Accent Neutralization or Reduction Overview

As the global marketplace expands, a new branch of English learning related to ESL has become very intriguing. This field is often called Accent Neutralization or Accent Reduction. The main purpose of accent neutralization/reduction is to help proficient English speakers speak with a more North American or British accent. The main cause of this trend towards accent neutralization/reduction is the demand created by outsourcing. Outsourcing is generally defined as the transfer of components or large segments of an organizations internal infrastructure, staff, processes, or applications to an external resource. The trend is towards outsourcing to countries where this work can be done at lower cost to the company. One of the most popular countries for outsourcing is India due to its wealth of highly educated English speakers. Accent neutralization and accent reduction comes into play when these workers speak to North Americans who have difficulties understanding their accents. Of course, the English being spoken is excellent; the problem that arises is that many customers have difficulties understanding accents other than their own, hence accent neutralization or reduction becoming important for customer satisfaction. Some find this trend distasteful. However, reading the fascinating book entitled The World is Flat by Thomas L Friedman, I came across the following passage that describes the general attitude towards accent modification: ... before you disparage it, you have to taste just how hungry these kids are to escape the lower end of the middle class and move up. If a little accent modification is the price they have to pay to jump a rung of the ladder, then so be it—they say. As more and more tasks are outsourced, the more important standard North American English becomes to the young employees excitedly taking advantage of the new opportunities modern telecommunications and broadband access provide. Common Techniques and Goals of Accent Neutralization Here are some of the common focus areas for accent neutralization or accent reduction classes: Changing speech patternsVoice productionIntonation and rhythmTaking on a new North American personality The stated goals of many of these programs include: Changing regional accents to increase personal and professional opportunitiesEngaging in extensive conversations, presentations, and telephone callsBecoming more confident and effective, both socially and professionallyImproving the professional image of your companyAchieving a greater understanding from listeners To begin exploring accent reduction, AccentSchool provides free software to help students understand the fundamentals of why they have an accent and what they can do to achieve their specific accent modification goals.

Let Every Nation Know - Worksheet Answers - 1841 Words

Victor Mateo HIST 111 Prof. Sleeper â€Å"Let Every Nation Know† Worksheet 1. Had JFK not gotten into politics, he would have continued a career in journalism (pg. 5). In 1945, he was hired to cover the UN conference in San Francisco by the Chicago Herald-American. A school friend even said his temperament was better suited for writing (pg4). After his plane exploded over the English Chanel, JFK was devastated. Symbols changed from a blue star to gold so everyone will know there was a loss. To help with his grief, JFK wrote a memorial book called â€Å"As We Remember Joe†; it was later privately published. 2. JFK had entered the campaign â€Å"too late† in today’s political sphere, but in the 1960’s it was simple late but doable. His†¦show more content†¦Take a look at the current regime; the press lift them up while disregarding the damage (economically and socially) that results from their policies. 8. JFK was able to garner the support of the country because he committed the nation to achieving the goal of landing on the moon and returning safely within the decade. He linked this to the nation’s prestige. This assertion would be the challenge to the nation that the nation had been longing for. Both sides of the house and senate were united on this singular goal. In addition to wanting to win the space race, JFK also requested to support allies fighting communism by supplying them with our troops. I think it was a combination of both his charisma and the climate of current events that resulted in such acceptance (pg. 113-119). 9. JFK knew that one day history would remember the ‘60’s as â€Å"the beginning of a new age of discovery† (pg. 162). JFK also admired the boldness of this exploration. He viewed it as being â€Å"associated with great nations and visionary leaders.† Space was, and still is, the new frontier. Space was the new frontier not only for exploration, but for armed conflict as well. JFK sought to win control of space just as Britain won control of the Atlantic (pg. 162). In order to obtain this goal, it would require a lot of dedication from the American public, to include stopping undue work stoppages (strikes), hire materials and talent costs, and longer turnover time ofShow MoreRelatedNonverbal, Interpersonal, and Textual Communication Worksheet1097 Words   |  5 PagesUniversity of Phoenix Material Nonverbal, Interpersonal, and Textual Communication Worksheet Nonverbal communication plays an essential role in any conversation. Individuals who are aware of nonverbal actions during conversations can more effectively interpret what is being communicated. Part 1 Look at the interactions between the individuals in the following photos and interpret what you think is being expressed through nonverbal communication. Describe the nonverbal cues that lead youRead MoreWk2 worksheet com100 r3 nonverbal textual communication worksheet week21794 Words   |  8 Pagesï » ¿University of Phoenix Material Nonverbal, Interpersonal, and Textual Communication Worksheet Nonverbal communication plays an essential role in any conversation. Individuals who are aware of nonverbal actions during conversations can more effectively interpret what is being communicated. Part 1 Look at the interactions between the individuals in the following photos and interpret what you think is being expressed through nonverbal communication. Please describe the nonverbal cues that lead youRead MoreTEFL Assignment Answers23344 Words   |  94 Pageslanguage acquisition through (1.) speaking, (2.) listening, (3.) reading, and (4.) writing. These four (4) principles are stressed within this educational system; and I do plan on coupling that knowledge with classroom activities that limit my talk time. 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Personal Story Afraid of Forgetting Essay Example For Students

Personal Story Afraid of Forgetting Essay Growing up in Western Pennsylvania in the heart of steel country my father began working in the steel mills well before I was born. Dad was a hard worker, providing for our family the very best he could. The steel mills were not run like a typical 9-5 shirt and tie job. They ran twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. My father worked the night shift, meaning he worked from eleven at night until seven in the morning. Because he worked all night, he slept all day. I didnt really see much of him except for at dinner time, which was ALWAYS a family event. We would discuss our day, and how our school work was coming along. We would also discuss anything new that had happened, as long as it was appropriate dinner conversation. My parents believed those evening meals together were an important part of being a family. Mom was a stay at home mom all during our elementary, and Junior High School days. Wanting to be involved in our education, Mom was a PTA mom and was even PTA President for a few years at our Elementary School. Needless to say, she knew everyone, and everyone knew her. Getting away with being anything but a â€Å"good girl†, was impossible. Mom had me involved in the Girl Scouts, as well as the music program where I played the violin and the clarinet. Eventually, Mom started working around the time I was twelve or thirteen, just part time while my brother and I were in school. We still always had family dinners, and spent as much time as we could as a family. Summers were great! Hide and seek, whiffle ball, bike riding, and sleepovers were a must. I remember sitting out on the front porch with Dad listening to the baseball games on the radio. I wasnt a girly girl, but I was definitely not a tomboy either. Camping out in the tent was a big part of what made a lot of summer memories. My dad and brother were involved in Boy Scouts so they were always prepared and up for any kind of camping trip. It was a nice and relaxing way to spend family time. As fall approached, I would dread Sundays, knowing Dad would be parked in front of the television, watching football: The Pittsburgh Steelers, which is what our little town was all about. If there were any other teams, I never knew it, or heard anything about them. Then again, I never paid much attention. Back then, I never could understand how football was remotely entertaining. I would rather have been hiking through the woods or finding an outdoor activity to pass my time. I did, however, on rainy Sundays, sit with Dad to see what all this hoopla was about. Just to be a non-conformist, I decided I was going to root for a team OTHER than the home town favorite. What a rebel I thought I was! The San Francisco 49ers was my team of choice, although I couldnt tell you why I chose them, I just didnt want to be part of the â€Å"Steeler Nation,† as it is called. Dad was always a practical joker and because of that, April Fool’s Day was one of his favorite days of the year. Most of the time, his little practical jokes were pretty funny; but there were those times I just didnt get his weird sense of humor. I can remember one summer day when my dad had to repair something on the roof next to the chimney. My mom was cleaning and I had just come running in the house from a bike ride. Out of breath I quickly asked where my dad was, wanting him to inflate my bike tires for my next ride. No sooner had she said, â€Å"I dont know, on the roof I think,† I began to hear a faint cry of someone yelling, â€Å"HELP, HELP ME, HELP. † Panic set in and I instantly began screaming to Mom that Dad had fallen off the roof. I could feel the tears trickling down my cheeks and my heart was pounding out of my chest. I was frozen in place, I couldnt find my legs, and I stood there in sheer panic. My mother flew out the front door and within seconds I could hear her yell, â€Å"Youre not funny Richard! You scared the daylights out of us. † With a frown on her face, Mom walked through the front door, Dad following close behind, his head down, with his shoulders shaking up and down in uncontrollable laughter. As upset as I was, I wiped my tears, smiled at him telling him that he had a really sick sense of humor. He hugged me tight and apologized for my tears. I dont think he ever played another practical joke like that again. Of course he still kept up with his fake poop, vomit, snot, and anything else that would bring a laugh. It was what he lived for. It wasnt a stretch to find a fake finger, a whoopee cushion, or the infamous rubber snake lying around to scare some unsuspecting visitor. Our house was full of practical jokes. I knew this was something I was going to miss when I went out on my own. At eighteen I moved to Florida to attend college. I was excited about the prospect of being out on my own. Progressive Movement In America EssayI think everything stood still as I heard my brother say, â€Å"Tiffany, Dad had a heart attack! I felt my knees buckle, and that same feeling I had felt so many years ago when I thought Dad had fallen off the roof, flooded through me, but this time, I knew there was no practical joke behind it! The flight at three am to Pennsylvania couldnt go fast enough. Dad had made it through surgery, but no one knew the prognosis. The hour and a half drive from the airport to the hospital was full of emotion. I wanted to see him, but I was so afraid of what I would see when I did. I had been to this hospital so many times. I was born there, my daughter was born there, I was even a candy striper there, but walking through the doors of the hospital that day was different! The smell, the sounds, everything seemed to echo. As we walked into the ICU, I could feel the knot in my stomach get bigger and I knew the tears were only a blink away. I wanted to get to his room so badly, but I could feel myself slowing down with each step. As we stepped into his room, I could hear the monitors beeping and the sound of the ventilator as it slid up and down. My brother stood just inside the doorway, blocking the view I so desperately didnt want to see. As he hugged me I couldnt stop the flood of emotion that had been waiting just under my next breath, and the tears began to flow uncontrollably. Trying to compose myself as best I could, I squeezed his hand, and walked past him to stand at Dad’s bedside. So pale, so fragile, I don’t think I had ever seen my dad look so helpless before. As helpless as he looked, I felt even more helpless, because I knew there was nothing I could do for him. The machines, the IV’s, they seemed to consume him, and the room. I wanted to hug him, but was afraid to hurt him, so I kissed his forehead, held his hand, and whispered in his ear, â€Å"I love you Daddy. At that moment, I realized, that somewhere along the way, I HAD become, â€Å"Daddy’s Girl. † That realization brought back a flood of memories and made me ache to keep creating more. I wanted to continue our Sunday phone calls and our unspoken connection. I wanted my Daddy back! Please open your eyes Daddy, please wake up! It had been two days of waiting, and watching. It was a bad dream, right? It had to be, I was so confused, numb, the voices in the room seemed far away, a distant whisper. No brain activity? Lack of oxygen? Remove life support? I dont understand, you fixed his heart, you said it was strong now! Maybe if I close my eyes real tight, and count backwards from 10, I will wake up. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6,†Tiffany! † 5, 4, â€Å"Tiffany! † â€Å"What? † I heard myself say softly as I opened my eyes to look at whoever was calling my name. â€Å"What do you think? † I was asked. â€Å"What do I think? † I repeated. â€Å"I think this is a nightmare! † My thoughts were scattered and I could feel my stomach tighten and suddenly I felt nauseous. Am I supposed to know what to do? Am I supposed to have some sort of epiphany? We were told he could breathe on his own but would have to be put on a feeding tube. We had the choice to put him into a long term care facility if we chose to. He would never open his eyes, he would never feed himself, and he would never know who we were. What was proposed was not living. To my family and me, that was not living; that was not what Dad would have wanted. He was a golfer, he was an outdoorsman, a practical joker, and he used to be FULL of life. The decision to remove all form of life support was heart wrenching. We knew it was the right thing for my dad, but I didnt like this feeling I had, the feeling like we were playing God. The next seven days in the Hospice Unit at the hospital were emotionally and physically draining. Watching a loved one, slowly slip away, isnt something I would wish on anyone. I dont think we, (my brother, Mom, and I) left Dad’s room for more than a few hours at a time. I would spend many hours holding his hand, talking to him, telling him how much I loved him, and how much I was going to miss his voice, his laugh, and most of all, his presence. On February 22, 2011, at around 5am, my Daddy took his last breath and my life changed forever. I can still hear his laughter and the sound of his voice. I am so afraid of afraid of forgetting!

Womens Rights in Afghanistan Essay Example

Womens Rights in Afghanistan Essay On September 27, 1996, the Taliban seized control of the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, and violently plunged the occupied territories of Afghanistan into a brutal state of gender apartheid in which women and girls have been stripped of their basic human rights(The Taliban Afghan Women 1).In 1997, Taliban Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Abbas Stanakzai acknowledged that repression of women was a political tool to consolidate power. Our current restrictions of women are necessary in order to bring the Afghan people under control, he said. We need these restrictions until people learn to obey the Taliban.(Afghanistans Women Today 1-2). The government of Afghanistan is waging a war upon women.The situation is getting so bad that one person in an editorial of the times compared the treatment of women there to the treatment of Jews in pre-Holocaust Poland (Barbara Mikkelson). The growing war in Afghanistan has further jeopardized the already precarious lives of Afghan women.For most of the past 25 years, Afghan women have suffered outrage upon outrage as political instability, armed conflict and violence washed over their rugged country. Millions of Afghan women, children and elderly have fled their homes. The current air strikes have worsened conditions, destroying roads and services already devastated by famine, earthquakes and three years of drought.(Afghanistans Women Today). Afghan women, who had been the majority of the countrys workforce and of its population, were barred from employment outside the home and prohibited from attending secondary school, driving vehicles or appearing in public without male escorts and the all-covering burqa.Women were placed under house arrest, deprived of health care and education, and made totally dependent upon male relatives, suffering beatings, sexual assault or even execution if they violated the bans(Afghanistan;s Women Today).

Obamas Health Care Reform and Utilitarian Theory

Obamas Health Care Reform and Utilitarian Theory Introduction Ethics is one of the five branches of philosophy that deals with human character and how humans conduct themselves in the society. Since humans have freedom of doing various activities that benefit them, ethics is essential because it defines their character and conduct. Essentially, ethics systematically assesses human activities with a view of establishing whether they are right or wrong. In the society where chaos and disorders prevail, ethics offers the appropriate solution because it provides moral values, principles, norms, and ideals, which humans should adhere to as standard practices of human conduct and behavior.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Obamas Health Care Reform and Utilitarian Theory specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Cavico and Mujtaba (2010), the aim of ethics is to understand the epistemology of human conduct and character so that it can define the best ways in which humans can co-exist and attain the real meaning of life. In this view, ethics enables humans to regulate their conduct and character to be in line with the moral values, norms, ideals, and principles that society cherishes and upholds amidst chaos and confusion. To define and expound ethics, diverse philosophers have come up with theories and models such as utilitarianism, deontology, pragmatic ethics, and postmodern ethics. Hence, this term paper seeks to use utilitarian theory and model in assessing whether it is moral for Florida Blue to implement the Obamas health care reform. Utilitarian Theory Utilitarian theory is the dominant ethical theory that philosophers and ethicists apply when analyzing human conduct and character. John Stuart Mill is one of the pioneers and proponents of utilitarian theory. Fundamentally, utilitarian theory belongs to the category of consequential theories that assess morality basing on the consequences of an action. According to Mill (2010), rightne ss or wrongness of an action is dependent on its consequences rather than the nature of the action.Advertising Looking for term paper on ethics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On this assertion, utilitarian theory rejects the assessment of morality basing on the actions. Hence, utilitarian theory assumes that human actions have no morality in themselves unless assessed using their consequences. Cavico and Mujtaba (2009) argue that an action is morally right if its consequences are good, and it is morally wrong if its consequences are bad. Hence, the consequences of an action are central in determining if an action is right or wrong. The utilitarian theory also assesses the degree of morality or the extent to which an action is right or wrong. According to the utilitarian theory, for an action to be morally right, it must generate greatest happiness or pleasure to most people and cause the least pain and harm (Mill, 2010). In this view, the theory does not only assess the degree of morality basing on the consequences, but also assesses morality basing on the number of people that gain happiness or experience pain. The consequence of an action may be good, but it does benefit the greatest number of people in terms of happiness and pleasure. In the examination of utilitarian theory, Cavico and Mujtaba (2009) state that the consequence of an action should be good and beneficial to most people in the society. In this view, utilitarian theory requires consideration of action’s consequence and the number of people that experience happiness or pain.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Obamas Health Care Reform and Utilitarian Theory specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thus, an action is morally right if its consequences are good and beneficial to most stakeholders, and it is morally wrong if its consequences are bad and harmful t o most stakeholders. Utilitarian Model and Utilitarian Analysis The use of the utilitarian model in the assessment of human actions provides a quantitative way of analyzing morality. The utilitarian model apportions numerical values to goodness and badness of an action’s consequences. The goodness of an action has a positive scale of 1 to 5 (1 to 5) while the badness of an action has a negative scale of 1 to 5 (-1 to -5). Zero is an intermediate value on the scale, which shows that actions’ consequence is neither good nor bad to a specific stakeholder. The utilitarian model quantifies the degree of pleasure and pain, which are consequences of an action (Cavico Mujtaba, 2009). Therefore, the term paper utilizes the utilitarian model in establishing if it is moral for Florida Blue to implement the Obamas Heath care plan. The act that the term paper seeks to evaluate using the utilitarian model is whether it is moral for Florida Blue to implement the Obamas health care reform. The following are the stakeholders that the implementation of the Obama’s health care reform affects, both directly and indirectly. The government The foreseeable good is that the government will improve general health of the population, and thus enhances the health of the nation. However, the foreseeable bad consequence is that the cost necessary to sustain health care reforms may not be sustainable in the end. Health care system The foreseeable good of the health care reforms is that the health care system will offer improved quality of healthcare services (Rosenbaum, 2011). Given that quality of healthcare services depend on many factors, the foreseeable bad is that the quality of care may deteriorate with time. Florida Blue The foreseeable good of the health care reform in Florida Blue is that it will increase the number of patients and thus improve its growth. However, Florida Blue may not be able to satisfy the demands of the patients.Advertising Looking for term paper on ethics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Insurance companies If Florida Blue implements health reforms, the foreseeable good is that it will provide a competitive environment for insurance companies. The foreseeable bad consequence is that the insurance companies will increase insurance premiums. Healthcare providers and working environment The foreseeable good of the health reforms is that it will improve competence, remuneration packages, and the working environment of healthcare providers. Since the number of patients will increase in Florida Blue, the foreseeable bad consequence is that healthcare providers will have to perform extra duties to serve all patients. Patients The foreseeable good among patients is that they will receive quality services that they have been unable to afford. Nevertheless, the foreseeable bad consequence is that the quality of healthcare services offered to patients may deteriorate with time. Citizens and society Given that health care reforms legally require citizens to take health insuranc e cover, the foreseeable good is improved health status and the lifespan of the people. However, the foreseeable bad consequence is that the cost of health insurance may increase and become unaffordable to many people. Quantification of Good and Bad Consequences Stakeholders Foreseeable Good Foreseeable Bad The government +5 -2 Health care system +4 -3 Florida Blue +3 -3 Insurance companies +5 -1 Healthcare providers +3 -3 Environment +4 -2 Patients +5 -2 Citizens +3 -3 Society +4 -2 Total 37 -22 Conclusion The assessment of the act of implementing the Obamas health care reform in Florida shows that it has more good than bad. Since the good consequences of implementing Obama’s health care reform outweigh the bad consequences, from the utilitarian perspective, it implies that the act is moral in Florida Blue. The utilitarian analysis shows that Florida Blue should implement health reforms to improve healthcare s ervices that it provides to all stakeholders. References Cavico, F., Mujtaba, B. (2010). Business Ethics: The Moral Foundation of  Effective Leadership, Management, and Entrepreneurship (2nd ed.). Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson Custom Publishing. Mill, J. (2010). Utilitarianism. New York: Broadview Press. Rosenbaum, S. (2011). The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Implications for Public Health Policy and Practice. Public Health Reports, 126(1), 130-135.

Top Causes of Lake Pollution

Top Causes of Lake Pollution In an extensive sampling effort, the Environmental Protection Agency, with the help of state and tribal agencies, coordinated water quality assessments for the country’s lakes. They evaluated 43% of the lake surface area or about 17.3 million acres of water. The study concluded that: Fifty-five percent of the study’s water acreage was judged to be of good quality. The other 45% had waters impaired for at least one type of use (for example as drinking water supply, for recreational fishing, swimming, or aquatic life support). When considering man-made lakes alone, the proportion that was impaired jumped to 59%.Water quality is sufficiently high to allow swimming in 77% of the waters assessed.Aquatic life was not supported adequately by 29% of lake waters.For 35% of the lake waters surveyed, fish consumption was not recommended. For the impaired lakes, the top types of pollution were: Nutrients (problematic in 50% of impaired waters). Nutrient pollution occurs when excess nitrogen and phosphorus make their way into a lake. These elements are then picked up by algae, allowing them to grow rapidly to the detriment of the aquatic ecosystem. Overabundant cyanobacterial algae blooms can lead to toxin build-up, oxygen level drops, fish kills, and poor conditions for recreation. Nutrient pollution and the subsequent algae blooms are to blame for Toledo’s drinking water shortage in the summer of 2014. Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution comes from inefficient sewage treatment systems and from some agricultural practices.Metals (42% of impaired waters). The two main culprits here are mercury and lead. Mercury accumulates in lakes mostly from atmospheric deposition of pollution coming from coal-fired power plants. Lead pollution is often the result of accumulated fishing tackle like sinkers and jig heads, and from lead shot in shotgun shells.Sediment (21% of impaired w aters). Fine-grained particles like silt and clay may occur naturally in the environment but when they enter lakes in large quantity, they become a serious pollution problem. Sediments come from the many ways soil can be eroded on land and carried into streams then lakes: erosion can originate from road construction, deforestation, or agricultural activities. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS; 19% of impaired waters). TDS measurements can be interpreted as how salty the water is, generally due to high concentrations of dissolved calcium, phosphates, sodium, chloride, or potassium. These elements most often enter the roadways as road salt, or in synthetic fertilizers. Where do these pollutants come from? When assessing the source of pollution for the impaired lakes, the following findings were reported: Agriculture (affecting 41% of impaired waters). Many agricultural practices contribute to lake water pollution, including soil erosion, manure and synthetic fertilizer management, and the use of pesticides,Hydrologic modifications (18% of impaired waters). These include the presence of dams and other flow regulation structures and dredging activities. Dams have extensive effects on a lake’s physical and chemical characteristics, and on aquatic ecosystems.Urban runoff and storm sewers (18% of impaired waters). Streets, parking lots, and rooftops are all impervious surfaces that do not allow water to percolate through. As a result, water runoff speeds up to storm drains and picks up sediments, heavy metals, oils, and other pollutants, and carries it into lakes. What Can You Do? Use soil erosion best practices whenever you disturb soil near a lake.Project lake shorelines on your property by preserving the natural vegetation. Replant shrubs and trees if needed. Avoid fertilizing your lawn close to a lake’s edge.Encourage the use of sustainable farming methods like cover crops and no-till farming. Talk to farmers at your local farmers market to find out more about their practices.Keep septic systems in good working order, and have regular inspections conducted.Encourage local authorities to use alternatives to road salt in winter.Consider your nutrient inputs from soaps and detergents, and reduce their use whenever possible.In your yard, slow down water runoff and allow it to be filtered by plants and soil. To accomplish this, establish rain gardens, and keep drainage ditches well vegetated. Use rain barrels to harvest roof runoff.Consider using pervious pavement in your driveway. These surfaces are designed to let water percolate into the soil below, p reventing runoff. Choose alternatives to lead when selecting fishing tackle.   Sources: EPA. 2000. National Lake Assessment Report. EPA. 2009. National Lake Assessment: A Collaborative Survey of the Nation’s Lakes.

Thinking Globally Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Thinking Globally - Case Study Example Local companies tried to adapt to the problem by trying to send their money abroad to avoid inflation. However, Argentina’s central bank ordered all companies to receive clearance first before engaging in such transactions. For this reason, companies had to wait for several months before receiving authorization. In addition, the government ordered that payments be done in dollars something that also made the companies to pay extra in comparison to the value of the peso. The companies were forced to operate according to the Argentines policies despite entering the country in the 90’s with the wave of the free market. Most of the US companies that were forced to collect their revenues in peso had no otherwise but to submit to the authorities and incur extra costs that were dollar related.In case of rising inflation, the citizens are usually the worst hit. That is because inflation comes with many disadvantages such as loss of jobs. It also becomes very expensive for the c itizens to conduct their daily activities since food products and other services become expensive. Immediately after President Duhalde announced the ties between the peso and the dollar, the economy collapsed and the citizens reacted angrily by attacking politicians, banks, and culminating in protests in the streets over the high cases of inflation. For over a decade Argentina has been amassing debts that it is unable to pay to date. That means that for over a decade now Argentina’s citizens lost their spending power due to inflation.

Smoking in Public Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Smoking in Public - Essay Example These are particles that are both medically dangers, as well as obstructing the quality of view of the surrounding area (‘Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report’). Studies have also demonstrated significant improvements in air quality after smoking bans were established (‘Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report’). This data indicates that smoking in public significantly hinders air quality. While there are many arguments supporting the ban of smoking in public places, there also exist a number of counter-arguments to this contention. Even as medical evidence has emerged that strongly demonstrates the detrimental health impacts of second-hand smoke, a number of civil rights activists have argued that this does not constitute a significant enough reason to restrict the rights of others. Indeed, a number of counter-arguments to smoking bans have emerged that list the restriction of human rights as a significant objection (Hoggart). Perspectives within this realm o f thought argue that since smoking is legalized they should subsequently be granted the right to smoke in public places. In this context of understanding one considers that although smoking in public has a detrimental medical affect, it is more of an infringement of individuals rights to restrict this action. Another prominent argument supporting smoking bans is that in allowing smoking in public places the air quality is significantly affected in negative ways. Counter-arguments to this claim emerge along a number of lines. Similar to the argument that smoking bans infringe on human rights, the argument that smoking in public places causes air pollution is objected to on the grounds that restricting this constitutes a significant human rights violation. In addition to these arguments, a number of... The paper shows the prominent argument against smoking in public is the significant impact it has on air quality. From a qualitative perspective, one notes that the smoke that emerges from cigarettes can be pervasive to the point of obstructing individual’s views of surrounding scenery, or significantly hindering the public atmosphere and environment. In the report we can find out many arguments supporting the ban of smoking in public places, there also exist a number of counter-arguments to this contention. Even as medical evidence has emerged that strongly demonstrates the detrimental health impacts of second-hand smoke, a number of civil rights activists have argued that this does not constitute a significant enough reason to restrict the rights of others. Indeed, a number of counter-arguments to smoking bans have emerged that list the restriction of human rights as a significant objection. In conclusion, this essay has considered arguments in favor and against banning smoking in public places. Supporting arguments have indicated that smoking in public holds significant negative medical impacts for both the smoker and individuals suffering from the secondhand smoke. Smoking is also demonstrated to cause significant air pollution. Counter-arguments to these claims contend that banning smoking is both an infringement on individual rights and bad for businesses. Ultimately, it’s demonstrated that banning smoking is the most socially responsible action to take, as this prohibition holds the greatest benefit for the greatest amount of people.

An Analysis of Satrapi’s Persepolis Essay Example for Free

An Analysis of Satrapi’s Persepolis Essay Persepolis presents the Islamic Revolution in Iran through the point of view of a child who questions the most fundamental practices and assumptions of Islam. Growing in a household that frowns upon the dictates of Islamic fundamentalism at a time when there is a growing presence of Islamic fundamentalists, the point of view in the graphic book offers a different look into the local Islamic movement in Iran. Through that perspective, my understanding is that the movement placed the people within the limits of a religious fence that does not give room for questions. Challenging the dictates of the Islamic institution is also seen as a challenge to the religion itself, which in turn explains why those who openly opposed the movement were physically harmed by the advocates of the Islamic Revolution. My understanding of the impact of the Islamic Revolution in Iran is that it caused people like Marjane Satrapi’s child character in Persepolis to develop an attitude that tries to resist the forces of the movement. At least in terms of forming a household behavior deviating from the principles put forward by the movement, the child is able to question her surroundings and find the answers to satisfy her desire to be fully aware of what is happening around her. In general, I see the Islamic Revolution as a double-edged sword—while it rebuilds and strengthens the piety of the Muslims to their religion and its edicts, it also threatens to lose the devotion of those who are against some of the principles advocated by the movement. Unfortunately, the movement creates a wide gap between those who are for the movement and those who are against it, dividing the believers into two extreme opposites which defeat the essence of religion. Some of the cultural and political issues raised by Satrapi’s narrative include the negative response of Islam towards the Western societies, the conflict between fundamentalism and the changing trends in the modern world, and the issue of sacrificing or repressing individual liberty in exchange for following stringent religious doctrines. In the narrative, the parents of the child try to expose their child to the Western culture right in the midst of the conflict in Iran. They gave her posters of Iron Maiden and Kim Wilde and they drink wine in their home despite the fact that their religion forbids them to do so. Her parents are Marxists and they try to teach her about the glaring evils of the Iranian regime. These things indicate that Iran at that time was a country where there is no stability in terms of politics and culture. The fact that the Islamic fundamentalists at that time tried to repress those who were against their principles suggests the apparent conflict that creates the impression of turmoil. There was a struggle and it was one that was far from being over. The conflict between fundamentalism and the Western world present in Iran is best seen in terms of the attempt of the Islamic fundamentalists to do the opposite of what most democratic Western societies practice. While most democratic Western societies encourage their citizens to practice social liberty and freedom of expression, Islamic Iran under the clutches of the fundamentalists are trying to â€Å"veil† their society, in a manner of speaking, from the influence of the Western societies. In a way, the fundamentalists do not only discourage the Iranians from replicating the beliefs and practices of the Western societies; they also give sanctions to those who attempt to become religious subversives. Satrapi’s graphic novel comments on those issues by presenting the conflicts in Iran from the life of a little girl who, despite being a child, sees her Iranian society as a crumbling society, whose principles do not promote the interests of the people but rather promote the interests of the religion. The strip also injects a bit of humor on the issue, using language that invokes comedy along with the horror of some of the images in the strips. The use of humor indicates that the weight of the issues involved in the Islamic Revolution is so heavy that it leaves no space for the lighter side of life. Instead, the movement rejects all assumptions of gaiety in religion and culture simply because it sees those two things as entirely serious matters that require even the most harassing and physically daunting sanctions to those who stand against its way. Islamic fundamentalists are portrayed in the strip as extremely violent individuals who are more than willing to inflict harm to their fellow Muslims if only to further the goals of the movement. They are portrayed in a negative light precisely because they are seen as agents of conservative religious principles that fail to recognize the worth of individuals. They oppose those who oppose them up to the point of assaulting them if only to silence their opposition or to put an end to those who confront the movement with questions and arguments. I think that the portrayal of the Islamic fundamentalists in the graphic novel is closer to the truth than one can begin to imagine. I think that it is also honest portrayal although I am somehow tempted to believe that some of the illustrations of the fundamentalists are not fair on their part. For one, it is a fact that violence has been a part of the Islamic fundamentalist movement in the past. In fact, religious jihad is an integral part of the Islamic faith, promoting violence for the name of Allah and so as to quash the presumed enemies of the religion. Violence in protests against the religion arises because of the intolerance of the fundamentalists towards those who oppose them. I understand that, perhaps, the graphic descriptions of the fundamentalists in the strips were only part of the observations of Satrapi in her life. However, I do think that there is a deep reason as to why these fundamentalists act the way they do. I believe that their violent actions are results of their deep ties with their religion and these strong ties cannot be opposed or deposed by those who think otherwise. The nature of the antagonists in Satrapi’s graphic novel is fierce and violent whereas the nature of the antagonists in Lorrie Moore’s â€Å"How to Become a Writer† is one that adheres to convention. In a way, the antagonists in Persepolis—the Islamic fundamentalists—do not permit deviance from the status quo or from the tradition. Instead, these antagonists strongly advocate the practice of the old and traditional religious habits. They promote intolerance so that the challenges to their beliefs will not displace what they see as the proper way of living under Islamic tenets. On the other hand, the antagonists in Moore’s article exhibit conventional behaviors. They seek to influence the protagonist to follow the accepted conventions of writing because they see the protagonist’s literary style as inappropriate and technically inefficient. In forcing the protagonist to stick to the rules and convention instead of deviating from them, the antagonists limit the development of the protagonist as a writer who is not only unconventional but is also one who is a master of the freedom of expression. To a certain degree, the antagonists in Moore’s article and in Satrapi’s novel share the similar characters of intolerance and conservative attitude. They do not subscribe to the idea of changing the status quo or of allowing others to deviate from the convention because they do not find it suitable to what they are espousing. Works Cited Moore, Lorrie. â€Å"How to Become a Writer. † Self-Help. New York: Knopf, 1985. Satrapi, Marjane. â€Å"The Trip. † Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood. New York: Pantheon, 2003.

Informix Revenue Recognition Essay -- essays research papers

MEMORANDUM Re:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Group 2 - Case 2.1 â€Å"Software Revenue Recognition: Informix Corporation† Companies following GAAP can manage earnings by simply altering its accounting policy to select those accounting principles that benefit them the most. Entities have a host of reasons for selecting those principles that will paint the rosiest financial picture. Some would argue that the market demands it, as reflected by the stock price punishment for companies that differ by as little as one penny per share from prior estimates. External market pressures to â€Å"meet the numbers† conflicts with market pressure for transparency in financial reporting. Most fraudulent financial reporting schemes involve â€Å"earnings management† techniques, which inflate earnings, create an improved financial picture, or conversely, mask a deteriorating one. Premature revenue recognition is one of the most common forms of fraudulent earnings management and the case of Informix Software Inc. unfortunately illustrates closely this practice. The analysis of this case will shed light on issues like: v  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Informix’s revenue recognition policy prior to 1990 and its compliance with FASB Concept #5, FASB Statement #86, GAAP protocols. v  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Informix’s reactions to AICPA SOP in changing the revenue recognition procedures and Informix’s reason to prematurely and voluntarily implement the new policy v  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The changes that took place at Informix and the financial results reported during 1990 Furthermore, we will also evaluate the software industry practices and the regulations in place at that time. We conclude with lessons learnt and recommendations towards identifying and discouraging non-GAAP revenue recognition practices. 1986-1990 Revenue Recognition Policy at Informix Corporation REVENUE RECOGNITION POLICY BEFORE THE PROPOSED AICPA SOP Prior to 1990 the software industry had the FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Concept No.5 and the FASB Statement No. 86 to provide guidance in the revenue recognition concepts. The Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 45 which discussed long-term construction type contract was also available but did not specify application for the software industry and so it was ignored. Before 1990 (refer exhibit 1) Informix recognized ... ...nbsp;  ($1,503.00)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($327.00) Net Income(Losses)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  $0.00   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($10,311.00)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($11,146.00)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($1,503.00)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($327.00) Income per Share Before Extraordinary Items  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  $0.00   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($0.80)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($1.00)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($0.13)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($0.05) Net Income (Loss) per Share (Fully Diluted)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  $0.00   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($0.80)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($0.94)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($0.12)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($0.03) Total Assets  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  $0.00   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($32,102.00)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($17,173.00)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($3,411.00)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ($573.00) Long-Term Obligations  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  $0.00   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  $0.00   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  $0.00   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  $0.00   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  $0.00

Falling in Love with Fall Essay

A cool, crisp breeze with just a tinge of warmth brushes my face. The pearl-grey sky and sound of leaves twisting and twirling – I watch as they dance carelessly through the air. My favorite season is autumn because of the many changes and feelings of gratitude it brings, the festivities, and fashion. One of the main reasons I enjoy autumn is because of the many festivities and activities. Not only is the weather cooler, especially in Texas, for outdoor fun but people’s spirits seem brighter. Every year there are so many things to do, festivals and carnivals to picking pumpkins and haunted houses. For me, it’s the sound of kids crunching through the leaves with laughter filling the air; their excitement is contagious and reminiscent of my childhood. The competitive feeling of who can get the most candy and the anticipation of shuffling through it all and scarfing down the best pieces. Because fall allows me to socialize with loved ones and new friends alike, it is my favorite season. Another reason I love the autumn are the feelings of change and gratitude. It might seem like a New Years idiom, but for me autumn is the most perfect time to mark new beginnings and reflect on the year that’s gone by. Maybe it’s the transition the environment makes, the colors of the leaves and the warm air turning cool. It’s intoxicating. As I crack open my bedroom window and curl up on my bed draping a cashmere throw over my legs, the smell of the leather from my journal mixes with the cool air and aroma of a newly opened bottle of wine. I sit and write about the year behind me, the memories and thoughts the ideas of my future. A nice counterpart to enjoying time with loved ones, it’s a perfect atmosphere to enjoy time alone; this is why it is my favorite season. I’ve saved the best for last, another great reason to love fall – fashion. Gone are the days of strappy tops and sandals, fall bring in a fresh cozy style. It’s a new excuse for shopping! Every year, come mid-September I make my way to the mall. With a delicious pumpkin spice latte in hand I fill my arms with an arsenal of clothing and accessories for fall. Tall boots and heeled booties are first on my list then its flowing cardigans,  poncho and double breasted jackets. The warm tones of purple and gold fill my bags and I can’t wait to show off my new collections at the many gatherings and festivities fall will bring. It is especially because of this, that autumn is my favorite season. With so many reasons to love fall, the best are those that engage your heart. It’s magical that even with the cool air; autumn can make a person feel warm. New beginnings at school and the gathering of loved ones, the smell of burning fireplaces hitting the cold air, watching as the trees shed their leaves. You can’t help but to feel a calm sense of hope this time of year.

Mobile Phone Usage Among College Students Essay

1. Introduction A mobile phone or mobile (also called cellphone and handphone) is an electronic device used for mobile telecommunications (mobile telephone, text messaging or data transmission) over a cellular network of specialized base stations known as cell sites. Most current cell phones connect to a cellular network consisting of switching points and base stations (cell sites) owned by a mobile network operator. In addition to the standard voice function, current mobile phones may support many additional services, and accessories, such as SMS for text messaging, email, packet switching for access to the Internet, gaming, Bluetooth, infrared, camera with video recorder and MMS for sending and receiving photos and video, MP3 player, radio and GPS. The International Telecommunication Union estimated that mobile cellular subscriptions worldwide would reach approximately 4.6 billion by the end of 2009. Mobile phones have gained increased importance in the sector of information and communication tech nologies for development in the 2000s and have effectively started to reach the bottom of the economic pyramid. The Indian telecommunication industry, with about 506.04 million mobile phone connections (Nov 2009)[update], is the third largest telecommunication network in the world and the second largest in terms of number of wireless connections (after China). India has become one of the fastest-growing mobile markets in the world. The mobile services were commercially launched in August 1995 in India. In the initial 5–6 years the average monthly subscribers additions were around 0.05 to 0.1 million only and the total mobile subscribers base in December 2002 stood at 10.5 millions. However, after the number of proactive initiatives taken by regulator and licensor, the monthly mobile subscriber additions increased to around 2 million per month in the year 2003-04 and 2004-05. Read more:  Essay About Harmful Effects of Mobile Phones on Students Kerala is the state with highest teledensity and the number of subscribers in the state has crossed 1.7 million. The increase in mobile phone usage in Kerala had been led by the growth in the state’s non-resident population and the fall in call rates. In its backward Malappuram district with a huge expat population, already there are more phones than people. It is with this understanding and regard that the mobile phone market has been burgeoning in India that we proceed to conduct this survey as an attempt to understand the mobile phone use pattern among the specific group – youth, by narrowing down the study in the campus of Sacred Heart College, Thevara. Over the years the bad side of technology has also been brought to forefront placing the onus of bad behaviour as always on the youth. It is an accepted fact that mobile technology has corroded the lives of many young people and has reduced their productivity within the college campus. This study, then, while being a trend analysis survey, is also relevant in the context that it attempts to bring out solutions to this problem of â€Å"mob menace-on-campus† on the basis of the responses of the students (purported victims) in question. 2. Objectives The objectives of this survey may be drawn out as follows; a. To identify the average number of students using mobile phones within the campus b. To identify the income versus consumption pattern with respect to purchase and further spending on mobile phones by students who use mobile phones c. Sketch the current trends in mobile phone usage among students d. Understand whether a majority have the propensity to get into trouble using mobile phones e. Come up with possible solutions to reducing mobile phone menace within the campus 3. Methodology In keeping with the above stated objectives, we adopted the methodology of simple random sampling to attain a sample of 77 students in the ratio of 1:2:4 for 1st years, 2nd years and 3rd years respectively, accounting for a total of 11 departments offering undergraduate courses within the college. Therefore we have a total of 11 first years, 22 second years and 44 third years. The third years who have been acclimatized with the college  surroundings provide the most reliable and consistent data, first years stand on unsure ground and 2nd years show rebellious tendencies. Of these, a majority of trends were analysed on the basis of responses of only 64 (out of 77) students who possessed mobiles within the campus. The survey was conducted with the help of a written questionnaire consisting of a variety of questions numbering a total of 31 (see Appendix I). 4. Findings and Conclusions Before moving to the major conclusions derived from the survey, it would be worthwhile to understand the basic characteristics of the sample of 77 students surveyed. 4.1 Basic Characteristics[1] Among those surveyed:  a. 58% are females, with relatively more male samples (55%) coming only among second years b. 56% fall under the age group 18-20, the remaining in 20-22 group c. Arts and Science groups together contribute more to the total sample strength, in keeping with the relatively greater number of departments that they have in the college. d. 75% of the respondents are day-scholars e. A small percentage of 31% of respondents are engaged in any form of part-time or other income earning activities along with their studies, with the greatest contribution coming from 3rd year students of upto 34%. f. Overall 52% of the respondents claim monthly incomes of over Rs. 5000, but internal vagaries can be noted with about 36% of II year students putting their monthly income at only Rs. 1500-3000. g. Among those surveyed, a majority i.e. 83% confess to bringing and using mobile phones within the campus. The highest usage may be seen among the III years (91%) and lowest among II years (68%). From this we can deduce that on an average between 65 to 80% of all students in the college are using mobile phones within the campus. 4.2 Income-Spending Patterns in Mobile Use As against popular belief, mobiles are mostly seen as utilities rather than prestige goods by the students in that while 52% claimed incomes above Rs.5000 only 31% of the respondents actually possessed mobile phones ranging above Rs.5000. The entire 5% of respondents, who possess mobile costing over Rs.10, 000 not surprisingly, consists of male respondents reflecting male fondness for gadgets. A. Ownership of Mobile We also see that parents consider it a matter of great necessity that their wards possess mobile phones as even though 31% of the respondents worked, only 28% had purchased the mobile out of their own income. A big majority, 72% students, possessed mobiles with the complete knowledge and acceptance of parents. B. Monthly Spending on Mobile It is interesting to note that females are considerably frugal when it comes to spending money on mobile phones in lieu of recharges or normal bill payments, never going beyond an average of Rs.500/month. Males still have a tendency to cross Rs.500 with 24% of then doing so and a very small percentage (4%) dare to cross Rs.1000 a month. On an average, however, a good majority of 67% are able to limit their monthly expenses to less than Rs.300. This may be attributed primarily to the fact they use pre-paid mobile connections offering minimal top-up recharge cards aplenty in the market. 4.3 Trends in Mobile Usage To identify the current trends among mobile users in college we use the responses of 83% of respondents who confirm that they bring and use mobiles within the campus. The following are the major trends noticed. A. The most used mobile handsets: Nokia B. The most used type of mobile connection: Pre-paid 56 of the 64 respondents prefer to use pre-paid and not post-paid connections. The reasons may be that it allows cheap and easy recharge and prevents too much interference from the parents regarding usage and convoluted processes of bill payments. Further it also prevents over-the-budget use of mobiles by restricting the number of calls, messages etc that one can make during a given recharge period. C. Preferred Mobile Network: Airtel The top three mobile service providers among the students surveyed are Airtel, BSNL, and Vodafone. While Airtel being the leading provider was not a surprise result, BSNL emerging the second most popular service provider was quite against the expectations, given the recurrent troubles in connectivity and overall poor performance. However the attractively priced student plans must provide the incentive to purchase the connection. D. Most Communications go to Friends/Classmates While overall we see that friends/classmates surpass family in receiving communications from students, this marginal overtaking occurred in case of the III years alone. Among I years and II years family comes first in terms of maximum communications. Again, the 11% of people who agree to communicating most with their boyfriend/girlfriend may also seem as too small a percentage. Here again the III years (almost 9%, especially boys) were more given to accepting that they had relationships and frequently communicated with them. E. Primary time of use: Evening F. Service Most Used: SMS The top two services for which the mobile is used are to send SMSes and to enjoy music. Calls (ironically, the primary purpose of mobiles) come only third. The fact that GPRS facility is least used points to the fact that a  good majority of students are still not much acquainted with mobiles having higher end facilities. While analyzing the use of important mobile services, it would also help to separately present the behaviour of males and females in this regard. Even though females form a greater number of respondents, only 5% actually use the GPRS facility against 24% of males. A similar trend is seen in case of Camera/Video usage and also FM/music player. G. Most Popular form of communications: Forwards A whopping 42% of all respondents prefer to communicate via forwarded messages alone. This is primarily because of the numerous â€Å"free SMS† plans provided by the pre-paid connections. While they could make use of this facility to send personalized messages, a lack of sufficient personal thoughts to send to one’s friends and classmates (whom one meets everyday) and a relatively larger store of forwards traveling through the mobile networks, it affords a cheap and easy way to stay in touch. The second most preferred method of staying in touch is found to be missed calls. H. Main reason for bringing mobiles to college: Family While this may seem quite contradictory to the earlier result, note that earlier it was mentioned that only III years gave friends/classmates precedence to family. The trend is similar in this case as well. But over all keeping in touch with family is believed to be the main reason to bring mobiles to college. Our earlier conjecture that mobiles are no longer luxuries or prestige goods is revalidated here with only 4% of boys affirming that they bring mobiles in order to impress others. We can also safely state that the entertainment value of mobiles is of great importance to the students with an overall of 27% agreeing that they bring the mobiles to college only in order to listen to music or play games during free hours. 4.4 Mobiles: Danger or Saviour? Now, it is necessary to tackle the issue of propensity of the youth to entangle themselves in serious problems by using/misusing the services of  mobiles. The survey shows interesting results. A. Mobile as a tool for social networking? No! A majority of students seem to be aware of the dangers of making friends through the mobile and hence have successfully avoided any attempts to network using mobiles. But among the 13% of those who have been adventurous, it is quite disturbing to note that 75% are male students. B. Trends of Disturbing Calls/Messages? While a majority claim that they have definitely at various times received disturbing calls/messages from random unknown persons, only 22% admit to having sent such calls or messages. Again, the propensity to do so is higher in males (40% in males as against 10% in females). C. Knowledge of troubles related to Mobiles in college: Very Less D. Mobile as a Saviour? 4.4 Possible Solutions to Mobile Menace In order to postulate solutions to mobile phone menace on campus, we must first find out whether the students feel that mobile phones are actually a menace on campus. From the above section what we understand is that a good majority of students using mobiles are rational and mature preferring to stay away from troubles, known or unknown. And they have most often felt that mobiles are more helpful in contacting their close ones in times of difficulty. In this line, the result is that 44% don’t think mobiles are a menace (including those who don’t possess mobiles in campus). But at the same time 30% are also undecided between the advantages and disadvantages of having a mobile in college. Hence these results cannot be taken at face value. We need to probe further with regard to two specific problems namely, camera phones and loss of attentiveness in class. A. Yes to a Camera Ban Females, naturally being concerned about their safety, over the 3 years of college, uniformly support a ban on camera phones in college campuses. The trend among males is quite peculiar. A majority of first years and third years are in support whereas the number drastically falls in the case of second years. This can only be attributed to the fact that a majority of second years often go through a phase of rebellion within the college, where rational thinking becomes faint. The result is purposeful disregard of all bans and regulations, which is very evident throughout the survey. B. Yes to Mobile Jammer In case of the possible use of mobile jammer too we see that I years in all eagerness to please and learn are willing to comply with its use during class hours. The II year students are more prone to bunking, disregard and involvement in extra-curricular activities and hence both males and females are quite against the idea of mobile jamming during class hours (as that is when they would require the mobile most!). Again, once students enter III year being more conscientious and exam-oriented, they are more willing to comply with such a possible jam. Therefore the compliance behaviour of students varies greatly with their mental makeup, objectives and peer behaviour which changes from year to year. Universally it was felt that I year and III year responses were more grounded, rational and in keeping with objective decision-making process. C. Provision of Mobile Phones by College: A Possible Solution While camera ban may be partially effective, recurrent programmes and festivals prevent it from becoming fully functional. Mobile jammers (especially of partial formats) can involve huge technological costs and also real costs in terms of time lost in communicating between departments not only for students but also for faculty and other staff. Then what can be done? What we did with laptops/computers; make it available to students. It is obvious that even after successive bans mobiles are being used in the campus. The main reason as we have found is the need to stay in touch with family and friends, due to odd timings, blocks and other transportation  problems, and also as a source of entertainment. So what would be the response of students to a possible offer from the college to provide low end basic phones (all of which nowadays come with FM/Music player) to be used during the period of graduation? The only condition we put was an extra payment of Rs.500 (which can be seen as a refundable caution deposit) at the beginning of the course. And quite surprisingly, without any other incentive, 40% responded in affirmative; they are willing to use this facility. The most promising response came from III years where 50% said yes, and among I years 36%, but it was least in II years at 23%. While 40% may seem as a small number, it is also important to understand that the remaining 60% doesn’t completely disown this scheme. Instead there is a very important group; the ‘Can’t Say’ group. It has always been seen that these are the people who make or break plans. As much as 17% are undecided regarding the adoption of the scheme. They represent the group of people who carefully weigh incentives and take decisions. Since they have not received all information they desist from committing to the programme. On the other hand a string of incentives such as – free connections, group calling cards, self-payment (without interference, atleast at superficial levels, from college), pre-fed numbers for emergencies etc. would considerably shift the 17% towards yes. In case of indecision also we see that the II years are ahead, whereas III years who have confidence in the system, and understanding of the utility of mobiles have least indecision. One can ponder over the cost elements of making such a provision available, but doing that would not fall under the purview of this study. But a general note should be made that most companies would be willing to provide such facilities within the campus at low cost (in case of bulk supply). It is also interesting to note that among the 17% of students who don’t possess mobile phones, 38% (comprising of 60% girls) said yes, an equal number were undecided and only 24% said a strict no. They perhaps represent those students who are totally averse to use of mobile technology itself. Recent reports in newspapers surrounding this debate have also shown that parents are willing to accept such a provision (some parents themselves put  forward this idea). Our survey shows that, if it is implemented when students enter first year itself, there is a high chance of gaining uniformity in mobile usage (preventing any possible demonstration effects), almost completely eliminating camera phones (with the agreement of students), and a knowledge that ultimately it is the property of the college and must be returned with the trust that authorities have reposed in them would decrease chances of misuse. The idea is to come up with an incentivised plan to encourage students to make use of the facility if put into effect. It would also encourage teachers and students to reduce barriers and open all channels of communications at all times. In Conclusion: The mobile technology has undoubtedly spread through the college, but mostly as a utility rather than a luxury. But the fact that it provides outlet for entertainment makes it more endearing for the students. Male students are more likely to venture into the technological sides of the mobile while girls keep it basic. The spending is kept generally within limits of Rs.300/month. Other trends include a majority use of Nokia handsets with pre-paid connections, to communicate with family/friends. A good majority treats mobiles with safety and stay away from dangerous use. But the boys have a greater tendency to take risks in this regard. Generally mobiles are perceived more as a saviour than a danger. There is no possibility hence that they will stop using mobile phones, thereby making a ban ineffective. But logical sense prevails in that they are aware that camera bans are meant for their safety and security. Overall 44% are also tending toward a possible partial (during class hours only) use of mobile jammers as well. But it seems that if the college is willing to invest in low-end mobile phones for students, while it may not ensure 100% compliance and riddance to technology related problems, it can go a long way in ensuring uniformity, constant communications and closer links between authorities and students on the basis of trust and confidence.

Oliver Stones Jfk essays

Oliver Stone's Jfk essays Oliver Stone's JFK (1991) is about the assasination of United States president John F. Kennedy as he passed through Dealy Plaza in Dallas Texas on the 22nd of November, 1963. This film seeks to raise concerns that had been building up for some time about the nature of Kennedy's murder. It is a film that seeks to raise a new myth surrounding the assassination that will, in Stone's own words, "interpret history in order to create lasting universal truths...Our film's mythology...hopefully...will replace the Warren Report, as Gone With the Wind replaced Uncle Tom's Cabin, and was in turn replaced by Roots and The Civil War." (pg. 201, The Cinema of Oliver Stone) The Warren reprt is the official investigation that took place regarding Kennedy's murder which concluded that Kennedy was killed by "lone nut" Lee Harvey Oswald who acted alone in the murder and was in turn killed by vigilante Jack Ruby who was also acting alone. Though this is the official conclusion reached in the case it has been suggested that, even before the movie was made "depending on whose poll you quote, between 55 and 75 percent of Americans today believe there was a conspiracy to kill Kennedy." (Dr. Grover B. Proctor, Jr., The Saginaw News, December 21, 1991) That is to say that, after the conclusion was reached by the Warren report, most Americans found it hard to believe that Oswald was acting alone for a number of reasons and came to their own conclusion that he must have been part of a larger plan: a conspiracy. Stone became interested in the conspiracy surrounding the J.F.K. murder when he read Jim Garrison's book On the Trail of the Assassins (1988). Garrison was the District Attourney of New Orleans at the time of Kennedy's murder who, 3 years after the murder actually took place, began to have suspicions that the Warren commision had not found out the entire truth. This led to his becoming obsessed with the case and eventually bringing New Orleans business m...

Second Grade Science Fair Projects

Second Grade Science Fair Projects Second-graders tend to be very curious. Applying that natural inquisitiveness to a science fair project can yield great results. Look for a natural phenomenon that interests the student and have him or her ask questions about it. Expect to help a second-grade student plan the project, and offer guidance with a report or poster. While its always nice to apply the scientific method, its usually OK for second-graders to make models or perform demonstrations that illustrate scientific concepts. Here are some ideas appropriate for second-graders: Food These are experiments with things we eat: What factors affect the rate at which foods spoil? You can test heat, light, and humidity.Identify the characteristics that distinguish a fruit from a vegetable. Next, use these characteristics to group different produce items.Test eggs for freshness using the float test. Does it always work?Do all types of bread grow the same types of mold?What is the best liquid for dissolving a gummy bear? Try water, vinegar, oil, and other common ingredients. Can you explain the results?Do raw eggs and hard-boiled eggs spin the same length of time and number of times?A mint makes your mouth feel cool. Use a thermometer to see if it actually changes the temperature. Environment These experiments focus on processes in the world around us: Put a pair of old socks over your shoes and go for a walk in a field or a park. Remove the seeds that attach to the socks and try to figure out how they attach to animals and what the plants they come from might have in common.Why doesnt the ocean freeze? Compare the effects of motion, temperature, and wind on freshwater compared with salt water.Collect insects. What types of insects live in your environment? Can you identify them?Do cut flowers last longer if you put them in warm water or cold water? You can test how effectively flowers are drinking water by adding food coloring to it and using white flowers, such as carnations. Do flowers drink warm water faster, slower, or at the same rate as cold water?Can you tell from todays clouds what tomorrows weather will be?Collect a few ants. What foods most attract ants? Least attract them? Household These experiments are about how things work around the house: Do clothes take the same length of time to dry if you add a dryer sheet or fabric softener to the load?Do frozen candles burn at the same rate as candles that were stored at room temperature?Are waterproof mascaras really waterproof? Put some mascara on a sheet of paper and rinse it with water. What happens? Do eight-hour lipsticks really keep their color that long?What type of liquid will rust a nail the quickest? You could try water, orange juice, milk, vinegar, peroxide, and other common household liquids. Miscellaneous Here are experiments in various categories: Do all students take the same size steps (have the same stride)? Measure feet and strides and see if there seems to be a connection.Do most students have the same favorite color?Take a group of objects and categorize them. Explain how the categories were selected.Do all students in the class have the same size hands and feet as each other? Trace outlines of hands and feet and compare them. Do taller students have larger hands and feet or does height not seem to matter?

POPE, ALEXANDER Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

POPE, ALEXANDER - Research Paper Example Indeed, for people with little exposure to the stories, it can be said that Shakespeare himself is doing history even though we do not conventionally read him as a historian. As will be argued in the following, Pope wrote in many genres precisely as an act that intended for us to question the nature or the notion of genre itself. The following will examine his life's works alongside his lifelong concern with genre. Alexander Pope arrived in London in 1705, and was in that early period, a member of the Kit Kat Club. The members of the Kit Kat Club were all writers and included figures of the age, like, William Walsh and Lord Landsdowne [Dennis 200]. While only seventeen at the time that he moved to London, it would not be long before he started to make a mark for himself as a writer. His earliest publications was the Pastorals and An Essay on Criticism which was published second. While his first work did seem receive some praise, it was his work on criticism that first drew significan t attention to himself. A well known critic of the time, referred to Pope's â€Å"rising genius† in relation to his criticism, but his poetry was his primary or most consuming passion as far as writing goes [Bateson and Joukovsky 154]. As the title itself indicates, a 'pastoral' concerns nature, and the individual struggle or relationship with nature. While his ambitions were to be admired and respected as a great poet, it can be argued that the respect he sought was realized more as a consequence of his early book of criticism, or the publication of An Essay on Criticism which was first published in 1711 [Dennis 249]. Pope was a formalist in the eighteenth century sense of the term. As a writer, he was arguably more concerned with the 'form' of the work than the content. There were incredible transformations occurring in his age in terms of challenges being made to traditional or conventional forms or genres of writing. Poetry, in general, was being redeveloped or experiment ed on with the aid of odes, ballads, elegies, satire, parodies, song, and finally, lyrical poetry. As with all genres, there are often areas of cross-over, but for Pope, and many of his contemporaries, the inter-mixing of genres can be described as almost an obsession [Sitter 106]. For Pope, this obsession was fueled or furthered by his interest in translation. Moreover, his interest in a wide variety of writing including Shakespeare. With regard to translation, he rendered into Latin some Greek texts or originally, Greek texts, like Homer's Iliad and the Odyssey. Likewise, the Roman or Latin poet Virgil was a constant source of inspiration for him, but in terms of influencing his literary style, but also as someone whose writings embodied ethical or moral virtues that he admired or could identify with. Following the publication of 'An Essay on Criticism', Pope struck a balance between his study of literature and his exposition of it. His focus on those years, was largely directed t oward writing poetry even though criticism became an ongoing source of study for him. In 1714, 'The Rape of the Lock' was published and it was for Pope, the most impactful piece that he had produced by this time. The first run or first printing, yielded a sale of over three thousand copies, and when it was reprinted in the following year, the response by the book buying populace

Bullying Causes School Violence Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Bullying Causes School Violence - Research Paper Example Bullying involves â€Å"a person’s or a group’s intentional and hurtful action towards one person or more than one person and involves a complex interplay of dominance and social status† (Sutton, Smith, & Swettenham, 1999). Physical violence, slander, and verbal intimidation are just of the few manifestations of bullying. Incidence of bullying are so prevalent in schools that a national estimate of more than 1.5 million students bullying and being bullied on a weekly basis in the United States (Nansel et. al., 2001). By surveying more than 15, 000 students in grades 6 through 10, the researchers found that one in seven students is either a bully or victim. This research was also supported by different self-methodological reports which generally yields that a wide range of bullying prevalence estimated with as many as 75% of youth reported that they are being the target of peer harassment at least occasionally (Olweus, 1993; Cowie & Dawn, 2004; and Sanders & Phye, 2004). Such harassment may include physical contact, verbal assault, making obscene gestures or facial expressions, and being intentionally excluded. Although numerous programs have been created to decrease the violence and harassment occurring at school, there are indications from numerous studies that provide startling results about the frequency of bullying in schools. Such statistics suggest that bullying is quite common and not decreasing (Olweus, 1991; Glew et. al., 1997, and Bradley & Daniels, 2011). Because of this, there is a need to examine the implications of aggression, violence, and bullying among children and young adults across the country. Reactive and Proactive Bullying Because of the growing concerns of the prevalence of bullying in schools, researchers have begun to distinguish... This report approves that bullying is a serious matter involving a substantial number of students. No one knows at this point exactly what caused students such as Charles Andrew Williams, Eric Harris, Dylan Klebold, and Cho Seung-Hui others to shoot and kill their fellow students at school, but bullying is frequently mentioned as a possible contributor. The report released by U.S. Secret service that two thirds of school shootings have been caused by attackers who experienced bullying clearly showed how grave the bullying climate at US schools is. This essay makes a conclusion that bullying may be a barrier that impedes effectiveness of teaching, the primary mission of school personnel, yet recent studies found that evidence-based, whole-school approaches to bullying are rarely implemented in elementary schools. Implementing anti-bullying interventions in the elementary years, before bullying becomes a part of school culture, might improve schools’ ability to carry out their educational mission by improving students’ ability to focus on learning and establishing an atmosphere of respect early on. Well-conducted, comprehensive bullying prevention programs can be effective in reducing the number of bullying incidents and creating a climate that discourages bullying behavior. We should begin to look at bullying as a behavior fraught with inherent violence that can contribute to a horrific cycle of mayhem and at its worst, death of school children in the country. The information presented in this paper provides additional evidence of the need for elementary school personnel to implement bullying prevention programs, not only to prevent school shootings but also to prevent potential barriers to providing education: student feelings of lack of safety, belonging, and sadness.

Modern World Cinema Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Modern World Cinema - Essay Example In the past two and a half decades movie industry in Nigeria was in bad shape, most films produced then were of very poor Quality, just a few exceptions like those produced by Late Actors and producers, by name Chief Hubert Ogunde and Moses Olaiya a.k.a Baba Sala.These two actors took Nigeria movie across the Globe and they were largely applauded for their immense contribution to the Nigerian movie Industry. The films produced by Hubert Ogunde include Aiye and Jaiyesimi, all these films were masterpieces of their own time, and today these films are still available at special occasions in cinemas all over the country. Chief Hubert Ogunde single-handedly built a film village in Musan, Ogun State in Nigeria. The film village is equipped with state of the art African artifacts required to give Nigerian films the necessary African background and other required parafinaliars, the Structure is still there today for use.

In Search of Shakespeare Summary

In Search of Shakespeare Summary This documents first episode begins while looking at the London Gate Bridge and London as a whole. The narrator begins by describing William Shakespeare as the greatest author of all time and how we know so little of his life. Michael Wood (the narrator) begins by walking up an ancient road towards where Shakespeare grew up. He heads into an archive of English history to learn more of Shakespeare from the policed state of England that he grew up in. He describes what he intends to describe, for instance where Shakespeares company did its original plays and his summons for grievance and bodily harm. Shakespeares life began in Stratford England, and the tale begins with William Shakespeares (son of John and Mary Shakespeare) baptism record in the parish register at Stratford-on-Avon. He had two deceased siblings, and was his parents first child to grow to adolescence. He was born in the mid 16th century during religious conflict, when the religion of the nation had changed numerous times by the Tudors whom ruled England. It changed by Henry to Protestant from Catholic, back to Catholic with his daughter Mary and then back to protestant by his next daughter Elizabeth, all in the matter of twelve years. Shakespeare was born at the beginning of Elizabeths reign. The Shakespeares were originally country farmers, some of the lingo that Shakespeare used in his plays originated from these beginnings. He was not a peasant, his mother had a long standing family history, and in fact his maternal grandfather was a rich farmer whom had passed away before Elizabeth came to the throne. His family had initially been loyal to the old faith (Catholicism). However, his father was ambitious and thus moved from the country. John Shakespeare was a glove maker with a modern middle class home with the latest in designs. William Shakespeare was raised in a fairly well to do home. John Shakespeare was elected a town counselor when William was one. John Shakespeare was required to maintain Elizabeths will and was forced to deface with whitewash the medieval Catholic paintings in their local perish. John was then elected mayor when William was four. William started school at the age of seven, when over one hundred and sixty new schools were opened. William was taught six days a week, by teachers chosen by the town council in the local school, primarily religion and Latin. He fell in love with the theatre here, and may have partaken in the play Ralph Roister Doister. John Shakespeare had clients all around England and made a lot of money, not all was legal. John was an illegal wool dealer (brogger); wool was monopolized by the government. He had also done illegal activities in the form of lending money for profit. William later fell in love with the mystery plays that told old stories from the bible. William used them as inspiration in his own plays. William went onto a further school at age nine where he was introduced to poetry. However, at the age of twelve Williams parents began losing their money and Johns business was faltering. First, the government was cracking down on illegal wool dealers and second, John stops going to council meetings possibly due to his religious reasons and withdraws William from school. William was forced to work for his fathers leather business. Around this time Catholics and Protestants are virtually forced into a figurative battle for the soul of England. Many people were hauled in by Elizabeth, including Williams father John, for natural security. He is eventually released. At this time, William was eighteen (in 1582) and he fell in love with an older woman named Ann Hathaway who was the daughter of his fathers business partner. He was married to Ann Wately under the name of William Shaxspeare on November 30th 1582 because Ann was pregnant. People often speculate that Ann Hathaway and Ann Wately were different people; however it is believed that it is actually a clerical error. He gained his marriage license on November 27th, 1582. William composed a sonnet for his wedding, a poem addressed to his new wife Ann Hathaway. Ann gave birth five months later to a daughter, Susanna and lived with Williams parents and younger siblings. Under legend, William apparently later poached a dear that belonged to a local lord. Apparently William was beaten and banned from town. The narrator then gives us another theory as to why William was banished from the town when he was nineteen. On the 26th of October that year, Shakespeares cousin Summerville announced that Queen Elizabeth was a heretic and that he planned on murdering her. Elizabeth turned to the local lord whom had Williams mothers family arrested. Williams cousin, his family, and his relative Edward Ardin (the head of Williams mothers family) and his family were sentenced to death. Episode two begins by analyzing Shakespeares lost ten years in which little information is known. The current theory is that William changed his name to William Shakeshaft and found a job in Lancasier. It is theorized based on the word of one of the actors of Shakespeares playhouse whom said that Shakespeare once worked as a teacher in the country that William may have taught in Lancasier. It is known that William was in Stratford-upon-Avon on February 2nd, 1585 when his twins were baptized, Hamlet and Judith which were named after their catholic god parents. He was the main source of income for the family and he lived in a small house with his wife, children, siblings and parents. On September 6th 1586, John Shakespeare is removed as an alderman of the town for no longer attending the sessions. In the summer of 1587, good news came to William. The queens royal company came to Stratford-upon-Avon for political and propaganda purposes. Two of the actors, William Nell and John Town, got into an argument in which William Nell attempted to kill John Town. Instead Town stabbed him in apparent self defense and Nell passed away. So the company was one man short and missing a young male actor. It is believed that William Shakespeare joined the Queens men (company) at this point and left his family. After the war with the Spanish armada, William comes to London with the Queens men. At this point, he breaks off to become a writer. He lived in a middle class section of town. His company first performed at the first amphitheatre ever built. At this point, a theatre revolution was underway, lead by the University educated Christopher Marlowe who is believed to have been gay, hip, iconoclastic. Williams first play was the tragedy Titus Andronicus. Meanwhile, Marlowe had been hired as a spy. He was not secretive. Marlowe spoke of joining the Catholic side and counterfeited money. On March 3rd, 1592 Harry the sixth was Shakespeares first boxoffice number one. This is when he becomes bigger than Marlowe. Shakespeare however received a bad review for being an uneducated play write, rather than a university wit. However, in early 1593 many play writes and printers were executed or tortured for treason or heresy. Marlow himself was murdered, it was claimed to have been in self defense according to three witnesses. Shakespeare however did not believe it. It was shortly after this that Shakespeare added to his trilogy in the form of Richard III. The next episode entitled The Duty of Poets begins by claiming that the stage was dominated for the next twenty years by Shakespeare. The question for the narrator was what made him the most popular play write of the time, rather than the other young play writes of the time? In 1593 plague strikes the streets of London and the play houses are closed. At this time, Shakespeares distant cousin whom was loyal to Catholicism writes the new manifesto of English poetry which was a challenge to Shakespeare. This challenge states that poetry is not for the purpose of love or entertainment, but rather to glorify God. Shakespeare had no interest in this, however when the plague struck he was forced to seek other forms of income. He seeks employment as a published author of a poem Venos and Adonis which became a best seller. This poem did not focus on God, but rather on love. This poem was dedicated to Henry Earl of Southampton in order to gain money and prestige. In 1594, Shakespeare began a new acting company. His cousin whom had written for him the challenge of writing for God was killed shortly after for being a supporter of Catholicism. It is said that his friends visited Queen Elizabeth after his death and gave her a book as a gift, inside of it contained his letter to Shakespeare. It apparently moved the queen and struck her to grief. Shortly after this incident, Shakespeare wrote his first great Tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Shortly thereafter, Hamlet, Shakespeares only son, died at the age of eleven. Shakespeare underwent a period of grief, but bought the second largest house in Stratford-upon-Avon, but it was in disarray. He also applied for a coat of arms for his father, in order to make his father a gentleman. It is believed these acts were a form of apology for not being there when his family needed him the most. His fathers coat of arms was approved and William became a gentleman. William is also known to have written numerous sonnets for a boy, it is widely debated but it is believed that they are autobiographical and about his own son. Sonnet 33 clearly emphasizes this. In 1597 the theaters, under the direction of the government for sedition, were closed. William was also under penalty of the government because of tax evasion. Later in that year he is in trouble for threatening mutilation and murder because he got into the middle of battles between landlords. In this time of darkness for William, he fell in love with a dark skinned musical married woman while he was still married to Ann. She became his mistress and she wrote of her in sonnets, such as sonnet 128. She is believed to have been a dark skinned Venetian Jew by the name of Amelia. He writes in his sonnets that he was struck with grief and desire; however despite this painful time in his life he wrote three new plays and numerous poems. In 1598, Shakespeare moved his theatre and company to the Southbank. It was called The Globe and opened in 1599. In 1600, the Earl of Essex was aware of the power of the theatre. He wished to overtake the queen, and requested Shakespeare to perform Richard II with a very dangerous scene on the overthrowing of the King. Unfortunately for Essex he spent too much time picking a clean shirt and thus was late for his own event. His revolt failed, and he and his men were arrested. Shakespeares company was interrogated at this time. None were punished; however they were commanded to perform Richard II before her as they had on their own stage. To add to all of this, the war of the poets was to begin. Shakespeare was now at war with a new style of theatre, a theatre performed strictly by boys. Shakespeares response to these plays was Twelfth Night. In Hamlet, Shakespeare makes a snide comment about the boys theatre. Hamlet became the next big thing, and won the War of the Poets. To add to the controversy, Shakespeare wrote Othello, which is believed to been about race. Shakespeare was well aware that both black and white people intermarrying, and wrote of one of these relationships in Othello. He makes his black male Othello into his tragic hero. In the final episode, entitled For All Time, the tale of Shakespeare continues in 1603. In March 1603 Elizabeth dies. She was childless and without an heir, so the throne went to her half sisters son whom united Great Britain, King James. King James appreciated poets and play writes, and thus Shakespeare was placed on the royal payroll. Shakespeare found himself in a public role during the coronation of King James. William was one of the ushers of the canopy; however he wrote in his sonnets that this was merely a gesture and not meaning anything. To add, Shakespeare and his band of Kings men were required to entertain the King for two weeks straight during every Christmas. In response for a plot to kill the royal family, Shakespeare wrote a play called Macbeth. Theatres were further censored and plays rewritten to have no further obscenities. A year after the terrorist plot, the government required all catholics to undergo protistent communion or else face heavy fines, for which Shakespeares twenty-three-year-old daught Susanna faced. Shakespeare at this time wrote the play King Lear in response to a king that destroys his own kingdom through unethical and vein actions to strike cord with King Richard. The next year Shakespeares daughter Susanna married a protestant doctor after falling in love with him. Shakespeare then became a grandfather. His son-in-law was a fairly open minded man whom treated anyone who needed treating, and was a modest protestant. The day after Susannas wedding, an uprising of the Diggers occurred to argue with their land being taken by rich land owners. They were struck down; however, Shakespeare used their movement as an underlying theme in his next play. To add, Shakespeares company opened a second theatre in London. Shakespeare began to consistently communicate with scientists and philosophers. It is believed that he was told a story of a shipwreck and he turned this story into his final solo play, The Tempest. This play is believed to contain autobiographical elements, and is about a man with supernatural powers that strikes at his enemies, but later forgives them and his daughter marries the son of his enemy. This could suggest that Shakespeare returned to Stratford-upon-Avon. The next spring it is known that he returned to his wife Ann back in Stratford-upon-Avon. In 1613, Shakespeare buys a large house in London which was once a safe haven for the Catholic underground. He continues to write with a coauthor, and wrote Henry VIII (All is True). The Globe theatre was burnt down accidently during a performance of Henry VIII (All is True) in 1614, it is believed that Shakespeare then left the theatre business and sold his share in the company to return to his wife in Stratford-upon-Avon. At the age of 51 in 1616 Shakespeare became ill and passed away. The legend goes that he died of a fever after a drunken fit with friends. He died on April 23rd, 1616. It is speculated from his will that he didnt love his wife as he gave her nothing but a bed, however, it is speculated that this was not a sign of a lack of love. Most was left to his eldest daughter Susanna. Response to In Search of Shakespeare This documentary was a touching and informing tribute to Shakespeare. I felt this documentary focused on what we know about Shakespeare, and while there was a fair amount of speculation, the speculations were not extreme nor were they far stretched such as to suggest that Shakespeare did not write his own plays. I learnt much of Shakespeares life. I did not know that Shakespeare had been a poor young man, uneducated beyond the age of twelve, and married as a teenager. I had always thought Shakespeare to be an eternal romantic, giving wondrous gifts and love to the woman that he fancied. However, despite being a fantastic author of romance, he seemed to lack romance in his life beyond his twenties and the elicit affair he had with a married woman. While we do not know how much time he spent with his wife Ann Hathaway, I was shocked to learn that he had lived apart from her for so many years. I found the history of Shakespeares plays, including those that we studied in this course, interesting. I had not fully realized that plays such as Twelfth Night, Hamlet, King Lear, and Henry VIII were written with motives. I have a new respect for the craftiness of Shakespeare, managing political satire as well as forthright claims against and warnings for the different monarchs of his time. He managed to escape religious persecution, which seemed again to result from his cunning mind. What I found most interesting about this documentary is that is interwove Shakespeare into the fabric of the Elizabethan times. Rather than just focus on Shakespeares biography, it gave foundation information about the times that goes beyond Shakespeare. I learnt much of Elizabeths times and religious insecurities, and King James turn from the liberal new age king to another king of religious persecution. I believe that Shakespeares death was premature. After finding much about his life, it saddens me that he died so soon after retiring and returning to his wife and family. While maybe his love for his wife was not strong, which is purely speculation, I am a true romantic in that I had hoped he would return and live out a fulfilling long life with his wife. However, I do not believe he lived long enough to truly see the impact of his words and in this I believe the world lost its greatest author of all history.