Saturday, August 31, 2019

The Prehistory and Ratification of the American Constitution Essay

To ratify a treaty or agreement is to make it official by signing it or voting for it. For amendments of the federal constitution to take place, it usually requires the support of both the federal government and a given percentage of the constituent governments. Article five of the constitution of the United States of America illustrates how to amend the document. There are two steps involved; proposal and ratification. In proposing an amendment, either congress or the states can propose an amendment of the constitution. (Both houses of congress must propose the amendment with a two-thirds vote. Two-thirds of the state legislatures must call a congress to hold a constitutional convention.) In ratifying an amendment, regardless of how the amendment has been proposed, it must be ratified by the states. (Three-fourths of the state legislatures must approve the amendment proposed by congress or three-fourths of the states must approve the amendment through ratifying conventions.) Ratification of the constitution in 1787                  In 1787 and 1788, after the constitutional convention, there was a great debate in the United States of America over the constitution that had been proposed. Federalists were in favor of the constitution and a strong central government as well. These federalists were people like George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. On the opposing side were the anti federalists who were in favor of stronger state legislatures and a weaker central government. The anti-federalists did not want the constitution to be ratified. They were people like Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry. Federalists were in support of the ratification process due to the following reasons                  Federalists also reasoned out that the new government would not be dominated by any group and there were various adequate safeguards to protect individuals and the states. The constitution, therefore, did not need a Bill of Rights since it could create a ‘parchment barrier’ which limited the rights of people instead of protecting them. They considered a Bill of Rights unnecessary because the state governments already had such bills. They wanted a strong federal government which would hold the nation together. The nation was facing several problems, especially constant trade disputes which were at the verge of dividing the nation. A strong federal government was, therefore, necessary. Anti-federalists, on the other hand, did not support the ratification process for the following reasons; They were concerned about the liberties that Americans had won in the revolution. They feared that a strong federal government would destroy these liberties. They were worried that the constitution did not list specific rights for the people. From the above discussion, if I had been alive in 1787, I would have supported the ratification process because of the following reasons; A stronger national government was required to solve persistent problems in America such as lack of a common currency, constant trade disputes between the states and a lack of unity in trade. Features of the constitution would provide adequate power to the national government to address these problems while protecting the rights and freedoms of the people. There were philosophical reasons to oppose the constitution as well. The new government which would be established by the new constitution would create a link between sovereign states. Besides, government did not have power because it was the government, but because the people had granted it power. Federal courts had limited jurisdiction. Many areas were left to the state and local courts. New federal courts were necessary to provide checks and balances on the power of the other two arms of government. Federal courts would thus protect the citizens from government abuse and guarantee their freedom. By separating the basic powers of government into three equal branches, and not giving too much power group, the constitution would provide balance and prevent potential for tyranny. In addition, the anti-federalists’ main reason for not accepting the ratification process was that the bill of rights had not been included. Later on, the proposed bill of rights was incorporated in the new constitution, and therefore the ratification process was now a valid one. References Bailyn, Bernard. The Debate on the Constitution: Federalist and Anti-federalist Speeches, Articles, and Letters during the Struggle over Ratification. New York: Literary Classics of the United States:, 1993. Print. John, Jeffrey. A Child of Fortune: A Correspondent’s Report on the Ratification of the U.S. Constitution and Battle for a Bill of Rights. Ottawa, Ill.: Jameson, 1990. Print. â€Å"The Constitution before the Judgment Seat: The Prehistory and Ratification of the American Constitution, 1787-1791.† Choice Reviews Online: 50-0478. Print. Source document

Friday, August 30, 2019

Bajaj Capital- Training, Recruitment and Selection

cRECRUITMENT, PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL AND TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT IN BAJAJ CAPITAL 1) RECRUITMENT PROCESS AT BAJAJ CAPITAL FORMALITIES AFTER THE JOINING BY THE HR Reference check v Validation v Entry in the Joining Kit Tracker v Preparing the Partial Kit v Getting the kit signed v Dispatching the kit to  the corporate office STEP BY STEP RECRUITMENT PROCESS AT BAJAJ CAPITAL * Short listing of the candidate by the TM. In case of internal recruitment then they should assure that they have fulfilled the criteria. And in case of external recruitment they should follow the  process note forwarded to them by the HR  Department. The interview needs to be conducted very properly; selection of the candidate should be done only he satisfies the criteria for that post. Proper care should be  taken while selecting a candidate. * After  the  interview  is  conducted  and  reference  check  of  thecandidate is done, the papers need to be processed to the HR  Department. W hen processing the papers the TM should ensure that the following documents are  there:–Interview Assessment Sheet-CV-Appointment letter of the  previous company-Salary slip of  last two months-Reference Check form On receiving the papers at HR, entry needs to be made in the documents received tracker. If all the documents are complete then the IP Code, (CV Code) needs to be allotted to it and then the papers should be forwarded to the respective HR Cluster Heads. In case any documents are pending then the candidate needs to be called for the  papers. * On receiving the complete documents, the HR needs to negotiate the salary with the candidate and close the offer. On closing the offer  the an offer mail is to be sent to the candidate stating his post, salary, date of joining and as to what documents they are to bring along with them. On the day of joining, the candidate needs to fill the joining kit and the  online  PDF  Form. The  kit  contains  inform ation  about  the candidate i. e. their personal details, education qualification, work  experience, and other information that are required  by the firm. The online PDF Form contains general details such as name, address, identification mark, place of posting, etc. * Once through with the kit, the documents are to be collected and should see that the kit is properly filled i. e. the date of joining, place of posting, and that they have signed where required. On receiving the complete kit, the joining kit tracker needs to be updated. The tracker contains information such as the BDF No, name, address, contact details, position & location of the candidate, his previous work experience, his account No, & PAN No. , the date of joining and the date of dispatching the kit to the corporate office * Once the tracker is updated, the kit needs to be validated. It is done in  order  to  generate  the  SAP  Code  of  the  employee. Duringvalidation  information  su ch  as  the  post  &  the  location  of  the employee, SAP Code of their reporting authority and their CTC is required. After all these formalities, the partial kit is to be prepared and the kit needs to be signed by the HRM, then the kit is to be dispatched to the corporate office . Job opportunities may be identified by studying jobs and determining the knowledge and skills each one requires. Once career paths are developed and employees are identified on the career ladder, it is possible to inventory the jobs and determine where individuals with the required skills and knowledge are needed or will be needed. Beyond recruitment, organization also needs to consider the progression of employees through a series of jobs.In this way they can manage not only the immediate contribution of individuals to the organization, but the long term contribution throughout their career. In order to be successful, a career management program must receive the support of top managemen t. The program should reflect the goals and the culture of the organization, and managerial personnel at all levels must be trained in the fundamentals of job design, performance appraisal, career planning and counseling. The objectives and opportunities of the career development program should be announced widely throughout the organization.We often think that successful people plan their careers out and then work toward their goals in a very logical, sequential manner. Although some successes are designed and implemented this way, others are created through insight, preparedness, and taking advantages of opportunities as they rise. 2) PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL Performance appraisal is the process of obtaining, analyzing and recording information about the relative worth of an employee. The focus of the performance appraisal is measuring and improving the actual performance of the employee and also the future potential of the employee.PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL IN BAJAJ CAPITAL In the Bajaj Capital the performance appraisal is called performance improvement process (PIP). THE PIP SHARED BY MBO IN BAJAJ CAPITAL MBO- Management by objective has been defined as â€Å"a process whereby the superior & subordinate managers of an organization jointly identify its common goals setting for each individuals & gives largely & use the measures as guides for operating the unit & assessing the contribution of each & its members.GOAL SETTING- The goals are defined in clear, precise & measurable terms. They should be challenging yet attainable. A thorough analysis of internal environment(strengths & improvement area) and (opportunities & threats)of the organization is made to made to set these goal. The goal is set for financial, customers, people, process etc. PERFORMANCE TARGET- On the basis of organization goal, performance for each employee may be decided on the of organizational charts & job description.Every subordinate writes down his own performance goal which are work relat ed & career oriented. His manager also writes down the goal he thinks the subordinate should satire for. The employee of all levels are involved in goal setting. Action plan required to achieve the goals are also decided through consultant among an employee & his superior. Joint goal setting & joint goal setting & joint action planning are essential elements of appraisal through MBO.PERFORMANCE REVIEW- Frequent performance review meeting between the mangers & the subordinate are held Initially, monthly reviews may be used & then extended to quarterly reviews. In the reviews meeting, progress is assessed, improvement area & constraints are identified & steps to be taken to improve performance are decided. Subordinate actively participate in the process. It leads to self control by the employee. GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING SIX MONTHLY & YEARLY APPRAISAL REVIEW 1.Objective of review is to help improve individual performance & thereby business performance. 2. Two hour workshops to be indu cted each year one month before above reviews (5th & 11th month of appraisal year). 3. HRD group to devote one month (each for half yearly &yearly review) fully focused to complete all reviews. 4. HRD facilitator to be present during review &fill up check list to help improve process in future. Initially recommended to slant for 1st 3rd 1-4th &l-v level. 5. HRD facilitator to be senior in level than appraise. ) TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT:- The various training programs used in Bajaj capital that encourage people to maximize their full potential through training & development programs which are tailored to suit the business needs of their partners are:- a) Basic & Advanced Mutual Fund Training:- Training provides a firmer foundation of understanding for how mutual funds work and how they interact with other investments in client's portfolio. Additionally, the designation adds prestige and lets their clients know they can be confident in their recommendations. ) AMFI training: – AMFI, Association of Mutual Funds in India, is an industry association, formed in 1995, for the overall growth of the mutual fund industry. It is also responsible for testing and certification of intermediaries, including individual mutual fund advisors. So as an individual, one cannot indulge in selling of mutual funds, till he or she has cleared AMFI exam and thus is certified. In other words, AMFI test is the gateway to the ever growing mutual fund industry and takes you one step closer to providing complete personal finance solutions to your clients. ) Certified Financial Planner: – A Certified Financial Planner professional takes a holistic view of financial life of an individual and provides strategic advice in regard to investment, insurance, tax, retirement and estate needs. Unlike product sellers who represent the interest of manufacturers of these products, a Certified Financial Planner professional works for the consumer, and does not have any particular product in mind when approaching a client. ) Registered Financial Planner: – Registered financial training is provided to empower the account holder of Bajaj Capital Advisors Network in the field of financial planning by imparting them technical knowledge with a practical approach based on Registered Financial Planner model with emphasis on case studies embedded with soft skills element. e) Soft Skills: – The Soft Skills Training programs encompass a wide range of skills that most organizations find to be integral and necessary part of everyday business.From basic communication skills to strategic management, a gamut of training programs are offered to address every business training need. f) Sales techniques: – Sales technique training is provided to increase the productivity of the sales. This training develops knowledge and use of the key selling skills that have the greatest impact on increasing sales productivity. All other sales training is incomplete without first learning these skills. g) Business Coaching: – Business coaching is a type of personal or human resource development.It provides positive support, feedback and advice to an individual or group basis to improve their personal effectiveness in the business setting. Business coaching includes executive coaching, corporate coaching and leadership coaching. h) TAX Advisory: – A tax advisor is a financial expert specially trained in tax law. Organizations usually require tax advisors to minimize taxation, to avoid learning the details of tax law in complicated financial situations themselves or to learn the details of tax law from a professional advisor.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Behavior: Teacher and Young People Essay

Adults that support children and young people in school setting have to be aware of the different stages that children and young develop: this includes emotional, physical and social development. Children and young people learn how to behave in time and need guidance and clear boundaries from adults in order to behave the way society expects them. There are Strategies to make children and young people’s behavior one of them is the need to praise them for their work and effort. Children and young people need to feel valued, some seek to belong to group being able to communicate with them effectively to build a positive relationship will help them learn to use to positive behavior. A behavior policy will help all staff to learn how to promote positive, by explaining that children need to develop positive skills and attributes. In my setting these are some of the behavior policies in place: Behavior policy-in order for effective learning to take place, good behavior in all aspects of school life is necessary. By adhering, this policy we aim recognize and promote positive behavior and in doing so we will help promote self-esteem, self-discipline and build positive relationship based on mutual respect. The policy is not only aimed at pupils but to all who are involved in the school community from parents to governors to staff ect in order to be able apply it consistently. In key stage one and two an assembly is held each week one child will receives a prize for earning a Golden star award which is selected by raffle of all the awards. Golden awards are counted up in houses across the school and the wining house receives a reward such a additional P.  E/ games or an ice skating trip. All classes have an opportunity to LAD achievement assembly, which parents/cares are encourage to attend, where are able to show and celebrate examples of their best work. Each week a different year group’s achievement are celebrated in whole school assembly with individual pupils being selected to come on stage to receive a certificate. All staff work hard to help children maintain high standards of behavior. This important so that they can use their in school effectively to learn that learning is not disrupted by others. We actively encourage and promote good behavior which is rewarded in variety of ways such as house points, certificates, stickers, praise from other teachers ect. Children also understand that poor behavior is not acceptable. Within school we have a clear set of behavior consequences such if a child is disruptive: question them on their behavior; a warning inappropriate behavior continues; consequence if child choose not to heed warning. Six Golden Rules: This is the guideline in my setting for pupil so they have an understanding how to behave in school: * Do be kind and helpful * Do be honest * Do look after property Do be gentle * Do listen to other people * Work hard * Do wear the right uniform. Teachers are only able to teach effectively and pupils learn effectively in orderly classes with good behavior. (Department for children and families- taken from school setting behavior policy) Sanctions In my setting they have accepted that some children will find it difficult to abide by the schools code conduct therefore all staff have to be consistent when confronted with inappropriate behavior. The staff are informed of the three groups of behavior that the school has listed: * Less serious incidents- calling out in class Serious incidents-swearing * Very serious incidents-fighting Depending on behavior staff will allocate appropriate sanctions which may include; loss of privileges- not being a prefect, class leader, helping the teacher with register, loss of lunch or morning break or the loss any extra, curricular activities if the child keeps contenting behaving the same. In key stage two, children who are being disruptive in class not working too of their ability and who have forgotten their homework will be given 5mins in the time out corner and if it happens twice in one week is detention at lunch time. Parents are always informed of their child’s inappropriate behavior, if the child gets two lunch time detentions for the same reason in one half term. They get a lunch time detention with the head teacher or Deputy head teacher. And the parents are invited to discuss the matter with the class teacher. In a case where the child’s disruptive behavior continues, either in the playground or the classroom, the child will receive two warning. If the child continues to behave inappropriately then the head teacher, after consultation, may decide to issue an internal exclusion. An internal exclusion differs from exclusion as the child is still able to come into school but the child works away from their own class for fixed period. Exclusions also vary depending on the behavior. If a child is excluded and it is for over 15 days the head teacher will need to get it approved by a panel of governors. The outcome is decided by the Chair of Governors and the LEA. All exclusion are record in every child’s school file and will eventually be sent on to their secondary schools. BULLING: In my setting, all staff work alongside with parents and the children to create a school community where bulling is not tolerated. They take all types of bulling seriously such as, emotional, physical, and racial, cyber bulling and are recorded in the school behavior book by the Head teacher. Any form bulling is reported to the Head teacher as well as the class child protection officer. The children are encouraged to speak to their class teacher if they feel they have are being bullied. The school involves the parent(s) of the child who is bulling others by encourages them to support and re-educate their child, they also inform the parent(s) of the child who have been bullied and offer support. Describe with examples the importance of all staff consistently and fairly applying boundaries and rules for children and young people’s behavior accordance with the policies and procedures of the setting: In my setting staff promotes positive behavior by giving children and young people the opportunity to develop their true potential academically, morally and spiritually. It is important for all staff to be consistent when dealing with inappropriate behavior so that children and young people have sense and knowledge of right from wrong and also know what is expected from them. Example: One day the teacher was instructing the children on their learning objective when a child was being disruptive. I asked the child politely not to sit down and if he/she needed something to put their hand up first, I was quite taken back by when he/she replied rudely. I waited till the whole class was busy with their work and approached the child spoken to her about her rudeness then and asked her if she would move her name down from green to yellow, also made her aware I would tell her teacher about her behavior. The class teacher spoke to the child and he/she was told to apologize to me. It is important for all staff to work alongside each other so that children and young people will expect rules to be the same. If boundaries and rules are not consistent staff would feel undermined. If one staff allows inappropriate behavior and another disciplines the child, the child would be confused. It is also important to remember when addressing a child or a young person of their unaccepted behavior the appropriate sanction is used according to their age and stage of development. For example a child in key stage one who behaves inappropriately would not be given lunch time detention for not doing their homework as opposed to a child in key stage two or at secondary age. The reason why policies and procedures are in place is for parents to support children and young people in their school work and for children and young people to understand what is expected from them. As well as school having a behavior policy, each class would have their own ‘golden rule’ that was created by the children themselves. The importance of letting children create this rule is to include them and allow them to participate. Children benefit by this as they feel valued which helps their self-esteem and self- development. In my setting children who behave inappropriately are given verbal warning and are encouraged and supported to make more positive choices. If the unaccepted behavior continues throughout out the week the child misses their morning and lunch time break by spending it in detention supervised by the Head teacher. Their parents are also informed they may come a time when a child or a young person’s behavior is out of control that parents, class teacher, Head teacher and appropriate practitioners have to work alongside each other. IEP {Individual Education Plan} is created for the individual and a target is set to manage the child or young person’s unwanted behavior. This approach is known as the S. M. A. R. T target {specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time, bound/specific} The plan may include use of intervention to get the child not to behave inappropriately. It also has to be specific and clear so the child understands what has to be achieved. The target has to be realistic in order for the child to be able to achieve it, therefore it needs to be relevant and time given is reviewed according to the child’s behavior. Before a child or young person is put on the IEP, teachers invite the child’s parents/guidance/Carer to discuss the behavior. A child’s behavior may be a cause of by many factors that has affected them largely such as a change in family structure, home environment or transition to a new school such as secondary school, it can also be through bereavement, parents getting divorce, parents getting re-married, new siblings or illness on one of the family members. In order to support the child, staff in school setting has to act as role model, it sets the standards of behavior and expectations to the children and young people. This is how they learn about positive behavior by watching us. Praising the child for positive behavior and rewarding them with responsibilities such as head boy/girl prefects, class monitors will build their self-esteem, create a calmer environment and build relationships.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

The impact of language on Friday life in Foe Essay

The impact of language on Friday life in Foe - Essay Example Upon arrival in England, Susan offers to accommodate Friday (McGrath 1). She had a desire to document her experiences while on the Island, but is limited in her language skills. Thus, she requests Daniel Foe, a writer, for assistance. This mission is not fully accomplished since Foe, being the language expert, chooses what he thinks is entertaining to write about, thus frustrating Susan’s efforts to have her story told (Caracciolo 105). Language is one of the themes in J. M. Coetzee’s book Foe. Language is key and paramount in any communication and accurate or inaccurate presentation of issues through language as a tool of communication can impact positively or negatively on the message being communicated. If not well presented, it could give the wrong message and impression about the content value of any work of art. Language gives a person power to communicate adequately. By Daniel Foe suppressing and omitting part of Susan’s story does an immense disservice to what she, in reality, wants to communicate. Lack of proper and/or appropriate language skills and knowledge can also be a significant impediment (Caracciolo 105). This is the case with Susan when she is frustrated by Foe for choosing to incorporate the truth about her, but feeling the book bibliography with fiction. Susan’s case highlights the power of language because, if she was well equipped with proper writing skills, she would have been in a better position to write her own story. In her frustration, she attempts to write the story herself but fails due to her lack of proper writing skills. Through the character of Susan, Coetzee is highlighting the plight of the voiceless. Since Susan cannot communicate well, she is left helpless, thus representing the people in society who cannot be heard because of their incapability to communicate effectively (McGrath 1). Foe, on the other hand, represents the people who tyrannize the underprivileged by downplaying their issues resu lting in them not being heard at all. Using the theme of language, Coetzee brings out the plight of those who are oppressed because of their language handicap and the oppressors like Daniel Foe who ensures that the oppressed remain downtrodden. Coetzee uses another character, Friday, to further the theme of language in his book. He is said to be mute because, according to his master Crusoe, his tongue was chopped off by his previous master. This can be interpreted to show the extend oppressors would go to silence the marginalized in the society. Cutting off his tongue totally stops and impairs the downtrodden such as Friday form speaking or having a say in matters concerning or affecting them (Woelert 118). The writer being from South Africa may through these characters be highlighting the brutality of the Apartheid system. It can be construed as a way that those in authority used to silence the minority. His inability to speak because his tongue was cut off by his colonial masters totally limits his language communication skills and ability. Friday brings to mind not only the plight of the Africans in South Africa, but also the unvoiced oppressed people in the society. Crusoe is another character in the novel whose refusal to talk about his past can be seen as to portray Coetzee’s language theme on non verbal communication. He is in a position to tell his story but instead chooses not to in comparison to Friday who if given a chance may be willing

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

The Language of Health Informatics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Language of Health Informatics - Essay Example Practically, a hospital database, for our purposes, is the collection of patient forms, only more organized and in electronic form. These two advantages, organization and accessibility, allow appropriate medical attention to be given faster, despite turnover of health care providers. For a former patient allergic to aspirin, rushed again to the hospital for his sudden blood pressure elevation, even if the nurses and doctors who attended to him are not part of the hospital already, the current HCPs will know they must provide non-aspirin medications. So going back to the original question, imagine as if you’re interviewing the patient again, what would be the usual questions you would ask him? Probably the complaint (why is the patient currently admitted?), the history of the complaint (i.e., Is this reoccurring?), and the past medical history (what other medical conditions did the patient have?). In addition, it is also important to note the medical history of the patients family. The contact details of the patient, as well as its closest family member should also be indicated in the database. As mentioned above, the accessibility of hospital databases serves to facilitate communication among HCPs or hospitals. The terminology, coding and standardization are thus important so that the hospitals can understand one another (Blair, 1999). For example, if the normal levels of substance A is 1-5 mg/ml for hospital A but 1-10 mg/ml for hospital B, then normal patients from hospital B may be getting treatment from hospital A if he/she is admitted to it. In addition, there must be universal identifier standards. This facilitates getting appropriate and adequate information from the database, This is especially important in life-threatening cases. For patient identifier, one option is the social security system (SSS) number, a unique one given to each citizen. However, the use of SSS number is open to violations of confidentiality because other institutions

Sponsorship Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Sponsorship Proposal - Essay Example The forthcoming three years extends an opportunity to the R+D division of our regional business, as the national company ramps up to accelerate market share. Our innovative staff knows Oz, and nowhere on this planet might photographers find a better aquatic venue for employing our new NIKONOS series cameras than our Great Barrier Reef. To this end, we request consideration of our request for AUS $ 3 million to support our efforts toward introduction of our new NIKONOS SoPA (South Pacific) model, and to enhance our potential to exceed expectations in terms of consumer impact in the sports camera market. The initiation of the NIKONOS SoPa is Nikon Australia's latest regional product. Unique to our national expansion in underwater photography, the new South Pacific model debuts here in Australia, with global extension of the complete underwater camera equipment line by 2014. Roll out of the SoPa is scheduled to proceed in the South Pacific region by 2012. Marketed through new and traditional media, events, press and tourism, the camera is slated to hit the Australian market in September of 2010, the commencement of our Summer season. Research and development is looking for new ways to enhance the quality of the lens in the product, as new instruments are tested, and risk assessment applied to development and manufacturing of forthcoming models. The NIKONOS SoPa series camera is prefaced forty years of underwater photographic use. The popularity of the camera's versatility is shown to us year after year, as customers communicate the durability and performance of Nikon's technology in bad weather conditions, and exposure to water spray. Our customers are sports people. One only has to look to the creativity of Japanese sports fans utilizing the NIKONOS at beer-pouring parties in celebration of the professional baseball championships to understand the effectiveness of our product. The NIKONOS goes where single-lens reflex cameras cannot. As we move toward the latter half of 2010, we are proud to maintain that our efforts to provide globe with technology that has not rival have succeeded. Unparalleled in market segment, our NIKONOS series cameras are not to be beat by competitors. The reality is that our underwater cameras are a synergy of distinctive technological factors. At Nikon, all of our products are crafted with the highest degree of engineering expertise. From research, design and development to careful manufacturing, the Nikon brand bears the mark of distinction and quality. The waterproof capability of the NIKONOS series cameras is the result of a composition of integrated lenses, Speedlight, and a seamless systemic compatibility with the product's line of underwater sports technology accessories. Discontinuation of the NIKONOS in the 1990s has allowed us much time to consider this vintage product's potential and its legacy. In the field of underwater photography, the method for taking pictures involves 'a land-use single-lens reflex camera enclosed in water pressure-resistant casing, or housing' (Nikon 2010). Steady evolution of this process drove professionals to newer options in aquatic imaging. However, in response to much demand by fans of the former, discontinued NIKONOS camera series, Nikon has decided to reintroduce the product,

Monday, August 26, 2019

Investment and protofolio risk for microsoft Essay

Investment and protofolio risk for microsoft - Essay Example Another risk associated in this problem is the so called – financial risk, which is the ambiguity introduced by the manner of financing the firm. Taking for example if Microsoft has to outsource to finance the whole company, it has to repay fixed financing charges such as interest expenses and return of principal amount before paying its shareholders. This then increases the risk of shareholders’ investment due to the preference of distributing its assets. Liquidity risk is the uncertainty over the ability to sell an investment in the secondary market which is Microsoft’s ability to sell its asset or convert non cash assets to cash in order to finance the company. Another risk connected in investment decisions is the Exchange rate risk or the uncertainty over the domestic currency value of a foreign currency denominated investment, which means that the value of the money varies with the currency of another country. The risk might be the value of the investment might go down or become lesser especially when it comes to currency conversion. Country risk is also taken into consideration with regards to investment. This is the uncertainty over the political or economic environment in which the investment is located. A major factor for investment decisions is the political and economic stability of a particular country where the investment is located, this is because, the more stable the political and economic environment is, the more investors are attracted and therefore, the more profit the company may generate. Another risk to be considered is the credit risk or the uncertainty over whether the issuer of a fixed income security will deliver the contractual cash flows which means, the ability of Microsoft to attract creditors for additional financing or its ability to collect money form its deliveries and services to its customers who purchased on account. Sometimes, credit risk is also carried when creditors were

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Innovation in organizational structure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Innovation in organizational structure - Essay Example It also reflects similarities with other aspects of Lewin's general model of change. For example, the planning stage can be described as a period of unfreezing, or problem awareness, the action stage as a period of changing or trying out new forms of behavior in an attempt to understand and cope with the system's problems and the results stage as a period of refreezing, in which newer forms of behaviors are tried out on the job and, if successful and reinforcing, become a part of the system's problem-solving behavior. Action research is generally problem centered, client centered, and action oriented. In this process data are not simply used to compile a written report but they are actually fed back in open joint sessions, and the client and the change agent work jointly for identifying and ranking specific problems, for devising methods of finding their real causes, and to develop plans for coping with them practically. Scientific method that includes data gathering, forming hypothe ses, testing hypotheses, and measuring results is an integral part of this process. Action research also sets in motion a long-range, cyclical, self-correcting mechanism for maintaining and enhancing the effectiveness of the client's system by leaving the system with practical and useful tools for introducinbg changes. (Lewin, 1946) It can be described as an problem-solving process involving four statges. It is generally used in quality control.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Simple Moving Average for a Product Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Simple Moving Average for a Product - Term Paper Example The strategy of the product is mainly based on the product name, store, product store id, sales, promotion, date, three weekly and corresponding four weekly. Moreover, selection of product is based on the long time duration. The forecasting accuracy of the technique relies on the valuable information of the product classes. Step 1 entails observing the 3 and 4 weekly sales volume of the products and make the decision on whether to subject the pattern to the pattern of seasonal alteration or selected necessary historical data2. Step 2: smooth the sales trend with a moving average by 3 weeks and taking the average and 4 weeks. Moreover, the moving average is performed to get the precise centered moving average of the week 3 and 4. Step 3 entails dividing the sales by the CMA in order to attain the ratio that reflects the seasonal influence factor. For instance, the annual ratios of 8a product for 3 weeks are 7.66 and 4 week is 6.0. Product 8b had the forecasting accuracy of 13.67 and 15.5 while that of 8c1 is 4.67 and 3.5 correspondingly. Moreover, product 8d1 had a prediction accuracy of 20.33 and 22.5 while 8e1 was 4.667 and 5.75 respectively. Â  

Friday, August 23, 2019

Truss Optimisation Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Truss Optimisation - Dissertation Example Ghasemi et al. (1999) have revealed the appropriateness of the genetic algorithms to deal with the large trusses that have numerous indefinite variables. This study shows that how an algorithm of our design can be employed to match this previous study. The paper will hugely concentrate over the application of genetic algorithm to trusses developed under indefinite conditions (Ganzerli et al., 2003). 1.1. Background Galileo Galilei has been recognized as the first scientist by the Coello Coello et al. (1994), who studied optimization of structures over the bending of beams in his work. Over the period of time, this subject has developed and become an area of engineering, in itself, which is known as the structural optimization. For the last few decades, the rising interest towards this area has been because of the availability of powerful and cheap computers as well as due to the rapid progress in the analytic and optimization methods for the structures (Soh and Yang, 1998). The optim ization of the weight of the structures is of great importance to many fields of engineering. It might be linked to cost optimization, in some aspects, as it clearly tends towards an optimal usage of the materials. The weight optimized structures, in civil engineering, are very convenient as the construction as well as the transportation work in, relation to the build-up, is simple. The engagement of the least possible share of the load capacity by the structure itself is another benefit of developing a structure with its weight being optimized. Also, in the aircraft and car industries, the structural optimization is highly important since a lighter structure leads to a better fuel efficiency. The use of genetic algorithms is an efficient optimization technique. GA is a form of evolutionary programming (Alander, 1999) and most likely known as the best optimization technique of the present time (Ashlock, 2006). It provokes the evolutionary principle of survival of the fittest through aggregating the optimum solutions to a problem in numerous generations in order to augment the outcome gradually. The elementary population of solutions is constructed on the random basis and then along with the evolution, the best solutions are aggregated in each generation until they converged in to an optimal solution (Gold Berg, 1989). 1.2. Literature Review Over the previous two decades, the genetic algorithms have been used in search for an optimal design solution for trusses that has been explained in numerous scientific reports. However the optimization in the majority of these studies does not relate to shape, size and topology simultaneously. In general, the topology of the truss is fixed that means the inner connectivity of the members is constant (Ravindran and Ragsdell, 2006). The most frequently used method to deal with the optimization of the truss topology is the ground structure method that has been used by Hajela & Lee (1995) and Deb & Gulati (2000) in their work. An extremely connected ground structure having numerous nodes and elements, in the ground structure method, is gradually minimized until just the basic required elements are left (Ohsaki, 2005). The emphasis has been over the development of a highly efficient genetic algorithm, in some of the recent studies on truss optimization with GA, which determines an optimal solution through the least possible number of calculations such as the adaptive approach given by Togan & Daloglu (2006) and the directed mutation

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Cynthia Morris Essay Example for Free

Cynthia Morris Essay There is a quote that says: Mothers are angels who teach their children how to fly. Indeed my mother was an angel who in my younger years I thought was sent here to torture me especially when I wanted to hang out with my friends instead of doing chores or homework. My mother was the pillar of strength, love, and compassion. Mothers may be misunderstood but that doesn’t mean they don’t care or know better. My earliest memories of my mother, was her pretty face, beautiful smile, and small frame. To me she was the most beautiful woman on earth and nothing compared to her. Even though she was unlike the celebrity moms who wore designer clothes and ate in fancy restaurants, my mother was very real. My mother was a very small, petite woman who you did not want to cross. I loved the way she combed her hair. I loved the way she would play with my hair or rub my legs after a track meet even when I smelled like sweat. On the incidents that my siblings and I crossed my mother her big brown eyes would squint with disapproval. But I came to love that about her. When those brown eyes started to squint it meant you had done something wrong. Even though there were seven children my mother never played favorites. But rather, made appoint to be fair and equal with all of her children. Whenever I admitted to making a mistake, Mom would not hesitate to point it out to me, and punish me if needed. At times I detested it but over time I came to realize that Mom did that because she had my best interests at heart. She was never one to hold grudges for long. Like most mothers, my mother was very protective of me that often times I resented her for being so. I did not understand why she had to constantly ask about my whereabouts: Who I was with and where I was going. It never occurred to me that this was an essential part of being a mother. A mother cares and worries for her children. My mother taught me that getting reprimanded did not mean she loved me less. On the contrary, she showed me that when she scolded me, it meant she cared and worried about me. Mother certainly had her own flaws but I came to accept, in fact love every bit of them. When she called me non-stop, it was because she missed me or needed something or I had made her angry about something. Some may have called it nagging, I call it loving. For a person to wear her heart on her sleeves is a vulnerable thing, my mother was never vulnerable. In fact she was very strong. She never backed off in a fight especially if she knew she was right but she also knew how to compromise too. But compromising for her did not mean that you were wrong. Compromising was just another way of getting things done – later. When I started school, mom was my ally. To me, school was a world were ghosts and bad guys lurked. Instead of laughing at my fears, my mother showed me instead how great school was. My first day of school, she prepared my favorite snacks and walked me to school. Instead of leaving me at the gate, she walked me to the door, knelt down and told me: â€Å"Don’t worry, everything will be ok†. Although these words are pretty naà ¯ve, to a child on her first day of school, these words were more than enough for me. I went to school that day knowing that Mom was there for me and I learned to enjoy school. I made a few friends and introduced them to my mother who was more than happy to give us cookies and milk for snacks. Although my mother was a stay at home mom, she taught us how important an education was. Mother also taught us the value of relationships. This was evident in her relationship with my Dad. She was married to him for over 40 years before she passed and that for me was not just a manifestation of an enduring love for a person but of trust and fidelity as well. I am hoping that I can do the same in my relationship. Being married to the same person for over 40 years is not a mean feat. It takes a lot of patience and understanding to do this every day. Our generation today does not seem to realize the importance of maintaining a relationship. I, on the other hand, would want to be like my mother. I want to have a long lasting relationship with my partner just like my mother did with my father. I know my mother is not perfect. She had flaws too. But for me, those flaws were tiny imperfections that made her all the more lovable and perfect. Those flaws just made her humanity more evident. My mother was and now is an angel who taught me to fly and dream.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Supply Chain for Audi Essay Example for Free

Supply Chain for Audi Essay Supply Chain Research Submitted by Ahmed El-Barky Outlines (Topic 1) 12345Activities. Market and competitors. Supply chain design. SWOT analysis. References. 1- Activities for Audi. Audi is one of the best cars in the world. In the beginning I will talk about Audi’s activities. First of all we all know the Audi is a German manufacturer of Cars. Producing a lot of types of cars starting from Supermini to SUV cars in different prices with different categories. Audi is a brand from the group of Volkswagen. The company itself located in Ingolstadt, Germany The Company name comes from the founder name Who August Horch, His sir name means (Listen) in Germany and when you translate it into Latin it becomes Audi. 2- Audi Competitors. One of the biggest competitor towards Audi is BMW and of course the competition between Audi A4 and BMW 3 series. And BMW X Series and Audi Q7. Other competitor is Mercedes and they are competing with Audi A2 and Mercedes A class. 3- Supply Chain Design. Customer 4- SWOT Analysis. -Strengths Audis Brand. Audi is one of the most valuable cars in cars industry. The positioning of this car is really high for the customer they position it as high prestige according to the design and the style. -Strong cash flow Company operations during the period 2003-2006. The company increased its cash flow by 16% . according to that the cash equivalent increases from 1,207. 5million Euro to 4,884million. This is strength because with strong cash that will help the company to achieve its plans. Weaknesses Focusing only on Germany 70. 5% of the revenue for this company came from Germany Market. That will affect the company revenue because if the economy in Germany is not growing or sales in Germany is not going well. Or the competition in this area becomes higher. Small amount of production Audi has a small amount of production according to its Competitors for Example BMW produced 1. 1 million units and Mercedes 1. 2 million unit and for Audi in the same year it was 0. 9 Million unit that will affect the revenue of the company. ecause in the same year the revenues for BMW was 48,999 million Euro and for Audi it was 31,142 million Euro in the same year. Opportunities Sales in china China is the third world’s largest car market after US and Japan. China expectations are that it will be the world largest in 2015. Audi is the chines market since 1988 and it represents 10% from t he whole market. Audi became back in the chines market in 2006 by Audi A6 modified engine. Russian market. Russia is one of the fast growing car markets in the world. The annual growth was 30% in 2006 compared to 2005. Accourding to those changing Audi is preparing itself to compete in this market throw a large net of dealers and satellite service workshops in Russia. Middle East Market The Arab Gulf Area is one of the most important areas for luxury cars. Many of automotive industries start to establish their own factories there. The luxury car Is expected to grow 20% for the next 3 years. Towards that the company started to invest a lot for the luxury cars there like Audi Q7. Threats Material prices Cost of the raw material such as aluminum and other for this industry is rising. That will affect the company because the prices will be higher and that will increase the competition for the Japanese companies. Economy in Eurozone 90% from the revenue for Audi comes from Eurozone market and the euro economy is declining so it’s too hard to get the target revenue in this market only.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Gene Therapy In Genetic Engineering Applications

Gene Therapy In Genetic Engineering Applications Gene therapy is one of the applications of the genetic engineering. It is a technique which correcting defective gene that is responsible for disease development (cited Safdar, 2010). Gene therapy also involves the addition of healthy and functional copy of the faulty gene into the target cells of the body. Gene therapy generally works by inserting a normal gene into the genome to replace an abnormal gene in the target cells. There are two types of gene therapy. Firstly, germ line gene therapy which involves modification of genetic material in the gamete cells that would be heritable and can be pass through to the next generation. Secondly, somatic gene therapy which involves insertion of therapeutic gene into somatic cells of the patient that only effect to the individual patient only and will not be inherited by patients offspring.( cited in Ten Tailed Fox, 2009). Various genetic disorder diseases commonly are caused by faulty genes. With gene therapy, instead of treating the symptoms of the disease, treatment also target and correct the underlying cause of disease and eventually improve the faulty genes to normal genes. One of the genetic diseases that apply gene therapy as alternative treatment is Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is one of the most well-known hereditary lethal diseases. A study conducted by UK Cystic fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium (UK CFGTC) stated that approximately, 50 000 people and 1 in 2500 newborns around the world are affected. CF is an autosomal recessive disorder which caused by the mutation of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein that leads to abnormally thick secretion of mucus. The organs most affected by CF are the lungs, gut, pancreases, liver and reproductive tract, but lung infection is the most serious affected by CF. (cited in Metharom, 1997). Continuous inflammation, damaged lungs and respiratory failure are results of repeated cycles of infection that may leads to death. With the development of effective treatment to overcome CF, gene therapy was introduced by scientist in 1990 which promises new opportunity for CF patients to have a better and long life span. This gene therapy involves replacing the detective CFTR gene with the normal one in the affected cells. As the results, the functional CFTR are being produced in all target cells and the CFTR gene will then conducts the production of normal CFTR protein which acts as a medium that allows releasing chloride and other ions. But this is opposite with people who have CF, where CFTR protein is detective and the cells do not discharge chloride ions. Although, gene therapy has the capability in treating CF, it still faces with various issues. This report consists of history of CF gene therapy and genetic techniques of gene therapy on CF. Research findings also include the advantages and disadvantages of using gene therapy in treating CF. 2.0 BACKGROUND GENETIC Gene therapy has shows that much positive feedback in treating genetic diseases although there are many failures happened. Gene therapy for CF first discovered in 1990 when scientist treated defective CFTR successfully and they added the normal copies of the gene to laboratory cell structures. The first experimental CF gene therapy treatment was given to CFs patient in 1993 (cited in Schoenstadt, 2009). The table below shows the major events that occurred due to development of gene therapy in treating Cystic Fibrosis. 3.0 GENETIC TECHNIQUES In gene therapies, there are three main techniques that are being used in treating diseases. The first is Gene addition, in which the genetic material is added to the target cells with no attempt to incorporate it into chromosomes. Second one is techniques of gene repair that replace abnormal segments of DNA in defective genes in their normal chromosomal site. The last one is Gene replacement techniques which allow deletion of the abnormal gene from its chromosome and replacement with a normal gene. (cited in Sade RM, Khushf G., 1998). In order to treat CF, the common technique used is Gene replacement by using vector. Vector is a DNA molecule (virus) act as a medium to transfer foreign genetic material into another cell. Instead of introducing new genetic material into target cells vectors are also agents to which new genetic material is attached. Diagram below shows the working of a virus acts a vector in gene therapy. First step to do is designing a vector by modifying the gene of the virus. We need to remove the rep gene which codes for proteins that responsible for viral replication as well as cap gene, which codes for capsid structural proteins. Then, we insert the normal CFTR gene in the virus. Second step is producing the virus. After inserting the CFTR gene in the virus, we transfer the vector into a packaging cell line so that the vector will combine with protein needed to assemble the virus. Next, we collect the virus sample from the growth medium and add into the Petri dish containing the CF cells. The virus give effect to the cell as it integrates the DNA into specific location on chromosome 19. Last step, we transfer the vector into CF patient. CFTR gene in the cell will transcribe into mRNA and this induces the cell to produce normal CFTR protein in the target cells. Diagram below show the mechanism of vector in treating Cystic Fibrosis. 4.0 SOCIAL ISSUES In recent years, many types of techniques have been developed to identify genes associated with specific diseases. Society always debate over the ethics of using gene technology to treat human beings when recombinant DNA research began. Tables below show advantages, disadvantages, ethical and social of practicing gene therapy to treat genetic diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis. ADVANTAGES OF GENE THERAPY Gene therapy promotes in providing better and normal life for those who practise the therapy. (Ten Tailed Fox, 2009). The practice of gene therapy on CF patients can solve their problems by replacing none functional gene with functional one. (cited in S. Muniba, 2010) Gene therapy has high success rate compared to other methods in treating CF disease. Gene therapy helps patients to avoid from practicing unnecessary treatment and alternative which may be dangerous to them. SOURCE: http://www.biotecharticles.com/Genetics-Article/Gene-Therapy-Advantages-and- Disadvantages-271.html DISADVANTAGES OF GENE THERAPY Scientist stated that correcting the defect in people who had diseases is much harder than achieving correction in cells in the laboratory .It means that there are also numbers of trial that results in failure. (cited in Healingwell.com ) Practice of gene therapy using vector may induce immune response in the patients. The gene that is injected or sprayed into patients target cells may trigger antibodies to kill the vectors. ( cited in William, 2000).This is because virus is used as a vector to transport the therapeutic gene. The use of gene therapy in treating CF will cause in diminishing the gene pool. Their patient s next generation will have to survive with the changes in their genomes.(cited in Sade RM, Khushf G., 1998 ). Chance of inducing a tumor .If the DNA is integrated in the wrong place in the genome, for example in a tumor suppressor gene, it could induce a tumor. (cited in Healingwell.com) SOURCE: http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/humanvalues/pdf/gene-therapy.pdf In conclusion, gene therapy is a best solution in treating cystic fibrosis because it has the high chances to eliminate this genetic disorder disease. Muniba stated that gene therapy could be last cure for every genetic disease. People who take gene therapy will make up their mind if they also face with this problem because this type of treatment can be the last hope for them in treating hereditary disease like Cystic Fibrosis.Government should concerns regarding the harms that may be associated with gene therapy and the beneficial uses of gene technology are required. (1547 words)

Teh Great Gadsby Essay -- essays research papers

The Great Gatsby is a novel that is about the rich people of the roaring twenties and in particularly about a man named Gatsby in search of the American dream. The story starts out with the narrator Nick Carraway moving from the west (Chicago) to a New York suburb called West Egg. His is trying to become a successful bond salesman. Just across the bay is where his cousin Daisy Buchanan and her husband Tom Buchanan live. But right next door is where the main character Jay Gatsby lives in a huge house, where every weekend he holds an enormous party. In the beginning Nick goes to the Buchanan mansion. There he meats Jordan Baker(a pro golfer) and he also learns that Tom is having an affair. Next Nick and Tom go to The garage where Tom tells Myrtle to be on the next train. They picked her up at the station in New York and as they are driving to the apartment Tom has rented for the affair Myrtle buys a dog. The go to the apartment and have a little party and Tom and Myrtle get in a fight and Tom breaks her nose. Next Nick is invited to Gatsby’s party, there he hears many rumors about Gatsby. Then at almost the end of the party Nick finally meets Gatsby and he learns a little about him, That he’s an Oxford man and that he inherited his fortune from his family. At the end of their conversation they set up a lunch date for the following day. At the lunch date Gatsby introduces Nick to another important character named Meyer Wolfsheim, whom is the man that rigged the 1919 World Serie... Teh Great Gadsby Essay -- essays research papers The Great Gatsby is a novel that is about the rich people of the roaring twenties and in particularly about a man named Gatsby in search of the American dream. The story starts out with the narrator Nick Carraway moving from the west (Chicago) to a New York suburb called West Egg. His is trying to become a successful bond salesman. Just across the bay is where his cousin Daisy Buchanan and her husband Tom Buchanan live. But right next door is where the main character Jay Gatsby lives in a huge house, where every weekend he holds an enormous party. In the beginning Nick goes to the Buchanan mansion. There he meats Jordan Baker(a pro golfer) and he also learns that Tom is having an affair. Next Nick and Tom go to The garage where Tom tells Myrtle to be on the next train. They picked her up at the station in New York and as they are driving to the apartment Tom has rented for the affair Myrtle buys a dog. The go to the apartment and have a little party and Tom and Myrtle get in a fight and Tom breaks her nose. Next Nick is invited to Gatsby’s party, there he hears many rumors about Gatsby. Then at almost the end of the party Nick finally meets Gatsby and he learns a little about him, That he’s an Oxford man and that he inherited his fortune from his family. At the end of their conversation they set up a lunch date for the following day. At the lunch date Gatsby introduces Nick to another important character named Meyer Wolfsheim, whom is the man that rigged the 1919 World Serie...

Monday, August 19, 2019

Environmentally Safe Ethanol :: Environment, natural resources, fossil fuels

Environmentally Safe Ethanol In order to fund conservation of the natural environment, the federal government should increase gasoline tax by one dollar per gallon. How does this statement make you feel? Does it make you want to argue about how unfair this is, especially when gas prices are climbing to higher and higher rates? Would you say that this is an unfair claim because it is unclear where your tax money would go? I agree. This plan seems to have a good general idea, but there are details left out. I think the first priority should be to sort out where these extra resources would be used. It seems too vague to fund conservation of the natural environment. There are so many ways that this tax could benefit natural resources. When I was trying to decide on how to narrow this claim to more specific terms, I started to think about what kind of environmental problems affect me the most. The first word that came to mind was pollution. There are many parameters for a suitable environment for life. These include temperature, pressure, salinity, acidity, water and good oxygen content. Any type of air pollution could dissolve these parameters. It seemed that air pollution is such a large environmental problem that I knew my search should be narrowed. I chose to discuss pollution caused by cars because raising the gas tax and prices are part of my claim. I went to the Internet and ran a search for "car pollution," and found a large amount of information. It became even clearer to me that car pollution is a major problem for our environment. According to The Environmed Research Inc, driving a car is the most polluting act an average citizen commits (2001). Vehicle engines emit many types of pollutants into the air, including nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, particulates, sulfur dioxide and lead. All of these can pose environmental risks and health risks. Most of these pollutants rise from the engine. These emissions are related to the fuel type and the temperature of the fuel combustion. At low speeds, and when engines are at idle, the products of incomplete combustion dominate. When the speeds are heightened, however, impurities like nitrogen are oxidized to nitrogen dioxide, which creates pollution. All of the pollutants mentioned above are known as trace gases. Some of these trace gases can even release completely new gases into the atmosphere (Environmental Effects, 2001).

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Gwendolyn Brooks We Real Cool Essay -- Gwendolyn Brooks Real Cool Poe

Gwendolyn Brooks' "We Real Cool" The poem 'We Real Cool' by Gwendolyn Brooks is a stream of the thoughts of poor inner city African-Americans who have adopted a hoodlum lifestyle. Though many can have different interpretations of this poem, it is fair to look at the life and career or the works and influences of Gwendolyn Brooks. The life and art of the black American poet, Gwendolyn Brooks, began on June 7, 1917 when she was born in Topeka, Kansas. She was the first child of Keziah Corine Wims and David Anderson Brooks. When she was four, her family moved to their permanent residence on Champlin Avenue in Chicago. Her deep interest in poetry consumed much of her early life. For instance, Brooks began rhyming at the age of seven. When she was thirteen, she had her first poem, 'Eventide', published in American Childhood Magazine. Her first experience of high school came from the primary white high school in the city, Hyde Park High School. Thereafter, she transferred to an all-black high school and then to the integrated Englewood High School. By 1934, Brooks had become a member of the staff of the Chicago Defender and had published almost one hundred of her poems in a weekly poetry column. In 1936, she graduated from Wilson Junior College. Another part of her life came as she married Henry Blakely just two years after she graduated from college. At the age of twenty-three, Brooks had her first child, Henry, Jr., and by 1943, she had won the Midwestern Writers Conference Poetry Award. Her first book of poetry, published in 1945, altered a commonly held view about the production of black arts in America but also brought her instant critical acclaim. In addition, she has accompanied several other awards, which includes two Guggenheim awards, appointment as Poet Laureate of Illinois, and the National Endowment for the Arts Lifetime Achievement Award. Brooks was the first African-American writer both win the Pulitzer Prize and to be appointed to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Brooks received more than fifty honorary doctorates from colleges and universities. Her first teaching job was at a poetry workshop at Columbia College in Chicago. In 1969, the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center opened on the campus of Western Illinois University. She went on to teach creative writing at a number of institutions including Northeastern Illinois University... ...from the dullness of schoolwork to many possibilities. The next lines poke fun at the value of education and celebrate their street learning. ?Lurk late,? ?Strike straight,? ?Sing sin,? and ?Thin gin,? contradict any possibility for mental growth. Symbolism comes in the picture in the next line, ?We Jazz June,? which has many meanings. The word ?Jazz? signifies sexual intercourse. Then the word ?June? becomes a female. The tone of the poem dramatically changes when the reader learns the dropouts die soon. The group end in the last line, ?Die soon,? the final consequence of trying to be cool. Seemingly having fun in the beginning being cool, they are now completely powerless because they are dead. The poem really gives an obvious picture of what young African-American males are driven to do under the impression of trying to be cool. Since their minds are headed straight to corruption, they have no clue because they are having so much fun being cool. Leaving school, staying out lat e, singing sin, drinking alcohol, and having sex apparently are the only things that are important to them. With this mentality, more and more inner city males while continue hastening toward their death.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Religion and Modernity

Religion and Modernity Can it be truthfully said that organized religion is a barrier to modernity? In order to determine such an accusation, we must first try to identify how we define modernity as well as the role of religion in science and humanity. To think modernism means the present is a very narrow view. â€Å"For many Decades, modernization was depicted in social sciences as a broad series of processes of industrialization, urbanization and social changes through which modern societies arose. (Lu, 2011) For the purposes of this essay, we will try to limit the discussion strictly to the terms of modernity relative to science and the inequality of women. But why bring up religion in the context of mathematics and science? Because Science does not develop in a social and political vacuum. Imagine a world without the simplest understanding of the world that surrounds us. Without science, man may have never been able to navigate the seas, discover new continents, never developed beyond agrarian commerce, without cures for common ailments, electricity, telephones, and running water or with even the basic understanding of natural phenomenon. For example, in ancient times, thunder was seen by primitive people as God expressing his displeasure or showing his power. However, the scientific method has proven that lightning and thunder are caused by complex electrical processes in the atmosphere. Science and mathematics have provided the world with answers to questions and cures to deadly diseases and has touched the lives of every person in the world today. This clash between modernist thought and Christianity has produced centuries of â€Å"accusation, rebuttal and counter-accusation. † (Bogart, 2009) Famous sociologist, Emile Durkheim saw religion as a necessary institution which enabled society to function harmoniously and that religion provides stability by teaching and enforcing a definite moral code. Even with this admirable quality, probably few informed people would want to argue the point that the â€Å"bible and religious tradition has often been used to prevent people from pursuing certain avenues of self-expression† (Bogart, 2009) and to deter people from all sorts of activities. In the current view most would agree that it can easily be seen that basic scientific advancements have been beneficial to mankind and most would agree that without the developments in mathematics, and science, the world as we know it could never have existed but it was not long ago when he Christian church persecuted followers of science as heretics. Throughout history, the religious attacks on modernity in the form of mathematics and science is widely documented, forcing religion into a mostly defensive position. Even today, there are still scientific and medical advancements with potentially hundreds of life altering applications that keep religion and science at a standoff in the moral a nd political spectrum as well as in public opinion. In this essay, we will illuminate how organized religion has been integral in attempting to subvert modernity, from the development of mathematics and science in antiquity, the oppression of art during the Renaissance era, further suppression of secular education through the Age of Enlightenment, the ongoing battle for the rights of women and all of the way through the modern attacks on stem cell research, cloning, family planning and abortion. In as early as In 415 A. D. the last known head of the Department of Mathematics and Philosophy at the Museum of Alexandria, part of the Library of Alexandria, the female mathematician Hypatia was stripped naked in the streets of Alexandria with her flesh scourged from her body by Christian hands and fingers while being dragged to her final death by burning alive by fanatically enraged Christian Coptic mobs, inspired by the leading Christian patriarch, later canonized Saint Cyril of Alexandria. Hypatia's invention of an improved astrolabe and her subsequent book â€Å"Astronomical Canon†, a table of star positions for navigational explorers, was subsequently in use by other intrepid sailors and explorers for the next 1,200 years, all of this in addition to her thirteen books on algebra and another eight on geometry. This atrocity was not the first time and definitely not the last time that the church would attempt to use its power and influence, to try and subvert scientific advancement. Only a few hundred years later, at the height of the power of the Catholic Church, another movement created a scapegoat for religious persecution. The intellectual movement called â€Å"The Enlightenment† is one of those rare historical movements which in fact named itself. Enlightenment thinkers and writers, primarily in London and Paris, believed that they were more enlightened than their compatriots and set out to educate them. Many enlightenment thinkers had the admirable belief that â€Å"human reason could be used to combat ignorance, superstition, and tyranny and to build a better wor d. † (Brians, 1998) Additionally, â€Å"by celebrating the human race and its capacities they argued they were worshipping God more appropriately than gloomy priests and monks who harped on original sin and continuously called upon people to confess and humble themselves before the Almighty. † (Brians, 1998) While at the time, the â€Å"humanist†, the element responsib le for the â€Å"enlightenment†, did not have an anti-religious association, there were a few that claimed that humans were like God, created not only in his image, but with a share of his creative power. They believed that painters, architects, musicians, and scholars were, by â€Å"exercising their intellectual powers, were fulfilling divine purposes. † (Brians, 1998) While, even within the church, there were notable Christian who pursued and promoted advances in mathematics, astronomy, medicine and science in general, the humanist notions of divine creativity and enlightenment went directly against the basic tenant of the Catholic Church of a single all-powerful, all-knowing, divine god. Because the church could not frame these tools of logic to the uses it preferred, they were afraid that this message could not only diminish the power so long held by the church over the daily lives of the people and over the monarchy and politics, but could cause outright revolt from the church as it had in before in Athens. With so much fear and apprehension, the church struck out on a terroristic mission to shame, humiliate and publicly murder those who could not be tamed. During this time of the â€Å"Inquisition†, trials of witchcraft flourished as they never had during the Middle Ages and thousands were slaughtered as examples at the hands of the church. For those who were so lucky to avoid the execution table, they still faced public humiliation, had their life works destroyed in front of their eyes and in some cases like Galileo, were forced into the infamous, unjust house imprisonment. Galileo Galileio, was one of the foremost scientific thinkers of his time, and his works have served to be the basis for the majority of astronomical work to follow. He uses the same logic the seamen had used, reinforced with observation to argue for the notion that the earth rotates on an axis beneath the unmoving sun. † (Brians, 1998) The Church objected to this idea because the Bible clearly stated that the sun moved through the sky and denounced Galileo's teachings, forcing him to recant what he had written and beginning in 1633, under Pope Urban's personal authority given by the â€Å"Congregation of the Holy Office of the Inquisition† forced him into house imprisonment, preventing him from teaching further. In this case, the Church's triumph was short-lived, because while they were successful in silencing Galileo, they could not prevent the advance of science and astronomy. Some of the more caustic clashes between science and religion in modern history is the battle over stem cell research and cloning. â€Å"When news that Ian Wilmut and his team had successfully cloned an adult sheep in 1997, there was an immediate and ill-informed wave of public, professional, and bureaucratic fear and rejection of this new technique. † (Savulescu, 2008) Cloning is the process of multiplying cells and tissue to genetically replicate the host. Almost immediately, cloning of Human tissue was banned, but sampling of plant materials and various offshoots of the science have been allowed, such as limited cell regeneration and stem cell research as a means of treating or avoiding serious diseases. While this technology is a controversial issue, and few people have openly supported it, there are some important advancements that this technology could currently serve and endless possibilities that remain. For example, in agriculture, there are several advantages to cloning including yield, strength, and timing. A cloned plant can yield a thousand new plants from one parent plant. This means that farmers can produce more crops without a lot of seeds. In addition, cloning a plant means you can choose the best plants to clone. An entire crop of healthy, prosperous plants can be cloned from one strong parent plant. Lastly, cloned plants grow at the same rate, so harvesting can become streamlined. In reference to animal cloning, better breeding is a perfect example of the benefits of technology. In animal cloning, the best of the breed can be chosen as the clone subject. This means farmers can have the strongest or best producing animals on their farms. In the current world economy, and with a majority of the world stricken with hunger related problems, cloning could likely be the best option for countries with inopportune growing environments, or who have suffered from natural disasters, but several concerns about health issues and moral issues have stalled attempts to perfect the science. In addition to having multiple benefits in food production, there are also key benefits to the cloning of human tissue. The cloning of human tissues could lead to no longer needing to harvest animal organs to replace dead or damaged human tissue. In many cases, animal organs are rejected by recipients. In the â€Å"United States the discrepancy between the number of potential recipients and donor organs is increasing by approximately 10-15% annually† (Savulescu, 2008) Not only is there a shortage of human tissue, there are still the issues of incompatibility and the need for a lifetime of immunosuppressive therapy and serious side effects. With cloning, there could be abundant sources with near perfect capability. While there are several issues with cloning most notably those relating to the spiritual morality of creating or replicating human tissues. The movement to ban human reproductive cloning appears to draw strength from traditional religious beliefs. Religion is among the most powerful factors shaping attitudes toward human reproductive cloning and remains an influential force in human society, despite the secularization brought about by scientific progress, bureaucratic rationalization, and economic growth. Members of some religious groups, particularly Evangelical Christianity and Roman Catholicism, believe that a soul enters the body at the instant of conception, and that the fertilized ovum is in fact a human person with full human rights. † (Bainbridge, 2003) Another traditional function of religion has been to provide a set of metaphors through which people could think about their own psychological p rocesses. The Christian notion of an immortal, righteous soul offers hope in return for moral behavior and in regard to the cloning of human tissue, the assumption that clones would lack souls seems to be widespread. This worry is not limited to Christians, but also afflicts people in the broad tradition of Hinduism and Buddhism who believe that each being, whether human or non-human, is born with a spirit. â€Å"This spirit may or may not be a reincarnation of a previous spirit and that cloning will prostitute the natural evolution of spirits and life. † (Bainbridge, 2003) For many believers, the crucial quality of a soul is its immortality. In a sense, religion is the death business, and it cannot tolerate any technology that would take away its market. As we have seen throughout the readings, religion has a serious impact in the inequality of the genders and the subjugation of women throughout the world. In Sea of Poppies, Deeti made the difficult decision to abandon Kabutri with her family as the persecution she faced for her refusal to marry her brother-in-law, and then for the shame of disappearing with Kalua. Her village leaders meant to use religious law against her and to beat or kill her for her apparent indiscretions against morality. This example along with various other examples within Season of Migration to the North illustrate the plight of women in extreme religious societies. Particularly, the focus in the books centered around the Middle East and Islam. However, backward thoughts about women are not exclusive to the Middle East or to Islam. All major religions have a storied history of women’s subjection to men. It is not in all cases that women are beaten or shamed, in many cases the persecution is more subtle, but nonetheless ruthless. In religious history, across Christianity, Islam, and even Judaism women were and in some cases still are denied the ability to participate equally in religious ceremonies and rituals. In Judaism, there is a Jewish prayer that men say each morning. â€Å"â€Å"sh’lo asani isha†Ã¢â‚¬â€œ â€Å"that I wasn’t created a woman. † (Torah, 2012) That blessing is only one striking example of many where women are not treated or considered equal in Orthodox Judaism. In most synagogues women cannot be ordained as Rabbis, cannot lead prayer services for a mixed crowd, cannot chant from the Torah, and are discouraged from wearing traditional religious attire. However, Judaism is not alone. Even in Christianity there are direct references to the subordination of women to men. When researching the history of the Catholic Church, one will find that a doctrine against women has always been firmly maintained, and is so today, but not necessarily to the same extent. The Bible has many things to say indicating support of the idea that women are unequal and servile to men. From Genesis III â€Å"and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee† This is the first direct order of the subservience of women to men and that in Christianity, it is ordained by god that men bear rule over the women. Later in the New Testament, women’s subservience is mentioned again. ; â€Å"all the wives shall give to their husband's honor, both to great and small he sent letters into all the provinces, that every man should bear rule in his own house† (Esther, 2002) again like we have seen in all of our readings, women are valued differently and treated differently than men. Based on our readings women’s value is in the home as a servant to the husband and her opinions and thoughts are half of a man’s. As we have seen, the most visibly egregious and violent offender of women’s rights are fanatic Muslims. In Islam, rather than just being ignored and subservient, women were treated like slaves or property. Their personal consent concerning anything related to their well-being is considered unimportant, to such a degree that they were never even treated as a party to a marriage contract. In Islam, Women are needed only for procreation and are then discarded. Similar to the other faiths, the Koran has similar passages that diminish women. Men have authority over women because God has made the one superior to the other, and because men spend their wealth to maintain them. Good women are obedient. They guard their unseen parts because God has guarded them. As for those among you who fear disobedience, admonish them and send them to beds apart and beat them. † (Sura, 4:34) Furthermore, in some Islamic ruled counties, Women have no independence, cannot own property, are barred from employment and are not allowed to attend school and can be beaten or sentenced to death only for being seen I public, unaccompanied by a male relative. How can such intolerance and subjugation in the name of religion be considered peaceful or modern? It cannot. As in its dealings with science and modernity, organized religion stands united against progress. In the end, no one can claim that religion and modernity have been indifferent and unbiased towards each other. In addition and neither can it be implied that all the advocates of modernity were opposed to religion. â€Å"Dogmatic religious opposition is not rooted in technical or humanitarian concerns, but in a view of existence that is incompatible with scientific progress. There is no peaceful way to overcome such opposition, short of converting believers away from their strongly-held, literalistic faith. † (Dawari, 2012) On the other hand, it is not as if all the religious authorities have been opposed to modernity or have struggled against it. However, modernity has changed man's relationship with his fellowmen, with the world, and in some cases with the origin of the world. Scientific progress in many cases has served to debunk religious mythology in the eyes of some, while for others, it only serves to reinforce the idea of a higher power. Religious ideals are not bad or wrong. They are just many times wielded by those who wish to maintain power and control over the minds of people. Religious arguments about science will continue to rage as long a modern scientist attempt to understand the minute details of creation and to challenge the validity of a all-knowing omnipresent being. Likewise, in terms of slavery and oppression of women, religion continues to have a chokehold on the minds of many fanatic leaders who continue to brainwash youth into believing that it is gods will for women to be lesser creatures than men. Technological advancements and the distribution of their benefits has not been not equal and modernity has been slower to develop in some places more than others, but that does not change the fact that religion has directly challenged social and scientific progress at every turn. Some of the most basic scientific understandings likely may have not been possible if elements in organized religion had not been defeated. There are still many challenges ahead and it will take education and understanding to find common ground in the struggle against religious idealism and social justice. (2002). Esther. In King James Bible (pp. 1:20-22). Wheaton: Good News Publishers. Bainbridge, W. S. (2003, October). Religious Opposition to Cloning. Journal of Evoloution and Technology. , 13, 1-15. Retrieved from mysite. verizon. net/william. bainbridge/index. htm Bogart, M. (2009, May 25). Modernity vs Religion. Retrieved from Michael Bogart Ministries: http://mbogartministries. hubpages. com/hub/ModernityvsReligion Brians, P. (1998, March 11). The Enlightenment. Retrieved from Washington State University: http://public. wsu. edu/~brians/hum_303/enlightenment. html Dawari, R. D. (2012, 12 12). Imam Reza Network. Retrieved from Religion and Modernity: http://www. imamreza. net/eng/imamreza. php? id=429 Library of Congress. (2010, October 03). The Historic Conflict of Science and Religion. Retrieved from Relativity Calculator: http://www. relativitycalculator. com/conflict_science_religion. shtml Lu, D. (2011). Third World Modernism Architecture, Development and Idenity. New York: Routledge. Savulescu, J. (2008). Should we Clone Human Beings. In N. M. Ezell Shirley, Human Ecosyatems and Technological Change (pp. 417-428). Boston: McGraw Hill Learning Solutions. Torah. (2012). Torah The Five Books of Moses. In A. Simon (Ed. ).

Friday, August 16, 2019

The Great Pyramids as Art

The Great Pyramids of Giza Art is the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance. When looking into a piece of art there are five essential questions that should be answered for it to be fully analyzed. What purpose was this piece of art made? What does this piece of art hope to communicate? How was this Piece of art made? What is the composition of this artwork? And finally, what elements should we notice about this work of art?The Pyramids of Giza are the largest The Great Pyramid is the most significant of the three large pyramids located on the Giza Plateau. The Great Pyramid was also the first pyramid to be built starting in around 2550 BC. This pyramid was built for the pharaoh Khufu, who ruled Egypt from about 2547-2524 BC. Along with the Khufu’s Great Pyramid his son, Khafre had one built on the Giza Plateau that at a first glance seems larger than his fathers, and Menkaure, Khufu’s grandson, also had one built on the Giza Plateau. The first question asked when looking at these ancient works of art is what purpose was it made for?In this very early time period Egyptians wanted to preserve the bodies of the dead, and for the better-known tombs were built. The tombs were often a place where offerings could be left to people that had gone home to the gods. These larger pyramids were not only built to prevent robbery, but they also resembled the rays of the suns rays descending to Earth. This relates it to the religious beliefs connected to the cult with the sun god Re. Ancient Egyptians believed that the sun died each night in the West and was re-born the next morning in the East.This is why the Pyramids are built on the West side of the Nile so that the bodies of the deceased can travel with the sun god through the night and be reborn with him the next morning in the East. The Great Pyramid was built to hold the body and belongings of th e pharaoh Khufu, and the one farther South was built for his son, and the one built farthest South was built for his grandson, Menkaure. The main purpose of these three structures was to hold their earthly remains, and to leave a place for them to be worshiped.The next question we should ask ourselves is what does this piece of art communicate? The Pyramids of Giza communicate many different things. They communicate religious beliefs about life after death, how wealthy and well known the person inside was, and how intelligent and resourceful people of that time were. As we mentioned earlier Ancient Egyptians believed that if they were buried on the West side of the Nile when the sun died to the West they would travel with it, and then be reborn into their eternal life when it rose in the East.These massive monumental tombs were built on the West side of the Nile so that this could happen. Many belongings were also left in the tombs with the body of the dead so that those items may a lso be taken to the afterlife with them. The pyramids were not an easy project and took thousands of men to build. The size of these pyramids communicate how wealthy and respectful the people inside them were. Slaves did not build the pyramids; workers did during the time of the year that crops were not being grown so they were out of work.To feed and dress this many people for months of the year over a long period of time shows how wealthy the person going into the pyramid was. You also had to be very well respected for people to join you in building this piece of art. These three pyramids that sit upon the Giza Plateau communicate to its observers that Khufu’s family was well respected, rich, and took many luxurious things to the after life with them. The Pyramids of Giza also communicate how intelligent and resourceful the Ancient Egyptians were. The Great Pyramid was built of an estimated two million stone blocks weighing up to two and a half tons apiece.Khufu’s py ramid stood at four hundred and eighty one feet tall, and held the world record for the tallest structure for over three thousand and eight hundred years. Without machines and heavy equipment architecture in this time was very difficult for most parts of the world. For the Ancient Egyptians it was not impossible. Some people today choose to believe that extraterrestrials had to participate in building them, because there is no possible way the Egyptians could have. The size and complexity of these magnificent monuments communicates how intellectual and resourceful the Ancient Egyptians must have been.After looking at what the purpose of the piece of art is and what it communicates, you should look into how the piece of art was made? No one knows exactly how the Pyramids of Giza were built, but there are many theories that have been put forth starting with the Greek historian Herodotus theory. Herodotus visited Egypt in around 450 B. C. when the pyramids were already two thousand yea rs old. In this theory Herodotus mentions machines, such as cranes were used to lift the huge stones up. This theory was quickly torn down when Diodorus proposed a theory years later.Close to three hundred years later Diodorus exclaimed that mounds (ramps) were used to slide the pyramids up one block at a time. Diodorus’s theory is much more respected because the crane had not been invented at the time the pyramids were being built, and if it had there would be remains of it somewhere. In his theory the ramps ran circles going up around the pyramid, and the block were slide up farther and father and put into place each time. The ramp could be no larger than eight percent or the men would not be able to move the blocks upward. Like all other theories of how the pyramids were built Diodorus’s is very faulty to.For the ramp to have corkscrewed up the pyramid would mean that the corners would have to be finished last. If the corners were finished last how would they plan t o keep the pyramid perfectly square. In today’s day and time most people tend to lean towards the theory that extraterrestrials must have aided the Ancient Egyptians in building this work of art. We may not know much of how the great Pyramids of Giza were built, but we do know what they are composed of. The Pyramids of Giza were composed of building blocks, an outer shell, and an inner shell.The building blocks were made of both limestone and granite, and they were quarried locally. The outsides of the pyramids were made almost entirely of limestone. This limestone gave the pyramid an incredibly bright shine and made it seem that much more magnificent. The inner shells of the pyramids were mainly composed of granite, but not just one type of granite. The important chambers for the queens and pharaohs in the pyramids were usually built with a special type of granite know as pink granite. When looking into this work of art the final question we should ask is, what elements shou ld be noticed about this work?When looking at the Pyramids of Giza we should notice several different elements. We should look into the formal, symbolic, and social elements of it. The formal elements of this artwork are sometimes overlooked. When looking at this piece of artwork compared to a painting, sculpture, or another type of art some people forget that it even is art. This structure didn’t take one person a few hours to complete it took thousands of people many years to complete. Heavy stone was moved long distances without the use of machinery just to have a burial site for a few beings.The symbolic elements of the Pyramids of Giza are the most significant. The Pyramid is a sign that a very well known, respected individual has been sent onward to the after life, but his presence will never be forgotten. The pyramid is a symbol of the suns rays shining down to Earth letting Khufu’s people know he is still with them. Last but not least the social elements of the pyramids should be noticed. At this point in time in Ancient Egypt bodies were placed in tombs where the spirit of the body went to the afterlife, but the actual body had a place to rest from that point on.Although the Pyramids of Giza are much larger than others tombs, they are still simply a socially accepted place to be put to rest. All tombs are art because they have to be created, but the Pyramids of Giza are a much larger and complex piece of art. The time put into them, complexity of there structure, and the intellectual people that were put to the test to build this structure give it the elements of art that make it so magnificent. Works Cited Brier, Bob. â€Å"How To Build A Pyramid. (Cover Story). † Archaeology 60. 3 (2007): 22-27. MasterFILE Elite. Web. 1 April 2013. Carrol, Colleen. Clip & Save Art Notes. † Art & Activities 140. 5 (2007): 33-35. MasterFILE Elite. Web. 1 April 2013. Ikram, SalimaKamrin, Janice. â€Å"Marks The Spot!. † Calliope (2012) : 3-6. MasterFILE Elite. Web. 1 April 2013. Ikram, SalimaKamrin, Janice. â€Å"The Majestic Three. † Calliope (2012): 24-26. MasterFILE Elite. Web. 1 April 2013. Lesko, Leonard H. â€Å"Preparing For The Afterlife. † Calliope (2012): 7-11. MasterFILE Elite. Web. 1 April 2013. Schiff, Bennett. â€Å"Out Of Egypt: Art In The Age Of The Pyramids. (Cover Story). † Smithsonian 30. 6 (1999): 108. MasterFILE Elite. Web. 1 April 2013.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

My Self-Assessment as a Writer Essay

Up to this point I’ve never really considered myself a writer at all. After skimming through the chapters and reading about all the processes, my assessment is, as a writer, I’m probably not very good. So this brings me to, what are you able to bring to the class? Well that’s easy. I’ve really wanted to learn how to write correctly. I’m extremely excited about all the information our textbook has to offer. I’ve wondered in the past how to do certain things and how they’re supposed to be done. This whole class is going to bring the pieces together. So I guess I bring excitement and enthusiasm to learn. My Strengths and Weaknesses in writing are hard to identify. Since I don’t write a lot, there’s not much to relate to. My sentence structure and vocabulary are weak areas. Sometimes when I write an e-mail, and then come back to re-read it; it just doesn’t sound or flow right. I’m uncertain and feel embarrassed by my use of grammar and punctuation, so I tend to make every attempt to avoid writing at all. My spoken thoughts are much easier to transform into what I’m trying to communicate. Strengths are an active imagination. I have thoughts or can take a side on almost anything. I could just pick any topic and write about whatever. Discovering material, planning out my ideas, and drafting it all together would also be strengths. Learning from others in the class will require interaction with the class. The discussion board will offer those opportunities. I hope to learn how others chose a topic or decide how they layout their work. I’d like gain some knowledge from their perspectives and ingenuity.