Choose one of the four topics given (Philosophy Class) Essay - 1

Choose one of the four topics given (Philosophy Class) - Essay Example In such a way, Descartes’ endeavor was a mission of knowledge, and to find that one, or many, â€Å"clear and distinct† and â€Å"perfectly certain† belief on which he could construct an entire deductive framework, reintroduce his previous beliefs with a proper justificatory structure, and construct new truths out of pure reason. To speak of Descartes’ skepticism is to speak of nothing at all; we must instead speak of the skepticism which Descartes set out to disprove, and the intellectual context in which he resolved to write the Meditations on First Philosophy. Only by understanding this context and evaluating it accordingly will we properly understand the types of themes emphasized throughout his magnum opus. In terms of the 17th century context of the Meditations we see quite clearly two major intellectual paradigm shifts. Both of these shifts presented deep challenges to the Catholic orthodoxy which had dominated for centuries throughout the Middle Ages, and troubled the Catholic Frenchman Renà © Descartes. The first was Galileo’s â€Å"new science† of induction—contrasted with the Scholastic pure deductive system. Galileo raised the doubt that what we think we see we might not really see at all. The colors of objections, for instance, seemed to be more in a person’s mind than in the objects. Descartes’ worry was that if we could be misled by something as fundamental as basic perceptive qualities, could we not be mistaken about much else besides? Or, more broadly, could we be mistaken globally; that is, about all beliefs and perceptions? Descartes consequently turns to creating his Meditations with pure reason, and not the empiricist epistemology of the Aristotelian Scholastics (Solomon). This is one way in which the historical context inexorably shaped Descartes’ methodological skepticism. Another event which both worried him and

Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior Essay Example for Free

Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior Essay IN THE ARTICLE ‘WHY CHINESE MOTHERS ARE SUPERIOR’ AMY CHUA, WHO IS PROFESSOR AT THE LAW SCHOOL IN YALE, WRITES IN THE ARTICLE ABOUT HOW TO RAISE YOUR CHILDREN, AND THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HOW THE WESTERN AND CHINESE PARENTS RAISES THEIR CHILDREN, BY COMPARING CHINESE AND WESTERN KIDS. THE COMPARISONS GIVE US A VIEW OF WHAT THE GOOD AND BAD CONSEQUENCES ARE, WHEN IT COMES TO HIGH EXPECTATIONS AND STEREOTYPICAL RAISED KIDS. THERE ARE A LOT OF DIFFERENT VIEWS ON WHICH WAY IS THE RIGHT, BUT AMY CHUA IS COMPLETELY SURE, THAT HER METHOD IS THE MOST SECURE WAY TO MAKE HER CHILDREN SUCCESS. AND THAT’S ALSO WHAT SHE IS ARGUING FOR IN THE ARTICLE. ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS WE READ IN THE ARTICLE IS A LIST OF WHAT AMY’S CHILDREN ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DO. HER CHILDREN ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DO THINGS LIKE: SLEEPOVERS, HAVING A PLAY DATE OR WATCHING TV AND PLAY VIDEO GAMES. IN THE WESTERN WORLD IT IS VERY NORMAL THAT KIDS PLAY VIDEO GAMES, SLEEPOVERS AND WATCH TELEVISION, BUT IN CHINA IT IS NOT THE KIDS WHO DECIDE WHAT TALENT THEY WANT TO CULTIVATE, BUT THE PARENTS. FOR AN EXAMPLE AMY TELLS IN THE TEXT THAT WHEN LULU WAS ABOUT 7 SHE COULD PLAY TO INSTRUMENTS WHICH WERE CHOSEN BY HER MOM. SHE COULD PLAY PIANO AND LULU WAS WORKING ON A SONG CALLED ‘THE LITTLE WHITE DONKEY’. IT IS A VERY DIFFICULT FOR YOUNG PLAYERS TO LEARN BECAUSE THE TWO HANDS HAVE TO KEEP SCHIZOPHRENICALLY DIFFERENT RHYTHMS. LULU COULD NOT DO IT, SO AMY WORKED ON IT NON-STOP FOR A WEEK, DRILLING EACH OF HER HANDS SEPARATELY, OVER AND OVER. BUT LULU COULD NOT FIGURE OUT HOW TO PLAY THE SONG. SO SHE GAVE UP AND TOLD HER MOTHER THAT SHE DID NOT WANT TO PLAY ANYMORE. BUT AMY FORCED HER TO PLAY. IT COMES IN THE TEXT â€Å"GET BACK TO THE PIANO NOW, I ORDERED† â€Å"YOU CAN’T MAKE ME. † â€Å"OH YES, I CAN† EVEN THOU LULU CANNOT PLAY THE SONG SHE IS FORCED. AND AFTER MY MEANING I THINK IT IS WRONG AND THAT A WESTERN PARENT WOULD NOT FORCED THEIR KIDS TO DO ANYTHING THEY DO NOT WANT TO WHICH AMY ALSO SAYS IN THE TEXT. AMY ALSO SAYS IN THE TEXT â€Å"EVEN WHEN WESTERN PARENTS THINK THEY’RE BEING STRICT, THEY USUALLY DON’T COME CLOSE TO BEING CHINESE MOTHERS. FOR EXAMPLE, MY WESTERNS FRIENDS WHO CONSIDER THEMSELVES STRICT MAKE THEIR CHILDREN PRACTICE THEIR INSTRUMENTS 30 MINUTES EVERY DAY. AN HOUR AT MOST. FOR AN CHINESE MOTHER, THE FIRST HOUR IS THE EASY PART. IT’S HOURS TWO AND THREE THAT GET TOUGH. † IT IS LONG QUOTE BUT IT REALLY TELLS ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WESTERN AND CHINESE MOTHERS. AS AMY SAYS IN THE QUOTE EVEN WHEN WESTERN PARENTS ARE STRICT IT IS NOT CLOSE TO BE AS STRICT AS CHINESE MOTHERS. ANOTHER STATEMENT THAT AMY USES IS: â€Å"CHINESE PARENTS DEMAND PERFECT GRADES BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE THAT THEIR CHILD CAN GET THEMâ€Å" AND LATER SHE ADDS: â€Å"CHINESE PARENTS CAN ORDER Taha Hussain, 3. u Engelsk a? evering Frederiksberg Gymansium THEIR KIDS TO GET STRAIGHT AS. â€Å" â€Å"WESTERN PARENTS CAN ONLY ASK THEIR KIDS TO TRY THEIR BEST†. I THINK THAT INDIRECTLY SHE IS SAYING THAT WESTERN PARENTS ARE WEAKER THAN CHINESE PARENTS. THEY DO NOT REALLY BELIEVE IN THEIR KIDS, LIKE CHINESE PARENTS DO. INSTEAD OF ALWAYS BEING CAREFUL AND LOVING, WESTERN PARENTS SHOULD USE PUNISHMENT AND MAKE THEIR CHILD FEEL ASHAMED INSTEAD OF BEING AFRAID OF THE CHILD’S MENTALITY. THEY SHOULD BE MORE LIKE AMY AND USE THE SAME METHODS AS HER. WESTERN PARENTS HAVE TO MORE STRICT. AMY TELLS IF A THEIR CHILDREN KIDS B, THERE WOULD FIRST BE A SCREAMING, HAIR-TEARING EXPLOSION, THEN THE CHINESE MOTHER WOULD GET DOZENS MAYBE HUNDREDS OF PRACTICE TEST AND WORK THROUGH THEM WITH HER CHILD FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES TO GET THE GRADE UP TO AN A. SO FROM THESE QUOTES WE CAN COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT CHINESE MOTHERS’ THINKS THAT TO MAKE THEIR CHILDREN ACHIEVE ANYTHING FURTHER IN LIFE, IT’S IMPORTANT TO PUSH THEM FROM THE BEGINNING AND HAVE SOME STRAIGHT AND STRICT RULES. AFTER READING THE ARTICLE I CAN CONCLUDE THAT THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS OF RAISING YOUR CHILD, SOME BETTER THAN OTHERS, AND THERE ARE DIFFERENT OPINIONS ABOUT WHICH METHOD IS THE BEST ONE. WHEN IT COMES TO SUCCESS, CHINESE PARENTS WILL ALMOST DO EVERYTHING TO REACH THEIR GOAL. THEY ONLY WISH THE BEST FOR THEIR CHILD, AND THEY ONLY WANT THEM TO HAVE THE BEST FUTURE, BUT THEY MIGHT FORGET THAT THEY ARE NOT DEALING WITH A ROBOT OR A THING THEY CAN BRAINWASH, BUT THEY ARE DEALING WITH AN INDIVIDUAL THAT IS NO LESS WORTH THAN THE PARENTS, THEMSELVES. I THINK THAT EVERY KID NEED TO NEED SOME SPARE TIME WHERE CAN WATCH TELEVISION, PLAY VIDEOGAMES AND SLEEPOVER. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE KIDS HAVE DISCIPLINE, BUT AS I MENTIONED BEFORE THEY ARE NOT ROBOTS. THE KIDS ALSO HAVE SOME NEEDS, THEY WANT TO PLAY AND HAVE SOME FUN. AND AMY CHUA DOES NOT MENTION HOW THE CHINESE WAY OF PARENTING AFFECTS THE INDIVIDUALS; I DO NOT THINK THAT IT CAN BE POSITIVE, BECAUSE EVERY INDIVIDUAL NEEDS VALUES AS LOVE, FRIENDSHIP AND FREEDOM. SO I WOULD PREFER THE WESTERN PARENTS ABOVE THE CHINESE, BUT I THINK IT IS BECAUSE I LIVE IN DENMARK, IN CHINA IT IS NORMAL, AND THEY WOULD OF COURSE PREFER THEIR OWN METHODS. SO IN A WAY IT IS FAIR ENOUGH, THAT’S THEIR WAY TO LIVE THEIR OWN LIFE. AND AS WE CAN SEE THE CHINESE PEOPLE HAVE A LOT OF SUCCESS IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, SO MAYBE THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT.

Obesity is a long-term complex condition

Obesity is a long-term complex condition Obesity is a long-term complex condition which has become a worry for many people in our culture nowadays and it is important to obtain and realizing of what obesity is. According to Wlardlow (Journal of the Hela, 2000, vol. 7) obesity is defined as a condition characterized by excess body fat and also defined as being 20% above the average weight. Generally increase consumption of foods high in fats and sugars may lead to obesity. According to research, we all have and require fat tissue in our bodies. When there is too much body fat, the result is obesity (The World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia CD-ROM, 1996). Classification of obesity is commonly based on Body Mass Index (BMI) which adjusts body weight for height is associated with the total body fat content in adults. A BMI of 25-29.9 is classified as overweight while a BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese. The energy needed by the human body is divided into two. Primary energy is needed by the human body for non-voluntary act ivities, such as heart rate, breathing, bowel movements, and others and secondary energy activity and movement is caused by human use during the day walking, swimming and movement in general. The World Health Organization, the National Institute of Health. Its over- all prevalence has increased by 33% in the last decade (Merck, 2003, pp. 685-687). Researchers have found that obesity is directly related to an increase in the mortality rate (Journal of American Medical Assoc., 2003, vol. 289, 2, pp.187-193). Obesity tends to run throughout ones life, meaning that its presence at any age will increase the risk of the condition at later ages. This paper discussed the causes and effects of obesity.  Obesity can contribute to many adverse health outcomes which increase ones risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, gallbladder disease, cancers, pulmonary disease, bone joint disorders and early death( Rosemary., para.2 ).Each plays an important role so many people are overweight or obese nowadays because of many factors that influence being obese or overweight which include behavior, environment , eating habits and lifestyle changes all plays an significant role in obesity. According to the American Medical Association, being obese means that 30% of your ideal body weight is constituted by fat (Atkinson, 1999). Obesity is the worlds biggest health epidemic at the moment! Preventing obesity is one of the main steps that we need to focus on. Causes of Obesity To begin with, there are many causes that lead people to become obese. First of all, many people get obese because of heredity. For example, if the person has a strong family history of obesity, he will have the tendency to be obese more than the other people with no family history. Some people are prone to gain weight and store fat due to increase in genetic. Although not everyone with this tendency will become obese, some persons without genetic tendency do become obese. This is due to our genes that decides the level of metabolism. Wardlaw, Insel and Seyler suggest that genetic background accounts for about 70% of weight differences between people. The genetic and hormonal problems lead people to get higher weight than they should as it tends to run in families. The sedentary life style of some people also plays a role in being obese. Technology has made labor and timesaving products such as, cars, computers and TVs with remote controls devices reduces  the overall amount of energy used in their daily lives (NIDDK, 2001). Employers do not give efforts for the physical activities and most hold jobs that involve minimal physical labor especially at work places. If people do not practice enough exercise due to the use of cars instead of walking. For example, lack of movement due to demand for watching TV and playing video games rather than engaged in playing different sports. Besides, eating habits include the spreading of the fast food which contain high amount of fat and calories and changing environment has widened food options and eating habits. for example, Shelves in the supermarkets are stocked with a greater selection of foods, soft drinks, fast food restaurants and pre-packaged foods are more accessible today. Although such foods are fast and convenient they tend to be very high in fat and calories contributing to an excess caloric intake, causing weight gain (National Institute of Digestive, Diabetes and Kidney Disease, 2001). So people are not aware of the quality and quantity of the food, they will certainly end up in raising their weight. The psychological condition has great influences on some people to become obese especially those who suffer from certain emotional or stress problems, because their feelings influence their eating habits, causing them to overeat.

Rodman Edward Serling :: essays research papers

Rodman Edward Serling, in my opinion one of the most brilliant men of our time, was born in Syracuse, New York, on December 25, 1924, to a wholesale meat dealer, and grew up in Binghamton. By his own account, he had no early literary ambitions, though from an early age, he and his older brother, Robert, immersed themselves in movies and in shows like Astounding Stories and Weird Tales. Rod was best known from the intro where he was seen wearing a suit and most often dangling a cigarette, which was unfortunately the cause of his untimely demise. "There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears, and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call... THE TWILIGHT ZONE," Serlings masterpiece would not come until later in his writing career. He began writing full-time in 1951, more than seventy of his television scripts were produced, garnering both critical and public acclaim. Full-scale success came early in 1955 with the production of a script called "Patterns," deemed a "creative triumph" by critics, and the winner of the first of Serling's six Emmy awards. Serling went to work on screenplays for MGM and as a writer for Playhouse 90, for which he crafted ninety-minute dramas. A critical and financial success, Serling shocked many of his fans in 1957 when he left Playhouse 90 to create a science fiction series he called The Twilight Zone. 156 episodes of Twilight Zone, ninety-two written by Serling, aired on CBS over the next five years. The show went on to be one of the most widely recognized and beloved series in television history, and achieved a permanent place in American pop culture with its instantly recognizable opening, theme song and charismatic host, Rod Serling. With appearances by personalities such as Robert Redford, Burt Reynolds, Dennis Hopper, and more, Twilight Zone became a launching pad for some of Hollywood's biggest stars. The show headed downhill in its fifth season chiefly due to the fact that Serling lost most creative control of the show. After production ended in January 1964, Serling continued to write for film and television series and movies, and often appeared in his own productions, such as Rod Serling's Night Gallery. He returned to Antioch College as a professor and lectured at college campuses across the

Bp Oil Spill

Television if full of advertisement and propaganda. As well as the internet with advertisement popups and clips on the sides of every webpage. Propaganda is information put out by an organization or government to promote and idea or cause. Many of these are misleading and bias, trying to make you believe in the same things they do and convince you to participate in whatever cause they are in. Think about some of the commercials you seen on television such as news reports, movies, political ads, and recall ads. The most memorable to me are recall ads such as lawyers making announcements for medicines and compensation. As well as when election time comes around and all of the runners are putting their names out there. Also, every day, watching the news on new crimes going on in the world and previews for my next favorite movie. Those are all different techniques of propaganda. The purpose of me writing this essay is to show you the propaganda in a simple informative commercial or newscast. My main focus will be on the BP oil spill. The first sociology theory I will compare with is symbolic interactionism. Symbolic interactionism is the use of symbols or face to face interaction. The way that this relates to the BP oil spill is the way that the owner of the company, Kenneth R. Fineburg, said that he was going to help and compensate the victims of the oil spill. Commercials and speeches were made about his plans to pay back for the damage and loss of wages that his company had caused the Gulf of Mexico and victims. The second theory will be functionalism. Functionalism is the relationship between parts of society. In this situation, the society came together and fought to be compensated to get their lost wages back. Claiming they have mortgages, bills, car payments, and children to pay for and they have not been working in 8 months. Citizens of the affected area appeared on news cast and commercials were made explaining their situations, trying to reach out to someone that they needed help. The last theory is the conflict theory. Conflict theory means competition of scarce resources or the elite control the poor and weak. This relates to this situation as the big man, Mr. Fineburg, having the money and resources to help the people out with their lost wages. As, well his colleagues were trying to tell him that he was over compensating the victims. They had all of the control over whether or not the victims were going to be able to get paid and bailed out of this mess that one man was responsible for. In conclusion, propaganda was used in ways to reach out to people about the real problems going on in the Gulf of Mexico during the time of the BP oil spill. I used the 3 main theories of sociology to compare how each of them relates to the oil spill. The rich over powering the poor, how society came together to get help, and the interaction between the people when the word needed to be put out. RESOURCE Schwartz, J. (2011, February 17). Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Blog. Retrieved from http://gulfofmexicooilspillblog. com/2011/02/17/gulf-of-mexico-oil-spill-blog-bp-propaganda/ Bp Oil Spill BP OIL SPILL Under the Deepwater Horizon, an offshore drilling ring of British Petroleum (BP) caused an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The incident occurred on April 20th 2010, where equipment failed and caused the explosion sinking the ring, and causing the death of 11 workers and more than 17 workers injured. The British based energy company also faced other problems at the site of the oil spill. More than 40 million gallons (estimated data) of oil spewed into the Gulf of Mexico.Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a very serious threat for the wildlife as it causes water pollution. The oil spill effected many coastal areas in the US, like the Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. The oil spill disaster strongly damaged wildlife cycle in the Gulf of Mexico, and many species were thrown into extinction. Similarly, thousands of businesses were thrown into extinction. Many people has questioned the ethical decisions and core value system that BP used to cut corners with the acc ident; namely, the race to maximize profits at all costs.We are all aware that one of the main causes that let to the disaster were the result of bad decisions, in which a less expensive option (whether to run a test or use a particular kind casing pipe, for example) would save lives. There has been â€Å"zero dollars spent on research concerning how to handle oil spills for off-shore drilling by BP despite the company's NET profits – above and beyond all salaries, bonuses, or overhead costs- of more than $59 BILLION† (â€Å"The Rachel Maddow Show† on MSNBC, aired at 7 p. m.EST on June 28, Monday). The paperwork submitted to the U. S. Minerals Management Services (MMS) by BP in 2008 was 582 pages long, supposedly covering all of BP's operations in the Gulf of Mexico. However, they omitted their ability to deal with oil spills in a worst-case scenario just to get their permits for drilling. Another very unethical act by BP was when President Obama was scheduled t o visit Louisiana back than, BP hurriedly â€Å"hired† temporary workers and handed out gear (paper haz-mat uniforms, etc. , but told these temps not to talk to anyone. As soon as all the TV cameras and the president's motorcade left the area, these â€Å"for show only† hires immediately stopped working (a local government official took photos and attempted to question a few, who advised him they were â€Å"not supposed to talk to anyone, on BP's orders†). They did not come back on the following day or any day thereafter.On the zero dollars spent for developing back-up systems, BP informed â€Å"The Rachel Maddow Show's† representative that they â€Å"rely† on an organization which they claimed â€Å"does spill research† even though the investigators from the show discovered the organization named by BP does not receive any money from BP nor do they do research for ways to stop oil spills. In other words, BP was unethical and lied again. Thi s British Petroleum is listed as the fourth wealthiest corporation in the entire world, and yet they lie about the extent of their spill.They fudged figures and information (against the law) in order to get a license to drill in American waters, they did not even bother to change the batteries for the system they claimed was their â€Å"back-up†. BP, as most oil companies (and other business), are aimed at making as much money as possible. In this case because of the big cover up the media did, BP was forced to fix the problem, and it is a problem that its costing them major money, both through clean up and lost product. BP has so far committed $42 billion to cleaning up.I really hope that BP (and other companies) learned the lesson, that cutting corners and cost reduction is not the only point that organizations should focus on. It is not safe to cut corners and presume that things will not happen. Make ethical decision, have back up plans, and ‘worst case scenarioâ₠¬â„¢ preparation. If BP would be more ethical and do the right things either by using the latest safety precautions when drilling (not cutting corners, and reducing costs), and moving faster and more dynamically when the disaster occurred, they could have avoided billions in cleanup and damages that they faced and are still facing now.The BP oil spill has offered a moment for reflection for leaders around the world about their most basic beliefs. To many people, the BP oil spill has brought home the idea that future corporate leaders must develop personal ethical standards for making decisions that go beyond just a financial calculation. There are plenty of business practices that are legal, but fall short in being ethical. But I believe being ethical does pay off, slowly and steadily. You may lose some opportunities, but your reputation and self-perception is invaluable.

Demographic Transition Theory Essay

DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION THEORY INTRODUCTION Demographic transition theory is the theory that societies progress from a pre-modern regime of high fertility and high mortality to a post-modern regime of low fertility and low mortality. The theory is explained by a model which is an idealized picture of demographic change. The aim of the theory is to explain why a society moves from high mortality and fertility to low mortality and fertility. Demographic transition is the actual change from high mortality and fertility to low mortality and fertility. There are many causes of why societies move from high mortality and fertility to low mortality and fertility and these are best explained by the demographic transition model. As societies move from pre-industrial time to postindustrial periods population density changes due to change in values, technology, ways of living and many other variables. ASSUMPTIONS The demographic transition theory shares the same assumptions as the Neo Malthusian theory that economic development lowers fertility which is evident in the model that as societies move from pre-industrial to postindustrial the number of births are lowered. It also assumes that the only way of controlling population growth is through the use of contraception. CRITICS The transition theory is claimed to be the direct outcome of European countries the observation have taken place a long time ago and is outdated. This statement is true because the theory and model predicts what European countries have gone through not what all countries and nations would go through. The theory is only based on birth and death and does not include other aspects of population dynamics such as external migration STAGES OF THE DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION This theory has been known to have four stages but a fifth stage has recently evolved and it currently has five stages and these explain mortality and fertility. STAGE ONE: HIGH FLACTUATING This is has high birth and death rates and population growth is is small. Reasons for high birth rates: High death rates and infant mortality encourages more births Lack of family planning Children are viewed as source of income Reasons for high death rates: Diseases as there are no proper medicines Famine due to few people Lack of education Lack of health care STAGE TWO: High birth rate and declining death rate. The total population begins to expand rapidly Reasons for high birth rates: Religious beliefs People used to having many children Reasons for declining death rates: Improved hygiene Improved sanitation Improved food production and storage STAGE THREE: Falling birth rate and continuing to fall death rate. Population growth slows down Reasons for decreasing birth rate: Women are working as it’s the industrial period Improvement on contraceptive technology Change in valuation of women beyond motherhood Presences for smaller families as they are cheaper to maintain Reasons for decreasing death rates: Better healthcare Improved sanitation STAGE FOUR: Low birth and death rates and population growth is small and fertility continues to decline. Reasons for low birth rates: Family planning Improved status of women Change in personal lifestyle Reasons for low death rates: Improved healthcare Improved quality of living STAGE FIVE: Death slightly exceeds death rate and this causes population decrease.

Articles review Essay Example

Articles review Essay Example Articles review Essay Articles review Essay Articles review Head start This program provides finances to agencies involved in offering comprehensive services to underprivileged children. They specifically concentrate on children who are preschoolers and they teach them basic skills in reading and mathematics. These are important skills for children since they will need them in further learning. The program concentrates with children from birth up to when they are three years. The program prepares children socially and cognitively for school life. They do this by providing health, nutrition and social services (Bierman et al, 2008). Head start does not only mind children but also families. The most involve families are those with children who are enrolled in this program. The agencies encourage parents and guardians to participate in the development of their children. When parents take part in their children’s learning, they also improve their literacy level and progress on their employment targets. This program started during President Lyndon Johnson era. He campaigned for great society and it was justified as an investment in education. The council of economic advisors approved it and operations began. Impact of the article This study is essential to general educators, parents and guardians. These parties will learn how to assist children with bad behavior. Some children do not reform from bad behavior because their parents or guardians do not follow an effective criterion of intervening. This article teaches parents and guardians that it is vital to follow –up after consulting and implementing behavior management techniques (Noelle, 2002).

Key Facts About the War on Drugs

Key Facts About the War on Drugs What Is the War on Drugs? The War on Drugs is a general term used to refer to the federal governments attempts to end the import, manufacture, sale, and use of illegal drugs. Its a colloquial term that does not refer in any meaningful way to a specific policy or objective, but rather to a series of anti-drug initiatives that are vaguely directed towards the common goal of ending drug abuse. Origin of the Phrase War on Drugs President Dwight D. Eisenhower began what The New York Times then called a new war on narcotic addiction at the local, national, and international level with the establishment of an Interdepartmental Committee on Narcotics on November 27, 1954, which was responsible for coordinating executive branch anti-drug efforts. The phrase War on Drugs first came into common use after President Richard Nixon used it at a press conference on June 17, 1971, during which he described illegal drugs as public enemy number one in the United States. Chronology of Federal Anti-drug Policy 1914: The Harrison Narcotics Tax Act regulates the distribution of narcotics (heroin and other opiates). Federal law enforcement will later incorrectly classify cocaine, a central nervous system stimulant, as a narcotic and regulate it under the same legislation.​1937: The Marijuana Tax Act extends federal restrictions to cover marijuana.1954: The Eisenhower administration takes a significant, albeit largely symbolic, step in establishing a U.S. Interdepartmental Committee on Narcotics.1970: The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 establishes federal anti-drug policy as we know it. Human Cost of the War on Drugs According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 55% of federal prisoners and 21% of state-level prisoners are incarcerated on the basis of drug-related offenses. This means that over a half million people are presently incarcerated as a result of anti-drug laws- more than the population of Wyoming. The illegal drug trade also sustains gang activity, and is indirectly responsible for an unknown number of homicides. (The FBIs Uniform Crime Reports describe 4% of homicides as being directly attributable to the illegal drug trade, but it plays an indirect role in a much larger percentage of homicides.) Monetary Cost of the War on Drugs According to the White Houses National Drug Control Strategy Budgets, as cited in Action Americas Drug War Cost Clock, the federal government alone is projected to spend over $22 billion on the War on Drugs in 2009. State spending totals are harder to isolate, but Action America cites a 1998 Columbia University study which found that states spent over $30 billion on drug law enforcement during that year. Constitutionality of the War on Drugs The federal governments authority to prosecute drug-related offenses theoretically stems from Article Is Commerce Clause, which grants Congress the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes- but federal law enforcement targets drug offenders even when the illegal substance is manufactured and distributed only within state lines. Public Opinion Regarding the War on Drugs According to an October 2008 Zogby poll of likely voters, 76% describe the War on Drugs as a failure. In 2009, the Obama administration announced that it would no longer use the phrase War on Drugs to refer to federal anti-drug efforts, the first administration in 40 years not to do so.

3-Year Marketing Plan Essay Example for Free (#5)

3-Year Marketing Plan Essay Marketing plan (149) , Pricing (148) company About StudyMoose Contact Careers Help Center Donate a Paper Legal Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Complaints ? In order that we continue our company’s financial growth, we need to branch out into new product lines. A study was performed to consider our entrance into the pet supply market. We have developed a new single product for that purpose. It is a Cordless Automatic Nail Trimmer for dogs and cats. The findings of this study are in this presentation. Our numbers are conservative. The potential for success is high. We are Company G are always looking forward to find and implement new lines that will complement our Mission statement, and our bottom line. This is our next opportunity introduces Company G and the product or product line that you are writing this marketing plan about. â€Å"We enable consumers to improve the quality and convenience of their lives by providing innovative electronics solutions.† Product Description and Classification The Cordless Automatic Nail Trimmer for Dogs and cats will be our first entry into the world of pets. This product uses a sensor to find the quick (the bundle of nerves and blood vessels) on a pets nail, then adjusts to a spot just below it. It trims the nail, rotates to the next nail, and repeats the process, until trimming each nail on the paw. Simply remove the paw, and continue on each paw until done. Our trimmer will avoid the pain of cutting the quick with bleeding. It will not cause discomfort for the animal associated heat build up from electric nail trimmers. This product will allow anyone from novice to professional to trim a dog or cats nails to perfection. Rather than making an appointment, going to the local pet groomer, paying $7 to $25 (before tip), or big box, a pet owner can trim their pet’s nails at home. If the owner would rather have the nails done, they can have their groomer use our tool, giving the pet owner peace of mind, knowing their pet will not suff er any pain. Consumer Factors Planning time involved in purchase Purchase frequency Importance of convenient location Comparison of price and quality Considerable Infrequent Important Considerable Shopping Products Specialty Products Shopping Products Shopping Products Marketing Mix Factors Price Importance of seller’s image Distribution channel length Number of sales outlets Promotion Relatively high Very important Relatively short Few Personal selling and advertising by producer and seller Shopping Products Shopping Products Shopping Products Shopping Products Shopping Products The target market is between the ages of 30 and 45 with busy lives, looking to save time and money. Their incomes would be greater than $60K. This will include professionals, as well as working couples. We will target both existing dog or cat owners, as well as new entrants to pet ownership. Competitive Situation Analysis Analysis of Competition using Porter’s 5 Forces Model Competitive Rivalry Today are no direct competitors. We are entering an existing market, with a completely new technology. The closet rivalry is the electric trimmer, produced by Dremel Tools and Oster Company. These products do NOT have the features we have. They do not compare in experience. There is no threat at this time. We have the threat from two outside entrants to create a knock off version of our automatic nail trimmer. The two companies that could attempt to enter the market are Dremel Tools and Oster Company. The threat to us is medium for a few reasons. We will patent our trimmer, which means that they will have to start with our product, and then develop modifications, to avoid patent infringement. Both companies’ current products use a different kind of technology. They are grinders and do not have any quick detection apparatus’. While Dremel Tools has been in the pet trimming market for some time, they only modified the grinder used for woodworking and other craft projects. This would be a departure from their core competency. This is the only venture by Oster Company. They a relatively new to the market, It isn’t likely that they will put more R and D dollars into a second pet product at this time. There is no threat to us from buyers. Pets must have their nails trimmed on a regular basis, or they can suffer pain and / or health issue. The owners of these pets are responsible to maintain their pets’ nails. With the addition of our safe, reliable, easy to use product added to the market, buyers have all of the options they could want. At our price point, they would not consider creating a similar product. It is an infrequent purchase for them. We will also establish a blog site to give our customers an opportunity to help us determine if they desire any additional features. There is very little threat to us from our two suppliers. Vendor A is supplying us with the heat-sensing component to our trimmer. The device they are producing for us helps to expand their bottom end line of heat sensors. This represents a 10 percent addition to their offering. The main customers for Vendor A is the Armed forces, who buy heat sensing devices for airplanes, tanks, and vision goggles for ground troops. They do not have the infrastructure to build a product such as ours. They would not take on the capital expense to enter this type of manufacturing. They do not have any retail, on-line, distribution experience, or presence. Vendor B who supplies us with the stainless steel blades are in a similar situation. Their main customer is the medical, surgical industry. Vendor B manufacturers high end surgical blades, knives, as well as blades for men’s razor blades. Our product represents a new product in between in quality. It is not significant enough for Vendor B to start an entirely new type of product for them In the current market, there are threats from substitutes.  People not using our product can use manual nail clippers, grinders, or pay someone else to trim their pets’ nails. The threat to us does not exist. All pet owners are currently using one of these venues today. With the quality, ease of use, time and money savings, and cruelty free aspect of our trimmer, virtually nobody will revert to these substitutes. Before we risk our profits or our brand value, we took a critical look both internally, and externally. The intent is to consider how we can leverage the positives, improve on our weaknesses and prepare for outside threats. Here are the findings. STRENGTHS *indicates core competency Financial health* Efficient manufacturing Brand Reputation* WEAKNESSES Lack of training Lack of Distribution network Never advertised pet products OPPORTUNITIES Pet ownership on steady rise Personal time on decrease Economy is increasing expendable income THREATS Possible newer technology Economic downturn Heat sensor supply issue Financial health is one of our core competencies. We have a very low debt-to-equity ratio, combined with a credit rating. This gives us the flexibility to create initial inventory and cover the typical start-up costs related to a new product line. Brand reputation, another core competency, means that we are already in the homes of many of our targeted customers. They know we produce high quality, well designed, products. Our brand is a trusted name nationally. Efficient manufacturing is another of our strengths. It allows up to produce our goods at a lower total cost compared with competitors. We run our production lines quickly, with little waste, or re-work. This helps for reliable batch production, and very few quality / defects issues in the field. Lack of training for our production line associates is a potential issue. Production will be slower, risks quality compliance, and will cost more per unit compared to our established lines. Lack of advertising relationships within the pet market is another weakness. We do not advertise at all aimed at pet owners. We do not understand what the costs are, compared to our other product lines. We will not be able to bundle the new lines advertising with our other lines, for a volume discount. Our sales force is not equipped to demonstrate our new product line. We will need to higher trainers, and new sales people that are specialists specific to the new line. The economy is on an upward trend. As wages increase, so does expendable  income. This allows people to purchase pets, supplies, and services. This applies for either new or existing pets in the household. Personal time is on the decrease. Wage earners are spending more time working. Parents are spending more time driving their school-aged children to sports, music lessons, and dance classes, etc. These parents will also attend the events surrounding the activities. Taking Fido to the groomer and picking him up later is another time eater. Being able to trim nails effortlessly, in your own home, on your own schedule has a good deal of appeal. Pet ownership is on the rise. In 2013, there were 82.5 million pet owners in the United States. This number is expected to rise to 92 million by 2018. In 2013 $4.4 billion dollars were spend on grooming and boarding. In 2014 sales rose to $4.7 billion, a 7% increase. This is a growth industry. Economic downturn could become a possible threat. As expendable income dwindles, pet owners could potentially purchase less expensive nail trimmers. They could also choose to go to a groomer, but do so less often as a money saver. A supply issue could threaten our ability to produce our product. A shortage of the heat sensors could become an issue. If our vendor chooses to increase the price of the sensors could become an issue as well, reducing our margin to an unacceptable level. Development of a newer technology is a threat. A competitor, on a new company could start making the next generation of automatic trimmers. Dependent on the features, or price, we could lose market share. Market Objectives Product Objective Sell 100K units by 12/31/2016. Price Objective Achieve a profit of $500K by 12/31/2016. Place Objective Have our product on the shelves of 2 national chains, and in 200 independent retail pet supply stores by 9/15/2015. Have an on-line presence by 9/1/2015. Our objective is to have 250K hits on you-tube demonstration by 1/1/2016 and 100K hits on our website specific to the new product line by 6/1/2016. This section will introduce you to the particular strategies, which will assure that we achieve our objectives. You will find them well thought out and comprehensive. We took the necessary time to be confident that they are inter-related and logical, using previous tactics which have been successful here at Company G. Packaging – use our trusted XG logo and recognized style of packaging. Great Warranty – offering a two-year warranty, this is better than current electric trimmers in the market. This is in line with our warranty for other product lines in our assortment. Dedicated Help Line – have a 24/7 help line specific to this product line. It will give advice, answer questions, and take care of issues that arise for customers. Market Pricing – Skimming pricing of $89.99. Good Terms – we will give 2% net 30 days pricing to our distributers. Advertising Allowances – $5 per unit sold for preapproved advertising campaigns. We will require proof of sales and give credit within 30 days of campaign end date/ Place Strategies Retail Stores – 2 National chain stores and 200 local pet stores based on their sales. Web presence – We will sell through Amazon.com, as well as on our web site. Quick shipping – We are going to use Amazon’s distribution Centers to ship to retail stores and directly to customers. This will be the most efficient use of our finished goods inventory. Personal selling – We will provide demonstrations at dog shows. Social media – We will have a You-tube presence, and a Face book presence. Discount / Donation – We will give customers a $5 discount and donate $5 to the Humane Society for the first 50K units sold. These strategies are a combination of approaches. We are going to use our strong brand name and recognition to take advantage to the consumers’ trust.  If they compare our product to Dremel or Oster’s trimmer, they will see we give them a superior warranty. We will get our product in front of millions of potential customers at dog shows. There are dog shows of various types happening every week across the United States. The retailers that we target will get good financial terms, along with our strong brand name. Our you-tube presentation will prove to customers just how easy and safe our trimmer is. We will also appeal to the good nature of pet owners will our donation to the Humane Society. In order to assure our success we need to put specific tactics in place. They need a due date and responsible party, so anyone in the process can see if we are adhering to our timeline. We know whom to ask about any given tactic as well. 3-Year Marketing Plan. (2016, Sep 17).

A Discussion of the Marketing Concept and the Implementation of those Essay

A Discussion of the Marketing Concept and the Implementation of those Concepts - Essay Example Music in the Macro-Environment 8 3.1 Evolving forms of Listening 8 4. Final Thoughts 11 4.1 Bagozzi’s Ideas on Transactional Exchange 11 4.2 Conclusion 13 References 14 Marketing and the macro-environment: A discussion of the marketing concept and the implementation of those concepts. 1. Introduction The development of a macro-environment has meant that the field of marketing has had to expand its methods and beliefs as the meanings of consumerism have shifted to a global field of engagement. While a global state of business means that there are more opportunities, it also means that the competition is increased through innovation and local brands that may have an advantage over an international company originating out of foreign lands. Through using concepts and ideas that directly engage the issues that arise when entering into a new market, marketing becomes defined by those issues and the ways they lend towards engaging the consumer in a variety of environments. Marketing involves a series of elements that introduce the consumer to needs in relationship to social expectations. In addition, marketing is involved in the selling of not only tangible ideas, but intangible concepts such as political ideologies, universities, communities, and performers. Exchange becomes defined by the various environments that are involved in marketing. The actors within an exchange are involved in a wider variety of interests within the environments where the macro-environment is concerned. In addition the relationships between the actors is far more complex as barriers between people, in relationship to law, and in relationship to differences in traditions must be navigated in order to appropriately navigate the stream from sales to customer. As the macro-environment influences changes in marketing, it is essential to discuss Bragozzi’s interpretation of exchange. Exchange is defined by Bragozzi using generalities that have relevance, but require some expansion a s popular culture has increased; the consumerist attitude has enveloped society, and as the macro-environment has required a more extensive explanation of exchange. 2. Key Developments and Marketing Responses 2.1 Marketing Marketing is the creation of activities that facilitate the exchange in a consumer context. The idea of exchange is developed through the equality that is created through assigning value and giving one thing of a specific value in exchange for something that represents the same value. The most common example is the exchange of money for goods and services, the goods and services being assigned a specific value that is reflected in a monetary figure. Actual value and social value are often two different ideas. As discussed by Bragozzi, often one part of the exchange or both parts will have negative impact, thus creating an inequality in the exchange. Marketing is the creation of what might be termed as an environment around a product. The environment around a produ ct has its own identity, a culture and belief system through which the product is presented to the consumer. Marketing invites the consumer, through exchange, to become a part of that culture through ownership. 2.2 Key Concepts in Marketing One of the key ideas that are central to marketing is that designing for a product or of a product is central to creating the need that promotes purchase. Creativity is the cornerstone of design, where visuals and text must be in concern with one another in order to have impact. In addition, the culture that is created around the product is a core of how the design must convey the message. Design is developed through a series of elements that come together to convey the most powerful message possible. Within that message is an attempt to convince the

Geography of Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Geography of Industry - Essay Example As the paper highlights the benefits also extend far beyond Fort McMurray through Alberta and Canada to the rest of the world, in form of labor imported to the to the oil sands, equipment manufactured abroad, oil supplies to international market, and benchmarking innovative technologies such as in-situ bitumen extraction. Therefore, developing strategies to deal with the high population to support oil production is an issue that involves a vast array of stakeholders.This discussion stresses that immense oil sands growth has brought about wealth and prosperity for the residents of Fort McMurray but at a much greater cost than one would think. Many issues have arisen from the increased development and population growth in the region. Growing concerns of pollution due to the high population and the emissions of greenhouse gases are a hot topic in the Kyoto accord ratification. The Athabasca oil sands are a major contributor to CO2 emission in Canada, emitting about 26 million metric ton s per year, a figure that is expected to grow substantially in the future. Besides, the area has experienced poor sewerage due to the high populations.  The oil sands also lie on aboriginal land, creating animosity with the native populations, and creating difficulties in acquiring new land for expansion. According to Melissa Blake, mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the high commuter within Fort McMurray creates unruly bumper-to-bumper traffic during peak hours.  

Religious Education Curriculum as a Basis for Developing an Ethos of Essay

Religious Education Curriculum as a Basis for Developing an Ethos of Mutual Respect among Pupils - Essay Example I discovered the importance of educational acts such as the Education Act especially in ensuring that the Religious Education curriculum is effective. Educational reforms are important and can only be much beneficial when implemented for the general national good. For example, excluding independent schools from the national educational reforms is a great setback and can cause great harm to the educational system and cripple the efforts made toward achieving a united country. I support the opinion that religious education must be taught as part of the national curriculum, in all schools for at least a few minutes per day and that collective worship during school meeting time or lessons facilitates the understanding of the role of religion among students. Even though people have the right to withdraw their children from schools that offer obligatory religious education, this denies the children the right to acquire good personal attributes and social understanding that I consider to be very essential for any individual who want to coexist well with others. Moreover everyone’s right to worship and to associate with a particular religion should be respected. I concur with the idea that integrating religious education within the national curriculum will go a long way in developing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other religions. It is true that embedding the Religious Education curriculum in local syllabuses and school frameworks has helped many nations to identify and embrace important principles for religious education (Ashcroft and Palacio, 1997, p.169). Religious education builds up students’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity as well as other principal religions and religious traditions in the world. It makes a unique contribution to the school curriculum by developing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of religion, religious beliefs, practices, languages and traditions and their influence on individuals, communities, societies and cultures. It is much profitable and extremely important that religious education be a nationally agreed syllabus. The education authorities and Standard Advisory Council for Religious Education must come together and device new policies that incorporate the religious teachings and education into the national syllabus (Ashcroft and Palacio, 1997, p.72) .Countries dominated by one particular religion must learn to embrace and tolerate religious diversity. The increased international relations denote that countries must now be more accommodative and able to absorb people of different and diverse multicultural backgrounds. Teaching pupils the diversity of today’s society and the varying differences in religious beliefs and cultures creates a more civilized and understanding society. Religious education encourages the students and the society to accommodate and tolerate people of diverse cultures and enables the pupils and students to explore multi-cultural and multi- faiths, encouraging them to coexist well with people around them

Differences and connections between groupware and ordinary databases, Essay

Differences and connections between groupware and ordinary databases, and why they matter - Essay Example Various researchers have categorized groupware applications into 3 categories including conferencing tools, communication tools and collaborative management and working tools. In this scenario, communication tools comprise FAX, email and voice mail. The second category conferencing tools comprise voice, data and video conferencing, chat rooms and message boards. Finally, collaborative management systems and tools comprise project management systems, electronic calendars and workflow systems. Moreover, various researchers categorize groupware applications into 2 categories with respect to time and place. In this scenario, an application that is used by all the staff members of an organization simultaneously is acknowledged as synchronous groupware application. Additionally, staff members can make use of similar application at different times using asynchronous groupware systems. The place connected types are collected, groupware that is utilized by people in same place as well as distance.Additionally, at the present, businesses, no matter what their working and operational structure is, as well experience the power of the augmented data and informational flow. In addition, businesses are continually receiving and transferring tons of data and information files through posts, telephones, online messengers, emails, and faxes. Normally, organizations use these tools to communicate with their clients as and suppliers, experts or for negotiations. In this scenario, the longer their collaboration with a supplier or client is, the more data and information they would be able to interchange. As well, as the business grows the figures of clients and suppliers also grow. Consequently, the amount of information rises at an exceptional rate. Thus, if these valuable data and information are not arranged it will cause many problems. Besides, they are certain that all of their staff workers work hard? In other words, organizations require high level quality and time-frames of their work. In situations of data and informational chaos, this is quite a complex job. In addition, generation of a variety of reports as well turns out to be a time-consuming task (MetaQuotes Software Corp., 2011) and (Computer Networks IT, 2011). Furthermore, the ineffective collaboration between a business system and government reduces the working competence of our staff members and nonmanufacturing overheads augment. Additionally, an organization turns out to be less well-organized, as their staff spends a greater amount of their time on technical tasks. Consequently, every client costs more and every working hour of organization’s workers formulates fewer investments into their company's efficiency. In this scenario, organizations make use of groupware applications for a multiplicity of causes. However, one main reason is to avoid the customary issues of having workers in dissimilar places who require performing tasks on similar function. In addition, by logging in to a communication network or intranet server, workers in diverse places are able to access the same application as well as get advantage from a variety of

Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology in Intelligent Buildings & Research Paper

Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology in Intelligent Buildings & Engineering - Research Paper Example In Intelligent Buildings & Engineering, Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology is primarily being used to provide an effective means of monitoring and analysis of various real-time data that can help enhance the operational efficiency and reduce costs and energy expenses of smart buildings thereby making them to be more comfortable, safe, and healthy as well as enhance the productivity of the occupants. Unlike multispectral imaging which normally deals with numerous images at discrete, narrow bands, Hyperspectral remote sensing is primarily based on narrow spectral bands produced over a continuous spectral range. This is critically important as it makes the images more detailed. One of the areas of intelligent building and engineering where hyoerspectral remote sensing imaging can be used is to make buildings safer and more comfortable by providing reliable geological and rock information, seismic and environmental data regarding the construction sites prior to the commencement of t he construction of the buildings. Generally, this is critically important in helping choose the appropriate building and engineering project designs as well as materials that best fit a particular geographical area.

Religious Education Curriculum as a Basis for Developing an Ethos of Essay

Religious Education Curriculum as a Basis for Developing an Ethos of Mutual Respect among Pupils - Essay Example I discovered the importance of educational acts such as the Education Act especially in ensuring that the Religious Education curriculum is effective. Educational reforms are important and can only be much beneficial when implemented for the general national good. For example, excluding independent schools from the national educational reforms is a great setback and can cause great harm to the educational system and cripple the efforts made toward achieving a united country. I support the opinion that religious education must be taught as part of the national curriculum, in all schools for at least a few minutes per day and that collective worship during school meeting time or lessons facilitates the understanding of the role of religion among students. Even though people have the right to withdraw their children from schools that offer obligatory religious education, this denies the children the right to acquire good personal attributes and social understanding that I consider to be very essential for any individual who want to coexist well with others. Moreover everyone’s right to worship and to associate with a particular religion should be respected. I concur with the idea that integrating religious education within the national curriculum will go a long way in developing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other religions. It is true that embedding the Religious Education curriculum in local syllabuses and school frameworks has helped many nations to identify and embrace important principles for religious education (Ashcroft and Palacio, 1997, p.169). Religious education builds up students’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity as well as other principal religions and religious traditions in the world. It makes a unique contribution to the school curriculum by developing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of religion, religious beliefs, practices, languages and traditions and their influence on individuals, communities, societies and cultures. It is much profitable and extremely important that religious education be a nationally agreed syllabus. The education authorities and Standard Advisory Council for Religious Education must come together and device new policies that incorporate the religious teachings and education into the national syllabus (Ashcroft and Palacio, 1997, p.72) .Countries dominated by one particular religion must learn to embrace and tolerate religious diversity. The increased international relations denote that countries must now be more accommodative and able to absorb people of different and diverse multicultural backgrounds. Teaching pupils the diversity of today’s society and the varying differences in religious beliefs and cultures creates a more civilized and understanding society. Religious education encourages the students and the society to accommodate and tolerate people of diverse cultures and enables the pupils and students to explore multi-cultural and multi- faiths, encouraging them to coexist well with people around them

Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology in Intelligent Buildings & Research Paper

Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology in Intelligent Buildings & Engineering - Research Paper Example In Intelligent Buildings & Engineering, Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology is primarily being used to provide an effective means of monitoring and analysis of various real-time data that can help enhance the operational efficiency and reduce costs and energy expenses of smart buildings thereby making them to be more comfortable, safe, and healthy as well as enhance the productivity of the occupants. Unlike multispectral imaging which normally deals with numerous images at discrete, narrow bands, Hyperspectral remote sensing is primarily based on narrow spectral bands produced over a continuous spectral range. This is critically important as it makes the images more detailed. One of the areas of intelligent building and engineering where hyoerspectral remote sensing imaging can be used is to make buildings safer and more comfortable by providing reliable geological and rock information, seismic and environmental data regarding the construction sites prior to the commencement of t he construction of the buildings. Generally, this is critically important in helping choose the appropriate building and engineering project designs as well as materials that best fit a particular geographical area.

Improvements in Iraq freedom Essay Example for Free

Improvements in Iraq freedom Essay Introduction The rebirth of freedom in Iraqi brought some improvements with it. There is, the rebirth of freedom itself, economic the advancement of the political and civil society growth as well as reconstruction progress, generosity of foreigners and positive role played by the coalition troops in rebuilding the colony as well as unremarked upon security successes. Contrary to some critics, the intention of the media in not high-lighting some of these positive developments has never been to whitewash the situation in Iraq or to down pay the negative; the bloodshed, the violence, frustrations as well as disappointments are all there for every one to see and about in the main stream media on daily basis. But to point out positive developments is not to deny the bad news, merely to provide a more complete picture (Preble, 2004) The past Saddam Hussein’s regime was a minority Sunni. The long suppressed Shia majority is free now to voice its concern, demanding in post operations Iraq’s freedom (OIF) (Preble, 2004) The world population is increasing tremendously during operation Iraq’s freedom majority of Iraq population were women. This shows that they participated in the operation Iraq freedom more than men during the OIF; the coalition troop had to fight the insurgents whom the majority was men. The local populace personnel were mainly made up women. (Tripp, 2004) OIF brought democracy in Iraq. It made it possible for the Iraqis to prepare for their first ever democratic elections. Iraqis living overseas were also given an opportunity to prepare to vote in the general elections. Even any one who was an Iraqi citizen was eligible to vote. No restrictions were surfaced on Iraqis on the basis of religion, race or sex. This included even those who were Israeli citizens at that time. Anyone who had an original Iraqi birth certificate was to take part is the vote (Preble, 2004) A lot of electoral education activities as well as campaigns run by individual candidates, individual parties or alliances, seminars, conferences as well as posters were all over the place. Iraqis took advantages of the OIF and improved their lives Many Iraqis started investing a fresh in their businesses. The future was looking bright for the people and everything was moving in the right direction During OIF the US used local security forces of indigenous paramilitary personnel in stability operations because it is one of the cornerstones of US foreign policy supporting a newly formed local government. In fact the ideologies forces were integrated in all aspects of US stability operations to provide legitimacy as well as availability for a new government trained as a force capable of dealing with internal as well as foreign threats ,and influenced the local populace’s perception as the new government attention to solve the problems . The stability operations by the United States in Iraq provided for local security to be integrated and used in the majority of US military operations. Such stability operations require a long-term commitment by the United States in cooperation with local leaders to identify, train in as well as integrate local forces into security key fixed sites, as well as conducting security operations on asymmetric battlefields. (Tripp, 2004) Normally what happen the United States characteristics stability operations as promoting as well as protecting US national interests by influencing the political as well as threat aspects of the operational environment. Ground commanders are usually granted to broad and flexible discretions pursuant to rules of engagement to execute the missions required in the area of responsibility. With the broad discretionary choices, commanders tailor their actions according to the type of stability operations needed. (Cordesman, 1999) There are quite a number of benefits that the US army gets from the local populace. Some of them are, for one, it will likely assume responsibility for areas that have suffered significant war-related damages. Secondly, it gets the much needed, military exposure, especially in applying their counterinsurgency tactics they learn quite a lot than other forces in the world. Thirdly the terms and conditions of the salaries of the US army tend to become more favorable in its operation in Iraq. Even while deployed, the US army is covered by the federal employee’s compensation act program, which is known as FECA. (Preble, 2004) The whole process of bringing back freedom and democracy in Iraq has many complications and risks which were to be overcome by the US army. The past regime had constructed extensively many obstacles which were to be surmounted. All the same the United States managed to win the hearts and minds of Iraqis. (Preble, 2004) The positive attitude the U. S. army received during Iraqi freedom was not enough, and especially could not fill the negatives that the tribal leaders of Sunni, Shiite, and Kurdish created through operating at will as well as conducting guerrilla attacks through out the country. Things were not easy for the United State army since it operated as the only entity capable of providing much needed assistance and the required security aspects of the verify effort. At that time there was an illusion that the army was to be a brief temporary presence evaporated almost immediately Conclusion. Post-conflict Iraq security tasks may include control of belligerents, protection of the populace, territorial security, and protection of main individuals, infrastructure as well as institutions and reform of all indigenous security institutions. The control of be liberal task includes: implement as well as maintain the ceasefire; enforce the peace agreement, and support disarmament, de-mobilization as well as reintegration. Territorial security includes, non-combatants, clearance of unexploded ordinance, as well s maintaining public orders. The protection of key individuals, infrastructure, and institutions includes private institution as well as individuals, critical infrastructure, military infrastructure, and public institutions. This shows that the U. S army did a lot to the local populace. As such it deserves more benefits than what it got (Tripp, 2004). Things have really improved now the ethnicity factors have started to lose there meaning. The Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish will live in peace. Many students are now studying political science. The economy has improved and many better things can still be achieved. What U. S did in Iraq and is still doing shows a lot how much a super power can do to save other countries. T he people of Iraq are now enjoying the rebirth of freedom as well as economic prosperity in their beloved country. U. S is never tired to see into it that the world is a better place. Other countries should also follow the good example of United States. Many battles have been won in history but there is no one battle that has been won in a special like that of United States restoring freedom in Iraq. (Preble, 2004). Reference: Cordesman, H. A (1999): Iraq and the war of sanctions: Conventional: threats and weapons of mass Destination: Praeger Publishers Westport, CT. Preble, C (2004: Existing Iraq: Why the US Must End the Military Occupation and renew the war against Al Qaeda: Report of a special Task Force; Cato Institution. Washington. Tripp, S R, et al (2004: Supporting g Air and Space Expeditionary Forces: lessons from operation Enduring freedom. Rand. Santa Monica.

A Reflective Journal Entry

A Reflective Journal Entry In the majority educational situations, there is substantial energy expended as learners use critical-thinking skills to explore complex concepts central to their discipline. When learners systematically engage in significant thinking, they tend to expand insights not just into the concepts but in addition the learning process as well. Educators use various strategies in seeking the one best technique to engage learners actively in their learning. Abegglen, J. ONeill Conger, C. (1997) recognizes the significant contribution of critical reflection in the development of specialized knowledge and clinical expertise. Educators in education and nursing employ reflective learning journals to enhance creative and critical thinking among learners in the classroom (e.g., Allen Enz, 1986-1987; Hahnemann, 1986; Meyers, 1986; Meyers Jones, 1993; McCrindle Christensen, 1995) and in the practice setting (e.g., Alm, 1996; Sedlak, 1997). A few writers offer hold up for educators themselves to become inquiring teachers (e.g., Scho ¨n, 1987; Henderson, 1992) and other writers create models to enhance the teaching-learning process (e.g., McCaugherty, 1991; Hutchinson Allen, 1997; Riley-Doucet Wilson, 1997; Scanlon Chernomas, 1997; Wong et al., 1997; Kember et al., 1999). It is significant to note that this strategy of reflective learning journals promotes learners to turn out to be active learners. Definition: Although the frequent use of reflection and reflective learning journals in the literature, there is no consensus regarding how to define these terms. This lack of clarity creates tremendous difficulty in terms of operationalizing the ideas and in addition in comparing research findings Boychuk, (1999). Boyd and Fales (1983) define reflection as the process of internally examining and exploring an issue of concern, triggered by an experience, which creates and clarifies meaning in terms of self and which consequences in a transformed theoretical perspective (p. 100). This definition is widely used and appropriate to this research exploring the application of the Scanlon and Chernomas (1997) model. For purposes of this research, reflective learning journals refer to written documents that learners create as they think about different concepts, events, or interactions over a period of time for the purposes of gaining insights into self-awareness and learning. Regarding reflection as together compound and indefinable, Pierson (1998) suggests that reflection is a purposeful inter-subjective process that requires the employment of both calculative and contemplative thinking (p. 169). She expresses concern that calculative thinking (e.g., listing daily activities) instead of contemplative thinking (e.g., employing an interactive, conversational style of writing to expand self-awareness and understanding) may be more the norm in practice. Reflective thinking requires a trusting relationship if one is to write about individual thoughts, feelings, and experiences honestly; sufficient time to consider ideas significantly; active involvement; participation of self; and assurance. Assess, the root word of assessment, comes as of the Latin word assidere, which means to sit beside, to observe, talk by means of, and learn as of one another (Conrad, 1995). Traditionally, the word assessment has referred to the way teachers assign letter grades on tests and quizzes. Assessment has in addition been used as a way to discuss teaching effectiveness (Garfield, 1994). However, assessment is now taking on a new meaning. It should be a dynamic process that continuously yields information about learner progress toward the achievement of learning goals (Garfield, 1994). In order for assessment to be considered authentic, it must focus on whether or not learners can apply their learning to the suitable situations (Conrad, 1995). Methods used to measure learner learning range as of traditional standardized testing to a more organic, authentic approach to assessment. The current dispute in educational assessment stems as of the debate flanked by behaviourist and constructivist educators. Behaviourist theory originated as of the work of Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner and focuses on changes in behaviour that result as of stimulus-response associations made by the learner (Standridge, 2002). The learners are active respondents in the learning process and should be given the opportunity to demonstrate their learning through observable and measurable behaviours (Ormrod, 1999). Standardized testing is one of the most obvious ways to observe and measure changes in behaviour. Although they are easy to score and interpret, these tests imply that there is a separation flanked by knowledge and the learner (Worley, 2001). This method of assessment simply offers a way for assigning numerical scores to observa ble behaviours but does not reveal how the learner learned or how they will be able to use their learning to solve problems (Garfield, 1994). On the opposing side of the debate, constructivists argue that learners cannot continue to merely acquire knowledge and demonstrate it through observable and measurable changes in behaviour. Instead, learners must construct the meaning of knowledge as they learn it. Constructivist theory is based mainly on the work of Dewey, Piaget, and Vygotsky and stresses that learning involves an active process in which learners construct meaning by linking new ideas by means of their existing knowledge (Jones Brader-Araje, 2002). Knowledge does not exist outside of the learner. According to Kant, the mind offers the categories of knowing, while the real world offers the content. Knowledge is thus always a construction of the minds interaction by means of the world and cannot be reduced to one or the other (Elkind, 1998, p. 113) In reality, learners come to the classroom by means of a wide variety of prior experiences, knowledge and beliefs that may be cultivated to offer meaningful life-long le arning (Jones Brader-Araje, 2002). Therefore, alternative assessment methods such as recordings, checklists, diaries, portfolios, learner debriefings, peer conferences and reflective journal writing are necessary inside a constructivist classroom (Worley, 2001). Journal writing is the recording of daily events, personal reflections, questions about the environment, and reactions to experiences (Dyment OConnell, 2003). According to Chapman, it should reflect various types of writing as well as levels of complexity related to the task assigned in the prompt (Chapman, 1990). Instances of authentic writing in the journal include open-ended entries, where the learner constructs an entry using background knowledge, or short answer entries that demonstrate understanding of the content taught (Chapman, 1990). Journal writing can become one of the most significant components of the assessment process because it has the potential to promote critical thinking. It in addition reinforces the significance of writing across the curriculum by means of an emphasis on process rather than product, allows for personal expression, and serves as a record of thought. Journal writing helps learners understand how they learn and it gives a voice to those who are not good at expressing themselves orally. Finally, because reflective journal writing requires active participation, the learners take ownership of their learning Brookfield, (1998). According to Atkins, (1993), reflective journal writing serves four purposes for the learner and three for the teacher. The authors studied the journals, observation notes, conference notes and course-related projects of 34 learners in their first course of the teacher education graduate program at South-eastern University. For learners, journal writing serves as a permanent record of thoughts and experiences; establishes and maintains a relationship by means of the instructor; offers a safe outlet for frustrations and concerns; and aids internal dialogue. For the teacher, reflective journal writing serves as a window into learner thinking and learning; establishes and maintains a relationship by means of the learner; and serves as a dialogical tool. Finally, reflective journal writing offers an opportunity for both the teacher and the learner to assess learning. As Atkins, (1993) discovered in his research on more than 20 learners in his advanced mathematics course, reflective journal writing offers learners by means of the opportunity to express connections flanked by previous knowledge and new knowledge. Although one of his Iranian learners struggled by means of English vocabulary, he was able to describe a mathematic word problem in his own words by using connections to his culture Atkins, (1993). Reflective learning journals are recognized as a significant tool in promoting active learning among nursing learners. Essentially, nurse educators strive to encourage learners to think about past experiences, current situations, and expected outcomes of their actions so that they can explain what they do in the clinical setting and why. In other words, nurse educators seek to promote professional practice that is reflective rather than routine. The purposes in this paper are to discuss the application of two models of reflection to a set of reflective learning journals and to offer some recommendations for educators, researchers, and learners. Using a three stage model of reflection Alm, (1996), 52 nursing learners explored managerial concepts. The major findings indicated that learners may be categorized, according to Alm, (1996), as no reflectors (i.e., lack proof of purposeful appraisal), reflectors (i.e., demonstrate insight through analysis, discrimination, and evaluation), and critical reflectors (i.e., indicate a transformation as of initial viewpoint). The foundations for professional practice begin inside the educational system. Educators begin the process of assisting aspiring professionals to learn how to learn. Reflective learning journals have become a significant tool in nursing education to promote active learning among learners. Fundamentally, nurse educators strive to encourage learners to think about past experiences, current situations, and expected consequences of their actions so that they can explain what they do in various professional settings and why. Put another way, nurse educators seek to promote professional practice that is reflective rather than routine. The purposes of this paper are to discuss the application of two models of reflection to a set of reflective learning journals and to offer some recommendations for educators, researchers, and learners. The two models include the three stages of reflection Cavanagh, (1995) and the three levels of reflection Cavanagh, (1995). Conclusion: In conclusion, according to Conger, (1996), It is now widely accepted that successful professionals have to to reproduce upon their actions as mainly tasks they execute involve novel elements to which there are no described solutions (p. 18). The responsibility rests by means of educators to arrange professionals for reflective practice. Inherent in this accountability is the need to determine the extent to which learning actually occurs. Utilizing a model, as described in this presentation, offers strong evidence of learner learning. However, whereas the facilitation of learning stays by means of the educator, the final liability for learning resides by means of the learner. If we believe the words of Conger, (1996), we will all embrace the accountability plus joy of learning: Real knowledge gets to the heart of what it means to be individual. During learning we turn out to be able to do something we certainly not were able to do. Through learning we extend our capability to produce, to be part of the generative procedure of life. There is inside each of us a deep hunger for this kind of learning.

Issues of Survival :: Essays Papers

Issues of Survival â€Å"We will only change if we survive, but we will only survive unless we change.† I believe that the Dalai Lama, in his book Ethics for a New Millennium, discusses many issues pertaining to the current state of our society that are of dyer importance if we hope to survive into the next few generations. Primarily, I am referring to his discussion of happiness as it relates to inner peace, the acknowledgement of universal responsibility, and the need to educate our children responsibly, inside and outside of the classroom. The Dalai Lama makes the assertion that, as humans, we are all ultimately searching for happiness. The way we can become truly happy is by acknowledging that, â€Å"the principal characteristic of genuine happiness is peace: inner peace.† (55) We can achieve this inner peace by putting others needs on the same plane as our own needs and by recognizing that our own well-being is intimately attached to that of others. I believe this is crucial to our survival. By raising others needs to a level of our own, we are acknowledging that they are an asset to our lives and equally contribute to the human family. This, in my mind, guarantees them the universal rights of food, water, shelter, education, health services, and safety. We are improving our own lives when we lift up the lives of others. Whether one believes in karma or not, it is true that we feel a positive emotion after thinking of or helping others. â€Å"The impact of our actions—both positive and negative—register deep within us.† (88) That is why we need to continue to think of others well-being; it lifts our spirits and helps us achieve inner peace. True inner peace and happiness cannot be achieved, in my opinion, without the acceptance of the Dalai Lama’s ideas of universal responsibility. My thoughts regarding this are based off the idea that we can never be truly happy while there is human (or environmental) suffering. If it is true happiness for which we are searching, we have a responsibility to everyone’s happiness.

Agrarian Discontent In The Late 1800s :: essays research papers

"Why the Farmers Were Wrong" The period between 1880 and 1900 was a boom time for American politics. The country was for once free of the threat of war, and many of its citizens were living comfortably. However, as these two decades went by, the American farmer found it harder and harder to live comfortably. Crops such as cotton and wheat, once the bulwark of agriculture, were selling at prices so low that it was nearly impossible for farmers to make a profit off them. Furthermore, improvement in transportation allowed foreign competition to materialize, making it harder for American farmers to dispose of surplus crop. Finally, years of drought in the midwest and the downward spiral of business in the 1890's devastated many of the nation's farmers. As a result of the agricultural depression, many farm groups, most notably the Populist Party, arose to fight what farmers saw as the reasons for the decline in agriculture. During the last twenty years of the nineteenth century, many farmers in the United States saw monopolies and trusts, railroads, and money shortages and the demonetization of silver as threats to their way of life, though in many cases their complaints were not valid. The growth of the railroad was one of the most significant elements in American economic growth. However, in many ways, the railroads hurt small shippers and farmers. Extreme competition between rail companies necessitated some way to win business. To do this, many railroads offered rebates and drawbacks to larger shippers who used their rails. However, this practice hurt smaller shippers, including farmers, for often times railroad companies would charge more to ship products short distances than they would for long trips. The rail companies justified this practice by asserting that if they did not rebate, they would not make enough profit to stay in business. In his testimony to the Senate Cullom Committee, George W. Parker stated, "...the operating expense of this road...requires a certain volume of business to meet these fixed expenses....in some seasons of the year, the local business of the road...is not sufficient to make the earnings...when we make up a train of ten of fifteen cars of local freight...we can attach fifteen or twenty cars...of strictly through business. We can take the latter at a very low rate than go without it." Later, when asked the consequences of charging local traffic the same rate as through freight, Mr.

Understanding the Supply Chain Sunil Chopra

CHAPTER ONE Discussion Questions 1. Consider the purchase of a can of soda at a convenience store. Describe the various stages in the supply chain and the different flows involved. When a customer purchases a can of soda at a convenience store, his purchase represents the end of a supply chain’s delivery of an item and the beginning of information regarding his purchase flowing in the opposite direction. The supply chain stages include customers, retailers, wholesalers/distributors, manufacturers, and component/raw material suppliers. A customer’s purchase moves product towards the customer and dollars and information towards the retailer.The retailer places an order from the wholesaler/distributor to replenish stock, thereby moving information back up the supply chain while moving product down the supply chain. As the order is filled, the retailer will move dollars back up the supply chain. The wholesaler/distributor transmits information and dollars to the manufacture r who produces product and ships it down the supply chain to the wholesaler. Finally (or initially, depending on your perspective) the manufacturer moves orders (information) and dollars towards suppliers in exchange for material flow into their production processes. 2.Why should a firm like Dell take into account total supply chain profitability when making decisions? Dell realizes that their ultimate success lies with the success of their supply chain and its ability to generate supply chain surplus. If Dell was to view supply chain operations as a zero sum game, they would lose their competitive edge as their suppliers’ businesses struggled. Dell’s profit gained at the expense of their supply chain partners would be short lived. Just as a physical chain is only as strong as its weakest link, the supply chain can be successful only if all members cooperate and focus on a lobal optimum rather than many local optima. 3. What are some strategic planning and operational decisions that must be made by an apparel retailer like The Gap? As The Gap plans supply chain strategy it must first consider the marketing function’s pricing plans in order to structure a supply chain consistent with these plans. Strategic considerations such as the capacity of each supplier and assembly operations, sourcing decisions and how logistics are to be handled are all part of the design. The supply chain must also settle on communication channels and frequencies.Supply chain planning takes the strategic decisions as a given and seeks to exploit efficiencies in the chain to maximize supply chain surplus. The entire chain should collaborate in forecasting and planning production to achieve a global optimum. The forecasts should take into account planned promotions and known seasonal fluctuations in demand. The operational decision takes the plans as a given and makes day-to-day decisions to process customer orders, allocate resources to certain customers, trigger or ders from supply chain members, and deliver product. 4. Consider the supply chain involved when a customer purchases a book at a bookstore.Identify cycles in this supply chain and the location of the push/pull boundary. All supply chain processes can be broken down into four process cycles that connect the five stages of the supply chain; the customer order cycle, the replenishment cycle, the manufacturing cycle, and the procurement cycle. The customer order cycle connects the customer with the retailer; this connection is made as the book, perhaps Supply Chain Management by Chopra and Meindl, is selected and paid for by the customer. The replenishment cycle connects the retailer and the distributor and is triggered by the retailer’s need to fill the empty shelf space with nother copy of this tome. The manufacturing cycle connects the distributor and the manufacturer. As demand for the book is realized and distributors empty their warehouses, they signal the manufacturer to p rint another million copies to fill their empty warehouses. Finally, the procurement cycle connects the manufacturer and the supplier. The manufacturer requires raw material inputs of paper, ink, etc. , to begin the assembly process for another batch of Supply Chain Management. The push/pull boundary exists where demand switches from reactive (pull) to speculative (push) production.For most bookstore supply chains the push/pull boundary is between the customer order cycle and the replenishment cycle. The customer order pulls the book from the book store shelf but the initial production of the book was triggered by a build order that moved materials along the supply chain to the retail outlet. 5. Consider the supply chain involved when a customer orders a book from Amazon. Identify the push/pull boundary and two processes each in the push and pull phases. In Amazon’s original operations design the push/pull boundary existed betwixt the retailer (Amazon) and their distributor.A mazon ordered product from the distributor and the customer order arrived. Today, Amazon has six warehouses where it stocks an inventory of items it is confident that will sell. In this scenario, the push/pull boundary exists between the customer and the retailer. Processes in the pull phase are the order fulfillment, shipping, customer returns, and customer billing. Processes in the push phase are production, stock replenishments, shipping, and payment. 6. In what way do supply chain flows affect the success or failure of a firm like Amazon?List two supply chain decisions that have a significant impact on supply chain profitability. The success or failure of a company like Amazon is decided by the effective function of its supply chain. The flow of products from publishers to distributors to customers must be rapid and reliable in order to satisfy customers. The flow of information back through the supply chain allows all members to coordinate efforts. The flow of money allows all supply chain members to maintain operations. Supply chain profitability is influenced by sourcing, promotion, and fulfillment decisions.

Environmental Decision Making Applied to Decommissioning Essay

There are three major risks that I worry about on a daily basis in my life. These risks are listed below in order of severity: 1. Depression – Six years ago I was diagnosed with clinical depression. Depression is a progressive and pathological disease that affects the hippocampus and other areas of the brain. There is no single cause of depression. Depression may be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, or biochemical causes. In my case, I believe my depression is partly hereditary and related to the traumatic childhood event of my father’s premature death. Depression has also been linked with changes to levels of chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and norephinephrine. There are two widely used treatments for depression that have varying degrees of success. Psychotherapy is one treatment that may help some people who suffer from depression. For many people psychotherapy is an ineffective treatment. Anti-depressant drugs are another treatment that is often used in conjunction with psychotherapy. Although there is no scientific evidence that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for depression there is abundant scientific evidence that anti-depressants are an effective treatment for depression, but not necessarily a cure for depression. I currently take three different anti-depressants to control my depression. The risks associated with depression are great. The number one risk is suicide. A person suffering from depression is stricken with feelings of hopelessness and Environmental Decision Making Applied to Decommissioning Page 2 great emotional pain. Suicide is always in the back of a depressed person’s mind as a way to escape the world and depression. It has also been proven that men suffering depression have a 50% more likely chance of dying from cardiac disease than men who are not depressed. This is due to the overflow of stressor hormones that are released in a depressed person’s body. 2. Driving – Driving back and forth to work five days a week is an increasingly risky proposition as the highways become more and more congested with traffic. I have been in one serious accident over the last two years and have been in several near accidents. As more people use their cell phones while driving the risk for all drivers increases. Some states have outlawed the use of cell phones while driving and I believe all states should enact laws like this. Because my commute is fifty miles per day, my perceived sense of risk of having a fatal accident is high. 3. 401(k) Plan – With the economy in a deep recession and the stock markets at ten year lows, my 401(k) plan has suffered huge losses. If the economy and stock markets do not recover in the second half of 2009, then I will have to postpone my early retirement planned for the end of this November. This will definitely have an effect on my depression. Key Risk Without question the key risk for me is depression. As noted above this is a progressive disease and each year that goes by it is getting worse. In order to live a happy and Environmental Decision Making Applied to Decommissioning Page 3 fruitful life this is an unacceptable risk but there is not much I can do about it except continue to take my medications. There is no way to really quantify this risk in terms of numbers. Some factors that influence this risk are my job and my marriage. I have a very stressful job and my marriage is not a happy one. These two factors contribute greatly to my depression. If I can retire early this year, then I will feel much better without the daily grind of a stressful job. Perhaps then I can concentrate on improving my marriage and, thus, reducing my stress and depression further. Environmental Risk Environmental risks associated with driving will be reduced greatly if I can retire early this year. I estimate that without having to come to work each day my yearly mileage will be reduced to 4,000 miles per year from the current 11,000 miles. The risk of having a serious accident will be greatly reduced the less time I spend driving my car. Eliminating the working environment from my life will also reduce the stress in my life and could greatly improve my health by allowing me to spend more time exercising and doing other projects that I would like to do. This will, hopefully, have a profound positive affect on my depression.

About Shakespeare Essay Example for Free

About Shakespeare Essay Essay Topic: Literature , William Shakespeare Choose cite format: APA MLA Harvard Chicago ASA IEEE AMA Hamlet (634) , Claudius (325) , Ophelia (231) , Polonius (224) , Gertrude (208) , Laertes (186) , Horatio (118) , Fortinbras (82) Haven't found the essay you want? Get your custom sample essay for only $13.90/page ? Hamlet is Shakespeare’s longest and most tragic play. It was first published in 1603, from a draft published several years earlier. The play begins two months after the death of King Hamlet of Denmark. The country is in a state of unrest. Young Fortinbras of Norway is preparing for war. After the King’s death, his brother Claudius takes over the throne, and marries the widowed Queen Gertrude. Young Hamlet, the late king’s son is incensed. He is told by the ghost of his father, that Claudius had poisoned him, to become the King of Denmark. Hamlet starts acting like a madman rousing concern. Polonius, an advisor to King Claudius is also worried by Hamlet’s strange â€Å"transformation. † The two, along with Queen Gertrude instruct Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet’s childhood friends to spy on him. Hamlet is also increasingly hostile towards his love, Ophelia, Polonius’ daughter. Out of fear, the King orders Hamlet to be sent to England. King Claudius and Polonius both feel that Hamlet is dangerous. To ensure who the culprit was, Hamlet cleverly changes the lines in a play which is performed before the king and the queen. The King’s reaction convinces Hamlet that it was indeed he who poisoned his father. Alone, King Claudius reveals his crime, and confesses that he cannot escape divine judgment. After the play, Queen Gertrude scolds her son, but he instead scolds his mother for her wrong actions. Polonius is spying on the two, from behind a curtain. Hamlet hears Polonius, and kills him thinking he is Claudius. Anxious and scared, the king orders Hamlet to be sent to England, along with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. The King wants Hamlet killed as soon as he arrives in England. Hamlet had the spies Rosencrantz and Guildenstern put to death instead. Meanwhile, Young Fortinbras has brought his army to Denmark. Hamlet admires Young Fortinbras, for his courage to fight for honor. The death of Polonius has a profound impact on Ophelia, who in her depression and apathy kills herself by drowning. Laertes, Polonius’ son is enraged. The king tells him that it was Hamlet who murdered Polonius. The two decide to get rid of Hamlet, their common enemy. Claudius and Laertes arrange a duel, in which Laertes will fight Hamlet. To ensure Hamlet’s death, Laertes poisons the tip of his sword. In the course of the duel, Laertes, Hamlet and the King are poisoned by the same sword. Queen Gertrude drinks a poisoned drink meant for Hamlet, and is killed. Dying, Hamlet tells Horatio to tell the world of his story and recommends Young Fortinbras the next king of Denmark. Hamlet – Prince of Denmark is a play that deals with the main subjects of honor, revenge and suicide. Hamlet is not our typical hero. Born in a royal family, he is a refined young man with noble attributes, but he has his weaknesses. After his father’s murder, he is driven mad by anger when his mother marries Claudius. His love for Ophelia too turned into a strange confusion and mix of emotions. He distrusts all those around him, and starts dwelling in a melancholy state of mind. Even those he thought were his friends turn out to be spies sent by the king and queen. This also explain Hamlets â€Å"insanity† to a great extent. But even so, Hamlet is a disturbed individual. The way he treats Ophelia is obvious evidence. He is cruel to her, in spite of her efforts to try and understand him. He is also impulsive – he kills Polonius without thinking twice. Justice and revenge form major themes of the play, with Claudius, at the Head of a country, having killed his own brother, and Hamlet, avenging his father’s death. Suicide also forms an essential theme in the play. Ophelia kills herself by drowning. Hamlet too is prompted to kill himself. † But should he, or not; â€Å"To be or not to be, that is the question. † Shakespeare portrays all the characters with great ingenuity. He analyses human psyche, and how eventually, everyone’s destiny is controlled by fate. About Shakespeare, Hamlet Study Guide, http://absoluteshakespeare. com/guides/hamlet/hamlet. htm About Shakespeare. (2017, Mar 16).