Has advertising helped to make men more self conscious about their Essay

Has advertising helped to make men more self conscious about their appearance Evaluate whether this might be a good or a bad thing - Essay Example The main reason for this is the amount of influence advertisements have on the society. There is no scope for doubt in the fact ‘advertising helped to make men more self conscious about their appearance’. When we go through the sales data of male oriented products world wide, we find a rapid shoot up in the business in the recent years. â€Å"In the United States, sales of male-specific cosmetics and toiletries went up 37.3 percent between 1998 and 2003, according to Euro monitor’s 2004 study, with total sales of such products hitting $3.8 billion in 2003†(as cited in http://www.naturalnews.com/005132.html). These sales would have multiplied many times by now. Many developing countries like India where men were least concerned about beauty matters have a men’s beauty parlor in every nook and corner offering the most modern beauty treatments. Metrosexuals are seen on all four sides and at least for some, feminity is substituting his macho man appearance. All pinks and bright oranges on a man are seen awkward though the guys are least co ncerned. He is too much conscious of how he looks and he is in front of the mirror whenever he can. It is still a debate if it is fair for the man to behave like a typical woman in his personal appearance matters. Not only does he takes care of his looks too much but also spends a huge amount of his earning on the same. For instance, let us check the sale details of Loreal Paris, the international cosmetic brand. â€Å"Together male perfumes and deodorant made up about two thirds of LOreals male cosmetic sales in 2007. The usage of male cosmetics has grown considerably over the last two decades. From 1990 to 2001, mens skincare usage increased from 4.5% to 21%. In addition, men skincare usage in Western Europe has increased about 28% between 2001 and 2005. Cosmetics companies have even began to penetrate the over-40 market, which is not as saturated as the

The Importance Of Export Diversification

The Importance Of Export Diversification Earlier a countrys economic development was based either on the degree of specialization or diversification of a countrys production and trade structure. Based on Adam Smiths concept towards division of labour and specialization for economic growth and development to Heckscher-Ohlin Samuelson (HOS) model of international trade, countries should specialize in producing and specializing in the goods in which they have a comparative advantage. However, after the Second World War, the idea was that economic growth and development may be achieved by export diversification (not specialization). There were active efforts by the government to promote industrialization and economic growth. Export diversification is often the primary objective of many developed countries. Export diversification is also equally important for many developing countries. Some of the developing countries are dependent on relatively small range of products, generally agricultural commodities. In other words, primary products constitute a large percentage of their overall export earnings. Some economists such as Prebisch have even suggested that there is a long term tendency for primary product prices to decline vis-à  -vis those for manufactured goods. Countries that are commodity dependent or have a narrow export basket usually faces export instability which arises from inelastic and unstable global demand. This can consequently have a significant adverse impact on the macro economy of least developed economies in terms of investment and employment. Thus export diversification is one means to alleviate these constraints. Export diversification refers to the move from traditional to non trad itional exports. Developing countries should diversify their exports since this can; for example, help them to overcome export instability. Diversifying the export portfolio could intensify and accelerate the economic growth. Export instability could discourage necessary investments in the economy by risk-averse firms, increase macroeconomic uncertainty and be damaging to longer term economic growth. Export diversification could therefore help to stabilize export earnings in the longer run (Ghosh and Ostry, 1994; Bleaney and Greenaway, 2001). Countries with the slightest level of export diversification are those which face instability in export earnings. Some examples of countries which have instability in export earnings due to very heavy reliance on exports of one or two commodities are Kiribati, Samoa, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands. Reasons for export diversification Export diversification may be an important issue for developing countries for several reasons. First, a diversified bundle of export products provides a hedge towards price variations and shocks in specific product markets (Bertinelli et al., 2006; Levchenko and di Giovanni, 2006). Second, the type of products exported might affect economic growth and the potential for structural change (Hausmann et al., 2007; Hausmann and Klinger, 2006; Whang, 2006). Third, export diversification in the direction of more sophisticated products may be beneficial for economic development. Given these potential benefits of export diversification, an important policy question is what a country can do to diversify its exports. For poor countries to grow rich, it is important for them to modify the composition of their exports which will enable them to look more like that of rich countries. For over 50 years, economic and export diversification has been given high importance on the list of priorities for development policy. The argument was based on the observation that dependence on primary commodity production and exportation by developing countries expose them to commodity shocks, price fluctuations and declining terms of trade. As a result, a countrys foreign exchange reserves and the ability to have funds for imported inputs become subject to instability and uncertainty. The debates about the Prebisch-Singer hypothesis (1959) and the need for industrialization gave priority to diversify economies away from primary commodities because of unfavorable and declining terms of trade, slow productivity growth, and relatively low value added. There are several reasons for developing countries to have export diversification. Firstly, diversifying their bundle of exports will protect them from the risk of unpredictable declining trend in international prices of primary exportable commodities that, in turn, lead to unstable export earnings. Export diversification could therefore help out to stabilize export earnings in the longer run (Ostry, 1994; Greenaway, 2001). FAO (2004) maintains that due to the absence of export diversification in developing countries, decline and fluctuations in export earnings have negatively influenced income, investment and employment. Diversification provides the opportunities to extend investment risks over a wider portfolio of economic sector which eventually increase income (Acemoglu and Zilibotti 1997). Romer (1990) believes that diversification can be seen as an input factor that has an effect of increasing the productivity of other factors of production. Through exports it is also possible to build an environment that creates competition and as a result acquire new skills. Overall economic growth and acquisition of human capital may be slow if there is the absence of pressure from outside competitive forces (Husted and Melvin, 2007). Diversification helps countries to hedge against adverse terms of trade shocks by stabilizing export revenues. It enables them to direct positive terms of trade shocks into growth, knowledge spillovers and increasing returns to scale. Other industries in the country can also gain as export diversification can lead to knowledge spillovers from new techniques of production, management or marketing practices (AminGutierrez de Pineresand Ferrantino, 2000). Furthermore economic growth and structural change depends upon the type of products that is being traded (Hausmann et al., 2007; Hausmann and Klinger, 2006; Whang, 2006). Thus through export diversification, an economy can progress towards the production and exportation of sophisticated products which may highly contributes towards economic development. Export diversification allows the government of an economy to achieve some of its macroeconomic objectives namely sustainable economic growth, satisfactory balance of payment situation, employment and redistribution of income. Strategies to promote export diversification As we see there are potential benefits of export diversification, but the question remains that what a country can do to diversify its exports. Potential determinants of export diversification, such as country size and level of development, trade costs, international distance, and the costs of domestic entry are all potentially associated with larger diversification. What can encourage export diversification? All successful high growth economies have had strategies to promote export diversification. These strategies include: 1. Financial sector development and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Harding and Javorcik (2007) consider financial sector development and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) can be helpful in promoting diversification. FDI can encourage exports of host countries by boosting domestic capital for exports, serving to transfer technology and new products for exports, making access to new and large foreign markets easy and improving technical and management skills. 2. Reduce Costs The main debate is associated to cost as export diversification is rather sensitive to costs. Kehoe and Ruhl (2003) with episodes of trade liberalization across 18 countries found variable trade costs to be related with extensive growth margin. Lower cost means that there are fewer obstacles for domestic firm when exporting. The World Bank Doing Business survey through its Trading Across Borders section has included information on the number of procedures required for importing and exporting, as well as the time taken to comply with them. It also included trade costs such as document costs, inland transport costs, customs costs, ports costs, administrative costs and so on. In broad terms, for the promotion of export diversification there must be incentive to make improvement on trade facilitation, i.e. set policy measures to reduce costs. Such policy measures include lowering domestic barriers to entry; facilitate company registration by reducing number of procedures and applying a f ixed registration fee, and removing the need for pre-tax payments. 3. Lowering barriers Lower barriers to firm entry and lower international trade costs, constitutes an important way in which developing countries can help diversify their export baskets. Export margin can be affected by changes in tariff rates and preferences (Debaere and Mostashari, 2005). In policy terms, one efficient way for developing countries to promote export diversification is to center regulatory reform efforts on making entry procedures simpler and less expensive, as well as on trade facilitation measures. 4. Learning-by-doing The endogenous growth model states that exports can be more diversified through learning-by-doing and learning-by-exporting and by adopting practices of developed countries (Pineres and Ferrantino, 1997) 5. Role of Government The government of an economy should play a leading role in the promotion of export. Investment should be directed into various sectors of industry. In so doing, the Government can make sure that investment is not being undertaken on more than just one specific sector so that a diverse industrial base can be built. The Government should provide a favorable environment to attracting new investment in the country. There may also be provision for favorable tax treatment to firms, tax holidays for export oriented undertakings, input used in the production of exports can also be exempted from value-added tax. Subsidies play an important role in promoting exports. Government can introduce cash incentive scheme which may benefit firms such as providing them with subsidies which will consequently encourage trade.. 6. Research and Development Efforts can be put into the RD activities to upgrade the level of industry. This can be done by the help of fiscal and financial incentives which will stimulate RD and technological innovation activities. Besides the Government, the banking system and other financial authorities should offer services to diversify and strengthen a countrys export. The banking system can facilitate diversification by its loan patterns. Schemes to diversify and promote exports need to be complemented by a suitable combination of fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policies in order to be successful. 7. Variation in the structure of demand Imbs and Wacziarg (2003) proposed that a growing demand for a range of goods followed by an increase in a countrys income may lead to diversification. In other word, variation in the structure of demand leads to change in a countrys production pattern. Constraints to export diversification In spite of the liberalization in the export sector, there are still the presence of certain issues which limit export diversification especially in least developed countries. Klinger and Lederman put together on Hausmann and Rodrik (2003) to investigate a causal relationship from market failures to inadequate diversification. There may be clash with other national policies in an attempt to promote exports. Export diversification at times may be hindered by a number of factors: Low income elasticities of Demand Some developing countries are failing to export primary products due to the low income elasticities of demand for their primary products. Furthermore, prospects for developing countries to provide manufactured exports are poor because of the competition faced with the industrialized countries. Lack of finance Lack of adequate export finance is identified as a major constraint. Small and medium exporters tend to be more severely affected by this constraint. A fundamental problem of export diversification is the lack of adequate investment in the country, both domestic and foreign. Exporters may face the problem of acquiring export finance. High rate of interest on bank capital is also a constraint since it discourages them to take loan. In other words, exports are being restricted due deficiency in financing of trade by the countrys banking system. Lack of Adequate Infrastructure Efficient infrastructure is the pre-condition for good export performance. Inadequate functioning of infrastructure may adversely affect enterprises in many ways. There may be difficulty in the transportation of goods due to limitations in infrastructure. It obstructs production activities, delays movement of goods and passengers, leading to delay in the delivery of goods. It adds to business uncertainty and risk and imposes additional costs. Bureaucracy and market access Government rules and regulations relating to exports are complicated and too much paper work is needed. Considerable time is spent and officers should be appointed for sorting out matters with the government and agencies. Market access issues are complex. The major market access problems relate to i) non-tariff and para-tariff barriers, ii) stringent quality and standard requirements, iii) stringent rules of origin, iv) labour and environmental standards. Environmental conditionalities are a kind of new protectionism which can hamper market access. Tariff and non-tariff barriers also obstruct market access. Lack of strength in the public institutions The World Bank noted that the lack of strength in the public institutions hinder private sector activities. There is the weakening of sound policy-making and public management, frustration of private entrepreneurship, prevention of competition and rising of corruption due to heavy regulatory and judicial systems and loss-making state-owned enterprise. Private investment can be deterred due because of poorly regulated and undercapitalized commercial banks, problem of telecommunications, infrastructure and law and order problem. Dearth of Skilled Manpower Other constraints include domestic resource scarcity, shortage of skilled labour, and lack of professionalism. There may be lack of skilled manpower in some sectors. Lack of skilled manpower has resulted in under utilization of potential export of services through manpower export as they are catering to only unskilled and semi-skilled needs. Economic growth Economic growth is a long run concept. It is usually defined as an increase in real gross domestic product (GDP), that is, GDP adjusted for inflation. In other words, it is as an increase in the real value of goods and services produced in the economy. For comparing one countrys economic growth to another, GDP or GNP per capita should be used as these take into account population differences between countries. Economic growth can be shown by an outward shift of the Production Possibility Curve (PPC). Economists see dissimilarity between potential and actual growth rates. Potential economic growth represents maximum efficiency with resources. It is determined by the factors of production that a country has as its command. However, actual growth represents resource utilization in practice and shows the result. This is determined by how effectively factors of production available to a nation are developed and combined. There are many factors which determine economic growth in a country. Determinants of economic growth Natural Resources Countries which are gifted with natural resources are expected to have rapid economic growth, assuming that these resources are employed for the production of goods and services. However a large amount of natural resources is not adequate to guarantee economic growth. There are a number of less-developed countries which have high natural resources, but still due to various reasons, they have not been successful in exploiting them. To benefit from economic growth, these natural resources must be converted to useful forms, which will need people to be equipped with appropriate skills. Human Capital Human capital and education are considered to be necessary conditions for economic growth. Lucas (1988) focused on the impact of human capital on long-run growth. The rise in productivity needed for economic growth can be achieved by increasing domestic human resources through education and training. Skills acquisition and the ability to keep on learning throughout the lifecycle are needed to develop individuals. Developing human resources through education and training is considered to be a long term process which will upgrade the innovative capacity of an economy. Apart from affecting factor of production, education and human capital can also have impact on factors such as physical capital and natural resources (Bravo-Ortega and De Gregorio 2002. Azariadis and Drazen (1990) proposed that an economy can experience long-run economic growth if the government designs policies toward the promotion of education and human capital. Lucas (1993) pointed out, the accumulation of human capita l specially, knowledge is a key factor in explaining the growth experiences of countries. Capital Accumulation Capital accumulation refers to buildings, machinery, infrastructure and the amount of tools available to the economy. A necessary prerequisite for economic growth is a large capital stock. Developed countries do spend a significant amount on capital formation. For example, in UK in the year 1998 and 1999, 12% of annual GDP was spent on fixed capital. Capital is a major factor affecting growth. The more an economy has as capital, the more it can produce and the higher will be real income. If there are few machines available, a nation will be able to make fewer goods and services. More machines will mean more income can be generated. Therefore, the larger the capital stock, the larger is the potential income. In short, we can say that investment in capital should increase the productive potential of an economy. Young (1994) found that Asian tigers success resulted from rapid accumulation of capital (through high investment). The Solow model predicts that investment rate is a key determ inant of whether a country is rich or poor. Fingleton (1999) found capital accumulation as being the determinant of European region productivity growth. Technology The most important determinant for an economy to grow is associated to its pace of technological progress. This is because with technology, we can obtain more output from same amount of input as before. Neoclassical economists regarded technological progress as a critical source of economic growth. Romer (1990), Aghion and Howitt (1992), Grossman and Helpman (1994) and Basu and Weil (1998), among others, concentrated on the role of innovation and technological progress on long-run growth. Economies must invest in knowledge just as they must invest in fixed capital. The productivity of capital can be increased if machinery is updated so that firms use the latest technologies available. Technological advances are encouraged when there is investment in research and development. De Long and Summers (1993) has shown that the only variable that have a significant positive effect on growth of less-developed economies is the investment in equipment Technological progress, along with accumula tion of human and capital, is essential in determining a nations rate of growth. For example, the large growth in the U.S. economy during the introduction of the Internet and the technology that it brought to U.S. industry as a whole. The Solow-Swan Growth Model which entailed a series of equations shows the concept of growth as an increased stock of capital goods. According to this view, the role of technological change became crucial, even more important than the accumulation of capital. (e) Openness Openness to international trade accelerates productivity and promotes export as well as economic growth. Romer (1989) stressed on the issue that growth in the volume of trade is positively correlated with the growth of output for a country. Edwards (1993) and Rodriguez and Rodrik (2001) also carried an extensive review of the empirical literature on the growth effects of openness. Increasing importance is being attributed to the opening up of the world economy. Globalization is seen to be good for the Worlds economy. Detailed studies suggest that there is a positive correlation between trade liberalization and an increase in per capita income. In other words, the more an economy is open, the higher is rate of growth. Development in Eastern Europe and the World Trade Organization highlight that during the last twenty years, more and more areas of the world economy have been brought into the competitive market-place. Such openness to trade, investment and competition are clearly import ant determinants to productivity growth. For example until 1858 Japan was inaccessible to world trade. The Japanese Government banished the trade restrictions which allowed trading with the rest of the world. Consequently this had lead to a 65% rise in real national income (Huber, 1971; Husted and Melvin, 2007). FDI Inflow There are various channels through which FDI can positively affect economic growth: technological transfer, capital accumulation, access to international markets, managerial and marketing practices and employment (Lall [2000], Te Velde [2001], Borensztein [1998]). FDI can increase competition which will eventually make domestic companies more efficient and encourage diversification. FDI benefits economic growth at large as it contributes to the domestic accumulation of resources. Many studies have been carried out which demonstrated a positive link between FDI an economic growth. Campos and Kinoshita (2002) examined the effects of FDI on growth for 25 Central and Eastern European and former Soviet Union economies and found a positive relationship between them. However there are certain studies which are undertaken that do show any influence of FDI on economic growth for example, Carkovic and Levine (2002), Bacha (1974), Saltz (1992) and Alfaro et al. (2002). Inflation There are many evidence which suggest that sustained high rate of inflation can be detrimental to real economic growth even in the long run. Fisher (1993) found negative links between inflation and growth in pooled cross-section, time series regressions for a large set of countries. Investors may face uncertainty about future profitability of investment projects. Barro (1995) put forward that inflation diminishes the propensity to investment which eventually decreases growth. Inflation may also have a negative impact on the balance of payments as it reduces a countrys international competitiveness by making export dearer. Inflation can affect growth by altering borrowing and lending decisions. However whether inflation is good or bad for economic growth depends on its degree. That is, at lower rates of inflation, the relationship is not significant or even positive; but at higher rates, inflation has a significantly negative effect on growth. In their analysis, Bruno and Easterly (19 98) showed that some countries did not go through adverse consequences even if they were experiencing sustained inflations of 20% to 30%. On the other hand, once the rate of inflation go beyond certain critical level (which Bruno and Easterly estimated to be about 40 %), this causes negative effect to growth. However besides the factors mention above, there are also other factors that affect growth. Non-economic factors such as political and social factors too play an important role. The geographic location of a country may also affect economic growth. Government also can adopt both demand and supply-side measures in order to stimulate economic growth. Factors such as population growth, rapid growth of manufactured exports, stable macroeconomic and institutional environment creating confidence in policy makers, exchange rate, and labour force can affect growth in an economy. Link between economic growth and export diversification Policy-makers have tended to emphasize the potential benefits that export diversification can bring to the host economy. One of the main advantages which has been put forward by economists is that export diversification tends to increase economic growth in the host economy. There has been little empirical research on the relationships between export diversification and economic growth. There are two essential questions that the literature on this matter has tried to answer: Does export diversification affect long run economic growth? Can a country improve its economic performance by exporting different types of goods? (Gutià ©rrez-de-Pià ±eres and Ferrantino, 2000). The primary questions are why do countries diversify their exports and does it always benefit countries economic growth? Export instability can adversely affect growth in an economy. Countries which are dependent on a limited amount of commodities may suffer from export concentration. This is because commodity products are often subject to volatility in market prices leading to swings in foreign exchange revenues. Volatility and instability can thus discourage investment in an economy by risk adverse firms, reduce import capacity, increase macroeconomic uncertainty and thus be detrimental to longer-economic growth. There are several channels through which diversification may influence growth. It is therefore essential to make a difference between horizontal and vertical diversification. Both of them are positively related to economic growth. Horizontal diversification means the alteration of the primary export mix in order to neutralize the volatility of global commodity prices. Horizontal export diversification benefits an economy in such a way that it diminishes dependence on a narrow range of commodities that are subject to major price and volume fluctuations. Dawe 1996, Bleaney Greenaway (2001) discovered that horizontal export diversification may present considerable development benefits as this may lead to well-directed economic planning and also contribute towards investment. Vertical export diversification on the other hand refers to contrive further uses of existing and new innovative commodities using value-added venture such as processing and marketing. The Prebish-Singer thesis is o f the view that a tendency towards declining terms of trade of primary products (Athukurola 2000) may make vertical diversification into manufactures more useful. By highlighting the role of increasing returns to scale and dynamic spillover effects (Amin Gutià ©rrez de Pià ±eres and Ferrantino 2000), the endogenous growth theory suggested that it can be assumed that export diversification affects long-run growth. Export may benefit economic growth through generating positive externalities on non-exports (Feder, 1982), increased scale economies, improved allocative efficiency and better ability to produce dynamic comparative advantage (Sharma and Panagiotidis, 2004). Esfahani (1991) concluded that export enables developing countries to alleviate the import shortage they may face up to. Speaking differently, revenue from exports can fill the foreign exchange gap which is identified as barrier to growth. A number of empirical studies have shown that export diversification is contributing to higher per capita income growth. The main theory is that, compared to nations with concentrated export structures, those countries with more diverse economic structures have greater possibilities to sustain periods of high economic growth. Love (1986) suggest that a country should avoid heavy dependence on limited products as it diminishes a countrys potential of partially offsetting fluctuations in some export sectors with sectors in which stability prevails. In his study, Al-Marhubi (2000) put forward that market investment becomes riskier because instability in export earnings is a main cause of economic uncertainty in many commodity-exporting nations. In other words, this may adversely affect investments and in turn negatively impact economic growth. Using a cross-country sample of 91 countries for the period of 1961-88, Al Marhubi concluded that there is a positive and strong relationship bet ween export diversification and economic growth. His regression was undertaken by adding different variables affecting export concentration to the basic growth equation. Regressions on cross-sections of countries (Sachs and Warner 1995, or more recently Gylfason 2004) and panels (de Ferranti et al. 2002) proposed that export concentration is certainly statistically related with slow growth, mostly when export concentration reflects the high proportion of primary products. A broad literature review on export diversification and economic growth was offered by Hesse (2008), where he estimated a simple augmented Solow growth model to examine the connection between export diversification and income per capita growth. There was strong support in Hesses findings that export concentration, measured by a Herfindahl index, is harmful to economic growth in developing countries. The relationship between a countrys productivity and sectoral export variety was studied by Feenstra and Kee (2004). From an estimation of a translog GDP function system for a sample of 34 countries going from 1984 to 1997, they found that a 10 percent boost in export variety of all industries leads to a 1.3 percent increase a countrys productivity. Moreover another model of export diversification and economic growth was developed by Agosin (2007) where countries which lack technology, expand their comparative advantage by learning from and adapting to existing products. The cross-sectional regression of Agosin (2007) found that export diversification strongly affect economic growth. In addition, models in the product life cycle literature (Vernon, 1966; Krugman, 1979; Grossman and Helpman, 1991) gained variety of export products by advancement made by the North and consequently the South adopting and exporting the products from countries where labour cost are low. In his cross-country panel model, Lederman and Maloney (2007) concluded that one cause of diminution in growth prospects is the concentrations in export earnings. The advantages of export diversification for economic growth have been examined both empirically and theoretically in a new literature by Hausmann and Rodrik (2003), Hausmann, Hwang, and Rodrik (2006), and H ausmann and Klinger (2006). Their studies demonstrated that comparative advantage do not lead to economic growth. Instead, growth is achieved when countries diversify their investments into new or a range of activities. The model of Hausmann and Rodrik (2003) explained that there are various uncertainties related to cost in the production of new goods. They believed that the government should help in industrial growth and structural transformation by encouraging entrepreneurship and providing incentives to motivate entrepreneurs to invest in a new range of activities. Hausmann, Hwang, and Rodrik (2006) developed an indicator (EXPY) that determines the productivity level related with a countrys export basket. This measure is significantly affecting economic growth. Faster growth is achieved by countries that produce high-productivity goods than countries with poorer productivity growth. Economic growth is experienced when a country shift its resources from lower-productivity to highe r productivity goods with elastic demand of these goo

Free Beowulf Essays: Shared Values †Then and Now :: Epic Beowulf essays

Beowulf:   Shared Values – Then and Now  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The values and characteristics which were held ideal in the epic Beowulf can still be found in today's culture if one knows where to look.   Gangs have become commonplace almost everywhere in the world. The similarities between modern gangs and tribes of ancient anglo-saxon warriors is quite pronounced. To many gang members being part of the gang is like a status quo. The gang member believes he or she is now part of a larger family. Many would-be gang members look up to gangs as if they are a role-model of some sort, wanting to someday be a part of this elite group who inspires fear in many people. Almost always, gang members believe that they must always be showing just how 'bad' they are. They will stop at almost nothing to outdo a rival gang's outrageous feat or even a friendly gang member's boasting. Law matters very little to these gang members, they make their own laws to follow. Gang member are rarely seen by themselves as they are fearful to travel alone through life's 'wilderness' without the comfort of knowing their friends are there to back them. However, gangs are very visible in packs. When roaming together they walk and talk as if they fear no one and nothing. They want the world to know just how 'bad' they are. When traveling together, no boast is too far-fetched. It doesn't matter whether or not it is true, only that the rest of the world believe it. Gangs are almost always at war with rival gangs. They rarely is ever believe in treaties between one and another but would much rather fight it out to prove which gang is superior. There are no restrictions against weapons and daggers, chains, guns, spikes, and brass knuckles are very common. It is very unlikely for a gang member to not be carrying at least two weapons at all times. Gang members often like to personalize their weapons too. For instance, brass knuckles may have the gang member's initials engraved in them to show possession, or a favorite gun or dagger may be intimately named. Such weapons are often highly valued and if lost will be sought after intensively by the distraught party. Gangs often carry with them superstitions. Perhaps the most prominent one is the fact that many gang members will not go into battle without their favorite weapon.

Hamlet-Soliloquy

Hamlet's perceptions of himself and his way of responding to his ‘quest' for revenge? Upon examination, It is clear that Hamlet Is ‘a divided mind' due to his Introspective way of thinking; a typical Renaissance character. Soliloquy 3 reveals that Hamlet has realized that his honor code demands him to exact revenge upon Claudia. However, halls moral code manifests itself Into constant self-recrimination, testament to his character.Hamlet begins by metaphorically comparing himself to a â€Å"peasant slave†, indicating that he has not dressed his honor code, as this distinguished the aristocrat from the peasant in Elizabethan times. The use of the exclamation is the first sign of his denunciation of himself due to his lack of action. This theme is advanced when he classically alludes to Hachure in reference to the play he has Just witnessed. Hamlet is ashamed that â€Å"he should weep to her† and ponders what the actor would do â€Å"had he the motive and the cue for passion that I have? Along with revealing the intellectuality of the Renaissance Hamlet, the classical allusion demonstrates that he is clearly frustrated by his Impotence for revenge. This is consolidated In the simile â€Å"Like John-a-dreams, unapparent of my cause† where Hamlet blatantly admits to Inaction, cutting a self- deprecating Image of himself. The rhetorical question â€Å"Am I a coward† attests to his Introspective nature as he Is self-analyzing whether the last portion of his soliloquy Is true or not.This begins a series of rhetorical questions in an attempt to conjure up a ensue of passion in the demoralizes Hamlet, which culminates with the fragmented sentence, â€Å"Remorseless, treacherous, lecherous, kindles villain! O, vengeance! † We can finally observe Hamlet thinking about revenge and this is affirmed when he begins to devise a plan to catch his Uncle's guilt, so that he â€Å"knows his (my) course†. Despite acquiring this new-found passion, his introspection still comes through when he claims that â€Å"The spirit I have seen may be the Devil†.This religious allusion reminds Hamlet of the mantra, ‘innocent until proven guilty, and Hamlet Is out to rove Claudia' guilt as â€Å"the plays the thing wherein he'll (I'll) catch the conscience of the king†. This rhyming couplet sets the stage for his plan for revenge and affirms that he Is truly â€Å"looking for certainties In a world of Gardner). All in all, soliloquy 3 is a perfect summation of Hamlet's complicated Renaissance mind: a journey from self-deprecation to blatant passion, culminating in the official beginning of his quest' for revenge.Hamlet-Soliloquy 3 By capital responding to his ‘quest' for revenge? Upon examination, it is clear that Hamlet is ‘a divided mind' due to his introspective way of thinking; a typical Renaissance demands him to exact revenge upon Claudia. However, his moral code manifests itself into constant self-recrimination, testament to his character. Hamlet begins by by his impotence for revenge. This is consolidated in the simile â€Å"Like John-a-dreams, unapparent of my cause† where Hamlet blatantly admits to inaction, cutting a self- deprecating image of himself.The rhetorical question â€Å"Am I a coward† attests to his introspective nature as he is self-analyzing whether the last portion of his soliloquy is can finally observe Hamlet thinking about revenge and this is affirmed when he reminds Hamlet of the mantra, ‘innocent until proven guilty, and Hamlet is out to that he is truly â€Å"looking for certainties in a world of uncertainties†(Helen Gardner). All in all, soliloquy 3 is a perfect summation of Hamlet's complicated Renaissance mind; a Journey from self-deprecation to blatant passion, culminating in the official beginning of his ‘quest' for revenge.

Because i could not stop for death&quot Essay

Emily Dickinson frequently explores death through her poetry, using her eponomous ’em’ dashes to communicate the confusion created by an intelligent and exploratory approach to the afterlife in a mind indoctrinated in Puritan dogma. Death is initially presented in this poem as a very different character from its usual personification as a malign, scythe wielding spirit. Here, as the poem begins, he takes the form of a charming suitor who ‘kindly’ stops, and maintains his ‘civility’ throughout their journey. As we progress through the poem, however, the reader becomes increasingly suspicious that the apparently benevolent Death has not, in fact, got Dickinson’s best intrests at heart. The fourth stanza marks the change in tone that reveals this; the onset of ominous ‘chill’ as the carriage passes into darkness highlights how unprepared Death has left her, providing no warning of what is to come. The nervous tone that the poem adopts in this stanza is created both by the breakdown of the previously iambic rythmn and the language of cold shivers that the poet uses; both of which emphasise the ‘quivering’ nervousness of the unprepared. Dickinson’s physical lack of preparation for the afterlife in the poem, her donning of ‘gossamer’ and ‘tulle’ for a journey into the night, reflects her lack of spiritual certainty in the real world; something reflected in several of her poems. Despite an upbringing filled with ‘much gesture from the pulpit’, doubt, not absolute faith, is the subject of much of her work. She remains steadfast only in her belief that ‘This World is not Conclusion’, as while she is confident in the existence of something more, the nature of the afterlife ‘baffles’ her. This poem is also an exploration of an unusual view of death, as Dickinson inverts the normal metaphor of Death as the end of a journey into Death as a journey’s beginning. Life, in this poem, is extrodinarily transient, compressed into the third stanza where childhood, the ripening ‘Grain’ of middle age and the setting sun of old age’s decline are ploughed through in four lines. The poet makes this already short liftime seem even less substantial by the anaphoric use of ‘We passed’, which increases the pace of the poem and gives the passage of time an inevitable feel. Where the poem’s journey of death concludes is unclear, but we do know that there is a pause, perhaps a terminal pause, at a house in the ground. Dickinson’s use of imagery here is ingenious, as the reader’s initial confusion mimics the narrator’s, until we too surmise that this abode, this ‘swelling in the ground’ is a grave, thought of only by the deceased as a ‘house’. The repetition and ryhme of ‘ground’ at the end of two lines in this stanza gives it a pounding finality; suggesting perhaps that this, and not the expected ‘Immortality’, is to be Dickinson’s final resting place. This unexpected turn causes the confusion that the image of the house parallels, and explains the last stanza, in which Dickinson’s fear of perpetual existence in a grave has centuries feeling ‘shorter than the day / I first surmised the Horse’s Heads / Were toward Eternity’. The poem is, in fact, unclear, but I would suggest that the grave is to be Dickinson’s final resting place; that the carriage ‘paused’ not because it intended to go on but instead because the narrator has not yet realised her fate. The final dash of the poem, therefore, represents not continuing doubt as it does in ‘This World is not Conclusion. ‘ but serves to remind the reader of the unending nature of Dickinson’s internment. In light of this, the first stanza’s ‘Immortality’ may seem out of place, but its rhyme with ‘me’ perhaps reveals its origins, as the narrator is consequently so strongly linked with it’s presence that we may imagine it is only Dickinson, and not Death, that welcomes immortality to the carriage, and that it is, in fact, only there as a result of her preconceptions. ‘Because I could not stop for Death –’ is perhaps, as a result, quite a cynical poem, making no promises of salvation or a Christian heaven. It, in some senses, continues a trend set by ‘This world is not Conlcusion. ‘ and ‘Behind me – dips Eternity –’; a trend of diminishing confidence: Dickinson’s once absolute faith in a world beyond our own develops into a confused fear at the nature of the afterlife; it may be a ‘Maelstrom in the sky’, surrounded by ‘Midnight’, or perhaps just a house in the ground. All this confusion is the product of Dickinson’s upbringing; ‘the Tooth that nibbles at the soul’ is a doubt that was to Puritans damning, and once she admits to herself its existence her future is uncertain and heaven perhaps inachievable. Despite it’s bleak outlook however, the poem still stands a facinating exploration of the nature of the next world.

40 Irregular Verbs That Can End in -t

40 Irregular Verbs That Can End in -t 40 Irregular Verbs That Can End in â€Å"-t† 40 Irregular Verbs That Can End in â€Å"-t† By Mark Nichol The predominant way to represent the past tense of a verb is to add -ed, but some verbs take -t as a variant ending, or even as the only form. Here are forty such verbs, including some ubiquitous words (like left and shot) we may not even think of as having irregular forms because they are the only forms we know for example, leaved and shooted are not options as well as some that survive only in poetry or mock-archaic usage. 1. Bent: the only correct form of the past tense of bend, although the archaic form bended is used jocularly, for example in the phrase â€Å"on bended knee† 2. Blest: a variant form of the past tense of bless 3. Built: the primary form of the past tense of build, though builded is used in some dialects 4. Burnt: a variant form of the past tense of burn; used in favor of the primary spelling in names of pigments such as burnt orange and burnt sienna (familiar to Crayola crayon aficionados) 5. Clapt: a variant form of the past tense of clap 6. Cleft: a variant form of the past tense of cleave; also, a noun or adjective referring to a split 7. Clept: the past tense of the archaic term clepe (â€Å"name,† call†; the present-tense and past-tense words are also spelled yclepe and yclept) 8. Crept: the only correct form of the past tense of creep, except in the slang sense of being creeped out, or unsettled 9. Dealt: the only correct form of the past tense of deal 10. Dreamt: a variant form of the past tense of dream 11. Drest: an obsolete variant form of the past tense of dress 12. Dwelt: a variant form of the past tense of dwell 13. Felt: the only correct form of the past tense of feel; also, a noun referring to a type of material or a similar substance 14. Gilt: a variant form of the past tense of gild; also, a synonym for gold or a noun or adjective referring to gold plating or other surfacing, or a young female pig 15. Girt: a variant form of the past tense of gird 16. Kent: a variant form of the past tense of ken, an archaic synonym for know or recognize 17. Knelt: the primary form of the past tense of kneel 18. Leant: an alternate form of the past tense of lean, used mostly in British English but occasionally appearing in American English usage as well (pronounced â€Å"lent†) 19. Leapt: a variant form of the past tense of leap (see this related post) 20. Learnt: an alternate form of the past tense of learn, used mostly in British English but occasionally appearing in American English usage as well 21. Left: the only correct form of the past tense of leave, meaning â€Å"go,† although the past tense for leave in the sense of forming leaves is leaved 22. Lent: the only correct form of the past tense of lend 23. Lost: the only correct form of the past tense of lose 24. Meant: the only correct form of the past tense of mean (pronounced â€Å"ment†) 25. Pent: an alternate form of the past tense of pen, meaning â€Å"confine,† although the past tense for pen in the sense of writing is penned 26. Reft: an alternate form of the past tense of reave 27. Rent: an alternate form of the past tense of rend 28. Sent: the only correct form of the past tense of send 29. Shot: the only correct form of the past tense of shoot 30. Slept: the only correct form of the past tense of sleep 31. Slipt: a variant form of the past tense of slip 32. Smelt: a variant form of the past tense of smell; also, a noun referring to a type of fish or a verb for melting or reducing metal or another substance 33. Spelt: an alternate form of the past tense of spell, used mostly in British English but occasionally appearing in American English usage as well; also, a noun referring to a type of wheat 34. Spent: the only correct form of the past tense of spend 35. Spilt: a variant form of the past tense of spill 36. Spoilt: a variant form of the past tense of spoil 37. Stript: a variant form of the past tense of strip 38. Vext: a variant form of the past tense of vex 39. Wept: the only correct form of the past tense of weep 40. Went: the only correct form of the past tense of go Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Spelling category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Comparative Forms of Adjectives"Have" vs "Having" in Certain ExpressionsEnglish Grammar 101: Prepositions

Sex Education Essay Example

Sex Education Essay Example Sex Education Essay Sex Education Essay Something thats being overlooked is this situation: Whether students are taught sex education in elementary school or not, those students will most likely learn about sex through some other means anyways. However, sex education should not be taught in elementary school. First of all, if schools were to teach sex education at the elementary level, it would only make children more curious about sex and we all know what curiosity did to the cat right? Furthermore, what would be accomplished by teaching students sex education in elementary school? Lastly, there are other subjects that we could be putting more emphasis on instead of sex at the elementary level. So no, elementary students should not have sex education classes. When dealing with the topic of sex, it is a great idea to know who youre dealing with when trying to explain it. As good as teachers know their students, the parents of the students are better off trying to explain sex to the students. Especially at the elementary level. It would take someone who the students saw as an authority figure to teach them about sex and sorry to say, all students do not feel as if their teachers have authority over them. To make matters worse, since students would not feel like the teachers could tell them what they could and could not do, they might actually decide to try it. It is the same as telling children not to play with fire. Ever notice how many children still end up with burns? Curiosity did indeed kill the cat. Something else to consider when thinking about whether students should be taught sex education in elementary school: What are the benefits and do they outweigh the potential problems that could come with it? Yes, students being aware of sex and all of its problems would help them. But it could potentially hurt them as well. If schools are going to teach sex education, they should focus on abstinence and not just the intercourse part. Polluting the minds of children at that young of an age, you also want someone who is TRAINED to teach children about sex. That way they do not include their own morals or beliefs into teaching it. The final con to teaching to sex education in elementary school is this: Reading, writing and math need to improve. So instead of putting more time (and money) into a different subject, we SHOULD be putting more effort into those core subjects to see improvement. When looking for a job, sex education is inferior to arithmetic and english skills. Thats why those subjects should be our main concern. Putting sex education above these only deprives us from learning skills that will actually help us to become successful in life and not just when dealing with sex.

Global Climate Change and Evolution

Global Climate Change and Evolution It seems like every time a new story is created by the media about science, there needs to be some sort of controversial subject or debate included. The Theory of Evolution is no stranger to controversy, especially the idea that humans evolved over time from other species. Many religious groups and others do not believe in evolution because of this conflict with their creation stories. Another controversial science topic often talked about by the news media is global climate change, or global warming. Most people do not dispute that the average temperature of the Earth is increasing every year. However, the controversy comes in when there is an assertion that human actions are causing the process to speed up. The majority of scientists believe both evolution and global climate change to be true. So how does one affect the other? Global Climate Change Before connecting the two controversial scientific subjects, it is first important to understand what both are individually. Global climate change, once called global warming, is based on the annual increase in the average global temperature. In short, the average temperature of all places on Earth increases every year. This increase in temperature seems to be causing many potential environmental issues including the melting of the polar ice caps, more extreme natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, and larger areas are becoming affected by droughts. Scientists have linked the increase in temperature to an overall increase in the number of greenhouse gases in the air. Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, are necessary to keep some heat trapped in our atmosphere. Without some greenhouse gases, it would be too cold for life to survive on Earth. However, too many greenhouse gases can have extreme effects on the life that is present. Controversy It would be pretty hard to dispute that the average global temperature for Earth is increasing. There are numbers that prove that. However, it is still a controversial subject because many people do not believe that humans are causing global climate change to speed up as some scientists are suggesting. Many opponents of the idea claim the Earth cyclically becomes hotter and colder over long periods of time, which is true. The Earth moves in and out of ice ages over somewhat regular intervals and has since before life and long before humans came into existence. On the other hand, there is no doubt that current human lifestyles do add greenhouse gases into the air at a very high rate. Some greenhouse gases are expelled from factories into the atmosphere. Modern automobiles release many types of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, that get trapped in our atmosphere. Also, many forests are disappearing because humans are cutting them down to create more living and agriculture space. This makes a large impact on the amount of carbon dioxide in the air because trees and other plants can use carbon dioxide and produce more oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Unfortunately, if these large, mature trees are cut down, the carbon dioxide builds up and traps more heat. The Effect on Evolution Since evolution is most simply defined as the change in species over time, how can global warming change a species? Evolution is driven through the process of natural selection. As Charles Darwin first explained, natural selection is when favorable adaptations for a given environment are chosen over the less favorable adaptations. In other words, individuals within a population that have traits that are better suited to whatever their immediate environment is will live long enough to reproduce and pass down those favorable traits and adaptations to their offspring. Eventually, the individuals that have less favorable traits for that environment will either have to move to a new, more suitable environment, or they will die out and those traits will no longer be available in the gene pool for new generations of offspring. Ideally, this would create the strongest species possible to live long and prosperous lives in any environment. Going by this definition, natural selection is dependent upon the environment. As the environment changes, the ideal traits and favorable adaptations for that area will also change. This could mean that adaptations in a population of a species that were once the best are now becoming much less favorable. This means the species will have to adapt and perhaps even undergo speciation to create a stronger set of individuals to survive. If the species cannot adapt quickly enough, they will become extinct. Polar Bears and Other Endangered Species For example, polar bears are currently on the endangered species list due to global climate change. Polar bears live in areas where there is very thick ice in the northern polar regions of Earth. They have very thick coats of fur and layers upon  layers of fat to keep warm. They rely on fish that live under the ice as a primary food source and have become skilled ice fishermen in order to survive. Unfortunately, with the melting polar ice caps, the polar bears are finding their once favorable adaptations to be obsolete and they are not adapting quickly enough. The temperatures are increasing in those areas which make the extra fur and fat on the polar bears more of a problem than a favorable adaptation. Also, the thick ice that was once there to walk on is too thin to hold the weight of the polar bears any longer. Therefore, swimming has become a very necessary skill for polar bears to have. If the current increase in temperature keeps up or accelerates, there will be no more polar bears. Those who have the genes to be great swimmers will live a bit longer than those who do not possess that gene, but, eventually, all will most likely disappear since evolution takes many generations and there just is not enough time. There are many other species all over the Earth that are in the same sort of predicaments as the polar bears. Plants are having to adapt to differing amounts of rainfall than what is usual in their areas, other animals need to adjust to changing temperatures, and still, others have to deal with their habitats disappearing or changing due to human interference. There is no doubt that global climate change is causing problems and increasing the need for a quicker pace of evolution in order to avoid mass extinctions all over the world.

Essay model answers Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Model answers - Essay Example Pershing Square accounts 18% of J.C. Penney while Vornado 9.9%. J.C.Penney anticipate that if Pershing Square Capital’s Bill Ackman and its ally Vornado will make a position for a bid to take-over the company, J.C. Penney will swallow a â€Å"poison pill† to avert the siege. The plan will be activated the moment an investor will buy at least 10% of the company shares in addition to the shares that they already have. The poison pill is an age old strategy against hostile take-overs to dilute the holdings of an investor whose stake exceeds that threshold (Egain 2013). In the case o f J.C. Penney, if anyone builds a stake in the company in a move for a takeover, J.C. Penney will â€Å"issue a dividend of one right for each outstanding common share not owned by the raider. The right will have an exercise price of $55, and it’ll allow investors to, say, buy $110 worth of J.C. Penney shares for only $55 (Brown 2013). In effect, J.C. Penney board can buy back its stocks at a fraction of a penny if a hostile takeover is launched. The strategy was effective because J.C. Penney was able to avert the stand-off and potential takeover of Pershing Square Capital’s Bill Ackman. It also discouraged any potential hostile takeover from other companies and/or individuals. The poison pill was effective that the potential raider Bill Ackman of Pershing Square Capital mulled an exit from holding any shares of J.C. The poison pill may have been an effective strategy to avert any potential takeover. It was able to guard against the standoff from Pershing Square Capital but its shares fell 1.43% which is $13.14 the day after it announced the use of poison pill â€Å"leaving them off 33% on the year and 45% over the past 12 months† (Egan 2013). This was indeed a poison pill to swallow to avoid hostile takeover because the strategy compound the loss of J.C. Penney by the deterioration of its shares in the stock market. But as J.C. Penney’s CEO

Development of European Science and Medicine Research Paper

Development of European Science and Medicine - Research Paper Example During early stages of this period Islamic philosophy, science and medicine was more advanced. Islamic scholars (Amber 357) both preserved and added their own innovations upon Ancient Greek and Roman traditions. The work of great researchers Aristotle, Ptolemy, Avicenna, Jabir ibn Hayyan and Averroes, backed by their contact with the Islamic world in Spain and access to scientific Greek and Arabic texts of the early 12th century opened the doors to academic awakening in Europe. Later, European scholars approached Toledo School of translators to initiate translation programs from Arabic to Latin and aided universities aiming development of scientific communities. The Black Death and other debacles in the late 12th century ended massive learning till it was resumed in 1453 after The Fall of Constantinople. 2. Impact of Science in Medieval Western Europe At the beginning of the 13th century (Late Middle Ages) intellectual translations of the important works related to science, natural p hilosophy and medicine were allowed to spread via both universities and monasteries. It was then, during the Renaissance period 14th century to 17th century that academicians presented the various facets of biological sciences (botany, anatomy, medicine) art, and culture. Invention of printing press in the same era found a way to fast printing of books and spread of ideas around Europe like never before, embarking a revolution in Science and Information Technology. Books namely, De humani corporis fabrica  (On the Workings of the Human Body) by  Andreas Vesalius, and  De Revolutionibus, by the astronomer  Nicolaus Copernicus, were first to be printed. Though the teachings of church dominated medicine, physicians focused on deepening their knowledge about human body by reading translations from Arabian medical texts. The first anatomical drawings made by Andreas Vesalius  and Leonardo Da Vinci after dissection of human body helped in understanding of the internal organs and various systems. The Church prevented medical researchers from dissection of ‘God fearing human bodies’, but allowed criminals and sinners to be dissected as a part of punishment either alive or dead. William Harvey’s experiments in 1628, theorized that the heart act as a muscular pump circulating blood around the body in the blood vessels. Thus understanding of the human body systems forged with the study of Arabic texts on medicinal value of herbs and minerals chalked out more advances in the field of scientific investigations. .The Renaissance apothecaries brought new plants from distant lands explored by Christopher Columbus and others and experimented with them. Apothecary is a historical name to an institution of modern pharmacists and medical practitioners; first apothecary shop was founded by Muslim Pharmacist during Islamic Golden Age and was popular in Spain by the 11th century (High Middle Ages). The work of apothecary in investigation of herbal and c hemical ingredients may be regarded as a precursor of modern sciences and medicine.Qninine extracted from bark of Quina tree was used in treatment of malaria; tobacco leaves were considered to be containing medicinal properties and an opium-based painkiller was prescribed for many disorders. Trade between different parts of the

Baltimore-City Evaluation Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Baltimore-City Evaluation - Research Paper Example Climate was perfect for agriculture, forest area was large and spacious and the Countryside proved to be very fertile. Baltimore County was first gifted in 1632 by England’s King to George Calvert and the name Baltimore County was adopted in 1639 (City-Data, 2009). The town of Baltimore became established in 1656, primarily due to the booming tobacco industry and the dependence of local economy of tobacco. Baltimore’s has had its share of ups and downs, milling flour and grain, which was affected greatly by the revolutionary war. Being the site of the first public railroad in 1828 Baltimore became connected to the rest of the country, remaining impartial for the most part during the civil war acting as a military depot ;despite Maryland belonging to the Union. The city was able to remain prosperous in World War II as well, being a military supply center and escaped World War I unscathed. Physical Site Baltimore city’s topography is characterized primarily by stre ams and capes, though there are 7 bays, an island, lake, summit and spring (Maryland Hometown Locator, 2012). Baltimore city is actually lies within the coastal plain of the Atlantic and the Piedmont Plateau. Stream valleys run through the almost level uplands (Baltimore Ecosystem Study, 2012). Surrounded nearly completely by the County of Baltimore, waterfront property is available with regional choice property being waterfront and the more distressed property being located further away from the waterfront. Baltimore’s down town area consists of City Center, Inner Harbor, west Side and Camden yards. Inner Harbor allows you easy access to the National Museum and Camden Yards is home to the architecturally acclaimed stadium of the Baltimore Orioles, while the Baltimore Ravens play at M and T Bank Stadium, which is down town with a mile of Inner Harbor. Though not considered downtown Curtis Bay allows the distinct opportunity to experience the feel of historical military sites as Fort Armistead and Battery Irons (Maryland Hometown Locator, 2012). Other recreational opportunities the city provides are multiple shopping venues, fine dining and unique restaurants such as the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, and multiple parks and natural settings are almost always in close distance (City of Baltimore, 2012). Because Baltimore has a variety of unique entertainment opportunities, allows those who enjoy the water easy access in many locations and is home to many historical sites I rated Baltimore’s physical characteristics an 8. This was primarily due to the fact that Baltimore seems heavily focused on Adult with fewer attractions geared towards children. Street Morphology Downtown Baltimore’s streets follow a grid pattern though their development is suited to the organic nature of the surroundings, located around Inner Harbor. Breaks or deviations in the grid are found around the Harbor as well as numerous parks and natural greenery is located surround ing much of the Harbor. Inlets disrupt the grid and Harbor Bridge walk connects these busy areas which contain the Baltimore World Center and the national Aquarium (Visit Baltimore, 2012). The streets attempt at a Baroque pattern is evidenced around Camden Yards Oriole Park and M and T Bank Stadium though their concepts remain grid in nature major streets do intersect around these large

Health Benefits Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Health Benefits - Essay Example In addition, this paper outlines a design of an outcomes measurement strategy and a plan for my organization to use to assess the quality of care and reduce risk. According to Beattie (2014), one of the ways to evaluate quality of care offered to my employees by my health benefits contractor involves assessing health care processes. In essence, there are rules, guidelines, and standards that ought to be followed in provision of care. For instance, a physician or health care provided should treat a patients medical records with utmost confidentiality. Subsequently, a physician ought to consider the feelings of patient and as well respect his or her decision in regard to care (Kleinman and Dougherty, 2013). Therefore, I would ask my employees to appraise whether all these factors were considered in the care provided by the health care benefits contractor. Secondly, I would evaluate the quality of care by investigating whether the intended outcomes or results were achieved (Beattie, 2014). All health care services are intended to improve the overall health status of a patient. Achievement of predicted results in relation to care denotes the fact that the services provided were of high quality. Poor services are very unlikely to achieve the intended outcomes. For attainment of predicted or expected outcomes, it is of significance to design an outcomes measurement strategy or a plan to use to assess the quality of care. In elucidation, the design would include implementation of action plans to compare and contrast outcomes of medical processes within my organization with other analogous organizations (Nash and Goldfarb, 2006). Such comparison would help identify areas of weaknesses and ultimately lead to improvement of services. It is however worth noting that health outcomes are impacted by a number of factors. Patients can be divided into clusters, for instance, in terms of the diseases they are suffering from and age groups. This would

Geographical Implications in the Movie A River Runs Through It Review

Geographical Implications in the A River Runs Through It - Movie Review Example This paper illustrates that the movie ‘A River Runs Through It'set features a number of spectacular geographical backgrounds that would amaze even the hard-hearted. One of these spectacular scenes that I just have to begin with is the part where the two brothers are fly-fishing. The producers made the best out of these amazing geographical scenes by using a combination of effective camera positioning to capture the background and adjacent lighting. As included in the original novel written by Norman MacLean back in 1976, the film claims to have been acted on the Blackfoot River in Montana, a geographical feature stretching from the continental divide in Lewis all the way to Clark Fork covering an average of 120 kilometers. Though this is not necessarily included in the movie, the river draws its waters from both springs and snow water further up in western Montana. The setting of the movie particularly the fly fishing scene displays one of the geographical features that are com mon with rivers: erosion. We see that most of the riverbank is covered with smoothened rocks ranging from small rocks to large ones. This can be attributed to the rivers’ erosive nature during transportation be it due to hydraulic action, abrasion or corrosion, corrosion or attrition. The production team in this movie was probably motivated by the fact that other than the information received from the cast, the environment would also be in a position to ‘show off’ and reveal a beautiful nature vested in our country. Moving on to yet another spectacular scene chosen by the production team, we find geographical features like river rapids being applied when the boys get a little naughty with the boat. The dual in their teenage row down this rigorous river in such movements that depict that the riverbed is not regular; this is because of the rapids below. These geographical features are common in riverbeds as the flow moves downstream.

Why I Need A College Degree Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Why I Need A College Degree - Personal Statement Example Additionally, I need a college degree in order to cope better in turbulent economic times including recession. This is based on what I have gathered from research that individuals without a college degree were the worst hit by the recession and they had difficulty recovering from it after 2007 (Penn State, 2010). Another reason I need a college degree is to advance my critical thinking skills. College education will expose to situations that will challenge my existing knowledge and make me develop new ways of thinking and analyzing issues without taking some things for granted. Despite of the knowledge I have got while in service, I need a college degree in order to remain updated. Today’s world is changing fast and it requires a person to change at its pace and college education will equip me with the latest knowledge especially since college is a hub of research. In addition, more people are increasingly pursuing college education and as such, I need a college degree in order to identify and interact meaningfully with peers who are pursuing college degrees (Penn State, 2010). I need a college degree because it will be a step towards personal fulfillment and actualization. Besides the ease that the knowledge I will get from a college degree will give me working for a law enforcement agency, the certificate will be an artifact of achievement and will add to my fulfillment in life. This will further help me to motivate my children in their academic endeavor and to demonstrate to them that age is not a factors to academic success. I need a college degree for professional credibility that is important in today’s world. Peers and clients are confident working with a person whose service and capacity is credible and whose qualification is not doubtful. While it is possible to perform well in a job even without a college degree, I need a college degree because it will add onto better job performance. This is because college education will give me more

Geographical Implications in the Movie A River Runs Through It Review

Geographical Implications in the A River Runs Through It - Movie Review Example This paper illustrates that the movie ‘A River Runs Through It'set features a number of spectacular geographical backgrounds that would amaze even the hard-hearted. One of these spectacular scenes that I just have to begin with is the part where the two brothers are fly-fishing. The producers made the best out of these amazing geographical scenes by using a combination of effective camera positioning to capture the background and adjacent lighting. As included in the original novel written by Norman MacLean back in 1976, the film claims to have been acted on the Blackfoot River in Montana, a geographical feature stretching from the continental divide in Lewis all the way to Clark Fork covering an average of 120 kilometers. Though this is not necessarily included in the movie, the river draws its waters from both springs and snow water further up in western Montana. The setting of the movie particularly the fly fishing scene displays one of the geographical features that are com mon with rivers: erosion. We see that most of the riverbank is covered with smoothened rocks ranging from small rocks to large ones. This can be attributed to the rivers’ erosive nature during transportation be it due to hydraulic action, abrasion or corrosion, corrosion or attrition. The production team in this movie was probably motivated by the fact that other than the information received from the cast, the environment would also be in a position to ‘show off’ and reveal a beautiful nature vested in our country. Moving on to yet another spectacular scene chosen by the production team, we find geographical features like river rapids being applied when the boys get a little naughty with the boat. The dual in their teenage row down this rigorous river in such movements that depict that the riverbed is not regular; this is because of the rapids below. These geographical features are common in riverbeds as the flow moves downstream.

Corporate Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Corporate Accounting - Essay Example However, in 2013, another company was added to the list of subsidiaries. The reason for conducting the activities under different subsidiaries is to be able to allocate and utilize the resources properly. In addition to that, the company can target the market according to the products and services offered through the subsidiaries. The company can also monitor and evaluate financial performances of the subsidiaries distinctively. Moreover, with the activities distributed under different subsidiaries, the company is able to manage the operations throughout horizontal chain of authority. Had the company conducted all the activities under a single entity, it would have rendered the whole business process extremely complex. 5. No, minority or non-controlling interests have not been reported within Brickworks Limited’s balance sheet or income statement. This is precisely because minority interest is only recorded in case of ownership level of less than 50%. However, in case of Brickworks Limited, it has 100% and 50% ownership over its subsidiaries (Phillips, Libby and Libby, 2011). 6. Minority interest or non-controlling interest can generally be found under the non-current liabilities section of a company’s balance sheet. It represents a parent company’s ownership level of less than 50% over its subsidiaries. 7. Since Brickworks Limited does not have non-controlling or minority interests recorded in its financial statements, I have identified another company that has been assigned to my colleague. The company has minority interest recorded in its financial statements. I had a thorough discussion with my colleague regarding non-controlling interest. The discussion revealed that a non-controlling interest is a position that a particular entity holds over another company which does not give him any power to influence the way the held company is to be managed. This means that their ownership level is considerable insignificant, compared to the total number

Impacts and Causes of Quality Implementation Failures

Impacts and Causes of Quality Implementation Failures INTRODUCTION: Due to, the increased competitiveness and arduous customers who desire to have high quality products at lowest prices; quality is acknowledged as a source of competitive advantage and have a higher strategic importance, is essential for success. (Spector and Beer 1994; Eskildson 1994) studies have shown that in organizations there are a lot of quality implementation failures, causes for theses failures are due to environmental uncertainty, Firm orientation, and Total quality management (TQM) was not properly addressed. (Puffer and McCarthy 1996) Â   Â   UNCERTAINTY: It means lack of assurance, about something and facts in decision making (Duncan 1972; Lawrence and Lorsch 1967). ENVIRONMENTAL UNCERTAINTY: It is a state, when conditions are constantly changing within a business environment (jauch and kraft 1986). Environmental uncertainty takes place by complete customer knowledge and for more worth in products and services. It has promoted the business scene, accordingly, feat of any organization now rely more on its ability for delivering quality products and services to customers. So, Business organizations are now confronted with a triangle of problems that they must sort out for building sustainability and success. This is by practicing uncertainty, strategy, and quality. UNCERTAINTY DIMENSIONS: Environmental uncertainty rises or falls as environments differ along five simple dimensions: Homogeneity-heterogeneity: It is the number and range of areas having impact on the organization. Concentration- dispersion: it is interconnection between components of the environment Stability-turbulence: The rate and scale of change in the environment Resource Scarcity- Resource Munificence: richness and accessibility of resources Hostility-Supportiveness: it is the degree of competition and level of getting of the organization The challenge of current companies is to endure and grow while growing in a complex and harsh international market. Change has to be eternal, for example, as the attainment of new abilities. Change can thus only be observed as the important attitude of an organization. By evaluating this environment offers vision of the unique changes, the effects of these changes have on a firms strategies, and the making of special methods required understanding them. CHANGE MANAGEMENT Organizational change management (OCM): It is an organization structural process, used for safeguarding that changes are easily and effectively implemented, and that the lifelong benefits of change can be accomplished. CHANGE MANAGEMENT MODELS: KOTTERS EIGHTS STEPS TO CHANGE This model copes for knowing and handling change. Every stage admits an important principle linking to peoples reaction and approach to change, where people understand, sense and then make change. The model is intended on research which demonstrates that there are eight critical steps an organization or team demands to use in order to make sure that change occurs and sticks properly. (Kotter, 1996) BRIDGE TRANSITION MODEL: With the support of Bridge transition model, we can have awareness about the feelings of our workers and operate conditions according to the way that hold the changes committedly. It is a three phase procedure, where people slowly adopted the facts of new circumstances and the change that derived with it. ROGERS TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION CURVE: It defines the acceptance or adoption of a new innovation or product, along with the psychological and demographic features of acceptor groups. It is exemplified as bell curve. The model shows that first group of people that use a new product is innovators, and subsequent is early adopters. Next group is early and late majority and the last group that finally accept a product are called laggards. The curve makes the base of 5 step procedure of technology adoption; Knowledge, Persuasion, Decision, Implementation. KUBLER- ROSS FIVE STAGE MODEL This Model was developed by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in 1960s. It is use to describe the grieving procedures. She suggests a sequence of feelings practiced by fatally ill patients before death, in which the five stages are anger, bargaining, depression denial, and acceptance. The Change Curve was a firm feature in change management circles By the 1980s. The curve, and its related emotions, can be accustomed to predict that how performance is probably affected by the declaration and following implementation of a vital change. PROSCI ADKAR model This Model offers a modest and action-focused five-step procedure. It is used by managers, directors and even workers to recognize and eliminate fences for making positive change. Individuals make changes effectively when they contain the essential Awareness, Knowledge, Desire, Ability and Reinforcement. PARTICIPATORY METHODS: It contains a sequence of actions with a common line. It allows common people to play a dynamic and significant role in making choices which affect their lives (Participatory Methodology Facilitation Guide, 2000). This method is used by publics, researchers, and donors. Its outcome is involvements of local realities, and it direct towards a well-supported and permanent social change. EXTENT OF UNCERTAINTY: It is the degree of rise in environmental vitality and intricacy (Johnson and Scholes 1999). Therefore, in complex environmental situations there are, larger level of uncertainty in the environment . Low uncertainty: An environmental change affecting the uncertainty is low. For example, variations in customer tastes are low, perhaps because of there are less factors that influence on demand. Moderate uncertainty: It links between low complexity and high dynamism. High uncertainty: The environment is extremely dynamic a d intricate and the links among the modules of the environment and the organization are uncertain. This makes selections more problematic. For instance, the broadcastings business is facing some uncertainties about technology, government rules, demand etc. All these uncertainties link in changeable techniques and use to predict the environment and improve reasonable choices. Strategy and Environmental Uncertainty They are closely related to environmental uncertainty. The degree of uncertainty perhaps is objective and assessable or subjective and apparent. The significant matter is that in such environments how organizations behave. (Zahra, 1987) determines that businesses that follow diverse type of strategic aspects will be inclined to observe their environment in a different way. (Hambrick, 1983), (Miller, 1986), (Snow and Hrebiniak, 1980) usually determined that these strategy types acts inversely under different environmental situations. STRATEGIES TO DEAL WITH UNCERTAINTY IN ORGANIZATIONS: There are number of strategies that are used by organizations to encounter uncertainties of the business environment. (Miles and Snow, 1978) strategy is a strong description of the strategic behavior of organizations. It redirects a wide number of strategies and complete view to strategy conceptualization (Venkatraman, 1989). Four Basic Strategy types: The organizations can implement one of four approaches when retorting to uncertainty in their environment: (Miles and Snow, 1978) Prospector: (Miles and Snow, 1978) organizations adopted or follows this strategy is highly advanced and continually seeking out new markets and new prospects and they are oriented towards growth and risk taking. Firms can use3M strategies. And Johnson Johnson Company relate decentralization with a prospector strategy. Defender: It focuses on accommodating its present markets, keeping steady growth, and serving its present customers. For example, BIC Company used defender strategies; it has implemented a less violent, less business style of management and has taken to protect its considerable market share in the industry. Analyzer: An organization that assumed this strategy has market share and seeks to be groundbreaking. For example, IBM uses analyzer strategies. Thousands of their clients have bought IBM computers over the last some decades. It is in IBMs attention to keep these clients content and to lead new products and services that modernize their computer amenities. Another example contains Proctor Gamble (PG) has proven numerous name brand products, for instance Tide laundry and Crest toothpaste, it is significant for PG to stand to invest in its effective products, so as to keep financial performance Reactor: (Miles and Snow, 1978) an organization that monitors a reactor strategy has no reliable strategic approach; it floats with environmental proceedings, reacting to but failing to anticipate or influence those events. According to (Miles and Snow, 1978) organizations adopt a methodical and distinguishable outline of behavior toward environmental adaptation. An organizations strategy tackles three types of complications, Entrepreneurial: This relates that how an organization faces itself to the market. Engineering: It refers to the technical system of the organization. Administrative: It refers that how an organization tries to organize and implement its strategies, specifically, control, structure, and procedure issues. TECHNIQUES FOR MANAGING CHANGE EFFECTIVELY For Successfully Managing the change needs a shifting of the firm from its present condition to the state according to its future needs at negligible cost to the organization. (Wallington, 2000) Key steps are as follows: Firstly, familiarity with the present state is very necessary. This includes finding problems that company faces, assigning a degree of status to each person, and evaluating the kinds of changes required to resolve the problems. It involves imaging the Future state of the organization. This includes considering the perfect state for the company after the implementation of change, assigning this vision perceptibly to everyone involved in the change endeavor, and designing a waysof change to the new state. Stability is an important part of the transition for instance the companys mission and workers should help constantly in the uncertainty in order to aid and reduce peoples unease. All change should include employees at certain level. Organizational change needs to be clarified and linked, especially changes that affect how employees do their jobs. It involves the Implementing of change in well-ordered manner. This contains managing the transition successfully. It is supportive to assemble a plan, assign resources, and employ an important person to take responsibility of the change procedure. For this, The Companys leaders must do effort to create interest for the change by partaking their aims and vision and acting as role models. (Murray and Greenes, 2006) When a change process is done, it is always worthy to follow-up after implementation and measure how the change are employed and whether the implemented change deliver the intended results. Conclusion The current day organizations main challenge is to endure and even grow while developing in a complex and cruel international market. Change must be eternal, just as the gaining of new capabilities. Management plays very important role in bringing and implementing change in an organization proper functioning. While dealing with uncertain environment in business organization, there is also of responsibility come to on their shoulders. Managers challenge contains originating the change central for the company, so that assemble the human energy toward building and action, so as to correspond the structures with the accessible human potential. Thus, Personnel will be the performers of an evaluative procedure instead of the sufferers of a revolution. Change can hence only be observed as the important approach of an organization. It should ensue as a natural and liberal behavior that is applied by personnel themselves. The Change Management also play vital role in organizations uncertain c ircumstance it familiarizes and monitors organizations through complex and problematic changes. CMG is a global management referring secure staff by Manufacturing and Structural MBAs and Psychologists REFRENCES: Wallington, Patricia M. Making Change. CIO. 1 April 2000 PDF: Participatory Methodology Facilitation Guide. WaterAid. 2002. Kotter J, (1996), Leading Change, Boston:Harvard Business School Press Wallington, Patricia M. Making Change. CIO. 1 April 2000. Wischenvsky, J. Daniel and Fariborz Damanpour. Organizational Transformation and Performance: An examination of three perspectives. Journal of Managerial Issues. Spring 2006. Murray, Art and Kent Greenes. The Enterprise of the Future. KMWorld. March 2006. Spector, B., and M. Beer. 1994. Beyond TQM program. Journal of Organizational Change Management 7, no. 2: 63-70. Puffer, S. M., and McCarthy. 1996. A framework for leadership in TQM context. Journal of Quality Management 1, no. 1: 109-130. Duncan, R. B. 1972. Characteristics of organizational environments and perceived environmental uncertainty. Administrative Sciences 17: 313-327. Jauch, L., and K. Kraft. 1986. Strategic management of uncertainty. Academy of Management Review 11: 777-790. Zahra, S. 1987. Corporate strategic types, environmental perceptions, managerial philosophies, and goals: An empirical study. Akron Business and Economic Review (Summer) 18, no. 2: 63-74. Snow, C. C., and L. G. Hrebiniak. 1980. Strategy, distinctive competence, and organizational performance. Administrative Science Quarterly 25: 317-335. Hambrick, D. C. 1983. Some tests of the effectiveness and functional attributes of miles and snow strategic types. Academy of Management Journal 26, no. 1: 5-26.

Kate Chopins The Story of an Hour :: Kate Chopin The Story of an Hour

Kate Chopin's The Story of an Hour   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kate Chopin was a Victorian writer; whose writing manifests her life experiences. She was not happy with the principles of the time, because women had fewer rights, and they were not considered equal to men. Afraid of segregation from society, people lived in a hypocritical world full of lies; moreover, Kate Chopin was not afraid of segregation, and used her writing as a weapon against oppression of the soul. Marriage was an oppressor to Chopin, she had been a victim of this institution. Being a victim of marriage, Chopin's "Story of an Hour," is an expression of her believe that, marriage is an institution that oppresses, represses, and is a source of discontent among human beings.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mrs. Mallard loved her husband.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  She wept at once This was her first response to the news of his death. She would not had grieved over someone she did not love. Even in the heat of her passion she thinks about her lost love. She knew that she would weep again when she saw the kind, tender hands folded in death; the face that had never looked safe with love upon her, fixed and gray and dead. Her love may not have been the greatest love of all time, but it was still love.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Marriage was not kind to Mrs. Mallard, her life was dull and not worth living, her face showed the years of repression. If she did love this man, why was marriage so harmful to her? Marriage was a prison for her There would be no powerful will bending her in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow creature. Marriage oppressed her, she needed freedom, freedom to grow and do what she wanted to do, and marriage took that away from here. Chopin didn't believe that one person should take away another's freedom.

Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) in Australia Essay -- Media, Televis

The public service broadcasting can be seen as an agent to deliver information and innovative ideas in a democratic society. Syvertsen (1999) has mentioned three meanings of public service, firstly as the public function whereas government supply services such as roads, public transport, etc, secondly as the public sphere in which people of a society involve for common good purpose, lastly was the broadcasting in the service of listener or viewer. This essay attempts to argue the need of sustaining the Public Service Broadcasting especially in Australia. In Australia there are two public service broadcasting institutions: the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). ABC is modelled after the BBC and aims to provide information and entertainment services of general interest and traditional public service content on TV and radio; SBS aims to provide a more specialized service of multicultural and multilingual programming (reference). The SBS focused on fulfilling the media needs of Australia’s culturally diverse population. Both broadcasters are public corporations operating under Charters endorsed by Australia’s federal Parliament (reference,Mendel). The Charter particularly advises the ABC to produce its main component programming on educational broadcasts. The ABC also required to presents the multiculturalism of the Australian society; provide a sense of national identity and information as well as entertainment through promoting music, drama, and other performing arts in Australia (Mendel). Whilst, the Charter requires the SBS to produce multilingual and multicultural radio and television services that inform, educate, and entertain Australian people, and at the same time re... ...tricted by channel capacity and it can provide diverse audiences at once. Moreover, with the online internet anyone can gather all information they need as well as the social networking in ways that people can interact in real time even from the distance and lay bare to a new perspective of democracy. From that standpoint, the young generation will even consider the difficulty public service broadcasters will face. In conclusion, public service broadcasting is seen as form of governance rather than individual form of media institution. Indeed, the challenge for the State funded broadcasting is the emerged of the cultural diversity and the complex development between citizen and national public interest. In order to assert he public value, relevancy as well as public resources then the public service organization should managed it effectively.

Example for Literary Paper Essay

Comparison/Contrast: Assignment: For Your Information: Comparison/Contrast – The process of examining two or more things in order to establish their similarities and differences. After reading two selections, you will write a comparison/contrast essay using the guidelines provided in this packet. 1. Any relationship between two or more things will involve some degree of SIMILARITY, as well as some degree of DIFFERENCE. 2. Comparisons can be found in any kind of writing: magazine articles, advertising, essays, news articles, letters, editorials, textbooks, scientific writing, reports, political speeches, and pamphlets. 3. We make comparisons when we have to choose between two or more things: careers, products, political candidates, goals, etc. 4. Comparisons underlie everything we do. Scientists use comparisons in their experiments. Logicians use them to draw conclusions. Politicians use them to formulate policies. Judges use them to render decisions. Ministers teach and admonish us with comparisons. How to Write a Literary Comparison/Contrast Essay When writing a literary comparison, you will answer the question: So What? In other words, you will not only explain the similarities and differences between the two (or more) literary works, but also explain the significance of your comparison. A comparison intends to inform readers of something they haven’t thought of before. Therefore, for a comparison to be illuminating, the things compared must either: 1. Appear different but have significant similarities; i.e., Star Wars and Return of the Jedi. 2. Or, appear similar but have significant differences; i.e., Classic Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation. You must have a purpose for your comparison. The reader of the comparison should not have to ask SO WHAT? at the end of your essay. In a comparison/contrast essay you are explaining the differences between two or more things, as well as explaining, or at least alluding to, what the two things have in common. School Curriculum Specialists, LLC Remember that comparison and contrast is an organizational and analytical structure that supports your ideas, but you still need a thesis in the introduction. The introduction should contain: 1) The names the items to be compared 2) The purpose of the comparison 3) What is being compared and/or contrasted Sample Thesis Statements: Unacceptable — â€Å"I am going to compare the similarities and differences between the films Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T., the Extraterrestrial.† Acceptable — â€Å"A close examination of the way Roy Neary, the protagonist of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Elliott, the protagonist of E.T., the Extraterrestrial, react to their encounters with aliens demonstrates that director Steven Spielberg uses both films to tell similar stories about the difficulties of growing up.† 1. Choose the works of literature you want to compare. 2. Choose the grounds for comparison; i.e. is there something they have in common that makes it worthwhile to show how they are different? 3. Answer the question So What? by determining a purpose for making a comparison. 4. Gather information and evidence from each literary selection to describe and support your grounds for comparison. Use a graphic organizer like the one below and on page 4 of this packet. 5. Outline your essay. 6. Compose your thesis. 7. Write the draft of your essay. Assignment Directions Step One Select two literary texts that can be compared and contrasted for the authors’ point of view, literary style, or other points of comparison. Once you have the literature, it’s time to decide â€Å"what† within each selection you will compare. Step Two Make a graphic organizer OR use the graphic organizers contained in this packet (see page 4). Making notes on the organizer will help visually show you how items, such as characters, author’s development of the plot, author’s use of literary devices, theme, etc. are similar and different. If you decide to focus on just â€Å"theme,† for example, then you will want to create a Venn diagram or comparison chart that helps you analyze how the two authors’ word choices, style, sense of audience, etc. are used to reveal the theme to the reader or support the message. And, of course, compare the authors in this regard. Step Three Once you have jotted notes in the graphic organizer, make an outline for your essay, that includes: ; Paragraph 1: The Introduction – Introduce your topic and state your thesis. Example Thesis: â€Å"Although James Jackson’s novel, Reaching the English Moors, was First written in 1895, the theme can be compared to H.B. Bartlion’s poem, ‘Green Grasses of Home’ support paragraph written a century later. Both Jackson and Bartlion are urging the reader to consider the life lessons m presented in nature. However, Jackson addresses this theme through the use of personification and Bartlion relies on visual imagery.† f Third Second support paragraph Sample Structure In the above example, the writer has established why the two selections are comparable paragraph (common themes), but clearly states that the authors have used two contrasting methods of developing their themes. So, will the writer focus on the alikeness (comparison) of the theme, or the different ways (contrast) the authors developed their theme? Paragraph 2: First Support Paragraph. Set the groundwork for the similarities in the literary selections. In the case above, you would describe the common theme found in each selection. Write a topic sentence and add details to support your topic sentence. Example Topic Sentence: â€Å"Both Jackson and Bartlion are urging the reader to consider the life lessons we can learn from nature.† Provide specific examples of this in the paragraph. Paragraph 3: Second Support Paragraph. Again, write a topic sentence and add at least 3 details. This paragraph will focus a difference between to the two literary selections by stating that Jackson uses personification to develop the theme. Provide specific examples of this in the paragraph. Paragraph 4: Third Support Paragraph. This paragraph will focus on another difference between the two literary selections by stating that Bartlion uses visual imagery to develop the theme. Provide specific examples of this in the paragraph. Include several supporting details. Paragraph 5: Conclusion. Go back and state what you’ve already said in the introduction using different wording, wrapping things up. Step Four Use the outline (above). Write each section of the paper, until finished. Go back and edit, checking for spelling, correct grammar, punctuation, and flow. Use the scoring guide/rubric (page 7 in this packet) to check the completion and correctness of your essay. Compare and contrast essays are just like any other paper and should flow from one paragraph to the next, making sense as you read it. Read and reread. Step Five Use a word processor to type your essay STUDENT SAMPLE Ella Berven October 15, 2011 Period 4 Literary Comparison/Contrast Essay Shades of Being Human Alice Walker and Maya Angelou are two contemporary African-American writers. Although almost a generation apart in age, both women display a remarkable similarity in their lives. Each has written about her experiences growing up in the rural South, Ms. Walker through her essays and Ms. Angelou in her autobiographies. Though they share similar backgrounds, each has a unique style which gives to us, the readers, the gift of their exquisite humanity, with all of its frailties and strengths, joys and sorrows. Tragedy struck both of these women at the age of eight. Ms. Walker lost her sight in one eye. Ms. Angelou was raped. Each described the incident as part of a larger work. Ms. Walker related her experience in the body of an essay published in her book, In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens. Ms. Angelou told her story as a chapter in her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Although both wrote about their traumatic experience, the way each depicted the incident was distinct and seemed to be told for very different purposes. Alice Walker reports the facts to the reader with short sentences written in the present tense. She chooses words which elicit a forceful emotional response from her audience. For example, in telling how her brothers were given BB guns and she was not, Ms. Walker writes, â€Å"Because I am a girl, I do not get a gun. Instantly, I am relegated to the position of Indian.† The word â€Å"relegated† causes the reader to be irate and indignant. Most people do not like being â€Å"relegated† to anything. Another illustration of Ms. Walker’s use of dynamic words can be found in her description of the encounter with her parents following the accident. She speaks of being â€Å"confronted† by her parents. â€Å"Confronted† is a combative word. When people are confronted by others, they want to launch an attack. Her style and choice of words make the reader aware that she is alone and fearful. She is left to fight her battles by herself. Maya Angelou narrates her account in a conversational tone. She uses the past tense which tells her audience â€Å"it’s over† for her. Her words are free from severity. They encourage the reader to see hope in the midst of sadness. Instead of trying to elicit a particular emotional response, Angelou invites her audience to share in her thoughts and feelings. For instance, having given an account of the rape, she writes, â€Å"I thought I had died–I woke up in a white-walled world, and it had to be heaven.† The reader feels a connection with her pain, yet realizes redemption lies close at hand. Whereas Walker tells how she was confronted by her parents, Angelou explains,†she [mother] picked me up in her arms and the terror abated for a while.† There is no impression of combativeness. There is only tenderness and care. Once again, she invites the reader in. Walker wants the reader to feel for her; Angelou wants her audience to feel with her. They achieve their objectives by directing the reader’s attention to specific emotions. The emotional focus of Alice Walker’s story is rage, red-hot and isolating. As I read this piece, I became livid, not only at the thought of her devastating injury and her family’s apparent disassociation, but also at Ms. Walker herself. It appeared to me that she never let go of it. Instead, she seemed to embrace her anger. On the other hand, Ms. Angelou’s anger is subtle and short-lived. Though I was incensed by what happened to her, she quietly insisted that I leave it behind. She concentrated less on her anger and more on the warmth and support of her family. It would be impossible not to address the ways in which both women refer to the intense physical pain each of them suffered as little girls. Ms. Walker gives little description of her anguish, but I clearly felt it. When I read, â€Å". . . I feel an incredible blow in my right eye . . .† and, â€Å"my eye stings, and I cover it with my hand,† my immediate response was to quickly cover my eye with my hand. My body reacted to her pain. Ms. Angelou’s description produced another effect. She wrote, â€Å"Then there was the pain. A breaking and entering when even the senses are torn apart.† Instead of a physical reaction, I felt a wrenching of the heart. Ms. Walker focused my attention on the injury to her body, while Ms. Angelou focused on her emotional scars. School Curriculum Specialists, LLC My most powerful emotional response throughout both stories was one of incredible sorrow. I felt the tremendous weight that sadness and despair can fold around a heart, not only for a child’s trauma, but also for the devastating repercussions that tragedy can produce – loss of dignity, self-esteem, and childhood itself. I wanted to comfort them both. However, by the end of Ms. Walker’s account of the incident, I not only wanted to comfort her, I wanted to shield her as well. Her wounds were still open. At the end of her narrative, she wrote, â€Å"Now when I stare at people – a favorite pastime up to now – they will stare back. Not at the ‘cute’ little girl, but at her scar. For six years, I do not stare at anyone, because I do not raise my head.† I wanted to intervene and help her. Although in Ms. Angelou’s story I yearned to comfort the child, it was obvious that the adult Maya Angelou did not need my protection. She ended her account with these words: â€Å"I would have liked to stay in the hospital the rest of my life. Mother brought flowers and candy. Grandmother came with fruit and my uncles clumped around and around my bed, snorting like wild horses. When they were able to sneak Bailey in, he read to me for hours.† Her family loved her all the way through her trauma, and she moved from despair to hope with their help. Alice Walker and Maya Angelou are both extremely courageous writers. From each we receive a rare and poignant gift. As her book suggests, Alice Walker challenges us to search for resolution in the face of loneliness and despair. Maya Angelou, who â€Å"knows why the caged bird sings,† reminds us that loneliness and despair never have the last word. She gently points us to a window of hope. Both women bless us with shades of being human.