The eNotes Blog World Class Snapshots of Classrooms From Around theGlobe

World Class Snapshots of Classrooms From Around theGlobe The ever-curious Brain Pickings  yesterday shed light on a fascinating project, Classroom Portraits. Since 2004, photographer Julian Germain has captured images of classrooms the world over, progressing from his small corner of North East England to include schools from North and South America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Collected in a new book, Germains photos provide unique insight into childhoods both familiar and foreign, sharing what makes  schoolkids  around the globe so similar, yet worlds apart. England, Bradford, Year 7, Art Each photograph captures the same faces weve all seen in the classroom growing up: you have the bored and the enrapt, the angry and the apathetic, the eager and the daydreamers. Germain captures all of these and more in his trans-global portraits. Wales, Felindre, Reception and Years 1 2, Numeracy Yet, just as these photos begin to hark back to ones own school days, you come across a classroom like the one snapped in Yemen, below. A small room packed with serious-looking men, the only thing belying their young age the dark but faint peach fuzz atop each ones upper lip. Yemen, Sanaa, Secondary Year 2, English Flipping past the slightly militaristic uniforms of a class of Peruvian 4th-graders Peru, Cusco, Primary Grade 4, Mathematics to a colorfully Havanan classroom Havana, Cuba, Year 2, Mathematics and a stark Nigerian one Nigeria, Kano, Ooron Dutse, Senior Islamic Secondary Level 2, Social Studies you are reminded that this (Im presuming for most of you) is not the childhood you remember. But while the environments and languages might not be the same, its always easy to spot some common ground: in one image a band of sulky pubescents, in another a mob of sticky-fingered kindergartners, and in all the compulsory child with the mischievous glint in his eye, the one who is certainly up to no good at all. England, Seaham, Reception and Year 1, Structured Play In each photo Germain has also managed to evoke the gang-like quality found in a room full of students. He positions them with their eyes locked on the camera, staring it down as though ready to pounce at any given moment. Perhaps the one similarity we should be mindful of in every classroom is the courage it takes to stand up in front of a room of these creatures and teach them. Cuba, Havana, Playa, Year 9, national television screening of film ‘Can Gamba’ (about Cuban participation in Angolan Revolution) No, in all seriousness Classroom Portraits is a joyful reminder of the many fresh young minds out there in the world, and the importance a good education serves in shaping every one of them. Lagos, Nigeria. Basic 7 / Junior Secondary Level 1, Mathematics For more on the project, you can visit Germains website or purchase his book Classroom Portraits 2004-2012 on Amazon.

Albert Einstein, Developer of the Theory of Relativity

Albert Einstein, Developer of the Theory of Relativity Albert Einstein (March 14, 1879–April 18, 1955), a German-born theoretical physicist who lived during the 20th century, revolutionized scientific thought. Having developed the Theory of Relativity, Einstein opened the door for the development of atomic power and the creation of the atomic bomb. Einstein is best known for his 1905 general theory of relativity, Emc2, which posits that energy (E) equals mass (m) times the speed of light (c) squared. But his influence went far beyond that theory. Einsteins theories also changed thinking about how the planets revolve around the sun. For his scientific contributions, Einstein also won the 1921 Nobel Prize in physics. Einstein also was forced to Flee Nazi Germany after the rise of Adolf Hitler. Its no exaggeration to say that his theories indirectly helped lead the Allies to victory over the Axis powers in World War II, particularly the defeat of Japan. Fast Facts: Albert Einstein Known For: The General Theory of Relativity, Emc2, which led to the development of the atomic bomb and atomic power.Born: March 14, 1879 in Ulm,  Kingdom of Wà ¼rttemberg,  German EmpireParents: Hermann Einstein and Pauline KochDied: April 18, 1955 in Princeton, New JerseyEducation: Swiss Federal Polytechnic (1896–1900, B.A., 1900; University of Zurich, Ph.D., 1905)Published Works: On a Heuristic Point of View Concerning the Production and Transformation of Light, On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies, Does an Object’s Inertia Depend on Its Energy Content?Awards and Honors: Barnard Medal (1920), Nobel Prize in Physics (1921), Matteucci Medal (1921), Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society (1926), Max Planck Medal (1929), Time Person of the Century (1999)Spouses: Mileva Marić (m. 1903–1919), Elsa Là ¶wenthal (m. 1919–1936)Children: Lieserl, Hans Albert Einstein, EduardNotable Quote: Try and penetrate with our limited means the secrets of na ture and you will find that, behind all the discernible concatenations, there remains something subtle, intangible and inexplicable. Early Life and Education Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany to Jewish parents, Hermann and Pauline Einstein. A year later, Hermann Einsteins business failed and he moved his family to Munich to start a new electric business with his brother Jakob. In Munich, Alberts sister Maja was born in 1881. Only two years apart in age, Albert adored his sister and they had a close relationship with each other their whole lives. Although Einstein is now considered the epitome of genius, in the first two decades of his life, many people thought Einstein was the exact opposite. Right after Einstein was born, relatives were concerned with Einsteins pointy head. Then, when Einstein didnt talk until he was 3 years old, his parents worried something was wrong with him. Einstein also failed to impress his teachers. From elementary school through college, his teachers and professors thought he was lazy, sloppy, and insubordinate. Many of his teachers thought he would never amount to anything. When Einstein was 15 years old, his fathers new business had failed and the Einstein family moved to Italy. At first, Albert remained behind in Germany to finish high school, but he was soon unhappy with that arrangement and left school to rejoin his family. Rather than finish high school, Einstein decided to apply directly to the prestigious Polytechnic Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. Although he failed the entrance exam on the first try, he spent a year studying at a local high school and retook the entrance exam in October 1896 and passed. Once at the Polytechnic, Einstein again did not like school. Believing that his professors only taught old science, Einstein would often skip class, preferring to stay home and read about the newest in scientific theory. When he did attend class, Einstein would often make it obvious that he found the class dull. Some last-minute studying allowed Einstein to graduate in 1900. However, once out of school, Einstein was unable to find a job because none of his teachers liked him enough to write him a recommendation letter. For nearly two years, Einstein worked at short-term jobs until a friend was able to help him get a job as a patent clerk at the Swiss Patent Office in Bern. Finally, with a job and some stability, Einstein was able to marry his college sweetheart, Mileva Maric, whom his parents strongly disapproved. The couple went on to have two sons: Hans Albert (born 1904) and Eduard (born 1910). Einstein the Patent Clerk For seven years, Einstein worked six days a week as a patent clerk. He was responsible for examining the blueprints of other peoples inventions and then determining whether they were feasible. If they were, Einstein had to ensure that no one else had already been given a patent for the same idea. Somehow, between his very busy work and family life, Einstein not only found time to earn a doctorate from the University of Zurich (awarded 1905) but found time to think. It was while working at the patent office that Einstein made his most influential discoveries. Influential Theories In 1905, while working at the patent office, Einstein wrote five scientific papers, which were all published in the Annalen der Physik (Annals of Physics, a major physics journal). Three of these were published together in September 1905. In one paper, Einstein theorized that light must not just travel in waves but existed as particles, which explained the photoelectric effect. Einstein himself described this particular theory as revolutionary. This was also the theory for which Einstein won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. In another paper, Einstein tackled the mystery of why pollen never settled to the bottom of a glass of water but rather, kept moving (Brownian motion). By declaring that the pollen was being moved by water molecules, Einstein solved a longstanding, scientific mystery and proved the existence of molecules. His third paper described Einsteins Special Theory of Relativity, in which Einstein revealed that space and time are not absolutes. The only thing that is constant, Einstein stated, is the speed of light; the rest of space and time are all based on the position of the observer. Not only are space and time not absolutes, Einstein discovered that energy and mass, once thought completely distinct items, were actually interchangeable. In his Emc2  equation (Eenergy, mmass, and cspeed of light), Einstein created a simple formula to describe the relationship between energy and mass. This formula reveals that a very small amount of mass can be converted into a huge amount of energy, leading to the later invention of the atomic bomb. Einstein was only 26 years old when these articles were published and already he had done more for science than any individual since Sir Isaac Newton. Scientists Take Notice In 1909, four years after his theories were first published, Einstein was finally offered a teaching position. Einstein enjoyed being a teacher at the University of Zurich. He had found traditional schooling as he grew up extremely limiting and thus he wanted to be a different kind of teacher. Arriving at school unkempt, with hair uncombed and his clothes too baggy, Einstein soon became known as much for his appearance as his teaching style. As Einsteins fame within the scientific community grew, offers for new, better positions began to pour in. Within only a few years, Einstein worked at the University of Zurich (Switzerland), then the German University in Prague (Czech Republic), and then went back to Zurich for the Polytechnic Institute. The frequent moves, the numerous conferences that Einstein attended, and preoccupation of Einstein with science left Mileva (Einsteins wife) feeling both neglected and lonely. When Einstein was offered a professorship at the University of Berlin in 1913, she didnt want to go. Einstein accepted the position anyway. Not long after arriving in Berlin, Mileva and Albert separated. Realizing the marriage could not be salvaged, Mileva took the kids back to Zurich. They officially divorced in 1919. Achieves Worldwide Fame During  World War I, Einstein stayed in Berlin and worked diligently on new theories. He worked like a man obsessed. With Mileva gone, he often forgot to eat and sleep. In 1917, the stress eventually took its toll and he collapsed. Diagnosed with gallstones, Einstein was told to rest. During his recuperation, Einsteins cousin Elsa helped nurse him back to health. The two became very close and when Alberts divorce was finalized, Albert and Elsa married. It was during this time that Einstein revealed his General Theory of Relativity, which considered the effects of acceleration and gravity on time and space. If Einsteins theory was correct, then the gravity of the sun would bend light from stars. In 1919, Einsteins General Theory of Relativity could be tested during a solar eclipse. In May 1919, two British astronomers (Arthur Eddington and Sir Frances Dyson) were able to put together an expedition that observed the  solar eclipse  and documented the bent light. In November 1919, their findings were announced publicly. After having suffered monumental bloodshed during World War I, people around the world were craving news that went beyond their countrys borders. Einstein became a worldwide celebrity overnight. It wasnt just his revolutionary theories; it was Einsteins general persona that appealed to the masses. Einsteins disheveled hair, poorly fitting clothes, doe-like eyes, and witty charm endeared him to the average person. He was a genius, but he was an approachable one. Instantly famous, Einstein was hounded by reporters and photographers wherever he went. He was given honorary degrees and asked to visit countries around the world. Albert and Elsa took trips to the United States, Japan, Palestine (now Israel), South America, and throughout Europe. Becomes an Enemy of the State Although Einstein spent the 1920s traveling and making special appearances, these took away from the time he could work on his scientific theories. By the early 1930s, finding time for science wasnt his only problem. The political climate in Germany was changing drastically. When  Adolf Hitler  took power in 1933, Einstein was luckily visiting the United States (he never returned to Germany). The Nazis promptly declared Einstein an enemy of the state, ransacked his house, and burned his books. As death threats began, Einstein finalized his plans to take a position at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton, New Jersey. He arrived at Princeton on Oct. 17, 1933. Einstein suffered a personal loss when Elsa died on Dec. 20, 1936. Three years later, Einsteins sister Maja fled from  Mussolinis Italy  and came to live with Einstein in Princeton. She stayed until her death in 1951. Until the Nazis took power in Germany, Einstein had been a devoted pacifist for his entire life. However, with the harrowing tales coming out of Nazi-occupied Europe, Einstein reevaluated his pacifist ideals. In the case of the Nazis, Einstein realized they needed to be stopped, even if that meant using military might to do so. The Atomic Bomb In July 1939, scientists  Leo Szilard  and Eugene Wigner visited Einstein to discuss the possibility that Germany was working on building an atomic bomb. The ramifications of Germany building such a destructive weapon prompted Einstein to write a letter to  President Franklin D. Roosevelt  to warn him about this potentially massive weapon. In response, Roosevelt established the  Manhattan Project, a collection of U.S. scientists urged to beat Germany to the construction of a working atomic bomb. Even though Einsteins letter prompted the Manhattan Project, Einstein himself never worked on constructing the atomic bomb. Later Years and Death From 1922 until the end of his life, Einstein worked on finding a unified field theory. Believing that God does not play dice, Einstein searched for a single, unified theory that could combine all the fundamental forces of physics between elementary particles. Einstein never found it. In the years after World War II, Einstein advocated for a world government and for civil rights. In 1952, after the death of Israels first President Chaim Weizmann, Einstein was offered the presidency of Israel. Realizing that he was not good at politics and too aged to start something new, Einstein declined the offer. On April 12, 1955, Einstein collapsed at his home. Just six days later, on April 18, 1955, Einstein died when the aneurysm he had been living with for several years finally burst. He was 76 years old. Resources and Further Reading â€Å"The Year Of Albert Einstein.†Ã‚  Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 1 June 2005.â€Å"Albert Einstein.†Ã‚  Biography.com, AE Networks Television, 14 Feb. 2019.Kuepper, Hans-Josef. â€Å"The Collected Papers of Albert Einstein.†Ã‚  Albert Einstein - Honours, Prizes and Awards.

Resume Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 26

Resume - Essay Example 1. I actively participated in all kinds of volunteering activities in arranging event during my stay in Alsabah wa Al Setoon Secondary School, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 2006. 2. I served as a volunteer worker in the â€Å"Orphan’s Day† in 2008 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 3. I attended and energetically participated in â€Å"Compass Cycle Thinking† Workshop in 2008 at King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Education for Girls Scientific Department, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 4. Partook as a volunteer in â€Å"Happy Leaders† activity arranged by Self- development Center from 30.12. 2009 – 08.01.2010 (29 hours). 5. Participated in the formation the largest Human Awareness Pink Ribbon Oct 2010. 6. Significantly contributed in the first Geometrics Symposium in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia GTC in 2011. 7. I attended the first forum of the Architectural Heritage 2011. 8. I attended a training course approved by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties under the title understand the different personal styles (understanding of the characters) 2013.

Financial or Economic Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Financial or Economic Systems - Essay Example This paper illustrates that the collapses of 2008 resulting from the financial crisis were critical in pushing the button for corporates to alter corporate actions and restructure to access a wider market. It also alarmed governments to initiate radical reforms of existing corporate governance to salvage the situation. Transitory states awoke to the realization that the privilege of investors inclined to companies and economies that implement sound corporate governance. In relation to this, the challenge of the industry is double-edged: the harmonization of corporate governance to universal standards and the improvement of competitiveness to enhance the attraction of more investment. A great diversity exists in both the status of corporate economic systems and the measures to enhance them in most countries. Presumably, the stated diversity is a reflection of the variegated circumstances of every country. The circumstances include the development state of a nation, the relationship be tween government and business, the financial structure inclusive of funds procurement structures, the shareholding structure and the market for talent among others. Of interest are the commonalities that surface in the direction of system improvements. To say, the direction of enhancement in governance via mutual supervision and the improvements in mechanisms to this end is a typical feature in most countries with most countries endeavoring to enhance corporate systems. All this aim at maximizing long-term corporate value based on the perspective of an array of stakeholders. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the approaches to enhancing corporate governance differ in relation to a country's economic ideology as earlier mentioned. For instance, a capitalistic economy would approach governance from a different viewpoint compared to a command-based economy. From theory, it is widely known that command economies dictate that the government makes the decision on the goods and service to be produced, coupled with their distribution. In this economy, government officials evaluate the needs and resources of the country or state and allocate or distribute the resources according to the evaluation. Arguably, rather than a hedge on the requirements of individual consumers, service and goods delivery inclines to aggregate needs.

Ladies & Gentleman Essay Example for Free

Ladies Gentleman Essay The point was about the term â€Å"ladies and gentlemen. † It would be easy to think of upper class women in flashy dresses and extravagant hats and men in tailcoats and top hats when talking about ladies and gentlemen. However, one of my goals when using the terms is to make their definitions much more than mere appearance, if appearance at all. This modernization of the terms helps bring the definition into the current century and throw away the traditional and very close-minded definition. It is for this reason that I believe being a lady or gentleman is based on personality, how a person treats others, I speak for most people who use the term â€Å"ladies and gentlemen† in reference to a person’s conduct, not a person’s class, social standing, race, sexuality. Some, when faced with the terms â€Å"ladies and gentlemen,† will immediately assume the worst by using the outdated definitions. Some will also dig for reasons to label those who use â€Å"ladies and gentlemen†. In labeling us this way, these people do not facilitate any sort of progress for the terms or for any sort of unity for women, or men, ladies or gentleman. We live where we ought to not judge people by the color of their skin, their class, gender, or sexuality, with all of this, there are still groups who refuse to take off their blinders. Ladies and Gentleman, now there is a saying that has been with us for a long time, but what does it really mean and where did it come from? Let’s start with the ladies as we all have been known to do in the century we live in today to always allow ladies to be first. The term ladies could mean many different things to many different cultures so let’s get the one that is primarily recognized by all. There are numerous definitions of a lady and I am sure that we all have varied opinions of what a lady is, but here is a few from the dictionary. â€Å"Chiefly British A general feminine title of nobility and other rank, specifically, Used as the title for the wife or widow of a knight or baronet. Used as a form of address for a marchioness, countess, viscounts, baroness, or baronets’. Used as a form of address for the wife or widow of a baron. Used as a courtesy title for the daughter of a duke, a marquis, or an Earl. Used as a courtesy title for the wife of a younger son of a duke or marquis† (Ladies, n. . ). To discuss gentleman, as in reference to ladies is an entirely different topic but closely related . However to separate them is almost UN heard of in this society we live in today. The writer here feels it of necessity to come up with a definition of what is a gentleman where did this term come from. The definition of what the dictionary states is :, A man of gentle or noble birth or superior social position: Hes too much a gentleman to be a scholar†, Used as a form of address for a group of men (gentleman, n. . ). Now we have a general idea of what a Ladies and a gentleman Are, let’s put them together to get a better understanding of â€Å"Ladies and Gentleman†. To take a look at them individually is one aspect to consider but let’s look at what a well rounded person is first and foremost prior to becoming a Lady or a gentleman. IUomo Universal Literally, â€Å"universal Man† a self reliant, multitalented, freethinking individual â€Å"(Sayre H 2008-2012). From the art work to the poetry of art and even the given philosophy that was all just a cultural part of growing with the ages was known to make Ladies and gentleman and primarily a humanist in all forms of the century. It was certain beliefs and attitudes to help make people what is universally known as well rounded . However the importance from education to cultural practices from philosophy made them who they were and their practice of becoming ladies and gentleman. In a survey conducted I was able to poll ten people and from vary ages and backgrounds. Although they all had varies opinions on what a lady and what a gentleman is. It was a little redundant on what the ladies had to say concerning their definitions, and what the men had in their responses. The simple fact from the ladies side was mostly about the dress of a lady and how they carried themselves in public. However on the men’s side of the scenario it was mostly about them being of a maternal instinct, and mannerisms of a lady one being polite, sincere and genially whole. However when it came to the Gentleman part of this survey it was all about having decent employment and being a good provider, and once again a good father figure. Funny as it seems this was from both the male and the female’s opinion. My age bracket was from one, my son who is twenty one, to my neighbor who is in their sixties. The ladies were a woman in their mid twenties to my mother in her late seventies. Their vocations were that of manufacturing to one of a professional woman a teacher. However it was an interesting fact when I asked these questions to my girl who was brought up well as she calls it blue blood, or if you will high society and her idea’s and experiences being brought up to be a lady. The fact that she was taught to courtesy in her early years and to have proper mannerisms of that type of upbringing to be able to be presented to other able blue blooded men at eighteen for a possible mate to ensure of proper breeding from their bloodline was somewhat a crazy response to my questions on being a lady or a gentleman. Therefore to some things up and to suggest whether or not I agree with Castiglione and his descriptions of a woman and that of a man or should we say a lady and a gentleman? To be or not to be the real question, a woman, lady or man or gentleman. Therefore I will share my opinions on the positives, I see fit and the negatives that I believe could be harmful to ones general character. To be born out of nobility would be an awesome deal but when and where we were born and the freedom of choice in our upbringing is one I am a little half and half on if that makes sense, in other words I do believe it is wonderful to be born with your parents and having them part of your life to help guide you, and to prevent errors in their culture to help make you a well rounded person. However to feel that a judgment is made upon you from whose family you were born into and how you were to dress and what reactions one would have towards you because of your nobility at birth and being told you believe this way or that way I feel is wrong. Therefore to be judgmental of the skin the dress and down to the language and how it is spoken to others and to deem their worthiness by a person’s size is a little farfetched but perhaps in that century the judgment rang true of a person’s actions be it male or female. To be a lady who plucks eyebrows or powders their face, or to be a wanton women to honest men or I believe the proper term here is harlot. Men of good posture and build for fighting wars or one whom is of a cowardice nature, but what of those men who flatly just did not measure up to the standards of a fighter for wars. In our society today we are somewhat powerless of what our physical stature is to become and therefore almost impossible to say what we will become and surely plays an important role in the attitude towards that.

Lincoln’s Birthday :: Essays Papers

Lincoln’s Birthday This book is a compilation of letters written to and by the revered president, Abraham Lincoln. This makes it so that the same stories are told from different perspectives. All together this book is filled with historically accurate information. The opening passage is Lincoln’s own Autobiography. I wish I could insert the entire passage. I think the closing paragraph is a wonderful description of the man, both in appearance and in demeanor. â€Å"If any personal description of me is thought desirable, it may be said I am in height six feet four inches, nearly; lean in flesh, weighing, on an average, one hundred and eighty pounds; dark complexion, with coarse black hair and gray eyes – no other marks or brands recollected. â€Å"Yours very truly, A. Lincoln.† On the stormy morning of Sunday, February 12, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, wife of Thomas, gave birth to a boy. He was born on a bed of poles covered with cornhusks. The baby was named Abraham after his grandfather. In 1811 the Lincolns moved to a farm on Knob Creek, what was also near Hodgenville. In 1811 or 1812, Abraham's younger brother, Thomas, died in infancy. Abraham spent a short amount of time in a log schoolhouse. He began to learned reading, writing, and cipherin’ to the rule of three, from a teacher named Zachariah Riney. He attended school with his sister, Sarah. Late in 1816 the Lincoln family moved to southern Indiana and settled near present day Gentry Ville. A cabin was constructed near Little Pigeon Creek. It measured 16 X 18 feet, and it had only one window. Abraham's mother, Nancy, passed away on October 5th, 1818, she died of milk sickness. In 1819, Abraham would barrow books from his neighbors to read. In 1821 Abraham attended school taught by James Swaney for about 4 months. In 1824 Abraham also attended school taught by Azel Dorsey. In 1827 Abraham's sister, Sarah died giving birth to her son. In 1831, Lincoln decided to leave his family and go off on his own, but not before spending a year to build his parents a house. In July he moved to New Salem, Illinois, where he boarded at Rutledge's tavern and became acquainted with the owner's daughter, Ann. New Salem was a frontier village consisting of one long street on a bluff over the Sangamon River. During the Black hawk War Lincoln was elected captain of the volunteer militia.

Ethics of Ecology Essay

Ethics of ecology focuses on sustaining business and environment. Ethics is a set of principles about right and wrong and how human beings should behave. Ecology is about inter- relationships – between living organisms (both plants & animals) and between biological & physical entities. As people now realise that the environment is a limited resource, awareness all over the world of the necessity to protect and save the environment has grown as well. From the Bill of Rights, Chapter 2, of the S.A. Constitution, â€Å"Everyone has the right  ¬ a.to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and b.to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that  ¬ i.prevent pollution and ecological degradation; ii.promote conservation; and iii.secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development† Major manifestations of environmental abuse include global warming, depletion of the ozone layer pollution of air, water, resource depletion toxic waste and major health risks. From the extract we read that water has also become an ethical issue and we see Coca Cola and Nestle at the brim of this. Ethics of ecology are concerned with rights as the: Right of future generation which state that, â€Å"every person has the right to inherit an uncontaminated planet on which all forms of life may flourish.†The idea is that present generation has to bear a disproportionate burden for the sake of future generation. Since we can not undo the world it is then better if we hand over a resourceful environment to the next generation, not an environment in its worst state. One may argue that, ‘is it fair that the current generation get the benefits of using the resources and leave burdens for the future generation†, in distributive justice perception this is unethical, therefore its better we fix what we can now rather than making things worse. There is also the right to a livable environment, that everyone has a moral and legal right to a decent livable environment. A livable environment is essential to the fulfillment of our own capabilities. At first Coca Cola in its business resulted in depletion of water much worse for the current generation, It is said that, â€Å"there was severe water shortages from rural neighbours of the plant† which means the future generation would find the environment in its worst state. It appeared Coca Cola was just concerned with prioritizing profits and consumption of water. As such Coca Cola deprived the community of the right to a livable environment and threatened the right of future generation he nce it was taken to task. But in a twist we see Coca Cola owning up to its actions, it reduced its water usage by 24%, installed rain water harvesting systems in its plants hence it became a leader in water management practices. Coca cola further recycled water, replenished water and gave back safe drinking water to the community. Now that’s upholding the rights of future generation and that of a livable environment. On the other hand it’s Nestle which its main beverage business is bottled water. This has raised criticism and ethical issues of water wastage, as it takes three litres of water to make one litre of bottled water. The issue is that if we waste so much now what will the future generation have. Focusing on the tragedy of the commons, the concept stress that there is real value in these â€Å"free’ resources as water, as such there has to be a protection system in place to safeguard the value of these free resources. From the extract we see that some governments have already begun to act against bottled water. Even though Nestle have taken the initiative of water conversation, their means are not as aggressive as that of Coca Cola, Nestle still contend that â€Å"bottled water is the most environmentally responsible consumer product in the world† even though we know so much water is wasted, and the saddest thing is that it is most promoted in developed countries due to increased materialistic cultural values even though tap water is perfectly safe in those countries. It implies then that Nestle takes for granted water, as a limited resource showing little emphasis on conservation and more on consumption. Nestle does not only waste water, the bottles are also biodegradable, one may ask, has Nestle taken any initiative to deal with waste management of the bottles. Not only will humans suffer from water wastage, but the bottles will ultimately harm the environment. An ethic of Ecological Holism comes to play, that the environment bears the interference with nature. These bottles end up in rivers, lakes, the oceans polluting the water and marine live hence the environment right to have its integrity, stability and beauty is compromised. Conclusion In conclusion it is necessary to embrace the need to conserve the environment so that business and human life are sustained in future. Currently we are being scotched by earlier ignorance of people who did not preserve the environment, there is global warming, change of climates and seasons, characterised by extreme coldness or extreme hotness, scares rainfall in some parts of the world and persistent floods in some. Adopting Initiatives as going green, recycling, reducing, reusing and respecting rights of the environment and non-human life will help sustain business and environment, and business ought to take autonomy over their acts.

Analyse the presentation of Crooks Essay

Analyse the presentation of Crooks in â€Å"Of Mice and Men†. Comment on how this helps to create a realistic picture of 1930’s California  John Steinbeck’s â€Å"Of mice and men† was written in the 1930’s, a time of great depression throughout the world. It was a time when racism was still widespread in America. It is based on a ranch in California. In the story Crooks is the only black person on the ranch. Crooks is disabled, with a crooked back where â€Å"a horse once kicked him†. It describes him as having â€Å"pain tightened lips† because of this. He is also described as being â€Å"a proud aloof man†. He is shown to be an educated man through the fact that he owns a dictionary and tries to research what rights he does have by using his â€Å"mauled copy of the California civil code for 1905.† The fact that Steinbeck uses the word mauled infers that it was used a great deal. In the story, Crooks was treated with little respect. He acts like he wants no real contact with the white workers on the ranch by â€Å"keeping his distance and demanding that other people kept theirs†. I think that he really wanted some friends but doesn’t show it because no-one will be friends with him. The boss also has no respect for him and takes his anger out on him for no reason when he is mad. He lives in a tack room built onto the side of the barn because he is unwanted in the bunkhouse. This is probably due to the fact that the society of the time believed in racial segregation. He has no friends on the ranch and is totally isolated. He had no rights or a say on what goes on on the ranch or in America for that matter. There were thousands like him all over America that were stuck in the same situation. They were not treated well for what seems to me a trivial reason. The book was very controversial at the time as Steinbeck portrays Crooks as being the same inside as any other man. This is a view that challenged all of the other contemporary views at the time. A lot of people were outraged at this as they thought of Crooks and other black people as somehow inferior to them. The fact that we only meet Crooks at all is an accident. I think he hated his life there on the ranch, but had no way to get out of it. In the first part of the book (chapters 1-3) we find out the views of Crooks from the other characters there. The racism towards him may have been innocent as the racism in the country then was inherent (passed down through the generations). We now move on to chapter 4, where we find out about Crooks and his own opinions through an accidental encounter with Lennie. It all starts when Lennie is in the barn with his pup and everyone else has gone into town. He sees the light from Crooks’ little hut which is built into the barn. He stumbles in and Crooks acts like Lennie is unwanted – â€Å"Crooks scowled but Lennie’s disarming smile defeated him.† I think that he actually thought about it and realised that he could do with some company. Steinbeck uses Lennie’s character to ‘accidentally’ stumble upon him because Lennie does not understand the political views of the world at that time, so he walks right in and talks to him the right way, treating him with respect, as he would anyone else. Crooks then settles down a bit and pours out what seems to be his entire life story to Lennie, now he finally has someone to talk to. He tells him about his life before working on the ranch. He speaks of the fact he was happy before, and says that his father had a chicken ranch. Maybe this meant he would prefer to be back there, missing his relatives who he knows would treat him as an equal. He also talks about that he used to play with the local white kids and that his â€Å"ol’ man did not like that†. He then proceeds to say â€Å"I never knew why till long later why he didn’t do that. But I know now.† During the conversation, Crooks asks Lennie what he would do if George (who he relies on completely) never came back. It seems like Crooks is getting excited over having an advantage over a white person, â€Å"Crooks’ face lighted with pleasure at his torture† but later on you think about it and realise what Crooks was trying to do. He was showing Lennie what it would be like to be him, to have no-one and be completely alone. He then explains this to Lennie: â€Å"a guy needs somebody – to be near him†¦A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody.† Through this we realise how truly lonely he really is. Lennie starts talking about his and George’s dream of getting their own ranch somewhere. Candy then appears at the doorway and Crooks lets him in. Candy confirms all that Lennie says and they share their dream with him. Crooks then realises that they might succeed in getting a ranch. He then says â€Å"†¦If you†¦guys would want a hand to work for nothing – just his keep, why I’d come and lend a hand.† He suddenly realises what this could mean for him. He sees this as an opportunity to escape from his life on the ranch and make a new life for himself He is still holding onto that dream when suddenly Curley’s wife appears in the doorway. She makes all three men feel uncomfortable. She comments that everyone else had â€Å"left the weak ones here.† This is ironic really because what she doesn’t realise is that she too is classed as a ‘weak one’ for being female (women were still unable to vote then and males were the dominant gender). Crooks is then taken in by the dream to the extent that he forgot his place. For a moment he seems as brave as any man. He stood up to Curley’s wife and demands her to leave – â€Å"You ain’t got no rights comin’ in a coloured man’s room†¦Now you just get out.† Curley’s wife then threatens him: â€Å"You keep your place Nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it wouldn’t even be funny.† The reality then hits him. His dreams shattered. He then remembers his place, at the bottom of society. â€Å"Crooks had reduced himself to nothing. There was no personality, no ego – nothing to arouse either like or dislike.† Being threatened like this pushes him back down to earth, and he realises that she is right. She could easily get him lynched if she wanted to. I think that overall Steinbeck succeeds in creating a roughly realistic picture of the general attitudes towards racism in the 1930’s. He creates a convincing character in Crooks that makes you think of the ethics behind racism overall. Why does it happen? Why are people different on the outside any different on the inside? I think that Steinbeck’s intentions were to present these and other questions to the reader and make them think about the reasoning behind traditional racist attitudes.

Debate on Population Control essays

Debate on Population Control essays Our busy 21st century world contains a great many more people than it ever has in written history. With many recent advances in medicine and more food available to less wealthy countries, our numbers continue to increase dramatically. Some consider these facts solid ground on which to eventually start using a worldwide population control policy, others point out the obvious moral questions and human right issues raised with such a dramatic debate. I personally believe we should slowly implement some policy or suggestion to slow the constant, exponential increase of our numbers on Earth before future generations are forced to resort to more drastic measures. The time to act is now, and countries such as Africa and Asia are starting to feel the strain of our possibly eminent overpopulation. Some of the more obvious problems caused by overpopulation include food shortages, pollution, increased health problems, and overall decreased quality of life. Many of the food shortages in countries such as South Africa wouldnt be such a problem if the population didnt continue to increase at the rate it does currently. In fact, as mentioned in the Associated Press (AP) article Population growth in wealthy countries stopped, the worlds major population growth takes place in the less wealthy countries where women have an average of 3.6 children, as opposed to an average of 1.6 children per woman in developed countries. Each year, 123 million babies are born in less developed countries and only 13 million are born in the more developed ones. Another problem, pollution, is painfully obvious to those of us who visit the larger cities. The sheer number of people and transportation vehicles overcomes the environment with smog and other harmful pollutants, which attribute to global w arming. These pollutants, among other things such as viruses and bacteria, cause many illnesses to spread like wildfire in poorer cou...

Has it Gotten Desperate

Has it Gotten Desperate It is funny how emails from readers serve as prompts for each weeks editorial thoughts, and this week is no exception. Received a question from an indie author who asked me where he could obtain statistics on how much money indie writers make. BookScan and other entities attempt to monitor traditional sales (not that they get it correct, but they try), but he felt there had to be something somewhere monitoring the same for indie. Then he gave me his statistics, and how low they were. A friend of mine told me one of his bestsellers sold 300 copies. That was eye-opener for me, because I honestly thought someone in his position would do better than that. I started self-publishing in late 2009 and have put out 23 books. Ive sold 2917 copies for a total of $5793.73. This averages $1.98 a copy. Im personally committed to print books, but probably 75 percent of all my sales are ebooks. This also averages to about 126 copies of each of my 23 titles. However, I can say I have one book which clearly outsells the others and accounts for about 85 percent of all my sales. I love writing short stories (I cant seem to write novels) but readers arent captivated Whats happening these days is that writers dont sell as many books because there are so many books out there. There are also so many tools popping up to advertise books for FREE, 99 cents and $1.99. Daily and weekly publications tell you were all the secret best deals are. So: 1) Readers expect to pay less for books than they used to. 2) Writers receive less money and feel they have to write more to take up the slack. 3) That puts even more books out there, so readers dont know what to buy and they stick to lists. 4) The lists start charging for appearances in their lists. The spiral continues. It used to be that writers had to have three to four books to be a success. Now its closer to ten. And after attending a recent mystery conference, Im learning that the serious writer has two dozen or more. My suggested solution? 1) Dont forget traditional publishing. They still get your name out to more regions. 2) When indie publishing, pump serious attention into quality, to include financial investment. 3) Dont forget to write well. Dont shortchange your craft for quantity. 4) Be patient, keep writing, and know that this phase will change for another. Dont let it freak you out. New indie authors do not make money. Those that do have been busting their asses for a long time. Nobody is an overnight success. So keep on keeping on. Only the diligent survive this business.

Theory of Cognitive Dissonance & apply it on abortion in USA.2 Research Paper

Theory of Cognitive Dissonance & apply it on abortion in USA.2 - Research Paper Example (Chasek, 2010) Further understanding needs to be established on the theory to bring out the idea that this is a theory that is basically adopted form social psychology. From the title, individuals with basic knowledge on Psychology can draw out the conclusion that that cognitive stands for the mind or the process of thinking while dissonance stands for conflict or inconsistency. From this point it is safe to say that cognitive dissonance comes as a result of psychological conflict arising from upholding two or more parallel beliefs that work in an incompatible mode. This theory has been embraced by the experts in many fields by molding it to fit into their own requirements. An example is in the field of communication alongside various other disciplines. . (McLeod, 2008). This theory is quite the famous one because it manages to displace all forms of previous engagements in form of conditioning by completely viewing as rather purposeful decision makers by majorly opting to balance the beliefs. The mind should therefore be conditioned in such a way that in case one is presented with decision making situations that create dissonance, then one is supposed to apply strategies of dissonance reduction so as to basically regain relevant equilibrium mostly in situations whereby the decision making would have great effect on the self esteem of the individual involved. (Barker, 2003) The theory of dissonance applies in various situations that involve the change of attitude and its formation. The theory has the capability of manipulating individuals to embrace certain behaviors so as to influence the people to change their own attitudes. This quality makes the theory and the thoughts around it relevant for problem solving and decision making. A real life situation as an example is a situation whereby a driver holds on to the beliefs that he does not require seat belts when driving. Then the reality dawns on him when he gets the news that a friend had an accident and lost h is life simply because he had no seat belt on. The dissonance of this driver may possibly be reduced by actually completely altering behavior and hence starting to apply the use of the seat belt because he now finds it necessary to avoid impending implications that may rise if he doesn’t use it. The driver can also embrace the idea that he needs to find an alternative since his hatred for the seat belts in general could still be outstanding. Then he may seek relevant information on available alternatives in the market and fall for the airbags. Therefore the impetus to actually bring dissonance down majorly relies on the amount or magnitude of the held dissonance (McLeod, 2008). The dissonance in us is mostly always important and stronger when we have a belief about something that we hold dear but we go ahead and do something completely parallel to that belief. An example is when we believe that somebody is good, the he goes on to do something that is really bad, then what we have in the mind is cognitive dissonance that results in the kind of discomfort we feel from the entire idea. Dissonance will increase perpendicularly with the level of importance that we give to a certain subject, the strength by which the two conflicting feelings or thought feel the parallel forces against each