Modernism in the Great Gatesby Essay

1. The Roots of Modernism the word ‘modern’ is used to refer to contemporan object or subject matters.In the history of art, however, the term ‘modern’ is used to refer to a period dating from roughly the 1860s through the 1970s and describes the style and ideology of art produced during that era.The term ‘modernism’ is also used to refer to the art of the modern period. More specifically, ‘modernism’ can be thought of as referring to the philosophy of modern art. The roots of modernism lie much deeper in history than the middle of the 19th century. For historians, the modern period actually begins in the sixteenth century, initiating what is called the Early Modern Period, which extends up to the 18th century. The intellectual underpinnings of modernism emerge during the Renaissance period when, through the study of the art, poetry, philosophy, and science of ancient Greece and Rome, humanists revived the notion that man, rather than God, is the measure of all things.In retrospect, we can recognize in Renaissance humanism an expression of that modernist confidence in the potential of humans to shape their own individual destinies and the future of the world. In the 18th century, the Enlightenment saw the intellectual maturation of the humanist belief in â€Å"reason† as the primary guiding principle in the affairs of humans. Through reason, the mind achieved enlightenment, and for the enlightened mind, a whole new and exciting world opened up. The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement for which the most immediate stimulus was the so-called Scientific Revolution of the 16th and 17th-centuries, when men like Galileo Galilei, through the application of reason to the study of the natural world had made spectacular scientific discoveries in which were revealed various scientific truths. Enlightenment thinking believed that reason allowed access to truth, and knowledge of the truth would give birth to better humankind. The vision that began to take shape in the 18th century was of a new world, a better world. It is in the ideals of the Enlightenment that the roots of Modernism, and the new role of art and the artist, are to be found. Simply put, the overarching goal of Modernism, of modern art, has been the creation of a better society. 2.modernist ideology and principles From its roots,modernism as a 20th century philosophical and artistic movement portrayed the world of men as harsh,in which life had lost its meaning.Men and women in this context were isolated from each other, struggling to survive alone. individual dreams became futile, superficial and unrealistic.To talk about modernist philosophy is to talk about its principle and its caracteristics. Roughly speaking,modernists taught that life lost its meaning.Traditional concepts such as religion, patriotism and financial success was no longer valid.This nihilistic attitude ressults from the cahotic situation and the horor of the post world war I , social problems such as povrety , racism and injustice.On the other hand, the advance in new siences such as psychology and technology put an end to the myster of human existence and depicts human life as meaningless without any religious desire .The lack of religion naked human life from rules and moral bihaviour, which results in a world of a moral waste land in which immediate and personal desires took the priority over redemption and moral values.The lost of moral values comes also to suggests the materialistic attitude of modern society and characterises human desires with selfishness in wich even human beings became viewed as commodities. Related to this context ,as far as literature is concerned , modernists viewed the writer as a denouncer of the 20th society’s corruption.In fact , writers at this period of time were muchly conserned in questionning the established moral values of society and advoquate to them selfs the mission that religion failed to fulfil Ie. awaring , redumting human being . This statements can be illustrated by TS.Eliots The Waste Land in which the poet invites the reader to help him in his redumpting mission of the 20th century society.By the way,writings such as The Waste Land not only stands to dininciate corruption,but also call for positive changes in the life of human beings. While Eliot’s The Waste Land stands merely for a religious representation of society at that time , other written arts inclined their intention much more on the social interaction between individuals and their personal consideration towards the others,all this related to a corrupted false consiousness or idelogy.This would be the keys of The Great Gatesby by scott fejeral that i will try to explore and portraits its modernists charecteristics in the two next parts of this researsh. 3.Modernists characteristics in The great gatesby The charecteristics of a work of art can be either related to the content or to the form .We shall therefore explore the two different components of the novel to get a complete and objective results.in this perspective,Dealing with the context means to deal with the ideology of the writer within the novel and its belonging to the Mdernist field.Dealing with the the form means to take into consideration the technique of writing used in the novel and to see to what extent they are of a modernist origin. 3.1 modernism in the content of The Great Gatesby As we have seen previously,Modern art comes to denounce the dehumanisation of society in the 20th century.this statement is clearely relevant troughout the different characters and the themes of the novel. In the novel,People are murdered, the main character Gatesby is involved in illegal activities,the overall atmosphere of the novel is gloomy. The novel also shows the insignificance of ‘man’ by allowing the main character to be killed without any care or remorse from the rest of the characters . The novel also deals with brutality and ingsignificance of human life. this can be seen when Daisy hits Myrtle but doesn’t stop the car. 3.1.1 commodification and materialism Insignificance and commodification of men is shown through wealth . Gatsby purshases new money only to impress Daisy in order to win her back.Within this contect,dasy is seen as an object that could be selled or bought by means of wealth.On the other hand, Dasy’s acceptence of the perles makes her like Gatesby.In other words , just like she is seen as a commodity by the other characters , she as well commodifies the others for her own benefits.Generally speaking, from a modernist perspective , this comes to reflect the selfishnes of humans in the 20th century.More accuratelly, from a marxist perspective,this come to illustrate the negative influence of modern capitalist system over the ideolofy of human beings. As far as the theme of capitalism is concerned , Nick introduces the novel describing things that are manufactured, advertised and consumed which is a clear depiction of the new economy (the modern capitalism).At the same time, these are in many cases also metaphors of the new materialistic mental landscapes of the ‘Jazz Age’, which the novel seeks to document. This need for the new was strong in the character of Myrtle Wilson who had her modern apartment as an attempt to turn herself into a ‘Daisy’ like modern society lady by immitating what she had read in the â€Å"town tattle† (p29) and gossip novels. This is reflected in her party mannerisms , her behaviour, her pet dog, her manufactured furniture and rugs with tapestry of â€Å"Versailles† (p31). it seems that all the characters in the novel are in need to fufil a desire.Desires in the novel are either materialistic or they commodifies persons which portraits the inhumanity of the 20th century. 3.1.2 honesty and betrayal The novel investigates the theme of honesty in a new modern way which is lacking in the characters of The Great Gatsby ,including Jordan who cheats at golf.Within this context , New York City comes to be depicted as a symbol of what America has become in the 1920’s, a place where money is made throught bootleging and corruption. Within this context,even if Gatesby dream depicts a hope for a better life , which is a principle of a modernist nature, the way in which Gatesby chooses to fulfil his dream is a corrupted one.This point comes to suggests the end of the American dream.From a more global perception , it calls for the end of human dreams , which is the way in which modernists depicts 20th century’s life.

Customer Services at Tesco Essay

I am doing a project based on Customer Services for Tesco. I am doing research into the company and with my findings I am going to provide recommendations to improve Customer Services at Tesco. The areas that I am going to be covering are: * What Customer Services does there company provide. * How do they measure Customer Satisfaction. * How do you know that their customers are happy. * What legislation affects their customers at Tesco. * How do they segment their target market. And * What is their Customer profile. From the above I will provide recommendations for improvements. Theory Of Customer Services. Customer Services is the overall activity of identifying and satisfying customer needs. â€Å"Most people entering a shop or contacting a firm by letter or telephone, have suggested that by this action they have a need†1 I think that this suggestion is true because people go to the shop and need somewhere to park and what kind of parking they need, if they need to use the toilet facilities, also just going into the shop buying the products. The customer must be treated and advised accordingly, and the advice that they are given must be accurate. â€Å"After sales service is an essential element of customer service in any type of organisation, it may cover faulty goods, refunds, exchange of goods, complaints about goods, service or hygiene.†2 Many customers go back to the store in which they have received something and have a query about the service or product in which they have received. Sometimes it may be food things but other times its not. A lot of good will be refunded or goods exchange will take place. It requires a salesperson to be aware of the consumer’s charter and the relevant laws on the sale of goods trade descriptions. Many shops/stores have a â€Å"customer service department† to deal with queries which certain people might have. Measuring Customer Satisfaction. It is important for Tesco to measure how satisfied their customers are so that if they need to they can make improvements to products or the service in which they provide. The ways in which Tesco measure Customer Satisfaction is by: * Sending out questionnaires to customers through post or email. This shows if Tesco need to make any improvements to their service or any of their products. * The Tesco Loyalty card- This is provided by Tesco and it has the customer’s details. Tesco can use this to see how often the customer shops there and to see if there are any product/products in particular that they buy. If they see that that customer has not shopped in Tesco for a few months they might post them some product vouchers (e.g. money off coupons) to bring that customer back to the store. If Tesco do this it makes the customer see that Tesco’s are willing to help the customer in all sorts of ways to bring there custom back. This helps Tesco measure the satisfaction of individual customers. * They record some of their calls that are made by customers for training purposes. * On the spot questions from staff. * Observation (e.g. mystery shoppers.) * Customer panels or interviews. * Customer comments on the web site or in store. From this they can analyse the sales performance e.g. sales levels, number of customers, records of products brought and from the loyalty card records. All of this is part of market research and they get the feed back from their customers. What Customer Services Tesco Provides From my findings at Tesco I have found out the following: Products: Most of the products that are sold at Tesco are of good quality (apart from the food that looks untidy on the shelves, and that it looks like it has been thrown in.) I think that most of the products are reasonably priced. No complaints have been made from customers and from myself asking a few customers their thoughts on the prices. The products are safe to use, on the packaging they give detail about what the product contains and on some products they suggest how to use/cook the food product. Most of the goods are packaged safely but some of the goods may have fallen on the floor and may have been spilt open, which some people/some staff then just pick up and put it back on the shelf. This does not good for Tesco as a whole. Some of the prices on the shelves are covered up by other product prices. The sale signs cover up the original prices so you cannot really see if it is an actual sale. This is like it for some of the products in the store. These are some of my findings as an example to what I have wrote above: * The meat that was displayed looked like it had been thrown in. * All the reduced things looked like they had been hidden away in the Bacon, Fresh pasta and ready meals section. * Salad in meat section (moved.) Staff: I think that the people that I saw that where working in the Tesco in Hertford where correctly dressed and it was suitable. You could clearly see whole was higher than others (meaning the managers compared to the till staff.) I think that most of the staff are helpful but some of them may talk rudely to you if you ask where something is. On my visit I had this happen to me. The staffs that have been working in the store for quite a while know where certain products are in the shop so if you were to ask they would be able to point you in the right direction or even take you there their self. They also know about the deals etc that are going on in the store at that moment in time which is also good because if you go to the till and there is a deal on a precise product you have brought they will say â€Å"did you know its by one get 2nd half price† (made up example) Premises: Some of the store is not safe e.g. * Trolley in way. * There’s a pillar in the middle of the isle (obstruction to customers) what did not help the matter was the fact that Tesco food trolleys (that they stacked the shelves with) was in the way too. * Slippery floor with no sign to say so. On the ceiling they have posters hanging off to show where each section of the store is (e.g. fruit and veg.) From my visit I saw cleaners cleaning whilst people where shopping, so they do keep clean but then again the floors are left wet and maybe slippery and the cleaners may get in the way of the customers. In the Tesco store they did have disabled parking and a toilet for disabled people and also trolleys for disabled people. The layout of the premises was good and easy. I think that they keep it easy and simple so that the customers can find the products that they want without fail. The facilities that I saw that where provided for the customers where the toilets/baby and changing rooms, the photo-boof and the pay phone. Delivery: There was no information that I could see in the store about delivery but I did find the following information on the Tesco website (http://www.tesco.com/help/page.asp?choiceA=groc&choiceB=9&page=/termsandconditions/termsconditionsgroc.htm) â€Å"Delivery will be made to the address specified by you on the completed order form. We will deliver your order to the main entrance of the delivery address. At your request, our driver may carry your order into the delivery address, for example, to a particular floor in an apartment block or into your kitchen but only if: a. the driver has your permission and b. our driver believes that it is safe and practical to do as you request. We always reserve the right to deliver only to the main entrance of the delivery address. Please note that we deliver goods only to specified regions within the United Kingdom. To check that the online Grocery service delivers to your area, please enter your postcode at http://www.tesco.com/register/signup.asp. Delivery times will be agreed with you at the time of placing your order.† Payment: The different ways of paying at Tesco are: 1. Cash 2. Credit/debit card. 3. Cheque Field Research Findings. Notes Based On Tesco In Hertford I carried out some field research at a Tesco near me. Here are my findings:- * Bigish car park but not big enough. Plenty of disabled parking but people not disabled parking in them spots. Same with parents and child parking. * Vegetables nicely laid out. * Prices cover up over prices. * Isles labelled * Trolley in way. * Lots of leaflets. * Salad in meat section (moved.) * The meat that was displayed looked like it had been thrown in. * All the reduced things looked like they had been hidden away in the Bacon, Fresh pasta and ready meals section. * There’s a hot deli selling hot chicken of different sorts. * Certain isles crowded more than others. Some isles empty. * There’s a pillar in the middle of the isle (obstruction to customers) what did not help the matter was the fact that Tesco food trolleys (that they stacked the shelves with) was in the way too. * Slippery floor with no sign to say so. * Car equipment at the end of food isle. * Empty cardboard boxes on the shelves. * Posters not really explaining what’s on each isle. * About 10:45 am on Tuesday morning just the old people doing shopping and a few moms with toddlers or babies. * Christmas things already displayed on shelves. * Fresh mean, raw meat, diary products in separate counters but with the diary products they are all bundled into one counter. * Ticket service for meat and diary products. * Tesco brands on bottom shelves. * Labels over CD’s covering up the names of the CD’s (e.g. â€Å"Security protected†) * The books on the shelves in a mess (the ones on bottom shelf) but the ones nearer the top look in order. * Cat and dog food etc clearly laid out. * Cleaning things all nicely laid out. * Tablets, shampoo, deodorant etc all down one isle. * Baby things all down one side of the isle. * With the frozen food all the weight watchers items in one compartment. * Ice cream section is pretty empty. * Vegetarian food all in one section. * Halloween things all in one section. * Buy one get one free posters hung from the ceiling. * Loads of Christmas things displayed more than the Halloween things. * Community news posters. * Photo vision right in the corner of the shop near the tills. * Batteries all displayed together. * Champagne And Sparkling drinks are all together. * Spirits, Liqueurs, Malts etc all separated into different sections but with the name of what consists in that section. * There is a time limit in which to buy alcohol (which it 8am until 10:55 pm) * Promotional things displayed on every section of the shop (meaning top of every isle) * I saw 3 fire exits. * Not many seats at the end of the till for the customers. * There was one customer pay phone. * There was a magazine section and a section for the different newspapers. * There where toilets for the men, disabled, baby changing and for the girls. * There’s a small customer services desk. * 1 Cash machine * Parking clearly labelled Legislation Acts for Tesco. The Consumer Protection Act is a consolidation of consumer protection legislation. Parts III and IV of the Act are the former Consumer Products Warranties Act and Unsolicited Goods and Credit Cards Act. Part II of the Act offers protection to Saskatchewan consumers from unfair and unscrupulous marketplace practices. The Act also sets out consumer responsibilities, such as attempting to resolve a dispute with a supplier before taking further action. * Unfair practices * Remedies * Warranties * Unsolicited goods and credit cards * Consolidation of The Consumer Protection Act * Consumer Protection Branch Food Safety Act Under the Food Safety Act 1990, you: * Must not sell (or keep for sale) food that is unfit for people to eat. * must not sell food that isn’t what the customer is entitled to expect, in terms of content or quality * must not cause food to be dangerous to health * must not describe or present food in a way that is false or misleading It’s important to be able to demonstrate the positive steps taken by your business to ensure good food hygiene. If you were prosecuted under the Food Safety Act 1990, you would need to convince the court that you had taken all reasonable steps to avoid the offence you had been accused of . Health and safety regulations of 1974 Act It states that all employers have a responsibility to ensure health and safety requirements of their employees. All companies regardless of their size must have a written safety policy ensuring implementation of Health and Safety Act and indulge themselves in carrying out the risk assessment on all their activities. Risk Assessment included: * à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Noise Assessments under Noise at Work Regulations. * à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Control of Substances harmful to health and safety regulations. * à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Display Screen Equipment Regulations. * à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Workplace Welfare and health safety requirements. * à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations. * à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Manual Handling Regulations. Trade Description Act. This Act has offered protection to consumers and legitimate traders for over three decades. It is an extremely versatile piece of legislation which has been used to tackle all manner of different forms of unfair trading eg.: * car clocking * misdescribed holidays * distribution of counterfeit goods The Act makes it an offence to: * Apply a false or misleading description to goods (e.g. by writing it down, making a verbal statement or by turning back a car’s odometer); or * Supply or offer to supply goods to which a false or misleading trade description is applied. A person exposing goods for supply (e.g. in a shop) or having them in his possession for supply (e.g. in a storeroom) is deemed to offer to supply them for the purposes of the Act. These offences are strict liability offences i.e. it is possible for a trader to commit an offence without intending to do so. Recommendations From studying my company Tesco I have got to know the business quite well. From this I have provided the following recommendations: Disabled People: Disabled people are not able to reach the high shelves which makes things difficult for them, because the majority of the products are high on the shelves. I would recommend that there should be a sign for disabled people to go to get staff help. Also with disabled people there are not many trolleys and the trolleys could be hard to use for them, I think that maybe they should lower the trolleys so that life would be made easier for the disabled people. Staff: I think that there should be more staff to give a helping hand to there customers. Most of the staff are on tills, packing shelves or on the go to do something else and it seems that some of the staff have no time to actually help the customers with there queries. The customer services help desk is meant to be there to help but there was one case where my dad had a complaint and one of the staff members was trying to tell my dad that he was actually in the wrong but actually he was in the right. This was soon resolved when I higher member of staff came to help sort out the situation. Also with the staff I think that they should check that the food is in the right place and not on the floor or damaged etc. Signs: The signs that are hung from the ceiling don’t really explain what are on each isle. On one isle it says pasta but in that same isle it has biscuits etc. I would recommend that the signs should be a lot clearer to help customers find there way around the shop then maybe staff would not have customers coming up to them asking where things are. Isles: A suggestion that I would make about the isle is that they do get really crowded, so if Tesco know that that certain isle is popular then maybe they should widen the isle. Also they should not put a pillar in the middle of an isle because it is an obstruction to customers and even more so little kids who may be running around and might run into it because there might be a slippery floor etc. This would make Tesco a more safer environment.    1 Taken from Advanced Business Osborne Books. 2 Taken from Advanced Business Osborne Books

Minny from the Help Essay

In the book â€Å"The Help† by Katheryn Stockett the author portrays Minny is one of the primary women representing â€Å"The Help†, the black women that make their employers life so nice and comfy. In Jackson the help or the maid as they are also called are expected to be obedient and respectful. Minny is the opposite of that. Minny is a bossy, hot headed maid who is unable to keep a job because of her mouth. She always states her mind and does not hesitate to sass-mouth anyone that crosses her. Her home life is difficult because of the fact that she has five children and a husband. Her marriage with Leroy is complicated since he often gets drunk and beats on her, and it is hard for Minny to look past this awful characteristic of Leroy because she is in love with him. Because Minny is courageous, fearless and loyal nothing can knock her down. Minny is a loyal person that worked for Miss Hilly’s mother, Miss Walter, throughout the beginning of the novel. They wanted Minny for a maid because she was â€Å"bout the best cook in Hinds County maybe, even all a Mississippi. But when Miss Hilly sends Miss Walters, her mother, to the old folks home and tells Minny that she needs to work for her. Minny does not accept so Miss Hilly goes out and tells her friends how Minny is a thief so she would have no choice but to work for her. Minny gets so outraged that she gives Miss Hilly that horrible pie. As fearless as Minny is she does not hesitate on taking action when someone crosses her. In the book â€Å"The Help† Miss Hilly crosses Minny by making everyone believe that Minny stole from her. Minny decides that she has had enough of Miss Hilly and that she needs to teach her a lesson so she puts it on herself to get payback. Minny as a way to get back at Hilly baked a cake with poop in it and fed it to Miss Hilly. Hilly didn’t even notice until Minny said â€Å"eat my shit†. As tension rises between Hilly and Minny. Minny decides to participate in the book, talking about the daily life of the help, since she has nothing to lose. As an act of courageousness Minny puts herself in danger by cooperating on the book as she puts her daily life on paper. But in Jackson that is a punishable crime because it is considered a rights movement and it is frowned upon. Since the maids are tired of being mistreated by the whites and having unfair laws they are ready for change. They are hoping to open everyone’s eyes so they can see how horrible African-Americans are being treated and Minny doesn’t hesitate on trying to accomplish that. So after she thought about it â€Å"every time we meet, I complain. I moan. I get mad and throw a ot potato fit. But here’s the thing: I like telling my stories. † Minny’s courageousness and actions influence major changes in Jackson, Mississippi. As an act of fearlessness Minny tamed Hilly without knowing it. By Minny being loyal she got respect from almost everyone. She has been through so much which has made her a better person.

Clinical objectives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Clinical objectives - Essay Example Pc Served Medical procedures are actual computer well guided medical procedure that helps to create a safe environment for patients and healthcare workers. The method is used by most cosmetic in surgical functions such as spinal conditions and orthopedic operations. Because of advancement in technology, personnel in clinical laboratories are able to use sophisticated equipment and gadgets to perform diagnostic checks which can be more accurate. This helps health workers to heal the right disease and thus improving the healing process. Finally, technology such as dashboards has helped nurses to achieve their goals. They are able to look at the dashboard at a glance to know if they are meeting their goals. Information technology is crucial in improving patient care outcome and in creating a safe care environment. This is mainly by helping healthcare workers to come up with breakthroughs in terms of new drugs, improving surgical procedures, and by improving the accuracy of diagnostic

The comparative analysis of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and The Essay

The comparative analysis of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and The Necklace - Essay Example The comparative analysis of â€Å"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty† and â€Å"The Necklace† To begin with, James Thurber’s â€Å"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty† and Guy de Maupassant’s â€Å"The Necklace† have much in common thematically. Specifically, both of them examine relationships between a husband and a wife in a marriage. Even more, both stories center on roles played by major characters in marriage. For example, in â€Å"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty†, James Thurber creates a portrayal of a marriage which is not typical at all. The protagonist Mr Walter Mitty is husband to a woman who plays a dominant role. The way she acts may even be called authoritarian. Besides, she bears the burden of duties typical for a male partner in a marriage. In particular, Mr Mitty’s wife runs the house. In this context, whatever happens, Mrs Mitty behaves as if she was Mr Mitty’s boss. At the same time, Mr Mitty is treated as if he was of a considerably lower status. Having taken up Mr Mitty’s role, his wife acts in a manner t ypical for a man rather than a woman. Respectively, Walter performs the role of a woman in marriage, a child, or whatever Mrs Mitty thinks he is. To illustrate, once Mrs Mitty returns home from the hairdresser’s and meets Walter in a hotel, she pushes him in shoulder and addresses her husband in a rough manner not typical for a woman. Because of this, their conversation looks more like quarrelling. For instance, â€Å"Something struck his shoulder. â€Å"I've been looking all over this hotel for you,† said Mrs. Mitty. â€Å"Why do you have to hide in this old chair? How did you expect me to find you?† â€Å"Things close in,† said Walter Mitty vaguely. â€Å"What?† Mrs. Mitty said. â€Å"Did you get the what's-its-name? The puppy biscuit? What's in that box?† (Thurber, 2011) The foregoing example and other examples in the story allow claiming that Mr Mitty’s wife has such character traits that evidence her masculinity. Apparently, she is a kind of a woman that is not likely to be admired by men. Indeed, her masculinity and acting in a manlike manner would divert any typical male. On a similar note, one of the themes explored by Guy de Maupassant in â€Å"The Necklace† is relationship as well as gender roles within marriage. Yet, the contrasting point is that the woman in the marriage portrayed in the story is very feminine. Unlike Mr Mitty’s spouse, Mathilde is described as â€Å"beautiful† as well as â€Å"charming†, the one who longs to be adored by men. Evidently, this desire is the greatest motive to get expensive things. For example, in the story â€Å"She had no dresses, no jewelry, nothing. And she loved nothing else; she felt herself made for that only. She would so much have liked to please, to be envied, to be seductive and sought after† (Maupassant, 2011). Apart from this, Mathilde’s femininity is demonstrated by her excessive sensitivity and overwhelming emot ions. This adds up to her feminine image especially with the male-dominated world in the background. Also, both stories enjoy the common theme of escapism. To specify, in Thurber’s â€Å"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty†, escapism is the central theme. Walter Mitty is described as â€Å"a middle-aged, middle-class man who escapes from the routine drudgery of his suburban life

Civil Committment of Sexual Offenders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Civil Committment of Sexual Offenders - Essay Example Minnesota allows for civil commitment of sex offenders who have completed their jail terms, a provision that has been made in the Minnesota Commitment Act. The act reasons that civil commitment of sex offenders is a necessary measure to prevent dangerous sexual offences from occurring in the future (Barnickol, 2001). In California, civil commitment fro sex offenders is allowed under the Sexually Violent Predator Law. The provisions of the commitment law for sex offenders in California are the same as in Kansas and Minnesota. Other States that have adopted civil commitment laws for sex offenders who are deemed dangerous include: Washington, Missouri, Florida, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and Iowa (McCaffrey, 1994). One of the similarities that stand out in many of the sex offenders’ civil commitment laws in different states is the requirement that a criminal is likely to pose sexual offense danger to other people after he is released at the end of his jail term. The laws seek to ha ve violent sex predators who have some form of mental abnormality to be committed to involuntarily and indefinitely to appropriate facilities for treatment. The laws also require that such offenders must have completed their jail sentences. Although all the civil commitment laws in states that have adopted are largely similar, there are a few differences that exist. For instance, in the Texas legislation of civil commitment, a criminal is liable to commitment if he is found to have behavioral abnormality. This is different from the mental abnormality mentioned in other similar legislations (Prentky, Janus, and Barbaree, 2006). Different states have also taken different approaches in the management of civilly committed sexual offender populations. Florida for example, requires the offenders to be committed to be assessed by a qualified team so as to determine if they are sexually violent predators. The evaluation process is a civil proceeding after which those offenders found to meet the criteria are kept under watch at the Florida Civil Commitment Center together with other detainees who are still awaiting similar civil trials (McCaffrey, 1994). In Washington, evaluation of an offender’s state of mind is done by a Joint Forensic Unit whose members are forensic experts who deal specifically with risk evaluations related to sex offence. If the offender is fond to meet all the legal requirements for civil commitment, the King County Prosecutor’s Office or the Attorney General’s office then files a petition and a hearing is scheduled within 72 hours. If the superior court finds the offender to be a suitable candidate for a civil commitment trial, he is taken to the DSHS Special Commitment Center located on McNeil Island. During the trial, the jury or judge must determine without doubt that the offender is a sexually violent predator before he is transferred to a Secure Community Transition Facility (LaFond and Winick, 2003). Similar civil or c ourt hearings are scheduled for each offender who is regarded to have mental abnormality which makes him a danger to others in all the states where civil commitment for sexual predators has been legalized. After they are committed in specialized facilities, the sexual predators receive special treatment for a specified period to make them better members of society after which they are released to carry on with normal life. Costs vs. Benefits of Civil Commitment One of the benefits of civil

Valuation models literature review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Valuation models literature review - Essay Example My dissertation will focus on the financial reports of four different companies: BASF, DOW, SABIC, and Dupont. This will be aided by an economy and industry analysis as well as a ratio analysis for the each of the four firms. Valuation models will then be applied in order to arrive to price of the shares for each of the four firms. This literature review will help to find out the most appropriate valuation models to apply in order to arrive at a reasonable recommendation for investors who are interested in these four companies. A number of studies have focused on the usage of financial valuation models in the U.K. in order to evaluate a company’s equity. For example, Imam et al. (2008) aimed to find out the models that were used by financial analysts. They used a methodology that introduced the evidence by using two different ways—interviews with financial analysts and looking into the content of equity reports. Their study highlighted three major points: which valuation models are used by analysts, why are these models used, and how are these models used. In the same area, Demirakos et al. (2004) sought to explain financial analyst practices in terms of valuation by examining hypotheses related to the use of single period and multi-period forms, and also to test the usage of both the accrual and cash flow-based methods. On the other hand, Liu et al. (2002) measured the performance of a wide range of multiples and looked at the selection of relevant issues with the valuation using multiples mo del. An example from their paper showed the differences in the performance sector and the improvement of performance achieved by using other models to calculate multiples. In terms of industry importance, Alford (1992) tried to find out the impact of choosing comparables on size, sectors, and earnings growth on the accuracy of valuation by using price-earning multiples. Also, Boatsman and Baskin (1981) compared the accurateness of the price-earning multiples valuation model based on two sets of similar companies in the same sector. Moreover, Tasker (1998) tested among-industry models in the collection of similar companies by analysts and investment banks in acquisition transactions. The paper written by Barker (1999a) tested the valuation methods used by analysts and fund managers in order to discover the role of dividends in share valuation as well as to find out the importance of different valuation forms used in practice by fund managers and financial forecasters. Moreover, Barke r (1999b) applied both survey and market-based evidence in order to find out the more favorable valuation models, especially the

Questionnaire Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Questionnaire - Essay Example derage Drinking, 2006) Even though drinking is prohibited legally for under aged children in many countries, it is a well known fact that many children usually consumes alcohol before they reaches the legal age for drinking. Under aged children many not have the maturity to control their emotions under the influence of alcohol and hence there is an increased probability for them to engage in anti social activities and hence this research has immense importance in contemporary society. â€Å"It is now commonly believed that the average young person will have seen 100,000 beer commercials between the age of two and eighteen† (Hanson, 1997) The legal age for drinking is different in different countries; ranging from 0 to 21. United States has the highest drinking age in the world where only those who have completed 21 years of age can drink legally. But in countries like China, Thailand and Viet Nam, there is no age restriction for drinking. In Austria Italy like countries the legal age for drinking is 16 whereas in Argentina and Israel it is 18 years. (Hanson, 1997) The questionnaire has been made simple and multiple choices were given to make the answer simple. The questions were made after discussions with some experts who have already studied this subject. This research has been conducted mainly online. The questionnaire given at the end of this paper has been published on internet and the data collected from the respondents. Children who are from UK, between the ages of 12 – 18 were asked to participate in this research. This research was limited to UK children in order to standardize the results. Moreover around 2000 children of the same age group have been approached directly by visiting schools located at different parts of the country and collected information regarding their drinking habits. All in all around 12500 data has been collected totally. The data has showed that around 6750 (54%) of the respondents drink at least once daily. Around 3200

UCCs Effect On International Commerce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

UCCs Effect On International Commerce - Essay Example The third article provides for the transactions in commercial papers such as negotiable instruments and promissory notes (Hinkelman & Shippey, 2004). The other provisions are also important in trade since they provide guidelines on issues such as bulk transfers, secured transactions and dealings in investment securities such as stocks and bonds. The UCC applies to national trade, but would have positive effects if applied to international commerce. The UCC is designed for quick references on laws regarding formation of business contracts, expert analysis of the impact of various commercial transactions and easy handling of court decisions regarding disputes emanating from trade (Hinkelman & Shippey, 2004). The first effect of UCC on international commerce is facilitation of international transactions in the sale of goods. UCC will ensure that cross-border merchants have faith in sale of goods contracts due to the uniformity in the regulatory laws. The increase in foreign direct inves tments and growth in technology has led to emergency of new type of business transactions that require a uniform form of contractual agreements and legal protection (Hinkelman & Shippey, 2004). For instance, technology has allowed companies to sell digital products across national borders and multinational companies to list their stocks in different national stock exchange markets. In this case, uniform commercial code would be helpful in fostering international commerce (Hinkelman & Shippey, 2004). Uniform commercial code in the international commerce would be useful in curbing instances of international economic crimes such as money laundering and dumping. The UCC would be capable of offering legal guidelines that address issues relating to diversion of cargo in the high seas, counterfeiting and fraudulent insurance claims that are common in maritime trade. UCC will be useful in global tendering processes (Hinkelman & Shippey, 2004). The provisions will be important in ensuring un iformity of global tenders such as government tenders. This will ensure that contracting parties receive high quality services due to good faith requirements and transparency of the process (Hinkelman & Shippey, 2004). UCC will ease the international transfer of funds through creating uniform requirements in bank collections, settlements of financial securities and fund transfers among the international trade participants. UCC will create legal performance obligation to transactions involving a secured party. The code of business will guide the transfers of dematerialized securities. In this case, the final investors in the investment securities will have adequate security entitlement and right to receive any dividends accruing from their ownership of the security. Article 8 decomposes the security rights thus creditors are protected from the possibility of the investor of transferring such stake without informing the creditor who has some interest in the concerned security (Hinkelm an & Shippey, 2004). The impact of securing the transactions is to provide a relief to the lender through a security interest in the collateral and an assurance in the default by the borrowing party. In most states, the secured transactions use personal property, fixtures and intangible property as the collateral in the case of default. This code will facilitate bankruptcy settlements thus facilitating international trade transactions (Hinkelman & Shippey, 2004). Articles 5 of the UCC provide guidelines on the issuance of letters of credit by financial institutions. The letters of credit

Discuss Carson's view in the context of the history of management Assignment

Discuss Carson's view in the context of the history of management theory and evaluate the relevance of McGregor's theories to th - Assignment Example Valuing employees boosts confidence in employees to work harder than prior performance. An effective workforce allows the organisation to earn success and profitability in the long run as well. All future strategic planning of the organisation can be successfully accomplished via an effective workforce performance. All talented and skilled employees need to be retained by the organisation; they need to ensure that employees are satisfied with the organisation (Guest, 2011). The organisation should work towards developing loyal employees for the firm. In the last couple of years, various researchers have studied the implications of management gurus’ works in contemporary organisations and have realised that firms are using them either as a fashion or fad; they are not utilising them properly within their work context (Cennamo & Gardner, 2008; McLean, 2009). Implementing the strategies within the work context can allows the organisation to accomplish desired results of success. ... Majority of the researchers including Carson et al. (2002), Gallos (2005), Park and Ritson (2005), Tay and Diener (2011) and Wren, Bedeian and Breeze (2002) emphasised the need of modifying the applicable management theory according to the culture of a firm so that it can successfully design a work culture that will be supportive for its business operations. With changing times, the employee mindset and the ways of performing job roles have changed; hence the management theories developed by the earlier management gurus may require some modification in the present work culture. Carson’s viewpoint about history of theory of management According to Carson et al. (2002) who developed a theory known as ‘theory of management fashion’ concluded from their studies that now-a-days the organisations are relying on the models of management that are developed by newly skilled experts commonly referred to as management gurus, consulting firms, business schools and business pu blications in mass media in events of uncertainty. These management gurus are discussed as examples in many of the business schools so that the new generation is well aware of both the prior and new developments in management theories. These models of management have variations from the prior management theories developed in the field of management studies. This theory has been developed keeping in view the variables considered in the management models and how these have been applied in present business scenarios. Carson et al. (1999), cited by Mohr, Young and Burgees (2011), stated that under situations of ambiguity, the corporations who are classified as management fashion followers emulate the innovation models which are promoted by the fashion-setting companies

Pakistan lack of energy and water leads to mass terrorist operation Research Paper - 1

Pakistan lack of energy and water leads to mass terrorist operation - Research Paper Example The textile industries, trade and other sectors are at rock bottom in terms of their performances. This is all due to the variables stated above, hence the dependent variables. These variables have a direct impact on the economy of the state and the present day economy stands in a crippled state courtesy the deviances and discrepancies that are on show. People are taking up the unwarranted professions, resorting to means other than the state sanctioned. The ultimate yield of these deprivations is the outcome in form of exploitation and terrorist activities(Malik, I). These can be expressed in form of equation with one side demonstrating the don’t haves while the other side showing the possible repercussions in form of agitation, mental agony, restless, potential popular uprisings and various other factors. Lack of political wisdom, absence of creative mindset and future policies devising are all few of the factors that can be termed as the hypothesis towards the menace that is showing up in form of terrorist operations. envirocivil (2013)Â  Climate Change, Governance and Energy Discourse in Pakistan. [Online] Available at: http://envirocivil.com/climate/climate-change-governance-and-energy-discourse-in-pakistan/ [Accessed: 10 Apr

Homeschool vs Public School Essay Example for Free

Homeschool vs Public School Essay The recent growth, popularity, and success of homeschool have left many parents wondering if public school is the right choice for their children. While public school is still the most trusted and convenient way for parents to have their children educated, many parents are starting to research and learn more about the option of homeschooling. For many parents, it is hard to think outside the box, when it comes to their children’s education, yet, more parents are convinced every day that this may be the right choice for their children. Parents considering homeschool are worried that they might not be able to provide the proper education, and learning tools, as well as the structure of public school. Others are simply worried that their publicly educated children will not be as well rounded or socialized if they are homeschooled. For many advocates, whether home school or public school, the environment offered by withers situation is definitely a determining factor as to whether their child should be home or publicly schooled. Proponents of homeschool think that children will thrive better in a safe, comfortable, familiar environment. Ironically, so do public school advocates. Homeschool parents believe that home is the safest, most secure environment for their children to learn. A decade ago a homeschooled teen had to miss out on school dances, band, sports, driver’s education and more. This is no longer the case. The options are endless depending on your local school district. Most junior and high schools support dual enrollment. This means that a child can be homeschooled and still go to the school for subject that the student along with the parents decides. This can be math, wood working, computer technology, and many more things. If the child is enrolled they are entitled to most if not all of the extracurricular activities that the school offers. In a home school setting, a child does not have to deal with fitting in, peer pressure, or cliques. Homeschool parents will argue that by homeschooling they prevent most of the negative social problems of school. Many argue that school is not like real life. In the real world you do get to choose who you associate with for the most part. You are not shoved into a room of your same age peers for 12 years or more. In public schools children are forced to deal with persecution because of the clothes they wear may not be the coolest, or their shoes may not be a brand name. Children are forced to deal with peer pressures to have sex, experiment with drugs, or truancy. Homeschool children are able to focus solely on their education. They are usually able to work at their own pace in their own style. While publicly schooled children are forced into a strict schedule, and everything is on a timed basis. Public school advocates argue that public school teaches the child to separate themselves from their parents, and begin to rely on themselves more. That it teaches responsibility. They also believe that the natural interaction between children in school is healthy, and it teaches them character, and individuality. As a matter of fact, many public school supporters believe that actual book learning is not as important as learning how to deal with others. Only you can decide which is more important for your child. Along with everything else, parents and their children have to consider the curriculum, and is this right for the individual circumstance. How your child learns is a major factor in determining if your child should be in public school or homeschooled. Most children learn the same basic skills whether they are public, or homeschooled. They learn to read, write, and basic math. Both sides agree that this is a good foundation. However, it is beyond the basics that the two types of schooling differ, and the argument begins. Homeschooled children tend to learn through individual experience. Regular public school children learn through relationships, and according to studies, that’s what builds character in a child. [www. publicschools. org]. this is clearly a huge argument in the war of Homeschool versus public school. Homeschool parents are able to choose the focus of their child’s education. Whether it is based on their religion and beliefs, or the child’s natural curiosity. This does not mean that a child is homeschooled based solely on religion or because they are religious. It simply gives parents an option to have religion incorporated in their children’s schooling. More parents said that they chose to homeschool a child in order to offer religious or moral instruction. This reason was given more than any other reason as the most important for homeschooling. This accounts for 36 percent of homeschooled students [The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) of the U. S.  Department of Education (USDOE) Institute of Education Sciences (IES)]. Public schools have eliminated religion because the government feels that it may offend someone if we pray a certain prayer that a student with a different religion may not. So, they decided to separate church and state. This means that there are no more prayers in public schools or their events. There are â€Å"moments of silence†. Thus, many homeschool parents incorporate it into their lessons. Public school bases their curriculum on state based lesson, which aim to make the students reach and hopefully surpass their goals. This curriculum is constantly changing with the times. A drawback of public education curriculum is that there is not a lot of time to spend in depth on one particular subject, but students are exposed to a broad spectrum of subjects. Every parent is a teacher [www. phdinparenting. com]. Whether they realize it or not. From day one we teach our children, and never stop. It is the argument of homeschool advocates that if we can teach them life skills and basically everything they learn from day one, then why can’t we educate our children? Public school advocates argue that the difference is the time a teacher has spent learning methods and perfecting the art of educating a child. Homeschooled parents are concerned that their children are not having enough one on one time with teachers. They are concerned that the teacher to student ratio is out of control. The norm in public school is 31 students to 1 teacher. Most classes are 30 to 45 minutes in length. After roll call, going over the daily lesson, passing up homework, etc. , there is less than 1 minute available for each student to communicate with the teacher. Homeschool advocates are concerned that sometimes this means that the quality of education a child gets in public school is not as good as that of homeschool. Many students believe that the education they are getting is quite adequate. They are sure that half the things they learn in class they will not need in â€Å"real life† anyway. They assume the free ride through college from their high school football career will get them everything they need in life. Children who have this belief are sorely mistaken. If they are not equipped with the communication skills, and life skills, as well taught esponsibility then why have the great football career? They will have no idea how to negotiate terms, negotiate contracts, or how to properly spend and invest their income. These are all vital things that a child needs to be taught. Homeschool parents believe that they can instill in their children all of those things. No extracurricular activities for homeschoolers, you say? Wrong!! There are programs that allow homeschool children to take some of their classes in a private school type setting to allow them to play on the local high school football team. As long as their grades and transcripts are all in order, they can be just as successful and get scholarships just as a public school student. We, as parents have to make our own decisions about how our children are educated. Whether they are public or home schooled, we have to ensure that our children are getting the best possible education, in the best environment, by the best teachers. It is not our job to be sure that they are the most popular, or the class favorite. It is our job to make sure that they are educated, moral, responsible, well rounded individuals no matter the method by which they are educated.

Intercultural Views With Appiah And Kimmel Cultural Studies Essay

Intercultural Views With Appiah And Kimmel Cultural Studies Essay Have you ever agreed with two pieces that were the same but so different? These are the type of feelings one may have after reading the Piece Moral Disagreement by Kwame Anthony Appiah and the piece Gender Class, and Terrorism by Michael S Kimmel. Appiahs article is very open minded and grounded. Appiah (2006) focuses on moral theory within culture. Appiah argues that formative denotation of culture is ultimately preceded by the intellectual interchange. Kimmels piece focuses on gender and culture. He looks at the small details in gender and terrorism that are similar. I believe that Both Kimmel and Appiah give valid points on intercultural ethnic understanding, cultural diversity and historic taboos to back up arguments on culture; however Appiahs philosophy is more useful on the aspect of understanding culture than Kimmels. Both Kimmel and Appiah focus their piece on intercultural arguments. Kimmel talks about Timothy McVeigh, a racist white supremacist and the Taliban policy that he believes both have intercultural taboos. He said Their anger often fixes on others-women, members of minority groups, immigrants, gay men and lesbian (p. 451). Kimmel believes theses terrorist want to re-masculinize men and feminize women. Appiah focuses on the cosmopolitan view of different cultures and societies. He talks about taboos within our cultures and our gender. Appiah is very realistic on his philosophy that cultures may never agree but we need to understand them. Appiah expects disagreements within intercultural communication; for example, he says, and the most fundamental level of disagreement occurs when one party to a discussion invokes a concept that the other simply doesnt have (p.380). Kimmel is trying to pinpoint evidence, and he gives an example of intercultural tactics that could explain the motivation of terrorist acts. For example, Kimmel links Timothy Mcviegh and the terrorists of September 11 in the same class. He says, Virtually all were under twenty-five, educated, lower middle class or middle class, downwardly mobile (p. 451). Kimmel gives his reader intercultural resources and information to help pin point what to look for in a terrorist through culture. Appiah has a more open mind with culture. He uses the concepts thick and thin: thick means detailed and thin represents universal. Appiah would most likely recommend to Kimmel that we will never realize or understand all of the different taboos within culture. Kimmel and Appiah have a realistic understanding of cultural diversity. Appiah uses emphasis on cross-cultural conversation as a mean of promoting mutual understanding. Appiah uses a realistic example: to apply the concept of rudeness, for example, you have to think of the act youre criticizing as a breach of good manners or as lacking the appropriate degree of concern for the felling of others. I say, thank you ironically, when you accidentally step on my foot, implying that you did it deliberately. Thats rude. Thanking a person, without irony, for something that hes done for you isnt (p. 380). Kimmel argues that cultural diversity that opposes globalization and the spread of western values can lead to violence. He quotes, the resulting anger is naturally directed first against their rulers, and then against those whom they see as keeping those ruler in power for selfish reasons (p. 452). Both authors could agree that we have a lot of differences within our humanity. Appiah shows historic examples of taboos within his Ghanaian background, while Kimmel gives the reader valid sources of taboos within culture. For instance, Appiah shares the different family kinship in the Akan society in Ghana. He says, Consider the abusua, this is a group of people related by common ancestry (p.381). Appiah then explains that your membership in the abusua depends only on who your mother is, your father is irrelevant. This is a great example of the many cultural differences that would be weird or un-moral to western culture; however, I believe that Appiah would want his reader to try to understand there is no right or wrong way. Kimmel gives examples of the hate that is brought in by anti-globalization politics. He quotes Peter Mardsden, has observed that the Taliban is a desperate attempt to keep out that other world, and protect Afghan women from influences that could weaken the society from within (p.452). Both Appiah and Kimmel show great examples of cultural d ifferences. Overall both authors have strong arguments, however I believe that Appiah philosophy is more useful for one to understand culture. Kimmel and Appiah both point out a lot of differences within cultures, but Kimmel focuses on small details within cultures to pinpoint or understand terrorist acts with globalization. Appiah shows the reader examples of the differences between cosmopolitans and Universalist. He says cosmopolitans suppose that all cultures have enough overlap in their vocabulary of values to begin a conversation. But they dont suppose, like some Universalists, that we could all come to agreement if only we had the same vocabulary (p. 387). Appiah then backs up his argument by showing an example of a journalist interview. He says a journalist interviews a foreign dictator, someone who is known for his abuses of human rights. (Journalist) She speaks differentially, frequently calling him your Excellency (p. 387). He then sums his point up by saying is this politeness or is i t a craven abdication of the journalist obligation to press for the trust? Can it be both? If it is politeness, is it appropriate, in these circumstances, to be polite? Appiah successfully uses strong examples to back up his argument stating that politeness, morals and taboos differ for us all; while Kimmel uses a universal approach that Appiah would categorize as thin. Appiah has a stronger piece with stronger evidence that makes his piece more understandable for the reader, while Kimmel has some evidence that is weak. A Kimmel quote, (Mohammed Atta) was he gay? Was he a repressed homosexual, too ashamed of his sexuality to come out? Such innuendoes are based on no more than a few circumstantial tidbits about his life. He was slim, sweet-faced, neat, meticulous, a snazzy dresser (p.452). Such allegations are irrelevant because there is no strong evidence to prove any homosexuality. He also brings an example of Adolf Hitler he quotes He argues that any of Hitlers policies-such as the killing of longtime colleague and avowed homosexual Ernst Rohm, or even the systematic persecution and execution of gay men in concentration camps-were, in fact prompted by a desire to conceal his own homosexuality (p.453). Again there is no concrete evidence to prove any homosexuality with Hitler. Hitler was a sick disturbed terrorist whom kill thousands that were not gay so how could we know any difference of his killings. Overall both authors brought different arguments from a different prospective on culture. Being that Appiah is a philosopher, he brings knowledge, values, and wisdom, within fundamental problems in his argument. Kimmel, a sociologist, he argued with the study of human behavior. I would recommend both pieces to any reader who would like to look at different theories, but I would highly recommend Appiahs piece because it is reasonable and clear on human intercultural civilization.

Realizing Mistakes in James Joyces Araby Essay -- Araby Essays

Many times in life, people set unrealistic expectations for themselves or for other people. This is not a very wise thing to do because people often feel disappointed and embarrassed for getting their hopes up so high. One good example of this is the narrator in the short story, Araby, by James Joyce. In the story Araby, a young man develops an infatuation with his friend, Magan’s, sister. Because his infatuation is so strong, he fears he will be unable to express his feelings to her, so when she mentions she cannot go to the local bazaar she has wanted to attend, he seizes this as a perfect opportunity and volunteers to buy her a gift. In the characters mind, giving Magan’s sister a gift will help him earn her attention and maybe in the long run, her affection. With this in mind, the character gets so excited, that he sets his hopes unrealistically high. When he finally arrives at the bazaar, it is then that he realizes his foolishness and decides not to buy her a gift . The narrator feels â€Å"driven and derided by vanity† (128) because he has set his expectations unrealistically high a...

A Jest Of God :: essays research papers

A Jest of God We were strangers from the beginning tormented by our difference which did not exist. (Betsy Warland) An important ingredient inherent in a successful mother-daughter relationship is balance. Like the scales of justice, maintaining equilibrium requires work. The special bond between mother and daughter is delicate and unlike any other relationship due to expectations of performance on behalf of both women. The female psyche is, characteristically, particular: each woman having a certain regiment making themselves unique. Ideals and behavior learned, possibly inherited, from others are two of many things which carve an individual's personality. It is these similarities and differences which often cause conflicts between mother and daughter. In A Jest of God, the relationship between Rachel and her mother is strained due to unspoken expectations that each had of the other. Stemming from poor communication, a host of differences were assumed to exist between the two, when in fact their struggle originated in their sameness. The largest weapon which spear-headed the communication war between Rachel and her mother was the generation gap; coming from different eras, the pair assumed they had nothing in common. In Rachel's eyes her mother was a pristine, saintly woman who maintained high moral values for herself and her family. Therefore, being a good person and making the right decisions was never questionable to Rachel, as this was how her mother expected her to behave. Rachel listened numerous times to her mother comment on how "peculiar" her behavior looked, and spoke of anyone else she observed doing the same. Although this annoyed Rachel about her mother, she adopted similar paranoia tendencies, speculating how her behavior with Nick, a summer beau, looked to anyone who could be watching or noticing. Irritated by her mother's attitude, Rachel excused it on the pretense that her views reflected the past times in which she lived. However, Rachel had neither the patience nor the desire to speak out against her mother for fear of stirring trouble between them. The irony in Rachel's decision is that their relationship needed just what she was so desperately trying to avoid. By turning her back on the communication problem between herself and her mother, Rachel wanted to believe that the problem was inherent in the misunderstanding each had of the other. Underneath her shell, Rachel was coming to terms with what was really true of the gap between herself and her mother: their difference lay in her want to not be similar. Both were single: Rachel unmarried and her mother a widow. Through her fling with Nick, Rachel wanted to express her desires to be independent from her mother, and have an adult

James A. Michners: TEXAS :: essays research papers

In this magnificent historical novel, James A. Michner skillfully combines fact and fiction to present one of our most expansive and diversified states. Spanning nearly four and a half centuries, Michner begins with the first Spaniards to explore parts of present day Texas, Cabeza de Vaca and Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and continues on to the emergence of Texas as one of our most powerful states. Michner’s use of historical fact is extremely accurate in his portrayal of events in Texas history. Particularly when he writes of the fight for Independence from Mexico. Michner only strays to fiction in an attempt to illustrate to the reader what the lives of early Texans must have been like. His characters interact with actual historical figures and create very believable scenarios of the events depicted in his novel. One Scenario in particular is the Battle of San Jacinto. This is a historical event which ended in a decisive victory for the Texas Army and Independence for Texas. Michner’s depiction of this battle is very accurate except for two important points. In his novel, Stephen F. Austin is sent to destroy a ferry owned by a former lover, Mattie Quimper. This was to prevent the Mexican Army, under the command of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, from crossing the river and give more time to the Texans to prepare for the inevitable battle. This incident is fictional, but it is similar- to another factual event. At San Jacinto, General Sam Houston sent one of his men to destroy a bridge crossing the San Jacinto River. This was to prevent reinforcements from joining Santa Anna’s forces, which were already on the Island. The second point which was fictional ,but was based on an actual event, was the capture of General Santa Anna. In Michner’s novel, a bumbling Yancy Quimper, comes across a half naked Santa Anna, who was trying to evade capture by hiding in the trees. Quimper, being a coward, nearly shoots himself in the process. This alerts another fictional character, Otto MacNab. MacNab takes Santa Anna into custody and presents him to General Houston. In actuality, a Texas Army Sergeant captured Santo Anna the day following the battle. Michner includes these fictional characters as part of a sub-plot designed to keep the reader interested in what is a purely military campaign. He remains true to historical facts and only adds fiction to color his amazing storytelling abilities.

Contributions of Feminism to Security studies

The contribution of feminists to security studies have been described as four separate categories; where the International Relation feminists query the hypothetical nonexistence and peripheral nature of women in international security politics, interrogate the extent to which women are secured by state protection in times of war and peace, critique the ever ever-existence assumption that gendered security practices address women only and contest the discourses wherein women are linked unreflectively with peace. Feminists have conceptualized the core concepts like security, the state, violence, war and peace while at the same time uncovering new hardheaded knowledge about sexual violence in war, gendered participation in armed conflict as well as the masculinity of militarization (Carpenter, 2002: 300). International Relation feminists have studied specific empirical situations to deduce explanatory as well as ethical theories of International Relation. They have traversed the crisis in Bosnia, African peace keeping operations, civil military relations in South Korea and the wars in Iraq. Though some of the emerging exemplar of human security as well as Copenhagen school stress the significance of individuals within the security issues they still fail to recognize that not all individuals face those issues the same. Feminists have decided to make women noticeable as subjects in international security (Edkins & Epstein, 1997: 120). They portray attention to the invisibility of female and gender subordination within the theory and practice of security politics. Less than 10% of the heads of state of the world are women. Feminists ask why this should be the case and how this is likely to affect the structure as well as the practice of global politics. The empirical case studies of the more current new generation feminists have manly focused on hitherto underrepresented issues like military prostitution, sensitive households, domestic service as well as home-based work which are always performed by women. Through the use of gendered lenses, we are able to see that in spite of the myth that wars are fought by men as a way of protecting the ‘vulnerable people’, a category to which women and children are assigned, women and children represent a significant portion of the causalities in the recent wars. And while are underrepresented as military casualties in terms of their participation in militaries all over the world, they are over represented as civilian victims in terms of their percentage of the population in war zones. Women and children make up between seventy five to eighty percent of the refugees displaced by the effects of war. Feminists have drawn the attention to the frequency as well as the severity of wartime rape, characterizing it as a war crime, as genocide and extreme form of torture. War affects women drafted to provide sex to the soldiers. For instance, more than one million Korean women have suffered in the same way since the beginning of the Korean War (Moon, 1997: 112). Looking at the sound effects of war on women, we are able to gain a better understanding of the unequal feminine relation that sustains the military activity. Whereas feminists highlight the essentiality of seeing women understand conflict and war, they too put emphasis on how these gendered constructions are able to help us understand not just some of the causes of war but certain ways of think about the nature of security have been legitimized at the expense of others. Gendered lenses do not just show where women are during conflict and war but also the structure of war and conflict. Realists define security primarily in terms of state security. A state that is secure is one that is position to protect its physical borders against an anarchical global system. Neorealist put much emphasis on the anarchic international- system’s structure. In this case there is no sovereign to regulate the state behavior. They paint states like Bosnia, Somalia and Iraq as unitary actors whose internal structures as well as policies are less crucial than the anarchic condition for explaining their insecurity and security. The power seeking nature of a state together with the military capabilities are viewed as avenues designed at increasing security of the state; security specialists believe than that the habit of power seeking so as to promote the level of security explains much of the international behavior of the states. Poorest Nations of the world have active military operations within their borders. Consequently, the conflicts contribute to high number of civilian casualties to the extreme structural violence which is done to people when their basic requirements are not met as well as environmental destruction. Security is all about an individual safety. The survival of an individual is therefore the key to his or her safety. But survival has always been threatened by bombs, but this is not even all. Inadequate food, health care, shelter, and transportation threatens the physical integrity of the bodies of individuals, and the most affected are women and children. The safety of an individual is of importance than just being able to stay alive. It is also about the ability to have a home and raise a healthy family. Most women in war affected countries spent the better part of their lives in refugee camps and have never known the meaning of a happy leaving. According to feminists, security is about the safety issues which affect the lives of people, mostly women (Edkins & Epstein, 1997: 208). Civilian casualties, power outrages, food shortages, structural violence, militarism together with the human rights are security issues. The lives of women can be insecure even when the states feel safe. Security has to be seen from marginalized members of the societies, those that are highly susceptible to insecurity. Feminist security prioritizes justice together with emancipation. Feminism exclusively contributes the perspective of how the lives of women demonstrate the violence in the events that are not traditionally perceived as security threats. Without Gender, Security is Incomplete Scholarly work that accepts a gender-subordinating world the way it appears akin to the history of a victor: no matter how good it may be, it is incomplete with adverse moral problems. This is verified by the look at the non-combatant principle of immunity and what feminists refer to as an illusion of the protection of women or the protection racket. In her piece of writing, Women, Children and other Susceptible Groups, Charlie Carpenter emphasize the importance of gender in international advocacy concerning the protection of civilians through reference to the beliefs of the advocates that their message is likely to be salient incase it is understood in terms of defending women and children particularly (Carpenter, 2002: 302). The immunity structure of women has been greatly distorted through reliance upon the proxy of women and children for civilians. The distortion is likely to affect the protection in sub-optimal ways. There is need for a clear understanding of what needs protection and why. The principle of immunity within the just war tradition is hazy and highly subject to considerable manipulation for political purposes. This kind of problems may be enough to cause the current lack of effectiveness. Whereas the principle of immunity appears to protect women, in real sense, it risks the lives of women and also perpetuates gender subordination at the same time. The modernization of the Malaysian economy in 1970’s led to an increase in the number of the underpaid and exploited foreign female household workforce within the country. It was a case of rejecting the traditional economic validation due to the fact that the economic theory overlooks the involvement of the state or the social dynamics that surround foreign domestic worker involvement. In order to win the support of the middle class and lessen the ethnic tension, the state of Malaysia backed the hiring of foreign female domestic workers and the workers worked in slave-like conditions. In such a case, just like in many other countries, the state played the role of manipulating class, gender as well as race to control power in order to benefit a few citizens and disadvantage others. The scholars reveal gender that is entrenched within the power structures and consistence with the critical International- Relations theory, ultimately aimed at changing the status quo. The works of feminists contribute to the realm of the protection in an untraditional way. For instance, they bring to light the insecurities that women have inside and outside of the traditional war zones. To add on that, because they have the ability to recognize the physical, ecological, structural as well as sexual violence as security threats, they appropriately apply security on the individual level. Through underscoring human safety, mainly at the political margin, feminists refocus security discourses from the policies of the state to the lives of the individuals. Certainly, wars are known to threaten safety. But oppressive relationship of work as well as sexual slavery also threaten it and therefore has to be recognized as universal issues of the human insecurity and justifiable topics within international security. Through bringing about the discussion and concentrating on how the ideas on how gender affects and are affected by politics, the constructivists of feminism build on the foundation that is availed by the social constructivists. In his book, Modern Security Studies, Collins examines international dialogue and law in relation to home based work. He reveals that the dominantly home-based female workforce is highly undervalued. Because the work takes place in a private sphere, it is not considered to be legitimate by many. As a result, women suffer low wages as well as poor working conditions without being provided with an opportunity to change their circumstances. Due to the fact that the workforce is dominantly women, the institutionalization of the rights of the workers is vital to feminists. In terms of war, the constructionists of feminism try to determine the reasons as to why the issue of security remain absent within the mainstream of security discourse. For example, though not included in the description of conventional warfare, the economic sanctions on Iraq between the Gulf wars had incredible security impact on Iraqi communities as well as the citizens, excessively on women. While implementing the policy, the United Nation Security Council was aiming at instigating the opposition of the citizens to the government of Iraq. In a sense, through making the residents of Iraq suffer, the United Nation hoped they would revolt against their government. This kind of policy at the end of the day became a war against the innocent citizens. Whereas the well-off Iraqi in government or in the upper class were able to acquire goods through black market, the majority with lower incomes, particularly women, children as well as the elderly could hardly get anything Though the sanctions do not constitute a declaration of war from those concerned, military attacks, they contribute to emergence of war. Feminists mainly focus on the physical as well as the structural violence existent on the ground within the affected communities. And for them, conventional wars as well as economic sanctions both deserve recognition as significant and momentous security issues (Sassen, 2000: 508). Concerning the use of language in society as well as the effect on our understanding of the reality, poststructuralists stress the relationship that exists between knowledge and power. In most societies, those who posses intellect also have the capability to frame most crucial agendas and discussions, that endow with them the needed power. Traditionally, men are known to dominate the sphere of learning and intelligence. On the other hand, women are viewed as less intelligence followers who react to the supremacy of men. In particular, feminist stress the linguistic dichotomies in international security discourse which favor the attributes of masculinity. Pairs of words like strong/weak in security studies have obvious gender link because women are stereotypically feeble and more emotional. Feminists perfect in one of these divisions are point out that the gendered as well as racial implication within them have direct consequences (Collins, 2007: 28). Through donating inferiority of a given gender or race, the dichotomies shape the current perception of gender within our society. Through the demolition of the hierarchical language, feminists hope to minimize the hierarchy in our realism as well. Postcolonial Feminism Just as feminists assert a society exists with knowledge that mainly set forth by men, postcolonial feminists find fault within the knowledge that is solely based upon the experiences of the privileged western women. They do not consider female’ a homogenous category. The class, geography, race and culture experienced by individual women tend to change their perception of the world. Accordingly, postcolonial feminists’ state that contrary to the beliefs of western women, almost all women do not have the same level of emancipation needs and wants (Jackson, 1998: 70). They are fond of fighting the stereotype of the third world women as poor, victimized and lacking in agency. In due course, the feminists believe that gender subordination takes place through interaction of gender, culture and race. Through acknowledging this fact, they aspire in defining the needs of the women based on the factors rather than creating a universal list of them. Sexualized Discourse and War Sexualized discourse within the international security takes place in varied form and aspects of the military and war. For instance, in weapons technology gendered language pervades the discourse. When a weapon is first created, the makers refer to it as if it is a male being born. When it is completed, it penetrates the enemy lines the same way men penetrate women. The aggressive sexual language eventually joins with feminine language to make war seem civilized in spite of its violent nature. The abuses, for instance rape that occur during the war go away completely unmentioned (Collins, 2007: 78). Within the international security dialogue, there are cases of sexualized and gendered discourse. When describing the Gulf Wars, various politicians as well as other people draw a comparison of the situation to the sexual intercourse. During the discussion of the overthrow of Saddam, the U. S officials mentioned the frustration that though the forces had ‘penetrated’ the ‘inner sanctum’, they had not yet achieved a satisfying outcome. International Security on the Lives of Women Quite a number of Feminists employ a more micro-level scrutiny in determining the effects of international security on individual lives of women. For example, (Hansen 2000) tries to improve the analysis of feminists of foreign policy through asking them why, how and when the governments use women not just on a gendered ideology but also as instruments of foreign policy. About the South Korean women ‘working’ for the military of the U. S. , Hansen concludes that individuals and organizations should incorporate military prostitution within the global security discussion of the gender rules in war times. Conclusion In an attempt to broaden the sphere of security studies, feminists emphasize those aspects of security that have been ignored by the dominant social science. They recognize the presence of women in international security politics and query the state protection which women supposedly receive in time of war and peace (Elshtain, 1995: 49). They also scrutinize the alleged link between women and peace and show that gendered discourses usually affect the entire population. Through highlighting the differences and also exploring the current literature relating to feminist security learning, this review was aimed at showing the reasons as to why the aspects of commonly ignored aspects are actually critical to the study of security. Instead of simply being a supplement to the prevailing security theory, feminist security studies require utmost consideration to enable full understanding of the world.

Team Strategic Plan

Team Strategic Plan * Core Values: * Loyalty – stay committed to the team’s schedule. * Respect – Treat others as you would wish to be treated * Selfless Service – Put the best interest of the team and class above yourself * Integrity – Do what is right, even when no one is watching * Personal Courage – Do the hard right over the easy wrong * Operating Guidelines: * Zero tolerance for any member who refuses to contribute to the success of the team. * All team members are required to follow the Texas A&M-commerce’s code of conducts. * We will consult each other before taking any decisions. * SWOT Analysis: Internal Strengths- * Teamwork focused * Well rounded educational foundation * Diversity * Quantitative analysis * Writing skills * Internal Weaknesses- * 75% of members are 1st semester graduate students. * Ineffectiveness in communication because English is the second language for 75% of members. * None of the team members are famil iar with APA style. * External Opportunities- * Easy access to information about Strategic Management (textbook and library). * Abilities to research online needed information. * Aptitudes to ask for help to our wonderful well-educated teacher and at the Texas A&M-commerce library. External Threats- * Geographic distance * Limited time to achieve this assignment. * The high expectations of our teacher will not allow us to present a poor documented strategic plan. * Mission: (Who, what, when, where, why) This team was organized to enhance the collective learning experience and draw from the diverse backgrounds of its team members in order to successfully complete all MGT 591 course requirements to the highest standards . * Vision: (What we want to be): we will present to this class a strategic plan on the addressed topic: The potential Impact of Compassionate Leaders on Performance Excellence Initiatives. Goals: (Must be Specific, Measurable) * Broad Goals- write a research paper on the potential Impact of Compassionate Leaders on Performance Excellence Initiatives. * Specific Goals- * 1-Submit the team strategic plan on or before 11:30p. m. CST on 9/8. * 2- Submit the team Research Paper any time before 11:30p. m. CST on 10/27 * Strategy: (The plan of how and when to Achieve the Goals & Objectives. Who will do what, when) * Strategy Formulation- in order to be fully on time with the schedule, we will use all sources of communication available such as online chat, emails, phones, and face-to-face intercourse. Strategy Implementation- * First day of meeting: we will get to know each team member, choose a topic, and brainstorming on the best ways to get this assignment done on time. * Second day of meeting: first we will set a fix and detailed schedule. Then, we will found a common ground on whether to assign each team member with a specific part to research on, or to research the topic as a whole. * From then on until the final day: we will make sure to help eac h other stay on schedule. * Critical Success Factors: (Only two or three): * All team members must do thorough research on the topic. It is imperative to submit on time to avoid penalties. * Effective communication among team members. * Distinctive Competencies: (Different than Core values, but in line with them): the source of our competitive advantage comes from our diverse backgrounds. Each one of us has a different culture, which enables us to provide a synergy beneficial to this research paper. * Measurements and Feedback: this section will be use each and every day to avoid any misunderstanding. At any time, we will let each other know what we think should be done.

Conflict Resolution Essay

A new director decides to reorganize the department you work in. This reorganization comes about without input from the employees and many of the nurses that you oversee are feeling resentful of the change. As a nurse leader, identify factors that may lead to conflict and ways you can manage them. Wherever there are people the ability for conflict exits. Conflict is a disagreement, opposition or clash. It can affect the person emotionally, physically and specially. It can result in a fight, discord and division. Conflict can be used to motivate; however it can be destructive and should be dealt with. According to McElhaney (n.d) nurses experience six major areas of conflict. This scenario depicts one of those areas. 1. People who have experience in an area, want to feel that their opinion is considered and valued. So, when changes are made to an area or department, in which they work, have experience and are the expert; employees want to have input. In the absence of employee participation there may be apathy, anarchy and malicious compliance. Oftentimes it leads to lack of respect within the profession and feelings of anger, diminished self-worth, and conflict. However; as a nurse manager oftentimes, changes are made without any input from the employee and I have to manage this situation. In this case, during a staff meeting, I would discuss the changes, reasons they were made, and ask for input as to how we can implement these changes such that they work more effectively in our department. By using collaboration, my goal would be to incorporate employee feedback in areas/processes under my control. This would allow the employees to feel that they have some control over their work area, their input is valued and contribute to problem solving (Cardillo, 2011). Other areas are: 2. People have varying opinions, come from different backgrounds and culture and have different values. When conflict arises over differing in values and cultures, then these conflicts must be dealt with. They must be  discussed and a compromise reached that works for each party as well as the department (McElhaney,n.d). 3. Communication may be misunderstood and body language misconstrued (Cardillo, 2011). To confront this type of conflict, someone must be willing to speak out. Once during my 360 degree review, I received feedback that my team members felt devalued and that they were not being listened to because often times I continued typing when they came into the office; even though I coherently responded to the questions. After receiving this feedback, anytime someone comes into my office, I would sit on my hands to ensure that I pay attention and not type. When verbal communication and body language is misunderstood, the conflict must be confronted, discussed and a change must be made or an explanation given. Accommodating to meet the needs of promotes harmony and gains credits that can be used at a later date. 4. A nurse’s personal space is often invaded by other staff members, physicians, and patients. Crowded conditions and constant interruption can lead to conflict. In this situation, I would use a combination strategy of face-to-face meeting, collaboration and benchmarking. I would start with a face to face meeting with the individual to get his/her input as to how to better design/arrange the work area to reduce stress and interruptions. I would also research what other hospitals have done in this situation and implement best practice. Then I would follow-up with the employee to ensure the implemented changes solved the problem. 5. Other causes of conflict involve organizational climate, leadership style, off-the-job problems, age pressures, job standards, and personal prejudice. These conflicts affect each individual differently. Therefore, I would recommend the employee experiencing these conflicts or exhibiting behavior that is indicative of these stressors to the Employee Assistance Program; which consists of professionals especially skilled to assist the employee in dealing with these stresses. 6. Coping with technology changes and procedures. To provide our patients with the best care, we have to continuously improve this mean that change is inevitable. So, during staff meetings, I cover latest techniques, updated procedures and discuss how these add value to patient care and make our job easier. Once a month a different member of the staff discusses medical article or book they have read concerning a procedure or technique that can improve our process. After their presentation, we discuss if this is something we can implement easier or should put on our wish list. Lastly, each nurse is required to obtain six hours of training a year in which the hospital pays for. Training in new technology and procedures that are introduced is required and may be used for this purpose. There are many strategies to deal with conflict; avoidance is one. Some types of conflict if left alone, will work themselves out. However; because of the potential devastating nature of conflict; it should confronted; confront the situation and not the person. One should listen with empathy and the goal to understand the other person’s point of view and negotiate to a win-win or at the very least a win-lose solution. Even if one side has to lose, position the lost as something positive that can be built upon or negotiated later (Nursing Strategies: Countering Workplace Conflict with Positive Communication Strategies, 2011). References Cardillo, D. (November 28, 2011). Seven strategies for managing conflict Retrieved from http://news.nurse.com/article/20111128/DD01/311290003#.VJom714AKA McElhaney R. (n.d). Conflict Management. Retrieved from http://www.nursingcenter.com/CareerCenter/articles_preview.asp?page=confman.htm Nursing Strategies: Countering Workplace Conflict with Positive Communication

Economics and Higher Grades Essay

Should I study more in math? T-Chart Cost Benefit Less time for things I like to do. | Higher grades. | Less time for family and friends. | Increased scores in finals. | Less time to earn money. | Graduate high school and more opportunities. | 1 Explain how the concepts of scarcity, choice, and opportunity cost relate to your dilemma. For scarcity it would be that instead of me doing other things of my liking I would study, resulting in higher grades. Opportunity cost would be for example working which comes with making money and letting that go but then in the long run being able to graduate high school and have more opportunities. 2 What are the possible short-term costs and benefits? What are the possible long-term costs and benefits? Explain your answers and make sure all are listed in your chart. The short term costs would be to give up things I like in return for higher grades. Also giving up some time with friends & family would be shown in my final scores as it gives more time for studying. Also not working or making an income would take up less time and would make me be able to concentrate full time on my studies. 3. Which column has more responses? Which column has more powerful responses? Explain which points are most important to you and why. I believe the more powerful response come from the benefit as they are what I want the most and don’t really compare to the other short term effects. For example I would rather want to graduate and whatnot than to have money right now as I know it will help me in the future. 4. Based on the chart and your reflection of the above questions, what will be your final choice? Was this process helpful to you in reaching a decision? Write a brief paragraph with at least three details to persuade your instructor that this is the best decision. I would take more time to study as it pays off in the long run and would obviously be more beneficial to me than not doing it. It will also as you can see in the chart make me be able to excel more in the area’s in math I am having trouble with. I will be able to not have any trouble in passing exams, and I will be acquiring more knowledge on the subject for the future. Giving up work will also put a negative impact in short term for my wallet but it will give more time for me to acquire other knowledge on the subject.

Ethan Frome Essay

Ethan Frome Essay Destiny can shape the lives of many different kinds of people, such as princes who are meant to be kings and the poor who know they will not have the opportunity to be wealthy. Ethan Frome taught me that it is human nature to follow the destiny and predetermined life patterns bestowed on us upon birth. In one of the earlier chapters of Ethan Frome, the author describes the gravestones of many Ethan Fromes before the main character. It shows that Ethan will live and die in Starkfield, and he cannot change that regardless of what his aspirations are. Humans seem to have picked a spot and stayed there. A girl who grows up in a small town in the Midwest in a school with a class of one hundred, will experience the same lifestyle but through the eyes of a grown up woman. Even though this girl might have had dreams of living her own lifestyle, the barriers her destiny have formed between her aspirations and the reality of her predestined future. Life seems to be similar to a computer for many, as it is for Ethan Frome. One can type in a course for someone to follow, and it seems to never run off the tracks. Having a predetermined life does not always have to be about where you come from geographically. Even looking around Morristown High School, you can see patterns where, sadly, certain students do not have the same opportunities for success as others because of their past. The child of a well known cardiologist who lives in The Summit is given the drive and determination to learn as a characteristic from their parents, and it is already programmed into their life course. The child of an immigrant who is doing as much as they can to get by, might not be able to find that drive and determination as easily within themselves as the child who has been given those qualities from birth. On the other hand, there are those who can break those barriers. Every once in a while, you hear about a success story of somebody who fell off the life course but eventually found their way to a new and improved one. Those people are far to scarce. I will never forget a billboard I once saw in New York that read â€Å"Homeless to Harvard. † The picture showed a girl who looked as normal as a next door neighbor, but her struggles and accomplishments brought her to an ivy league school. Ethan Frome, Zeena, and Mattie Silver fell unbeknownst into the course of life that Starkfield Massachusetts had made. Cold winters and relationships forced them to stay on a path to mental destruction and misery. The story taught me that it is human nature to follow the set of rules made by the surrounding society.