Advice to Youth Essay 2 - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 1 Words: 423 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2017/09/15 Category Advertising Essay Did you like this example? This is my first time giving an advice to young friends. I hope this advice will help you in a near future. Also, I want you to remember this speech as the one that helped you to change some things. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Advice to Youth Essay 2" essay for you Create order When you will think about this advice; you will agree with me in a lot of things that I told you today. I will start with one important thing, which is school. School is very important for your future. Don’t lose this great time that you have in school, and try to learn as much as you can every day in class. Always, ask your teacher any question that you have. There are not silly questions in class; they will help you to get smarter. Get on time for all your classes, so you won’t miss a word from your teacher or an early quiz. The last think I can tell you about school is to study at home every day possible. If you practice any sport at school or on your free time always follow the rules. Don’t play dirty while others follow the rules. Remember, if you win a game or a competition in a clean way; the satisfaction will be greater, and your hard training will be rewarded. Always be loyal to your coach and team members; they will be there when you need them. If you are in a high competition, your nutrition will be a key factor for your success. Now, be very careful when you write on Facebook or any social network, because it can give you a hard time or get you in a big problem. Years ago, we didn’t have any social networks, but now social networks are very common and you have to use them in a proper manner. I remember a police case in Atlanta about a post on Facebook. A 16 year old teenager was arrested for a post he wrote on his Facebook. Apparently, he threatened a classmate with a gun. He posted on Facebook and his friends saw that post, and they told their parents. The parents informed the police and the teenager was arrested. This is a good story to remember if you are going to write on Facebook something that you have done lately. Finally, I want to thank you for this short time that you all gave me; time that is well invested to hear an advice that can help you in a decision that you may take soon or later in your life.

Comparing Judaism and Buddhisim on Controversial Topics

There are countless religions around the world with various opinions on moral teachings. Moral teachings are vital in a religious group because they guide our actions and teach us how to behave in our everyday lives. Judaism and Buddhism express their values of abortion, homosexuality as well as euthanasia in exceptionally similar fashions. Similarities and differences between the two religions will further be explored. A huge controversy throughout an abundance of religions is the topic of abortion. This is a particularly sensitive subject because it deals with the delicate balance of life and death. Many people question who has the authority to end a life, especially an innocent child with no voice. People of the Jewish faith don’t believe in aborting a pregnancy. However, despite their strict rule, there is one circumstance where it is acceptable to abort the child. And this exception is only made when the mother is at high risk of death. Buddhism has a similar take on this concept. Similar to the Jewish people, traditional Buddhists believe it is inhumane to take another life unless the mother is on the verge of death. On the other hand, modern Buddhists have different views of abortion. Buddhists believe they are extremely responsible for each of their own individual actions and the burden it will bestow upon them. As well, they believe if the child will have severe medical conditions when it is born then it is okay to abort the child for the sake of the child

Cost and Management Sustainability Factor

Question: Discuss about the Cost and Management for Sustainability Factor. Answer: Introduction: The university management does not have to reveal the way of spending money, which makes it hard to calculate the exact cost required to educate the students.As per the websitereport ofnews.com.au, the universities have to spend a lot of money than the authority get from the government funding and the student fees.According to the opinion of Edgington (2015),5-10% funding of the students fees is being guided away from the education process and preferred sustaining the research actions of the universities. Calculation of cost is also essential to regulate the entire education system while providing teaching guidance and the other research tactics to the students. The students have been charged excessive fees, so that the universities can provide an further research to the students (Baporikar, 2009). As per the Higher Education and Reform Bill 2014, the universities have made frequent complaints of being underfunded in the absenteeism of cost indication. In the case of university unit costing per student is required to determine the suitable fee levels. In the opinion of Amos (2010), comparison of cost alternatives is essential for delivering a particular cost to the students. The Activity-Based Cost analysis is also helpful to carry out the calculation of cost per student. The chain activities guided by the teaching practitioners help to maintain the records of the assignments and records the marked assignments. It has been speculated that the recorded marks of the students file are maintained in a computerised database. As per the report of Deloitte Access Economics, the higher educating learning and teaching costs, in the year 2010 is $15,000 normally to educate a student with a particular degree program. The students have to handle the claims from the tutors and issues regarding the payments. As per the view of Brown and Carasso (2013),the full of cost of each marked assignment is the measure of the services provided by the unive rsities or institution as per the received payment. The students have to offer the overall expenditure for the related activities. According to the report of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 41% of academic university research endowment in the year of 2012 (approximately $3.7 billion) arrived from a medium that was not exclusive for the purpose of research (Culliney, 2014). It also includes the investment revenue, donations, contributions and the profits from the commercial operations of the university. The students taking admition from the foreign region, who pay much higher fees rather than the Australian students, are specifically prejudiced by the global positional tables. The difficulties associated with undertaking the calculations It is very difficult to calculate the cost of the education for a different student from the different domain. Apart from the ongoing debates concerning the university deregulation factors and its long-standing sustainability factor, the universities are more unenthusiastic to disclose its cost charged by a student during the entire course. As per the opinion of Potcharapanpong and Thongthew (2010),the student fees of the university wrap the expenditure of the course depending on the stream and subject matter. For an example, Edgington(2014) added that for medicine or veterinary degrees the general cost of the entire course is relatively higher compared to the other subjects like law, accounts, etc. The course of medical degree needs more equipment or research to educate a student for this particular degree. On the other hand, Jing (2014) mentioned that the course of law or accounting does not need this kind of equipment or additional research to conduct the entire course. Hence, the course fees of medical students are much higher rather that the students of accounting and law. The cost of course is also various based on the university tend and the impressive institutions tends to pay more on the research. Considering the opinion of Edgington(2015),a highly regarded academics can develop the teaching efficiency. On the other hand, it has been speculated that the research regarding the specific course needs a particular amount which cannot be quantifiable. The chargeable amount for the different course cannot be enumerated, which can be a trouble for calculating the cost of the course. Furthermore, in the opinion of Culliney (2014), the digital educational marketplace is the other example of the expensive cost of the education structure. On the other hand, the four year degree is highly long and expensive for the students as well as the universities. The process of learning of the different universities is different from each other which is the foremost reason to construct a general calculation for the course structure(Clarke, 2008). The instalment break up of the universities are framed in a narrow format which sometimes become difficult for the students to pay the university fees within the short time farmed (Brown and Rahn-Blakeslee, 2009).The technical issues regarding the education infrastructure could hamper the cost analysis of the course. On the other, it has been analysed that the education is the not the most ultimate focus of the universities. The selling of a business, students lifestyles, accommodation expenditure and the administration scholarship are the major factors to create difficulties in the costing of education. Australian National University is fortunate to have a Nobel Prize winner that turned up useful to attract both the universities and students(Callejo-PeÃÅ' rez and Ode, 2013). The report of news.com.au indicates that the international student fees are presently being used to subsidies the education practitioners and the course related examine cost in the universities. The responsibility of governing authority on the university funding actions There are a large number of appraisals for the university division that can define the necessity of the calculations to provide a reliable basis for the decision making process. According to the opinion of Brown and Carasso (2013),the Go8s call is significant to review the payment structure of the payments. This policy is comprised both of the major parties like the students and the universities. It has been observed that all the universities receive the similar amount of funding from the administration for the each lessons and course. Adding to this, the students of the university are equally paying the course fees as per the course structure. In the opinion of Broad and Goddard (2010),the universities could reduce the course fees, so that the university could get maximum number of students footfall in the college campus. Furthermore, both the students an the university authority needs to work jointly to offer a long term sustainable position in the university division. On the other hand, Baporikar(2009) added that the funding cost provided by the government to the universities is often cut depending on its actual cost to deliver the final process. It has been identified that the cuts announced in the Labours final budget in the year of 2013, may have lost the faith of the majority of the vice-chancellors from the funding system(Amos, 2010).Although,it has been assessed that the government appreciation and funding is highly required for a university forimproving the overall education system. Adding to this, the as per the report of news.com.au, the independent senator Nick Xenophon has voted for the deregulation of the billing system of the universities. Thus, the government has to make another review before funding the universities along with that an alternative opinion has to be given as its radical deregulation reforms. On the other hand, Culliney (2014) argued that the executive directors of the Regional Universities Network is not excited about the process of another assessment. It has been speculated that the executive directors has proposed the deregulation model to motivate the government contributors. Therefore, it would be possible to reduce the student fees, which, would assist to increase the number of students in the universities. References: Amos, S. (2010).International education governance. Bingley, UK: Emerald. Baporikar, N. (2009).Management education. Mumbai [India]: Himalaya Pub. House. Broad, M. Goddard, A. (2010) Internal performance management with UK higher education: An amorphous system?, Measuring Business Excellence, 14(1), 6066. Brown, R. Carasso, H. (2013) Everything for sale? The marketisation of UK higher education. London: Taylor Francis. Brown, S. Rahn-Blakeslee, A. (2009) Training school-based practitioners to collect intervention integrity data, School Mental Health, 1(3), 143153. Callejo-PeÃÅ' rez, D. Ode, J. (2013).The stewardship of higher education. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers. Clarke, J. (2008) Book review: Motivating your team: Coaching for performance in schools,Management in Education, 22(3), 3839 Culliney, T.W. (2014) Notes on predatory Behavi our in Rhinacloa forticornis (Hemiptera: Miridae ), Current Agriculture Research Journal, 2(1), 0104. Edgington, U. (2015). Performativity and accountability in the UK education system: a case for humanness.Pedagogy, Culture Society, 1(1), 1-6. Jing, L. (2014) The governments roles in transnational forest governance, Recht der Werkelijkheid, 35(3), 120 -122. Potcharapanpong, S. Thongthew, S. (2010) TEFL training program for local and cultural-based instruction: Case studies in Thai primary schools, Asian Social Science, 6(9), 657-695.

Risk Assessment of One Tel Company †Free Samples for Students

Question: Discuss about the Risk Assessment of One Tel Company. Answer: Intrdouction The title of this report is the risk assessment of One Tel Company. As the title suggest the report has identified the various factors that have contributed towards the risk level in the financial statements at the higher level. Each and every business in itself carries the risk. No business can run without the assumption of having the risk in it. Risk may consist of any form. It may be related to the purchases made by the company in the sense that after receiving the payment the supplier may not send the goods or may be related to the sales made by the company in the way that the customer may delay the payment or worst situation of not having the payment and so on. In this way the risk is faced by every kind of business. The first aim of the report is assess and identify the factors that contribute to the high inherent risk at both the level financial reporting and the account balance. The second aim is to identify the area which shows that the going concern is at high, low or medi um risk range. With these considerations the report has been prepared with main three sections. In the first section the factors have been detailed which has increased the inherent risk at the financial reporting level and in the second section the factors have been detailed which has increased the inherent risk at the account balance level. In third section, factors affecting the going concern have been detailed. Thereafter the report has been ended up with the conclusion of overall findings and recommendation thereon. Inherent Risk At Financial Reporting Level From the beginning of this world, history has witnessed many circumstances which depicts that the each and every business faces risk. The historical event that supports the above fact is of Lehman Brothers. The company has invested more in the real sector, being aware of the fact that the sector will be dropped down, due to which the 160 years old company is forcefully required to file the bankruptcy application. Thus, risk is the integral part of the every kind of business and it shall be taken into consideration by the business men. At the same time the auditor of the company is also required to consider the risk in business in order plan his audit accordingly and perform the audit function in an efficient manner (Karen, 2014). Three forms of risks have been laid down by the accounting and the auditing standards depending upon the nature, size and the type of business within which the company is operating. These are inherent risks, control risks and detections (ASA 315, 2014). In the given case study of One Tel. Company, the discussion has been done for only the inherent risks. Inherent risks is defined as the chance of having the omission or deletion of any material fact from the financial statements of the company due to the reasons which are totally out of the hands of the company i.e. due to uncontrollable reasons. In other words the inherent risk denotes that the probability of having the misstatements which is material due to uncontrollable factors. It signifies that the inherent risk will be present where there are factors which are out of control and not there where is the lack of control in the system of the company. The auditor of the company shall evaluate this risk with the application of his du e professional care and professional skills (Nosberger, 2015). This type of risk mainly incur due to the fact that there have been some inherent limitations which is the part of the business of the company and cannot be controlled by any means. In the given case, following are the factors that have contributed at the financial reporting level with the increased inherent risk assessment: Lack of Integrity of Management The management of the company shall have integrity and shall gain respect in the market within which the company is operating. In case the managements integrity within the market gets down then the reputation of the company in the market will also get depleted (Leong, 2009). The lack of integrity of the management is confirmed when the auditor right to contact other people on the market is restricted to perform integrity check. Thus, the lack of integrity increases the level of inherent risk at the level of financial reporting made by the auditor. Management Experience Management experience plays very important role in the effective functioning of the company. If the team of the management is not experienced then the company will soon be in the situation of the failure (Cohen, Krishnamoorthy and Wright, 2007). In the given case the company has the management team which does not have the enough experience and have itself admitted that the management team has the limited knowledge and experience (Wielligh, 2015). The lack of knowledge and the experience will lead to improper preparation of the financial report. Also the management of the company is in the process of hiring the new directors which will again show that there is the high rate of retrenchment in the top positions as the good and honest team will always resist in doing wrong and thus will be regarded as the high risky area by the auditor (Monroe and Woodliff, 2013). Thus, along with the above factors the auditor will also consider the factors like pressure on management regarding poor cash flows, loss and nature of the business of the company and factors which affecting the industry in which the company is operating for assessing the inherent risk at the financial reporting level (Knechel, 2007). Inherent Risk Ataccount Balance Level The inherent risk also presents in the account balance level as to how the account balances may be manipulated by the company and here the factors are discussed which depicts that there may be inherent factors which may contribute to the higher inherent risk. Inventory Level- The inventory plays the very important role in judging the liquidity of the company from the face of the balance sheet of the company. Maintaining the higher level of inventory depicts that the company is having liquidity problem and the company is not able to sell the product within the time of the operating cycle. In case the company maintains the lower level of inventory then there will again the risk of having the loss of customers. Thus, there are the high chances of inventory to loss or misappropriation. (Miller, Cipriano and Ramsay, 2012). Unusual Transaction The unusual transaction has happened in the case of the share capital of the company. The share capital of the company has been considerably increased from 355.60 million dollars in the year of 1999 to 1225.60 million dollar in the year of 2000. The increase has been mainly welcomed by the company through the issue of shares of the company rather than the increase in profit of the company. Thus, it can be said that the company is not able to generate the profits of the company and rather have funded the operations of the company through the issues of the shares of the company and collecting the amount from the shareholders of the company (Shariff and Chan, 2008). The considerable increase so made have alarmed the situation of the auditor as to plan the audit accordingly keeping in consideration the inherent risk of having the other unusual transactions too in the financial statements like increase in extra ordinary items, increase in the depreciation, etc. Assessment Of Going Concern The principle of going concern has been given by the generally accepted accounting principles and the company has to do the accounting and have to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the assumption of the going concern. The assumption states that the company will work in future and the financial statements will be prepared in that manner only (Blay and Geiger, 2013). Following are the factors that have contributed to the high risk affecting going concern as interpreted from the financial statements of the company: Consecutive Loss Making for last two years The Company has been incurring the losses for the last two years. In the year of 1999, the company has incurred the loss of 68.70 million dollar and 282.10 million dollar in the year of 2000. Thereby the Net Profit ratio has been considerably decreased. The table details the calculation: Year Net Profit / (Net Loss) Sales (Assumed) Net Profit Ratio / (Net Loss Ratio) 1999 (68.70) 1000 (6.80) 2000 (282.10) 3000 (9.50) Poor Cash Flows The Companys cash flow statement depicts that more cash has been paid to the customers and employees of the company and corresponding less cash has been received from the customers. The amount paid equals to 684.80 million dollar and the amount received equals to 510.90 million dollar. It shows that in the upcoming years the company will soon face the liquidation problem. Also at the end of the year, company has shown the net decrease in cash and cash equivalent of 6.6 million dollars. Further the company has made heavy investment in the Property Plant and Equipment amounting to 613.10 million dollar but the assets so increased have not made the company either to generate the cash flows or to generate the profits. Apart from the above factors there are factors too which shows that the areas of going concern are assessed at high level like sudden increase in the increasing rate of Accounts Payable as compared to accounts receivable, effective working of competitors, etc. Particulars 1999 2000 Change (%) Accounts Payable 73.0 277.20 279.73 Accounts Receivable 72.0 218.40 203.33 Conclusion and Recommendation The company One Tel is in the telecom industry and has been growing since then. The company has not considered the type of risks that is present in the business. Therefore, the factors have been identified which have contributed towards the inherent risk at the financial reporting and account balance level. In both the levels, it has been found that there is the high level of inherent risk which the auditor shall consider while planning the audit. The company has also the high risk for going concern assumption. It is recommended for the company to adopt the procedures and incorporate the system in such manner that the risk may be mitigated. References ASA 315, (2014), Auditing Standard ASA 315, available on https://www.auasb.gov.au/admin/file/content102/c3/Nov13_Compiled_Auditing_Standard_ASA_315.pdf accessed on 24/05/2017. Blay, A.D. and Geiger, M.A., 2013. Auditor fees and auditor independence: Evidence from going concern reporting decisionsContemporary Accounting Research,30(2), pp.579-606. Cohen, J.R., Krishnamoorthy, G. and Wright, A.M., 2007 The impact of roles of the board on auditors' risk assessments and program planning decisions.Auditing: A Journal of Practice Theory,26(1), pp.91-112. Knechel, W.R., 2007. The business risk audit: Origins, obstacles and opportunitiesAccounting, Organizations and Society,32(4), pp.383-408. Karen KW, (2014), Risk in Auditing The Inherent Risk available on https://www.hkiaat.org/images/uploads/articles/PBEPIII_inherent_risk.pdf accessed on 24/05/2017. Leong, C.T., 2009, Inherent risk assessmenta new concept to evaluate risk in preliminary design stage-Process Safety and Environmental Protection,87(6), pp.371-376 Miller, T.C., Cipriano, M. and Ramsay, R.J., 2012 Do auditors assess inherent risk as if there are no controls?Managerial Auditing Journal,27(5), pp.448-461 Monroe,G. and Woodliff, D. R. (2013), TheImportanceOfInherentRiskFactors: Auditors Perceptions. Australian Accounting Review, 3: 3446 Nosberger T, (2015), Why do we need Audits and Auditors, available on https://www.unifr.ch/ses/pdf/cours/Audit_methodology_FS_10.pdf accessed on 24/05/2017. Ryu, T.G. and Roh, C.Y., 2007, the auditor's going-concern opinion decision-International Journal of Business and Economics,6(2), p.89 Shariff, A.M. and Chan, T.L., 2008, Inherent Risk Assessment- Inthe 2008 Spring National Meeting Wielligh SPJ, (2015), High Inherent Risk Elements in financial statements of Listed South African Long Term Insurers, available on https://journals.co.za/docserver/fulltext/meditari/12/1/meditari_v12_n1_a11.pdf?expires=1495604697id=idaccname=guestchecksum=53A2B132B5C10DF197A7DE8BCEB79E30 accessed on 24/05/2017.

The dramatic impact of Act 3 Scene 1 on the audience in Romeo and Juliet Essay Example

The dramatic impact of Act 3 Scene 1 on the audience in Romeo and Juliet Paper In act 3 scene 1 the characters frequently change this creates dramatic impact. Drama is the moments of change that could be in the following such as character, mood, atmosphere and plot. These factors provoke a response from the audience. Impact is the response to surprise, reaction and shock. From which could be said is the impression the audience gets from these affects. Dramatic impact provokes interest and responses that are key elements in act 3 scene 1 where shock, reaction, changes in mood and atmosphere come into play. Changes in characters mood, thoughts, actions and attributes in Act 3 Scene 1 Romeos attitude at the beginning of the scene is a positive one and he is trying to calm the situation down. This could be because in the last scene he just got married to Juliet and now he is related to Tybalt. Therefore marriage has changed him from a member of a gang into a gentler and more considerate character this is best shown when he says, O sweet Juliet thy beauty hath made me effeminate, and in my temper softened various steel. When he says this he is referring to Juliet, she has made him effeminate meaning womanly so this is corresponding to all the characteristics of being a woman the main one being gentle and soft. The next big change comes with a confrontation between Mercutio and Tybalt leading to Mercutio being killed. He now wants to revenge his death as it could be said friendship is very important to him because he has been a gentler character from the beginning of the scene. We will write a custom essay sample on The dramatic impact of Act 3 Scene 1 on the audience in Romeo and Juliet specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The dramatic impact of Act 3 Scene 1 on the audience in Romeo and Juliet specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The dramatic impact of Act 3 Scene 1 on the audience in Romeo and Juliet specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Also this can be backed up when he draws his sword on Tybalt as he was not a character to draw swords so quickly before. Another change comes after he has revenged Mercutios death and killed Tybalt but becomes aware of the implications of his actions. This is when he says, Oh I am fortunes fool. Meaning that he has been rushed into killing Tybalt and this also shows the speed of the play as it has all happened so quickly with no time to access the consequences. Consequences ultimately being the princes decision right at the beginning of the play to banish anyone caught fighting again. At the end of the scene he runs away with no longer the same courage and goes back to Juliet and being considerate. Mercutio at the beginning of the scene is dominant, clever and over confidant. This is best shown when he is told that the Capulets are approaching he replies By my heel I care not. Showing that he is uncaring, unconcerned and has a lot of bravado. It is suggested that they exchange words with the Capulets, couple it with a word and blow he is saying that they will talk but will be looking for trouble. He wants to inevitably fight, as a fight to him is action and entertainment. His big change comes when he has been stabbed he says, Aye, aye, a scratch, a scratch marry, this enough. The scratch is a much less term than a blow that he used earlier on meaning that this is totally unexpected. Scratch could also be used as the king of cats Tybalt gave it to him repetition is also used as he is trying to convince himself of what has happened. Another change comes when he is dying and he says, A plague of both your houses so he is blaming both the Capulets and the Montagues. Ugly and disturbing comes to the mind, when he says this the importance being that he is not the joker anymore. Mercutio was the comic relief, the joker in the play if hes dead the audience must think that the play is going to be more serious from now on. The impact of this being that he makes the audience change their minds about the whole play. Tybalt is aggressive as he is the king of cats ringleader in fights he is also a sly fighter and stubborn. It also seems that somehow he survives every fight. He goes up to the Montagues maybe to challenge their presence at the party he is the one who picks the fight and remains aggressive throughout so he doesnt change at all. Themes in Act 3 Scene 1 One major theme in this scene is juxtaposition of love and hate. This is best shown when Romeo says Tybalt, the reason that I love to love thee doth much excuse the appertaining rage to such a greeting. Villain am I none, therefore farewell, I see thou knowest me not. He hates Tybalt deep down but his love for Juliet is much stronger so actually love has the upper hand. There is also confusion as Juliet loves him as a person but hates him being a Montague this is clearly shown when she says My only love sprung from my only hate. Her only love is Romeo and only hate is that of him being a Montague. I do protest I never injured thee, but love thee better than thou canst devise. Here Romeo is arguing against Tybalt. Tybalt cant understand how love and hate can co-exist. Injured gives further ideas of hate, trouble and pain. Tybalt only feels hate he doesnt change. This scene is about tension, confusion, conflict and turmoil. This also gives the audience tension so dramatic impact is created through the story. Ignorance is another major theme in this scene and takes place a few times throughout. An example of this is when Tybalt says, Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford no better than this. Thou art a villain. Her Tybalt doesnt know or give Romeo a chance to prove why they should be friendlier towards each other. He doesnt bother to find out the facts as he dies before he can do so he remains ignorant of the facts. When he refers to Romeo as a villain he also judges him without proof or knowledge.

La Biographia de Fidel Castro essays

La Biographia de Fidel Castro essays On August 13th, 1926 near the mountainous region of Mayari, Cuba. He was born to Angel Castro with 3 brothers and 4 sisters, Fidel was the 3rd oldest. Fidel attended intermediate school in Santiago de Cuba, he then went on to law school at the University of Havana and got his law degree. A couple of years later Fidel joined the orthodox party, anti-imperialist, social-democratic party that was extremely anti batista. A short time later he gained national recognition when he led the attack against batistas men in moncada, but failed. He was captured and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, but was released early. In early months of 1952, Castro ran for congress but batista organized a cout de tat, thus dissolving the election that year. It was soon after that he Fidel fled to Mexico to train his brigade to fight against batistas Army. It was during this time that the infamous Ernesto che Guevara joined the rebel forces. One of the unique characteristics of Fidels army was that it allowed both men and women to fight in the same quarters. In 1956 after a couple years of training his army in Mexico he led his 80- some guerilla fighters into southeast region of Cuba, when he arrived many people already in Cuba continued to join the revolution. Despite Fidel and his armies efforts along with the sympathy of the Cuban people, batista put down the revolution. In January, 1959 Castro led his army into the streets of Havananah and defeated the corupt batista regime, and forces batista off the island. Soon after Fidel took control of the Cuban govt, the U.S. support for Cubas economy decreas ed due to many of Fidels radical reforms in agriculture and economy went directly against the interest of major U.S. corporations. These reforms led to the U.S. trade embargo against cuba. Soon after many attempts on Fidels life the U.S. led invasion of ...

Valuation of Shopping Centers Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Valuation of Shopping Centers - Research Paper Example rom the fact that investment behaviours in shopping centres have been changed due to dramatic progress in the retail industry of Germany and it can be explicitly understood from the fact that until 2011 Germans were dominating investors in the market. However, now German retail industry has largely attracted foreign investors accounting for 62% overall investment in the retail market. Due to the desired aim of maximizing profits, owners of retail properties hire professional companies to evaluate the properties accurately by taking different criteria into consideration. However this is a complex and difficult task, especially with high investments like shopping centres. The real estate crises has shown what impact wrong valuations can have. This is why it is important that the valuation process is done correctly and with caution. The aim of this paper is, next to an introduction of the shopping centre market, the general definition of shopping centres, the different classification types and the historic development, to answer the question what factors influence the market value of a property. In this context, the meaning of valuation will be discussed, followed by an analysis of different factors incluencing the value. In order to link the theoretcial approach with practical experience these factors will be anaylsed by means of project made during an internship at Jones Lang LaSalle in Frankfurt in summer 2012. Additionally, the project will be briefly described and the outcome of the valuation will be mentioned. Trends of shopping centres are continuously changing since the development of shopping centres’ phenomenon among masses. Researchers have suggested that with the passage of time and emerging technologies it has been noticed that trends of shopping and shopping centres are gaining much attention (Coleman, 2012, pp. 6-105). Business of shopping centres is successfully going with growing populations’ needs and increasing social awareness. Intellectuals

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

General - Research Paper Example rom past years has resulted to several models, assumptions and principles as well as explanations that fully support adult learning and act as a base for improvement, it’s certain that none of these theories is bound to have significant help on all adult students. Understanding this fact in addition to knowledge on the adult learning theories helps adult educators effect their practice. Several theories have been put forward and they include: andragogy, self-directed learning, active learning, transformational learning, problem solving and problem based learning, multiple intelligences, theory of learning conditions among many others. The principle of andragogy was established by Malcolm Knows (1980) in an effort to differentiate the means by which adults learn from those of young ones. This was the basis of all other theories as it tends to emphasize that adults are self directed and are anxious of being involved in decision making. . Malcolm contrasted this principle with the art of teaching a child referred to as pedagogy. His contrast was based on several assumptions about adult learners that in addition to them knowing the reason to study something, the content has to have immediate value. Another assumption is that adult learners also approach learning as a way of solving a particular problem and thus learning should be done experientially. Malcolm also pointed out that the motivation to study is more from internal factors than any external pressure. Therefore, andragogy calls for a clear explanation as to why the student should acquire knowledge on something and any adult tutor should adhere to it. However the principle of student incentive to self decision neglects the fact that the teacher should act as the primary source of information, knowledge and to some extent direction (Brookfield 2003). This draws back the andragogy to some point. Studies have shown that a great percentage of adult learning is self-directed (Cross 1981) whereby they take full

Trends Executive Memo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Trends Executive Memo - Essay Example Further, technology will assist in the collection of evidence for use in courts, and in surveillance of correction centers to reduce the breakout incidences that have been on the rise. This is a major step into the future which ought to happen soon. However, serious planning and strategizing is necessary before taking the steps (NRC-US, 2002). Partnership between the state and private security agencies will be enhanced. This will ensure that security information is shared as received from the public and actions taken in a team fashion. The correction department in the country has experienced a number of challenges. Besides the increased breakouts, it has been noted that many inmates get connected to the outside ‘friends’ through the help of the wardens (Gingrich & Worthington, 2013. Pg. 365). This has to stop. Every correction center must have installed surveillance system to monitor activities within (Priest & Arkin, 2011, pg. 76). These systems, from all centers, will be channeled to the head office surveillance department in real-time. The future of the security is that collaborative units will work together to ensure that the public is secure. Further, technological innovations will replace the manual entries and surveillance making the work easier to execute and monitor (Evans, Martin & Poatsy, 2005. pg. 245). Each of the departments will, therefore, perform their mandate with connectivity and collaboration rather than

Operations management strategy of Hard Rock Cafe

Operations management strategy of Hard Rock Cafe Global competition increasing every day, while others theme restaurants have come and gone Hard Rock cafe is successfully response to complexity, risks and competition of global economy with flexibility and speed. From one London cafe in 1971, Hard Rock Cafà © (HRC) has grown to over 163 locations in 52 countries, and most of that growth has occurred in the last few years. With the mission To spread the spirit of Rock n Roll by delivering an exceptional entertainment and dining experience. We are committed to being an important, contributing member of our community and offering the Hard Rock family a fun, healthy, and nurturing work environment while ensuring our long-term success (Heizer Render, 2009).HRC enjoys a 92% name recognition world-wide, putting it in the top 10 of all restaurants. HRC has accomplished this by changing from a themed restaurant into one participating in what is now called the Experience Economy. . Lets identify how each of the 10 decisions of operations management is applied successfully and effectively at Hard Rock Cafà ©. 1. Design of goods and services: HRC is flexible and unique with their product and services design base on the local market that they enter into. Every different restaurant has unique design by combining traditional and culture of the locals with the view in mind such as when they open HRC in Ho Chi Minh, Viet Name and decorate the bar with lantern. One of the most popular mistakes of restaurant is trying to make their food be the best to be successful. But reality is quite different when Bugger King and McDonalds dont have the best food. I didnt mean that restaurant shouldnt try to make the most delicious food but in the process of making delicious food (tangible product) they should keep their eyes on providing the intangible product which is called experience and HRC sells experience. HRC is using food as medium to inspire exceptional entertainment and dining experience. As Professor C.Markides of the London Business School says, The trick is not to play the game better than the competition, but to develop and p lay an altogether different game. (Markides, 1997) 2. Managing Quality: One of the most operations strategy is quality. According Jay Heizer, quality as the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bears on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs. (Heizer Render, 2009, pp. 222-225). In Hard Rocks Cafà ©, the food is the product and quality must be top the charts. Menu and quality surveys are being constantly and regularly reviewed by operations personnel. In operation management, establishing quality standard and control to meet these standards is the key to success but HR do better when providing the unique experience. Hard Rock is quite successful when using food (tangible product) as the medium to deliver exceptional entertainment and dinning experience (intangible product) and customer almost satisfy with unique visual and sound experience not duplicated anywhere. (Heizer Render, 2009, p. 83) 3. Process and capacity design: When decide the locations of their facilities, Hard Rock cafe has the process and capacity design with effective analyses the whole production process from purchasing food ingredients, to preparing the food to ensure the products in an efficient manner, cost effectiveness and labour requirements. 4. Location: According Oliver Munday, Senior Director Worldwide Cafà © Development, when considering a new location, a careful decision making process is used, as the investment for a new location is large and for example usually includes agreeing to a longer term lease on the location of 10-15 years or more because its play a role to ensure organization recovered the initial investment capital as well as minimum profit. . HRC carefully looks at several factors when considering a location. Political risk: In general, stable political of country can impact the decision of economic activities. It can be seen by the consistency of government policies that helps to ensure the interest of investor. On the other hands, a stable political situation will make people feel safety in working and increasing number of people comes to entertaining places. Currency risk due to inflation causing the economic crisis. Consequence, enterprise faces with difficult in exchange rate when earning profit cannot enough to compensate. Currency discount means pricing escalate, people live from hand to mouth. At that time, consumer will be reduced and the resulting decline in business revenues and profits, even losses. Social norms: in perspective consuming capacity of customer, there are two factors dominant: peoples income and culture, spending habits. If people have high salary, theyre willing to spend much more money for better life. On the contrary, they just spend money on what they really need. Second, due to culture life and spending habit they spend money on entertainment, leisure activities that their culture allows. But there are places where even though peoples incomes are really high but they practice in saving and spending. Brand fit: This factor is very sensitive and important that Hard Rock should consider carefully before naming trademarks and deploying their business. Customer will be outraged and boycott immediately with goods or services that offend communities ethnic or their belief. Social costs: This is cost that businesses have responsibility to contribute to society including taxes Business practices: Hard Rock interested in living standards and intellectual level where business located. 5. Lay out : Another reason helps HRC stands out the crowded restaurant is their layout. Just looking their big guitar outside, definitely it stimulates your curiosity get inside. The wall is being slapped with lots of memorabilia: guitars, drums, shirts, pants, shoes, scarves, handwritten come from music band or legendary musicians, such as Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, John Lennon HRC seems to be a live museum. 6. Human Resources: Company from small to large just only archive their operation management strategy with competent and motivate people. Many organizations have demonstrated that competitive advantage in operation can be build through a good human resource strategy. In Hard Rock Cafà ©, part of their missions is creating a friendly, funny working environment not only for employee but also for their family to make them feel not just come for work only but to enjoy the work since then they can deliver professional unique entertainment and dining experience to their guests and to ensure long term company success . Hard Rock has an employee Bill of Rights, outstanding pay, benefit and promotion that helps employee self-motivated individual, they also have policy hiring the best qualify not just best available. Human resource can be expensive, difficult to archive and hard to sustain but what weve seen in Hard Rock Cafà © with practice training and treat employee as you need individuality that not only go od for business but also definitely rock. (Heizer Render, 2009, p. 445) 7. Supply-chain management: Hard Rock has been explored new global resources to achieve maximum profitable via supply chain. Be aware the most advantages of outsourcing is cost saving and improve services level. Hard Rock has selected USCO logistics, a subsidiary of Kuehne Nagel, to take over distribution and replenishment of collectible and fashion merchandise for its cafes, hotels, and casinos in North America. (Albright, 2004) 8. Inventory, material requirements planning, and JIT Inventory is one of the most expensive assets of many companies and Hard Rock is not exclusive. With more than seventy thousand pieces of memorabilia, Hard Rock also has invested forty million dollars in one of the worlds largest collection of rock-and-roll memorabilia inventory. According Jay Heizer the objective of inventory management is to strike a balance between inventory investment and customer services and by using effectively software such as Excel OM, POM, Hard Rock has done a great of cataloguing every single item. With thousand memorabilia spread out 163 cafes world-wide in 52 countries, they know exactly what is on the wall in what cafe. Through inventory system and technology theyre quite comfortable to recall any memorabilia to refurbish it every 5 to 7 years. (Heizer Render, 2009, pp. 500-501) 9. Intermediate and short-term scheduling. In Service Sector such as restaurant and hotel, we must forecast capacity for long term, purchasing contract lending orders for intermediate term and for short term we must forecast schedule and purchase labour, food, supply. Hard Rock Cafà © is using a lot of forecasting techniques such as moving averages, weighted Moving Averages, Exponential Smoothing and Regression Analysis that helps manager to see the impact on demand of other menu items if the price of one item is changed. For example, if the price of a cheeseburger increases from $6.99 to $7.99, Hard Rock can predict the effect this will have on sales of chicken sandwiches, pork sandwiches, and salads. Managers do the same analysis on menu placement, with the center section driving higher sales volumes (Heizer Render, 2009, p. 647). 10. Maintenance Hard Rock Cafe got the goal of maintenance when they succeed to maintain the capability of the system over 52 countries and keeping a systems equipment in working order in 163 cafes around the world. To get maintenance activities more effectively Hard Rock need to implementing or improving preventive maintenance and increasing repair capabilities or speed. (Heizer Render, 2009, pp. 682-683) In light of the above,discussthe operations management challenges and opportunities forHard Rock when considering anexpansion of its business into Hanoi. Opened the first one in December 2009 in Ho Chi Minh, Hard Rock is facing with challenges and opportunities to expand the second one in Hanoi capital of Viet Nam. Lets using SWOT to analysis their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities as well as threats when coming to Hanoi 1. Strengths: With more than 40 years strong experience deploying services: hotels, cafes, restaurant spread out over 52 countries. Hard Rock absolutely brand power with high capacity, technology and network relationship. Hard Rock had experienced about VN market through the first Hard Rock in Ho Chi Minh. Hard Rock absolutely has some lessons learn from the first one about human resource, supply chain, inventory that is a challenges factor for Multi-Domestic strategy. 2. Weaknesses: Maybe need more research in emerging market as well as living habit in Hanoi. 3. Opportunities: Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and was formed 1000 years ago, the center of politics, culture and economy of Vietnam. Hanoi is the first stop of tourists on their way to visit Ha Long Bay which is a natural wonder of the world, Tuan Chau resort, The Hai Phong port city Hard Rock will create a exchange cultural bridge between Vietnamese singer and international singer. 4. Threats: Considerations should be taken as well on regional segmentation of the market, like we usually say in the marketing and advertising industry, in Vietnam: Saigonese makes 10 bucks, borrows 1 and spends 11 while Hanoiians makes 10 bucks, spends 1 and saves the rest. Dont go rushing to Vietnam hearing the rosy stories. Take your time and breathe like a local before you make your move. Vietnam, like any other emerging market, is a long-haul market for any investor. While it is looked at as one of the 10 hottest emerging markets in the world with a very young population and a rising middle class, it is by no means providing a quick return on investmentespecially when you are offering a new product or service concept. Educating the market on the specialty coffee category. Try to understand consumer perception towards the category and match it with what you have in your pocket. You either are a pioneer and spend money to educate the market or wait until your competitors have done so and piggy back on market growth. Nevertheless, if your pocket is real deep, buy out a local business in the category and take it from there. Let me use the PEST framework for deep analysis and see other perspectives of challenges as well as opportunities to expand Hard Rock in Hanoi. PEST Analysis: Political: Government Stability: Since 1975 up till now, the political situation in Vietnam is very stable. This is a country of no violence, no terrorism, no constant protests that causing the political situation, culture and economy of the country. People feel peace in mind to work and live, play and entertainment. Therefore, many foreign do invest to Vietnam, and many tourists from all over the world visited Vietnam. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam so that its inherited all the best characteristics. Economic: Growth, Inflation Interest Rates: In 2010, gross domestic product GDP in Hanoi increased 11% over the same period last year. Foreign investment in Hanoi reached $ 800 million, total revenue per capita GDP reached about 37 million per year (approximately $ 1,950 per year). But people who work in services, stock, handicrafts, owner of large, medium or small business have really high income. Price index increases, especially food commodities increased to 5.37%. Beverages price index rose 4.17%. Cigarette price index is up 2.25%. General food sector services have increased the price index Real Estate Market: Hanoi is a growing and expanding city so that real estate prices increasing so fast. Wherever roads and public services are built, the property prices rose faster and quite high. Although the city is planning to expand but property prices in the old city still very high and that led the fact, although Vietnam is a poor country, but property prices is more higher than other countries in the world. Tourists/business visitors: According to statistics, the number of international visitors come to Hanoi in 2010 increased 62% compared to 2009 while a domestic tourists increased by 10%. And has more than 30,000 international tourists visited the capital in 10 days Hanoi organized the celebration of 1000 years of Thang Long Hanoi Hotel: There are lots of luxury five start hotels in Hanoi such as Hilton, Sofitel Plaza, Sheraton, Sofitel Metropole, Nikko. Convention Center: Hanoi National Convention Center Vietnam was built with scale and international level, located at 57 Pham Hung Street, Tu Liem district. It was held the Economic Cooperation Forum Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2006. Retail: As well as other cities of a developing country, outside the supermarket and shopping center, the old town around Hoan Kiems lake where the famous retailer of the city including most of the essential goods from individuals and families stuffs to souvenirs. Socio-cultural Population Growth/Age Profile Population of Hanoi is about more than 6 million people. Especially, urban areas, downtown area and old town such as Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Hai Ba Ba Trung district is very crowded. In these areas, the population density is up to about 35,000 people/km2 while other areas just 2000 people/km2. Age of working capacity is about 66% of the total population. Education, Social Mobility: Hanoi now has 52 elementary school, 27 colleges and 50 universities. There is also the Academy and the Center for scientific research. Transportation: Airport: a) Age of airport: NoiBai International Airport had built in 1977 and official opened in 1978. b) Number of Passengers: In 2010, Noi Bai International Airport has average 170 flights taking off and landing daily, and has served 9.5 million passengers c) Airlines: Vietnam has three airlines Vietnam, Jetstar and Vietjet airline. And most major airlines around the world have representative offices in Hanoi . d) Direct Flights: Noi Bai Airport has direct domestic flights to other cities in VietNam such as Ho Chi Minh, Nha Trang, Hue and international flights to other cities around the world as: Moscow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Seoul-Incheon, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo-Narita. e) Hubs: Currently, Noi Bai International Airport is not on transit routes the international flights. However, visitors can stop to visit the capital Hanoi in Vietnam on the way to Hongkong, Japan, Korea, China,Singapore. Rail: Hang Co railway station is the center of the country, the starting point of five railway lines throughout the province from north to south and to the northern border. From the border, Vietnam railway connect to international railway to Beijing, China, and continue to many European countries. Road: Hanoi is the traffic junction of the roads in the country. Hanoi is the starting point of the route of Highway 1A entered into southern and route into Laos and Cambodia as well as go to the north border VietNam-China. Sea / River: Hanoi is laying on both sides of Red River, an important routes to Hung Yen, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Viet Tri, Pha Lai. Restaurants and Nightclub: Hanoi has many Restaurants and Nightclub and mainly concentrated in urban districts such as Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, Ba Dinh and Dong Da . Sports: My Dinh Stadium which was built in 2003, located in the south of the city, accommodating 40,192 seats. Sports Congress in Southeast Asia in 2003 and football Championships Southeast Asia 2008 was held here. Entertainment: Parks: There are lots of parks as Thong Nhat, Tuoi Tre, Thu Le which attracting visitors. Lake: One of the most prominent feature in Hanoi is a lot of natural lakes i.e Hoan Kiem, Dong Da, Thien Quang. The lakes in Hanoi are also attracting lots of visitor especially Hoan Kiem turtle lake associated with history. Theaters: Most of these theaters are concentrated in two districts of the city center is the Hoan Kiem and Hai Ba Trung district. In addition, the old city where the traditional villages and many other historical sites that tourists often come to Hanoi to first priority visit i.e Quoc Tu Giam place where President Bill Clinton had visited in 2000. Technological Impact of Emerging Technologies. Impact of Internet and Reduced Communication Costs. RD Activity. Impact of Technology Transfer.. Vietnam is a developing country and all needs for life constantly increasing. Vietnam is also a place attracting many tourists from Europe, Americas.. Because of these reasons, the consideration of expanding Hard Rock Cafe in Hanoi in this period is a job should be considered. Assume Ba Dinh Square or Hoan Kiem Lake is center point, the most potential area for business location should be placed on Ba Dinh or Dong Da district or adjacent to the Hoan Kiem or Hai Ba Trung district. Similar as people in Ho Chi Minh and other cities across the country, every night, people is going toward downtown. It has created resurgence of City Centers at night Thus, Hoan Kiem and Hai Ba Trung district or near the Hoan Kiem area is absolutely a great ideal for location, but found available space here is extremely difficult. Moreover, location decision is at a 10-15 years commitment. First, lease premises from 10 15 years to ensure have enough time to recover the initial investment capital and gain a profit. Second, the premises are not in the areas that the government put into the clearance plan within 10-15 years. In the other hands, due to harsh natural conditions, Hanoi usually got flooded annually or disasters that damaged crops. Since then demand of entertainment will be cut off. The consumers will significant decrease. Also consider psychological factors of Hanoi in particular and people in northern Vietnam general. Due to undergo the hardships of constant war Due to undergo the hardships of constant war, the harsh natural conditions, people are saving as a precaution for the risks in the future, with hope to build a better life for next generations. Therefore people are considering on spending something.

The Importance of Freedom in Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” Essay

Kate Chopin’s â€Å"The Story of an Hour† grabs its readers from the start and creates an unexpected twist at the end of the short story. Louise Mallard is given the news that her husband has died in a terrible train accident. To her surprise, he arrives home and â€Å"did not even know there had been one† (Chopin, 607). Upon the death of Louise who once believes she was a widow only to find that her husband is still alive, the confusion begins. The death of Louise is questioned by many critics as a state of shock, depression, and sadness. However, Mark Cunningham’s criticism of Kate Chopin’s â€Å"The Story of an Hour† states that her death was instead a discovery of freedom from the physical strains of her marriage with her husband and societal views on women. Cunningham argues that at the sight of her living husband, â€Å"Louise’s death lies elsewhere: in the joy† (Cunningham, 49), that she had finally escaped her marriage a nd the burdens it placed on her life. Cunningham also states that it’s possible that Louise didn’t actually even see her husband but that it doesn’t necessarily matter. Lastly, Cunningham argues that not only does she escape the strains of the marriage, but Louise also escapes society’s natural and degrading views on women and the place they hold in society. In best judgment, Cunningham does an exquisite job at defining the meaning of the significance of Louise’s death. However, I will argue that Louise Mallard’s sight of her husband is important to study because it emphasizes her desperate escape from her physically dangerous marriage, which also needs to be considered. I think emphasis should be placed on the idea of symbolism and the role it played in explaining Louise’s freedom from her marriage. It could be beneficial to ... ...opin, 607). Finally, Cunningham stated that it’s not important whether or not Louise saw her husband before she died. But, I think its important to address that she did see her husband, because this symbolizes her final stretch to freedom. Cunningham’s criticism was certainly successful in creating an understanding of why Chopin wrote the short story in the nineteenth century. Women were in a very tough place in society, but for some like Louise Mallard, there may have been other factors that made freedom such a desirable hope. Works Cited Chopin, Kate. â€Å"The Story of an Hour†. The Norton Introduction to Literature. 10th ed. Eds. Alison Booth & Kelly J. Mays. New York: W.W. Norton, 2010. 607-608. Cunningham, M. â€Å"The autonomous female self and the death of Louise Mallard in Kate Chopin’s Story of an Hour.† English Language Notes. 42.1 (2004): 48-55.

The Social Reality of Violence and Violent Crime

The book â€Å"The Social Reality of Violence and Violent Crime† by Henry H. Brownstein concerns a very critical and disturbing aspect of life of our modern society. Indeed, some of the most hotly debated topics today are in one way or another connected to violence, be they issues of adolescent crime, the high percentage of violent behavior at the workplace, in families, violence by drug addicts, etc.To put it simply – it must be acknowledged that the anxiety about violence as such within our society has become one of the most prominent elements of our world view. In this regard, the mentioned book by Henry H. Brownstein aims to accomplish a truly important task of uncovering the role that violence and violent crime play within our perception of the social reality that surrounds us.In accordance with this task and considering the complexity of the field of his study, the author of this work decided to maintain a live connection with his audience by means of collecting s tories from real life, which helps to characterize violence and violent crime in the United States from points of view of both individuals and social groups.This approach of the author is really important as in this way he manages to convincingly show how violence may be perceived differently by different people, and how those differences in perception of violence have developed in our society during the last century.Thus, the author`s views on the perception of violence are to a large degree based on the principles of social constructivism which state that our knowledge is not completely objective, but rather is to a certain degree subjectivity constructed by existing social influences (Brownstein 1999, p.3).I think that the useful tool that helped the author to achieve his aim was his ability to meld together his personal narratives and experiences of other people related to violence with excerpts from reports of media, official statistics, and research.As the author opens each ch apter with some story that helps readers properly understand what forms violence may take, where it exists, and what are probable reasons of its existence, readers can begin to see how all those complex and often seemingly separated from real life sociological concepts in fact stem from concrete historical and cultural conditions of our society.Indeed, even though it might sound quite sad, it seems that for many of us who were lucky to avoid personal encounters with violence it takes only shocking stories of real victims of violence and violent offenders to be able to see violence not as a merely dry statistics but as a terrible reality.At the same time, I think that one of the merits of Brownstein is that along with his personalized approach to interpretation of place of violence in our lives he nevertheless does not forget about more general social considerations and at the end of every chapter also discusses relevant social policies.This allusion to the realm of political decisio n-making is valuable as such because of the competence of the author, and at the same time it helps complete the picture of how violence is socially constructed, because policies towards violence too often impose upon us some fixed and almost compulsory perception of it.Finally, I feel that aside from his academic talent, Brownstein managed to convey to readers some fine nuances of his personal, even intimate, perception of violence. This is done in a very subtle way through his writing style and his ability to depict moods of people and his personal experiences. For example, he begins his book with a very impressive description of his visit to the infamous Sing Sing prison, and as he described his slow advance thought a series of security points and bars, I felt as if coming closer and closer to something truly terrible. However, the story of the man whom Brownstein interviewed in Sing Sing left me somewhat baffled due to its ambiguity.On one hand, the author described the case of a dangerous murderer, but on the other hand left me wondering whether the circumstantial evidence against him based on his cocaine usage was sufficient to be sure in his guilt. This story vividly illustrates the power of stereotypes that shape our perception of violence, and serves as a good start for the author`s endeavor to shed light on this complex phenomenon.SourcesBrownstein, H., H. (1999). The Social Reality of Violence and Violent Crime. Allyn & Bacon.

Bay Of Pigs 10 pages essays

Bay Of Pigs 10 pages essays The story of the failed invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs, which is located on the south coast of Cuba about 97 miles southeast of Havanna, was one of mismanagement, poor judgment, and stupidity (Bay of Pigs 378). The blame for the failed invasion falls directly on the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) and a young president by the name of John F. Kennedy. The whole intention of the invasion was to assault communist Cuba and put an end to Fidel Castro. Ironically, thirty-nine years after the Bay of Pigs, Fidel Castro is still in power. First, it is necessary to look at why the invasion happened and then why it did not work. From the end of World War II until the mid-eighties, most Americans could agree that communism was the enemy. Communism wanted to destroy our way of life and corrupt the freest country in the world. Communism is an economic system in which one person or a group of people are in control. The main purpose of communism is to make the social and economic status of all individuals the same. It abolishes the inequalities in possession of property and distributes wealth equally to all. The main problem with this is that one person who is very wealthy can be stripped of most of his wealth so that another person can have more The main reason for the Bay of Pigs attack on Cuba was the change to communism. On January 1, 1959, Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista fled the country for the safety of the Dominican Republic (Goode, Stephen 75). Fidel Castro and his guerrilla warriors overthrew the old government dictated by Batista. During the next couple of weeks, Castro established a new government and on February 16, he was officially declared premier (Finkelstein, Norman H. 127). The United States accepted this new regime as a relief from the harsh, corrupt, and unpopular government of Batista. Soon after everything settled down, Castro a...

The eNotes Blog For Valentines Day Top Ten Love Letters from FamousWriters

For Valentines Day Top Ten Love Letters from FamousWriters As Valentines Day approaches, once again frantic Google searches are conducted to find someone who has said what  you  would like to say. Here are ten writers who wrote letters to their beloveds. Some are touching, some are steamy, some are funny. Perhaps you will find some inspiration from their words. 1.   Ludwig Van Beethoven  to his Immortal Beloved   July 6, 1806 My angel, my all, my very self only a few words today and at that with your pencil not till tomorrow will my lodgings be definitely determined upon what a useless waste of time. Why this deep sorrow where necessity speaks can our love endure except through sacrifices except through not demanding everything can you change it that you are not wholly mine, I not wholly thine? Oh, God! look out into the beauties of nature and comfort yourself with that which must be love demands everything and that very justly that it is with me so far as you are concerned, and you with me. If we were wholly united you would feel the pain of it as little as I! Now a quick change to things internal from things external. We shall surely see each other; moreover, I cannot communicate to you the observations I have made during the last few days touching my own life if our hearts were always close together I would make none of the kind. My heart is full of many things to say to you Ah! there are moments when I feel that speech is nothing after all cheer up remain my true, only treasure, my all as I am yours; the gods must send us the rest that which shall be best for us. Your faithful, Ludwig 2. James Joyce to Nora Barnacle   15 August, 1904 My dear Nora, It has just struck me. I came in at half past eleven. Since then I have been sitting in an easy chair like a fool. I could do nothing. I hear nothing but your voice. I am like a fool hearing you call me Dear. I offended two men today by leaving them coolly. I wanted to hear your voice, not theirs. When I am with you I leave aside my contemptuous, suspicious nature. I wish I felt your head on my shoulder. I think I will go to bed. I have been a half-hour writing this thing. Will you write something to me? I hope you will. How am I to sign myself? I wont sign anything at all, because I dont know what to sign myself. 3. Charles Bukowski to Linda King   1972   I liked your hand-walking act; that got me hotter than hell†¦. everything you do gets me hotter than hell†¦. throwing clay against the ceiling†¦ you bitch, you red hot shrew, you lovely lovely woman†¦. you have put new poems and new hope and new joy and new tricks into an old dog, I love you, your pussy hairs I felt with my fingers, the inside of your pussy, wet, hot, I felt with my fingers; you, up against the refrigerator, you have such a wonderful refrigerator, your hair dangling down, wild, you there, the wild bird of you the wild thing of you, hot, lewd, miraculous†¦. twisting after your head, trying to grab your tongue with my mouth, with my tongue†¦. we were in Burbank and I was in love, ultramarine love, my good god damned godess, my goad, my bitch, my my my my beating breathing hair-lined cunt of Paradise, I love you†¦ and your refrigerator, and as we grabbed and wrestled, that sculpted head watching us with his little lyrical cynical l ove-smile, burning†¦ I want you, I want you, I want YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU! 4.   Napoleon Bonaparte to Josephine Paris, December 1795 I wake filled with thoughts of you. Your portrait and the intoxicating evening which we spent yesterday have left my senses in turmoil. Sweet, incomparable Josephine, what a strange effect you have on my heart! Are you angry? Do I see you looking sad? Are you worried? My soul aches with sorrow, and there can be no rest for you lover; but is there still more in store for me when, yielding to the profound feelings which overwhelm me, I draw from your lips, from your heart a love which consumes me with fire? Ah! it was last night that I fully realized how false an image of you your portrait gives! You are leaving at noon; I shall see you in three hours. Until then, mio dolce amor, a thousand kisses; but give me none in return, for they set my blood on fire. 5.   Virginia Woolf to Vita Sackville-West   Look Here Vita throw over your man, and well go to Hampton Court and dine on the river together and walk in the garden in the moonlight and come home late and have a bottle of wine and get tipsy, and Ill tell you all the things I have in my head, millions, myriads They wont stir by day, only by dark on the river. Think of that. Throw over your man, I say, and come. 6.   Lewis Carroll to Gertrude Chataway Christ Church, Oxford, October 28, 1876 My Dearest Gertrude: You will be sorry, and surprised, and puzzled, to hear what a queer illness I have had ever since you went. I sent for the doctor, and said, Give me some medicine. for Im tired. He said, Nonsense and stuff! You dont want medicine: go to bed! I said, No; it isnt the sort of tiredness that wants bed. Im tired in the face. He looked a little grave, and said, Oh, its your nose thats tired: a person often talks too much when he thinks he knows a great deal. I said, No, it isnt the nose. Perhaps its the hair. Then he looked rather grave, and said, Now I understand: youve been playing too many hairs on the pianoforte. No, indeed I havent! I said, and it isnt exactly the hair: its more about the nose and chin. Then he looked a good deal graver, and said, Have you been walking much on your chin lately? I said, No. Well! he said, it puzzles me very much. Do you think its in the lips? Of course! I said. Thats exactly what it is! Then he looked very grave indeed, and said, I think you must have been giving too many kisses. Well, I said, I did give one kiss to a baby child, a little friend of mine. Think again, he said; are you sure it was only one? I thought again, and said, Perhaps it was eleven times. Then the doctor said, You must not give her any more till your lips are quite rested again. But what am I to do? I said, because you see, I owe her a hundred and eighty-two more. Then he looked so grave that tears ran down his cheeks, and he said, You may send them to her in a box. Then I remembered a little box that I once bought at Dover, and thought I would someday give it to some little girl or other. So I have packed them all in it very carefully. Tell me if they come safe or if any are lost on the way. Lewis Carroll 7.   Oscar Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas 1893 My Own Boy, Your sonnet is quite lovely, and it is a marvel that those red-roseleaf lips of yours should be made no less for the madness of music and song than for the madness of kissing. Your slim gilt soul walks between passion and poetry. I know Hyacinthus, whom Apollo loved so madly, was you in Greek days. Why are you alone in London, and when do you go to Salisbury? Do go there to cool your hands in the grey twilight of Gothic things, and come here whenever you like. It is a lovely place and lacks only you; but go to Salisbury first. Always, with undying love, Yours, Oscar 8.   Victor Hugo to Adele Foucher 1821 My dearest, When two souls, which have sought each other for, however long in the throng, have finally found each other a union, fiery and pure as they themselves are begins on earth and continues forever in heaven. This union is love, true love, a religion, which deifies the loved one, whose life comes from devotion and passion, and for which the greatest sacrifices are the sweetest delights. This is the love which you inspire in me Your soul is made to love with the purity and passion of angels; but perhaps it can only love another angel, in which case I must tremble with apprehension. Yours forever, Victor Hugo 9.   Ernest Hemingway to Mary Welsh April 16, 1945 Dearest Pickle, So now I’m going out on the boat with Paxthe and Don Andres and Gregorio and stay out all day and then come in and will be sure there will be letters or a letter. And maybe there will be. If there aren’t I’ll be a sad s.o.a.b. But you know how you handle that of course? You last through until the next morning. I suppose I’d better figure on there being nothing until tomorrow night and then it won’t be so bad tonight. Please write me Pickle. If it were a job you had to do you’d do it. It’s tough as hell without you and I’m doing it straight but I miss you so [I] could die. If anything happened to you I’d die the way an animal will die in the Zoo if something happens to his mate. Much love my dearest Mary and know I’m not impatient. I’m just desperate. Ernest 10.   Honore de Balzac  to  Evelina Hanska June 1836 My beloved angel, I am nearly mad about you, as much as one can be mad: I cannot bring together two ideas that you do not interpose yourself between them. I can no longer think of anything but you.   In spite of myself, my imagination carries me to you.   I grasp you, I kiss you, I caress you, a thousand of the most amorous caresses take possession of me. As for my heart, there you will always be very much so.   I have a delicious sense of you there.   But my God, what is to become of me, if you have deprived me of my reason?   This is a monomania which, this morning, terrifies me. I rise up every moment saying to myself, Come, I am going there! Then I sit down again, moved by the sense of my obligations.   There is a frightful conflict.   This is not life.   I have never before been like that.   You have devoured everything. I feel foolish and happy as soon as I think of you.   I whirl round in a delicious dream in which in one instant I live a thousand years. What a horrible situation! Overcome with love, feeling love in every pore, living only for love, and seeing oneself consumed by griefs, and caught in a thousand spiders threads. O, my darling Eva, you did not know it.   I picked up your card.   It is there before me, and I talk to you as if you were there.   I see you, as I did yesterday, beautiful, astonishingly beautiful. Yesterday, during the whole evening, I said to myself she is mine! Ah!   The angels are not as happy in Paradise as I was yesterday!

Social Exclusion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Social Exclusion - Essay Example As the discussion explores social exclusion can be seen as an â€Å"analytical concept† which guides us to the means by which social structures can result in poverty. De Haan emphasizes the need to use social exclusion in development studies, stressing that it helps focus attention on the important aspects of deprivation, is equally important in making analysis and policies, and shows us the fact that deprivation is a multi-dimensional phenomenon. This paper declares that the World Bank has adopted social exclusion as an issue, stating that: â€Å"Discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, or social status can lead to social exclusion and lock people into long-term poverty traps†. Regional and country studies on social exclusion have included sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, India, Tanzania, Brazil, Yemen and Peru. The importance of social exclusion as a concept, vis-à  -vis poverty, is that it provides a â€Å"broader view of deprivation and disadvantage than poverty†. The important consideration in the social exclusion discourse is how it can be measured and indicators set that are distinct from poverty. Robinson and Oppenheim noted that â€Å"it is as yet unclear how one would define, measure and track social and political exclusion.† There have also been criticisms on social exclusion for its emphasis on the â€Å"residual rather than relational aspects of poverty† and tha t â€Å"exclusion has replaced exploitation†.

DRAGONWINGS SUMMARY Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

DRAGONWINGS SUMMARY - Assignment Example Windrider and his son save Uncle Bright star’s son from being shot by corrupt neighborhood watchmen. Moon collects and delivers laundry to his father, but one day Black Dog, the uncle’s son beats Moon and steals money received from laundry clients. Windrider goes to an underground gang and fights Black Dog to avenge his son, in the process Moon and his father kill a man. They escape the village after the murder and plan to work for Mr. Alger. Moon and his dad move into a stable behind the house of Miss Whitlaw. The neighborhood boys are cruel to Moon, and they ridicule his English. Moon requests Miss Whitlaw to help him in writing a letter to ask the Wright brothers to help his father with plane specifications. Windrider refuses to use the specifications at first but with time he agrees. An earthquake occurs in San Francisco in 1906 and demolishes the city, and two of the family members disappear. Windrider builds a functional airplane â€Å"Dragonwings,† but Black Dog shows up and robs them off their savings. The next day the company loans Windrider lots of money. Windrider flies his plane, but in the process its frame snaps and he breaks his leg and ribs. The company helps Windrider in bringing his wife to

Tony Blair and Crime Preventation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Tony Blair and Crime Preventation - Essay Example Blair also supports the creation of an anti-drug czar position in his cabinet and wants a total ban on the ownership of handguns by civilians". (Schmalleger Frank, 1995, p. 241) In my opinion being tough on crime means to handle crime events in such an effective and efficient manner that not only reduce crime rate but also it works in favour of the general citizens of the country. They feel protected and secure in the reign of such Government. This is only possible if crime is handled and eradicated at the grass root level and it is obvious that to handle crime at such elementary level the Government needs to know the real causes and factors behind crime. With respect to UK crime with the Government of Tony Blair, Adele Horin writes in his article of September 7, 2002 "Tough on crime means tough on the causes of crime. If instead of stealing the policies from Tony Blair, Bob Carr had paid half the attention to the causes of crime as he paid to the crackdown on criminals, NSW would be better off". He continues, "We got more jails, more inmates, more police and a higher proportion of convicted offenders sent to jail. And through it all crime continued to rise , according to reports of the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research". (Horin Adele, 7 Sept 2002) In 1994, Tony Blair promised to be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime but according to Telegraph Speakers "after weeks of criticism on the growing impact of human rights legislation, Tony Blair has admitted that his government has failed to produce a criminal justice system that people can trust". (Telegraph Speakers, 15 May 2006) Now let us examine through various case studies and highlight the factors and causes of crime growth, what are the circumstances, which caused Tony Blair to admit his failure in reducing crime. On Dec 28, 2005 BBC in accordance with the BBC News, "Ian Matthews aged 19 was punished for angering his neighbours by playing football at late night. His offence was that he damaged some property by kicking football, although unintentionally he was ordered to pay the cost of 500 pounds from ASBO along with the ban of playing football at late night for three years". (BBC news, Dec 28 2005) Here I agree with Watson Steve, "After all, today's street footballer could be tomorrow's terrorist". (Watson, Jan 16 2006) This is what is happening in the current era of Blair who promised to "being tough on crime". If this is the outcome of Blair's government, who is going to reveal the real terrorists We can see the daily growing percentage of crime in UK, the false promises have given the citizens nothing but insecurity, the killers and rapists are on the loose, even they enjoy the benefit of real freedom provided under the current scenario of Government. As they are aware of the fact, in pas t they were feared at least to some extent, but today they know they will not be accounted to anyone. They have the real license to commit any crime; after all, the innocent is always blamed and sentenced. Another case followed by ASBO

Eva Smiths Diary Essay Example for Free

Eva Smiths Diary Essay Only a few days left to go, and my holidays will be over. Its wonderful having all this time to myself, to do as I please. But I have so little money left. No work, and no pay. God, how I hate those machines. The noise keeps ringing in my head, and when they break down, I cant earn any money, because Im not working! I wish with all my heart I could afford to stay home forever. But things are so expensive, prices go up all the time. Its all right if you own the grubby factory, but if youre like me, you can end up working yourself to death just to make ends meet. Its not fair. Those greedy fat men in their luxurious offices with their ugly wives and spoilt brats! The girls on the machines are the ones who are making all the money for them, while they just sit on their big backsides. We should have a pay rise, by rights. Now that would make history! Back to work today. My stomach kept rumbling because I couldnt afford much breakfast. Moneys tight. The other girls were saying how its the same for most of them. Most of us hadnt eaten since the day before so we were all slow to begin with. We were glad to be back for the money.  I asked Mr Birling if I could have my money early. He let me, and wasnt that surprised, probably because most of the girls asked for the same thing.  When I got home, I bought some food, paid my bills, and all the usual things. I only had eight bob left out of twenty-two and six. This has been one of the worst days of my life. Things have been getting worse. Everyone at work thinks so. We work long hours, and get so little for it. None of us can manage on such low wages. Birlings make a good profit, they can afford to pay us more. We all got together and agreed to ask for a pay rise nothing less than twenty five shillings a week. So we did. I ended up doing most of the talking. Mr. Birling wasnt having it, and told us to go and work somewhere else if we didnt like it. That man must have never opened his eyes when he walks on the streets, how can he not understand why we need the money, he cant honestly say he cant afford it and we dont deserve it. So we carried on for a while, but people were angry. We decided that the only thing for it was to go on strike. What else could we do? By the end of the day, everyone agreed. All for one and one for all! We were all in the same boat but as the days went by with no wages coming in at all it just got harder, especially for the girls with kiddies at home. After two weeks Birling locked us out and said hed replace us with new workers, or we could go back straightaway on the old wages. Well, you could understand why some of the girls wanted to go back. Their children needed food. It was humiliating. I went up to the door but Birling stood there and said Not you, Miss Smith, you must have heard me say that I would not permit the ringleaders back on the premises. I saw red, and told him exactly what I thought of him and his premises. Men like him treat people like slaves, what choice does a woman with a sick baby have but to meekly obey a tyrant like him? He threatened to have me arrested, if I didnt leave his property forthwith I left. When I got home I gathered my things, settled up, and moved out. For the time being I am living in digs until I can find another job, which wont be easy now Ive been sacked. Ive lost a lot of friends through this business, too. I havent got much money left from my job at Birlings, but hopefully it will just about see me through till I can find work again. Im so tired now. What was it all for? Good news at last! Ive managed to get a position at Milwards, the most exclusive shop in town. Now Im a Milwards Assistant. This has come just in time. I am nearly out of money, but today could be the start of a new life for me. I been working now for two days, and I am getting on well. The people seem very nice. The pay is better than the workshop; at least operators and filthy machinery do not surround me. Its so much nicer to be working in an elegant shop with all those beautiful clothes I can only dream of wearing. The customers are so grand, some of them, the aristocracy. Others are just mutton dressed up as lamb (like the Birlings!) Ive lost my job at Milwards.  A spoilt, ugly girl, related to the Birlings! She was trying on some clothes that only made her look even less attractive than she already was, my friend, who was helping her choose something suitable knew this, even her own mother knew it. But the young miss was just being stubborn and really sulky about it. When she tried on this dress that made her look absolutely ridiculous, my friend turned around and silently snorted her nose as if she was being a pig. The Birling girl must have seen me smile behind her from the mirror or something. She was so furious. Then I got fired.

The Roots of Education are Bitter, but the Fruits are Sweet :: essays research papers

A time approaches in every person’s life when they must come to learn new things. Speaking on behalf of all those who have attended school at some point in their life, I must say that most do not like it for its educational significance. Today’s youth undervalue the worth of America’s public school system to the point of shame. Hard-working, underpaid teachers and professors prepare to educate these ingrates as their living, and it’s exasperating for the students to not even care. I must be fair though and call attention to the fact that not everyone shares this loathe for education and schooling.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At the beginning of one’s journey of gaining more knowledge, most children don’t mind school, for it is a change of environment for them. The majority of elementary school adolescents even enjoy school to some degree. As time wears on, we usually, and sadly, begin to see a change of heart. Children become fatigued from school and therefore don’t take pleasure in going anymore. Maybe their teachers didn’t teach them in the way that they learn most efficiently, or maybe students just become bored with the whole â€Å"school scene† itself. Whatever the case, it is apparent that by the time they reach high school, their interest for learning alone has died out.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Having explained the reason most children have become disheartened at the thought of school, I now turn my attention to the students who do realize school’s educational value. These are the students that will continue to prosper throughout their lives because they realize the extreme importance of education. There is a secret, yet not so secret, motivation behind their determination to exceed standards and expectations in school. The secret they withhold is their overwhelming desire to be successful in the future.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The â€Å"roots† of education, meaning actually going to school, studying, making great grades, and giving it your best, are bitter and tiring. Those students that have not yet become uninterested in learning are the ones that have seen past the strife in the beginning and have the rewarding end in mind. The Roots of Education are Bitter, but the Fruits are Sweet :: essays research papers A time approaches in every person’s life when they must come to learn new things. Speaking on behalf of all those who have attended school at some point in their life, I must say that most do not like it for its educational significance. Today’s youth undervalue the worth of America’s public school system to the point of shame. Hard-working, underpaid teachers and professors prepare to educate these ingrates as their living, and it’s exasperating for the students to not even care. I must be fair though and call attention to the fact that not everyone shares this loathe for education and schooling.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At the beginning of one’s journey of gaining more knowledge, most children don’t mind school, for it is a change of environment for them. The majority of elementary school adolescents even enjoy school to some degree. As time wears on, we usually, and sadly, begin to see a change of heart. Children become fatigued from school and therefore don’t take pleasure in going anymore. Maybe their teachers didn’t teach them in the way that they learn most efficiently, or maybe students just become bored with the whole â€Å"school scene† itself. Whatever the case, it is apparent that by the time they reach high school, their interest for learning alone has died out.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Having explained the reason most children have become disheartened at the thought of school, I now turn my attention to the students who do realize school’s educational value. These are the students that will continue to prosper throughout their lives because they realize the extreme importance of education. There is a secret, yet not so secret, motivation behind their determination to exceed standards and expectations in school. The secret they withhold is their overwhelming desire to be successful in the future.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The â€Å"roots† of education, meaning actually going to school, studying, making great grades, and giving it your best, are bitter and tiring. Those students that have not yet become uninterested in learning are the ones that have seen past the strife in the beginning and have the rewarding end in mind.

The Pass Fail System of Standardized Tests Essay examples -- Standardiz

The Pass Fail System of Standardized Tests Standardized tests have historically been used as measures of how students compare with each other or how much of a particular curriculum they have learned. Increasingly, standardized tests are being used to make major decisions about students, such as grade promotion or high school graduation, and schools. More and more often, they also are intended to shape the curriculum and instruction. Students across America have had to repeat classes because of the way standardized tests are used to pass or fail students. Students have had to rely on just one test to pass them for the whole semester (FairTest). Although the tests require students to retain information until the end of the semester, I believe it is wrong to allow just a single test to decide whether an entire semester’s work will be rewarded will the credit that may have been well earned. Even general standardized tests such as the SAT, which almost every high school student has taken, are not fair to students who may come from a poor educational background (Standardized Minds). Students are at a disadvantage if they have test taking anxiety, a condition that many students suffer from. If a student is having a bad day or going through a rough time on a test day, this may also determine their entire semester’s work. Standardized tests are often based on one topic, giving the student little room to express their strong points. Tests are called "high-stakes" when they used to make major decisions about a student, such as high school graduation or grade promotion. Tests are called "standardized" when all students answer the same questions under similar conditions and their responses are scored in the same way. Research has shown that high-stakes testing causes damage to individual students and education. It is not a reasonable method for improving schools. Test-taking anxiety is common among high school and college students. The anxiety can be quite stressful and sometimes weakening, both personally and academically. It is a condition that thousands of students suffer from and it is something that they cannot help or overcome by the time of a test. Students who suffer from this often get very panicked by exams, and most of the time they draw a blank during a test, even though they know the material... ...n a test score. High-stakes testing punishes students, and often teachers, for things they cannot control. It drives students and teachers away from learning, and at times from school (FairTest). Assessments of educational strengths and weaknesses can be useful at the individual, classroom, school or district levels. However, information the needs to be sufficiently timely, accurate, meaningful, detailed and comprehensive for the kind of diagnosis being made. Even outstanding students with high grade point averages are highly capable of failing a final exam due to anxieties and other conditions that almost every student experiences. Although standardized tests will still be given to students everywhere, the pass fail system must stop. There are alternatives that may be taken to give every student a fair chance while still keeping the effectiveness of the tests. One possibility could be to make the final exam a large part of the student’s grade but not a determinant of whether the student passes or fails. A student who understands and learned the material over the entire semester should not have to repeat a course just because of one bad test result.

The Awakening: the Uncaring and Unselfish Aspects of Edna Pontellier

The Awakening is a short novel that is written by Kate Chopin. This novella is about Edna Pontellier, a wife and a mother of two sons, who had a strong desire to experience the freedom or independence a woman, can have. She tries to achieve this desire, with many selfish decisions. In those days, in eighteen hundreds, many had an orthodox view on feminism. This social attitude deprived many women with the power to live an independent life or do whatever they pleased in life.The only role women had to adhere with no choice were to either be housewives, nurturing mothers, or both. However, those who showed their unorthodox view of this social attitude were considered to have a bad reputation in society at that time. In the novel, the importance of being a nurturing, caring mother and an ideal housewife is emphasized. Edna, however, almost completely ignores these priorities and only does it when she has been forced. For example, when Leonce returns from playing billiards, he went to ch eck on his kids and found out that one of them have fever.However, when he tells her this she responses in a carefree tone that nothing is wrong with them and returns back to sleep. However, after much prodding by her husband, she wakes and goes to take care of the child (Chopin 48). This shows her selfishness, because she cares more for her sleep than being a nurturing mother and giving priority to her kids. Another example is that she leaves her children under the care of their grandmother, without any hesitation. It makes it seem as though she wants to be away from them so that she can achieve her independence.Furthermore, she explains that she simply wants her own way, although she acknowledges the difficulty of this, especially when it means she must â€Å"trample upon the lives, the hearts, and the prejudices of others. † Edna Pontellier at first has an affair with a young man, Robert LeBrun, whom she wants to settle down with, running away from her marriage in which sh e feels like a possession. Moreover, when she was with Robert she felt this form of happiness, which actually made her pleased with life.However, she also finds happiness with Leonce, because he shows his care for her at times and treats her lavishly, which she appreciates, but that does not entirely become a base of her happiness. Therefore, it is expected for her to involve in another affair, but at the same time it is still selfish, because she is betraying her husband. However, what is even worse is that, she has an affair with another man named Alcee Arobin, after Robert leaves to Mexico.To elaborate, if Robert was her â€Å"true love†, Alcee Arobin should have never even appeared in the picture. All in all, agreeing with the author of the essay â€Å"Edna Pontellier: Selfish, Adulterous, and Suicidal†, the fact that she embraces Alcee, is married, and is supposedly in love with Robert, just puts emphasis on the selfish nature of Edna. In the end of the novel, Rob ert leaves her once again because this time, he does not want to be another step involved in Edna’s selfish search for independence and her marriage.Edna cannot live with Roberts’ decision of leaving her and she commits suicide, leaving her kids to become motherless at a young tender age, and not thinking about how their upbringing would be without her or the emotional breakdown Mr. Pontellier can go through. In conclusion, Edna showed importance mostly to herself for most of the time. She was a selfish woman who tries to break out of the social norms, commits acts of adultery, falls in love with a man she cannot have, and who commits the ultimate act of selfishness by committing suicide.