Saturday, August 31, 2019

Format for a Business Report Essay

There are few standard rules for writing business reports that dictate what information should come in which section of the report. This format is followed in most of the business report examples, that one may refer to. The most widely used format consists of the following standard sections: Title Section: In a short report, this could be the first page bearing the title of the report, author name and date. The reason of making such a report could also be included in this section, so that the reader can establish an instant connection with the information in subsequent sections. In case of long reports, include the Table of Contents, Terms of References and so on. Summary: As the name suggests, this is the summary of the whole report. Then why include it in the beginning of the report itself? It is because this is the section that most of the senior personnel, who do not have enough time to go through the whole report, will read through. Hence, give a very clear and precise information about the problem/aspect of business that the report is analyzing. Also, include the main points, conclusions, recommendations and important results. Although, this section contains a lot of information, ensure that it is a small one. Treat the summary as a separate report and use bullets and numbered lists to highlight important points. Methodology: List the methodologies used in your research, like if you interviewed focus groups or consulted research firms. Also, give the reason why you resorted to using a particular methodology. Introduction: This is the first part of a proper report. Use this section to provide the background of the report. Highlight the reasons why the report is important for the readers. Include information about what is covered in the main body and the order in which the details are covered in the report. In case, the Terms of Reference has not been mentioned in the Title Section, Introduction is the section to include it. Main Body: This is the heart of the report. Arrange all the information in order of priority, so that this section follows a logical sequence. Divide this section further into subsections. Lend greater order to the Main Body using sub-titles within each subsection. A paragraph about the relevance of the findings of the report can also be included in this section. Data Tabulation: Another important factor when writing format of business report is data tabulation. Presenting your data in lists or tables can help in readily understanding the report. Also, data tabulation or listing, makes the report look professional and neat. So, accompany necessary lists or tables in your report whenever required. Make sure you use neutral colors to make tables and keep the list and tables looking neat and crisp. Conclusion: Present logical conclusions for the topic investigated in the report. One can also suggest an option for the way forward. In case, discussion has not been included in the Main Body, include it in the conclusion. Otherwise keep this section small. Recommendations: Since you have worked on the report, no one would have a better understanding of the topic than you. There may be a few solutions or actions that you think would be effective in dealing with the problem, investigated in the report. Include those solutions in this section. List them in bullets and numbered lists for easier comprehension. Appendix: Although very few people read the Appendix, the information in this section gives support to the arguments used in the report. It is the Appendix where the author includes all the sources and research information, in detail. Although it is not about creative writing, good writing skills are important in business information reports, as one needs to give comprehensive information using precise words. It is advisable to keep the language simple and lucid in a business report, specially in the Summary and the Recommendations, as these are the sections most commonly read by senior level managers. However, some technical jargon can be used in the Main Body, as this is the section that is mostly read by experts. In the world of business, time is money. Following a standard business report format is what senior level managers and busy businessmen look for, as it reflects what they value the most, that is effective utilization of time. You can find many such examples online and use them as a reference for designing a suitable report format.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Psychological review Essay

This interesting movie had many twist and turns that always kept you on the edge of your seat. The mysterious ending could have been interrupted in a variety of different views depending on the person watching the movie. The psychological role of the movie was tremendous, with patients ranging from paranoid schizophrenia to multiple personality disorders. The patients in the Manhattan Institute are suffering from various different disorders. The patient Prot was a delusional person that also suffered from PTSD. He thinks he’s from another planet, and many other of the patients are starting to believe him. Bess is another patient that is in a state of depression called paraiod schizophrenia and psychotic depression. Maria is a patient that is suffering from Multiple Personality Order. Her personalities vary form one to another. Howie is a patient that is on tranquilizers, and he has a desire for perfection. He spends most his time reading dictionaries and encyclopedias which enables him in his mind to speak without any mistakes. Prot is to be said from another planet, K-Pax. The evidence that is supporting his statement would be numerous events in the movie. First, he gave an entire map of his solar system and the exact coordinates. It was an amazing discovery that no other astronomer has yet discovered in our time. Next would be when the scientist said that Prot could see ultraviolet light, no human being can see this light. Also when Prot talked to the doctor’s dog about the kids sneaking up on the dog that the dog did not like that and the dog told him that which he talked to the kids about not sneaking up on the dog from the left side because he was hard of hearing in that ear. Prot said that he was going on a trip to Iceland and Greenland. The doctor didn’t believe him but Prot was missing for a couple of days. When he said he was going back to his planet at that exact time and date, a light came into the room and messed up all the security systems. Also Bess was missing because he said he was going to take one person back with him. After this incident Prot didn’t have to wear his sunglasses, and didn’t talk at all. All of the other patients didn’t recognize him at all. Also where Robert Potter lived near Roswell, New Mexico, which is a place where aliens have been spotted. Also after Robert killed the rapist and murderer he went down to kill himself in the river. The movie never really gives you the exact answer you are looking for as far as if he was an alien or not, it leaves the viewer to determine their own answer. All in All, k-pax is still one of my favorite movies just because of the psychological elements behind it.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Divine Command Theory, Objectivism, Diversity and Dep Theses

1. Explain what is meant by saying that a value is intrinsic? How are instrumental values related to intrinsic values? A value is said to be intrinsic if an object has the value for its own sake or because of its nature. A value is said to be instrumental if it aids in achieving or acquiring something with intrinsic value. For example, one’s job could have instrumental value in that it acquires money. Furthermore, money could have instrumental value in that it can provide objects from which one derives happiness or pleasure, something with intrinsic value.Objects or activities with instrumental value typically aid in acquiring things with intrinsic value. 2. According to the Divine Command Theory (DCT), does God command what he commands because it is intrinsically good; or is what God commands â€Å"good† because it is God who commands it? The Divine Command Theory suggests that what God commands is â€Å"good† because He commands it, but this view is not necessa rily valid. According to the DCT, â€Å"goodness† is equated with â€Å"God-willed,† suggesting that the commands of God are â€Å"good† because they are His commands.A statement such as â€Å"God is good† becomes redundant and illogical if â€Å"good† is equated with â€Å"God-willed. † It would be more logical to think that God’s commands have intrinsic goodness since atheists and other nonbelievers can identify with some moral foundation. An atheist might choose to believe that God was correct in saying that â€Å"killing is wrong† not because he believes in God’s word but rather he believes that the rule is intrinsically good. 3. According to the Divine Command Theory why should we obey the moral law?According to the Divine Command Theory, we should obey the moral law because it is the word of God. The DCT suggests that â€Å"morally right† means â€Å"willed by God,† so acting in compliance with moral law is essentially synonymous with acting in compliance with the word of God. Since God determines the moral law, no other reason is required for us to obey. 4. Explain why the DCT logically makes morality arbitrary. Why is arbitrariness a problem for morality? The Divine Command Theory suggests that morally â€Å"right† simply means willed by God.If something is morally â€Å"right† based solely on what God determines, an unsettling arbitrariness arises out of His commands. It would seem that God could just as easily make seemingly â€Å"immoral† acts â€Å"moral† (i. e. rape, genocide). The problem with arbitrariness is that it makes the development of a deeper, more appreciative morality absolutely impossible. An example can be made out of the story of Joshua and the battle at Jericho. If we are to believe that God determines what is morally â€Å"right† and â€Å"wrong,† then we believe that Joshua was just in slaughtering the men, women , and children because it was God’s command.In this scenario, this belief prevents the development of a moral understanding that murder is wrong, a severe problem for morality. 5. Define and explain Ethical Relativism, Ethical Absolutism, and Ethical Objectivism. Ethical relativism is the idea that moral â€Å"right† and â€Å"wrong† are defined within a society/culture or by an individual. The difference between society (conventional ethical relativism) and an individual (subjective ethical relativism) defining morality is very clear. Subjectivists hold that individuals are allowed to define what is â€Å"right† or â€Å"wrong,† but this would suggest that criminals (i. . murderers, cannibals, rapists) are correct and morally â€Å"right† when they engage in their crimes, since no one can ever be wrong. Conventionalists would hold that a society or culture is left to define moral â€Å"right† and â€Å"wrong. † However, it wou ld allow for any group to declare their ideals â€Å"right† or â€Å"just,† suggesting that groups with â€Å"immoral† ideals (i. e. congregations of rapists, murderers, etc. ) would be just as morally â€Å"right† as pro-life activists. Ethical absolutism holds that fundamental, absolute moral â€Å"right† and â€Å"wrong† exist and must not be defied by anyone, regardless of context.However, the ethical objectivist believes that there exists a universal morality relevant to all people and cultures, but with context taken into consideration. For example, the ethical absolutist would believe that a mother stealing medicine to help her sick child is wrong because the bottom line is that stealing is wrong. However, the ethical objectivist would hold that the mother’s reasoning was sound and that her moral obligation to help her child overrides her moral duty to the law. 6.Explain how the â€Å"Diversity Thesis† together with the â€Å"Dependency Thesis† logically imply the conclusion that Ethical Relativism is true. Then, give at least two arguments against ethical relativism. Are there reasons to believe that there are some objective values that apply in any society? The Diversity Thesis is an anthropological fact stating that moral â€Å"right† and â€Å"wrong† vary amongst different societies, so there are no fundamental or universal morals held by all societies. The Dependency Thesis states that what is morally â€Å"right† and â€Å"wrong† is dependent upon what the society defines as right and wrong.If both of these hold true, and conventional ethical relativism is described by a society in which moral â€Å"right† and â€Å"wrong† are defined within the society, then the connection is clear. The Diversity Thesis coupled with the Dependency Thesis entail the conclusion outlined in conventional ethical relativism. There are a number of arguments to be ma de against the idea of conventional ethical relativism. For example, some cultures view their women as inferior to men, withholding basic rights (and in some cases, inflicting genital mutilation).While this may be seen by a majority of the society as acceptable, it is often argued that the disregard for human rights is immoral. The ethical relativist would argue that the society is right in doing whatever it collectively thinks is right. In this case, and in many more, it is clear that the society is not always correct in defining moral â€Å"right† and â€Å"wrong† by its own standards. Additionally, the ethical relativist might argue that the pro-slavery movement in early America was morally sound because the society thought that what they were doing was morally â€Å"right. The notion that slavery is wrong is now more widely accepted, but a glimpse not too far into our country’s past would prove otherwise. This is an obvious example of why ethical relativism is incorrect and can inadvertently allow immorality to be permissible. It is sound to think that the value of human life is an objective value relevant to all societies. While it may be recognized to varying degrees in different parts of the world, it is safe to acknowledge human life as something to be universally valued by all societies.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Healthy People 2020 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Healthy People 2020 - Essay Example One of the various objectives healthy people 2020 has provided for the well being of Americans is the promotion of Nutrition and Weight Status. It encourages the choice of healthy, nutritious diet to reduce the risk of any chronic disease and to maintain a healthy body weight. Good nutrition is especially essential for children’s physical as well as their mental growth. Moreover, it is important in reducing the risk of many health problems such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and malnutrition, etc. (Healthy People.gov, 2013). Obesity is one of the most prevailing health problems among adults and children. Being overweight is a result of excessive intake of calories and underweight is directly linked with food insecurity that means limited or no availability of healthy and nutritious food. It is obvious that the amount of caloric intake affects an individual’s health whether it is high or low. Other than this, it is important to keep this in mind that what is the source of the calories a person is taking. There are many foods, which help prevent various diseases and are also helpful in weight control. These foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. Plenty of researches show that making these foods a huge part of the diet will protect against diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure and many other health issues. On the other hand, excessive fat and sugar intake increases the possibilities of various health problems (Brug, Starlen, & Maskini, 2012). Most important thing for health is a healthy weight.

ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN - Assignment Example All these factors are combined together while developing a strong brand image in the industry. Purina Pet Care is a brand of Nestle that offers quality food for dogs and cats. The company designs all its advertisement campaigns in a manner that outlines its products to be of superior class for all pets. Purina Pet Care desires to establish a strong brand image so as to ensure that it is number one choice of all pet owners. Their target market is growing and young families who are inclined towards having more than one pet. In all Purina Pet Care’s advertisements main focus is pets and their owners. One of their recent campaigns had a tagline â€Å"a dog food you can rely on†. This statement clearly states that Purina Pet Care considers them to deliver superior quality dog food in America. A new advertisement campaign can be designed by the company in order to highlight additional features which cannot be easily imitated by competitors. The main objective of this campaign is to state their image of a top brand and outline quality ingredients which safeguard health of pets. The brand Purina Pet Care is part of a famous global brand known as Nestle. Every year the company invests lump sum amount in advertising activities so as to create long term impact on target audience. This campaign would be mainly for newspapers since it is appropriate media to communicate brand message to target segment. A budget of $10M can be allocated for this campaign encompassing ad designing, broadcasting, etc. The frequency rate of this new campaign also would be increased. This shall be done to ensure that advertisement campaign triggers in consumer mind. It is often observed that external information obtained through word of mouth or advertisement campaign plays a vital role while making final purchase decision. In intense competitive market place Purina Pet Care can sustain its brand position through designing innovative advertisement campaigns and broadcasting it a

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Eating Attitude Test Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Eating Attitude Test - Research Paper Example A changed nutritional condition in individuals with eating disorders arises from the irregular or unusual eating patterns and attitudes and cognitive changes associated with the weight and food that are the main attributes of such disorders. Since eating attitudes and related behaviors differ considerably across patients and disorders, nutritional condition and consequent problems show significant variation. Nevertheless, a model for carrying out and assessing the nutritional evaluation of these patients can be helpful. Such a feature of assessment is a major part of the diagnosis for it allows continuous observation of the outcomes or impact of the intervention. Furthermore, it could help in the timely diagnosis of an emerging eating disorder or an at-risk person and hence could contribute to prevention. Due to the dominant belief that medical interviews are needed for diagnosis, self-assessment questionnaires evaluating such areas could be most helpful when used as screening instruments, as quantitative measures of the extent of eating-connected symptoms, and as indices of treatment effects and advancement. Among the instruments utilized for assessing eating-connected symptoms are Eating Attitudes Test (EAT); the Binge Eating Scale; and the EDI Symptom Checklist. Each instrument has been used in both research and medical settings and has been proven valid and reliable. The EAT was initially constructed to evaluate behaviors and attitudes typical of anorexic people. It not merely differentiates anorexic subjects from control groups but also differentiates bulimic ones from controls.  

Monday, August 26, 2019

A report on a research topic linked to the BP share price Essay

A report on a research topic linked to the BP share price - Essay Example The reason for this fluctuation is elaborated in the report by considering each year’s share price performance. The raw data available regarding the share price of BP is divided into three parts, considering five years and four years intervals. The data is analysed in order to study the movement of share price during the periods, along with operation of the company. The technical analysis in form of graphical representation of raw data is employed in order to examine movement of shares over the years. The report highlights the main aim of the study, along with three research questions, which describes the aim. Lastly, the report ends with a conclusion and recommendations pertaining to performance of the share price of BP. Before undertaking a research, realizing the research aim is very important so as to define what the researcher desires to find out. However, the research objective describes the process, which will help in achieving the proposed aim. The main aim of the study is to examine performance of the share prices of BP PLC, over the period of 2000-2013. Share price movement is observed in order to draw a conclusion on performance of the company over the years. In order to find answers to the abovementioned research questions, technical analysis has been employed. Technical analysis refers to forecast of financial price movements in the future based on the past data available for a particular stock. The price actions are studied in order to get a clear picture of movement in share prices. The technical analysis helps to determine the share price trend as bullish or bearish and accordingly, future movement of the share is established. It helps to invest money in trade since the analysis provides an idea regarding trend of the market. The movement in share prices is described in form of graphical representation by dividing the raw price data of BP shares into three parts; considering the interval to be 5 - 5 - 4

Sunday, August 25, 2019

The Dividend Received Deduction Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Dividend Received Deduction - Term Paper Example This paper broadly explores the concept of dividends received deduction. Dividend moves from one company to another before it reaches an individual taxpayer, who happens to be a shareholder in the receiving company. For example, if there are two corporations, A and B in such a way that B has shares in A then the dividend will be taxed twice before it reaches the final shareholder, who also will be taxed. This means there will be two 35% taxation at the corporate level and one 23.8% at an individual taxpayer level hence making the real tax to be nearly 68%. This would even be worse when the dividend has to move a long a series of corporations before it reaches the final stockholder. For example, a situation where company A pays dividend to company B who then pays to C that in turn pays them to the individual shareholders. Following the above stated reasons, pertaining to double taxation, dividends are not taxable thrice or more. As a result, dividends received by a company will be 70% tax-free. Rumpf (2011) asserts that this condition holds unless the corporation in question faces disqualification from this privilege due to some reasons. Even so, when deciding an individual’s dividend income, it is essential to comprehend or, rather, take into account the relationship between dividend and other taxable partaking such as straddles and constructive sales. The history of dividends received deduction is completely different from that of certain income of tax-exempt corporations. Revenue Ruling 104, 1953-1 C.B. 68 fully explores the policy. According to this ruling, the belief that a corporate tax is paid prior to earnings from which the dividends are distributed supports the credit for dividends earned. In other words, a corporate tax had been paid on the proceeds that give rise to dividends ahead of the distribution. According to Rakshit and Sarkar (2013), this

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Statistic analysis of an exporting apple company Essay

Statistic analysis of an exporting apple company - Essay Example Statistic analysis of an exporting apple company This is statistically significant for this indicates that in promoting slow moving dog products, these items will be placed on the waist level shelves. This also applies for goods that need to be sold immediately like old stocks and products approaching expiration dates. Through this, inventory and the First-In-First-Out products will be controlled. An apple exporting company is currently retrenching and would like to reduce the number of packers in one of their processing plants from 3 packers to only 2. In finding out the most efficient packers, they conducted a 8 hour study for 6 days based on their speed in packing apples. Below are six study results for the three packers indicating the number of boxes packed in 8 hours. Which packer is best? An industrial psychologist is interested in brainstorming among groups as a means of solving complex problems and she decides to manipulate two types of problem â€Å"sets† or attitudes. She selects 6 groups of four people to participate in the experiment. Three of the groups are given problem â€Å"set† 1 and three of the groups are given problem â€Å"set† 2. In addition, however, two of the participants in each group are males and two are females. She measures number of problems solved by each individual after group discussions at the end of each of three sessions (max = 30). Examine all interesting effects, present important data, and consider problems in the analysis. Total Problem "set" 1 G11 Males S1 8 S2 7 Females S3 27 S4 24 G12 Males S5 20 S6 24 Females S7 27 S8 28 G13 Males S9 14 S10 18 Females S11 27 S12 26 Problem "set" 2 G24 Males S13 26 S14 30 Females S15 4 S16 8 G25 Males S17 26 S18 29 Females S19 15 S20 18 G26 Males S21 28 S22 28 Females S23 8 S24 12 1) sH0 : AProblemSet 1 = 2 G/A 1 = 2 = 3 = 4 = 5 = 6 BGender M = F (A)B 1M = 2M = 1F = 2F sHa : Not sH0 2) Between Subjects Hierarchical S2(G3B2/A2) 2-tailed (A): (1,4) = 7.71 (G/A): (4,12) = 3.26 (B): (1,4) = 7.71 (AB): (1,4) = 7.71 (GB/A): (4,12) = 3.26 3) = .05 4) Final Source Table: Source DF Sum of Squares Mean Square F-Value F-crit A Problem Set 1 13.50 13.50 .29 7.71 G/A Groups 4 187.83 46.95 10.25* 3.26 B Gender 1 48.17 48.17 1.36 7.71 AB Problem Set*Gender 1 1204.17 1204.17 34.12* 7.71 (GB/A) 4 141.17 35.29 7.70* 3.26 S(GB/A) 12 55.00 4.58 T 23 1649.83 A Problem Set, B Gender, and AB Problem Set*Gender F values are different from SAS output. Why 1 - First, have to test to determine proper error term to use; Fcrit (4, 12) = 3.26 , = .05 G/A / S(GB/A) = 46.96 / 4.58 = 10.25* so must use G/A to test A. F ratio for A = 13.50 / 46.95 = .29, NS Fcrit (4, 12) = 3.26 , = .05 GB/A / S(GB/A) = 35.29 / 4.58 = 7.71* so must use GB/A to test B and AB F ratio for B = 48.17 / 35.29 = 1.36, NS F ratio for AB = 1204.17 / 35.29 = 7.70* significant! (Didn't really need to do this because the group error terms were significant at .05 and cannot be pooled) Subsequent Tests: LSDAB = 2.78 [2(35.29) / 6] = 9.53 M Female-P1 - M Female-P2 = 26.50 - 10.83 = 15.67* M Male-P1 - M Male-P2 = 15.17 - 27.83 = -12.66* 5) The data indicate there was no significant main effect for Problem Set, F(1,4) = 0.29, MSe = 46.95, or for Gender, F(1,4) = 1.36,

Friday, August 23, 2019

Multicultural Education Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Multicultural Education - Article Example Students from different cultures are still new to the issue of ethnicity and racism and hence are the best people to be provided with multicultural education for the future of the nation. These students who are from various communities should be imparted with important knowledge such as of eliminating stereotypes and any behavior that is prejudicial. They can also be taught to embrace positive self-image of themselves and that of other as well. With the students being made to think about freedom and justice at all times, they are bound to have increased cultural awareness as well as intercultural awareness. This will mean that they will aim at creation of a safe and free environment for people to learn and reflect positively about the multiple histories of different cultures. This will eventually lead to creation of a society and nation that is together and strengthened as one despite their differences in cultures. Challenges are bound to arise during teaching due to socialization patterns but determination and curiosity of the students can be counted upon to counter the

Thursday, August 22, 2019

The Two Waiters At The Café Essay Example for Free

The Two Waiters At The Cafà © Essay Ernest Hemingway’s short story, â€Å"A Clean, Well-Lighted Place† is about two waiters discussing an old customer late in the night.   The younger waiter is anxious to go home, while the older waiter is in no hurry whatsoever.   The latter would like to stay at the cafà © to serve customers who might drop by unexpectedly, seeing that the cafà © is a clean and well-lighted place while bars are not as clean and well-lighted.   The younger waiter, on the other hand, is in a hurry to get into bed with his wife.    The older waiter lives by himself and finds it difficult to sleep in the night.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   An obvious difference between the older waiter and the younger waiter is that the latter poses questions and expects the older waiter to possess answers for each of them.   The older waiter is asked about the old customer in detail.   Although he does not possess all answers to the younger waiter’s questions, he makes inferences to develop the conversation.   Moreover, the younger waiter mentions that he is full of confidence, which the older waiter says that he lacks.   The younger waiter does not mention lack in his life in any way, while the older waiter feels that he is deprived of everything other than work.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Lastly, while the younger waiter is focused on ending his work for the night and returning home, the older waiter indulges in a great deal of thinking.   He speculates about the life of the old customer, and also tries to engage the younger waiter in deep thinking.   When the younger waiter mentions that he would like to return home, the older waiter asks him the meaning of an hour.   To this, the younger waiter replies that an hour is more precious to him than to the old customer.   The old waiter explains that an hour is the same to both individuals.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Even as he goes home, the older waiter must decide to stop thinking.   He says to himself, nevertheless, that many people may be experiencing insomnia.   The younger waiter is not expected to think so much.   It can be inferred that the younger waiter’s life is based on actions rather than thoughts for the most part. Works Cited Hemingway, Ernest. â€Å"A Clean, Well-Lighted Place.†

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

George Washington and Benjamin Franklin Essay Example for Free

George Washington and Benjamin Franklin Essay George Washington is a revered figure in history. He was the first President of the United States and one of its beloved Founding Fathers. He was â€Å"Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army upon whose victory the thirteen colonies depended to secure their separate and equal station among the powers of the earth† (Rediscovering George Washington, 2002, Introduction, para. 2). The usual facts aside, George Washington is a study of contrasting character traits, modesty and pride. Washington lived up to his legendary self with an immense awareness of who he was. In the book, Portrait of America (Oates Errico, 2003), Gordon S. Wood points that Washington’s greatest asset is his character; that he was representative of the 18th-century iconic image of a great man of virtue (Essay #10, II, para. 7 8). The eighteenth century was a very different era in many respects from the present that his personal concerns then may sound preposterous now. For example, Wood (2003) detailed that Washington was notoriously aloof in keeping with the image of a classical hero (III, para. 5), something that is bane nowadays for someone who occupies or dreams of coveting the highest office of the land. Wood (2003) exposed that Washington was very meticulous of himself especially in the company of others constantly cultivating the ideals of being a proper gentleman from his physical bearings to his personal manners(II, para. 15). He certainly considered his reputation his treasure and he protected it all his life (III, para. 6). There lies his enigma, the possession of two contrasting traits, modesty and pride. Wood (2003) further emphasized that it was his moral character that set him off from other men (II, para. 7). This moral steadfastness has served him well in tempting moments. It is worthy to know that Washington acknowledged but was quite insecure about his lack of formal education compared to his learned peers. Self-criticism impeded his actions like his refusal to travel to France finding to have a conversation through an interpreter indignant to a man of his stature, as Wood (2003, II, para. 16) pointed out. This shortcoming produced a very modest man who had the humility to surrender his powers and retreat from public life, an unprecedented act in the Western world (Wood, 2003, III, para. 2) and which only enhanced his image of greatness. Throughout history, the intoxication of power has often cultivated greed out of its possessors. Coming out of retirement and leading the Philadelphia Convention in 1787, Washington’s untarnished reputation was crucial to the ratification of the proposed Constitution. His reputation then at stake, he worked hard to have it ratified (Wood, 2003, IV, para. 1). This was the typical Washington work ethic: a concern for validation of his deliberate act in the eyes of his peers then and for the future generation. Being the President of a young nation, Wood (2003) pointed that â€Å"Washington was keenly aware that everything he did would set precedents for the future† (V, para. 1). His political contributions are still pervasive today, a testament to his leadership endurance. Wood (2003) concluded that Washington was responsible for establishing the president’s independent role and for making him a dominant figure in the government. He also set the Senate’s limited advisory role to the president in the making of treaties and the appointment of officials. Most importantly, he single-handedly institutionalized the two-term limit of the presidency that it was included in the 22nd amendment to the Constitution in 1951 (V, para. 2, 3, 7). Another outstanding Founding Father who is best known for his scientific pursuits than his understated political contribution is Benjamin Franklin. In Portrait of America (Oates Errico, 2003), Richard B. Morris (Essay #6) described Franklin at the beginning of his essay as â€Å"deceptively simple and disarmingly candid, but in reality a man of enormous complexity†. Like George Washington, Franklin was also concerned about living a virtuous life although he was a much more relaxed character than the famous general. Franklin is one who â€Å"seems made of flesh rather than of marble† (Isaacson, 2003). Both bettered themselves through purposeful self-improvement to make up for their lack of formal education. Franklin was blessed with a myriad of talents he used wisely: he was a writer, printer, entrepreneur, skilled negotiator, diplomat, scientist. He espoused such virtues of diligence, frugality, self-discipline, honesty. He loved making lists and the most significant of such is â€Å"as a young man, he made a list of personal virtues that he determined should define his life† (Isaacson, 2006). Franklin used his pen for his causes proving the commonly known expression, the pen is mightier than the sword. As a prolific writer Franklin wrote under the pseudonyms Mrs. Silence Dogood, a character that showed â€Å"the quintessential genre of American folksy humor† (Isaacson, 2006) then later showed more of his humorous side as Poor Richard Saunders for his annual almanac. Satirical writing is still in practice today especially in the criticism of public figures. His affable nature enabled him to successfully temper dissension during the heated deliberations of the proposed Constitution. He was against tyranny especially slavery despite him having black slaves in 1757. He never hesitated to promote his advocacy for freedom of the press and expression, still very much one of the prevalent rights issues in society today. References Isaacson, W. (2003, June 29). Citizen Ben’s Great Virtues. Time Magazine Online. Retrieved October 16, 2006 from the World Wide Web: http://www.time. com/time/2003/franklin/bffranklin. html. Morris, R. B. (2003). Meet Dr. Franklin. In Oates, S. B. , Errico, C. J. (Eds. ), Portrait of America: Volume One: To 1877 8th Edition (Essay # 6). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. Rediscovering George Washington (2002). PBS. Retrieved October 16, 2006 from the World Wide Web: http://www. pbs. org/georgewashington/father/index. html. Wood, G. S. (2003). The Greatness of George Washington. In Oates, S. B. , Errico, C. J. (Eds. ), Portrait of America: Volume One: To 1877 8th Edition (Essay # 10). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Replica System in Distributed File Sharing Environments

Replica System in Distributed File Sharing Environments AN EFFECTIVE FRAMEWORK FOR MANAGING REPLICA SYSTEM IN DISTRIBUTED FILE SHARING ENVIRONMENTS Tesmy K Jose,  Ã‚  Dr.V.Ulagamuthalvi Abstract-An Enhanced file system called Probabilistic File Share System is used to resolve all the distributed file update issues. There are three mechanisms designed in the probabilistic file share system such as Lazy Adaptive Synchronization Approach, Standard Replica System Replay Approach and Probabilistic method. The adaptive replica synchronization and Standard Replica System Replay approaches are implemented among the Storage Servers (SSs) and it makes the Meta Data Server (MDS) free from replica synchronization. Furthermore, a probabilistic control system is deployed into the proposed work in order to managing replicas replacement, overloading and their failures where the system can be measure the possibilities of every replicas replacement, overloading and failures level according their communication overhead and physical information. If the communication overhead or physical failure probability is high then the replica system replaced from replicas environment as well as se nds the notification message to its neighbor replicas with the failure system details. Keywords- Metadata Server, Lazy Adaptive Synchronization, Standard Replica System Replay, Probabilistic Control System. 1. Introduction As the volume of digital data grows, reliable, low-cost storage systems that do not compromise on access performance are increasingly important. A number of storage systems (e.g., libraries, tape and optical jukeboxes) provide high reliability coupled with low I/O throughput. However, as throughput requirements grow, using high-end components leads to increasingly costly systems. In general, the client contacts the metadata server (MDS), which handles all the properties of the whole file system, to get the authorization to work on the file and the information of the file’s layout. Then, the client accesses the corresponding storage servers (SSs), which handle the file data management on storage machines, to execute the actual file I/O operations after parsing the layout information obtained from the MDS. A number of existing distributed storage systems (e.g., cluster-based and peer-to-peer storage systems) attempt to offer cost-effective, reliable data stores on top of unrelia ble, commodity or even donated storage components. To tolerate failures of individual nodes, these systems use data redundancy through replication or erasure coding. This approach faces two problems. First, regardless of the redundancy level used, there is always a non-zero probability of a burst of correlated permanent failures up to the redundancy level used; hence the possibility of permanently losing data always exists. Second, data loss probability increases with the data volume stored when all other characteristics of the system are kept constant One of disadvantage of clusters is that programs must be grouped to run on multiple equipments, and it is difficult for these grouped programs to cooperate or distribute resources. Perhaps the most significant such resource is the file system. In the absence of a cluster file system, individual components of a grouped program must share cluster storage in an unplanned manner. This typically complicates programming, restricts performance, and compromises reliability. Also, the Meta Data Server is responsible for handling all the information about chunk replicas and generating replica synchronization when one of the storage servers has been updated. However, saving the recently written data to the disk becomes a blockage to the whole file system because all other threads need to remain until the synchronous flush-and sync procedure started by one of the SSs is completed. A Probabilistic File Share System is proposed to resolve the abovementioned issues. It is used to support lazy and adaptive replica synchronization with replica replacement management among the SSs and make the MDS free from replica synchronization and failure maintenance. 2. Literature Survey Different types of distributed file system supports chunk replication for reliability and produce high data bandwidth as same as similar replica synchronization mechanisms. A class of file system extends the traditional file server architecture to a storage area network (SAN) environment which allows the file server to access data directly from the disk through (SAN). Examples of SAN file system are IBM/Tivoli SANergy and Veritas SAN Point Direct [8,9]. GPFS allows chunk replication by partitioning space for multiple copies of each data chunk on the different Storage Servers and updates to all locations synchronously. Before the completion of write operation, GPFS used to follow the updates of chunk replicas which files had updated on the primary SSs and then updates other replicas[7].Ceph also had similar replica synchronization policy, i.e., the newly written data should be applied to all replicas stored on the different Storage Servers[5]. In the Hadoop file system, the replicated chunks are stored on the Storage Servers. Storage Server’s list will contains copies of any stripe produced and managed by Metadata Server. So, the Metadata Server handles the replicas synchronization and if new data written on any of the replicas,it will be triggered [4]. In GFS, the Metadata Server computes the location and data layout among the various chunk servers. Every chunk is replicated on multiple chunk servers and the replica synchronization is done by Metadata server (MDS) [6]. In Lustre file system, which is the parallel file system has a same chunk called replication mechanism [10]. The researchers are successively presented MinCopysets and Copysets replication techniques to enhance data durability (i.e., data loss) during retain the benefits of randomized load balancing by using derandomized replicas placement policy. However, researchers didn’t enclose the algorithm of replica synchronization and replica replacement [3,2]. 3. Proposed System 3.1 Probabilistic File Shared System Architecture The probabilistic file share system copy and give out the locations of all replicas belonging to the same file chunk to the Storage Servers (SSs) where the replicas are stored. Fig. 1 shows the architecture of probabilistic file share system. The probabilistic control system is organized to calculate the failure rate of every replica in the probabilistic file share system environment. To calculate the failure rate of replicas, our system examine each replicas for communication overhead and also obtains the CPU and memory utilization. By this our proposed system maintains better data consistency in the distributed file shared environment. Fig. 1 Probabilistic File Share System Architecture 3.2 Data Updating Fig. 2: Adaptive Synchronization Approach In the case of processing a write request, the probabilistic file share system use the mechanism of lazy replica synchronization. This probabilistic system firstly completes the write operation and each update process in probabilistic file share system storage is replicated using adaptive replica synchronization. Here adaptive replica synchronization approach is used to copy the each modification in a storage management of distributed file system where primary replica updates the result into replica n and passes the acknowledgement into primary replica. 3.3 System Crash Handling The probabilistic file share system adopts a deferred replica synchronization mechanism for reconstructing the lost file updates. i.e., it allows only the primary Storage Server to manage the latest data snapshot for reducing write latency and the synchronous process of replica to other SSs will be conducted along the timeline. The Meta Data Server buffers ascertain the latest write requests in the memory; when the number of cached requests is larger than a predefined threshold, the MDS is supposed to direct SSs to perform regular replica synchronization, so that the cached requests can be removed from the memory. 3.4 SS’s Failure and Replacement The proposed file sharing system arranged in a probabilistic control system that examine the system details and every replica communication. The probabilistic control system keeps a replacement list to store the system details such as CPU utilization, Memory Utilization and etc. By using the abovementioned information, the probabilistic control system measures the failure rate for each replica. If the communication overhead or physical failure probability is high then the replica system replaced from replicas environment as well as sends the notification message to its neighbor replicas with the failure system details. Figure 3: Illustrated of Probabilistic Control System The Figure 3 shows the illustrated replica replacement management process. The following function is used to measure the failure rate of replica: 5. Conclusion This research work proposed a new probabilistic file share system. The modified lazy adaptive synchronization approach successfully updates the data in the Storage Servers. This approach will take less I/O execution time, computation and storage compared to other approaches. The standard replica system replay approach can well handle the crashes of Storage Servers and can improve the lost data. At last, a probabilistic control system is positioned in the new probabilistic file share system. The replica failure calculation and their replacement management are extremely directed by the probabilistic control system.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Streetcar Named Desire :: A Streetcar Named Desire Essays

Streetcar Named Desire Tennessee Williams's play A Streetcar Named Desire contains more within it's characters, situations, and story than appears on its surface. Joseph Krutch, author of Twentieth Century Interpretations of A Streetcar Named Desire wrote, â€Å"The authors perceptions remain subtle and delicate†¦ The final impression left is, surprisingly enough not of sensationalism but of subtlety† (38.) As in many of Williams's plays deeper meanings are understood only through close examination of each scene. The reader must ask him or herself as they go whether or not something might lend more than what lies on the surface. The tone is set immediately in scene one when Blanche begins by telling Eunice, â€Å"They told me to take a street-car named Desire, and then transfer to one called Cemeteries and ride six blocks and get off at—Elysian Fields!† (15) Here you can clearly see that Tennessee is not meaning these places literally, rather they are symbolic of the stages Blanche will follow throughout the play. She first takes, â€Å"a street-car named desire† when she falls for her lost love -----, and afterwards, plagued by her own inadequacies Blanche escapes her harsh world by giving herself freely to other men; strangers. Even her behavior toward Stanley is littered with telltale slips, â€Å"—the part blanche talks in French to Stanley saying that she wants him or something.† After desire Blanche transfers â€Å"to (a streetcar) called Cemeteries.† One can see where the â€Å"Cemeteries† might lie in Blanches life. It seems that every time desi re fails Blanche is somehow left unprotected, cold and alone. In scene five Blanches drink, â€Å"foams over and spills on her pretty white skirt,† (80) warning the reader of what lies ahead. Finally Blanche is to get off at â€Å"Elysian Fields,† which makes it very clear that an eventual loss on Blanches part is inevitable. Joseph Krutch writes, â€Å"Though there is in the play a certain haunting dream-like or rather nightmarish quality, the break with reality is never quite made, and nothing happens which might not be an actual event.† How true on not only Blanches part, but each of the characters. The play is so raw and in-your-face that it almost takes on qualities of a fantasy, especially at the time of its debut. But Tennessee was able to create a play that rather expertly walked the fine line between illusion and reality; a task not easily accomplished.

Monday, August 19, 2019

President Bill Clinton :: William Jefferson Clinton Essays

Bill Clinton   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In recent history, one would be hard pressed to find one politician surrounded in more controversy than Bill Clinton. His scandals have included drugs, adultery, treason, and fraud. The latest opprobrium that has plagued his presidency resulted in him becoming only the second president in the history of the United States to be impeached.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After a long and drawn out sexual harassment trial, Paula Jones’ lawyers deposed former White House intern Monica Lewinsky. What would follow in the next 14 months, even Clinton’s most adamant critics couldn’t have predicted. It all began with Clinton’s now infamous words; “I have never had sexual relations with that woman, Monica Lewinsky.'; Several videotapes, sapeanas, and cigar jokes later, the American public found out that he did, indeed, had sex with that woman. Many were outraged, many thought it was his personal business, and many just didn’t care. The nation became divided on what actions should be taken against a popular president that had just admitted to lying to his public and possibly lying under oath. Every constitutional scholar had an opinion about what constituted high crimes and misdemeanors. The 146th congress had to determine that for themselves, and in early January of 1999, William Jefferson Clinton was impeached. As the focus then turned to the Senate, many debates arose. Did the President’s sexual indiscretion deserve to get him removed from office? Other options such as censorship were debated, but whether or not other options could even be discussed brought disagreement. In the end, the Senate voted against removing Clinton from office, but whether that will be the last of this matter, only time will tell. Fifty years from now, when our grandchildren are learning about our 46th President, what will the books say? Will they explain how his moral hypocracy divided a country? As a member of our United States armed forces, I find it hard to respect a man who can so easily lie to his citizens, deny responsibility for his actions, and expect the public to forgive and forget with no real repentance. It is a sad time for our country when parents can’t even use the head of state as a role model for their children. As a result of Clinton’s actions, his every decision is questioned for fear that he is just covering us another lie. Can Americans rely on Bill Clinton to make the best choices for our country when we don’t even trust him?

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Poes Fall of The House of Usher Essay: Biographical Contexts

Biographical Contexts For The Fall of the House of Usher In the summer of 1838, Edgar Allan Poe left the city of New York, where he faced criticism and minimal recognition, and moved to Philadelphia, where he would soon gain profound success (Quinn 268). Just a year prior to this move, Poe married his cousin, Virginia Clemm, who accompanied him to Philadelphia (Wagenknecht 18). Little is known of Poe's time in New York other than the fact that he faced severe poverty with total earnings amounting to under one hundred fifty dollars (Peeples 31). Therefore, since Philadelphia shared the prestige with New York as a publishing center, it offered Poe new publishing opportunities and opened the doors to success (Quinn 268). He found this success editing Burton's Gentleman's Magazine from 1839-1840 and then Graham's Magazine from 1841-1842 (Peeples 74). During this time, Poe delivered lectures on American poetry, published thirty-six tales including "William Wilson," "The Masque of the Red Death," and "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," and also rel eased a collection of stories in 1840 entitled Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque (Peoples 74). It was during this peak of Poe's publishing career that he published "The Fall of the House of Usher." This tale relates to various aspects of Poe's life including his occupation as an editor, his battle with alcohol and drugs, his psychological and emotional well-being, and the impact of death on his life and work. Although Poe found success while working for Burton and Graham, he did not find contentment, for neither Burton's magazine nor Graham's met Poe's expectations of his ideal publication. Poe was frustrated with his career and aspired to edit a magazine of his own, a magazine of ... ...mes of his publishing career, yet Poe faced many obstacles in his private life during this time including poverty and alcohol abuse. Although his alleged alcohol and drug addictions are issues yet to be settled, they were clearly an influence in his life and work. In addition to his habits regarding alcohol and drugs, his psychological stability has also been called into question. The impact of death, which was prevalent throughout his life, was tremendous. Regardless of the many struggles Poe encounter, he has emerged as one the greatest Romantic writers in American history. Â  Works Cited Peeples, Scott. Edgar Allan Poe Revisited. New York: Twayne, 1998. Quinn, Arthur Hobson. Edgar Allan Poe: A Critical Biography. New York: Coopers Square Publishers, 1969. Wagenknecht, Edward. Edgar Allan Poe: The Man Behind the Legend. New York: Oxford UP, 1963.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Han China vs. Imperial Rome

Han China vs. Imperial Rome After a brief brush of decentralization and the experience of inclusive centralization, China evolved into its most extensive and influential period: Han China. Imperial Rome used the more traditional Republic methods to also grow to be one of the most influential and powerful empires of the classical world. While China differed with Rome on the roots of change and therefore their approach to governing, the want to expand and centralize government could only be achieved through similar paths of trade and domination.Han China chose the middle path between the two diverse methods of government and pursued the policies of administrative centralization and imperial expansion. In contrast, Imperial Rome centralized political and military power which coincided with the preservation of traditional republican offices and form of government. The Han government believed that the network of political alliances in the Zhou Dynasty caused chaos between states, but the tightly woven Qin dynasty diminished the reason for imperial family members the sustain the empire.Han China was preferably divided into administrative districts that were governed by officials. These officials reached the emperor’s expectations, but allowed his authority over them while the bureaucrats implied his policies. Although, original forms of governing were adjusted in both places; the military responded directly to the emperor or ruler to avoid the problems caused by generals commanding personal armies. Imperial Rome progressed, from a previous dictatorship, by fashioning a centralized political government and unifying military power.Imperial Rome, in comparison to Han china, handled governmental functions with more concern. The Roman Emperor accrued copious amounts of power for himself and took complete responsibility during these times. Both Imperial governments expanded their empire while maintaining an imperial government. As well as, incorporated conquered cit izens into their empire’s culture and society; Rome conquered distant lands and integrated them into the Roman Empire, and Han China dominated nearby countries such as Vietnam and Korea and orbited them into the society of the Han.Both imperial governments knew that with the expansion of their empire would come with the benefits of new trade routes. When Roman soldiers charged into less occupied areas, such as Spain, Germany and Britain, they brought with them the ideas of developing local economies and states. A problem occurred with the expansion of the Han Dynasty though, due to high taxes poor harvests and burdens of debt many landowners were forced the sell their land and often enough themselves.As smaller farmers began to fall, large estates grew and social tensions were stressed, creating more problems as well as a higher chance of social immobility in the Han society. Even though Han China was developing expansion and centralization as a new frontier for the Chinese d ynasties, while Rome was just centralizing military and political power based on traditional republican values, both empires had to progress in the same fashion. Once the broad goals have an effective path, the empires can diverge to become unique and more specialized in political power.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Concert Report Essay

Thesis statement: â€Å"This report will simply discuss how Ludwig van Beethoven integrated old and new musical ideas into his work, thus creating an unconventional but transcendent and influential quartet, based on the String Quartet No.9 in C, Op. 59, No.3 â€Å"Razumovsky† performed on the concert.† On 22nd Nov, Shanghai Quartet, one of the world’s foremost chamber ensembles, performed two musical works. They are Ludwig van Beethoven’s String Quartet No.9 in C, Op. 59, No.3 â€Å"Razumovsky † and Antonin Dvorak’s Piano Quintet No.2 in A, B. 155, Op.82. In this report, I will focus on discussing Beethoven’s work. 1Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic period in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential icon for all composers. His best-known compositions include 9symphonies, 5 concertos for piano, 32 piano sonatas, and 16 string quartets. 2The String Quartet No.9 in C, Op. 59, No.3 â€Å"Razumovsky† was written in around 1805-1806, when Beethoven was aged 35 and was at the height of his productivity. It is called the ‘Razumovsky’ quartets because it is commissioned by a Russian count of that name, who was the Tzar’s ambassador in Vienna, a keen amateur violinist and a confirmed music lover. The quartet consists of the following four movements: 1. Andante con moto – Allegro vivace (C major) 2. Andante con moto quasi allegretto (A minor) 3. Menuetto (Grazioso) (C major) 4. Allegro molto (C major) I will focus on discussing how Beethoven integrated old and new ideas into the second, third and final movements The second movement brings us to an unconventional territory. Beethoven tried something radical and that is an entire Russian movement. The ‘exotic’ flavor of this movement is easy enough to hear in the augmented second intervals of the opening violin melody, the frequent pizzicato accompaniment of the cello in which as if it imitates a ‘folk’ instrument such as guitar of harp and especially in the long passages of static harmony. Indeed, Beethoven is successful in conjuring up this  sense of geographical distance that the movement sounds very similar to the ‘nationalist’ inspiration from decades later, by Romantic period composers like Dvorak or Borodin or Chaikovsky. But the extreme modulations and patient logic of the tonal return betray it back to its time and composer. While the second movement gives an unconventional feeling and goes for something new during that time, the third movement gestures in the opposite direction. During Beethoven’s ‘middle’ period, he tended to avoid the Minuet and Trio format and try to use the robust Scherzo in his works; but here he returns to the somewhat-old-fashioned form, in a movement with a characteristic rhythmic motive in the opening seamlessly exchanged between instruments. As if to complete the ‘old-fashioned’ mode, the Trio’s uncomplicated dance character and rising ending melodies even bring us back to the world of early Haydn, who is a Classical Period composer. Everything in this quartet has been a surprise so far, and the last movement is no exception. It is led by a gentle coda to the third movement that ends on a question mark. But then, of all things, we are presented with the start of a traditional fugue, led off by the viola at a furious tempo. Again we have a sense of traveling between the new and the old. Fugues were by now an ancient, learned device; but Beethoven integrates this one into the most extrovert and ‘public’ of moods – as a display of evident virtuosity for the four soloists. What is more, as soon as the four entries have been completed, there are not any formal counterpoints and Beethoven explores instead the grandiose, ‘symphonic’ modes, especially that flamboyant celebration of an enormous C-major space on all four instruments. All in all, Beethoven is so successful in integrating old musical ideas, coming from the Romantic or even the Classical period, and his new thoughts into this quartet. While I listened to it, it acts like a time machine, bringing us to travel between old and new. No wonder it is regarded as one the most transcendent quartet composed by Beethoven.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Developmental psychology Essay

Collate evidence which describes the role of the practitioner in meeting children’s needs. Practitioners can help meet the needs of children by approving the rights of children. For example (UNCRC) United Nations conventions act on the rights of the child. Which allows every child and young person inclusive set of rights. When the practitioners support the rights of children, it will benefit children by meeting their learning needs as all the setting â€Å"complete their rights and needs so all children despite religion, disability and gender have a right to quality of life.† www.nurseryworld.co.uk/working-parents-support-children-learning E2: Provide information about current influence on play Different sorts of approaches to play will differ depending on the needs and age of the children involved. Help a child achieve more: is designed to make sure the quality provision of children and young people’s play and learning, no matter their race and situation. It is aimed to support children from birth till 19 and has an impact on all play based provision. Practitioners must carry out the 5 outcomes that are most important to children and young people Be healthy Forest school: A forest school is an innovative educational approach to outdoor play and learning. The philosophy of forest schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in a woodland environment each individual has an opportunity to develop. Forest school approaches: Wider range of physical skills that are usually developed indoors An understanding about their own natural and man-made environment E3: Provide information about current influences on the planning and provision of  learning opportunities The EYFS covers the first stage of a child’s education and development, from birth to five years old. The principles of the early year’s foundation stage are: Mathematical development – Shape, numbers, measure Creativity development – Imaginative, materials and exploring Understanding the world – World & technology, people and communities Communication and language – Speaking, understanding listening & attention Personal, social and emotional development – Self- confidence, self-awareness, handling behaviour Literacy – Reading & writing The framework of the EYFS describes how early year’s practitioners should work with children and their families to support their learning and improvement. It is necessary in all Ofsted-registered childcare setting, included maintained, non-maintained and independents schools and child-minders. The national curriculum from 5-16 years has set out specific subjects which needs to be completed during the period of time. The main subjects that are a must are English, Maths and Science. The other subjects are selected by children at secondary, the range is P.E, music, drama, , art and ICT. E4: Include examples of different theoretical models of how children play and learn Behaviourists theory is by Skinner which has stages of development: The children will repeat an experience or activity if they gain a positive experience from it. The experiences the children didn’t enjoy they will keep away from it. By doing the above, children will learn trial and error. Social learning theory is Bandura. He believes children learn by looking at the behaviours of adults and others around them, therefore they imitate what they have seen. For example practitioners are role models, who need to encourage children to learn and familiarise to good behaviour. Children learn by getting praised and encouraged by practitioners especially whilst doing an activity as this reassures children to aim higher and learn effectively. E5: Include an explanation of how observations can inform planning to meet children’s needs The practitioners observations of children help to evaluate the progress which children are making â€Å"observations help practitioners to decide where children are in their learning and development and to plan what to do.† Tassoni, P 2007 Practitioners can obtain information like what the child likes and dislikes and practitioners can plan activities according to children’s needs. The importance of confidentiality of information is necessary when the practitioner is observing the child. The observation sheet must be kept in a secure place and the practitioners have no right to discuss the observations to another person except for the child’s co-workers and parents, to ensure safety for the child and family. The practitioner needs to use the policy of Data protection act 1998 to protect personal information of a person. Planning and curriculum requires practitioners to collect information in form of assessments and observation. Making formal assessments Watching children E6: Include TWO examples of information from agencies outside the setting which may contribute to the assessment of learning needs. Health visitor works with NHS to reduce illness from children and support them to stay healthy. They observe the setting they are in and ensure there are in good condition for a child’s learning environment. Also working with parents in a partnership to encourage positive health plans to meet the needs. Examples of what health visitors do: Speech and language therapists help assist children’s needs who have a difficulty with stammer, voice problem, cleft plate and understanding language. By splitting up words into syllables, speech and language therapists support children by helping them improve in their learning and eventually â€Å"the child can develop their speech and language†. www.specialeducationneeds.co.uk/speech-and-language-therapy-salt-2.html E7: Include TWO plans for curriculum activities which show different approaches to planning learning opportunities Date E8: Include information about the important of consulting with parents and others when planning and providing learning opportunities Parents/ carers may have concerns about the safety of their child, and may need to be reassured about activities their child will take part in. By involving the child’s family and practitioners in assessment and in subsequent planning. It can enhance the relationship the practitioners have with the parents/ carers by making them feel valued and included. When parents involve children in assessment it can help to show their strengths and weaknesses. It can enable to plan activities for the child that are pitched at a level for their development stage, therapy making sure that they have experience success and no failure. www.uk.answers.yahoo.com/questions/index?qid=20100118014744AAn0y9b E9: Provide evidence of current and relevant research throughout the portfolio E2, E3, E4, D1, C1, C2, B1, A E10: Show an understanding of diversity and inclusive practice Practitioners should promote diversity within the nursery setting and celebrate all the different races. Practitioners should provide a safe and supportive learning environment, in which the contribution of all the children and families are valued. Inclusive practice is to organise collaborative classes, extra activities and group activities so all the children can take part in. Children with disabilities or not should be able to take part in activities . www.childs-play.com/teacher-zone/diversity_and_equality_for_tea.html E11: Include references and a bibliography Books: Tassoni. P 2007 childcare + education – Pages, 36,321,54,293,97,96 Websites: www.childs-play.com/teacher-zone/diversity_and_equality_for_tea.html www.uk.answers.yahoo.com/questions/index?qid=20100118014744AAn0y9b www.nurseryworld.co.uk/working-parents-support-children-learning Videos:

Blood Promise Chapter Twenty-Two

I didn't cry very often. And I hated it when I did. The last time I'd done it around Dimitri, his arms had immediately encircled me. This time, all I got was a look of coldness and anger. â€Å"This is your fault!† he yelled, fists clenched. I cringed backward, eyes wide. â€Å"But he†¦ he attacked me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Yes. And Inna. A human! You let a human attack you.† He couldn't keep the sneer from his voice. â€Å"You are weak. You are incapable of defending yourself-all because you refuse to be awakened!† His voice was terrifying, and the look he gave me†¦ well, it scared me almost more than Nathan had. Reaching forward, he jerked me up to my feet. â€Å"If you had just been killed, it would have been your own fault,† he said. His fingers dug into my wrist as he shook me. â€Å"You have the chance for immortality, for incredible strength! And you're too blind and stubborn to see it.† I swallowed back more tears and rubbed my eyes with the back of my free hand. No doubt I was ruining the makeup I'd so painstakingly put on. My heart was ready to explode out of my chest, I was so afraid. I expected rage and threats from Nathan-but not Dimitri. You've forgotten he's a Strigoi, something whispered in my mind. I'd gone long enough without a bite and had enough adrenaline kicking me to alertness that my nagging voice was speaking more loudly than it had in a very long time. Dimitri said I was weak because I wasn't Strigoi, but there was more to it than that. I was weak and had been subdued by Nathan and Inna because I was an addict, because I was living a life of blissful ignorance that was taking a toll on my body and my mind. The thought was startling, and I could barely hold onto it. My yearning for vampire endorphins flared up, and the two factions warred in my mind. I had enough sense not to voice any of those thoughts. I tried for something that would pacify Dimitri instead. â€Å"I don't think I'd be stronger than Nathan, even if I was turn-awakened.† He ran a hand over my hair, his cold voice thoughtful. He seemed to be calming down, but his eyes were still angry and impatient. â€Å"Perhaps not initially, but your strength of body and will carries over with the change. He's not that much older than either of us-not enough to make a noticeable difference, which is why he keeps backing down when we fight.† â€Å"Why do you keep backing down?† I felt his body go rigid, and I realized my question might be read as a slam against his prowess. I swallowed, my fear returning. He hadn't let go of my wrist, and it was starting to hurt. â€Å"Because he's right about one thing,† Dimitri said stiffly. â€Å"Killing him would bring Galina's wrath down on us. And that's not something I can afford. Yet.† â€Å"You said before that you†¦ that we†¦ had to kill her.† â€Å"Yes, and once we do, it'll be easy to seize control of her assets and organization.† â€Å"What is her organization exactly?† If I kept distracting him, the anger might go away. The monster might go away. He shrugged. â€Å"All sorts of things. This wealth isn't bought without effort.† â€Å"Effort that's illegal and hurts humans?† â€Å"Does it matter?† I didn't bother with an answer. â€Å"But Galina used to be your teacher. Can you really kill her? And I don't mean physically†¦ I mean, doesn't it bother you?† He considered. â€Å"I told you before. It's all about strength and weakness. Prey and predator. If we can bring her down-and I have no doubts we can -then she's prey. End of story.† I shivered. It was so harsh, such a stark and scary way of viewing the world. Dimitri released my wrist just then, and a wave of relief ran through me. On shaky legs, I backed up and sat on the couch. For a moment, I feared he'd grab me again, but instead he sat down beside me. â€Å"Why did Inna attack me? Why did she defend Nathan?† â€Å"Because she loves him.† Dimitri didn't bother hiding his disgust. â€Å"But how†¦?† â€Å"Who knows? Part of it is that he's promised to awaken her once she's put in time here.† Sydney's warnings came back to me, about why the Alchemists feared that humans would learn about vampires-because humans might want to turn too. â€Å"That's what most of the human servants are told.† â€Å"Told?† â€Å"Most are unworthy. Or, more often than not, someone gets hungry and finishes the human off.† I was getting sick to my stomach, independent of Dimitri's proximity. â€Å"This is all a mess.† â€Å"It doesn't have to be.† I didn't think he would shake me again, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes. The monster was only a heartbeat away. â€Å"Time's running out. I've been lenient, Roza. Far more lenient than I would be with anyone else.† â€Å"Why? Why have you done it?† I wanted-needed-then to hear him say it was because he loved me and that because of that love, he could never force me into anything I didn't want. I needed to hear it so that I could blot out that terrifying, furious creature I'd seen a few minutes ago. â€Å"Because I know how you think. And I know awakening you of your own free will would make you a more important ally. You're independent and strong-minded-that's what makes you valuable.† â€Å"An ally, huh?† Not the woman he loved. He shifted so that his face hovered over mine. â€Å"Didn't I tell you once I'd always be there for you? I'm here. I'll protect you. We're going to be together. We're meant to be together. You know this.† There was more fierceness in his voice than affection. He kissed my lips, drawing me close. The usual heat flooded me, my body instantly responding to his. But even as my body did one thing, other thoughts were spinning through my mind. I had always thought we were meant to be together. And he had once told me he'd always be there for me. I'd always wanted that too-but I had wanted to be there for him in return. I wanted us to be equals, always watching each other's backs. Today hadn't been like that. I'd been defenseless. Weak. Never, never in my life had I been like that. Even in horrible, outmatched moments, I'd put up a decent fight. At the very least, I'd had the will to fight. Not now. I'd been terrified. I'd been ineffectual. I hadn't been able to do anything except sit there pathetically and wait for someone to rescue me. I'd let a human get the best of me. Dimitri said me becoming Strigoi was the solution. For the last week, he'd said that over and over, and while I hadn't agreed to it, I hadn't been as repulsed as I once had been. Lately, it had become a thought floating around out there, a far-off way for us to be together. And I did want to be together, especially in moments like this, when we kissed and desire crackled around both of us. But this time†¦ the desire wasn't quite as intense as usual. It was still there, but I couldn't shake the image of how he'd just been. It occurred to me with startling clarity that I was making out with a Strigoi. And that was†¦ weird. Breathing heavy, Dimitri pulled away from my lips for a moment and stared at me. Even with that composed Strigoi expression, I could see that he wanted me-in a lot of ways. It was confusing. He was Dimitri and not Dimitri. Leaning back down, he kissed my cheek, then my chin, and then my neck. His mouth opened wider, and I started to feel the points of his fangs†¦ â€Å"No,† I blurted out. He froze. â€Å"What did you say?† My heart started thumping again, as I braced myself for more rage. â€Å"Um†¦ no. Not this time.† He pulled back and looked at me, seeming both shocked and annoyed. When he didn't respond, I began to ramble. â€Å"I don't feel good†¦ I'm hurt. I'm afraid to lose the blood, even though I want†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Dimitri always said I couldn't lie to him, but I had to try. I put on my best, most passionate and innocent face. â€Å"I want it†¦ I want to feel the bite†¦ but I want to rest first, get stronger†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Let me awaken you, and you'll be strong again.† â€Å"I know,† I said, still keeping my voice slightly frantic. I looked away, hoping to increase the facade of confusion. Okay, with my life lately, faking confusion wasn't that hard. â€Å"And I'm starting to think†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I heard a sharp intake of breath. â€Å"Starting to think what?† I turned back to him, hoping I could convince him I was seriously considering turning. â€Å"I'm starting to think that I don't ever want to be weak again.† I could see it in his face. He believed me. But then, that last part hadn't been a lie. I didn't want to be weak. â€Å"Please†¦ I just want to rest. I need to think about it a little more.† There it was, the moment this all weighed on. The truth was, I wasn't just lying to him. I was lying to myself. Because seriously? I wanted that bite. Badly. I'd already gone a long time without one, and my body was screaming for it. I needed the endorphins, needed them more than air or food. And yet, in only one day without them, I'd gained a tiny shard of clarity. The part of me that wanted nothing more than the joy of ignorant ecstasy didn't care about my mind growing clearer, yet I knew, deep inside, that I had to try for a little bit more, even if it meant depriving myself of what I most wanted. After a lot of thought, Dimitri nodded and stood up. He'd read my words like I'd reached a turning point and was on the verge of accepting. â€Å"Rest, then,† he said. â€Å"And we'll talk later. But Rose†¦ we only have two days.† â€Å"Two days?† â€Å"Until Galina's deadline. That's how long she gave us. Then I make the decision for you.† â€Å"You'll awaken me?† I wasn't entirely sure if death was on the table anymore. â€Å"Yes. It'll be better for all of us if we don't reach that point.† He got off the bed and stood up. He paused a moment and reached into his pocket. â€Å"Oh. I brought you this.† He handed me a bracelet encrusted with opals and tiny diamonds, almost like it was no big deal. The bracelet was dazzling, and each opal shone with a thousand colors. â€Å"Wow. It's†¦ it's gorgeous.† I slipped it on my wrist, yet somehow, gifts like this didn't mean as much anymore. With a satisfied look, he leaned down and kissed me on the forehead. He headed for the door then and left me lying back against the couch, trying desperately to think of anything else except how I wished he would turn around and bite me. The rest of the day was agonizing. I'd always read about addicts, about how hard a time people had breaking away from alcohol or illegal drugs. I'd even once witnessed a feeder go kind of crazy when he was removed from service. He'd grown too old, and it was considered hazardous to his health to keep on giving blood to Moroi. I'd watched in amazement as he begged and pleaded to be allowed to stay, how he'd sworn he didn't mind the risk. Even though I'd known he had an addiction, I just couldn't understand why it would be so worth it for him to risk his life like that. Now I did. In those hours that passed, I would have risked my life to be bitten again. That was actually kind of funny because if I did allow another bite, I would be risking my life. I had no doubt more of that cloudy thinking would lead to an acceptance of Dimitri's offer. But with each miserable, bite deprived second that passed, my thoughts grew incrementally sharper. Oh, I was still a long way away from being free of the dreamy haze of vampire endorphins. When we'd been captured in Spokane, Eddie had been used as a Strigoi blood source, and it had taken him days to recover. Each bit of clarity now made me realize how important it was for me to stay bite free. Not that that knowledge made it any easier on my body. I had some serious problems here. It seemed like either way, I was destined to become a Strigoi. Dimitri wanted to turn me so that we could reign together as the vampiric equivalent of Bonnie and Clyde. Nathan wanted to turn me in the hopes of hunting down Lissa-and then kill me. Clearly, Dimitri's option was more appealing, but not by much. Not anymore. Yesterday, I would have said becoming a Strigoi was something I wasn't going to worry about too much. Now, the harsh reality of what it truly meant hit me, and my old feelings returned. Suicide versus existence as a creature of evil. Of course, being a creature of evil meant I could be with Dimitri†¦ Except it wasn't Dimitri. Was it? It was all so confusing. I again tried to remind myself of what he'd said long ago-that no matter how much a Strigoi seemed like the person I used to know, they weren't. Yet this Dimitri said he'd been wrong about that. â€Å"It's the endorphins, Rose. They're like drugs†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I groaned and buried my face in my hands as I sat on the couch, the TV droning in the background. Lovely. I was talking to myself now. Supposing I could break this hold Dimitri had over me and this addled state that kept making me think I'd misunderstood Strigoi†¦ well, then what? I was back to the original dilemma. No weapons to fight Strigoi with. No weapons with which to kill myself. I was back at their mercy, but at least now I was closer to putting up a good fight. Sure, it would be a losing fight, but I felt that if I stayed off the endorphins a little longer, I'd at least be able to take down Inna. That had to count for something. And there it was. Off the endorphins. Each time my mind ran through my options and hit a wall, I would spiral back to the physical reality in front of me. I wanted that high back. I wanted that haze of joy back. I needed it back, or surely, I would die. That would be what killed me and freed me from being a Strigoi†¦ â€Å"Damn it!† I stood up and began pacing around, hoping to distract myself. TV wasn't doing it; that was for sure. If I could just hold out a little longer, I could shake the drug from my system, I could figure out how to save myself and Lissa, and Lissa! Without any debate, I dove into her. If I was in her body and mind, then maybe I wouldn't have to deal with mine for a while. My withdrawal would pass more quickly. Lissa and her group had returned from the Royal Court a bit more grimly than they arrived. The cold light of morning had made Lissa feel incredibly idiotic about the party's events. Dancing on a table wasn't the worst thing in the world, but looking back over other parties she'd been to that weekend and her social life with Avery made her wonder what had gotten into her. Sometimes, she didn't even feel like herself. And the kiss with Aaron†¦ well, that was an entirely different guilt-inducing matter altogether. â€Å"Don't worry about it,† Avery told her on the plane. â€Å"We all do stupid stuff when we're drunk.† â€Å"Not me,† groaned Lissa. â€Å"This isn't like me.† Despite this claim, Lissa had nonetheless agreed to drink mimosas-champagne mixed with orange juice-on the ride back. Avery smiled. â€Å"I don't have anything to compare it to. You seem okay to me. But then, you aren't trying to run off with a human or some non-royal guy.† Lissa smiled back, and her eyes went to Jill, sitting a little ahead of them on the plane. Adrian had spoken to the younger girl earlier, but she was busy with a book now, her biggest concern seeming to be to stay away from Reed. He sat with Simon again, and Lissa was a little surprised to see the guardian eyeing Jill suspiciously. Maybe Reed had told Simon that the younger girl was some kind of threat. â€Å"You're worried about her?† asked Avery, following Lissa's gaze. â€Å"It's not that†¦ I just can't shake the way she looked at me last night.† â€Å"She's young. I think she's easily shocked.† Lissa supposed that was true. Yet young or not, there had been something refreshingly clear and honest in the way Jill had called Lissa out. It reminded Lissa of something I might do. And Lissa couldn't rest easy knowing someone like that thought badly of her. Lissa stood up. â€Å"I'll be right back,† she told Avery. â€Å"I'm going to talk to her.† Jill was obviously astonished when Lissa sat beside her. The younger girl put a bookmark in what she was reading, and whatever she might be feeling, her smile for Lissa was genuine. â€Å"Hey.† â€Å"Hey,† said Lissa. She hadn't had much of the mimosa yet and still controlled enough spirit to see Jill's aura. It was a rich teal blue, interspersed with purple and darker blue. Good, strong colors. â€Å"Look, I wanted to apologize for what happened last night†¦ what I said†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Oh,† said Jill flushing. â€Å"It's okay, really. I mean, things were kind of crazy, and I know you weren't thinking straight. At least, I don't think you were. I don't really know. I've never actually had a drink, so I can't say.† Jill's nervousness always seemed to make her oscillate between rambling and silence. â€Å"Yeah, well, I should have been thinking straight before I got in that situation. And I'm really sorry for what happened with Reed.† Lissa lowered her voice. â€Å"No clue what happened there†¦ but that wasn't right, what he did and said to you.† Both girls found themselves studying him. He was deep in a book, but suddenly, as though he could sense them watching, his gaze turned toward Jill and Lissa. He glared, and they immediately looked away. â€Å"That definitely wasn't your fault,† said Jill. â€Å"And, you know, Adrian was there and everything. So it turned out okay.† Lissa worked to keep a straight face. Adrian was sitting out of their view, but if he hadn't been, Lissa had a feeling Jill would have been gazing at him dreamily. Adrian was doing a good deal of gazing of his own at Avery lately, and Lissa could see Jill was never going to leave that little-sister role for him. Yet it seemed clear that Jill was developing a little bit of a crush. It was cute, and even though Lissa knew it was stupid on her part, she couldn't help feeling a bit of relief that Adrian was the object of Jill's affections and not Christian. â€Å"Well, here's hoping for better choices,† said Lissa. â€Å"And hoping no one thinks too badly of me.† â€Å"I don't,† said Jill. â€Å"And I'm sure Christian won't either.† Lissa frowned, confused for a moment. â€Å"Well†¦ there's no point in stressing him out over it. It was my stupid mistake; I'll deal with it.† Now Jill frowned. She hesitated before speaking, that old nervousness returning. â€Å"But you have to. You have to tell him the truth, right?† â€Å"It's no big deal,† said Lissa, surprised at how defensive she suddenly felt. That unpredictable anger started to raise its head. â€Å"But†¦ you guys are in a serious relationship†¦ You have to always be honest, don't you? I mean, you can't lie to him.† Lissa rolled her eyes. â€Å"Jill, you haven't been in a serious relationship either, have you? Have you even gone on one date? I'm not lying to him. I'm just not telling him stuff that's going to freak him out for no reason. It's not the same.† â€Å"It is,† argued Jill. I could tell how much it killed her to talk back to Lissa, but I admired her boldness. â€Å"He has a right to know.† Lissa sighed irritably and stood up. â€Å"Forget it. I thought we could have an adult conversation, but apparently not.† The withering look she gave Jill made the girl flinch. Still, back at the Academy, guilt plagued Lissa. Christian greeted her return happily, showering her with kisses and hugs. She firmly believed Jill had overreacted, yet each time Lissa looked at Christian, she kept thinking about that kiss with Aaron. Was it as wrong as Jill had implied? It had been casual and under the influence of alcohol. Lissa knew telling Christian would upset him, though, and she hated to bring that on. Avery, listening as Lissa deliberated, agreed that there was no need to worry about it. Yet, as I looked at her through Lissa's eyes, my impression was that Avery was more worried about what Lissa's emotional reaction would be if she and Christian had a blowout. The morals seemed beside the point; Avery wanted to protect Lissa. It seemed like it was all going to blow over†¦ until later in the day, when Lissa met up with Christian to walk to dinner. His face was a storm cloud as he approached Lissa in her dorm's lobby, his pale blue eyes looking like they could shoot lightning bolts. â€Å"When were you going to tell me?† he demanded. His voice was loud, and several passing people turned in surprise. Lissa hurried him to a corner, pitching her voice low. â€Å"What are you talking about?† â€Å"You know what I'm talking about. You using your weekend getaway as a chance to hook up with other guys.† She stared at him for several heavy seconds. Then the truth hit. â€Å"Jill told you!† â€Å"Yes. I had to drag it out of her. She showed up to practice with me and was on the verge of tears.† Uncharacteristic anger suddenly burned through Lissa. â€Å"She had no right!† â€Å"You had no right. Do you honestly think you could do something like that-without ever letting me know?† â€Å"Christian, it was a stupid drunk kiss, for God's sake. A joke because he saved me from falling off a table. It meant nothing.† Christian's face grew pensive, and Lissa thought for sure he was about to agree with her. â€Å"It would have been nothing,† he said at last, â€Å"if you'd told me yourself. I shouldn't have had to hear it from someone else.† â€Å"Jill-â€Å" â€Å"-isn't the problem. You are.† Shock stunned Lissa for a moment. â€Å"What are you saying?† â€Å"I†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Christian suddenly looked weary. He rubbed his eyes. â€Å"I don't know. It's just†¦ things have been rough lately. I just†¦ I'm just not sure if I can deal with all this. You were picking fights with me before you left, and now this?† â€Å"Why won't you listen? It was nothing! Even Avery agreed.† â€Å"Oh,† said Christian sarcastically, â€Å"if Avery agreed, then it must be okay.† Lissa's temper raised its ugly head. â€Å"What's that supposed to mean? I thought you liked her.† â€Å"I do. But I don't like how you're confiding in her more than me lately.† â€Å"You didn't have a problem with me confiding in Rose.† â€Å"Avery's not Rose.† â€Å"Christian†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He shook his head. â€Å"Look, I don't really want to go to dinner anymore. I just need to think.† â€Å"When am I going to see you again?† she asked frantically. Her anger had been supplanted by fear. â€Å"I don't know. Later.† He left without another word. Lissa stared after him, aghast as he walked out of the lobby. She wanted to go throw herself at him, beg him to come back and forgive her. There were too many people around, however, and she refused to make a scene-or intrude on his space. Instead, she took off to the only resource she had left: Avery. â€Å"Didn't expect to see you again,† Avery said, opening the door to her room. â€Å"What are you-Jesus Christ. What's the matter?† She ushered Lissa in and demanded the story. With a lot of tears and near-hysteric rambling, Lissa related what had happened with Christian. â€Å"And I don't know what he meant. Does he want to break up? Will he come talk to me later? Should I go to him?† Lissa buried her face in her hands. â€Å"Oh God. You don't think there's anything going on with him and Jill, do you?† â€Å"Jailbait? No,† exclaimed Avery. â€Å"Of course not. Look, you need to calm down. You're freaking me out. This is going to be okay.† Anxiety lined Avery's face, and she went to get Lissa a glass of water. Then, reconsidering, she poured a glass of wine instead. Sitting alone, Lissa felt her wild emotions torment her. She hated what she'd done. She felt like there was something wrong with her. First she'd alienated me, and now Christian. Why couldn't she keep her friends? What did it take? Was she really going crazy? She felt out of control and desperate. And she Bam! Suddenly, and without warning, I was shoved out of Lissa's head. Her thoughts disappeared completely. I'd neither left of my own choice, nor had I been snapped back because of something in my own body. I stood in the room alone, having come to a standstill while pacing and thinking. Never, never had anything like that happened to me. This had been like†¦ well, like a physical force. Like a glass wall or force field slamming down in front of me and pushing me back. It had been an outside power. It hadn't come from me. But what was it? Had it been Lissa? To my knowledge, she'd never been able to feel me in her head. Had that changed? Had she kicked me out? Had her spinning feelings grown so strong that there was no room for me? I didn't know, and I didn't like any of it. When it had happened, aside from the sensation of being pushed, I'd experienced another strange feeling. It was like a fluttering, as if someone had reached in and tickled my mind. I'd had brief warm and cold flashes, and then it had all stopped once I was out of her head. It had felt invasive. And it had also felt†¦ familiar.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

A Killer At Thurston High

It is not a far reach to speculate that he may have felt that, ultimately, his parents were to blame for his problems.   Had it not been for them, he would never have been born. This theory is supported by his written confession, which he left at the scene of his parents’ murder, in which he stated â€Å"I wish I had been aborted.†Ã‚   In this same letter, he states that he loved his mom and dad â€Å"so much† (Frontline).   This further lends credibility to the idea that while he felt love for his parents outwardly, he subconsciously harbored blame towards them because they were, essentially, the source of his suffering because they were the responsible for his existence.   Unfortunately, his inner turmoil manifested itself in a violent explosion of emotions, and he committed murders for reasons that even he could not explain. Another common theory that one could consider is that to some extent, Kinkel’s behavior can be attributed to peer influence, which would fall under the category of behavior modeling.   According to the chronological time table provided on the PBS Frontline website, Kinkel had no obvious behavioral problems during his elementary school years. Although he struggled greatly in school, several sources stated that he worked very hard to attempt to keep up with his classmates.   It would seem that once he entered middle school, he began to associate with young people who were less than upstanding citizens.   It is possible that by acting out, he was gaining acceptance from his peers, as opposed to feeling inferior because of his learning disability.   It is important to note that many of his offenses, particularly during his middle school years, involved friends.   Judging from his behavior, one can easily infer that Kinkel is not a leader, but a follower. It is likely that, at least in the beginning, he very seldom initiated criminal behavior, but rather blindly followed his friends down whatever path they chose. This may have likely set the stage for further misbehavior.   While his friends were not found to have any involvement in the murder of Kinkel’s parents or classmates, they did attribute to his delinquent attitude and fostered his fascination with guns and other deadly weapons.   So, in his attempt to conform to his friends’ ideas and behavior, he himself adopted their ways. His delinquent behavior evolved from so called â€Å"victimless† crimes, for instance, the ordering of mail order bomb books, shoplifting, etc, to increasingly violent acts.   As the chronological timeline found on the Frontline website clearly illustrates, it was not until after the relatively minor incidents occurred that his crimes became violent.   Throwing rocks off of the highway overpass, though it could have potentially caused great injury, was not a blatantly violent crime.   However, approximately three months later he was suspended from school for violent assaults against his classmates. One of the biggest controversies surrounding cases of teenage violence in America is deciding to whom the blame belongs.   Some may posit that the child’s parents are to blame; after all, they are the ones ultimately responsible for their children.   Others may blame the advent of violent video games, citing that young minds do not possess the discernment to know the difference between reality and fantasy. Still others will claim that the media is responsible; given that most young adults have unlimited access to television, explicit CD’s and internet websites, they are likely over stimulated with inappropriate material.   From a psychological viewpoint, we would define the aforementioned opinions as a tendency toward cognitive heuristics, more specifically, the principle of availability.   That is to say, Kinkel may have drawn on scenarios that he had either witnessed or heard about in order to rationalize his behavior. It is also possible that the idea to open fire on his classmates was in some way influenced by the influx of school shootings around the nation.   In theory, the fact that his solution to his problem was to go on a murderous rampage so shortly after other school shootings, lends credence to the idea that he was influenced by coverage of other shootings. Judging from Kinkel’s actions, writings, and confessional utterances, he suffered from a very low self-esteem.   Although some people naturally have a healthier self-image than others, a humanistic view of psychology dictates that negative experiences can contribute to a person’s low self-worth.   As described on the Frontline website, Kinkel struggled with school from the very beginning.   Because he started school in Spain, and spoke only English, he was at a great disadvantage. Not only did he miss out on an academic level, but also on a social level.   Even after returning to the United States, he continued to struggle in many areas of schooling.   Having to repeat the first grade likely affected his self-esteem.   Also, by all accounts, he continued to struggle with language problems.   In an interview, his sister admits to teasing him about his deficiency. It is likely that his classmates may have done the same.   Once he was diagnosed with a learning disability, and given the appropriate help, he apparently began to improve academically.   However, one can conclude that his feelings of low self-worth did not completely dissipate.   This may explain why he chose the friends that he did, which ultimately lead to participating in criminal activities. It has become a commonly accepted notion in the United States that puberty is the cause of many abnormal behaviors in young people.   To some extent, it is a reasonable claim; as a child matures into a teenager, they will likely push for more independence and individuality.   Changing hormones can attribute to some peculiar behavior, but in itself is not an excuse for even minor criminal behavior, let alone murdering ones parents and classmates.   However, as Frontline reports, Dr. Orin Bolstad, a psychologist who specializes in juvenile killers, stated that Kinkel’s behavior is consistent with an early onset of schizophrenia. This form of schizophrenia manifested itself through several delusional beliefs, as well as the apparent voices that told Kinkel to commit the murders.   It is also important to note that the theory that his violent behavior was caused by a biological factor, in this case a chemical imbalance, is substantiated by the fact that the use of Prozac seemed to calm some of his erratic behavior.   One can even tie the biological aspect of his illness to the humanistic aspect by recognizing that the voices that Kinkel claimed to hear, voices that may have been his subconscious thoughts manifested, were dangerous to his self-image.   According to Kinkel, the voices told him he was worthless, which would be consistent with his low self-esteem. Of all the psychological aspects that can be used to analyze Kinkel’s behavior, perhaps the hardest to address is society’s role.   Are young people being desensitized to gun use through culturally accepted displays of violence?   Are guns too readily available to young people?   In Kinkel’s situation, the answer is obviously that yes, guns were made way too available.   Although his father apparently took great care in trying to teach him that guns are a responsibility, he did allow the teenager to purchase a firearm. This likely sent a message to the young man that it is ok to own a gun.   In fact, it was after his father allowed him to purchase a firearm that he continued to buy more from friends.   Once he was caught with possession of a firearm on school property, he claims he did not want his parents to have to be ashamed.   So, in an attempt to solve this problem, he decided to kill his parents.   His solution to the problem is not unlike the plots of many action-adventure movies, thus lending credibility to the culturally inspired aspect of his crime. In conclusion, it is impossible to know exactly what caused Kip Kinkel to murder his parents in cold blood.   Nor is there any real explanation as to why he would then drive to school and open fire on an entire cafeteria of students.   Although modern psychology can, to some extent, offer a glimpse into the diseased mind, it can not afford us a clear and scientific answer as to why people do the things they do.   One thing is certain in Kinkel’s case: he is a deeply disturbed individual. When the judge handed down the one- hundred-eleven year sentence, he confirmed what many psychologists already knew: there is no hope of rehabilitation for a young man who committed such heinous crimes.   Even if medication and therapy could alleviate the symptoms of his disease, the knowledge of the pain that he caused will be with him until the day he dies.   Such is the tragic ending of a very tragic situation. Works Cited â€Å"The Killer At Thurston High.† PBS: Frontline. (January 2000). 20 November 2006.    http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/kinkel/ A Killer At Thurston High It is not a far reach to speculate that he may have felt that, ultimately, his parents were to blame for his problems.   Had it not been for them, he would never have been born. This theory is supported by his written confession, which he left at the scene of his parents’ murder, in which he stated â€Å"I wish I had been aborted.†Ã‚   In this same letter, he states that he loved his mom and dad â€Å"so much† (Frontline).   This further lends credibility to the idea that while he felt love for his parents outwardly, he subconsciously harbored blame towards them because they were, essentially, the source of his suffering because they were the responsible for his existence.   Unfortunately, his inner turmoil manifested itself in a violent explosion of emotions, and he committed murders for reasons that even he could not explain. Another common theory that one could consider is that to some extent, Kinkel’s behavior can be attributed to peer influence, which would fall under the category of behavior modeling.   According to the chronological time table provided on the PBS Frontline website, Kinkel had no obvious behavioral problems during his elementary school years. Although he struggled greatly in school, several sources stated that he worked very hard to attempt to keep up with his classmates.   It would seem that once he entered middle school, he began to associate with young people who were less than upstanding citizens.   It is possible that by acting out, he was gaining acceptance from his peers, as opposed to feeling inferior because of his learning disability.   It is important to note that many of his offenses, particularly during his middle school years, involved friends.   Judging from his behavior, one can easily infer that Kinkel is not a leader, but a follower. It is likely that, at least in the beginning, he very seldom initiated criminal behavior, but rather blindly followed his friends down whatever path they chose. This may have likely set the stage for further misbehavior.   While his friends were not found to have any involvement in the murder of Kinkel’s parents or classmates, they did attribute to his delinquent attitude and fostered his fascination with guns and other deadly weapons.   So, in his attempt to conform to his friends’ ideas and behavior, he himself adopted their ways. His delinquent behavior evolved from so called â€Å"victimless† crimes, for instance, the ordering of mail order bomb books, shoplifting, etc, to increasingly violent acts.   As the chronological timeline found on the Frontline website clearly illustrates, it was not until after the relatively minor incidents occurred that his crimes became violent.   Throwing rocks off of the highway overpass, though it could have potentially caused great injury, was not a blatantly violent crime.   However, approximately three months later he was suspended from school for violent assaults against his classmates. One of the biggest controversies surrounding cases of teenage violence in America is deciding to whom the blame belongs.   Some may posit that the child’s parents are to blame; after all, they are the ones ultimately responsible for their children.   Others may blame the advent of violent video games, citing that young minds do not possess the discernment to know the difference between reality and fantasy. Still others will claim that the media is responsible; given that most young adults have unlimited access to television, explicit CD’s and internet websites, they are likely over stimulated with inappropriate material.   From a psychological viewpoint, we would define the aforementioned opinions as a tendency toward cognitive heuristics, more specifically, the principle of availability.   That is to say, Kinkel may have drawn on scenarios that he had either witnessed or heard about in order to rationalize his behavior. It is also possible that the idea to open fire on his classmates was in some way influenced by the influx of school shootings around the nation.   In theory, the fact that his solution to his problem was to go on a murderous rampage so shortly after other school shootings, lends credence to the idea that he was influenced by coverage of other shootings. Judging from Kinkel’s actions, writings, and confessional utterances, he suffered from a very low self-esteem.   Although some people naturally have a healthier self-image than others, a humanistic view of psychology dictates that negative experiences can contribute to a person’s low self-worth.   As described on the Frontline website, Kinkel struggled with school from the very beginning.   Because he started school in Spain, and spoke only English, he was at a great disadvantage. Not only did he miss out on an academic level, but also on a social level.   Even after returning to the United States, he continued to struggle in many areas of schooling.   Having to repeat the first grade likely affected his self-esteem.   Also, by all accounts, he continued to struggle with language problems.   In an interview, his sister admits to teasing him about his deficiency. It is likely that his classmates may have done the same.   Once he was diagnosed with a learning disability, and given the appropriate help, he apparently began to improve academically.   However, one can conclude that his feelings of low self-worth did not completely dissipate.   This may explain why he chose the friends that he did, which ultimately lead to participating in criminal activities. It has become a commonly accepted notion in the United States that puberty is the cause of many abnormal behaviors in young people.   To some extent, it is a reasonable claim; as a child matures into a teenager, they will likely push for more independence and individuality.   Changing hormones can attribute to some peculiar behavior, but in itself is not an excuse for even minor criminal behavior, let alone murdering ones parents and classmates.   However, as Frontline reports, Dr. Orin Bolstad, a psychologist who specializes in juvenile killers, stated that Kinkel’s behavior is consistent with an early onset of schizophrenia. This form of schizophrenia manifested itself through several delusional beliefs, as well as the apparent voices that told Kinkel to commit the murders.   It is also important to note that the theory that his violent behavior was caused by a biological factor, in this case a chemical imbalance, is substantiated by the fact that the use of Prozac seemed to calm some of his erratic behavior.   One can even tie the biological aspect of his illness to the humanistic aspect by recognizing that the voices that Kinkel claimed to hear, voices that may have been his subconscious thoughts manifested, were dangerous to his self-image.   According to Kinkel, the voices told him he was worthless, which would be consistent with his low self-esteem. Of all the psychological aspects that can be used to analyze Kinkel’s behavior, perhaps the hardest to address is society’s role.   Are young people being desensitized to gun use through culturally accepted displays of violence?   Are guns too readily available to young people?   In Kinkel’s situation, the answer is obviously that yes, guns were made way too available.   Although his father apparently took great care in trying to teach him that guns are a responsibility, he did allow the teenager to purchase a firearm. This likely sent a message to the young man that it is ok to own a gun.   In fact, it was after his father allowed him to purchase a firearm that he continued to buy more from friends.   Once he was caught with possession of a firearm on school property, he claims he did not want his parents to have to be ashamed.   So, in an attempt to solve this problem, he decided to kill his parents.   His solution to the problem is not unlike the plots of many action-adventure movies, thus lending credibility to the culturally inspired aspect of his crime. In conclusion, it is impossible to know exactly what caused Kip Kinkel to murder his parents in cold blood.   Nor is there any real explanation as to why he would then drive to school and open fire on an entire cafeteria of students.   Although modern psychology can, to some extent, offer a glimpse into the diseased mind, it can not afford us a clear and scientific answer as to why people do the things they do.   One thing is certain in Kinkel’s case: he is a deeply disturbed individual. When the judge handed down the one- hundred-eleven year sentence, he confirmed what many psychologists already knew: there is no hope of rehabilitation for a young man who committed such heinous crimes.   Even if medication and therapy could alleviate the symptoms of his disease, the knowledge of the pain that he caused will be with him until the day he dies.   Such is the tragic ending of a very tragic situation. Works Cited â€Å"The Killer At Thurston High.† PBS: Frontline. (January 2000). 20 November 2006.    http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/kinkel/