Old Mrs Grey

â€Å"Old Mrs. Grey† Born in 1882, Virginia Woolf was an author, feminist, critic, essayist, pacifist and one of the founders of the Modernist Movement in Literature. Like many of her contemporaries in the Movement, she employed a vivid and descriptive stream-of-consciousness writing style that was rooted in the popular Freudian psychoanalytic theories of the day; and in fact, both of her brothers became psychoanalysts. Woolf regarded herself as â€Å"mad†, having bouts of debilitating depression brought on by her bi-polar disorder. Within her body of work, especially in her essay â€Å"Old Mrs.Grey†, you can see the melancholic/suicidal ideation of her own psyche deployed in the character of Mrs. Grey. She did not hold with the traditional views that suicide was sinful or cowardice. In 1941, she put rocks in her coat pockets and committed suicide by drowning herself in a river near her home in Sussex. The letter she left reasoned that she was â€Å"going mad ag ain and shan’t recover this time†. This is the background on how and possibly why Mrs. Woolf uses the imagery of hopelessness so effectively in this story as a surrogate for her own misery.In the story â€Å"Old Mrs. Grey†, Woolf’s depressively artful use of words describes a lonely 92 year old woman whose body has painfully palsy, â€Å"jerked her body to and fro†, and is in constant arthritic pain which, â€Å"twists her legs† and keeps her confined to her home where she sits in a â€Å"hard chair† and looks with â€Å"aged eyes† that have â€Å"ceased†. She sits by a dying fire in a hard chair, looking at â€Å"The morning spread seven foot by four, green and sunny. â€Å" a reference to the only life she knows now, looking through the door of her cottage at the life outside of it.This is emblematic of her longing for a bygone youth, which Woolf further describes, â€Å"†¦ (she) saw herself at ten, at twenty, a t twenty-five. †, a youth which has fled and left her nothing but memories. The poignant aspect of the story is that while Mrs. Grey is confounded by her longevity, though she longs for the Lord to â€Å"take her†, she never actually voices a propensity to end it herself. The author clearly feels that the advances of medical science that prolong her life, which are but a, â€Å"nail†¦that pinions†¦the body against a wall†, are an insult and occur seemingly against her will.However, as the protagonist notes, the doctor is a good man. The author implies that the doctor is in wonder that Mrs. Grey hasn’t died, but clearly shows that he takes care of her, as required by his oath, regardless of his personal opinion. Clearly, Woolf’s use of imagery and diction brings the reader into Mrs. Grey’s end of life suffering and morose loneliness. The reader, by the end of the story, can empathize with Mrs. Grey’s feeling of the pointlessne ss and uselessness of her remaining days and her longing to â€Å"pass on†, because of Woolf’s competent characterization of Mrs. Grey’s somber situation.

The hypothesis for this piece of coursework is “Exeter is dealing well with its traffic needs”

As shown in the maps on the previous page Exeter is a city in the south-west of England, with areas like Dartmoor which is a national park nearby, Exeter is also surrounded by towns and villages like Topsham, Exmouth, Starcross and Lympstone. At the moment Exeter's population is around 111,000 but is always growing. Exeter has many transport links, including two main train stations and a few more local ones, a successful bus service, many roads in and surrounding Exeter and an international airport. Exeter's main train stations are Central station which is a few minute walk to the city centre and St David's station which is a 15-20 minutes walk or a few minute bus journey. Exeter has more local train station such as St Thomas train station, but these unlike the two main train stations which have trains which travel all around the country only have trains which travel to closer towns or cities. Exeter's main bus service which is Stagecoach, has many routes which enables you to travel around and just past the outskirts of Exeter, Stagecoach also have a Main bus station in Exeter which also has less frequent buses which travel further to place all around England. The last transport link which Exeter has is Exeter's international airport which as well as flying chartered flights also fly scheduled flights around England. Exeter's chartered flights don't only include short haul flights to places in Europe but have recently started to fly long haul flights to places like New York and Canada. Exeter has many roads surrounding and passing through it including the M5 which is a motor way which starts by Exeter and ends up by Birmingham, there is also many A roads neighbouring Exeter including A30 and the A38 which join at the start of the M5 and also the A377 which passes through Exeter and joins to the A30. Lastly there are several B roads including the B3212, B3183, B3123 and the B3183. As Exeter's population is growing more and more people are driving and buying cars this therefore increases Exeter's car ownership and traffic problems, due to this increase in people and cars Exeter's traffic needs are becoming more and more important. In places which have had the issue of congested roads and other traffic problems, traffic management strategies have already been tried, like in London; they have now introduced a payment which has to be made for vehicles to be able to drive in the city centre. The roads which I will be focusing on are: à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½Alphington Road à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½Cowick Street à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½Exebridge à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½High Street à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½Topsham Road The roads and area which I will be concentration in this investigation on are shown on a map opposite. The area which I will be mainly working with is in and around the city centre and is shaded in brown on the map, and all the roads except Topsham Road which I am concentrating on are shaded in red To investigate this hypothesis I will be mainly working in and around the city centre, I will ask questionnaires, take traffic counts and photos, send emails, and also use the internet. I will then put the data into graphs and diagrams and do some calculations which will then tell me if my hypothesis is correct or not.

Broken Globe Stage 2

Characterization is the process by which authors make characters come alive for readers. Authors have many techniques available to portray characters, and they can broadly be divided into indirect and direct presentation. In the short story â€Å"The Broken Globe†, author Henry Kreisel brillantly develops the two principle characters, Nick Solchuk and his father, through indirect presentation. Consistency is the key to good characterization. From ? rst person point of view, the reader obtains a full portrait of both Nick and his father indirectly by learning what the narrator sees and hears somewhat objectively. Nick, the narrator’s friend, is a successful geophysicist studying the curvature of the earth. He demonstrates persistance, passion, and determination in the study of the earth. He asks the narrator â€Å"eagerly† with â€Å"his face reddening† about his paper to the International Congress. Even under the torture of his father, he still keeps his goal of proving that the earth moves. He even retorts his father by saying â€Å"You can beat me and break my globe, but you cannot stop [the earth] from moving. † This passage shows his determination in his belief. On the other hand, Nick’s father adopts personas of sophistication during the short visit of the narrator. His father is stubborn that he only believes what he sees is the truth: â€Å"[the earth] is ? at, and she stands still. † He is also imptuous and fractious that he â€Å"[beats] Nick like he is the devil† when he wants Nick to accept the same concept of the earth as he believes. Both characters are consistent and static, for they are still living in their own world: one lives in a ? at world and the other lives in the world of science. Another signi? cant objective of characterization is to reveal motivation. Kreisel’s story is set mainly in Alberta, a â€Å"land ? attens until there seemed nothing. † Living in Alberta, Nick’s father sees only the open prairies and ? elds every day; thus he perceives that the earth is exactly ? at and still as what he sees. Moreover, the reader learns that he is hard to change his mind because â€Å"he received an education of sorts when he was a boy. † Therefore, he believes that the earth is the center of the universe and the center is still. Similarly, Nick’s motivation is intrigued by a teacher who teaches him the earth is round and is moving. This teacher’s â€Å"enthusiasm [is] infectious† as Nick says. The teacher shows Nick a world larger than the ?at prairies, a world that is exuberent. Although the two characters’ own views of the world contradict one another, they do care and love each other. To build characters that convincing, the author must make their actions realistic and believable. Nick and his father are plausible due to their backgrounds. Nick’s father is taught that â€Å"the earth is ? at and still,† and what he sees outside in Alberta is only the far-distant prairies with â€Å"neither hill nor tree nor bush. † Furthermore, Nick, suffering from the violence of his father, always illustrates indomitable perserverence in seeking the truth. He continually shows to his father a globe can move, even though he knows his father will be mad. People with bond ? de determination can achieve their goals, just like Nick achieves his goal and becomes a geophysicist (to prove his father wrong? ). Altogether, they both are rounded characters in that they demonstrate many attributes and traits. Nick’s father is a stubborn, impulsive, and fractious father whereas Nick is a passionate, indomitable, and persistent geophysicist. In the story â€Å"The Broke Globe† Henry Kreisel effectively utilizes many techniques to develop characters, and further reveals a thoughtful insight into life. Nick’s father who insistently believes that the world is ? at and still lives in his own â€Å"broken globe†, where â€Å"Satan has taken over all the world† but him. 1. Sample Task for English 12 Writing Prepared by Seaquam Page 15 Characterization: A Father and a Son, How the Apple Falls Characters can make a short story rich and worth reading. In Henry Kreisel’s â€Å"The Broke Globe† the differences in ethics between a man and his father is seen through the eyes of a somewhat neutral narrator. Nick Solchuk is a brilliant man of science, while his father is the polar opposite. His father is a pious prairie farmer who does not value higher education or the values its teaches. Even though these characters are presented indirectly, Kreisel utilizes other methods to develop the characters. He shows them as static and round characters who are plausible and who remain consistent. Being ? rst person narrative, no direct presentation is used because the author cannot speak directly. He simply assumes the persona of a a narrator and therefore all presentation is indirect. One can ? nd out a lot about a character by what others say about him. Nick’s father is developed in the beginning during the conversation between Nick and the narrator. At this point the reader discovers that Nick and his father differ in many ways. Obviously, Nick is a man of great intelligence as the narrator say, â€Å"he studied at Cambridge and got his doctorate there and was now doing research at the Imperial College. † The reader also learns that despite being a brilliant man, nick whistfully remembers his simple childhood growing up in Three Bear Hills, Alberta. Nick’s father is developed much the same way later on in the conversation. Nick reveals that his father is a polar opposite. Nick’s father is shown as a religious prairie farmer with â€Å"a strange imagination. † Nick also explains why there is tension between himself and his father. â€Å"Curious man my father. He had strange ideas and a strange imagination too. He couldn’t understand why I was going to school or university. † â€Å"I suddenly realized that the shape of the world he lived in had O been O ? xed for him by some medieval priest in the small Ukranian villiage he was born in O But he still lived in the universe of the medieval church. : The reader now knows that Nick and his father are very different. Dialogue becomes a very important part of this story. The reader learns a lot about the father by what he says and by what he says he does. The ? rst meeting between the father and the narrator shows a lot about the father. â€Å"You friend of NickOWhat he do now? O still tampering with the earth? † Now, it has been con? rmed that Nick’s ideas differ greatly from his father’s. Nick’s father may be a simple prairie farmer, but that does not mean that he is rude. The father acts very formally when inviting the narrator inside his house. He stands as the narrator comes in, which is a sign of respect; he even brings out coffee for the narrator. The reader continues to learn about the relationship Nick’s father has with his son, and certain other people. The father explains how he exploded at a teacher for â€Å"letting Satan in† and for teaching Nick science at school. This act shows how the father deals with other people. The father goes on to elaborate on how he dealt with Nick as a child. â€Å"I grab him by the arm and I shake him and I beat him like he was the devilOAnd he made me madder and madder because he doesn’t cry or shout or nothing. † â€Å"I would of killed him right there for sure. † The reader now knows how he handles his son. Nick and his father are both static, round characters. They do not change at the end of the story, but they have many traits. Nick’s father proves he does not change by saying to the narrator â€Å"Satan has taken over all the world. † Then he suddenly rousled himself and hits the table with his ? st crying passionately, â€Å"But not me! Not me! † The characters act consistently throughout the story. â€Å"The Broken Globe† is a deeply driven character story. Both main characters are well developed. In some cases, the apple falls very far from the tree.

Bio-Terrorism preparedness and response Module 3 case MHE 507 Essay

Bio-Terrorism preparedness and response Module 3 case MHE 507 - Essay Example However the operation is plagued by the lack of qualified and motivated staff members. This paper will seek to study and analyze the LRN. The Laboratory Response Network was created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a means of responding to biological terrorism. The CDC established the organization with its partners, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Association of Public Health Laboratories (McGovern, 311). The overall aim was to create an efficient mechanism that would upgrade the American public health infrastructure to respond to bioterrorism. The LRN uses a coordinated effort by government, military, health, and private laboratories to fight against possible bioterrorist threats. It helps to enhance the ability of the country to respond to biological and chemical terrorism. The Laboratory Response Network operates using a multi-tier organizational structure. Each level helps to create a multilayered security mechanism against potential bioterrorist acts. Sentinel laboratories are the first line of defense since they are concerned with identifying and assessing bioterrorism threat agents. They have the responsibility of treating samples in a safe manner (Roffey & Tegnell, 450). Reference laboratories typically have advanced equipment that is used to test and monitor the presence of specific biological threat agents. Finally national laboratories are present in military and government facilities for the purpose of identifying specialized biological agents (Treadwell & Koo, 92). The LRN represents a unique effort to fight bioterrorism because it integrates state, federal, military, veterinary, and international laboratories. Adequate funding has supplemented the efforts by providing the necessary equipment, instruments, and supplies to the network of laboratories. However a major shortcoming is the lack of qualified and talented staff (Inglesby, 1735). This was because qualified scientists and researchers

Representation of Crime in the Media Coursework

Representation of Crime in the Media - Coursework Example From the study it is clear that media fails to provide importance to minor crimes because the same is with less violence. For instance, the case of recently disappeared teenager named as Alice Gross out focused other minor incidents related violence. This discussion highlights that the media decided to conduct research on this incident and totally neglected other criminal incidents. When the viewers are in search of breaking news, minor crimes are totally ignored and violence becomes the focal point. These broadcasting groups are aware of the fact that reporting minor crimes cannot capture the attention of the viewers. When the viewers ignore minor crimes, rating and revenue from advertisement will go down. So, one can see that news on minor crimes is non-profitable and is the reason behind the exclusion of the same from broadcasting media. On the other side, printed media provides ample importance to the sensational aspect of unexpected incidents and totally ignores minor crimes. As regular readers depend upon printed media for detailed reading, ample importance is given to the details of crime and related violence. Besides, printed media prepares and publish cover stories related to certain incidents with violence and totally i gnore other stories with less violence. So, both the printed and visual media excludes minor crimes because the same is with less news value. The reporters create reports on incidents and add some unneeded information to create false impression that criminal instinct is increasing.

Environmental Science Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Environmental Science - Research Paper Example Middle Eastern cultures also used resin, combined with beeswax, specifically because it could be chewed with a softer texture. The first gum in America was noted in as early as the 800s when spruce tree resin was taken from the bark and chewed on. This chewing gum continued to be used until the 1800s when it became a commercial product (Ford Gum, 2011). When chewing gum was first processed, it began with taking gum from spruce trees. There were also options to have a silicone base with the gum. However, neither of these options allowed for continuous manufacturing of the gum. The process used today began by Thomas Adams. Adams was introduced to chicle, a rubbery textured tree sap that is found in both Mexico and in Central America. The chicle is scrapped from the trees and immediately consists of a rubbery substance that can be chewed. The gum is then processed to make a different consistency and size. The chicle is placed in hot water until it begins to reform into a putty type of c onsistency. After the putty is made, the gum is processed into different flavors. The ingredients include sassafras and licorice, which creates the main taste for general bubble gum. Other types of gum will also add in other flavors, such as mint, peppermint or fruit flavors.

Marketing Concept Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Marketing Concept - Essay Example The marketing concept is different from all the others, which include product, selling production and holistic marketing. This is because it involves coming up with products according to the needs of the customers. The others may involve the advertisements of the products after they are ready made. Therefore, it is more of the customer finding out about the firm. In the marketing concept, market research is thoroughly conducted. The firm takes an interest in finding out the needs of consumers. This concept exhibits some intrinsic qualities. It shows consideration of tastes and preferences of consumers, as opposed motivation by profit maximization. It also shows that the firm upholds ethics unconditionally. The reason behind this is that even the thing that matters the most does not stop the firm from doing what is right.The marketing concept is both advantageous to the firm and the consumers. People tend to think that the profits of a firm are only maximized by the most direct method s whose effects are immediately felt. However, this is never the case. There is a need to look at the future. The conduction of research on consumers might seem less expensive for a small firm. However, this is an extremely expensive undertaking for a larger firm. This is because large firms may be serving a wide geographical market. It may call for the use of most of the modern technologies. Therefore, this may seem like a method that is less advantageous to the firm.... People tend to think that the profits of a firm are only maximized by the most direct methods whose effects are immediately felt. However, this is never the case. There is a need to look at the future. The conduction of research on consumers might seem less expensive for a small firm. However, this is an extremely expensive undertaking for a larger firm. This is because large firms may be serving a wide geographical market. It may call for the use of most of the modern technologies. Therefore, this may seem like a method that is less advantageous to the firm. However, the exact opposite is true. First, this kind of marketing attracts more customers. This is when they realize that their interests are considered by the firm. The other advantage is long term. The firm is able to establish the wants and needs of consumers. Therefore, they come up with products that have the ability to satisfy the consumers for a long time. This ensures profit maximization. Introduction of the chosen busi ness. The principal aim of this essay is to discuss the application of the marketing concept in the real world. This can only be achieved using a live example of a firm in the real world. Therefore, it was essential to consider a company that has had a long history with this concept. For this reason, Standard Life was the ideal choice. This is an investment and long term saving business. It mainly deals with life assurance. The head quarters of this company is in Edinburgh. However, its operations occur all around the globe. Standard Life has been the principal topic of controversy for a long time. This is due to some of its policies, as well as acts. However, this company has exhibited continuous success over the years. This is

The Holocaust Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Holocaust - Research Paper Example The state of Germany led by Adolf Hitler killed six million individual from the Jews community between1933 to 1945. Since the Holocaust years, it is 50 years down the line but relevant questions are still being asked by not only the Jews community but also the international communities across the globe. â€Å"How could a modern state carry out the planned murder of a whole people just because they were Jews?† (Rossel, 12). It is also a perturbing issue since the whole world watched, as six million innocent souls were murdered in cold blood. In addition, it is even hard to find an individual who can give an explanation of what really happened? In spite of having the survivors of the holocaust, by then they were children. Giving an ear to them to explain is like history in pieces. But as time goes by historians give clear description of the Holocaust. It is indeed strange to hear politicians and professors reports claiming that there is nothing like years of Holocaust. On the ot her hand, the social scientist can claim that sacrifice by blood is ridiculers’ thing, since it impossible to encounter a group of individuals who can do such an act in such a long period. Furthermore, the politicians may claim that Holocaust story was told by the Jews community, as a plot or for evil reasons. ... Weiss describes that the writing of Luther as â€Å"more obscene than even Hitler’s Mein Kampf† A unique brand of the fascisms in Germany was as a result of the waiving out of the nationalism which was peculiar as it was introduced in Germany that came with the revolutions, capitalism with enlighten and the 20th Century war that were fused together. In addition, it is still moot to explain the extent at which the Holocaust covered, but studies that have been done locally show that the Germaine’s were attracted to the anti-Semitism since they were drawn to be part of the Nazism but not the anti-Nazism. It is therefore obvious that the anti-Semitists power was in the Holocaust. However, the anti-Semitists in Germany resulted to different situations as well as having unique outcome compared to the anti-Semitist in other countries with the same characteristics, Christianity was at bay. Between years 1933 to 1945 there was a concentration camp since the beginning, the y were founded with an aim of holding political prisoners and they were later used to hold the â€Å"asocial†. However, there were high death rates that were recorded with 50 percent rate of the mortality rate which were not meant to be or be centers of killings. While 1942 was approaching Germany had 6 extermination camps and they were large in size. There was a difference in the concentration camps since individuals who were sent in the 6 camps were killed. The camps continuously became a site where the Jews and the POWs were brought to their death dates. A part from being killed they were forced to be slaves, laborers, torture and were as well undernourished. In addition, German went ahead and established 15,000 more camps in countries where they had occupied such as

Participant observation (Race and Ethnicity - in & beyond US) Essay

Participant observation (Race and Ethnicity - in & beyond US) - Essay Example One will find hundreds of hard to find authentic ingredients, food, and groceries for Korean and all other Asian cuisines such as spicy Korean pepper bean paste, popular Japanese ramen noodles, Asian BBQ sauce, kim chi, other health enhancing herbal drinks, herbal cigarettes that help you kick the habit, Japanese miso, tempura, udon, many exotic condiments and canned goods to make preparing authentic Korean food and other Asian dishes easy. The owner is a man and wife of Korean descent. Most customers are Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and a few Americans. I had always surmised that this is a busy venue at this time of the day due to commuters rushing home from work. Majority of the people I observed were women making a hurried trip to this place to do some shopping for dinner. I see interspersed attendance from teenagers who just hang around, meet with friends, or were running errands. I do not see businessmen and professionals often except for some husbands accompanying their wives to do some marketing. At times, mothers come with their little children in tow. I sat on a chair beside the counter. I bought some snacks and opened a notebook. I saw people of different cultures and races coming in and out of the place. There were Asians (Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, Filipinos) and a few Americans who appear to recognize and acknowledge each others’ presence through a quick smile, a nod, and at times, for men – a hand shake. I observed that it is actually the women who initiate either verbal or non verbal interaction. Regular customers talk to cashiers and their favorite personnel from the market who were just so happy to be of service. This exemplifies reciprocity at work. I tried to do some non verbal interaction through smiling and acknowledging acquaintances and they responded favorably. I asked strangers what the time is and they responded cordially. I do not feel intimidated or compromised being alone in this

Industry Paper-Exploring organaizational development and strategies Essay

Industry Paper-Exploring organaizational development and strategies - Essay Example With the advent of time, the vacuum cleaner industry has undergone drastic changes. The globalization of the markets, rapid developments in the technologies, easy access to cost-effective manufacturing destinations and growing concern for eco-friendly products and services have stressed the need of modifying the organizational structures and strategies (European Commission, 2009). The vacuum cleaners are supplied in accordance to the demands of the customers, government, society and environment so that every stakeholder can get benefitted. All the key players of the vacuum cleaner industry such as Dyson, Dirt Devil, Electrolux, Kirby, Hoover, Vax, Black & Decker, Miele, Oreck and many more have same organizational structures and strategies. However, they differ in terms of their competency level and product differentiation strategy. The early form of vacuum cleaners was the self-contained ones which were the foremost and sole suction machines. These first machines were introduced and invented in Europe by Hubert Booth in early period of 1900s and his company’s name was Goblin. Next, the upright vacuum cleaners were created which had a revolving brush for loosening the debris. These appliances were conceived by James Murray Spangler and a few years later were introduced in US by Hoover. The early entrants of the vacuum cleaner market in UK were Electrolux in 1908, followed by Vorwerk in 1929 and Miele in 1931 (European Commission, 2009). During the period of 1960s, the concept of professional carpet cleaning was inaugurated. This latest trend was refined by Alan Brazier under the brand Van in 1980s. This was the turning point in the European vacuum cleaner industry as Vax Ltd. took over more than half of the UK market by the end of 1980s. Hoover and Bissell launched the extractors or upright carpet washers in Europe and US in the early years of twenty-first century. In 1911,

Reasons for Travel Essay Example for Free

Reasons for Travel Essay More and more people all over the world prefer to spend their holidays travelling. Rich or poor, old or young, they strive to leave the place where they live or work, and move to another spot of our planet — at least for two to four weeks a year. They travel to cities and towns, mountains and lakes, across oceans and seas. There are several reasons why the popularity of travel and tourism is growing. The first one is educational value of travelling. Man has always moved from one place to another in search of knowledge. Even now, in the age of technology and global communication, travelling to a different region or country can help discover new ideas, technologies and inventions. The best way of studying geography is travelling, the best way to help you master a foreign language is travelling, too. Moreover, a special kind of tourism has developed, called educational tourism when people travel to study a foreign language or to take up a course in one or several other subjects. The second reason why people travel is entertainment and rest. To see great buildings and natural wonders, listen to national music, get some knowledge about traditions and ways of different countries, taste new cuisine gives us new emotions, helps drive away the stress. Thirdly, there are special reasons. A lot of new types of travelling have appeared like ecotourism, educational tourism, sports tourism. A lot of people travel on business. Now, with the growth of international trade people have a lot of chances to do business with foreign partners, and they do it willingly. Some people have additional reasons to like travelling. When travelling, they do sports, or take care of their health, or get new contacts.

Personal Portfolio Essay Example for Free

Personal Portfolio Essay My journey as a student started out as a young child. Coming from nurturing parents, I was always taught my ABC’s, 123’s and colors. I was an eager student and when it was time to go to school, I was excited and motivated. As I moved on in my educational career, I didn’t keep with the same attitude I started with when I was younger. I feel now, I’ve regained my passion to be a student with the maturity I’ve gained over just this past year. I feel that I will always be a student because I will never cease to learn. I’ve been successful and unsuccessful in my efforts in my formal education. With each new endeavor I take, I learn something new about myself and what I can handle. One of the biggest things I’ve accomplished was the completion of high school. For me, my high school years were some of my darkest. I was in regular day school or the first two years and because of personal issues spent the last two years on home instruction. Being able to graduate with a high school diploma in the allotted 4 year time span meant so much to me and still does. Another successful experience I’ve had before coming to MCC was obtaining my Medical Assistant Certification. I worked in the field for some time and decisions I made in my life, lead me to give away what I had worked so hard for. The most recent and successful thing I’ve done thus far is coming to MCC. Before enrolling here, I was in a very lost and dark place in my life. I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to get out. I was given an opportunity at a second chance and I am going to take full advantage of it this time around. I’ve encountered many challenges along the way; some of them I’ve even let stunt me in my growth as a person in society. When I was in grammar school, I lost my father suddenly, as I entered high school I fell into the wrong crowd of friends and my life took a turn down the wrong path for a while and I have a diagnosed mental illness that makes everyday life difficult sometimes. I’ve learned that I need to be open and honest with my life in order to get better. How I’ve learned cope with theses everyday challenges it to just face every day and know my limits. I attend self-help groups that have changed my life and afforded me with nineteen months clean and showed me there is a better way to live. I decided to enroll in Middlesex County College because I need a change of pace. Before coming to MCC, I was stagnant; I wasn’t sure I’d ever move from the dreary place I found myself in. When the Fall 2012 semester was about to close, I had a choice, was I going to participate in life or was another year going to pass me by? I made a decision to put all my fears aside and enroll. Honestly, the first few weeks of that fall semester were great. I felt on top of the world, things were coming so easy. Then reality started to set in. I saw that I was in remedial classes and my friends were in more advanced courses some even in universities. Life started to show up and responsibilities were beginning to knock on my door and tests were on days I wanted to have for myself. I felt trapped and on some days, I really wanted to give up. However, I kept pushing forward because I know that I came this far and wasn’t going to give up over a little pressure. Plus, I had so much support from the people that love me I was doing this more for just selfish reasons this time. I’m not sure how my professors this semester would describe me being we’ve only known each other a short period of time. Going on the opinion of last semester’s professors, I feel they would describe me as outgoing and responsible. I remain accountable for the things I do and the things I don’t do. I’m on time for classes and not shy about asking for help or staying after class to voice a concern. That is something I’ve learned in my short time as a college student and it’s taught me well. An academic goal of mine in the short term has been in the short term to complete my remedial classes and some of my basic psychology classes. In the long term I would then like to matriculate to Rutgers University to complete my Bachelor’s degree. It has always been a dream of mine to graduate from the University my mother did. Although I don’t want to follow in the medical field the same way my mother did, I still want to obtain my doctorate as she did. I feel it is in my blood to help people, just in different ways. I plan to accomplish this goal by staying focused on my plan and using my time wisely. I need to start to identify my weaknesses and work on them more thoroughly. I need to obtain better study skills begin to prepare to the weeks ahead instead of the just the week or the day. Also, I need to get out of the mindset that things will get done for me or over time just go away; in life, things don’t happen like that. In conclusion, I plan to take my new lease on life and my academic career very seriously. I have a pretty good understanding what is ahead of me of me given I keep doing the next right thing. On the other hand I know what is waiting for me if I slip and go back to the life I was leading before I made the decision to change and start this new way of life. The good thing about today is today I am free and have a choice of what I want to do. I no longer have to be dictated to on what I have to get done, it’s my life and from this point on I will decide how I will live each day.

Works of Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe

Works of Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969), a German-born architect is widely regarded as one of the pioneering masters of Modern architecture, responsible for establishing and popularizing a new architectural style in the U.S. Mies left Germany in 1938 to head the Armour Institute, which later became the Illinois Institute of Technology. His design of the Main Campus and of other important buildings, such as the apartment towers at 860 and 880 North Lake Shore Drive in Chicago and the Seagram Building in New York, helped set a new aesthetic standard for modern architecture. (Blake, 1960).Mies created an inspiring 20th century architectural style, stated with high clarity and simplicity. He carried the ideals of rationalism and minimalism to new levels. His work in US made use of modern materials such as steel and glass to define interior spaces.(Kostof, 1995). He called his buildings skin and bones architecture. He wanted to achieve an architecture with a minimal framework of structural o rder balanced against the implied freedom of free flowing space. Mies Buildings in US radiate the confidence, rationality and elegance of their creator, free of ornamentation excess.(Blake, 1960) His philosophy that less is more became a guideline for architects in the 20th century. (SearchQuotes) With the establishment of a new campus for the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Mies van der Rohe had the opportunity to plan the campus as well as several other of building. The Minerals and Metals building (1942- 1943) was Mies very first construction on the campus. This building marked the first step toward the realization of Mies master plan for the IIT campus which was one of his most famous works in America. This project is not something made by the God of Crown hall stated by Kevin Harrington but rather Mies urges us to understand the building as part of the development of his own architectural language.This is where we first see his transition from forms that has been dear to his heart, seen in his work in Europe, to new forms that were possible, necessary and significant. It is in the Minerals and Metals building we first see Mies use of rolled -steel- I beam as part of his structural grammar. Mies unconventional use of steel was a map to the inside of the building, a nd it inaugurated a technique he used again in his projects in America. Giedion,1982). Crown Hall (1950-1956). This building situated on the IIT campus is a modern masterpiece. The National Historic landmark described Crown hall as A straight forward expression of construction and materiality, which allows the structure to transcent into art. Crown hall is an enormous room, 120 x 220 ft. in plan, 18 ft. high without interior columns, used for the architectural school. The building is raised several feet above the ground to allow light for the below grade school of Design. The most interesting point is the structural solution of exposed structural beams above the roof, making dear the method of achieving the clear-span interior. The huge scale of the building and the column-free open plan of the main floor of Crown hall demonstrates Mies innovative concept of creating universal space. Mies van der Rohe ended his relationship with the school in 1958.(Blake, 1960) Exterior, entry faà §ade Open plan of Crown hall, creating universal space. Shifting away from Mies work on IIT campus, another of his well renowned work is Farnsworth House (1946-1951).A small weekend retreat outside Chicago. The Farnsworth house is one of the most radically minimalist houses ever designed. Its interior, a single room, subdivided by partitions and completely enclosed in glass.The muteness speaks to us through the gentle and contlingent setting of the house on its site Hartoonian(1984,pp.48).The building is held together by only eight steel columns. Mies van de Rohe was able to realize spatial and structural ideas. For example the I beams are both structural and expressive. The use of glass negates the dialectics of enclosure and openness Hartoonian(1984,pp.48). Farnsworth House which may seem as an iconic glass box to be viewed from afar is rather a space through which life unfolds both independently and interdependently with nature.(Blake, 1960). Sketch of Mies Farnsworths House. Floor plan of Farnsworth House. The Seagram Building on Park Avenue was Mies first attempt at tall office building construction.Mies creates a stunning monument to the International Styles faith in simplicity and clarity. The 38-story tower quickly began the countrys most influential and copied office building, an instant classic. The buildings external faces are given their character by the quality of the materials used the tinted glass and the bronze I-beams applied all the way up the building. In the picture below you can see the building is pulled back from street line to allow the building to circumvent the setback provisions of the city code as well as create its own breathing space(Kostof,1995) The Seagram Building is the first bronze-coloured skyscraper. The metal bronze skin that is seen in the facade is non-structural but is used to express the idea of the structural frame that is underneath. Additional vertical elements were also welded to the window panels, not only to stiffen the skin for installation and wind loading, but to aesthetically further enhance the vertical articulation of the building.(Blake,1960). Exterior view from the northwest Structural plan of one corner, showing the main . pier and projecting I- beams. 860-880 Lake Shore Drive Apartments in Chicago is another of Mies high rise building where he implied the same style of modern architecture carried in his projects in the US. The 26-story towers bordering Lake Michigan give a beautiful waterfront view. The reason for this creation involved his concept that architecture should be independent of the site. The buildings are renowned for their structural clarity and composition on the site. The same common materials are used in this project: steel, aluminium and glass. The most impressive feature of the building is the skin and bone expression of the steel and glass towers.The steel I-beams effortlessly define the structure while the glass suspends and encloses space. It is obvious that he relies on clarity of form achieved through elegant proportions. Prior to this point, structure was hidden within architecture, but here we see a change.Mies merged the two by exposing the steel, realizing his own words: When technology reaches it true fulfilment, it transcends into architecture This is not only seen in this project but many of his other projects in the US.(Blase,1999) Two apartment buildings at cross axis towards one another on the triangular site delivering view of surrounding area. Another of Mies very striking projects is Federal Center.Here once again we see the minimalist glass and steel design which is very simple yet very striking. According to the AIA guide of Chicago: Miess uncompromising devotion to principle, together with his vaunted sensitivity to proportion and structural detail, and, in this case, the organizational scale, combine to give the complex a monumental urban presence. Both towers are curtain-wall structures, characteristic of the high-rise design of Miess American period. Their steel frames, suppressed behind uniform walls of glass and steel, are marked off by projecting steel I-beam mullions. The Post Office, a unitary space with a central core, is similarly typical of Miess reductivist concept of the single-storey pavilion. Externally thin yet powerful structural columns of steel brace enormous panes of tinted glass. The plaza at the federal center is cold, uninviting which minimal seating and with this the one story post office, every thing feels very utilitarian. But this does not mean Mies lacked an eye for detail.His eye for details is seen through all glass design, which was very deliberate as well as the granite tiles of plaza to the granite walls in the lobby. Black I-beams look very industrial running up the side of the building and are completely ornamental. The Alexander Caldwells flamingo structure in the center is marked contrast to the plain building behind it.(Blaser,2004) The plaza of the Mies van der rohe designed Federal center in Chicago,The Klucynski builidng is to the left,one story post office to the right and Alezander Caldwells flamingo structure in the center. Mies van der Rohe without a doubt created an influential 20th century architectural style in the US, stated with high clarity and simplicity.He helped define modern architecture in the US by emphasizing open space, revealing the industrial materials used and reinventing the form of buildings. He carried the ideals of rationalism and minimalism to new levels. This is clearly evident in Minerals and Metals, Crown hall, Farnsworth house, Seagram building and the Federal Center.His use of modern materials such as glass and steel can also be seen in these buildings. Mies Buildings in the US radiate the confidence, rationality and elegance of their creator, free of excess ornamentation. He follows his philosophy that less is more and this approach of Mies is pertinent as ever in his projects.(Blake,1960).

The Struggle for National Identity in the Countries of Latin America Es

Following an independence revolution a nation tends to proceed into a period where they learn independence and can function on their own with their own identity. They learn to respect the rights of its citizens, provide national security, instill a sense of patriotism, and learn to handle economic endeavors in a way to benefit the nation as a whole. After their revolutions for independence, the countries of Latin America did not achieve many of these milestones. The countries of did not show any signs of becoming anything close to independent after their revolutions. They allowed Great Britain and the U.S. to come in and dictate their economic infrastructure by exploiting the masses and allowing only a few individuals to enjoy wealth. This in return led to brutal political dictators, a large number of landless farm workers, a low literacy rate, and worker repression. Latin America is a rich land with poor people as its inhabitants because leaders of each country have failed to recognize how to effectively create an independent nation. After most of the Latin American countries achieved independence from Spain in the late 19th century the issue of what type of government the countries would adopt and who would oversee them arose. Many wanted to maintain the Spanish American tradition of a monarch ruling; while others were intrigued by the teachings and doctrines of the Enlightenment and admirers of the American success and wanted to start fresh as a republic. The federalist and centralist factions became aligned with two main political currents that dominated Latin American politics during the nineteenth century: liberalism and conservatism. Generally, liberals viewed the United States as a model whereas, conservatives ... ...ndividuals in power were too selfish to worry about the nation as a whole. Their only concerns were to make themselves as rich as possible regardless of the well-being of others. In a sense, Latin America is not â€Å"detached† from Spain. The core of Colonial Spanish America was to exploit the masses and to restrict power and wealth amongst the elite. This notion has been prevalent throughout Latin American History. Until Latin American countries can break away from exploitation and the involvement of foreign powers in their economy they will never be able to ha[-]. The United States partook a large role in the lack of progessiveness in Latin American following the nineteenth century. Anything that challenged business interests of the United States in Latin America led to a radical reaction by the United States. These radical reactions put fear into many citizens. â€Æ'

A Voice From The South Essay examples -- essays research papers

Anna J. Cooper – A Voice from the South   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In her book, A Voice from the South, Anna J. Cooper expressly addresses two issues: the participation of women in American society and America’s race problem. These are two issues very close to Cooper as an African American woman herself and she claims to speak for all African American women on these points. She argues that for America to be a truly democratic country that has freedoms for all people, it must have participation by women and blacks.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first half of her book is concerned with the role of women in society. She compares a healthy family structure to a democratic society. In both cases, men and women have distinct roles they must fulfill in order to create a balanced, healthy environment. Since political participation for women was limited at the time of Cooper’s writing, she argued that not only were women suffering, but so was all of society. She argued that women’s sensitivity to emotion and intuition and their nurturing nature would balance out society that was controlled by aggressive and reason-oriented men. She argues that men and women are equals but their responsibilities to society are distinctive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the second half of her book, Cooper addresses America’s race problem. She argues that, yes, there is a problem concerning race in America and the only way that it will eventually be solved is by the power and grace of God. U...

Frida Kahlo Essay -- Papers

Frida Kahlo Frida Kahlo's life was one marked by extreme suffering, extreme heroism, and extreme genius. Stricken with polio as a child then nearly crippled in a bus accident at the age of eighteen, Kahlo defied the odds not only by learnng to walk again (twice) but by taking the world by storm with her unique artistic vision. Frida Kahlo was born July 6, 1907 near Mexico City. However, she always claimed to be born in the year of the Mexican Revolution, 1910, in order to link her own birth to that of modern Mexico. It was just one of the many half-truths Kahlo told about her life, some say, in order to create a myth through which she would always be remembered. The desire to be remembered was always a central theme of Kahlo's art, as reflected in the many self-portraits she painted (the images for which she is best known). Once she embroidered a pillow for her husband, the muralist Diego Rivera, which read, "Remember me, my love." Kahlo's obsession with mortality is no mystery as illness, severe pain and the threat of death repeatedly imposed themselves on her young life. At age six, Kahlo contracted polio and had to spend 9 months confined to her room. During that time, she created an imaginary friend who would later be reflected in a painting called "The Two Fridas." Explaining the painting in her diary she wrote, "I experienced intensely an imaginary friendship with a little girl more or less the same age as me ... I followed her in all her movements and while she danced, I told her my secret problems." Once over the polio, Kahlo seemed determined to live life to the fullest. She became a tomboy at school and the le... ...e couple did divorce, in 1939, they reunited in less than a year. For all their troubles, they remained one another's greatest loves and greatest fans. That same year Kahlo suffered another blow. Her right leg had to be amputated below the knee due to a gangrene infection. On July 13, 1954, at the age of 47, Frida Kahlo died. The cause was never officially determined. The last entry in Kahlo's diary read, "I hope the leaving is joyful and I hope never to return." Little known outside of the art world until the 1990's, Frida Kahlo has recently become a cultural icon. Numerous books and articles have been written about her. She has been the subject of three documentaries, and a feature film about her life was released October 25, 2002. For a woman who wished to be remembered, it seems, her wish has come true.

Colleges Exploit of College Athletes Essay

It is common issue in our country that students neglect their studies seeking sports fame and they end up their career with incomplete degree, even while their institution themselves earn millions revenues. It is seen that as sports became very commercializing, college sport department exploit students for their own means of earning. A sign that hangs in the men’s basketball locker room at Duke Reads: â€Å"Practice times are as follows†¦. Please schedule class consequently. † (Sarah E. Gohl, 2001) This sign expresses in no indecisive terms the message that basketball, not school, is the top priority. The academic schedule should accommodate the athletic schedule, not vice versa. Duke’s basketball coaches are not unaided in making this demand. Division I coaches normally require athletes to subordinate their academic lives to their athletic lives. Damion Davis, a track and field athlete at Baylor University, told the Chronicle of Higher Education: â€Å"They [coaches] always say its academics [first], then athletics. They’re lying. Its athletics and then academics. You don’t carry out, you’re not here† (Alex P. Kellogg, 2001, pp. A33-A34). Baylor football player Bobby Darnell agreed. Referring to his coaches, he said: â€Å"They don’t want you thinking about the test you have on Monday, just the ‘test’ you have Saturday night,† explicitly, the next football game (Alex P. Kellogg, 2001, pp. A33-A34). In this environment, according to sociologists Patricia and Peter Adler, athletes might become â€Å"engulfed† in their athletic role, giving it priority, and may â€Å"abandon† their academic role, casting aside the non-athletic goals to which they formerly aspired (Patricia A. Adler and Peter Adler, 1991). Wherever role engulfment exists, academic fraud is certain to follow. Academic fraud not just takes place when a student cheats on an examination or submits a plagiarized paper, or while a high school or college coach or administrator falsifies an athlete’s transcription, but also takes place whenever a college authorizes athletes to be something other than fall-time college students who are joined in degree programs and who pursue their degrees at a rational pace. It surely occurs when coaches arrange course schedules to make sure those athletes will be available for daily practice and that they will earn the grades essential to stay eligible to compete. Coaches did just that at the Division I college where the Adlers studied the men’s basketball team throughout the late 1980s. One player described his â€Å"choice† of a major in the following way: â€Å"They never even asked me what major I wanted. They just assumed that I would be a rec [recreation-physical education] major. They’re perhaps right, but you get a certain message when they don’t even ask you. † (Patricia A. Adler and Peter Adler, 1991, 67) The message, of course, is that one’s sport comes first and schoolwork is a slight irritant to which one require only pay enough attention to stay eligible to compete. At fall registration some years ago, former Drake University provost Jon Ericson witnessed an incident linking a freshman men’s basketball player who had received this message. The athlete sat impassively while a envoy of the athletic department chose his classes and got him registered. At the same time Ericson observed, in stark contrast to the athlete, a young woman student who moved from line to line and negotiated with the registrar as she chose her classes, â€Å"engulfed† suitably in the role of undergraduate (Katie Funk, 2000). Athletes also accept the message that their sport comes first while coaches force them to subordinate their academic targets to their athletic responsibilities. One of the Adlers’ interviewees recalled the following conversation with a coach, which illustrates this dilemma vividly. The player said: One time I had a paper that was really hard that was due. So I say to Coach Mickey [the â€Å"academic† coach], â€Å"I’m goanna be a little late to practice because I have to go to the library to do some work on my paper. † But he told me, â€Å"You’d better be in the gym by three o’clock. † I think if they were serious about academics, they would cut you some slack on that (Patricia A. Adler and Peter Adler, 1991, p 150). Ironically, athlete exploitation sometimes occurs even while a college does not stand to earn considerable revenues from sports. A case in point is Marcus LoVett, formerly the star point guard for Oklahoma City University (OCU), a perennial basketball powerhouse in the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), where visibility is low and profits are unusual. LoVett enrolled at OCU in the fall of 1995, following spending his first two years of college at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas and the College of Southern Idaho, respectively (Alexander Wolff, 1997, pp. 60-66). He remained entitled for basketball at OCU in 1995-96 by taking courses in fishing/angling, beginning volleyball, beginning golf, intramural recreation programs, walking/jogging, varsity sports, and the basics of coaching basketball, and postponed until his senior year the more hard courses that he would need to pass in order to graduate with a degree in physical education. This strategy backfired in December of 1996, when LoVett failed three courses and took an unfinished in two others, causing his GPA to fall below the 2. 0 necessary for athletic eligibility under NAIA rules. OCU declared him disqualified to play basketball during the spring semester, where he filed suit in state court in January of 1997, claiming that OCU had (1) broken its promise to have him tested quickly for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD); (2) failed to provide him with the academic assistance it had promised him, (3) destitute him of a chance to showcase his basketball talents for NBA scouts, and (4) inflicted emotional distress on him (Cohen Greta, 1993. ). The presence of the poor athlete in American schools, his wish to secure the advantages of a college education, and his incapability or unwillingness to distinguish between proper and improper assistance have combined to turn out a fertile field in which to sow the tares of commercialized exploitation and subsidies. Basically, sports always have been attraction to students in their campuses that influenced the commercialization of college sports. Indeed, without the pressure on colleges to raise enrollments and to generate revenue, it is unlikely that college sports would have become a commercial enterprise. In more positive financial circumstances, colleges would not have felt a need to make the monetary commitments and the ethical compromises that commercial success in sports essential to athletes. Colleges in aspiring to win also initiated unethical practices. Chief among these is the enrollment of athletes with little or no regard for their academic qualifications. Some colleges usually hired â€Å"tramp athletes† to represent them on the football field, knowing full well that these athletes had no aim of matriculating as students, or even of playing a full season. An egregious instance occurred in 1896 and featured Fielding H. Yost, who later became famous as the football coach at the University of Michigan. Yost, a â€Å"hefty, six-foot tall, 195-pound tackle for West Virginia University, † â€Å"transferred† to Lafayette College in Pennsylvania in the autumn of 1896, just eventually to play in the most important football game in Lafayette’s history, against the University of Pennsylvania. Penn brought a 36-game winning streak into its game with Lafayette, but Lafayette ended the streak with a 6-4 win, aided by Yost. Soon after the game, Yost transferred back to West Virginia University, where he completed work for a law degree six months later (Hart-Nibbrig Nand, and Clement Cottingham, 1986). Moreover, it is usually said that â€Å"every athlete is a needy athlete. † That football players, and, other athletes, come from families whose means do not allow them to pay all of the expenses of a college course is usually accepted as fact and, indeed, is broadly true. To the wide-ranging rule that many college athletes are either wholly or partially self-supporting, there are, certainly, exceptions. But when such instances are distributed among the 800-odd colleges and universities reporting to the United States Bureau of Education, almost all of which retain football teams, the well-to-do athlete becomes something of a rarity. Assistance extended to athletes who otherwise would not have thought of going to college, though it increases the disproportion; only emphasizes a condition that is grounded in much deeper causes. Athletic scholarships are in fact important for college athletes. The benefit is not often paid in cash. The partial or complete lessening of tuition through athletic scholarships generally entailed and often takes place in the offices of the institution, which devise methods of award to suit local conditions and the requirements of athletes. Values of athletic scholarships range from part or full tuition at the lower end of the scale, to allotments graduated in amount according to the number of teams for which the recipient is chosen.

Describe the Role and Status of Women in the 1940s and 1950s Essay

After the First World War women had gained a huge step towards having equality with men. In 1918 married women over the age of 30 were given the right to vote. During the war women had proved themselves as capable as men, not only as nurses near the front lines working in very dangerous positions but also back in Britain working to help the war effort in jobs that before the war they could never have even had a chance of getting. However women were still a long way of having any vague equality with men, and when the men returned from war things changed as men were still considered far above women. Although it had got worse since the end of the war it should be recognised that womens role in society had been greatly improved since the days before the First World War. During the Second World War many of the men were conscripted to go away to war. This meant that their jobs now needed to be filled in order for the country to work., women got jobs in all areas of employment from working in manual labour to working in banks. They also managed to prove that they could do the jobs just as well as men and were able to work in jobs that had previously been for men only. Gaining all these new jobs had been a huge leap towards women gaining equality with men, however when the men returned from war most if the women lost their war time jobs. This happened because of a number of reasons. Firstly, public opinion in general believed that the soldiers who had been fighting deserved to come back to jobs and not have to struggle with unemployment. Also some bosses of small and large companies felt that men were still better and didnt want to employ women over men. A women who had worked as a welder during the war years was told, â€Å"Oh my goodness, youve got the best qualifications that we ever had apply for the job, but your a woman, and I wonder what the boys would say if I employed a woman† A newspaper editor was told when she was dismissed,†Oh its nothing wrong with your work, but we have to safeguard the succession and the successor has to be a man†. Bosses who were taking this line, and most of them were were infact taking and supporting the governments line. The governments official line said it is doubtless true that there are many jobs done during the war by women for which men are better suited, both mentally and physically. And, if there is to be a nation in the future, there must be children and children mean homes and endless chores. So that there must naturally be a drift back from the services and the factories to domestic work. I believe that this is showing that men and the government (dominated by men) were showing an incompetence to realise that women were able to do the jobs that men traditionally did. So although women had again gained a further step towards equality after the war they had again lost some of that newly gained freedom when the war ended in 1945. However not all women were displeased at societys attitude as after the war many women wanted to start families and now the men had come back from the war they were able to do this. The evidence for this lies in an area known as the baby boom, when the birth rate soared dramatically after the war. Even after the war when women were gaining more equality with men they did not have equal pay rates as men. A woman doing the same amount of work as a man would be paid two thirds of what a man would be paid. Women didnt, understandably find this fair and in August 1943 them women who worked at a Rolls Royce factory went on strike and after a week on strike they were given equal pay. However all over the rest of the country women continued be exploited by societies views. Even the government were not willing to even think about women being equal to men. When female school teachers asked for equal pay with men, Churchill dismissed their demand with one word. Even though now he was falling out of favour with the people and was soon to lose the general election, it showed that some men and in incredibly important positions within society, had no respect still for womens role in society. This meant that their status remained below a mans status even though in some cases they had become more equal, such as the right it do certain types of jobs. Before 1948 the government offered no medical assistance to women or their children only a small amount to men. In 1942 the Beveridge report was published which illustrated the importance of setting up a Welfare State which would look after all citizens equally. In July 1948 the National Health Service Act and the National Insurance Act were introduced for a weekly payment by all people earning wages. This was a huge advance for womens equality and their place in society as it now made them equal. In the first few months thousands of women went to the NHS to be treated of illnesses that they had previously had to suffer in silence. The introduction of the Welfare State also brought about the Butler Education Act. This meant that the minimum age to leave school was now raised to fifteen for all children. This was another huge advance for girls in school as it meant that there was now not only had free secondary education, and therefor this meant that the government recognised girls ability to thrive within a working and intellectual environment. It also meant that they were being put on the same level platform and being given equal opportunities in schools as boys, which would then go onto to effect the whole generations and its way of dealing with women as equals. However the system was slightly corrupt and it was not entirely equal. When pupils went up into secondary schools they had to take an 11+ exam to determine which type of school they would go in to. There were three different types, grammar for the most academic, secondary modern and technical for pupils who would be more suited to manual and primary sector jobs. Although the system seemed to give equal opportunities for both girls and boys there were infact more grammar schools for boys than there were for girls. The Welfare State also introduced family allowances to try and deal with poverty among families with a large numbers of children. It meant that for each child a small payment was paid to the women to help keep the child. This meant that the women now had some control over the finances within the household and that the man could not just go out and spend the money needed for the children. I believe that in the 1940s and 50s womens role in society improved greatly and that there were huge leaps made towards equality. However there were still some major issues that still had not been resolved and needed to be if there was going to get equality between men and women

Employee Portfolio Management Plan

As a manager at Riordan Manufacturing I recently had three employees take a series of self-assessments. I did this so that I could help manage them effectively. Now that I have these assessments, I will create an Employee Portfolio for each of the employees as a help guide in developing ways to manage them. The first assessment taken was, how satisfied am I with my job? This basically is your general attitude about the job. The higher the score the more satisfied the employee. Amber scored the highest at 73 points. Amber is a highly motivated employee, but complains very openly when she is upset. Chris scored a 62 on the assessment. He is a positive employee but could be more flexible on his working habits. Last is Taylor, who scored a 58. She is motivated but likes to go out of her way to help others. This has caused a few problems in branch she works in. The second assessment taken was the am I engaged? This scale measures work engagement. The higher the score, the more engaged an employee. Taylor scored the highest on this assessment with a 35. Taylor is determined to do the job right but sometimes gets too detail oriented. This causes her work to be late. Chris scored a 32 on the assessment. Chris is a natural leader but has a tendency to get too involved with some of his surroundings. Last is Amber who scored a 25. Amber is persistent which can result in unnecessary talking. The third assessment is how are you feeling right now? This scale ranges 10 to 50, the higher the score the more positive the emotions. Taylor scored the highest at 39; she is a very upbeat young lady who can be emotionally sensitive at times. Next is Chris with 32, he is a self-confident young man but sometimes is insensitive to the needs of others. Last is Amber who scored 27. Amber is a happy individual but gets easily depressed if something upsetting happens. The next assessment is what’s my affect intensity? This assessment measures the strength of an emotion. Scores range from 10 to 50, the higher the score; the more intense the emotion is felt. You can read also Portfolio Management Quizzes Taylor scored a 35, Amber scored a 28, and Chris scored a 23. My recommendations to the three employees are as follows: Taylor should complete her task in the time allowed and not worry about the small insignificant details. Amber should not get too caught up in non-work related conversations. This takes away from the company and allows for personal problems to take place. My recommendations to Chris are that when in social settings, keep it social. When at work, keep it work related.

Skeleton for Marge Piercy

Ashley Zogba November 30, 2010 Skeleton #1 Colors passing through us by Marge Piercy: In the collection of poems, Colors passing through us, Marge Piercy expressed her feelings and her perspection of life through her eyes using references to colors, and other daily life things. â€Å"Blue as still water. Blue as the eyes of a siamese cat. † She expresses her calm and cool feelings through the color blue. She refers to the still water, which symbolizes tranquility, serenity and the state of being at peace. Love is a lumpy thing. † Marge compares love to a lumpy thing. Almost like it has different sides to it. Then she continues on to compare it to cutting onions, fun, and work. Through her eyes, love has different stages. Love is â€Å"lumpy† it has its ups and downs. In bed, we act the grace of dolphins arcing like a wheel, The grace of water falling, from a cliff white and sparkling in a roar of spume. Piercy states that â€Å"in bed we act like grace†¦ â⠂¬  then she goes on to that later we eould be ourselves again.That means that we are one way but when we get out into the open world we follow society's rules of civilization. â€Å"The womb opens on a new beast† Marge piercy describes the world as a womb and a new beast as new opportunities. She uses the arrival of a new child to tie it all in one. In The collections of poems, Colors passing through us, Marge Piercy develops many significances through colors, animals and daily life things to express her feelings and her perspective of life.

Your organization has selected you to prepare and write a report to Essay

Your organization has selected you to prepare and write a report to assess the appropriate information needs of your company and to recommend the appropriate software to support those information needs - Essay Example A&F is a huge organization in the sense that, it has its headquarters in New Albany, Ohio where all the operations are run including merchandise distribution centre that are located on the campus to ensure that there is brand protection (EuroSPI 2010, & Riel, 2010, p.34). Therefore, A&F being a huge corporation it has an executive director that Arthur Martinez who ensures that the organization achieves its objective in the clothing industry. Additionally, there are other seven officials or directors of the organization. They ensure that the goals of the organization are met on time and that their clients are satisfied with the goods that are produced. The A&F has 1,049 stores all over the world where 278 of those stores are located in the United States. The stores operate all their four brands that include Abercrombie Kids, which sells clothes for children from the age of 7 through 14. Hollister Co. that sells clothes for children from the age of 14 through 18 and is themed as â€Å"SoCal† these clothes have lower prices compared to their parent brand. There is Gilly Hicks, which is a cheeky cousin of Abercrombie & Fitch that has been themed as â€Å"Down Under† Sydney. This concept brand offers lounge wear and underwear for women aged 18 and up. Lastly, there was the Ruehl No. 925, which used to offer clothes for women of the age of 22 through 35. However, the operations of Ruehl No. 925 closed in 2010. The organization uses brand representatives or what is commonly known to as models for their stores customers’ service. Additionally, their store managers who are responsible for lighting, photo marketing, forms, fragrance presentation and ensuring that the models employed to sell the organizations brand comply with what us known as the look policy. By so doing, the store managers ensure that their customers have a clear way of seeing how the clothes would look like if they were wearing them making it an

Describe the benefits and shortcomings of regionally aligned brigade Essay

Describe the benefits and shortcomings of regionally aligned brigade combat teams and determine whether or not the brigade combat teams are effective - Essay Example Their responsibilities will include learning the values of different cultures, political peculiarities, regional languages and tongues, and geographic aspects of the areas they are assigned to. To achieve self sufficiency, brigade combat teams have additional support features such as reconnaissance, artillery, and medical companies. In the present global environment, which is characterized by instability in many parts, regionally aligning forces is likely to accomplish more military objectives. The aspect of regionally aligning forces could also result in additional resources provided for the purpose of sustaining cultural awareness in different parts where this mechanism is employed. Any training that is geared for implementing regional alignment will result in the improvement of planning, operations, and partnering between host nations. In the global environment, soldiers could benefit more from being proficient in language and culture, than in possessing the most recent technologically advanced weapons of war. This kind of cultural proficiency also enhances operational effectiveness (Tan). Another benefit of brigade combat teams has to do with ensuring cost effectiveness. The use of regionally aligned forces will naturally lessen the costs incurred in transporting soldiers and their families abroad, in order to implement partnership operations. The example, for instance, provided in the reduction of foreign based combat brigades which are based in Europe from four to two, while enacting rotations with foreign partners is something that will result in the families of army personnel enjoying more predictability and stability. One of the biggest problems facing the creation of regionally aligned brigade combat teams has to do with the general army objectives. It is normal for all teams and operations to be have objectives that are aligned with the most important

International Politics in Twentieth Century Essay

International Politics in Twentieth Century - Essay Example I will begin by giving a liberal account f the relationship between the economy, the state and power. Liberal idealism in international politics did not re-emerge, after the devastation f the Second World War, until the 1970s. Rapid advances in technology, the growth f organisations like the European Community, and the impact f events like the 1973 oil crisis pointed towards evidence f growing interdependence between states. At the same time liberal literature made significant inroads into the rigid inside/outside, domestic/international distinctions characteristic f realism, with the emergence f trans-national relations and world society. Modern interdependency theory uses free trade and the removal f barriers to commerce as prof to their claims. "The rise f regional economic integration in Europe was inspired by the belief that the likelihood f conflict between states would be reduced by creating a common interest in trade and economic collaboration amongst members f the same geographical region." European powers, instead f resolving their differences militarily, would cooperate within a commonly agreed economic and political framework for their mutual benefit. Eventually cooperation between states would increase and broaden as mutual advantages could be gained. Membership f the European Union would entail compliance with its rules, which itself would discourage the absolute pursuit f national interests and weaken state sovereignty. Liberal institutionalists such as Rosecrance argued that the "growth f economic interdependency had been matched by a corresponding decline in the value and importance f territorial conquest for states." In the modern world the benefits f trade and cooperation among states greatly exceed that f military competition and territorial control. Traditionally nation states regarded the acquisition f territory and land as the means to increasing national wealth. The state has transformed from being a 'military state' to a 'trading state'. Statesmen increasingly became aware that the accumulation f national wealth and development relied more heavily on macro-economic policies that increased the competitiveness f their economy compared to other states. Higher levels f efficiency, technology intensive modes f production and valuable human capital all give incentives for multi-national corporations and businesses to invest in the country. Neo-liberals point out that commercial relations between businesses and individuals have diminished the influence and power f the state. Although there is suspicion the role oil has played in the ongoing war in Iraq one cannot doubt the repercussions the war has had internationally. Britain and America have to some extent isolated themselves diplomatically from Europe (their closet allies) and the wider world. Nowadays due to the complications f economic interdependence it makes states less able to act aggressively because otherwise they face risking economic penalties imposed by other members f the international community.

Slanket Case from Harvard Business Review by John Deighton Essay

Slanket Case from Harvard Business Review by John Deighton - Essay Example A slanket’s body length makes it convenient to use in the comfort of a sofa or even while studying. Some customers send slankets to their loved ones as gifts during feasts and festivals, such as Christmas and Halloween. It saves money that could otherwise be spent on thermostats during winter. Its use is further promoted by consumers when watching movies and during long car journeys. Distribution Situation Gary Clegg ensured the effective delivery of the product to customers’ doorsteps. Every time an online order was made, the details of the client were noted and responded to online. Gary accompanied these deliveries with a personal note, thanking the customer for purchasing the product. He also built a supply chain that helped source the product from China, in partnership with a North Carolina company. Competitive Situation The main competitor of the Slanket Organization came in October, 2008, by the name Allstar Marketing Group (AMG). Based in Hawthorne, New York, the firm was a Direct-Response Television (DRTV). This was a highly successful marketing firm that was previously credited with the production of Aqua Globe, a self-watering system for house plants, and Big City Sliders, a device that produced miniature hamburgers. As an infomercial marketer, the Allstar Marketing Group produced a cheaper version of the Slanket, dubbed â€Å"snuggie†. ... However, there is uncertainty in this industry as it is not known whether other consumer trends may occur or which other company may enter and invest in the industry. SWOT Analysis of the Slanket Business Strengths To begin with, the Slanket Business had quite a diligent and industrious pair of managers. Gary Clegg researched on patents, found a textiles supplier and oversaw production. Despite the discouragement from lawyers concerning the impossibility of obtaining a patent of their work, due to the difficulty in distinguishing the design from a bathrobe, hospital gown, stylized shawl or poncho, Gary persisted and would not let go of the business. Gary’s elder brother, Jeff Clegg, was also important in the success of the business in its earlier years. He set up the infrastructure for a web-based business. On day one of their business, he worked tirelessly for 14 hours on the screen, answering emails and filling orders. These two brothers further cooperated in effectively man aging the staff and the transaction operations of the Slanket Organization. The Slanket Business had an upper hand in ensuring product awareness. The on-line word of mouth promotion was also strength to the business. At Digg.com and the Daily Candy, an email newsletter and insider guide that appeared in one million subscribers’ inboxes daily, Gary and Jeff could reach over a vast proportion of potential clients each day. Exclusive contracts went as far as having Gary host live sales for the slanket on the QVC Channel, a televised home-shopping network. This was an added strength in getting more customers, ensuring more sales. For instance, by the end of 2007, QVC had sold over 30 000 units (Deighton & Kornfeld, 2010). Another contract was made with an airline

The gaze in art and popular culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The gaze in art and popular culture - Essay Example One of the pioneers in the study of gaze within the context of films is Laura Mulvey. She theorized that gaze was traditionally viewed in relation to gender oppression. In her work "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema† Laura Mulvey introduced the concept of gaze and its dynamics to be a manifestation of imbalance of power between the male and the female where the male dominates the female and thus the term – male gaze. Mulvey’s theory is Freudian in origin where she â€Å"breaks scopophilia down into an active part, which is always  male, and a passive part, which is always female. Women are the objects that are looked† (Finzsch, n. p.). In Mulvey’s male gaze, the male’s patriarchal role is extended to the film where the male imposes a hegemonic gaze to the women as mere objects of desire. Thus, it produces an imbalance relationship as women are reduced to an object of two distinct modes of male gaze where they became Madonna’s in ma le perspective (voyeuristic) or whores (fetishistic). In her work, viewers tend to identify with the protagonist of the film who is typically a male and thus, the perspective conveyed by the film is that of a man and it follows that women will be looked upon as an object of desire. Bell Hooks took a different perspective in defining the dynamics of gaze in film in relation to the viewer. ... e male gaze is punished by white oriented society and therefore, this suppressed desire to gaze in real life is unleashed in film gazing to the effect that it is more intense and radically different than the regular male gaze. In this type of male gaze, Hooks shared the perspective of Mulvey in reducing women to mere sex objects (albeit Hooks did not venture into voyeuristic type or viewing women as Madonna) where white women was always the archetype of beauty . In this regard, this relationship between the black viewers and their idolatry towards white women in films as the idealized beauty produces the oppression among black women as she is pushed further down in the totem pole of power. First, her race is already a subject of oppression that she share among the black men but her lot is more difficult because it is aggravated by the fact that she is a woman which by default is already a subject of imbalance of power between genders. Third, being a black woman subjected her to †Å"triple oppression because of the previous factors that already subjected her to oppression that she has to deny her own sense of beauty to give way to idea that the idea of beautiful and desirable will always be white. Bell Hooks argument may have been valid if this was pointed out decades ago where racial discrimination was still rampant and that the concept of beauty was limited to the female blond or Caucasian girl. The â€Å"triple oppression† that was vehemently argued by Hooks is already outdated today because black women are now also portrayed as desirable objects and no longer does the idea that a black woman has to deny herself of beauty because of the color of her skin. To cite several objects, we can cite several female group and artists who had been packaged as sexually desirable

Minutes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Minutes - Essay Example Next, COL Haselden talked about the Garrison Leadership off site Conference that was held in Washington, DC on March 26 and 27, 2009. It was a very productive off site conference, which had around 60 employees who participated. During the conference, a professional Strategic Planner assisted our leaders in identifying the current critical issues and the actions that needed to improve. COL Haselden also talked about the mission statement that was slightly modified to include a safe and secure environment on the installation. He discussed the good and successful work accomplished over the past couple of years. Every Directorate and office had been successful in meeting their mission. However, the infrastructure on the installation is the most visible proof of our hard work, according to him. COL Haselden indicated that some issues in the focus area were customer service, Processional Development, Team Work, and Public Relation He talked about obtaining business cards of customer service representatives because he is a staunch advocate of good customer service. According to COL Hasleden, team work is very important. COL Hasleden was very impressed by the amount of team work that we exhibited at the Offsite and throughout the Garrison. Ms. Weatherington reported that the Civilian Development army is relying more heavily on its Civilian workforce to generate force and sustain our commitments. We are in competition for talented civilians with other government agencies and the private industry. Furthermore, she stated that we need to sustain the Civilian Corps contribution and the future depends upon the investment we make today. Ms. Moorash stated that the established assessment recognized by the industry is a solid predictor of occupational interests of the employees. It is beneficial to those starting to explore their education and career interests, but it is likewise used for confirmation that individuals are in the most appropriate career

Before Philidelphia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Before Philidelphia - Essay Example The area was rich in biodiversity especially wildlife that gave them hunting grounds. The hunting was a responsibility of the men, and they were accountable for the hunting schedules. They also stayed around a fresh water body –the Delaware river- that promoted fishing. The area also provided them with shelter where their living quarters were bark and grass covered long houses. The topography of the area gave an added advantage especially with their enemies- it is a safe statement to say that the place was secure. Moreover, the general climate was that the humans could bear- their summers was not too hot neither were their winters too cold. On the discovery of this land by Christopher Columbus, the colonists thought it was wise to put up a colony here. With a great source of water, they had an idea that it would supply their industries with water for manufacturing. Being that they were settlers, farming must have been one of the interests and the fertile soil in the area was such a blessing. There was also ready labor; the Delaware Indians were many and helped them in their daily economic activities. When it all started, the settling of the Europeans in the Delaware Indian’s land under the table hands of William Penn it was very peaceful. It is because William was one pious man who trusted in his faith convicted in peace and equality. These are the same qualities that the Delaware Indians believed in. It made Penn’s rapport with the community very intense and probably led to the end of the malicious thought (Penn, 1970). Penn was very courteous and saw it wise to send a letter before his arrival notifying the Lenape of his intentions and asking them for their permission to employ their land and live among them. The Lenape approved of his arrival in their lands, looking forward to their new relationship with the coming settlers. Penn made it as the governor of Pennsylvania where people lived in peace until he passed on.

History of Europe in the 20th century. Were conservatives responsible Research Paper

History of Europe in the 20th century. Were conservatives responsible for the rise of Hitler - Research Paper Example There is no denying the fact that the life for the ordinary Germans got quite difficult and worrisome after the culmination of this treaty. Germany was pushed to borrow considerably from the United States of America, to compensate the UK and France (Gibbons, 1982, p. 72). The Great Depression in the late 20s made it almost utterly difficult for the Americans to lend more money to Germany. The fall of the imperial Germany gave way to the rise of parliamentary parties interested in running the political affairs in the defeated nation. It goes without saying that a fair number of political parties and mainstream leaders in the war ravaged Germany were affiliated to a conservative frame of mind and political thought. The nation was already suffering from the guilt of defeat and national humiliation. Above it, it was required to pay heavily in terms of compensation. The political parties and groups supporting the infant Weimar Republic were they Democrats, Socialists or Catholics, were st rongly denounced by the Conservative Nationalists. Hence, it was in the background of a nationwide social and political crisis, that the German Conservatives resorted to political machinations, which led to the rise of Hitler. Economic Situation in the Post War Germany In the period 1924-1928, the economic situation in Germany was somewhat stable. However, this stability was deceptive and stood on hollow economic foundations. The German investments and economic recovery in a post war scenario relied heavily on the loans extended by the US. With the crash of the Wall Street in 1929, the Americans were simply left unable to support the German recovery and economic growth. As the impact of the US economic depression was felt universally, so Germans were utterly not in a position to check its fallout on the German society and economy. The industrial production in Germany plummeted threateningly, the wages crashed and the workers were left jobless (Goemans, 2000, p. 173). Such circumstances left the German masses weary, anxious and scared. The Germans resorted to the crisis by opting for a reckless printing of currency, resulting in a devaluation of currency and rampant and unchecked inflation (Braun, 1990, p. 39; Eubank, 2004, p. 9)). Political Situat ion in the Post War Germany Just when the Weimar Republic was in its nascent stages, Germany witnessed the rise of radical political thoughts in the form of communists, throughout the length and breadth of the Republic (Bessel, 1993, p. 57). The communists gained hold in many German towns and villages. The political atmosphere in Berlin was strongly in favor of a USSR style of governance. Still the Weimar Republic accrued immense support in the form of democrats, Catholics and socialists (Mueller, 2000, p. 46). The Weimer Republic managed to restrain the communists with a strong hand. The post war Germany faced a twin pronged problem. Both the communists and hardcore nationalists were in the favor of a radical solution to the German problems and issues (Kolb, 2005, p. 39). It was such a political environment marred by economic

Critical thinking process Essay Example for Free

Critical thinking process Essay Critical thinking often involves the creation of alternative plans, solutions, approaches, etc. , then comparing original with the alternatives. Creative thinking requires some critical evaluation during and after the creative phase. Critical thinking depends upon that little known and seldom discussed characteristic of the human nervous system—self-reflexiveness. Usually it also depends upon that remarkable human creation and tool—self reflexive language. Humans not only know about their environment, they know that they know; they can think about how they think, evaluate their evaluations. Languages, too, have this self-reflexive characteristic. They enable us to talk about talk, to make statements about statements, to write books about writing books. The self-reflexiveness of language and the human nervous system provide us with an open minded system: we can make statements about statements, indefinitely; we can react to our reactions to our reactions indefinitely. At no point can we say, â€Å"That’s the last word on the subject† or, â€Å"No further reaction is possible† (since, in doing so, we have said more, reacted further). However, believing that we have said the last word may cut of the self-reflexive process. This open ended, self reflexive system makes it possible for us to conduct scientific research, write poetry, plan enterprises, spin out complex tales of fiction—or spread rumours, spin webs of delusion and talk ourselves into insanity or war. Which we will do depends in part upon our motivation, but also upon our understanding of the thinking process and some aspects of the working of the nervous system. General semantics provides a meta-linguistic or ‘second order’ approach to critical thinking. It enables us to use self-reflexiveness systematically to monitor on-going evaluations. The principles and devices it provides call attention to either-or and ‘allness’ statements, to inferences treated as facts, to overgeneralizations, to statements unrestricted in time, to overly-simple statements of causality, etc. The tools work, whatever the order of abstraction, whatever the source of the statement (Johnson, 1991). How language empowers or limits the expression of our thoughts. Along with most of his contemporaries, Blair defines language in terms of a relationship between signs and thoughts: â€Å"Language signifies the expression of our ideas by certain articulate sounds, which are used as the signs of those ideas† (cited 1:98). Elaborating on this interdependence, he asserts that â€Å"when we are employed in the study of composition, we are cultivating reason itself. True rhetoric and sound logic are very nearly allied. The study of arranging and expressing our thoughts with propriety, teaches to think, as well as to speak, accurately so close is the connection between thought and the words in which they are clothed† (Ulman, 1994). Language can empowers and limit the expression of our thoughts. Talking about something that reinforces it, therefore say what you want to be true. Language has power, and by knowing this, you can select words that allow others to hear and understand you. Certain words provide a way of maintaining the focus of what you want. They can assist you to be in the state of mind that you desire. Looking for positive language patterns, gives your brain the opportunity to find alternative ways expressing your experiences to yourself and others. These tools get you off automatic pilot and in control. Having choice means you can regulate how an experience will affect you. You can choose to use your old patterns of expression which produces certain results, or use empowering language to give you different results. Now it can be you who decides. Labels limit is another concept that we’re dealing with here. When we label something or someone, we put a meaning on it that can limit our awareness, experience, and understanding. Labels are a form of beliefs, and like all beliefs, they filter our perceptions. Our beliefs only allow us to be conscious of things that are in agreement with them, and we unconsciously filter everything else. It can be tremendous evidence of the opposite to penetrate the belief filters. But with negative labels, the effects can be very destructive (Kaufman, 1998). The role of critical thinking in persuasion. What is the value of critical thinking? When someone else writes or speaks a peace of reasoning, they are trying to persuade us of something. Persuasion is an attempt to get us to believe something. People want us to believe things so that we will act in certain ways. Action requires some effort. There are choices involved. We could be doing something else. Because of this, it is very useful to be able to evaluate reasoning, for some pieces of reasoning should be accepted while others should not be accepted. If persuasion occurs in advertising, we could be doing many other things with our money. Take buying a car, for example. A lot of money can be involved, so what kind of car to buy can be a pretty big decision. Whether to marry a certain person or which of a couple of job offers to take are still bigger decisions. Almost every reader will eventually get some serious illness. There may be several different treatments available. One’s comfort, health, even ones life may depend on the decision as to which treatment to undertake. To make these decisions well, we will need to gather our own reasons to support various alternative conclusions. At that time, we could make an irrational decision, or a sheep like decision to follow some other person’s advice. The values of critical thinking, specifically how to recognize and evaluate reasoning, are the following: †¢ It help us arrive at true conclusions and therefore †¢ it increases our knowledge. †¢ It should help us make better decisions. †¢ It should help us persuade others and †¢ explain truth to them. †¢ Contribute to a happier life (Cogan, 1998). References Johnson, K. G. (1991). Thinking creatically: a systematic, interdisciplinary approach to creative-critical thinking. Englewood: Institute of General Semantics. Kaufman, R. A. (1998). Anatomy of Success. New York: Ronald A Kaufman. Robert Cogan. (1998). Critical thinking: step by step. Boston: University Press of America. Ulman, H. L. (1994). Things, thoughts, words, and actions: the problem of language in late eighteenth-century British rhetorical theory. New York: SIU Press.