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Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Response Paper One Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Response Paper One - Assignment Example Most of these issues point to the knowledge-preparation of nurses and delivery of a compassionate care. Nursing educators and students promote learning and competence by changing the methods used in learning nursing concepts. It has been identified that nursing education placed less emphasis on rote learning and memorization and greater emphasis on locating and understanding information or critical thinking. Does this mean that nurse educators should not require learners to memorize information such as the classifications of medications or normal blood values? Does the emphasis on finding information rather than memorizing it impact critical thinking skills of learners? Memorization vs. Critical Thinking Students who used memorization as a learning strategy are viewed as passive learners(Cherry & Jacob, 2005, p. 72). Memorization familiarized the students with different nursing concepts and serves as guide during academic evaluation and examinations. However, nursing education today face the challenge of an ever-changing treatment modalities and technological advances. The health care environment become increasingly complex, researches are updated, and care centers on patient and evidence-based practice.
Monday, October 28, 2019
A view from the bridge Essay Example for Free
A view from the bridge Essay All my life Ive been trying to create a blissful loving environment, in my house. All my expectations of life for my family would very probably have come true. However since the day that Marco and Rodolfo arrived all this has changed. A tense environment is what reigns in this house due to our different points of view. I can accept that I am a bit confused about them hosting in this house but its very difficult for me to seem inferior to them. I think that Marco is a good person, he likes to collaborate in some house work, and he is an intelligent man with an amazing future. On the other hand Rodolfo is completely different, he has blonde hair, likes to sew dresses, doesnt know to fight and sings Paper Doll, its impossible to have a good impression of him. I think he doesnt want us to know he is a sissy because he is playing with the feelings of my family and he is trying to trick someone. When Rodolfo arrived I thought he was a normal person but it was annoying and shocking when I realized he wasnt right. He is invading my house and trying to impose new rules and authority, that is unacceptable. I want him to leave my house and let me continue the life I had before we met him. It was such a perfect life when we knew Catherine was going to grow in a disciplined manner with a perfect assured future but now he is spoiling her and ruining the expectations that I had for her future. Catherine is a very sweet girl and I love her. Thats why I protect her always and I cant accept the fact of her being with him. I dont know what Catherine likes about Rodolfo; shes unwise in her decision for the first time. Its even harder for me to assume that she is planning to live with him for the rest of her life. I have been taking care of her since she was a little girl, that is why I am nervous about her future and I feel responsible for the consequences. This is why I cant let grant her free will on her future. I think Rodolfo is playing with her feelings and taking advantage of her, his real interest in her is to obtain his legal American papers. For obtaining these papers he just needs to marry an American lady and this is just what hes doing. I know Im not Catherines father and she can take her decisions, but I want the best for her and the best is not beside Rodolfo. Some days ago I went to a lawyers office to ask him for help. He is called Alfieri but unfortunately we couldnt find a form of getting rid of Rodolfo. There is no proof of him wanting to obtain legal papers from Catherine. I had the idea of telling the truth about him being an illegal immigrant but soon I realized other members of the Italian community would have killed me for doing that. Alfieri told me that I should let Catherine choose her future and if she wants to stay with Rodolfo, I should let her do that. If Alfieri cant help me to get rid of that immigrant, I will have to solve this thing myself, the problem is that I still dont know how. My relationship with Beatrice has also been affected since they came. It is getting worse all the time and all of this is Rodolfos fault. I have to pay extra attention in Rodolfo so that he doesnt over step the mark with my niece. That is why Im letting my relationship fall apart. If this continues being as it is I will have to make a radical change and get rid of him because the last thing Im willing is to let the mutual love between Beatrice and me finish here. Some days ago I was trying to get proof to show my family that Rodolfo is gay. I started fighting with him and everyone noticed that he boxed like a girl; however none of them paid attention in that. After this Marco challenged me by lifting a chair from the lower part of the leg but I couldnt understand his idea about this. I think the real force of somebody can be measured by fighting. Unfortunately nobody in my family also believes this. I am still finding a way of getting rid of Rodolfo. Meanwhile I will try to convince Catherine that he is not the best man for her. Maybe the only solution is to snitch on him but its very risky. In my inside I know that everything Im doing is of good will, for the future of my niece and to recuperate our prosperous loving family.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
The Fall of Man :: essays research papers
Alienation: The Fall of Man through the Breaking of Moral Law Is it possible to attain or remain in a state of true happiness when you break a moral law? To many of us, road signs have been handed down through the generations and are posted clearly as the 10 Commandments delivered to us through Moses. These commandments are generally viewed as religious moral laws, but can they be viewed also as natural laws of morality for all to heed regardless of religious belief? Consider the chaos if we inverted their intended meaning, remove the word ‘not’, and apply ‘Thou Shall Kill’ or ‘Thou Shall Commit Adultery’, as new commandments. Would these new commandments conflict with natural laws of morality? The story by Andre Dubus, â€Å"Killings†, and Anton Chekhov, â€Å"The Lady with the Pet Dog†, show alienation as a horrible consequence we can suffer when a moral law is broken. In the story, â€Å"Killings†, Dubus reveals in detail, the alienation Matt and Ruth experience after Matt executes the revenge murder. In Chekhov’s story of â€Å"The Lady with the Pet Dog†, Anna and her lover, Dmitri, become familiar with alienation after they begin their extra-marital affair. The stories are completely different, however, the authors carefully guide us on a journey into brokenness and deep sadness, only to witness a deeper tragedy of self-imposed imprisonment: Alienation. Alienation caused by grave wrongdoing. Dubus and Chekhov give us insight to the effects of breaking a moral law by directly showing us how we can be impacted when we commit murder or commit adultery. Breaking moral law is shown to alienate us in ways we may not straightforwardly anticipate. In both stories, the protagonists are alienated from any notion of a supreme being. This is shown extensively through setting, tone, and action showing how the protagonist hide from their surroundings, especially from the events that are occurring or are about to occur. In â€Å"Killings†, Matt’s alienation from a supreme being begins within him at the time he begins to carry a gun, a gun that he must conceal, else face possible prison time. Matt’s friend Willis points this out when he asks, â€Å"You got a permit?†, when Matt responds that he doesn’t, then Willis seems to warn Matt, â€Å"†¦ you could get a year for that†(85), directly pointing out to him he’s breaking a law. Matt knows that for, â€Å"He had always been a fearful father†(88), and even though he still demonstrates a respect for nature and a love for his family, he now behaves indifferently about the potential consequences.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Euripides Paper Essay
Of the plays that survived the Hellenistic Era of Greece, few survive out of the thousands that were written in celebration of the Festival Of Dionysus. This festival was in honor of the great god of wine, a relatively new Olympian borne of Zeus and a mortal woman, Semele (Rachel Gross, Dale Grote, 1997). He was celebrated as not only the god of wine but also of nature, fertility and later, the stage.            The Bacchae by Euripides is the most famous account of the Dionysian cult, and through its disturbing tale of destruction and horrific method of worship it paints a picture of extremism unlike other tales. It is possible that Euripides, during his stay in the court of the king of Macedon, saw a sect of the cult whose ritual practices were extremist or it could be that Euripides was attempting to make a statement about the danger of cultist thinking.            Dionysus was the only Olympian to have been born twice, once when Zeus killed his mother with a thunderbolt then rescued the unborn child, inserted him into his own thigh for the rest of his gestation, and gave birth to him.            One theme that runs through the Dionysian cult is rejection; the Dionysus stories repeatedly tell of Dionysus entering a city, being rejected as a god and bringing destruction to his opponents.            It does appear that the authors of the classical plays in the Hellenistic Era either wished to encourage worshippers to remain loyal to their gods or they wished to instill fear in the public regarding the vengeful nature of the gods if they are not obeyed. An example of this is Euripides’ tale of Dionysus’ revenge on Pentheus, king of Thebes. As patient and devious as only a god could be, Dionysus lets himself be captured after driving local women (including Pentheus’ mother) into divine madness. Dionysus, disguised, is believed to be behind the women suddenly running into the forest from the city. Dionysus cannot be restrained, as he amply shows his captor Pentheus. Eventually Dionysis leads Pentheus (dressed as a woman) to his death by the hands of his own mother, who does not recognize him in her state of madness.            The choir sings the praises of Dionysus, who is later able to show himself to Thebes for who he really is.            A recurrent theme in The Bacchae is justice, disguise, revenge, and the balance of power, all centered on a god and his followers opposing a mortal and the non-believers.            Along the same lines and also reflecting the religion of the time as well as portraying the continual battles that were waged between city-states that vied for dominion, were plays written by Sophocles, Aeschylus, and later Aristophanes.            Politics were mixed in with religious rites and rituals, as is written in all of the plays examined. Similarity exists in stories of son against father, brother against sister, and a god dictating the actions of all the major players with the oracles being the messengers delivering prophecies and directions to the mere mortals. A marvelous intertwining of emotions, decisions, protocols, ethics and treachery are exhibited by both mortals and gods in these works, but the gods tend to influence the mortals to turn on each other rather than directly intervene.            In Prometheus Bound, Aeschylus exposes the revenge of gods upon a god, as opposed to Dionysus’ revenge on Thebes for rejecting him. Still, the theme of suffering is woven and fear is stricken into the audience as a great god who had created the mortals done so much for them is ruthlessly punished by Zeus.            Prometheus Bound is the second play of a trilogy, and uses no stage. In that, it is unique; the entire play takes place in the balconies (ed. Alfred Bates, 1906, p.73). This adds to the feeling that a battle is being waged in the heavens, a common theme reflected in the mythology of the Greek pantheon.            Prometheus brought fire to mankind out of sympathy for their ignorance and darkness. At first Zeus was angry, but when he smelled the aroma of the rich sacrifices cooking over the fires he decided to bide his time to see what would happen next. As in The Bacchae, Zeus is alternately portrayed as a benevolent yet very vengeful god.            Prometheus Bound illustrates the suffering of torture for a god who cannot die because he is immortal; this would give pause to any Hellenistic person who might wish to become a god. At least humans can be freed from the pains of mortality through death, even if brought about by an angry god.            One passage in particular reflects how rejection is a theme that repeats itself in Hellenistic plays, wrenching emotion from the audience and expressed in such a way as to be all too common in tragedy; Prometheus, chained to the mountainside where a bird of prey arrives daily to eat his liver, cries out, â€Å"The foe of Zeus, and held In hatred by all gods Who tread the courts of Zeus; And this for my great love, Too great, for mortal man†(Bates, p. 76).            Along comes Hermes, in a powerful scene, bids Prometheus to reveal the marriage that will produce the undoing of Zeus’ position. Prometheus adamantly refuses to reveal such a thing unless he is unbound.            Interestingly enough, Zeus had already had a warning regarding a child who would overthrow him; after his liaison with the Titan Metis, Zeus was told that the unborn child would bring about his undoing. He turned Metis into a fly and swallowed her; the child gestated inside of Zeus’ head and later emerged as the goddess Athena. Once again we find Zeus hatching a child within his own body, as Dionysus was.            Even in his suffering, Prometheus is adamant about justice. He had created mortals under Zeus’ orders, he had taught them everything. When Zeus saw the mortals becoming too powerful, able to reason and think for themselves, he saw his own position threatened. This theme is also reflected in different ways and with different scenarios in the plays of the period. Essentially this is a political attitude, which seems to be misplaced among all-powerful and perfect gods, but as humans had godlike qualities, the gods also had very human qualities. Such was the relationship between the Greek Olympians and the Greek people, a mutual relationship of favors granted, sacrifices made and honors given or withdrawn. What we know of this relationship is mostly from writers such as Homer and Plato as well as the playwrights.            The Prometheus trilogy elaborated on the creation of man, the wrath of Zeus, intervention by Prometheus, the advancement of mankind and the gift of Prometheus (the return of fire). This was followed by the punishment of Prometheus and the ill will of the Olympians toward him. Loyalty to Zeus and the recognition that the gods were only as powerful as their mortal worshippers are reflective of politicians and celebrities of today; a stat is only as stellar as the public allows it to be.            Finally Prometheus is freed and is reconciled amongst the Olympians, but for all he did for mortals, it appears that he was not worshipped, nor was he a patron god of any polis or temple. Apparently his fallibility made him unworthy of mortal worship. Unlike Dionysus, however, Prometheus did not exact revenge on those who did not recognize him.            Turning to more complicated matters, we shall now look at the Oedipus plays by Sophocles. This series reveals the role of fate and the irrevocable will of the gods, this time involving Apollo.            Running along common Greek themes of deplorable situations (such as Zeus killing Dionysus’ mother and realizing with horror that she carried his unborn child, Prometheus being horribly tortured for loving his creations so much that he defied Zeus, and the horror of bedding one’s own mother and bearing children by her), Oedipus the King by Sophocles brings about the role played by fate and the unquestionable role of destiny that mortals cannot escape even if forewarned and taking all precautions.            Oracles and prophets relayed messages from the gods to mortals, and those whom had a shadow cast over their lives had no choice play out their lives in the manner decreed by the gods.            Oedipus was one of those people, sent away by his mother to be murdered since it was predicted that he would kill his father; a kindly Shepard took Oedipus to be raised in the court of the king and queen of Corinth. Oedipus was not aware of his true parentage.            As a young prince, Oedipus overhears a conversation announcing that he was not the true son of the king and queen, so he sought the advice of the Oracle of Delphi. This is where he learned of his destiny, which had been revealed to his mother years before. Another common theme of the Hellenistic Era is the accuracy of the Oracle of Delphi, who can see into the plans of the gods and will advise mortals as she sees fit.            Oedipus was horrified to hear his fate and, still believing that he was the son of the king and queen of Corinth, he sought to escape the horrible prophecy by leaving the palace. This is another case in point where it was believed that a mortal could not escape what the gods had decreed for their future, and it wasn’t until philosophy took a strong stance in Greek society that the gods were questioned as omniscient beings that controlled the destiny of every person. In the case of Oedipus, had he kept his head and stayed in the palace at Corinth, the story would have been much different but even the reader of the plays will doubt that he could have changed his fate.            Oedipus traveled to Thebes, fell in love with and married Jocasta, Queen of Thebes. Jocasta was the widow of Kind Laius, who had been killed in a skirmish with a band of thieves just prior to Oedipus’ arrival.            Oedipus and Jocasta had four children; two daughters (Antigone and Ismeme) and two sons (Polynices and Eteocles). While the offspring of Oedipus and Jocasta do not appear significantly in Oedipus the King (Oedipus Rex), their existence is significant for the act that Antigone will later commit in a state of unbending intent, without regard for any punishment from gods or humans.            Eventually a plague strikes Thebes and the citizenry asks Oedipus for help. Oedipus replies that he has already sent the Queen’s brother (Creon) to the Oracle at Delphi for advise. Once again, great faith in the gods and the Oracle is demonstrated, and the Oracle is consulted in order to consult with the gods themselves; such incidents as natural disasters and plagues were undoubtedly initiated by one of the gods whom has been displeased, and only the Oracle had the authority to dispense with the remedy for the situation. Also, Thebes reasserts itself as a city of major importance, politically, being the very city that rejected Dionysus.            Chreon returns to report that the Oracle at Delphi says that when the murderer of Laius is captured and expelled, the plague will end.            Oedipus sets out immediately to discover who murdered the King of Thebes, and imagine his horror when he finds out from a local prophet that it was he who had slain the king at the crossroads where the attack had occurred. The only survivor of the attack, a Shepard, is then interrogated; Oedipus still wants to deny that he himself was King Laius’ murderer and Jocasta supports him by ridiculing prophecy and such fanciful thought.            The climax of the play occurs when the Shepard reveals that long ago he had taken a baby from the King and Queen of Thebes and passed it on to a Shepard of Corinth; the baby’s mother had wanted it murdered because of a prophecy that it would kill its parents. The coin drops for Oedipus:            â€Å"Ah me! ah me! all brought to pass, all true! O light, may I behold thee nevermore! I stand a wretch, in birth, in wedlock cursed, A parricide, incestuously, triply cursed!†(trans. F. Storr, 1912).            Oedipus later finds Jocasta inside the palace, dead from hanging herself. Oedipus immediately blinds himself and begs to be exiled. Once again we have Thebes expelling a man of prominence, but this time by the man’s request. Where Dionysus had been twice born, Oedipus had been twice expelled from Thebes.            The plays depicted above are three great tragedies and hopefully it is clear that the myths and religious overtones occupying the minds and hearts of the Hellenistic Greeks have been demonstrated here to have a recurring theme.            We will now turn to a play of comedy that also has its own flavor yet displays the loyalty to the gods and abides by the principles of Greek society. As a departure from the woes of rejected gods and men, Arisophanes provides the audience with laughter as he resurrects Euripides and Aeschylus, thus acknowledging their greatness and praising Dionysus at the same time as the god of theater.            Binding together the power of Dionysus while poking fun at the god of wine and revelry, Aristophanes writes a slapstick style play in The Frogs. This play has it all; gods, arguments, parody and politics, plus it contains references to the mythological hero Heracles, Charon (the ferryman at the river Styx), and a few Olympians plus the Nine Muses.            Even today, this play is extremely funny for those who are familiar with Greek mythology and would be enjoyed even by those who are not, if acted well.            In The Frogs, Dionysus is tired of the absence of the absence of meaty dramas in theater and feels that this is a reflection on his honor. He decides to travel to Hades to fetch Euripides and bring him back to Earth. His servant Xanthias accompanies Dionysus.            In order to â€Å"blend in†in the underworld, Dionysus dresses as Heracles and consults Heracles for advice and directions before setting off. Once in the underworld, Dionysus is assaulted by the inhabitants seeking revenge for things Heracles had done during one of his journeys to Hades, and Dionysus begs Xanthias to change costumes. No sooner is this done, Persephone (daughter of Demeter and Queen of Hades) invites Heracles to a banquet. Dionysus insists on donning the lion skins again in order that he may attend the banquet, but as soon as he changes, angry people assault him once again. He is finally so afraid he reveals who he really is (reminiscent of revealing himself to Thebes in The Bacchae).            Once it is known throughout Hades that Dionysus is present there, an argument breaks out between Euripides and Aeschylus over who is the better playwright. Insults are traded as thus:            EURIPIDES Don’t talk to me; I won’t give up the chair, I say I am better in the art than he. DIONYSUS You hear him, Aeschylus: why don’t you speak? EURIPIDES He’ll do the grand at first, the juggling trick He used to play in all his tragedies. DIONYSUS Come, my fine fellow, pray don’t talk to big. EURIPIDES I know the man, I’ve scanned him through and through, A savage-creating stubborn-pulling fellow, Uncurbed, unfettered, uncontrolled of speech, Unperiphrastic, bombastiloquent. AESCHYLUS Hah! sayest thou so, child of the garden quean And this to me, thou chattery-babble-collector, Thou pauper-creating rags-and-patches-stitcher? Thou shalt abye it dearly! DIONYSUS Pray, be still; Nor heat thy soul to fury, Aeschylus. AESCHYLUS Not till I’ve made you see the sort of man This cripple-maker is who crows so loudly. DIONYSUS Bring out a ewe, a black-fleeced ewe, my boys: Here’s a typhoon about to burst upon us. AESCHYLUS Thou picker-up of Cretan monodies, Foisting thy tales of incest on the stage- (Internet Classics Archives, 1994 – 2000).            In the end, a trial is conducted to see who the King Of Tragedy really is; it is decided to weigh the writings to see whose was heaviest. Aeschylus turned out to have the meatier scripts, so Dionysus took him to Earth instead of Euripides, even though in truth Euripides was regarded the better of the two at the time (Alice Fort, Herbert Kates, 1935).            In both comedy and tragedy, the ties to the gods and the themes of conflict, murder, revenge and long-suffering are present in Hellenistic plays. The ancient Greek society was rich in imagination and devout in its worship of the gods; eventually the Greek culture would spread throughout the Persian Empire and rule until the Roman conquest.            In conclusion and to display a part of the beauty of devotion to the gods, an excerpt from Callimachus’ Hymn to Artemis, which expresses the reverence typical of the Greek attitude toward their gods:            â€Å"Lady, may my true friends and I be among those, Queen, and may I always care about song. I will sing Leto’s wedlock, Apollo, and always Artemis: your labors, dogs, archery, and chariot that lifts you lightly-behold-on your way to Zeus’s heavenly abode†(Callimachus, Jean Alvares 1998). References Aristophanes. â€Å"The Frogs.†The Internet Classics Archives, MIT. 1994 – 2000, 18 December 2005. http://classics.mit.edu/Aristophanes/frogs.html Bates, Alfred (ed.). â€Å"PROMETHEUS BOUND: A summary and analysis of the play by Aeschylus.†The Drama: Its History, Literature and Influence on Civilization, vol. 1. London: Historical Publishing Company, 1906. pp. 70-78. Callimachus. â€Å"Hymn III: To Aretemis.†Montclair State University, Jean Alvares. 1998 – 2003, 18 December 2005. http://www.chss.montclair.edu/classics/HYMNART.HTML Gross ,Rachel and Grote ,Dale. â€Å"Dionysus.†Encyclopedia Mythica. 1995 – 2004, 16 December 2002. http://www.pantheon.org/articles/d/dionysus.html Storr, F (trans.). â€Å"Oedipus the King.†Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA and William Heinemann Ltd, London. 1912, 17 December 2005. http://www.online-literature.com/view.php/oedipus/1?term=king%20oedipus
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Critical Thinking and Ethics Essay
Critical thinking is a concept that is derived from the application of the cognition toward the separation of the most likely when one is presented with a set of possibilities, while ethics is used in reference to the perception of what is right or wrong in a defined situation (wisegeek.com). A relationship between critical thinking and ethics can be seen in the sense that the individual will have to think of several methods for approaching the issue of ethics, eliminating the most likely approach until he or she settles on that which will be the most acceptable for the situation. Another way of viewing the issue of the link between critical thinking and ethics is by considering the manner in which an individual can differentiate between his or her own personal ethical concepts and that of the organization. That is to say that people have their own ethical foundations that they must be able to categorize in a separate compartment from that of the organization (wisegeek.com). The principles and rules of critical thinking are applicable to ethical reasoning. One reason is because ethical reasoning is also culturally and religiously influenced and may at times suffer from misreading the environment or the desired accomplishments of actions. In addition, there are certain rules and guidelines of logic. If everyone followed the rules and guidelines of logic, there would still be a need for ethical decision-making. The reason is because morals and beliefs, such as religion or nonreligious beliefs, play a role in rules and guidelines of logic. In conclusion, critical thinking and ethics play a significant role in an individual’s critical thinking, morals and beliefs. Although the relationship between the two have many similarities, it is important that we have a clear understanding of the differences as well. References Ruggiero, V. R. (2012). Thinking critically about ethical issues. (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: McGraw-Hill Education. Retrieved from
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Abortion Pro-Choice essays
Abortion Pro-Choice essays Abortion has been called one of Americas longest running arguments, the issue that wont go away. I chose to write on abortion because I am a firm supporter of the pro-choice movement. While I personally havent been through it, I have helped to finance some of my friends. I believe in a womans right to freedom of choice. I am strongly against the harsh acts that the pro-life activists have taken against doctors and associates of abortion clinics. I also see no purpose in repealing the anti partial-birth abortion bill that President Clinton previously vetoed. Many States such as Texas, who first enacted their anti-abortion laws in 1854, have repeatedly denied abortions to pregnant woman unless there are health risks involved. However, there have been some exceptions such as the Roe vs. Wade trial. The case was instituted in 1970 by Jane Roe, who sought judgment on her case against the District Attorney. She claimed that the abortion statutes were unconstitutional...and they abridged her rights of personal privacy. She sued on the grounds of infringement on those rights promised to her by the First, Fourth, Fifth, Ninth, and Fourteenth Amendments. And why shouldnt the rights of this woman be protected? Most judges have said that the court will only protect the rights of a persons privacy to a certain extent. At some point the states interests as to the protection of the...prenatal life become dominant. Others have argued that the word person as defined in Section I of the Fourteenth Amendment doesnt include the unborn. There are many supporters of the pro-choice movement. The NCAP (National Coalition for Abortion Providers) is just one group of the abortion promoters that have banned together for the rights of American women. This organization was created by people ...
Monday, October 21, 2019
Deviance Is the Recognized Violation of Cultural Norms Essay Example
Deviance Is the Recognized Violation of Cultural Norms Essay Example Deviance Is the Recognized Violation of Cultural Norms Paper Deviance Is the Recognized Violation of Cultural Norms Paper According to the three social foundations of deviance: 1) Deviance varies according to cultural norms, 2) People become deviant as others define them that way, and 3) Both norms and the way people define situations Involve social power, all behavior whether good or bad Is shaped by society. When you are a victim of child abuse you social skills arena as strong as others. When youre being abused as a child you hold yourself back from society for fear that someone might find out about your situation. You dont interact with others to assure that your problem isnt the topic of discussion. As a child, when oer in a home where you are constantly being abused, either physically or mentally, then you perceive that as being a cultural norm. You feel it is k to hurt others because that was how you were brought up. When you are raised in an abused home you may not understand what is classified as deviant to the rest of the world and therefore act in the way in which you know how. Official statistics indicate that arrest rates peak in late adolescence and drop steadily thereafter. As human beings, we all need to be loved. As humans when we feel that we are not being loved, we are determined to go and find love somewhere. And most of the times, as the saying goes, Find love in all the wrong places. When you are abused as a child you tend to cling to people or things that accept you and make you feel wanted. When you are not at home you are going to do any and everything you can to take your mind off the fact that when you get home you are in a world of hurt. No matter what It Is. It can be bowling, it can be reading, it can be watching movies, or it can be stealing, fighting, or even destroying property. As a child you are not as Informed on what is wrong and what is right. And for the most part as a child you probably dont are you Just want to be loved and be around people who dont hurt you. As you get older In childhood the less you can depend on others and the more you branch out from your social norm. The moment someone comes to you and appears to care about you, or the first thing you find to do to take your mind off being abused, that will be the person and/or thing that carries you for the rest of your life. And as you get older you arent going to do It to the same degree as you did before, you are going to want to be more Involved. According to Robert Martens Strain Theory, the extent ND kind of deviance depend on whether a society provides the means to achieve cultural goals. For example, people who are living In poverty see very little hope of being successful if they play by the rules and obey the law. If you are a child and you are Dealing souses, you see very little nope AT Dealing nappy unless you ay something to take your mind off of being abused. Because norms and situations involve social power, you are going to do something that makes you feel like a big person and that you have clout. Even though there are productive things you can do that will allow o to achieve the goal of feeling like somebody, using unconventional means to achieve a culturally approved goal also known as innovation Just seems easier. But, there are, people who obsessively stick to the rules so that they at least feel respectable, this is called ritualism. There are some people who were abused as a child and decided that they were not going to live their life as a victim. They focus on the good to overcome the bad. They dont follow the rules to necessarily be successful but they continuously follow the rules because they dont want to do wrong. Then you have people who when they are faced with the inability to succeed they retreat by rejecting both cultural goals and means. A lot of times, when you are continually a victim you get to the point where you dont care about anyone else or anything, and all that matters is that you are content. You arent worried about being successful, you arent worried about doing right, all you are worried about is that you are feeling the way you are feeling because you made the choice. Like retreats, rebels reject both the cultural definition of success and the conventional means of achieving success by taking it one step further and forming a counterculture and seeking new goals through new means. This also describes the theory formed by Richard Collard and Lloyd Olin, which propose that crime doesnt necessarily result from limited legitimate opportunity but also from readily accessible illegitimate opportunity. Sociologist Travis Hirsch developed the theory that social control depends on anticipating the consequences of ones behavior. He assumes that for some, Just thinking about the reactions of family and friends is enough to make you o right, but on the other hand, you have people who think that they have little to lose from deviance and are likely to become rule-breakers. When you are a victim of child abuse, the place you call home is the worst and last place that you want to be. Therefore, you are determined to find someone else and something to make your return home a better one. According to Hirsch conformity is linked to four different types of social control. First, you have attachments where strong social attachments encourage conformity, but also when you come from a weak family, peer, and school allegations such as being a victim of child abuse it leaves you freer to engage in deviance. Second, you have opportunity. The greater a persons access to legitimate opportunity, the greater the advantages of conformity. On the other hand, someone with little confidence, who constantly is belittled and made to feel inferior, in future success if freer to drift toward deviance. Third, you have involvement. When you are extensively involved in legitimate activities, deviance is inhibited. On the contrast, people who hang out waiting for something to happen, or are trying to get away, eave the time and energy to engage in deviant activity. Lastly, there is belief. Strong beliefs in conventional morality and respect for authority figures restrain tendencies toward deviance. But then you have people who are constantly exposed to immorality or the lack of morality, have weak consciences and are more open to temptation. Alexander Liaisons points out that the people we tend to define, as deviants, are typically those who share the trait of powerlessness. Being a victim of child abuse, winter mentally or phonically Is one AT ten ways people are mace to Tell powerless. It is at this point when they are forced to find something or someone else to occupy their time, ease their mind, better their situation, or even feel respectable. Not everything about deviance is considered bad. According to Mile Druthers, two of the four essential functions performed by deviance are that, responding to deviance brings people together and it encourages social change. People typically react to serious deviance like in the September 1 1, 2001 attack where people across the U. S joined to protect the country and bring those responsible to Justice. Deviant people SSH a societys moral boundaries, which is why many organizations are formed today. According to www. Childbeds. Com, child abuse can be labeled as anything from: child homicide, child pornography, child prostitution, neglect and abandonment, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual offenses, computer crimes, and even religious exemptions to criminal child abuse and neglect. Just like there are many forms of child abuse there are also many ways to prevent child abuse. One of the best ways, I believe, is to stop child abuse before it starts through prevention programs. There are support programs for new parents which provide support for arenas still in the prenatal stage and for those in the post-natal stage. Then there are nationally known programs such as Parent Effectiveness Training (P. E. T. ), the Parent Nurturing Program, and Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (S. T. E. P. , which use various approaches toward parenting education and are distinct in their use of teaching tools such as reward and punishment, praise, and specific encouragement. They even have a family screening and treatment program in which a visitor comes in the home to detect problems children may be having, Just to name a few. Under no circumstance should a child be abused. But in the horrible case that there are there are many ways to get help. A person should not have to lean to deviance to feel wanted, accepted, or loved. There are positive means to achieving desired goals. Being a victim of child abuse, many things that affect me now could have been prevented if I would have had the proper care and treatment provided as a child my mother was a drug abuser and a child abuser. I got beat everyday all day and sometimes it took days for me to recover, I may have missed school, doctor appointment anything to hide the fact that she was beating me at home. Not only as I a victim of physical abuse, Im also a victim of sexual abuse provided by my own mother and others in my family. Then one she finally cracked, she tried to kill me I got beat all day almost half dead. Then she took a knife and stabbed 5 times and shot me in my arm and threw bleach in my face and told me she would kill me and bury me in the back yard and she was going to be on the run. She asked me did I have any last words and I told her to let me kill myself to you will not go to hell. She said no because she want me to die slow like I have made her do all these years because I was a mistake and a burden. Then someone answered my prayers and I made it to the hospital and they had to put me under Jane Doe to protect that she would not find me and try and hurt me again. Before I left she told me if I told anyone what she was doing to me she would find me and kill me. Now I was a victim of psychological abuse. My mother hurt me so bad and installed so much fear in my heart and mind, to winner I outhunt 1 010 not deserve to De love or to give love. From tens a lot AT my personal relationship has failed for me. I think everyone is going to hurt me or leave me so I hurt them first so I cant get hurt. Being abused at a stage where you are helpless and cant protect yourself is cruel.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
How to Teach the Past Perfect Continuous
How to Teach the Past Perfect Continuous Teaching the past perfect continuous is sometimes a choice. On the one hand, to complete the overview of each tense the past perfect continuous needs to be included. On the other hand, the past perfect continuous is rarely used by native speakers in their daily activities. The choice whether to teach this tense should, therefore, be made based on a student needs analysis: Do the students need to understand the past perfect continuous for use on exams such as the TOEFL or Cambridge exams, or is the focus of the class more on communication skills. If the class needs the tense for academic tests, a quick once-over of the past perfect continuous is probably worthwhile. Teaching this tense should be relatively easy as students will be familiar with the concepts from having learned the present perfect continuous and the future perfect continuous. Introducing the Past Perfect Continuous Introduce the present perfect continuous by speaking about a past event of some import. For example, speaking about a situation in which people were asked to wait for a long period, or some other anticipatory action took place. A good example might be an exciting new product release by Apple. Duration of a Past Activity The customers had been waiting for three hours just to get in the door when the store finally opened.Jennifer said she had bee saving her money to buy the new iPhone. Another example could be a test that students have recently taken. In this case, you can also ask some questions: How long had you been studying for the TOEFL when you took it?Had you been working together before you took the test? Result of a Past Activity Students should also understand the past perfect continuous can be used to express the cause of something that happened in the past. To introduce this usage, tell a story about something unusual that happened in the past and use the past perfect continuous to relate, comment and speculate as to the cause: There was a horrible car crash yesterday on I-5. Apparently, one driver had been texting and didnt see that the other driver had stopped. Not only that, but it had been raining for a few hours so the conditions were awful. Use in the Third Conditional Form The past perfect continuous is also sometimes used in the third, or past unreal, conditional form. Its worthwhile pointing this out to students, but also reminding them that the past perfect is generally used. The exception is that the past perfect conditional is used to focus on a specific moment in time in the past. If I had been working on that project, we would have got the contract.He wouldnt have been in the accident if he hadnt been texting while driving. Practicing the Present Perfect Continuous Explaining the Past Perfect Continuous on the Board Use a past perfect continuous timeline to illustrate the relationship of the tense to a past event. The construction is a little complicated, so providing a quick grammar chart can also help with understanding. Subject had been verb(ing) objects We had been working for twelve hours by the time we finished the project.Susan had been complaining for weeks when he finally purchased her the new car. Activities Lesson activities should include a thorough comparison of the when to use the perfect or perfect continuous form. A great lesson for this can be adapted by this lesson comparing the present perfect simple and continuous. Take the biography of someone from the past, students then ask questions using either the past perfect of the past perfect continuous to ask and answer questions based on the biography. Student 1: How many years had he studied law before he became a judge?Student 2: He had studied law for ten years before his appointment. Student 1: What had she been doing before she moved to Texas?Student 2: She had been working for a designer in New York.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
The influnce of North Korea 3rd successor Term Paper
The influnce of North Korea 3rd successor - Term Paper Example erence to a closed economic policy that has refused to allow the country to be influenced by the world’s democratic policies or free market policies. The third in line – Kim Jung eun has already received bad press alleging the abuse of farming officials, in much the same vein as his father and grandfather. This essay will specifically analyse four articles from various newspapers in order to ascertain the indications which suggest that the third successor in the family may well influence the rest of the world in much the same way as his forbears did, continuing the totalitarian, undemocratic regime so that the people of North Korea remain relatively untouched by global influences. Kim Il Jung first came to power when North Korea separated itself from the South and declared itself a separate country on 9th September 1948 in the post IInd World War era. Availing of support from the Soviet Union, he instituted a series of economic and political reforms to convert North Korea into a Communist state, including the nationalization of Japanese property (www.news.bbc.co.uk). The subsequent war that broke out between North and South Korea was largely the result of political and ideological differences between the two countries, with each becoming aligned with one or the other of the superpowers. In the 1950’s, Kin Il Sung instituted the â€Å"Juche†or self reliance policy, giving rise to a rigid, state controlled, economic system with high levels of military spending which has driven North Korea further and further into poverty. The situation deteriorated to the extent that the country was defaulting on all of its loans in the 1980s and still, the ruler refused to open the country’s borders and markets to international trade. When Kim Il Sung died, his son Kim Jong-il took control of the military but did not immediately assume the title of head of State. Some high level officials however, who would have ascended to the post, died mysteriously and the son took on
Friday, October 18, 2019
History of capitalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
History of capitalization - Essay Example Neo-colonialism (that flourished after the 16th century) is just another name for Western influence by means of political, military and ‘economics’ of the third world (Naipaul 3). The European merchants benefitted a lot from the colonialism as the sub-states depended so much on their European masters; the African colonies are the best examples of this dependency (Naipaul 75) that nurtured Merchant Capitalism. People were buying things they didn’t need but they lacked the skill and knowledge to make things that people (especially in African colonies) (Naipaul 54) and the merchants capitalized on this. Africa wasn’t the only colony that gave a boost to Merchant Capitalism, the Indian subcontinent was once the capital of world trade. During the 17th century, the world trade was governed by Mercantile Capitalism, and the Indian subcontinent was the busiest workshop of the world. That place alone contributed to nearly a quarter of global manufacturing output (Ro bins 61). Considering what mercantilism means, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that various trading houses in India governed by people such as Amir Chand and Jagat Seth were wealthier than East India Company (Robins 65), which had huge military support and connections. The East India Company (a monopoly corporation) was an essential part of England’s commercial armory (Robins 48). This company alone revolutionized the whole business pattern of the world. Other than capitalizing on merchant trade, this company was accompanied by the British navy and headed by a brilliant Merchant brain, Sir Josiah Child. Just like other successful merchants of the world, Child believed that wealth lies in extracting as much as possible from the landed regions (Robins 48). India was known as the golden sparrow of the world and the East India Company had caught this bird and was enjoying the benefits. Child believed not only in military dominance but in commercial conquest abroad (Robins 49); the typical merchant business strategy. He traded with Mughals and got the better part of the trade by taking Bengal (Robins 49). Despite the fact that Mercantile Capitalism enjoyed world domination for centuries but like all other business tactics, time makes them old and they get replaced by a newer and a better one. By the end of eighteenth century, neo-colonialism didn’t remain as strong as it once used to be and lost its sparkle and with it went down the mercantile capitalism and the world witnessed the dawn of Industrial Capitalism. With the start of the nineteenth century, great revolutions in Industrial field manifested and formed the basis for factory culture. Machines such as spinning jenny and cotton gin ruled the manufacturing grounds and produced remarkable results in terms of efficient output. As opposed to Mercantile Capitalism, the new trade strategy focused more on capital intensive market rather than going for labor intensive flea markets. Less labor me ant more machine work, and this is where people like Walter Shewhart and Eli Whitney come in. They revolutionized the trade with their great inventions (Green 74). Industrial machines such as spinning wheel, Spinning Jenny, Handloom and Power Loom etc., brought industry and trade to new heights. Productivity skyrocketed, and thus came mass production at lower prices. Technology wasn’t the only player in revolutionizing the trade; business practices played a huge part in it. Andrew Carnegie’s name will always be remembered in business reformation. Born in
The impact of Hurricane Katrina on the economy Essay
The impact of Hurricane Katrina on the economy - Essay Example There are some strategies implemented to overcome the disaster caused to the economy by this hurricane. Hurricane Katrina has affected the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans and Louisiana, which is the main hub of nation's oil, gas production and distribution. It severely damaged the oil production and refining facilities in these areas crippling the oil and gas production of the country. The fuel produced by the country is a contributing factor to the economic growth of a country. The damage of such a resource has its implications of various sectors. Although, there is sometime required to estimate the damage caused by this hurricane, predications are made about the potential loss that the economy will incur. Hurricane Katrina has resulted in the increase in prices of gasoline and other oil products. The damage of oil production and refining facilities has resulted in high demand of gasoline. The prices of fuel have increased by about by 15 times. [Hurricane Katrina's impact on US economy should not be overestimated, 2005]. Because of this increase in price, there are various industries, which are predicted to be affected by this calamity. This damage caused to the oil and gas production of the country is likely to affect the import and export of goods, retail market, real estate business and large organizations. [Little, 2005]. Gulf of Mexico comprises of about 30 percent oil production, 20 percent of the gas production and 60 percent of the oil imports in the U.S. [Samuelson, 2005]. This increase in the oil and gasoline price has affected the import and export of goods. Oil and gasoline is essential for transportation of products into and outside the country. The devastation caused to the oil and refinery productions in these areas have affected the transportation of the grains and goods outside the country and inflow of coffee and cargo into the country. [Hurricane Katrina's impact on US economy should not be overestimated, 2005]. However, there is a consolation that most of the import and export of goods occur after the fall so it has not causes a major damage to the foreign trade. [Samuelson, 2005] The increase in the price of the fuel has resulted in increase in price of every petrol-chemical and other related product. For instance, due to the increase in crude oil, the price of home heating products is expected to reach a soaring height during the winter season. [Little, 2005]. The hurricane has also affected the *retail market. There is increase in price on most of the products as a result the consumer budget is being affected. Most of the people spend large amount of money on the fuel due to the increase in prices of the fuel, while there is no increase in their salary or wages. As a result, they are unable to purchase high priced products. This will tend to affect the retail sales. *Consumer spending accounts to about two-thirds of the economy due to which a recession is forecasted in the economy. [Little, 2005]. The real estate business will make huge profits due to the hurricane. The hike in prices of the fuel and the shortage of building material in the country will result in increase in the value of the land and
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Structural Mechanical Faiulre Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Structural Mechanical Faiulre - Case Study Example During construction, certain difficulties came up resulting to a delicate, but flawed change of design. The change intensified the weight on the connection between the walkway tie roads and the support beams carrying the load of the second floor walkway and the fourth floor walkway. This design was not adequate enough to support the weight of the structure, as well as the weight of the spectators (Engineer). The investigations conducted also revealed that the change or alteration of the design by the contractors without consulting the engineers contributed to the structural failure. The failure was brittle in nature since it occurred as a result of one grain boundaries being stronger than the other. Additionally, the collapse of the structure also occurred with no prior deformation on the walkway. However, it is worth noting that the collapse could have been prevented. This could have happened if the contractors could have consulted the engineers of the structure before making changes on the design of structure (Engineer). Therefore, in order to prevent future structural failures of the same, Hyatt Regency walkway structural failure is used as a case study while training engineers and contractors on significance of engineering
Jackson Township, NJ Landfill Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Jackson Township, NJ Landfill - Research Paper Example When people participate in the proper disposal of such garbage, the community is better able to maintain the sanitation and safety of various waterways and the surrounding land of New Jersey. In October 20, 2011, the same collection routine was announced by Jackson, NJ (2011). The latest garbage classified as health hazard was very recently brought to the attention of the people by Phil Stilton (2012). Those materials involved the â€Å"rigid plastics†that can be recycled after they are sold for $90 per ton. Practically any item made of plastics, whether they are furniture or containers, broken or old flower pots, except for specified plastics like grocery bags, vinyl, plastic pipes, stretch film, milk cartons, water hose, medical garbage, and other similar containers – have to be properly disposed and can be recycled. The landfill operated by Jackson Township was the object of a complaint filed and which reached the Supreme Court way back in 1987. In the case of Ayers versus Township of Jackson, the complainant sued for damages because his water well got contaminated with toxic pollutants. The Supreme Court ruled Jackson Township guilty and was ordered to pay the complainants an aggregate amount of â€Å"$15,854,392.78, to be divided among the plaintiffs in varied amounts†according to Stein, J. (1987, p.1). ... $8,204,500 was the expert’s estimate of the medical surveillance cost following exposure to the possibility of cancer and whatever other diseases can be realized as a result of toxic chemicals found in the drinking water. What chemicals did investigative reports find in the water wells and traced to the Jackson Township Landfills? The Supreme Court was informed by experts that the landfill polluted the water wells with â€Å"acetone; benzene; chlorobenzene; chloroform; dichlorofluoromethane; ethylbenzene; methylene chloride; methyl isobutyl ketone; 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane; tetrahydrofuran; 1,1,1-trichloroethane; and trichloroethylene....†(Stein, J. 1987, p.1). Over 150 residents testified in court to complain against the chemical contamination of their drinking water. They all showed their emotional stress resulting from not having potable water for years. More specifically, because complainants needed potable water in the absence of their natural source, they were r ationed their water supply in â€Å"40 gallon barrel containing a plastic liner filled with water†(p.2) which weighed 100 pounds. Residents actually experienced arthritis trying to fetch water for their needs out of the heavy container, everyday and multiple times a day just to be able to wash, cook, take a bath, and have drinking water. It was pronounced to be a primitive quality of life. People suffered anxieties, depression, fear, and stress as a result of living such a pattern daily. 88 of them showed signs of psychological disorders or problems. Furthermore, homeowners were so frustrated about the negative effect of having a landfill nearby because it devalued their properties. Potential buyers pointed to the landfill
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Structural Mechanical Faiulre Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Structural Mechanical Faiulre - Case Study Example During construction, certain difficulties came up resulting to a delicate, but flawed change of design. The change intensified the weight on the connection between the walkway tie roads and the support beams carrying the load of the second floor walkway and the fourth floor walkway. This design was not adequate enough to support the weight of the structure, as well as the weight of the spectators (Engineer). The investigations conducted also revealed that the change or alteration of the design by the contractors without consulting the engineers contributed to the structural failure. The failure was brittle in nature since it occurred as a result of one grain boundaries being stronger than the other. Additionally, the collapse of the structure also occurred with no prior deformation on the walkway. However, it is worth noting that the collapse could have been prevented. This could have happened if the contractors could have consulted the engineers of the structure before making changes on the design of structure (Engineer). Therefore, in order to prevent future structural failures of the same, Hyatt Regency walkway structural failure is used as a case study while training engineers and contractors on significance of engineering
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Quality Management - Group Work Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Quality Management - Group Work - Research Paper Example It begins from the initial preparation, through the group process up to compilation of the final paper. I highly commend the timeliness of the group. The group met immediately after its formation giving it enough time to tackle the tasks it had before it. I can therefore describe the group members as very organized individuals who acknowledge the importance of time management. Without time management, a group is likely to suffer from a last-minute rush (John, 2005). During the preparation, some group members drafted a schedule which would be used to track developments in the group-work. The schedule led to some conflicts since some group members had not been consulted. There were some communication barriers which arose due to a heated debate regarding the schedule. The former draft had been drawn with the assumption that the personal schedules of individuals were almost similar. Though schedules are important in projects, Accountability through 360 ° feedback is important (Stephen, 1999). This model of feedback was used in formation of the final schedule which was more agreeable. I was very pleased by the problem solving techniques used by the group. This included open communication and consultation before making decision that ultimately affect the whole group (Isa, 2012). The idea to formulate a schedule to manage the operations of the group was a brilliant idea. I suggested a SWOT analysis on group members’ personal traits. This was unanimously agreed on. A SWOT analysis is important in determining the overall strengths and weaknesses of a group (Howard, 2000). It is also important in understanding the character traits of group members in order to know which tasks to assign to a member. After the SWOT analysis was completed, the group members became more familiar with their fellow members. This improves group dynamics (John, 2010). The actual group process began by identification of the task to be undertaken. The group decided to work on formulating and implementing a quality management strategy. After thorough consultations between members, the group members agreed to meet on a later day with names of organization they believe needed a change in their management systems. On the immediately following meeting, one group member proposed the University of Western Sydney as the organization. The group agreed to make the management strategy of UWS the subject matter. I believe availability of data and the existence of a clear problem statement were the main reasons why this organization was selected (Comite Euro-International du Beton, 1998). The team formed an objective of its own in order to avoid drifting from the course objectives. The object of the team was similar to the title of the project. Although the title of the project was manipulated severally, I found this to be vital since it aligned the objectives of the group, those of the project itself and those of the course. The title of the research project became: â€Å"Qual ity Management Strategy for an improved system of Teaching and Learning: University of West Sydney†. Member of the group were asked to perform an overview of the university’s history and management system. This was important to increase familiarity of the members with the project at hand (Julia, 2012). One of the group members proposed that a PESTLE analysis would be best in performing a background check. This is one of the most efficient ways of understanding a management system of any organization (Jay, 2003). After the members became
Monday, October 14, 2019
University Education Is Necessary Essay Example for Free
University Education Is Necessary Essay According to Casse and Banahan (2007), the different approaches to training and development need to be explored. It has come to their attention by their own preferred model and through experience with large Organisations. The current traditional training continuously facing the challenges in the selection of the employees, in maintaining the uncertainty related to the purpose and in introducing new tactics for the environment of work and by recognizing this, they advising on all the problems, which reiterates the requirement for flexible approach. Usually the anagers have the choice to select the best training and development programme for their staff but they always have to bear in mind that to increase their chances of achieve the target they must follow the five points highlighted by Miller and Desmarais (2007). According to Davenport (2006), mentioned in his recent studies that its easy to implement strategy with the internet supported software. Some of the Training theories can be effective immediately on the future of the skill and developments. The content and the access are the actual factors for the process. It is a representation itself by the Access on main aspect what is effective to the adopted practice in training development. As per the recent theories to access the knowledge is changing from substantial in the traditional to deliver the knowledge for the virtual forms to use the new meaning of information with electronic learning use. Every organization needs to have well trained and experienced people to perform the activities that have to be done. If the current or potential Job occupant can meet this requirements, training is not imparting. But when this is not the case, it is necessary to raise the skill levels and increase the versatility and adaptability of employees. Inadequate Job performance or a decline in productivity or changes resulting out of job redesigning or a technological break through require some type of training and development efforts. As the Jobs become more complex, the importance of employee development also increases. In a rapidly changing society, employee training and development or not only an activity that is desirable but also an activity that an rganization must commit resources or to if it is to maintain a viable and knowledgeable workforce. Training, education, and development are three terms frequently used. On the face of it, there might not appear any difference between them, but when a deep thought is given, there appear some differences between them. In all training there is some education and in all education there is some training and the two process cannot be separated from development. Edwin flippo Training is the act of increasing the knowledge and skill of an employee for doing a particular Job.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Marketing analysis of texas instruments inc
Marketing analysis of texas instruments inc The company was founded in 1930 and adopted the name of Texas Instrument Incorporated in 1951. It entered the market of semiconductor in 1954 and was the first company to go global. Texas Instrument (TI) is famous for inventing the integrated circuit in 1958, thanks to Jack Killby who won the Physic Nobel Prize in 2000, and the handheld calculator in 1967. TI has always been among the Top 10 of the semiconductor sales leaders. In 2010, TI had revenue of 13.97 billions of dollars (see table below): TI has a 1.20 billion of dollars capital expenditures and cumulates worldwide about 38,000 patents. The company got a global presence in manufacturing, design or sales operations in 30 countries, which represents more than 80,000 customers worldwide for about 28,400 employees. The headquarters are based in Dallas, Texas in the United States. Rich Templeton is the chairman, President and CEO of Texas Instruments. The main products of the company are Semiconductors (Amplifiers Linear, Audio, Automotive, Clocks Timers, Data Converters, Interface, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), Processors), DLPÂ ® TV, Projectors, Cinema and Calculators Education Technology. TI has always been among the Top 10 of the semiconductor sales leaders. In 2010 TI is ranking 4 behind Intel Corporation, Samsung Electronics and Toshiba Semiconductors. Its other main competitors are Microchip Technology, Cypress Semiconductor, Integrated Device Technology and Xilinx. TI has the largest market share (14%) in the semiconductor industry which has an estimated market of 37 billions of dollar according to latest reports from Gartner. (See table below). This report will represent the main marketing activities of Texas Instruments Incorporated. The report has three parts: firstly, the organisations orientation, secondly, the audit (external and internal) of the organization and thirdly, the impact of the organisations marketing mix (positive and negative). TI orientation CONCEPT (Rajshekhar Raj 2006) To reach the goals of TI orientation, it has to be a relationship between the customer relationship management and the international service marketing research like it shows in the figure above. In order to make profits and increase the market share of a company, organisations have to develop marketing strategies. The idea is to reach the customer by meeting his needs and expectations. By understanding the market (surveys and researches), the company can make marketing decisions and implement a long term relationship strategies. Kotler said Todays successful companies have one thing in common: their success comes from a strong customer focus and heavy commitment to marketing. (Kotler.et.al. 2005) The modern marketing concept can be expressed as: The achievement of corporate goals through meeting and exceeding customer needs and expectations better than the competition.(Jobber. 2010:4) Marketing Concept The meeting of customer needs better than the expectations and the competition Integrated effort All staff accepts the responsibility for creating customer satisfaction Goal achievement The belief that corporate goals can be achieved through customer satisfaction Customer Orientation Corporate activities are focused On providing customer satisfaction (Jobber: 2010:4) All companies, and so on Texas Instruments that interest us, have the choice between 4 main marketing orientations: Product orientation Products that have good innovative characteristics and also the best quality that might match the customers needs and their satisfactions criteria; this is considered as an investment for the business in order to continue their sales strategies. (Kotler.et.al.2005) Sales orientation The Company constructs a large-scale of selling, promotion, and advertising without any concerns about customer satisfaction. (Kotler.et.al.2005) Production orientation To focus on minimized production cost in order to attract more customers, to attain economies of scales by having a limited range of products. (Jobber.2010:4); the company takes into account the competitions and market segments to focus on the cost of the product and its production range. (Jobber: 2010:5) Production capabilities: Focus of the production orientation. Manufacture product: the production line or cycle from the suppliers to the customer. Aggressive sales effort: Effort to sell and develop the marketing of the products. Customers: Customers who are demanding the products. Marketing orientation The Company must stay close to their customer and understand their need and problems. (Jobber. 2010:5) Figure 6: Marketing Orientation (Jobber 2010:5) This figure shows the approach to follow to reach the customers by understanding the potential market opportunities and the marketing products and services and by responding to the demanded requirements. (Jobber 2010:5-6) TI ORIENTATION THE COMPETITVE ADVANTAGE OF TI According to Michael Porter, the Competitive Advantage grows out of value a firm is able to create for their buyer that is exceeds the firms cost of creating it. Value is what buyer are willing to pay, and superior value stems from offering lower prices than competitor for equivalent benefit or providing unique benefits that more than offset a higher price. There are two basics type of competitive advantage: cost leadership and differentiation. (Porter, M. 1985:3) With other words, the competitive advantage can be achieved by creating a differential advantage or achieving the lower cost position (Johnson, 8th edition, 2009). There are two different competitive strategies to have an advantage on the competitors: the differentiation of the product and the cost of the product. The main analysis of competitive advantage is the Generic Strategy of Porter. The company has a relative position within an industry is given by its choice of competitive advantage: Cost Leadership versus Differentiation and its choice of competitive scope: firm targets broad industry segment or focuses on a narrow segment. (Jobber, 2010:714) The business makes a choice about the type and scope of its competitive advantages. (Porter, 1985, 12) We need now to take care of the external analysis and the internal analysis of TI marketing activities that will help TI to develop their own strategies. The internal view is based on industry structure and more precisely on decision of the Business. The (external) analysis of competitor is crucial to create a successful marketing strategy. (Porter, 1985) Audit of TI 1) PESTEL analysis When contemplated for the audit of Texas Instruments Inc., it is very much cognizance to utilize the PESTEL analysis for showcasing the frame work of macro-environmental factors. Texas instruments Incorporated are prominent in designing, manufacturing and selling of semi-conductors. It has four main segments involved that include Analog, Embedded Processing, Wireless and Other in which Analog and Embedded Processing is considered being the protuberant of primary growth eventually focusing its resources on the two segments. Political factors Initially excogitating the Political factors that lays high stake on the company takes to intervenes i.e.., its degree of intervene, effects of the interpose on the political stability of the company. In 2005, while positioning the portfolios, it has been judged that by the end of this decade, Texas Instruments Inc. will have an increase in the earning potential. Considering this, it has been noted that TXN has long term earning power and clearly witnessed at the present stage. (S.Parker2005: 01, Zipper.1992) Economic factors It is difficult to delineate dimensions and duration of the semi-conductor cycle. Earlier it was considered that if the situation strikingly disintegrates, or if the economy weakens, TXN is likely to outperform its rival and competitor, Intel. As contrary in direction, if the condition continues to improve, it will be highly difficult to judge the future performance of the company with respect to its benchmarked market position. (The Associated Guide.2011) In the earlier stages, TXN was pertained to the anticipation of cellular handset sales, especially from its then leading customer, Nokia. Due to some negative flow of news, the handsets where likely to under-perform during a short term (S.Parker.2005). Notable past event that accounts to the overall economic status of TXN: In order to justify the fact that TXN tried to cut short its dull portfolios and concentrate more on the growing markets with its RD, contemplating the earlier activities of TXN such as terminating a decades-long striving effort and endurance to survive in the computer line market, Texas instruments sold its business computer line to its then competitor, Hewlett-Packard. The above table and grapgh illustrates the distribution of revenue among TXNs four main segements As mentioned earlier, TXN focusses its resources mainly on Analog and Embedded Processing.The financial consequences of deficient or excess inventory levels in Texas Instruments Inc. i.e., the demand which varies with the past visualizations constitue to the economic factors that held stake over the company. Another issue added to it was the prejudice of Tis non-financial assests. Social factors Whilst sorting out the various factors that affects or holds stakes towards the company, social factors which includes cultural aspects, distribution ratios, change in social trends that has its own effects on the company, etc., are also considered to be imporatant as analysing these will help the company gain better knowledge over the industrial needs and the consumers perspective towards the company. Texas Instruments Incorporation has three main objectives towards increasing its revenue with respect to social factors. First objective being the growing of revenue at a much faster rate than that of the current market. The second being the growing of earnings per share at a higher pace that the obtained and obtaining revenue. The third main general objective towards its financial terms being the efficient usage of the captital. The countries where Tis suppliers and customers are located or operated has an varrying constituting level based on the social conditions of the countries which includes health conditions, security risks, varrying trasnportation facilities, fluctuation in the exchange rates of different currencies (Kurtz, Mac Kenzie, Snow209: 2011) The Corporate Responsibility magazine has announced Texas Instruments Inc. as one among the top corporate citizens for the ninth time with respect to the human rights, employee relations, governance, philanthrophy, environment, climatic changes and financial weightings (www.thecro.com. 2011) Ti(India) is the first multinational company setting its one of the largest RD centres for the first time time outside the USA. (www.ebonline.com c.2011) Technological factors Analysing the various factors influencing Ti, it becomes apparent that Ti focusses heavily on RD as it helps Ti to navigate through the competettive market. Innovation in technology plays a major role in making its products markettable. To levitate its products, one of the latest innovation was usage of Power Line Communication(PLC) which offers a cost effective mode of communication media for a broader magnitutde of applications. The above figure depicts that Texas Instruments( Ti) developers can optimize their applications based on their need and can modify to the new standards, (Olivier Monnier2010: 2) TI Delivers Flexible Power Line Communications Solutions The main components for its current top positioning appear to be flexible but Ti follows varying procedures to survive. One such is the procedure of periodically implementing new manufacturing technologies, equipments, testing methods and even with the subcontract services (Scarisbrick: 1996). The company along with its competitors strives with the best possible innovative products. However it is advisable for Ti to reduce its level of inventory except for the range of Analog (S.Parker2005: 15). Bringing out innovative products alone does not state a company in the top ranking list. Considering this, Ti also concentrates on the product life cycle developments. As it is well known that Ti does not concentrates much on the end users, it is important to get regular feedbacks regarding the product life cycle and its reliability. It arranges separate programs to carry on with these processes. (www.ti.com c. 2011, www.prnewswire.com c. 2010) Environmental factors Whilst analysing the environmental factors of Texas Instruments Incorporation, at present it is highly importunate to follow up the recent tragedy that happened in Japan causing a substantial loss of lives and materials including the manufacturing site of TXN bases on the cities of Miho and Aizu-wakamatsuthat, Japan. From the reports of the company, it is clear that TXN will reinstate its manufacturing site, initiating with many different line in the unit. TXN has set up alternate manufacturing sites for about 60% of the wafer production from the Miho plant. Some of the substantial damage at the Miho due to the earthquake: The delivery channels which includes its infrastructure systems were damaged but resetting those damages are in progress and expected to be over in a few weeks of time. The seems to be an unclear state in the manufacturing equipments due to the highly interepted power supply. On an over view it has been clearly noted that the Miho building has a very obtuse damage apparently making the main struture to be certified usable. TXN keenly recognizes the following important factors that might cause discernible results that differ from the expectation of the company such as: The change or revolutionize the market environment of semi-conductors especially in the principal markets like consumer electronics and consumer. At the present stage, the improvement in technology environment in the present stage has made Texas Instruments Inc. raise its ability to develop, manufacture and market its products. Considering the sour fact that the marketing strategies of Texas Instruments are considered to be unsatisfactory when compared with its counter parts, TXN competed in the highly competitive market with its innovative product and challenging prices (L.Shanklin1998: 10). Natural happenstances like drastic weather changes, floods, earthquakes and other calamities constitute to the environmental factors are overcome by the companys pre-stated strategies. Taking into account for the usage of eco-friendly products, Ti moves towards lead free products (www.ti.com c. 2011, www.prnewswire.com c. 2010). Legal factors For any multinational Plc, it is very much certain that there are many awaiting varying legal factors in different countries in which the other units are located. Now this becomes apparent for TXN to face such legal issues which might have greater effects on the company (www.prnewswire.com c. 2010). Legal factors recognized by TXN as major issues for the company: The license agreements between Ti and its stake holders tend to be different in different countries. The expiry of patent licenses and agreement might lead the other companies to capitalize over TXN, which follows by the risk of any apertures in the agreements due to the countrys laws. The changes in tax that are brought about by governments of various countries, the change in jurisdictions could cause outcomes such as instability in the tax audits. The product liability and warrantee differs from place to place depending upon the law prevalent. 2) SWOT Analysis Strengths: Obviously, Texas Instruments has been considered as pioneer and the leader in technology and innovations of semiconductor products ranging from defence, metallurgical and digital products. Its reputation and track record as an institution build TIs credibility and integrity in the market. The existing manpower and connoisseurship of the company and its technology used will always provide TI the leverage to significantly cut the production costs without compromising the quality of their products. The strategic global locations of the TIs expanded operations in North America, Asia and in Europe, paved the way for TI to widen its reach in the industry. The expanded operation in some parts of the world strengthens the brand recognition of TI being well known for its product innovation and diversification. TI is also aware of social and environment issues by continuous improvement on production safety improvement, community involvement and sustainability as it has been being awarded from The Worlds Most Ethical Companies Ranking since 2007 (Eethisphere 2011). All of these factors can be valuable resources to advance TIs market presence and increase its share in the industry. Weaknesses: Texas Instruments being a leader and one of Americas pioneers in electronic industry was far more focused on product development, innovation and diversification to the extent that it overlooked the marketing side of the business. Its concentration is on the technological development created the loophole of lacking the skilled and strategic marketing power of the company. This has been evidenced by the fact that the entire marketing arm of the company is heavily reliant on its distributors. Its dependency on the distributors weakens the companys capacity to saturate the market despite its prominent brands and quality products sold. Opportunities: The recent changes in market dynamics for electronics offered an opportunity for TI to evolve as an organization. This calls for the company to reorganise itself to cope with the demands in the changing market. This means that the existing organisational set up or structure has to be change to suit the existing market dynamics. It is therefore a chance for TI to grow and develop as an organisation at pace with time. Its recent innovations in the market also provided the platform for the company to establish an improved customer services. With the existing technologies and leadership in the industry, TI can afford to compete in the market through price matching and discount referral to its patrons. Also, its expertise and technological advancement being the trusted name in the industry can provide greater opportunity for TI to create product differentiation through intensive research and development schemes. This therefore changes the image of the companys products as commodities but rather can create an image as a technology and a brand. In this case, TI can therefore increase its market share through branding. Threats: The emergence of new competitors, introduction of global prising system that conforms the prices of distributors threatens the survival of Texas Instruments in the market. The emergence of new and innovative companies produces stiff competition in the market. TIs tendencies to lost share in the market are higher along with its loss of distributors who adopted global pricing system. TIs non-conformance to the latest trend of global pricing system threatens its business relationship with distributors who happened to be the companys backbone in and perhaps life blood in marketing. If it has to survive in the market, corresponding measures should be carried to address these existing threats. Alternatives/options: Based on the herein stated SWOT Analysis of TI there are options that needs to be considered in order for TI to survive in the market and increase its profitability. These alternatives are based on the principle of utilising its existing organisational strengths and opportunities to overcome its weakness and prevent the perceived and existing adverse effects of threats. The following alternatives are as follows: a. TI shall implement reorganisation/ restructuring This means that an organisational overhaul should be done. Its existing structure and set-up which was established to address the dynamics and development of the market several years back are no longer relevant or responsive to the existing market dynamics. Also, this allows TI to set up a new breed of leaders in the company who can understand and cope with the existing dynamics. Traditional knowledge in the industry should blend with the new trend of innovative market. It is very vital for TI to evolve as an organisation and operate according to the recent market developments. Its structure should be responsive to the prevailing market demands and procedural process. Once the organisational set up has been updated it is now ready to implement the succeeding changes in terms of marketing and financial strategies. b. Product Differentiation TI being a popular and well known for quality products in the market was the only advantage it has in the market. However, its technological advancement and continuing product innovation was not being utilised to differentiate its product from the normal commodities in the market. Thus, it is a best alternative for the company to emphasise its research and development capacities as an institution in the development of new and quality products. Thus, its research and development capacities and expertise as an organisation will be magnified in the market in order to create product differentiation of the TIs production. c. Direct Selling/Servicing to Small and Medium Businesses The untapped market segment of TI was the growing small and medium businesses. This happened due to TIs heavy reliance on distributors. It is one of the best marketing option that TI should engage direct business with the small and medium scale businesses in order to widen its scope and reach in the market. Though this sector is not so lucrative when it comes to profit but its number is continually growing and most of them are locally operating. Therefore, this will minimise reliance on distributors and will promote market survival. e. Competitive Pricing Consistent with the product differentiation strategy, it is not advisable for TI to conform the global pricing system. What is appropriate with its existing market status is to develop a competitive pricing system. Since its credibility and track has been well established and with the advancement of its technology used in production methods, it is certain that TI can produce quality product at a competitive price. Its expertise in the production side can be leverage for TI to reduce its operational and producti0n cost through mechanisation.
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Aquinas Third Way Essay -- 3rd Way Philosophy
Aquinas’ 3rd Way      Aquinas’ third way argument states that there has to be something that must exist, which is most likely God. He starts his argument by saying not everything must exist, because things are born and die every single day. By stating this we can jump to the conclusion that if everything need not exist then there would have been a time where there was nothing. But, he goes on, if there was a time when there was nothing, then nothing would exist even today, because something cannot come from nothing. However, our observations tell us that something does exist, therefore there is something that must exist, and Aquinas says that something is God.      Aquinas’ argument has a couple of flaws in it. One is pointed out by Samuel Clarke, who says a whole series of dependant... Aquinas' Third Way Essay -- 3rd Way Philosophy Aquinas’ 3rd Way      Aquinas’ third way argument states that there has to be something that must exist, which is most likely God. He starts his argument by saying not everything must exist, because things are born and die every single day. By stating this we can jump to the conclusion that if everything need not exist then there would have been a time where there was nothing. But, he goes on, if there was a time when there was nothing, then nothing would exist even today, because something cannot come from nothing. However, our observations tell us that something does exist, therefore there is something that must exist, and Aquinas says that something is God.      Aquinas’ argument has a couple of flaws in it. One is pointed out by Samuel Clarke, who says a whole series of dependant...
Friday, October 11, 2019
Canturbury Tales: Situational Irony in the Pardoner’s Story
Situational Irony in The Pardoner’s Story In The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer the Pardoner’s actions of dishonesty and greed are prime examples of situational irony. Situational irony is when something or someone does the opposite of what is expected. ‘In church he was a noble ecclesiast’ (Chaucer 141) The Pardoner is supposedly a man of God, yet he does not act like it. He is disrespectful and even dishonest. However, he comes off as righteous by telling biblical stories and preaching. By being hypocritical and greedy the Pardoner is the perfect example of situational irony. To begin, the Pardoner shows situational irony by being dishonest. He steals from the church constantly. ‘†¦with others I have power to win them from it, I can bring them to repent†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ (Chaucer 151) Basically, he acts as a salesman by talking people into buying more pardons, and then keeps the money for himself. He uses his talent of thinking on his feet and coming up with great biblical stories to earn money, ‘A yokel mind loves stories of old, being the kind it can repeat and hold†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ (Chaucer 152) He convinces people the things they have done are worse than they are, therefore they are conned into giving him more money, which he keeps all for himself. As ironic as it is to see the Pardoner be dishonest, it is even more ironic how greedy is. Like mentioned before he makes his living off of selling pardons, even pardons against avarice, yet he is very greedy himself. He admits he’ll go after anyone for money. ‘I mean to have money†¦though it were given to me by the poorest lad†¦ ’ (Chaucer 152) He admits to preaching only because he wants money saying, ‘A livelihood. I do not preach in vain†¦I mean to have money†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ (Chaucer 152) It is also very apparent that the Pardoner is greedy enough to steal from the collection baskets in church, ‘But best of all he sang an Offertory†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ (Chaucer 141) This implies he takes the money from there as well. In conclusion, the Pardoner in The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer is a living example of situational irony. He is dishonest and greedy. Instead of doing his duties to the church and helping others with sins, he takes advantage of peoples’ guilt and pockets the money. He does not care about the church and even admits to not liking work, ‘†¦Let me preach and beg from kirk to kirk and never do an honest job of work†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ (Chaucer 152) This just sums up the situational irony of the Pardoner. He appears to be a man of God helping people absolve there sins, but ironically he is dishonest and greedy.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Mexican American Essay
This week we learned how Mexicans are stereotyped negatively in the media, they are Stereotyped as being only portrayed as having very low paying jobs and as criminals. Furthermore even in the Latin media in telenovelas the actresses are mainly white with blonde hair. Seeing Mexicans portrayed as heroes is a rarity because according to the society Mexicans are minorities. Another stereotype is that almost all Mexicans are illegal’s. Discrimination was also a big issue in the 20th century, Mexicans-Americans were lynched in the years of 1848 and 1928. Furthermore, even in restaurants Mexicans were discriminated against in the same manner as African Americans before they had their civil rights. The debate that we were discussing was how wrong it was for Mexicans to be discriminated against in this way. In addition, statistics show that only 7 percent of Mexican-Americans graduate from college, meaning that an education isn’t really a top priority for Mexican Americans. In children’s cartoons it is rare to find a latino or latina character with a positive Influence, for example speedy Gonzalez was invented because of an affair that the wife of the creator of the cartoon had with a Mexican, in my opinion this is simply ridiculous and it simply made Mexicans look bad morally. Another example that as a class we looked at were Disney princesses, the first Disney princess to be made in face does not look â€Å"latina†. Typical Latinas have tan skin and brown eyes yet the new princess is fair skinned with green eyes. This only shows that according to American creators a princess cannot be brown or she is considered â€Å"ugly†. In my opinion this is simply racist and it only makes latina girls who have brown skin feel inferior to fair skinned girls. According to statistics a small amount of Americans view Mexicans as violent, dirty and as drunkards simply because of how the media has portrayed them In the media. These media portrayals and in my opinion they should show how Mexicans really are by that i mean the honest hardworking men and women that have helped this country become such a great country.
The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 10
Ella I can remember the first time I wanted to kiss Micha as clearly as the day I found my mother dead. Both times were equally as terrifying, but in two different ways. Micha and I had been sitting on the hood of his car at our secret spot tucked away in the trees, staring out at the lake. It was harder than hell to get back to the spot, but the view and serenity made it worth it. It had been quiet between the two of us for a while, which was normal except for the jealousy stirring inside me over Micha's latest hook up, Cassandra. I'd never felt this way before and it puzzled me. It wasn't like the girl was anything special to Micha, but he'd told Ethan that she had the potential to be girlfriend material and it was bugging me. Micha's arms were tucked under his head and his eyes were shut as the sunlight beamed down on him. His shirt had ridden up and I could see his tattoo peeking out. As I stared at it the urge to run my fingers along it drove me crazy. â€Å"I don't like Cassandra,†I abruptly sputtered out, sitting up quickly. Micha's eyebrows knitted as his eyes gradually opened against the sunlight. â€Å"Huh?†â€Å"That Cassandra girl you were talking about the other day,†I said, staring out at the water rippling in the gentle breeze. â€Å"I don't think you should date her.†He rose up on his elbows. â€Å"Because you don't like her?†â€Å"No†¦Ã¢â‚¬ I tucked strands of my auburn hair out of my eyes. â€Å"I just don't want you to date her.†The wind filled the silence. Micha sat up and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. â€Å"Okay, I won't,†he said as if it was as simple as breathing. I pressed back a smile, not fully understanding why the hell I was so happy. Micha lay back down and drew me with him. I rested my head on his chest and listened to his heart beating, steady as a rock, unlike mine which was dancing inside my chest. The longer I stayed in his arms, the more content I became. I felt safe, like nothing could hurt me, but I was in complete denial that I was starting to fall in love with my best friend. *** It's been a week since the car racing incident and I've been hiding out in my bedroom living on mac n' cheese and Diet Dr. Pepper. Dean still hasn't headed home, but Lila did the morning after the race. She wanted to stay, but I didn't want her to and I think her dad wasn't too keen on the idea either. It's been kind of lonely, though. I still haven't listened to Micha's voicemail, and the constant flashing on the screen torments me. I decide to take a break from the house today and do something I've been meaning to do for a while. I want to sketch my mother's grave because I won't always be close enough to visit it. It's been bothering me the entire eight months that I've been gone. I feel guilty because it was me who put her there and then I just left her. I collect my sketch book and pencils from the drawer of my night stand, slip on my shoes and sunglasses, and head out the front door where I'm less likely to run into Micha. It's a warm day and the blue sky glitters with sunshine. I walk up the sidewalk toward Cherry Hill and decide to make a last minute stop at Grady's. I knock on the trailer door and Amy, the nurse, answers it wearing blue scrubs. â€Å"Oh, hi Ella, I don't think Grady's up for any visitors today, sweetie.†â€Å"But he told me to stop by,†I say stupidly. â€Å"I know it's a little later than I told him and I'm sorry.†â€Å"He's not mad at you, Ella,†she says kindly. â€Å"I've just got him hooked up on oxygen and he's got a cough.†I shield my eyes from the sun and stare up at her. â€Å"Is he okay?†She sighs, leaning against the doorframe. â€Å"He's just having a rough day today, but try back in a few days, okay hun.†I nod and back down the steps as she shuts the door. I stare helplessly at the back window which leads to Grady's room. He's sick and there's nothing I can do. I have no control over this. Micha was right. I can't control everything. As horrid images of my mom's death flash through my mind, I run into the field and throw up. *** The town's cemetery is located up on Cherry Hill, which on foot is quite a hike, but I enjoy the break from the reality of life. There is no one up there – there hardly ever is. I push through the gate and situate by a tree right in front of my mom's headstone. It's a small cemetery bordered by trees and the grass is covered with dry leaves. As I sketch the lines of the fence and the vines that coil it, I angle downward and draw the curve of her tombstone. I become lost in the movements, adding wings to the side of it, because she was always so fascinated with flying. A few weeks before her death, my mother begged me to go on a walk with her. I gave in even though I had plans that day. It was sunny and the air smelled like cut grass. It felt like nothing could go wrong. She wanted to go to the bridge so we walked all the way across town to the lake. When we arrived there, she climbed on the railing and spread her hands out to balance as her long auburn hair flapped in the wind. â€Å"Mom, what are you doing?†I said, reaching for the back of her shirt to pull her down. She sidestepped down the railing out of my reach and stared at the water below. â€Å"Ella May, I think I can fly.†â€Å"Mom, stop it and get down,†I said, not taking her very seriously at first. But when she turned her head and looked at me, I could see in her eyes that she wasn't joking. She really believed she could fly. I tried to stay as composed as possible. â€Å"Mom, please get down. You're scaring me.†She shook her head and her legs wobbled a little. â€Å"It's okay honey. I'll be fine. I can feel it in my body that I can fly.†I took a cautious step toward her and my foot bumped the curb of the bridge. The cement rubbed my toe raw and I could feel blood oozing out, but I didn't look down at it. I was too afraid to take my eyes off her. â€Å"Mom, you can't fly. People can't fly.†â€Å"Then maybe I'm a bird,†she said seriously. â€Å"Maybe I have wings and feathers and they can carry me away and I can become one with the wind.†â€Å"You're not a bird!†I shouted and reached for her again, but she hopped onto one of the beams and laughed like it was a game. I tugged my fingers through my hair and steadied onto the railing. It was a far fall, one that would crush our bodies on impact, even in the water. I braced my hands on the beams above my head. â€Å"Mom, if you love me at all, you'll get down.†She shook her head. â€Å"No, I'm going to fly today.†A truck rolled up and stopped on the middle of the bridge as I edged toward her. Ethan jumped out and didn't so much as flinch at the scenario. â€Å"Hey, Mrs. Daniels. How's it going?†I gaped at him and hissed, â€Å"What are you doing?†He ignored me. â€Å"You know it's not really safe out there.†My mom angled her head to the side. â€Å"I think I'll be okay. My wings will carry me away.†I was mortified, but Ethan didn't miss a beat. He rested his arms on the railing. â€Å"As much as that could be true, what if it's not? Then what? I mean is it really worth the risk?†I glanced back at my mom and she looked like she was weighing the options. She stared at the dark water below her feet and then at the bright sky above her head. â€Å"Maybe I should think about it for a little bit.†Ethan nodded. â€Å"I think that's probably a good idea.†She made a path across the beam and planted her feet on the railing. Ethan helped her down and we got her into the backseat of his truck. She fell asleep within minutes and I slumped my head back against the chair. â€Å"How did you do that?†I asked quietly. â€Å"One of my friends was tripping out of their mind one night and I had to talk him out of jumping off the roof,†he explained. â€Å"It was all about making her realize that there was more than one scenario.†I nodded and we stayed quiet for the rest of the drive to my house. Ethan never brought it up to me, nor did he treat me differently and I was grateful for it. After a doctor's visit, it was determined that my mother had started to suffer from ‘Delusions of Grandeur,' which happens sometimes in bipolar patients. I finally pull away from the drawing when it's nearly dark. I gather my sketchpad and pencils and head down the hill. In front of the arch iron entryway is Micha, sitting on the hood of his mom's car, wearing jeans, and a black and red plaid shirt. His head is tipped down and wisps of his blonde hair cover his forehead as he messes around with his phone. I stop a little ways off from him. â€Å"What are you doing here?†His eyes lift from his phone. â€Å"I'm waiting for you.†â€Å"How did you know I was here?†â€Å"I saw you leave with your sketchpad and head this way, so I came up to check on you.†I take a tentative step forward. â€Å"How long have you been sitting here?†He slides off the hood and puts his phone away. â€Å"For a while, but I didn't want to disturb you. You looked too peaceful.†I press my lips together and stare at him, craving to sketch him like I used to. He would sit on my bed and it was like he owned my hand. â€Å"Look, about the other night, I think – â€Å" He strides across the grass toward me, moving so impulsively that there's no time to react as his finger covers my lips. â€Å"Just let it be for a while, okay?†Uncertain of his exact meaning, I nod anyway. He lets his finger fall from my lips, trailing a line down my chest, finally pulling away at the bottom of my stomach. â€Å"You want a ride home?†His voice comes out ragged. I glance at the grey sky and the birds flying across it. â€Å"That would be nice. Thank you.†Micha She's preoccupied during the drive and so am I. I was so pissed off about my father that I got into the car about to do something reckless, however, then I saw Ella wandering down the street, and I followed her. The way she walked was very entertaining, her auburn hair blowing in the wind, and the way she swayed her ass in the short denim shorts she was wearing. It calmed me down watching her sit up on the hill and draw, but I can't stop thinking about the phone conversation. â€Å"We should go somewhere,†I announce when we drive onto the main road. Ella jolts in her seat and turns away from the window. â€Å"I should probably go home.†â€Å"Come on.†I pout, hoping it'll win her over. â€Å"Just come with me somewhere and we can relax.†She's tempted. â€Å"Where exactly?†I turn the volume of the stereo down and let my arm rest on the top of the steering wheel. â€Å"To our spot by the lake.†â€Å"But it takes forever to get there.†Her eyes rise to the dark sky. â€Å"And it's getting late.†â€Å"Since when have you been afraid of the dark?†â€Å"It's not the dark I'm afraid of.†I sigh and downshift. â€Å"Come on, just you and me. We don't even have to talk. We can just sit in silence.†â€Å"Fine,†she surrenders, tossing her sketchpad into the backseat. â€Å"Just as long as you don't ask me questions.†I hold up my hand innocently. â€Å"Scouts honor. I'll keep my questions to myself.†Her eyes narrow. â€Å"I know you've never been in the scouts before.†I laugh, feeling the pressure lift from my chest. â€Å"It doesn't matter. I'll keep my questions to myself, but with everything else, all bets are off.†She pretends to have an itch on her nose, but really it's to obscure her smile and it makes me smile myself. *** Its pitch black by the time we reach our spot on the shore that's secluded by tall trees. The moon reflects against the water and the night air is a little chilly. I get my jacket out of the trunk and offer it to Ella, knowing she's cold because of the goosebumps on her arms and the way her nipples are poking through her shirt. She slips the jacket on and zips it up, covering up her perky nipples. I sigh, hop onto the hood, and open my arms for her to join me. Hesitantly, she climbs onto the hood, but stays at the front, with her feet propped up on the bumper, gazing out at the water. I scoot down by her and keep my knees up, resting my elbows on them. â€Å"What are you thinking about?†Her eyes are huge in the moonlight. â€Å"Death.†â€Å"What about death?†I wonder if we're finally going to go back to that night. â€Å"That Grady's going to die,†she whispers softly. â€Å"And there's nothing I can do about it.†I brush her hair back from her forehead. â€Å"You need to stop worrying about everything that can't be controlled.†She sighs and leans away from my hand. â€Å"That's just it, though. It's all I can think about anymore. It's like this fixation I have no control over which makes no sense because I'm fixated on controlling the uncontrollable.†She's breathing wildly. Shit. I need to calm her down. â€Å"Hey, come here.†I loop my arms around her waist and lie her down on the windshield with me. She rests her head on my chest and I play with her hair, breathing in her vanilla scent. â€Å"Do you remember when you decided that it would be a good idea if you climbed up the scaffolding in the gym?†â€Å"I wanted to prove to Gary Bennitt that I was as tough as the boys.†She buries her face into my shirt, ashamed. â€Å"Why do you remember everything?†â€Å"How could I forget that? You scared the hell out of me when you fell. Yet, somehow you managed to land on the board just below it.†â€Å"I thought I was going to die,†she murmurs. â€Å"I was so stupid.†â€Å"You weren't stupid, you just saw life at a different angle,†I say. â€Å"I've always envied you for it. Like when you used to dance in a room where no one was dancing or how you stuck up for people. But there was always that wall you put up. You would never let anyone completely through.†She's soundless for a while and I expect for her to push me away. But she sits up and hovers over me, her hair veiling our faces. Her breath is ragged, like she's terrified out of her mind. â€Å"I opened up to you once,†she whispers. â€Å"When we were here in this spot doing this same thing.†I can't take my eyes off her lips. â€Å"I'm not sure what you're talking about.†She licks her lips. â€Å"I told you I didn't want you dating Cassandra.†â€Å"Cassandra†¦ Oh, was that what that was about?†I start to laugh. â€Å"What's so funny?†she asks, but I can't stop laughing. She pinches my nipple and I jerk upward, smacking my forehead against hers. â€Å"Ow.†She blinks, rubbing her forehead and a laugh escapes her lips. â€Å"Tell me what's so funny.†She looks beautiful, trying to be pissed, when deep down she's relishing the moment. I'm enjoying myself, which I didn't envisage tonight, but if anyone can cheer me up, it's her. Like when my dad left and she caught me in the garage, clutching onto his tool box crying like a baby. She gave me her Popsicle and then just sat there with me until I ran out of tears. I eye her over and she fusses with her hair self-consciously. With one quick movement, I flip us over so my body is covering hers. â€Å"When I told Ethan about that day when you told me not to see Cassandra, he told me you had a thing for me. He's usually not right about those things.†â€Å"I didn't have a thing for you,†she argues. â€Å"I just didn't want anyone else to have a thing for you.†â€Å"You're adorable when you deny the truth. You always have been.†â€Å"Micha, I used to have studs on every item of clothing I owned and enough black eyeliner to make an entire sketch. That's not adorable.†â€Å"It is on you.†I wink at her. She shakes her head and pokes a finger at my chest. â€Å"Don't try and use your player moves on me.†We remain silent, frozen in the moment, until I finally speak again. â€Å"I have an idea.†Curiosity slowly takes over her face as I shift over her body. My arms are at the side of her head, barely holding my weight up. My face hovers above hers, our lips only an inch apart, and she lies perfectly still. â€Å"I want to kiss you.†She shakes her head promptly. â€Å"I don't think that's a good idea.†I trace one of my fingers over her lips. I've been going about this all wrong. I can't force myself on her. I have to move slow and think of her as a skittish cat that needs to be approached cautiously. â€Å"Just kiss. I swear to God that's all we'll do.†I move my finger away from her lips. â€Å"And kissing's not that scary, right?†â€Å"With you it is,†she says truthfully. â€Å"If you want me not to, just say it.†Taking my time, I leisurely lower my lips toward hers. She stays stationary, her big green eyes targeted on my mouth. Slowly, so she has time to let her thoughts slow down, I caress my lips across hers. A small gasp flees from her lips and I slip my tongue into her mouth. Her hands glide up my back and into my hair. My body conforms to hers as I explore her mouth with my tongue. She bites down on my bottom lip, sucking my lip ring into her mouth before releasing it. Fuck. She's making this hard. I intensify the kiss as my body becomes more impatient, but I keep my promise and only kiss her, even when she fastens her legs around my waist and rubs up against me. Ella He said just kiss and it seemed okay, but now my body has developed a mind of its own. I'm writhing my hips against him enjoying the pleasure erupting inside me. He's hard between my legs as he kisses me so fiercely that my lips are swollen. His fingers tangle in my hair and his tongue plunges deeper and deeper into my mouth the more I rock against him. My head falls back and my eyes open to the stars shining in the sky. It feels like I'm falling or flying†¦ I'm not sure, but whatever it is I can't seem to control it. For a second, I want to capture the moment, put it in a jar, and always have it with me, but panic seizes my mind and I jerk away from his lips. His eyes snap open and his pupils are vast. â€Å"What's wrong?†â€Å"Nothing†¦ It's just†¦ I have to calm down.†I take a deep breath, my skin still tingling in the spots his hands touched. Micha nods, breathless. Carefully, he moves off of me and leans back against the window, securing his hand around mine. We don't speak as we stare up at the sky. He traces his finger along the folds between my fingers and my eyelids drift shut. I feel a wall crumble, leaving behind dust, debris, and pieces that desperately need to be put back together. *** â€Å"Are you okay?†I ask Micha when we pull into my driveway. He's been quiet the whole drive home and I can tell something's bothering him. â€Å"Yeah, I'm fine,†he says with a shrug and then his gaze darts to the back window as headlights shine up behind us. â€Å"Although, you might not be.†My eyebrows furrow. â€Å"Why? What's wrong?†He points a finger at a car parking at the curb in front of my house; a shiny black Mercedes with a familiar blonde-haired driver sitting in it. â€Å"Oh my God, is that Lila's car?†I ask. â€Å"I'm guessing yes, since I doubt anyone around here owns a Mercedes.†Lila climbs out of the car and it's clear that she's been crying. Her eyes are swollen and her cheeks are red. She has her pajama bottoms on and a hoodie pulled over her head. The last time she walked around in an outfit like that she'd just broken up with her boyfriend. â€Å"I think she might have some issues at home,†I tell him, grabbing the door handle. â€Å"She acted like she didn't want to go home.†â€Å"But you didn't ask her about it?†he questions with an arch of his eyebrow. I bite my lip guiltily. â€Å"I wasn't sure I wanted to know the answer.†God, I'm a terrible friend. Lila heads up the driveway and we get out to meet her around the back. Before I can say anything, she hugs me and starts to sob. I tense, not used to being hugged, except by Micha. â€Å"I didn't want to go back there,†she cries. â€Å"I knew this was going to happen.†I look over Lila's head at Micha for help. â€Å"It'll be okay.†He gives me a sympathetic look and mouths, take her inside. I nod and he waves at me, getting back into his car. I guide Lila into the house holding her weight up for her like she's ill. When I get her into my room, she curls up on my bed and hugs a pillow. I wait a minute before I speak. â€Å"Do you want to talk about it?†She shakes her head. â€Å"I just want to go to sleep.†â€Å"Alright.†I turn off the light and collapse onto the trundle. I need to get into my pajamas, but it's been an exhausting day. â€Å"My dad hates me,†Lila whispers through sobs. I freeze and then sit up, squinting at her through the dark. â€Å"I'm sure he doesn't hate you.†â€Å"Yes, he does,†she says. â€Å"He always says so – that he wished he had sons instead of daughters because they're easier to deal with.†â€Å"Are you going to be okay?†I ask, unsure what else to say. â€Å"I will be. It'll just take some time.†Was that the magical cure? Time. I flop back down and fall asleep to the murmur of her sobs.
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