Iced coffee Essay

The global spread of coffee growing and drinking all started with a curious goat and that’s what legends say. 9th century Ethiopian goat herder Kaldi drank a concoction made from the beans after seeing his energetic goats eat them. The Sufi monks of Yemen in the 15th century were said to drink it as well. During the 17th century when coffee was introduced to Europe, the popularity of cafes followed the same pattern as most coffee houses around the world. It quickly became a venue for people to congregate, exchange views, write poems, plays, and political testaments, conduct business transactions, participate in cultural exchange and often relax with a good book. The popularity of coffee shop had served as a mailing address, because many people were regulars. When you want to go to exchange news, share ideas and get advice, you go to a coffee shop. It has been that way for quite some time. Coffee shops had been places of learning; of making business deals; scientific, literary, political, philosophical, and economic discussions; and even the typical gossip. At the beginning of the nineteenth century nearly all coffee exported on the world market was produced by European colonies. Two-thirds came from French colonies. But despite the fact that the following century would witness what Eric Hobsbawm called â€Å"The Age of Empire† and Lance Davis termed â€Å"high imperialism†, colonialism would cease being important in coffee production. (Though colonies certainly continued to be vital to the production of tea and sugar. ) This occurred precisely at the same time that coffee consumption rose vertiginously in most European colonial powers. Coffee was treated differently than sugar and rubber in the nineteenth century Age of Empire because its low technological demands meant that an independent country richly endowed with the factors of production, Brazil, could begin producing on an unprecedented scale. Cheap fertile land and slave labor allowed coffee prices to plummet after 1820 and remain low until the last quarter of the century creating supply-induced demand. Brazil’s exports jumped 75 fold between independence in 1822 and 1899. World consumption grew more than 15 fold in the nineteenth century. Consumers were not very price conscious because they were long buffered from recognizing the price. If they drank in cafes, they were unaware of the type of coffee they were drinking. As the price of one sort rose, cafe owners often blended in cheaper substitute grades rather than raise their price. he same seems to have been true for grocers. Rather than risk losing their clientele, they competed on blends, not on price. They also sought to keep prices constant. Price rises were often not passed on to the consumer. Instead, cheaper blends were used or grocers reduced their profit margin. Moreover, as coffee sipping became customary and even habit-forming, it was transformed into a necessity for many. As a result, coffee in the twentieth century became price and income inelastic. Thus we are presented with the irony that the international coffee market at the turn of the twentieth century, one of the world’s largest commodity markets, was relatively price inelastic (within in a reasonably large range) at both the production and the consumption end, though profit-driven commercial and industrial intermediaries were extremely conscious of price. In other words, it was quite imperfect. The Philippine Coffee Company (PCC) says the first coffee tree was introduced in Lipa, Batangas, in 1740 by a Spanish Franciscan monk and soon spread to neighboring towns of Ibaan, Lemery, San Jose, Taal, and Tanauan. â€Å"Batangas owed much of its wealth to the coffee plantations in these areas and Lipa eventually became the coffee capital of the Philippines. We are one of the few countries that produces the four varieties of commercially viable coffee: Arabica, Liberica (Barako), Excelsa, and Robusta. This is attributed to the country’s climate and soil ranging from the lowlands of southern Luzon to the mountain ranges of the Cordillera and Mindanao. â€Å"In 1880, the Philippines was the fourth largest exporter of coffee beans, and when the coffee rust hit Brazil, Africa, and Java, it became the only source of coffee beans worldwide,† PCC says. Our glory days as one of the world’s coffee centers lasted until 1889 when coffee rust hit the Philippine shores, coupled with an insect infestation. Production plunged to 1/6th its original amount. By then, Brazil had regained its position as the world’s leading producer of coffee. A few of the surviving coffee seedlings were transferred from Batangas to Cavite, where they flourished. Our ranking fell because many of the coffee growing areas – like rice fields and salt beds of Las Pinas – were eaten by housing and commercial developments. Less area was allotted to coffee because farmers had shifted to other cash crops. Today’s Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages. Some claim it is the most widely consumed liquid in the world aside from water. Coffee’s success as a beverage undoubtedly owes both to the caffeine it harbors and to its sensory pleasure. Coffee lovers come to associate the energizing lift of the caffeine with the richness and aroma of the beverage that delivers it. In our culture, bookstores are also seen as social, intellectual and downright hip. Many bookstores are a place of community where people gather and know one another and talk. The atmosphere in a bookstore typically invites customers to relax and browse the shelves. The concept of a bookstore and coffee house is a good combination that will perfectly gives the bookworm persons and a coffee lover the opportunity to purchase their favorite titles and discover new books while relaxing and enjoying a cup of coffee. The Company is then formed because of the said conceptualized idea and inspiration. COMPANY PROFILE The name of the company will be CTB that stands for COFFEE, TABLE, BOOK. The company’s name was originated from the idea of coffee table book which means a hardcover book that is intended to sit on a coffee table or similar surface in an area where guests sit and are entertained, thus inspiring conversation or alleviating boredom. They tend to be oversized and of heavy construction, since there is no pressing need for portability. The Company CTB will be a combination of piles of books ready for reading and a comfortable cafe that provides place for bookworms to sip coffee and talk with their friends while enjoying their books. It is a modern type of library and a much more public place for reading with a twist for having a cafe in it. It is a very interesting place for a person who wants to meet new people who are also interested in reading, studying and exploring new things and ideas through books. The cafe is really just an addition to the whole idea. It gives new impression to reading. Reading with a cup of coffee or tea with you is a lot better than reading without anything to drink or eat. It’s a higher level of coming into a public place to look for interesting books and a cafe with it. TAGLINE â€Å"Cool your coffee and bring it closer to your heart and mind. † Our tagline represents our business in the most promising way. We decided to state it as cool your coffee, â€Å"cool† meaning call your coffee. Cool because we want it to be mind-teasing and catchy so that customers will notice the line and think. Call your coffee and order it in the CTB shop to relax while reading your favorite novels and bring it closer to your heart and mind. Customers will definitely bring it closer to their heart because the coffee goes to the heart and down to the veins of an individual. The heart and the mind as we all know, is really Like Coffee, Table, Books shop, customers will hold our business close to their hearts and mind, remembering every moment they’ve had with us. Every learning they will earn with what they have read, we are assuring them that they will treasure everything we have shared with them forever. LOCATION The CTB store is located in 1199 unit 5 ground flr. Lemon Square Building, Edsa, Munoz Quezon City with the size of 102. 50 square meters. There are adequate parking space and have reasonably priced per square meter. Rental payments as well additional payment will be stated within the leasing terms including the registration of utilities and amenities. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION VISION To become the foremost Coffee shop in the local and international industry providing the best products and high quality experience. MISSION. To create a unique, comfortable and relaxing environment while enjoying the best hot and cold coffee drinks at an affordable price making it perfect. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES †¢ To increase the frequency of customers’ visitations. †¢ To maintain positive sales growth and increase market share. †¢ Increase brand awareness †¢ To open new branches of stores nationwide every year. †¢ To ensure that equipments used for cold and hot coffee drinks are well-maintained and in good condition. †¢ Develop new products and innovate services yearly. †¢ Develop an increase in sales while achieving a status quo state and decrease in marketing expenses. †¢ To create a cozy and relaxing ambiance. †¢ To give seminars and trainings to employees and retain their Standard Operating Procedures. †¢ To improve promotional activities and advertisements quarterly †¢ To listen and implement feedbacks, suggestions and opinions of customers for the improvement and betterment of the business. COMPANY’S FORM OF ORGANIZATION The company CTB is a sole proprietor type of business because the owner’s primary purpose is to generate profit. A sole proprietorship is a business owned by a single individual. This sole owner is responsible for the entire business and accepts complete responsibility for the business’s liabilities, as well as its income. Unlike other legal structures, the sole proprietorship requires less paperwork and is subject to few business restrictions and regulations. ? Characteristics of Sole Proprietor Management and Control A sole proprietorship is operated by a single individual; thus, the sole proprietor has exclusive management and control of the business. Personal Liability A sole proprietor is personally liable for all obligations and debts of the business. Thus, the business assets and personal assets of the sole proprietor are subject to the risks of the business. Moreover, in California, if the owner is married, the martial community property is at risk and subject to attachment by creditors. If the business is conducted under a name which does not show the owner’s surname or implies the existence of additional owners, the owner is required to file a fictitious name certificate and publish a notice in the newspapers. Capitalization There are no rules governing capitalization of a sole proprietorship. Continuity of Existence The sole proprietorship continues as long as the sole proprietor desires to operate the business and is legally competent. If the business owner is adjudged legally incompetent, becomes incapacitated, or dies, the sole proprietorship ceases to exist. An owner may sell the business as he or she chooses. Taxation A sole proprietor is taxed on business income and may deduct allowable business expenses on his or her personal income tax return. ? Advantages of Sole Proprietor Easy formation: The formation of sole proprietorship business is very easy and simple. No legal formalities are involved for setting up the business excepting a license or permission in certain cases. The entrepreneur with initiative and certain amount of capital can set up such form of business. Direct motivation: The entrepreneur owns all and risks all. The entire profit goes to his pocket. This motivates the proprietor to put his heart and soul in the business to earn more profit. Thus, the direct relationship between effort and reward motivates the entrepreneur to manage the business more efficiently and effectively. Better control: The entrepreneur takes all decisions affecting the business. He chalks out the plan and executes the same. His eyes are on everything and everyone. There is no scope for laxity. This results in better control of the business and ultimately leads to efficiency. Promptness in decision-making: When the decision is to be taken by one person, it is sure to be quick. Thus, the entrepreneur as sole proprietor can arrive at quick decisions concerning the business by which he can take the advantage of any better opportunities. Secrecy: Each and every aspect of the business is looked after by the proprietor and the business secrets are known to him only. He has no legal obligation to publish his accounts. Thus, the maintenance of adequate secrecy leaves no scope to his competitors to be aware of the business secrets. Flexibility in operations: The sole proprietorship business is undertaken on a small scale. If any change is required in business operations, it is easy and quick to bring the changes. Scope for personal touch: There is scope for personal relationship with the entrepreneur and customers in sole proprietorship business. Since the scale of operations is small and the employees work under his direct supervision, the proprietor maintains a harmonious relationship with the employees. Similarly, the proprietor can know the tastes, likes and dislikes of the customers because of his personal rapport with the customers. Inexpensive formation and management: The cost of formation of a sole proprietorship is the minimum because no cost is involved in its formation excepting the license fee in certain cases. The management of the business is also inexpensive as no specialists are normally appointed in various functional areas of the business which is the added advantages. Free from Government control: Sole proprietorship is the least regulated form of business. Regulated laws are almost negligible in its formation, day-to-day operation and dissolution. Easy dissolution: Like that of formation, the dissolution of the sole proprietorship is also very easy. Since the proprietor is the supreme authority and no regulations are applicable for closure of the business he can dissolve his business any time he likes. Socially desirable: New and small entrepreneurs can take up business on small- scale basis. There will be no scope for concentration of wealth in few hands. Sole proprietorship continues its operation in almost each and every area of business activity and caters to the need of the society. Further, it provides ample opportunities for large-scale self-employment for rural and less skilled personnel. Thus, it is socially desirable. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES CTB will offer its customers the best tasting coffee beverages in the area. This will be achieved by using high-quality ingredients and strictly following preparation guidelines. The store layout, menu listings and marketing activities will be focused on maximizing the sales of higher margin espresso drinks. Along with the espresso drinks, brewed coffee, as well as some refreshment beverages will be sold in the coffee shop. CTB will also offer its clients, cookies, muffins, sandwiches and bread. On the other hand, the store offerings will be supplemented by small range of books, magazine and other references that customers can read while drinking coffee. Sandwiches and Breads Muffins Cookies Croissants Donuts PRODUCT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT The Product Research and Development Plan of CTB will provide a clear framework of challenging targets for the consumer over the next years. Strategic view of the needs and opportunities to achieve outcomes that meet the expectations of industry will be the key to the success of this plan. Within the next two years, the company was expected to branch out in different areas of Metro Manila and other provinces. As seasons change, CTB will be offering products that will enhance sales and satisfy its customers’ desires. During summer months, CTB will subsidize lower hot beverage sales with frozen coffee drinks, as well as soft drinks, and other cold beverages. CTB will also have special beverages during holiday seasons. The CTB will carry a variety of quality products that will enable to provide full service delivery to espresso stands and coffee houses that will be offered 1 year after the store was established. The company’s underlying philosophy in selecting products is to choose lines that will bring consistent quality, competitive prices, and product satisfaction to our customers. The coffee shop trend continues because there is a huge demand for it. If you took a road trip across America, you would find coffee shops on just about every corner. While the biggest and most well-known chain is Starbucks, you will also see many mom-and-pop coffee shops or small coffee shop stands. Even gas stations sell coffee to truckers and other travelers on the road. Brazil has by far the most coffee drinkers worldwide, so you will certainly notice that the coffee shop trends are very popular in Brazil. Some people even say that they can smell the aroma of coffee in the air. Coffee with no sugar or added creamers has no calories, and coffee shops have come up with the trend of offering many coffee drinks and treats that are low-fat. Our generation grew up thinking of coffee as a morning pick-me-up and after dinner drink for adults only. The 18-24 year old group has a different view of coffee, thanks to the coffee shop culture. Where older generations gathered at the local soda shop, these kids made the local coffee shop their afternoon hangout. Starbucks and other local chains improved their coffees with flavors, sugar and many creams. This makes their coffee more appealing to the younger crowd. As those kids graduate from high school and move on to college, they’re finding that their love of coffee moves along with them. MARKETING STRATEGY CTB’s marketing strategy will be focused at getting new customers, retaining the existing customers, getting customers to spend more and come back more often. Establishing a loyal customer base is of a paramount importance since such customer core will not only generate most of the sales but also will provide favorable referrals. |Iced Coffee |Hot Chocolate |Chocolate |Sandwiches and Breads | |Latte |Hot Vanilla |Mocha |Muffins | |Frap | |Vanilla |Cookies | |Espresso | |Cookies and Cream |Croissants | | | |Hazelnut |Donuts | †¢ POSITIONING The company will be positioned as a brand providing high quality products at reasonable prices for busy, mobile people whose time is already at a premium, but desires refreshing beverages in a welcoming space that fosters a warm, comfortable and professional environment. †¢ DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL Distribution channels move products and services from businesses to consumers and to other businesses. Given the importance of distribution channels along with the limited resources generally available to small businesses it is particularly important for entrepreneurs to make a careful assessment of their channel alternatives, because an effective channel of distribution strategy is also a major contributing factor for the success of any business entity to be established. Raw materials will be purchased from the suppliers and then delivered to the house of the sole proprietor for storage. The ingredients needed for the production of the final product are made available at the food stall processed into a final product to be served to the customers. The proposed business can offer and acquire sales directly from the market because it has the advantage of having the direct contact with the consumer. †¢ ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS We would adopt the following promotion strategies: o Loyalty Cards. o Coffee Feedback Cards o Refills only half the price o Coffee tasting event promotion o Seasonal product promotion o Meal-Focused Promotions o Provide Complementary Services and Products o Print Advertisements in different designated locations o Social Networking (engage fans in twitter, Facebook, Youtube and other photo sharing sites. ) MANAGEMENT PLAN Background and primary responsibilities of the management team In any business, employees have important roles in an organization towards achieving the business’s goal. The management aspect of COFFEE,TABLE,BOOK or CTB is composed of proposed techniques and strategies that will be used for the improvement of its employees. These can be done through proper hiring and training of workers. Every employee have their specific duties and responsibilities in building up a business. There will be a designated work and section for each of them in a period of time. The shuffling of assigned tasks are expected for the employees’ versatility and for them to be an effective, efficient and knowledgeable about their jobs. With proper utilization of its resources, it would be sure that the company will yield its expected return of income. The success of this project lies on the efficient and effective use of human resources in the following functions of management such as planning, organizing, directing and controlling. The top management of the business shall carry out its responsibilities by governing its employees and being responsible in taking in to actions the policies of the company. Also, they will be in charge of monitoring and supervising the trainees and former employees as well. It is very substantial to know the capacity and capability of the people working inside the organization and their manner of interrelationship with other employees as well as with the management. A manager will look after the employees and will assure that every employee are working and striving for the business standards. Overall, every person shall work effectively and contribute skills in order to achieve success of the organization. CTB Coffee,Table,Book [pic] by: Busita, Lorica R. Dionco, Criselda Marie A. Dumencel, Roshell B. Reyes, Jenny Lyn M. Rivera, Juvia Katte M.

The Shoehorn Sonata

The Shoe-Horn Sonata by John Misto The opening scene, with Bridie demonstrating the deep, subservient bow, the kow-tow, demanded of the prisoners by their Japanese guards during tenko, takes the audience straight into the action. As the interviewer, Rick, poses questions, music and images from the war period flash on the screen behind Bridie, and the audience realises they are watching the filming of a television documentary. The time is now, and Bridie is being asked to recall the events of fifty years earlier.This scene establishes who Bridie is, and introduces the audience to the situation: the recall and in a sense the re-living of memories of the years of imprisonment. Characterisation TASK: Re-read the play. Go through and highlight specific characteristics of our two protagonists – ensuring that you can provide evidence from the play (The evidence could be lines or phrases of dialogue, their actions, current or past, or their body language as described in the text. ) Ch aracter| Specific Characteristics| Evidence from the play| Bridie| | |Shelia| | | ACT & SCENE| Spine Summary (3-4 lines)| Quotations| Act 1, Scene 1| | | Act 1, Scene 2| | | Act 1, Scene 3| Eg. Women find themselves in the water and the song ‘Young Jerusalem is sung by young Sheila †¦. | | Act 1, Scene 4| | | Act 1, Scene 5| | | Act 1, Scene 6| | | Act 1, Scene 7| | | Act 1, Scene 8| | | Shoe Horn Sonata Act ONE Analysis Re read each scene and write a short summary outlining the ‘spine’ of the scene (What keeps it together). Write in full two of the main quotes from the scene that supports the spine summary.Do this for AT LEAST 3-4 scenes PER act Shoe Horn Sonata Act TWO Analysis ACT & SCENE| Spine Summary (3-4 lines)| Quotations| Act 2, Scene 1| | | Act 2, Scene 2| | | Act 2, Scene 3| | | Act 2, Scene 4| | | Act 2, Scene 5| | | Act 2, Scene 6| | | Act 2, Scene 7| | | Re read each scene and write a short summary outlining the ‘spine’ of the scene (What keeps it together). Write in full two of the main quotes from the scene that support the spine summary. Do this for AT LEAST 3-4 scenes PER act Characterisation Characterisation can mean two things: 1.The nature of a particular character as it is presented in a text. This would include age, appearance, temperament, past life experiences, personality traits, characteristic ways of expression, values and ideals, motivations, reactions to circumstances, responses to other characters. 2. The methods the composer of a text has used to project this character to the audience or reader. These would include, among other things, the words they use or others use about them, their decisions and actions, their body language, responses to others’ words and actions, the motivations they reveal. See Activities] The play’s structure is based on the differences in character and temperament between Bridie and Sheila which are gradually revealed to the audience. The action of the p lay revisits their past hardships and terrors, but the final focus is on the trauma they have suffered afterwards. The revelation of the crises they have each faced is presented as a healing action, which leads to the resolution of their differences and a satisfying closure to the play. Misto’s own motivations for researching these events and writing the play is made clear in his Author’s Note (p. 6). His perceptions of Australia’s neglect to honour such women as Bridie is suggested when she says: â€Å"In 1951 we were each sent thirty pounds. The Japanese said it was compensation. That’s sixpence a day for each day of imprisonment. † Introduction to Play Sheila’s arrival at the motel from Perth introduces immediately one source of friction between the two: they clearly have not been in touch with one another for many decades. Each is just finding out basic information as whether the other ever married or had children.The audience sees, too, that the warmth of Bridie’s greeting: â€Å"Gee it’s good to see you† is not reciprocated by Sheila. The audience wonders why not. The revelations by the end of Act One will finally show the reason. The body language described on page 26 indicates the deep underlying tension between the two–yet the scene ends with their lifting the suitcase as they used to lift the coffins of the dead: to the cries of Ichi, ni, san—Ya-ta! Their shared experiences are a strong bond. The Shoe-Horn Sonata is divided into two acts: the longer Act One, with eight scenes, and a shorter Act Two, with six scenes.It follows theatrical custom by providing a major climax before the final curtain of Act One, which resolves some of the suspense and mystery, but leaves the audience to wonder what direction the play will take after the interval. The action cuts between two settings: a television studio and a Melbourne motel room. The extreme danger the prisoners faced is indicat ed by Bridie during this exposition: over-crowded ships sailing towards an enemy fleet, the unpreparedness of the British garrison in Singapore for the invasion, the fear of rape for the women.Misto thus sets up some of the issues to be confronted during the course of the play between the Australian Bridie and the former English schoolgirl Sheila. Sheila appears in Scene Two, and the major conflict of the play begins to simmer. Journey through memory For the rest of Act One, the shared memories of Bridie and Sheila become those of the audience, through the dramatic techniques Misto uses. In Scene Three, the audience is reminded of how young Sheila was when she was taken prisoner.The voice of a teenage girl sings part of ‘Jerusalem’, the stirring and visionary song with words by English poet William Blake, and the mature Sheila joins in. (Later Bridie and Sheila sing it together. ) Bridie’s attitude from their first meeting as shipwreck survivors drifting in the s ea is protective of Sheila. She sees her as â€Å"another stuck-up Pom†, and hits her with her Shoe-Horn to keep her awake. Sheila has been taught by her snobbish mother to look down on the Irish, the label she puts on the Sydney nurse from Chatswood because of her surname.Further differences between the two surface in Scene Five, when the â€Å"officers’ club† set up by the Japanese is described. But by the end of this scene they are recalling the choir and â€Å"orchestra† of women’s voices set up by Miss Dryburgh. Scene Six opens with Bridie and Sheila in a conga line singing the parodies of well-known songs they’d used to taunt their captors and keep their spirits up Pain and tension Soon they are arguing, focusing on their differing attitudes to the British women who in Bridie’s view were â€Å"selling themselves for food† to the Japanese.The tension rises as more and more is revealed about the deteriorating conditions for the prisoners and the relentless number of deaths, especially in the Belalau camp. At the end of the Act, in a dramatic gesture, Sheila returns the Shoe-Horn. She had claimed to sell it for quinine to save Bridie’s life–but in fact as she now reveals she had been forced to sleep with the enemy to buy the medicine. She extorts from Bridie the implicit admission that she would not have made that sacrifice for her. Bridie says nothing, but cannot face Sheila.Sheila is shattered by the realisation: â€Å"All these years I’ve told myself that you’d have done the same for me. [Calmly] I was wrong, though, wasn’t I? † Act Two opens back in the studio, where Bridie and Sheila explain on the documentary the appalling conditions in the death camp of Belalau. Suspense is built by the revelation that orders had been given that no prisoners were to survive to the end of the war. The audience wants to know how there could have been survivors. They also w ant to know how or if the tension in the relationship between the two women can be resolved.It becomes clear that the traumatised Sheila cannot in civilian life face any sexual relationship; nor has she felt able to return to Britain or to face remaining with her family in Singapore. She has led a quiet life as a librarian in Perth. Her nights are filled with nightmarish recollections about Lipstick Larry, and she drinks rather too much. In contrast, Bridie had been happily married for years to the cheeky Australian soldier who had waved and winked at her at Christmas behind the wire. She is now widowed and childless. Ambush and resolutionMisto is preparing an ambush for the audience. By Scene Twelve, Bridie’s â€Å"disgrace† is revealed. Spooked when she is surrounded by a group of chattering Japanese tourists in David Jones Food Hall, she runs away with a tin of shortbread and later pleads guilty in court to shoplifting. â€Å"I still lie awake cringing with shameâ €  she tells Sheila. She could not explain the truth about her phobia to the court or to her family and friends. The effect on Sheila is more than Bridie expected. She now decides that she can be at peace only if she faces the truth in public.She explains: â€Å"There are probably thousands of survivors like us–still trapped in the war–too ashamed to tell anyone. † Bridie urges her not to. But in Scene Thirteen after they have recounted how they were eventually discovered and rescued, days after the end of the war, it is in fact Bridie who reveals the truth of Sheila’s heroism and self-sacrifice. She then finds the courage to ask Sheila to explain about her shoplifting arrest The scene ends with the declaration Bridie has waited fifty years for: â€Å"And I’d do it all over again if I had to†¦. cause Bridie’s my friend†¦ † The tensions between the two have now been resolved: the secrets are out, both the personal ones and the long-hidden information about the experiences of the women prisoners and internees. The brief and cheerful last scene shows their friendship restored, the Shoe-Horn returned to its rightful owner, plans made for a Christmas reunion, and, finally, the peacetime dance they had promised one another in the camp. The Blue Danube plays: â€Å"It is the music of joy and triumph and survival. †

Factors behind the Growth and Increasing Globalization of Ted Baker Essay

Factors behind the Growth and Increasing Globalization of Ted Baker Retail Brand - Essay Example The present research has identified that in recent years, Ted Baker retail has introduced the variety of items rather than men’s wear that includes women wear, children wear, sleepwear and same accessories such as shoes. The retail has divided the store into different departments to enhance the accessibility of the items in the store. The retail has created its good reputation by providing better quality and services to a customer. Good reputation brings about the increased selling of product through word of mouth to different consumers located in different geographical areas. The selling of retail products across the globe has led to a collection of large revenue for the company, which in turn increases the retails profit. High profit lead to the expansion of the retail sector to other areas since the retail has saved that provides capital to start another store. By the end of the paper, the learner should know the factors underpinning the growth and increased globalization o f Ted Baker retail sector. Ted Baker retail mainly focuses on quality improvement for the products that they sell to the customer. The retail emphasizes better quality and better design in order for them to attract large potential buyers willing to make purchases. Kelvin, the founder of Ted Baker states that better products and better design form the key success for his retail store. He says that the retail focuses on design, tailoring, and pattern since they know that it will command higher prices than that of their competitor. In contrary, the high price worth the quality of product sold and the customer is prepared to pay the extra bit for the product as compared to those sold by the competitor.

THE ART OF THE ISLAMIC BOOK, 12501600-- Article Review Essay

THE ART OF THE ISLAMIC BOOK, 12501600-- Article Review - Essay Example Roxburgh stressed that â€Å"what Lentz and Lowry’s study could not do, on account of various constraints, was pursue a micrology process, but what was neither their stated brief nor their aim†¦ One of the general observations that they do offer about features of drawings is that in the hundreds of drawings contained in the Baysunghur album in particular, we see the progression toward a visual typology.† ( 47) In light of these, the author distinguished his work as based on a visual analysis of hundreds of drawings and what can be deduced from it. However, he stressed that they were not supported by current scientific imaging techniques because, as stated, non-destructive testing methods are so rudimentary and that non-invasive methods of physical analysis are also not readily available. Roxburgh’s argument is that much can be accomplished outside the laboratory using the eye alone. In the course of the author’s analysis of the Persian drawings, he focused on three salient factors: the materials and methods used by artists in the process of design, the draftsman’s repertoire of mark making, and the methods employed by artists in the production of compositions for manuscript paintings. Roxburgh’s findings give us interesting insights. To start with, according to him, despite evidence that drawings were regarded as a fragile and dispensable detritus, as a processual compost, the mountain of evidence preserved in albums is powerful proof that drawings had a creative currency and at some point came to be valued for their own sake. (44) He also stressed that the conceptual and practical links between writing and drawing must have been palpable even if a written statement to that effect would not be expressed until the early years of sixteenth century. Roxburgh noted that the absence of a corpus of drawings that can be linked directly to a finished object, a fact that precludes

Define Learning From the Perspective of Consumer Behaviour Theory Essay

Define Learning From the Perspective of Consumer Behaviour Theory - Essay Example The proponents of this theory do not focus on the learning process but on the response of individuals to external stimuli.) this theory is also referred to as the stimulus response or vicarious theory. The classical and operant conditioning approaches try to explain this theory. According to classical conditioning, the stimulus is responsible for the response observed while for instrumental conditioning, the converse is true. When the classical conditioning is applied to consumer theory, the product brand triggers a response from the consumers that is desirable and enforces the desire to buy. This theory tries to achieve a particular response from unrelated stimuli, thus forming the basis of branding. The operant conditioning asserts that individuals will always act with reward in mind and avoid stimuli that result in punishment. This means that every behavior with pleasant results has a very high change to be repeated. Cognitive theory This theory explains learning based on the info rmation gathered and mentally processed in response to an actual problem. Even though there is no universally agreed theory on learning, the process is clear: learning happens, either intentionally or accidentally. For intentional acquisition of knowledge, the individual must have clearly sought the information through objective research. However, accidental learning just happens to find the individual. This is where advertising is most efficient in achieving (Evans, Jamal, & Foxall, 2006). The marketer is always interested in how the buyers learn as this information gives them an advantage in how they handle them. They always want to influence customer behaviour and this stems from the ability to teach the buyer their responsibility as consumers, the product of choice and its attributes. This is made effective through marketing and advertising (Lantos, 2010). The product of National museums of Australia is information. Its role is clearly defined and serves to inform the public on the Australian heritage and culture (National Museum of Australia, 2003-2010a). The first marketing communication strategy employed is that of accelerated information. The brand utilises its website as its online tool for advertising its activities and products. Its main product is information where it sells the Australian history and lifestyle. This is conducted through seminars, exhibitions and publications. The use of images of traditional Australians is an application of behavioural theory learning where the images invoke a conditioning of ‘our heritage’. Art galleries and buildings of national relevance derive the same effect. The individual is drawn to the article by the image and can open the article to acquire the information on the artifact or the classic architectures. The brand has journals, periodicals and e-news releases to ensure their position is maintained to be the first to point the consumer to the right direction. The brand shapes the perception of th e consumer on what forms part of the Australian culture and where they should visit (National Museum of Australia, 2003-2010a). Market target and segmentation is the other tool observed on the website. The aspect on segmentation is shown in this site that segments article to suite different markets. The brand is enhanced by

Use of Information technology in education Essay

Use of Information technology in education - Essay Example The paper presents that there are several benefits that can be obtained from the use of Information technology in education presently. Generally, when we talk about IT we simply mean computers together with their networks; however, in this instance, we also mean some other technologies that help in moving information around from one region or place to another. While most academic institutions have their own systems and databases, there is a huge lake of linking these institutions which make it as islands of automation. This is because most of academic institutions often purchase systems to address its internal needs. Consequently, the academic institutions provide physical evidence of our achievements that everyone needs for further study or employment. Many academic institutions have always been in need of economical options for storing and maintaining information that might be essential or critical from a service viewpoint. Virtual vaults and even some other systems of security do not only store essential information but also enable control over the accessibility to such data. Adoption of IT security systems has appeared as the best and safest way as it helps in protecting virtual data from things such as wiping out or even hacking in the case of a technical hitch. However, even though IT has appeared as the best solution to problems that are related to the storage of information, we find that there are some instances that some illegal activities could emerge from these paper-based certificates; the paper is going to conceptualize these problems.... Now, we are going to focus on two illegal activities, which are forgery and identity fraud. 2.1.1 Forgery Forgery is a crime in which someone falsifies something with the intent to deceive. Unfortunately, the technology revolution makes creation of fake paper-based documents easier. In the present world, there are number of sites available on the Internet to issue fake degree certificates. It is a growing trade worldwide in counterfeit university degree certificates and academic transcripts, which in turn creates a potential damage to the universities and employment systems. In May 2004, an audit showed that around 463 employees in the federal government in the US had the fake academic degrees (Murthy, 2011). Forgery is defined in State v. Lutes,38 Wn.2d 475, 479, 230 P.2d 786 (1951), as "... the false making of an instrument, which purports on the face of it to be good and valid for the purposes for which it was created, with a design to defraud any person or persons....".( State v. Goranson,1965) 2.1.2 Identity fraud In some cases, while the paper-based certification is real, there is a potential illegal activity by using the right certification with the fake person. Identity fraud is described as: ‘That someone with malicious intent consciously creates the semblance of an identity that does not belong to him or her, using the identity of someone else or of a non-existing person’ (Koops and Leenes, 2006). Identity fraud could be described functionally: ‘Identity fraud arises when someone takes over a totally fictitious name or adopts the name of another person with or without their consent.’ (Koops and Leenes, 2006). The fraud triangle theory (How fraud is likely to occur) The fraud triangle theory was developed by Cressey (1973), a

The Disease Called Polio Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Disease Called Polio - Research Paper Example The causative agent was first identified in 1908 by Karl Landsteiner (Paul, 1971). Even though this disease had existed for several hundreds and thousands of years, it was not until 1880s that the disease became major epidemics as it began to occur in Europe and United States (Trevelyan et al., 2005). Since then the epidemic was wide spread and only in 1950s and early 1960s was the vaccine for this disease developed and it declined rapidly in the developed nations. There are still threats of polio in Asian and African countries. CAUSITIVE AGENT: POLIOVIRUS Poliovirus belongs to the group enterovirus and the family Picornaviridae. As a general understanding Enteroviruses are short-lived inhabitants in the gastrointestinal tract as they have stability in the acidic medium (Atkinson et al., 2009). The polio viruses are implanted in the pharynx and gastrointestinal tract of the infected individual. The three serotypes of the viruses are P1, P2, and P3 and there is negligible heterotypic resistance amid the three types. In other words, if a person has resistance to any one serotype, it does not mean that he/she will have signifi ­cant resistance to the other serotypes. ... But it is shown that a vast majority of people who are infected with the poliovirus do not even realize that they've been infected with polio. Researchers have found that the poliovirus attacks local lymphoid tissue, gets into the bloodstream, and later damage the cells of the central nervous system. The multiplication of poliovirus in motor neurons damages the cells particularly of the anterior horn and brain stem that results in appearances of poliomyelitis (Atkinson et al., 2009). Poliomyelitis is classified into two main types – the non-paralytic and the paralytic polio. Among some individuals the symptoms from the poliovirus doesn't lead to paralysis and these are called non-paralytic polio. The initial symptoms of the disease are as common as other viral illnesses such as mild, flu-like signs, fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, fatigue and stiffness linked with back pain and/or neck pain, stiffness in arms and legs, muscle spasms, and meningitis. These symptoms last for about ten days followed by complete recovery. In exceptional cases, poliovirus infection results in paralytic polio which is one of the most dangerous forms of polio. Depending on the part at which the virus attacks, the paralytic polio is further sub-classified as spinal polio, bulbar polio (brain stem) and bulbospinal polio (brain stem and spinal). Early signs and symptoms of paralytic polio is often the same as the non-paralytic polio or other viral illnesses. However, within a week, signs and symptoms particular to paralytic polio appear and that includes loss of reflexes, severe muscle aches or spasms, loose and floppy limbs either on one side or on both sides and finally paralysis. Additionally, the some of these people may later suffer from post-polio syndrome. This syndrome is a

Phd propsal Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Phd propsal - Research Proposal Example Research study about how human beings move is important in terms of allowing the animators to have a better understanding on how they can improve the quality of their animated drawings. As part of the research proposal, the purpose of the research study, problem statement, significance of the problem, definition of terms, and hypothesis or research question will first be identified. Before discussing the proposed research methodology, a literature review will be conducted to determine which part of the human anatomy is most used in terms of supporting human walks. Several academic books in Medicine, peer-reviewed journals and online articles will be utilized to identify which among the essential parts of the human body is most commonly used when walking. In line with this, the muscles and skeleton in the lower extremities and the curve on arms and legs will be examined in relation to the time, distance, and spacing. With regards to the use of simple lines in animation drawings, a literature review will be conducted to determine which part of an animation drawing a modern animator should draw and not draw based on the influence of Renaissance. In relation to speed, light, differences in sizes and shapes, and the number of required frames used in capturing human movements in 2-dimensional images, the proposed study will also examine how the human eyes and brain f unctions upon seeing a connected images move in animated drawings. In going through the proposed primary research methodology, the rationale behind the selected research approach and methods will be provided followed by justifying how the proposed research method will be accomplished by obtaining the required inputs. Prior to conclusion, a research schedule will be provided in this report. Learning more about the human movements is important in terms of allowing the modern animators have a better understanding and idea on how they can improve the quality of their

Plato, Aristotle, Sophism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Plato, Aristotle, Sophism - Essay Example Plato’s point is that the prisoners would be highly mistaken in that they would be taking terms in their own language to refer to the shadow that comes before their eyes rather than to the real things that bring the shadows. In this manner, Plato meant that the general terms of human language are not names of the physical objects or things that we can see. They are names of objects or things that we are not able to see, objects or things we can only comprehend with our mind. Plato’s aim in the republic is to explain what is important for us to attain this reflective understanding of real world. It remains the fact that our very ability to think and speak depends upon the forms. The terms of the language that people use, we get their real or true meaning by naming the forms that the things we perceive engage in. In addition, Plato tried to illustrate human nature for education and our want for education. For Aristotle, a firm understanding of what a cause is, and how many types of causes there are, is significant for successful explanation of the world around us. Aristotle identifies four kinds of things that can be applied in answer to a why-question: a. The material cause, which Aristotle stated that in every change, something gets a new determination first before undergoing any form of change, which is in potency to a new determination, then after that thing has been acted upon, it gets a new actualization. b. Formal cause, which states that every individual thing is made up not only matter, but also form. Form is the rule of determination, which accounts for the individual thing being the kind of thing it is. On the other hand, matter is the rule of potentiality, with the ability to become other than it is. c. Efficient cause, which states that, in addition to the causes that are aspects of material things, form, and matter, Aristotle, says that there must be a source for any change or motion. This according to Aristotle might be

Operation managment (Exercises) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Operation managment (Exercises) - Essay Example Both the -charts and R-charts are used to determine whether the output of the process fall within a certain range. These measures may focus specific features such as the net weight of the product. Alternatively they may also analyze the process as a whole such as the average output (Heizer and Render). However, what these two charts often do not measure is the defect rate. For this reason, p-charts and c-charts are present to do such analysis. The difference between the two is that the former can be used to describe the proportion of the population which is defective (Reid and Sanders). On the other hand, c-charts are used to analyze the raw quantity of defects which occur. In the case presented, only the number of defects is readily available for analysis. It is therefore necessary to use c-charts in analyzing data. There can be two approaches to analyzing the said data. To view the process as a whole, the total daily defect count can be computed. Using the daily defect count, the mean may be obtained. Subsequently, the upper and lower control limits for the c-chart may be constructed and analyzed. Tables 1 and 2 present the daily defect data for the standard material and the super plastic material. These two control charts reveal some interesting features of the two processes. The process for manufacturing the standard material shows a stable operation. ... Knowing these quantities, the control charts shown in Figure 1 and 2 may be constructed. Figure 1. Control Chart for the Defects in the Standard Material Figure 2. Control Chart for the Defects in the New Material These two control charts reveal some interesting features of the two processes. The process for manufacturing the standard material shows a stable operation. The points in the control chart are centered on the mean value and fluctuate above and below the central tendency. Also, no spikes can be seen in the chart. It can therefore be said that the original process is in control. The second chart shows a trend quite similar to the original process. As with the first chart, there are no spikes above or below the control limits. Also, the data fluctuates as with any normal process. However, it should be noted that near the start of the production process, the points are generally below the control limit. As each successive day in the production process passes, the total number of defects appears to be increasing. In fact, at the second half of the data, the points tend to be above the mean. The control chart in Figure 2 therefore reveals a drift towards the upper control limit. While this process is currently in control, it may eventually shift above the upper control limit. It therefore warrants further investigation (Heizer and Render). To isolate the nature of the defect, it becomes helpful to analyze each type of defect. That is, a control chart may be constructed for each particular type. The said defect counts are shown in Tables 3 and 4. Table 3. Individual Defect Count for the Standard Material Standard Uneven Crack Scratch Bubbles Thickness Week

The organizational structure of an Alzheimer’s nursing home Essay Example for Free

The organizational structure of an Alzheimer’s nursing home Essay INTRODUCTION   Pathophysiology   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Alzheimer’s disease (AD), also known as dementia, is a chronic, progressive, degenerative disease that accounts for 60% of the dementias occurring in people older than 65 years of age. It may also be seen less commonly in people in their 40s and 50s, which is referred to as early dementia, Alzheimer’s type, or presenile dementia. It is characterized by loss of memory, judgment, and visuospatial perception and by a change in personality. Over time, the client becomes increasingly cognitive impaired; severe deterioration takes place and death occurs as a result of complication and immobility. Administration and organizational structure   Imagine being in a large room with 40 or so people who are wandering, talking to themselves or talking gibberish, yelling, crying, staring into space or sleeping. Some are looking for their parents; some ask how to get home; one person, who appears to be lost, is repeatedly hollering keeps trying to stand up and sets off a chair alarm. The television is on. Nursing staff is in and out of the dayroom, to ensure that everyone is safe, telling residents to sit down, and calm down taking some to the bathroom or comfort room, passing medication or just observing. An activities aide is trying to hold the attention of a few residents who can cut and paste decorations for the unit. Other residents are sitting at tables with unopened magazines in front of them. This is a typical dementia unit. Coping with restlessness and wandering.   The Alzheimer’s disease Association estimates that almost two thirds of clients will wander and become temporarily lost in the community.   The client should always wear an identification badge or bracelet when at home. The badge should include how to contact the primary caregiver.   In an inpatient setting, the client is checked frequently and placed in a room that can be monitored easily.   The room may need to be close to the nurses’ station ( if the noise level in the nurses’ station can be managed ) and away from exits and stairs.   Some health care agencies place large stop signs or red tape on the floor in front of exits.   Others have installed alarms systems to indicate when a client is opening the door. The Federal Nursing Home Reform Law (OBRA 87)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Federal Nursing Home Reform Law of 1987 (OBRA 87) requires that each nursing home â€Å"care for its residents in such a manner and in such an environment as will promote maintenance or enhancement of the quality of life of each resident.† This requirement emphasizes dignity, choice, and self-determination for residents. Every nursing home is also required by law to â€Å"provide services and activities to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident in accordance with a written plan of care which†¦is initially prepared, with participation to the extent practicable, of the resident, the resident’s family, or legal representative.† This means that a resident should not decline in health or well-being as a result of the way a nursing home provides care. At its heart, culture change is about changing the culture of nursing homes so that they fully reflect these requirements. The culture change movement aims to de-institutionalize the environment of nursing homes.   It involves the transformation of nursing homes from the traditional model to a more resident-centered model. Culture change nursing home structure look like. Care is truly resident-centered: tailored to each resident to meet his/her needs as an individual, based on the individuals needs and preferences; Care is delivered by caregivers who have a meaningful and valued role in the residence; The environment is truly home-like, with residents having privacy of their own room and bathroom and the functioning of the nursing home such as nurse stations, resident lounges and dining rooms being small in scale and close in proximity to the residents room; Residents truly participate in life at the nursing home, making decisions for themselves regarding dressing, dining, bathing and partaking in activities, taking part in the functioning of the nursing home to the extent they wish to be involved, etc Conclusion:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When the client can no longer be cared for at home, referral to an assisted-living or long-term care facility may be needed. Early in the course of the disease, advise the family that placement might be needed in the late stage of the disease. This allows the family to begin the search process for an appropriate facility before a crisis develops and immediate placement is needed. A number of facilities specialize in the care of the clients with AD and other dementias. These units generally have a high staff- to-client ratio and architecturally design to meet the special needs and attention of this type of client. Reference: Cummings, J.L., (2002). Guidelines for managing Alzheimer’s disease, American Family Physician Nussbaum, R.L., (2003). Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. New England Journal of Medicine Rowe, M.A (2003). People with dementia who became lost, American Journal of Nursing http://www.princeton.edu/~ota/disk1/1992/9234/923407.PDF

Water Resource Issue in Isokoland

Water Resource Issue in Isokoland WATER RESOURCE PROBLEMS IN ISOKOLAND S.I. Efe INTRODUCTION Water is one of the basic necessities of life next to air, food and shelter. But its provision varies from place to place in accordance with its yield in the hydrological setting and climatic characteristics in that area. The coastal location and the equatorial climate of Isokoland precipitated in heavy and long duration rainfall of over 3000mm per annum, and last for 10—11 months per annum (Efe, 2007). This scenario over the years has endowed the entire Isokoland with abundant groundwater and surface water recharge. But the discussion of water resources in the region has been glossed over to discussing those of Nigeria and Delta State water problem (see Ayoadc and Oycbande, 1983 and Efe and Olobaniyi, 2007). As such information of water resources in Isokoland is lacking in literature. Thus, this study of water resources in Isokoland is timely at this time when there is a global shortage of water supply. This paper is set to examine the sources, methods of purifying domestic w ater, factors of inadequate water supply and management measures adopted over the years in Isokoland. Physio-graphically, Isokoland is located in a low-lying area of >l0m above sea level, and ii is drained by River Ase that is characterized with deep valley from which sand bars and fine materials are washed to its lower course. This area is also underlain by tertiary sedimentary formation, which has led to the variation in water depth, quality and yield. For instance, water level increases from 0 — 4m throughout the year and this scenario has encouraged abundant water supply in Isokoland. Methods of Data Collection Field survey research design was adopted for data collection with the aid of direct field observation and administration of questionnaires. Direct counting of water projects was carried out in the major accessible streets in Ozoro, Oleh and surrounding villages (where the questionnaires were administered) and also to ascertain their operators (from 6th August 11th August, 2007). The questionnaires were administered through systematic random sampling of 5 household intervals in each street, and the literate person in each household was used. The researcher with the 300 level students of Geography and Regional Planning 2006/2007 session on fieldwork waited and collected the questionnaire immediately from the respondents on completion. A test-retest technique of administering 10 questionnaires at two different occasions was employed with the aid of Spearman’s Rank correlation analysis with r-value of 0.83, and the researcher did a facial content validity. Descriptive statistics were employed and the results arc discussed below. Results and Discussion The data collected from the field are presented in Tables 1— 4 and discussed below. Sources of Water and Methods of Collection There are three (3) basic sources of water supply in Isokoland, which include rainwater, bores and surface water. rflle predominant sources of water supply for Isokoland is rainwater harvesting, which indicates 53%. This is followed by bores (44%) and river/stream (3%). Comparing urban-rural water sources showed that most urban dwellers of Ozoro and Oleh patronize bores than the two water sources. This, however, negates the earlier view of Efe (2005) that 20% of Ozoro dwellers are engage in rainwater harvesting and in the rural areas of Ada, Ellu, Oyede, Ivwrogbo, and Ovorode etc, rainwater harvesting is vigorously carried out in these area (see table 1). Table 3.1: Sources of domestic water supply Source: Fieldwork, 2007 The disparities in these sources of domestic water could be ascribed to differential in income level, awareness and the price. On the other hand, only 3% of those residing at Ivwrogbo get their domestic water from River Ase. However, in the rural communities where rainwater harvesting is being practiced, the rainwater is harvested from corrugated roofing sheets and collected through gutter into Bowls, Basin and Buckets. This is evident from 59% of the respondents that employed these methods. On the other hand, the inhabitants also employed the following means of water storage: artificial well (17%), Jerry can (17%) and Tanks (7%) (see Table 2). On the other hand, the domestic water supply gotten from bores at Ozoro and Oleh is stored in tanks with 65% in private bores, and 35% in commercial. However, water gotten from the public taps are stored in bowl and jerry cans in various homes visited. From the communities visited, a total of 97 water bores were counted in area where the questionnaires where administered. Out of the 97 bores, a total of 59 bores are owned and maintained by private individuals for their private uses, 36 bores owned by private individuals but commercialized, while only 2 bores are owned and serviced by the State Water Board (see ‘fable 3). Table 3.3: Bores in Isokoland Water Treatments and Provider of Water Table 3.4 reveals that most of the inhabitants of Isokoland do not purify their domestic water before consumption. This is evident from 73% of the inhabitants who opined that they do not treat their water before consumption. While 27% indicated that they purify their water before consumption, they do it with the introduction of alum and by boiling. However these are some of the elite class found in the urban areas of Ozoro and Oieh, Asked why filtration and chlorination method is not adopted in their water purification, they all responded that it is time wasting and involve large capital outlay. Even the public water supplied by the State Water l3oard in Ozoro is not purified. Official of the State Water Board said that since the water is underground water, it does not need treatment more or less that there are no reported cases of water borne diseases in the area. Most inhabitants of Ozoro, Oleh, Ada, Oyede and Ellu etc patronize private water supply. About 60% of the inhabitants of Isokoland patronize private bores that often pay between #3 #10 for 20 litres of water (see tables 3.2 and 3.5). Table 3.5: Providers of domestic water Source: Fieldwork, 2007 This price however varies with the availability of electricity in the area. For instance, when there is regular power supply 20 litres of water is sold for #3, but if generator is used in pumping the water, it is then sold for between #5 — #10. r1his price according to inhabitants of the area has invariably reduced the quantity of water utilized from this source to 20 litres; and during the wet season most of the inhabitants store more rainwater for domestic uses. The age of the bores in Isokoland fell within the 25 years acceptable useful threshold. For instance, most of the bores for domestic water supply in the area was dug over 10 years ago, as such most of the bores still have 15 years of useful life (United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, 2004). There is, therefore, the need to replace the pumping equipment (submersible pump) and the hydro-pneumatic tank for water storage. These equipment’s have attained their maximum useful age of 10 years. Factors of Inadequate Water Supply and Management Measures There is generally an inadequate water supply in Isokoland. This is evident in most communities visited. For instance, in all the rural areas visited (Ada, Oyede, Ivwrogbo, Ellu etc.) there is virtually the absence of potable water supply. What could be seen in these communities is the presence of private bores and private commercial bores owners who dispense water to their individual homes and as well sell water to the public at the cost of #3 #10. Some manual motorized hand pump in some of the communities (Irri, Oyede, Ellu etc.) is not functioning. Even at Ozoro where the urban water board dispenses water, the people complained of erratic water supply and at times no supply for some weeks. From the above problems, the inhabitants identified the following factors as being responsible for inadequate water supply in Isokoland. Epileptic power supply ranked the highest factor of inadequate water supply in Isokoland, According to most of the inhabitants (93%), frequent power failure always leads to increase in price of water and reduction in the quantity of water consumed per household daily in the area, To overcome this problem government should ensure regular power supply to Isokoland. The respondents ranked inadequate budgetary allocation and lack of maintenance culture equal as factors of inadequate water supply. Funds allocated to this sector by the Local and State Governments over the years is grossly inadequate and as such there is usually the difficulty in the provision of water to most of the communities in isokoland, and at times these funds are not even enough to maintain the existing water projects not to talk of investing in new water projects. There is, therefore, the need for the provision of enough fund for the provision of water supply to these communities most especially all the rural communities of Isokoland since most of the inhabitants live below the poverty threshold of one dollar ($1) a day. rfhere is also the need for more private and non-governmental sector participation in water supply to improve the current rate of supply. It is also recommended that since government cannot provide regular electricity supply to the area, it should abolish t he charging of #5,000 and #10,000 for the private and commercial bore owners respectively. Similarly, since the disturbing network or system of the Ozoro water supply is over-aged (29 years) there is the need for the replacement of most of the pipes, though they still have 6 years of useful life (EPA, 2004). Other factors arc carelessness and indiscriminate wastage and theft. It was observed that some adults and children play with the water by opening it down to run continually and occasionally fight ensue between individual, that often led to destruction of ta head, pipes etc. Also some submersible pumps have been stole most especially those in the rural communities and partly those in Ozoro and Oleh. To overcome these, there should be mass education on the need to take care of public utility in their communities and anyone caught stealing water equipment should be made to face the wrath of the law irrespective of his/her social or political class. Conclusion: The study has been able to examine the water resource problems of Isokoland and has revealed that the livelihood and longevity of life of the people of Isokoland will not only depend heavily on portable water supply but on regular water provision to the rural and urban communities. To ensure this, there is need to implement the above policy measures. REFERENCES Ayoade, J.O. and Oyebande, L. (1983), ‘Water Resources’ in Oguntoyinbo et al (ed) Geography of Nigeria Development, Ibadan, Heinemann. Efe, S.I. (2005), ‘Problems of Water Supply in the Rural Communities of Delta State, Nigeria. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Dynamics Vol. 3. pp.14 — 23. Efe, S.I. (2007), ‘Climate of Delta State’ in Izomoh, S.O. Ct al (ed) Delta in Maps, Occasional Publications Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Delta State University, Abraka. Efe, S.1. and Olobaniyi, S.13. (2007), ‘Water Resources’ in Izomoh, S.O. et al (ed) Delta in Maps, Occasional Publications Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Delta State University, Abraka. EPA (2004), Taking Stock of your Water System. A simple asset inventory for small drinking water system. www.epa.gov/safewater, p4.

Behaviourist Method Of Teaching English Language Essay

Behaviourist Method Of Teaching English Language Essay Lesson Plan Outline order of events as they are planned to occur during your lesson. Present these in the order of progression in your lesson; that is, as each occurs.  ½ marks given if not done. [you may incorporate either the Madeline Hunter Behaviorist lesson plan format here or the Constructivist lesson plan format here. See the applicable format documents in the Final Project area of BlackBoard.] The teacher will lecture using PowerPoint and a short video from YouTube about Hess law. Also once students have grasped concepts teacher will move on to explain formulas and molar enthalpy. Homework includes: Exercise handouts about Hess law and molar enthalpy. (Note: This is located in the bottom right drawer in the file labeled Hess law). The students will be responsible for knowing and being able to apply Hess law in a variety of ways and calculating the change in molar enthalpy. There are a bunch of assignments I wish the students to complete for the following class. This is including reading the disclaimer sheet about lab safety as we will be in the lab the following class period. (Note: The sheets are due at the end of the week ­). The students will eventually be doing a presentation using some form of technology to eventually describe alternative fuels that can be used and how it applies to Molar Enthalpy. This will be introduced in the next class period. THEORY INTO PRACTICE: Which Learning Theory predominates your Lesson: The behaviorist Method. Behaviorist teaching methods tend to rely on so-called skill and drill exercises to provide the consistent repetition necessary for effective reinforcement of response patterns. Other methods include question (stimulus) and answer (response) frameworks in which questions are of gradually increasing difficulty, guided practice, and regular reviews of material. Behaviorist methods also typically rely heavily on the use of positive reinforcements such as verbal praise, good grades, and prizes. Behaviorists test the degree of learning using methods that measure observable behavior such as exams. Behaviorist teaching methods have proved most successful in areas where there is a correct response or easily memorized material. Identify the key factors influencing learning in your lesson. Where are these used in your lesson? From a behaviorist perspective, the transmission of information from teacher to learner is essentially the transmission of the response appropriate to a certain stimulus. Thus, the point of education is to present the student with the appropriate repertoire of behavioral responses to specific stimuli and to reinforce those responses through an effective reinforcement schedule. An effective reinforcement schedule requires consistent repetition of the material; small, progressive sequences of tasks; and continuous positive reinforcement. Without positive reinforcement, learned responses will quickly become extinct. This is because learners will continue to modify their behavior until they receive some positive reinforcement. What is/are the teacher role[s] in your lesson. The teacher will be instructing as it is an important point as they build a foundation for the understanding of thermodynamics and the application of this in the laboratory. Through drill and practice and following the specificities of the lesson will be successful in completing this task. How is/are this/these role[s] accomplished. [in other words Where is this demonstrated in your lesson? Be specific.] This is demonstrated throughout the lesson as it is a scientific law and cannot be interpreted any other way. There are specific rules to follow that cannot be interpreted or changed. They are using formulas and plugging in their respective numbers to find the change in heat. What type[s] of learning is/are best explained in your lesson: The behaviorist Method! This is teacher/visual based learning as the students will be introduced to this topic by teacher based instruction. State the teaching method[s] used in your lesson, and, for each, briefly explain how this/these method[s] relate to your lesson plan. [in other words, how is that method demonstrated in your lesson]: While there are internet resources that follow a loose guide I believe that it is in the best interests of the students if the teacher were to explain in detail thermodynamics and Hess law and apply these principals to the molar enthalpy of reactions, combustion etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ State all the teaching strategies used in your lesson, and, for each strategy, explain how these strategies relate to your lesson plan. [in other words, how are the strategies demonstrated in your lesson]: When designing my lesson when introducing the various points, it is important for me as the teacher to emphasize these points that will be required for students to grasp before moving onto more challenging concepts. For example the power point slide enclosed will highlight the formulas and other important concepts. For this lesson only I wish that you speak about Hess law. I also like to do some fun examples on the board because many of the students in my class are passionate about chemistry. LEARNING STYLES: This lecture appeals to the following: Logical-Mathematical learner: The lecture appeals to this type of learner because of the materials covered. Also the introduction and application of new formulas. Interpersonal learner: With multimedia and interaction between peers and those who are interpersonal learners will benefit. Verbal-Linguistic learner: This is mainly for those who are good listeners as the instructor explains and the students will listen and hopefully retain the information. Visual-Spatial learner: This type of learner will benefit from the various technologies and multimedia presentations that will capture their attention. Also seeing the formulas and the rules of Hess law will allow them to understand the material. - RESOURCES/MATERIALS: Identify all resources and materials used to create your lesson PLUS those resources and materials used by the teacher and students during your lesson Content resources (books, handouts, materials, etc.) There are a lot of handouts with the most basic of examples. Their textbook also gives a good explanation of what they need to know. Hardware (computers, TV, VHS, etc) Computers Software/Web Resources (CD- ROMs, URLs, graphics, pictures, etc.) You tube, Pictures, Websites, Powerpoint. Other media, video, satellite, etc. None - STUDENT EVALUATION: There are worksheets enclosed that will be graded for marks and will count towards their homework grade. However, I would stress that this information will only get harder as we move into chapter exams and for their presentations as well. The evaluation for this class is very minimal but essential as if the students do not understand this concept I will revisit this upon my return. STUDENT DETERMINED CONTENT: The Mind map is a very useful tool that the students can do as a teacher guided activity. I have enclosed a sample mind map and would like under your guidance to create a new one. The program that I use is called Inspiration. This will allow the students to think about their lesson and reflect. The goal is that the students think about molar enthalpy and its varying functions. For evaluating the class as a whole there are Hot potato multiple choice questions, fill in the blanks and a crossword. This would be useful to do at the end of the lesson to reiterate the points stated by the power point. The goal is to reinforce the points for the students. Also within the power point lesson there is a video about Hess law calculations courtesy of You tube. These will give the students another viewpoint and hopefully expand their mind and allow them to take in the information. The grades on the worksheet will go under the homework section of their assignment. However you need not worry about that as I will return.

Gay and Lesbian Partners Deserve Health Benefits Essay -- Argumentativ

In the United States today, one to twelve percent of the population is homosexual (Gilbert, 17). In recent years, gay men, lesbians and bisexuals have been fighting long and hard to get the same rights and benefits as their heterosexual counterparts. Now, employers and health care providers are being forced to listen to their cries for equality. Should employers offer health benefits for domestic partners of gay employees? This question is forcing society to think about, and possibly change, what their definition of couple/family truly means. As would be expected, most employers offer health benefits to their heterosexual employees and their families. Some companies cover the total cost of this benefit, others cover the bulk of the cost while the employee contributes a small amount each week out of their salary. In some instances, this can account for 25% of the employee's total wages (Partners-Domestic). Employers are using the excuse of high expenses as their main reason behind not offering these same benefits to their homosexual employees. They think it will cost them more in health care contributions for homosexual employees than it does for heterosexual ones. Their main concern? AIDS. In reality, many current domestic partner plans relate that: "Less than one percent of the workforce participates, AIDS health care benefit costs come to only about one-tenth those of a premature baby, gay men do not always get AIDS, and AIDS is not exclusive to gay men" (Partners-Domestic). A major obstacle for gay employees is that their employers have to confront their employee's homosexuality; something many employers are afraid of, or refuse to do. Using the law as their scapegoat by say... ...p.html. December 1995. Partners Task Force for Gay and Lesbian Couples. "Factoids on Domestic Partnership Benefits" 1995. Internet URL: http://www.eskimo.com/~demian/d-p-fac.html. Dec 1995. Partners Task Force for Gay and Lesbian Couples. "Partners National Survey of Lesbian and Gay Couples" 1995. Unternet URL: http://www.eskimo.com/~demian/survey.html. Dec 1995. "Companies, Municipalities and Universities with Domestic Partnership Plans". Internet URL: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs/user/dtw/www/companies.html. "In the Superior Court For the State of Alaska Fourth Judicial District". Internet URL: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/scotts/domestic-partners/Tumeo_v_U_Alaska.txt "University of Iowa Domestic Partner Coverage". Internet URL: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs/user/scotts/domestic-partners/U-Iowa-costs.html.

Against the War On Drugs in America Essay -- Legalize Narcotics Drug

The Case Against America’s War on Drugs The legal prohibition on most psychoactive drugs has been in place in this country for the better part of a century. This policy of prohibition, however, has never been based on reason or careful consideration, but on the paranoia of a small segment of society and the indifferent willingness of the majority to accept this vocal minority’s claims without question. Outlawing any use of a particular drug is a violation of the basic freedom of individuals to act as they please in their private lives. However, even if one does not accept this belief, an objective analysis of the United States’ history of prohibition clearly shows that attempts to enforce this policy have done far more harm than good, and have utterly failed to control behavior in the intended manner. These are the two lines of reasoning I will take to argue against drug prohibition in this paper. After giving a brief history of prohibition, I will show that it is wrong in principal and that there is no moral basis for this policy. I will then show that, regardless of moral considerations, prohibition has not and probably cannot work, and more specifically that the "war on drugs" has been a disaster which should be ended immediately. I will then conclude by discussing possible consequences of legalization. A Brief History of Prohibition Government has not always seen fit to outlaw psychoactive drugs in the Western world. In fact, there was no prohibition in this country until 1914. Cocaine and Marijuana were both used in the late 19th century both for medicinal and recreational purposes. During this time there was considerable pressure for a ban on alcohol, but narcotics were simply not viewed as a threat to society. N... ...ave been taken as self-evident, but it should be clear by now that they are not. It is time that we stop wasting our economic and legal resources on this hopeless crusade to shape everyone into a few people’s idea of perfection and put these resources toward helping those who truly need it. Works Cited Ackerman, Elise. "The Latest Buzz on Hemp." U.S. News & World Report, March 15, 2008. 50. ACLU. "ACLU Briefing Paper: Against Drug Prohibition." (Online) Lazare, Daniel. "The Drug War is Killing Us." The Village Voice, January 23, 2008. London, William. "Will Legalizing Drugs Benefit Public Health?--Yes." Priorities Volume 7 Number 2. 1995. (Online) Ostrowski, James. "Thinking About Drug Legalization." Policy Analysis No. 121. May 25, 1989. Rosenfield, Jim. "The War on Drugs is a Great Success." The Ostrich File. Volume 6, March 20, 1996. (Online). Against the War On Drugs in America Essay -- Legalize Narcotics Drug The Case Against America’s War on Drugs The legal prohibition on most psychoactive drugs has been in place in this country for the better part of a century. This policy of prohibition, however, has never been based on reason or careful consideration, but on the paranoia of a small segment of society and the indifferent willingness of the majority to accept this vocal minority’s claims without question. Outlawing any use of a particular drug is a violation of the basic freedom of individuals to act as they please in their private lives. However, even if one does not accept this belief, an objective analysis of the United States’ history of prohibition clearly shows that attempts to enforce this policy have done far more harm than good, and have utterly failed to control behavior in the intended manner. These are the two lines of reasoning I will take to argue against drug prohibition in this paper. After giving a brief history of prohibition, I will show that it is wrong in principal and that there is no moral basis for this policy. I will then show that, regardless of moral considerations, prohibition has not and probably cannot work, and more specifically that the "war on drugs" has been a disaster which should be ended immediately. I will then conclude by discussing possible consequences of legalization. A Brief History of Prohibition Government has not always seen fit to outlaw psychoactive drugs in the Western world. In fact, there was no prohibition in this country until 1914. Cocaine and Marijuana were both used in the late 19th century both for medicinal and recreational purposes. During this time there was considerable pressure for a ban on alcohol, but narcotics were simply not viewed as a threat to society. N... ...ave been taken as self-evident, but it should be clear by now that they are not. It is time that we stop wasting our economic and legal resources on this hopeless crusade to shape everyone into a few people’s idea of perfection and put these resources toward helping those who truly need it. Works Cited Ackerman, Elise. "The Latest Buzz on Hemp." U.S. News & World Report, March 15, 2008. 50. ACLU. "ACLU Briefing Paper: Against Drug Prohibition." (Online) Lazare, Daniel. "The Drug War is Killing Us." The Village Voice, January 23, 2008. London, William. "Will Legalizing Drugs Benefit Public Health?--Yes." Priorities Volume 7 Number 2. 1995. (Online) Ostrowski, James. "Thinking About Drug Legalization." Policy Analysis No. 121. May 25, 1989. Rosenfield, Jim. "The War on Drugs is a Great Success." The Ostrich File. Volume 6, March 20, 1996. (Online).

Adilf Hitler :: essays research papers fc

Nazi belief, and murder of the Jews a key policy. 2 German laws made by Hitler soon required everyone who had one or more Jewish grandparent to register. Those with one grandparent may have escaped but if you had two grandparents you were sent to a concentration camp and classifed as a Jew. One night symbolizing the begining of mass persecution was Kristallnacht, November 10th, 1938, "the night of broken glass". Jewish stores and houses were attacked, synagogues burned, and many Jews were sent to concentration camps. During this time, there were a few countries that would accept Jews. Hitler launched World War 2 by marching into Poland in 1939. Most of Western Europe then fell into the FÃ ¼hrer (Hitler), who had personal command of the troops. Germany invaded the soviet Union in 1941, but Hitler, Crazed with power, had lost his military judgement. His failure to Capture Stalingrad, 1942 - 1943, was the turning point; unable to cope with defeat, he refused to recognize it o r negotiate for peace. As the tide of war turned against him, his mass annhiliation of Jews, socialists, gypsies, and others was excelerated. After the Second World War had began in 1939, the Nazi's dropped all restrictions they had previously made towards the systematic murder of all Jews. In countries such as Europe, steps were made for Jews to follow in order to be seperated from the rest of the population. First Jews were required to register, then they were known to the Gestapo. Some families sent their children to live with christian families and live under an assumed identity. Hitler sent The Jews of Poland to live in poverty stricken ghettos where they were exposed to disease and malnutrition. With the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, the Nazi policy of murder began to operate with no restrictions. The armies in Russia were followed by an "extermination squad" who shot hundreds of thousands of people, the majority being Jewish. The Nazis had already setup thou sands of concentration camps to imprison anyone who imposed them. These now began to operate as factories of death. Auschwitz was the biggest of these death camps, a city of barricks where hundreds of thousands of people starved to death amid indescribable brutality. At it's center stood gas chambers and creamatoria design to take train loads of human beings, gas them and burn them.

Ida’s Impairment

1) (1) The U. S. GAAP section 360-10-35-21 states â€Å"A long-lived asset (asset group) shall be tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable†. An example of an event like this is a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset. As stated in the case, one of Ida’s competitors sold its extremely comparable commercial building for an amount significantly less than its asking price.Since these assets are very similar in comparison, this significantly less price for the competitor’s building is an example of a decrease in the market price of Ida’s commercial building. Therefore under the U. S. GAAP, Ida needs to test the U. S. commercial building for recoverability. (2) Under IAS 36. 12, there are certain external factors that lead you to want to test for recovery such as a decline in market value. The sale of the building across the street is an example of one of those external factors.IAS 36. 6 explains impairment and how to record impairment. Under IFRSs IAS 36. 66, the recoverable amount of cash-generating units (CGUs) should be determined for the individual asset. Therefore, a recoverability test must be done. 2) As of U. S. GAAP 360-10-35-17, when reporting to its U. S. based lender as of December 31, 2010, Ida should record $600 for impairment on the U. S. commercial building. Under GAAP, one must compare the fair value to the carrying amount.Since the fair market value is $3,900 and the carrying amount is $4,500, impairment is calculated as the difference $600. *All dollars in thousands (U. S. GAAP 360-10-35-17) 3) Under IAS 36. 6, when reporting to its parent as of December 31, 2010, Ida should record $500 for impairment on the U. S. commercial building. The recoverable amount for the commercial building is $4,000. The carrying amount is $4,500. Since the carrying amount is greater than the recoverable, the impairment is the diffe rence. *All dollars in thousands (IAS 36. 6)

The Effects Of Drug Use

Maybe some of us have a good idea that the illegal drug business is still huge but covered somewhere among the â€Å"black† economy markets. After all the numbers one could hear tossed around, I am afraid that the sad truth could be, that no one really knows just how huge this business might be, how many people die, how much blood money has been made and than laundered into legal businesses. It is terrible to imagine how many subways and basements come to be â€Å"the places for being in the clouds†. According to the National Drug Prevention League drugs are an object of the fastest growing trade, except the Internet. Some of you might share my opinion that it is a billion-dollar industry that takes a comfortable place in our society. Drugs have always been with mankind as we seem to carry an inherent need to consume mind altering substances. Many people, who didn’t use drugs before, know only that â€Å"that thing† can make them feel in a strange way. But drugs could harm people when using them. It is not a secret that the consequences could be severe for the users. It is essential that people are educated at a very young age and presented with the appropriate social re-enforcers to understand that there are viable reasons that drugs are dangerous – they destroy lives. Drugs affect people’s thinking, awareness and senses. They have huge effect on people’s physical and mental health because of the chemical reactions they provoke in humans’ bodies. They lead to hallucinations, hearing voices, suspision and a feeling of â€Å"everyone is out to get me†. Also they make most of the organs in your body disfunction, poison blood, kill brain cells and finally, in most cases, kill the person that abuses them. Hallucinations can make people experience things that aren’t real. Probably drug users are looking exactly for that â€Å"escaping the reality† for a while. Don’t you think that until now, modes of life have been based on the material slavery of the masses? Does our society offer us a different life than working all day long and going home to get some rest for the next working day? Maybe not, and maybe that is why people who are using drugs do believe drugs are the magic formula that leads someone to a world totally different from the boring every-day life. There is a clich? that says – â€Å"People have the strange instinct to break every rule once it is established†. When I went to Holland 3 years ago, I found that the government had established some rules that were quite strange for me at first. In 1976, Holland decriminalized marijuana possession. From that time on one can go into a retail shop and purchase small amounts of marijuana. This could be one of the reasons why Holland has a low level of heroin use, a low level of cocaine use, much lower than most of the other countries do. What actually happened was that the marijuana became the filter, preventing harder drug use. But do people of our society really know where the drugs are going to and who are their greatest consumers? It is a pity that one of the easiest places to find some drugs could be in schools. Students who turn to more potent drugs usually do so after first using cigarettes and alcohol, and then marijuana. Maybe there are some people who know that drugs transform schools into marketplace for dope dealers. However, students who continue to use drugs learn that drugs can make strange things with their thoughts and feelings, and the greater a student’s involvement with marijuana, the more likely it is that student could begin to use other drugs in conjunction with marijuana. When talking about night parties, I got used to seeing guys smoking marijuana as imperturbably as they drink their beers. Can you think about somebody you know who has taken drugs in front of you? Here, the bad thing could be that you might have seen at least one person taking drugs freely. â€Å"This is a family problem†- some could say. And according Dan Check’s book † The Success and Failure of George Bush’s War on Drugs† the problem is coming rather from the family than somewhere else. Maybe the society has to rely on the family, as being the strongest entity in its structure to solve the huge-spread drug problem that exists. But here, the weird thing is that parents can’t really see the symptoms of drug addiction in their children. And it is a â€Å"public secret† that the gap between parents and kids is getting bigger and bigger. I don’t want to imagine what the difference between parents and children could be in the next generations. But parents shouldn’t wait until they think their child has a problem. Many young people in treatment programs say that they had used alcohol and other drugs for at least two years before their parents knew about it. Maybe their parents should begin to talk earlier about the effects of alcohol and other drugs use and keep the lines of communication open all the time. Isn’t it better to let your child know that you are concerned, and that you can work together to find answers of these so important questions? It is really harder to stop drug use among children once it is there. Most of the times, after students get involved with drugs, they start to sell them or begin to steal from family, friends, or employers in order to buy the next dose. Determining the consequences of harder drug use could help the new generation stop using them. Maybe facing the answer of this question will make people think about the real price they are paying when drugs are involved. Along with â€Å"escaping the boring reality†, the teeth rot out, the appetite is lost, and the stomach doesn’t function properly. The gall bladder becomes inflamed and eyes and skin turn yellow. In some cases, membranes of the nose turn a flaming red and breathing becomes difficult. Oxygen in the blood decreases, bronchitis and tuberculosis develop. Good traits of character disappear and bad ones emerge. Sex organs become affected too. Veins collapse. Nerves snap. Imaginary and fantastic fears blight the mind. Sometimes complete insanity results. Many times, death comes much too early. Such is the torment of being a drug addict and such is the plague of being one of the walking dead bodies. The statistics show that in the period 1994 – 1999 the rate of death caused by â€Å"hard-core† drugs use has increased with 6%. Maybe the answer for preventing humans and most of all the young people from taking dope is hidden somewhere among all these questions that are hard to be faced by the society. Who is responsible for this to happen? And who is really interested in preventing the dope disaster? Is there something that can be done if we, the human beings, do not realize the importance of the dope problem? Drugs have made a tremendous impact on American society over the past thirty to forty years, yet many Americans are ambivalent regarding their opinions relating to drugs in terms of decriminalization, availability, impact on society, and mental and physical health impacts.

Katherine Mansfield stories “Prelude” and “At the Bay” Essay

Two of Katherine Mansfield’s most famous stories are â€Å"Prelude† and â€Å"At the Bay†, both of them portraying a New Zealand family. Both stories, are revolving around the female characters, but the one link that connects all of them is Stanley Burnell, member and provider of the family. The New Zealand critic Carl Stead affirms that Stanley Burnell is a ‘benevolent despot’ meaning that he is a kind person, and a tyrant in the same time. I agree with Stead affirmation, but as it seems somewhat incomplete, I would want to add a few words to it: Stanley character is benevolent but unconsciously despot. Stanley is dynamic and doesn’t like to rely on other people; he is eager to put down roots and settle down. He has no inherited wealth or special education; only his own intellect on which to rely. He is not only responsible for Linda and his children, but he has assumed responsibility for her mother and unmarried sister, Beryl. He works hard and makes sacrifices to support his family. For example, when they are all on holiday in â€Å"At the Bay†, Stanley catches the bus in to work .To have such a busy life, Stanley demands constant support from everyone else into covering his insecurities. He is not only looking for support, but he also expects for other people to try and achieve something on their own as he does. Because Beryl lacks money, Stanley expects her to try and work hard: ‘By Jove, if she can’t do a hand’s turn occasionally without shouting about it in return for†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢. Stanley does not finish his sentence, being not sure exactly what it is Beryl owes him. This shows that it became a routine for him to financially take care of everybody in the family, and that he does not expect a material reward, even though he wants to see people try. In ‘At the Bay’ there is a moment when all the women seem to enjoy Stanley’s departure: ‘Oh, the relief, the difference it made to have the man out of the house. Their very voices were changed as they called to one another; they sounded warm and loving as if they shared a secret’. But Katherine Mansfield uses this passage to highlight how much they all depend on him. Anyone in Mansfield’s fiction who uses slang or truncated sentences, such as Stanley is suspect of having controversy in the character. Usually, in  Stanley’s dialogs, Katherine Mansfield uses short sentences as trying to prove that he speaks fast. Stanley also seems to use slang and to swear in front of the kids: ‘†What the hell†¦ Damnation take it†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ. All this demonstrate that he is a voluble and an action men, as he does not have time to fix his language. There is a tension in Stanley’s life: he is controlled by the need of always to be on time; he can rarely relax. In â€Å"At the Bay†, even going for an early morning swim, he flung, cleared, rushed staggered, raced, swooped, in order to be first in, and once in, he can not stop to enjoy it: â€Å"I have no tie to fool about†. This is a good example of life authenticity (a recreation of life) that Mansfield achieves. The scene happens in early morning, to highlight that Stanley was used to getting up early. Mansfield uses a very subtle mixture of precision and action, to portray exactly his enthusiasm. She has run every step behind him and she slows down the motion by using the word ‘staggered’ – ‘staggered up the sandy hillock’. Mansfield intends to slow down Stanley’s race not because he was tired, but because his feet were sinking into the sand. This race might represent the symbol of his life. Stanley’s life is a race in which he wants to be the best. But just as his feet sink in the sand, in real life he meets obstacles and becomes insecure, needing the family support to give him the strength to keep going, ‘racing for dear life’. In the passage the atmosphere seems to be filled with excitement, even joy, which shows that Stanley is happy with his complicated life. Mansfield uses lots of words like â€Å"exulting†, â€Å"swoops† and â€Å"souse† to convey his thoughts and feelings. He wades out ‘exulting’. He ‘swoops’ to ‘souse’ his head and neck, delighted with himself for being first in the water again. Then he hears Jonathan Trout’s voice and he realizes that he is not first after all and small explosions occurring inside his head. ‘†Great Scott! Damnation take it! Why the dickens didn’t the fellow stick to his part of the sea?†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ To escape from Jonathan conversation, which he thinks of as ‘piffle’ and ‘rot’, he turns over on his back and kicks with his legs till he is ‘a living water-spout’. Stanley seems ridiculous as we witness his confidence, delights and disappointments because he is acting like a child and is hard to understand that he is the same person that is very successful in business. This is why I added the word unconsciously to Carl Stead affirmation that Stanley is a benevolent despot. He pushes people to work hard and be like him, but he does not realize that this might be harder for some people than he thinks. If he would know that he is hurting his family, especially Linda, he would stop bullying them. He loves Linda too much and would never want to hurt her. He thinks he will punish her by going off in the morning without saying goodbye, but he regrets he did that and he suffers all day â€Å"I’ve been in tortures† . He arrives home ready to apologise for something that was unnoticed. Linda cares about him too but she keeps him away from getting to close by misinterpreting his actions on purpose. When he arrives home with ‘all the harvest of the earth’, expensive gifts for her – oysters, a pineapple, and cherries – she refers to them as ‘these silly things’; she drapes a cluster of cherries over his ear, knowing full well that he hates to appear foolish. She acts this way because Stanley is the antithesis with her. He has all the energy she lacks. He becomes more successful at business, more prosperous, and more secure in the home while she loses strength. His quick movements and rapid speech exhaust her. When he worries bout running to fat, Linda replies â€Å"You are far too energetic† and he interprets her answer as a reassurance, when it can also mean that he is to energetic for her, as when she wants to scream at him â€Å"You are killing me†. He seems to dominate her, like when she does not resist his sexual acts. Linda admires Stanley’s best qualities: his goodness, his reliability, and his honesty. She compares Stanley with Jonathan Trout, whom she finds attractive and whom she has much in common. Stanley doesn’t like a person like Trout, a person of dreams and impractical ideas, because he, Stanley is a man of action. Linda also cares about Stanley because she is aware of the fact that he is providing the money for the family, and admires his devotion. Katherine Mansfield, at first sight, seems to make Stanley Burnell look as if he is a tyrant, a despot, because he is pushing everybody to work hard, but he is actually a positive character, because he has the dignity and the morality to deal with his life and take the responsibility of looking after his family.