Monday, September 30, 2019

Campbell’s Life Essay

Born on April 13, 1933, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell is one of the few politicians of note who rose in the political circles carrying proudly his Indian ancestry. â€Å"He is proud of his Native American heritage. † His sense of pride and loyalty to his roots and to his culture was seen through his actions as well as through his clothing; it was as if he was wearing his culture, identity and heritage. For example, he was seen wearing â€Å"ceremonial tribal clothing† as he attended the opening of the National Museum of American Indian (NMAI) . It was considered as a â€Å"major aspect† that has created, established and sustained the overall â€Å"persona† that is Senator Campbell all throughout his life, especially during his political life . Campbell’s personality of hinging so much of who he is as he presents himself to the public on his being a Native American Indian was just enough for people to forget that there were actually men who preceded Campbell who, just like him, were partly Native American Indian and also won elected public office. One of them served in an office even higher than Campbell’s – and that would be Charles Curtis, who would eventually become the first vice president of the United States who is a Native American Indian. â€Å"The highest elected office ever held by an Indian in the US was the vice presidency . † Unlike Campbell, Curtis was from the Kaw tribe hailing from Kansas. In his vein was quarter of blood from this tribe. Also, he was an attorney before getting elected, unlike the more blue-collar type of jobs that Campbell pursued early in his life before shifting to jewellery designing and production later on. Nonetheless, both elected men are good and honorable men who made the Native American Indian community proud. But even with men like Curtis and how they were ‘bigger’ men politically, the Indians appreciate Campbell’s efforts at staying with his packaging as the American Indian holding office at the senate and at the congress. This personality/attitude more than compensates for the fact that he was not the first of his kind. â€Å"Although not the first Native American senator, he is the first to make a statement with his Indianness. † Indeed, he, too, was a record maker of sorts, and in many ways. This is what the paper will explore throughout the discussion on the different aspects of personal and political life of Senator Campbell, who, in November 3, 1992 made a historic feat by becoming the first American politician with Native American roots to be elected as a senator. It was something that hasn’t happened in more than the six decades that has passed in the senate history prior to his election to the office. Prior to that, he became the sixth politician with Native American heritage and ancestry to be ever elected to the congress, a seat that was given to him through the votes of the public for three times . Senator Campbell’s Indian heritage is no secret. In fact, it seems that it is one of his many major personal characteristics that the media, as well as his colleagues, often refer to or address, particularly his being Indian, and his respectful stature in the Indian community, like being a Northern Cheyenne Tribe chief, a position he and only 43 others possess . Because of Campbell’s pride towards his heritage, his people in return are doing ways to let Campbell know that his act of holding on to his Native American Indian roots and not covering it up with modern day personality just to suit his high echelon colleagues and. So that he will suit their taste for a particular company, his native Cheyenne are going out on a limb just to celebrate the victory of one of their most accomplished sons. For example, many Cheyenne individuals joined the parade. Some of them spent as much as they can spare just to lavish Campbell and the parade with the decorations fitting to the act of congratulations coming from the Cheyenne tribe. Some actually spent more than they could spare just so they can claim Campbell as their own and they can show how proud they are of Campbell. â€Å"Six of the riders were Northern Cheyenne, who had bankrupted themselves to show the world that Campbell was one of their own . † Despite his Indian American / Native American Indian roots, Campbell was a Catholic from the time his mother, also a devoted catholic, had him baptized when he was still a baby by bringing him and his sister Alberta to a church to be baptized just close to the time Campbell was born, until the time when he seemed to have had a falling out with the Catholic faith. But Campbell, during his adult life and especially during his tenure as public office politician, drifted from religion, and proof of this is the item â€Å"unspecified† marked on the space allotted for the identification of religious affiliation of the individual. This distinction, again, made Senator Campbell someone who is different from the rest of the field in the 106th Congress. He was the only one whose religious affiliation was unspecified, although there were no clear explanation(s) why such was the case – it could be anyone’s guess, from clerical error, mistake, or other reasons . His sudden dissociation with the Catholic faith was a surprising turn of events for Campbell. There are many good things that the Catholic faith has done for Campbell, especially during his youth. For example, there is the role of the faith during the times they were sent to the orphanage by their parents because they cannot take care of him and his sister because of their mother’s sickness and their father’s alcoholism and inability to financially support them. While the Catholic faith and the orphanage system had their share of bad reputation, history points how the Catholic experience was a relatively good one for Campbell. In retrospect, Campbell recalled how the nuns and priests, who took care of him when his parents were unable to take care of him, treated him well. In his recollection of his days with these priests and nuns, as he narrated it for his biography published in book form, he mentioned just several instances wherein he was punished like being sent inside a pig pen to be with a huge pig. The reason for his pains against Catholicism maybe rooted in the things that he never verbalized, in the things which he only referred to as painful memories of his childhood, some of which he experienced in the orphanage . If he saw flaws in the orphanage, then it is not surprising if he also saw flaws in Catholicism because the two are one and the same during his youth.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Practical Labour Law Assignment Essay

The common law contract of employment would require that the two parties involved i. e. employer and employee conclude an agreement equitable to or at least meeting the needs of (locatio conductio operarum/employment proper). Considering the nature of the relationship between Mrs. James and the school, it is difficult to define who the employee and employer is, as the initial agreement for the services offered by Mrs. James was made between her and the parents. The school ultimately becomes responsible for paying her salary based on a request she made. No formal agreement is mentioned with regards to this arrangement for instance, is the school charging her an administration/handling fee or is she subjected to statutory deductions like UIF as the other teachers. Mrs. James was provided with the tools (i. e. two classrooms) to run her services by the school and they stipulated conditions of her using the schools facilities (provided she supplied the children with equipment etc). Thus it would seem as though a (location conduction operis ) or â€Å"provision of work† contract exists between the school and Mrs. James. This contract unfortunately does not provide her with job security or recourse when facing acts of negligence or wrong doing by the other party to the contract. The control test indicates that Mrs. James ran her own after care centre without reporting to any of the staff members, in fact if ever there was a reporting structure it would probably be to the parents of the children she looked after. The governing body had no control over how she ran her classes either than the fact that they stipulated that toys and equipment be provided to the children and of course that the classrooms be well maintained. The governing body can stipulate the code of conduct for the other teachers but surely Mrs. James would not be subjected to this. In terms of the Organizational test, Mrs. James has been a part of the school for 15 years receiving a cheque from the school governing body like any other member of the organization and hence feeling somewhat involved with the school. However should the teachers for instance be involved in industrial action over salaries would Mrs. James as â€Å"part of the teachers’ organization† get involved or benefit from salary increases? There was no formal contract between the two but the school does provide the classroom (capital asset) and pay her via cheque signed by the governing body. To some degree they can terminate her services but not necessarily through disciplinary procedures as would be the case with their employees. If the school can no longer provide or choose to offer their facilities to someone else, surely the contract involved between Mrs. James and the school, would be more a tenant/landlord agreement rather than an employer/employee agreement. Who profits from the provision of these services? The fees paid by the parents are wholly received by Mrs. James which makes it seem as though she’s the only one profiting from the services rendered but arguably the school indirectly benefits from this arrangement. For instance parents of prospective school children may consider the provision of after care facilities as an added bonus when trying to decide which school their little one should attend. Furthermore Mrs. James has the added benefit of receiving her collated fees on time with no risk of theft etc. in a convenient manner at no extra charge to her. Teachers employed by the school earning a salary in exchange for the services carried out at the business of their employer are entitled to certain benefits. If the school was her employer then Mrs. James would’ve had to obey reasonable instructions from the school regarding her work but it seems she ran her business independently. The court should thus not rule in her favour as she wasn’t an employee of the school and hence cannot be retrenched. Question 2Word Count: 402 Skills development Act 97 ?Key purpose of the SDA and SDLA: The Skills Development Act (SDA) 97 came into effect in 1998, it is centered at improving the South African workforce by providing skills and opportunities to South African citizens. It aims to improve the quality of a workers life and grant opportunities and flexibility of employment as well as increased competition in the workplace as workers become more productive and efficient in their work. Entrepreneurship or self employment is encouraged through this act. The workplace becomes an institution of active learning as employees are encouraged to study or continue to train further and acquire new skills. Issues such as high unemployment or unskilled labour force can be addressed as employers are encouraged to employ unskilled workers for instance graduates or scholars with no working experience. Job prospects of historically disadvantaged individuals are improved through training initiatives. Provision and regulation of employment services Improved return on investment in the labour market due to increase in the levels of investment in training and education. In order to facilitate and finance SDA, the skills development levy Act (SDLA) was created. It is a levy imposed on employers to ensure funds are generated towards financing skills development. ?Key provisions of the SDA that apply to our company: The National Skills authority ; National skills fund; labour centres ; SETA’s; Skills Development Planning unit and of course the Skills Development levy grant scheme where established to provide for SDA. SETA’s or Sector Education and Training Authorities through which learnerships are provided mean that we as an employer must-: 1. Employ a learner for a period specified in an the agreement 2. Provide the learner with specified practical work experience 3. Afford the learner time to attend the education and training specified in the agreement ? Key procedures to be followed or set up to ensure compliance with SDA and SDLA : We have to apply to the commissioner of the South African Revenue Services to be registered to pay SDLA. The company also has to register with a relevant SETA. Payment of the levy must be made no later than seven (7) days after the end of each month. Every employer is subject to pay a skills development levy which is collected by SARS. This levy must be paid at a rate of 1% of an employee’s total remuneration excluding pension or retirement allowances. Question 3Word count: 468 a) All South African employees working more than 24 hours a month and who are not receiving a monthly pension, nor employed under the skills and development act are entitled to a statutory benefit called UIF which stands for Unemployment Insurance Fund. In the event that you fall ill, pregnant or are dismissed from work and even if your contract of employment should expire and you are involuntarily out of work, you will then be able to claim benefits against UIF and will be paid out a certain amount over a certain period of time by the labour department. Officers and some specified employees of national and provincial spheres of government may not claim UIF so too are foreigners entering the country for specified learnerships or contracts of service and employees earning commission only. Since you are of legal employment age and earn below the annual level determined by the minister of labour, you may apply for UIF should you involuntarily be unemployed subject to you having employment but not necessarily making contributions towards UIF for at least 13 weeks during the year before having to claim UIF. The company will deduct contributions from your salary every month and pay both our contribution as well as yours towards UIF fund. We will both be subject to paying an equal amount of 1% of your earnings towards the fund. In your current position as trainee data capturer you will be earning R7500 which is below the current income ceiling of R8099 per month. In the event that you claim for UIF you will then be entitled to a percentage of R7500 multiplied by 12 months divided by 365 days as a benefit paid out to you. Once a year the company pays out a bonus (guaranteed 13th cheque) to which a contribution for UIF will also be deducted however as your service with us progresses and you are possibly promoted into another role which may have the added benefit of a performance bonus, please note this will not be subject to UIF contributions. We will also make no UIF deductions on overtime paid to you or any other special allowances that don’t form part of the contract of employment you’ve just signed. As a contributor to the fund, you may one day claim for illness; maternity/adoption benefits and of course in the event that you are for instance retrenched, dismissed or your contract is terminated and you are left unemployed, you may also claim for this. In the event that you should pass away, your dependants may also claim from the fund provided they do so six months of your death however under special circumstance the commissioner may accept applications older than six months.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Design And Positioning Schools Of Strategy Essay

Design And Positioning Schools Of Strategy - Essay Example According to the research ten schools of strategy have different perspectives on the subject of strategy. These represent different schools of thought on strategic planning and formulation. The ten schools of strategy are design school, planning school, positioning school, entrepreneurial school, cognitive school, learning school, power school, cultural school, environmental school, and the configuration school. The design school of strategy defines strategy formation as a process of conception. Design school of strategy proposes a strategy that matches external opportunities with internal capabilities. The position school of strategy defines strategy as positions in the economic marketplace which are generic and common. Strategy should also be designed, keeping in mind existing and future competitors. The entrepreneurial school of strategy sees strategy making as a visionary process. Also this school makes the chief executive officer as the main formulator of the strategy. The plann ing school of strategy identifies strategy making as a formal process which calls for a mechanical and systematic process of strategy formulation with no or little creativity. The cognitive school sees strategy making as a mental process and takes input from different concepts of psychology. This school is largely conceptual in nature. The learning school stresses on learning from past experience and therefore sees strategy making as an emergent process. The power school of strategy argues that negotiating between different power holders within the organization is an important part of strategy formulation. ... The position school of strategy defines strategy as positions in the economic marketplace which are generic and common. Strategy should also be designed, keeping in mind existing and future competitors. The entrepreneurial school of strategy sees strategy making as a visionary process.( Mintzberg, et al, 2002). Also this school makes the chief executive officer as the main formulator of the strategy. The planning school of strategy identifies strategy making as a formal process which calls for a mechanical and systematic process of strategy formulation with no or little creativity. The cognitive school sees strategy making as a mental process and takes input from different concepts of psychology. This school is largely conceptual in nature. The learning school stresses on learning from past experience and therefore sees strategy making as an emergent process. The power school of strategy argues that negotiating between different power holders within the organization is an important p art of strategy formulation. The environmental school sees strategy making as a reactive process that is dependent on the external environment. The cultural school of strategy calls for group work in formulation of strategy. Finally, the configuration school of strategy sees strategy making as a process of transformation. The different schools of strategy can be grouped into three larger groups (Mintzberg, et al 2002). The first group is prescriptive in nature and consists of design, planning, and positioning schools. This group tells how a strategy should ideally be made. The second group tells how strategy is made and comprises of entrepreneurial, cognitive, learning, power, cultural, and environmental

Friday, September 27, 2019

Social and Community Entrepreneurship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Social and Community Entrepreneurship - Essay Example Social entrepreneurs look to market products to meet the human needs as much as possible, distinguish themselves from other social venture players by doing real things. The importance of social entrepreneurs is called by their ability to be relentlessly focused on influence and society’s changes and implementations of innovations that would help to build platforms for many people in order to enable them to think about positive impact on the global move (Osberg and Martin, 2007). The purpose of study of social entrepreneurship is to suggest factors associated with changes and how societies renew themselves. It will investigate the role of social entrepreneurs, challenges and pathway that made them move into social entrepreneurship. Since, the potential of social entrepreneurship is beyond human thought, the concrete example of such man, as the founder of Toms Company will be investigated and its nature and social impact will be studied. A concept of social entrepreneurship is already a widespread thing, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM Global Report, 2014). The GEM network conducted a global survey on the adoption of social entrepreneurship among forty-nine countries. The results showed an more than one adult in forty participants were already involved into some social entrepreneurship activity (see Appendix A). In modern time, more companies become social entrepreneurs to be able to puzzle upon such social issues as increasing college enrollment rate for students with low-income and fighting with poverty by using numerous innovative nonprofits, social-purpose ventures and hybrid organizations to generate social value for the society (Noruzi, Westover and Rahimi, 2010). Wealth creation is a part of entrepreneurship, but is not the end in itself. What is more important, it is the promotion of social change that sees the opportunities to improve systems, create solutions and develop new approache s for creation of social value (see

Thursday, September 26, 2019

HR Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

HR Questions - Essay Example Organizations have actually embarked a great deal of changes and expectations from the work force, which has quickened the role of HRM. Three tends that are changing the function of HRM are change management, strategic planning and training and management. These roles have relatively changed a great deal because of economic and technological changes, diversity and increasing demographics and organizational restructuring. For instance, considering socio-political polices which were considered as non-central to HRM are now doing strategic planning. Similarly, change management has to be undertaken by carefully allocating diversity within the organizations as people from different backgrounds and nationalities have become part of organizations. Q2- Describe the differences between internal equity comparisons and external equity comparisons, and explain their consequences on the organization. External equity comparisons are one, when an employer decides to pay wages to his or her work fo rce according to the pay rates implemented by other employers in the market place. For this reason, employers are expected to measure the labor markets to get an idea of how he or she will have to design wage plan. On the other hand, internal equity comparisons occur when an employer decides to pay wages to the employees, according to the nature of job, i.e. the more the work performed by a worker, the more wages he or she will earn. External equity comparisons may result in higher wages being paid to the employees, even if they have not put sufficient input in performing their assigned jobs. Whereas, internal equity comparisons create an environment, where the employer and employees both have fair portion of the money they earn for their efforts at work place. Q3- Discuss comparable worth by (1) defining it and (2) citing four potential problems in its implementation. Comparable worth is an idea, which entails that each worker should receive equal wages, regardless of the gender. C omparable worth is also known as pay equity and it allows an employer to pay equal amounts to different job titles according to their worth for the employer. The biggest problem with comparable worth is that the jobs performed by female workers are usually undervalued or do not have significant impact on the operational capacity of the organization. Moreover, implementing such systems would cause disturbance among male workers, as they will be performing tougher tasks and receiving the same amount as women. Male workers might also raise their voice against this gender discrimination. From social perspective, the individuals might also see it as an act of inequality and denial to the idea that every individual should be treated equally, regardless of the gender. Q4- Describe five reasons why merit pay programs may not help organizations increase their overall productivity. Q5- What are some issues of procedural justice that might arise in administering merit pay? In any company setup where rewards are offered by the management to employees they tend to assess these rewards on the basis of two distinct dimensions, which are namely distributive and procedural. Distributive dimension is related to the evaluation of the value of reward they have received; whereas procedural dimension is related to the assessment of the process, which is adopted by the management to decide the value of reward. Important aspects of procedural justice that may arise in administering merit pay may include 1) whether the manager or supervisor performs his duties ethically 2) whether the manager allow opportunity to employees to express their viewpoints and actually takes them into consideration 3) whether uniform standards

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Prevalence of Asthma and its associated factors in two different areas Essay

Prevalence of Asthma and its associated factors in two different areas of Saudi Arabia - Essay Example The narrowing or obstruction of the airways is caused by airway inflammation and broncho-constriction. Its prevalence has been reported to be increasing everywhere in the world. Asthma is a considerable burden, not only in terms of health care costs but also of decreased productivity and diminished participation in family life. While for children who were asthmatic, the condition attributed significantly in causing absenteeism of these children as compared to those who were not asthmatic; asthmatic children showed higher mean period of school absenteeism (1) During the past two decades, we have witnessed many scientific advances that have improved our understanding of asthma and our ability to manage it effectively. Still, the variation of national health care systems and of asthma therapies necessitates that recommendations for asthma care should be adapted to local conditions throughout the global community. Saudi Arabia has been one of the nations that had seen an increase in the prevalence of asthma. The country is located in the Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of Yemen; the terrain is mostly uninhabited sandy desert. Generally the climate is harsh with a dry desert and with great temperature extremes. Saudi Arabia's 2005 population is estimated to be about 26.5 million; including about 5.5 million resident foreigners. Until the 1960s, most of the population was nomadic or semi nomadic; due to rapid economic and urban growth, more than 95% of the population now is settled. Some cities and oases have densities of more than 1,000 people per square kilometer (2,600/mile) (2). The estimated birth and death rates for 2005 were .29.56-births/1,000 population 2.62 deaths/1,000 population. The age structure of the population for the same year for age group 0-14 years: 38.2% (male 5,149,960/female 4,952,138), 15-64 years: 59.4% (male 8,992,348/female 6,698,633), and 65 years and over: 2.4% (male 334,694/female 289,826) (3). Asthma has been rising in prevalence for the past two to three decades in the country and even in different parts of the globe. A survey conducted for the number of asthma cases among children between the ages of 8 and 16 for a 9-year period revealed that there was a significant increase in the prevalence of bronchial asthma from 8% in 1986 to 23% in 1995 (4). Moreover, another study comparing the symptoms of asthma in urban and rural Saudi Arabia in 1998 showed that a greater number of allergic symptoms were found in urban than in rural children and in Saudi than non-Saudi Arab children (5). Likewise, a survey of the socioclinical profile of children with asthma in Al-Majmaah province showed that male children represented 69% of the sample and children under one year of age manifested significantly severe degree of asthma (6). In the United Kingdom, a number of studies have shown a rising incidence of asthma up to 32.2% (7). Similarly, in the United States of America the prevalence of self-reported asthma has increased by 42% (8). Literature Review Factors associated with asthma are countless. They have been categorized in many groups based on some common characteristics. In the following paragraphs the matter is discussed under specific topics as it is concerned with asthma. Genetic Factors Role of genetics in this regard has been universal and it attributes to a

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Earned media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Earned media - Essay Example Earned media are used by a large number of companies to promote their brand. The best and most favorite thing about earned media is that it's cost free. Earned media can help promote a project by taking in the most little effort. (Ransom, 2012) There are several ways in which earned media can be used effectively. On Facebook, a page of the product can be made. In this way, people will get to know more about the product and how great it works. Moreover, there can be quizzes functioned by the product. People will find it interesting to share it on their profiles. These quizzes can reflect their personalities, so their friends will be looking at them too. Furthermore, an account on Snapchat will be able to post updates regarding the product on daily basis. This will provide the customers a chance to know about the new updates about the product and their new prices as well. An application can also be made. This application will provide the latest updates regarding the Uber company. The application can be readily available on play store so that android and ios users can easily download it. The application will be downloaded free of cost. Uber company can also provide daily horoscope. This will attract a large number of people as people are curious to know more about themselves. People might even share it with their friends. In this way, the friends will not only know about the horoscope but will also get to know about the company. Ransom, V. (2012). 3 Easy Ways to Grow Earned Media. Mashable.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Young Goodman Brown - Comapare it to a story in your own personal life Essay - 1

Young Goodman Brown - Comapare it to a story in your own personal life or a friends and have a moral at the end - Essay Example Faith merely symbolizes hope in the story. She represents love, as in the love between man and woman, and also the love, faith and devotion he has in God. In essence, by leaving Faith in the beginning of the story, he leaves his faith in God and good. Faith as introduced in the beginning of the story as the devoted wife who warns her husband to stay with her because of a dream that she has.  Without Faith, Goodman Brown might have no faith at all; he depends on her. Goodman Brown counts on Faith to convert him after his chore with the devil. When Goodman Brown ultimately meets with the Devil, he states that the reason he delays himself because Faith kept him back for awhile. Where he then realized that the incident with his wife prohibited him from being on time for his gathering with the devil, but his faith towards God furthers the reason for delaying his meeting. I remembered one of my friends told me that faith highlights numerous conflicts. Lives have gone astray and wars fought over the central that one’s belief exceeds the other. Tim, my friend would ask his friends or companions questions like this all the time. He would ask if we believed in heaven, hell, God, or anything. Tim went to church every Sunday as a boy, so he assumed the answer was yes. Sometime we would sit down and really gave it some contemplation. But deep down inside us we knew the faith was not there. Tim grew up going to this small church in the suburbs where he previously lived. Their church, according to him, had a totality of maybe about two hundred people. Most people who came to church, he says, all over fifty years old. His dad was well-known in the choir, so creeping out of the church wasn’t all that hard. Tim together with his friends would always go behind the church and play. Because they thought that listening to the oldies make them bored. Tim then has come to determine that most people inside the church aren’t really sure of what they believe. They

Sunday, September 22, 2019

College Life Essay Example for Free

College Life Essay I was really excited to go on college by the time I step on the stage and got my diploma. During college applications, I would always think of what college has to offer far from high school. I would imagine myself walking around the university’s corridor from building to building, meeting new and unfamiliar faces, involving into different school activities and enjoying a lot of my free time. I would also see myself in a more mature role as a Mass Communication student of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila which is I think a big challenge. However, I fear that college might be hard for me as a freshman. I wonder who are going to be my friends, will I be with the good ones or the other way around, what type of professors I’ll be dealing with, where should I and most importantly, how can I cope up with these changes that I can’t even sleep that night before our first day of school. And these are the things I’ve encountered so far. The whole set up of college is totally different from high school Embracing a change is certainly a difficult one. It took me a lot of adjustments to familiarize things in college. It is true that in college you are the master of your time. You should know how to manage your time preparing for school, during vacant hours and free time. Since I’m from Cavite which is a 2 hour ride going to Manila (heavy traffic not included), I should have a time allowance so I can’t be late on my first subject. Technically, if I have a 7 am class, I should be up at 4 am for preparation then at 5 am I must go. Same with going home and this is very tiresome. During my vacant, instead of wandering somewhere I will do my assignments so when I came home, there’s nothing to worry about. With my schedule, I can rarely bond with my parents and siblings at home because I must make the most out of my time to do what is needed and that often left me no personal time. I can no longer join family gatherings or social parties because if I do, I would sacrifice my time for sleep and rest. My time is being calculated and I think that’s the worst part of being a college student. On the other hand, my social life broaden with the new friends I’ve met in college but at first I find it hard to be comfortable with them because I’m still looking for the same qualities of my friends in high school. Because of it, I barely enjoy my time with them which is not healthy. That’s the hardest part in me that I struggle, to open up myself for new opportunities. The next adjustment that I had was in terms of money. Back in my high school, I am not really into allowances because IÂ  had my pack lunch and school service. Whenever I need something, I’ll just ask my parents and they will give me the amount of money I needed. But when I entered college, I started to budget everything I need with my allowance – fare, food, and school stuffs. Especially with my school environment since it is near SM Manila and those tempting, low-cost stores scattered anywhere. With that, I learned to save money and prioritize my needs over wants that leaves no room for extras.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Ask for Help Essay Example for Free

Ask for Help Essay Describe the process that you used to take a sample of the puddle-shaped burn pattern on the floor. Why did you also take samples from the portion of the floor that was not burned? To take a sample of the burned floor we scraped the burnt wood will we got loose pieces of it. We did the same to take a sample of the wood that had not been burned. We took a sample of the burned and non-burned wood to compare what made them burn differently. What evidence did the space heater provide? What did the evidence indicate? The space heater was on when the fire started. What information did you gain from the pictures taken at the scene? The information we gained from the pictures taken at the scene was, the victim was laying on the floor during the fire, The crazed glass window is not conclusive, And the fire burned more intensely in the puddle shaped area. (May involve some type of liquid.) To whom did the fingerprints on the match box belong? What characteristics of the fingerprints helped you to determine they were a match? How long does the average IAFIS search take? The finger prints belonged to Donald Parker. The Characteristics of the fingerprints are, Hook, Bridge, Ridge ending, Island, and two bifurcation. It takes 30 minutes for the average IAFIS search. Why is there a charcoal strip inside the containers that you used to collect the floor pieces? Why are these pieces saved after the solution has been prepared for the GC? What elements were present in the gas chromatograph from your puddle sample? How did this differ from the control graph? While performing the autopsy to determine if the victim died in the fire, what signs of inhalation did you look for? Based on the graph, what percentage of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood is deadly? While performing the autopsy the signs of smoke inhalation we looked for was soot in the victims mouth and airways. How does the spectrometer work? What does the absorption of light waves help you to determine? How did you use the calibration curve to determine the blood alcohol content? Explain how the evidence helped you to determine how Trevor  died and whether the fire was accidental or arson.

Friday, September 20, 2019

The Issue Of Domestic Violence In Malaysia Social Work Essay

The Issue Of Domestic Violence In Malaysia Social Work Essay Domestic violence is acknowledged as a significant issue within Malaysia. Historically, women non-government organizations (NGOs) have made violence against women a visible issue and have laws and protection services for victims of gender violence. In the year of 1994, the Domestic Violence Act was finally passed by Parliament, making Malaysia the first Asian and Muslim country to adopt such legislation. Government and Womens groups have make hard afford in raising awareness around the issues of domestic violence due to Malaysia has a high level of physical abuse of women by husbands and boyfriends. The 1992 WAO/SRM (Womens Aid Organisation and Survey Research Malaysia) survey revealed that 39 percent of women have experiencing battering. In the year of 1995, there were 1409 police reports of domestic violence. 1n 1997, the first full year of the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act, increase to 5477 reports, representing a 388 percent increase. To sum up, the statistics of do mestic violence cases are increasing year by year according to the statistics on marital violence cases of the Department of Social Welfare of the Ministry of National Unity and Social Development (Department of Social Welfare, 1999-2009). Except the studies on the number of cases reported for domestic violence, there has also been a small body of research conducted in order to recognise the consequential costs to governments in responding to the consequences of such violence. Studies of the prevalence of violence against women indicate that violence is an issue that permeates every corner of society, is widespread and costly. The costs that spend on domestic violence can be found in Justice, Health, Social Services, Education, Business Costs, Personal or Household Costs. Consequently, the costs of violence against women drain resources from many sectors including private businesses and agencies, the government, community groups and individuals. In brief, for the long run, violence against women will impede economic and social development in Malaysia. Majority of the research on domestic violence tend to place the attention on its causes and consequences as well as short-term crisis intervention such as provision of accommodation, welfare assistance and other emergency support and advocacy services. However, less attention has been given to the long-term impact of intimate partner violence on battered womens career development and the role of career counselling interventions in empowering battered women to become economically independent. Therefore, this paper aim at exploring a more comprehensive and extended framework by which the focus is given to the importance of long-term planning in areas such as job search and career development. Thus, rather than continues to concentrating on immediate needs, focusing on the area of career development will reduce the overall expenditure spend by the government or society and also provide an opportunity for the victims of domestic violence for long-term independence as more people enter th e workforce. According to the Womens Aid Organization annual report, there is a need for a more long-term approach to the issue of domestic violence in Malaysia. Since the topic of this paper is to discuss about the domestic violence and career development in Malaysia, thus, firstly, the author will examines the impact of domestic violence on career development. Second, it places the issue of career barrier encounter by battered women, and third it explores the work of Bandura (1989) and Gianakos (1999) to understand career orientation. Finally, by drawing on these concepts builds a framework which provides a pathway for domestic violence victims to attain sustainable employment and independence. The Impact of Domestic Violence on Womens Career Development The impact of domestic violence on womens career development can be devastating. The constant denigration associated with emotional abuse destroys womens beliefs in their competence and worth. Physical states and injuries resulting from physical and sexual abuse limit womens ability to go to work, complete job tasks, and advance in their job positions (CDC, 2003; Chronister McWhirter, in press). Battered women also may be isolated and as a result, have fewer opportunities to engage in positive learning experiences, observe role models, and build support networks. These factors, considered from a social cognitive career theory (SCCT) perspective (Lent, Brown, Hackett, 1994), severely restrict battered womens range of career interests, formulation of career goals, and persistence toward those goals. Poverty and employment have been at the forefront of economic and social policy debate in Australia for the last three decades (Saunders 2006). Domestic violence victims not only suffer from a range of physical and mental health problems, but are more likely to have been unemployed in the past and also have higher levels of job turnover (Lloyd and Taluc 1999; Costello et al. 2005). Some work in the USA suggests that women who had experienced aggression from male partners had only one third the odds of maintaining employment for at least 30 hours per week over a six month period (Browne et al. 1999). While some abusers simply prohibit their female partners from working, others take measures to undermine any attempts at employment such as denying them transportation, tearing up clothing, beating them before job interviews and generally demoralising the partner to such an extent that work becomes impossible (Brandwein 1998; Lloyd and Taluc 1999). Such women then have more interrupted wo rk histories, are less likely to seek or achieve promotion and often operate in low paid/low skilled work (Costello, Chung and Carson 2005: Lloyd and Taluc 1999). In the Australian context unemployment or joblessness as it is now known continues to be the perennial cause of poverty (Saunders 2006). However, there is a lack of Australian research on the links of domestic violence and employment, but what limited work there is has found that training and employment transition services were considered a low priority even though the financial, social and emotional benefits of such interventions were considered significant (Costello et al. 2005, 257). This is very different from Britain and Ireland where the issue of poverty and joblessness has been addressed in a comprehensive way with the setting of anti-poverty targets and long-term solutions (ACOSS 2004). Domestic violence, no matter whether it be physical, emotional, verbal, economic or social, leads to lower self-esteem and self worth, social isolation, poverty and welfare dependency and poor health for the women and children who are subjected to such abuse (Partnerships Against Domestic Violence 2001, 7; Tolman and Wang 2005, 148). They find they are unable to set short-term goals, have limited information through their social and economic isolation and exist in a climate of fear and these become barriers to seeking full employment and becoming financially independent (Trent and Margulies 2007). Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse or intimate partner violence (IPV), can be broadly defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, friends or cohabitation.[1] Domestic violence has many forms including physical aggression (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, slapping, throwing objects), or threats thereof; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; controlling or domineering; intimidation; stalking; passive/covert abuse (e.g., neglect); and economic deprivation.[1] Alcohol consumption[2] and mental illnessHYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence#cite_note-dutton1994-2[3] can be co-morbid with abuse, and present additional challenges when present alongside patterns of abuse.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Social Status Essay -- Sociology, Society, Roles

Roles are created from social status. Social status is the position we have in a social hierarchy. As a person’s social status change, their role also changes. Many will have more than one status at a time but they will perform their role one at a time. The roles we go through are not as easy as they seem to be. Each role has to be properly fulfilled in order to get approval from the society. Roles are difficult to maintain and succeed in for the reason that society expects other to behave a certain way according to their roles and if they do not, then they point their fingers at them. The roles can be classified from the way one dresses, such as their clothing, language, demeanor and general appearance will be different from male to female. Many might have endured role conflicts with a multiple role expectations. People will always try to perform their best when performing a role, even though it can be very difficult. One’s position can be over seen over all other stat us is master status. There can be a positive or a negative effect on the master status but depends on the society to decide what ones master status is. The expectations that must be fulfilled for a role to be properly played are the actions that society has set. The behavior one should follow in order to proper attain the role. an example of this would be the role of a father taking care of his family, playing with his children, support them financially and much more. His master status will be positive and every one will appreciate him for fulfilling his role perfectly. Nevertheless if one was to do something different from the norm, then the society labels the person negatively. If the father was to neglect his responsibilities of the family and start drinking, th... ... status that is given since birth. There are multiple roles to be performed with each status that a person holds. The roles we go through are not as easy as they seem to be. Each role has to be properly fulfilled in order to get approval from the society. It is difficult to carry out a role perfectly because the society has expectations set. The difficulties that one may endure while performing a role is that their appearance, language, demeanor will not be appropriate to the role. Another problem that many people go through is role strain, role conflict. They have trouble figuring out how to balance two roles at a time. Master status is a behavior, appearance or anything that stands out the most in a person. It can be taken negatively or positively. Generally, many have encountered how it feels to perform a role and tried their best to get society’s appreciation.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Society and Femininity Essay -- American Literature Essays

Society and Femininity: Triumph of the Human Spirit Very few novels in American Literature can earn the title of timeless. These novels transcend the ages, because they possess a greater meaning. Their stories teach people about life, the glory of the human soul, and all it can endure to overcome. Three novels in particular get to the very heart of feminine struggle. Though they touch not on women’s struggle to vote, they reach the higher plain of women’s struggle to be seen as who they are and not what society wants them to be. To Kill a Mockingbird, The Color Purple and The Bluest Eye all deal with the topic of women trying to overcome society. Although these novels were written in the mid to later half of the twentieth century, they go back to a time when the Great Depression was touching all walks of human life. Each of the main characters in these novels does not fit society’s view of femininity during the time period. Although the main characters in the three stories do not fit society’s idea of femininity, they each, in their own way, overcome this and show a greater beauty of strength. All three main characters in each of these stories fail to fulfill society’s idea of beauty and femininity. The lead character of To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout, is a nine year old tomboy, during a time when girls aren’t supposed to be tomboys. She receives much criticism by her aunt and many others for not being the ideal young little girl. Harper Lee, the author, expresses through the view point of Scout, â€Å"Aunt Alexandra was fanatical on the subject of my attire. I could not possibly hope to be a lady if I wore breeches, then I said I could do nothing in a dress, she said I wasn’t supposed to be doing things that requi... ... is not willing to give up the fight by her amazing desire to want that child to live. Although the book does not show Claudia in adulthood, one can envision her as the epitome of a strong woman. These three main characters defy society because of their strength. These books become timeless because of the female characters. Each novel defies the expectations of society in its own way. They exemplify women who rise above the average to become greater than what most people are. The novels show the female spirit in all its glory; they portray its strengths and ability to overcome obstacles. Works Cited Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. 1960. 40th Anniversary Ed. New York: HarperCollins Pub, 1999. Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1970. Walker, Alice. The Color Purple. Orlando: Harcourt Brace Jovanocich, 1982.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

IntroductionIn today ‘s metropoliss, interior decorators are faced with the corporate creative activity of a incorporate model for new development, out-of-door environmental rivals. Designer ‘s part is frequently to go after the fact, beauty intervention and maltreatment of patients is to make infinites for public utilizing program in the first topographic point. In the urban development procedure as usual landscape located in an stray object, instead than as streets, squares, big portion of the edifice construction, and possible unfastened infinite. ( Roger Trancik,1986 ) Therefore, how to put up the infinite in most environments today was the of import issue.Botching the metropolisGuggenheim Museum Bilbao – Bilbao, SpainIt is one of the universe ‘s most celebrated edifices ; which is an attractive and impressive architectural plants in many ways. Unfortunately, as a public infinite, it is really successful – and even unsafe. Dramatic beauty and sculpture edifice, Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, monumentally for successful as a landmark edifice attempts, and besides has attracted people ‘s attending on Bilbao metropolis. However, the undertaking has failed as a public infinite, losing an of import chance to observe and back up the cultural and community life that will throb throughout of the metropolis. Highlight the centre of Bilbao which located near the waterfront, the edifice disrupted metropolis life, as an abuse to a prosaic who is willing to utilize anything more than other constructing goggling at this topographic point. Frank Gehry, the designer who designed the museum, seem to fear that support, or even acknowledged that human activity and the surrounding edifices. The museum is likely to convey people to Bilbao, but it is merely reduced the civic and cultural life, that is doing people proud to hold their life in metropoliss. In add-on, as a successful investing in the building symbol, it limits the function of the architecture is merely the icon. It received attending, the edifice overlooked the river, giving its prominent, and it ignores the big public topographic points, whether it is comfy, worst of all, it ignores the metropolis, it is merely to pull draw attending. Walking through Bilbao, the edifice make distraction from the most dynamic public infinite in Europe, that is the sort of some of the intervention in community life. While the landmarks of power have been broadcast around the universe, it can easy be interpreted as a human activity and civic life in onslaughts. Although Bilbao as a metropolis could be near to the tallness of civilisation, and Frank Gehry ‘s is the position of an icon as a beacon of urban services, it is besides a public infinite, that is a considerable recreation of civilisation, should be suppose to celebrated. Architecture emerged to go a great success manner that is able to reflect and back up the edifice of civilisation, civilization and regard for the intent of professional characteristics. Gehry ‘s edifice seems to neglect in all these countries, therefore doing great harm to Bilbao, and to the building industry. The great edifices and major public topographic points should be go manus and manus, but unluckily, they seldom do so. The Guggenheim in Bilbao ‘s haughtiness and it indicates that the design and development attack is an abuse to public topographic points everyplace. Around this edifice, public infinite is a nothingness in the civic life of great metropolis. It can be said that this edifice has brought attending to Bilbao, but in this attending has been distracted, or at best a short-run high-sugar, for a metropolis with some of Europe ‘s best public topographic points in many ways. As the Museum non merely merely ignores the context, but besides enhances the distance and fells Bilbao rich cultural and societal life, it is a metropolis ‘s net loss.Canary Wharf – London, UKThere are many concealed positions by out-of-door public infinite and a labyrinth of belowground stores. While I came to this country, I feel even more defeated than I expected. They have four out-of-door public topographic points and the Numberss of stores in the resistance like the maze which concealed positions in fact, it is hard to happen. All people in a public topographic point are full of the auto. Clearly, They argued that the public infinite or non ; they think it is a auto show, is to pull them to be more active. This has a really big graduated table in office park with complex challengers. It is complex instance with the failure consequence for each. The undersides of the edifices are inordinate stark, empty, or conceal with columns to conceal those use-things may seek to reach in any intent. Even if you stand back of the columns or arcades, and you get some good retail or a good entryway, the consequence is still inexorable, and non attractive. Any outside streets is uninteresting and non appealing. Some one would wish to see a few more suited characters to add, and some personality countries. Clearly, there has a really limited set of patronages who want to pull. Contrast to either Battery Park City or Rockefeller Center, it is so baffled to tag Canary Wharf, is so far off the grade. Some one has thought as Winston Churchill, †¦ we are determining our edifice, and so they are determining us†¦ reasonably chilling! It is non easy to hold a position connexion. How do you believe this component will heighten people community. It is evidently a auto show. There are the tall edifices, autos environing the people who need a public infinite.Evaluation on Public SpaceIn research for the public infinite, it is non difficult to happen, there are four qualities of success, and those decided it does work or non: accessible, activities, comfy and community.Access & A ; LinkagesYou can find whether it has convenience connexions to a topographic point or its environing countries, including ocular and physical. A successful public infinite is easy to happen and acquire through ; it is seeable in footings of short distance. The borders of a infinite key are besides important: for illustration, shops sit along a street will be more interesting and by and large safer than walking in a space wall. There is convenient public conveyance, if accessible infinites have a high parking turnover.Pioneer Courthouse Square, PortlandPioneer Courthouse Square, was known as the â€Å" Portland ‘s life room † , as a public infinite in mention to heighten this topographic point to garner in and usage of citizens. These modern designs, including public art, recreational installations, flowers, trees, and walls and sitting country were designed. This is a often happening on-site, and includes a java store, nutrient providers, and information Center for Tri-Met ( regional Portland ‘s theodolite bureau ) , which is the square cardinal factor in the success of the renovation. From doubleduty the siting countries by integrate public art, flowers, trees, walls and ample stepss. This is the activities event of the site that used often, from enhanced a java store and nutrient sellers, and besides as coachs and light rail service in the centre. Pioneer Courthouse Square is one of the first new regeneration of public infinites. It is no longer as a inactive green infinite, and it designed for the square scheduling and supposed to utilize by public. In fact, for such the utilizing substructure is constitutional, but they are responsible for the direction of infinite entities to guarantee that there continued effectual usage. Pioneer Square, Law Courts Building, the procedure of creative activity – the public arguments, fund-raising, the expansive gap ceremonial – were designed to back up occupants, which related to the Polish population. Support and three ocular connexions were from Tri-Met contacted Peoples with the square and metropolis centre as a whole. With an effectual direction organisation, the square has become the metropolis ‘s pride topographic point and the focal point of a assortment of community activities. Proved that the revival of downtown Portland square on the far-reaching impact livability. All sorts of the installations support the each facet of public infinite to community with people.Comfort & A ; ImageWhether it is a comfy infinite – to hold a good image, is the key to success. Comfort is including the safe facet, cleanliness and the handiness of topographic points to sit – allow the people choose what they want to sit ; most people have underestimated the importance of. In peculiar, adult females have the good Judgess on comfort and a good image for their more favoritism.Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, FranceLuxembourg Gardens is likely one of the most successful Parkss in the universe, because so good in the cloth environing the metropolis, which makes it has convenient integrating. There are many things to make, where people who use it: kids, the aged people, the Sorbonne University pupils, widely shown that the people throughout the tiffin interruption, and so on. Peoples go to walk, play cheat, sit down to read, people watching, sitting in a coffeehous e or to convey their kids or grandchildren adult female to one of the kids ‘s many attractive forces. Events go on in the park, including tennis, siting pony, marionette theaters, plaything boat ( child drifting in their them by cardinal fountain ) . Visitors besides can halt within the Palace, and attended by the Gallic Senate, which is a public clear. The park besides organized, such as aerial exposure, that from around the universe in fictile wrap, and besides keep advanced exhibitions and shows around the garden ; a big wooden platform displayed the map which including exposure web site, supplying people with slippers who wants to walk on it – many of the same.Uses & A ; ActivitiesActivity is an indispensable constituent of a topographic point. Something to cover with, it need to gives people a ground to put – and return. When there is anything we can make, a infinite will be empty, and normally means what is incorrect.Kungstradgarden, Stockholm, SwedenKungstradgarden is in the bosom of the metropolis, owed a small past embodiment from the royal household kitchen gardens to lush Parkss to bore the military personnels on the land. The 1953 became the birthday jubilations of Stockholm ‘s 700-year-old site, and the cardinal portion of the direction has been uninterrupted since so, as a flexible event and public presentation infinite. It has besides been the Swedish premiere of the phase: In 1953, the first hot Canis familiaris has been served at that place, and Piccolino introduced java and java in this King ‘s Garden, to the delectation of Swedish roof of the mouths. In 1962, the first unreal ice frozen skating-rink is completed in the park, and the first out-of-doorss cheat set and placed that began in the 1970ss. It is the flourish position in Kungstradgarde, as its direction capacity to accommodate such seasonal usage of a broad scope of public infinites. One of the chief elements in the Kungstradgarden is a big collapsible shelter covering major phases in the warm footings, where they perform about every twenty-four hours. Wholly, it has about 150 phases happen each twelvemonth. In add-on to 100-150 yearss of exhibitions, a Christmas market in December over the weekend, every bit good as a host of other activities. There are trees in the courtyard and on both street-sides of eating houses. A stairss to the sunken fountain is located in forepart of a eating house, garden centre is equipped with a big round place, a winter skating rink. While there are some warm-weather activities such as cheat, assortments of draughtss, table tennis, in a little ruddy bungalow for which the equipment was is available occur to the extent of these activities. The garden was redesigned in 1998, although before there was the same like this minute in the universe in footings of flexibleness, the ensuing layout is more stiff, so that many of these activities no longer possible. In add-on, there is a presentation resort area provided for kids ‘s playing. In all, nevertheless, Kungstradgarden is stay its popular, fantastic urban centres in the nucleus of a well-ventilated topographic point – and compared with the most other topographic points, it still has a wealth of events, activities and public presentations, each season, sponsored by local concerns and organisations, it is impressive.SociabilityThis is a hard topographic point to accomplish quality, but one time achieved it becomes a clear and univocal map. When people see friends, dating, run into their neighbours, should experience comfy interaction with aliens, they tend to experience that fond regard to the topographic point or a sense of belonging in their communities – and local publicity of these types of societal activities.Jackson Square, New Orleans, LAThis is the cardinal square in New Orleans Gallic Quarter is important keen layout, with three park confronting exuberant trees, flowers and attack in full of historical edifices. Outside the park, in add-on to the constitution of the fencing from the elegant, hustling with instrumentalists, creative persons, providers, fluctuations in the activities of prosaic entree, and street public presentations. From the next street is likewise impressive, foregrounding the rule, we in the Spirit frequently described as â€Å" making out like an octopus. † When you are closer and closer to capture the positions of an attractive square, street-level experience in alteration more interesting and look forward to is how to hold on the true power of you. Jackson Square is the figure of â€Å" sacred topographic points † in a peculiar metropolis. This sacred topographic point should be the basis of the metempsychosis of New Orleans. If each community can regenerate the focal point on the cardinal public topographic points such as Jackson Square itself, the metropolis may be powerful hurricanes than of all time before.Mentionhypertext transfer protocol: //www.pps.org/

Monday, September 16, 2019

Greenpeace Introduction

Greenpeace International Ottho Heldringstraat 5 1066 AZ Amsterdam The Netherlands Phone: +31 (0) 20 718 20 00 Fax: +31 (0) 20 718 20 02 Email: supporter. services. [email  protected] org GREENPEACE – AHMET HALIL HAYTA Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace by: Catalysing an energy revolution to address the number one threat facing our planet: climate change. Defending our oceans by challenging wasteful and destructive fishing, and creating a global network of marine reserves.Protecting the world's ancient forests and the animals, plants and people that depend on them. Working for disarmament and peace by tackling the causes of conflict and calling for the elimination of all nuclear weapons. Creating a toxic free future with safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals in today's products and manufacturing. Campaigning for sustainable agriculture by rej ecting genetically engineered organisms, protecting biodiversity and encouraging socially responsible farming. Greenpeace is present in 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Pacific.To maintain its independence, Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments or corporations but relies on contributions from individual supporters and foundation grants. Greenpeace has been campaigning against environmental degradation since 1971 when a small boat of volunteers and journalists sailed into Amchitka, an area north of Alaska where the US Government was conducting underground nuclear tests. This tradition of ‘bearing witness' in a non-violent manner continues today, and our ships are an important part of all our campaign work.Core Values Personal responsibility and Nonviolence We take personal responsibility for our actions, and we are committed to nonviolence. These principles are inspired by the Quaker concept of ‘bearing witness', which is abou t taking action based on conscience – personal action based on personal responsibility. We are accountable for our actions, and everyone on a Greenpeace action is trained in nonviolent direct action. Independence We ensure our financial independence from political or commercial interests.We do not accept money from either companies or governments. And we mean any money. Individual contributions, together with foundations grants, are the only source of our funding. Our independence gives us the authority we need to effectively tackle power, and make real change happen. Greenpeace has no permanent friends or foes In exposing threats to the environment and finding solutions we have no permanent allies or adversaries. If your government or company is willing to change we will work with you to achieve your aims.Dither, backtrack or turn around and we will be back. What matters isn’t words, but actions, and, as far as we’re concerned, there’s only one standard in this: The environment has to benefit. Promoting solutions We seek solutions for, and promote open, informed debate about society's environmental choices. We don’t work to manage environmental problems, we work to eliminate them. That’s why we developed our roadmap to save the seas through the establishment of marine reserves, and an Energy [R]evolution lueprint that points the way to a clean economy. It’s not enough for us to point the finger; we develop, research and promote concrete steps towards a green and peaceful future for all of us. Greenpeace structure and organisation Background – April 15, 2011 Greenpeace is a global environmental organisation, consisting of Greenpeace International (Stichting Greenpeace Council) in Amsterdam, and 28 national and regional offices around the world, providing a presence in over 40 countries.These national/regional offices are independent in carrying out global campaign strategies within the local context they operate within, and in seeking the necessary financial support from donors to fund this work. zoom In most National and Regional offices, voting memberships made up of activists and volunteers elect a Board of Directors. The development and coordination of these global strategies is the task of Greenpeace International.Supported by a consultative international decision making process in which the National/Regional Offices are the main stakeholders, Greenpeace International co-ordinates worldwide campaigns and monitors the development and performance of national and regional Greenpeace offices. The Greenpeace National / Regional offices are firmly rooted within the local environmental communities around the globe in the countries where Greenpeace operates. They maintain our direct contact with the public: all Greenpeace offices can be directly contacted by phone or email.Greenpeace International is the entity that maintains contacts with supporters and donors in countries where we do not have offices. It also provides a range of services to the national/regional offices such as maintenance of the Greenpeace ships, setting up new Greenpeace offices, drawing up combined financial forecasts and strategies for the worldwide organisation, providing fundraising support to national/regional offices, providing cost-efficient global IT services and Internet tools, and protecting the Greenpeace trademark.Greenpeace National and Regional Offices are licensed to use the name â€Å"Greenpeace† by Stichting Greenpeace Council. National and Regional offices contribute financially to Greenpeace International, campaign locally, participate in international campaigns, and help shape the international campaign programme. Greenpeace Africa Greenpeace Argentina Greenpeace Australia-Pacific Greenpeace Belgium Greenpeace Brazil Greenpeace Canada Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe Greenpeace Chile Greenpeace Czech Republic Greenpeace East Asia Greenpeace France Greenpeace Ge rmany Greenpeace Greece Greenpeace IndiaGreenpeace Italy Greenpeace Japan Greenpeace Luxembourg Greenpeace Mediterranean Greenpeace Mexico Greenpeace Netherlands Greenpeace New Zealand Greenpeace Nordic Greenpeace Russia Greenpeace Southeast Asia Greenpeace Spain Greenpeace Switzerland Greenpeace UK Greenpeace USA South Korea abandons ‘scientific’ whaling plans Press release – December 4, 2012 Amsterdam, December 4, 2012 – Greenpeace confirmed on Tuesday that the government of South Korea has abandoned its plans to begin a ‘scientific’ whaling operation, a significant step forward in global efforts to protect whale populations.The proposed hunt, announced in July, would have caught minke whales for commercial purposes under the thin veil of scientific research. More than 100,000 people from around the world sent messages in the last month to the South Korean prime minister, asking him to call off the hunt. â€Å"The voices of people from Sout h Korea and the entire world have been heard by the South Korean government,† said Greenpeace East Asia oceans campaigner Jeonghee Han. â€Å"The South Korean government’s decision to not take up scientific whaling is another sign that commercial whaling has no place in our oceans.We urge South Korea to abandon all commercial whaling activities in the future. † Under International Whaling Commission (IWC) rules, a formal proposal for the ‘scientific’ hunt was required by 3 December. The IWC has confirmed to Greenpeace that the South Korean government has not submitted this. South Korean officials have also confirmed to Greenpeace that a decision to not move forward with the hunt was taken a few days ago. â€Å"The world does not support commercial whaling, even when it is disguised as scientific research.The decision by South Korea to listen to its own people and the global community and abandon a whaling programme modelled on that of Japan is a hug e win for the world’s whales,† added John Frizell, Greenpeace International oceans campaigner. Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment, and to promote peace. Greenpeace is opposed to commercial whaling in all of the world’s oceans. Greenpeace does good work in protecting the environment and drawing people's attention to it. Greenpeace demonstrating against Esso. March, 6. 2003.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

African American and Black People Essay

1 . What issues most concerned black political leaders during Reconstruction? Reconstruction brought important social changes to former slaves. Families that had been separated before and during the Civil War were reunited, and slave marriages were formalized through legally recognized ceremonies. Families also took advantage of the schools established by the Freedmen’s Bureau and the expansion of public education, albeit segregated, under the Reconstruction legislatures. New opportunities for higher education also became available with the founding soon after the Civil War of black colleges, such as Howard University in Washington, D. C. , and Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. The number of African-American churches grew significantly and became social and political centers as well as houses of worship. Black ministers assumed a leadership role in the community and were among the first elected officials. The most fundamental concern of blacks through all of the changes, though, was economic survival. 2. What did black political leaders accomplish and fail to accomplish during Reconstruction? What contributed to their successes and failures? During the decade known as Radical Reconstruction (1867-77), Congress granted African American men the status and rights of citizenship, including the right to vote, as guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments to the U. S. Constitution. During Reconstruction, some 2,000 African Americans held public office, from the local level all the way up to the U. S. Senate, though they never achieved representation in government proportionate to their numbers. 3. Were black political leaders unqualified to hold office so soon after the end of slavery? They were unqualified to hold office soon after the slavery because some of the amendments disqualified blacks. Yes because the amendments prevented blacks to be in the office. 4. To what extent did African Americans dominate southern politics during Reconstruction? Should we refer to this era as â€Å"Black Reconstruction† African Americans dominated the southern politics during Reconstruction because of the debate play a big part in the situation. 5. Why did the Republican Party fail to maintain control of southern state governments during Reconstruction? Because other party had more voters and stronger debates. 6. What was â€Å"redemption†? What happened when redemption occurred? What factors contributed to redemption? The return of an investor’s principal in a fixed income security, such as a preferred stock or bond; or the sale of units in a mutual fund. A redemption occurs, in a fixed income security at par or at a premium price, upon maturity or cancellation by the issuer. Redemptions occur with mutual funds, at the choice of the investor, however limitations by the issuer may exist, such as minimum holding periods. 7. How and why did Reconstruction end? reconstruction ended because of the compromise of 1877. It was an unwritten agreement that stated Hayes would win the presidency, if he were to remove troops from southern states (political).. Reconstruction also failed because many people in the south did not want to accept a life different from what they were used to (social). 8. How effective was Reconstruction in assisting black people to move from slavery to freedom? It was very effective because black people did get a chance to become free. 1 . How were black people prevented from voting despite the Fifteenth Amendment? Many white Americans were upset about the fifteenth amendment so they put fear in the black community by attacking them at the polls and throughout different cities. 2. How did white Americans justify segregation? They had better options than blacks. For example Blacks had to seat in the of the classroom and buses. 3. Why did the South experience an epidemic of violence? and lynching in the late nineteenth century? Because people wanted revenge upon people in the south 4. Why didn’t more black people leave the South in this period? Because they was afraid of what people from the south might do to them. 1. How did the strategies promoted by Booker T. Washington differ from those of W. E. B. Du Bois and the NAACP? Which were more effective? W. E. B Du Bois wanted people to work for the things they wanted. Booker T Washington wanted people to find a trade and work for the stuff they want. W. E. B Du Bois was more effective because the black community wanted to be educated was the can understand things . 2. Assess Washington’s contributions to the advancement of black people? Booker T Washington wanted people to find a trade and work for the stuff they want. 3. How did middle-class and prosperous black people try to contribute to progress for their race? Were their efforts effective? They efforts were effective they seen that it was possible for blacks to advance in life and they wanted to progress. 4. Why did most African Americans support U. S.participation in World War I? Was that support justified? Because they loved their country, and wanted to support their families. 6. Why did many black people leave the South in the 1920s? Why didn’t this migration begin earlier or later? Because they were not being treated fair. 2. What examples of progress could leaders like W. E. B. Du Bois, James Weldon Johnson, A. Philip Randolph, and Marcus Garvey point to in the 1920s? 3. Why did so many African-American leaders reject Marcus Garvey? Because he wanted them to go back to Africa and got close with Ku Klux Klan. 4. How did the black nationalism of the Universal Negro Improvement Association differ from the white nationalism of the Ku Klux Klan? Because they were not violent. 5. What economic opportunities existed for African Americans who had migrated to northern cities? 6. Why did the literary and artistic movement known as the Harlem Renaissance emerge? 7. What was distinctive about black writers, artists, and musicians? Were their creative works essentially a part of American culture or separate from it? 8. Did African Americans have any reason to be optimistic by the late 1 920s? 1 . Why did African Americans abandon their long association with the Republican Party in favor of the Democratic Party? Because African Americans felt like the democratic party share the same beliefs. 2. How did black radicalism influence Roosevelt’s New Deal policies and programs? 3. How did black people respond to and survive the Great Depression? How did the experiences of black women during the Depression reflect their race, class, and gender status? 1 . How did the Great Depression affect black culture? How did the WPA democratize black culture? How did black religious culture change during this era? It rapidly increases and had black support and establish an organization. 2. How did black artists, musicians, filmmakers, and writers negotiate the dilemma of dual consciousness as articulated by Du Bois? They knew that people had to be educated to make their dreams come true. The different talents that they had needed to be shared with the world and the way they could do that is understanding how, why, when and what message will people understand them or they dreams. This provided blacks with the opportunity to shine and show their talented. 3. How did swing-era big band music lead to bebop? What problems did the bebop musicians encounter? They were introduce to beats, It was not catching a lot of people attention. It was a culture change in Chicago and Harlem. The cities started a different age of music. Jazz and hip-hop dancing help create the renaissance in the two areas. 6. Why did black athletes become prominent during the1930s and 1940s? What was their impact on American.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Is Macbeth a Shakespearean Tragic Hero? Essay

In many of Shakespeare’s plays a tragic hero appears and is often the focal point. In order to conclude whether Macbeth’s character falls in to that particular category. I need to consider what factors create a tragic hero. The tragic hero often originates as a figure of greatness and someone with a high social status. His greatness often degenerates due to a character flaw of some kind. The essence of many of Shakespeare’s tragic heroes is that the seemingly good parts of their character turn against them and instigate their downfall. The character always suffers, which creates sympathy within the reader, especially as it is in contrast with previous happiness. Often the actions of the tragic hero create self-inflicted suffering. Other people are generally affected by his tragedy, but on differing scales depending on the play. A deep internal battle often rages within the tragic hero as he battles with his conscience, but he doesn’t often listen to reason. A key factor of the tragic hero is that the audience radiate much pity and sympathy for the character. Even though he has done wrong, he was once great, and he may feel remorse for his actions. At the end of the play the tragic hero invariably dies. This is often for political reasons, or for morale impact. Goodness must always prevail. One of the first factors I stated that creates a tragic hero is someone of greatness. Macbeth has much respect from others because of his braveness on the battlefield. â€Å"For brave Macbeth-well he deserves that name- Disdaining fortune with his brandish’d steel.† Macbeth clearly has earnt praise from his peers and conducts approval from those of a higher social status. He is a loyal warrior, whose efforts are also acknowledged by even the King. â€Å"He was a gentleman on whom I built An absolute trust.† Duncan recognises Macbeth’s greatness and evidently has a high opinion of him. He respects Macbeth to the point where he invests much trust within him and almost views him as an equal. These feelings from a King hugely re-enforce Macbeth’s greatness. â€Å"No less to have done so, let me enfold thee And hold thee to my heart.† This implies a close relationship of affection. Such a close bond conveys that Macbeth must appear a patriotic, and just man especially in the eyes of the King. He is rewarded by adopting the title of Thane of Cawdor. He is growing in social status which is another common trait of a tragic hero. The reader is soon to learn that despite the fact Macbeth appears to be a great man, there are many flaws in his character, the most poignant being excessive ambition. â€Å"Stars hide your fires Let light not see my dark and deep desires.† Macbeth appears shocked at his own evil thoughts. The witches’ prophecies have instigated the ambitious part of his nature to be accentuated. â€Å"†¦let us speak Our free hearts to each other.† Banquo does not share Macbeth’s ambition, so Macbeth lies to his friend. The reader starts to see the extent of Macbeth’s ambitious nature. â€Å"And live a coward in thine own esteem I dare do all that may become a man.† A huge character flaw of Macbeth is that he is easily influenced. Lady Macbeth holds so much power over him, and can manipulate him. She overpowers and influences Macbeth greatly and creates a reaction in him that favours her. This easily influenced part of his nature is also shown when the witches’ prophecies instigate evil thoughts within him. Another common flaw in a Shakespearean tragic hero is jealousy. Macbeth displays this very frequently. â€Å"(Aside) The Prince of Cumberland: that is a step On which I must fall down, or else o’erleap For in my way it lies.† Macbeth is jealous of Malcom, as he is the son of Duncan, this instigates more evil, murderous thoughts within Macbeth. This excessive ambition, jealousy, and easily influenced nature turn Macbeth into a murderer. Despite this, Macbeth knows that Duncan’s murder is not just. Macbeth continually battles with his conscience during the play, and much of this guilt is radiated in his soliloquy, when he can show his true feelings. † †¦As his host Who should against his murderer shut the door Not bear the knife myself.† Macbeth knows his role, as host should be to protect his guest: â€Å"here in double trust.† Macbeth acknowledges the fact that Duncan sees him in a great light and has great respect for him. Macbeth refers to the murder as â€Å"the bloody business.† A euphemism is utilised as Macbeth cannot accept what he is about to do and cannot face up to this evil side of his character. â€Å"This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill, cannot be good.† Indecisiveness is heavily portrayed here as Macbeth is in a deep internal battle. He knows that treason is wrong, but he also longs to be King, he tries to convince himself his actions can be justified, but his conscience tell him otherwise. Macbeth wants to protect his own title and image, and doesn’t want to face up to the consequences of murder, but still agonises over the decision. Macbeth is evidently suffering greatly because of his conscience. He feels extremely guilty, but tries to hide this fact. We see much evidence of the effect his conscience has on Macbeth after the murder of Duncan. â€Å"Is this a dagger which I see before me? The handle towards my hand?† This quotation conveys to the reader the extent of Macbeth’s suffering. He is affected mentally as he hallucinates and is haunted by disturbing images. â€Å"I had most need of blessing and ‘Amen’ Stuck in my throat.† Macbeth is denied the ability to turn to God. In killing the King he has commited treason against God, so his faith is refused from him. Insomnia is inflicted upon him, and Macbeth can find no solace. â€Å"We have scorched the snake, not kill’d it† This quotation conveys that Macbeth has no peace and stability; he knows he will need to keep on killing. He states his mind of â€Å"full of scorpions† clearly showing he is extremely traumatized. Macbeth progresses to be almost envious of Duncan and Banquo. â€Å"Better be with the dead†¦ Than the torture of the mind to lie In restless ecstasy.† The murders have affected him in such a way that Macbeth yearns for the appealing peacefulness of death. These hint at primary suicidal thoughts, a hugely troubled mind is conveyed. We see more evidence of Macbeth’s guilt causing him great suffering when Banquo’s ghost haunts him. He can no longer keep control of himself, and his mental instability is conveyed to his peers. â€Å"Thou canst not say I did it; never shake Thy gory locks at me.† Macbeth visualises this apparition. His mental state is to the extent that he not only acknowledges the ghost, but also interacts with it, even though he is in the presence of his peers. Macbeth is highly affected by this hallucination. Not only does it affect opinion of him, but leaves him troubled and confused. Self-inflicted suffering is a poignant factor within a Shakespearean tragic hero, and another factor that applies to Macbeth. His conscience creates the ghost to be another reminder of the evil he has done. He cannot escape his guilt that his owns flaws and his own faults have manifested. Clearly the murders are having disastrous effects on Macbeth, but his actions also affect others. Macbeth’s need to kill results in him planning the murder of Fleance and Banquo. He is jealous of Banquo because he knows his children will never be King. â€Å"Upon my head they plac’d a fruitless crown And put a barren sceptre in my gripe.† Macbeth has a great determination to remain King and to protect his status. He almost becomes obsessed by it, and taking people’s lives becomes meaningless and just inevitable steps for him/ † Give to th’edge o’th’sword His wife, his babes and all unfortunate souls That trace him in the line.† He is portrayed as being more than willing to kill innocent women and children if they threaten his reign as King. Macbeth is a ruthless tyrant in protecting his throne. Macbeth’s actions do not just affect other people, but the earth itself. Macbeth has murdered the King, who was appointed directly by God. This Divine Right of the King means God will punish all earth fro allowing this act of treason occurs. Displeasing God is another common factor within a Shakespearean tragic hero. † Some say, the earth Was feverous and did shake.† This quotation infers how nature is heavily disrupted. Lady Macbeth is deeply troubled as a result of her husband’s actions. She is traumatised by her conscience, and her guilt overwhelms her. â€Å"Doctor Remove from her the means of all annoyance And still keep eyes upon her.† The Doctor appears adamant that Lady Macbeth will commit suicide, so advises Macbeth to watch over her. She hallucinates and mirrors other forms of suffering that Macbeth radiated. Eventually Lady Macbeth does kill herself, as she has been so heavily affected by her husband’s deeds. As a result of Macbeth’s obsession with remaining King, he proves to be an inefficient one. He is too preoccupied with his guilt and determination the whole of Scotland suffers from his lack of devotion. † Alas poor country Almost too afraid to know itself†¦ Where sighs, and groans, and shrieks that rend the air† This is yet another trait of a tragic hero. He, whether inadvertently or not, greatly inflicts suffering on others. Despite all of this, the reader still feels a sense of pity towards Macbeth. He was once great, and one of the great factors in him turned around to be his downfall. In many ways, Macbeth was influenced into his actions. To begin with the witches planted the idea into his mind, and pushed him into justifying his actions. Lady Macbeth instigated the murder, and manipulated him to carry through with this deed. The inferiority of her gender meant she needed him to act through. â€Å"But screw your courage to the sticking place And we’ll not fail.† Macbeth is very easily influenced, so can be manipulated continually by Lady Macbeth. We also feel a sense of pity, because Macbeth is so heavily affected by his actions. He is traumatised and destroyed. He often shows remorse and regret fro his actions. â€Å"Wake Duncan with thy knocking: I would thou Couldst.† Macbeth is tricked by the witches’ prophecies. He takes the apparitions literally and is lulled into a false sense of security. † For none of woman born Shall harm Macbeth.† We feel pity as Macbeth’s trust and faith in the witches’ predictions cause his death. He is tricked into feeling protected, but the witches’ words have other meanings. Readers often feel pity for the Shakespearean tragic hero, but despite this fact we accept he needs to die. Political and moral reasons dictate this fact. If he had lived, then murder and evil could be justified. Treason against the King or Queen or ultimately God could go unpunished. Resulting from the readers’ accumulating sympathy for Macbeth, there is some apparent sadness surrounding his death. He is extremely brave which creates much admiration fro him. â€Å"Though Birnam Wood be come to Dunsinane And thou oppos’d being of no woman born, Yet I will try the last. Before my body, I throw my warlike shield.† Macbeth knows his death in an inevitable fact, but despite this he fights to the bitter end. We see some of Macbeth’s past greatness in his last moments. Macbeth can be portrayed as a victim, this fact and the fact that he does adds to the effectiveness of the play. It instigates a variation of emotions within the reader, which makes it an intense experience. Without Macbeth’s death, much of this would be lost. This ending complies with a tragic heroes exit to a play. I conclude that Macbeth can indeed be classified as a Shakespearean tragic hero. He radiates all of the factors I first portrayed a tragic hero to have. Macbeth falls from greatness due to a character flaw, his suffering is self-inflicted and this affects others. A continual battle with his conscience is conveyed within Macbeth, and the reader is made to pity him. We are left with a classic version of a Shakespearean tragic hero, and a very compelling character. Macbeth exuberates all of the common characteristics of one of Shakespeare’s favourite classifications, but is still an original figure, which greatly adds to the effectiveness of the play.

Behaviour Management in Classrooms

Behaviour Management in Classrooms Teachers face several challenges while teaching young children. One of the major challenges teachers need to adjust to while teaching in the early years of schooling is to be able to effectively manage the behaviour of students in a classroom setting. Teachers need to have realistic expectations of the appropriate behaviours that students can display in the classroom to ensure that effective and conducive learning takes place. Teachers spend most of their time in classrooms with students. Thus, it is important that they are able to successfully ascertain behaviour management strategies that will ensure classroom environments that are nurturing and marked with high levels of achievement. (Charles, C, 1996, pg 205) Therefore, it can be seen that behaviour management is an extremely imperative aspect in both the life of the teachers and students. Behaviour management refers to the actions and strategies of teachers to prevent and respond to inappropriate behaviour of students as well a s to enhance self discipline among students. (Walker, J.E. and Shea, T.M, 1999 pg7) Inappropriate behaviour in classrooms may refer to students ‘fighting, swearing, disrupting class activities for no reason, displaying loud and disorderly conduct and inept or misuse of equipment.’ (Walker, J.E. and Shea, T.M, 1999 pg 10) This kind of negative behaviour can cause distress, chaos and disruptions in learning especially for those who are keen to enjoy the learning. (Walker, J.E. and Shea, T.M, 1999 pg 10) Hence, it is fundamental that teachers develop an appropriate framework to manage the student’s behaviour. This is as the way in which behaviour is managed by teachers has a major influence on how the students will behave in the future. According to research, being able to successfully manage the behaviour of students in the early years ensures good academic learning to occur as there is a relationship between intellectual outcomes and behaviour. (McInerney, D, 1998 pg 108) There are three reasons for this. The first is that a student who is responsible would adhere to certain student requirements such as paying attention and completing work on time. (McInerney, D, 1998 pg 108) These are qualities fundamental to great academic achievement. Secondly, students who behave well will develop positive interactions with teachers and their peers. (McInerney, D, 1998 pg 108) Having a good relationship with the teacher will enhance a student’s learning process as teachers seem to give less attention to students who misbehave.( McInerney, D, 1998 pg 108) Furthermore, a strong rapport among peers, especially peers who value education augments students’ motivation to achieve. (McInerney, D, 1998 pg 108) Thirdly, students who are motivated to behave in an appropriate and socially responsible manner will be motivated to engage well in their academic work. (McInerney, D, 1998 pg 109) Instilling discipline and good learning skills in students is also essential. These lifelong skills which when imbibed at an early age will help the students to become good citizens in the future who will be disciplined in their working and adult life. Furthermore, having effective behaviour management strategies in place will result in a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and development as well as result in students understanding and developing appropriate behaviour.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Interview with Zara Dane Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Interview with Zara Dane - Article Example Certainly, the good times will help fuel the writer’s muse, but at the end of the day, the good times tend to swallow up the productive times whole. So, when a friend of mine mentioned that she had knew someone who was a friend of an obscure horror writer, and that she had met with her to discuss her craft, I was envious.And yet, I found myself in just such a situation recently, being given the singular pleasure of meeting with Zara Dane, American ex-pat thriller/horror author extraordinaire, now living in Manchester. I admit, I have certain prejudices. All week, I have been fantasising about what our meeting will hold. Her reputation as a fiction writer who specialises in the horror genre precedes her. Will we meet within the gates of a cemetery at midnight? Am I to expect similarly odd behavior? Will she be†¦a friendly person? The last question is answered after a brief conversation with her on the telephone. My suggestion to meet at a local eatery is turned down, and i nstead I am graciously invited to her home. I’m first met by a small, but beautiful historic two-story in Manchester. Those familiar with Dane’s work are aware of her entrancing way of interweaving beauty, sensuality, innocence and corruption into her tales of murder and mayhem, and her abode certainly gives a very similar impression. Its brick exterior is a warm, but fairly subdued pink, (a tribute to the home she left behind in New Orleans, US) the color of flushed cheeks. Feminine, but not cloyingly so.... This is my first time meeting Zara, and I am instantly captivated by her green eyes and mischievous smile. My first impression upon meeting her is that I have met one who is not really from this planet. Social, hospitable, intelligent, all of these things describe her, but there is somethingwhat is it I leave the outside with its shouting children, scorching asphalt and the smell of heavy, French cooking from nearby restaurants, and enter into a place of coolness, serenity and iced sweet-tea. We settle down on her dark green sofa in preparation for time spent doing a question and answer session, when the ice is very much broken by a loud racket coming from upstairs. Dane excuses herself and takes a moment to shout at her uproarious dog who has been sequestered to one of the upper rooms. A strange mix-the, calm, Victorian surroundings, that one would normally associate with a very buttoned-down, proper personality (and impeccably clean! So much for messy artists) that are the home to this vivacious, creative, almost eccentric, auburn-haired woman who is outfitted entirely in black, right down to her boots. Zara returns, friendly and flustered, and apologises profusely, then offers to refill my tea. I decline, then awkwardly plunge into my first question, considering all of the perversity and horror of your storiesdid you have a normal life growing up Zara laughs. "Oh, my, I guess you could say that. My dad is a lawyer, my mum is a professor. I grew up in a fairly well-to-do neighborhood and attended a horribly competitive private school. I got good grades, was on the swim team and things like that, but I was in a very, very unhealthy situation. I had very caring friends,