Saturday, August 31, 2019

Evaluate Thomas Jefferson Presidency

The election of 1800 was a tight race and a tie broken by the House of Representatives, led to the election of Thomas Jefferson as the third president of the United States. Thomas Jefferson was in office as president for two terms, serving from 1801-1809. As a whole, Thomas Jefferson had a very positive presidency even though there were a few setbacks throughout. There were many significant events that happened during these eight years and the most well known would be: the Louisiana Purchase, the undeclared Barbary War, and the trade acts imposed due to problems with France and Britain .All great things must come to an end and Jefferson was succeeded by John Adams. America is a superpower and Thomas Jefferson was a great impact to all that as been accomplished as a nation. The Louisiana Purchase of 1803, was the greatest accomplishment of Jefferson in his presidency. The French under Napoleon had a great deal of economic problems already and maintaining the land in the west was a lot to handle so they sold it to the United States. In addition, France was fighting Britain and they needed more money and they wanted to only sell New Orleans at first, but ended up selling the whole territory (Henretta).At the time they sold this territory for 15 million dollars which ended up being about two cents an acre(Holmes). This purchase was very positive because this territory doubled the United States territory and this was great for them in order with westward expansion and exploration of the west. This expansion led to Lewis and Clark to explore the new lands. They were sent to experience the plants, animals, geography, and to learn how this region could be exploited economically. Without Jefferson in power, this expedition that they set out on may not have been accomplished and the United States may have not been so advanced at this time.At the time of the purchase, buying it was deemed unconstitutional but Thomas Jefferson went through with it anyway. The purpose at th e time was to get French out of this region all together to protect our trade on the port of New Orleans. Also, it was to protect the free passage along the Mississippi River. Not only was this one of the greatest accomplishments of Thomas Jefferson's presidency, but may have been one of the greatest events in America's history. During Thomas Jefferson’s presidency another event that is very significant would be the undeclared Barbary Wars.During this time, a reason this is so remembered, Jefferson was spending a lot of the country’s money. The Barbary States were off of North Africa and leading up to this undeclared war, they were seizing the international ships and holding the crews hostage for ransom money. At the time, he wanted to avoid all out war which would increase taxes and national debt which at this point he was very right (Henretta). This was particularly dangerous for the country because at the time there was not a strong navy.Merchants were in danger eve ry time they went out on the water. As a nation, the United States defeated the Barbary States and that led to not paying the Barbary people money. These tensions may have been negative during the time, but as we look back on history, Jefferson did the right thing for the country and him defeating these pirates really reflects on his presidency being very positive for the United States. Lastly, major trade problems with Britain and France and relationships were very important to Jefferson’s presidency.With all of these problems many acts were passed in order to relive the tension. The United States wanted to be neutral during problems between Britain and France, but somehow always ended up right in the middle. One of the first acts that was imposed was the Nonintercourse Act(1806), and that halted importation of British products. This did little to no harm to the British so in 1809 trade with Britain was reopened. Another act that was imposed on America was the Embargo Act wh ich prohibited all trade and this really hurt New England the most.This hurt New Englanders so much that it caused many of them to side with Pinckney in the 1808 election. Even though some may have sided, John Adams won the election and succeeded Thomas Jefferson. This was a rough patch to his presidency, but despite the few foreign affairs he did a great job with dealing with France and Britain during these times. Thomas Jefferson was one of the very first presidents of the United States and his presidency is one of many that have made America the super power that it is.Each president that lasts the full two terms must have been liked by many to stay in the office for eight years so he definitely did something right. Jefferson purchased territory that nearly doubled America’s size, defeated the Barbary pirates in â€Å"undeclared war†, and although there were many foreign affairs during this time he handled them very well. He is one that is remembered and will continu e to be remembered through time for all of the positive things he accomplished. Thomas Jefferson had a very positive presidency and in eight years did a lot for Americans and has been apart of shaping the nation.

Friday, August 30, 2019

4 MAT Book Review Essay

Summary In Dr. H. Norman Wrights book â€Å"The Complete Guide to Crisis & Trauma Counseling: What to Do and Say when it Matters Most†, which was published in 2011 focuses on how to counsel those in a crisis situation. The book begins by Dr. Wright discussing his personal life story of dealing with loss, crisis, and trauma. His story is the foundation of the subject in how to counsel someone and knowing when to refer a person to someone with more experience. The book aims at helping those who are experiencing life’s daily struggles with biblical principles and to encourage the individual to persevere through the hard times. Dr. Wright’s strongest point in the reading is stating the ability to be a good counselor is to hold his or her tongue. He expresses the need of talking more than 25 percent of the time, you’re talking too much. Listening is a key component when communicating with others. Listening means your focusing and understanding the feelings of the person expressing their feelings. Dr. Wright discusses when you allow your mind to be busy, you’re not concentrating on what is being said. A good counselor will listen openly with their eyes, body and showing there empathy towards the crisis or trauma. The book then unfolds on demonstrating a strong understanding of the individual’s feelings and emotions. He empathizes that counselors should be aware of themselves before counseling others on any situation. Since Dr. Wright uses biblical passages as examples in ministering others, he recommends that ministers use Jesus as an example on treating a crisis or trauma victim. He teaches to ministers that once the advice is given, it cannot be taken back. The individual is going through a traumatic event and if the words aren’t chosen correctly, it could have a drastic impact on their life. Counseling those in need require one to provide the individual  with unconditional love and hope. Showing compassion towards the individual gives them strength to get through their past trauma or crisis. The book reminds counselors that a crisis can occur at any given moment in their client’s life. Dr. Wright acknowledges that ministers and other church personal will work with the same client plenty of times. Those in crisis situations can be in a devastating circumstances such as being diagnosed with cancer; which can reoccur and develop as time passes by. Another key component in the reading is the Crisis of Suicide. Ministering those who wish to commit suicide can be difficult. As these individuals need intervention right away because their life is at stake. Dr. Wright focuses on taking the initial help to keep the person alive and to help them gain insight on how he or she came to this current place. Ministering a suicidal individual is to simply be as much help as possible but to remember this person’s life is not on your shoulders (Wright, 2011). Dr. Wright focuses on the deaths one will encounter and how to deal with the loss of a loved one, friend or pet. He lets the reader know that deaths can be predictable, and eve expected but to know you will encounter one situation. Dr. Wrights tells when ministering the person in crisis, that you have to help the individual sort out his or her issues. Working with someone through the process of grieving takes the appropriate time to be addressed. He states how children cope through their losses in childhood, can potentially impact their lives as adults (Wright, 2011). Children experiencing a crisis need counseling immediately because they can become emotionally impaired. Overall Dr. Wright’s book is providing the best advice to minsters, counselors and lay counselors. His book is very detailed on providing the best advice to those in any kind of crisis, trauma or loss. It is a must read book! Concrete Responses Dr. Wright’s book reminds me of a personal life episode I went through years ago. The chapter that caught my attention was Chapter 14 â€Å"The Crisis of Suicide†. It proved to be a story telling chapter for my own personal life. I never in my life imagined that I would go through something traumatic as suicide. I say that because I am a very happy person but sometimes even the happiest person is also hurting on the inside. I remember the day and time  when the whole scenario occurred. I was home alone and very distraught with where my life was headed. I was in a mentally draining relationship and I felt absolutely low of myself. This was rare for me because I am a very outgoing individual, who barely cares about what others think about me. I was feeling excessively lonely, angry, tired, misused and drained from my current situation. It was like I felt all these emotions at once but nothing I would do could ease the pain. Suicide played in my mind all the time in this difficult period. Death seem so much easier to deal with but I was terribly wrong. I remember talking to my father before he passed and told him my intentions of not wanting to live anymore. My dad was very hurt by my words but at that moment I didn’t really care what others thought. I recall when he sat me down and asked me why I would want to end my life at such a young age. My mind wasn’t mentally prepared for that question because all I could think about was not being here anymore. I never gave him the answers, I just wanted to end the hurt and pain. I couldn’t tell him I wanted to kill myself over a boyfriend. He would have looked at me in such a daze and probably would have been confused by my actions. My father never really liked my boyfriend from the beginning so to lose his daughter over him would be heartbreaking. In the reading, Dr. Wright states that a person who wants to commit suicide sees it as their only solution and that those around should help the individual to discover other solutions (Wright, 2011). As I begin to think back on this encounter, I never had another solution to help me with my problems. Dr. Wright focuses on how suicide hides behind many faces. This is beyond true because you can never judge a book by its cover. Even the happiest individuals are suffering. Depression is a key factor when it comes to suicide. As I went through my daily schedule, I pretended to be just fine but I wasn’t. If I never had that conversation with my father, I probably would have ended my own life. It’s amazing how life works because it made me think should I end my life over a boy? Are my issues that severe that I want to die? Dr. Wright explains how suicide is waiting to happen and that you don’t recognize it because the individual has repress their depressive symptoms into rage (Wright, 2011). I enjoyed reading about how to deal with the crisis of suicide because everything he stated, I replayed in my mind and gained insight on how far I have come. Reflection Dr. Wright’s book showed me how to handle any crisis situation. His book discussed a variety of crisis situations and how you can approach the individual in need. It is not easy to minster or counsel someone, so to have read Dr. Wright’s book gave me great insight for my future. I strongly agreed on his discussion about listening and being quiet while the individual is speaking. This is imperative because you can’t fully understand the person speaking if your consuming thoughts while their talking. This area is something I am working on because although I don’t mean to do it I find myself brainstorming as the individual is speaking. As I read on, Dr. Wright states how you are not really listening to person who is speaking. As I began to read, certain questions came across my mind. I asked myself, â€Å"What would information would I like to further on†? I started with this question because after reading, I realized I grew attached with counseling ch ildren and adolescents. Children go through numerous amounts of grief and trauma. Since they are continuing to grow, they hold onto their grief differently than adults. I would have liked to see how the crisis of suicide intertwines with children. As suicide is continuing to grow in the United States. I would have liked to seen more on the younger age to counsel them. Counseling children is very complex but when you include suicide, I would of liked to seen how to counsel children when there contemplating suicide. Teenagers are committing suicide more often now due to social media and bullying. Not all teens will speak of suicide but for the ones who do, I would like to see how to discuss this topic with them. In the reading it did discuss how to help a suicidal individual but I feel like working with a child or adolescent should be communicated differently. What challenged me in this content was reading chapter 10, â€Å"When Time Doesn’t Heal All Wounds†. This chapter speaks volumes for my own life because we all go through something. I often wonder how I can assist someone if I don’t heal my own wounds. This chapter opened my eyes as to what trauma really is and how it has affected my own personal life. I agree strongly with Dr. Wright on how it affects who we are. Another limitation that I would have liked to have seen is how to deal with confrontation in a biblical perspective. Dr. Wright discusses using empathy and other skill behaviors related to the word of God but what about when confrontation individual in helping them make better choices. I think it’s important to know how to confront clients and being  able to determine the correct time for a confrontation. Application The most crucial element after reading this amazing book is learning to incorporate this material into your daily life. Helping others in difficult times is my greatest mission in life. I am committed to helping those entering any crisis stage of their life. It is important to be able to comprehend visually and to be helpful to those in any crisis state of mind. I love how Dr. Wright uses biblical passages and verses within his counseling skills. This is a great way to help minister your clients effectively. I learned that when ministering it is vital to remember the root in the work of serving others, God’s word. The compassion in helping those is the greatest ability one can have. A key area I want to work on is ministering to children. Children need all the tender love and care when there is a loss, crisis or trauma situation. It can be a scary point, and I want to take the words from Dr. Wright to assist them effectively. Talking to children is completely different then ta lking to an adult. Children perceive information differently than adults do. They grieve in a different manner as well. Dr. Wright taught me it is critical to communicate with a child because it helps to solve many issues. This will be excellent for my personal growth in aiding those children who need help. Children have a harder time but so do adolescents. When adolescents transition into a teenager this can be tough when a loss has occurs. I believe dealing with adolescents is tougher then young children because not many teenagers want to converse with you. There more hesitant and indirect with their responses. This book influence my personal growth with teenagers as well because teenagers are reluctant to talk to a counselor or minister. When it comes to my life, I plan to make initial changes. I want to communicate effectively when counseling those in a crisis or trauma need. Dr. Wright’s book taught me to listen so I can understand what the individual is saying to me. I want to take the time to learn who I am so I can help those suffering. My task is to help others, and I want the individual seeking help to believe I can encourage them to change and have faith in them. One thing I tend to do is be afraid. Mark 5:36 tell us to not be afraid just believe. I believe I can make the initial improvements in my words and how I speak to those in need to give them a proper perspective. I plan to be quiet and  clear my thoughts when someone is telling me their problem. Listening means that I am trying to understand the feelings of the other person speaking (Wright, 2011). As I continue to read, I am influenced by his biblical passages integrated into his concepts. I am a genuine person but sometimes I don’t know how to speak to those when there grieving. It’s kind of weird because I love helping others but sometimes I am at lost for words. I want to continue to work on when saying the right words in a right manner. When an individual is in a crisis, the way one speaks sets the tone on how the person takes the information. I just want to continue to lead people to Christ and help those suffering with grief in their life. By making changings in my life through Dr. Wright’s book, I can integrate the Word of God and assist individuals in having a healthy life. It is vital to make the person feel safe and build trust. Reference Wright, H. Norman (2011). The Complete Guide to Crisis & Trauma Counseling: What to Do and Say When It Matters Most! (p. 251). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Summary on Globalization

Globalization describes an ongoing process by which regional economies, societies, and cultures have become integrated through a network of communication and execution. Globalization is often term or refers to economic globalization i. e. the integration of national economies into the international economy through trade, foreign direct investment, capital flows, migration, and the spread of technology. The driving forces of globalization are a combination of Economic, Technological, Socio-cultural and Political factors. Scholars indicate the increasing economic integration and interdependence of national economies across the world through a rapid increase in cross-border movement of goods, service, technology, and capital. It can be said that globalization is the door to global resources that opens up to the international market. Economic and financial globalization and the expansion of world trade have brought substantial benefits to countries around the world. But the current financial crisis has put globalization on hold, with capital flows reversing and global trade shrinking. There are countless indicators that illustrate how goods, capital, and people, have become more globalized. †¢The value of trade (goods and services) as a percentage of world GDP increased from 42. 1 percent in 1980 to 62. 1 percent in 2007. †¢Foreign direct investment increased from 6. 5 percent of world GDP in 1980 to 31. 8 percent in 2006. †¢The stock of international claims (primarily bank loans), as a percentage of world GDP, increased from roughly 10 percent in 1980 to 48 percent in 2006. The number of minutes spent on cross-border telephone calls, on a per-capita basis, increased from 7. 3 in 1991 to 28. 8 in 2006. †¢The number of foreign workers has increased from 78 million people (2. 4 percent of the world population) in 1965 to 191 million people (3. 0 percent of the world population) in 2005. There is a long debate about the effects of globalization, as the most common phenomenon that we heard is the capitalizing the resources of developing countries b y developed countries, brain drains as opportunities in richer countries droves talent away. In many poorer nations globalization is actually the result of the foreign businesses investing in the country to take advantage of the lower wage rate, foreign resources and engraving more markets. The anti-globalization movement developed in opposition to the perceived negative aspects of globalization. The group represents a wide range of interests and issues. Opponents of globalization point out to its negative effects. Some of them are listed below. †¢Globalization has led to exploitation of labor. Prisoners and child workers are used to work in inhumane conditions. Safety standards are ignored to produce cheap goods. †¢Job insecurity. Earlier people had stable, permanent jobs. Now people live in constant dread of losing their jobs to competition. †¢Terrorists have access to sophisticated weapons enhancing their ability to inflict damage. †¢Companies have set up industries causing pollution in countries with poor regulation of pollution. †¢Fast food chains like McDonalds and KFC are spreading in the developing world. People are consuming more junk food from these joints which has an adverse impact on their health. †¢Local industries are being taken over by foreign multinationals. †¢The increase in prices has reduced the government’s ability to sustain social welfare schemes in developed countries. †¢Multinational Companies and corporations which were previously restricted to commercial activities are increasingly influencing political decisions. It is important to ensure that the gains from globalization are more broadly shared across the population. For this purpose reforms to strengthen education and training would help ensure that workers have the appropriate skills for the evolving global economy. Policies that broaden the access of finance to the poor would also help, as would further trade liberalization that boosts agricultural exports from developing countries. Additional programs may include providing adequate income support to moderate, but not block, the process of change, and also making health care less dependent on continued employment and increasing the portability of pension benefits in some countries.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Strategic cost management case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Strategic cost management - Case Study Example It is not surprising that the plant manager describe their process as â€Å"better than anyone else† because it is guaranteed with speed and high quality, as well as reduced cost. To compete with such companies, it is important to have enough capital reserves to also engage in strategies like promotion. The paper will therefore look at how with the cost reduction strategy, the company is offered sufficient funds that were cut down from actual production cost to gain competitiveness and profitability. Firm’s competitive strategy Much of the emphasis of competitive strategy for California-Illini (CI) is placed on the ability of the company to produce high quality products at a speed that meet consumer demand and cost that meet consumer pocket. In effect, a consumer determinant strategy on demand and cost reduction is used as competitive strategy. Generally, this is a strategy that identifies the scarcity of consumers on the target market due to the number of competitors a mong which existing consumers may choose from (Bernanke, 2006). Knowing that the consumers are not many in number, a consumer determinant strategy generally aims at presenting the consumer with exactly what the consumer requires from the manufacturers in terms of production and cost. The question of whether the strategy used by CI seems appropriate will be answered from several perspectives. The first is to take a quick competitive analysis, based on which a question of the viability of the strategy against other competitors will be asked. Generally, CI is in the same market as other multinational horticulture companies like Simpson and Simpson Inc, and Garages Ltd. These are companies who base their competitive advantage on brand equity and high inflow of cash from other sectors of their business, making it possible for them to run expensive promotions and publicities. What is more, the strategy to add quality and speed to production is highly appropriate even that when supply from customers does not meet their demand, they would switch to other competitors. It is always important to note that the industry in which CI finds its self is one that is based primarily on seasonal production. In effect, one must not wait for seasons to pass before orders made can be honored (Fairlie, 2009). Cost reduction strategy at CI From the above, the cost reduction strategy can be said to have been generated by the need to be competitive and also increase the revenue of the company through reduced internal speeding. When calculating revenue or profit that companies like CI make, emphasis is not only placed on income but on expenditure as well. The fact that CI has been found to make an average annual sale of $13 million alone cannot be accounted in judging the company as a very profitable one. Rather, it would be important to balance this income with expenditure. Commonly, manufacturing companies like CI spend most of their expenses on the production aspect of the supply chai n (Gartner, 1985). In effect, a cost reduction strategy that will ensure that production takes place at a more reduced cost always becomes beneficial. The need to be customer focused was also another motivation for opting for the cost reduction strategy. This is because when cost of production is lower, manufacturers always have the luxury of pegging the prices of their products lower because of a reduced

Database Management in Cloud computing environment Research Paper

Database Management in Cloud computing environment - Research Paper Example Apart from this, the DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS in cloud computing environment also influence the preference of users for them by way of offering a cheap platform for carrying out development. This paper has been a review of the concept of DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS in cloud computing environment. In addition, it also enables the possibilities to be provided in the form of a service, which is also able to operate in a cloud computing environment. At the end of this report, an architectural presented of a Database Management System has been presented. A cloud database management system enables the organization to relocate databases as a service and not as a product. By using an internet connection or any other sharing system, employees working in an organization within different departments share files, software and important information with the help of cloud based database management systems (Gelogo & Lee, 2012). It is anticipated that the use of database management systems in cloud environment would increase in future, keeping in view the escalated demand of organizations for easy sharing of data. For this reason, a number of organizations like Nestle, Coca-Cola or Microsoft have installed database management systems in cloud environment (Gelogo & Lee, 2012). On the other hand, trend of outsourcing database management in cloud environment is also increasing, which is creating new businesses within the information technology industry (Gelogo & Lee, 2012). This paper would discuss and evaluate the use of cloud environment in dat abase management in the prevailing trends. Moreover, an efficient mechanism of incorporating database management in cloud environment would also be presented in this paper. To gather data and relevant information to be used in this paper, the researcher has used a number of online databases such as Ebscohost, Google Search and etc. DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

The effect of stress on personnel and organization behaviour Essay

The effect of stress on personnel and organization behaviour - Essay Example 81) on job exhaustion, physical wellbeing issues, and performance setbacks. In a recent study, the workers who felt exhausted were put into three groups of managers - (1) best, (2) moderate, (3) worst - employees with the ‘worst’ managers felt exhausted and were more expected to have sleep disorders as a result of job uncertainties. In addition, workers with the worst managers were 60 percent more liable to have colleagues who were thinking about leaving the company. Job-related stress was directly linked with exhaustion, physical and mental fitness issues, as well as performance problems, for instance, absence, increase in employee turnover, poor value, mishaps, and blunders. At the moment, major apprehension of employees was looking for a technique to create stability in professional and personal life responsibilities. In view of the fact that flexibility is an extremely vital apprehension for workers, having slight flexibility in the career will be an important basis of stress. â€Å"The additionally practical as well as unyielding a business is regarding taking time off, finding out professional agendas, and so forth, the higher the stress level of its workforce† (Maslach and Leiter, 1997, p. 87). When employees are stressed as a result of work surplus or time constraints, they are more liable to disregard security practices or overlook the utilization of appropriate security mechanism, considering â€Å"they do not have time for either† (Gee and Gee, 2011, p. 99). Since stress neglects an individual’s capability to think, without a doubt, the worried workers are more expected to operate without paying attention to the possible outcomes of hazardous practices. A worker, who is tensed due to excess of work, is likely to rush and attempt to go as rapidly as feasible with a task. This raises the possibilities of blunders, mishandling objects, and taking no notice of safety warnings that could avoid

Monday, August 26, 2019

Factors in Asian Urban Growth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Factors in Asian Urban Growth - Essay Example In relation to population and size, Asia is the world’s largest and most populous continent. Its gross domestic product is the third highest in the world. With the rise of globalization, world economies had structural adjustments which influenced production, resource utilization and wealth creation (Clark, 2003). Asian economies experienced high development in the manufacturing industry supplemented by the availability of cheap labor. According to Keiner, Schretzenmayr and Schmid (2005), urbanization in Asia has occurred at some of the fastest rates in history with a rise in large urban agglomerates. The urban growth is expected to increase more as time goes by, especially within the least developed, low income economies in Asia. This fast rate of urban growth in Asia has been linked with the population dynamics, economic markets and socio-political conditions of the region. Population growth has always been a factor in economic development. The Malthusian theory on population is that a high population can lead to a crash in the economy by leading it to acute poverty while trying to sustain the population’s needs. There are better views to population in that a large population means the availability of a large labour force and domestic market. An increase in population also encourages technological advancement and innovation in a bid to meet the rising need for certain goods and services according to Clark (2003). Asian population levels have been high over time even before this burst of urbanization. The population has a big role in the urbanization and development since they occupy the urban cities and engage in economic activities that sustain the rise of urban centers. Likewise the socio -political environment is also important to the urban growth. Success in economic development depends greatly on the political and administrative officials. These government officials also influence infrastructural development in the urban centers and rural ar eas of a country. Asia is a politically, economically socially and culturally diverse region. With globalization, countries in the region have been able to integrate especially to facilitate trade and economic activities. The rate of infrastructure growth in many Asian cities has been inevitable given the rising population. Roads, hospitals, schools and housing facilities in the urban centers had to be expanded in order to accommodate this population. The other factor related to urbanization is the economic markets. Compared to the other two factors the effects of the economy in the development of cities are more pronounced. Most Asian economic markets are characterized by free trade, booming capital markets, reduced regulations economic freedom, and security of property rights. In addition to this, economic integration in the region and with other economies of the world has led to a further increase in economic activity in the region (Landau, 2001). Economic integration led to conn ectivity among cities in the Asian region in order to facilitate the flow of goods and services, people, investments and communication between them. Free trade in the area has been encouraged by the formation of trade blocs. They include Asian pacific cooperation (APEC), whose aim is to promote free trade and economic cooperation the Asia pacific region. The Asia- Europe meeting (ASEM) works towards security of economy by deepening relations between Asia and Europe at all levels. The major trade bloc in the are which is the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has its main objectives to have a free trade area , with common external preferential tariff

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Movies and TV Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Movies and TV - Essay Example Through complex and often contradictory signs, this episode shows that people cannot change their economic, political, cultural, religious, social, and gender conditions, because they subscribe to implied stereotyped myths that simplify their lives and renders complex issues of degraded humanity and declining culture as invisible. The episode depicts the complicated signs of myths in direct and indirect manners, especially those pertaining to teaching and religious signs. People accept myths, where they are â€Å"more than true† (Seger 347). Myths â€Å"connect and speak† with many people. One of the myths in the Simpson’s episode is the myth of a great teacher (Moore 404). This myth argues that a funny and creative teacher can change his/her students’ lackadaisical attitudes and behaviors toward learning and life (Moore 404). Lisa’s teacher aims to change them to model students, but in a bad way, because she has been recruited by the Movementarian sect already. The â€Å"sign† in the episode can also be indirect and contains conflicts, because Lisa struggles with her grade-sensitive personality and the need to assert her independence against social brainwashing tactics. When she falls into the brainwashing of society, the episode underscores the futility of fighting powerful institutions. Myths are better, because they make life simple and easier to understand. Another myth being dismantled in this episode is the myth of faith in God. The episode shows signs that directly attack sects like the Movementarian that takes advantage of the weak-willed and weak-minded. It, however, draws parallel with the Catholic Church, because the latter also takes money from its members in form of donation and promotes â€Å"truths† about life and how it should be lived. The Church also uses seemingly hypnotizing, repetitive chants. The main argument of this episode is that God has been turned into a lucrative business. The hero s ymbol is also present when people idolize God, because â€Å"glamour is always vulnerable to those who love it† (Postrel 354). People want a savior, someone who is more than themselves and yet seemingly similar to themselves. The episode cautions people who easily fall into the trap of blind faith, such as when people do not even check who that man waving inside the Rolls Royce car is and if there actually is a spaceship inside the barn. With the myth of faith and the superhuman God, people are lambs that can be led astray to their misfortune and death. The Simpsons also perpetuates and questions gender roles and stereotypes. Neuhaus argues that The Simpsons presents a comparatively placid appraisal of domestic gender roles (762). On the one hand, it â€Å"playfully and humorously questions the function of the nuclear family in American society† (Neuhaus 762). Marge always forgives Homer, no matter how insensitive and irresponsible he can be as a husband and father. On the other hand, the episode also imbibes the â€Å"centrality of female domesticity to the very definition of ‘a family’ † (Neuhaus 762). Marge follows her husband’s decision, although she feels wary about it. She is still under the male grasp. The episode, however, portrays a conflicting role, when Marge escapes the Movementarian’s community and seeks help from Reverend Timothy Lovejoy. She and the Reverend save Homer

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Was it a mistake for Hitler to allow German forces to venture into the Research Paper

Was it a mistake for Hitler to allow German forces to venture into the Mediterranean regions - Research Paper Example It was not famous for the bad defeat the Americans faced there. It was far better to lose in this way at the beginning of the engagement then later in the decisive days of the campaign. The truth is that what the American army learned in this loss helped them immeasurably to improve their command structure and strategy when dealing with the Germans later on. This led Hitler and the Germans to underestimate the Americans too. The truth was always that Hitler saw the Mediterranean as a diversion (Murray, 108). And that it is what it was—something that distracted him from what he should have been doing, a mistake. Although many see Eisenhower as the most towering figure to come out from the victories of North Africa, two other Allied generals also made their name in that dusty theatre of war. The first of these two men, General Patton, was able to take control over one of the main American armies after the battle of the Kasserine Pass and to use it to maximum advantage. Patton wa s well known for driving his men hard and also for his iron discipline. The second famous general of this part of the conflict was the British general Bernard Montgomery, who became famous at the battle of El Alamein, one of the decisive victory of the North African theatre. These men gained the confidence in this theatre that they would later use to crush the Germans (Murray, 2002).

Friday, August 23, 2019

Concept Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Concept - Essay Example Reference will be taken from various books that speak of Stoic ethical principles, while also exploring the modern application of such teachings. Unbridled and uncontrollable emotions, especially negative ones, left unchecked are never a good and pleasant thing to deal with. However, that seems to be how many people are these days; and one can see, hear and even experience it in many ways. A person would listen to an unfortunate girl’s story on how her boyfriend tempestuously broke-up their relationship just because she would not accept his advances for sex, or how a man beats up his kids for getting low grades, and sometimes for no apparent reason. It sounds close enough to be said as dystopian, but the world we live in is not even close to utopian either. This is a world where people have a stronger tendency to commit actions based on what they feel, being driven emotionally. When passion races uncontrollably, it can bring both the best in people, and also the worst. The tendency though is that there is nothing consistent, and that the negative results of taking things too emotionally or passionately leave a more las ting effect. In the view of Stoic ethics, it is an unwise tragedy to live according to one’s passions, while making life decisions that are purely based on feelings. Stoicism warns us about the dangers and consequences of living a life without the virtues of self-control or restraint. For Stoicism, getting easily upset and distressed would do no good to one’s life. It is a waste of time and energy to sulk or fume over the predicaments or setbacks in life. It would be better, according to Stoic philosophy, that we face problems with a dignified and calm acceptance. Stumpf (1999) posited that â€Å"moral philosophy in Stoic thought rested upon a simple insight, wherein each person was viewed as an actor in a drama† (p.109). It is the director of the drama who selects people to play various roles. In the drama of the world, it is

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Common Core State Standards Essay Example for Free

Common Core State Standards Essay Is a girl in your neighborhood being taught the same things as a boy in another neighborhood? Is a graduating senior in Baton Rouge as prepared to get a job as a graduating senior in Minneapolis? The answer to these questions is â€Å"no,† and rightfully so. All children are unique. A student with autism or dyslexia should not be taught the same way as students who have no learning disabilities. Indiana, which adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), is now eliminating those standards because, the state asserts, Common Core â€Å"takes control of educational content and standards away from parents, taxpayers, local school districts, and states† (Volsky). The Indiana legislators want to write new standards, which are governed locally, not at the federal level. NEED A TRANSITION? Forty-five American states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity have adopted the CCSS (Common Core State Standards Initiative). These standards were designed by a group of teachers, school chiefs, administrators, and other experts. The CCSS are suggested targets in English Language Arts and Mathematics that set the skills a student should possess in order to proceed to the next level of education. There is no clear divide on the standards between Republicans and Democrats; both have expressed their concerns. But, the controversy reached its peak when the Obama administration slowly started to support the CCSS (Bidwell). Proponents of the CCSS argue that the standards ensure that all students will have the same set of skills, the standards will make sure all students are college ready, and that the standards are a new state-led effort instead of a federal effort. I believe that all states should abolish the CCSS because children with disabilities should not be expected to learn the same way as advanced students, the CCSS takes away from the tradition and individuality of independent/parochial schools, and the problem in education is not standards but poverty. The CCSS have not made success easy for students with learning disabilities. According to the CCSS, students with disabilities â€Å"must be challenged to excel within the general curriculum† (Herbert 10). In addition to students with disabilities, students without disabilities learn different things in different ways, mature at different rates, and have different talents and goals. There is no reason for states to have standards that require students to learn the same things at the same time, and learn them the same way (McClusky). The CCSS â€Å"moves all kids largely in lock-step, processing them like soulless widgets† (McClusky). In a recent discussion, Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania special education student teachers expressed their frustrations in trying to teach special-ed students within the confines of the CCSS (Beals 2). The CCSS are supposed to boost national achievement levels, but by restricting these students to subject matter beyond thei r cognitive abilities, the standards are ultimately lowering student achievements. The CCSS also take away from the tradition and individuality of independent/parochial schools. Parochial schools are private schools that are affiliated with some religious organization and whose curriculum includes religion along with all major subjects. As a graduate of Catholic schools, I believe it is important that the traditions and religion classes be kept alive in these schools. The standards were approved without consideration of how they would affect Catholic schools (Strauss 4). The Catholic education is geared at preparing students for a life of spirit, truth, and faith in God, all of which are never mentioned in the CCSS. Adopting the standards into Catholic schools will essentially diminish them of their tradition to help children not only obtain an education but to develop their faith. As an education major, I have observed many Catholic schools. On the walls, on the boards, and in the hallways, there are examples of prayer and religion everywhere. Taking this away wou ld be taking away the identity of these students. This will ultimately lead to the some students being ashamed of their religion. Another issue that arises is the involvement of the federal government. Independent and parochial schools are independent in their finances and governance and in most cases rely on tuition for funding. The CCSS are state-led efforts but, because these  schools are free from state and federal government financing and guidance, they will not be able to afford the implementation of the CCSS. One of the reasons people believe CCSS are needed is because of the idea that America’s school system has low national test scores. This is not because the current standards are not working; the real issue is poverty. The reason for low-test scores is that about 23% of American students live in poverty. Finland, which has the highest-ranking test scores, has only 5% of students living in poverty (Krashen 37). Poverty stricken children in Queens, NY that have a lack of health care, food insecurity, and lack of library access will not succeed as well as a student going to a school in the Upper East Side of New York City. For example, studies show that food-insecure children are more likely to have slow language development, and problems in social behavior and emotional control (Krashen 38). This results in missed schools days, causing students to repeat grades, which leads to low achievement scores. Instead of spending money on implementing the standards, schools need to spend t he funds on sufficient food programs, improved health care (including more school nurses), and more money going towards libraries in lower-income schools. Some in favor of the CCSS believe that the standards will ensure that all students, no matter what race, gender, or state they are in, will have the same set of skills when graduating to each new grade level (Gardner and Powell 50). Although this is a great notion in theory, the idea that every single student in America will know the exact same things is a major overgeneralization. Even with the CCSS, children with disabilities are physically and mentally incapable of learning the same things at the same rate as a student in advanced or gifted programs. The CCSS have also increased the rigor of the curriculum students are learning. Therefore, students who are already struggling to not fall behind will struggle even further causing the students, parents, and teachers to suffer. In addition to underachieving students, overachieving students will also be negatively affected by the standards. Children who learn faster than others, or who are naturally smarter than their peers will be for ced to learn at the same pace as students who are not as gifted. This will result in students being bored  and losing all interest in school. If every single child in America had the same cognitive abilities, the CCSS would be the answer; but they are not. Other proponents believe that the CCSS will make sure all students graduating from high school are college ready. The problem with this is, America has too many over educated students; the professional work force does not have enough jobs for American students when they graduate. If all students are college ready, no one will want to work at grocery stores, fast food restaurants, mechanic shops, etc. If every student gets a degree and starts work in the professional world, the economy will eventually fail. There will be no farmers to produce groceries; there will be no waitresses; there will be no janitors or cleaning services. In order for this country’s economy to produce money, there needs to be people who do not earn college degrees. One major reason people are supporting the CCSS is because they are state-led instead of being dictated by the federal government. The federal government is largely imposing the CCSS. The National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, both of which do not represent states, created the standards. The hasty adoption by most states was federal action. To compete for a part of the $4.35 billion Race to the Top (ADD DEFINITION) reward, a federal government led education effort, states had to adopt the CCSS (McCluskey). When the CCSS came about, the Obama administration only gave states two options: adopt the CCSS or make sure a state university certified a student as college ready. Also, the U.S. Department of Education funded two programs that created the national tests that coincide with the CCSS (McCluskey). With all of this federal involvement, the CCSS is no longer a state-led effort. It is a â€Å"one-size-fits-all† program that ignores the nee ds of the individual states. The reason to oppose the CCSS is not because of the content, some of which is great, the reason is that the CCSS lacks most qualities needed to be considered authoritative, or to even be considered standards. Sadly, the CCSS is generating in America’s education system severe and lasting damage that would take decades to reverse. The CCSS is bad for states, teachers,  students, parents, and anyone associated with the education process. Now, ask yourself these questions again. Is a girl in your neighborhood being taught the same things as a boy in another neighborhood? Is a graduating senior in Baton Rouge as prepared to get a job as a graduating senior in Minneapolis? Still, the answer is â€Å"no†. Do you believe me now that this is a good answer? Works Cited Bidwell, Allie. The History Of Common Core State Standards. U.S. News Digital Weekly 6.9 (2014): 7. Academic Search Complete. Web. 27 Mar. 2014. Common Core State Standards Initiative., 2012. Web. 3 Feb. 2014. Herbert, Marion. Common Cores Implications For Special Ed Students. District Administration 47.2 (2011): 10.Academic Search Complete. Web. 27 Mar. 2014. Krashen, Stephen. THE COMMON CORE. (Cover Story). Knowledge Quest 42.3 (2014): 36-45. Academic Search Complete. Web. 15 Feb. 2014. McCluskey, Neal. No Child Is Standard. Reading Today 31.2 (2013): 30. Academic SearchComplete. Web. 27 Mar. 2014. Strauss, Valerie. â€Å"Catholic scholars blast Common Core in letter to U.S. bishops.† Washingtonpost.com. The Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2013. Web. 16 Feb. 2014.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Monty Python vs Church Debate Essay Example for Free

Monty Python vs Church Debate Essay Comment on the way speakers adapt their spoken language to suit the situation. † Throughout the transcript, each side has a clear argument: Monty Python has the purpose to defend the film whilst the Church has the purpose to attack ‘Monty Python. ’ However, not only this but there is also the purpose of entertainment being casted through the transcript. Firstly, the idea of defending ‘Monty Python,’ is said by John Cleese and Michael Palin. â€Å"†¦Popper’s on about with the falsifiability of theories. Here, John Cleese has adapted a more serious tone and the repertoire of Carl Popper, than before as he makes a statement. As a result of this, it comments on John Cleese’s intellectual ability, which intimidates the opposition because they cannot argue against a well-established theory. Furthermore, in this transcript Michael Palin disguises his planned speech by adapting his language by using hedges and making his talk have flat intonation so that his points don’t seem so direct and accusative, â€Å"I think that, uh†¦sort of†¦we’ve done for three series, we’ve done for three films Here, it seems as if Michael Palin’s point is quite pointless due to the hedges, however, what he tries to say is quite critical of the opposition as he tries to say that they don’t know what they are talking about. â€Å"I think it isn’t entirely about religion†¦Ã¢â‚¬  here, Michael Palin adapts his spoken language by choosing not to use Standard English; he uses contractions and this has the same effect as a hedge because it softens his point, ensuring that no one will take it personally. It is also quite ironic by denying that not all of the film was about religion when actually, the whole purpose of the film was to ridicule Jesus. The effect of using irony is convergent because it gets the audiences attention and draws their interest to what Michael Palin says, but also, by using hedges, it shows how they understand what their opponent is saying and how they undermine them. To the contrary, the opposition who are attacking ‘Monty Python,’ get out of hand as they begin to take their points the wrong way, â€Å"†¦dredge up this miserable little film. Here, Malcolm Muggeridge adapts his language from a formal tone and now he takes it personal as he begins to directly insult Monty Python. We can understand that this is a weakness of his as Malcolm’s emotions have gotten the better of him. Moreover, as the second half of the transcript progresses, Malcolm again adapts his language, so that it is similar to John Cleese’s, as he tries to achieve hearer support by getting laughter, â€Å"Well, then you must have read very superficially at your school, that’s all,† Malcolm makes a worthless point as he does not achieve anything. â€Å"I sympathise with you† (audience laughter), here, Malcolm makes a snipe comment so that the audience will laugh and not take John Cleese seriously, however, this to an extent, casts Malcolm of being inferior to John Cleese because Malcolm feels as if he cannot match up to the hearer support that John Cleese has and therefore, Malcolm feels that he has to opt for silly snipe comments. Likewise, Mervyn Stockwood has also resorted to milking out laughter by adapting his language from Received Pronunciation, â€Å"But they might not want to compare it to Fawlty Towers! By adapting his repertoire so that he seems like John Cleese, Mervyn Stockwood begs for a response from the audience as he exclaims and looks at the audience as if he is waiting for the audience to start laughing. As we can see, even though both Mervyn Stockwood and Malcolm Muggeridge adapt their spoken language, it does not benefit them because as a result of it, they become quite divergent by making comments, which portrays how they have taken Monty Python’s comments personally. In addition, in this debate both Monty Python and the Church influence each other and the audience by using various literary devices and by adapting their spoken language. â€Å"It’s also about closed systems of thought†¦Ã¢â‚¬  here, simultaneous speech is present as John Cleese takes over from Michael Palin before someone else does. Unlike Michael Palin, John Cleese does not hedge and creates a more assertive tone. He cuts off Michael Palin through code-switching because he wants to be more offensive and attacking, which is proven by what he says, â€Å"Popper’s on about falsifiability†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This shows that John Cleese is very knowledgeable and since this is a statement, which cannot be argued against, John Cleese begins to converge and influence the audience that he is right and that what the opposition is saying is incorrect. Also, John Cleese pauses at times during his small speech, â€Å"I was also†¦they were written in† which shows how John Cleese tries to influence the opposition that they are wrong. The effect of pausing converges with the  audience and the opposition as it indicates where a point has been made and also gives them time to digest it. On the other hand, the Church also tries to influence others with their language. â€Å"†¦much too tenth-rate† here, Malcolm Muggeridge carries on repeating that the film is bad but does not explain why. This is an example of where someone has attempted but failed at influencing the audience. Even though he gets a response from the audience, it is quite divergent because the audience groan as they understand that Malcolm has taken this personally and has begun to stage insults at Monty Python. Moreover, this is also proven here, â€Å"it’s quite possible that they might as a piece of social history† we can understand that Malcolm is failing to influence the audience that he is right because he is socially out-of-touch. At that point in time, Monty Python was very popular and Malcolm is suggesting that someone will just randomly come across it because he does not want to accept the fact that Monty Python has hearer support due to their popularity. Additionally, throughout the debate, there is a battle for who is the most dominant. John Cleese is most dominant because not only does he speak the most but he also, scores points with the audience as he receives hearer support, â€Å"Not a funny building, really†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Moreover, John Cleese’s points also prove to be too much to handle by the opposition as they fail to answer the questions he asks, â€Å"Is there anything that would? Here, Malcolm Muggeridge fails to reply to this question, instead he begins saying that the film is just terrible. Also, he is most dominant because he steps the debate to the next level, questioning the existence of a religion that has been believed by people for over 2000 years, â€Å"†¦Gospels were written in, that they don’t even know who wrote them, and they’re not even sure what cities they were written in. † This presents dominance because he is questioning a whole religion on whether Christianity is 100% accurate. It is not only John Cleese’s language but his paralinguistic features also help him not only to influence the opposition and the audience but also Michael Palin; â€Å"†¦an idea that is whirring around so fast that not other†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Normally, John Cleese’s paralinguistic features are inclusive (e. g. clasping of hands), but now he uses paralinguistic features as if teaching Michael Palin and these paralinguistic features help to converge with the audience as John Cleese  has now got the full attention of everyone. On the other hand, even though Malcolm Muggeridge says a lot, he is one of the least dominant as what he says is quite worthless as it does not achieve anything, â€Å"†¦much too tenth-rate for that † here, Malcolm says that the film is bad but fails to answer a question posed by John Cleese which shows how he is hesitant, knowing that he has lost the debate but does not want to accept it. Malcolm makes snipe comments trying to make the audience ignore what John Cleese says, however, this does not work out. All in all, Monty Python won the debate and therefore, to create diffusion, Mervyn Stockwood makes a small comment to end the debate off with a laugh, â€Å"I used to go to Clifton College to preach very often when you were there. † This debate shows how Monty Python target and challenge people with great authority, only so that they, by the end, can cast them in a bad light.

Tiziano Vecellios Art Style and the Italian Renaissance

Tiziano Vecellios Art Style and the Italian Renaissance In history, art has changed frequently. With new concepts and experimental ways, the new art forms slowly become accepted by society, while the previous techniques fade into the background; however, the old techniques are not forgotten. Within every era, the new techniques that come from the creative minds and their ideas, have established more from the inspiration of old skills, like the change from Renaissance to Mannerism; this lead to the furthering of different art styles in the future generations. Background info on genre, time period and country of origin The Italian Renaissance was the arising point of modern age. The period stretched from 1400 to 1550, originating from Florence, Italy. It was the revival of scientific and artistic innovations. It was also the revitalization of Greek and Roman learning. This essential time period linked the relation of the middle ages to the modern age. The Italian Renaissance was split into two phases, the Early Renaissance and the High Renaissance. The High Renaissance, at the climax of Renaissance art from 1500 to 1525, was the result of the culmination of the different artistic progression of the Early Renaissance. During the 1520s of the Italian Renaissance, High Renaissance was exaggerated to Mannerism. The High Renaissance was an era that brought total creative genius to the world in history. Characterisitcs of art being done during that time and mediums used The changes in art during the Italian Renaissance were clearly seen in paintings and sculptures. While the artists continued to use religious subject matter, they combined the idea with the principles of the human figure and the appeal in depicting nature. Artists began experimenting with their paintings by using oil-based paints, which were workable for several months due to the slow drying pace of the paints. The fresco technique, developed during the Italian Renaissance and used by artists like Michelangelo, involved painting on plasters walls. Light and perspective was familiarized to give a sense of reality through three-dimensional imagery. Artists gained new insight and techniques to their concept of space and form in the Italian Renaissance, which has thus changed art forever. Background info on artist Tiziano Vecellio, also more famously known as Titian, was one of the greatest artists of the High Rennaissance. He was born in Pieve di Cadore, Italy. The year of his birth is highly disputed between scholars, but it is believed to be between 1477 and 1488. As a young boy, he was an apprentice to Giovanni Bellinni, another outstanding painter in Italy at the time. In 1508, the now young independent painter, Titian, joined the Venetian painter, Giorgione to beautify the facade of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi in Venice. Titians work was mistaken as a new and improved style of Giorgione. The teamwork between the two artists led to more art collaboration; together, they explored oil painting techniques, by ways like directly applying an undiluted medium on the canvas. At the death of Giovanni Bellini in 1516, it left Titian with no adversary in Venice, which let him receive his old masters job as the official painter to the Republic. His first major public commission was the Assumption of the Virgin which was painted for the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice. In 1533, he was appointed as the court painter of Charles V, the most powerful man of the century, being Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and the King of Spain. In 1548, he spent nine months in Augsburg with the Imperial Court. After half a decade, he commences a series of poesie for Phillip II in 1554. Although Titian was not a man of much education, he was one of great talent. Titian was an elegant and charming man who was also attractive and interesting in conversation, which made it easy for him to build relationships and connections with powerful people. Over the span of twenty years, Titian created relationships and connections with princely patronage, while continuing work for other Venetian churches. As he grew older, his eyesight worsened and his hand control was weakening. Unfortunately, during a plague outbreak, Titian died, on August 27, 1576, as a rich and famous man. He was interred into the Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. His universal reputation continues to be known to this modern day. Styles and techniques used by artist Titian was an infamous Venetian painter during the High Renaissance. He was known for his bright rich colours and his bold brush work. The bold use of colour and the lush sumptuous layers were the result of much preparation, the medium used and the surface chosen. Mythological paintings, religious paintings, portraits, and churches were just some of the works he accomplished. His artwork should be viewed from a distance to get the as it was desired to be seen. Much of his skills were influenced by Giorgione, where he improved his style with new elements and perfection. From 1530 to 1550, his approach and style became more and more dramatic. The unique practices Titian painted with combined with his great talent were what made him an amazing painter. As Titian matured as an artist, he had as specific methods to his paintings. First, he sketched his pictures with loads of colour that forms the groundwork of the work of art. For up to several months, without looking, he left his composition facing a wall. He then returned to them to build up figures, make changes, and correct any wrongs. When retouching his working, he dealt with highlights by harmonizing colours and tones by rubbing the composition with his fingers. An alternate way was by adding strokes and bright spots with his fingers to perfect his work. As he grew older, he began to paint with his fingers more. He believed that It is not bright colors but good drawing that makes figures beautiful. Detailed analysis of artwork Titians masterpiece, Bacchanal of the Andrians, shows that it is a complete success through design elements. The composition of the work of art is arranged with the human figures spread out evenly across the horizontal span of the canvas. The colours involved are rich and bold; they are not too bright to be overtaking the whole piece. The harmonic bond between the tones and colour that is used by Titian is infamous. The contrast in colour between the two sides balances each other out. The contrast in colour in the dress of the dancing couple compared to the rest of the drinking people, bring it out two a secondary focal point. With naked woman in the corner as the focal point, it brings the eyes throughout the painting, from the focal point to the dancing couple to the other people. Bachannal of the Adrians seems to be interpreting a message of celebration. This may be the possibility of a marriage due to the dancing couple in bolder colours and the amount of activities (drinking, partying, and sheet music) involved. However, these actions could also indicate a celebration due to the homecoming of an important person. The characters involved in the work of art have great meaning too. The woman in the white dress may represent innocence; the other ladies may represent vulnerability and jealousy as seen from their positioning and facial emotions. The nude men surrounding the other women may represent lust and want, as they are in some way in contact, physically or optically, to the women. Conclusion New art techniques were and still are developed through time. Titian, one of the greatest artists of the high Renaissance, was one who established new skills and techniques from others through his life that inspired others to create more throughout history. There are many steps involved in art to fuel to this advancement. According to Titian, Painting done under pressure by artists without the necessary talent can only give rise to formlessness, as painting is a profession that requires peace of mind. http://www.artinthepicture.com/artists/Titian/Quotes/

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Comparing A Worn Path by Eudora Welty and A Rose For Emily by William F

Comparing A Worn Path by Eudora Welty and A Rose For Emily by William Faulkner In the pages of the short stories, A Worn Path and A Rose For Emily we are able to see a similar side and connection between the two. As we look at the theme, tone, and morals we are able to better grasp the conflict in these two stories, while detecting whether the two protagonists, Miss Emily and Phoenix Jackson are mentally crazy. The main moral in A Worn Path is the love, and life of Phoenix Jackson. The path she travels across interrupts her life. Her love is the love and affection she has for her grandson. If we read the story closer then it may lead us to the conclusion that Phoenix really does not have a Grandson. Phoenix complains to the doctor that her Grandson has had a sore throat for an extremely long time. This may cause the reader to believe that she used to have a Grandson but he became so sick he died. Yet, at the same time Phoenix also shows her intellect by seeing the money fall out of the hunter's jacket from a far off distance. In A Rose For Emily the main moral is...

Monday, August 19, 2019

Assertive Behavior: Your Perfect Right, a critical evaluation. :: English Literature

Assertive Behavior: Your Perfect Right, a critical evaluation. The name of this book is â€Å"Your Perfect Right† and it was written by Robert E. Albertini and Micheal L. Emmons both with Ph.D. from the Califronia Polytechnia State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. Both authors seem to be working in this book for several time because they have published several editions and had several printings of the book. Also, Robert E. Albertini and Micheal L. Emmons were Counseling Psychologist and Professors according to this third edition; in fact, in cooperation with other doctors from other universities such as New York University, University of North California, and University of Missouri they got pretty good contributions in the creation of this excellent book. The authors thanked to John Vasconcellos, who was memeber of the California State Legislature, for placing their work in the context of his educational and humanistics concerns and for his thoughtful foreword. The authors describe the reason why this book was written arguing the next point: We must begin to value and reward the assertions of each individual, acknowledging the right of self expression without fear or guilt, valuing the right to and opinion, and recognizing the unique contribution of each person. The preparation and knowledge of both authors are demostrated in the well developtment of the subjects and how they attempt to explain you what an assertive behavior is. The main propouse of this book is to instruct to the readers to develop a more choose appropriate and self-fulfilling responses in a variety of situations. As they defined in the book assertive behavior enables a person to act in his or her own best interest, to stand up for herself or himself without undue anxiety, to express honest feelings comfortably, or to exercise personal rigths without denying the right of others; for instance, this book is written for those who wish to develop a more enhancing personal existence on their own, and for those who will be instrumental in faciliting the personal growth of others. The book shows that research has shown that learning to make assertive responses will inhibit or weaken the anxiety previously expriences in specific interpersonal relationships; also, the fact to stand up for yourself and do things on your own initiative, can reduce appreciably anxiety or tenseness in key situations, and increase your sense of worth as a person. The book is divided in two parts: the first one explains you the differences between non-assertive, agressive and assertive behavior and gives you examples; also, they show you step by step how to adquire and assertive behavior in life. In the second part is designed to fill the need for a

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Hooligans Essay -- Hooliganism Football Sports Athletics Essays

Hooligans â€Å"Hundreds of English fans have been departed from Belgium after scenes of mass violence in Belgian cities and football authorities have threatened to expel the English team from the competition if there is another outbreak of the English Disease† This was an article dated 20 June 2000 written by an English journalist. It is obvious from this article that world is facing a great problem nowadays. Actually it would be wrong to use the term ‘nowadays’ because the ‘English Disease’ namely hooliganism have been a problem for many centuries. There are many things to say on hooliganism but first it would be better to start with its definition. Hooliganism doesn’t have a standard definition. But it can be defined as destruction of properties or injury to persons, sometimes involving theft, whether by a gang or a small group of young people. Hooliganism is characterised as a lack of self-control, love of malicious mischief and idleness passing into dishonest and crime. Hooligans are usually made up of boys and young men, aged between 15 and 25 and their main targets are other groups, who only differ from them in their being composed of fans of another football team. And another interesting fact about hooligans is that they consider themselves to be true fans: they support the team for better or worse, they create the highly praised ‘atmosphere’ inside stadiums. Their main interest does not seem much to see brilliant football but to see their team win. As I mentioned in the beginning football hooliganism is known as the ‘English Disease’ but it has been a problem throughout Europe especially in Germany, Holland, Italy and Belgium as well as in the UK. Also Greece, Czech Republic, Denmark, Austria and Turkey witnessed these disturbances in football matches. There are a lot of work done all around the world to avoid the harm hooligans give to the environment and themselves. European Parliament and the National Parliaments of the European Union made effort to avoid the violence throughout Europe. European Council issued a report on hooliganism September 1999 and tried to take further steps on this problem. After all the work done by various sociologists and initiatives of the European Institutions still it is difficult to observe decline in violence in European Stadiums. To make it clear that World is suffering enough from hooliganism for many years... ...cisive measures like banning Britain from football games. I want to end my essay with an article written by Graham L. Jones in 26.06.2000. This article will be helpful in making a summary of the works about hooliganism. ‘The time for talk is over: Ban the Brits! Don’t wait another minute. Forget the possible quarterfinal game. Send Britain from Euro 2000 back to home. Yes, it’s my own country I’m talking about. And yes, it’s the team and players that I want to see pay the price for the absolute ineffectiveness of English Government and English judiciary doing nothing about hooliganism’ Bibliography HOLT R. 1989.Sport and the British. Oxford: Oxford University Press KERR H. 1994.Understanding Soccer Hooliganism. Buckingam: Open University Press TAYLOR R. 1992.Football and its Fans. Leicester: Leicester Universty Press Resources from Internet noviolence.com/archives dailynews.yahoo.com-22.06.2000 bbc.com- Hooliganism made in England but big abroad-26.02.1998 titonet.com/hooligans thesportjournal.com- A developmental view of soccer hooliganism by A.J Harley intorminc.co.uk- Hooliganism-a political football eserver.org- Playing for England by Paul Smith

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Revenue Recognition Essay

The issue of revenue recognition practices is an area that has received a lot of attention from regulators. Whenever there is a report of financial restatements or negative earnings, regulators pay extra attention to review the financial statements in order to verify that that there are not any indications of financial fraud or that the organization overstepped their boundaries in the area of managed earnings. The reason that regulators have taken a special interest in financial accounting and potential fraud is due to the collapses of companies such as Enron, WorldCom and Tyco. Regulators and those in the accounting profession are focusing their efforts on the causes of fraud as well as the steps that can be taken to effectively detect and prevent a possible reoccurrence of fraudulent behavior especially in the area of revenue recognition and the overstatement of assets. Revenue recognition refers to the time when transactions are recorded on the books, Per Generally Accepted Accoun ting Principles (GAAP), revenues, and gains, are generally recognized when: 1. Revenues are realized or are realizable 2. They have been earned the substantial completion of the activities involved in the earnings process. Both of these items are typically met at the point of sale, which generally occurs when goods are delivered or when services are rendered to the customer. Usually revenues and assets are recognized simultaneously. However, assets can be received before the conditions of revenue recognition are met. One example would be if a customer pays in advance for goods or services which will be received at a later date. Even though the cash is received and is recorded as an asset in the company’s books, the revenue has not been earned. Typically the revenue is not recognized prior to a sale because either the customer has not paid for the goods yet or because the goods have not been delivered to the customer. The main exception to not recognizing revenue prior to a sale would be when a contract exists that guarantee the sale or that the customer has promised a valid promise of payment such as when both the seller and the buyer are legally obligated to fulfill the term of a contract (Parizek & Findley, 2008). Another exception to the revenue recognition rule occurs when a product or service may be provided to the customer without receiving a valid promise of payment. This typically occurs with a family dentist who provides services to ease a patient’s pain and then tries to collect the  payment later. Also, if a company has a substantial amount of services to provide even though the customer has provided a substantial payment, the company must wait to recognize the revenue. It is not enough that one of the criteria for recognizing revue is met; both items must be satisfied in order for the recognition of revenue. Because every income statement begins with total revenue, how revenue is measured is a fundamental concept in the field of accounting and as such, the topic of revenue recognition has received a lot of attention over the course of the past few years. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has produced specific guides to help with the topic of revenue recognition in specific situations in certain industries. The AICPA Statement of Position (SOP) 97-2, â€Å"Software Revenue Recognition† contained the following four items (Parizek & Findley, 2008): 1. Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists 2. Delivery has occurred. 3. The vendor’s fee is fixed or determinable. 4. Collectability is probable. These four items were used as the framework in the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101. The SAB 101 is a very unique and interesting bulletin because it provides specific cases and then proceeds with a questions and answer format. SAB was created in large part to the issues that the staff had encountered in while conducting a review. Because SAB 101 addresses specific situations, it cannot be used as an answer to every instance of revenue recognition, but it does provide a comprehensive guide for companies to use as a form of direction when faced with dealing with a complicated situation such as when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery of goods has already occurred or services have been rendered or when the price is fixed or determinable (SEC, 1999). Questions 1 and 2 of SAB address the topic of Persuasive Evidence of an Arrangement and highlight how a seller could be tempted to bend the rules of revenue recognition in order for a more favorable time in which the sale is reported. The first question exhibited the case in which Company A required each sale to be supported by a written sales agreement signed by an authorized representative of both the customer and Company A. This issue was if Company A could recognize the revenue in the current quarter even if the  sales agreement would not be signed until a few days after the quarter had ended. This question highlighted the need for companies to have strong internal controls and the need to a reliable system to be in place for processing contracts. Without a strong internal control structure as well as clearly documented procedures, there is a possibility of managers becoming tempted to adjust how revenue is recognized based on the needs of the quarter. Questions 3 and 4 reviewe d the issue of ownership of goods and when the transfer had effectively taken place. Question 4 reviews the case of Company R that is a retailer that offers layaway sales to its customers. For the layaway option, a customer pays a portion of the sales price and Company R holds onto the merchandise until the customer returns to pay the balance remaining on the merchandise. Once the merchandise is paid in full, the customer can take possession of the merchandise. This case is an example of what is referred to as a ‘bill and hold’ arrangement where the customer is billed for the merchandise but the merchandise is held by the company for release or shipment at a later date. Question 4 is also an example of how some companies could manipulate their inventories at the end of a quarter. A company could increase revenue by pushing some of its merchandise in the warehouse aside and claim that it has already been sold but were being held for the customer. In order for the company to recognize the revenue they must be able to show that the merchandise is completely separate from its other merchandise and cannot be used for any other order. The company also must be able to show that the customer specifically requested in writing that the company hold the merchandise. Questions 5 and 6 reviewed revenue recognition when the company must perform several activities. Question 5 asks the question as to when Company H should recognize the revenue from an upfront, nonrefundable fee for an extended service contract along with regular, monthly payments. SAB 101 illustrates how the nonrefundable fee cannot be treated separately and must be treated as a part of the overall unit because no one would pay a deposit without expecting additional goods or services to follow (SEC, 1999). The questions 7, 8 and 9 in SAB 101 describe situations where the price may not fixed or determinable in the transaction. Question 8 describes how Company A owns a building and leases it to a retailer. The annual lease payment is $1.2 million plus one percent of all the retailer’s sales in excess of $25 million. It is probable that  sales during the year will exceed $25 million. Should Company A estimate and recognize revenue associated with the one percent of the sales over $25 million on a straight-line basis throughout the year? Because the buyer does not have any fixed or determinable obligation to make a payment until the $25 million sales level has been reached, none of the extra revenue can be estimated and recognized in advance. Question 10 in SAB 101 does not deal with when revenue should be recognized but instead how the revenue should be reported on the income statement. Question 10 discusses the situation where Company A operates an internet site where customers can order the products of another company, Company T. Company T ships directly to the customers and Company A never has any ownership of the merchandise but company A does receive a portion of each sale that Company T makes. Since Company A never takes legal ownership of the merchandise, it would be inappropriate for them to use the gross revenue reporting method where they would report $175 in revenue and $150 in cost of goods sold. Instead Company A should report the money that it earns from each sale as commission revenue. SAB 101 is not the only work that has tried to address the issue of revenue recognition. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) are working together on joint project that would create a single standard for revenue recognition. The project is intended to solve issues in the differences between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). FASB has listed the following six for the project (FASB,2012): 1. Converging U.S. and international standards on revenue recognition 2. Eliminating inconsistencies in the existing conceptual guidance on revenue recognition. 3. Providing conceptual guidance that would be useful in addressing future revenue recognition issues. 4. Eliminating inconsistencies in existing standards-level authoritative literature and accepted practices. 5. Filing voids in revenue recognition guidance that have developed over time 6. Establishing a single, comprehensive standard on revenue recognition In creating a new revenue recognition standard, the FASB and the IASB have adjusted their focus to realization and earnings approach instead of focusing on an asset and liability approach. To assist companies with the changes, FASB issued a proposal that broke down the revenue recognition process into five steps. The first step would be to match the  contract with the customer. The second step would be for the company to identify each step of the transaction with the customer. Third, the company would have to identify the transaction price of each separate act or obligation. In the fourth step, the company reviews how much it expects to receive for preforming each step with the company recognizing the revenue in the final step once the merchandise has been transferred to the customer (FASB, 2012). The work between FASB and IASB is still a work in progress but has strong support from several groups in the accounting community some of which have already laid a foundation to work from. In 1998 former SEC Chairman Arthur Levitt delivered what is now considered to be a famous speech titled â€Å"The Numbers Game† in which he expressed great concern over how many companies engage in the practice of earnings management. In his speech Mr. Levitt identified several major accounting techniques that he thought were being used to undermine the integrity of financial reporting(Levitt, 1998). Mr. Levitt stressed how accounting involves significant judgment and he expressed concern that this judgment was being pushed aside by management due to the pressure that they were encountering to meet the numbers. Mr. Levitt mentioned the standards of objectivity, integrity and judgment in reporting accounting number and stressed that it was these standards that remain an integral part of the public accounting profession’s Code of Professional Conduct and form the foundation by which financial statements are compiled, audited and interpreted. He went on the say that the ethical dilemmas facing businesses and their accountants often revolve around the pressure placed upon companies by investors and creditors. These pressures can sometimes cause management to become involved in â€Å"accounting hocus pocus† (Levitt, 1998). Additionally, because accounting involves judgment, the reported accounting numbers can be significantly different depending on the assumptions made by those that are preparing the financial statements. Mr. Levitt stated that accounting principles â€Å"Allow for flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances† and it was this flexibility that creates many of the ethical issues that accountants are faced with. As companies come under pressure to report  favorable results, accountants also come under pressure to flex those rules almost to the point of breaking. Mr. Levitt gave credit to the Code of Professional Conduct for providing guidance to the public accounting profession members when they are faced with difficult issues (Levitt, 1998). Addressing the issues and establishing new policies and procedures is not enough in ensuring that companies are adhering to changes in methods. Communication must be maintained with those that work in the accounting profession so that they are also complying with the latest methods. In October of 2000, the Chief Accountant of the SE, Lynn Turner, wrote a letter to Ms. Arlene Thomas, the Vice President of the Professional Standards and Services office of the AICPA in order to inform auditors of topics that the SEC had been focusing their attentions on. Amount several topics that Ms. Turner included in her letter was the topic of revenue recognition. The letter discussed the issue of revenue fraud and how over half of the revenue frauds that were identified were due to companies that overstated their revenue because that had reported revenue either too early of deceptively (U.S., 2000). Ms. Turner stressed the importance for auditors to test cut off dates and stressed how auditors must place special focus and conduct testing that is above and beyond the reviewing of a few transactions. Ms. Turner also wanted to bring to of Ms. Thomas the issue that was raised with companies having â€Å"side agreements† with their customers which could alter the terms and conditions of the original contract. These adjustments could result in revenue being improperly recorded and that auditors should conduct thorough testing of contracts. This testing is important because it could assist the auditor with identifying if and side agreements exists and then can test the revenue accordingly. Ms. Turner went on to give praise to the AICPA for a document that they issued entitled â€Å"Audit Issues in Revenue Recognition† and stated how this document should be used by auditors for guidance when it comes to properly auditing revenue. Ms. Turner stated how some organizations can be quite complex and conduct several complex revenue transactions and by reading the terms and conditions of the contracts, auditors would be able to determine  the best course of action for conducting a proper and thorough audit (U.S., 2000). The topic of financial reporting fraud is one that will continue to remain the focus of the SEC, FASB and ISAB for some time to come. Revenue recognition will play a large role in the process as it encompasses two primary factors; management will need to use their own judgment in determining how their revenue should be recognized and that management should be prepared to have their judgments analyzed and questioned. By maintaining focus of the issues that have been identified, and keeping an eye out for possible future issues, the authorities can be certain that investors are making decisions based on accurate information. Constant training and communication between all agencies will ensure that the scandals and financial collapse of companies will not be repeated. References American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Accounting Standards Executive Committee Statement of Position 97-2, (1997) Software revenue recognition, p.08. FASB. (2012, October 13). Revenue recognition—joint project of the fasb and iasb. Retrieved from http://www.fasb.org/project/revenue_recognition.shtml Levitt, A. (1998, September 28). The numbers game. Retrieved from http://www.sec.gov/news/speech/speecharchive/1998/spch220.txt Parizek, G., & Findley, M. (2008). Charting a course: revenue reconition practices for toda’ys business environment. Journal of Accountancy, 20(3), 15-22. SEC. (1999, December 3). Sec staff accounting bulletin: No. 101 – revenue recognition in financial statements. Retrieved from http://sec.gov/interps/account/sab101.htm U.S., SEC. (2002, October 13). Letter: 2000 audit risk alert to the american institute of certified public accountants. Retrieved from http://www.sec.gov/info/accountantts/staffletters/audrsk2k.htm

Friday, August 16, 2019

Beowulf/Grendel Trial or Debate Activity Essay

Two teams will debate the merits of Grendel’s viewpoint. The rest of the class will act as judges and rate the winning team. (ALL students will contribute to the debate by helping to suggest/refine talking points – each group will vote for members to participate in debate). Resolved: Since the world and everything in it is an unplanned accident, existence is meaningless ;the past is irrelevant; nothing matters. For: This team will take the attitude that the proposition is true. They will try to prove it by using the arguments and experiences of Grendel and the dragon. Against: This team will take the attitude that the proposition is false. They will try to prove it by using the arguments of Unferth, Beowulf, the Shaper, Ork, and any other evidence in the story. Rules: 1. No evidence is admissible unless it can be supported by the novel. 2. Each team will have three, two-minute chances to speak. In the first two-minute period they will present their argument. The second two-minute period will be used for rebuttal. In the rebuttal period, a team may argue only points which the other side has presented. The third two-minute period will be a summation (summarize main talking points/close argument). 3. At the close of the debate, the rating will be collected, added, and the results announced. (from The Center for Learning) Trial: Participate in a trial of Grendel, either as judge, member of jury, court officer, court reporter, prosecutor, defense lawyer, the defendant, or a witness. (from The Center for Learning) Standards for either Debate of Trial: 11-12.RL.1, 11-12.RL.3, 11-12.RL.7, 11-12.W.1, 11-12.W.9, 11-12.SL.1, 11-12.SL.3, 11-12.SL.4

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Neher and Sandin

How does one come to have the character and practical wisdom to know what is ethically required in one's communication with others? In the Navy we have an â€Å"Ethos† and part of it states, â€Å"integrity is the foundation of our conduct, respect for others is fundamental to our character, decisive leadership is crucial to our success†. This mirrors in part with what Newer and Sanding (2007) state, â€Å"the person who has integrity or good character relies on his or her good judgment to act ethically in each given situation†, (p. 7).I don't believe one is born with the traits of a virtuous person, these are learned through the actions of others particularly the parent. â€Å"Set the example and do the right thing even when you think no one is looking', I can't tell you how many times I have uttered these words to my Sailors and my boys. But I know it is my actions that both are scrutinizing. For example, I was once offered to have a course marked as complete by a First Class Petty Officer because he commented on how busy he knew I was and was sure I had employed the course several times during my time in the service.I quickly responded with, â€Å"that it wasn't necessary for him to that and I would complete the course like he and the others in my department had done†. Later he told me he was testing me because he was looking for a mentor. Actions speak volumes for your character. As for the second part of the question, I believe character and practical wisdom are developed through those we Interact with and experiences we have In life.We gain practical wisdom from every situation we are Involved In and how we Andre the situation develops our character In the eyes of those who observe our actions. As Aristotle stated, â€Å"sound, practical wisdom and sound character must always be the gulled In these situations†, (Newer & Sandal, 2007, p. 30).

A Most Special Person in My Life Essay

Except my family, there is one person, Thu Cuu, who I will always remember and respect because of her personalities, she is kind and also she is the one I love. Nothing is impossible with her no matter what is it, where is it and why is it, that is what I learn from her. A girl is perfect for every situation; she does not need to be dazzling, but people still have looked at her. Basically, I think every man in this world wants this lady to become his wife, even me. Surely, her personalities can make people who do not like to talk will talk, and her kindness can make everybody respects her, even that is the guy who hates her the most. In my opinion, it is hard to find one like her in this century, whether there is at least one or not, I still always think of her. First of all, her personalities attract me when we first met each other, I really admire her. She is friendly and kind of cute with her voice and smile to keep people around her. She can be a center in a crowd easily. I like her at the first time we met; we talk about a lot of things just like we are best friends. That is also the first time I feel free with a girl, because I usually stuck when I try to talk to a girl. Read more: The person I admire the most is my mother  essay She is very sociable, that is the reason why she has a lot of friends. Moreover, she likes to play no matter what kind of games. You can image that when a girl play some games that only reserve for boys like bias, she can play and play even better than boys. The trick is she does with all her heart and forgets what people say about her, just be happy when she plays. She respects friendship and loves her family. I am very sure that she is going to do anything to protect them. For example, I remembered clearly one time that she was late for a party and I yelled on her, then we altercated. Soon, I found out that she was late because she had to pick up her mom from work; it was not her fault. I did not know that, but the first person said sorry was her. Later I knew that the first person said sorry, it did not mean that person was wrong, it meant that person respected relationship between them more than other. I felt like I was guilty; I apologized her, instead of still getting angry on me, then she smiled with me like nothing never happened Secondly, her kindness can make a most kindness person must be jealous. She is very kind for everyone, not only her friends, just because that is who she is. Imagine that when you go to the gas station and someone goes to ask you to give them some money, because their car is out of gas and they are out of money. Certainly, you will look at their car, what they wear and think is it a trick. In opposite way, while you are busy at exploration, she already gives them money, because one time she told me helping people is the happiest thing in the world. She does not care much about it is a trick or not, even if it is a trick, she is still happy. Moreover, she is a good listener. Usually, when I am sad, or any kind of feeling, I will share with her, she will be there to hear them. Not just listening, she also gives me a best advice. I believe that she never tell anyone else what I tell her, she extremely knows how to keep secret. That is why people believe her mostly. Sometimes, I get angry on her because of my stuffs, but she is still quite, listens and never complains a word. Say, for other example, I got 35/100 on a physical exam; I was very sad and disappointed. When she knew that, she made a plan to revive me. She knew what I like and I do not like. Something I like but she does not, but she accepted it and did it for me. We went to the movie theater, went to eat my favorite food and got my major drinks. We went to play skating and skiing, then heading to the beach. Beach was my favorite place; I usually went there when I was in feeling, but she did not like the beach at much. We went down to the beach and high to the mountain. Really, that was the funniest day with me, we talked a lot, I forgot why I was sad and headed to the future. Thu Cuu is the best Last but not least, Thu Cuu is the one I love, a hundred percent surely. One day, a girl appeared without many attractive characteristics who changed my life. She was not like any other girls I met before. When I was stuck in the dark and very disappointed, she stood there in front of me with her smile such as a brightest star and showed me which ways were right or wrong. She told me that I did not know what was waiting for me ahead; I got to learn how to fight it. For example, at the final time last semester, my family had some problems like my brother sold his car and went to Vietnam without asking my parents a word, my dad and my mom’s jobs were in trouble, and my study was more difficult. I was blind and disappointed. At that time, there was no one helping me except one, Thu Cuu. Side by side, she and I figured out every problem and solved it like she helped me to contact and persuade my brother to come back here. She helped me to study, kept me in calm and bought me drinks and food, so I could focus on the exams. She also had her exams, but she still spent her time to help me. Honestly, I knew this was the person I could live with forever. Another time, her friend from other state came here to visit her. I was jealous. Without her, I felt like I was in the hole. I was easy to get angry because of nothing, I just wanted that she was only for me, and I knew that I loved her. Beside her, I always feel happy and love life. One of the most beautiful things about Thu is her smile, if she just smiles with me, I am very sure that all of my stress will be gone, also it is the most reason why I love her. A girl without many attractions who I think of most of my time always stays with me when I am in trouble. Totally, she is a hundred percent perfect. After all, Thu Cuu is the only one I will treat with all my heart. She is now such as my family member that I never want to lose. No matter what people say about her, in my mind, she is always a girl I first met and loved. Because of her personalities, I know that nothing is impossible in this world. She helped me to be able to understand how to be a good man. Her kindness brings me much knowledge of treatment. That helps me how to get respected from people who hate me. Love is the most beautiful thing in the world that people do not use machine to know, and it will be prettier if you love a person who you never forget.