Baz Luhrmann’s Essay

How does Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation of â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† visually highlight Shakespeare’s rich language and imagery? Shakespeare’s use of language reflects the theatre of his day. There were no elaborate set designs, costumes, lighting or sound effects and there were also only a small number of actors playing many different parts. This could get confusing and therefore the language and imagery had to do all the work for the audience, as the words were the only tools available to help them imagine the scenes vividly. In the prologue of â€Å"Romeo and Juliet†, line number twelve; â€Å"Is now the two hours’ traffic of our stage† and the very last words; â€Å"our toil shall strive to mend†, have significant meaning. These sentences, spoken by the chorus, highlight to the audience the key plot elements to come. It gives the audience an idea of what they are about to watch or read and makes the ensuing action more intelligible. This dramatic convention therefore acts almost like a movie trailer. In Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation of the play, the prologue begins with a long shot of a television (within a television), with a reporter speaking to us from inside of it. Behind the reporter’s left shoulder are the words â€Å"star-crossed lovers† and a symbol of a broken ring. This, in the first minute of the play, already introduces us to the fact that Romeo and Juliet are star-crossed lovers, which is a major theme throughout the entire play. The news reporter then delivers the whole prologue from beginning to end, before the camera zooms further and further in until the point of extreme close up, at which point the prologue changes. This is how Baz Luhrmann achieves a similar effect to Shakespeare’s dramatic use of the prologue. By doing this, it is almost as if we are â€Å"entering† the movie and if you do not wish to â€Å"go in† then it is your choice not to continue watching. In the second sentence of the prologue, â€Å"In fair Verona (where we lay our scene)†, Shakespeare carefully uses the positive modifier â€Å"fair† to describe the city. This emphasizes the fact that Verona is closely associated with God, therefore establishing it as a peaceful, moral city. However, this is contradicted by negative modifiers in the next sentences of the prologue, which are â€Å"From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean†. This brings in the fact that there is an old grudge between two families. However, with this grudge there is blood shed and constant fights, some of which draw in innocent civilians. In the movie this section of the prologue is shot from a fast-moving helicopter. There is an extreme long shot and an aerial view of Verona, which introduces us to the town. A statue of Jesus is shown, immediately followed by the words â€Å"IN FAIR VERONA†, in large, white letters. Then, for several seconds, there is jump cutting between the Jesus statue and the phrase. This is how Baz Luhrmann shows us that Verona is normally a good, religious city. This is then followed by some fast, substantial shots. We are shown two separate buildings; one which has the sign â€Å"Montague† at the top, and the other which has the sign â€Å"Capulet† on top. This introduces us to the two feuding families who are the centre of the play. In addition, a police car which says â€Å"Verona Police† is filmed. All of these key points visually highlight Shakespeare’s imagery and language. The police car is an indication of the violence to come that is caused by the feud and upsets the normal, peaceful status quo. The first six lines of the prologue are essentially the most important in establishing the plot – for example lines three and four from the prologue: â€Å"from ancient grudge break to new mutiny† and â€Å"where civil blood makes civil hands unclean†. Luhrmann usually emphasises these points with newspaper headlines shown in the movie with those exact sentences on them. These lines of the prologue are also heard as the voice-over of the Friar. Jump cutting is used to move from headline to headline and the newspapers are shot in extreme close up, surrounded by flames of fire. With each sentence of the prologue that is said, an accompanying image is shown on the screen with it. These include violent images such as police cars and police helicopters. Overall, expressive lighting is used in the film, to add even greater intensity to the conflict between peace and war in Verona. This, along with words such as â€Å"death†, â€Å"rage† and â€Å"blood†, really start to show the dark side of the plot and ironically contrasts with Verona being described as a â€Å"fair† city previously. Next, line ten of the prologue, â€Å"the continuance of their parents’ rage†, establishes the fact that the grudge between the families is a long-standing ordeal. This is represented in the movie with a montage, showing the many magazines which talk about the hatred of the two families. Line five in the prologue, â€Å"from forth the fatal loins of these two foes†, aims to introduce the parents of Romeo and Juliet and in fact the two main characters themselves. Therefore, at this point, Baz Lurhmann shows a short clip of each significant actor in the movie. This is followed by a freeze frame on them, with the name of their character and any outstanding relationships he or she might have with other characters. The freeze frames are extremely close up on the characters’ faces and it sets the scene for the rest of the movie, so we know who to look out for. This is also an opportunity for Baz Luhrmann to give some limited information about the characters’ status. He does so by filming Montague and Capulet at a slightly lower angle than the others, making them appear more intimidating than the rest. This is how he effectively shows that they are the heads of the two households. In lines six and nine of the prologue, Shakespeare uses such phrases as â€Å"star-crossed† and â€Å"death-marked† to describe Romeo and Juliet’s love. First of all, â€Å"love† and â€Å"death† are oxymoronic and are not commonly found together in the same sentence. Secondly, â€Å"star-crossed† implies that they have no control over their love. It implies that Fate is in control and the minute they fell in love both were destined to die. In the film during this time, loud, fast and rising operatic music is played. This is incidental music significantly increases the level of tension and drama in the prologue. This is therefore appropriate for trying to emphasize the fact of the couple’s fated love. What Baz Luhrmann does here is basically pull the whole prologue together. Proceeding this, after the prologue has been explained, Baz Luhrmann tries to increase the level of suspense even further, to truly point out the violence and the tragic ending of the play. Therefore what he does, with the opera music still playing, is show most of the prologue on the screen in writing. Jump cutting is used between each sentence, but it is barely readable since the editing is at such a high speed, so the prologue is literally flashing before your eyes. Afterwards, Baz Luhrmann shows snippets from the entire movie to the audience. Jump cutting is used and the images flash at a very high speed before you. He goes from the end to the beginning of the movie, and what he achieves is, in a sense, a visual prologue! At the very end of the prologue, the title â€Å"Romeo + Juliet† comes up and the ‘plus’ sign is actually made to suggest a Christian cross. This subtly reminds us of the religious side of the play. This includes the Friar, who is a religious personage, the wedding that Romeo and Juliet have and also the whole theme of destiny and some divinity or higher power looking over and controlling us in life. So in conclusion, this is how Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation of the prologue from â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† successfully visually highlights Shakespeare’s rich language and imagery. We can see how he has gone through the prologue and then fairly systematically translated its deeper meaning, in remarkably creative ways. He effectively translates all the messages of the prologue in a contemporary and entertaining context.

Water shortage may be next cause of world war

While much attention and debate have been correctly focused on the impending planet-wide oil shortage, a far greater calamity awaits us as the reality of the looming global water crisis becomes more apparent. It is not unreasonable to wonder whether the next world war will be fought over oil or water.No resource on Earth is more precious than water. While ongoing events draw our attention to oil, we ignore what will become the most serious resource issue in this century – the international water shortage. The reports that nearly a third of the world’s population lacks clean water for personal daily use and estimates that by 2025 that number will grow to half of the world’s population. A number of world leaders have even suggested that the next world war could be sparked by water disputes.In places as different as the American west, the Middle East, Northern Africa, and China the problem of diminishing water supplies is becoming steadily more serious and more dang erous. The World Bank has reported that as many as 80 countries now have water shortages that threaten their economies as well as their citizens’ health, while 40 percent of the world’s population have no access to clean water and sanitation.In addition, more than a dozen nations receive most of their water from rivers that cross borders of neighbouring countries viewed as hostile. As readily as people and countries ï ¬ ght over control of oil, one can only imagine what it will be like when our precious life source of water is no longer available in sufficient quantities.According to Frank Rijsberman, the director of the International Water Management Institute, â€Å"Globally, water usage has increased six times in the past 100 years and will double again by 2050, driven mainly by irrigation and demands of agriculture.†The consequences of this increase in demand will be widespread scarcity and rapidly increasing water prices. As described in a report issued l ast August by WWF, the global conservation organization, rather than being simply a problem effecting poor and undeveloped countries, the â€Å"combination of climate change and drought and loss of wetlands that store water, along with poorly thought out water infrastructure and resources management, is making this (water) crisis truly global.†In the Middle East, Israelis and Palestinians are ï ¬ ghting over shrinking water resources. In China & India more than 400 of 600 towns & nearby cities are suffering water shortages and in Peru, as around the world, mountain glaciers are in retreat, taking with them vast stores of water that grow crops, generate electricity and sustain communities.â€Å"The situation will only be exacerbated as climate change is predicted to bring lower rainfall, increased evaporation and changed patterns of snow melting.†So what is to be done about this imminent case of water insecurity? The most important ï ¬ rst step is to develop a bette r method of agricultural irrigation. Presently 70 percent of all water use is agricultural, with 60 percent of that water being wasted, primarily through seepage and evaporation. Other strategies to address this growing global water problem include: water conservation, more desalination plants, slowing population growth, reducing pollution, and simply better managing the supply and demand of our most precious resource.Ultimately, there will be no remedy for this seemingly intractable problem unless and until truly sustainable practices of water conservation are undertaken at the personal, national and global level. If we fail to do this, and don’t learn to conserve and cooperate, the war(s) for control of the oil in the Middle East will appear mere picnics by comparison.And in addition to the already existing â€Å"No Blood for Oil† protest signs, our  newest antiwar protesters will be carrying signs saying, â€Å"No War for Water.†

Industrial Revolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Industrial Revolution - Essay Example section for cultivation. With their modern techniques used to get more yield. While the families of low hierarchy and less power used to work under the land lords. The families were broken and people in small families used to flew to towns and industrial areas where they are paid for the work done. Thus the population used to rise in the towns and cities. Poor families were forced to work for long hours and were paid less compensation. For this reason women and children used to accompany their elder family members and used to work for long hours under conditions. The growth in urban population has pressurized the water, housing, sanitation etc facilities which have had worsened the living condition in that region. There is no proper interaction in between families as the members along with their children were put into work. There were no educational facilities for children as they were no time for them to perceive. The young generation lacked the social ethics as their elders were busy in their work for most of the time. Capitalism strongly prevailed in the industrial regions. Workers safety was least concerned .The industrialization were more of production oriented and the owners made huge profits The profits increased the gap between the rich and the poor increased. No government policies were implemented as the rich used to dictate the terms.Industrial revolution has bought some positive results as the poverty has been reduced; the wages were increased in some regions. The cities were divided into their specific activities like the industrial areas, the marketing areas, the administrative areas. The working classes were ill-treated in the initial periods of industrialization. The workers... This essay discusses that education was a major concern in the industrial revolution days as people of all ages were busy in their work which lasts for 15 to 18 hours a day. Elders were educated about the mechanics of the machines and their operations. Gradually in the first quarter of the eighteenth century in England, child education was made compulsory up to 12 years. Children who were educated up to certain age were allowed part-time to work.The social responsibility was highlighted in the period of industrial revolution. This is addressing the concern of the widows, the injured soldiers and the people below poverty line. The private wealthy society was encouraged to generously participate in providing the basic needs of the needy in that period. The industrial revolution has created immense wealth for many sections which propelled them to organize aid to the people who were in distress. The increase in the communications and the accessibility to the issue regions has pushed the assistance further more. The attitudes have kept changing which resulted in a lot of nongovernmental organizations which started addressing the concerns of the poor. The social responsibility has been projected as a ritual for the wealthy and status to dissipate the surplus to the needy. The philanthropic values gradually spread to eradicate the social evils like alcoholic consumption, the abolition of slavery, improved work environment in factories and fight for the social concerns community wise.

Art and Architecture of Africa-Pictures Assignment

Art and Architecture of Africa-Pictures - Assignment Example The function of the object: the masks were worn during ceremonies such as circumcision, initiation and funeral ceremonies. They were a sign of authority and were also worn by the Bwadi ya Kifwebe association which was a policing society that provided control and behavior in the community. The function of the object: these sculptures were made to complement the reliquary containers and were ancestral representations that were memorized and addressed in times of need through relics that were preserved in the attached container (Kowalski, pg12). The function of the object: the object was used in Mukudj dances that were commissioned by the community leaders in memory of a great person or the visit of an honorable individual in the community (Bingham, pg33). The function of the object: they were placed on the top of the baskets containing the bones of the ancestors to act as guardians of the bones and at the same time ward off the evil spirits (Dowling, pg50). Kowalski, Marek Arpad. Art and history: incidental notes on carvings of the Fang tribe in the collections of the National Museum of Ethnography in Warsaw. Warsaw: National Museum of Ethnography in Warsaw, 19751976.

Water Pollution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Water Pollution - Essay Example Oxygen levels required to decompose this waste is called biological oxygen demand .a large amount of biological oxygen demand is required to decompose industrial wastes and because of their profit maximization motive the opt dispose in water to reduce cost of treatment. The wastes when directed to water bodies always have catastrophic effects on marine and human life. The second type of pollutant is excessive nutrition. This is common in agricultural where agricultural runoffs and non biodegradable detergents contaminate water. This facilitates growth of phytoplankton. The autophication process results in large dissolved oxygen from photosynthesis during the day and over utilization of oxygen for respiratory purposes during the night. This causes deficiency of oxygen in water leading to massive death of aquatic animals. Suspended solids are also another type of pollution in this 21st century. This is prevalent where land has been disturbed by plowing or excavation. Ground up wood fibers can also be classified in this category of suspended solid pollution. There are over 65000 industrial chemicals in use in the modern world .3-5 new chemical s enter the market every day .the major classes of chemicals which are harmful and find their way through to water sources are ammonia, petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides, and detergents.(Heath A.G,1995) Another type of water pollution is microbiological pollution. This is natural form of pollution caused by microorganisms. They include e bacteria, viruses and protozoa. They are the major cause of illness in human being and animals. (Canter w. L and knot 1985) Human activities have negative impact and contribute greatly in water pollution. Industrial waste form the largest percentage of water pollution .nuclear waste produced from industrial, medical and scientific process that use radioactive materials can be very harmful when they find they way to water

Democracy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Democracy - Essay Example Lord Bryce states that democracy is â€Å"the form of government in which the ruling power is vested not in a particular class but in all the persons of a state†. Abraham Lincoln defined it as â€Å"democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people†. Carl Becker defined democracy as â€Å"a democratic form of government has always meant one in which the citizens, or a sufficient number of them to represent more or less effectively the common will, freely act from time to time, and according to established forms, to appoint or recall the magistrates and to enact or revoke the laws by which the community is governed† (Modern Democracy). Pre-Requisites of Democracy Democracy is a system, which is successful in a sound political system. Such an atmosphere can be created by enhancing the literacy rate, improved socialization, active involvement of citizens in national politics, replacement of sentimental and violent politics with rational thi nking and pacific means, entrance of acceptance and tolerance in political life, and superiority of the national interests. Democracy may flourish only if everyone is given opportunity to participate in political activities and exercise of state powers on basis of merit and ability. However, several professional politicians are creating monopoly in politics due to political ignorance and lack of awareness. Political parties and democracy are nothing without each other. About all states in the world have political parties and representative groups to strengthen the democratic form of government. Democracy develops through unionism, associations, interest groups, and pressure groups. They communicate national problems to people and opinions of the people are made. Democracy is such a political system, which ensures right of opposition and criticism to put government on the right track. While exercising its powers, government may ignore the charter and abuse powers. A strong opposition is therefore necessary to keep government within its limits. Media is often considered as the backbone of democratic system. It serves as a bridge between government and the people. The role of media in the development of democracy is essential, therefore its independence must be ensured. Furthermore, development of democracy requires that regionalism and sectarianism must be discouraged and even to be rooted-out. These things divert attention of government from welfare and development activities. As rulers are representatives, they are responsible before people. Accountability to check government acts results in increased life and quality of democratic systems. Judiciary in this regard is a type of check valve in the system. It must be independent and effective to preserve the rights of the community. Characteristic Conditions of Democracy In democratic states, all people, irrespective of any discrimination, are citizens. According to the traditional concepts, as Aristotle says, à ¢â‚¬Å"all persons of a state are not citizens as slaves†. It is democracy, which gave equal rights and opportunities even to both sexes and all inhabitants. In this form of government, no one is allowed to rule forever but government changes according to changing conditions. Periodical elections are scheduled to change governments peacefully and through constitutional means. Government is responsible before parliament in parliamentary form of government and representatives are responsible before the electorates. In this political system, representatives have desire for re-election that compels parliamentarians to respect people suggestions. Democratic system ensures that all decisions are made on majority basis and state administration is run according to the will of the majority.

Urban Regeneration & Mega Event Case Study Olympics 2012 Essay

Urban Regeneration & Mega Event Case Study Olympics 2012 - Essay Example The purpose of the study is to determine whether or not a net benefit, either from economic gain or legacy, or both, is likely in the case of the London Olympics. Key concepts and theories Urban regeneration - Officially, the term ‘regeneration’ is described as ‘the positive transformation of a place – whether residential, commercial, or open space – that has previously displayed symptoms of physical, social and/or economic decline’ (Dept. of Culture, Media and Sports, 2004) Mega-event - The term ‘mega-events’ is used to refer to those high-profile events that last for a short duration but which require a great deal of expense and years of preparation. Mega-events are generally seen as having a great potential to promote tourism, and are expected to have a strong economic impact for the country hosting the event (Hiller, 2000, p. 439). Boosterism – The term ‘boosterism’ generally refers to ‘the necessary exaggeration that accompanies human endeavors’ (Amato, 1993, p. 50). In urban regeneration for mega-events, ‘boosterism’ refers to the exaggerat ed optimism in extolling the benefits of hosting a mega-event. Legacy planning – The term ‘legacy planning’ in relation to mega-sporting events refers to planning for deriving the maximum benefit of what is left of all the developments after the games have ended (Parliament HL, 2005). Crowding out – ‘Crowding out’ happens when visitors to the mega-event discourage regular visitors from taking their trip at the same time because of the difficulty of finding accommodations and getting access to other services; also known as ‘displacement’ (Barclay, 2009, p. 64). Supply-side leakages – ‘Supply-side leakages’ refer to the temporary entry of external firms which sell products during the Games, but whose revenues do not benefit the locality (Barclay, 2009, p. 64). Outline plan of the final essay 1. Introduction The introduction provides the background of the topic and an explanation for the importance of studying suc h a topic (Single, 2009, p. 70). This portion gives the context for understanding what the rest of the research will be about. The case study focuses on trying to weigh the economic costs against the economic benefits and the legacy the Olympic Games will create. 2. Urban regeneration The concept of urban regeneration is introduced first because it is the most important concept on which the case study is based. In explaining urban regeneration, the emphasis is placed on renewal and reconstruction of degraded part of the city. All projects that are undertaken as ‘regeneration’ projects should therefore enhance the areas of aspects of the city that are already in need of repair or upgrading. 3. Mega-event and its role in urban regeneration In this section, the idea of ‘mega-event’ is linked with that of ‘urban regeneration’. The two concepts are not or do not seem to be naturally related. The first refers to entertainment, something spectacular. The second refers to reconstruction. By discussing these two concepts in relation with each other, the importance of mega-events as a way of staging urban regeneration projects is given focus. 4. Urban regeneration for Olympics 2012 This section introduces the 2012 Olympic

Impact of Technology Throughout Aviation Term Paper

Impact of Technology Throughout Aviation - Term Paper Example This paper will begin with the history of aviation methods, systems, and equipment that were used prior to the 21st century. The information provided will include laws and regulations, environmental issues, safety procedures, training, design, and management that have been incorporated to enhance aircraft operations across the various levels of an organization. By reviewing actual accident reports, this project will show how these unfortunate events have enabled us to learn from them and create new technologies to help prevent future accidents. Finally, I will discuss current ideas that are being tested and what they could do to further improve aviation. Program Outcomes Addressed Critical Thinking Several economical and management concepts are adopted in the aviation industry, like the utilization of the fuel types, the training of the staff and conducting tests mechanically and economically may improve the economics as well as the reputation of the aviation industry. The latest ide as involve the economical as well as environmental perspectives. Most of the time, the economic perspective dominated the environmental perspective. However, the modern technology like the utilization of bigger planes in the aviation is good economically as well as environmentally, as it reduces the amount of emissions per person regarding the aviation industry. ... Mostly, aviation planes utilize the turbofan jet engine, which comes in the category of gas turbine engines. However, in the modern era the maintenance of security is another bigger aim for the aviation industry. The aviation is not only influenced by the internal threats but also external threats, while terrorism is the biggest risk the aviation industry is facing today. The most probable solution is to limit the personal with some notably uniqueness or having some default personality or carrying some different kind of goods with him. After 9/11, the risk of terrorist attacks was increased due to lacking in each and every system that is utilized in the aviation. However, several tactics are employed to make the system better. The betterments not only help in improving the security but consequently attract more number of passengers each year, which benefits the aviation much economically. Quantitative Reasoning The project utilizes the quantitative methods of research and reasoning. In quantitative data conclusion are made by utilizing the information and the observations. However, the collection of information utilizes various steps in defining the concepts. The most important factor is the verification of the sources. Dedicated sources like the government publications and the companies’ publications can be considered as reliable sources. However, books are the most dominant and verified sources. In this project both primary as well as secondary data collection methods are utilized to enhance the data validity. However, much information is available on different sources on the topic. It is very difficult to choose the credible sources, thus it is important to collect the raw data from as many sources and extract

Of Mice and Men Essay Example for Free

Of Mice and Men Essay For my coursework, I am going to write about how John Steinbeck, Announces and presents the two characters George and Lennie in the book; Of Mice and Men; and how the relationships between the characters make the story as good as it is. Steinbeck uses a high definition of detail to introduce the two men, George and Lennie: by using similes, personification and metaphors; he gives a large imagery effect of what the people look like (George and Lennie). Small, quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features. By using informative text like this you get the idea if someone is small they are generally about 5ft tall he hasnt been able to wash for a while due to dark of face (or this fellow hasnt been a rich person and has worked all his life), with sharp strong features must mean he has been working, maybe as a labourer or a outlaw. The second figure a huge man, shapeless of face, with large pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders; and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws. His arms did not swing at his sides, but hung loosely. The second fellows description gives me the idea he is slightly retarded; the way his arms do not swing and the way he uses features of a bear I find it that bears haves docile features, e.g. the use of there paws and the expression on the faces. He is also the follower. Steinbeck puts it across that the large person has no perception of danger; the way he flung down his blankets and drank from the surface of the green pool. Then the small fellow starts shouting his name, Lennie! Dont drink so much ; hinting he has awareness that they maybe danger with the pool being green. The way he drinks from the pool also gives the impression that he is slightly retard long gulps, snorting, and like a horse all strong descriptive words, makes the reader think hand on what is the guy a animal or a human? He gives him animal (inhuman) qualities. Steinbeck puts Lennie across as a child making his splashes of rings across the pool and George the leader. And again when Lennie goes to take a sip from water he is giving him the characteristics of a animal dipping his large paw into the water George is put across to have a strong bond with Lennie helping each other is the key to the story. The link between the characters is they are together in the early 1900s men didnt generally go around together them days, it was everyone for themselves with the American dream (The American aspect is that anyone can get to any position of work, wealth etc. with working for it.) On page 6 Steinbeck shows that the characters are frustrated He said angrily, We could just as well of rode clear to the ranch if that bastard bus driver knew what he was talkin about. Jes a little stretch. God damn near four miles, thats what it was! Didnt wanta stop at the ranch gate, thats what? Too god damn lazy to stop in Soledad at all. Kicks us out and says, jes a little stretch down the road. I bet it was more than four miles. Damn hot day. Steinbeck uses strong language in this text to show the frustration of lazy drivers and how people dont care most probably because Lennie is a retard and its how its was in the early 1900s. George is looking after Lennie; Steinbeck gives the hint in page 7 where George is looking after Lennies work card. Lennie also likes to pet small soft animals in the book, he holds mice at the start of the book, later on we find out Lennie likes to pet mice that his aunt gave him; but with him being so clumsy he squashes them to death and keeps them because there soft, because he has the mental age of a 8yr old and he doesnt know any better. George has to keep an eye out for this because we all know fresh mice will carry disease. Later on in the book, we find out that George and Lennie has a dream of owning a small ranch and Lennie wants to pet the rabbits. They have a little bit of money stored back and hope to make there dram come true shortly and they discuss that if there is any trouble in Soledad they will meet up in the wooded area, there was trouble in weed (the town they last had a place of work in). Lennie likes pretty colours and got attracted to a girls dress, when the girl said, let go, he hung on in fear and the girls escaped shouting rape, of course, Lennie would have been trialled and sentenced to death for this, so they made a run for it. In addition, eventually made it to a ranch in Soledad. For Lennie to remember things George gets him to repeat himself several times this way he remembers what has been said. When they get to the ranch, Lennie is instructed not to say a word to anyone, they dont want the ranch owner to find out Lennie isnt as smart as he looks, so they go meet the owner and George tries to answer all the questions, the owner thinks its suspicious the two guys travelling together, and makes Lennie talk. Anyhow, they get there way around it and go to the bunkhouse. Also in the book Slim gives Lennie a pup, since he aint allowed mice since they where always dying in his pocket, the guys thought that having a pup might be easier for him as its bigger and stronger and it will grow older to be bigger and stronger, unluckily this doesnt happen like the mice the pup also dies. There is a repetition of this through the book, and the persistence of a gun, and things (animals) dying. As they kill candys dog, it is taken outside and shot! I think that J. Steinbeck had made the book so that repetition of incidents are made to drag the reader into thinking I think something isnt going to be too good at the end of this book, people classed as animals, and everything being killed or shot? Curly is a character in the book with a fiery temper he is the ranch owners son and was a lightweight boxer, married (just) to His wife who is clearly given no name but referred to as Curlys wife, making it so that she is his possession. There is always an assumtion of a fight when curly enters the story line, he is always looking for his wife and always curious of what she is up to. Candy gets in on the American dream offering Lennie and George some money to buy the land and do it as he is fed up of being on the ranch. This way they can go to there dream and letting Lennie play with the rabbits but, he also would be out of danger e.g. the incident in weed that wouldnt be possible to happen as it would be on there land. A few pages on from curly being part of the American dream, Lennie has a fight with Curly and severely damages his fist breaking every bone in his hand! This now gives curly a reason not to like Lennie. Anyhow the guys go out and start playing horseshoes, Lennie was in the barn stroking his pup when it went to bite him; he hit the pup and he had killed it! Anyhow he was so upset thinking George wouldnt let him tend his rabbits in the dream they were having, Curlys wife walked in with here hair and make up all done so smartly, with a nice dress on. Curlys wife had been told she could have been a actor in Hollywood, and a guy would write to her but she was never wrote to, putting it across that her mother never let her seen the letters; while trying to prove to Lennie she could be a actor. Lennie explained his dream to Curlys wife, as Curlys wife was such a tease, moved closer and closer to Lennie, Lennie was going on about how he likes to stroke and pet soft things. Several times, she called Lennie nuts. She let Lennie stroke her hair, repeatedly and he stroked it harder, harder and harder, until she cried let go, Lennie grabbed her and covered her mouth telling her not to cry as he will get into trouble. She then struggled and Lennie shook her, he killed her, broke her neck, he dropped her and she laid there; he realised what he had done and ran into the brush where George had told him to go, Lennie had remembered he had to run to the brush. Once the guys found out she was dead Curly wanted him dead he got his gun and went out and his horse to get him with the guys. Curly now had a real reason to go and get Lennie; George knew exactly where to find him. George took a gun and went to go find Lennie, he found Lennie exactly where he had told him where to go, he started to talk to Lennie and got him to tell George about there dream and what it was going to be like, George lifted to gun to the back of Lennies head and shot him! The crash of the shot was heard echoing about the valleys. Steinbeck at the end of the story did not say if George ever made his American dream with candy of if he ever got Trialled for murder. This shows how the American dream doesnt always go to plan and maybe its just luck that gets you there, but does show you how the guys tried, and the relationship between people in them days sometimes led to hard consequences.

Patient X Essay Example for Free

Patient X Essay Patient X’s doctor has been trying to convince him to practice better lifestyle habits to for several years to help combat his hypertension (on antihypertensive medication for 3 years), diabetes (6 years) and growing waistline. A recent routine check-up revealed a deterioration of his lipid profile (TC 260, TG 310, HDL 29, LDL 170) and fasting glucose of 172. Patient X is 55 years old, weighs 245 lbs and he is 5’10 . 1) Hypertension: Weight control to lower the risks associated with hypertension include a diet low in sodium and high in potassium. The risk of hypertension is lower when salt intake is lower and potassium helps reduce blood pressure by increasing the amount of sodium excreted in the urine. The DASH eating plan is the best option for maintaining hypertension. Physical activity is also a major lifestyle modification that should be adopted. Engaging in regular aerobic physical activity such as a brisk walk will lower the risk of hypertension. Diabetes: A diet to help control diabetes also focuses on weight management. Low glycemic index diets have been shown to reduce complications associated with diabetes. Exercise is also a key factor to controlling diabetes. A 3-5 days of the week exercise, which focuses on caloric expenditure and duration rather than intensity, has been proven to increase insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. *Exercise can reduce other risk factors such as weight control, lipid profile, and hypertension. Lipid Profile: Elevated triglycerides are best treated with increased physical activity and weight reduction. Aerobic exercise, weight reduction, smoking cessation, and moderate alcohol consumption will favorably affect HDL-C and lower LDL-C. After comparing these three aspects, it is easy to see that a diet focused on weight management, smoking cessation, and physical activity involving aerobic exercise will greatly lower Patient X’s risk factors for hypertension and diabetes. 2) Suggesting that Patient X begin the DASH diet would be the first place to start. The DASH diet includes an easy-to-use chart which helps plan menus. It also includes items that people generally like to eat, just in less moderation and with more fruit and vegetables. To help Patient X quit smoking, there are prescriptions or over the counter patches that will allow cessation. There are also therapy groups that Patient X could try if addiction proved to be too great. Exercising with someone, a friend or significant other is always easier than exercising alone. I would suggest that Patient X find an exercise buddy and possibly start a gym membership. If they feel this isn’t the right choice for them, then even walking around their block for 30 minutes allows some form of aerobic exercise in their life. After 6 months I would expect to see a lower blood pressure if Patient X had indeed been participating in physical activity. Improvement in blood pressure among hypertensive, takes effect within the first few weeks. I would also expect to see major improvement in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides if the proper diet was maintained. I would also expect to see an increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. A drop in BMI will also be indicated.

The Advantages Of Being Physically Attractive Philosophy Essay

The Advantages Of Being Physically Attractive Philosophy Essay Nowadays attractive people rule the world. We see them on television, on the covers of magazines, they are everywhere. They dominate all the fields that include a certain degree of public exposure. What is beautiful is good. This is the stereotype that plays an active role in our lives. Physical attractiveness influences our relationships with other people. It influences social acceptance and the employment process. People consider that less attractive children are more likely to grow up with bad behavior, but if an attractive child grows up with such bad behavior, people perceive this event like an unusual one. On job interviews, attractive people seem to be more efficient. They are good communicators they speak faster and fluently; they enjoy social interactions and exchanges. These people show more confidence and develop more favorable images of them. It is a fact that attractive people tend to be more successful than the less attractive ones. Attractive individuals are more sociable and happier. They tend to be more socially skillful because the favorable expectations of attractive people lead to better social exchanges, more favorable self-images, and better social skills. 2.2. Head Positions Head shaking has its origins in bowing to appear superior. It can be a powerful persuasion tool; you can encourage someone to talk or to make him stop, only by nodding three to four times in certain intervals of time. The speed of nods determines the listeners patience or the lack of it. If the listener is interested in what the speaker is saying he will give a slow deliberate nod. Fast nodding tells us that the listener wants to interfere or he is not interested anymore. Head nodding can be contagious, if someone nods, you will return the nod, even if you dont agree with what he is saying. Head nodding is also an excellent tool to get someones cooperation and agreement; it is an unconscious outward reflection of our inner emotions so when you feel optimistic about something and you feel affirmative your head will start to nod as you speak. Positive emotions cause head nods and it goes the other way around, affirmative head nods can cause positive emotions. If you start to nod intentionally, you will experience those emotions. In different cultures head nodding signifies yes, yes you agree other persons point of view. This is not the case of Bulgaria where positive head nodding means no. In Japan, for example, head nodding doesnt necessarily mean agreement; it can signify yes, I hear you. In other countries, like India, the head movement differs; here people move their head from side to side to signal agreement. There are three basic head position. Head up In this position, the head remains still; the conversation can be slightly punctuated by small nods. Usually, this position takes a person who has neither positive nor negative attitude about what the interlocutor says. If someone lifts the head with the chin jutting forward, he signals arrogance and fearlessness. Anyone who adopts this position is intentionally exposing the throat to gain some height so they can look down their nose. The Head Tilt The head tilt displays the vulnerable necks; it makes a persons look smaller and less threatening. It is believed that this position has its origins in the baby resting its head on his parents shoulder or chest, its submissive meaning is understood by everyone, especially women. Many women use this position in order to get attention from man they fancy because a submissive woman is attractive to most men. It is recommended using head tilt along with head nods during presentation or while delivering a speech because you will appear nonthreatening and the listeners will begin to trust you. Head Down People who have judgmental and negative attitude tend to keep their head down. It shows disapproval or disappointment. Sometimes, conference speakers confront situations when the listeners adopt this position, to make them lift their heads they involve them in action, they invite them to participate into a conversation before their actual presentation. If the method is successfully the next head position of the audience will be the tilt head. 2.3 Eye contact The eyes are the windows of the soul. They are highly expressive region; their movement is allowing various expressions. We keep our eyes open, turn a blind eye to certain events, or we choose not to bat an eye. Our eyes show what we think about a person, how we feel toward him, if we are comfortable or not. Eye contact is one of the most primitive ways of communication, during social interaction all good communicators look at each other in the eye, without the gaze even if it is for several seconds, they dont feel like they are fully into the conversation. Georg Simmel described the phenomenon as a wholly new and unique union between two people and that it represents the most perfect reciprocity in the entire field of human relationship (Simmel). The eye gaze may have a variety of meanings, such as friendship, submission, hate or attraction. The sources of variation are: Point in the conversation: if a person is listening there is more eye contact than the situation where he is speaking. When people speak they tend to look up at the end of the speeches and phrases. Nature of the topic. Topics of personal matter usually avoid the eye contact. Catholic confessionals and psychiatric couches for example are built in such manner, that the person who talks wouldnt be inhibited by the eye contact. The contact between the priest or the therapist and the individual in both of these locations is reduced; the individual can feel, but not see the presence of the priest or the doctor so when he discuss shameful and embarrassing things those who are listening could not stare at them. Relations between a pair of people. When two people like each other there is more eye contact than usual. The pupils are dilating when you look at a person whom you like more. Besides attraction, the gaze could mean threat, when one is cutting off or averting his gaze this signal could mean appeasement. Cooperation. There is also more direct gaze when two people tend to cooperate rather than competing. In this case, an important role plays the quantity of eye contact; a high level of it usually means that the gazer is interested in the subject. However, combined with other expressions it also means threat. Personality. Depending on ones personality, he could look more or less. Extroverts look more often and for longer than their interlocutors and the introverts. There are also people that avoid the gaze; these are schizophrenic patients, depressed people and autistic children. Distance. It is a certainty that eye contact is reduced when proximity is greater, in busses or elevators, for example it ceases at all. Reducing eye gaze helps us reduce the level of discomfort produced by invading our intimate zone. 2.3.1 The Functions of Eye Contact The meanings of eye contact are various, and beside the hate, joy and domination signals that they could express there are several function that they have as well. These functions are: Information-Seeking. Our social behavior is an open book for others to read, it tells the world who we really are. We are the one that give information so it is important to us to receive a properly feedback. The speech could be a way, but sometimes if you look closely to the others face you can find a lot more than he says, especially if you look at his eyes. At the end of the speech he looks at you to see how the information was received. Signaling that the channel is open. When you communicate and maintain the eye contact the speaker will understand that all your attention is his, and he may proceed further with the conversation. On the other hand, a simple flicker of the eye toward a third person indicates that the channel is closed. Concealment and Exhibitionism. Some people look to get attention and to keep it. These people according to Laing suffer from lack of such feelings like self-regard and ego-identity, they need to be seen so they could be loved and confirmed as a person (Laing). The eye contact is the only they need. Establishment and Recognition of Social Relationship. Argyle explained this function through the example of an A and B person. The eye contact plays a central role in the establishment of their relationship. If there is eye contact between A and B it means that there is attraction. If A wants to dominate B: A will stare at B with the appropriate expression, if B accepts As dominance he will adopt a submissive expression and he will look away; If some people want to see and to be seen some of them dont want to have eye contact at all. They hide communication signals and disguise the gaze by wearing sunglasses. Glasses are also used by blind people they wear tinted glasses to avoid the embarrassment of not being able to look a person in the eye whenever it is necessary. Mirrored glasses stay between traffic policeman and the drivers, by avoiding the eye contact policemen can reduce the possibility of an argument; the nervous drivers can be put off a confrontation if they are not seeing the officers eye but, forced to see their own. 2.4 Facial Expressions The interest in human expression of emotion dates from more than a century ago when Charles Darwin published his book The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Darwin believed that humans emotional expressions are defined by our evolution; therefore he couldnà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢t understand the human emotions without understanding the emotional expressions of animals. Darwin returned to fundamentals, he built his theory of emotional expressions in animals, in infants and children, and in adults from different countries. Although everybody read his book, it hadnt much impact on the scientific community over years. Only recently the scientists agreed that Darwins ideas, his theoretical interpretations and forecasts are the premise of current knowledge in the field of humans facial expressions. Scientists relate facial expressions with emotions they represent. Many anthropologists like Margaret Mead believed that the cultures of the world control these emotions. Paul Ekman on the contrary proved that facial expressions have natural origins therefore, they are universal. Surprise Something unexpected triggers this emotion; it is the shortest one and it takes two or three seconds. It could last if the surprises continue. It is not a surprise when you have time to think if you are surprised or not, because this emotion feels like an explosion. A surprised individual will raise the eyebrows so that the skin below will be more visible than usual. He will have wrinkles on his forehead; wrinkles that everyone shows except young children. The individual will also have the mouth opened; his lips will be smooth and relaxed. His mouth may be partly open or widely open it depends on how intense was the surprise. The raised eyebrows, the relaxed open mouth can occur in combination with other expressions like neutral face, but it will no longer signify surprise, but doubt, fascination, or an astonishing moment. Anger Anger is the most dangerous emotion of all. When you are angry you can say things or worse do things that later you will regret. When you are angry you are not yourself, your blood pressure increases, the veins on your neck and forehead become more visible, your muscles tense and you may move slightly toward the offender. This emotion may be developed step by step, from a simple irritation, to rage or fury, it can be accumulated or it may occur suddenly. Angers appearance can be determined when there are significant changes on the face. The angry person has his inner corners of the eyebrows lowered and drawn together. His eyelids are tense and his eyes look like he stares. The mouth has two basic types: The lip-pressed-against-lip mouth: it occurs when someone is starting some form of violence or when a person is trying to control his verbal anger; he presses the lips to prevent saying something unpleasant. The open-mouthed anger happens when someone is expressing anger or when this person yells during a speech. 2.4.3 Fear Fear is the innate emotion induced by a certain threat or sense of danger. We learn how to avoid the possibility of harm by analyzing what occurs around us. However we canà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢t anticipate everything and even it can be prevented we still fear any events or ideas that seems dangerous. Fear is a sudden emotion just like surprise, you cant pause a moment to think if you are afraid or not, it occurs immediately something harms you and you are afraid. Unlike surprise fear is a terrible experience even a mild fear is unpleasant ant it is the most traumatic of all emotions. Another difference between fear and surprise consist of its duration. Fear if it is unexpected it can have short duration but it can also occur gradually, you can know very well the fear-inspiring event and still be afraid of it. During fear there are distinctive appearances in the three areas of the face. The eyebrows appear raised and straightened with the inner corners drawn together, there are also wrinkles but not on the entire forehead. When the brows are held in the fear position the meaning of the expression is either worry or controlled fear. Fear eyebrows are joined by fear eyes and fear mouth. Eyes during fear are tense, the upper eyelid is raised the lower eyelid is also tense. In both fear and surprise the upper eyelid is raised but these emotions differ in regard to the lower eyelid which in surprise is relaxed and in fear is tense and raised. In fear the mouth also may be opened the difference between surprise and fear are the lips in surprise they are relax, but in fear they are tense and also may be drawn back. 2.4.4 Disgust and Contempt Disgust is an emotion of aversion. There are many things that may cause this aversion, the taste of something that you dont like, the smell of it sometimes even the thought could cause disgust. Not only the tastes or the smell can bring someone disgust but also the actions and the appearance of another person. Some people feel disgust when looking a deformed or an ugly person. You may be disgusted by what a person does for example if that someone is torturing an animal. Even if the emotion of disgust is universal, the things that one person thinks disgusting are not universally. What in one culture is disgusting in another culture may seem attractive and the other way around. These kinds of things are not the exactly in the same culture or in the same family. A disgusted person has lowered eyebrows and raised cheeks. However, the important clues that show disgust happen in the nose and mouth area. The upper lip may be raised, and the nose has wrinkles. Disgust may range from a slight form of disgust to an extreme one. The difference between these forms is that in the slight type, the wrinkles on the nose and raised lip are less pronounced. A close form of disgust is the contempt facial expression. This emotion is triggered by other peoples actions not smells, food or touches. Contempts appearance consists of a closed mouth with corners a little bit raised, and lips pressing each other. 2.4.5 Happiness Happiness is a positive emotion that everyone wants to experience. We like when we are happy, it feels so good that we search it, and we try to build our lives around this emotion. Most of the people think that the signal of happiness is the smile. It is not quite true. Sometimes, behind a smile there is pain hiding or even fear. Smiling in these cases, you make the unpleasant situations more comfortable for you. Happiness intensity is determined by the position of the lip; this position is always accompanied by deepening the region between the lips and the nose also by more pronounced lines under the lower eyelid. The intensity of happiness varies from a simple smile to an abroad one from ear to ear. The extreme form of happiness is laughter with tears. 2.4.6 Sadness Sadness means suffering. People when are sad have a distinct way of showing it, they dont cry they dont yell they just suffer in silence. Anything can make a person sad but in the most of cases what triggers this feeling is the loss of somebody. Sadness appearance has distinctive clues in each area of the face. A sad person will lower his face; the inner corners his eyebrows are will be raised. The inner corner of the upper eyelid is drawn up, and the lower eyelid may appear raised. The corners of the lips are drawn down, or the lips appear to tremble. (Ekman and Friesen p121) All the emotions mentioned above can blend with each other creating more ways to express our feelings, to underline or punctuate something in a conversation. It is known that people learn to control their facial expressions and sometimes you can be misled. Gestures Hands arms and even legs can produce a variety of signals. These signals are used either to help you improve your interaction skills or to negotiate. As we grow up our signals become more subtle and less obvious and that is making them harder to read. There is a debate among the researchers wherever some gestures are genetic or they are learned. The conclusion they got is that gestures are learned and they are culturally determined. The open palm Hands have been an important tool in human evolution and it is believed that there are more connection between the brain and the hand than between the brain and any over part of the body. If you try to see if a person is honest or not, an important thing is to look at palm displays. The open palm was associated with truth and honesty throughout history. In ancient times open palms used to show that there are no weapons concealed and therefore there is no threat. Nowadays different kinds of oaths are taken in this way by placing the palm over the heart, in courts when somebody testifies the right palm is held up for the member of the court to see while in the left hand is the Bible. There are three main palm gestures: the submissive palm position, the palm is facing up and it is used as a non-threatening gesture if you ask something from a person he will not feel the pressure of the request like in a superior situation. You will gain authority if you turn the palm to face downwards, the person whom you addressed the request will feel it like an order. The third gesture and the most irritating is that in which the palm is closed into a fist except the pointed finger, with whom the speaker creates a negative effect on other people he beats them into submission. Rubbing the palms together This gesture is the way in which people communicate their positive expectations. Before the dice are threw the thrower rubs them between palms, it signals his positive expectation of wining. Also a positive expectation signals a waiter at the end of the evening when he is asking anything else, sir while rubbing his palms, this usually is the non-verbal sign of a tip. However when a person rubs his palms while he is expecting the bus in freezing winter it means that his hand are cold not that he is expecting the bus. It is all about the context in which these gestures are made. Hands clenched together. This gesture seems to be a confidence one because people are smiling and sound happy when using it. The research showed however that behind that smile the person is holding back a negative attitude and therefore it is a gesture of frustration. The person may hold his hands clenched in three main positions: hand clenched in front of the face, resting on the desk or on the lap when seated. Steepling hands All gestures come in groups that are called clusters. This gesture represents an exception. It can be used in isolation from other gestures by people who use minimal or restricted body language. When it used it signals confident attitude. The gesture has two versions: the raised steeple used when the steepler is doing the talking and the lowered steeple when he is listening. The Mouth Guard This is a gesture learned from childhood and it is as obvious as it was then. The hand covers the entire mouth and the thumb is presses the cheek. What is happening is that the brain automatically tries to block deceitful words. As we grow up we try to disguise it by giving a fake cough or to minimize this gesture, instead of hand slapping over the mouth the finger rub around it. Folded Arms Folded arm gesture stands for a barrier against threatening situations. When a person has a nervous, negative or defensive attitude, he will fold his arms firmly on his chest, a strong signal that he feels threatened. (Pease) The researchers have found that the person who folds his arms has not only a negative attitude toward the speaker but he also is paying less attention to what is being sad. Many people said that they fold their arms because it is cozy. Any gesture will feel comfortable when you have the corresponding attitude; that is if you have a negative, defensive or nervous attitude, the folded arms position will feel good. (Pease) Standard arm-cross gesture This is a gesture that signifies the same universally negative attitude that people have in public events, meetings where they are surrounded by strangers; they have their both arms folded across the chest, it feels like an attempt to block an unfavorable situation. Beside the negative attitude this gesture also means that the person who folds his arms may disagree with what the speaker says. To bring this person into a more open position you have to make him unfold his arms and reach forward. Sometimes this gesture comes in cluster with clenched fists, clenched teeth, it indicates a hostile attitude and it makes possible a verbal or even a physical attack. To make the arm barrier less obvious people disguise their arm-cross gestures. These people dont want for other to know their insecurity or nervousness so their instead of folding their arms or grasping the other arm they just touch some of their personal objects like; handbags, bracelets watches everything near the arm. The standard leg-cross position Arms are not the only body part that can be used to form a barrier between you and the world. In most of European countries in Australian and New Zeeland cultures the right leg is neatly crossed over the left one. It is a gesture that shouldnt be read out of context because people use it when they sit for a long time in uncomfortable chairs or when it is freezing outside. Leg-cross positions may indicate that a defensive attitude exists but not so negative and obvious like arm-crossed gesture. Used together these gestures indicate that the person is not paying attention that he is withdrawn from the conversation. The same meaning of negative attitude has the ankle lock gesture. This gesture is different in male and female version. In male version it appears together with clenched fists placed on the knees or with hands grasping the chairs arms. In womens case the knees are held together, the hands are resting side by side or one on the top of the other on the upper legs. When individuals start to feel comfortable in a certain group they start to open up through a set o movements. This set has five stages: Stage: the arms and legs are crossed in the defensive position. Stage: the feet are placed in a neutral position. Stage: the arm that is folded on top comes out and the palm is flashed during the conversation. Stage: arms unfold and they can be placed either in pockets or on the hips. Stage: the person is leaning forward to the speaker whom he finds interesting and not a stranger anymore. It is important to know that all kind of gestures or facial examples should be considered in the context that they occur, because it is really easy to misread a signal. If for example a man has a soft handshake you most likely will be tented to accuse him of having a weak character, not taking into consideration that he may be a surgeon or a musician and he has to be delicate with his hands in order to protect them.

Research Proposal: The Effect of Extra-Curricular Activities on Academi

Introduction Do extra-curricular activities have a positive or negative effect on a student’s academic performance? If they do, then why do schools take activities away from students at the first sign of academic troubles? If they are scientifically proven to be positive, then why are they not curricular rather than extra curricular? There are numerous influences that impact the academic performance of a student other than after school activities. However, this study will focus on the effect of extra curricular activities on academic performances. In many cases, participation in extra curricular activities positively influences attendance and connection to school. This study will investigate the impact of extra curricular activities that require a daily commitment over an extended period of time, greater than a month. Athletics is the dominant after school activity that requires a daily commitment; therefore, this study will involve student athletes as well as students who are invo lved in other extra curricular activities. Another reason why student athletes will be a large part of this study is that there may be a correlation between the skills necessary to succeed in athletics and academics (American Sports Institute, 1991). While most evidence in the literature proves that extra curricular activities improve academic performances, Solanco School District has no program supporting or promoting the link between the two. This study will examine the effects of participation in extra curricular activities on student academic performance at Solanco High School. Findings from this study could be examined by Solanco High School and similar school districts to support and promote programs of extra curricular activities at... ... as Researchers. 2005 Emmons, Leonard S (1995). Athletic participation and academic achievement: Can the two coexist? National Association of Secondary School Principals. NASSP Bulletin. Vol. 79, Iss. 574; p. 107. Libbey, Heather (2004). Measuring Student Relationships to School: Attachment, Bonding, Connectedness, and Engagement. The Journal of School Health. Vol. 74, Iss. 7, p. 274, 10 pgs. NEA Today (2004). See Ya After School. Vol. 22, Iss. 6, p. 13. Neill, James. www.wilderdom.com Parks & Recreation (2003). After-school programs help kids achieve. Vol. 38, Iss. 6; p. 15. Schneider, Timothy and Klotz, Jack. November 2000. The Impact of Music Education and Athletic Participation on Achievement. 36 pages. Seigle, Del. http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/siegle/research/Qualitative/qualquan.htm. 1979

Market Segmentation †How & Why Essay -- Business Management Studies

Market Segmentation – How & Why As well as the physical aspect of our store changing we have to look at the market differently. Where it was once possible to take a pile it high sell it cheap approach, to achieve broad appeal to the population we need to cater to the needs of the population. This is achieved by breaking the population into groups and then releasing products and services that meet the needs of these groups. This is known as target marketing. Although we all appreciate the theoretical economies of scale given by mass marketing a single product, there are few products that appeal to everyone. Naturally this has led to a segmentation of markets as companies that marketed one product, now produce a range of products. An example of this is Coca Cola. Originally they sold one product, as well as standard coke we now have diet coke, coke with vanilla, cherry coke, sprite, lilt and many more. By accepting that people have different needs and different shopping behaviours we can market ourselves to these segments and attract new customers. There are six steps to market segmentation, targeting & positioning and these are 1. Identifying qualities for segmenting the market 2. Developing profiles of the segments created 3. Develop measures of segment attractiveness 4. Select target segment 5. Develop positioning for each target segment 6. Develop marketing mix for each target segment. We have talked about segmenting the market. The question is how do we do this? There are many ways to segment. You could do this based upon household income, gender, age, previous purchases etc. In fact there are many ways to identify different market segments and I will briefly the more commonly used methods. Geographical It is possible to segment the population according to Geography, people from â€Å"the North† drink more Irn Bru than those from the South. This can be measured by the success of advertising, an example being the Jamie Oliver advert for Sainsbury’s was less successful in the north. Demographics. This is where segmentation is done by using personal characteristics of the population; Age, gender, income, stage in the family life cycle etc. Socio Economic Grouping. This is based upon the occupational status of the head of the household. It is based on the traditional social class system of this count... ...e of segments enables a company to specifically target an audience within a population. An example would be if I asked all of you what you would go out and spend fifty pounds on if I were to give it to you now. The chances are that everyone would come back with a different suggestion. However it I likely that some of you would go and buy clothes, some you would go and buy CD’s or DVD’s and some of you may possibly save the money instead. By grouping people together it is possible to target a product at an audience that will wan to buy the product. This should ensure a return on investment quickly for the producer and could lead to rapid growth. However a universal product is unlikely to appeal to a wide range of people so it is possible for a producer to create products for different market segments. Today we are going to discuss in more detail Cola drinks and C.D’s as product within our superstores. For the purpose of illustrating segmentation further it is worth noting that recent demographic shift of men drinking Diet Coke has been noted by Coca Cola and their adverts are targeted far less specifically at woman than the old â€Å"Diet Coke break† ads of the nineties.

Legislations that affect school work Essay

Identify and summarise five pieces of legislation (to include codes of practice) which schools have to follow. Explain how each of these affect work in schools. Legislation refers to the actual law enacted by a governing or legislative body at national or local level. There are legislations for more or less all aspects of life but we are particularly going to discuss the ones that affect schools. These laws are produced and implemented in order to protect children and the people who work with children. Legislations ensure their safety and make sure their rights are respected. Code of practice is a practical guide that provides ways on how to effectively work under legislation. The Code of Practice is not a legislation itself that is why schools are not legally bound to follow them. Examples include: †¢Special Educational Needs Code of Practice for Wales. †¢Safeguarding Children: Working Together Under the Children Act 2004. Let us now look at five different legislations and how they affect work in schools. 1. The Data Protection Act 1998: The Data Protection Act means that schools need to make sure that all the information they hold is kept securely on site. If its paper storage it should be locked in filing cabinets. If the information is electronic it should be on password-protected computers. This legislation bounds schools to use this information only for the purpose it was collected and not share it with unauthorised people. It affects schools and staff in many ways e.gs as a teaching assistant it puts a responsibility on us to make sure that pupil information is confidential and if it needs to be shared with adults working with a particular pupil (like a speech therapist), we have the parental consent to do it. 2. The UN Convention on Rights of Child 1989: The UN Convention on Rights of Child 1989 was ratified in the UK in 1991 and adopted by the Welsh Government in 2004. It is made up of 54 articles covering rights to survival, protection, and development of children. It can be summarized by saying it protects children from any form of discrimination. Children have a right to know and access the relevant information about themselves. They have the freedom to practice their own beliefs and come together and enjoy as groups. It states that all children  have an equal right to education and a right to privacy. They have the right to express their views and feelings. Children with disabilities have a right to lead full and independent lives and they have a say in the decisions that affect them. This legislation has a major impact on schools as it bounds the staff and teachers to listen to what the child has to say. E.g. a teacher cannot just make a decision about a child on their own just because he/she is an adult. They have to respect the wishes of the child. This law gives children a voice and control over their lives. It empowers children and brings in confidence but at the same time it can be used by a child in a negative way and teachers may find it hard to discipline a child and to deal with a behaviour problem. That is where the Code of Practice comes in as a useful tool and tells what to do in a particular situation. 3. The Education and Inspections Act 2006: The Education and Inspections Act 2006 is intended to represent a major step in ensuring that all children in all schools get the education they need to enable them to fulfil their potential. The Act provides greater freedoms to schools, including the possibility of owning their own assets, employing their own staff, setting their own admissions arrangements etc. This gives local authorities more responsibility for managing schools. This law gives staff a clear statutory right to discipline students. By law, all state (not private) schools must have a behaviour policy in place that includes measures to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils. This policy is decided by the school. All teachers, pupils and parents must be told what it is. School staff needs to be well aware of the policy. Although these legislations must be followed but the Children Act overrides all other laws when it comes to safeguarding children. 4. Children Act 2004: Children Act 2004 is an updated version of the Children Act 1989. The Children Act 1989 allocated duties to local authorities, courts, parents and other agencies to ensure children are safeguarded and their welfare is promoted. (Wikipedia.org ‘Children Act 1989’). It centres on the idea that a child’s welfare is paramount and comes before everything else. Wherever possible, children must be cared for by their own families and that adequate  support is available for parents and children in need. The law suggests that professionals should work in partnerships with parents at every stage. The Children Act 2004 introduces multi agency approach to safeguarding children. Detailed information is available for people in the ‘Working Together Document’. The idea behind the Act is to promote co-ordination between multiple official entities to improve the overall well-being of children. The 2004 Act also specifically provided for including and affecting disabled children. This Act promotes the achievement of the five outcomes of ‘Every Child Matters’ framework, that are: †¢Stay safe. †¢Be healthy. †¢Enjoy and achieve. †¢Make a positive contribution. †¢Achieve economic well-being. This legislation has a huge impact on schools and on the way they address issues of care, welfare and discipline. Teachers and the support staff’s work has been affected directly by the act and they need to have training or guidance in its implementation. 5. The Equality Act 2010. On 1 October 2010, the Equality Act 2010 replaced all existing equality legislation such as the Race Relations Act, Disability Discrimination Act and Sex Discrimination Act. It protects the children and staff from being discriminated. It also extends protection to pupil who are pregnant, have recently given birth or who are undergoing gender reassignment. In Wales the Act applies to all maintained and independent schools, including Academies, and special schools. The Act makes it unlawful for the responsible body of a school to discriminate against, harass or victimise a pupil in relation to admissions, in the way it provides education, in the way it provides pupils access to any benefit, facility or service, or by excluding a pupil or subjecting them to any other detriment. Teachers now have to make sure that children with disabilities or additional needs are also included in and have access to all activities so there is no form of discrimination. (gov.uk ‘Equality Act 2010’)

“Monsters” by Anna Quindlen Essay

Summary: â€Å"Monsters† by Anna Quindlen conveys through the extended metaphor, the simplistic nature of life; beginning with the intricate imagination during childhood which transcends into an individual coming to terms with reality as adulthood is embarked upon. The short story exemplifies the innocence of children who comprise of obsolete and unripe knowledge, demanding answers from their parents to fill the gaps in their thoughts and outlook. However the author portrays the dramatic imagination of a child accentuating the naivety of young, a symbol of childhood, which is further developed on processes of self-realization. The author entails this ideology by illustrating to the audience how she denies the fact that there are no ‘monsters under her child’s bed’, and continues to explore through the text the different metaphorical representations of â€Å"monsters† in our lives, which vary from major aspects such as creditors chasing an individual for money, or even something as petty as the failure of teenage love. The over-arching notion is that some things need to be learnt on ones’ independence as the individual embarks on processes of self-realization, shaping their beliefs and attitudes. Writing Prompt: Write an essay of 500-700 words in which you describe something you had to learn on your own, because it couldn’t or shouldn’t have been taught to you by someone else. Explain why the situation had to occur that way and its significance in defining something about yourself. Though one can say that your personal and societal context can influence the person you become, there is always a phase in life, in which an individual embarks on processes of inner progression, enabling one to understand the true being they have become despite their surroundings. In this stance, religion in my personal context was a major component in life, as my parents had enforced it upon me at a young age, expecting me to adhere to the religion of their choice, Jainism. However, after my family had migrated from India to a foreign society, which comprised of beliefs that were predominantly embedded with Christian roots, there was complexities in the  ways I tried maneuvering my religious beliefs to suit those of the Christian society. At first, it was an act of assimilation as I was embarrassed of Jainism and wanted to be like every other child in school, further encouraging me to neglect those religious values imposed by my parents, as I adopted the ways of the new religion a t my interest. I did not want to be a Jain, but only a pure Christian. It was one night, which changed my life, and my outlook on religion. It was the time of â€Å"Diwali† a Jain festival, where all my family and friends had gathered to celebrate the auspicious event. However, I refused to join with my ignorant and disrespectful attitude due to my belief of being a Christian. The ongoing celebrations, the youthful atmosphere, the joyful laughter, the harmonious chanting and the colorful sights had enticed my attention towards the Jain proceedings. I began to wonder, am I obliged to Christianity or am I obliged to Jainism? That very same night after undertaking processes of critical thinking and self-realization, I realized I was never obliged to any religion, I am allowed to be a Jain and still enjoy Christian rituals, or I am allowed to be a Christian and enjoy Jain festivals. The very simplistic nature of religion is that, no one forces you to be part of a certain religion; you can follow what you like at any point of your life. This opened my eyes, as religion, which had been a major component of life, suddenly was replaced with the notion of spirituality, which enabled me to connect with beings with similar interests around the sphere, without the need of following a religion. Indeed religion can be something that influences you based on your surroundings, however spirituality is a feeling and connection you develop with an object or a person who you may believe to be superior and satisfies your spiritual needs. It is a connection, which cannot be taught or influenced by anyone, because it is the bond you create with the inner centre of your mind and soul. Moreover, spirituality is not necessarily an object, it cannot be seen or touched, it is felt and embraced upon, and cannot be taught as it varies from person to person. It is embedded within a process of self-development, and spirituality seen by one person, but may not be seen by another. The situation had to occur this way due to the need of embarking on inner journeys in which would shape my identity and enable me to understand who I really was. The false assumptions I had about religion were cleared through this act and it opened up new pathways for me to continue my exploration in findings different beliefs, morals and culture that interests me. In relation to this, I as a person have changed from this experience, as I value every religion, respect every belief and enjoy the richness offered through the diversity of cultures evident in our world. Today, I am neither a Christian nor a Jain, but someone who follows the spiritualistic art of meditation, as this art form enables me to connect with superior beings beyond earth and my control. This process of self-realization has changed me into a compassionate and culturally tolerant person.

Learning is a major part of life. Essay

People tend to learn in every steps of their life. Learning does not necessarily involve complex terms, it can also be primitive things that keeps happening in day to day life of an individual. Everybody has different interest, likewise they have a different pattern of learning things. Some people learn faster through visual medium, some through audio, and some just writing down the things depending upon what the subject matter is. I believe that learning process does not start when one settles in a formal environment but it start right from the birth of an individual. Walking, talking, decision making etc. are some examples including every other primary things are the result of learning. Every time anyone has to acquire a new skills, they need to be focused and scrutinize the subject matter thoroughly, that is how learning happens. Learning affects the confidence of a person as well. If someone learn things quickly than they have higher confidence in doing things and learning new things as well. After going through the video couple of times I realized that one who puts hard work and devotion in learning new things can automatically adapt into the ways the things are done and will become successful. I myself am very much interested in music and vaguely inspired by the beauty of it. I think music can be the most influential thing in an individual life. Music can make a person relax after a hard day at work, cure the illness, provides maximum level of comfort to an individual. Being so much influenced on music I have managed to learn a very few instruments and it always gives me pleasure and comfort when I am playing them. But I do not want to stop here. I want to learn more about music. I want to be able to read the music and understand every keys and notation in it. I want to be a musician like David Gilmour from the greatest band ever, â€Å"Pink Floyd,† who is able to play any string musical instrument that exists in planet today. I am currently doing my major in Business with Information Technology however in order to fulfill my ambition in music I have also planned to take music as my minor subject and later on carry it as my profession along with my  Business major degree. It is very much important to me because of my vague interest in it, but mostly it makes me very happy. Finally, I am profoundly inspired from the video that I just watched and it helped me to boost up my morale. I do have much respect for the people attempting to make things happen and these people are just one of those few who dare to take the challenges and do something that makes difference to others.

Implementation of E-Business Systems: A Case Study of Baderman Island

The strategy of Baderman Island Enterprise requires constant updating. With the changing conditions of market and industry it is important for the organization to keep its strategy in tact with the changing environment. An out dated strategy cannot fulfil the needs of today’s global environment (O’Brien, 2005). In order to go through the updating process the Baderman Island Enterprise should carry on an audit to analyze which aspect requires improvement.It also specifies what strategy is necessary to support the business operations, the information people use currently and the gaps in these functions and the business goals. Most managers fail to analyze the current situation of their business and lack a sense of intuition and forecasting. Often it is also a draw back that the strategy of some organizations neglects the change in the functions of some important departments. It is important for a strategy to serve all the needs of departments, which require change.Through a strategy audit it becomes easier to find out which departments and operation require to be revolutionized or updating. By assessing the knowledge possessed by Baderman Island Enterprise about its competitors and market environment the mangers can effectively take decisions in order to find the most feasible way for their businesses to maximize profits and improve market share. It is also important to calculate the extent to which change needs to be introduced to the organization.Although the identification of the problem is a big issue but the finding a solution making sense with business world is the main purpose of change in the Baderman Island Enterprise. In case of Baderman Island Enterprise it is important to have the knowledge of how to present the product/service in effective manner in order to reach the customer in an effective manner. With the changing business needs the new marketing techniques such as product differentiation, branding and advertising are also gaining i mmense importance.The successful product positioning and promotion is only possible if all the required information in this lieu is gathered and used in the right direction. In order to fulfill modern information needs, new information technologies have also been evolved. The information regarding the buyer preferences and behavior plays an important part in helping the Baderman Island Enterprise management to take important decisions regarding the product such as pricing, promotion, competition etc. It is important for the company to establish a system in order to acquire a large amount of information for the marketing managers.â€Å"Competitive companies study their managers’ information needs and design marketing information systems (MIS) to meets these needs. A marketing information system (MIS) consists of people, equipment, and procedures to gather, sort, analyze, evaluate, and distribute needed, timely, and accurate information to marketing decision markers. To carry out their analysis, planning, implementation, and control responsibilities marketing managers need information about developments in the marketing environment.The role of the MIS is to assess the manager’s information needs, develop the needed information, and distribute that information in a timely fashion, the information is developed through internal company records, marketing intelligence activities, marketing research, and marketing decision support analysis. † (Kotler, 2000) In the case of Baderman Island Enterprise the MIS can play an important role in successfully marketing the new products and services which the company is planning to launch. An effective MIS will also help in enhancing the exposure level of the company from local market to national market.It is important for the company to design the MIS system in an effective manner. In most of the cases the companies lack information sophistication. Some of them collect a large amount of information but the data is not stored in a proper way to be handled easily. Without an effective marketing information system it will become impossible for the Baderman Island Enterprise to reach to the desired customer. The MIS will help the company in understanding the customer’s perception, taste, needs and desires regarding the new product.Without the proper MIS the investment in the production and innovation will not be of any use. â€Å"The MIS represent a cross between what managers think they need, what managers really need, and what is economically feasible. † (Kotler, 2000) The MIS will provide support to the management in the areas of reduction of price risks, planning for an effective and cheap marketing strategy with technology assessment and development, particularly in evolving and popularizing entertainment and recreational activities offered by the company.An effective Management information system can help in the company in motivating other intermediaries to pass along important intelligence. Through the components of MIS the Company will able to collect information regarding order-to-payment cycle and sales reporting system. The managers will be able to get the information about the developments in the marketing environment. The MIS will also assist the managers in collecting, analyzing and reporting data relevant to the market situation. The decision support system will help the managers to take important marketing decisions by interpreting the gathered information.(O’ Brien, 2006). Hence MIS is the most important instrument without which the Company cannot market its product successfully in market. As per the requirements of the Baderman Island Enterprise SAP Enterprise System: The SAP ERP 2005 application and Duet software drives future growth. The SAP ERP 2005 provides clear vision, superior product functionality and support for midsize companies. Adopting SAP solutions based on the SAP NetWeaver will automate all of its business proce sses, including financial and human capital administration, compliance reporting and real estate management (SAP, 2007)Northwind Enterprise Solution: Maestro suite includes PMS, Sales & Catering, Club/Spa Management, Corporate Reservations Office, GDS Connectivity, and ResEze (Internet Reservations). The Maestro PMS system from NORTHWIND has three main characteristics: â€Å"It is an enterprise system, not a legacy system, with an open database that allows us to data mine for marketing information; it refreshes the numbers real-time as new reservations are entered; and it is user-friendly. † (Northwind Enterprise Solution, 2003) PROS Hotel Revenue Optimization System: PROS next generation system provides revenue lift of 6-12%.It automatically separates yield-able from price sensitive demand and automatically controls each system at the property, campus, or market level. It is Centrally installed with remote access through web-enabled browser. Built with high performance, high ly scalable architecture on thin client platform. The system allows forecasting at any level of detail Dynamic bid prices offer real-time adjustment to environment. It upgrades logic and an overbooking routine maximizes revenue and provides independent forecasts of demand for each product, including length of stay (PROS Hotel Revenue Optimization System)SAP NetWeaver is the most recommended technology in the above mentioned technologies as it will automate all of Baderman Island Enterprise’s business processes, including financial and human capital administration, compliance reporting and real estate management and will match the strategy of the Company. With the choice of most suitable technology it is also important for the company to undertake some important measures in order to effectively implement the chosen technology. Chilcott (2001) presented a 7-Step Development Process in order to effectively under take an IS project: 1. Identify and List Stakeholders:The identific ation and listing of stakeholders is very important and the initial step in an Is project. The list of the stakeholders should include all the people who have the power to effect the system. The second category of stakeholders includes the people whose position and power will be affected by the project. The third and most important category is the users of the project. It is important to recognize the actual stakeholders of the project. The representatives of these stakeholders should be included in all the discussions related to the project in order to sketch the clear vision and necessities of project.After the identification process it is important to determine the problem statement. The entire stakeholder should reach an agreement on the definition of problem in order to design a project to fit the problem size for all the stakeholders. 2. Identify and List Actors The perceptions of the stakeholders regarding the project must be analyzed or in other words it should be found that what all the stakeholders want from the project. The stakeholders can be divided into different groups according to their expectations regarding the project. The use and expectation of the stakeholders will help in designing the project in right way.It is seen in case of different projects that the developers and the involved stakeholders do not know about what they exactly want from the project. The development of an internal model regarding the perceptions of developers and stakeholders regarding the project will help all the people involved to expect, create, build and effectively use and support the system. 3. Identify and List Use Cases Use cases are the core of the whole process. The use cases present the complete functionality of the system. A use case in defined as an interaction between the user and the system.The use cases of the different stakeholders differ according to their expectations. They are effective and meaningful tools to manage and organize the project. The u se case collection in undertaken according to three steps: 1. To discover the use case while discussing with the stakeholders this step involves a general overview of two to three sentences of the use case. 2. At the second stage an analysis of the user case is undertaken according to the business rules and the system relationship components. 3. The next step is the decision making about the implementation of the user case. All the scheduling and development steps are designed.

Ap Human Geography Green Revolution

For the greater half of the 20th century and the start of the 21st century, The Green Revolution has taken off as the mission to end world hunger. It proves that humans have the power to â€Å"engineer crops† and change the way they grow and how sustainable they are. It alters the concept of agriculture as a whole. The Green Revolution is the future. Executed correctly, and it might be the solution to our food supply problems. Using safe modifications and pursuing further ventures in research is one way we can continue on the path of the Green Revolution. Also, implementing and refining concepts that we know have worked in the past can allow for advancements and more prominent results. In many countries, due to scarcity of land, farmers practice double cropping. This allows for two crop seasons a year. The only problem with this is that there would have to be two monsoons, on natural and the other â€Å"artificial. † India, which has found more efficient sources of food after their infamous Bengal Famine, has been one of the first countries to take an initiative in the green revolution. By using genetics to create HYVs, or High Yield Value seeds, they have been able to claim foreign acclaim and produce crops with increased viability. Agriculture is the largest employing industry in the world. The Green Revolution will keep that number high because of the amount of lateral facilities and resource plants that are affiliated with agriculture. Despite limits, such as falling short of demands and global implementation, the Revolution has shown tremendous results that show high prospects for the road ahead.

Analyzing a visual Argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Analyzing a visual Argument - Essay Example One ought to note that a considerable percentage of these outcomes are guided by the impression created by the advert. The assignment provides a comprehensive discussion on an advertisement on Land Rover 4 (LR4) which featured in the U.S News and World Report; Best Cars (usnews.rankingsandreviews.com). The paper gives a detailed description of the promotional presentation before analyzing its elements and assessing its effectiveness on the target audience. The advert featured a number of pictures of the LR4 from different angles. Since this was a promotional presentation, the advert also showed the SUV in different colors in a bid to capture the interest of color-specific clients. Also included in the advert were descriptions including fuel consumption, functionality, safety and pricing of the LR4. It is important to note that other vital information regarding the car like interior designs and number of seats available in the car also formed part of the advertisements. Despite there being a number of objects and details included in the advert, it is noteworthy that only countable objects were relevant in portraying the intended message to consumers. The initial picture one could derive from the advert was durability and a wide range of functionality. From the images of the car posted in the website, one could easily tell the type of car being advertised and the type of clientele that the advert intended to capture. Therefore, the advertisement served its purpose and was effective in capturing the concentration of the intended audience (Williamson, 2004). As already noted before, the advert comprised of a number of visual images of the LR4 car taken from different angles. In addition, the vehicle was features in different colors in the website. Pictures of the interior designs of the car also formed part of the promotional presentation. Car buyers are always particularly interested in the interior designs of their