Monday, September 30, 2019

Escape From Poverty Essay

Introduction Poverty is a serious situation where the majority of individuals have experienced in their daily life. Poverty is the inability to maintain standard of living. Poverty is hunger and lack of shelter. Poverty is a lack of basic necessities such as clothing, housing, water and health services. Parents living in severe poverty affect the education of young children. This is because they might be selling for their parents to get some money to maintain themselves, or also the parents are unable to pay for their child’s education. Many children are not attending school due to the lack of money for textbooks, uniforms and tuitions. Therefore, some children tend to suffer for a situation they cannot avoid, being poor. Due to this problem, it is the responsibility of the government and family alike to ensure that a child receives an education. Therefore, their education is likely their only escape from poverty. Aims and Objectives The aim of this research is for the researcher to become aware of the factors influencing the education of these children and also to make the public and government officials aware of this serious situation. The main objective of this research is to find some type of solution or help which will benefit both the parents and the children. The people in this village that are of higher standard of living can come together and help the people that are more in need since it is the lives of young children that is being affected. The government should invest their money in this village by helping parents get books, uniforms and paying tuition for the children. Also they should have more job opportunities since many parents are unemployed and without a job they don’t have money to cover the school expenses. Purpose of Investigation The researcher conducted a research on the Factors affecting the education of young children in the village of Trial Farm. Many children in this village  do not have the opportunity of attending school and having an education. This is a serious factor that should be dealt with immediately since it is affecting the lives of young innocent children. In order for the researcher to know the reasons why this is becoming a serious issue, interviews were held, questionnaires were issued out to the different people and surveys were made. This research will help the researcher and the public become aware about the reasons why children stay home and not go to school. Every child has the right to attend school and to become someone in life. However, this is not so in the village of Trial Farm since parents are not capable of sending their young ones in school or high school. This investigation will be like an eye opener to the researcher and to everyone. Method of Investigation In conducting my research on the â€Å"Factors affecting the education of young children in Trial Farm Village† there were numerous methods used. Firstly a survey was conducted, in the form of informal interviews. A total of fifty randomly selected people were asked questions in terms of the reasons why children are not attending school and why the parents are not capable of sending their children to school. The questionnaires were issued to the parents since they are the ones who can state the reasons for their children not attending school. The parents were allotted about ten minutes to complete the questionnaire. According to the respondents, majority of the children are unable to attend school because of the cost of education. For the informal interviews being made, most of the respondents agreed that the area that generated the most is the cost of purchasing books, paying tuition and getting uniforms for their children. The researcher also used secondary data as a method of research. Some information was obtained from newspapers, articles and a website to get statistical information about this research. The website was www.cso.gob.bz.com(government statistics office). Some informal interviews were also attempted to different parents whereby they corresponded very satisfactorily. This was done to get personal views and opinions by parents. Their answers were used to further analyze and study the factors that affect education in this village. Procedures used to collect data The researcher had gone to the village of Trial Farm in order to conduct a research by conducting a survey. The researcher distributed fifty questionnaires to each individual in the village and was given five minutes to answer it accurately. After collecting the questionnaires, the researcher gathered the information and analyzed the information given by the respondents. After analyzing the data collected the researcher presented the findings of the investigation. As a result, the respondents really helped the researcher in the survey being conducted. They gave accurate responds which assisted the researcher in the survey. Presentation and Explanation of Data Figure 1.1 shows the percentage of children both males and females not attending school. The pie chart above shows 20% of females not attending school, 20% of males not attending school due to many causes as the researcher did its investigation in the village of Trial Farm. Therefore, there are 50% of both males and females not able to attend school. Figure 1.2 shows how many parents both Father and Mother do not have a job. As shown above, both father and mother does not have a job. Out of 15 parents there are 10 fathers not employed and 5 mothers not being employed as the researcher did its investigation on unemployed parents in the village of Trial Farm. Figure 1.3 shows that what the people of Trial Farm believe what causes their children from not attending school. As shown above, there are 10 people who believe that unemployment causes their children from not attending school, 6 people believe that poverty causes it and 4 people believe that the government causes the children from attending school. Interpretation of Data In the village of Trial Farm, there are a number of young children not attending school because their parents are unable to pay due to financial need. After analyzing the data being collected, there is a total of 50% of children both males and females not attending school due to many causes.  There are 20% of females and 30% of males not attending school in the village of Trial Farm. Due to this, it is because of their parents not having a job to sustain the family; therefore, it leads to unemployment where it affects the children. In total there are 15 parents both mother and father not employed. There are a total of 10 males and 5 females not being employed. So it leads to several causes that affect the children in not attending school. This leads to unemployment where parents do not have the opportunity to have a job; it leads to poverty where parents do not have enough income to sustain the family and deals with the government. This may cause the children not able to go to scho ol because of transportation; government doesn’t provide a bus for those children who are not able to buy a bicycle to go to school. Government does not help in purchasing textbooks, stationeries and trying to pay half of the tuitions for those children. Finding 1. Poverty affects the life of many; children go to school without breakfast or even enough money to buy a suitable meal for lunch. 2. When it comes to education of a child, some families are unable to afford sending their child because of the cost of education in terms of purchasing textbooks, paying tuitions and the sewing of uniforms. 3. The researcher had encountered that poverty is a situation whereby many families cannot avoid, mainly because they are born into it and they cannot help themselves, therefore, they seek low paying jobs, and force their children to sell for them in order to sustain their life. 4. Conducting the research in the village of Trial Farm, the researcher saw many homeless people wandering around the streets; women and their children, and men. 5. Poverty neglects many things for families; education, proper schooling, and shelter. Recommendation 1. The researcher had seen how sad is to see people living in poor conditions whereby children are unable to attend school. 2. Government together with the Ministry of Education should try to provide a home for many of the disadvantaged children, by giving them an opportunity by sending them to  school and by giving scholarships to those children who are in need of an education because it is very important for a child to get an education so that they would have something to defend themselves in the longer run when they are finding a job. 3. As a country and as a person, we should find different ways to be a supportive system for these people, because they are just like any ordinary people who have hopes and dreams in life. 4. We should help each other to move forward so our country can progress and be a better place to live in. Questionnaire Greetings in the name of the lord! My name is Maritza Vasquez and I am a student of University of Belize, the researcher. The researcher is investigating on the topic â€Å"Factors affecting the education of young children in the village of Trial Farm† hence; I am kindly requesting your assistance by YOU filling out this questionnaire. This questionnaire will assist the researcher by giving accurate and direct data that will be used for my research project. Thank you in advance for your kind assistance. May God Bless you! 1. Do you have a job in order to sustain your family? Yes No If yes what type of job? _______________________ 2. How much do you spend a day? $0-$2 $2- $5 $5- $10   10 & above 3. Are you in need of basic necessities? Yes No If yes, state what basic necessities you are in need of ___________________________________________________________ 4. Have you been helped by other individuals? Yes No 5. Have you ever experienced a financial need? 6. Yes No If yes, state why? _____________________________________________________________ 7. How many children do you have? 1, 2, 3, 4 and above 8. Are your children attending school? Yes No 9. If your child isn’t attending school, state what they do on their free time and why? _______________________________________________________________ 10. Why are you unable to send your child to school? _______________________________________________________________ 11. Have you ever heard your child say that he/she wants to go to school? Yes No 12. If there was an opportunity for your child to go to school, would you let him/her go to school? Yes No If no, state why? ______________________________________________

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Child Welfare Essay

Children are considered the future of the world. In their hands lie the progress of a nation. They may seem vulnerable but behind those little bodies, there exist a multitude of hidden potential, waiting to be discovered and enhanced. Their competencies becomes apparent once they undergo the development stages of their lives. With the assurance of their family and the society that they will be provided with their needs, children will inevitably become productive members of the society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   More so, in a study conducted by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), they discovered that children play a key role in strengthening local communities and making people feel safe in their neighborhoods. According to the evidence they found, children are active – both indirectly and directly – in forging neighborly relationships and connections for their parents. They found that the more parents were involved in the lives of their neighbors, the more freedom they gave their children. At the same time, the more social networks children have in a neighborhood, the greater parents’ confidence in the safety of that area (Weller â€Å"Children Play a Key Role in Forging Close Communities†). This study emphasizes children’s role in the community amid portrayal that they are feeble and incompetent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is because of children’s contribution society that various organizations and government agencies introduced child welfare services in order to ensure that the needs of children are met. The term child welfare means a child’s sound well-being. Child welfare covers an array of social services provided to children to guarantee their safety, security and development (Bezeu â€Å"Educational Administration for Canadian Teachers†). Furthermore, it is  Ã‚   connected to ensuring that a child is safe from child abuse or neglect. This requires that a child’s basic needs are met and the child has the opportunity to grow and develop in an environment that provides consistent nurture, support and stimulation. An outcome of this is the development of   children’s sense of identity, an understanding of their ethnic heritage and skills for coping with racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination that remain prevalent in the society (Pecora 12).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Presently, millions of children and young people lack the prerequisites for success, like adequate housing, health care, and nutrition. Thousands are exiled to the outskirts of opportunity. In 2002, reports of abuse and neglect involved more than 2.8 million children, and three children died every day from maltreatment (â€Å"Child Welfare League of America: Fact Sheet†). It is because of these averting data that pushed me to pursue a career in the field of child welfare. I concur with the idea   that the children are our future and with that they must not be deprive of their needs and a healthy environment. They need guidance, compassion and understanding from the people that surround them in order for these children to grow. I also believe that the children’s innocence and weakness should not be exploited by others particularly by adults since they are mostly the ones who possess the capability to this. Instances of neglect and violence are prevalent in a society and as a result, children frequently become victims or become primary targets of these crimes. Many people think that they can   do anything on children since they are perceived to be defenseless and indispensable. It is sad to think that even children’s own mothers abandon them in order to chase after their own dreams or even the notion that a father can inflict harm to his own children.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Because of these frustrating circumstances, I decided to take on the responsibility of protecting children. I want to make a difference in the world and by helping children is a step closer in achieving this goal.   I am driven in instilling to children’s mind that they are entitled to the many good things in life such as having an education, being able to play in the park or having wonderful dinners with their family . Also, I want to emphasize to children that they can become whomever they want to be as long as they put their hearts and minds to it. Through these means, children will feel a sense of significance and belongingness. More so, I can be able to empower the children’s concept on their role in the society which is all-important for the whole of   mankind.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In achieving these objectives, I believe that I have the necessary qualities needed to become a great child welfare worker. I am very much determined in protecting children, preserving existing familial units, and the promoting children’s development into adults who can live independently and contribute to their community (Pecora 9). My advocacy and my interpersonal and intrapersonal skills is my   powerful combination to be able to function well as a child welfare worker. More so, I am an open-minded and a compassionate person which I believe is important in dealing with children – in understanding their plight and most especially earning their trust which is the first step in helping them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If I will be given the chance to work as a child welfare worker, I would like to be more exposed on the global situation on programs and policy for children welfare services so that I can be able to have an overview of the status of children all over the world and have an information on what organizations and the government is doing in ensuring that their basic needs are met and their rights   protected. The information that will be derive from this can help me determine the factors affecting children’s well being in a particular social setting. With this at hand, I can be able to learn of ways on how to combat the problems facing children today. Also, exposure to various scenarios can help me see the problems and effectiveness of other social service programs in which can help me determine what can be applied and disregarded in terms of the current social services offered and utilized by my country.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In addition, I want to know more about the various agencies and organizations that deal with children’s welfare. Learning about their programs can lead to a realization of a corroborative effort and a coordinated response that will effectively address the children’s needs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Five years from now, I see myself having a stable career in a field that I am truly passionate about. I can also see myself being financially stable so that I can sufficiently support myself and my family. I would also like to pursue a masters degree that is related to children’s welfare so that I can be able to know more on how to understand children and help solve the problems affecting them. These are my short-term goals.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For my long-term goals, I want to see myself climb up the ladder in terms of my professional career. Perhaps, envision myself as the head of my local government child welfare service agency or even the State department where I see myself as a responsible and effective leader. Works Cited Bezeau, Lawrence M. Educational Administration for Canadian Teachers. Canada: Copp   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Clark, 2007. â€Å"Child Welfare League of America: Fact Sheet.† Child Welfare League of America. 22    February 2008 . Pecora, Peter J. The Child Welfare Challenge: Policy, Practice, and Research. Aldine   Ã‚  Ã‚   Transaction. 2000. Weller, Susie. â€Å"Children Play a Key Role in Forging Close Communities.† 23 August 2007.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   ESRC Society Today. 22 February 2008   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/PO/releases/2007/april/children.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   aspx?ComponentId=19628&SourcePageId=19714>.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

A critical analysis of the role of ICTs for the strategic development Essay - 1

A critical analysis of the role of ICTs for the strategic development and an assessment of the electronic presence of British Airways - Essay Example Moreover, ICTs has assisted the British Airline to strategize and continuously assess of all external elements as well as competition posed by other airlines and customer needs. ICTs have helped the British Airways to adapt themselves in order to enhance the competitiveness (Zong 149). This model involves business transactions between business organizations and consumers. The organization sells and advertises its product through the internet. It provides consumers with online catalogue to choose a variety of their goods. One of the services offered include travel services. British Airways offer travel services to its customer who purchases goods through the internet (online shopping). This model involves consumers selling directly to other consumers. For example is an auction web site that allows consumers to advertise and sell their products online to other consumers. When a consumer purchases the auctioned goods, they need the transport service in order to have their goods at their premises. Therefore, through the ICTs mechanism, British Airways is able to satisfy the urgent need of transportation needed by the consumers. Mobile commerce refers to the use of internet to sell or purchase products online then availing the products into consumer’s hands using wireless technology. Lastly, British Airways has used several tactics to ensure improvement in its services to the customers. Such tactics include arranging sales settlements between airlines and travel agencies to enhance accessibility by the customers and empower often flyer programs that serve domestically to primarily serve the national market (Paul

Friday, September 27, 2019

Mobile email devices Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Mobile email devices - Essay Example In this paper, the proponent includes critical evaluation of electronic mail as a communication tool in organisations. In particular, there is a need to particularly know how does the use of mobile email devices impact on current understanding of email use. Mobile email devices In the midst of technological advancement particularly in the innovation of information technology, emails have been so important in day to day flow of business transactions, communication system and in connecting people around the world. Everyone seems cannot bear to loss communication due to the fact that to communicate at a fast pace has become a basic necessity and not a mere luxury. It is in this reason that technology has been improved prior to integrating a system that can be readily used for a fast-paced communication activity. Smart phones From their first existence in the market, smart phones have been viewed as vibrant figures of luxury due to the creation and more enhancements on their features. Th e manufacturing companies for smart phones are indeed successful in stimulating market needs for their line of offerings because of their acceptance not just on their features but for their entire value that cannot be exclusively defined. Laptops Laptops are other tools used in communication today. Due to their portability compared to personal computers, they are widely appreciated especially when a user travels a lot and is carrying important information that needs to be electronically stored. With their convenient package and features, laptops are sold everywhere because of their convenience and practicality depending on their specific and significant use. Combined smartphones and laptops This is the newest innovation of today’s modern times. The features of smartphones and laptops are combined together to come up with one significant products incorporating the capacity of both smartphones and laptops. This can be viewed as innovative products of leading mobile phone manufa cturers in the world. One simple illustration how the features of smartphones and laptops are combined is the creation of iPods from Apple Incorporated, Blackberries and other related products carrying other brand names. Email use and the impact of mobile email devices With the advent of modern mobile devices, emails can be accessed and created everywhere especially in the presence of high speed broadband connection and wi-fi connection. However, there are different types of emails and they can be significantly identified according to their purpose. Types of emails There are different types of emails and they usually consist of spam, business and personal items. These emails are very common today and they are what make email provider companies profitable in this type of business. These emails can be accessed right away from any available mobile devices especially those that can readily surf the internet anytime, anywhere. Emails that can cause emotional reaction are those that parti cularly involve the issue about satisfaction and motivation which specifically cause a reaction. These emails are widely involved in the corporate setting and even outside of the business world. It depends on the main thought that is included in the email that involves it on the emotional considerations. There are also emails that express emotion and these are types that come from friends and generally from the corporate world. They can also trigger issues about satisfaction and motivation. Emails from interactive social network for instance are also capable enough to express emotions. This entertains almost everyone and entices them to go access and surf the internet.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings - Essay Example "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings’’ is the reflection of relations between real and divine worlds. Firstly, it should be noted that there is no need to focus on reality of the events. It is better to open the minds of readers to new opportunities and creative triggers. It is even impossible to claim whether this angel is real or not, or from which world he has come from. Common people are unable to meet with the miracle and when they have this magic opportunity they even do not know what to do. Angel tries to teach people in patience, which is almost a supernatural feature and it is hardly conceivable by the people. There is no cruelty or anger about this angel. Maybe, it is his main intention to teach people to be more tolerant and friendly. This is the main question, I am interested in. A didactic nature of this story should be found in the Angel’s distant guidance of people and not in imposing doctrines of goodness or patience on them. The Angel is capable of making miracles, but people do not seem to be ready for them. Thus, for example, when he is asked to return vision to a blind man, the latter obtains three teeth. What is even more scaring is that people’s greediness prevents them from close relations with the h Angel and good natured emotions shown towards him. They are so much focused on their own troubles and even their achievements do not make them happier. Pelayo and Elisenda do not care much about the Angel, they just clean him from time to time, but they do not want to think deeply and obtain magical lessons from the Angel.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

English 10 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

English 10 - Essay Example For example, Putzer and Park (16) document how healthcare practitioners use smartphones to attend to their patients at whatever time and whatever location thus save lives. The extended information processing functionalities of smartphones as documented by Osman et al. (275) enables the phone to be used to detect any dangers to human life such as earthquakes as discussed by Riley-Smith, thus improve on human safety. Finally, smartphones have improved on the economy of communities by creating job opportunities for application developers and providing a larger market for mobile devices as statistically documented by Evans. Albeit various researchers have pointed out the benefits accruing from the smartphone technology, there has been criticism on the negative impact of this technology to the society. According to Cornell, high cost, distraction, typing difficulty and compromised data security are among the limitations of smartphones. Putzer and Park (16) cite users’ discontent wi th smaller screen sizes of smartphones which jeopardizes readability. According to Ullman, the Internet has created â€Å"a world of little wordless pictograms† (640). ... The Internet has indeed transformed the use of mobile devices, allowing for versatility and portability. Smartphones, particularly, provide the capability to check emails, manage social accounts and surf the Internet as noted by Ismail et al., thus allowing users to continue with their tasks wherever they go. However, Ullman (642) considers this as a killer to the art of communication in communities as users would be engaged on such activities most of the time. Whereas men have majorly been considered as being attracted to technology, Ismail et al. in their studies find out smartphone technology to be more popular among female healthcare practitioners. Thus, this technology could be said to be popular across genders. Its popularity keeps rising with Evans projecting sales of over a billion smartphones in 2013.With a constant upgrade of its capabilities, smartphones will continue taking over markets initially dominated by other mobile computing devices such as tablets. Works Cited Cor nell, Scott. â€Å"Disadvantages of Smart Phones.† The Chron. Web. 5 Oct. 2013. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/disadvantages-smart-phones-54076.html Evans, Benedict. â€Å"Smartphones are Eating the World.† Infographics n.d. Web. 5 Oct. 2013. Ismail, W. K. W., et al. â€Å"Acceptance of Smartphone in Enhancing Patient-Caregivers Relationship.† Journal of Technology Management & Innovation 17.3 (2012). Web. 5 Oct. 2013. Osman, M. A., et al. â€Å"A Study of the Trend of Smartphone and its Usage Behavior in Malaysia.† International Journal on New Computer Architectures and Their Applications 2.1 (2012): 274 – 285. Putzer,

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Business process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Business process - Essay Example Richard L. Daft in his book â€Å"Management† 4th Edition defines a business process, when pentagon moves thousand of tons of humanitarian aid; it needs hundreds of approvals from the government. It has to first prepare the list of things needed to be sent. It then estimates the cost of these things. Then it has to identify the source of funding for this process i-e. Where are they going to get the money to pay for this aid , either it is going to be through a government grant or through some private charity? After this has been decided again needs the approval from the government. And if it's a government grant it has to wait till they get the required budget. Then after getting the budget they again need to have approving official's signature. Then they have to wait till finance office sends the cheque. The traveling group has to make traveling arrangements and obtain travel advance i-e advance money. Then they have to obtain the traveling tickets from the concerned departme nt. And after these thirteen cumbersome steps only, the concerned people can travel and send the humanitarian aid. As already discussed all these steps were cumbersome and there was a lot of red-tape involved the entire process take too much, As a result that aids value to the recipient was less than if it was achieved immediately. As already discussed all these steps were cumbersome and there was a lot of red-tape involved the entire process take too much, As a result that aids value to the recipient was less than if it was achieved immediately. For example suppose after the Tsunami, Pentagon decided to send aid to those who lost their homes in the disaster. If the above process is being followed, it will take atleast a week for this aid to reach the people. The value of this aid for the consumer would now be less or in other words it would not be as important as if it would have been received the next day. The reason behind this loss of value for the recipients is that by the time they would have gotten the aid from the neighboring countries. They would have been able to console themselves as time is the best healer and due to diminishing marginal utility. That is if you have something then another unit of the same thing gives you less satisfaction. After Tsunamis victims received the aid from neighboring countries then the Pentagon's aid will not give these people the same utility or same value as before. Same happens with the consumer, the more time businesses take to satisfy there needs and wants the less value that thing (product or service) gives to the consumers. This is because the consumer demands are ever changing. If they demand something and if a business takes too much time in producing that thing, then by the time the business

Monday, September 23, 2019

Book Banning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Book Banning - Essay Example One could always come out with the excuses that a specific work of literature or a book could destabilize the society or may have a drastic affect on the impressionable minds (Nocera, 1982).. However, the very act of banning books violates the freedom of speech guaranteed in the constitution and amounts to the deplorable act of suppressing an idea. No free society can allow for the suppression of original and innovative ideas. Freedom and creativity is primarily about allowing for a free play of ideas in a nation and a society, and the act of censorship or the suppression of ideas amounts to intellectual and academic elitism or for that matter orthodoxy. Books should never be banned, especially in the multicultural societies, which are always open to relative and multiple interpretations of ideas. In a free society, every idea and ideology has the right to find its place in the print. Just because a vast section of the society or a majority group does not particularly agree with an idea, this in no way allows for constraining or hampering the dissemination of an idea cherished and liked by a minority part of the society. Certainly, it does not mean that there exists nothing like bad or evil ideas. However, even if an idea is bad or evil in its ramifications, the censorship or banning of such an idea not only bolsters its hold over the society, but hits hard at the very fundamental ethos of the democratic societies like free speech, tolerance and the acceptance of off beat or innovative ideas and views. Ideas should be counteracted, and opposed by ideas and not by autocratic and coercive means like statutory provisions and government al or state regulation (Nocera, 1982). Such ethos not only allow a society to be ever fresh, innovative and vibrant, but usher in a quintessentially tolerant and catholic intellectual atmosphere, where a free flow and interaction of multiple ideas leads to growth, development and a continual revival of the society. A controversial work of literature always has the potential to give way to debates and discussions in the social arena, which is the hallmark of all the free and democratic societies.To some extent, the banning of the books is justified, especially in the contemporary scenarios marred by a widespread proliferation of hate ideologies and international terrorism. However, the kind of books that need to be banned are the ones that promote hate and intolerance against a particular section of the society, that teach people to operate lethal weapons and how to make bombs, that intend to perpetrate violence and abuse, that threaten or intimidate the masses or that discernibly an d unambiguously intend to jeopardize social, religious and political harmony and tolerance. Yet, the very act of censorship and book banning cold be carried beyond the limits of reason and understanding by framing or dubbing the diverse or varied interpretations of ideas as being blasphemous, anti-social, pervert or unpatriotic. So its better that the national conscience and the state focus their power on obstructing and suppressing the obviously violent and intolerant groups and texts,

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Your Brain on fiction and The Mighty Mathematician Youve Never Heard Essay

Your Brain on fiction and The Mighty Mathematician Youve Never Heard Of - Essay Example This paper illustrates that Annie Murphy Paul wrote the first article and it was published on 17 March 2012. It was entitled Your Brain on fiction. Despite, the evolution of digital devices, the fiction that is derived from reading novels is not completely dead. There is a group of individuals who have completely devoted themselves to the understanding of fiction through neuroscience. Annie writes that they have developed brain scans that reveal what happens in the brain when people read detailed information in the books or even articles in the newspaper, evocative character or an emotional exchange between characters in a movie or a book or even a magazine interview. Stories have affected the way people act or even the way they view certain situations in life. It was discovered that some of these stories stimulate the brain in a manner that directs the brain to do certain things in accordance to what it was stimulated to do. Researchers and scientists have always known the Brocaâ₠¬â„¢s area and Wernicke’s area as the regions of the brain responsible for interpreting motor speech and written data respectively. However, it has been noted over the past few years that other brain parts are also stimulated when one reads a book, by so doing making the experience of reading feel very real in the eyes of the reader. According to scientists, there are words such as lavender, perfume or cinnamon that may stimulate the parts of the brain responsible for smelling.... udy, a cognitive scientist Veronique Boulanger, claims that the use of sentences such as â€Å"Terry grasped the object† or â€Å"Peter kicked the ball† stimulated the motor cortex which is responsible for the coordination of the bodily movements. What’s more, the brain seems not to differentiate the experience it gets through reading and real life, this is because the same neurological regions are stimulated in each case. A University Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto stated that the reading produces stimulation of reality. These fictional stories and novels are just are essential in describing life’s social and emotional situation (Dwight 65). Most importantly, Annie wanted to bring out the idea that most of these stimulations that the brain receives have been evident by reading about them in books that have good descriptions of the movements, smells and actions of characters in the books or articles. Another article is The Mighty Math ematician You’ve Never Heard Of, which was written by Natalie Angier and published by the New York Times on March 26, 2012. This article talks about a mathematician who has been almost anonymous for over a decade for a theory that explains so many other theories in physics. Einstein also described her as the most significant and creative female of all time. She invented a theory that unites two very common theories in physics, which include the Theory of symmetry in nature and that of the Universal laws of conservation. Noethers’s theory has been classified as important as that of by Einstein (Theory of relativity). Despite the significance of her works, she has remained unknown to the people. A physicist in Drexel University has carried a research and written about her works. He did a poll that he noted many

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Roman Architecture Essay Example for Free

Roman Architecture Essay Some 2,025 years ago, an aged Roman architect named Vitruvius wrote all he knew on architecture on 10 scrolls and presented it to Emperor Augustus in the hope of developing this dying art. Known as the, ‘Ten Books on Architecture,’ this piece of antiquity is the only such work to survive through medieval times, and continues to be an important resource for architects today Prof. Thomas Gordon Smith, Viturvius on Architecture. The early Christian church was spectacular in architecture. They were an end-product of a combination of assimilation and rejection of precedents, such as the Greek temple, the Roman public building, the private Roman house, and the synagogue. The Early Christian church (the Basilica church) architecture developed from Roman secular basilica; a centralized type from Roman tombs (Early Christian Architecture, Ch.4, p.159-169, n.d) . 2.0 Introduction Roman architecture dates back in time when Greek architecture was at its best. Many of the Greek style have been perfected by the Romans and this can be seen in the architectural brilliance in their churches to date. The Pantheon is a prime example of architectural brilliance. The Pantheon was originally built as a temple to the seven deities of the seven planets in the Roman state religion, but is now a Christian church since the 7th century. Such is the construction that it remains the best-preserved and the oldest important Roman building in the world. What’s more, this building has its original roof intact. It remained in use throughout its history (Architecture, chapter four, pp. 159-169). 2.1 History The Pantheon was built as early as 27-25 BC during the third consulship of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. As testimony stands the inscription of his name on the portico of the building, which reads, ‘M ·AGRIPPA ·L ·F ·COS ·TERTIUM ·FECIT.’ It was originally built with adjoining baths and water gardens, but this structure lay destroyed by a raging fire in AD 80, only to be rebuilt around 125 during the reign of the then Emperor, Emperor Hadrian. On reconstruction, the text of the original inscription of Agrippa was added; a practice followed during Hadrians rebuilding processes all over Rome. The building went through subsequent repairs under Septimius Severus and Caracalla. In 609 the Byzantine emperor Phocas presented the Pantheon to Pope Boniface IV, who reconsecrated it as a Christian church, the Church of Mary and all the Martyr Saints. The buildings consecration as a church saved it from the abandonment which befell the majority of ancient Romes buildings during the early mediaeval period. The building however lost some of its external sculptures above Agrippas inscription. The marble interior and the great bronze doors have survived, although the doors came in for repair works several times. Since the Renaissance the Pantheon was used as a tomb, and those buried here were the late painters, Raphael and Annibale Caracci, the architect Baldassare Peruzzi and King Vittorio Emanuele II and his Queen Margherita, and King Umberto I.   Since 1946, when Italy became a republic, many members of Italian monarchist organizations still maintain a vigil over the royal tombs in the Pantheon. Despite protests from republicans, the Catholic authorities have allowed this practice to continue. The Pantheon however, remains to be a church with masses continuing to follow celebrations and weddings (Architecture, chapter four, pp. 159-169). 2.2 Structure The Pantheon was perhaps among the most difficult piece of architecture to build. The huge structure would make even today’s architects amazed by their precision and craftsmanship. The dome would have taken years to perfect and establish, for it was very high up from the floor and definitely a challenging task. Following is a detailed description of this mighty structure. The Pantheon is circular in structure with a portico of three ranks of huge granite Corinthian columns; eight in the first rank and two groups of four behind. These huge columns, under a pediment, open out into a rotunda, under a coffered, concrete dome, with a central opening called the oculus, the Great Eye, to the sky. A rectangular structure links the portico with the rotunda. On the walls behind the portico are the statues of Caesar, Augustus and Agrippa. The large bronze doors, once gold-plated remain, but without the gold. The pediment, decorated with bronze sculptures depicting the Battle of the Titan s, shows gaping holes where once stood the clamps which held the sculptures. The height to the oculus (the roof) and the diameter of its inner circle are 43 meters, making the whole interior fit within a cube. This dome remains the largest surviving antiquity, and was the largest dome in Western Europe until Brunelleschis dome of the Duomo of Florence was completed in 1436. The dome was covered with gilded bronze plates. The interior of the roof was crafted to symbolize the heavens. The Great Eye, at 27 feet, and at the domes apex, was the source for lighting the interior and represented the sun. The interior also featured sunken panels (coffers) of bronze star ornaments. These coffers not only presented a decorative splendor, but helped reduce the weight of the roof. The top of the rotunda wall had a series of brick-relieving arches that were visible on the outside were once hidden by marble facings. The Pantheon is made up of such devices; there are relieving arches over the recesses inside, all that were again originally hidden by marble facing. An important aspect of the structure is that the proportions of the building are in discord to classical ideal. The rather large pediment appears far too heavy for the columns supporting it; the earlier expectation was that the building would be much taller than its current size actually is, and this raises the issue of its affect on the larger columns. Since there was shortage in supply of raw material (imported stones), the columns were not enough to build as per designs, and completed somewhat out of proportion. The composition of the concrete used to construct the dome remains a mystery. It would need technological excellence to create anything close to this, for; the dome was so heavy that it would barely have been able to stand on its own weight. Concrete has very low tensile strength, yet the Pantheon has stood for centuries. It is believed that the Romans used pozzolanic ash from a nearby volcano and fist-sized rocks to the concrete made up of a hydrate lime. The high tensile strength it appears, seems to come from the way the concrete was applied in very small amounts and then tamped down to remove excess water. This would have removed the appearance of air bubbles that form in concrete as it dries, increasing its strength enormously (Architecture, chapter four, pp. 159-169, n.d). The Roman Christian church remains one of the most brilliant discoveries in architectural history. This was achieved through ways of assimilating and rejecting various precedents, such as the Greek temple, the Roman public and private buildings, and the synagogue. Italy was the home of Christianity, and this effectively led to the development of an underground Eastern mystery cult during the first three centuries AD, and established as the state religion of the Empire under the successors of Constantine.   The early Christian Architecture saw the development of basilica churches from Roman secular basilicas. In Rome, classical marble wall membering, vocabulary and massive walls were gradually replaced by broad, flat surfaces. Evenly lighted, these structures had plain brick exteriors and mosaic bands as interiors. 3.0 Literature Review The Romans adopted the classical Greek architecture for their own purposes, but which, they modified to suit their needs and create a new architectural style. Both, the Greek and Roman styles of architecture are thus, often considered one body of classical architecture. â€Å"Roman architecture represents a fusion of traditional Greek and Etruscan elements, notably the trabeated orders† (Early Christian Architecture, n.d), with changes coming about in their structural principles based on the design of arch and usage of concrete.   The Romans achieved originality very late in their existence; they were nearly carbon copies of early Greek structures. It was only later that the influence of Etruscans in the form of arch and the three-dimensional countenance of domes began to take shape. The two developments of any significance were the Tuscan and Composite orders. While the Tuscan model was made of the shortened, simplified variant on the Doric order, the Composite model was more elaborate; tall orders with the floral decoration of the Corinthian and scrolls of the Ionic. With the discovery of concrete, the Romans were able to construct curved and stronger structures.   Tile-covered concrete took over from marbles as the primary building material and architects were able to innovate using its flexibility to build huge, structural buildings that were extremely brilliant monuments. Structures with huge supporting pillars to support arches and domes came into being; they also inspired the development of colonnade screens, a row of purely decorative columns in front of load-bearing walls. Tiling took the Romans by storm, as many Roman homes joined the well known mural in decorating floors, walls, and grottoes in geometric and pictorial designs (Early Christian Architecture, n.d).   A recent study of Eastern Roman architecture illustrated the ‘imperial’ style and universality of Roman architecture, drawing upon Greek prototypes but designed to be of single theme to integrate a ‘common cultural basis.’ Architecture was seen as a manifestation, a tool to enforce its power over subject nations by a common, imposed vocabulary seen to be the same in every city of the empire, except for some minor decorative details and construction techniques. There is a homogeneity to Roman architecture cannot be denied, but it was never the overriding factor either. Nowhere was regionalism more important in Roman architecture than in the East. In this past, this has been minimized, usually because Roman architecture has been viewed almost wholly from the Classi cal perspective (Ball W, p.247, 2000). Counter Reformation attitudes however are not reflected or influenced the architectural development in ancient Roman architecture. The influence of early Christianity and Scholasticism can be seen in some isolated cases, such as the Cathedral of Mantua in 1545 by Giulio Romano, where colonnades, architrave, and flat ceiling of the nave can be traced back to Old St.Peter’s (Kruft H. W, Ch.8, p.93, 1996) .   The Romans contribution to architecture remains exemplified through its robust presence throughout Europe and North America by way of arches and domes of governmental and religious buildings (Early Christian Architecture, n.d). During the 17th century, Roman Catholic churches reveled in artistry that combined architecture as well as painting and sculpture. The interiors were conspicuous by the baroque combines all three arts to produce a sense of emotional exuberance. This style differed from the Renaissance. The Roman Catholic world was the home of baroque, and the Catholic Church enjoyed an aura of centuries of authority and prestige. St. Peter’s Church in Rome set the example for numerous other churches built and decorated in the 17th century to put baroque. Welcomed by rows of saints, gesticulating eagerly in stone from alcove or roof line, the interior was full of mingling curves of columns, altars and sculpted groups, breaking up the solidity of side walls, leading up to an illusionist ceiling that became a source that provided light to the inside. The ceilings were decorated with angels and people of fame or virtue, streaming upwards into the distant clouds of heaven (Historyworld, n.d). Frescos’ were predominant Roman style architectural revelations. The Romanesque and Gothic St Marys Cathedral, built between the 9th and 14th centuries, featured impressive frescos, an 11th-century bronze portal, a Romanesque crypt, and paintings by Hans Holbein the Elder. The survival of a few twelfth-century windows displaying the prophets (see photo at the end) are among the oldest stained glass windows in German churches (HHOG, 2006). Erfurts landmark is dwarfed by Mariendom (Cathedral of Mary) and the Severikirche (St. Severus Church). The churches are standing examples of German architectural masterpieces of gothic style. The ‘Gloriosa’ (1497) (see photo), also called, the ‘queen of bells,’ has been praised for centuries for her magnificent sound. Inside the cathedral one sees the impressive gothic choir with its colorful cycle of stained glass windows that number 13 in all. They are over 40 feet high and are considered to be among the greatest works of medieval stained glass art. The Cathedral houses many noteworthy treasures of art created over the centuries. A wide and impressive open air stairway leads up from the Cathedral Square to the Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus (HHOG, 2006). 4.0 Summary Roman architecture dates back in time when Greek architecture was at its best. Many of the Greek style have been perfected by the Romans and this was evident in the way they built their churches. The Pantheon was an example of Roman architectural excellence, for the structure used some of the most complicated designs and shapes to defy logic. The Roman Christian churches remain one of the most brilliant discoveries in architectural history. Their style of designing and construction was achieved through ways of assimilating and rejecting various precedents, such as the Greek temple, the Roman public and private buildings, and the synagogue. 5.0 Illustrations The Pantheon: Photo Courtesy: http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Workshop/5220/ancient/pant.html Twelfth-century windows displaying the prophets are said to be the oldest stained glass windows in Germany Photo Courtesy: http://www.hhog.de/4067.html Cathedral and Church Photo Courtesy: http://www.hhog.de/3666.html 6.0 Bibliography Ancient Roman Architecture, http://www.crystalinks.com/romearchitecture.html Reading: Architecture, chapter four, pp. 159169 Early Christian Architecture, http://www.pitt.edu/~tokerism/0040/syl/christian.html Prof. Thomas Gordon Smith, Viturvius on Architecture, http://architecture.nd.edu/publications/faculty_publications.shtml Hanno-Walter Kruft, A History of Architectural Theory: From Vitruvius to the Present, 1996, Princeton Architectural, ISBN 1568980108 Warwick Ball, 2000, Rome in the East: The Transformation of an Empire, Routledge, London, ISBN 0415243572 Historyworld Index Search, HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE, Baroque as a style: 17th 18th century AD, http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?groupid=1545HistoryID=ab27#1545 HHOG, Historic Highlights of Germany, Dom (Cathedral), Augsburg: The German Renaissance, http://www.hhog.de/4067.html HHOG, Historic Highlights of Germany, Erfurt: The Medieval City, Mariendom (Cathedral of Mary) and Severikirche (St. Severus Church) http://www.hhog.de/3666.html

Friday, September 20, 2019

A Study On Zero Tolerance Policy

A Study On Zero Tolerance Policy There are hundreds if not thousands of students in any given school. The sheer size and magnitude of the student population encompassed in these schools leads to complications of school safety. Zero tolerance is a policy which was brought about enforcing school safety more firmly, and aimed to better protect students. However, the way in which these students are protected is highly debatable, making the zero tolerance ideology very controversial. Exactly which approach is most effective in protecting a student, let alone, thousands? Is strictness more effective than leniency? Overly strict policies aim to protect the majority, however, severally punish those who have to deal with the wrath of zero tolerance, those who violate the rules. Overly lenient policies can lead to dreadful events, however, give students a sense of reason, in turn creating an understanding of what they have done wrong. In the long run which method is most effective in protecting students? These type of questio ns, along with the excess amount of questionable cases, compose a highly controversial topic. The well being of a student is the single most important factor for public schools. No parent would ever send their child to school if there was a high probability of violence. For this reason there are people who favor zero tolerance. Domoine D. Rutledge, general counsel for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System in Louisiana, reports that zero tolerance policies have aided in creating a culture inside schools that certain things will not be tolerated, period. However, whether or not that policy is effective relies on how fairly its enforced and how consistently its enforced. He continues saying that: Schools districts have had to really balance the interest of the whole school, the student body, teachers and faculty . . . as well as the rights of individual bad actors. The ability to strike that balance, and to do it fairly, more than likely influences the effectiveness of the zero-tolerance policies. Whether or not zero tolerance is effective brings about more argumentative material. Statistical data reports a significant drop in school homicides following the 1999 school shooting at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado strongly suggesting, as Rutledge advocates, zero tolerance has in fact led to safer schools for students. (nces.ed.gov) Kay S. Hymowitz, a contributing editor for a magazine published by the conservative Manhattan Institute, stated that, The arrest of a pair of New Jersey 8-year-olds for pointing paper guns at classmates was just the kind of episode that leads people to question zero-tolerance policies. (Billitteri) Statements such as those insinuate a basis of anti-zero tolerance and further complicate the controversy. However it must be noted that, Its not so easy to distinguish the prankster from the wild-eyed adolescent with a [lethal] plan when lives are at stake, Hymowitz says. (Billitteri) How is one supposed to know the intentions of a giving situa tion? While the general consensus will no doubtingly agree that a pair of 8-year-olds pose little to no threat, on the slight chance of an event occurring, the questions of why werent they stopped or how could you assume will undeniably be asked, and in this sense, it is without a doubt better to assume the ugly and end up being wrong, than to assume no harm and end up with fatal consequences. Hymowitz continues, stating that, Zero tolerance may be more symptom than cure for the uneasy disciplinary climate of our schools. Certainly its no final answer to out-of-control 5-year-olds or revenge-crazed teenagers. But as the threats continue and the bombs and guns appear, its all weve got. (Billitteri) Bringing back the topic of effectiveness, those with the get-tough attitude witness no proof of zero tolerance policies creating a safer environment in schools. In fact, a decade of research on such policies by the American Psychological Association have concluded that zero tolerance can a ctually increase bad behavior and also lead to higher dropout rates. Schools are not any safer or more effective in disciplining children than before these zero-tolerance policies were implemented, the association said. (APA) There is much debate surrounding zero tolerance, however, the real problems arise when zero tolerance is set in motion. The question at hand to those who oppose zero tolerance falls into the legitimacy and fairness of punishment. In Newark, Delaware a 6 year old boy took a camping utensil which can be used as a knife, fork and spoon to school. Naturally anyone can safely assume there is no harm, however, Zachary Christie received 45 days in the districts reform school. (Urbina) In this case, the well being of the students surrounding Christie is thrown out of the window and it comes down to its consistency in being enforced. The boy clearly had no intention in causing harm, however, was treated as if he was. The only reason he was apprehended as a criminal was to set an example. Those who think to bring anything similar to school, be it a fork, a knife, or gun, will think back to Christie and decided not to. While this incident might seem like one of a kind, unfortunately, it is far from that. Zachary Christie is not alone, there are handfuls of cases which bring about much controversy over zero toler ance. During October of 1999 in Atlanta, Georgia a 15 year old South Cobb High School sophomore brought an unloaded gun to school. When school officials found the gun in his backpack he was immediately and permanently expelled from the school district. (Skiba 3) A sixth grader at Whitman Middle School in Seattle, Washington brought a squirt gun, painted black and brown to school during September of 1999. He was expelled after the gun fell out of his book bag during lunch. (Skiba 4) David Silverstein, a seventh grader in Glendale, Arizona, motivated by the film October Sky, brought a homemade rocket to school made out of a potato chip canister. Considered a weapon, school officials suspended him upon arrival. (Skiba 4) During May of 1999 in Pensacola, Florida a sophomore received a 10 day suspension and was threatened with expulsion after loaning her nail clippers to a friend temporarily. Quoted from the principal, Life goes on. You learn from your mistakes. We are recommending expul sion. (Skiba 4) On the morning of a late June day in 1998 two high school seniors in Pinellas County, Florida arrived to school and were immediately expelled. School officials were tipped off that the boys had skipped school and smoked marijuana with some friends. A federal appeals court ruled against the district, stating that the school had not even a scintilla of evidence that the two boys were under the influence at school. (Skiba 5) In February of 1999 in Ewing, New Jersey a freshman was accused of taking drugs and was asked to visit the school nurse to check his pulse and blood pressure. His suspicious behavior which forced this drug screen upon him was because he dozed off in his social studies class. The principal immediately suspended him after he refused to submit to a drug test. Eventually the boy was forced into taking a drug test as the principle declined to readmit him until he had done so. (Skiba 5) A sophomore at Westlake High School in February of 1999 was suspended for two full school weeks after he announced his French teacher was not fluent in the language during the schools morning announcements. School officials considered the comment as a verbal attack against the teacher in an attempt to justify their actions. (Skiba 6) These cases do nothing but illustrate the negative aspects of zero tolerance. However, one can see the argument for zero tolerance as any further actions were eliminated before they could occur. Even though, at what point are schools sending the wrong message, and ultimately, when will this wrong message be more detrimental to students? Another topic of discussion is the message zero tolerance sends to the students. Should the punishment fit the crime? Those in favor of zero tolerance tend to believe the only way to clarify right from wrong is to strictly enforce school policies, and consistently enforce them. While this without a doubt protects the students from possible threats, at the same time one can question whether or not this also sends a negative message. Punishing a student for a petty mistake with grave consequences instills fear among the student population and scares them into conformity. This is not a message students should be receiving. Treating those like Zachary Christie, to use as an example, can negatively affect their mental health. Its much more difficult for Christie to tell right from wrong, and in his mind, he has not done anything wrong, yet still received punishment. To Christie he got punished for nothing, which will affect his psychological wellbeing unconstructively. How will he learn f rom his mistake and how will he look at other things in life now that he has been severally punished for such a small and innocent act? He is 6 years old, he does not need to go through this. Another negative aspect of zero tolerance is that it hinders education. Students unnecessarily miss school to serve their punishment which also leads to future problems. Julia Steiny, a former member of the Providence School Board, reported that a kid [student] whos been suspended is statistically at high risk of dropping out of school. (Steiny) Supporting zero tolerance, Kay S. Hymowitz, a contributing editor for a magazine published by the conservative Manhattan Institute, wrote that Its not so easy to distinguish the prankster from the wild-eyed adolescent with a [lethal] plan when lives are at stake. (Billitteri) To school officials, the assumption of trusting a student who has made a mistake, or is joking around, is a much greater risk. One cannot truly know the intentions of a given situa tion, only can one assume what is going on. To those who are pro-zero tolerance, safety comes first, no matter how accomplished. Zero tolerance is a very intriguing topic simply because of the complexity behind it. Those in favor make incredibly compelling and persuasive arguments. However on the flip side, those who are against it make just as valid arguments. I believe there is too much information out there to be able to claim being on one extreme end of the spectrum, whether its for or against zero tolerance. While to some extent zero tolerance is effective, after going through the plethora amount of research, I ultimately believe zero tolerance is a hindrance and a negative aspect on school safety. Not ended, but rethought I believe zero tolerance needs to go through. While the core idea behind it, safety for every student, sounds great on paper, in practice, it has obviously failed. While there are not many, there are still several cases where small acts have led to obscene punishments, completely blown out of proportion. Another negative aspect of zero tolerance is that it sends the wrong message to stu dents. For these reasons, zero tolerance needs to end in public schools, and needs to be rethought. Works Cited American Psychological Association. Zero Tolerance Policies Are Not As Effective As Thought In Reducing Violence and Promoting Learning In School. APA Press Release. 9 Aug. 2006. Web. 10 Dec. 2009. . Billitteri, Thomas J. Discipline in Schools. CQ Press Electronic Library. 15 Feb. 2008. Web. 23 Nov. 2009. . Hymowitz, Kay S. Zero Tolerance Is Schools First Line of Defense. Manhattan Institute. Newsday, 18 Apr. 2001. Web. 10 Dec. 2009. . Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2007 Executive Summary. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Home Page, a part of the U.S. Department of Education. Dec. 2007. Web. 11 Dec. 2009. . Steiny, Julia. Julia Steiny: Zero-tolerance policies in schools need to end. Rhode Island, Providence, news, sports, entertainment, ads | The Providence Journal. 31 Mar. 2009. Web. 23 Nov. 2009. . Trump, Ken. Zero Tolerance and School Safety. School Safety and School Security Experts: National School Safety and Security Services. Web. 23 Nov. 2009. . Skiba, Russell J. Zero Tolerance, Zero Evidence. Rep. Indiana University: Indiana Education Policy Center, 2009. Urbina, Ian. Its a Fork, Its a Spoon, Its a Weapon? The New York Times Breaking News, World News Multimedia. 11 Oct. 2009. Web. 23 Nov. 2009. .

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Macbeth :: essays research papers

The Blood Theme in Macbeth One of the themes in the tragedy of Macbeth is that of blood. Macbeth is known for his skills as a warrior and his mercilessness that is shown in his killing of MacDonwald. This warrior mentality quickly spreads into his life, and he begins to make killing a habit. When he is told in a prophecy that he shall be king, Macbeth takes it upon himself to murder Duncan, king of Scotland. After this murder he begins to see visions of blood on his hands, blood nothing could remove. As Macbeth becomes more ambitious, he also begins to kill more people to get the power that he wants. The theme of blood is shown throughout the play, and is a problem that Macbeth finds harder and harder to rid himself of after each killing. At the beginning of the play Macbeth is an esteemed member of the army, probably the greatest fighter in all of Scotland. He gets word that a rebellious tribe led by MacDonwald is defeating the Scots. He â€Å"single-handedly† defeats the rebels and â€Å"unseamed him (MacDonwald) from the nave to th’ chops.† With this Macbeth earns great respect among his peers, and even the king. On his way home from war three witches tell him his future. â€Å"All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! All Hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!† Macbeth was already thane of Glamis, and wondered why they would say that he would be Thane of Cawdor or even king, so he blew it off as tomfoolery, and impossible. However, he was later told by the king that because of his valiant fighting against MacDonwald that he was to be given the title of the Thane of Cawdor. All this makes him think again of the witches prophecies, and he wonders if indeed he could be king. The desire for power began to consume Macbeth and his wife, and this ambition caused all of the bloody events that were to follow. Macbeth began to want the kingship that Duncan had more and more. Together Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth plotted to hurry Macbeth’s reign, by killing Duncan themselves. At night Macbeth gains access to Duncan’s sleeping quarters, kills the guards, and stabs King Duncan to death. After the murder, Macbeth is clearly shaken, and can hardly believe what he has done.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Wind Power Essay -- Renewable Energy Environment Global Warming

Wind Power: Nature’s Gift Wind power is a clean and renewable energy that, while at times unreliable, has very low upkeep cost and is growing at a rapid rate. While there is currently enough wind power to provide many times our current energy need, it is unfeasible in reality. Wind power utilizes the kinetic energy of air and uses it to power a generator to produce electricity. Even though dependence on wind power is impossible, it still can provide a strong, clean, quantity of power to supplement current energy production. Wind energy is essentially the conversion of the kinetic energy from air molecules in motion to mechanical energy which is generally then converted into electrical energy. People have used wind power since 700 AD in the form of windmills that grind grain or draw water. Currently, wind energy is generally used to produce electricity and provides approximately one percent of the world’s electrical needs, but the theoretical power possible from wind energy would top 70 Terawatts of power; over five times the world’s total energy consumption. However, this upper limit is most likely unfeasible as it involves utilizing all land suited for wind turbine placement; approximately 13% of the world. s) Only areas class 3 or higher are suited to wind turbine construction Another problem with total reliance on wind energy would be the unreliable nature of the wind; a still day could render anyone depending on the turbines powerless. However, a good option is to keep undesirable but more reliable power generation at the ready for when the wind tapers down. A nation such as Denmark who is already producing about 20% of their electric use through wind power could keep coal or gas plants at standby; because the majority ... ...198 Watts. 3452198 watts / 833.33 watts =~ 4143 The one turbine has the ability to power over 4100 houses in the United States and saves about two tons of CO2 emission every hour the wind is blowing at the above speed. " Evaluation of global wind power." Stanford. 29 Jul 2008, 15:35 PST. . " Wind Energy." American Wind Energy Association. 29 Jul 2008, 15:40 UTC. . "Wind power." Energy Kids. 29 Jul 2008, 15:42 UTC. . "Wind Basics." Other Power. 29 Jul 2008, 15:55 UTC. . " Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the United States." National Renewable Energy Laboratory. 29 Jul 2008, 16:04 UTC. .

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Financial Theories Overview Essay

costs of capital to a firm would remain the same no matter what combination of financing sources the firm actually chose† (Miller, 2001, p. 185). The dividend proposition overcomes objection to leverage proof. | 3. Agency Cost Theory I Michael Jensen and William Meckling define agency costs as the costs associated with cooperative effort by human beings, which arises when the principal hires an agent to carry out duties Oensen, 2005). Conflicts of interest between management and shareholders are inevitable and can cause a potential loss in value of public corporations (Chew, 2001). For example, shareholders may want management to increase shareholder value, but management may grow the business to increase personal power and wealth (Chew, 2001). | Enron’s company was worth $30 billion and senior managers’ tried to defend a $40 billion of excess valuation. Ultimately Enron executives destroyed the company â€Å"by trying to fool the markets through accounting manipulations, hiding debt through off-balance sheet partnerships, and over hyped new ventures such as their broadband futures effort† Oensen, 2005, pp. 10-11). John Roth, former chief executive officer (CEO) of Nortel, wrote off most cquisitions, when stock price crashed and closed down activities, which resulted in the destruction of not only the corporate value but also the social value of the company Oensen, 2005). Finance scholars found a reduction in conflict of interest between management and shareholders because of: (1) product market competition and a market for executive labor

Monday, September 16, 2019

Analyzing the Major Theme in “A Model of Christian Charity”

Analyzing the Major Theme in â€Å"A Model of Christian Charity† John Winthrop's â€Å"A Model of Christian Charity† illustrates America's status as the leading nation of the world and the unity of the Americans community. Throughout his speech, Winthrop talked about the bonds and ties, during his speech he talked about the same theme using different words in order to reinforce the idea that a successful colony must keep absolute unity and conformity. The whole speech is presented in the first plural person, that suggests that the Puritans (Winthrop is one of them), are undiversified group.In his speech he states many times that there are â€Å"knit together† in a bond of common cause and common destiny, that appears when he says: â€Å"in a bond of common cause and common destiny†, every individual's fate subject to that of the group. He also calls attention to Puritans when he says: â€Å"For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill†, to suggest once more that the different individuals are all delimited into one larger entity, one to which the world will look for leadership and guidance.He doesn't insist only on unity between and among the individual Puritans,but also he pursues the unity between God and humans,the sacred and the governmental. He speaks about the more near bond of marriage Between God and the Puritans, as he said: â€Å"First, in regard of the more near bond of marriage between Him and us†, obligating them to the higher purpose God intends not only to one another. There are many phrases that combine the system of government with that of religion, such as â€Å"government both civil and ecclesiastical†.Winthrop quotes from the Bible many times during his speech, and makes biblical allusions, his allusions always points to rise up the Puritan's struggle and to escape oppression. He also compares the â€Å"special commission† God has given the Puritans to the commission given Saul to destroy Amaleck in the Old Testament (He indented with him upon certain articles, and because he failed in one of the least, and that upon a fair pretense, it lost him the kingdom, which should have been his reward, if he had observed his commission).In addition he quotes Moses speaking to the Israelites on their way from slavery to the Promised Land â€Å"’Beloved there is now set before us life and death, good and evil†, hinting himself as a kind of law giver directly from God and the Puritans as a new chosen people. Between al the established in North America and elsewhere around the world, Winthrop gives the creation of this colony a biblical importance, as though when scripture is read in the future, the Puritans’ founding of Massachusetts would be included.The sense of self-importance fills Winthrop's speech, and to dramatically emphasize this grandness, Winthrop's speak moves from the most elevated and the colony's success, to the most dark, when describing consequences of potential failure. Winthrop states that in success, God will make them (the puritans) a praise and glory;people will look at them as an example. He constantly refers to the Puritans as though they were the most important people to God, commanding all of His attention, as he says:†For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill.The eyes of all people are upon us. So that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world†. He constantly refers to the Puritans as though they were the most important people to God, commanding all of His attention. Winthrop uses language suggestive of ultimate damnation and ruin, saying that†We shall open the mouths of enemies to speak evil of the ways of God, and all professors for God's sake.We shall shame the faces of many of God's worthy servants, and cause their prayers to be turned into curses upon us till we are consumed out of the good land whither we are going†. The concept of individual damnation through sin is here applied to a whole people, binding them in their destruction. Winthrop thinks that Puritans are so important to God comparing with other humans in the earth. In his speech Winthrop affect strongly upon the Puritans (his audience), the great importance of what they are doing and the frightening,universe-shaking consequences if they fail.Winthrop breeds an elevated sense of pride in accomplishment and fearof failure into his audience and demands of them an absolute sense of unity between each other and with their faith, making dissent equal to destruction or damnation. This sense of America being the center of the world, a nation of individuals bound together and lives in a unity. Despite the different cultures that make up America, the Puritanical roots remain a strong part of thenational character.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Gang Development And Control Essay

Below are descriptions of gang development theories. Copy and paste the correct description into the table below next to the appropriate theory. There are five descriptions and four theories. One description is not valid. Theory Gang members are violent and rarely show remorse or feelings regarding their violent and criminal actions. Members may join a gang because it provides them a release for their personal problems, which may include drug abuse, low self-esteem, and family problems. Gang members typically come from low income areas and may even be considered to have been â€Å"forced† into gang life in order to survive. The gang provides a sense of belonging in a world where members may lack positive role models and the ability to attain status in a way considered acceptable by society. Joining a gang is a way to obtain money and protection. It is often seen as a personal decision to gain success. Members who join for this reason feel pride when they get away with a crime and were most likely committing illegal acts long before joining a gang. Members join a gang to have a safe social circle and to learn techniques to communicate through graffiti. Gang members use those techniques to display their gang’s strength and power in their neighborhood. Members who join a gang for this reason are typically involved in drug use and truancy but rarely violent acts of delinquency. Individuals who join gangs for this reason may have an older family member who is a gang member. They may go through distinct hazing rituals before they can join. The hazing rituals offer assurance that the individual is capable and ready to start his or her new life as a gang member. Description: Anthropological †¢Individuals who join gangs for this reason may have an older family member who is a gang member. They may go through distinct hazing rituals before they can join. The hazing rituals offer assurance that the individual is capable and ready to start his or her new life as a gang member. Sociocultural †¢Gang members typically come from low income areas and may even be considered to have been â€Å"forced† into gang life in order to survive. The gang provides a sense of belonging in a world where members may lack positive role models and the ability to attain status in a way considered acceptable by society. Psychological †¢Gang members are violent and rarely show remorse or feelings regarding their violent and criminal actions. Members may join a gang because it provides them a release for their personal problems, which may include drug abuse, low self-esteem, and family problems. Rational Choice †¢Joining a gang is a way to obtain money and protection. It is often seen as a personal decision to gain success. Members who join for this reason feel pride when they get away with a crime and were most likely committing illegal acts long before joining a gang. Gang Control In the table below, describe the gang control methods in your own words and use the Internet to provide an example of a program based on each type of gang control method. Include the name of the Web site and the working URL address in the table. Gang Control Methods Descriptions Examples Law Enforcement Efforts Law enforcement is looked at for gang control and it takes three forms. Youth service program where they are given responsibility for gang control. Gang details are assigned exclusively to gang control work. Gang units are to deal solely with gang problems. Chicago officers have an intelligence unit that will use the gang members name in the computer to see if they have gotten arrested or picked up for anything. Gang Awareness https://portal.chicagopolice.org/portal/page/portal/ClearPath/Communities/Gang%20Awareness Community Control Efforts They used to have the YMCA where there were people there to work with gangs. Now they have prevention services for kids to prevent them from joining a gang. Like counseling and parent kid activities. They also want to find a way to involve programs into the schools. Gang Free http://www.gangfree.org/who_index.html

Littlefield Executive Summary

Production Planning and Inventory Control CTPT 310 Littlefield Simulation Executive Report Arlene Myers: 260299905 Rubing Mo: 260367907 Brent Devenne: 260339080 Miyaoka Scenario, Re: Littlefield Technology Simulation Game: Inventory Management Executive Summary At the onset of the game, we determined there were a few key things that had to be addressed to succeed. The first was to avoid stock outs which had already occurred in the first 50 days. We quickly moved to avoid stock outs by raising the order point.We did this without formal calculations at first to ensure we did not suffer anymore stock outs while we did the analyses. Upon further analysis, we determined the average demand to date to have been 12. 3 orders per day. We forecast demand to stay relatively stable throughout the game based on the information provided. The standard deviation for the period was 3. 64 and the safety factor we decided to use was 3. 0 (98. 86% certainty). Based on the consistent lead time of 4 days, we needed ? 49 kits plus safety stock of 2 x 3. 64 x 3 ? 2 which gave us our order point of 71 kits. Immediately after determining this, we moved to the EOQ: EOQ=2* 3216*1000. 1* 600This equation gave us our final order quantity of 327, although based on slight demand fluctuations we had been at 321 prior to that. Our next move was to determine what machines need to be purchased and how many. Our strategy was to get lead times down below . 5 days and offer customers that lead time to maximize revenue. The difference between remaining at $750/order vs. $1250/order could have been as high as 1. million dollars over the life of the game (218 days) therefore the cost of new machines was small compared to the benefit and the overall revenue potential made it imperative to get to the lowest lead times possible. Because all stations were at times operating at full, we knew that all would create a bottleneck if left to operate as is. We could also see based on the order intake on a given d ay as compared to their operating ratio for the various stations, that a single machine added to each may be sufficient.We immediately decided to purchase machines for all stations believing this may be sufficient to drop lead times to our target. Shortly after purchasing these machines, we changed to contract #2, and after more monitoring we were able to fairly quickly change to contract #3 without any further machine purchases. We monitored lead times and revenues constantly, but at no time felt that the purchase of additional machines was necessary. We believe that our speed at getting these decisions made, and the changes put in place, was crucial to our eventual success.We did see large drops in cash when inventory was purchased but believed that we had done the correct calculations and that we were best to stay the course. We did exactly that until shortly before the time we were to lose control of the factory. We looked at several different strategies to ensure stock was avai lable throughout the last 50 days of the game and that we got caught with minimal inventory at the end of the game. The original plan was to order sufficient inventory and safety stock and carry it through, but upon changing our order point, we quickly realized that we had inadvertently order 350 kits immediately.This forced us to change the strategy slightly, we lowered the order point to almost lead times based on the consistency of the demand and safety stock, and calculated the units we would require, plus enough to ensure that we did not order kits immediately prior to the shutdown. If this plan had worked perfectly, we would have ended up with 51 kits in stock, but that would have required that the demand during the last 50 days be higher than the average. This could have happened based on standard deviation, but as it turns out the daily average demand for the period was exactly 12.We ended up with 182 kits remaining, obviously more than we had hoped, but we did not get caugh t with an outstanding order, or a huge number of units. In conclusion we ended the game in first place and therefore would change very little about how we played the game. We would have been able to reduce the inventory on hand at the end of the game, but the fundamental strategy of getting lead times below . 5 days and maximizing revenue, and our willingness to trust that the calculations made would lead to maximum revenue despite times when we dropped from first, allowed us to win this game.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Education in Our lives Essay

What do you think education means to society? What does education mean? An education is commonly defined as a process of learning and obtaining knowledge. Many problems can occur that can prevent an education to people such as religion, culture, tradition, income and where you live or come from. Those can create different assumptions of someone’s educational background. The education for society can be different, due to the fact that various types of education plus learning methods and assumptions affect me and others in many different ways. An important key role in my life by far is education, because so far it has given me a different perspective of life. A well-known Greek Philosopher named Plato once said that the direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life. He literally means the type of education we chose to follow or have leads to us becoming that. So far in my journey of life it has opened and shown my eyes to a lot to see in this world. Education has given me the chance to learn and discover new things around me; in addition it has taught me to believe about life. Education has made me who I am today, and will have a huge impact in my future to come, because it will determine how I will live. It has given me a picture or sense on what I can achieve and do in life. My education started at a very young age, just like most people start theirs. My first mentors and teachers were not from elementary school, but they were my own people that raised me from home. The education I received to this day has made me a better decision maker about life’s big questions. Nelson Mandela best said that education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world. What Nelson Mandela is trying to mean is that education is the answer to move forward in life. I totally agree with Mandela on that. In some places, people don’t see education has being important or don’t care about obtaining a great educational knowledge. An example could be a high school graduate not wanting to extend his education to get a degree from college or a university, which can bring good things in his life. According to former Secretary of Education of the U.S William Bennett he states American 12th graders rank 19th out of 21 industrialized countries in mathematics achievement and 16th out of 21 nations in science. Our advanced physics students rank last. There are various types of  education and learning, and each affects me and other people differently. Location plays a big role in the type of education we are getting or will get. For example, a person living in a 3rd world country isn’t likely going to receive the same education as let’s say someone in the United States. Another example could be if a student goes to school at an urban city like New York and other student was to go at a small town with few people living there, their education plus learning would be different. The school teachers also affect many students differently. Many people don’t realize that all teachers do not teach or explain something the same way, they teach differently. Let’s say a student goes to their local school for about five years, then moves across the country and attends a school there, his educational learning would be affected. According to Jenifer Steele a researcher for Rand Education she mentions in an article titled â€Å"Teacher Matter: Understanding Teachers’ Impact on Student Achievement† that when it comes to student performance on reading and mathematical tests, a school teacher is estimated to have two to three times the impact of any other school resource. She also states that effective teachers are best identified by their performance, not by their background or experience. A student’s own will to learn, will also deeply affect his or hers education. If a student has the opportunity to go to school or even college, but doesn’t have the will to learn won’t have a good educational background. On the other hand, a student also has the opportunity to go to school/college, plus has the will to learn will have a better education than the student who does not. There are many factors of this, but a major one takes place in the classroom. Many students dislike school, and some may even drop out of it. Everyone’s educational background is different. Everyone has different assumptions that tell us or inform about our educational or learning experiences. Some assumptions tell us good about education some tell us bad things. For example, an assumption from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte about educational learning is that people at all different ages have the potential to learn, with some learning quicker than others. Age may or may not affect a person’s reaction of learning, and individuals vary in way they like to learn. This could be true, but at the same time it could have potentially to be false as well.  Another example, in the classroom the teacher facilitates learning by incorporating students’ experience, observation of others, and personal ideal and feelings. Exposure to many different behavior models and attitudes help students to make actions and ideas that will help in meeting their own educational goals. This is labeled an assumption because some believe in this way of teaching students, while some teachers do not. We all have different kinds of assumption about school education; my assumption of education is if students put more effort in addition focus more on academics, and less time on other things then they will succeed in getting an education. My assumptions about education and learning do in fact compare and contrast to what I am currently experiencing in college. An example of an assumption is that students do not need much guidance from the instructor, which was mentioned in the Seven Deadly Assumptions about Students article from Point Loma Nazarene University. My assumption that contrasts their assumption is that I truly believe in that some students may need lots help or assistance from the instructor. My assumption compares to what I’m experiencing in college, due to the fact that I get a lot of help from my instructors and tutors. A second assumption from the article is that students will put together the content that they are expected to learn, by themselves after class. I do not agree with this because some students may not know how to start applying it. When I need to learn something in class I make sure I am able to apply the material by myself after class. If for some reason I cannot apply the material alone I ask the instructors or tutors for help. A third one from the same article is that students should do their work during the class session. I totally agree with this one due to the fact that students learn better around their classmates. In college I do my own work during the class because I can ask the instructor or my fellow classmates’ questions about the work. In conclusion, an education is mostly defined as a process of learning and obtaining knowledge. As we know many problems can occur that can prevent an education to people such as culture, religion, tradition, income, and where you live or come from. Those problems can create different thoughts or assumptions of someone’s educational background. Each person’s education can be different, due to the fact that many types of education plus learning methods and assumptions affect me and others in many other different ways. Works Cited â€Å"Assumptions about Learning.† Center for Teaching & Learning. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Internet. . Bennett, William J. â€Å"20 Troubling Facts about American Education.† Empower America. Reprinted by permission of William J. Bennett and Empower America. Internet, http://catholiceducation.org/articles/education/ed0033.html Hamilton, Laura. â€Å"Teachers Matter: Understanding Teachers’ Impact on Student Achievement.† RAND Education. RAND Corporation. Internet. . â€Å"Seven Deadly Assumptions about Students.† Point Loma Nazarene University. PLNU Forward, Internet. 05 Oct. 2013. .

Friday, September 13, 2019

Individual Report - Fast Food Case Context Essay

Individual Report - Fast Food Case Context - Essay Example The company has planned to expand its business operations, as well as initiated plans in entering the business market of China. Therefore, the company is concerned with minimising its exposure to different sorts of risks, such as political, as well as economic risks among others, that are associated with the expansion of business activities in international market. (citation) This discussion will stress on the analysing of certain significant aspects that would be conducted by the company in order to ascertain, as well as to acquire valuable information. This information are required to be evaluated with the objective of determining valuable decisions that are required to be initiated for performing business operations of the fast food company in an appropriate manner. Moreover, the company is required to utilise varied strategic tools which include SWOT analysis, Porters five forces model as well as Hofstede five dimensional models among others for determining the suitability of the decisions for entering into the business market of China. ... It also enabled effective flow of investments in the international market due to enhanced deregulation as well as communication among dissimilar countries (European Commission, 2004). The fast food company in the UK is required to adopt globalisation procedure with the motive of expanding its business operations as well as sustain enhanced growth in the international business market. The company needs to perform business operations as a fast food company in the business market of China by providing quality products as well as complying with the requirements or the preferences of the customers particularly of China. All these major initiatives would certainly assist the company in acquiring better customer as well as brand loyalty especially in the market segment of China. For instance, McDonald’s has adopted the globalisation process in order to expand its business operations worldwide (Mujtaba & Patel, 2007). The different strategic tools that will assist the fast food compan y in determining the market conditions of China as well as in formulating helpful strategies for performing effectively in the business market of China have been framed hereunder. (citation) SWOT Analysis The company is required to perform a SWOT analysis before entering into the business market of China in order to determine its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities as well as threats (Ferrell & Hartine, 2010). Strengths One of the major strengths of the company is that it possesses several fast-food restaurants in the UK as well as in other nations that ultimately raises its profitability at large. The other strength of the company is that the management team of the company is quite expert as well as skilful that

Thursday, September 12, 2019

An Analysis of Kristian Leven Photography in London Essay

An Analysis of Kristian Leven Photography in London - Essay Example This is unique from other wedding competitors that provide photography services with specific manufactured (posed) shots. Kristian Leven is able to stand out from competitors with his naturalistic approach to wedding photography that better captures special events and moments as they occur. 1.1 Methodology Research was gleaned for the report utilising a qualitative methodology, involving an open-ended interview structure with the sole proprietor, Kristian Leven. The interview occurred on April 5, 2013 and was scheduled for 45 minutes. Leven was proposed questions on such concepts as motivation, funding sources, problems that occur in daily business operations, the social environment, and the entrepreneurial marketing mix. Findings from the interviews were compared to theoretical secondary literature on entrepreneurship and small business management to determine correlations between theory and actual business practice; or to identify dissimilarities between theory and actual business management. 2.0 Funding sources for Kristian Leven Research indicates that credit cards are the most common funding source for entrepreneurs, due to tightened restrictions with banking institutions and other lenders associated with the credit crunch of 2007 and 2008 (Schmith 2008). Leven indicated that he achieved start-up funding by networking with family members in order to obtain an initial co-signed personal loan for ?5000. Leven further supplemented this funding for the start-up venture with a credit card by which he was able to procure equipment and initial inventories not covered by the personal loan that was utilised to set up a storefront. Leven had considered seeking out a private investor, however he was concerned about the potential of contractual agreements being established that guaranteed shared profitability. Leven trusted in his ability to grow the business revenues early that would provide him with the capital necessary to launch a successful photography business. Leven fit the profile of entrepreneurs that must rely on credit cards as a relevant funding source and networking with family members to achieve start-up capability. Leven had submitted a formal business plan to bankers when he was just 19 years old, but his plan was rejected as the lenders believed he was too young and inexperienced to successfully manage the business. Today, Leven is proud to announce an annual cash flow position of over ?200,000. 3.0 Networking Networking is, according to Leven, one of the most fundamental success factors for how Kristian Leven Photography has experienced growth and gained a positive brand reputation with satisfied customers. Leven does not consider his family members to be viable networks for operating or managing the business, or in improving its position. Leven had personal experience with a family-operated business during his childhood in which many disputes about operations and financing were present. This ties in closely with the theoretica l literature in which Johanisson and Monsted (1997) indicate there is no evidence available indicating that personal network capacity contributes to the success of the small business. Instead, Leven relies on professional networking, which are contacts that are developed through business operations. Leven indicated that nearly 80 percent of his business growth is attributed to word-of-mouth advertising that stems from satisfied clients with personal experien