspectives relating to abnormal psychology. This class has allowed me to think critically about mental disorders in addition to learning about scientific inquiry. Abnormal psychology is the behavior or thought that cause social, cognitive, and emotional problems for an individual. Abnormal thought or behaviors that disrupt an individual’s functioning are due to a psychological disorder. It is important to be able to understand characteristics of abnormal behavior in order to distinguish a person with a psychological disorder. These characteristics deviate from what society deems to be normal. Some classifications of abnormal behaviors are social deviance, personal distress, unusualness, danger to one’s self or to others and maladaptive behavior. All these traits need attention and diagnosis. A person with abnormal behavior can have a lifestyle full of discomfort, conflict and unhappiness. This does not only have an effect on the individual but can also affect others. A behavior that is normal in one region could be abnormal in another. Different cultures may consider a behavior in another culture abnormal and vice versa. Each culture also has a different treatment and approach towards mental disorders. There are different types of normality levels for an individual’s behavior. In this class the focus was on the approach that the western culture has towards mental disorders. Abnormal psychology could be explained by a number of different perspectives such as biological, psychological or sociocultural. An approach towards mental disorder is diathesis-stress paradigm. This â€Å"paradigm is an integrative paradigm that links genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors† (p.62). For example a person that genetically prone; stress from the environment could trigger a mental disorder. If there isn’t any environmental stress, than the mental disorder may never be triggered. This paradigm does a good job in explaining how these factors can contribute to mental disorders. Most psychologists believe that cognitive behavior therapy is the most effective and efficient treatment for mental disorders. â€Å"Cognitive behavior therapy incorporates theory and research on cognitive processes such as thoughts, perceptions, judgments, self statements, and tacit assumptions† (p.51). This therapy treats the disorder by applying behavioral principles of learning. This gives the individual to reconstruct his/her thoughts in a positive manner. Usually a disorder leaves a pers on hopeless, but this treatment helps the individual to have control over their thoughts or feelings. Not only did I learn how to think critically, I also learned about different types of research method. Mental disorders is disturbs a person’s thoughts and which could lead to an emotional experience. Life can be difficult for a person with a mental disorder. They often have difficulty maintaining a relationship or keeping a job. The absence of treatment could make life unbearable for a person suffering a mental disorder. This class has helped me understand the different types of mental disorder and how to diagnose and treat them.

Topics Discussed in Class - My Participation in Class Assignment - 1

Topics Discussed in Class - My Participation in Class - Assignment Example As consumer earnings converge across nations, the manifestation of value differences will turn into a much stronger factor than expected. This happening makes it increasingly significant to comprehend values of nationwide cultures along with their impact on consumer behaviours and action. Retailing plans for one nation cannot be extended to other nations without adaptation. During my own research, I focused more on the convergence and divergence in consumer behaviour. Basically, a firm has to come up with sells techniques that meet with the limitations of their consumers in a particular market. For instance, when setting the price of a commodity, it is vital for a firm to ensure that the commodity is priced according to the consumer it targets. This means that factors such as consumer income or needs will dictate how much an asset could be priced by an organisation. Presenter 1: Main Arguments Marketers should endeavour to abide by each and every country’s regulations and laws . They should also make efforts to keep up with the regulations and laws, which change frequently and, finally, clarify ambiguous regulations, which concern their activities (Stock & Lambert, 2008, 35). Presenter 1 basically focused on the socio-economic, political, legal and regulatory environments that concern a business. According to presenter 1, the socio-economic, political, legal and regulatory factors that concern a business basically comprise of the political environment, a nation’s sovereignty, democracy, totalitarianism among others. The political environment, as expected, is made up of governmental institutions along with the manning political parties (Mooij, 2004, 98). The presenter advises that a firm has to buy into a nation’s political beliefs in order to be able to venture into that country. The presenter also goes further to argue that a country regime is the one that decides whether a firm will invest in their nation or not, and; therefore, the import ance of a firm to be accepted by the regime. Presenter 2: Main Arguments Before a firm start to sell its products, they should come up with a well planned technique of delivering their services or goods to their target market, as well as a proper way of distributing them there (Lymbersky, 2008, 23). Since presenter 2 was dealing with international market entry strategy, he referred to this as establishing, as well as managing/maintaining contracts with foreign nations. Basically, the presenter thinks that a majority of companies successfully conduct their activities in a niche market devoid of ever expanding into fresh markets. However, businesses attain success or increased sales, business stability and brand awareness through entering a new market. Therefore, a key technique should be devised for helping firms incorporate themselves into new markets. Forming a market entry strategy concerns a methodical analysis of possible customers, as well as potential competitors (Stock & Lamb ert, 2008, 36). A number of the relevant factors, according to the presenter, which are significant in deciding the possibility of entry into a specific market comprise of localised knowledge, trade barriers, competition and price localisation along with export subsidies. The presenter advises that if a firm is aware of these factors, then they stand a chance of venturing into a new market effectively. My Contribution to Topic 1 Even though, the physical environment is not regarded as one

TELUS company Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

TELUS company - Research Paper Example This paper gives a detailed case analysis of TELUS Corporation and describes its current financial status. Keywords: telecommunication industry, competitive advantage, business strategy TELUS Case Analysis The telecommunication industry is viewed as being highly dynamic and is characterized by ever growing competition. The communication industry has gone through a revolution from the postage of hand written letters, to telephone communication and to mass communication through wireless gadgets and the internet (Rens, 2001). TELUS Corporation is one of the key telecommunication companies competing in the global market for customers’ usage and advancing communication technology. The company focuses on more than the telephone services by allowing use of IP, data, voice and wireless technology to provide their customers with fast, convergent, efficient and convergent solutions. The company was started in Alberta in 1990 and entered into a merger with BCTel in 1999. Currently, the c orporation provides services in entertainment, internet, video, satellite, internet access and voice services. The corporation is considered to be the third largest telecommunication operator in Canada having approximately 7 million customers. The company’s major competition comes from Roger with over 8 million users and Bell with slightly over 7 million users. In 2010, the company posted annual revenue of over 9 billion dollars (TELUS Corporation). The condition of the industry environment is favorable since the number of wireless subscribers in the Canadian market is fast growing and has a medium level penetration. The 21st century has presented the corporation with new challenges which have had an impact on its financial status. The major challenge facing the company is the high level of competition that is experienced in the telecommunication industry (Aburdene, 2007). It can be observed that although the company is among the largest mobile operators in Canada, it takes u p the lowest market share. Rogers has 36 percent, Bell has 29 percent while TELUS has 28 percent. Recent studies have found out that the company’s market share is affected by three major aspects. First, the brand awareness of the company’s products and services is relatively lower in comparison to the other two key players. Secondly, their variation strategy is poor and fails to yield the desired results. Finally, the company’s average price is higher, for example it is 38 percent higher than Bell’s and 7.58 percent higher than Rogers’. The company faces increased competition as it operates in the deregulated market place. The competition does not only arise from the giant telecommunication company but also from emerging companies that provide improved services such as the IP telephone (Aburdene, 2007). Here, the greatest challenge is holding on to their market share and remaining at the top of all market segments. The competition in the market has been intensified by dynamic customer needs and high levels of consumer sovereignty. Consumers can easily switch their good and service providers in the telecommunication industry depending on their tastes and preferences (Aburdene, 2007). The company is advised to adopt the use of the latest technology in order to satisfy needs of the customers and to compete

Interview on perceptions of a product or service and ways of Assignment

Interview on perceptions of a product or service and ways of motivating customers and increasing customer satisfaction - Assignment Example The product is intended to be utilised as a night and day-wearing product, wearable under make-up as an all-day moisturizer, designed to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The Time Zone line contains a blend of antioxidants, Vitamin C and exclusive Cell Vector technology that assist in not only skin hydration, but to repair cellular damage. The product’s trademarked Tri-HA Cell Signalling Complex is included in the product in order to motivate skin to increase production of the natural hyaluronic acid that plumps up skin and reverse the signs of normal aging (Estee Lauder 2013). The product retails between ?70 and ?105 for a 48.19 gram product and 70.87 gram portion, respectively. This product is positioned as a luxury product on the market, backed by 67 years of competitive branding and promotion and is therefore targeted to the high resource buyer. 2. Perception, motivation and satisfaction – A review of literature Perceptions of product value impacts consumer satisfaction (Tam 2004). However, what is considered to be valuable is unique to different consumer segments based on their lifestyles, beliefs, resource availability, and assessment of how the product can provide meaning or self-expansion to the consumer. When consumers attempt to interpret marketing communications and product value, they often rely on stereotypes and the halo effect, which is where perceived value of one product offered by the marketer extends into other product brands. The halo effect involves pre-established trust in a branded product that translates into consumer perceptions that other products by the same manufacturer will be equally valuable (Schiffman and Kanuk 2010; BBC News 2005); a form of brand trust leading to brand loyalty. Estee Lauder products have been positioned as luxury products since the 1950s, with some of the first contracts for distribution established with U.S.-based high-end retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue. Celebrity endorsemen ts have been utilised for decades illustrating endorsers sharing aspirational characteristics relevant to consumers that are motivated by credible and attractive famous figures. Thus, Estee Lauder products are generational and the brand has been a common household name in beauty enhancement, with considerable brand awareness and loyalty with certain target markets. Escalas and Bettman (2005) state that brands become symbolic especially when they are tied to celebrity involvement; taking on perceived characteristics of glitz, aspiration and charm when consumers compare the ability of the product to enhance their self-image. When attempting to understand perception, it is necessary to highlight the aspirational opportunities of certain luxury brands, especially those that influence advancement of the consumers’ social status and reference group affiliation (Kim, Forsythe, Gu and Moon 2002). In fact, O’Cass and McEwen (2004) identify the phenomenon of status consumption, in which buyers of a product select the brand as a means of showing their social status in order to achieve some form of psychological satisfaction. This is where stereotypes come into play for marketers since many luxury consumers are very concerned about their role in affiliation with important reference group figures. Estee Lauder has been able to create an aspirational brand that is perceived by many consumer segments as being viable for improving their social lives

Coursework on Employment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Coursework on Employment - Essay Example An employment agreement can also confirm the status of employment. 3 This may at will or at a specified term, length of term of employment. The employer can clearly define the minimum commitments and obligations for both the employer and employee and , if the agreement is well drafted, this can minimize disputes based upon the termination of the employment relationship by clearly setting forth the terms under which the employer and employee may separate. Under the law employers are required to give their employees a written statement with regards to the details relating to the contract of employment. 4 However, the law does not prescribe the actual substantive content of the terms of employment as long as it does not divert from the objective of the law. It is stipulated that what is actually required is that the particulars can be set out in a formal contract or written statement. It must indicate the particulars in a single document but cross-reference can be made to other documents in respect to sickness and pensions entitlements and disciplinary and grievance procedures. These documents should be easily accessible such as in a employee handbook and pension rulebook. The data that must be indicated in the written contract of employment must include the name of the employer and employee, the date when the employment is to commence, the rate of renumeration, the schedule at which the renumeration is to be paid, terms and conditions relating _____________________ 3 Black's Law Dictionary 75 (8th Ed. 2004) 4 Employment Rights Act 1996 (c. 18), part 1, Employment Particulars, Right to Statements of Employment Particulars Serapio 3 to hours of work, holidays, holiday pay, sick pay, pension schemes, notice entitlements, job title, term of employment, place of work, details of disciplinary and grievance procedures and details of any collective agreements which affect the terms and conditions of the employment. Subsequently, the written agreement contract must be given not later than two months after the beginning of the employee's employment and any changes thereat must be relevant to the matters which must be confirmed to the employee by way of a written notice to be given at the

Impact of Nursing Theory comment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Impact of Nursing Theory comment - Essay Example The most critical elements of transformational theory are the individualized theory and motivation (Rogolosi & Rigolosi, 2005). The most significant element in the workplace is the care and concern afforded to the nurses by their nurse leaders (Rogolosi & Rigolosi, 2005). In this case, individualized consideration entails offering support and encouragement, which promotes interpersonal relations between the nurses and their leaders. This, as articulated, promotes openness between the leader and the nurses and offers an avenue through which they can share ideas and direct recognition. This creates a high sense of autonomy and satisfaction among the nurse workers. This, in turn, has effects on the delivery of care to the patients and the attainment of set goals by the organization (Rogolosi & Rigolosi, 2005). The example outlined on how transformational model can best be used in an administrative setup portrays the two most significant aspects of the theory. This example demonstrates a nurse leader who inspires the rest of the nurses and offering support and encouragement, which promotes interpersonal relations between the nurses and their leaders. By developing a focus group, the manager takes huge steps in creating interpersonal relationships and openness within the

Extra cridit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Extra cridit - Essay Example This is one of the most applied contemporary philosophies, since it explains human behavior, morality and decision-making. The theory classifies motives of people into three broad descriptions, which are the ego, the id and the super-ego. This theory also categorizes various personalities and answers the question why people are different. The main theory that guides this contention is determinism theory, which argues that the past, the present and the future are all interconnected. Arguably, another key theory that is also universally applicable developed by Sigmund Freud, is the human psyche theory. These theories are connectable to various political situations and numerous people have tried to implement these theories in a political context. By nature, most people argue that Sigmund Freud was a conservative. However, throughout his life, he underwent various first hand mistreatments from the politicians, such as the invasion of his house by Nazi Germany troops when he was in his la te seventies. Sigmund’s psychoanalytic theory holds a variety of views. Primarily, the philosopher indicates that the nature of decisions we make, or the type of personality we exhibit is located in three parts of our minds, which are the ego, super ego and the id. ... From the id, Freud introduces the ego, which operates under the principal of reality. In this contention, the philosopher argues that the ego works to satisfy the wants of the brain, through socially acceptable ways. As such, the ego is in touch with reality and functions to control our intrinsic desires to a context that is socially acceptable. From the ego, Freud then introduces the super-ego, which is more complex, and acquired as during a person’s lifetime. Behaviors that people in the society view as good or bad are inscribed in our super ego. Thus, the super-ego suppresses our morally unacceptable desires from the id and cultivates good behavior and morality from the ego. It thus works to ensure that the id operates under morality, and that the ego operates on idealism as opposed to reality. Though this is a psychoanalytic theory developed to assist people understand the various desires and personalities of people, it has been a guiding principle in the development of nu merous political philosophies. For instance, it is evident that theories such as idealism and realism are derived from this psychoanalytic theory. Freud’s introduction about reality and about idealism are the birthing principles for most political theories. Idealism and realism are two philosophies that could be held by leaders. The philosophy each leader holds determines the social and economic development limits of a nation. Idealists believe that things should be as one wants them to be, hence pushing people to pursue their desires in socially acceptable ways, whereas realism holds the argument that things have to be practical and pragmatic,

United States History Essay Example for Free

United States History Essay The political, economic and social background of English colonialism during the period of 1603-1763 in North America envisions the great thought of European period of exploration because of its ever-forgotten influence in the New World. In early sixteenth century, many colonies were established in North America and among them the Southern and Central areas of English settlement were discovered to benefit more profit from their landlords of English kingdom. As the colonies maintained the international plan of trade extraction, they have close allegiance with indigenous population. The importance of changing economic and political relationships between the Indians and Englishmen seemed to be an essential issue in the history of North America. It created a sensation to develop the growth of awareness in both Whites and Indians because of their business contacts. To protect themselves and to maintain the business of commercial extractions and to maintain the freedom of religious beliefs, the colonies were established a democratic government during their ruling time period in England. Because of close contact with indigenous population of North America, colonists were faced with varied set of societies who were fundamentally different from the societies in Europe. Most of the colonists treated the native people as ferocious and envisioned them as an icon to structure the society. In a work, The Rediscovery of North America (1990), Lopez says, †¦ the physical destruction of a local landscape to increase the wealth of people who dont live there, or to supply materials to buyers in distant places who will never know the destruction that process leaves behind . The main feature that resulted by English colonization was massive immigration, which brought out the concept of multiculturalism. Broadly speaking, colonialism forms the economic and political strategies of domination with the principles self-government over the population. The other essential feature of English colonization in North America in the period of 1607-1763 was the European global expansionism, which was treated in late fifteenth century with an emphasis on English expansionism in North America. Basically, the European immigration to the America had been studied in histories, diaries and classics. The main purpose of European immigration to America may be to get freedom from religious discrimination and to develop economic strategy. The negative aspect, by the European settlers when entered the America during fifteenth century was lose of population by dreadful diseases like small pox, measles. Because of this reason, European settlement drastically reduced the North America population. As the colonists brought a wide range of deadly diseases from European cities and spread in North America, most of the people of North America were suffered, as they had no immunity to protect from dreadful diseases. Because of the European settlement, the North America faced many critical situations by colonization. Thus the struggle between European imperial powers and the social, economic, and political issues of late fifteenth and sixteenth centuries in North America were remained as the memorable milestone in American history. On the other side, the invasion of European global expansionism brought out the Western civilization in the New World, by the introduction of four major common languages. 1) English 2) Spanish 3) Portuguese 4) French. The colonies introduced many European concepts to the Americas such as European written form of communication, their form of government, and European technological knowledge of science, medicine and art to develop the world to a great extent. Hence the English colonization in North America was placed a dynamic position into the global political economy in the period 1603-1763 and became as a source of narrative to many authors to portray the ever last moment of American history. References: Lopez, Barry. The Rediscovery of North America. Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 1990. Marx, Leo. The Machine in the Garden: Technology and the Pastoral ideal in America . New York: Oxford University Press, 1964. McCall, Barbara. The European Invasion. (Native American Culture. Jordan E. Kerber, series editor. ) Rourke Publications, Inc. , 1994. Roger L. Nichols. The American Indian: Past and Present, 4th Edition. McGraw-Hill, 1992. Wood, Marion. DOttavi, Francesca, illus. Myths and Civilization of the Native Americans. Peter Bedrick Books, 1998.

This Years Underwater Madness Essay Example for Free

This Years Underwater Madness Essay The film chosen is called Shark Tale a story bout the little fish with a big dream. Actors Courtesy of DreamWorks This animated film created by Dream Works has chosen only the very best for such a film, featuring: * Will smith as the voice of Oscar in the film. * The award winning Robert De Niro with his strong role as the voice of Don Lino The don of the great white Sharks. * The Oscar winning Renà ©e Zellweger, here as the voice of Angie. * The beautiful Angelina as the voice of Lola. * Jack Black in his very comical role as the voice of Lenny. * Martin Scorsese as the voice of Sykes. The running time is 90 minutes (1hr 30mins). Certified PG (Parental Guidance) The cartoon images in Shark Tale are well presented, with the anthropomorphic fish taking on the facial characteristics of their voice actors. The Plot The film is about a fish with no money and high aspirations and all he wants to do is earn money and become famous, we see Will Smiths Oscar imagine himself on billboards and in movies because thats all he sees and when meeting a very beautiful fish Angelina Jolie named Lola his dreams become even more important because her interest in guys involves how heavy their wallet is. He carries this too far when placing a bet on a horse when he thinks a race is fixed, placing 5,000 clams (the underwater currency) he loses the bet and the person he owed money to has his hit man deal with him, before they can get to him sharks turn up, one being a vegetarian cant eat him, his brother son of the Don gets hit bye an anchor. My Personal Opinion I thought this film was very entertaining and quite comical it had a spark to it and was very good for the little children, they would adore a film like this one, especially it being released after Finding Nemo it gave it some competition though Finding Nemo did come out on top. Comedy even on the emotional parts all round good film must be watched and great for the family.

Causes of Concrete Failure

Causes of Concrete Failure Concrete and steel are materials commonly used in building construction. Concrete is formed by mixture of aggregates which are sand and stone, and bonded together by water and cement with the proper ratio of 1:2:4 or 1:3:6 which is commonly used. Steel is a material that is manufactured under carefully controlled condition by which its properties are determined in a laboratory. Combining concrete and steel gives increased strength to resist heavy loads to increase the lifetime of the structure. Even though concrete and steel give many advantages on building, they can also cause failure to the structure thru the impropriate procedure work, and lacks of efficient control and monitoring mechanism (A.M. Neville, 2002),which happen to the concrete column at the building of University of Technology Mara (Ismail M, 2005). The list of previous dissertation topics by building surveying students shows that there has never been a study or research done on concrete failure in the Industrial Zone. Due to the importance of awareness and understanding of concrete failure, the dissertation topic on The Causes Effects of Concrete Failure on Residential Building Surrounding Industrial Zone is chosen for research and case study. The idea on this topic also came when conducting condition survey on the Shah Alam Commercial building where it is important to understand the effects of the emissions produced from industrial area to the concrete structures in order to prevent concrete failure. The aim of dissertation is to give an insight on the causes of the defects, share what measures are taken by the building authority to prevent it and to find the result on the majority causes of the failure and its effect in real case study. The objectives of dissertations are: To study the causes and effects of concrete failure to the building structure To investigate and study the causes and effects of concrete failure of the real life cases i.e buildings in the industrial areas To come up with recommendations to prevent or minimise the concrete failure The scopes of the dissertation are: Literature review on concrete, type of cement and causes of the concrete failure. Case study on the affected residential buildings surrounding industrial zone at section 25 Shah Alam, Klang Valley, and Petaling Jaya. Produce questionnaire and conduct interviews with the contractors, clients, consultant or building maintenance personnel. Analysis of the results based on site observations, reports and interviews To give recommendations based on the result to prevent or minimise the concrete failure on structure. Below shows the procedures to reach the goal for my dissertation. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY CASE STUDY FINDINGS ANALYSIS RESULT (Goal) RECOMMENDATION The dissertation consists of 6 chapters. The dissertation starts with the introduction of the project which includes scopes, objective, and the aims of the project which are stated as chapter 1. Chapter 2 is a literature review on concrete. This includes description on the history of concrete and cement, different types of cement, sources and causes of concrete failure and the main theories of the concrete failure. Chapter 3 discusses the analysis and results of the interviews and questionnaires on concrete failure. The experiences of the relevant people interviewed will be shared in this chapter. Chapter 4 gives the detailed report of the case study including the site condition surveying results which consists of the study of building condition. The investigation and site observation on the causes and sources of defects and the remedies will be discussed. The analysis of the findings and the results of the case study will be captured in chapter 5 which include graphs and discussions. Based on the results, the effectiveness of the remedies will be evaluated in this chapter. The last chapter will conclude the case study and gives recommendations which includes the procedures on preparation and designing a building. Literature Review Introduction There are several impact which carried to the failure of the building. Basicly, failure to the structure such as piling, foundation, ground soil and etc which end up to the disaster or collapsion to the building where blamed appointed to the engineer in-charge and question that unable to explained. In the end, discussion for solving the problem is issue which has proven to the collapsion of Pulbic Work Department at Petaling Jaya (Star Biz, 2009). Therefore, the problems to the concrete which causes by human error during development procedure can be classified as four (4) categories as follow(Zarina Isnin, 2010) :- Design deficiencies Construction error Material defect Maintenance deficiencies However, the purposed of the study is only concerned on the causes and effects to the concrete failures without any concerning specific on the structure ability. Literature review on this chapter which started with the description on the history of concrete and cement and follow by the classification of cement. The objectives of this chapter is to explained the behaviour of the concrete such as sources of failures and its effects based on the facts of previous study and research. History of Concrete and Cement. In around 2,500 BC, Pyramids was the first recorded structure to used cement. The ancient Egyptian constructed Pyramid by mixing mud with straw to bind dried bricks and by adding gypsum cement and lime.Then, the Greek and the Roman found that by adding lime and water, sand and crushed stone or brick and broken tiles, its produce compressional strength and created the first structural material known as concrete. The Pantheon in Rome, was recorded the first structure used concrete mixture and proven of the success of Roman invention which still standing until today. In 1756, concrete was modernise by the British engineer, John Smeaton by mixing powered brick into the cement and adding pebbles as a coarse aggregate. In 1824, Portland Cement was invented by the english inventor, Joseph Aspdin by burning ground limestone and clay together which change the chemical properties of the materials and produce high quality of cement. It became the first true artificial cement ever produce and re mained its production until today. 20 years later, the parisian inventor, Joseph Monier invented reinforce concrete, which are the combination of concrete and steel which produce the tensile or bendable strength of metal and the compressional strength of concrete to withstand heavy loads (C.L. Page And M.M. Page, 2007). Classification of Cement Cement are categorise as two (2) categories which are Hydraulic Cement and High Alumina Cement. Hydraulic Cement is the cement that set and hardened under chemical reaction. Its can be classified into Natural Cement, Aluminious Cement and Portland Cement. The most used or well known is the Portland Cement (PC) which is high demand in market that are used in the construction and building industries or use as solution to problems for engineer. By changing or reducing or increasing the chemical properties of the compenent can produces another different types of PC and different purposed in construction industry (V.S. Ramachandran, 1984). However, theirs several types of PC are used in malaysia construction industry. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) at figure 2.3 (a) is the most important type of cement which commonly used in construction and building industries which can be purchase at the local building supply store. The OPC was classified into three grades, namely 33 grade, 43 grade and53 grade depending upon the strength of the cement at 28 days when tested as per IS 4031-1988. But the actual strength obtained by these cements at the factory are much higher than the specifications. In the other hand, the production of Rapid Hardening Portland Cement (RHPC) at figure 2.3 (b) is similar to Ordinary Portland Cement (ORC). This cement develops its strength rapidly which give advantages in construction industry where its development at the age of three (3) days, which give the same strength of seven (7) days development to ORC. Although, the RHPC set its development in short period, it is not known as Quick-Setting Portl and Cement (QSPC), but it is well known as High Early Strength Cement because of its development product. The RHPC are widely used in construction industry as Industrial Building System compenent such as prefabricated concrete construction where the formwork is required to be removed in early stage for other use. In other purpose of RHPC are used for road repair works, and in cold weather concrete where the rapid rate of development of strength reduces the vulnerability of concrete to the frost damage (Dr. Hanizah A.H, 1997). Fact showing that OPC is low resistance of the attack of sulphates which produces in ground soil and other particular action. Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement (SRPC) at figure 2.3 (c) give protection to the concrete from chemical attack. Therefore, it is high demand cement which hardly found at the local store rather then OPC. Their normally used at the high concentration of sulphate such as at marine condition area, in foundation and basement, fabrication of pipes which likely buried in sulphate bearing soils, and in sewage treatment or repairs works. Sulphate attack occur during the frame work of hardened cement paste which results the expansion on the paste and produce defect such cracks and subsequent disruption. Attack of the Sulphate is greatly accelerate by alternate wetting and drying which normally takes place before and after the building development which result in the future (Dr. Hanizah A.H, 1997). Quick Setting Portland Cement (QSPC) at figure 2.3 (d) indicates sets very early where setting of property is brought out by reducing the gypsum content at the time of clinker grinding. It is required to be mixed, placed and compacted at early stage and mostly used under water construction and repair work where pumping is involved which has been use during the construction of smart tunnel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia figure 2.3 (f). Use of QSPC in such conditions reduces the pumping time and makes it economical. QSPC may also find its use in some typical grouting operations. For manufacturing various Colored Portland Cements (CPC) at figure 2.3 (e), either white cement or grey Portland cement is used as a base because of white cement is costly. Basicly, the CPC is generally use as decorative work and its production is from mixing several percentages of pigment with portland cement which form to grey or red or brown (Dr. Hanizah A.H, 1997). Theories about concrete failure Knowledge and understanding the behaviour of the concrete or in other words Durability of Concrete are most important to the engineer or developer to prevent the concrete fail to serve its purpose as durable material. Durability of concrete is defined as its resistance to deteriorating influences which may through inadvertence or ignorance reside in the concrete itself, or which are inherent in the environment to which it is exposed.(Wood H, 1968). Previous study, proved that their are several theories causing the concrete to reduce its strength and its capability which can be either external or internal factor. The behaviour can be either physical, chemical, or mechanical which can damaged the concrete indirect or direct processes (A.M Neville, 2002). Therefore, the physical theory which causes the concrete loss its performanance which either by the effect of the high temperature or differences in thermal expansion of aggregates. Infact, the alternating freezing and thawing of concrete and the associated action of de-icing salt are the combination of physical and chemical processes which likely as contraction and expansion process where normally takes long periods of time to give its result. However, the chemical process normally take places at external area where the chemical attack mainly from the aggressive ions likely as chlorides, sulphates, or carbon dioxide, which mainly produces by the natural or industrial. Other theory was the mechanical process which either made by the abrasion, erosion, cavitation or loads impact (A.M. Neville, 1995). But however, sources of the concrete failure can be considers into two (2) factors (C.L. Page And M.M. Page, 2007):- The environment factors The production factors. The Environmental factors The environment is one of the sources which something that cannot be controlled by human or in other words known as the act of God. Therefore, these factors can be categorise as (Edward A. Noy, 2005) :- Abrasion and Erosion, Climatic Condition, Atmospheric Pollution, Biological Attack, and Chemical Attack. Abrasion and Erosion Abrasion is the running surface or namely as landslide that cause by rain which are either direct or indirect fall to the unprotected surfaces which happen on high land area. However, the definition for the erosion is commonly similar with abrasion but different in process where it occur on force motion. Therefore, these two factors can occur either by human action or forces of nature (Edward A. Noy, 2005). Climatic Condition Commonly, the most effected surface on concrete are at the exterior area on building. Therefore, the design of the concrete at exterior area must be able to withstand the conditions that produced such as the weather or temperature changes, both daily and seasonal. The processes normally end up with cracking and spalling that may cause by expansion and contraction where the process takes long period of time to produce its result(Edward A. Noy, 2005). Atmospheric Pollution Atmospheric Pollution is one of the environment source which is not a new problem where the prevention was made since King Edward II of England in 12 century until today. Therefore, world new era of technology for economical purposed which made rapid growth of industrialized buildings for instance, factories where developed without realizing the impact to the environment such as emission of acidic and alkaline agents into atmosphere that is pollutant. These two compenent can cause failures to concrete where the aggressive reaction of both agents can overtake the compenent of the concrete which result in reducing the value of the concrete and causing corrosion problem in reinforced concrete bar. These problem not only effected the failures to concrete, but its also effected the human health which can cause illness, athsma, running nose, red eyes, and also can cause death (Harris,Samuel Y, 2005). Biological Attack Generally, every building will produce this type of problem which result in the growth of algae, fungi and bacteria to the concrete. These cause by the temperature different between internal and external of building where the temperature meet at dew-point and produce moisture to the concrete which to the growth that be solve by maintenance or temperture controlled (Edward A. Noy, 2005). Chemical Attack Chemical attack is the source that made the failures to concrete where the process involve the changing of the concrete compenent either by adding or increasing or reducing its compenent. The chemical attack which produce by rain and ground soil are carried acids and sulphate compenent. Chemical attack normally react during development where reaction of acids and soft water with the hardened cement, reaction of sulphates with aluminates in concrete, and reaction of alkalis with reactive aggregates in concrete (Ransom W.H, 1981). The Production Factors The production factor is involvement of human to controlled the concrete quality. To produce quality concrete, it can be categories as followed (Edward A. Noy, 2005):- Type of cement Type of aggregates Degree of compaction Water / Cement ratio. Type of Cement At chapter 2.3 are the several types of cement and its charactistic which are use in malaysia. The proper choice of cement use is important to produces concrete to protect its compenent from overtake by other deficiencies. However, by accurate measurement or calculation, can help the concrete to serve its ability without concerning its maintenance. Table 2.1 below show the measurement or calculation of cement which has been done by previous study (Edward A. Noy, 2005). Type of Aggregates Researcher proven that durable concrete can produced by good quality aggregates that are clean and free from impurities. Aggregates is used to decribe the gravel, crushed stones and the other materials which are mixed with cement water to make concrete. These can be classify as High Density aggregates, Normal aggregates and Light Weight aggregates. High-Density aggregate are classified as high specific gravity which are likely required in exceptional circumstances. However, Normal Density Aggregate specificed gravity between about 2.5 and 3.0 such as crushed rock, sand and gravel and broken bricks which happened in natural (Concrete Society, 1989). For the Light Weight Aggregate are the partical density or dry loose bulk density of less than 2000 kg/m3. Therefore, materials which can be considers as light weight aggregate are pumice, foamed lava, volcanic tuff and porous limestone which happened naturally. However, materials required processing which occurs naturally such as expanded clay, shale and slate are also consider as light weight aggregate. Other material which still consider as ligth aggregates such as sintered pulverised fuel ash (fly ash) aintered slate and colliery waste, foamed or expanded blast furnace slag that produce from industrial (Edward A. Noy, 2005). Degree of compaction Compaction or Vibration to the mixing concrete before drying process in progress are very important to prevent the failure not only to the concrete which also to the structure. The purposed of these method are to reduce the air which trapped during placing the concrete and to prevention of honeycomb on the concrete surfaces. Air contained inside concrete is about 5% every 75mm slumped and concrete with a 25mm slump may contain as much as 20%. If fully compaction or proper vibration procedure is made, concrete can result in strong, impermeable and durable otherwise, durability will be drastically reduced due to air voids in the concrete. As calculation was made, every 1% air contain in the concrete can reduce more than 5% loss of strength to the concrete and also reducing the bonding between concrete and reinforcement (A.M Neville, 2002). Water/Cement ratio As the engineering done the practice on the workability which are commonly conducted before applying it to the building as it compenent. One of the workability factor was water cement ratio which proven the most improtant part in producing quality concrete. Mixing of concrete should be applyed with lowest w/c ratio as possible and tested with compaction methods as mention previously inorder to produces durable and ability concrete. In engineering researches in german labratory, the practicles of the ratio give different spaces. The higher w/c ratio give more workability to the concrete compared to the lowest w/c ratio. Although, the high w/c ratio gives advantage on workability but it can reduce the concrete ability and effecting the hardening process at the early stage which can produce deficiencies to the concrete in the future. Therefore, figure 2.5 shows the differences spacing between cement practicles in different w/c ratio. Defect on Concrete As mention before, the sources of the concrete failure are from the environment factor and the production factor that been described at 2.4 and 2.5. The effects of these factor gives defect to concrete which are majority resulting in cracks. Some of the defects can be identified immediately and some cannot be recognised. As building surveyor, recognising defect and decision making on the problems are difficult part mostly to unidentify defect or unexplainable problems. Some of the solving method can be costly such as defect occured on foundation which effecting the structure compared to the defect occur to the concrete which can be easily done by owner himself. Figure 2.6 shows the identification of typical types of cracking to concrete surfaces which cause by this factors which has been study before. Deformation of the Surface Three defects cause deformation of the concrete surface, but may not exhibit any other symptoms. The first is curling or warping. This is the deformation of the edges and corners of a slab-on-ground in the absence of any loads. When caused by moisture, this deformation is called warping; when caused by temperature, it is called curling. The second defect is the delamination of surface mortar from underlying concrete. It is difficult to visually observe a delamination before it becomes dislodged from the surface. However, in small discrete locations, the surface may exhibit convex rising called blistering. Blisters are generally isolated, but may be closely spaced and can combine to form a large blister or delamination. A third defect occurs when isolated low spots on the surface collect water and have no means of drainage. These surface water pools are known as birdbaths. Cracking of the Surface Cracks appear in concrete for many reasons. Some cracks can appear as secondary symptoms of other defects, such as a long rounded crack following the structural failure of a warped slab. Discussed here are cracks that are primary symptoms of distress, caused by volume changes and structural failure. Shrinkage cracks have many different looks and can be e difficult to distinguish from cracks caused by other mechanisms. Discreet, parallel cracks that look like tearing of the surface are caused by shrinkage while the concrete is still fresh, called plastic shrinkage. Fine random cracks or fissures that may only be seen when the concrete is drying after being moistened are called crazing. This defect may also become evident when a translucent coating is applied to the concrete surface. Cracking that occurs in a three-point pattern is generally caused by drying shrinkage. Large pattern cracking, called map-cracking, can be caused by alkali-silica reaction within the concrete. Structural failure cracking may look like many other types of cracking; however, in slabs they are often associated with subsequent elevation changes, where one side of the crack is be lower than the other. Disintegration of the Surface Disintegration of the surface is generally caused by three types of distress. When laitance forms on the surface, it is called dusting. This can be caused by a number of reasons, which include carbonation of the surface by unventilated heaters or by applying water during finishing. Raveling or spalling at joints occurs when aggregates or pieces of concrete from the joint edges are dislodged. The last form of disintegration is the breaking of pieces from the surface of the concrete generally caused by delaminations and blistering. Popouts are conical fragments that come off the surface, typically leaving a broken aggregate at the bottom of the hole. Popoffs, or mortar flaking, is similar to popouts, except that the aggregate is not broken and the broken piece is generally smaller. Flaking of the concrete surface over a widespread area is called scaling. Types of cracks Popoffs, or mortar flaking, is similar to popouts, except that the aggregate is not broken and the broken piece is generally smaller. Flaking of the concrete surface over a widespread area is called scaling.

19th Century Theories in Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment Essay

19th Century Theories in Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment "I teach you the Superman. Man is something that has to be surpassed. What have you done to surpass him?" These words said by Friedrich Nietzsche encompass the theories present in Dostoevsky's nineteenth century novel, Crime and Punishment. Fyodor Dostoevsky, living a life of suffering himself, created the character of Raskolnikov with the preconceptions of his own sorrowful and struggling life. Throughout his exile in Siberia from 1849-1859, his sentiments of suffering, sorrow, and the common man surfaced and heightened, inspiring him to begin writing Crime and Punishment in 1859. The main motif in this novel is that of suffering. It is apparent that all characters, major and minor, experience some sort of internal or external affliction. The overall theme of the work is that all mortal men suffer, and that salvation can not be obtained unless this anguish is present. Dostoevsky's protagonist, Raskolnikov, must evolve and realize this fact to overcome his conflicts and reach the salvation of peace and tranquillity. Volumes and volumes of critique can be written on where this suffering originated, but Dostoevsky's main concentration and focus is not where, but why suffering must exist and how this suffering can be overcome. This is seen from the fact that throughout the six sections of the novel, only one section is focused on the origin of the torment - the Crime, and the remaining five sections are concentrated on Raskolnikov's path to overcoming this anguish - the Punishment. By focusing solely on the punishment, the internal an... ... all serve a justified purpose in benefiting his moral and rational states. He overcomes the common man through the salvation he obtains from this linear evolution of trials. He suffers not from Marxist classes, but from internal struggle, excluding him as a member of the proletariat, or common man. Though not physically or emotionally fit to survive, his confession becomes his salvation, his survival, and his disclaimer in the Darwin theory of surviving. The common man may survive because he is fit to survive, but Raskolnikov survives because he chooses to survive. Unlike Freud's theory that the everyday man lives his life through his ego, Raskolnikov makes his decisions based on his superego, doing things not just because it would be rational, but because that it the way it should be done. So then, "Is Raskolnikov a Superman?" Yes.

The Use of Suspense in Julius Caesar :: Julius Caesar Essays

The Use of Suspense in Julius Caesar Suspense can be defined as the uncertainties the reader feels about what will happen next in a story, or in this case, a play. William Shakespeare incorporated in Julius Caesar three very suspenseful events on which the whole play depends. The first suspenseful event of this play occurs when the conspirators join and discuss their reasons for assassination. Cassius feels that he is equal to Caesar, if not even better that him. Shakespeare builds suspense by using this statement made by Cassius: "I was born free as Caesar.../we both have fed as well, and we can both / endure the winter's cold as well as he." Then cassius tries to persuade Brutes to join in on the conspiracy by telling him that it would be honorable to assassinate Caesar. Cassius tells Brutes that the fate of Rome is in trouble with Caesar in power, which helps build suspense early in the play. To convince Brutes conclusively, cassius forged letters and threw them into Brutus's window where he was sure to find them. Shakespeare wrote this statement: "we will awake him and be sure of him. This is a very powerful statement that builds suspense because the reader most likely feels that Brutes will join in and want to assassinate Caesar, yet the reader is uncertain as to whether or not the plan will work. These events are very suspenseful as they lead up to the assassination of Caesar. The next series of suspenseful events that foreshadow Caesar's assassination happen on a very unusual night. One night before Caesar's death there were many strange occurrences the foreshadows darkness in the future. A lioness gave birth in the streets, the dead rose from their graves, fiery worriers fought in the clouds so fiercely that blood drizzled upon the capitol, horses neighed, dying men groaned, and ghosts shrieked and squealed along the streets; all events of this strange night that Shakespeare makes so suspenseful. Also on this unusual nigh, Calpurnia had a very frightening dream that was very suspenseful. The dream was of Caesar's statue emitting blood and many Romans were bathing in it. When the reader reads this he is "on the edge of his seat"

Pe Reflection

This semester has been great for me in terms of personal fitness. I have had the good fortune of having gym class and a foods class in the same semester. In combination I can stay fit and make healthy food choices which are key to being healthy. I am sure when I recap on my semester in PPL20 I will remember things I have learned, memorable moments, things that have really affected me as a person, some things that I did not enjoy and things I will remember in 5 years. There are a few things I have learned this semester in this class.I feel like the most things I have learned came from health class as we did not have a proper class to do units too in depth. I learned a lot about different drugs and their different names, short term effects, long term effects and legal status. We also learned about steroids and the different kinds of steroids. We also learned about a lot of different side effects and different dangers of steroids. I also learned about how to achieve success without ster oids. I also learned how to play badminton a lot better by placing the birdy away from the opponent on every hit and not hitting it in the middle.In the weight room I was able to apply what I learned from last year and from outside of school to be efficient in the weight room and finish lots of sets in a period of time. I felt pretty comfortable in most units that we studied. I think the biggest challenge for me was to play badminton because I am not really good at that sport. But I did feel like I really did improve a lot with the technique and where to place the birdie. I really enjoyed playing ringette and hockey because I do not play them often but I feel I should.I felt most comfortable in indoor sports that we did in class such as basketball, indoor soccer, and volleyball. I think I did well in those units because those were the sports I was most familiar with so it was easy to adjust to. I wish we could have gone more in depth in the rugby unit because I really do want to imp rove in the sport. I did have some difficulty in games of low organization because they would be usually sports or activities I have never played or heard of before so it would make it harder to adjust to the play style of the game. There were a few memorable moments throughout this semester in gym class.One memorable moment is when we had a lot of international students in our gym class and one of the Iraqi students got angry at Walter and said â€Å"You no good. † which is funny because didn’t know English well at the time. Other than that I do not think there were any other memorable moments during this semester in gym class. I think I have learned some things in this class that have affected me as a person. Most importantly something that really affected me as a person is that it is not how much you lift, it’s how you lift it is an important one since it will help me plenty when I am working out.Another important thing that has affected me is learning about what to do when working out. What I mean by that is to start with the bigger muscles and multi-joints first. It is going to save me lots of time on wasted workouts that do not work my body to their full potential. Another thing that has affected me as a person is understanding the true definition of character. Character is what people do when no one is watching, means that you shouldn’t act like one person when people around and then act like a completely different person when no one is watching. There were something’s that I did not enjoy while participating in this class.One thing for sure was basketball. I did not enjoy it because there was a large skill gap in out class so the good players were pretty much the only players that could touch the ball. I did not enjoy many of the games of low organization as I would much prefer to play sports I am familiar with but sometimes some of the games were fun. Sometimes I didn’t like badminton because it felt like we w ere playing it a lot during that month. There are a few things that I think that I will remember in 5 years. It all comes from the health unit we did at the end. I will definitely remember all the dangers of drugs.What I learned will help me make better decisions in the future. What we learned about steroids will also stick with me for a while. The dangers of steroids outweigh the benefits by a lot and it is not worth taking when you can be a natural athlete. In conclusion this semester has been great as I stated in my introduction. It has helped me become a better person and a better athlete. I will be able to use what I have learned this semester in class to assist me in next year’s gym class if I decide to take it and even to apply what I have learned to use from day to day.

Ex-convicts Re-entry into the Society Essay

The society treats the ex convicts with unfairness and injustice that they do not deserve. As much as they are responsible for all the deeds they do, the American society is not sorry for this treatment. It is envisaged that the purpose of any prison facility in the world is to correct the deviant behavior in a person in order to prepare the successful re-entry to the society a reformed person. However, this is does not seem to be the case for American ex-convicts in the 21st century. The ex-convict today is the neighborhood next door who we see daily and sometimes we have a relationship. The realization that one is a convict proves an insurmountable task to the individual to prove that he or she is a reformed person but the laws and policies do not recognize this. The biggest question that begs for an answer is why it is so such a serious matter? What is to be blamed or who is to be held culprit? Do we need a reformation of the current policies concerning life after prison? This research will concern on the reasons why ex-prisoners are not fully integrated back into the society even after prison and the factors lying behind such treatment from the society. The American prison today The concern lies on whether the prison today is doing the right work to bring the traits and qualities desired in the modern society in convicted persons. In America today, for one to achieve in life, education forms the most counting factor. It therefore means that securing a good job requires higher education while low education only warrants low and often stressful jobs. Prison statistics shows that about 75% of inmates did not complete high school and hence they lack the high school degree. In addition, there is an increase in the number of inmates who do not have high school diploma which means that an increase in crime is related to low education. This information means that for such convicts to be suited well in the society, one of the requirements in the prison is to offer education as the rehabilitative program. This ensures that recidivism is reduced by providing the required solution. Nevertheless, the prisons strategies of correcting the convict are different and emphasize on harsh and negative treatment. This deviates from the main purpose of prison. The Prison Commission on â€Å"Confronting Confinement† by Gibbons and Katzenbach (2006) report shows that, most of the prisons in America use excessive force in treating the inmates. The big picture is that the prison guards are just brutal enough to cause break of the heart even the hardiest of them. Bearing in mind that most of the inmates are convicted of rape, crime, robbery with violence, murder and drug abuse, the question of brutal and tough treatment does not make sense. This kind of correcting is opposite the logic of the actual reason of imprisonment. It only leads to a hardened ex-convict who feels that the society is against him or her. In fact, the situation in the prisons worsens the state of affairs. The â€Å"Prison nightmare† by Deparle (2007) clearly shows that the prison is a hell of a place that requires intervention from the state and the public. The life in prison is deplorable; conditions are inhumane, unhealthy, unproductive and violent. This really affects the staff and the inmates themselves due to the unending trauma and stress. The unfair treatment of inmates discriminating between race and class and the type of offence, makes the prison to be the devil rather than the savior to the community. The community must be protected from rogue persons who are not capable of maintaining the dogmas of the society. It is in this light that the prison must be seen as a failed system in our society. The rehabilitation programs like educational programs, drug rehabilitation and counseling programs were terminated in the twentieth century despite the increase in the population of prisons. Therefore, the fact is that most of the ex-convicts come back into the society to seek revenge armed wit nothing but hardness, pain, stress, trauma, mental disability and thus do not fit back in the society. The ex-convict life and its challenges It is clear now that the prison facilities are not living to their dreams as set to do by the constitution. The number of ex-convict is high today in comparison to the earlier centuries. The alarming news behind this large number is that they passed through the prison that we have already seen needs to do reforms, from the staff to the policies governing the correction and treatment of convicts. The persons with prison experience, due to lack of effective corrective measures, pose a threat to the community since they deviate more than the initial stage. In addition, most of the ex-convicts convicted of crime and drug are suffering from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases which is an alarm to security due the attitudes of most of these ex- convicts. On the other hand, after prison, life is no better for most of them due to low education, drugs and restrictive laws and policies. The society does not really accept them back and thus re-entry and acceptance makes life hard. This leads to the rise of recidivism and increased rate of crime from the same ex-prisoners. The first of these injustices is restriction from voting known as felon disenfranchisement. This law date back to the founding years of America claiming the ‘spotlessness of the poll box’ in 1884 (Manza & Uggen, 2006). The argument was that, felons could use their votes unlawfully to corrupt the ballot box and that since already they have first violated the social contract, then they can also corrupt the franchise responsibility. The view of this time was the ‘excellent government’ meaning that all issues that seemed or were perceived to avert such causes, all measures would be placed to avoid that (Manza & Uggen, 2006). For the past years, this issue has not been much debated upon or given enough light until the twentieth century when it caused a major stir in 1998. Human rights watch revealed that 4 million people were locked out of voting and they were concerned that this could affect any election. Close monitoring by Uggen and Manza (2006) reveals a note of origination in discriminating against the blacks. The notion that blacks were the most felony convicted race due to poverty hence the likelihood was that they committed most crimes. This is strongly supported by the discrimination of the black man up to the twentieth century. The lack of access to employment is another major challenge that ex-convicts face in their journey towards re-entry and full rehabilitation into the society. Hull and Conyers Jr. in their book say that, two thirds of ex-convicts end up behind bars again within three years of release. The employers are keen on background checks meant to lock out the job seekers with felony conviction. There is no law that expressly prohibits ex-convicts from getting employment but the many bans across the board violate the civil rights act of 1964 as indicated by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This reveals that, to solve this problem, one has to seek redress from the state law. Major tribunals have allowed employers to disqualify job seekers with felony conviction if it is related to the job being sought. Where corruption seems plausible, the background check proves crucial, and therefore any record of conviction disqualifies the person. Restrictions on occupational licensing is a major setback to the ex convicts life after prison. The fact that even setting up an own work is prohibited means that the government wastes money for the upkeep of prisoners in jail. It negates the logic why a person from a correction and rehabilitation center does not fit into the society. The lack of employment and the despair from job turning down by prospective employer causes recidivism (Hull & Conyers, 2006). This opposes the principles of fairness and justice if people cannot be treated fairly in matters of public or private. The democracy of a people involves giving equal chances to all without any prejudice. This is not the case for the ex-convict when it comes to search of funds for higher education when compared to other students. The Higher Education Act of 1965 is meant to aid needy and poor students with funds to acquire college education. However, the amendment by Congress in 1998 denies ex-convict of drug abuse the right to seek these funds for college education. In addition, under federal law, drug convict means that one cannot qualify for ‘Hope Credit’ leading to high number of students denied access to financial aid (Hull et al. , 2006). Helping the ex-convicts find back their lives and enjoy the full benefits of a citizen needs changing the status quo especially in the laws. The social welfare challenge is also another part that requires check up to give the ex-convicts a sense of belonging and their importance to the society. According to Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1956, ex-convicts who had been charged with drug possession are entitled to no temporary assistance for needy families, social safekeeping, Medicare, food aid and other health benefits. This infringes on the ex-convicts efforts to be best fit in the society. Ex-convicts feel that the social welfare part of their lives is curtailed which is equivalent to punishment which goes to great pains since it takes long to be paroled. The question whether ex-convicts can hold public office lies greatly to state and constitutional law. The constitutional law doe not bar ex-convict from holding a public office because of the malice that can arise if a president does not need a challenge from and opposing team. Despite this, the state law on the other hand bars a felony convict from holding or running for a public office. The fact is that the restriction of the ex-convict from holding public offices is much humiliating especially for people who are convicted while serving in public offices. Furthermore, most of the information about conviction is readily available to the public today especially on the internet. This is very restrictive and poses as a challenge to most of the ex convicts who are charged with minor felony. This also applies to ex-convicts who have not despaired and are determined to reclaim their lives back in the society after imprisonment. It is therefore stressful for them to find that their efforts are interrupted by the laws of the country and thus they question the principle of democracy. In this light, the function of the prison as a corrective and rehabilitative facility is questioned and the government spending on prison is ridiculed. Aside from ex-offenders being barred from holding public office, parenthood forms an insurmountable challenge to them. Besides family reunion being eventful and complicated, the 1997 Adoption and Safe Families Act require that parents abdicate parenthood if they do not spend 15 months with them. The imprisonment term average is 18 months implicating that family break up is real for those ex-convicts who are jailed for years. These are the challenges that can result to more crimes leading to a cycle of the same which means that recidivism is no near to ending. With this kind of a prison system, it means more problems will be created. On the other hand, the society’s reception and treatment of the ex-convict warrants a checkup and change to avoid punishing the ex convict (Thompson, 2008). Research shows that foster care after family break up leads to high cases of juvenile delinquency which dovetails to crime. This can only be interpreted that the protection of the community by these laws and policies provides an avenue for the next future generation of offenders. The issue of parenting is complicated and hurting when it is disconnected either to the father or mother, it is the most unique experience. Therefore, this law punishes the parents all their lives not to add that most are poor. It is an excusable path to mental anguish, stress and trauma to such ex-convicts citizens in this country. The issue of acquiring secure housing is just another restrictive issue concerning the affairs of ex-convict’s re-entry to the society. The local, federal and the state laws have three categories on barriers upon ex-convicts, the absolute statutory exclusions, denying and termination of housing for substance abuse and one strike you are out. The first concerns those instances that an ex-convict manufactures substance or has been convicted of sex offence. It means that the ex-convict is banned out for life on public houses. Secondly, if the ex convict is still using substances illegally and the third involves a case where an individual is denied admission due to activity of crime or substance abuse which might lead to disruption of other house occupants just slightly before occupying the house. These laws under PHA are directed by the Housing Opportunity Act destabilize the lives of ex-convicts who have so much to correct for their successful re-entry into the society. The changing wind When ex convicts experience a difficult and often barring life influenced by the laws and policies, they feel frustrated and rejected. The fact that one is expected to display good conduct to pay for health services, cater for the family despite having no job is overwhelming. These situations places the ex-convicts between a hard place and a rock and thus chances of getting back to crime or illegal substance abuse are imminent. The questions of giving the ex-convicts a second chance have arisen due the increased amount of people with felony records. The political, social and economic consequences related to the re-entry of ex-convicts into the society reveal high costs and disadvantages. The society is exposed to disrupted morals due to drug abuse culture. The lack of family role models and parents to guide the life of young people is an indication of a falling society. A community where most of the people are ex-convicts and majority fall under the category of those counted poor means that drug abuse, crime, increase in communicable diseases and unemployment can be the order of the day leading to recidivism. Today, this is the question that concerns the country’s change of policies at the twenty-first century. Despite other issues concerning war, terror and relations with other countries, America is faced by internal issues like these. Other countries like European countries have strategies to make sure that their prisons and justice department balance the whole picture for the benefit of all and maintain the best secure free society (Petersilia, 2000). Today, the stigmatization and citizen resistance to support ex-offenders is waning due to the introduction of productive restorative community justice approach that is meant to bring all people to work together for the benefit of the whole. The re-entry of ex-offenders to the society is a complicated issue that requires serious planning and change of policies. Looking for possible solutions to reintegration needs a change of the public attitude towards ex-convicts (Levinson, 2002). The message is that, the situation is not hopeless; America has not lost the battle what we need is changing the past and embracing the present for the well being of our future. Religious leaders, some politicians, organizations, radio talk shows and the general public have taken an active role in talking about the issue of prisons and ex convict’s lives. The fact that they are citizens just like any other has seen the rise of talks all over for their clearance in the eyes of the public. Although some of the politicians do not want to hear this, the campaign is rife and is gaining momentum. The century is turning tides to those who still hold bad attitudes towards ex-convicts. To support an ex-convict was a liability before but for today as Delgado puts it, it’s a launching pad for people with political ambitions. The conditions of deterioration of policies of prison and aggravation of issues pertaining ex-convicts have touched on the politics of the Republican Party hence a win to the Democrats. The meting out of harsh policies and stiff laws does not offer any solutions; instead it creates more problems to the society. The ex-convicts form a convict bloc that has connections to the high echelons of power and class and they form a formidable force which is capable of swaying the outcome of any election. In addition, the speaking out against corrupt policies held in prisons and courtrooms has brought justice to others who are convicted for fair hearings (Delgado, 2007).

Hong Kong Waste Problem

Hong Kong has an imminent waste problem. Here you can learn about what municipal solid waste is, how significant our waste problem is, and how the Government tackles the problem. The Waste Problem Hong Kong generates several types of solid waste. It includes municipal solid waste (MSW), which comes from domestic, commercial and industrial sources; construction waste, which arises from construction, renovation and demolition activities; and other special wastes such as chemical waste and livestock waste. †¢ More on waste in Hong Konghttp://www. epd. gov. k/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/waste_maincontent. html Municipal Solid Waste Municipal solid waste includes waste from domestic premises and public facilities, commerce and some types of industry, but excludes construction waste and chemical waste. Each year, more than 6 million tonnes of MSW are generated, over half of which is disposed of in the three strategic landfills. Unfortunately, the generation of MSW has been growing at a much faster rate than expected, and our consumption-led lifestyle is putting enormous pressure on these landfills. The three existing landfills will be full, one by one, in the mid to late 2010s. If the waste loads continue to increase, there will be a need to allocate an additional 400 hectares of land to develop new landfill sites to meet our waste disposal needs up to 2030. Clearly, Hong Kong needs a more sustainable way to deal with waste. To address our waste problem, the Government published â€Å"A Policy Framework for the Management of MSW (2005-2014)† (Policy Framework) in December 2005. The Policy Framework sets out a comprehensive strategy for the management of MSW in the next 10 years. It consists of a series of policy tools and measures to tackle the waste problem head on. †¢ More on municipal solid wastehttp://www. gov. hk/en/residents/environment/msw. htm †¢ Information on the Policy Framework for the Management of Municipal Solid Waste (2005-2014)http://www. epd. gov. hk/epd/msw/htm_en/content. htm Construction Waste The high levels of construction activity in Hong Kong generate equally high levels of inert or recyclable waste and non-inert or organic waste. Both hese forms of waste pose challenges to the maintenance of our landfill programme, and need to be managed carefully. Under the polluter-pays principle, the Environmental Protection Department operates the Construction Waste Disposal Charging Scheme, whereby construction waste producers pay appropriate charges for the disposal of their waste. The Government is also encouraging the industry to sort and recycle waste as far as possible, and to plan and build more efficiently to minimise waste. Mo re on construction wastehttp://www. gov. hk/en/residents/environment/constructionwaste. htm Waste Reduction and Recycling You can participate in a number of waste reduction programmes. The Wastewi$e Label under the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence, for example, helps Hong Kong businesses and organisations in adopting measures to reduce the amount of waste generated within their establishments or through the products and services they provide. It provides members with free advice on waste management techniques and rewards their efforts through public recognition. You can also help the recycling of domestic waste by participating in the Programme on Source Separation of Domestic Waste and separating waste using the waste separation bins on housing estates and deposit rechargeable batteries in designated collection boxes. †¢ More on waste reduction and recyclinghttp://www. gov. hk/en/residents/environment/wasteredrecyc. htm

Managerment

Do you agree with Vim's employment response to competition from software development contractors in India like Wiper that are expanding into IT consulting services? Why or why not? Vim's strategy appears oriented around â€Å"growing the pie. † If It can Increase Its products' user base by lower costs, It should be able to Increase demand for Its consulting services. However, low-cost consulting groups are ready to fill this void. Therefore, IBM will need to continue Its expansion Into low-cost labor markets.In Dalton, this expansion will need to embrace low cost markets outside of India. These markets Include Russia, China, Indonesia, and Mexico. Will Vim's plan to give away some of Its IT assets and Intellectual property and Increase Its support of open- source software products like Linux be a successful growth strategy In the â€Å"brutally competitive marketplace† in which It operates? Why or why not? IBM has expertise in supporting these applications. By lowering licensing costs or aging the software free, IBM should be able to increase its user base.With a broader user base, the demand for support should grow. The strategy appears logical. Of course, other organizations may try to meet this demand, but Vim's low- cost labor sources will help ensure its competitiveness. In addition, low-cost labor will help further increase demand for this software, thereby ensuring growth. However, this strategy will take on a whole new twist as the global economy continues o grow and labor costs rise around the world.History also supports Vim's growth assumptions. Bill Gates found his BASIC interpreter the De facto standard once users found they could easily find free pirated copies. Likewise, the low cost MEMO deals he made for the Windows operating system ensured a user base of over 100 million computers. The computing public values free, high quality software, and many conservative organizations will recognize the MM name as quality assurance. All of th is will encourage growth.

Abandoning the American Dream

Abandoning the American Dream From the American Revolution onward, the United States has gained international recognition as a land of hope and equal opportunity. America’s founding fathers imagined the nation to be a place of widespread promise, operating under democratic rule and allowing for social mobility. The notion that any individual, regardless of circumstance, could achieve a goal by possessing determination became a belief known as the American Dream. Instilled at the core of American culture, and remaining there at present, the American Dream must be assessed for its validity. Using critical support to discuss the purpose and importance of this myth in the past centuries, I will examine the American Dream from a historical perspective to uncover its current function in modern America. In spite of its illusory nature, the pervasion of the American Dream into national thought serves to justify the myth’s perpetuation into 21st century. Overall, this paper will illustrate the necessity of a new ideology if America is to continue on the rise. Incredibly popularized in the 19th century, during the period of expansion and Manifest Destiny, the American Dream became a predominant principle that guided society. The myth’s premise appeared straightforward: work hard and achieve greatness. A hopeful approach to the future, this idealistic outlook provided inspiration to adolescent America, a child in essence. Psychologist Bruno Bettelheim explains â€Å"the most important and also the most difficult task in raising a child is helping him to find meaning in life† (3), which is essentially the conflict that led the youthful society to adopt a nationally recognized ideology. The people had the difficult task before them of economic, social, and cultural development, and they needed a path to follow that would assure a prominent, meaningful future. The author of mid-nineteenth century children stories, Horatio Alger was a major influence in spreading the message of the American Dream through popular culture. Embedding the myth into American consciousness, Alger proposed that anyone could move from rags to riches (Kanfer). He provided a formula to the achievement of the American dream that corresponds to Joseph Campbell’s simplified formula of the monomyth.[1] There are three stages to Campbell’s formula: â€Å"a separation from the world, a penetration to some source of power, and a life-enhancing return† (35). Similarly, the Alger plot typically depicted a young boy separating himself from his poverty-stricken world, taking on a new routine characterized by intense work ethic, and coming forth with an improved status. Alger’s stories circulated throughout America at a crucial stage in its history, imparting a seemingly sensible approach to societal challenges and promising triumph. Alger truly had a substantial impact on the American philosophy for the upcoming century. Although Joseph Campbell in his conclusion to The Hero with a Thousand Faces asserts that modern society no longer abides by a mythic approach to life’s difficulties, I see the situation as the reverse: too strong of a reliance on the American myth has served as a constraint in the progression of society. In Campbell’s formula, there comes â€Å"the stage of the trials and victories† (36). Continued hope in the American Dream has prevented the social body from overcoming these trials. Consequently, the modern world’s reluctance to throw away the American Dream causes the postponement of â€Å"the return and reintegration with society† (Campbell 36). An exclusive faith in the American Dream hinders society from utilizing other approaches to improving the status quo. While the American Dream is exhausted of hope, society reluctantly retains faith due to how ingrained the philosophy has become within the social fabric. The American Dream myth consistently disappoints a large portion of American society; yet, for society to alter its attitude toward the myth proves difficult. Economist Lewis Corey uses the term â€Å"cultural lag† for this failure to change a popularized value, and he suggests that â€Å"ideals may persist†¦.after the material conditions of their origin are no more† (qtd. in Tipple 268). Viewing the American Dream from this rationale, I see the myth’s current existence in popular thought as primarily a result of its longevity. Instead of hard workers realizing that their efforts do not necessarily bring the promised success, they do not know whether to believe the claims of the myth or the observations of reality. Myth has the potent ability to blind its adherents from the nature of reality. By holding on to the myth, the believer suffers in a struggle without prospect. â€Å"Social myth functions in a complex and indirect system of rationalization,† (11) explains Joe Holland in The American Journey: A Theology in the Americas. Dominating the believer’s understanding of how society works, trust in the American myth only perpetuates the disillusionment in modern society. America does not recognize the myth’s falsehood, failing to confront the facts of the present social circumstances. Despite Alger’s claims about the self-made man, United States history repeatedly shows that the American Dream lacks the promise that the people have projected onto it. A study of United States history, from the American Revolution to the present day, reveals many examples of class struggle, racial prejudice, and restricted social mobility. Various times in history emphasize a not-so idealistic reality for minority groups, including the Civil War, the Progressive Era, and the 1960s. A key historical example, the period preceding and during the Great Depression in America, circa 1920s and 1930s, exposes the discrepancy between the American myth’s promise and the conditions of reality. In Crisis of the American Dream, John Tipple describes the carefree feeling among the people in the roaring twenties; it was taken as a truth that â€Å"man could realize his highest aspirations amid abundance† (13). The optimism, and naivety, of the American people reflects the stronghold that the myth of the American Dream had on our culture during a time of perceived affluence. The sudden collapse of the stock market crash, however, contradicted the myth’s promise: â€Å"the ensuing depression turned the dream of universal prosperity into a horrible nightmare† (Tipple 14). Regardless of its deep historical foundation, the time has come to acknowledge that Alger’s myth lacks true basis. The out-dated American Dream does not foster social advancement, and it has become harder to find Alger’s rags-to-riches man in modern America. No longer are the days of Manifest Destiny; the adolescent years of our nation have passed. Consequently, America must undertake the most difficult rite of passage[2]: giving up on old ideology and experiencing a rebirth by implementing a new faith. Modern society has the task of separating itself from the former myth and initiating a new philosophy if it is â€Å"to nullify the unremitting recurrences of death† (Campbell 16). Only by forming a new ideal can America prevent its demise and continue on an upward journey.

Quote by Bill Cosby on Success Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Quote by Bill Cosby on Success - Assignment Example During that time, I experienced the fear of failure many times. I was often not sure whether I had made the right decision or not. The first year that I was here, the language year, I studied and worked hard without thinking about my fears. I attempted to make my desire to succeed more than my fear of failure, and so that’s what I did. I had expected to be studying language for a whole year, but after only six months I passed the TOEFL test needed to enroll in Embry-Riddle. After taking some time for reflection, I realize that if I did not make my desire for success greater than my fear of failure, then I never would have made it to ERAU. When Christopher Columbus set out to find India, he was not sure of what he was getting himself into. No one had ever sailed far enough west before to discover new lands. Columbus already knew that the world was round (he also knew that India was in the east), so if he sailed west he would eventually find it. There was a chance that Columbus would die in his voyage to discover India. However, Columbus was determined enough to travel through uncharted waters that his desire for success was greater than his fear of failure. Of course, we all know that Columbus did not find India, but in fact discovered the Caribbean and then what is now known as the United