Kidzbop free essay sample

l, Kate am the mother of both Kate and Bob. The reason I am attempting to contact you once again is regarding both of them have never received their prizes for contests they won or placed in. In Sheathes had won 2nd place in the l Love Justine Belier Super Contest in November 2012. I had gotten an email regarding this (while I was In the hospital) and upon release from the hospital we took the Affidavit of Eligibility ND Allowably/Publicly Release to the JAG Judge Advocate General Corps) office here on the military Installation to have It notarized.Then, we faxed, emailed and mailed It back to you (so all bases were covered). We have not once heard nothing back and Kate never received the Nook, nor the signed copy of Justine Babblers 100% official book Just Getting Started, nor the Barnes Noble $50 gift card , and didnt receive the Kid Bop 20, 21 and 22. We will write a custom essay sample on Kidzbop or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Yet, she couldnt enter anymore contests even pass the 6 onto period when she tried.So, can you please tell me what happened and what is going on I have faxed already and emailed once regarding this once already (as instructed to do by JAG) but haven heard nothing back. It has now been 1 year and 2 months since our daughter Kate won this contest. This needs to be resolved! In addition our daughter Bob won 3rd place in the contest Its Always Summer In Atlantis Super Contest.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn essays

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn essays The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain has been known for its array of interesting characters, including the runaway slave protagonist named Jim. Without Jim's help in the story, Huck would have never reached where he was, much less go through everything he did and learn what he did. Throughout the novel, Jim plays a role similar to a father figure to Huck by helping develop his physical strength, mentality, and morals. Aside from helping Huck, he becomes one of the most appealing characters in the story with his personality, superstitions, ideas, and significance within the plot of the novel itself. Jim plays the role of the father by helping Huck's physical well-being. He first provides food and shelter for Huck, then continually catches fish and fixes meals for him. In contrast to this, when Huck resided back at his house, he had always been working to provide himself with everything. Jim also gives Huck advice throughout the novel. From the very beginning of the novel when he sees his father's boot prints, Huck goes to Jim for advice. Despite the slave's fearful superstitions, his advice is mostly coherent and understandable, as seen when he advises against boarding the Walter Scott. Lastly, Jim provides protection for Huck. He passively protects Huck from the different people in society by having the raft ready to escape back to the river. Also, Jim actively protects Huck by lying to the King and Duke for him after they catch up with him on the river and threaten him. While Huck had no one to protect him before, now he has Jim to stand up for him against people that are li ke Pap, showing what a true father should do. Although Jim's ability to protect him is limited because of his status as a black slave, he protects him the best he possibly can. Jim also plays the role of the father by providing for Huck's emotional well-being. He provides affection for the boy. One of the memories that causes Huck to make his final...

SLP 3 HRM - 403 Don't let them just eat cake, designing a Essay

SLP 3 HRM - 403 Don't let them just eat cake, designing a compensation package for expatriates - Essay Example The compensation program developed provides incentive that gives expatriates to work outside the country and must pay well to help them offset their bills and maintain high living conditions in those countries, besides incidences of insecurity risks. Offering international compensation is regarded as internal rate of return as they are highly valued by employee’s performing international duties. It influences the organization’s culture, motivation and performance, and recruitment and selection of competent employees. (Dowling, & Welch, 1999) This is delineated as the amount of money received by an expatriate in the home country. It is affected by the exchange rates. The salaries in the designed package will be paid in home currency. The base pay is also the benchmark through, which helps in the calculation of benefits and bonuses. This is also referred to indirect compensation. It constitutes a portion of international compensation, usually a third of base salary. Benefits include entertainment, gifts, festival celebrations, telephone, and vehicles among others. An employee is likely to stay with an employer that is sensitive to its direct benefits. (Harzing, 2006) This is regarded by this scheme as an important feature of expatriate compensation. Cost of living is the most common allowance provided to expatriates, which help expatriates adjust so that they can enjoy same standards of living as in their home country. Some of these benefits include; reallocation allowance, housing, spouse, and home leave allowance. This refers to an additional payment that is accrued to employees I order to increase the output. Incentives can be either in monetary and non-monetary terms. Incentives will give expatriates reason to remain in the organization. This refers to an inducement, mostly in form of salary so as to accept overseas assignments. Expatriates working in countries, which are hostile to

Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Psychology - Essay Example But when they look at themselves in the mirror, they see only the imperfections of which they are already well aware. The good news is that if we can’t depend on our own judgment and we’re mistrustful of the reassurances of our friends, it has been established that people have the inherent capability to alter how others perceive the way they look simply in the way they present themselves. â€Å"When you’re convinced you look good, others see you in a more favorable light† (Flora, 2006). People, mostly women, tend to feel more attractive around people who aren’t as appealing as they are and less attractive around people they perceive as having more appealing features. These social comparisons occur constantly and automatically, not only when strangers are deliberately scrutinized. Psychologists refer to this phenomenon as the ‘contrast effect.’ According to Richard Robins, professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, women universally use a scale for beauty that is unreasonable. For example, in a study, neither gender used people such as Einstein as a comparison when appraising their own intelligence, but women compare a biased view of their own beauty to that of super models. Another study showed how self-awareness of appearance affects cognitive actions. When males and females were given a math test, both genders had similar results but when another test was given with the females dressed in swimsuits, they scored much lower than their male counterparts. When the men wore swimsuits, the difference was negligible. I am not surprised to find that studies show women to be more obsessed with their outward appearance than men. Society has long established the idea that a woman’s only value is reflected in the quality of the man she can attract. Since men tend to base their own preferences upon the outward appearance of women, it becomes necessary for women to be concerned with doing all she can to attract the

Week1 Knowledge paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Week1 Knowledge paper - Essay Example In addition to the need for goods and services, there was a high demand for housing. This demand spawned the creation of the subdivision. With the proliferation of the automobile, better highways, and television people began to move west as they left the rust belt for the sun belt. While women had been instrumental in working in the wartime factories, after the war women left the factory jobs and became more domestic. This period transformed America into the single wage family headed by a male that became the middle class. The shift in demographics created even more desire and need for products in the marketplace. The economy was growing due to the increase in employment opportunities, more leisure time, and the advertisers ability to reach the public through the new medium of television. The information that I have about the economy during this era comes from older family members who have related their stories to me. In addition, I have picked up images and impressions from television and the Internet. I have always been interested in culture and like to watch some of the old post war movies or 1950s sitcoms. Though I know they are only stories, you can sometimes glean some facts from good fiction. The relationship between the US and the USSR had always been somewhat tense due to the claims of communist infiltration in the US that went back to the 1930s. However, the war against Germany had necessitated that they become allied in their goal of defeating Hitler. Russia endured a heavy burden and paid a great cost during the war. As such, Stalin felt that they were owed the spoils that go to the victor in war. The US, though cautious, was willing to accommodate the Soviets by giving them control of the countries on their western border that would serve as a buffer against Germany and would become their satellite states. After the defeat of Japan, Truman once again

Indian Lubricant Industry An Introduction Marketing Essay

Indian Lubricant Industry An Introduction Marketing Essay Indian lubricant industry in a recent past has presented new market opportunities. Firm growth in the Indian power, engineering and automotive sectors has been a boon for lubricant manufacturers. In automotive sector, as consumers migrate to efficient vehicles and motorbikes, they use higher grade lubricants. As a result, multi-grade lubricant products are getting benefitted. In the industrial segment, high level of investment in manufacturing, transport and power sectors have the potential to drive very strong growth for marine aviation lubricants and transformer oil. The automotive lubricant market in India is highly price sensitive the volume growth is getting stagnated due to longer lasting lubricants. The retail trade and original equipment segment are two major marketing channels in the Indian context. Due to ever growing competition, tie-ups OEMs are becoming important as they provide the value proposition of a brand. In retail trade, Petrol pumps (ROs) form the major distribution channel. Sales of lubricants via ROs or the bazaar trade has changed the Indian automotive lubricant market into a FMCG sector. The other marketing channels are garages, super markets, rural and agricultural dealers, authorized service stations and wholesale distributors. PSU companies manufacture their own base oil and follow a different distribution strategy as compared to their private counterparts that solely dependent on imports. PSUs sell from their own wide spread network of ROs while private manufacturers prefer supermarkets. Engine oil plays the most important role in deciding the market share of lubricant manufacturers. Increase in demand for 4-stroke motorcycles, tie ups with OEMs and implementation of new norms of pollution are few of the key drivers of the growth of the engine oil segment. Growth in heavy commercial vehicle segment, increasing awareness among the customer base, new cooling technologies and OEM tie-ups has led to increase in coolant demand which has become the next largest segment in the automotive lubricants market. In brake oil segment, introduction of new brake systems, increasing growth in LCVs, consumption of lubes by CPVs and changing customer mindset related to specialty lubricants are believed to push demand further. The gear oil market is also growing fast and has high potential owing to increasing number of vehicles on road. Vehicles of new generation with advanced gear system technologies automatic transmission systems need special type of lubricants conceiving greater demand for API synthetic and multi axel gear oil, API MT-1, API GL-5 ultra-Matic, which reduces the oil changing intervals. In the long run, the overall picture for automotive lubricants sector looks bright due to growth of Indian economy along with increased purchasing power of consumers. BPCLs Lube Division Bharat Petroleum offers a complete range of Gear Oils, Automotive Engine Oils, Specialty Oils, Transmission oils and Greases. The fine quality of the lubricant and its correct usage ensures longer engine life and trouble free operation. Lubricants were totally deregulated during the liberation era of early nineties. Thereafter, a large number of players have forayed into this market. Despite operating in a totally competitive environment, BPCLs Lubricants SBU has been registering a growth in lubricant sales continuously over the past couple of years. As compared to 2008-2009, a growth of 13.73% has been achieved and sales volume of 231.12 TMT has been achieved. The channels viz. retail and direct saw a growth of 20%. BPCL has a strong RD competency, extensive distribution network; own source of Group II+ base oil, highly motivated and dedicated workforce which serves as a strengthening mechanism for it but due to increased competition and continuous phasing out of 2-stroke engines are threat to the company in its growth path. Birth of MAK In 1998, BPCL re-launched lubricants in new attractive packs. It was mainly in automotive category with three major brands- Automol for Petrol Engine oils, MAK for Diesel Engine oils and Glide for 2-3 wheelers. The year 2003, MAK was named as an umbrella brand and subsequently all industrial grades too were branded with it. MAK Lubricants sales and its market share The Lubricants business of BPCL delivered a sales volume of 231.12 TMT in 2009-10 as compared to 203.22 TMT in 2008-09, a growth of 13.73%. The volume of finished lubricants grew by 23% during the last year. Both the reseller channel and direct channel grew by over 20%. MAK Lubricants are now available at more than 23,000 retail counters across the country apart from the small mechanic shops and authorized service stations. Products like MAK Chakda and MAK Boat XP were launched during the year. There has been an expansion in customer base across the segments with prime focus on the key growth sectors. The wide range of products cater to normal applications like Engine oils to Hydraulic, Marine, Cutting and very specialized products for Defense applications and Railways. Products catering to specific applications like MAK Amocam Plus, MAK Steel for steel plant applications and superior Industrial Gear Oils were launched. In the retail channel, focus was on generating secondary sales at the retail outlet. Initiatives like One Day Wonder and MAK QUIK improved visibility of the brand and also offered a value proposition to the customers. Segment specific oils like MAK Auto XL and MAK D-Gen were introduced to cater to niche markets. The network of MAK distributors was further expanded with the objective of achieving leadership position in the high value grades. On the exports front, BPCL entered Sharjah and consolidated its presence in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Point of Purchase Lubes Shop They are exclusive lubricants reselling points to facilitate the customers for their Lubricants requirement and confirming with the Quality and other standards of BPCL. The deregulation in the industry along with entry of multinationals has led to a shift of trade to the bazaar. Owing to huge potential with competitors providing huge discounts, BPCL too has forayed in this direction and has started giving discounts to the end customer instead of the channel. These branded lubes shops are available all across the country in all major cities. These C:UsersRomioDesktopLubeshoppe.gif MAK Garage BPCL started a campaign by enrolling the mechanic segment under the umbrella network of MAK Garage. It was launched in 2006 to promote the MAK lubricants and currently about 800 MAK garages across the country exclusively uses MAK Lubricants C:UsersRomioDesktopmak_garage.gif Hero Honda Service Stations JV between Hero Honda and Bharat Petroleum. The initiative is to utilize the vast BPCL network across the country to provide value added services to the customers through the City Work network at our ROs. Currently, there are around 170 Hero Honda City Works operating across the country C:UsersRomioDesktopcitywrk.png TASS TATA Authorized Service Station is yet another initiative for strengthening our relationship with TATA, Indian Auto Major. There is a joint collaboration for marketing co-branded greases, lubricants and specialty products MAK TATA products. TASS provides TATA vehicle service network throughout Dealer network across the country. This network of service is of two types SUVIDHA for TATA Ace vehicles and TASS for heavy vehicles C:UsersRomioDesktoptass.jpg VCC BPCL launched a new initiative VEHICLE CARE CENTRE at the retail outlets. This ought to provide esteemed customers state of the art facility at affordable rates. The network is in growth phase and is gaining huge popularity across the country. C:UsersRomioDesktopvcare.png MAK Quik Lube Oil Change To value the time proposition of the esteemed customers, new initiative MAK Quik Lube oil Change has been started at various outlets. It mainly caters to the Bike and Car/SUV customers for changing the Engine oil in the vehicles within a short span of time. The major advantages to the customer out of this initiative is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Quick Oil change in front of eyes à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Mechanized system of changing Oil which helps in removing the layer of old oil completely. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Genuine MAK product à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ No Servicing cost- only the cost of product needs to be paid by the customers. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Fast turnaround time for the customers. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Exceptional offers to the customers C:UsersRomioDesktopservice_makquik.jpg OEM Tie-ups   Due to the ever growing competition, the tie-ups with OEMs have become important as they help in reinforcing the value proposition of a brand. BPCL is continuously working with OEMs to help them in providing the best value for money to the customers by developing and upgrading genuine oils for the vehicles and equipments by addressing the requirements of the changing technology. The marketing and RD teams have been providing the solutions for specialized lubricant applications in cement, power, steel, road construction, engineering and other leading industries in India. The RD team has developed about 300 different formulations in last 10 years out of which last 3 years saw about 50. BPCL has started its own LOBS plant in Mumbai by using the latest All Hydro Processing Technology a Chevron Lummus Global patent. This has enabled them to manufacture finer quality MAK Base oils beyond the requirement of API Group II which is rated as Group II plus. OEMs acknowledge BPCLs identity in producing quality base oil, best of RD capabilities and deep marketing acumen. OEM Partnerships BPCL has agreements with top notch automotive manufacturers which have both National and International presence. This is in addition to presence across the country with plethora of options available for all the sections of the industry. With superior technology, strong brands and vast distribution, MAK Lubricants is a perfect partner for OEMs looking for offering their consumers the best of products and services. Hero Honda Motor Limited It has an association with BPCL since the year 2004. MAK Lubricants has become the biggest supplier of engine oils in a span of first five years for initial fill and to Hero Honda Motor Limited dealers, Authorized service stations spare part stockists.   BPCL has been developing speciality products like Engine oils Shock Absorber with joint working with HHML that can meet the stringent HONDA, Japan specifications. Also, BPCL has started Hero Honda City Works exclusive service outlets for HHML customers  at BPCL ROs.http://www.maklubes.com/Images/HHSuperPremium4TPlus.jpg http://www.maklubes.com/Images/Hero_Honda.jpg This is the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in India. There exists a strategic alliance with Authorized Service Network, Tata Motors dealerships and Tata Motor Spare part dealerships for supply of Engine oils and Co-branded engine oils speciality products to. MAK Lubricants jointly works with Tata Motors in areas including joint product development, customer service promotion. MAK TATA MOTORS CH4 15W40, specially developed for Tata Motors, is authorized by Tata Motors to use in all commercial vehicles fitted with Tata Cummins Engine. Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles Division http://www.maklubes.com/Images/MAK_ATF-A.jpg http://www.maklubes.com/Images/tata_motors.jpg BPCL and GM have entered a strategic alliance to supply Co-branded engine oils and speciality products to the GM dealerships authorized service networks across the country. BPCLs GM MAK Genuine 15W40 Diesel Petrol Engine Oils are specially developed for GM is endorsed by GM for use in all its passenger cars and Utility vehicles.  General Motors India http://www.maklubes.com/Images/MAK_Genuine_Diesel_Engine_O.jpg http://www.maklubes.com/Images/general_motors.jpg The 3rd largest 2-wheeler manufacturer in India and among top ten in the world, TVS had an annual turnover of more than $1 billion in 2008-2009. BPCL and TVS Motor Company have an exclusive tie-up to supply engine-oils for initial service fill TVSM dealers, spare part stockists Authorized service stations. TVS TRU 4;  the 1st JASO MA2 specification oil of its type has been manufactured by BPCL for TVSM two- wheelers. It is available at all TVS Motor authorized dealerships workshops and BPCLs extensive reseller network. TVS Motor Company Limited http://www.maklubes.com/Images/Mak_TVS_tru4.jpg http://www.maklubes.com/Images/tvs_motors.jpg   LT KOMATSU A market leader in excavator segment, it commands greater than 50% of the market share. Tie-up for past 5 years for supplying oils LT Komatsu dealerships and users. BPCL also develop, manufacture supply specially formulated speciality products and hydraulic transmission oils for use in to LT Komatsu excavatorshttp://www.maklubes.com/Images/LT_Komatsu.jpg . Competitors of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) Lubricants HPCL IOCL Honda Engine Oil Yamaha Lubes Castrol India Ltd Savita Group Total Group, India Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd (Lubricant Division) Apar Industries Ltd The Andrew Yule Group Gagan Gases Ltd Balmer Lawrie Co Ltd Major Competitors Engine Oils used at authorized Service Stations Honda Engine Oil Honda 4-stroke engine oil is developed by the RD, Honda Motors Ltd., Japan. It conforms to International specifications of SAE 20W40 and API SJ. It has been developed keeping difficult driving conditions prevalent in India. Savita Chemicals Limited In 1961, it started as a small manufacturing unit in Mumbai started producing white mineral oil. Presently, SCL specializes in manufacturing of petroleum specialty products like petroleum jelly, liquid paraffin, white mineral oil, transformer oil, automotive other industrial lubricants. It is in technical collaboration with largest independent oil company of Japa, Idemitsu Kosan, for manufacturing automotive and industrial lubricants. It supplies lubricants to OEMs like Honda Siel, Toyota and HMSI. Yamalube ® These are made by combining base oils, additives and solvents; chosen and mixed to work perfectly for the vehicle. It was designed to work in harmony with the important mechanical components of vehicle. 4-stroke fully synthetic engine-oil for high-performance bikes and competition engines. 4-stroke semi-synthetic engine-oil Æ’Â   a unique blend for all road bikes in normal conditions. 4-stroke mineral engine oil premium quality 2-stroke semi-synthetic engine oil for 2-stroke engines Æ’Â  for standard or unleaded petrol engines. The Marketing Channels **Pie areas not to the scale Till date, the Indian consumers associate filling of lubricants to petrol stations. With the deregulation of market fierce competition, lubricant is being positioned as high involvement consumer goods. Hence, there is a resultant drift outside the petrol stations, shift to bazaar trade. In the developed World, Do-it-Yourself concept has evolved for filling up of engine oil as customers have high degree of awareness sensitivity. This is still the job of mechanics service stations in India. This shift had the following effects: Dumping of products in bazaar. Decline in Market Share of oil companies in public sector. Industry got transformed to FMCG owing to crowding of the market Entry of spurious lubricants. War of trade discounts ending in lesser margins for dealers. Consumer Buying Behavior To start the understanding of the behavior, first we need to know who the consumer is or rather we should define the consumer. A consumer is one who owns a motor vehicle; it can be a motor-bike, a car, a truck or an auto. Let us take example of a farmer who owns a tractor, jeep and a truck. He does not buy separate lubricants for his truck or tractor but rather he would buy for one in bulk and would use it for other two. This might be due to his belief that diesel oils are better than petrol ones. Also, in many parts of country, the farmers use left-over/old oils in their tractors/trucks into the agricultural pump sets. Motivators The main motivators or influencers in the buying decision of customers are retailers/mechanics/dealers. As quite obvious, the owner of the vehicle or the driver has a very little chance of knowing about the intricacies or the composition of the lubricant oils in the market. Initial purchase of lubricant for hi is influenced by the brand recommended by the dealer or the mechanic. Subsequent purchases may be influenced by the petrol pump attendants or dealers. He would go for the brand which provides him value for money and would not consider the costliest one. Favorite brands As seen during the study, the consumers are bargain seeker and can shift their loyalty for a matter of few bucks. This can be attributed to the fact that the purchase of lubricants is a low involvement purchase for the majority of people. For a person having multiple motor vehicles can purchase the engine oil and subsequently use them in some other means as for example in pumps as discussed earlier. But one who is having a sole motor vehicle say a truck would rather prefer to buy diesel than lubricants as this would directly have an effect on his livelihood. His choice of lubricants would be influenced by:- Promotions Now-a-days, by adopting a customer-oriented approach, companies focus on creating brand awareness via print and visual media. E.g., promotional campaigns and trade shows offer gifts to their customers; these are ways of driving sales of the automotive lubricants MAK MALAMAAL DAILY JEET KI KHUSHI SCRATCH WIN This promotional offer provides a chance to win up to Rs. 30 on MAK 4T plus 900 ml 1 ltr pack and a chance to win up to Rs.100 on selected MAK Petrol Diesel Engine oil packs from 3-5 ltrs. http://www.maklubes.com/MAKADMIN/Promotiondata/8_Image_JEET_%20KI_KHUSHI.jpg This promises the customers a Promise Tooth Paste and Binaca Toothbrush free with every pack of MAK GE 20W-50 : 1 ltr pack MAK PUMP 3.5 ltr pack. GADI MEIN DHAMAK HASI MEIN DHAMAK! http://www.maklubes.com/MAKADMIN/Promotiondata/10_Image_HASI_MEINDHAMAK.jpg MAK MALAMAAL DAILY KISMAT KI BALTI KHOLO This provides a chance to win up to Rs. 500 on purchase of MAK Lubricants Engine/gear oils packs from 7.5 -20 ltr packs. Double offer An unbreakable LED torch light free with every pack of 15 20 ltr http://www.maklubes.com/MAKADMIN/Promotiondata/2_Image_Kismat_ki_balti.jpg Awareness/Sales Booster Mechanism Diversification Going on the lines of innovation, BPCL MAK have embarked upon thinking beyond Lubricants. As a part of this inventiveness, MAK lubricants have through dynamic RD have offered new products catering to specific requirements and the problems faced by the customers. MAK All-Season HMO Apple Spray Tea Spray Oils This Horticultural Mineral oil is manufactured out of Group II plus MAK Base oils which are environment friendly, therefore, they not only protect the tender plants and fruits but also their users. It is superior to both Summer and Dormant Oils and has no side effects. All season protection Reduces number of sprays Broad spectrum protection against pests and diseases Avoids usage of synthetic pesticides Excellent crop return Valuable tool when it comes to integrated pest management programs Reduces pest control costs Environmental benefits Eco-friendly approach No residue on evaporation Organic biodegradable Safe on predatory complexes No toxic elements No interference with plant respiration Authentication Increases crop value

An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder Essay -- Diseases/Disorder

Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism spectrum disorder has become the most common neurological and developmental disorder diagnosed in children today. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012) estimate that 1 out of every 88 American children have been properly diagnosed. There is no known cure for autism, and the inconsistencies of the symptoms of autism in each case make it difficult to target a particular set of effective treatments. However some behavior management therapies, specifically physical therapy, may help to significantly control the unwanted symptoms in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Symptoms. Children begin showing symptoms of autism as early as twelve months of life, making two to three years old the typical age of diagnosis. The symptoms of autism are truly of a spectrum, hence the name, meaning no child is affected by the disorder in quite the same way. However, symptoms of autism are generally categorized into three basic areas of impairment, the first of these being sociability. Most children with autism have trouble comprehending basic social situations. A child with autism likely makes little eye contact, fails respond to other people in their environment, and reacts inappropriately when others show extreme emotion. It is common for children with autism to misread emotional cues because they focus on a person’s mouth while speaking instead of their eyes as would an unaffected person. Likewise, people may have difficulties understanding the emotions of an autistic child. Many times their body language or tone of voice will not match the emoti on that they are trying to express. The second area of impairment is communication. Children with autism ... ...#pub12 Nicholson, H., Kehle, TJ., Bray, MA., & Heest, J. (2011). The Effects of Antecedent Physical Activity on the Academic Engagement of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Psychology in the Schools, 48(2), 198-213. Ospina, MB., Krebs, SJ., Clark, B., Karkhaneh, M., Hartling, L., et al. (2008). Behavioural and Developmental Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Systematic Review. PLoS ONE, 3(11). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19015734 Petrus, C., Adamson, SR., Block, L., Einarson, SJ., Sharifnejad, M., & Harris, SR. (2008) Effects of Exercise Interventions on Stereotypic Behaviours in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Physiotherapy Canada, 60(2), 134-145. United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2012) Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

Abandoned Senior Citizens

Are Americans prepared for the increasing numbers of elderly population? In the next century the oldest of old will be the fastest growing population in the nation. According to The AGS Foundation for Health and Aging (2005), the size and character of the elderly in the United States is rapidly changing. Since the 1900 most of the US population was under the age of 65, but this drastically changed over the course of the century. In fact, the senior citizen population grew from 3. 1 million to 33. 2 million from 1900 to 1994. Furthermore, by the year 2030, â€Å"one out of every five Americans will be a senior citizen. † Our society must prepare to handle the increasing number of elderly that are abandoned by family or have no family to care for them. As a result, the elderly are those who stand to suffer the most due to the lack of proper care. Longer life spans and infertility is creating a serious unbalance in ages. Moreover, with the continual growing numbers of the age group 65 and above, Americans may not be ready to handle the burden that will come with supporting the elderly. Senior Citizen Population is on Brink of Explosion in World and in United States. This shift in the age structure of the world’s population poses challenges to society, families, businesses, health care providers and policymakers to meet the needs of aging individuals† according to the Census Bureau, (2009, Para. 6). To further illustrate the major impact Americans will experience due to the over growing e lderly population, the Division of the U. S. Census Bureau published middle- series projections that gives a good demonstration of growth percentages from 1990 to 2050 by race. Figure 1. 0. Statistics of The Elderly Population Projections of the United States, by Age, Sex, Race, and Hispanic Origin The worst is yet to come for the elderly frail as an unbalanced society cannot or will not provide a helping hand. â€Å"In fact, while children are projected to still outnumber the older population worldwide in 2050, the under 15 population in the United States is expected to fall below the older population by that date, increasing from 62 million today to 85 million. † Census Bureau, (2009, par a. ). These shocking numbers should be a wakeup call to our society to prepare for the impact on the financial strain the elderly will poses to their families. Consequently, children or families of the elderly will carry the burdens of making difficult decisions to help or to turn the other cheek and walk away. Moreover it will be the elderly who will suffer the most from being abandoned and forgotten in the care of hospitals, nursing homes, halfway homes, or hosp ices for someone else to worry about. The sad and unfortunate reality of what lurks beneath the decisions to leave frail and aging parents with others is the desire to be free or rid of the responsibility of caring for one’s elderly parents themselves. In time, the once young and viral independent adult who were able to contribute to society, have withering bodies that become sick, disabled, or suffer from decease and are considered too old and too much trouble to deal with. When the elderly are left alone; they experience health risks, mental instability, social isolation, loneliness, and depression (Saul, 1983). Truly one cannot image something worse than watching an elderly person’s mind slowly deteriorate due to lack of stimulation, emotional support, or love a lonely elderly craves. Typically, dementia or loss of memory sets in to the point that an elderly person cannot remember what happened from one day to the next. Eventually, the despondent elderly becomes sicker, or worse disabled from a fall or a non- curable decease like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, which leads to helplessness, disorientation, bitterness, and anger because they cannot remember or help themselves. In truth, it can be a rude awakening witnessing one’s parent turn into a different person in what seems like overnight. The wonderful vivacious spirit that one loved about a parent or family member has become this empty shell of a person. Indeed the experience spoken of comes from one who has become the parent of a parent diagnosed with Parkinson’s two years ago, and who knows that any illness or disability can be could be seriously reduced with the proper medical attention, nutrients, and most of all the nurturing love an elderly person earns for. Mind blowing, yet all too true are the statistics piling up in hospitals that have no family to pick them up; or left alone in nursing homes hoping for family to come for them, or worse left alone in their homes with no one to turn to (Pek Yee, 2009). Specifically one such story happened to a friend’s brother in law who lost his mother to a horrible and tragic death when his father died three years ago. Shortly after his father’s death his mother became distraught and depressed and started visiting him and his family frequently because he lived the closest to her apart from his sisters, so he wanted to help his mother through the pain of her loss. During her visits it seemed his mother was pulling through her depression, but she often had heavy bouts of deep sadness accompanied by anger and hostility. In truth the son and his family experienced mental abused by the mothers enraged hostility; however, his family managed to suppress the desire to lash back at her because they knew she did not live with them permanently. Eventually, the mother became more despondent and asked her son if she could live with him, so she did not have to live by herself anymore. Although; she did have two other daughters, they both lived in another city and never made an effort to see her or have her come visit them. In spite of the mother’s sadness, the son denied his mother from living with him mainly because he believed her negativity would be too hard to live with. Since, she was in good health her son did not see a reason for her to move in with him because this would add more responsibility for him and definitely create tension for his family. As a result of the denial, the mother felt rejected, sorrowful, and heartbroken and became detached from everyone and began wondering off from time to time without letting anyone know where she would go. Finally; one day his mother called and said she was going away for a while but again without word of where she planned on going. Sadly and one week later was found face down in a creek dead about 10 miles from her home with only her purse in hand. The authorities who found her said she had been dead for four days and ruled her death a suicide. In short, they said she probably wondered off in distress and decided to take her life rather than be alone and without someone to care for her. Unfortunately, the son will have to live with knowing he rejected her and the possibility that he caused her to take her life, which can be terrible weight to carry for the rest of one’s life! It stands to reason that children will experience the pain and guilt of knowing either they help their aging parents or resort to disassociation. In fact, the brutal reality is that children are becoming the parents as their aging parents are vastly becoming the children to support. Indeed the experience of having time and money stripped away from the children who care for their aging parents, along with baring the extra responsibilities of caring for them, all take a toll on a family’s emotional and physical health. At first, one wants to believe that once their elderly parent is placed safely in a nursing home the responsibility of caring for their parent is lifted form them and shifted over to the care workers, but in reality this is not true at all. To begin with, the parents finances need to be take care of; regular visits to the doctor, supplies like clothes and hygiene products, and most importantly regular checks with the nursing home to make sure the parent or family member is not mistreated. Of course, nursing homes will feed them three meals a day, bath them, administer their medicine routinely, and take care of the everyday task of making sure they do not hurt themselves. However, if a medical emergency should arise and a family member is not there to help, the nursing home just ships the elderly family member off to the emergency room, for someone more equipped can help them, which can be a horrifying experience if the elderly person is left to go through the experience alone. Typically if an elderly person does not have a family member to pick him or her up at the hospital after they are discharged, the hospital’s social worker will be assigned to place them in State facility or arrange to dropped him or her off at his or her home, even if the elderly person is not equipped to take care of him or herself. It is no wonder that elderly living alone have higher risks of increasing functional disability and much broader clinical detections of social loneliness and depression (Shu-Chuan, 2004). Thus, both the elderly and their families suffer in some form or another. Once upon a time aging gracefully was respected and adorned, but today aging has become a frightening look at the future and a sad end to one’s youth. Why is becoming old such a scary place to go for so many, perhaps because the awareness people have that they too could end up sick, alone, and abandoned. A prime example of why people are so afraid would be how our nation’s nursing homes have become a dumping ground for the elderly. One only needs to venture into a States nursing facility to witness what elderly are experiencing. Underneath all the hype that the elderly are well taken care and respected, lays the ugly truth of decreased standards of living conditions. To begin with, elderly are left in their soiled underwear for hours at a time, or sometimes left lying in their beds all day long without food or drink. If an elderly person is sick and incapable of doing for him or herself, or a family member does not take the time or appropriate measures to stand up for the parent or family member staying in nursing home, terrible things can happen. Moreover, health care providers are increasingly becoming more abusive, neglectful and defiant, which is aiding in destroying the health and the very fabric of our elderly generation. Regretfully the aging frail have no other choice but to submit their selves to whatever care they can receive leaving them helplessly in the hands of retirement or nursing workers who do not care about them. As time progresses more senior citizens are feeling the aches and pains of growing older and abandonment, but this does not seem to matter because he or she continues to wait patiently and hope someone will come visit or care for them [pic] Figure 2. 0. An Alone and Hopeful Elderly Women Patiently Waits for Someone to Visit Her. Someone needs to care for and help the elderly, despite the implied burdens. In the forefront of people’s mind that have had to give up or change their lives to accommodate the aging parent or family member, there lies a desire to help in some way. However, if the surface were pulled back underneath would lay admissions of oppressions of too much to bear. Thus, the uglier side of the naked truth is revealed, which is less and less the children of the elderly refuse to take on the responsibility that comes with caring for the elderly. Out of sight, out of mind is all too often the guiltless fall back for families unwilling to help. Surely, someone needs to care for and help the elderly, despite the implied burdens. Helping the elderly might be burdensome, but life is life regardless of age. Of course, helping the elderly is a heavy burden to some but life is life, regardless of age. With this in mind, it stands to reason that our nation needs to wise up and instill the proper support structure to our badly needed aging society to create balance. So that families need not look at growing old as a scary road to venture down; or aging as a strain or burden, but rather as a gift to be grateful for.

Professional Role/Code of Ethic

Codes of Ethis on the case of Mr. E Professional Roles and Values Western Governor University State Regulations and Nursing Standards Nursing, as other medical profession, aims at helping and saving the life of other. As much as nurses and physician wants to intervene to prolong a patient life, it’s important to consider patient’s wishes. Ethically, intubating Mr. E without proper discussion and consideration of his wishes is against his living will. It’s a violation of Provision I of ANA Code of Ethics in respecting patient’s dignity.The nurse also fail to meet the Standards of Competent Performance based on California Code of Regulation, Article 4, code 1443. 5, which stated â€Å" [nurses] acts as the client’s advocate, as circumstances require, by initiating action to improve health care or to change decisions or activities which are against the interests or wishes of the client [†¦]† (p. 70) Implication. According to code 2. 1 †Å"Primacy of patient’s interest† from American Nurses Association, it’s the nurse’s commitment to respect the uniqueness of each patient, and respect patient’s wishes.Therefore, the nurse is responsible to seek for a solution if patient’s wishes are conflict with others (p. 5). Based on the above codes, the nurse in the scenario must inform Mr. Y about Mr. E’s wish. The nurse also need to assess Mr. Y understanding of risk and benefit of the procedure, so he would have all the neccesary information to make decision. Code of Ethics The Code of Ethics was developed by the American Nurses Association as a framework for ethical guideline. The work serves as a standard in assisting nurses making ethical decision.According to the ANA Code of Ethics,(2001), provision I stated that nurses must treat patient with compassion and respect the patient’s dignity, worth, and uniqueness, regardless of social and economical status, nature of hea lth problem, and person’s attributes (p. 1). In specific, the interpretive statement 1. 4, in which the focus is on patient’s right to self-determination, is appropriate to apply in this scenario. (p. 4) Impact of Code. Code 1. 4 stated that nurses respect patient’s dignity by honor his or her own wishes. Thus, it’s important to inform Mr.Y of Mr. E’s wish as â€Å"do not resuscitate† (DNR). Although Mr. E is mentally challenge, he has his own feeling and perspective on his health status. Moreover, the patient’s mental condition when he signed Advance Directive and Power of Attorney is unclear; therefore, ignoring his wishes is a false assumption and an understatement to his decision-making capabality. As a nurse in this scenario, I would inform Mr. Y of his brother wish on Advance Directive. Ethics of Putting Patient on Ventilator. Putting Mr. E on ventilator based on the niece’s permission is unethical.The decision didnâ€⠄¢t make based on patient’s best interest due to Mr. Y unawareness of Advance Directive. In addition, the niece made the decision instead of Mr. Y; therefore, the patient’s Power of Attorney was not followed completely. As the nurse, I would call Mr. Y to explain the situation and the decision of his niece. I would also inform him of the patient’s wishes in the Advance Directive. As an advocate for patient, I would also bring up the patient’s wish to the physican’s attention, and discuss the need to inform both Mr. Y and his niece of the Advance Directive.Although Ms. H doesn’t have Power of Attorney, she plays a role in assisting Mr. Y decision-making since Mr. Y called her for suggestion. Ethics of Authorizing Ventilator. Mr. Y should considers his brother’s wish based on the Advance Directive. Mr. Y should also ask for the risks and benefits of putting his brother on ventilator. As his brother, Mr. Y would want to prolong his broth er’s life; however, Mr. Y should take in account of his brother’s desire, quality of life, and the extend of suffering. If Mr. Y doesn’t agree with the Advanced Directives, Mr.Y’s authorization is valid since the Advanced Directives is not fully completed. Analysis of Mr. E’s Advanced Directives Because of Mr. E mental health status, his capabality to make decision is unclear when he signed the Advanced Directives. Moreover, according to EmedicineHealth, â€Å"it’s important that the designated power of attorney knows and understands your [the patient] wishes† (Nabili, 2012). However, family member didn’t sign the Advance Directives, and the involvement of family is unclear. Thus, the appointed Power of Attorney may not know and understand the patient’s wish.The patient and family might not discuss patient’s decision. In addition, when the decision of Mr. Y conflicts with the decision of Mr. E in Advance Directive s, the situation becomes very complicated. HIPAA Aside from Mr. E complicated situation, there are major Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) violations in the scenario. The physician violated patient’s right to privacy protection by discuss his medical condition and situation to Ms. H in the waiting room, a public place. The information was disclosed to other patients, to Ms.H’s boyfriend, and other non-related health care staff. Moreover, discussing Mr. E condition to Ms. H should be questioning because Ms. H, although she’s the patient’s niece, is not the appointed power of attorney. One of the nurse role is advocate for paient. By not protecting patient’s privacy, a nurse also violate HIPAA. The nurse, although aware of the physician violation, did not intervene to protect Mr. E’s information. Therefore, she could be hold accountable for violation of HIPAA. In this scenario, a nurse commented on ignoring HIPAA.The nurse is not only violated patient’s privacy legally, but also ethically according to ANA Code of Ethics. Besides physician and nurse, the facility is also accountable for HIPAA violation, for the facility did not reinforce the importance of HIPAA with its staff and physician. Professional Conduct As the above paragraphs discuss, the nurse fails to conduct the standard of nursing by ignoring patient’s rights for privacy protection. By stating â€Å"forget it†¦no one pays attention to HIPAA anyway,† the nurse is at risk for violating HIPAA.Beside HIPAA, the cafeteria nurses fail to act as patient’s advocacy by stating â€Å" What difference does it makes? The guy’s got diabetes, ir retarded, and is already in a nursing home. † This nurse violated Provision I in Code of Ethics by ANA in which a nurse cares for patient with compassion and respect regardless of social and economical status, personal’s attribute, and nature of health problems (p. 1). Futhermore, lack of knowledge of Advance Directives is a misconduct of Provision II in Code of Ethics by not â€Å"primacy patient’s interest† and respect patient’s wishes.Steps. To avoid misconduct of professional standard, the nurse in this scenario should talk to the physician in private about disclosing patient information. The nurse first suggests to call Mr. Y and obtain permission to discuss care with Ms. H; then the nurse must inform Mr. Y the Advance Directives as well as assess Mr. Y understanding of risks and benefits of the procedure. Obtaining informed consent from Mr. Y is also a crucial step. If Mr. Y can’t be reach in a time sensitive manner, the nurse should contact the agent that helped Mr.E with the Advance Directive; she can then obtain information related to Mr. E decision-making ability at the time, and inform doctor and charge nurse for decision-making. However, in this scenario, the nurse should notify charge nurse and higher chain of command about the situation and the violation of HIPAA. Ethical committee should be notified to consult for appropriate actions. Regarding her colleagues, the nurse should inform her supervisor, without naming name, the need to orient staff regarding HIPAA, Advance Directives, and reinforce in Code of Ethics.By taking appropriate interventions, the nurse ensures dignity in patient care and maintain respect in work environment. References American Nurses Association. (2001). Code of ethics. Retrieved from http://nursingworld. org/MainMenuCategories/EthicsStandards/CodeofEthicsforNurses/Code-of-Ethics. pdf California. (2005). California nursing practice act: With regulations and related satutes. Matthew Bender & Co. , a member of the Lexis Group. Nabili, S. (2012). Advance directives. Retrieved from http://www. emedicinehealth. com/advance_directives/page2_em. htm

The 31 Best Books to Read in High School

The 31 Best Books to Read in High School SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips A huge number of books exist out there, ready and waiting for you to read them. Whether you prefer manga or ancient, epic poems, reading is great for all sorts of reasons. What follows is a list of highly beneficial books to read in high school (or after!). These are remarkable books- books that made history, books that challenge societal perceptions of the world, and books that are quite simply interesting and moving. The books are presented in alphabetical order, and a short description is given for each book, as well an explanation of why it is worth reading. Why Is Reading Important? Why should you read these books? Why should you read at all for that matter? Reading is essential to communication, especially in an era of emails and texting. Beyond even that, though, reading has an array of crucial purposes. It will help improve your grades and test scores. You'll learn about other places, other times, and other cultures. You'll encounter issues you can relate to- issues that speak to you and challenge you to think and feel in new ways. You will grow, empathetically and intellectually. Plus, you'll understand more of the references that crop up all the time in pop culture. Below are 31 books to read in high school that will help you prepare for college and beyond. 1984 (George Orwell) This dystopian novel by George Orwell was written 35 years before the date referenced by the title. In this book, Orwell tells a story that warns readers about the possible consequences of complacency in the face of rising dictators (think Hitler and Stalin) and burgeoning technology ripe for misuse. He describes a world where everything is monitored, right down to citizens’ thoughts, and where any opposition to the ruling class is punishable by extreme measures. The oft-encountered quote, "Big Brother is watching," finds its origin in this novel. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain) This sequel to Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is much graver in nature than its predecessor. There are still plenty of good antics worthy of a laugh, but it concerns itself largely with a young boy’s attempt to escape severe family dysfunction and the moral implications of his taking an escaped slave as a companion on his adventure down the Mississippi River. Readers should be warned that the "n-word" is used liberally throughout the novel, which tends to be jarring to many a modern ear. Mark Twain wants you to read his novel(s). The Awakening (Kate Chopin) Set in the Creole culture of the late 1800s, this novel by Kate Chopin details one woman’s process of becoming aware of herself. At the time, women were essentially property, and they were expected to act in demure and socially acceptable ways. As the protagonist "awakens" to her emotional and sexual needs, as well as the ultimate truth of her own independence, all sorts of problems ensue. The novel examines the balance between self-respect and selfishness. The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath) This autobiographical novel by poet Sylvia Plath explores the deep, dark reality of mental illness. The protagonist, Esther, a stand-in for Plath herself, is a college student exploring her talents, interests, and sexuality as she descends into an unsettling spiral of mental instability. It is essential for students to understand the seriousness of mental illness as it is so earnestly portrayed in this book. Black Rain (Masuji Ibuse) Black Rain, by Masuji Ibuse, is about the very immediate, human consequences of the atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It follows a small family of survivors, detailing what happened to them during the days of the bombing and what the effects are some years later. The book adopts a gentle, subtle tone, and yet it is not afraid to delve into very explicit and challenging topics related to the bombings. Bless Me, Ultima (Rudolfo Anaya) This semi-autobiographical novel by Rudolfo Anaya contains a healthy dose of magical realism and is considered a staple of Chicano literature. It combines Spanish, Mexican, and Native American influences, showing openly the ways in which these forces within the protagonist’s life come into conflict. Young Antonio is growing up in a world that leaves him with more questions than answers: major questions about life and death, good and evil, and so on. These issues seem too big for his six-year-old mind, and yet he grapples with them valiantly through the end of the novel. Antonio has lots of questions surrounding his faith traditions. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley) In Brave New World, Aldous Huxley explores themes similar to those found in Orwell’s 1984. Huxley wrote this novel earlier than Orwell wrote his, and yet both deal with dystopian concepts. In particular, Huxley balances utopian and dystopian interpretations of a world that is highly controlled, easily manipulated, and extremely dysfunctional, ready to fall apart at any provocation. There are insiders of and outsiders to this world, and each character views and interacts with the society in a different light. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (Dee Brown) Dee Brown covers a lot of historical ground in this book. In it, Brown describes the history of European Americans as they interact with (and slaughter) the Native Americans who already inhabit what they claim as their country. It’s an infuriating and accurate tale of mistreatments and abuses, as well as the unfortunate decline of a noble people trying to defend their established way of life. It’s essential for students to understand this part of United States history. The Catcher in the Rye (J. D. Salinger) This bold and controversial novel by J. D. Salinger centers around ideas including adolescent sexuality and relationships. The protagonist is constantly bouncing around from person to person, place to place, activity to activity. Critics were greatly offended by Salinger’s frank discussions of sexual matters and his generally very casual style. This book is an important read in part because of its direct relevance to struggling adolescents and the issues they face. The Crucible (Arthur Miller) Arthur Miller wrote this tragic play in the early 1950s. While it is somewhat loosely based on the Salem witch trials of 1692, and while it is likely intended as an allegory to McCarthy’s rooting out of suspected Communists at the time of the play’s writing, the issues it touches on are much more broadly applicable. This is an important dramatic work on how hysteria, cruelty, and ignorant gullibility destroy communities. Bonus: Studying The Crucible for school and struggling? Check out ourThe Crucible study guides here! There are lots of accusations of creepy stuff in The Crucible. The Diary of a Young Girl (Anne Frank) Anne Frank’s published diary is different from a typical literary work. It’s a true account of the life of one Jewish girl during the Holocaust, and, while Anne Frank wrote some passages with publication in mind, others she did not. When the book was first published, many passages that her father, Otto Frank, found too long, unflattering, or inappropriate were excluded. Today, the book is available with all material included. Gaining some understanding of this horrific genocide is crucial to students. Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury) Books are on trial in this astounding work by Ray Bradbury. Set in yet another dystopian future where firemen are employed to burn books and the houses that contain them, Fahrenheit 451 tells the story of a fireman who begins to wonder what books have to offer. This novel is an ode to literacy, and, while it has its tragic moments, it ultimately leaves readers with a message of hope. Flowers for Algernon (Daniel Keyes) Daniel Keyes writes a very warm and human form of science fiction in Flowers for Algernon. The novel tells the story of a man considered mentally retarded who is selected for an intelligence-enhancing surgery. The book follows the effects, both positive and negative, that come from the sudden change in his I.Q. This is a moving read for students who wish to understand how intelligence plays into our humanity. For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf (Ntozake Shange) In For Colored Girls†¦, Ntozake Shange creates choreopoetry (poetry meant to be performed with movement and dance) that covers important themes of race, gender, abuse, and perseverance. It’s largely a deep and dark poem, but it contains a message of hope. This is an awesome opportunity for readers to get exposure to poetry in a very relevant and theatrical form. The rainbow contains all sorts of symbolism. Frankenstein (Mary Shelley) First off, let’s all be clear: as some will already know, Frankenstein is not a monster. Rather, the very human Victor Frankenstein is responsible for creating what we recognize as the monster from the story; the creature itself is nameless. Mary Shelley wrote this Gothic thriller in the early 1800s, and yet we remain fascinated by this tale of playing God and facing the consequences. It’s an eerie tale with themes that run deep. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck) John Steinbeck’s masterful The Grapes of Wrath centers around the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl in American history. It’s a story of hope and despair, moving from one to the other and back again seamlessly throughout the novel. While loaded with biblical allusions, it is not heavy-handed with them, and the writing is often praised as realistic and beautiful. Great Expectations (Charles Dickens) Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens, is a staple of English literature. It’s one of his most autobiographical works; it tells the story of a young boy, orphaned and poor, who ultimately experiences a drastic change in his fortunes. In addition, he learns much about love, trust, and relationships in this coming-of-age novel. As the title suggests, the novel also contains discussions of hope, disappointment, and expectations. The Great Gatbsy (F. Scott Fitzgerald) F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in The Great Gatsby a novel that in many ways closely reflected his own experience. The decadence of the Jazz Age was, as is revealed in the novel, both enticing for many and revolting for some. The Great Gatsby follows the quest of a wealthy young man to win back the love of his life by extravagant displays of riches and social connections. As the plot builds to its climax, readers, along with Gatsby's simpler, humbler friend and neighbor, are left to ponder the passing of an era in American history. BONUS: Reading The Great Gatsby for school but finding it hard to keep track of all the characters? We have several study guides that might be able to help, including our guide to all the characters in The Great Gatsby. The Joy Luck Club (Amy Tan) Amy Tan’s novel, The Joy Luck Club, deals with intergenerational and intercultural questions. Tan seeks to represent the Chinese-American experience while also representing issues of mother-daughter relationships and the passage of time. The book focuses on four mother and four daughters across four sections of the novel for a total of sixteen stories that come together to complete this total work. Lord of the Flies (William Golding) William Golding’s Lord of the Flies speaks to the evil and degenerate potential that lurks within each human. It can be interpreted religiously, politically, psychoanalytically, or any number of other ways, but the basic premise is that a group of schoolboys stranded on an island descend into grotesque savagery. It’s a disturbing story, to be sure, but one that is important to be familiar with in a world where savage instinct too often presents itself today. The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (J. R. R. Tolkien) As with any work, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are not everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re hugely rewarding pleasure reading for too many fans to count. Tolkien’s masterpieces are more than just pleasure reading, though; the trilogy covers major themes of the epic struggle between good and evil, the necessity of persevering through immensely difficult ordeals, and how to apply mercy. Tolkien asks major questions about those who are evil versus those who are misguided and what we should do when our paths intertwine with any such individuals. The Hobbit is lighter and more kid-focused, but still addresses important themes. The Odyssey (Homer) The Odyssey is an epic poem nearly three thousand years old that’s attributed to the blind poet Homer. It tells the story of a war hero’s ten-year quest to return to his home, wife, and son. He encounters a number of varied setbacks along the way, and the trouble isn’t over when he gets home. The Odyssey deals with human interactions with the gods, bringing up questions of righteousness, wrongdoing, and pride as well as ideas of faithfulness and patience. Odysseus was a fan of the ladies. Oedipus Rex (Sophocles) This play by Greek dramatist Sophocles is about a man who inadvertently kills his father and marries his mother. It’s dark subject matter, and nothing good comes of it, as you may well suspect. This another example, as in The Odyssey, of the divine tinkering with human lives and the great sin of pride. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Ken Kesey) Ken Kesey documents in this work the darkest side of mental health care as it existed in the 1960s. While certainly not all mental health care was like what’s described in the book, nor is it all like that today, audiences of the novel are aghast that any care might even vaguely resemble the horrors discussed. Despite how disturbing the storyline is, it’s important for readers to recognize the vulnerability of this too often overlooked segment of society. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice follows a family with five daughters, all unwed, and all, due to English customs of the late 1700s and early 1800s, in need of wedding. Of the five daughters, Elizabeth is the focus of the novel, though the others are discussed aplenty. While marriage is one of the central ideas in the novel, there are plenty of other themes to be picked apart, including ones that touch on pride, prejudice, first impressions, love, misunderstanding, and manipulation. This is, all around, a classic piece of literature, and one with which to be familiar. Next up: one of my favorites, William Shakespeare. Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet (William Shakespeare) William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is familiar to most people on some level: two teenagers from feuding families fall in love and ultimately sacrifice their lives to their passion. Of all of Shakespeare’s works, it's a particularly popular one to read in high school for a variety of reasons. For one thing, it deals explicitly with teenaged love, and, for another, it’s a relatively simple plot that’s nonetheless action-packed. It also opens with a shameless series of very witty dirty jokes, and such humor is scattered throughout the rest of the show. Then there’s the thematic material, which includes obedience, fate, and rash decisions, among others. For those who don’t wish to read about teenagers mooning for each other to the point of suicide, there’s always Hamlet. This story follows a Danish prince whose father has died and whose mother has almost instantly married the father’s brother. When Hamlet discovers, via an appearance of his father’s ghost, that his uncle murdered his father, all sorts of interesting events ensue. There’s madness (real and feigned), murder, suicide, treason, and a lot of waffling over the right course of action. As an added bonus, those who read Hamlet may wish to read Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. It follows the events of Hamlet from the perspective of two minor and typically much-maligned characters. It’s also hilarious, if absolutely weird. Slaughterhouse-Five (Kurt Vonnegut) Slaughterhouse-Five is a fictional account of events in some ways very similar to what the author himself experienced as a prisoner of war in WWII. He writes about the atrocities humans commit upon each other, and he also mixes in a number of other concerns, some heavy, some light, such as death, aliens, and the ability to see other points in time, past or future. Their Eyes Were Watching God (Zora Neale Hurston) The novel Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston has been much criticized over the course of its history, and yet it stands as one of the great classics of American literature. It tells the story of a black woman who is full of zest and passion and who is passed from man to man as she goes through life. With her first husband, she is absolutely miserable; with her second husband, it’s more bearable, for a time; and with her third man, she finds happiness. The trials and tribulations she undergoes with all three make for an interesting examination of what it takes for Janie to free the strong, confident woman within. (Not an actual representation of Janie. Same approach to life, though.) Things Fall Apart (Chinua Achebe) In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, readers encounter a complex and beautifully rendered examination of life with the Igbo tribe in Africa, both before and after the white man’s interference. Okonkwo is the protagonist, and he goes through a number of difficulties that put him in the position of making distasteful decisions. Readers are left to wonder whether things are falling apart because that’s simply the way of the world or whether different decisions could have kept them together. The inevitability of change is neatly demonstrated. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee) Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird deals with elements of racism, courage, sympathy, understanding, and hope. It tells the story of a small town where a black man has been falsely accused of raping a white woman. The daughter of the lawyer defending the accused is the main protagonist, and another aspect of the story is her journey from bemused mockery to gentle understanding with regard to an eccentric man in the town. To Kill a Mockingbird rose to prominence during the Civil Rights Movement and remains as potent today as it ever was. The Ugly American (Eugene Burdick and William Lederer) The Ugly American by Burdick and Lederer is a denouncement of the American practice of sending insensitive diplomatic figures into foreign countries. Through a series of vignettes, it demonstrates American inefficiency overseas. It so impressed John F. Kennedy while he was a Democratic senator that he sent a copy to each and every one of his Senate colleagues. It can be an uncomfortable read, but a worthwhile one. Conclusion If you can read through these 30-odd books before you graduate high school, you'll be in a good shape, from a literary perspective. Even if you can't read all of them, picking a few would not be a bad place to start. You might start with those that simply sound the most interesting to you, or you could look for themes in the books that relate to what you're learning in school. If you're studying McCarthyism, for instance, maybe try The Crucible; if you're studying the Holocaust, maybe try The Diary of a Young Girl. These stories are immensely powerful. Some are newer, having instantly won their place in the pantheon of classics, while others have proven themselves by withstanding the test of time. Readers will find that they resonate with some books more than others, and that's fine; the point is that all of these books have important messages to communicate, and I encourage readers to be open to finding out what those messages are. Open a book, and you'll find all sorts of messages! Usually not in bottles, though. What's Next? A lot of these books may be read or referenced in AP English Lit classes. Check out our guide to AP Literature for tips on preparing for the exam. If you're not sure whether to take AP English Language or AP English Literature, allow us to provide you with some thoughts on the topic. While we're on the topic of literature, why don't you take a moment to read some recommendations on which English classes you should take during your high school career? Are you both a reader and interested in becoming a doctor? Then you should definitely take a look at our list of books to read as a pre-med student. And as a reminder, if you decide to read The Great Gatsby or The Crucible, you can check out our analyses of each to help you along the way! Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Classical Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Classical Music - Essay Example He broke from the unison form of sounds in the orchestral sound that he used; they were monophonic with instruments used individually contributing color for the whole break off. The register and combination that is played by the instrument does not reflect what the instrument is used for traditionally. Debussy emphasized muted brass, soft percussion and solo woodwinds. The motifs and themes are all fragmented upon the modes, tone scales and the pentatonic. For example the use the String Quartet found in g minor shows the use of Phrygian mode with tone scales wholly. His works portray a single theme that undergoes change throughout his art work. Debussy’s music‘s tonality is pentatonic, whole tone scales, modal and bitonal chords that produce bitonality. There is a slightly dissonant harmony in the music. The whole technique does not follow the sonata tradition. Schoenberg, an Austrian, was the leader of Second Viennese School and he was associated with expressionist work s of art. He extended the romantic styles of Germany that included Wagner and Brahms. He pioneered atonality innovation by developing the twelve-tone technique, a compositional method that manipulation of a series of twelve notes that were already ordered through the chromatic scale. Schoenberg developed motifs without using the traditional centralized melodic idea. Formalization of the compositional method was enhanced by his habit of inviting the audience to think analytically. Stravinsky was born in Russia and later changed to France and lastly America; he was a composer, conductor and pianist. His music composition was based on stylistic diversity. He also dabbed into the twelve-tone method in his work of cantata. One of his notable works was the Rite of Spring, although it was marred with demonstrations, it led to transformation of the rhythmic structure that pushed musical design boundaries. His work held a vein full of intense emotions beneath the surface appearance of auster ity. Stravinsky considered serial procedures. The compositions had rhythmic energy, melodic ideas with extended construction out of a few cell notes and forms of clarity, of utterance and instrumentation. Stravinsky tried to pit ostinations without regarding the tempo or harmony and some were extended ostinato lacking variation or melody accompaniment. Question 2 Music is an art and it contains a medium which can either be sound or silence. It’s characterized by the pitch which in turn governs the harmony and melody, it’s also characterized by rhythm which is associated with meter, tempo and articulation, the dynamics characterize music too, and the sonic qualities of texture and timber enhance musicality too. The performance and significance of music vary in accordance to the culture and mostly the social context. Music is categorized into various genres and subgenres but their relationship is subtle, sometimes it’s open to an individual to interpret and catego rize. Romantic music anciently tried to include emotional expression and energy to expose deeper truths encompassed in human feelings. Romantic music broke the rigid forms and styles of the classical music into more expressive and passionate pieces. Romantic love became the main theme in these songs. Ludwig Van Beethoven and Franz Schubert tried to bring

Urban tourism, heritage and culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Urban tourism, heritage and culture - Essay Example Cultural and heritage centers are remarkable for contributing towards tourism industry, and generating income to towns and communities. Ð ¡ultures and heritages may be remarkable for construction of historical narratives regarding a culture, or concerning particular communities. In most cases, promotion of heritage centers and cultural heritages are not meant for tourism, but to preserve identity of communities for long periods. This heritage may be a form of symbolism, representing spectacular events, which may have shaped the lives and history of the people concerned. The main aspect in conservation of heritages is to maintain these symbols, and the unique characteristics of the preserved heritages are responsible for attracting both local and international tourists, as unique images of identity. Attraction of tourists to heritage sites leads to increased income generated through tourism activities in these regions, and urban tourism may result from this tourist activities. Many a uthorities have therefore reconditioned cities and towns near heritage centers to attract more tourists with an aim of not only preserving heritages, but to increase income in the tourism industry. In this report, the Amiens Cathedral of Notre- Dame in France will be considered as a precious heritage center that has been recognized and listed under UNESCO’s global heritage centers. Historical Background Amiens Cathedral, located in the heart of Picardy is among the largest Gothic churches constructed in the 13th century. The cathedral particularly stands unique in its construction, coherence of its plan, amazing fine displays of sculptures in the principle facade and the South transept, among other spectacular aspects (UNESCO, 2012). The cathedral was initiated in 1152 under the auspices of Bishop Evard, who made huge collections from clergy and people for this noble function (Brown 1846, 100). The cathedral was designed by Robert Lusarche as the architect, but the bishop and Lusdarche did not live to see the completion of the Cathedral that was completed in 1288 (Brown 1846, 100). However, the cathedral was first designed under the Romanesque architecture but was destroyed by fire in 1218, making reconstruction to be carried out in 1220 (UNESCO, 2012). Many of the statues and decorations in the cathedral were completed around 14th century; many years after the completion of the cathedral. The Amiens Cathedral is very different from other cathedrals and buildings in England, and other European locations in many aspects; including both style and design (Brown 1846, 101). This Cathedral is documented to be more advanced and perfect compared to other Gothic architectural works that were prominent during this period (Brown 1846, 101). The French cathedral is in many aspects different from many other cathedrals designed according to the Gothic architecture in this period, making it the most remarkable Gothic architectural work in history. The cathedral was r ecognized in 1972 by UNESCO under the World Heritage Site Agreement, but was to be officially listed as a world heritage in 1981 (Durand 2012, 9).This recognition changed the entire Amiens area, with the town being reconfigured as a tourist’s destination, leading to growth of more tourism infrastructure, consequently attracting thousands of tourists in this area, considering that France is one of the global leading tourist destinations today. Heritages leading to urban tourism Jenkins (1999) uses the word destination image a number of times and in different contexts. The image of any tourist destination is firstly designed in the cognitive opinion of the events, typical features, and character of the place. Increasing the information related to the image of such cities or places through organic means leads to enhanced clarity as Jenkins further elaborates, and this enhanced clarity leads to more tourists flocking these