The life of Zora Neale Hurston Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The life of Zora Neale Hurston - Research Paper Example In 1917, she enrolled in Morgan academy found in Maryland with the help of her former employer. After her graduation, she joined Howard University where she studied for one and a half years and secured a scholarship that saw her transfer to Barnard College for a degree course. Between 1928 and 1932, she studied human culture at Columbia University. In 1936, she got a Guggenheim Fellowship award for travelling and collecting folklore in the British West Indies and Haiti (Boyd 35). Throughout her life, Zora engaged in a number of jobs alongside her writing. She served as a secretary while working with Fannie Hurst (1889–1968); she later became a writer in paramount and Warner brother’s studios. She also worked as a librarian with the library of congress and finally as a drama tutor at North Carolina Collage for Negroes. Zora most celebrated work include her novel â€Å"Their Eyes Were Watching God† written in 1937, her collection of American folklore that included Tell My Horse (1939) and Mules and Men (1935). Zora worked on three other novels: Moses, Man of the Mountain (1939), a retell of the Mosaic biblical allegory in an African perspective, Seraph on the Suwanee (1948), a story of woman experience in love; and Jonahs Gourd Vine (1934), an autobiography of her father. Hurston met a number of people who significantly shaped her carrier life, this include notable African American writers such as Langston Hughes, Arna Bontemps and Jessie Fauset, all of whom belonged to the renown New Negro movement that was later change to Harlem Renaissance. Like many other writers, Hurston has her own critics. One of them is Darwin Turner who suggested that she was a "quick-tempered woman, arrogant toward her peers, obsequious toward her supposed superiors, desperate for recognition and reassurance to assuage her feelings of inferiority" (1979). Clearly, Zora was a

Purpose of Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Purpose of Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT   Ã‚   The main aim of the MBIEs is the growth of the New Zealand for all. This growth is relates to the economy. For achieving a quality life and a good living standard an economy promoting sustainable growth is required. For all includes the people of New Zealand at present an also in future. MBIEs purpose is for New Zealand to benefit from: Maximum numbers of highly skilled people and innovative firms A greater dynamic and supportive business environment Sustainably higher value derived from natural environment more productive and prosperous sectors, regions and people A better environment that can better supports a well-functioning economy The work of MED is to regulating the NZs standards and conformance infrastructure. It works with the purpose of: Motivating the business person to do innovations in their products, encourages competition and productivity. Reduction in the compliance cost to the business Development in the technical infrastructure of business in order to meet the needs of consumers and local business. 5 specialist bodies works with the MED for the betterment of New Zealanders SNZ JAS-ANZ TSS IANZ MSL These organizations works with the collaboration with the MED in order to provide quality life to the residents of NZ through standards and conformance infrastructure liaison group: TSS : Trading standards service IANZ: International Accreditation NZ. MSL: Measurement standards laboratory of NZ. SNZ: Standard NZ JAS-ANZ: Joint Accreditation system of Australia and New Zealand There are fewer regulations related to trade of goods and services in New Zealand. The traders and manufacturers to ensure their product safety adopt self-regulations. All of this is backed by the consumer protection legislation. Consumer protection legislation The responsibility of standards and conformance infrastructure falls under this legislation Works to improve technical infrastructure to support the people of New Zealand, their businesses and trading activities of New Zealand. Promotes healthy competition and supports innovation and productivity constantly. Reduces the compliance cost in businesses. Looks after the five technical bodies of Standard and Conformance infrastructure and makes sure they are functioning properly and are being met by people. Five technical bodies of Standard and Conformance TSS : Trading standards service IANZ: International Accreditation NZ MSL: Measurement standards laboratory of NZ SNZ: Standard NZ JAS-ANZ: Joint Accreditation system of Australia and New Zealand Food Safety and HACCP Thus, food safety regulations are applicable on food sold in the domestic and local markets In Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) handlers of food have to analyze it, identify risks if any and put the systems to handle those risks. HACCP makes sure that food processors, wholesalers and retailers, restaurants and other food premises are involved in identifying and managing any areas or processes where food contamination or deterioration could occur. These regulations are applied by Ministry of Health on food which is sold by the seller in the local market. The aim of applying these regulations is to ensure that the food which is sold is free from any kind of contaminated material and fit for the human consumption. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry also keep a check on the exported products whether they are safe for consumption or not. In the domestic market, it is voluntary, but food processors and retailers with an independently audited HACCP system in place can apply to the Ministry of Health for exemption from regular food safety inspections. ELECTRICAL AND GAS SAFETY Electrical safety regulations protects the people from the electricity related harms and dangers The service also regulates the quality and measurement of gas and electricity and the quality of petrol and diesel This includes safely installation of electrical appliances and safety of electricity supply and generating systems This regulations deals with the safety requirements regarding the electrical and gas appliances This also includes the measurement of gas and electricity Electrical appliances are verified in order check whether they are safe to use or not MACHINERY, PRESSURE EQUIPMENT, CRANES AND PASSENGER ROPE-WAYS There is a organization that is Occupational Safety and Health(OSH) that helps to safe the human beings and workers from the machines and equipments Heavy machines like boilers, cutting machines should meet OHS standard before being used in NZ. OSH provides the standards that must used by the person before the appliance used in NZ. Before going to the market, the product must be tested and inspected. Thus, exporters need to check carefully whether there are any technical requirements their product must meet in each market and what is involved. MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS (MRAs) Mutual Recognition Agreements is a mutual agreement between the two countries. It is an international agreement. This is the agreement where two or more countries agree to recognize one anothers conformity assessments. MRAs enable New Zealands test and inspection reports, and product and quality certificates, to be accepted by other economies. MRAs are based on shared purpose and belief in the technical competence of each others systems and procedures. It is the responsibility of MED to maintain govt. level MRAs. For maintaining govt. level MRAs the govt. includes some sort of agreements. These are: TTMRA (Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition agreement): Australia and NZ made the agreements which are done for the betterment of the both countries. It came into force on May 1 1998. According to this agreement the good which is sold in one country is legally able to sell in country without any difference. NZ/EU MRA (Agreement between NZ and European community for mutual recognition of conformity assessment): According to this agreement conformity regulations is done by the NZ/EU MRA (testing, inspection, and certification) of products traded between New Zealand and any of the fifteen members of the European Union to be undertaken in the exporting country, before the goods are shipped. Each country follows its own rules and regulations but they agree that one country can act on the behalf of other. CEP (Agreement between the NZ and Singapore on Closer Economic Partnership): According to this approach same international standards are followed at international and recognition of conformity assessment. To minimize the effect of technical barriers, to promote use the best practice internationally and support of NZ exporters and importers. For example, the parties have negotiated mutual recognition of conformity assessment in electrical and electronic equipment. APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation): MED officials represent the NZ on APEC which is Sub-Committee on standards and conformance which works out for the purpose of bringing harmonization in the mandatory technical requirement of trade between the economics in Asia Pacific region. Standards refer to the published documents that include specifications for processes, products and services that have been agreed upon. Standards cover areas of compatibility, quality, information, safety and performance. Standards are some sort of doings that are used as measure, norm or model in comparative analysis. It is a benchmark i.e. a product or a service should be of a particular quality or level. For example an electronic product is said to be meeting a standard when the minimum safety requirement is met. It makes our lives easy as it helps in keeping our house, building, electronics etc. safe. TYPES OF STANDARDS STANDARDS MANDATORY/VOLUNTARY MANDATORY: Mandatory standards are documented in laws or regulations that are stated through Acts or legislations, Mandatory standards are put in place by governments in order to order to protect the national interest. If any person does not abide these standards while performing any act, its punishable offence. These protect the consumer from being exploited because these act as safety standards; the demand for mandatory standards has been increased. It is illegal to sell products or services without meeting mandatory standards. VOLUNTARY: Voluntary standards are those standards that are not stated under law; these are formed by company according to their wish. For example ISO is a voluntary standard. Voluntary standards are set by customers or these are encouraged by industry groups. If someone wants more sales then they have to follow the voluntary standards because they ensure product is safe. The ministry has produced document called self regulation and codes of product to assist the industry in preparing appropriate codes to initiate their voluntary moves to achieve mutually agreed purpose in the eye of society, industry. The purpose of creating voluntary standards is to maintain image in the minds of consumers that the product is safe for consumption and doesnt provide any harm to human lives. STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND (SNZ) SNZ is that business unit that has a specialization in managing the development of standards and standards based solutions. Under the guidance of trading department of standard council, it was formed. The rules and regulations are mentioned in the standard act 1988 and governed by standard council. The Council has statutory responsibility for overseeing the development and adoption of standards and standards related products. SNZ does not receive direct government funding but receives revenue from contracts with industry and government for the adoption, development and support of standards and from the sales of standards publications. NEW ZEALAND ROLE New Zealand Standards, specified for New Zealand conditions. It is anoperating arm of standard council. It works on the behalf of consumers, industry and govt. It provides codes of practice or Industry Technical Agreements; these are quicker and less expensive to develop than a full standard. It conducts seminars to inform and train people on the content of specific standards and to publicize new standards. The main objective of the SNZ is to check whether the product, process and any other thing meet the quality standards or not. The product, process that meets the quality standards is only allowed for sale. NZ authorities check whether the product is safe, secure, and efficient for consumption purposes. NZ has 5 crown standards and conformance bodies among them one of the crown bodies is The Standards Council which has a SNZ as its operating arm. It is governed by the standard act 1988. SNZS INTERNATIONAL ROLE SNZ represents New Zealand in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) and facilitates New Zealand representation on relevant ISO and IEC technical bodies and standards committees. This enables New Zealand to have participation in the shaping of international standards and developments that help in reducing barriers to trade in New Zealands major export sectors and markets. SNZ is contracted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to act as New Zealands Enquiry Point for the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).   The Enquiry Point notifies the WTO of any New Zealand regulations that may impact on trade.   It also responds to enquiries from overseas on any regulations or requirements that must be met before specific products can be imported into New Zealand. SNZ is a founding member of the Pacific Area Standards Congress (PASC) and participates in PASC activities.   SNZ also works closely with government in standards and conformance activities within APEC and on standards issues in negotiations between Australia/New Zealand (CER) and trade groups in Southeast Asia and South America. SNZ also provides advice to the government on standards issues within international organizations such as the WTO and the OECD. SNZ assists in meeting the governments development assistance objectives by providing consultancy support, training and capacity building opportunities for standards bodies in developing countries All goods that are Exported/Imported shall pass through a barrier before they can be legally allowed to be sold in the market. MEASUREMENT The Measurement Act 1987 defines the regulations regarding the measurement and safety service. Measurement is the assignment of a number to a characteristic of an object or event, which can be compared with other objects or events. Measurement ensures that units of measurement are consistent with the international system of units. Units of measurement which are used by exporter, trader and supplier must comply with the international system of units. MSL(measurement standards laboratory) MEASUREMENT TSS(trading standards service MEASUREMENT STANDARDS LABORATORY (MSL) MSL is the National Metrology Institute of New Zealand that ensures consistency of NZ units of measurement with International unit system that is SI.MSL makes sure New Zealand is delivering measurements that are reliable and correct. It provides national measurement standards that are traceable to International System of Units.New Zealand is a signatory of Metric Treaty and also to the Mutual Recognition of National Measurement Standards and of Calibration and Measurement Certificates issued by National Metrology Institutes. MSL participates in all metrology activities conducted in the region of Asia- Pacific and is one of the active members. NEW ZEALAND ROLE MSL measurement capability underpins our whole technical infrastructure. Its key functions are: To support the standards of measurement relevant to New Zealand To ensure that users, both national and international, have confidence in New Zealands standards of measurement. To ensure that all measurements in New Zealand can be traceable to the International System of Units. MSL provides appropriate national measurement standards for the SI units of importance to New Zealand. New standards must be introduced and accessible standards extended in range and accuracy. Self-assurance in measurement is important for enforcement of local and central government regulations and codes, and for well-being in society. MSL is continually improving the measurement standards. In scientists it also monitored development in their professional areas so they can report on and respond to the changes. One of the main roles of MSL is to provide calibration also known as verification reports, which are traceable to SI and to National Standards of New Zealand. Calibration is provided in the areas like: Biological and chemical Length and dimensional Photometry and radiometry Mass and pressure Temperature and humidity Time and frequency It provides specialist measurement services Provides expert consultancy which advices on the measurements that are difficult. It includes expertise in technical areas such as- Laser safety Lighting Speed measurement Temperature required Ultra-Violent Hazards INTERNATIONAL ROLE SI or metric units of measurement are supported and developed under inter-governmental Metric Treaty of 1875 and NZ has adopted the same and became signatory to Metric treaty in the year 1991. MSL along with 37 other countries In October 1999 signed an agreement for Mutual Recognition of National Measurement Standards and of Calibration and Measurement Certificates issued by National Metrology Institutes. MRA states that national measurement institutes of signatory countries carry international measurement comparisons on regular basis. Regular comparison shows that measurements followed by different countries are same. The review is done regularly for purpose of ensuring that measurements from the different countries are same. TRADING STANDARD SERVICE (TSS) TSS helps by providing the security or sureness that the exchange of goods takes place on accurate measure, weight, and recognition basis. TSS provides constant advice to the government about measurements systems and legal operations. It provides advice to government on the NZ legal measurement system and its operation. The Weight and Measures Act 1987 is enforced by and under TSS. The system of standards and conformance applicable to trade is stated under the Weight and Measurement act. TSS is involved in testing of new weights and measuring instruments and approves them. NEW ZEALAND ROLE OPERATIONS: Provide advice to Government related to trade measurement issues Ensure compliance with the provisions of the Weights and Measures Act 1987 By using traceable standards of weight and measure TSS protects the integrity of the NZ trade measurement system Protect the integrity of the New Zealand trade measurement system Promote assurance on the accuracy of weighing and measuring equipment TSS prevents fraud by maintaining a type approval laboratory where new types of weighing and measuring instruments are checked against international measurement standards. INTERNATIONAL ROLE Asia Pacific Legal Metrology Forum: The purpose of Asia Pacific Legal Metrology Forum is to encourage honesty and harmony lawful metrology actions and services within the Asia-Pacific region and to build joint confidence in trade measurement. NZ is a active member of the APLMF. It is established under the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) as a special regional body. Trade Measurement Advisory Committee: The trade measurement authorities of NZ in joint collaboration authorities, states and territories of Australia developed this committee. These authorities comprises of this committee. This committee solves the disputes arising within Australia and between Australia and New Zealand and provides advices. The focuses on trade main issues within Australia and between Australia and New Zealand and provides guidelines opinion on trade depth issues to Australian State and Federal Governments and the New Zealand Government. AFTA and Australia/New Zealand CER: New Zealand and Australia also work alongside partner in the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) on trade measurement issues. International Organization of legal Metrology: This organization was developed for the purpose of bringing international harmonization in the practical and theoretical aspects of measurement which is known as Metrology. It was established in 1955. NZ is one of the corresponding members of this organization as it consists of 57 countries and further 48 corresponding members. CONFORMANCE Conformance is undertaken by technical experts. Decisions are based on the results of measurements, tests, inspections or audits. Conformity assessment bodies then issue reports and certificates of compliance. This provides Accreditation or formal recognition that a body or person is competent to carry out specific tasks. There are three main types of conformity assessment: testing, inspecting and certifying. Conformance can be done through IANZ or JAS-ANZ. CONFORMANCE JAS AND ANZ INTERNATIONAL ACCREDATION NZ (IANZ) It is the national accreditation body which was established in 1972. It is a member of ILAC (international laboratory accreditation cooperation) and APLAC (Asia Pacific laboratory accreditation cooperation). It is involved in recognizing and assessing technical competencies It is a part of Accreditation councilandit is a crown entity. Govt. and others sectors voluntary use accreditation as a reliable method of competence. NEW ZEALAND ROLE It works with the government agencies to provide trade opportunities to NZ exporters to do trade at international level. It ensures that its government, consumers public have confidence in quality competence in NZs testing. IANZ is the operating arm of the Testing Laboratory Registration Council, a statutory body established by Act of Parliament in 1972. Over 200 technical experts who act as technical assessors for peer reviews of laboratories or inspection bodies in their specialist field gives proof to IANZ and IANZ relies on them. IANZ itself do evaluations by counterpart accreditation authorities from Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific region. This ensures that its competence and procedures remain consistent with international practice. IANZ participates in similar peer evaluations of its overseas counterparts. IANZ Operations Radiology service accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025 adapted) Pharmacy accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025 adapted) Testing and calibration laboratory accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025) Inspection body accreditation (ISO/IEC 17020) Proficiency testing programme accreditation (ISO/IEC Guide 43) Registration of OECD GLP Compliant Laboratories Designating Authority for approval of laboratories and inspection bodies for CE marking (see page 10)Assessment of Ministry of Health food safety system (HACCP) auditing bodies Assessment of MAF meat industry laboratories Development of accreditation programmes and technical criteria Technical information and advice Input to development of international standards relating to testing, inspection and accreditation Training courses in a range of technical areas, including laboratory quality management, measurement, testing and auditing skills.   Specific courses cover accreditation requirements for medical testing, radiology and inspection services Advisory service for developing country accreditation authorities INTERNATIONAL ROLE Accreditation authorities are signatories to the ILAC or APLAC Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) in over 65 countries, which recognizes reports from IANZ, accredited laboratories and inspection bodies as they meet the required international standards. IANZ comes in voluntary sector i.e. it is not mandatory under law. It is involved in providing proper guidance to the government on technical barriers and on conformance related issues. JOINT ACCREDITATION SYTEM OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND (JAS-ANZ) Australia and New Zealand has Joint Accreditation System helps markets for making their work more efficient by providing internationally recognized accreditation services that create economic benefit. By using the criteria of conditional model on international standards and guidelines JAS-ANZ provides accreditation programmers for regulator and industry specific schemes. Increased trade and greater competition from imported products has brought into focus the need for quality in products, processes and services. It creates economic benefits. It helps in the establishment of confidence among the users of Australia and NZ that goods used by consumers are met with the certain standards. It provides advises to govt. regarding the conformance issues and also manages and administers efficient management schemes. NEW ZEALAND ROLE Joint accreditation system helps in the establishment of confidence among the users of Australia and NZ that goods used by consumers are met with the certain standards. It helps in supporting the trade by obtaining and maintaining oversea acceptance of product certificates and management systems certificates issued in New Zealand and Australia. It makes the links with relevant bodies in the areas of conformity assessment services and recognition of standards in relation to goods and services. It oobtains mutual recognition and acceptance of certificates of conformity with relevant bodies in other countries. JAS-ANZ also provides advice to the government on conformance issues and participates in standards and conformance aspects of trade negotiations. The following activities are presently under the accredited programmes. Accreditation of Certifiers of Management Systems Certification of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9000 and QS-9000 for the automotive industry) Certification of Environmental management systems (ISO 14001) Certification of Food Safety Systems based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Certification of HACCP Management systems Certification of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHS AS/NZS 4801) Certification of Information Security Management Systems (ISMS -   AS/NZS 4444) INTERNATIONAL ROLE The purpose of the JAS-ANZ is to develop mutual understandings with the international bodies so that accreditation certificates issued by will be international level and to be a forum for the exchange of information and ideas of common interest based on the relevant ISO/IEC accreditation and certification Guides. It is also a founding member of International Auditor and Training certification association which helps in developing mutual recognition scheme for ISO 9000 auditors and auditor training courses. TESTING Testing is the process that is being used to determine the characteristics of an item or material. The standard test methods are used to carry out tests in laboratories. For the scope of Accreditation all these tests are carried out.   The test reports may only carry the accreditation logo if the laboratory is accredited for specific tests. Testing is conducted to determine items or products characteristics. It is conducted in labs and reports provided are related to the sample testing. There are some Standard test method is used for doing tests that states environment, equipment and procedures to conduct a reliable test. Thus labs that are accredited for those tests can conduct tests and 500 of such labs are there in NZ. CALIBRATION Calibration is the process of ensuring that measuring instruments are giving accurate results. The Measuring instruments are calibrated to ensure that any measurements performed with the calibrated instruments will be traceable back to the national measurement standard. The wide range of measuring instruments such as speed cameras, analytical balances, measuring tapes, pressure gauges and electrical power meters are calibrated in calibration laboratories. Calibration reports may only carry the accreditation logo if the laboratory is accredited for those calibrations. INSPECTION Inspection is done in order to check that whether safety and technical requirements are being met. It is done for the purpose of ensuring that all safety aspects are checked. The specialist inspectors role is to examine technical aspects of things such as pipelines, crane designs, boilers, buildings, machinery, quarantine services or food premises. The international standard for professional inspection bodies (ISO/IEC 17020) covers designs, products, services, processes and plant. ISO/IEC 17020 (international standard for professional inspection bodies) covers all the products, designs, services and processes. Specialist inspectors examine the technical aspects of such things as pipelines, crane designs, boilers, buildings, machinery, quarantine services or food premises. International standard inspection methods are used in certain inspections for ensuring all safety aspects being checked. Inspection includes on-site observation in a detailed way and also thorough check of records, procedures and reports. CERTIFICATION According to the specific international standards, the certification bodies are accredited which is also related to the type of certification. The range of standards a certification body is accredited to audit against is specified in its Scope of Accreditation. Certification includes various categories. These bodies are accredited to specific international standards, depending on the type of certification they are competent to undertake. Personnel certification Product certification Certification of environmental management system (ISO 14001) Certification of quality management system REFERENCES          http://www.ianz.govt.nz/new-article-goes-here/ http://www.manufacturingnz.org.nz/re

Shakespeares Macbeth - Relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Macbeth is a play about death, deceit, and corruption. At the center of all this is Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth. As the play progresses, their relationship changes dramatically as a result of how each of them handles their emotions following King Duncan's murder.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the beginning of the play, Lady Macbeth is a strong, domineering person. She seems able to coerce Macbeth into doing things that he would not do on his own. She seems willing to trample anyone in order to get what she wants. She seems ready to kill. She would have no problem dancing on the backs of the bruised for the same reason stuck up rich people today don't care about the starving kids in Africa--she has never seen or experienced it. When reading Macbeth's letter that told of the witches' prophecy she said, "Yet do I fear thy nature; it is too full o' the milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way." She wanted to take the quick and dirty route to royalty (murder), but didn't think Macbeth was up to it. She has never killed anyone (as far as we know), so she doesn't understand why it would be so difficult.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Macbeth is a battle-hardened soldier who is no stranger to danger. He has killed more than a few men, women, and children in his day. We're informed of that at the opening of the play when a sergeant tells of how Macbeth hunted down Macdonwald and "unseamed him from the nave to the chaps and fixed his head upon our battlements." But Macbeth knew the difference between right and wrong. Macdonwald was a traitor and fully deserved to be cut in half. Killing Duncan was a different story. Murdering a good king/friend in order to gain wealth and power is not very P.C. and is downright immoral. When Lady Macbeth brought up killing the king he was hesitant to talk about such a thing, then blew her off and said, "We will speak further." Of course, being the whipped little mama's boy that he is, he was talked into her fiendish conspiracy plan.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When it came right down to it, Lady Macbeth couldn't kill Duncan. She says, "Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done't." Of course that is a bunch of BS; in reality she was just too fainthearted to get the job done.

Pythagoras Theorem and Financial polynomials Essay

                  Ahmed and Vanessa have interest in locating a treasure, which is buried. It is my responsibility to help the two locate it. First, I will help them locate it by the use of Pythagorean quadratic. As per Ahmed’s half, the treasure is buried in the desert (2x + 6) paces form the Castle Rock while as per Vanessa’s half she has to walk (x) paces to the north then walk (2x + 4) paces to the east. According to the Pythagorean theorem, every right angled triangle with length (a) and (b) as well as a hypotenuse (c), has a relationship of (a2 + b2 = c2) (Larson & Hostetler, 2009).                  In Ahmed and Vanessa’s case, I will let a=x, b =2x+4 and then c=2x+6. To follow, will be my efforts to put the measurements above into the real Pythagoras theorem equation as follows: X2+ (2x+4)2=(2x+6)2 this is the equation formed out of the Pythagoras Theorem X2+4Ãâ€"2+16x+16 = 4Ãâ€"2+ 24x+36 are the binomials squared x2 & 4Ãâ€"2 on both sides can be subtracted out. X2+16x+16 = 24x +36 subtract 16x from both sides X2+16 = 8x+36 now subtract 36 from both sides X2-20 = 8x X2-8x-20=0 I will use to solve the function by factoring using the zero factor. (x-) (x+) the coefficient of x2 Application and selection from the following (-2, 10: -10,2: -5,4; -4, -5) In this case, it seems that I am going to use -10 and 2 is as per how the expression looks like this (x-10)(x+2)=0 X-10=0 or x+2=0 creation of a complex equation x=10 or x=-2 these are the two probable resolutions to this equation.                     One of the two calculated solutions is an extraneous solutions, as it do not work with such sceneries. The remaining solution I only have is (X=10) as the number of paces Ahmed and Vanessa have to accomplish to find the lost treasure. As a result the treasure is 10 paces to the north 2x+4 connect the 10, now its 2(10)+4=24 paces to the east of Castle Rock, or 2x+6= 2(10)+6=26 paces from Castle Rock. Financial polynomial                   For the case of financial polynomials, I have first to write the polynomial without the parenthesis. Following the above, I have to solve for p= 2000 + r = 10% for part A and then solve for p= $5670 + r = 3.5% for part B, without the parenthesis as follows: P + P r + P r2/4 (the original polynomial) to reach this I followed the following steps: (1 + r/2)2 This is because it looks as if it is foil P(1 + r/2) P (1+r/2)(1+r/2) After the two equations I combine like terms. Because I am multiplying by 2 on r/2, it cancels out both 2’s and I then get left with is r as follows; P(1+ r/2 + r/2 + r2/4) P(1 + 2(r/2) + r2/4) I then write in descending order (P + Pr + Pr2) To solve for P=2000 and r=10% the following follows; P + Pr + Pr2/4 2000 + 2000 Ãâ€"(0.10) +2000Ãâ€" 0.1024 2000 + 200 + 5 = $2205 P(1+ r/2)2 2000Ãâ€"( 1 + .10)2 2000Ãâ€"(1.05)2 2000Ãâ€"( 1.1025) = $2205 For part B I will solve for P=5670 and r= 3.5% P + Pr + P Ãâ€"(r2/4) 5670 + 5670Ãâ€" (0.035) + 5670 Ãâ€" 0.0352 5670 + 198.45 + 1.7364375 = 5870.1864375 This is approximately ($5870.19) The problem 70 on page 311 has the following steps; (-9Ãâ€"3 + 3Ãâ€"2 – 15x) à · (-3x) The Dividend is (-9Ãâ€"3 + 3Ãâ€"2 – 15x), and the Divisor is (-3x). The Dividend is (-9Ãâ€"3 + 3Ãâ€"2 – 15x), and the Divisor is (-3x). -9Ãâ€"3 + 3Ãâ€"2 – 15x -3xAfter I divide -9 by -3 which equals +3. The x on the bottom cancels the x from the top. -9Ãâ€"3 + 3Ãâ€"2 – 15x -3x -3x -3x -9* x*x* x I am now left with 3Ãâ€"2 for the first part of the polynomial. -3 * x -9*x *x * x -3 * x I first divide 3 by -3, which equals -1 and the x from the bottom cancels out one of the x’s from the top. -9Ãâ€"3 + 3Ãâ€"2 – 15x -3x -3x -3x 3 *x *x At this point I am left with -1x, which simplifies to just –x, as the second part of the polynomial. Then -3 *x 3 *x * x -3 * x Then I divide -15 by -3, which equals positive 5, and the x on the bottom cancels out the x on the top, so you do not have any x’s to carry onto the answer of the equation. -9Ãâ€"3 + 3Ãâ€"2 – 15x -3x -3x -3x -15 *x At this point I am left with only 5 for the last part of the polynomial, and the answer is 3Ãâ€"2 – x + 5. -3 * x -15 * x -3 * x                   The negative sign from the -3 x changes the plus sign in the equation to a minus sign, it changes the minus sign to a plus sign in the final answer, and the equation is in Descending order. Reference Larson, R., & Hostetler, R. P. (2009). Elementary and intermediate algebra. Boston, Mass: Houghton Mifflin Source document

Absalom Absalom and Love Essay

Many of the novels we have read this semester contain prevailing themes that provide insight into American society. One of these themes that we have closely examined throughout the semester is a person’s right to love. Love is undoubtedly a powerful force in one’s life. As we have seen through our readings, however, this force is often obstructed by the need to conform to social standards. Whether or not a couple is ALLOWED to be in love says a lot about what is socially acceptable for that particular area and time period. Although love is technically a right given to all, American Literature shows how it is often denied by social standards and therefore ceases to exist. William Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom! tells Rosa Coldfield’s version of how Thomas Sutpen was the demise of her and her family. As the story progresses, it becomes known that Thomas’s son, Henry, kills Charles Bon to prevent him from marrying his sister, Judith. One would infer that Henry’s reason for his desperate need to prevent their marriage was because Charles was their half-brother, and therefore their marriage would be considered incest. We come to find out, however, that this is not exactly the case. In Chapter 8, in response to whether or not Judith will marry Bon she says â€Å"Yes. I have decided. Brother or not, I have decided. I will. I will (283). † As the chapter progresses, however, Quentin and Shreve accept that â€Å"it’s the miscegenation, not the incest, which (they) can’t bear (285). †In this case, two socially unaccepted taboos prevent Judith from pursuing her relationship with Bon. The fact that it is worse in the eyes of her family that Judith may be marrying a man with black blood than a man who is her relative, however, says a lot about how strong racial prejudices were in the south during the 1800s. Judith’s right to love Bon is forcefully obstructed by social norms, and is a perfect example of Southern culture during that time period. Another instance of love being obstructed by social standards is seen in F.  Scott Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby. Jay Gatsby, a resident of West Egg and a symbol of new wealth, falls in love with Daisy, a resident of East Egg and a symbol of established wealth. Daisy and her husband, Tom, are described to have lived in â€Å"†¦a rather distinguished secret society (17)† to which members of old money had often tried and failed to become a part of. Throughout the novel, it is clear that Daisy had married Tom for his â€Å"†¦person and his position (151)† rather than for love. Yet when Daisy finally accepts that she had never loved Tom and was currently in love with Gatsby, the class divides remain too prevalent for her to pursue a relationship with Gatsby. Tom quotes â€Å" Nowadays people begin by sneering at family life and family institutions, and next they’ll throw everything overboard and have intermarriage between black and white (130). † From this quote and the happenings throughout the novel, the force obstructing the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy is the social condemnation of new money marrying old money. The Great Gatsby shows how in our society, is often difficult for people of different economic backgrounds to pursue a relationship. T. S. Eliot’s The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock is an examination of a typical man’s psychological struggle to express himself emotionally and conform to social standards. Throughout the poem, the narrator shows insecurity in almost everything he does, fearing that his moves will be frowned upon. He says â€Å"There will be time, there will be time to prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet† and often asks â€Å"Do I dare?  Ã¢â‚¬  and thinks about what â€Å"they will say. † His insecurity prevails in an encounter with what seems to be a woman he loves. He seems afraid that the woman will deny him because of his balding hair and thin composure, and thinks about what he should say in order to impress the woman; â€Å"And how should I then presume? How should I begin? † In the end the narrator concludes that â€Å" It is impossible to say just what I mean,† and he drifts into a fairytale by the sea until â€Å"human voice wake us, and we drown. † Eliot’s poem is an example of a man’s love for a woman being obstructed by his own need to conform to what is socially acceptable of a man. He refuses to open up and share with the woman his feelings in fear that he will be mocked and denied. â€Å"The Love Song of Alfred Prufrock† shows the struggles of maintaining masculinity, and the fear a man has of loosing his composure. While the last stories had similar circumstances and outcomes, love doesn’t always have to be between a man and a woman, and social norms aren’t always successful at obstructing love’s powerful force. In Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, the love shared between Huck and Jim leads to a powerful revelation in Huck’s life and a groundbreaking relationship considering the South’s intrusive social standards. When Huck begins his journey with Jim, he is overcome by an instilled guilt for assisting in the runaway of Miss Watson’s slave. Huck says â€Å" It would get all around, Huck Finn helped a nigger get to his freedom; and if I was to ever see anybody from that town again, I’d be ready to get down and lick his boots for shame (226). †As their adventure progresses, however, Huck begins to realize how much he enjoys Jim’s company, slave or not; â€Å" But somehow I couldn’t seem to strike no places to harden me against him, just the other kind (227). † Huck struggles internally with this realization, but cannot get over the feeling in his heart telling him to keep Jim around. Finally, Huck decides that he would not turn in Jim, and that he would go to Hell if that were what it meant. In this instance, Huck valiantly goes against what is socially acceptable, and the force of love prevails. Huck and Jim remain friends even though it is extremely frowned upon. Although love is a freedom, one can see how easily and often this freedom is taken away due to what is acceptable in the eyes of others. The circumstances involved in the obstruction of love shows a lot about the society in which these characters live, and the values held by the people who lived there.

Population Essays

Population Essays Population Essay Population Essay While Population: 485 centers on several different themes throughout the book, I chose to focus my interpretation on the sense of belonging the author, Michael Perry, seems to crave all through the literature, and more specifically, during chapters one and seven. In chapter one, titled Jabowski’s Corner, he opens the door to his journey by bringing us to the small town of New Auburn, Wisconsin. This is the place he belongs. He introduces many of the people of New Auburn in every chapter, but I chose chapter seven because he describes the diverse groups of individuals that make up the town and refers to them as â€Å"My People,† which is also the title of the chapter. These are the people that make up the town, the people he belongs with. I feel his love for the land, in this small Wisconsin town, is deeply expressed in both chapter one and in chapter seven. Another association the two chapters have is the idea that to truly feel that comfort and pleasure of belonging in the place where you live, love for the land may not be enough. Michael finds a way to connect to the community and then to connect the community with the land. Michael Perry, the author and main character, has returned to the place he calls home after being away for twelve years. He left New Auburn after graduating high school. While away, he earned a bachelor’s degree from nursing school and worked a couple of jobs as a nurse. He was frustrated by the fact that he didn’t know how to extricate someone safely from a smashed car or splint a dislocated elbow. This was not his place and he wanted more. He enrolled in an emergency medical technician class and passed the National Registry exam. He then began his career as an EMT and worked part-time for a private ambulance service for five years in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. While he gained a lot of experience, it just wasn’t where he felt he belonged. He lived in New Auburn as a child and teenager. It has been nineteen years since he graduated high school and moved away, but now, he has returned as an adult. After experiencing life on his own and having matured, he now views the town and its people from a different, more grown up perspective and is looking for a way to re-connect with the community of New Auburn. â€Å"Twelve years I’ve lived away from here, and what I missed- what I craved- was the lay of the land. A familiar corner, a particular hill, certain patches of trees. I returned, and the land felt right. The land takes you back. All you have to do is show up. Finding your place among the people, now, that is a ifferent proposition. † (p. 111). He wants to gain back that comforting sense of belonging he once felt from the town he grew to know and love. â€Å"In a place from the past, I am looking for a place in the present. This, as they say, is where my roots are. The trick is in reattaching. † (p. 3). Michael decides to join the New Auburn fire department as a volunteer fire fighter. He describes several incidents, in great detail, that he has encountered since starting there seven years ago. I find it interesting that he worked for over five years as an EMT in Eau Claire, and just vaguely shares one story about a call he responded to the first day on the job. He does not give many specifics about the accident, the people involved, or the location it happened. I guess because he is not connected with these people or this town, nor does he give the impression he desired to. When he tells a story of New Auburn, or any one of its people though, it is obvious that there is a lot more emotion and meaning to it and he really paints a clear picture for the reader. In chapter one, Michael describes the incident he faced seven years ago, just after he joined the New Auburn fire department. Tracy Rimes, a young high school student, had been horribly injured in a car wreck. His mother, also an EMT, is there, along with several other volunteer fire fighters. His sister is there too. She is only a year younger than Tracy and attends school with her. Tracy’s father is there, who was once the chief of the department. The location of the accident is Jabowski’s corner, which is named after the family who owns the farm at that bend of the road. He goes into precise details of the scene, pulling you into the story and leaves the imprint of just how close this community is. â€Å"†¦ she is delicate, and frightened, and conscious, and most of all, she is one of us. †(p. 12). Everyone is somehow, someway connected with one another in this small town. When tragedy strikes, these people can set aside their differences, team up and come together as a community, for their community. Michael is doing the same line of work as he did while he was gone, only now he does it with meaning and with passion. The constant is doing what he loves, the difference is doing it for â€Å"his people† and in the place he belongs. The way Michael describes the town in chapter one is so vivid and pure, it makes me wish I had a place to go as beautiful and meaningful to me, as New Auburn is to him. This is where he belongs. Part of belonging to a small town though, means relating to the people living in it. Belonging; acceptance as a natural member or part. A sense of belonging. In chapter seven, he talks about the different groups of people in New Auburn. â€Å"How does one negotiate the terms of belonging? † (p. 08). There is a very broad spectrum of ways to be a part of something or having a place with a certain group of people. Throughout chapter seven, Michael observes the different types of commonalities between the people of New Auburn. There’s a sliding scale to which a person considers their loyalties. â€Å"The standards against which you are measured are dependent on the milieu. † (p. 110). He mentions some of the things he has overheard one person frequently say about another. For example, â€Å"She’s quite a worker,† â€Å"He’s a helluva shot,† or â€Å"That boy can knock the stuffing out of a softball. (p. 110). One phrase, he says, that is not heard so often is â€Å"he crafts a lovely metaphor. † I think he is implying that although he is a great writer and finds joy in writing, it is not what is going to connect him to the people of this town. He had to find another way. He compares the community to a collection of characters that you can’t force your way into. He has learned that your place develops over time. Michael talks about how the world has changed and we find it tougher to focus our loyalties and know how to belong or want to belong. In regards to fighting fire, he loves the idea of neighbors coming together and is thrilled to be part of the effort. â€Å"It feels good. It feels right. It feels like I belong. † (p. 123). Joining the fire department gave him a point of entrance back into the community. â€Å"I began to meet my neighbors at the invitation of the fire siren. † (p. 112). Everyone wants to be a part of something, to belong somewhere, and whether it is by occupation, hobbies, favorites, interests, politics, or religion, the people of New Auburn all share at least one common ground- community. When the fire siren wails, two dozen of my neighbors and I act as one, on behalf of the community- my people acting on behalf of our people†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p. 114). This is the comparison and relation I found between chapters one and seven of Michael Perry’s memoir Population: 485. In chapter one, he shared his story of Tracy. He continues, throughout the book, to recall this memory often. This day has more meaning to him than just the loss of a member of New Auburn. While the day turned out to be a tragedy, it also marks a very important turning point of his return. I began to realize how this fire department was a means of reentry, of rediscovering the place I had left a decade before, of recapturing my sense of place one tragedy at a time. I was realizing this service is a privilege, a way to weave myself back into the fabric of a place. Today we had tragedy, but it was our tragedy, and we dealt with it not only as public citizens, but also as friends and neighbors†¦ To feel at home is a rare, precious thing, and I began to feel at home that day. † (p. 16). Michael Perry is a great example of someone who really has passion for where he lives and for what he does. He has found his place in this world, his calling. He is a gifted writer and fire fighter, and knows what it is to truly be a part of something prodigious. Some of his neighbors he knows from his childhood, some from working with them at the fire department, and some from fire or emergency calls. Whatever the means of contact, he finds a way to connect with each and every one of his acquaintances and has a meaningful story to tell about them all. While some of his stories give feelings of happiness, a lot end in tragedy. To be able to find contentment and peace in both is a rare, magnificent characteristic. He has a wonderful perspective on life and takes time to celebrate the things most people take for granted. He treasures the land and absorbs the wonderful gifts it has to offer. After Michael joins together his love for New Auburn and his connection with his neighbors the feeling is complete. It changes the sense of being at home, to feeling at home. This is where he belongs.

Boldly Going essays

Boldly Going essays "The Provisional Government is going to fall, and when governments fall people like me are the first ones shot." Quark (DS9, 1997) Star Trek debuted on national television in the fall of 1966 (Trimble, 1995). While the original series was not a hit until it reached syndication much later, it still managed to gain a loyal cult-like fellowship in the hearts of fans called "Trekkies or Trekkers. That devoted pool managed to spur a successful movie franchise in the 1980s, eventually creating eight motion pictures and five spin-off series. Modern day Trekkers continually debate over which series is the greatest, with some contending that the original Star Trek wins hands down because of the original, groundbreaking escapades of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock. However, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the third spin-off series, is clearly superior to the original largely due to its realistic character development, intricate plot lines, and riveting socio-political conflicts. Deep Space Nine developed their characters much more thoroughly than the original Star Trek, even going so far as to creating conflicts among the crew. While the original series' cast consisted entirely of a happy-go-lucky group of courageous officers, betrayal became an unthinkable occurrence, with outside influences becoming the cause of all quarrels between the crewmates. Captain Kirk, a highly decorated as well as devoted Federation officer, earned complete loyalty from his first in command, Mr. Spock; who never betrayed his captain while in his right mind. The one time Spock did violate orders and commandeer the Enterprise (Okuda, 1999) he did so under humanitarian reasons, to protect the life of a superior. However, DS9 is a very different situation. Kira, Captain Siskos first officer, resented her position under him. During the establishment of the series, she continually ignored his orders, pursuing her own agenda, and m ...

Ecology In and Around a Dead Tree

Ecology In and Around a Dead Tree The small image included with this article is an old dead tree snag on my rural property in Alabama. It is a photo of the remains of an old water oak that lived grandly for over 100 years. The tree finally succumbed to its environment and completely died of old age about 3 years ago. Still, its size and rate of deterioration suggest that the tree will be around and influencing my property for a long time yet - and for that I am pleased. What Is a Dead Tree Snag? Tree snag is a term used in forestry and forest ecology which refers to a standing, dead or dying tree. That dead tree will, over time, lose its top and will drop most of the smaller branches while creating a debris field underneath. As more time goes by, maybe as long as several decades, the tree will slowly be reduced in size and height while creating a viable ecosystem in and underneath the decomposing and falling biomass. A tree snags persistence depends on two factors - the size of the stem and the durability of the wood of the species concerned. The snags of some large conifers, such as coast redwood on the Pacific Coast of North America and the largest cedars and cypress of U.S. coastal south, can remain intact for 100 years or more, becoming progressively shorter with age. Other tree snags of species with rapidly weathering and decaying wood - like pine, birch, and hackberry - will break up and collapse in less than five years. A Tree Snags Value So, when a tree dies it still has not completely satisfied its ecological potential and the future ecological value it provides. Even in death, a tree continues to play multiple roles as it influences surrounding organisms. Certainly, the impact of the individual dead or dying tree gradually diminishes as it weathers and further decomposes. But even with decomposition, the woody structure may remain for centuries and influence habitat conditions for millennia (especially as a wetland snag). Even in death, my Alabama tree continues to have a tremendous influence on the microecology in, around, and under its decomposing trunk and branches. This particular tree provides nesting for a significant squirrel population and raccoons and is often called a den tree. Its branching limbs provide a rookery for egrets and perches for hunting birds like hawks and kingfishers. The dead bark nurtures insects that attract and feed woodpeckers and other carnivorous, insect-loving birds. The fallen limbs create understory cover and food for quail and turkey underneath the falling canopy. Decaying trees, as well as fallen logs, may actually be creating and influencing more organisms than a living tree. In addition to creating a habitat for decomposer organisms, dead trees provide critical habitat for sheltering and feeding a variety of animal species. Snags and logs also provide habitat for plants of higher orders by creating habitat provided by nurse logs. These nurse logs provide the perfect seedbed for tree seedlings in some tree species. In forest ecosystems such as the alluvial Sitka spruce-western hemlock forests of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington, almost all tree reproduction is confined to rotten wood seedbeds. How Trees Die Sometimes a tree will die very quickly by a devastating insect outbreak or from the virulent disease. More frequently, however, a trees death is caused by a complex and slow process with multiple contributing factors and causes. These multiple causal concerns are typically categorized and labeled as abiotic or biotic. Abiotic causes of tree mortality include environmental stresses like flooding, drought, heat, low temperatures, ice storms, and excess sunlight. Abiotic stress is particularly associated with the death of tree seedlings. Pollutant stresses (e.g., acid precipitation, ozone, and acid-forming oxides of nitrogen and sulfur) and wildfire are usually included in the abiotic category but can significantly impact older trees. Biotic causes of eventual tree death can result from plant competition. Losing the competitive battle for light, nutrients or water will limit photosynthesis and result in tree starvation. Any defoliation, be it from insects, animals or disease can have the same long-term effect. Declines in the vigor of a tree from periods of starvation, insect and disease infestations and abiotic stresses can have a cumulative effect that eventually causes mortality.

Freedom of Expression Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Freedom of Expression - Case Study Example It becomes more difficult when the right to free speech competes with another right as will be elucidated on more fully later, the right to privacy. All that should be done is look through jurisprudence until one finds the applicable case with similar facts. In â€Å"hard† cases with novel facts, the role of the judge becomes infinitely more difficult. This is evident, for example, in a case wherein a judge determined that the right to privacy is trumped by the fact that there were legitimate aims to be pursued, as in the case of A v. The United Kingdom, where a Member of Parliament, after identifying the applicant and giving her exact address, proceeded to describe her as a neighbor from hell. In recent times, particularly given the public’s voracious appetite for information on the private lives of celebrities and the entertainment media’s eagerness to satisfy such an appetite, the tension between the right to free speech and the right to privacy grows sharper. Article 8 of the Human Rights Act states that â€Å"Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence.† It must be underscored that â€Å"although the object of Article 8 is essentially that of protecting the individual against arbitrary interference by the public authorities, it does not merely compel the State to abstain from such interference: in addition to this primarily negative undertaking, there may be positive obligations inherent in an effective respect for private or family life. These obligations may involve the adoption of measures designed to secure respect for private life even in the sphere of the relations of individuals between themselves." It is cause for reflection that three of the recent famous cases involving privacy and free speech were decided in favor of privacy. This paper will discuss first the case of Princess Caroline of Monaco, which was resolved with finality in the European Court of Human Rights. After which, the case of Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Ok! Magazine against Hello! Magazine will be discussed. Last would be the case of Naomi Campbell. In the first case, Von Hannover v. Germany5, Princess Caroline invokes her right to privacy against several entertainment magazines that published pictures of her in her private moments. A few of these photos showed her with actor Vincent Lindon, and such photos were captioned "these photos are evidence of

The motivations of Chinese EFLs Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

The motivations of Chinese EFLs - Term Paper Example People who are fluent in English are given almost celebrity-like honor and value in countries where English is not the official language. The wide ranged usage of English throughout the world be it, mass media, education, Internet, business, tourism, technology and such other fields is what gives the language an authoritative appeal and command over the whole world. Acknowledging the importance of the English language, the government of every country needs to be capable of providing facilities for the children to learn this language. Thus, this is the reason why English is being taught in almost all countries. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the parents to get their children enrolled into schools that teach English. It also becomes the responsibility of these children to learn well and excel in their academics to make their parents feel proud and in turn, serve their nation by staying committed to their jobs, which obviously, would require English as the main language. Therefo re, for students to learn languages, other than their mother tongue, they need motivation. The paper at hand focuses on Chinese EFL students. These refer to the students who come from China and settle in America or other such countries where the official language is English, and study English as a foreign language. It also includes EFL students who reside in China itself. Studies show that China accounts for the â€Å"largest number of English language learners in the world† (Influence of Instrumental Motivation on EFL Learners in China and its Implication On TEFL Instructional Design 1). According to JUDY F. CHEN in his article called, Motivators That Do Not Motivate: the Case of Chinese EFL Learners and the Influence of Culture on Motivation, the Language learning theory has widely accepted the saying that language learners with superior levels of motivation will be superior achievers. Finding what composes motivation for those who learn the language in a variety of cultura l settings remains a significant and difficult task. Motivation study frequently centers on cultural circumstances that are not very different from European values and North American. Language learning motivation study outcomes have tended to support the supreme importance of integrative motivation, which was primarily described by Gardner and Lambert (1972) and the newer version by Shaaban and Ghaith. Integrative motivation is successful because language abilities are perceived as essential to participation in various social groups that employ the target language. Noels, Clement, Pelletier, and Vallerand (2000) make out the preeminent significance formerly granted to the orientation of integrative motivation, but also state that this can be the case only in particular socio-cultural circumstances. Integrative motivation is frequently contrasted by way of the more outwardly affected instrumental motivation (JUDY F. CHEN 2005). The students face a lot of problems in their everyday li fe in the educational institutions they attend. This is due to the fact that English is totally foreign to them until they go abroad. Thus, there arises a great need for these students to be motivated. This paper therefore addresses various problems that the Chinese EFL students face in learning English, the

Find causes of the problem in article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Find causes of the problem in article - Essay Example It would seem that the problem will not easily be solved because the reasons behind it are both economical and political. This quote from the same article practically sums up the causes for the problem: According to Education Department statistics, 12 percent of students at public two-year colleges reported having a disability of some type in 2007-8. Of those, 10 percent said they had a mental, emotional, or psychiatric condition, and 11.5 percent said they suffered from depression. Other studies indicate that the numbers could be higher: A fall 2009 survey by the American College Health Association found that 9.2 percent of college students at all types of institutions reported being diagnosed with depression, and 9.4 percent with anxiety. (2010) School counselors these days are faced with students who need more than just a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen to them. These are problems that require a lot more time and participation in the students everyday lives, neither of which these counselors have a lot of. The outcome? Lack of manpower and unserviced students. The first reason that he presents is that the economic recession has caused an overflow in college enrollment since there are people of far more advanced ages who find themselves without jobs and in need of career retraining. The only place that they can get their retraining is in college. So, instead of having a single counselor deal with say 10 students, that person now deals with 50 - 100 students per day. Another reason for the lack of counselors would be that these educational institutions are not recession proof either. Even though they have an influx of students, the school administration still has to deal with other bills and costs that are needed in order to run the school, causing them to retrench certain employees. These retrenched employees usually come from the Guidance Counseling department. We have to recognize

Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 28

Business - Essay Example Jarvik acknowledges that he has considerable experience with heart disease (Owens, 2008). This removes liability from Pfizer and also supports his credentials to promote Lipitor without much concern over ethical judgment consequences from society and regulatory entities. More careful selection of appropriate celebrity endorsements would be one method of improving advertising approach. Seeking celebrities that actually have used Lipitor are more in-line with regulatory framework guidance for advertisers to avoid consumer perceptions of deception. Additionally, Pfizer could reposition Lipitor under a product benefits focus, using chemists and developers as appropriate endorsers to describe product quality as well as the credentials of research and development teams. Puffer is merely an exaggeration in an attempt to position or differentiate a product by embellishing product benefits. Deception, however, would occur when a product makes claims it cannot achieve, such as promising cures to illnesses from a vitamin marketer that are not supported by research or actual human consumption. Consumers can also contact the Federal Trade Commission to investigate allegations of blatant deception allowing for expert scrutiny and inquiry. One well-known marketing campaign that has used puffery is Folgers Coffee. The promotional phrase, â€Å"The best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup† is simply positioning and/or differentiation tactics utilizing puffery (Boone & Kurtz, 2007). This form of puffery is designed to send the perception to consumers that the product benefits of Folgers, or psychological benefits, can be achieved through consumption. United Egg Producers, a trade group that represents the interest of many egg manufacturers, utilized deceptive packaging strategies to gain consumer interest. The phrase â€Å"Animal Care Certified† was used as a logo on many egg cartons to express United Egg Producer’s focus on

Nursing research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 12

Nursing research - Essay Example Other areas that will improve my capacity as a professional include career assistance, availability of information on databases and targeted products and resources, including newsletters and online CE. Through exposure to these informative resources, professionals and knowledge areas, I will improve my knowledge base and the capacity to offer quality care. As a professional in the medical profession, I am required to offer my entire work time – and in some cases my personal time – towards the delivery of healthcare services, which are the source of my livelihood. Therefore, as a permanent employee in this sector, almost all my time is spent on work – particularly patient care. However, there are other professional activities that I am required to take, either for certification or for personal development. These include attending professional seminars, educational conventions, professional examinations, assisting other professionals and contributing to the knowledge-base available at professional associations. Balancing between the career and these other professional activities is difficult, as they improve my career and professional development, but at the same time – I am required to execute my duties as a professional, to the fullest. Through evaluating the activities that must be taken and those that req uire my continued physical and mental presence has helped me give priority to my services at the hospital. After completing my service dues, I am able to engage in the other activities, most times during my free time, and when I have work breaks. Through prioritizing, I have been able to balance between my career and the other professional activities. From a personal point of view, being a member of an organization is beneficial to a nurse. These benefits include that the nurse is exposed to educational programs, organizational conventions and seminars, and they are able to network for help and information with other members

Heterosexism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Heterosexism - Essay Example A cursory analysis of available costumes illustrated that twenty two costumers were propagating hyper heterosexism. They were even segregated into sections named as ‘Male’ and ‘Female’ costumers. There were also unisex costumes like burglar costume or angel costume. However, it was evident that majority of these costumes encouraged heterosexual partnerships. This costume based stratification can be explained with the help of feminist sociology theories that support existence of a social order and values related to it that are meant to be followed by individuals in order to demonstrate their participation in a gender-based group participation (Ingraham 209). There were eight costumes that could have been seen as being suitable for same-sex partnerships. These costumes included Scottish outfits, Mario costumes, wrestler costumes, and other revealing warrior costumes. The store also had a male personification of Adam and Eve costume which was clearly supporting same sex relationship. This study helped in understanding that there was a rather limited choice for customers who do not wish to propagate hetero-normative gendered constructs. The store had a collection of object-based inanimate costumes such as Cupcakes, Robotic characters, Banners and other similar costumes that were equally famous in male and female customers, according to the store owner. These costumes are delivering clear messages about heterosexual relationships. The costumes meant for female customers included Ballerina dresses, Disney movie characters and others clearly having a feminine outlook. On the other hand, costumes meant for boys had moderate to strong masculinity attached to them as they were reflecting a degree of physical violence and aggression. When asked about a Tuxedo hanging in the Halloween section, store manager responded that it is meant for female customers as it was ‘sleeker’ as compared to

Nursing research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 12

Nursing research - Essay Example Other areas that will improve my capacity as a professional include career assistance, availability of information on databases and targeted products and resources, including newsletters and online CE. Through exposure to these informative resources, professionals and knowledge areas, I will improve my knowledge base and the capacity to offer quality care. As a professional in the medical profession, I am required to offer my entire work time – and in some cases my personal time – towards the delivery of healthcare services, which are the source of my livelihood. Therefore, as a permanent employee in this sector, almost all my time is spent on work – particularly patient care. However, there are other professional activities that I am required to take, either for certification or for personal development. These include attending professional seminars, educational conventions, professional examinations, assisting other professionals and contributing to the knowledge-base available at professional associations. Balancing between the career and these other professional activities is difficult, as they improve my career and professional development, but at the same time – I am required to execute my duties as a professional, to the fullest. Through evaluating the activities that must be taken and those that req uire my continued physical and mental presence has helped me give priority to my services at the hospital. After completing my service dues, I am able to engage in the other activities, most times during my free time, and when I have work breaks. Through prioritizing, I have been able to balance between my career and the other professional activities. From a personal point of view, being a member of an organization is beneficial to a nurse. These benefits include that the nurse is exposed to educational programs, organizational conventions and seminars, and they are able to network for help and information with other members

HRM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 7

HRM - Essay Example What’s more, the productive handling of conflicts provides the chance for all the parties to understand the diverse nature of people working within a specific environment (Pardey, 2007). This enables them to improve their methods of working and build a solid team that reflects the mission and vision of the organization. As inevitable as the conflicts between the employees are, organizations must strive to implement a sustainable conflict resolution program. The dominance of conflict often disrupts the departmental productivity, increases the rate at which good employees quit the organization, and reduces the morale of the company. Therefore, effective resolution of the conflicts within the workplace presents a chance for the organization to capitalize on the diversity of the employees and attain a comprehensive employee retention program. The first step towards logical resolution of workplace conflicts as Mrs. R.O states, involves the identification of the cause of the conflicts. The general distinctions of the conflicts at the workplace include the constructive and destructive conflicts. The constructive conflicts constitute disputes that have more benefits over costs. Such conflicts often translate into productivity to benefit the parties that are involved in the conflict. The constructive conflicts enable the team members to come together under the basic benefits from the conflict and strengthen their relationship. On the other hand, destructive conflicts present an opposite of the constructive conflicts. Such conflicts offer more harm and destruction to the organization and often bring no growth to the company. The major contributor to this conflict is unacceptable actions by two or more participants who perform actions that elicit resentment amongst the larger workforce. The continued actions by these parties

The Fragile X Syndrome

The Fragile X Syndrome The fragile X syndrome is one of the most prevalent mental retardation problems that are inherited to generations. The clinical features of people with this syndrome are very subtle and hard to diagnose. Recent progress in the field of molecular biology and genetics has outlined the molecular mutation, that causes the syndrome was a triplet repeat mutation. Due to repetitive CGG repeat the respective proteins are not expressed. New molecular methods including direct probe analysis and PCR analysis, have simplified the process of diagnosis. The nature of the gene, their respective gene product and its function has not been yet found clearly. Inheritance may be found due to common ancestral flow of X chromosome at birth. Introduction Fragile S syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the intellectual, physical and mental factors of a human being. It is also known to be martin-bells syndrome and the effects range widely from mild to severe. It is caused by the mutation on the X chromosome of the individual in a single gene called the Fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR1). Psychological problems such as mental retardation may be caused by two main factors, the physical environment or the genetic factor that is hereditary. As we mainly focus on the genetic factor, the FRAXA locus in xq27.3 is associated in causing fragile X mental retardation. Therefore based on molecular genetic testing of FMR1 gene, fragile X syndrome can be diagnosed. Women are only 50% affected by this syndrome when compared to males due to the fact that they have two X chromosomes where as males have one. Most common symptoms found are seizures, mood instability, attention deficit, sensory over stimulation, aggression, autism, speech diso rder and sleep differences. This syndrome also shows certain physical symptoms such as long narrow face, large ears enlarged testacles in males, flexible joints etc., various researches is being done across the world to find a solution for the disease. Various genetic techniques has been developed and handled to identify the fragility of the chromosome. There has been so much improvement in research but a definite solution has not been obtained. The treatment for this syndrome is usually a multidisciplinary approach which includes occupational therapy, medical managements, education and linguistics. The Fragile X Mutation: Genes are the precursors of specific protein molecules which in turn are specific for various functions of the body. The major cause for the fragile x syndrome is due to the mutation in one single gene called the fragile x mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene which is the precursor for the fragile x mental retardation protein FMRP. This protein is responsible for the normal development and functioning of the brain. Men have only one x chromosome so presence of mutation in that chromosome will cause the disease whereas in females, they have two x chromosomes and hence full mutation in one copy makes them carriers of the syndrome and they may be affected partially according to the amount of mutation and number of cells expressing the FMR-1 gene copy. The inheritance found on the chromosomes is termed as x linked recessive inheritance which is more complex than the normal x linked genes. Fig.1 X chromosome with fragile site [1] Fig. 2 A photograph of X chromosomes showing a fragile site from both a male and a female [2] The number of CGG repeats on the FMR-1 gene determines the complexity of the syndrome. The repeats are classified as short, medium and long repeats. The short repeat of about six to fifty times which is found very common. These short repeats are mostly unstable and do not definitely cause the syndrome. Yet a genetic counseling along with certain tests is recommended. The medium repeat is about 50 to 200 times and is called permutation. The fragile x mental retardation protein (FMRP) has lower risk of the syndrome as short sequence repeats. The long repeats are usually more than 200 and are termed as full mutation where the complete FMR-1 gene is altered and production of the FMRP protein is totally stopped. Among the people with full mutation or long repeats, men will have the fragile x syndrome and women will be carriers. Fragile x mental retardation protein (FMRP) The FMRP protein is found in the ribo-nucleoprotein complex and is encoded by the FMR1 gene. The FMRP weighs up to 60-70 kD. This protein is associated with the polyribosome or polysomes. Two RNA-binding domains, KH domains or K homology domains are possessed by this protein and it binds to fetal human brain to 4% approximately. It also has the ability to bind to its own mRNA. Even a small amount of mutation in one of the KH domain could stop its interaction with the polysomes leading to the fragile x syndrome. Inheritance of fragile x syndrome Males have xy chromosome and hence have only one FMR-1 gene where as females have xx chromosomes and hence they have two FMR-1 genes. On the F1 generation each parent transfers one chromosome each to the offspring where the transfer of the FMR-1 gene is determined. Therefore the possibilities of their offsprings being affected are grouped under two conditions. Condition-1 [3] If a male has a mutated gene in his chromosome it can be transferred only to his daughter because only the Y chromosome can be transferred to his son by him. So if he was crossed with a female with normal genes all their sons will be normal and the daughters will have one fragile gene and remain as carriers. father à ¡Ã‚ ºÃ¢â‚¬ ¹ y mother x xà ¡Ã‚ ºÃ¢â‚¬ ¹ (carrier daughter) Xy (normal son) x xà ¡Ã‚ ºÃ¢â‚¬ ¹ (carrier daughter) Xy (normal son) à ¡Ã‚ ºÃ¢â‚¬ ¹ fragile x gene Condition-2 [4] If a female has one mutated gene in her chromosome and is crossed with a normal male then there is 50% chance of all the offsprings, be it male or female to have the syndrome. father x y mother à ¡Ã‚ ºÃ¢â‚¬ ¹ xà ¡Ã‚ ºÃ¢â‚¬ ¹ (carrier daughter) à ¡Ã‚ ºÃ¢â‚¬ ¹ y (fragile son) x xx(normal daughter) Xy (normal son) à ¡Ã‚ ºÃ¢â‚¬ ¹ fragile x gene Symptoms The symptoms of fragile x syndrome are categorized into : Physical Large eyes Prominent forehead Large testecles Seizures Cognitive development Social and emotional hyperactivity Behavioral Shyness Social anxiety Speech and language Rapid and repetitive Inability to adopt words Over-talkative Autism Flapping of hands Poor eye contact All these symptoms need not be necessarily seen. A combination of various symptoms may vary from person to person based on the amount of gene altered in their chromosome. Sometimes there may also be no visible symptoms making the chances of early diagnosis even worse. Molecular diagnosis [5] The chromosome associated with the syndrome is classified into three major types based on the number of CGG repeats as Normal allele the CGG repeat in FMR1 is 6-50 PCR analysis is sufficient to study all normal type genes Specific point mutations and mosaicism must be studied using specific types of pcr or other molecular methods Visualization is achieved either by radio-active labeling or auto radiography followed by automated sequencing Agarose gel electrophoreses may be used for simple separation analysis with stains such as ethidium bromide. Appropriate size markers and size controls are very important. Controls used for analysis mut approximately contain 50 repeats. Pre mutation The CGG repeat in FMR1 is 55-200 PCR analysis is not possible hence southern blot is always preferred. Since both premutation and full mutation have methylation status, specific methylation sensitive enzymes such as EagI or NreI is used to resolve the size of the fragment. Methylated alleles are cut only by one enzyme where as non methylated normal alleles are cut by both the enzymes. Prenatal diagnosis is very important for pre mutation carriers. Rather than normal PCR a radioactive PCR can be used to test for premutation and then the result can by confirmed using southern analysis. Full mutation The CGG repeats in FMR1 ranges from 200 to thousands This can be analysed only by a southern blot technique. At complications, if a confirmable result could not be obtained from a southern analysis then a radio active PCR can be run combined with a linkage analysis and the result can be confirmed with southern blotting. Intermediate alleles The CGG repeats in FMR1 gene is usually between 45-55 Since they are in the overlapping region between stable normal allele and unstable premutation alleles, diagnosis and interpretation is very difficult Diagnostic Tools and Methods With the advancement in technology DNA tests are always effective in diagnosis of fragile x syndrome. With the findings of Sutherland et al. that folic acid deficient cell culture medium was able to induce a fragile site at xg27.3 cytogenetics was the major way to determine the presence of the syndrome but after cloning of the FMR-1 gene direct methods for identifying the x linked gene has become possible. By using monoclonal antibodies specific to FMRP it is also possible to show the expression of FMR-1. The most common methods used for diagnosis in the genetic level are Polymerase Chain Reaction Southern Blotting Antibody test Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis Single strand confirmation polymorphism Non-radioactive molecular diagnosis. Polymerase chain reaction Polymerase chain reaction may be defined as a technique where one copy of a DNA is amplified into numerous copies at a rate of 2n where n is the number of cycles. It is achieved under specific conditions of temperature, along with polymerase enzyme. PCR amplification is one of the preliminary methods in diagnosing fragile x syndrome. Since the syndrome is associated with CGG repeats PCR is not considered as the best method always, since the amplification across C-G composition could be unreliable for PCR technique. However now its very much possible for a PCR to identify CGG repeats in combination with various techniques. methylation specific PCR of the FMR1 locus fluorescent methylation specific PCR methyl-CpG-binding PCR Some of the major advantages of PCR are that it is less time consuming, a very small amount of the sample is enough to produce numerous copy and the tri-nucleotide repeat in the FMR-1 gene is accurately sized. There are also various disadvantages of this technique. When there are more than hundreds of tandem repeats it is impossible for the PCR to determine the complete mutation which may give a different result. Due to differential amplification PCR is incapable of detecting mosacism between pre mutation and normal alleles. Fig 3: fragile x analysis using PCR [6] Southern Blotting Southern blotting is one of the best methods of diagnosing fragile x syndrome. It is modtly used as the confirmatory test after PCR. The variations between the mutations and permutations along with the amount of methylation occurred can be clearly obtained by the southern blotting technique. The process can be summed up in two simple steps: Step 1: the patients DNA is digested using restriction enzymes. Step 2: southern hybridization is carried out along with specific radioactive probes after separation of FMRI region. Using southern Blotting, the differences in full mutation and pre mutation can be easily identified. Full mutations usually cause smearing of the band and are always unstable. The only advantage of this technique is that its accuracy whereas its labor intensive, time consuming. The major drawback of this method is its inability to determine the exact number of tandem repeats of the CGG nucleotides which is very much necessary in determining whether the patient is completely affected or a carrier. Fig 4: fragile x analysis by southern blot [7] N refers to normal Specific tools for analysis DNA probe A DNA probe can be defined as a single strand of DNA which act as a template to identify the target DNA molecule. To identify the fragility of chromosome on the DNA specific probes were designed which increases the accuracy rate of the diagnosis. Chemicon (Millipore) [8] has designed a special probe named The CHEMI probe which is labeled with dioxegenin to detect the CGG repeats in the FMR-1 gene. Markers There were special markers called the microsatelite markers used in linkage analysis. This came to an end with the advent of modern techniques. However these markers are now being used under special circumstances like prenatal diagnosis where southern blotting has failed. Some of the markers used are DXS548, FRAXAC1 and FRAXAC2 combined with PCR. They are considerably accurate and they undergo low recombination mechanism with CGG repeats. Treatments There are no gene therapies or genetic treatments available for fragile x syndrome though a lot of other therapies are available which include speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and behavioral therapy. There are also a large number of medications available as listed in the table below: Symptoms Medications Seizures Mood instability à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Carbamazepine (Tegretol) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Valproic acid or divalproex (Depakote) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Lithium carbonate à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Gabapentin (Neurontin) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Lamotrigine (Lamictal) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Topiramate (Topomax), tiagabine (Gabitril), and vigabatrin (Sabril) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Phenobarbital and primidone (Mysoline) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Phenytoin (Dilantin) Attention deficit (With or without hyperactivity) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and dexamethamphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ L-acetylcarnitine à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Venlafaxine (Effexor) and nefazodone (Serzone) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Amantadine (Symmetrel) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Folic acid Hyperarousal Sensory over-stimulation (Often occurs with ADD/ADHD) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Clonidine (Catapres TTS patches) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Guanfacine (Tenex) Aggression Intermittent explosive disorder Obsessive-compulsive disorder (Often occurs with anxiety and/or depression) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Fluoxetine (Prozac) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Paroxetine (Paxil) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Fluvoxamine (Luvox) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Risperidone (Risperdal) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Quetiapine (Seroquel) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Olanzepine (Zyprexa ) Sleep disturbances à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Trazadone à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Melatonin Table 2: symptoms and medications for FRAXA [9] (*these prescriptions have serious effects. DO NOT INTAKE ANY OF THESE WITHOUT CONSULTING A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER) Current Research Gene Therapy: studies are carried out on the recombination strategy of the target gene, whether removal or replacement of the defective gene with a recombinant gene would eliminate the syndrome. Protein Replacement Therapy: research is being carried out on the possibility of producing FMR protein and supplying to the patients through external sources like food or tablets. Psychopharmacology: research is being carried out in finding medications for all the symptoms of fragile x syndrome. Conclusion Fragile x syndrome is one of the genetic diseases that causes psychological problems due to the lack of FMR protein responsible for the mental behavior of the person. The protein is not expressed in the individual due to fragility of the FMR1 gene in the x chromosome. Though PCR and southern blotting are the only tools available for diagnosis they are considerably accurate and research is being carried out on various re-combinative tools for diagnosis. A complete cure has not been still devised for the syndrome though various behavioral and physical therapies help the patients gain psychological strength.

Good Fellas Movie Poster Analysis Essay -- Papers

Good Fellas Movie Poster Analysis My analysis is based on the movie "Good Fellas". The three men that are featured on the poster pictured in medium frame are the main characters and are also the main focus of my analysis. Robert DeNiro:The facial expressions and posture of DeNiro shown on the poster enables you to see that he looks like a rough tough guy who is very serious when it comes to business. The frown on his face as evidence by his creased forehead and one eyebrow higher than the other together with his folded arms and upright stance suggest that he is serious. In addition to this the larger size of the face as well as that of his whole frame in comparison to the others tells that he is the authorative figure and maybe the oldest. He is wearing top businessman suit complete with a red tie, which suggests that he's a man who is not to be crossed, as the colour red is symbolic for love or death (blood). In other words he appears to be saying if you are not with me you will be eliminated. Joe Pesci:He...

freeaw Not Ready for Freedom in Kate Chopins The Awakening Essay

Not Ready for Freedom in The Awakening  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, the main character, Edna Pontellier makes a very long, painful journey into her inner self. At the end of this journey she discovers that she is not strong enough to adopt a life in which a woman is her own woman and lives for herself. This forces her to choose the only other option available to her. I think the propriety with which Edna struggles (and most often gives in to) as she begins to discover who she is and what she wants creates a thick, almost suffocating atmosphere of tension. So much so that I was relieved that she decided to take her own life, as it had evolved into a torturous existence. I thought it unfair that Edna was portrayed as a somewhat neglectful mother. It was clear that she adored her children, albeit a fondness that was in â€Å"...an uneven, impulsive way.† (p. 59) It is important to focus on the time this story was written---the choices available to women in 1899 (the year The Awakening was printed) were extremely limited, and Edna Pontellier, all things considered, actually made a good life for herself, on the surface by making a marriage with Leonce. The material trappings in life that Leonce provided were comfortable, extravagant, actually, and the luxurious life of servants (quadroons), and more than one home appeared to be a life of perfection. Buried within the text are a multitude of â€Å"hints,† â€Å"suggestions,† and in some cases blatant statements concerning the state of mind of Edna Pontellier. The reader is introduced to the possibility that Edna may have a healthy curiosity of the â€Å"absence of prudery† due to her fascination with the lives of Creole women. These women of French descent have far les... ...se population. Edna Pontellier was a lady of ladies, yet she had a will stronger than any iron-clad vessel that plowed the Mississippi River. Her â€Å"awakening† was at once liberating and devastating. Her anger (throwing the vase and her wedding band) was a manifestation of her confusion and inability to comprehend the society that insisted she receive guests on Tuesday (her husband Leonce was appalled that she left one day and did her own thing), be a wife and mother first, and love only one man. Although her demise was indeed tragic, the point is that Edna was not entirely ready to absolutely adopt the Creole way of life---the life in which a woman is her own woman and lives for herself, stands up to the world and insists on having life on her terms. In the end, Edna could not reconcile herself to a life that stepped outside the boundaries of propriety.   

Clothing in the Awakening

Clothes appear to have significant meaning in The Awakening, enough so that they are mentioned at almost every description of the characters. Edna Pontellier starts the novel fully dressed and appropriately dressed for a woman of her responsibilities, however, at her final moment, she is naked on the beach. Other women in the story also represent their ‘position’ and the way they feel in the way they dress. For example, Madmoiselle Reisz never changes her clothes.This could possibly symbolize her physical detachment from anything around her, including nature and any suppressed feelings. In contrast, Edna’s clothes represent her physical attachment to society. She sheds her clothes the way a snake sheds its skin when it is time for a new one and it does not fit into the old one any longer. Edna doesn’t feel like she can fit into society any longer. Madmoiselle Reisz, on the other hand, does not seem to have any desire to be more than what she has been given in the society in which she lives.Therefore, she does not change her clothes, because she does not feel the need for change in her life. Other characters, such as Madame Leburn always have new clothes to cover their bodies. This could, perhaps, represent the constant need to cover their sexuality as women in suppressed roles as wives and mothers. Ednas’ nakedness at the end of the novel symbolizes her freedom from any claims her children may have on her and shows how her lack of clothes is equal to her lack of ‘responsibility’, of her family and the 1890s’ society.Through the motif of clothes, Kate Chopin suggests that although society can be restricting, in order to have discipline, rules can be necessary. Can be destructive, lack of rules can lead to destruction of self. The symbol of clothing in the story shows the development of her freedom from the harsh rules of the Creole society. In the beginning of the novel, Edna is accustomed to wearing the same clothes as the Creoles. Throughout the story, she is found loosening her collar and trying to remove articles of clothing.After her awakening, Edna becomes restless and starts to neglect the rules placed upon her. As Edna progresses throughout the novel, she discards more and more layers of the confining clothing that surrounds her body and soul. By taking off her clothing, one piece at a time, she is disobeying the rules placed upon her, and in doing so, she exerts her independence. The clothing symbolizes the constraints on the social behavior of women in this era. It restricts Edna and doesn’t allow her body to move. At the beginning of the novel, Edna is fully dressed and in proper clothing.However, when Edna and Adele walk together on the beach, Edna wears less clothing In one example of rebellion, Edna begins to care less about her duties as a woman in a Victorian society and chooses to not wear what society expects of her. â€Å"Mrs. Ponteiller did not wear her usual Tuesday reception gown; she was in ordinary house gowns. † (59) The house gown are less elaborate and involve wearing less clothing than reception gowns, and to Edna, is more comfortable. Although those around her do not approve, she chooses to do what she feels and does this witho5ut hesitation or guilt.