Informal Essay

I received an education from elementary school through college in Shanghai, China. As Shanghai is an international city, its education authorities greatly value the importance of English learning and English is thus one of the mandatory subjects taught beginning in elementary school. Chinese students can score high marks and even outscore native English speakers on tests such as the GRE and GMAT, but on writing sections, Chinese students’ performance lags far behind the average. Why does this happen?What should be the proper teaching strategy in an ESL/EFL writing classroom? This paper shares my perspectives on English writing, teaching, and learning, based on my own experiences. My English writing classes started in middle school. Before that, my English classes mostly emphasized the teaching of vocabulary and grammar. However, even though I was now a middle school student, English writing was still not treated as an important part of English learning. There was no separate E nglish writing class.Once or twice every month, my English teacher would give us a 40-minute English writing lecture. The ironic thing is, as I see it today, this lecture was still more of a reading class than a writing class, because most of the time my teacher would assign us a certain amount of reading, ask us to underline the sentences we thought were â€Å"good† and write them into our notebooks. Although I agree that reading is the foundation of writing, I disapprove of this way of teaching writing.In my second year of middle school, teachers started to â€Å"formally† teach writing. We would be given certain simple topics to write about such as â€Å"The most unforgettable thing in your life† or â€Å"My family†. To begin the writing task, my teacher would first read several examples and carefully help the class analyze why each composition was excellent and explain what we should be aware of when writing about this topic. Another thing worth menti oning is that these examples were usually assigned as rote learning.The only criteria for a composition included length, absence of spelling or grammar mistakes, and the use of new vocabulary. As we can see, the content of the compositions was completely overlooked; instead, grammar and vocabulary alone still played the key roles in our writing education. Limiting the scope of this paper, I will not continue on with a summary of my high school and college English writing education, because I believe these early xperiences already suffice to represent the usual methods of teaching writing in China. Today, whenever I reflect on my past learning experiences in writing, I meet with some difficult emotions. I can say I am a skilled writer in my native language, but I still lack confidence in English writing. I feel I am a victim of English education in China because I always have a hard time outputting what is in my mind with decent English. Whenever that difficulty arises, I feel awful, as if I am linguistically and cognitively deficient.Also, having been educated for so long in China, where repeatedly writing model compositions is the fundamental approach in improving writing, another weakness of my writing is its lack of creativity and critical thinking. My thoughts are restricted into a limited space and I am just accustomed to recalling whatever is already filed in my repertoire of writing expressions, drawn from those model compositions. One year ago, I enrolled in a GRE writing course in Shanghai to prepare for my GRE test in which the only materials handed out were two books.One was a 28-page book with all kinds of model sentences this organization had arranged in a list, and the second was a thick book covering all the likely topics (about 130 topics in all) to be tested in the GRE writing section with sample compositions. Although the instructor offered some insightful writing skills, the implication was obvious to everyone—for those unable to writ e a composition themselves, just repeat the sample sentences and compositions; hopefully, the topic you are tested on happens to be the one you have learned by rote.Having undergone these frustrations and confusions in English writing, I realized that good English writing skills do not come from popular writing instruction books, no matter how appealing the titles—whether â€Å"Learn to Write in 10 Minutes,† or â€Å"Be a Writing King,† one cannot develop into a skilled writer by simply memorizing the tips they offer or memorizing the sentences they list. You can never become a skilled writer by only recalling sample compositions, or even by focusing only on correct grammar and spelling.From my own experience, I do benefit from reading books and newspapers written by native English speakers and recording the brilliant sentences or ideas from these resources. This might be the only aspect of the Chinese English education system I applaud, and I still keep this ha bit today. However, it should never be the sole method of learning. The second strategy I recommend to ESL writing students is to reject whatever appears first in their mind when searching for writing resources, because this might also be another’s first choice.Seven out of ten students might choose Marie Curie for the topic â€Å"Female Scientists;† erase the thought of Marie Curie and instead choose Ada Byron or Rosalind Franklin. You need to think carefully in order to make your compositions outstanding from others’ and leave your readers with a lasting impression. In my opinion, not everyone can produce the superior sentences or command the vast vocabulary of Mark Twain, but we can certainly distinguish ourselves by our content.Having practiced English writing for several years, I think the two most salient differences from my Chinese writing style and English writing style are the writing tone and the method of organizing a composition. Chinese writing styl es are typically reserved while American styles are more often straightforward. Chinese people pursue collectivism while Americans value individualism. To most Chinese, maintaining harmonious interpersonal relationships is vitally important.Moreover, the Chinese government exerts invisible power over people through words, so people are cautious in expressing their opinions in order to avoid unnecessary trouble. As a result, My Chinese writing style is relatively more tactful than my English writing. I tend to call for the collective good in the last sentence of my Chinese compositions. In contrast, when I write in English, I prefer to express my voice without worrying about breaking harmony with others because I know individual rights are highly recognized in Western society.The second difference between my Chinese writing and English writing is the method of organizing compositions. The basic English composition structure follows the pattern of introduction-body-conclusion while th e Chinese structure is characterized as beginning-following-turning-concluding, which is the same as the Japanese style. The turning section is expected to be surprising, and the whole composition reaches its climax at this point. This also is related to what I have mentioned above—collectivism and individualism.When writing in Chinese, I like to make my writing beautiful, lively and ornate for my readers. In other words, I feel I have responsibility for my readers and hope they will regard reading my writings as an enjoyment. However, when writing in English, all I think about is how to make my ideas clear to my readers. From my personal experiences of learning and writing in English, I can see what an influential role culture plays in writing in a second language. My students might come from different cultural backgrounds and hold different beliefs.These all have a great influence over both what they write and how they write. As an ESL instructor, I think my job is not simp ly to teach them to comply with the Western way of writing and tell them to reject their original ways of writing. Instead, I think what is valuable for ESL instructors to know is how to guide our students toward writing truly excellent compositions. Their writing must be clear enough to be appreciated by the Western world, but should also maintain the cultural characteristics of their native language writing, because multiculturalism enriches our writing, bringing it color and vibrancy.

Symbolism in Janus

4 Jonathan Whidden English 1900B Ian McAdam September 29th,2012 Symbolism in Janus â€Å"The bowl was just a bowl†. (Beattie 455) In the short story â€Å"Janus† writer Anne Beattie uses a simple bowl to be the central focus of symbolism in the story. The bowl can be interpreted to mean or symbolize many different things. The bowl belongs to the protagonist of the story Andrea, a successful real estate agent who is married to her husband of many years. It has been argued that the bowl symbolizes everything from the life that Andrea lives or the world that Andrea lives in.Though there are strong arguments for these arguments among many others, I believe the strongest evidence of what the bowl symbolizes is a personality or traits of a character that repeats itself throughout the story. This character is not so coincidentally the title of the short story â€Å"Janus†. In the following essay I will argue that the bowl symbolizes an ancient god by the name of â€Å" Janus† and all of his traits powers or attributes. Beattie uses the bowl to symbolize all of the traits of the ancient god thru the life of our protagonist Andrea.To begin we must examine who this god was believed to be so we can relate it to the story. â€Å"Janus is the Roman god of gates and doors, beginnings and endings, and hence represented with a double-faced head, each looking in opposite directions. He was worshipped at the beginning of the harvest time, planting, marriage, birth, and other types of beginnings, especially the beginnings of important events in a person's life. Janus also represents the transition between primitive life and civilization, between the countryside and the city, peace and war, and the growing-up of young people. †(Janus) 4As mentioned above, it is no coincidence that Beattie chose this title. The two faces Janus the god has is a symbolism in itself, it symbolizes deceit as I interpret two-facedness as being deceitful or as Beattie wr ites â€Å"tricked†. We will learn that Andrea herself, proves to be deceitful and deceived, she is tricked herself. Andrea also is also stuck between two different life's as we come to learn. She is stuck in the middle of new beginnings and endings in her relationships. Andrea seems unsure or lacks he courage to decide which path she would like to take. Andrea's life had many doorways she could ave opened, unfortunately for Andrea, she stays on the doorstep. There are two important factors of Andrea's life that the bowl plays a major part in, her social life and her professional life. Let's begin with Andrea's social life. Andrea is married to her husband of several years. Though Andrea and her husband have been together for a few years, they have no children together. Andrea and her husband both have their own successful careers as Andrea is a real estate agent and her husband a stock broker. For all the financial success they enjoy, their marriage was far from perfect.Both Andrea and her husband are a lot alike yet distant from each other. â€Å"They were both quiet people- reflective, slow to make value judgments. † (Beattie 455) Their relationship is where the symbolism of bowl comes into play, the bowl was a gift from a former lover of Andrea's. The bowl was actually a gift from a former lover. â€Å"She had first seen the bowl several years earlier, at a crafts fair she had visited half in secret, with her lover. † (Beattie 456) Andrea hid the origins of the bowl from her husband which is evidence of her two-facedness, â€Å"There were times where she wanted to talk to her usband about the bowl. † (Beattie 455)The fact that Andrea has kept the origins of bowl rom her husband is an example of her deception. It also shows an unwillingness to let go of the past. If Andrea wanted to rid herself of the memories of this former relationship, would she not rid herself of all gifts or memories from the relationship? Instead she grows an unhealthy attachment to the bowl over time, valuing it over her relationship with her husband. Communications issues are just the start of the 4 problem with Andrea. Andrea is not without guilt, she does show an urge to talk to her husband about he bowl, however her fear and the consequences that could come from it were stronger. Doors would be opened and closed, perhaps she would have to let go of the bowl, something she seems unwilling to do. Her relationship ended with her lover because of her indecision, her unwillingness to start something new and close the door on her marriage. â€Å" Her lover said that she was always too slow too know what she really loved.Why continue with her life the way it was? Why be two-faced, he asked her. He had made the first move toward her. When she would not decide in his favour, would not hange her life and come to him, he asked her what made her think she could have it both ways. † (Bettie 456) Beattie gives us strong evidence of the symbolism of the bowl. Andrea's career is the other important aspect of her life where the bowl greatly influences her decisions and contains more strong evidence of its symbolism. As mentioned, Andrea is a successful real estate agent. â€Å"(She had a very profitable year selling real estate.Word spread, and she had more clients than she felt comfortable with. † (Beattie 455) Andrea used the bowl as well as other â€Å"tricks† to help her in her career, or so she thought. When she thought that some prospective buyers might be dog lovers, she would drop off her dog at the same time she would place the bowl in the house that was up for sale. † It can be argued that there is nothing morally wrong with these â€Å"tricks† that Andrea used to sell houses, I would agree. Yet the real deception comes from the bowl itself. Andrea has allowed the bowl to take credit for work she has done, allowing the bowl to deceive her.â€Å"She was sure that the bowl brought her luck†. (Beattie 455 Bids were often put in on houses where she had displayed the bowl. There is no evidence at all to suggest that the bowl influences the sale of the house. There is no question that customers like the look of the bowl, some even inquiring on where the bowl came from. â€Å"Once Andrea got a call from a woman who had not put in an offer on a house she had shown her. That bowl, she said- would it be possible to find out where the owners had bought that 4 beautiful bowl. Andrea pretended that she did not know what the woman was referring to. † (Beattie 454)This is more evidence of Andrea's two-facedness or deceit, ill will intended or not, Andrea is not ompletely honest with her clients. Unfortunately for Andrea, she allows the bowl to deceive her, convincing her that it is the reason she closes so many houses. How could a bowl do this, â€Å"The bowl was just a bowl. † (Beattie 455) I do believe Beattie shifts the meaning of the bowl throughou t the story. At times the bowl represents Andrea's life, how material things are the only things she values, it shows a dependency on material things because of her passionless marriage. Other times the bowl represents her inability to make a decision or to let go of her past relationship.It symbolizes her fear of choosing a path, choosing a door, closing relationships and starting new. Andrea instead allows the bowl to dictate her decisions. As mentioned above, arguments can and have be made for many different meanings . the bowl always returns to its roots. It came from a hidden relationship, it is used to â€Å"trick† home buyers. The bowl is a representation of a past relationship, one she had an opportunity to start a new life with, yet she didn't. She is stuck in the middle of two doors, two paths. There is no beginning or end for Andrea because she evidently lacks the courage or .The bowl represents the two-faced nature of Andrea, her trickery her two relationships. It deceives Andrea in convincing her that it is the reason for her success. â€Å"The bowl was just a bowl†. (Beattie 455) All these examples directly symbolize the traits or attributes of the ancient god â€Å"Janus† Works Cited 1. Beattie, Ann. â€Å"Janus. † The Norton Introduction to Literature. Ed. Allison Booth, Kelly J. Mays. New York: Norton, 2010. 453-456. 2. â€Å"Janus. † Encyclopedia Mythica. 2012. Encyclopedia Mythica Online. 01 Oct. 2012 ;www. pantheon. org/articles/j/janus. html;.

Homeless in America Research Paper Essay

We see them all the time. Homeless people sit at street corners, holding signs, and asking for money or food. We may look at them, choose to ignore, or choose to give, but for many of the homeless, this has become their way of life. The reason I chose this topic was because of my recent volunteer work with the Salvation Army and Thrift Store in Grand Forks. I have seen people in desperate situations and heard some stories while working with community service members during my time at the Salvation Army. I also personally worked with a homeless man every day at the Salvation Army. He was in his 50’s, tall, gray hair and a large build. He always wore layers of clothes which appeared dirty and worn. He never mentioned to me that he was homeless, but it was told to me by one of the other workers. I was also told that he often slept in the truck that was loaded daily with clothes to be sent over to Minneapolis. He always had such a positive attitude about his job, working for the S alvation Army. People in his situation are another reason I wanted to do research on the history and current epidemic of homeless in America. Locally there is not nearly enough shelter for the homeless. The cost of rent, even in this town, has increased dramatically. In order to afford an apartment, you must save more than a thousand dollars much of time. It is not an easy cycle to get out off, as many people think. As we have learned in class, women and children stay in different locations than the men, which means that families cannot stay together. Often, this fact leads families to sleep in their vehicles in order to stay together. There are many different reasons and causes for homelessness in America. Drug use is one of the earliest factors in homelessness. After the Civil War, morphine and heroin could be purchased from Sears and Roebucks catalogs. Hundreds of thousands of war veterans became addicted, and the addiction spread throughout America. The drugs were finally crimin alized,  but the damage had been done. The three common terms, â€Å"hobo†, â€Å"tramp†, and â€Å"bum† came out of this era. Racial divides also still occur in the areas of healthcare, education, access to mortgages, and access to equal paying jobs among many others. Unless some type of intervention occurs, generational issues are often the rule and not the exception. Living in poverty creates depression, which can lead to drug use, alcoholism, and neglect of self and others. Poverty was a well-known issue during the Civil War and many children ended up homeless and in orphanages simply because their parents, or remaining parent, could not afford to take care of them. War often leads to loss of life, and therefore loss of income in families, especially during this time. Our country was still newly formed and there were no social welfare programs as of yet. Further along in history, during the Great Depression, jobs were lost, and the rates of homeless again, increased throughout America. Natural Dis asters are another factor in the homelessness problem. The Great Chicago Fire, The San Francisco earthquake, the massive flooding of the Mississippi in the 1920s from Ohio through New Orleans displaced over 1.3 million people. The Drought of the 30s in Oklahoma and Texas, Hurricane Katrina, are just a few examples of disasters that affected millions of people’s households. The snowball effect of unemployment and poverty attribute to homelessness. People living in generational poverty, for example, may not have the knowledge or resources to become educated and move out of poverty. People living in generational poverty do not have the resources and support to become educated and move out of poverty. In 2011, the official rate of poverty in America was 15.0%, which is 46.2 million. Another category of homeless is the very people who fought for our country: Veterans. One in three homeless people are veterans. The vast majority is single men (97%). In fact, 40% of the male homeless population is war veterans. A large percentage of these veterans (76%) experience alcohol, drug or mental health problems.3 Poverty was a well-known issue at this time and many children ended up homeless and in orphanages simply because their parents could not afford to take care of them. During the Great Depression, jobs were lost, and the rates of homeless again, increased throughout America. Natural Disasters are another factor in the homelessness problem. The Great Chicago Fire, The San Francisco earthquake, the massive  flooding of the Mississippi in the 1920s from Ohio through New Orleans displaced over 1.3 million people. The Drought of the 30s in Oklahoma and Texas, Hurricane Katrina, are just a few examples of disasters that affected millions of people’s households. T he snowball effect of unemployment and poverty attribute to homelessness. People living in generational poverty, for example, may not have the knowledge or resources to become educated and move out of poverty. People living in generational poverty do not have the resources and support to become educated and move out of poverty. In 2011, the official rate of poverty in America was 15.0%, which is 46.2 million. Many of the homelessness are those we do not see on street corners, asking for help. Locally, the North Dakota Coalition for Homeless People reports information regarding the homeless in North Dakota. A statewide January 25, 2012 Point-in-Time Survey of 972 Homeless People indicated: 6% stayed outside, in cars, in abandoned buildings the night of the survey 66% stayed in emergency shelters or transitional supportive housing 16% were precariously housed in motels or doubled up with family or friends and at imminent risk of being on the street 65% (635) were unaccompanied individ uals 35% (337) were families, including 189 children under the age of 18 59% cannot afford rent, even if they have some income 48% were unemployed 36% had alcohol or drug abuse problems 35% had a mental illness Who are the homeless in America? More than 42% of those accessing emergency shelter are families, and, on average these families remain in emergency shelters for 70 days, longer than either single women or single men. The primary reason for family homelessness is the lack of affordable housing, though poverty, unemployment, low-paying jobs, family disputes, substance abuse, and other factors all play significant roles in family homelessness. Recent statistics indicate that 26% of those suffering from homelessness are considered â€Å"severely mentally ill;† 19% are employed; 15% are victims of domestic violence; 13% are physically disabled; 13 are veterans; and 2% are HIV positive. Children are also not exempt from the issue of homelessness. We may not see them on the streets, but families with children are the largest growing segment of the homeless population. The education of these  children is also affected by this lack of stability. Many times, because of the lack of a permanent residence, children miss or change schools, disrupting their education. According to the Institute for Children and Poverty, homeless children are nine times more likely to repeat a grade, four times more likely to drop out of school, and three times more likely to be placed in special education programs than their housed peers. Runaway youth are also at a high level of risk for homelessness. Homeless and runaway youth had been interviewed after getting into trouble with the law while out on the streets. It was found that some young people felt like they had to make mistakes before they realized they needed help. Rather than learning from seeing their friends get into trouble, they had to try out risky behavior themselves and see the consequences first hand.1 The desire to self-help is key to helping homeless of any age, especially the teenager who often feels like he/she is old enough to take care of his/her self. In this same study, there were three main things that were key to helping out these youth. The first was that the programs designed for runaway and homeless youth need to be flexible and person-centered. The second is that people are more valuable than programs and that process is more important than outcomes. The third is the importance of family and friends. Even after these kids leave or abandon their homes, these relationships often need healing. Homelessness is a national problem and is not exclusive to cities. Rural areas make up 7 percent of the population. Catastrophic life events can trigger homelessness. There is a quote from a publication called â€Å"Starting Point Community Analysis† that states â€Å"We are all one life event away from homelessness.† For many of low income families, this is a true statement. Single moms in America have grown dramatically over the past 50 years. This has created an epidemic of poverty in our country. So many factors contribute to homelessness, many of which are unavoidable. Personal accounts of the homeless in America stated the intense loneliness of being homeless. Because of this loneliness, many single homeless people turn to drugs or alcohol for comfort and a way to escape their current situation. One homeless man stated that once an employer found out he had no phone, no vehicle, and no residence, his application was thrown away. Without  assistance, many of thes e people give up hope on anything better for themselves. It is not as easy as â€Å"getting a job†, as many people are quick to say when seeing a homeless person begging on the street. It is an epidemic of the young, the old, the educated, and the uneducated. Many of these homeless stay out of sight. As social workers, we can provide information on assistance and programs that are available through the state and government. Many of these people simply need a hand up and do not know where to start. By working with these organizations, we can get started on helping via drug/alcohol programs, psychiatric care, financial resources, career and housing assistance. On a micro level, we may need to start with the basic needs of the homeless person. Shelter is the first need to be addressed, but the reasons behind being homeless also have to be addressed. There is usually a root of the problem when it comes to homelessness. Some examples may be a recent divorce, addiction, mental illn ess, or loss of employment. Even the smallest factor can change someone’s life and create a chain of events that they never planned for or saw coming. Also on the micro level we can work as counselors or referrals to health care professionals such as psychiatrists. For those homeless with mental illness, a facility and/or medication may be something that will help them to function in society. Also, introducing the homeless to any programs or help that is available in their local area would be an example of micro level social work. There are a vast array of concerns and reasons for homeless that need to be addressed. On a mezzo level, we may work with organizations such as http://www.endhomelessness.org, http://nationalhomeless.org , or more locally, www.ndhomelesscoalition.org to help raise money to help homeless people in need and further the current help of these organizations. On a macro level, we could work to campaign to raise government funding and policy changes for th e homeless in America. An example would be shelter for families to go to together. This is not available locally right now. Homelessness is a country-wide issue. It does not discriminate. From the wealthiest, to those who have lost everything due to the failing economy, to the poorest who grew up having nothing, homelessness is an epidemic that spans the history of our nation. References 1. Kurtz, P. D. P. D., Lindsey, E. P. D., Jarvis, S. M. E. ,. S., & Nackerud, L. P. D. (2000). How runaway and homeless youth navigate troubled waters: The role of formal and informal helpers. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 17(5), 381-402. Retrieved from http://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1007507131236 2. Heidi, M. (2011, November 16). The history of homelessness in america 1640s to present. Retrieved from http://www.dceh.org/the-history-of-homelessness-in-america-1640s-to-present/ 3. http://www.supporthomelessveterans.org/statistics.html 4. http://www.ndhomelesscoalition.org/what_we_do/facts.html 5. http://nationalhomeless.org/about-homelessness/ http://www.supporthomelessveterans.org/statistics.html

Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin - Essay Example His stepmother gave birth to seven children, three in Ecton and four after they had immigrated to Boston. However, after the demise of his mother, his polygamous father married a second wife, Abiah Folger, who bore ten children, bringing the total number of siblings to seventeen. This was at a time when America was a colony of Great Britain. As a result of the abject poverty that had ravaged the British colonies during this time, and bearing in mind the many siblings in the family, Benjamin attended Boston Latin school, a clergy school for a couple of years and was forced to end his studies prematurely due to lack of money. Contrary to this, his passion for acquisition of more knowledge, like all his brothers, grew by the day due to interest in books and the zeal for writing. Though his father had been against it from the start, he finally gave way after realizing his son’s undying enthusiasm for writing and the expense of college education, (Woodworth, 1). He finally took him to a school for writing and arithmetic where he really excelled in the former. Realizing he could not further his sons education, his father absorbed him into his tallow-chandler business newly acquired profession in New England. This sharpened his guidance skills especially when they went to forays with the boys in the sea. His zeal for reading grew by the day. All little money he got was spent on books with some of his first collections being John Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress and R. Burton's Historical Collections.(Woodworth, 3) The inception of a printing business by his brother James on his return to England further exposed him to a variety of books. He was made his apprentice and through this, he made many acquaintances like Mathew Adams, a resourceful businessperson, who exposed him to variety of books in his library collections, majorly poetry. His writing skills improved immensely for example when he wrote his first poetry of The Lighthouse Tragedy .This was further enhanced by acquisition of the book, Spectator and the inception of his brothers first newspaper, New England Courant, which he secretly contributed to under the disguise of Mrs. Silence Do-good. These articles attracted a lot of publicity in town and he eventually broke ties with his brother after he discovered the popular correspondent was his brother (Woodworth, 3) His journey to Philadelphia saw him work in different printing shops where he nurtured the idea of starting his own printing firm. With support from Sir William Keith, the then Pennsylvania governor, to travel to London to acquire printing gear, he would later establish the notion as unworthy of consideration (Woodworth, 21). However, he made several acquaintances like Charles Osborne, Joseph Watson, and James Ralph, all lovers of reading (Woodworth, 69). With the absence of forthcoming prospects, Ben went back to Philadelphia and established, together with other aspirants and tradesmen, a group called Junto with the noble inte ntion of bettering their community. This was done through excellent ideas that led to building of the library company of Philadelphia (Woodworth, 188). The pooling of enough resources from the junta group saw him begin his life of political lobbyism. Together with his trusted associate, Hugh Meredith, they established their first printing house in Pennsylvania. This led to the publication of their first newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette. Through his diligence and unremitting obsession for freedom

Product and Price Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Product and Price - Essay Example The core product cannot be touched because it is not the tangible physical product. It is the benefit that customers will get from using the WBC’s product. The actual product is the physical product produced WBC. Finally, the augmented product is the intangible part of the crystal clear, granite filtered mountain water. It is the added value of the product which can be in the form of the after sales services provided by WBC after making purchases. Another value is the customer service support provided by the company. The product life cycle theory divides marketing into four sections or stages. The stages include the introduction, growth, maturity, and decline stages. The crystal clear, granite filtered mountain water developed by the company has not yet sold the product. It means that the product is at its introductory stage. The Boston Consulting Group Matrix (BSG) is a marketing theory helps in determining the group in which a product is based on how it is doing. The matrix assesses the product on two dimensions. The first dimension looks at the growth of the product in this market. The product produced by WBC can be described as being a basic need. It means that the growth in the market is expected to be high. The second dimension measures the product’s market share as compared to the largest competitor in the industry. The crystal clear, granite filtered mountain water has a low market share because it is new in the market. According to the analysis of the product, it can be classified as a Problem Child in the matrix, especially because it is a new product in the market. Service marketing includes the of selling services provided by a company (Pride, 2010). WBC is currently selling a product, but it can gain a competitive advantage by providing after sales services. These forms of services help WBC market itself to its consumers. It will also help the computer gain a reputation of providing the best

Pursue litigation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pursue litigation - Essay Example This ensures that people do not take advantage of legal loop holes to cause damage to others property or image. However, there may be chances where changes in the wider society happen so fast as to outpace changes in law. Tort damages are financial damages that are required from the offending party. These are required to make up for the injuries caused to the injured party. These damages differ as they are dependent on the injury and may include present or future injuries, mental distress, loss of wages amongst other tortuous behavior. There are three types of torts; intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability. Intentional torts result when a person causes damage intentionally; for instance, if one slaps another with an aim of causing harm, such is considered an intentional tort (Lunney & Oliphant, 2008). A similar act perpetrated unintentionally may not be regarded as intentional tort but might be considered a negligent act. Negligent act qualifies as tort. An important observation here is that tort does not always result from intended acts but also results from unintended acts with potentiality of harm, in this case the tort is referred to as strict liability. When a defendant is charged under strict liability, it means that their engagements, though innocent present potential liability to those around. All these classes of tort attract potential charges as they pose actual or potential injury to people. Unfortunately, not all people are aware of the existence of these and are ignorant of the likely consequences. This means that they do not know what action to take and often their rights are continually trampled. To understand the likely results and redress, such individuals require legal counsel. First, they need to understand what translates into a tort. They should seek damages for such action as these are likely to result to loss either financially or due to the distrust

Modest proposal , satire Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Modest proposal , satire - Essay Example It is needless for them to secure a well-paying job at the dollar store and idle around watching television, munching their snacks, and getting fat. What they do is blend in and struggle to capture their prey. I like the way animals obey the survival of the fittest concept. If an animal is imperfect, it dies; be it of starvation or sickness. If not, it gets consumed by the strong ones, but still, it died because it was not worth living. This is the reason why imperfect animals are a rare species in this kingdom. They get sick, feeble, and when they are unable to be resourceful to find water or food, or can’t just fight it off, they die. Failure to run fast enough to outsmart or outrun their predators, they are simply killed (Simpson vii). Just like the case for animals, there are human beings who are of little benefit to any individual or to anything. How I wish there was a shopping mall, where 30% of all expired people could be disposed off and leave the fresh ones. What if all useless lives who are being wasted are gotten rid of and a world of perfection be created? Life would be so easy. If someone is too weak to fight off a disease, or if he or she can’t provide for the self or worse off, if such a person is simply stupid, he or she ought to be left alone to die or be killed. Both techniques work but I can suggest that they be ignored to death than being killed because it sounds more humane (Vernay 293). What is the point of leaving a street beggar to continue surviving instead of leaving? Just help by sending him or her to where there is a little comfort! I mean sincerely we spend a lot of cash and so much resources comforting and preserving things that should not even be living. It even gets worse when I think of the way more babies continue to be produced annually. It seems like every one is sleeping around with just everyone. I get pissed of more to see a couple

Other Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Other - Assignment Example While buying the television, the seller will have spent on something else thereby boosting the local economy. Therefore, in the perspective of the observer of these events, the ill behavior of the man’s son or breaking of the television set has stimulated the economy; however, according to Bastiat, the entire understanding exposes a fallacy. Looking at the concept brewed in this case, breaking of the television reduces the man’s disposable income that he may not be able to purchase; for instance, a new shirt or commit to other luxuries. Nonetheless, the breakage of the television is helpful to others; for example, the seller or the person repairing the television. It should be noted that despite the breakage of the television set being helpful to others; it robs industries and reduces the spending on other goods and or services. Replacing an item that was already bought is regarded as the maintenance cost as opposed to buying new items or items that the owner has never had (Rockwell and Ludwig Von Mises Institute, 2008). ... in Making Financial Decisions The most significant means in decision making including financial decision-making are the application logical and systematic decision-making processes. Application of application logical and systematic processes helps in time value analysis since they provide systematic and planned analysis. Therefore, it is vital that health care organizations to deploy organizational approach that incorporates application logical and systematic processes in making vital financial decision (Skousen, 2009). Applying this concept will ensure that they never miss profound factors in their decision-making. Six steps and practices can help the health care organizations to curb their challenges in financial decision-making. Creating a constructive environment for financial decision making A constructive environment for decision-making incorporates the establishment of objective of such decision making process. In other words, it is vital that the management of such health car e organization to define the parameters the health organization could achieve with their desired financial decision. Additionally, the management must thereafter agree on a working process to be deployed and this will call for the incorporation of the significant stakeholders in such decision-makings. Generating applicable and relevant alternatives This process shall provide the decision makers with more options to choose from towards comprehensive financial decisions. Generation of alternatives allows the management or the decision makers to have numerous ways of solving financial challenges. Therefore, unreasonable alternatives will only worsen the problem. Finally, generating alternatives will help organizations of ideas. Exploration of the alternatives This process ensures that only

Television analysis essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Television analysis - Essay Example The show turns values upside down and illustrates the American family as acting in ways that are completely opposite of what they preach and pretend to believe. Family Guy is a show that tells us that we are all dysfunctional and our world is not as we would like to believe. The setting of the show is in Quahog, Rhode Island, a not so subtle suburb of Providence. Here is the seat of the founding of America portrayed as a town where anything is possible and Peter Griffin can act out in ways that would lead to arrest anywhere else on earth. According to critic Ahsan Haque, "Some of the most offensive jokes ever attempted on Family Guy were featured in this season". Though Rhode Island is rich in American history, the only view of it that is offered to the viewer is the bar where Peter and his disturbing friends drink. The Griffins are shown to be the average American family, with three children and a dog. Peter is an Irish Catholic and supposedly hard working blue-collar type. However, we never see Peter working or engaging in anything productive. The show teaches the viewer that the white American working class is crass, mentally disturbed, and probably unemployed. This is no doubt founded in some truth, but Peter Griffin relishes in taking on one hair brained scheme after another, with little regard for the well-being, property, or life of others. If this were a sitcom involving a minority race or ethnicity, it would be picketed for stereotyping outside the cultural foul line. The demographics of the Griffins may be average, but the portrayal is certainly not. It is satirizing the cultural and religious values that the country was founded on. The fashion that Peter disregards the health and well-being of others is magnified by the shows treatment of women. Here again, the white American male is shown to be a rude and uncompromising misogynist. Peter constantly berates his wife Lois, as well as belittling

The development of the printing press Essay Example for Free

The development of the printing press Essay The Reformation started in 1517, when Martin Luther began his protests against indulgences and then against the Roman Catholic Church. It was a time of immense change within Europe. There were many causes that contributed towards the Reformation, such as, the printing press and the state of the Church and they are all of some significance. The first factor that contributed towards the Reformation was the development of the printing press. In the middle of the 15th century the printing press was invented and this had many effects. Access to knowledge had now been increased greatly. Books and pamphlets could now be printed and everyone could get their hands on this newly available information. Printing highlighted discrepancies and contradictions between what was really in the Bible and what the Church said was in the Bible. This led to more people coming away from the Church. There was also a decrease in censorship by the Church. The Church could no longer control knowledge and intellectual thought as they had once done before the development of the printing press, when the monks used to write all the books available, by hand and therefore, controlling what went into them. If it wasnt for the printing press, the new ideas which led to Reformation might never have got off the ground. Another contributing factor to the Reformation was the revival of classical texts. Ancient Greek and Roman texts were rediscovered and with them new ways of thinking. For example, the works of the Greek philosopher, Protagoras were recovered and in his works there was the idea that, man is the measure of all things, i.e. man is unlimited in potential. New ideas such as these led to Humanism- the study of arts, architecture, literature and language, which replaced the previous idea of Scholasticism. These new ideas led to people ideas and beliefs changing and this proved a great challenge to the Church. People were questioning the beliefs of the Church and if they were true or false. One of the biggest causes of the Reformation was perhaps the state of the Church. The medieval Church had many abuses; there were many ways in which  the Church had been diverted from its spiritual mission by its corruption of the world. There was simony, the raising of cash through the sale of posts in the Church hierarchy which led to pluralism- the holding of several offices and absenteeism- when clergymen acquired offices solely for their income rather than because they were going to undertake any of their duties. Powerful families could add Church offices to their other acquisitions. The Church was meant to be separate from the world through the rule of celibacy; however some priest went against this rule and wandered. A cardinal or bishop might have his courtesan (a high class prostitute) and an ordinary priest his concubine. Where a bishop got to know about a priest and his concubine, the routine was to exact a fine rather than to split them up. Criminals could claim benefit of clergy. Simple literacy was regarded as pretty good evidence, would be tried before a Church court and guaranteed a light penalty, even for so serious a crime as murder. Abuses such as these produced resentment amongst many of the laity, the mass of people without benefit of clergy. Church taxation provoked laymen more than anything else. The tithe, 10 percent of all produce, had to be paid over to support the Church and there were many other taxes as well, such as Peters pence, a tax on hearths paid to the Pope. The German people despised the fact that their money went to Rome and didnt do anything for them. Convents were shamefully lax and that was because they were useful as dumping grounds for the excess daughters of well-to-do families. Relics of saints, which pilgrims traveled to see and to touch and to pay for the privilege, were often frauds. The forearm of St Andrew might just be a pigs bone, sceptical travelers noted enough nails from the Cross to make a forest of crosses and enough of the Virgins milk to launch ships. Indulgences, which were sold by the Church as though they were passports from the torments of purgatory directly into the bliss of Paradise, had  become crude money-raising devices but that was possible because there was so much ready demand for them. This state of the Church led to dissatisfaction within the people and when books with new ideas were printed, people were ready to read and accept them. Rulers and kings helped the Reformation to come about as they failed to put the movement down. The Reformation would provide opportunities for princes, as they could take over churches in their own country and rule them themselves. There were increasing differences between the rulers and the Pope and they wanted to oppose the Pope and let the Reformation gather pace. If the princes hadnt have sat back and let the Reformation take place, it might not have taken place as they would have had enough power to prevent the ideas from spreading and gaining support. The printing press was a major factor towards the Reformation, however it wasnt the most important, other factors contributed and together they helped bring the Reformation about. The other causes were very significant too. The state of the Church had led to growing resentment towards the Church and it was only a matter of time before this led to a major revolt against the Church. The bringing about of new ideas and humanism, led to new ideas and it would have eventually changed thinking at the time. The printing press helped in the spreading of the new ideas and ways of thinking that came with the Reformation, but these new ideas might have come about without the printing press, just at a later time.

Volunteering Reflective Essay

Volunteering Reflective Essay Audit Assessment As part of my degree I have been in Placement at Barnardos to help develop and acquire my knowledge, skills and values necessary to contribute effectively to the development of integrated practice. Barnardos believe every child no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through, ensuring their needs are met and their voices and views heard.(http://www.barnardos.org.uk/what_we_do/barnardos_today/what_we_believe.htm) Barnardos vision is of a world where no child is turned away, there main purpose is to transform the lives of the UKs most vulnerable children, reaching and helping children who are not heard and their needs unmet. Working in the community as a voluntary service they defend, safeguard and support children at key moments to change their lives for the better, fighting to change policy practice and public opinion. They are not a social service provision and endeavour to work alongside families providing early intervention, giving the family itself the tools themselves to prevent Social Service involvement later on through practical parenting skills, attachment approaches and nurturing skills. Families self-refer or are referred to the service by schools, social workers, health visitors, G. Ps and school nurses if they feel that the family has a need for support or guidance helping the family overcome and resolve things that they are struggling with or concerned about. The services provided can be grouped into CAPSM/ Nurture First Pre-birth- 5 years, Improved future (5-12years), which relates to families affected to Parental substance misuse, historically or ongoing. Early Years 0-5y support and mental health team. Attainment- School years P1-3, offering support to increase engagement and school performance. Kinship-support for families with children under the care of their family. Befriending- engagement with children whose families are already functioning with the service. The service is embedded with procedures and policies that have been delivered down from Scottish and UK legislations and Acts, such legislations stem down mostly from The United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child and The United Declaration of Human Rights. Acts include, Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, this new version of the act put a system in place to support children and young people and to help detect any problems at an early stage, rather than waiting until a child or young person reaches crisis point. The act also provides extra support for looked after young people in care to try to make sure they have the same opportunities as other children and young people. From this act staff and other agencies have become involved in a collaboratively producing a single childs plan for each child at a Team around the child (TATC) meeting, instead of one per agency. This plan covers the support the child receives, why and how long they will receive it. The service n ow, because of this act, will offer support and advice to children through to high schools Year 1, but due to funding not children aged 12+. Barnardos also constructs it policies and procedures, for example Adoption, Kinship care, Childrens hearings in line with this act, while offering support and advice on accessing the free childcare this act now delivers to 2 and 3 year olds. The Data Protection Act 1998 is another key legislation enshrined through the service right from the initial Staff Learning plan on the first day with Data Protection training, Safeguarding, IT training and is written through the policies and procedures instructing staff how to handle confidential data and personal details and the SSSCs Codes of Conduct. The act is set to change in 2017 and Barnardos are ready to adapt their procedures ready for this review. Other acts whose principles can be identified in the workings of the Barnardos include Equality Act 2010, Child Protection Act 1989, Health and Safety Act, Additional Support for Learning (Scotland) Act 2009. Steaming from these legislations the service incorporates the frameworks and approaches such as Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) which is a Scottish approach steaming from the UNCRC and Every Child Matters, which came about after the Victoria Climbie report (which also triggered changes to the Borders Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009, Childrens Act 2004 and created the role of Childrens Commissioner). These approaches have moulded and shaped the training and practice found in Barnardos entrenching their values and mission statements. Barnardos embrace the attachment theory (Holmes, 1993, Ch. 3) delivering early intervention strategies such as Five to Thrive developed by Kate Cairns which is then fed down into parent groups and all contact with children, reinforcing the need for parents to nurture a child, co regulate using Dr Williams (2011) technique of Mindfulness to approach anxiety, stress and depression. To obtain a position at Barnardos you must possess either a HNC, HND (with or without an SVQ 3) or Degree relevant to the job in a range of social work, health, education or community development fields, or, for some posts, relevant experience. The job titles within the service include Project worker (Grades 1,2 and 3), Nurture facilitator, Attainment officer, Team Manager, Assistant Project worker, Childrens services manager, administration, volunteer co coordinator. In accordance to the Child Protection Act all employees must possess an Enhanced Disclosure and provide at least 2 references, one at least from a previous employer. Upon commencement of a position with in the service Health and Safety training and Safeguarding code of Conduct will be given on the first day along with the corporate safeguarding, child protection policy and professional boundaries policy. This initial training is to protect the individual and the service, acknowledging the role and boundaries of the job, health and safety in the building and while out with service users. The employee is given training on computer usage, private, professional email accounts to maintain confidentiality, During the following week, the employee will then be trained on Barnardos intranet Bhive to complete eLearning, Data Protection, Equality and Diversity, further Health and Safety training, Promoting Equality and Valuing Diversity at Work, Whistleblowing, Services Policy handbook, the Complaints Induction and Information Sharing Courses. This initial staff training must be completed in compliance with the Data Protection Act, Child Protection Act and the Equality and Diversity Act as all Barnardos staff should be working in alignment with the Codes of Conduct and With Barnardos being registered with the Scottish Social. Inverclyde Council provide 3 mandatory training sessions on GIRFEC that staff must attend and Kate Cairns associates deliver Five to Thrive training which is the attachment ethos Barnardos is built on. Services employees must withhold the same values, principles and roles that the service depicts, adhere to the SSSC Code of Conduct with the service being registered and put the child first at all times. Reference Books Cairns, K. (2002). Attachment, trauma and resilience: Therapeutic caring for children. London: British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF). (Cairns, 2002) Holmes, J. (1993). John Bowlby and attachment theory. New York: Routledge (Holmes 1993, CH 3) Williams, M. J. G., Penman, D., Kabat-Zinn, J., Professor of Political Science Mark Williams (2011). Mindfulness: An eight-week plan for finding peace in a frantic world. New York, NY, United States: Rodale Books. (Williams, Penman, Kabat-Zinn, Professor of Political Science Mark Williams, 2011 p 46-89) Websites Barnardos BHive animation (2017, February 27). Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/103703202 Barnardos. (2017). UKs leading childrens charity. Retrieved February 28, 2017, from http://barnardos.org.uk/ Borders, citizenship and immigration act 2009 UK parliament. (2009, July 20). Retrieved February 28, 2017, from http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2008-09/borderscitizenshipandimmigrationhl.html Data protection. (2017, February 27). Retrieved February 28, 2017, from https://www.gov.uk/data-protection Equality, rights, S., updates, see all, Government Equalities Office, Equality and Human Rights Commission. (2015, June 16). Equality act 2010: Guidance. Retrieved February 28, 2017, from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance Government, S., House, S. A., Road, R., ceu, 0131 556 8400. (2013, January 30). Additional support for learning. Retrieved February 28, 2017, from http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Education/Schools/welfare/ASL Government, S., House, S. A., Road, R., ceu, 0131 556 8400. (2017, February 27). Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC). Retrieved February 28, 2017, from http://www.gov.scot/Topics/People/Young-People/gettingitright Health and safety at work etc act 1974 legislation explained. (2016, June 30). Retrieved February 28, 2017, from http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/hswa.htm. Leonard, A. (2017). The children young people (Scotland) act. Retrieved February 28, 2017, from https://www.cypcs.org.uk/policy/children-young-people-scotland-act SSSC codes of practice for social service workers and employers Scottish social services council. Retrieved February 28, 2017, from http://www.sssc.uk.com/about-the-sssc/multimedia-library/publications/37-about-the-sssc/information-material/61-codes-of-practice/1020-sssc-codes-of-practice-for-social-service-workers-and-employers The UN Convention on the rights of the child tenth report of session 2002-03. (2002). Retrieved from https://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/jt200203/jtselect/jtrights/117/117.pdf Universal declaration of human rights. Retrieved February 28, 2017, from http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/index.html

Hearing the Voice of God :: essays research papers

Do you like to talk out your problems with a friend? Do you like to hear other people’s problems? Why do we always need to share our problems with someone? The truth is, humans are weak. We’ve always known that we can’t live by ourselves. So, it’s not a question that we need to share our burdens with someone else. We want someone to feel what we’re going through. And we’re hoping that that friend of ours has a way out of it, right? Whatever it takes, we want our problems to be solved. Unfortunately, it’s not every time can we find someone who wants to hear our problems L. Well, that’s the way humans are. We’re not perfect. But our Father in heaven is. He will faithfully listen to everything we’ve got on our minds. He is the only one who has the way, the truth, and the life. Of course, He knows how to solve our problems and He will help us with them. Now, doesn’t that sound good? Well, don’t you want to learn to hear God’s voice? The question is†¦how does He talk to us? Here are a few ways: 1.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He talks to us in audible voice. Wouldn’t that be totally cool? Can you imagine what His voice would sound like? Would it be deep like in the movies? Although not everybody could hear His audible voice like Paul and Samuel, there are many other ways for us to be able to hear Him. 2.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He could speak to us through our surroundings. How? Well, let’s just say we’re going to go somewhere, but on the way there, there’s so many things that stands on our way. There could be an accident or traffic jam, or something. At a time like that we should probably ask God again if we should continue or not because we never know what’s going to happen there. 3.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  God also speaks to us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit usually talks to us from our hearts. Have you ever experienced that? Like, sometimes, just out of the blue, you get this little voice or urge in your heart telling you to pray or read the bible? That’s the voice of the Holy Spirit and you shouldn’t ignore it. Or you could also be in the middle of a test and you’re stuck on one problem. You know you’ve seen the problem before, but you just can’t remember the right answer although you’ve prayed right before taking that test and all of a sudden the answer just came to you?

Masks in The Catcher in the Rye Essay examples -- Catcher Rye Essays

Masks in The Catcher in the Rye What happen if everyone in the world is wearing a mask? That is exactly what this world is; everyone wears a mask. Most people we see every day have their true identity hidden behind a facade. Although a true identity cannot be divulge just by looking, but with a careful scrutiny of one's character will reveal to what is behind the facade. Equivalent to what happened in J.D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye. Holden Caulfield, a typical teenager in the 50's with a morally loose, rude and obscene personality. However, his rudeness is just a mask that he uses to cover his decent, sympathetic, and mature character inside. Throughout the entire story, Holden uses unchaste language to offense himself. The use of these words may insult the reader, but the truth is, he is building a facade so that he can obtain the approval he feels they have oppose him thus far. As a teenager, the critical period of his life, Holden struggled to find the meaning of life, and his survival, they easily depressed Holden demands their company, even though he calls them "phonies." Holden is really a decent and mature teenager, but he only hides behind the false front to obtain the approval. In the meantime, he tries to find the meaning of his existence. There's Holden's false front, a rude and without standard teen, but what's behind it are important. A decent, sympathetic and mature teen lies behind the mask. The only time he reveals these distinctions is when he comes to some poin... ...true self, his reality. He also delighted by his younger brother, Allie. He stated that Allie is a nice boy. Allie loved to write poems, so he wrote poetry all over his own baseball mitt. Holden kept Allie's baseball mitt after Allie died of leukemia. When his brother died, Holden was so upset that he broke all the windows in the garage with his fists. Subsequently, Holden wanted to be the "Catcher in the Rye," but he now realized that he cannot "catch (or safe) all the children that started to go over the cliff." Thus, Holden's mask is just a false front, a facade. But what's behind it is the most important. He uses the language to find the meaning of life, his existence. The true Holden shows his decent heart, sympathy and maturity.

The Oneida Community Essays -- Essays Papers

The Oneida Community Throughout the early years of the United States, Utopian communities seemed to be quite prevalent. Though most did not last long, their ideas of perfection have long outlasted the settlements themselves. Of the many trial settlements one of the most noted was that of the Oneida community that was founded in the late 1840’s by John Humphrey Noyes. Noyes’ society of self-proclaimed perfectionists was started after he lost his preaching license in an attempt to spread his new ideas of communal living. 1 The Oneida society, like many societies of this era, was based on seemingly radical religious as well as societal ideas. In the early years, the community thrived partially because there was no conflict between its scientific and religious ideas. As the society grew and progressed toward it’s downfall, a significant separation of science and religion was becoming evident. Many believe that it was this growing conflict between science and religion that was ultimately the deteriorating element of communal living among the members of the Oneida experiment. John Humphrey Noyes, son of John Noyes and Polly Hayes Noyes, was born on September 3, 1811 in Brattleboro, Vermont. As the son of a well-educated businessman and an inquisitive mother, the young John was encouraged to love learning. After attending many schools in Vermont and Massachusetts John entered Dartmouth in hopes of completing his education. After his graduation from college in 1830 with a degree in law, Noyes moved to Chesterfield, New Hampshire.2 Around this time there was a large revivalist movement taking place. John Noyes’ parents were to hold a meeting of this group at their home in Putney, Vermont. Upon the request of his mother, John, a... ... 1. Peyton Richter edt., Utopias Social Ideas about Communal Living, (Boston: Holbrok Press, 1971) 137. 2. Constance Noyes Robertson, Onedia Community, (New York: Syracuse University Press, 1970) 2. 3. Robertson, 3. 4. Robertson, 3. 5. Robertson, 4. 6. Robertson, 5. 7. Robertson, 5. 8. Robertson, 8. 9. Randall Hillebrand, The Shakers/Oneida Community (http://www.nyhistory.com/central/oneida.htm) 2. 10. Ira Mandelker, Religion, Society, and Utopia in Nineteenth-Century America ( Amherst, MA: The Universtiy of Massachusetts Press, 1984) 117. 11. Mandelker, 118. 12. Mandelker, 113. 13. Hillebrand, 3. 14. Robertson, 14. 15. Robertson, 20. 16. Robertson, 21. 17. Mandelker, 119. 18. Mandelker, 119. 19. Mandelker, 132. 20. Mandelker, 92. 21. Mandelker, 147.

Case Study of Classroom Environment of Foreign and Local Students at Fiji Essay

The classroom environment is a major contributing factor that can either enhance or reduce student performance. Several studies by scholars have also recognised the important role played by classroom environment in learning and teaching. Hence the literature review will critically examine such important aspects of classroom environment that differentiate classrooms of foreign and local students of FNU Nadi campus. The factors which will be outlined are arranging the classroom space, the desk placement methods, the environmental preferences of students such as lighting and temperature and also some crucial factors such as overcrowding in classrooms and noise level. Arranging the classroom space: To begin with, the arrangement of the classroom furniture is one of the differentiating factors in classroom environments. Studies by Linda Shalaway state that the classrooms physical layout reflects a teacher and his/her learning style (Shalaway: 2011). Classroom space includes the arrangement of furniture, classroom decoration and even student placement/ seating arrangement. In Reggio Emilia a town located in the north of Italy, its educators stress on the importance of classroom environment and consider it to be ‘another teacher’ (Shalaway: 2011). While Rivlin and Rothenberg (1976) found that teachers do not seem to know how to arrange the furniture. Therefore it is important for a teacher to design his/her classroom in such a way that it is able to cater for all the students needs. One such way outlined by Sturt is that we can arouse students’ interest by having interesting wall displays and exciting objects around to make a comp lex environment. Although it is sad to note that classroom decoration is given the least concern especially at tertiary level and it’s high time that it is given more importance now. Desk placement methods: Moreover, the arrangement of desk is one of the common and most influential factors of classroom environment. Studies reveal that some teachers prefer to seat students in U shaped settings so that they can make eye contact with every student (Shalaway: 2011). Another research done by Holley & Steiner, (2005) revealed that seating arrangements that allowed class members to see everyone such as sitting in a circle contributed to the creation of a safe space. In respect to my research, the seating arrangement of foreign students’ classroom is generally in a U shape that facilitates ease of mobility and group interaction. While the classroom of local students at FNU Nadi Campus, has desk arranged in single and double rows that mostly cater for independent work. Contrary to that, in the research carried by Holley & Steiner (2005) students had stated that row-style seating was a characteristic of an unsafe classroom. Thus the desk placement should be such tha t it allows group interaction but at same time is able to cater for independent work as well. Environmental preference: Lighting Moving on, there are certain environmental preferences that affect classroom environment. One of them is the amount of light or lighting in classroom either its natural light (sunlight) or artificial- such as light bulbs. â€Å"Light is one of the elements of the immediate environment that affects some students’ ability to learn† (Burke & Burke-Samide: 2004: 236). The writer also states that those who preferred bright light performed better when tested in brightly lit classrooms. While students who preferred dim lights performed better in dimly lit atmosphere. Therefore it is wise to have ample light that best suits the need of everyone. In my research the classrooms of foreign students are normally lit by artificial lighting while classrooms of local students usually use natural lighting. This shows that lighting preference differs from classroom to classroom. Although, it is advisable for teachers to adjust the classroom lights accor ding to the students preferences to help facilitate learning. Temperature Likewise, temperature is another environmental preference that differs in classroom environment situations. Research on the environment element of temperature reveals that most students prefer a warm yet comfortable instructional climate (Burke & Burke-Samide: 2004: 236). While Pepler (1972) found that non- air conditioned schools in the summer produced a wider distribution of test scores (variance) compared with air-conditioned schools. This aligns with my research as the classrooms of foreign students have air condition to control temperature while the local students of FNU Nadi Campus bear the heat of the normal climate. Therefore, it’s likely that the temperature either extremely hot or cold can affect student performance and productivity. Overcrowded classrooms Furthermore, overcrowding in classrooms in general affects the classroom environment. As Baron & Rodin (1978) found that as class size increases, so does learned helplessness. Students in large classes have less opportunity for the teacher to give personal praise and thus it leads to learned helplessness. Therefore classrooms should be such that it is able to cater/accommodate the required number of students. In respect to my research, the classrooms of foreign students are just big enough to accommodate small groups of a maximum of 8 students while classrooms of local students which are large enough to accommodate 40 students at a time usually get overcrowded because of lack of big airy classrooms and tutors have to cater for over 80 students at a time in the same classroom. Hence classroom size should be large enough to cater for everyone’s needs. Noise Last but not the least; noise is one of those major elements that affect classroom environment. â€Å"Sound is an element of the environment that can affect academic achievement† (Opolot- Okurut: 2010: 267- 277). Studies conducted by Sturt (n.d), surveyed children in elementary schools that were beneath the flight path for Los Angeles International Airport and compared it with children in quieter classrooms. It was found that children in noisy schools had higher blood pressure and were more distractible compared to children in quieter classrooms. Likewise, Bronzaft and McCarthy (1975) studied children taught in classes on either side of a school. One side of the school faced a noisy railway track and it was found that 11% of teaching time was lost on the noisy side and reading ability was down compared to children on the other side. This suggests that noise indeed affects students’ ability to learn. With respect to my research, classrooms of foreign students are e nclosed hence there is very little chance of noise disturbance while classrooms of local students are fairy open hence a lot of noise gets generated within and outside of the classroom. To conclude, it can be said that certain environmental factors such as classroom space, desk placement methods, light and temperature preferences along with overcrowding and noise in classrooms affect the general harmony of the classroom environment. From the literature findings I can suggest that things such as decorating classrooms will help make students energetic and enthusiastic towards learning. Also desk should be arranged in such a manner that it propagates both individual and group discussions. Similarly, educators should be considerate of students’ preferences of light and temperature. While at the same time avoid overcrowding and noisy situations in class. Hence in the long run it will help educators to wisely spend their investments in upgrading facilities as they will be able to analyse the impact of different environmental features so that students, faculty and universities get the most benefit from the spending.

Principles of Banking and Finance Essay

What does Sub-Prime Crisis means? Sub Prime lending which is also known as near-prime, non-prime and second chance lending, means lending to people who might have trouble repaying the loan due to income ability or credit ratings which previously would not have been available to them. Credit ratings that might be not favorable to them with the standards set up initially by Financial Institutions slowly dwindle to less strict under-writing of loans. which could also due to an influx of foreign capital making lending easier to these group of people, the investment banks that sold the repackage mortgages to the consumers which is one of the way to fund for capital, and the Housing Urban Development of America policy to ensure that its citizens has access to mortgage loans easily. The cheaper interest rate packaged by the Financial Institutions which seems more affordable for the consumer for the first 1 to 5 years and the thereafter interest rate would have jumped significantly. The loan s here generally referred to mortgage loans. The Crisis started or snowball into what it was in 2007 in my opinion was due to greed. Greed into thinking that the property boom would continue in perpetuity so that the borrowers could cash out more from their current property market valuation, with this cash out in terms of personal loan they could fund or finance their lifestyle be it buying a new property for investment purposes, to flip or for rental. For the luxury in life they choose to enjoy now, spending future money. As the economy slowed, jobs are being taken away from corporation in America to other countries which have a cheaper source of overhead expenses and manpower. People are being retrenched thus causing them to start defaulting on their loan repayments. A statistic done has shown that the American households do not have any savings but was laden with debt instead. The housing bubble burst, the market does not have that much capital as it used to have to continue to push property prices up anymore, thus causing the market to slow overall, foreclosures of their properties was happening. Consumers was also unable to obtain a refinancing which they had planned previously to lower their interest rate again when it went up, as financial institutions feel the pinched and controlled its lending. How did the Financial Institutions played a part in this? In the past banks have financed their mortgage lending activities through the deposits they receive from their customers. This has confined the amount of mortgage lending they could do. In recent years, banks have designed a new model where they repackage these mortgages to be sold to the bond markets. This has made it a lot easier to fund additional borrowing from the investors and interest rate was low. But it has also led to abuses as banks no longer have the incentive to check carefully the mortgages they issue to the lenders. The failure to check and curb lending in return for the possibility of profit was one of the causes. The first sign of the sub-prime crisis was as early as 2007 when HSBC Finance which is part of the banks north American subsidiary has to write off 880 million in sub-prime lending. The business has become unsustainable as borrowers started to default. The new model which we have come to know is known either as Mortgaged backed Assets or Collateral Debts Obl igations. The repackage mortgages are being sold to the bond markets, before they can be sold, credit rating agency will determine and give the model a rating. A credit rating for an issuer takes into consideration the issuer’s credit worthiness example its ability to pay back a loan, and affects the interest rate applied to the particular security being issued. These MBS or CDOs as it has come to know are usually marketed to countries which has a surplus in its balance sheet as it was generally known that Asians believe in savings rather than spending future money thus the products were usually marketed in Asia, It is allege that the rating agencies experienced from conflicts of interest, as they were paid by investment banks and other firms that organize and sell these structured securities to investors. If there are not to give favorable ratings to these products they risk the underwriter of these securities to another rating agency. It would be hard to sell these products if they are not being given a rating to begin with. Once they are sold the banks have in a way diverted part of the risk to the consumers. Investors should not rely too heavily on these ratings agencies opinions but instead carry out their own homework in the safeness of debt level as well as others related securities. Probably the opinions of the agencies enable them to get a conclusion, however based on past decade of event, it can only be consider as off base when it comes to the risk of credit event. Investors should try to put themselves in the shoes of the product pushers, asking themselves very important points like, why do you need to sell these products? Do you own any of these products yourself? If it is as good as you mention have the private investors bought and participated a substantial amount of their savings in it? Perhaps there need to be some form of intermediaries whereby no conflict of interest will affect their opinion and report of these products. A case study in Singapore itself which has made headlines during this crisis was the minibond saga which was being sold in Singapore by a couple of Financial Institutions. The originator of this series of structured products was the now defunct Lehman Brothers. The Minibond was being illustrated to the local consumer as a bond which is not the case it is actually a Collateral Debts Obligations. The relationship managers in banks are eager to sell the product because of the high commission and the consumer who are eager to buy because the returns are much higher than the fixed deposit being offered by the banks. An estimated of 500 million Singapore dollars was purchased for the Minibonds by consumers. It stirred a series of conflicts with the Financial Institutions that sold these products, the consumers cried fouled into being mis-sold of it, some of the consumers managed to get back part of their investment and vowed not to touch these structured products ever again. We can take a look back into the 1990s where one of the policy set up and enforce by the Housing and Urban Development of America, was one of the cause of the sub prime crisis. With the support of the government, HUD has less mortgage restriction requirements on its borrowers. The mandate was that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac which was regulated by HUD, was to generate up to 8 million more homeowners in America. It was known as the â€Å"National Homeownership Strategy†. No down payment was required, 100% financing for the property was the norm. This was partly possible due to the influx of cheap money in the market, wit h this cheap money consumers speculated with the market, they kept buying new homes thus the good years of where the appreciation of the property keep going up. Financial Institutions dare to lend due to the market confidence that it can only keep going up, borrowers confidence that the market too can only keep going up. A check with HUD official website, apparently the US government is still supporting home ownership program without first addressing a stable income issue. Only with a stable income can a person make regular commitment to his or her housing loan commitment. Kudos to the Singapore government for taking appropriate actions during the last few years when their economy was recovering, the measures taken to prevent over speculation of the property market in Singapore. Homebuyers with the extra cash were snapping up properties, either for owner’s occupation or for investment purposes. The government either learned from the Sub-prime crisis or foreseen that if it continues the way it is going, a market crash might be imminent or the crash will be too fast and hard, no soft landing for the consumers. As they knew that property market have its up and down. Steps was taken, it used to be 90/10. Whereby the buyer have to come up with 10% cash and the remaining 90% can be financed through a financial institutions regardless of the number of property they currently owned. It was changed to 80/20 rule, 20% of which is the owner’s own cash an 80% through financing. Surprisingly it did not deter the consumers, the market still kept soaring. The next rule implemented was the 80/20 rule for first time buyers, meaning buyers without any current mortgage loan, for buyers with an existing mortgage which was not yet paid up; they are only eligible for 60/40. 60% financing for their new property and an increased in the stamp duty to be paid for to the government if it was their 3rd property for Singaporean. The hardest hit was the foreigners who are seeking to invest their money in Singapore properties as they have to pay additional 10% stamp duty which is likely to deter most of them. P rices still kept going up, the latest ruling was much more complex than the previous few. If one is looking at 80% financing one can only borrow up to the age of 65 years old and tenure of not more than 30 years. Which was not the case previously, in previous scenario it was dependent on different Banks guideline in Singapore, they could lend up to the age of 70, 75 or 80. They stepped in and put a cap at 65 as they believe that is the retirement age. If you want to extend your loan tenure your financing amount will drop to either 60% or 40%. I believe the government did this as they knew that the US is going ahead with Quantitative Easing 3, they want to prevent too much hot money from landing in Singapore shore. To sum up, we learned from our mistakes and grow not to make the same mistake twice. A healthy economy is based on real economic goods with value. Hopefully US can still continue to create innovative products like Apple and keep their manufacturing production in US soil, get employment rate up. The citizens have to maintain their expectations in terms of salary wise and spend within their means. Tighten up their way of lending and controlling Banks to a certain extent, a culture that is profit driven but with ethnics. Can heed the investment guru jim roger’s advice to focus on farming as there will be a food shortage in time to come. Induce good saving habits in everyone to save up for a rainy day. http://www.ethicalquote.com/docs/SubprimeMortgageCrisis.pdf http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7073131.stm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_policies_and_the_subprime_mortgage_crisis http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/09/AR2008060902626.html http://www.thetruthaboutmortgage.com/mortgages-with-no-money-down/ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/2816291/HSBC-hit-by-sub-prime-crisis.html

FASB Codification System Orientation Paper

Becoming an accountant there are many guidelines and regulations that one must become aware of. The FASB assists in establishing these guidelines through generally accepted accounting principles, GAAP. As an accountant one must follow GAAP while producing any reports for a business. Consequently, the author will explore the FASB Codification System, its purpose, and contents.The FASB Codification SystemThe FASB Codification Systems is a source of principles and standards recognized by the FASB that is applied to nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with (GAAP). â€Å"Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants† (FASB. n.d.). Generally, the FASB Codification System helps to establish the principles and framework for preparation of financial statements.The Purpose of FASB Codification SystemThe purp ose is to have accounting to have established GAAP principles for nongovernmental entities to follow. This helps to maintain uniform accounting principles. The FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative principles and standards recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP (FASB. n.d.). The SEC helps to regulate to ensure entities are following the guidelines properly.The content and types under FASB Codification SystemThe nine content areas located under the FASB Codification System is general principles, presentation, assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, expenses, broad transactions, and industry. Under the general principles are overview, objectives, scope, scope exceptions, glossary, transition, open effective date information, grandfathered guidance, and XBRL Elements. The presentation section lists all the different types of financial statements. The assets name al l assets such as cash, cash equivalents, receivables, investments, inventory, and more. The liability, equity, revenue, expenses,  broad transaction, and industry list accordingly. In general each section reviews each classification and its sub categories within financial statements.ConclusionThe FASB Codification System establishes GAAP principles that must be followed within nongovernmental entities while preparing financial statements. The website thoroughly explains all financial statements and classification codes. These principles assist in keeping conformity in financial reporting which is critical to follow while accounting for a business.

Understanding of Participant Observation

Abstract This essay discusses participant observation as a method of collecting anthropological data from the tube. This method allows researchers to gather information through observation and interviewing of individuals who are taking the tube as a means of transportation. Strengths of this method include directly observing how people interact in the tube and writing down this observation for future interpretation. This method allows observers to use their five senses to interpret data collected from the tube. Limitation of this method includes possible subjectivity of interpretation of data. Introduction This essay will discuss participant observation as a method of collecting anthropological data from commuters in the tube. The discussion part of this essay will explore the strengths and limitations of this method. Discussion Participant observation is an ethnographic method of qualitative studies that allows researchers to observe the sample population in their natural setting (Murchison, 2010). This allows researchers to observe and describe situations using the different senses of the body (Murchison, 2010). Hence, it is said that participant observation is a written photograph of what is happening in the field (DeWalt and DeWalt, 2011). Polit et al. (2013) explains that a detailed description of an event or people’s experiences allow observers to analyse situations exhaustively. In terms of my study, I chose participant observation since I felt it would help me gather relevant data on what is happening in the London Underground. While this type of observation allows for more in-depth observation of events and people’s actions (Muchison, 2010), participant observation has also some limitations. First, there is a need to immerse one’s self in the world inhabited by participant. Thi s is accomplished by taking the tube as a mode of transportation to experience what others are experiencing when taking this transportation. Part of participant observation is to interview people regarding their experiences. This might be a challenge since participants might not be willing to be interviewed while in the tube. It should be noted that there are many commuters in the tube who do not know each other. This might be a challenge when collecting data since participants might be wary of answering questions from a researcher (Hek et al., 2011). Polit et al. (2013) reiterate that participants might not act naturally since they are aware that the researcher is observing them. This presents some bias in the data since behaviour of the participants might not be reflective of their actual behaviour. Meanwhile, reflexivity in data would allow researchers to interpret data according to the perceptions of the participants. Researchers might also bring a degree of bias and subjectivity when they collect data and information from the participants (Murchison, 2010). The researcher’s own perceptions, feelings and knowledge might be used to interpret actions, conversations and expressions manifested by people riding in the tube. There is the risk that interpretation of data becomes highly subjective. However, this could be avoided if the researcher allows participants to confirm findings and inform the researcher whether interpretation of the interviews is accurate. Hek et al. (2011) emphasise that subjectivity could be prevented by objectively interpreting data. This is done through adopting a nonjudgmental attitude, being open and genuinely interested in what participants are saying (Oermann, 2010). This would lead to data that are more reliable since researchers allow participants to verify the findings. In my experience, I adopted a nonjudgmental attitude to help me empathise with what the partic ipants are saying to me. Placing myself in their situation helped me better understand what they are expressing to me during my collection of data. Parahoo (2006) states that it is important to define phenomena and experiences according to the participant’s perceptions. Reflection I felt that I am part of the community of commuters in the tube since I regularly use this as a mode of transportation. I felt that this is an advantage to me since in-depth analysis of the behaviour of the commuters involves immersing one’s self in the actual environment. Hence, my previous experiences commuting in the tube could help me understand what other people might be experiencing while commuting in the tube. I also realised that different people ride the tube and their diverse background could add to the complexity of analysing the cultural behaviour of commuters in the tube. However, I also realised that the ethnographic method would yield valuable information on the general behaviour of commuters in the tube. Finally, ethnographic method was appropriate for my research question since this helped me form an objective and detailed description of what is happening in the tube. Conclusion Participant observation is an effective tool in collecting anthropological data since this allows researchers to immerse in natural settings. This helps researchers collect more reliable data as participants are observed in actual settings. References: DeWalt, K. & Dewalt, B. (2011) Participant observation: A guide for fieldworkers. Plymouth, United Kingdom: Rowman Altamira. Hek, G., Judd, M. & Moule, P. (2011) Making Sense of Research, 4th ed., London: Sage Publications. Murchison, J. (2010) Ethnography Essentials: Designing, conducting, and presenting your research, London: John Wiley and Sons. Oermann, M.H. (2010) Writing for publication in nursing, 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Lippincott. Parahoo, K. (2006) Nursing Research: Principles, Process and Issues, 2nd ed., London: Palgrave Macmillan. Polit, D., Beck, C.T. and Hungler, B.P. (2013) Essentials of Nursing Research. Methods, Appraisal and Utilization, 8th ed. Philadelphia, Lippincott.

3.European governments have recently passed legislation making it Essay

3.European governments have recently passed legislation making it easier for firms to introduce short-term employment contracts. Evaluate the implications for - Essay Example This old convention, symbolised by an interchange of job security for work done and faithfulness, is being replaced by a new convention wherein employers guarantee to teach workers and enable them to be employed in several firms, but give no assurance of permanent job. The use of short-term contract workers is not restricted to clerical work, but also clinches high-skill profession like engineering, research, computer programming, drafting etc. (Kalleberg; Knoke; Marsden 4) The method of employing provisional short-term contract employees is not a new or an innovative one. IT firms started this method in the mid part of the 1990s and they have been effectively employing contractors since the last decade. But in the last few years, there has been an increasing dependence on contract workers in the fields like medical writing, communications, sales and marketing of the products of pharmaceutical companies. Several huge pharmaceutical as well as biotech firms have understood that it is more lucrative to employ temporary workers on a required basis when compared with keeping costly permanent employees having significantly lesser work. (Contract Employment: A New Paradigm for Pharma and Biotech) Reducing cost has an effect on the size as well as structure of jobs. Companies are able to stimulate a switch of permanent jobs with that of short-term contracts. (Nunziata, L; Stafolani 73) In recent times, there have been labour changes across Europe. It has been argued that the small employment boom that has been witnessed of late in Europe has mainly been due to short-term employment. (Alesina; Giavazzi 9) In France, the law forming the First Employment Contract known as the Contrat Premiere Embauche or CPE was being passed by parliament with regard to an expansive bill relating to equal opportunities. According to the CPE, short-term work contract was to be provided with a 2-year testing

Egyptian human rights organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Egyptian human rights organizations - Essay Example A. In a four part article entitled "The Effect of the Emergency Law on the Human Rights Situation In Egypt: 1992-2002," the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights traces the historical background of emergency law in Egypt throughout the twentieth century. According to the facts offered, the history of emergency laws in Egypt can be traced back to 1914, at which time it was first enacted due to the break out of World War I ("History" ). Significant to mention for purpose of discussion is that one of the laws enacted under the wider emergency law was the Gathering Law 10 of 1914 ("Conclusion"). Noteworthy here is that during this period in history, Egypt was increasingly falling under British political control and World War I was, as it may have been interpreted by Egyptian masses at that time, a war against Britain and her allies by Germany and her allies. This meant that there was an atmosphere of great excitement among the Egyptian population, many of whom supported a British defeat believing that would mean liberation for Egypt. Accordingly, within this politically tense and unstable climate, demonstrations were carried out by Egyptians against the British, their foreign occupiers. Accordingly, emergency laws and the law of gathering which accompanied it, were passed in order to control the growing resentment against Britain and to limit, as much as possible, public demonstrations against it. B. Within this context, it is possible to state that Egypt experienced its first emergency laws at the hands of its enemy and occupier and was explicitly intended to subdue the Egyptian masses, deprive them of the right to demand their freedom and liberation, and limit their ability to fight for this freedom ("Conclusion"). In other words, it was a law passed by an occupier and a colonizer to ensure continued occupation and colonization. C. Now you will explain that the Egyptian people continued to suffer from emergency rule, except for a couple of brief breaks, until the revolution of 1952. In other words, in the pre-revolutionary period and due to the circumstances of occupation, emergency laws were part of Egyptian political climate. III. Emergency Law Under Nasser: Post-1952: A. " the emergency law that the regime inherited in 1952 had two chief features: it gave the government very strong powers (for instance, verdicts of military courts could not be appealed but were submitted to the military governor for approval), and it could be portrayed as a creation of the British" (Brown 82-83). B. With a new government in place, many Egyptian intellectuals and nationalist emphasized the second feature of the emergency law. Unfortunately, the Nasser regime preferred to focus on the first feature, insofar as it gave them the power to deal effectively with all those elements

The Myth of Horoscope Is Not True Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Myth of Horoscope Is Not True - Essay Example However, I personally think the myth of horoscopy is not completely true. It is an unrealistic approach towards astronomy and a combination of psychological theories and techniques which effects people’s imagination and beliefs. Before talking about the truth of horoscope, it is important to know that where it came from. It can be traced back in Mesopotamia five thousand years ago; where many different races such as Babylonians and Assyrian lived. Their original religion had certain level of believe in celestial body. In fact, astronomy was practiced as horoscopy during that time period. They used to relate certain stars with the animal or human image. Later in about 592 B.C., Greeks named the images on sky after their gods and created stories to explain about their existence in sky. These illusions became what we call constellations nowadays. Horoscopy uses those constellations, planets and their movement in solar system to predict. Constellations are just configuration of stars as we see it from earth. The contradiction is how a person’s fate can be judged by the stars which are hundred million light-years away from earth. Constellations are nihility, and it is not necessary for astronomers to name each group of stars. Astronomers can simply assign a number to stars, but it will make astronomy somewhat boring for people. Therefore, in order to make it interesting and easy to remember, Greeks associated constellations with fairy tales. Astronomy is art of science, but unfortunately, horoscopy manipulates the original meaning of astronomy. Those who believe in it completely are losing their sense of judgment. Horoscopy is merely a combination of statistical and psychological techniques. First, astrologers collect the data about a group of people with same constellation. On the basis of collected data, they analyze people for similar characteristics. Second, they classify constellation’s characteristics with the