Infant mortality rates and importance of them

When studies measuring America ‘s wellness attention are released, many articles place heavy accent on infant mortality rates and its analysis. These studies are straight measured with a state ‘s health-care development, demoing betterments in surgical processs or a interruption in advanced engineering. About every state in the universe, including the U.S. and European states, takes careful consideration of its infant mortality rate when mensurating its ain wellness attention system or puting their informations on the universe phase for international comparings. Infant mortality rates, of import pieces of statistical information to a state, have prompted inquiries of whether a individual set of Numberss validly assesses a state ‘s overall health care quality or simply serves as an undependable step taken excessively critically. Infant mortality rates provide undependable statistical informations chiefly due to a deficiency of standardised steps in entering infant deceases across states, ensuing in misdirecting information. Assorted states throughout the universe define baby mortality otherwise, which Jonathan Cohn describes as â€Å" rough steps † ( Hogberg ) . Some states consider any baby who â€Å" breathes or shows any grounds of life † feasible as referenced in the Demographic Yearbook [ 1 ] 2002, and others â€Å" must be at least 30 centimetres long † to be considered life as stated by Nicholas Eberstadt ( Hogberg ) . Because of alone measurings across states, Country A may hold its infant mortality rate elevated or lowered significantly in relation to Country B criterions. For illustration, Country A, with an infant mortality rate of 2.7, counts every mark of life as a unrecorded birth. State B, with an infant mortality rate of 5.8, counts merely babies weighing over 500 gms at birth, ensuing in a larger tallied figure of deceases. If Country A were to set to Country B ‘s criterions, it would most likely produce a higher mortality rate. Without a consistent system, both infant mortality rates and rankings are well skewed. Due to an unorganised system of infant decease enrollment, states including New Zealand and Australia are prone to losing informations, and some exclude â€Å" babies who die shortly after birth † from their informations wholly ( Hogberg, MacDorman, and Matthews ) . Underreporting consequences from these undependable patterns, unwittingly casting the image of a state with a higher quality health care. Some of the top grade European states could be every bit low as the United States, or the United States itself could lift to the upper tierce. Without a standardised system, the truth of universe health care rankings is peculiarly questionable. Erratic studies, eventful from mendacious variables, send messages that do non effica ciously mensurate a health care system. Infant mortality rates reflect socioeconomic factors of the state more than the quality of its health care straight. The rates normally reflect the â€Å" obscure†¦ prevailing broad disparities among racial groups † ; statistics from the Department of Health and Services show the correlativity between infant mortality and ethnicity ( â€Å" The U.S. Health † ) . As of 2008, African Americans have an infant mortality rate of 13.6 out of every thousand births ; Whites, 5.66 out of every thousand births ( Blue ) . The present racial disparity links to the disadvantages of minority groups such as changing life conditions, ineffectual fiscal assistance, and deficiency of proper antenatal instruction. Without proper antenatal instruction, female parents lack cognition in caring for their kids decently earlier, during, and after construct. Depending on the regional countries in which these minority groups settle, entree to health care may besides be limited, impacting the attention of babies. Financial issues in a state once more indicate a relationship to the infant mortality rate. Research from the University of Maine studies that â€Å" Denmark and Germany have wellness systems which are really just in fiscal parts to the system, [ but ] other states such as the U.S. have really unjust systems of wellness funding † ( â€Å" The U.S. Health † ) . Denmark and Germany, both extremely industrialised European states, item significantly lower infant mortality rates than the United States, which coincidently besides spends the most in health care. Fiscal factors do non play a important function in the health care system itself, but more on the authorities policies sing a state ‘s fiscal distribution. Most issues point towards a state ‘s socioeconomic issues instead than its health care related jobs upon measuring an overpoweringly big analysis on infant mortality rates. On the other manus, infant mortality rates can rede a state sing the way of its health care focal point. One of the more discussed grounds for the United States holding a higher mortality rate is that many doctors think the United States are concentrating more on handling issues, instead than forestalling them ( Park 48 ) . This observation serves as an of import index to the focal point of the United States ; the quality of the United States ‘ wellness attention may be earnestly undermined, and the betterment of the state ‘s health care is slowed by the clash of misdirected focal point. Because of the error doctors are doing by seeking to bring around a deceasing babe instead than forestalling the mortal state of affairs ab initio, American baby mortality rates are unreasonably in the lower tierce of industrialised state rankings. The United States, honored as the richest and most powerful state in the universe, faces embarrassment in an cryptically low ranking in an cou ntry in which it is expected to stand out. Relatively high baby mortality rates points the U.S. in a way to increase its attempts in a new visible radiation. Datas studies from the CIA reveal a correlativity between infant mortality rate and the figure of doctors per 1000 people, which show an norm of 337 physicians in European states with an infant mortality rate of less 4.5 and the United States with 256 physicians with an infant mortality rate of 6.26m ( The World Factbook ) . A lurid deficit of doctors in the United States should dismay Americans who need to switch their current wellness focal point to supplying more physicians. Mothers may non be having equal attention from accoucheurs or babies may be treated with sloppiness by baby doctors because a work deficit may non let a doctor to supply the focal point and personal attention to every patient. Infant mortality rates are of import indexs to direct the focal point of a state sing the betterment of its health care. Inadequa te systems of entering infant deceases greatly hamper the credibleness of publically reported informations used to rank the quality of a state ‘s health care. Another country where baby mortality plays a function in health care is finding the effectivity of a state ‘s medical engineerings and interventions. Alice Park in a wellness issue of TIME magazine studies that some adult females â€Å" take advantage of generative engineerings [ that ] cause opportunities of multiple births, which in bend addition the likeliness of premature birth † ( Park 47 ) . Premature birth additions infant mortality to a unsafe extent, given the fact that premature babies will have undeveloped lungs and encephalons. Since premature births are increased, the information points towards unproductive medical engineerings, which threaten the province of a state ‘s overall health care quality. Premature births are besides caused by birthrate interventions taking to multiple births, ensuing in early cesarian subdivisions ( Stobbe ) . The impractical nature of these birthrate interventions basically represents an barbarian intervention system, which in bend affects the overall methods of intervention of the full health care construction. Infant mortality rates in the United States did non demo a considerable lessening until the development of inoculations against diseases aiming babies ( Park 42 ) . Unlike the old fortunes, this state of affairs proves that the success of ground-breaking engineering dramatically increased the quality of the state ‘s health care. Specified to the efficaciousness of a state ‘s medical engineerings and interventions, infant mortality rates provide intelligent grounds of the quality of a health care system. Infant mortality rates are normally used to measure a state ‘s overall health care position. I, nevertheless, do non believe that rankings of states ‘ infant mortality rates are valuable indexs. While the informations may supply some penetration into delivering methods, antenatal attention, and postpartum attention, most surveies clearly illustrate that causes of infant mortality are non entirely medically based. In fact, most causes of infant mortality are economically and socially based ; hence, infant mortality rankings have merely a modest cogency in verifying the makings of a state ‘s wellness attention. Upon analysing demographic informations, entree to wellness attention is conspicuously dependent on environmental factors, such as where one lives ( Meckel 281 ) . By comparing population maps to healthcare entree charts, it is evident that there is a way relationship between countries with higher population densenesss and higher health care entree. Cities with big populations show a big contrast in racial disparity versus infant mortality rates, in which African Americans and Native Americans have higher rates than White persons, but both Hispanics and Asians have lower infant mortality rates. The causes for the disparities are identical, which makes infant mortality rates a faulty agencies of analyzing health care. Some variables involved in cut downing infant mortality rates over the decennaries included a higher criterion of life, antenatal instruction, and teenage gestation instruction ( Meckel 281 ) . These factors show no relevance towards health care. The lessening in infant mortality in this instance was the effects of social reforms and non actions covering with the overall health care system. In my sentiment, the system of computation baby mortality rates confronts the most upsetting job: Measurements are incompatible. It is unlogical to compare uncustomary statistics and utilize it to knock a state ‘s quality of health c are. In order to efficaciously rank a state ‘s wellness attention quality, and finally its system, accent demands to be placed on more information pertaining as closely to the health care itself without outlying factors. Infant mortality rates appear with excessively much gravitation in every health care analysis study. Infant mortality rates serve as highly of import statistical information ; nevertheless, less weight could be placed on the rates itself sing the rankings of healthcare quality. Alternatively, infant mortality rates can be analyzed to better socioeconomic issues within society. [ 1 ] A aggregation of demographic statistics assembled by experts internationally and published by the United Nations for the usage of economic experts, demographists, etc.

Conflict and resolution

In preparing to make this particular essay, much to my consternation I could not immediately think about a conflict that may be appropriate to nor have I found something that must be worth telling. After debating about the onerous and numerous conflicts that had already occurred in my life, there is a particular problem that I had found worth telling. It would not be amiss if I had chosen to talk about the inner turmoil that had surfaced in my life –the turmoil that is religion. Upon reaching the age of awareness and understanding, it had been a long standing question for me whether or not I would take up the religion that my parents that had adopted or to continue tradition and take up my grandparents long standing religion.The background of this familial conflict is dated when I was still small, approximately, at the age of 9 or 10. My inner turmoil then continued on when I was in my adolescent years and finally resolved when I was nearing the age of nineteen. My inner confl ict, my religious affiliation, had been resolved by deciding not to just choose the two religions that were pushed to me by my elders but I have chosen to open myself up with the possibility that religious affiliations will not be the only way for me to come to terms with my faith in a Higher Being.Notice that I have used the term Higher Being? I believe it to be a wise decision especially when later I would present the main reason for it. Relating this tear-jerking experience is at some degree hard for me. It was tear-wrenching since I remembered myself crying over it a couple of times and I remembered myself frustrated and flustered with the idea. At the young age of 9 or 10, my grandmother poked around my own feelings about the change in religion that my mother, and eventually, my father had taken.Raised to an honesty policy, I found it hard to just let the topic die down with a simple affirmative answer. I confessed to them my confusion and my own conflict, since for at least 9 years of my life I had grown to know my grandparents’ religion. It was just innocent enough and maybe too naà ¯ve and unguarded. After that particular conversation, I saw my mother crying in my parents’ room. Guessing the reason why, I had come to a realization that I had put my mother in a deeper fix than she was before.My grandparents are Catholics and my mother chose another religion that my grandmother was skeptical about. This particular religion still involves worshipping God but its ways are different from that of my grandparents’. My grandmother and my mother had a row about it and eventually there was a rift between them. They were still in speaking terms but both of them had conveniently forgotten about the issue of religion. In fact, my grandmother tolerated my mother’s decision and my mother tolerated my grandmother’s opinions. This was the routine until I was about to enter high school years.It could then be seen here that my conflict started when I witnessed my mother crying over something that I had said to my grandmother. It seems that my grandmother blamed my mother for the state of confusion that I was in at that time. After the incident, I have learned a little tact and learned to curb my tongue when it comes to religious outbursts. Personally, this would have been left as is given that I was still young and playing was my main concern. But the incident has glued on to my head for a few more years.I did not anticipate that it would take a better half of my life fighting over and pretending that I believed in what both parties were telling me. Eventually, I had taken up my parents’ religion for a while and I was content at that time. But as time passed by, I became restless with the mind boggling experiences that I have witnessed. Take for example my other relatives; they began seeing my mother as a deviant and that her religious choice was highly dubitable.As an adolescent, my parents had provided m e certain independence and other liberties to explore my own self. They may still have influenced me greatly but in this particular subject, they could not sway me from my convictions. I had given my parents’ religion a chance and engaged in activities that were thrust upon me. The fusses that the activities had made me forget, temporarily though, my inner turmoil. Only when I began school again that I was able to fully recover the idea from the back of my mind.During this time, my grandparents had slowly changed their opinions about my mother seeing that this change did not become destructive. But the scene kept playing in my head and it grows more vivid by the time passes by. In school, I would ask other people regarding religion and still could not find a satisfactory answer. My inquiries had taken me nowhere but deeper than I was before. It was later that Sunday service could no longer satisfy my growing need for an answer. It came to a point that I almost became an athei st, and blamed my parents for it. The redeeming factor that came into my mind was due to the pastor’s statement that God loves me regardless of what I have become.This display of unconditional love had made me realize that there is more to life than just religious affiliations. I could even remember having a heated debate with a friend regarding my opinion. It is in my strong belief that a Higher Being, regardless of who he/she is, would actually accept me for what I am. I do not think that my values and/or virtues would have a direct link with what religious affiliation that I would take. Seeing other religious people and their fervor in proving whose religion is much better only makes me shake my head in disbelief.The shock that such juvenile bickering could still ensue among adults, like my mother and grandmother, had led me to a decision that would not hurt both adults and would benefit me as a person. What is religion then? They say that religion is a certain system of b elief but this definition may have been problematic still and that the problem of the definitions are still at large now (Robinson). For me, religion became a hindrance to a contented life. It made me agitated thinking that I had to choose and that I had to set myself with the restrictions and limitations that the religions have.In the end, I had chosen a path where I could actually be satisfied with. Some people would still nag me about it and some people may scorn me about it but this decision actually works in my life. It may sound too pragmatic and impermanent but this is how I could cope with after the pressures that I had. I learned here that inquiries and a degree of skepticism would not be bad especially when a decision is something that could be of great importance. Doubting should not be taken negatively but it should be embraced especially when it could help resolve things as well as finding satisfaction in decisions and how it was arrived.Works CitedRobinson, B.A.  "Definitions of the Word â€Å"Religion†Ã¢â‚¬ .   2007. September 23 2007. .

Health and Safety Essay

Health and safety questions one; Health and safety is implemented through the settings health and safety policy which all staff must read and follow and is available from the school office. The health and safety at work act 1974 places a duty on all employers to safeguard so far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare of all their employees. In addition to this, duties extend to cover the health and safety of persons not employed but who may be affected by the work activities undertaken such as pupils, visitors, contractors, ect. The authority retains the above responsibilities under local management of schools as an employer in the same way the governing body of academies, aided and trust schools, but it is important to realise that all employees have legal duties under the health and safety at work act, to co-operate with their employer so far as is reasonably practicable to ensure a safe and healthy place of work. This local statement of safety policy is not intended to replace the wirral local authority’s policy but to detail individual schools’ arrangements and organisation for health and safety. The settings governing body will strive to achieve the highest standards of health, safety and welfare consistent with their responsibilities under the health and safety at work act 1974 and other statutory and common law duties to provide a safe and healthy work place for all its employees, pupils, visitors, and other persona who may be affected by its activities. The head teacher and governing body will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the authority’s safety policy is implemented and, that local authority’s policy and guidance documents are followed and monitored throughout the school. This policy will be brought to the attention of, and/or issued to all members of staff on induction and annual refresher at the start of each school year. it is essential for the success of this safety policy that all employees recognise their responsibilities in co-operating with management on health and safety issues and taking care of themselves and other persons whilst at work.

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

Pricing - Research Paper Example Ideally, skimming refers to setting high prices based on the value of the product (Holden and Burton 51). The features of the new washing machine are likely to excite the customers, creating no need for the company to opt for a discounted pricing strategy. The financial value of the product is strength to the organization. The new washing machines is built on new technology that requires very little water and energy to clean clothes. Therefore, customers are unlikely to put cost into consideration and instead consider the functionality of the washing machine. According to Holden and Burton (51), most customers buy a product due to the service they receive from the product, and not on price. In fact, very few customers choose to buy a product due to pricing, leaving the biggest customer base on the service side. Low pricing could make the customers perceive the washing machine as inferior. A low price intended to attract more sales might lead to decrease in sales in the later days, as customers’ debate on the standards of the product. Cheap products are considered to be of substandard quality while highly priced products are considered to be of high quality. ... A machine using little water and energy to clean is likely to be exactly what the market needs presently. An evaluation of various cost benefits the machine is likely to bring to homesteads is enticing enough for a person to be lured to purchase the machine. Imagine a machine that uses much less energy and even much less water to do the same amount of washing just like an ordinary washing machine? Is that not exciting good news? Out of all possible considerations, my price would not be based on either competition or willingness to buy by the customers. Penetration strategy is the war of prices where companies slash their prices with huge margins as they compete to retain their market share amidst overwhelming competition. Penetration strategy mostly applies to the period of growth where customers have understood the product while competition is still high (Holden and Burton 52). The product at this period still enjoys customer loyalty due to tested and experience with use. However, i n other cycles of a product such as maturity stage, penetration strategy is likely to fail and thus prevent the company from realizing all the intended profits. Understanding the type of market the company is operating in is important in setting the right prices. For an emerging market, the product is still new and customers are still willing to use the product. The company is rolling out this product to an emerging market, where customers are most likely to buy the product regardless of the price. When making my decision regarding the price for the machine, information such as customers’ trust to Whirlpool’s products will be helpful. Trust means that people already know

Researching Academic and Examination Stress in Secondary School Essay

Researching Academic and Examination Stress in Secondary School Students - Essay Example Literature Review Across the globe, it has been noted that American students are among the most tested, taking over hundred million standardized tests year in year out (Mayer 2008, p.21). Presently, test score are more significant for secondary students since they have the perception that their future is significantly dependent on performing well on high-stakes standardised tests such as tests for admission in colleges the likes of ACT or SAT, state sponsored proficiency tests and advanced placement exams. Although testing is undeniably an expedient tool for making decisions as regards to stimulating a student from one grade to the other, teacher accountability and college admissions, it over and over again puts tremendous pressure on high school students. According to various research studies, it has been evidenced that examinations (testing) has the potential of producing anxiety among high school students. Moreover, these studies have linked testing with doing a great deal in lowe ring students’ self-esteem as well as increasing their fear of failure (Hardy 2003, p.1). Over the past few years, the number of students enrolling for advanced placement course has been on the increase, with students being subjected to high-stakes tests on completing the course. A great percentage of these students feel pressured by their teachers, parents as well as the learning institutions to such higher level advanced placement courses since they are in possession of their college applications (Rothman 1995, p.15). Additionally, students in some cases tae many advanced placement courses so as to assist them feel better about themselves following their enrolment to... This esaay stresses that American students are among the most tested, taking over hundred million standardized tests year in year out. Presently, test score are more significant for secondary students since they have the perception that their future is significantly dependent on performing well on high-stakes standardised tests such as tests for admission in colleges the likes of ACT or SAT, state sponsored proficiency tests and advanced placement exams. Although testing is undeniably an expedient tool for making decisions as regards to stimulating a student from one grade to the other, teacher accountability and college admissions, it over and over again puts tremendous pressure on high school students. This discussion declares that the phrase high-stakes tests used in earlier paragraphs has to been used in the definition of tests which have consequences to students, schools, teachers and even school systems. For instance, students may be deprived of enrolment in certain courses in the event that their scores miss the mark of meeting established gates. Additionally, these students may end up being retained at a grade level until that time they will meet a certain score. In some cases, they may also be prevented from graduating. High school junior and/or senior students ordinarily have a feeling that they ought to meet demanding college admission test score requirements for them to be accepted in majority of the colleges. As thus, attaching the aforementioned high-stakes scores more often than not intensifies the anxiety associated with standardized tests.

Concert Reaction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Concert Reaction - Essay Example As a music genre, Rock music originated as ‘rock n roll’, and rapidly undergone transition under influences of such genres as Rhythm and Blues as well as Country music. Rock is generally centered on the electric guitar, and the songs encompass a wide range of themes. Note that currently there are numerous sub-categories of rock music, examples of which include Pop rock, Blues rock, Jazz rock, Progressive rock-typical of Kansas, to name but a few. According to the artist, Kerry Livgren, this song had no specific religious aim during its composure, even though it carries a religious undertone. The artists though, became an evangelical Christian in 1980, and this partly explains why he chose the carry on title, which again depicted him as the wayward son. The introduction of this song is marked by a cappella vocals that makes it a favorite song for Rock DJs who prefer talking less when the music is playing. The song as a sweet melody and harmonious tone that not only encourages an individual, but also sets one in the mood to feel light at heart. It is characterized with between medium to high resonance, with good use of symphonic influences. Additionally, the song portrays the artist as having high degree of instrumental skill, and explores simple time signature of 12/8 in the opening riff that repeats every three bars. What I generally found amazing in this song is the ability of the artists to incorporate meaningful message into this song. The lyrics are quite reflective, self-searching and seem to attempt to explore some elements of spiritual questions worth thinking over. This is another song by the Kansas band that was written by Kerry Livgren. Apparently, the song was inspired by a book he read, in which the line â€Å"For all we are is dust in the wind† caught his attention. The words got him thinking of the true value of material possessions, that in the long run, all the wealth and material possessions

Challenges and Opportunities for Managers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Challenges and Opportunities for Managers - Essay Example Businesses that have a good crop of workers will outperform a company with subpar employees. The quality of the labor force influences on the performance of a company. Take for example two universities systems. One system is selective in its selection process of faculty member with a 90% doctorate rate among faculty members. This college pays its professor a median salary of $127,500. The second college does not emphasize college professors with doctorate studies. The average median salary at the second school was $65,000. Due to the difference in the composition of college professors between the two schools the university with greater credentials provides a higher quality of education. The higher salary offered by the first school made it easier for them to recruit professors with better credentials. Money or economic considerations are the top motivating factor for employees (Schermerhorn & Hunt & Osborn, 2003). Selecting employees that have poor skills or that are less qualified t han other candidates hurts the corporation. Managers are exposed to a higher workload because poor employees require a higher attention and supervision from the managers to ensure they perform at the highest possible level. Good employees on the other hand are typically self-motivated which saves managers time.

How Does Nikes Questionable Manufacturing Practices in Asia Affect Dissertation

How Does Nikes Questionable Manufacturing Practices in Asia Affect Their Brand Image - Dissertation Example Critics accuse Nike for malpractices and gaining fame and success without any Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in its own manufacturing plants. Instead of improving the working conditions in its manufacturing plants the company spends more on marketing by using faces of high profile celebrities such as Michael Jordan to popularize its brand and attract customers (Mujtaba et al. pg. 1, 2005). With Jordan, the company’s sales went through the roof. After him a number of celebrities were heavily paid to endorse the brand. These included Tiger Woods, Ken Griffey Jr., Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi (Sporting Goods Companies: Nike, n.d.). The issue of malpractices by Nike was disclosed in the 90s decade. The issue of low paid foreign factory workers first became prominent when the world renowned celebrity, Kathy Lee Gifford, was accused for endorsing garments that were manufactured by low wages workers in the developing countries. Gifford promised to participate in improving the condi tion of the workers. The famous brand, Nike, also became a subject of similar controversy. Nike was accused of having sweatshops in the developing countries where workers were paid even below the minimum wages standard (Mujtaba et al. pg. 1, 2005). ... The social activists criticized the unethical practices of the firm in public and exerted pressure on the firm to take a look at their corporate responsibility. Nike customers all over the world criticized the malpractice by the firm. Social activists called on the customers to boycott Nike products until necessary actions were taken by the firm to improve the working conditions of the workers all over the world, especially in Asia (Mesarosch, pg. 1. 2008). While these charges might be true or simple perceptions, the accusations did affect the brand image of Nike in a negative way as not being a socially responsible firm. Since then Nike has been battling with such charges and trying to improve its image as a socially responsible firm (Mujtaba et al. pg. 1, 2005). The aim of this paper is to highlight how Nike has suffered due to its malpractices in Asia. I shall also discuss in brief the history of the brand and the malpractices for which it received criticism. For that matter relev ant literature and peer reviewed articles will be explored to evaluate the situation. Towards the end a conclusion shall be made which will be based on the research. Nike and Its Brand Image: Nike is a massive billion dollar firm that produces sports products. It factories are situated all over the world and likewise its products are sold all over the world. Since 1990’s Nike has expanded its product range and has started producing clothes, watches, bags and golf gear. It has also gained partnership with an electronic company to produce Nike electronics. Nike has achieved tremendous success which is evident from the fact that it has taken over ALL STAR CONVERSE which was one of the biggest rivals of the firm (Hossain, pg. viii, 2010). For the past four decades,

My Interesting Weekend Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

My Interesting Weekend - Essay Example On the weekends I also like to go for walks. I like walking because I get time to myself. I get to look at things that I don’t always look at and I get to think about things I don’t always get time to think about. I also get to take my time and be in peace. I like to get as far away from traffic as I can. Nature is one of my favorite things in life. I love trees, animals, flowers, and water. I like to go to parks or hikes where I can see all of these things. Some weekends I go to museums. My favorite museums are science museums but I also like nature, art, and wax museums. I have traveled to far places to see museums before. What I like about the museums I see on the weekends is that I get to be in another world for a while. Maybe I get to travel back to the past. Maybe I get to pretend that I am in space. Maybe I get to pretend I am in the Arctic. It’s all very interesting to me and I keep traveling back to learn more. A final thing I enjoy doing on my weekends I just being with or talking to my friends and family. I love having the people that I am close with near me or on the phone. It reminds me of where I came from and who I really am. They also help you keep your feet on the ground. They can make a bad weekend with a really good weekend. I love my friends and family and we have so much fun together. They are always there for me and we enjoy great meals and good times on our weekends. I have to say spending time with them id my most favorite thing to do above museums and walks.

Compare the Boston with PA and answer the following questions Essay

Compare the Boston with PA and answer the following questions - Essay Example Thus, the Greater Boston region is a home to 4.5 Million people. The city’s population density is 5,203 people per square mile. On the other hand, basing on the 2010 United States Census, Pennsylvania has a population of is 12,742,886 people (Sapp and Solomon 81-82). With respect to land composition, Palo Alto has a total area of 25.8 square miles.1.9 square miles is covered by water while 23.9 square miles is covered by land. On the other hand Pennsylvania covers a total of 46,055 square miles of which 1239 is covered by water whereas 44,817 square miles is covered by land. In terms of average income, as determined by the 2000 U.S Census statistics, the average income for the Bolton city is $39,629. The average family income is $44,151. The per capita income of the city is $23,353. In addition, 19.5 percent of the population as well as 15.3 percent of families live below poverty line. On the other hand, Pennsylvania has a Gross State Product of $570. It has an average per-capita GSP of $39,830.In terms of poverty, 4.8 percent of the population and 3.2 percent of families live below poverty line (Sapp and Solomon 84). With regards to lifestyle, Boston has one of the highest living cots in the United States. It is an international hub for reputable higher educational and medicinal centers. The city has been ranked third in the United States as per livability rankings. On the other hand, the people in Pennsylvania like mushroom and wine. The quality of life in the state is incredible as well. It is also a religious center with the notable churches being the Roman Catholic and protestant churches. The two cities have taken various initiatives in enhancing a reduction in environmental pollution and promoting environmental conservation. In this purview, it is apparent that Boston has always been in the frontline to ensure environmental conservation. This is bolstered by the Boston

Big Problem Management in Tex-mark Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Big Problem Management in Tex-mark - Essay Example It can be argued that language posed a great barrier to project success. Erick seemed to be well informed about how unqualified or incompetent employees may contribute to delay in implementing projects. His intentions were to ensure that there was no a repeat of what had happened in Mexico and china. He argues that a projected aimed at being completed in a shot duration took longer time than expected. An example of such an occurrence is the one cited about what happened in India. It is argued that an eight moth research assignment consumed three years, and this according to Eric was as a result of incompetent employees. Fred’s Selfishness could not allow him to train locals and employ them to undertake some duties. He was unable to work in harmony with authorities in the country, and this hindered operations of the research assignment, thus leading to delay in its completion. Alternative solutions However, the company may still get back on its track if Eric can make some effor ts to solve problems facing the company. He should first lay down all the problems facing the company, and enumerate the best possible solutions to them. Such issue should be raised before the higher authorities on a regular basis. Persistence is important when it comes to such matters of concern, not forgetting the enormous challenge facing them especially now that they are about to venture in to a more challenging zone: China. Any company that fails to advance in its human resource capacity is always faced by constant problems in its operations and managerial matters. Some of the ways through which such advances are achieved is through attending workshops and seminars on various fields, instituting training programs, or advancing education levels. Therefore, Eric should take stand and insist on the training program for not only employees sent abroad, but also to the rest of the employees. The program should be planned in a manner that it deals with the current problems, and foreca sts on the future requirements that would be catered for by the program. Underperforming and or expatriate employees may not add value to any organization. In fact, the company should ensure that all its employees are subjected to a performance measure contract, which evaluates the performance of all employees. This way, there would be no reason to continue keeping employees who fail to perform. They are considered to be liabilities rather than assets to the company, and over continued to being in the company increases costs, thus reducing the profit margin of the company. It is necessary for the company to add a policy of employing locals of foreign countries in order to minimize some costs such as training and exportation of employees who would require extra compensation and allowances during their stay in other countries. In fact, the company should look for ways of having affiliate or subsidiary companies in foreign countries of interest. This way, the company will enjoy the ben efit accrued from being locally known company in those foreign countries. Budgetary concerns As long as the there is efficiency in handling international assignments, and that they become cost effective, then the proposed solutions to the problems facing the company can be argued to be fine. Proposed solutions should also include reevaluation of how the consulting firm may help the company oversee smooth running of its assignment in the foreign markets. In this regard, the consulting firm should be made to understand that charging Tex-Mark higher fees for training jeopardizes the profit margins of the company. There

Play Production In The Greek & Elizabethan Eras Essay Example for Free

Play Production In The Greek Elizabethan Eras Essay The contemporary Greek play was an amalgamation of several artistic tools like pictures for example the one shown below which conveyed strong message to the audience. There were numerous other scenic elements used in the Greek theater. When a crane was used (called machina in Greek), it gave an impression of an airborne actor. A wheeled wagon was also common in the Greek playhouses and it made it possible for the audience to view dead characters. Openings in the ground, for example trap doors, were vital as they were used to elevate people onto the stage. Pictures like the one above, pinakes, were used to demonstrate a scenes backdrop. Satyr plays were very common in the Greek playhouses just as were the tragedies. Phallic props were used in such plays to symbolize fertility in of the Roman and the Greek god of wine- Dionysus. Elizabethan acting was not any near ‘naturalistic.’ The repertory of the Elizabethan era was extremely divergent from that of the present as was the demands on Elizabethan actors compared to the present day’s actors. Elizabethan theaters in two weeks could frequently present â€Å"eleven shows of ten dissimilar plays†. Playhouses would not show again the same play two days in a row. The Elizabethan Era was moment that reflected the atmosphere and values of the 16th century through the application of fashion. It was a phase where a lot of uniqueness and originality was manifest and was used to produce fresh styles of dress. The style in Elizabethan England at this time replicated the worth and principles of the era. The physical theatre spaces, sets, Costumes, Lights, Who would be in the audience Much may not be available to talk about the performance space for the Greek plays. This because all that is available for consultation is basically the works of literature. However, the Greek performances took place in theaters which could be subdivided into three: Athenian, Graeco-Roman and Hellenistic. In the Elizabethan era the theater consisted of theater not only as a form of art but also as a form of institution as well. There was originality then as evidenced in dressing styles and the costumes. However, the Elizabethan playhouse never made use of prolific or lavish scenery, but as an alternative the stage was left largely exposed with a few key props, the chief visual appeal on stage was in the costumes. Costumes were habitually brilliant in color and visually enchanting. Costumes were expensive, nonetheless, so generally players wore fashionable clothing in spite of the time interlude of the play. Intermittently, a lead character would be dressed in a conventionalized edition of more historically accurate apparel, but secondary characters would nevertheless remain in fashionable attire- (Bracewell, N. 1999). The Greek theaters were filled with Athenians who formed a majority of the judges (audience). There was an extremely large audience who were won by the playwrights through distribution of small gifts and flattery as well. Dealing with rowdy (in the strict sense of being extremely loud) was a challenge the playwrights had learned to deal with through performance of some outrageous and interesting act to draw the attention of the spectators. What might be the topic of a play in theater?   What was not acceptable as a topic for a play? The Greek plays circulated around tragedies, comedies or satyrs. This was also the case with Elizabethan era whose plays got much support fro the queen. In the Greek era women were forbidden from acting thus all the actors then were men. In terms of the experience, in relation to the Elizabethan era, the religiosity of the community or the individual played a major role. However, most of those who went to the theaters enjoyed dancing and playing other games like cards. In the Greek era, it was quite a motivating factor that every day of performance there had to be at least totally different issue or subject matter of performance. It would therefore motivate audience who crowded the Athenian theaters to have their full experience. In this era too, the experience of an individual was wholly or jointly dependent on the social class of the community or individual. The higher caste would have their best when it comedy while the lower class individuals were little more violent- (Ruben F. 2006).

Analysis of felda jengka settlement analysis

Analysis of felda jengka settlement analysis Pick any rural area that you are familiar with. Describe its socio economic background including approximate broadband penetration. Describe occupations that are existing there, demographics and geographies lay out including major buildings and geographical locations. What are rural areas? According to an online source, the definition of rural areas is areas that are largely isolated in an open country with low population density. Many people often have a misconception between the terms countryside and rural areas. Countryside is often referred to rural areas that are open. Areas such as forest, wetlands and others that have low population density are associated with rural areas. However the definition between the terms countryside, rural and urban areas differ from one country to another. In Malaysias early days, urban areas often equated to gazetted administration districts with a population of 1000 or more inhabitants where most of its economy are mainly professional-based. Most of the people living in urban areas work as Figure : Malaysia Rural Populationdoctors, lawyers, engineers and others. However, this definition is no longer applicable in todays world. In Malaysia, the economy of the rural areas on the other hand is mainly agricultural-based. Most of the settlers are smallholder operators in agricultural sector and labourers. The smallholder agricultural sector includes oil palm plantation, rubber plantation, fishermen, and estate workers, just to name a few. From Figure : Malaysia Rural Population graph, it can be seen that there are many rural settlers in the 90s. However, according to World Bank statistics, it is reported that in the year 2008 itself, the population of rural settlers was 8007029.29 people. From the graph itself, it can be seen that after the year 2000, the rural populations start to decrease. One of the reasons that cause the reduction of rural population is the migration of rural settlers to urban areas. Since decades ago, the main occupations of the rural settlers in Peninsular Malaysia are fishing or farming. Most of these settlers live in villages which are often known as kampongs. These villages consist of houses that are built on stilts with wooden or bamboo walls and floors, and thatched palm roofs. However, just as urban areas, there are higher income earners too in these villages. Higher income earners are often to live in houses that have either tin or tile roofs. Since the main occupation of these villages is farming, most of the rural settlers grow rice. Thus, rice will be their staple food. In Malaysia, most of the rural settlers are farmers due to the ideal climate and environment in Malaysia throughout the year that allows paddy to be planted. Besides paddy cultivating, fresh vegetables plantation and fishing in nearby streams or rivers are part of their daily chores. Raising rubber trees for rubber collection is carried out to increase the family income. Those living a long the coast will earn their living through fishing. In Sabah and Sarawak, the rural settlers differ from Peninsular Malaysia. In the western of Malaysia, most of the people live in isolated villages. They preferred to stay together in a large long house that can accommodate lots of families. Their daily chores include raising vegetables, hunting, fishing and gathering edible plants in the jungles. In most rural villages whether in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah or Sarawak, there will a few shops that will be operated by Chinese merchants. These shops will sell items that rural settlers could not produce. They include coffee, milks, utensils and others. However, in Sabah and Sarawak, some Chinese peddlers are willing to travel to the isolated villages by boat. Once they reached the isolated villages, they will exchange their goods with the forest products that the rural settlers have. Most of the rural settlers live in poverty. There are many factors that drive poverty among the rural settlers. One of the factors is multidimensional in nature ranging from social to economic factors. One of the researchers, Ungku Aziz (1964) stated that poverty is usually associated with lack infrastructures, low income, low productivity and unemployment. In conclusion, poverty in rural areas is due to lack of infrastructure development, welfare programmes and agricultural development. Figure 1: Jengka Triangle LocationUntil today, in Malaysia there are many rural areas that are scattered around. In this write up, the rural area that is picked is FELDA Jengka. FELDA Jengka or Bandar Pusat Jengka is located in the state of Pahang, Peniinsular Malaysia as shown in Figure 1. Bandar Pusat Jengka is one of the major cities and is located in the centre of the triangle Jengka which is also known as Felda Jengka. Bandar Pusat Jengka is under the supervision and administration of FELDA. It is located near to Gunung Senyum Recreational Forest which serves as a tourist destination. Gunung Senyum is believed that since Mesolithic era, there are human settlements in this area. Next to Gunung Senyum is Gunung Puyuh which consists of 18 caves. FELDA stands for Federal Land Development Authority which is established in 1st July 1956 by the Malaysian Government to handle the resettlement of rural poor to much more developed areas. FELDA provide the initial models to the rural settl ers to start their career in farming. This scheme is only applicable to ethnic Malays. Currently, according to a study carried out, FELDA is one of the worlds largest plantation owners. FELDA has about 811140 hectares of oil palms across Peninsular Malaysia. The location of Jengka Triangle or FELDA Jengka where 25 settlements are found in this Triangle. Figure 1: Location of Jengka Triangle Development Area http://www.nzdl.org/gsdl/collect/ccgi/archives/HASH9312.dir/80636e01.gif Figure 2: Jengka Triangle Development Area Jengka was first found in the year 1967 and today its population is reaching almost 300 thousand people. Jengka is located in between three regions namely Temerloh, Maran and Jerantut. This small town obtained its name from a nearby river called Sungai Jengka. According to some residents there, this river obtained its name from a story where a woman by the named Yang Jangka who drowned in this river. The Lembaga Kemajuan Wilayah Jengka (LKWJ) administered this town from the year 1967 to 1997. Then from 1997 until today, Jengka is administered by Majlis Daerah Maran (MDM). Bandar Pusat Jengka got its name from Jengka town. Jengka town originally is a settlement that specially built for workers who work in Kilang Syarikat Jengka Sdn. Bhd. (SJSB) in 1969. Kilang Syarikat Jengka Sdn. Bhd. (SJSB) is a subsidiary of the Pahang State Government. Jengka settlers came from all over Malaysia since 1986. They are the poor people who have the living standard of below poverty level. According to a study done, the majority of the FELDA Jengka settlers ancestors are mostly deployed from the northern states such as Perak, Perlis, Kedah and Penang. However, there are some who came from eastern states and southern states such as Kelantan, Melaka, and Selangor, just to name a few. This will leads to a blend of different cultures and traditions as different settlers from different states will try to preserve their ancestry customs and culture. Besides the majority Malays settlers, there are also Chinese and Indians settlers. Table 1 shows the breakdown of the Jengka settlers by state origin. It can be seen that most of the settlers are from the state of Pahang itself. Table 1: Jengka Settlers by state of origin Today under the administration of FELDA, in Bandar Pusat Jengka itself, there are about 25 FELDA settlements. They include FELDA Anggerik Jengka 1, FELDA Cempaka Jengka 2, FELDA Dahlia Jengka 3, FELDA Kemboja Jengka 4, FELDA Kekwa Jengka 5, FELDA Keembong Jengka 6, FELDA Kenanga Jengka 7, FELDA Kesidang Jengka 8, FELDA Kesumba Jengka 9, FELDA Mawar Jengka 10, FELDA Melati Jengka 11, FELDA Melor Jengka 12, FELDA Puteri Malu Jengka 13, FELDA Raya Jengka 14, FELDA Semarak Jengka 15,FELDA Sena Jengka 16, FELDA Seri Pagi Jengka 17, FELDA Seroja Jengka 18, FELDA Siantan Jengka 19, FELDA Tanjung Jengka 20 ,FELDA Teratai Jengka 21, FELDA Terkis Jengka 22, FELDA Tonkin Jengka 23, FELDA Jengka 24, and FELDA Jengka 25. These FELDA settlements are located a few kilometres away from each others. In each settlement there are about 300 to 500 of settlers occupying. Each of the male settlers is known as Peneroka FELDA and their wives are known as Penerokawati. The wives of the settlers are under the supervision of a manager that is appointed by the FELDA. For example in FELDA Jengka 25, there are about 152 families living in this settlement. FELDA Jengka 25 opened its door in the year 1986. The years before that, which is in between the year 1983 and 1984, development and deployment in FELDA Jengka 25 begin. In this settlement, farming land is divided into two categories which are Level 002 and Level 004. Level 002 consists of 95 people and Level 004 consists of 57 people. Level 003 do not have any settlers. The main occupations of the FELDA settlers are mainly agriculture based as more than half of the populations in FELDA Jengka are involved in agricultural activities. Table 2 shows the distribution of settlers in the FELDA Jengka Triangle according to scheme. From Table 2, it can be seen that FELDA Jengka settlers are mainly involve in oil pl antation and rubber. Thus, it can be concluded that in Jengka Triangle the main crops are oil palm and rubber. FELDA Jengka 24 is one of the 25 settlements in FELDA Jengka. It is found that up to year 2008, the population of this settlement is about 5000 people. Most of the settlers are involved in small businesses through the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) which was established few years back. Most of the older generations that settle in this settlement are involved in land cultivating, and working in farms and orchards. The younger generations have further their studies at the tie tertiary level in other states. Some of the younger generations seek jobs in big cities like Kuala Lumpur. As stated in the beginning of the writing, plantation sector is the source of income for most settlers in Jengka Triangle. Most of the settlers in FELDA Jengka 24 and also others settlements in the Jengka Triangle regions are involved in oil palm plantation. Besides involving in oil palm plantation, the settlers are brave enough to take the risk of investing in agarwood tree plantation. Agarwood is said to be one of the most expensive and good quality plant product. It is said that this plants required eight months to reap and a total of five years are needed for the trees to be cut. All the settlers work very closely with FELDA in this sector. Mature oil palms will be collected by the settlers and will be transported to FELDAs Oil Palm Processing Plant to be processed. FELDA play an important role in ensuring that the settlers will be paid for their hard work. Besides, it is also found that there is an average of 13 shops per scheme. Most of the shops sell basic necessities such as rice, sugar, canned food and others. There are also shops that operate as coffee shops that sell various types of cakes, drinks and noodles. Sundry shops and coffee shops are commonly found in the settlements. Besides, sundry shops and coffee shops, there are shops that repair motors, hardware shops, bookshops and others. Recently, a youth from FELDA Jengka involved in aquaculture field. Leech farming has been initiated by Mohd Khairul Nizam Che Anuar and his friends. They will rear leeches in canvas containers and after 60 days, they will sell these leeches at the price of RM200 per kilogram. These leeches will be processed into leech oil. Table 2: Distribution of Jengka Settlers based on the scheme In Bandar Pusat Jengka, there are about eight schools, two colleges and a university. The Government realized that education is really important in shaping the future of the younger generations. Besides, in Malaysias constitution, every citizens of Malaysia have the right to obtain a proper education. Thus, schools such as Sekolah Kebangsaan Jengka Pusat, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jengka Pusat, Maahad As-Sultan Ahmad Shah Ad-Dini, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jengka 6 and others were built. FELDA too provides monetary support for the settlers children who are furthering their studies to tertiary level. Besides, the Universiti Teknologi Mara  (UiTM) Cawangan Pahang Kampus Bandar Jengka was built so that standard of living of the settlers in Bandar Pusat Jengka can be improved. The Government have been developed Bandar Pusat Jengka by introducing new facilities to accommodate the needs of the people living in Bandar Pusat Jengka. The Government realized that new facilities should b e built in rural areas like Bandar Pusat Jengka to ensure that the rural settlers are not left behind in the countrys development. Bandar Pusat Jengka has been given many public facilities. They include Jengka Hospitals, Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah, Bandar Jengka, public library, bus terminal Nadi Kota Bandar Pusat Jengka and Urban Community Polyclinic Jengka. Besides these facilities, the Government too have bring some of the Government agencies such as , Islamic Council and the Office of Customs Pahang , police station, Fire and Rescue Department , National Registration Department, Department of Road Transport, Office of  National Energy and Office of the  NSW Department of Water Supply to this area so that the rural settlers need not need to travel to the nearest town some 40 kilometres away to make a visit to any of these agencies. In addition to that, the Government too built some sports facilities such as golf courses, sports complex and mini stadium to allow the rural settle rs to involve themselves in sports. Financial institutions such as Maybank, Bank Rakyat, Tabung Haji and Affin Bank just to name a few have established in Bandar Pusat Jengka. These financial institutions provide facilities such as loans, financial management and others to help the rural settlers to increase their crops production. The welfare and safety of the settlers in each settlement in FELDA Jengka is well taken care of by the Scheme Development and Security Committee (JKKR) which is formed under FELDA entrusted. The Scheme Development and Security Committee (JKKR) will uphold a high responsibility in giving co-operations and help to the settlers so that the settlers will be able to progress further which is part of the governments aspirations. In the recent Budget, the Government has allocated a huge amount of allocation to develop the rural areas around Malaysia. This is to ensure that the settlers in the rural areas will be able to obtain adequate facilities. It can be seen that in most rural areas, most of the residents are able to enjoy electricity and water supply in their homes. Currently the one of the Government inspirations is to connect the rural areas with the urban areas. In order to achieve this, penetration of broadband should be introduced to rural areas. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Centre Line Community (CBC) is introduced to FELDA Jengka 23 and 25 in April 2010. This main aim of this facility is to help the younger generations in the rural settlement to be ICT literacy and to fill their leisure time. By having internet facility in the rural settlements, the younger generations will be able to communicate with the outside world as bridging between the rural and urban community coul d be formed. This will able to widen their knowledge. CBC was introduced to rural settlements due to the inspiration from the Government to ensure that all Malaysians have knowledge about the internet and are able to connect to the world. Besides, this will bring changes to the mentality of the FELDA younger generations settlers. According to CBC FELDA Jengka 23 Manager, Mohd Shahrir Md Yusof, he said that this facility is a joint venture project between the Government with Suruhanjaya Komunikasi Dan Multimedia Malaysia (SKMM) and Telekom Malaysia. Broadband penetration in rural areas such as FELDA Jengka has brought changes to the living standard of the settlers. With the internet facility at Centre Line Community (CBC), the settlers are able to save time, money and energy. Moreover, their daily activities such as paying monthly utility bills, business online payment (money transfer), communicate with outstation family members and products ordering by consumers; just to name a few will be easier to be carried out. With this broadband penetration in FELDA Jengka, the settlers need not need to travel more than 40 kilometres to the nearest town such as Termerloh to carry out their activities. Currently in FELDA Jengka 23 itself, the Government and other organizations have allocated 20 units of computers. The settlers are able to use the facility from 9am to 6pm throughout the week. Besides, the CBC too provides basic computer classes to educate the settlers on the operations of the computer and some of the programmes. According to Mohd Shahrir, there is a high respond from the settlers on this facility where the average users of the facility are more than 100 settlers per day. Besides FELDA Jengka 23, other settlements such as FELDA Jengka 24 too are equipped with the broadband facility. In FELDA Jengka 24, the CBC is located together with the Rural Clinic. According to Khairul Nizam Che Anuar or Along who is a youth living in FELDA Jengka 24, he said that he us ually visit the CBC to surf the internet and to learn more about leech farming. CBC too can surf as a place where the settlers are able to meet up and communicate with other settlers. Thus, this will leads to a better bonding between the settlers. In FELDA Jengka 24, there are only two computers, a scanner and printer. In conclusion

Understanding Blog Definitions And Features

Understanding Blog Definitions And Features There are four sections in this chapter. The first section is an overview of the chapter. The second section provides a general understanding on blog definition, the features of blogs and blogging tools and their evolution. The third section examines the uses of blogs in different areas such as personal, business, politics and education. The fourth section discusses the previous empirical studies. Finally, the discussion of the entire chapter is summarized in the last section. A blog or weblog refers to a personalised web page with minimal or no external editing that provides, online commentary and that is periodically updated and presented in reverse chronological order (preserved old posts in addition to new entries) with hyperlinks to other online sources (Farell and Drezner, 2007; Downes, 2004). Most authors agree that a blog is a frequently updated website consisting of dated entries (Walker, 2003). A blog may include any, all, or some combination of text, photos, videos, audio, as well as hyperlinks (links to websites or other Internet-based information). One of the useful features of blogs is their interactivity. A blog was designed to facilitate interaction by permitting readers to comment on entries. So a blog is a platform of personal media, knowledge management tool, and community forum (Liu et al, 2009). Blogs are a popular way for expressing personal opinions and interests on the Web (Varlamis et al, 2008). Essentially, the author or we call a blogger not only expresses his personal ideas and experience, but also provides help to others during the communication throughout the Internet and in this way make their blogs more valuable for sharing (Shaohiu and Lihua, 2008). In addition, blogs can be a personal diary, a memo, a place to deliver messages, a cooperation field, a news-release website, or a temporary performing stage for a politician (Xin, 2009). According to most researchers, a small scale webpage that we call as a blog usually has certain features. Five features that a blog usually has i.e. personal editorship, a hyperlinked posting structure, frequent updates, free public access to the content via the Internet and archived postings (Paquet, 2003). Table 2.1 summarises the definitions of a blog or weblog according to respective researchers. Table 2.1 Definition of Blog Definitions Authors Reverse chronological posting Doctorow et al., 2002; Paquet, 2003; Walker, 2003; Schiano et al., 2004; Downes, 2004; Herring et al., 2004; Bruns and Jacobs, 2006; Viegas, 2006; Farell and Drezner, 2007; Shaohui and Lihua, 2008; Liu et al., 2009 Individually author / Personalised web page Barger, 1997; Paquet, 2003; Bruns and Jacobs, 2006; Liu al et., 2009 Online commentary Bruns and Jacobs, 2006; Farell and Drezner, 2007; Liu al et., 2009 Text-based online environment Downes, 2004 Mini web page / Small scale website / Simple web page Doctorow al et., 2002; Farell and Drezner, 2007; Shaohui and Lihua, 2008 Online diary/journal Barger, 1997; Blood, 2000; Doctorow al et., 2002; Herring al et., 2004; Xin, 2009 Table 2.1 (Continued) Definition of Blog Definitions Authors Posting with date entries Paquet, 2003; Walker, 2003; Herring al et., 2004 Frequently updated website Blood, 2000; Walker, 2003; Schiano al et., 2004; Herring al et., 2004; Luehmann and MacBride, 2007; Shaohui and Lihua, 2008 Sharing thought Shaohui and Lihua, 2008 Express personal ideas / opinions Doctorow al et., 2002; Varlamis al et., 2004; Shaohui and Lihua, 2008 Sharing experiences Shaohui and Lihua, 2008 Sharing interests Varlamis al et., 2004 Collects and shares resources (Photos/Videos/Hyperlinks) Doctorow al et., 2002; Paquet, 2003; Bruns and Jacobs, 2006; Luehmann and MacBride, 2007; Farell and Drezner, 2007; Liu al et., 2009 Features Blogs utilise a simple interface to make it easy for a user to construct it, without having to understand HTML or web scripting. Thus, anyone who can create a basic Microsoft Word document can create and maintain a blog. Users can add pictures or audio files to enhance their blogs attractiveness. Typically, blog combines text, images, links to other blogs or web pages, and other media related to its topic i.e. video. A blogger decides what does and does not go into a blog (Shevked and Dakovski, 2006). According to Duffy et al., (2006), a blog is usually made up of the following components: Date and time the post was published Category the post is label with (can be one or more) Main title of the post Main content of the post Links back (trackback) from other sites Comments added by readers URL of the full, individual article In addition, Du and Wagner (2005) claimed that the features of blogs (i.e. archival of past weblogs by date-posted, hyperlink to other web or blog, instant publishing of web content with little technical skill required, and ways for others to comment/feedback). An important and desirable feature of blogging technology which makes communication possible is the ability to comment a publication in a blog. Most blogging tools allow writing a comment on someones article (Downes, 2004; Du and Wagner, 2005). Shaohui and Lihua (2008) stated that advanced network technology is not required to build a blog and thus any one can establish his own blog, as long as he is able to type and take advantage of the Internet. The establishment of a blog does not need any extra economic costs because basic blog services are available in any online computer for free. A blog is open, free and available for sharing. This entails one may write down what he sees, hears and thinks of freely in a blog. The openness, sharing features, interaction, virtual capability, cover up and non-restraint characteristics of a blog stimulate peoples desire of self-expression and self complacency, including those who are reserved in real life but are willing to express their inner thought through a blog (Shaohui and Lihua, 2008). Besides the basic features of a blog, there are additions to a blog. Nowadays, most blogging tools support a method for communication between blogs called trackback. When someone writes a new article in his blog that refers to another article typically residing at a different blog, a notification is sent to the other blog. The notification is referred to as trackback (Shevked and Dakovski, 2006). The trackback functionality enables the reader of a weblog to comment on a certain article in his own blog platform (Bross al et., 2009). Another additional blog feature is called pingback. This feature allows a blogger to request notification when somebody links to one of his articles so he can keep track of who is linking to, or referring to his publications (Shevked and Dakovski, 2006). In a contemporary blogging system it is now important to support Really Simple Syndication (RSS). This is a web feed format, which is used to provide web content (Shevked and Dakovski, 2006). This way when someone is interested in content published in a particular RSS-supporting site and wants to stay in touch with its updates and new articles posted there, he may subscribe to them via RSS. BLOGGING TOOLS AND THEIR EVOLUTION During the late 1990s, there were no special tools available for creating weblogs. Most bloggers hand-coded their sites. But, very soon, it became difficult to read every weblog every day, or even to keep track of all the new ones that were appearing (Blood, 2000). Blogs started to gain popularity after Pitas.com launched the first free build-your-own-weblog tool, and others like Blogger released their blogging tools. These tools provide the ease and affordability for non-technical persons to communicate online. According to Bauer (2004), approximately 80% of weblogs use hosting services that provide weblog building tools and server space, while the rest use standalone software that runs on individual servers or web hosts. Popular weblog hosts, such as Blogger, ModBlog, and Xanga, offer basic services for free, which are to the advantage for new bloggers or general users even though there are limited server spaces and standard features. But, successful weblogs can outgrow these basic services, and may be forced to choose premium services (at higher costs), or even to set up their own hosts (Rubenking, 2003). Comparatively, standalone software is more flexible in terms of server space and control of own content, but this requires some knowledge on the part of the users to set up the application and to maintain the server. Movable Type and Radio Userland are two popular fee-based standalone software solutions. Schiano al et. (2004) found that the participants of their research used a wide variety of blogging tools, including Blogger, Blurty, Xanga, MoveableType, RadioUserLand, and customised scripts. Several participants began with Blogger (recently acquired by Google), but as they gained experience, they migrated to other, more sophisticated tools or created their own. 2.3 USES OF BLOGS Most people are not aware that there is a variety of genres in the blogosphere. The interface looks similar but the content is different. Blog can be used in various areas or purposes such as, for personal usage, politics, business and educations. 2.3.1 Personal Personal blogs is often known as online diary or journal. The blog format of an online diary makes it possible for users who have not much experience to create, format, and post entries with ease. People often write their everyday experiences, complaints, poems, thoughts and more and this type of blog allows others to contribute. The blogger, as a main role, writes about his/her personal perspective in his/her own blogs. Blogs also provide users the right to write and express their own ideas and viewpoints. Moreover, blog writings enable the users both to share information and to make self-reflection. According Schiano et al., (2004), many blogs seem to function in the age-old tradition of diaries and personal record-keeping. 2.3.2 Politics Political campaigns at the federal, state and local level use blogs to organise and motivate their supporters (Farell and Drezner, 2007). Political blogs may take a number of forms. Often an individual will link to articles from news web sites and post his own opinion. Most news, activism, and issue-based blogs follow the same format. A recent trend in politics is that candidates are incorporating blogging into their campaigns. For example, in 2005, Chilean presidential election, four candidates used their own blogs as part of their campaign mechanisms (Farell and Drezner, 2007). Blogs have played an important role in several media scandals (Glaser 2004). They have also played a important role in shaping campaign strategy and tactics. In 2004, Howard Dean rose to prominence in part because of his adroit use of the blogosphere as a tool for rallying activists (Graf and Darr 2004; Kerbel and Bloom, 2005). Blogs increasingly affect legal outcomes (Solum, 2006; Berman, 2006). It has been shown that blogs have influenced policy outcomes. As example, blogs played an important role in helping defeat George W. Bushs proposed Social Security reforms, which were intended to be the landmark achievement of his second term in office (Glover and Essl, 2006). Blogs have also achieved some political and policy prominence outside the US (Drezner and Farrell, 2004). 2.3.3 Business Businesses increasingly use blogs for promotional campaigns, and track blogs to measure customer satisfaction and monitor trends (Farell and Drezner (2007). A number of entrepreneurs establish blogs to promote their businesses. Often business blogs act as a showcase for entrepreneurs to provide a window into the behind-the-scenes activities at their business, presenting a more personal face. In some cases the blog itself is the core of the business bringing in revenue from advertising, selling products or information. Interest in blog as a business tool has coincided with a growing realisation that traditional marketing methods may no longer suit todays fragmented markets and increasingly demanding customers. The nineties saw the introduction of new forms of marketing, including relationship marketing, buzz marketing, word-of-mouth marketing, one-to-one marketing, opt-in marketing, guerrilla marketing and viral marketing. Blogs have the potential to fulfil the aims of these new marketing methods. The blogger not only share the ideas and feeling, but also received valuable comments from readers. The business world now realises the opportunities of blogging and begins to reap the benefits. Maintaining a blog an important part of each companys Internet strategy. A company can make blogs to introduce products/services; inform customers about discounts, do promotions and announce achieves and success (Shevked and Dakovski, 2006). In addition, customers can write their comments, opinions, complaints and suggestions and get support from responsible company workers. Concurrently, it is useful to have also an internal blog for development tracking, which by company employees. This supports collaborative work as the blog might be not only central information source but also management tool, brainstorming sessions, announcements or reporting place (Shevked and Dakovski, 2006). Corporate blog have received widespread attention in press and among Internet users. It can help a company build stronger relationships with its customers and get customers feedback instantly. It can be used to market products or services and develop a brand (Ryu and Shi, 2010). 2.3.4 Education Blogs can be used as learning tools in a variety of ways, Their value is demonstrated by the operational structures and responses mechanisms, discourse style and method of recording ideas, commentary and institutionally relevant information (Ismail, S., 2009). Students frequently use blogs as records of their learning while teachers use them as records of what they taught. For example, through a blog, a teacher can perform daily recording was taught, include links to Internet resources, and specify the homework students are required to carry out. This application has many advantages: (i) student can quickly catch-up if they miss a class, (ii) the teacher can use the blog as a lesson plan, and (iii) the blog serves as an accurate summary of the course that prospective students or new teachers can refer to. The collaborative features of blogs can be used to authorize several students to contribute to the blog. There are more educators and language teachers using the Internet in language teaching as well (Godwin-Jones, 2003; Lord and Lomicka, 2004). Many computer applications, especially asynchronous computer-mediated communication such as email and electronic bulletin boards, promote interactive learning (Arnold and Ducate, 2006). With the booming growth of technology, blogs have become another learning platform for language teaching. Johnson (2004) pointed out that the logs are a useful additional aid to teachers. From any computer connected to the Internet, teachers can create, edit, or delete their teaching hand-outs including notes, assignments, and reviewed materials. Teachers messages are organised in a reversed chronological order with the latest postings at the top. The feature of automatic date-stamping for each post is useful. Students emails may, for some technical glitches, not reach their teachers or be carelessly deleted by their teachers. With the automatic date-stamping function, both teachers and students know clearly when students turn in their assignments. Consequently, the automatic archive of past posts by date or theme can help teachers and students easily locate the message they are searching. If students do not have their own personal websites, an easy-to-use blog is a good start for them to interact with users of the cyberspace community. As Campbell (2004) emphasised that simple customisation of templates can help students build a sense of ownership and unique online identity. Most students will write more carefully if they know that they are going to publish their articles online for authentic readers who may comment on their postings. Additionally, teachers can easily use blogs to organise a collaborative learning environment in which students can peer edit others postings (Dieu, 2004; Mitchell, 2003). Students should be encouraged to comment their partners postings, which can also be shared by other classmates. Oravec (2002) claimed that blog development can allow students to become more analytical and critical. Duffy al et. (2006) list the following are possible uses of blogs in education. Table 2.3 Possible Uses of Blogs in Education (Duffy et al., 2006) Perspective Uses Personal academic A blog can support reflection on teaching experiences; categorised descriptions of resources and methodologies for teaching; ramblings regarding professional challenges and teaching tips for other academics; illustration of specific technology-related tips for other colleagues. Organisational A blog can support a common online presence for unit-related information such as calendars; events, assignments and resources; an online area for students to post contact details and queries relating to assessment. Pedagogical A blog can support comments based on literature readings and student responses; a collaborative space for students to act as reviewers for course-related materials, images and reflections related to industry placement; an online gallery space for review of works, writings, etc. in progress; making use especially of the commenting feature, teachers encouraging reactions, reflections and ideas by commenting on their students blogs; development of a student portfolio of work. 2.4 RELATED EMPIRICAL STUDIES This section focuses in blogs used in learning, blogs in teaching and also others issues related to technology in teaching. 2.4.1 Blog and teacher The ease of operating blogs make them attractive tools to some teachers for posting announcements, facilitating discussions, or linking to class resources (Downes, 2004; Oravec, 2003). Blogs have been coined as teacher-driven administrative tools. Teachers may require students to post to their own or a shared blog a required (or recommended) structure and contents for entries and in accordance to specific grading rubric (Krause, 2005). The literature discusses interesting possibilities for the use of blogs in education (Flatley, 2005; Huffaker, 2006; Perschbach, 2006; Quible, 2005; Richardson, 2006; Selingo, 2004). Churchill (2009) asserted that blogs added a new dimension to teaching effectiveness by enabling teachers to do things that were not possible otherwise, either with or without other technology. Initially, teacher saw blogging as a means by which they could provide a reflections (Chuang, 2008; Yang, 2009). Wang and Hsua (2008) reported that pre-service teachers enjoyed exchanging perspectives on the blog and considered blogging an extra channel that enabled them to express different views or to extend in class discussion. Teachers can continue the class discussion in a blog after class. For that reason, blogs become a good tool for communication between teachers and students as they provide with a platform for the students to give their opinions about teaching. Ding (2008) concluded that the greatest advantage of a blog is that it provides an efficient platform for the interaction between teachers and learners. In addition, a blog can promote teachers to develop thinking and writing habits. Blogging help accelerate the transfer of teachers personal implicit knowledge to explicit knowledge, and let others share the essence of his knowledge or beliefs. So a blog is not only a platform for teaching, thinking and communication; but also a platform of belief and opinion (Yan et al, 2010). Blogs contribute positively in teaching of the English language (Ding, 2008; 2009) and Science (Sawmiller, 2010). Ding (2008, 2009) found that blogs has extended and complemented classroom teaching and learning activities. Sawmiller (2010) in his study supported that using blogs in the classroom can help in teaching scientific concepts and in increasing student learning through the use of a students preferred learning style, personal interest, and engagement. Blogging is the bridge spanning the gap that exists between at-home and school experiences of learning. Blogging can be a constructive tool in a science learning environment. It promotes critical thinking skills, collaboration, and differentiated instruction by using multiple learning styles. Other than teaching, blogs can be used as a tool to promote interaction within online communities, teachers professional development and teachers interaction (Hou, 2010). Luehmann (2008) supported the potential of blogging for teachers professional identity development. The study suggested that teachers blogging determine the extent of the benefits they derive from the practice. Blogs can become the digital files that record teachers professional growth (Shaohui and Lihua, 2008). Blogs help teachers prepare for lessons co-operate and communicate with each other and receive long distance training. Because of the classification function of blogs, teachers can set some useful items (e.g. teaching materials, reference, question solution, exercise, work presentation, notice etc.) in their teaching blog as knowledge management tool (Ding, 2009). Blog provides a platform for not only information interchange but also interchange of thoughts. In sum, blogs allow teachers to have a network identity, promote teachers to reflect upon daily teaching activity, and hence improve the quality of teaching. (Yan et al, 2010). 2.4.2 Attitudes towards Technology and Teaching It has been stated that no matter how sophisticated and powerful the state of technology is, the extent to which it is implemented defends on teachers having a positive attitude towards it (Huang Liaw, 2005). Therefore, this section will discusses the empirical studies related to teachers or educators attitudes towards technology in teaching. Teo (2008) asserted that the success of any initiatives to implement technology in an educational programme depends strongly on the support and attitudes of teachers involved (Teo, 2008). The factors that affect the successful use of computers in the classroom are teachers attitudes towards computers and these attitudes, whether positive or negative, and the attitudes affect how teachers respond to technologies (Teo, 2008). Khine (2001) studied 184 pre-service teachers their use of ICT. They found a significant relationship between computer attitude and ICT use in the institution. Yuen and Ma (2001) administered the Chinese Computer Attitude Scale for Teachers to 216 secondary teachers in Hong Kong to examine the factors that influence the instructional use of computers. They found that affective attitudes a significant factor in influencing the use of computer among teachers. Hong and Koh (2002) investigated the attitudes of rural secondary schools teachers towards computers. The sample consisted of 200 secondary school teachers in Malaysia. Hong and Koh (2002) found that rural secondary teachers have positive attitudes toward computers. Teachers who owned computers and had more computing experience were found to have more positive attitudes than teachers who had less computer experience. Wong et al (2005) examined the use of the Internet among 310 pre-service teachers in Malaysia using questionnaire survey method. The study shows that attitudes toward the Internet were positive. Wong et al (2005) concluded that pre-service teachers will integrated the new technology effectively in classroom instruction either as a teaching tool or as a learning medium. Kadijevich (2006) examined teachers interest to attain educational technology standards (interest) in terms of their computer attitude (attitude) and the professional support they received to attain these standards (support). The study used a sample of 39 mathematics pre-service teachers and 62 elementary pre-service teachers. The two groups differed in Support favouring elementary student teachers, who, contrary to mathematics student teachers, received some basic. Despite the differences in support, for both student teachers, there were direct positive and significant effects for support on attitude and of attitude on interest. Teo et al (2007) examined 239 pre-service teachers attitudes towards computers in Singapore. The results show that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and subjective norm were significant determinants of pre-service computer attitudes. Later, Teo (2008) examined demographic factors among 139 pre-service teachers using a questionnaire. The results show no gender or age differences among pre-service teachers on computer attitudes. However, there were significant differences in computer attitudes for the subject areas that pre-service teachers had been trained. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between years of computer use and level of confidence, and computer attitudes. Birisci et al (2009) conducted a survey among 191 prospective elementary teachers in Turkey to investigate prospective elementary teachers attitudes toward computer and Internet use. It was found that attitudes of prospective teachers towards computer and Internet use at high level. There are no significant differences between prospective elementary teachers attitudes toward computer and Internet use with students class, graduation school type and monthly income. Prior researches haves shown that a teachers attitude towards the computer is a major predictor for future computer use (Myers Halpin, 2002) and his need for learning computing skills that in turn will lead to computer literacy (Zhang Espinoza 1997). For example, Yildirim (2000) found that teachers who used computers more would tend to develop positive attitudes to promote further use of the computer in their daily teaching tasks and conduct activities that require computers to play a major role in, for example, computer-mediated forums. Researchers (Guerrero et al, 2004) summarized teachers attitudes toward the use of technology in mathematics classrooms as hesitant. The majority of teachers indicated that they had not observed any software that really helped learning and using software did not save time in teaching or evaluation. Further, Kadel (2005) found that overcoming the typical obstacles that may deter faculty from utilizing technology for instruction requires a positive attitude. This attitude may manifest itself in an extensive time devotion or willingness to challenge institutional thought. Chao (2005) conducted a survey to find teachers attitudes toward usage of mobile technologies in Taiwan classrooms. This study used cognitive, affective, and behavioural construct of attitudes 150 school teachers. He found that teachers intent to use technologies resources begins with their attitude toward using them in their daily practices. Gado and Hooft (2005) conducted a project in West Africa that introduced handheld computers to Benin secondary science teachers to explore their attitudes towards technology integration in inquiry-based science. Sixteen physical science teachers were selected from ten secondary public schools. A mixed method research design (survey data and interviews) was used. Participants showed positive attitudes toward handheld computers. Analysis of interview data showed five determinants of participants attitudes toward the use of handheld computers and probeware: (i) handheld computers as powerful educational tools; (ii) novelty of the technology; (iii) (ir)relevance of handheld tools in the context of Benin; (iv) self-efficacy beliefs (or perceived simplicity of use); and (v) enhancement of student learning outcome expectancy. Pange et al (2005) studied the attitude of Greek pre-school teachers towards new technologies. 100 preschool were selected as a sample. Pange et al (2005) found that the pre-school teachers have a positive attitude in using new technology. Likewise, Luan et al (2002) found that teachers have positive attitudes towards IT amongst 60 Malaysian in-service teachers. 2.5 SUMMARY This chapter provides a general understanding on blog definition, the features of blogs and blogging tools and their evolution. Examples of blog used in different areas also explained. It also included the empirical study that used technology in teaching. Therefore, the following chapter proposed a model which will be used for this study.

Living Life Like The Great Gatsby :: Great Gatsby Essays

Living Life Like The Great Gatsby    Imagine that you live in the nineteen twenties, and that you are a very wealthy man that lives by himself in a manchine, on a lake and who throws parties every weekend.   This is just the beginning of   how to explain the way Jay Gatsby lived his life.   This novel, by F. Scott, Fitzgerald   is one that is very deep in thought.   Fitzgerald releases little clues along the way of the novel   that will be crusual to understand the ending.   For instance, he makes the blue coupe a very important clue, as well as the Dr. T. J. Eckleburg eyes on the billboard that Mr. Wilson (the gas station attendant ) refers to as the eyes of god.   There are also other little things that relate to the reason of gatsby's death.   The main character's of this novel each have their part to do with the ending, Nick Caraway is probably the main character of this novel, as he comes down from New Jersey to new York to visit his cousin Daisy, who is married to Tom Buchannan.   These are some of the incidents that are included in the novel as   you will read further I will relate some issues of the novel, as well as other critics have included their views on The Great Gatsby.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   F. Scott, Fitsgerald   was an American short story writer and novelist famous for his depictions of the Jazz Age(the 1920's), his most brilliant novel work being The Great Gatsby(1925). He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on sept. 24, 1896   and died in Hollywood, California on December 21, 1940.   His private life, with his wife, Zelda, in both America and France, became almost as celebrated as his novels.   Fitsgerald was the only son of an aristocrat father, who was the author of the star spangle banner.   Fitzgerald spent most of time with his wife, latter in their relationship they moved to france where he began to write his most brilliant novel, The Great Gatsby.   All of his divided nature is in this novel, the native midwestener afir with the possibilities of   every Americans dream in it's hero, Jay Gatsby, and the compassionate princeton gentlemen in it's narrator, Nick Carraway.   The Great Gatsby is the most

What Motivates Employees Essay -- Employee Motivation Essays

How do you get things done in an organization? First, you must have managers who can delegate to employees. Effective managers have the ability to get things done through other people. This is accomplished by motivating employees to accomplish tasks. A manager must be able to delegate these tasks to employees. The technique a manager uses to motivate employees to work for him, will either motivate or dissatisfy employees. Motivated employees will work with the manager to achieve company goals. Those employees who are dissatisfied will work against company goals. It wasn't that long ago that employees were considered "just another input into the production of goods and services."(Linder 1998) Elton Mayo had a big impact on the view of employers at the time. Beginning in 1924 and continuing through 1932, Elton Mayo conducted the Hawthorne studies Linden, 1998) He concluded that employees were not solely motivated by money. Elton Mayo Previously believed that outside stimulus like lighting and physical surroundings affected productivity. Yet, no matter how they changed the stimulus during their experiment production increased. "It turned out that the stimulus that affected production most was being observed: being the focus of attention motivated people to hard work." (Cohen 1998, 93) His discovery was later refereed to as the Hawthorne Effect. His discovery changed the way managers looked at employees and they encouraged them. Encouragement is a technique managers use to motivate employees. â€Å"A supervisor’s willingness to give encouragement is not only an expectation of many employees but is beneficial in terms of job productivity†(Davidhizar 1997, 16). Employees feel better about themselves... ...3-94. Davidhizar, Ruth and Shearer, Ruth. â€Å" Giving Encouragement as a Transformational Leadership Technique.† Health Care Supervisors. (March 1997) : 16 - 21. Jukiewicz, Carole L. and Massey Jr, Tom K. â€Å"What Motivates Municipal Employees: A Comparison Study of Supervisory vs. Non-Supervisory Personnel.† Health Care Supervisors. (Fall 1997) : 367 - 378. Linder, James R.. Understanding Employee Motivation.† Journal of Extension. (June 1998) : Vol 36 Num 3. McConnell, Charles R.. â€Å"Mixed Motivations: The Leadership Contradiction.† Health Care Supervisors. (December 1998): 63 - 70. McConnell, Charles R. â€Å"Learn What Motivates Your Employees: Look to Yourself.† Health Care Supervisors. (June 1998) : 1 - 11. McConnell, Charles R. â€Å"Employee Involvement: Motivation or Manipulation?† Health Care Supervisors. (March 1998): 69 - 85.

Rose For Emily :: essays research papers

A Rose for Emily By: none (William Faulkner) In times of distress, trauma and uncertainly, many people find a comfort in familiar surroundings, where they can close out the world and relax. This was certainly Emily’s way of handling her trauma. All her life Emily tried to escape from change. Even the posting of the new mailbox was unacceptable for her. She acted as though nothing around her had changed her entire life. Even though death and loss affected her, she seemed to try to avoid thinking about it. Emily is unable to balance her traditions in modern times. But, the roots of her tragedy lay in the fact, that neither can the people who surround her in the town. In the story, Faulkner presents us with a sad tale of a lonely woman, who is only met with disappointment and grief in her search for love. Emily was a lonely woman. Miss Emily came from a powerful family. She had experienced a controlling love from her father. That love only demanded that she abide by his rules an d his expectation of her in his lifetime. Her suitors were all sent away by her father. After failing to marry, she lost the only person who was her family, her father. After her father died, she met Homer Barron, a Yankee, who was in the construction business in the town. Finally she had someone to love. They dated and possibly were happy with each other, but the traditions, customs and prejudices of the South doomed this affair to end. She could not allow this. Emily could not have lived with Homer, but she could not loose him, her only love. So she poisoned him with arsenic. She needed someone to love her eternally, and someone to love. She did not have any family members to love and nurture, to turn to for love or support. The few family members she had thought she was crazy, but actually they were even more proud of their position in the society. They prohibited her relationship with Homer. They pushed her to do what she did. The town, the family, all the people were against he r love. She could not have Homer alive. This is why she killed him. This way he was hers, only hers, forever: â€Å"Then we noticed that in the second pillow was an indentation of a head.

How are characters presented as disturbed in Macbeth, Laboratory and My Last Duchess? Essay

It is important to be able to define what ‘disturbed’ actually means in order to answer this question to a high standard of explanation. Disturbed is an adjective and it is the showing of symptoms of mental illness, severe psychosis and neurosis. It is also useful to consider the audiences of each poem or play to elaborate on explanations. Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, is set during the eleventh century is about the emotional manipulation of individuals and the lust for power and the upmost authority over a victorious Scotland featuring an Elizabethan audience whereas Robert Browning’s poems, Laboratory and My Last Duchess, is about the overcoming of jealously and betrayal set during the Victorian era with a Victorian audience. Macbeth in the beginning of the play is a noble, humble and honourable person who, without question would sacrifice his life for the liberty of his King, Duncan. As the play progresses he attitude towards life in general changes completely, mainly due to the pressure that Lady Macbeth inflicts on him. However, Lady Macbeth has quite a surprising personality as she is not the stereotypical Elizabethan woman. Lady Macbeth is expected to be fragile, meek, innocent and comforting but in this unusual circumstance Lady Macbeth would very much rather â€Å"dashed the brains out† of an infant child. This is plain evidence to suggest that Lady Macbeth is of no stable condition. In addition to this surprising fact Lady Macbeth is cunning and bloodthirsty. She demands Macbeth in Act one, Scene Five to â€Å"look like th’innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t†. It is very common for a man to demand a female to pursue tasks but for a woman to demand a man, especially of something like sacrilege, is very unusual. This could mean two things, Macbeth is weak and is unable to depict his own decisions or/and that Macbeth is mentally deteriorating. Macbeth reason with Lady Macbeths orders in his soliloquy in Act one, Scene seven and from the things he points out such as â€Å"his faculties are so meek† gives the reader/viewer sympathy for Macbeth suggests that Macbeth is of a stable condition and is able to rationalize his views and interpretation â€Å"we will proceed no further in this business†. Lady Macbeth realises that herself and Macbeth in Act one, Scene Five are â€Å"too full o’th’ milk of human kindness† and therefore aggressively requests to the spirits â€Å"unsex me here and fill me here from the crown to the toe-top full of direst cruelty†. The tone and images that are tagged along with this quote are very dark and ‘cold hearted’, also notice the word used to describe the type of cruelty, ‘full of direst cruelty’. Not only does Lady Macbeth want to be cruel but she wants to be completely ‘full of’ the ‘direst cruelty’. It is at this exact point when it becomes possible to claim that Lady Macbeth is at the top of the spiral to insanity. The choice of language is compelling as if she felt no sympathy for King Duncan. Lady Macbeth uses harsh and violent sounding vocabulary to stress her ambitions â€Å"Hie thee hither†, the use of alliteration attracts the attention of audience signifying that she purposely wants people to know really how serious she is similarly in Laboratory the persona demonstrates her willingness to commit a felony â€Å"Grind away, moisten and mash up thy paste, pound at thy powder†, there is a use of harsh and violent sounding vocabulary and there is a use of alliteration to make an appeal to the audience. During the Elizabethan era a particular doctrine was in place because of the religious relationship involved with that patriarchal society, a feudal system was in place meaning that Sacrilege was unfaithful to such an extent that Hell was certain to be your destination. The fact that Lady Macbeth urges Macbeth to commit sacrilege is, without saying, disturbing because the King (especially at that time) is Gods representative and killing God just to achieve power is so insane that you could argue that she is ‘demon possessed’. Macbeth and the poem Laboratory are both similar in terms of the unusual language used, â€Å"Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow†, a quote by Macbeth in his final soliloquy, in act five, scene five, before to his soliloquy Lady Macbeth had committed suicide which was inevitably an act of sin and therefore ‘the afterlife’ would be spend in hell for eternity â€Å"We’ld jump the life to come. But in these cases We still have judgment here†, which meant Macbeth and Lady Macbeth (at least Macbeth) were both aware that they had committed felonies during their current life including sacrilege giving the idea that Macbeth was aware of his wrongdoings telling us that Macbeth was not psychotically weak but instead attempted to improvise the situation so at least he had something to live for. This also gives the audience sympathy for Macbeth because he is able to rationalize his opinions and justifications. The persona uses similar unusual language to Macbeth â€Å"And her breasts and her arms should drop dead! † Stanza six, the repetition of the connective ‘and’ in the Macbeth and the Laboratory poem is used to emphasis their feelings and emotions. In addition to this the persona in Laboratory uses an exclamation mark at the end of her sentence revealing to us that she is certain that she wants this devil orientated scenario to occur in reality, on the other hand, Macbeth says his quote (mentioned above) in a calm, soothing manner. I am able to say this because Macbeth uses no form of extreme punctuation to object otherwise. This obviously is a difference suggesting that Macbeth is in fact sane because he is clearly pointing out that he has realised that â€Å"life’s but a walking shadow†. There are indeed multiple differences that make Laboratory and Macbeth very unalike indeed. The largest and most obvious variance between these two highly interpreted pieces of literature is that Laboratory is actually a poem of emotion and the outburst of frustration. The persona in Laboratory can be argued to be neurotic because of her intentions but these are just intentions whereas in Macbeth Lady Macbeths intentions are fulfilled, the killing of King Duncan. Laboratory is very much an extreme retaliation of revenge and hatred.